Reviews

Danny Aiello dominates this ensemble drama as the weary owner of an Italian restaurant in New York's Tribeca, caught between mobsters and his son's desire to transform the place into a chiceatery. Director (and restaurateur) Bob Giraldi keeps things hustling between tables, but cranks up the pace in the kitchens. A grittier companion to Stanley Tucci's gastro-porn classic Big Night. Tasty.

Boisterous action ensues when colourfully tattooed extreme sports fanatic Xander Cage is press-ganged into the service of the US government. Rob Cohen directs with brutal bravado, there are some amazing stunts, and the whole thing is noisily entertaining. Vin Diesel's Xander, though, is no match for Kurt Russell's Snake Plissken, and a touch of John Carpenter's genuine anarchy would have been welcome.

Excellent overview of Blue States' label home

Diverse fifth studio album from modern American roots icon

Alt.country debut with southern California leanings

Veteran outfit still going strong

Well-connected singer-songwriter on the spot again. Features Will Oldham

Funk-rock archaeology, with extra tracks and liner notes by Flea

Decade-spanning compilation of Chris Eckman and Carla Torgerson's alt.country trailblazers

Sixteen-track anthology of darkcore Boston trio, including previously unreleased tracks