Because you don’t have time to find your horizons (let alone broaden them), we give you Meanwhile Elsewhere: InsideHook’s essential guide to cultural happenings. Also: don’t forget to check out our roundup of the month’s best new tunes on Spotify. Enjoy.
WATCH: Documentary Now!
A parody of Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War) and his reflexive documentary style, IFC’s newest comedy features an all-star cast (Bill Hader, John Slattery, Jack Black, Fred Armisen and host Helen Mirren) tackling one entirely fictional subject each week, from the chase for elusive drug lord “El Chingon” to Iceland’s annual Al Capone Festival. (Out Aug. 20)
LISTEN: Beach House
Hazy as a warm summer day, Baltimore duo Beach House’s Depression Cherry cloaks organ-drenched psych pop in the ethereal vocals of French-born chanteuse Victoria Legrand — with the occasional searing guitar lick thrown in to keep you afloat. For fans of the Cocteau Twins and David Lynch soundtracks. And tactile music lovers as well: BH’s album arrives via clear vinyl sheathed in actual red velvet. (Out Aug. 28)
READ: Three Moments of An Explosion
Part of the “New Weird” literary movement, English writer China Miéville’s latest is a 28-story collection featuring floating icebergs and sentient oil-drilling platforms. A wondrous agitprop mix of H.P. Lovecraft, J.G. Ballard and David Mitchell. (Out Aug. 4)
WATCH: Straight Outta Compton
F. Gary Gray’s biopic of hip-hop legends NWA does pull a few punches — this is, after all, an officially sanctioned retelling (which includes casting Ice Cube’s son as his own dad). That said, the story behind L.A.’s most notorious rap group feels strangely contemporary, and hey, killer soundtrack by Dr. Dre that you can stream for free. (Released Aug. 14)
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