Bloglander

Each week we sift through all manner of awful and mundane new music and home video releases to give you the lowdown on what's worth your time and money. We call it Tuesday Taste, and it's Tuesday, so let's do this: 

MUSIC
After last week's blast of riches, this week seems a bit weak by comparison when it comes to new music releases. But there are definitely a few worth checking out, particularly for fans of tunes with a dash of twang: 

The Lone Bellow has a sound that seems forged in the Deep South, but the trio actually hooked up in Brooklyn, and their songs blend a rootsy vibe with excellent vocal interplay. Then Came the Morning is the follow-up to the band's stellar self-titled debut. Here's the title track: 

The Dodos are heading to Spokane in March, meaning there's plenty of time to get to know the Bay Area's indie-rock duo's guitar/drum sound and wicked way with a song. Now 10 years into their life as a band, their new release Individ is a strong set recalling their best past work. Hear a bit right here: 
Punch Brothers are one of the most creative acoustic groups around, and led by mandolin madman Chris Thile, the group delves into classical, folk, bluegrass and rock in their music. As a live act, they're hard to beat, but their recordings are pretty special, too. Their latest is called The Phosphorescent Blues. Here's a taste: 
MOVIES & TV
The big mainstream DVD releases this week are Fury, the Brad Pitt war flick that got decent reviews, but suffered by being a bit plodding, and by having Shia Lebeouf in the cast. The Judge garnered Robert Duvall an Oscar nomination despite generally bad reviews. And while I love Duvall and Robert Downey, Jr., the 141-minute running time was too daunting for me to take on. Maybe you're different, or just have a lot of time on your hands. 

If that's the case, let me recommend a couple of lesser-seen flicks: 

The Book of Life got a wide release and did okay at the box office. But given how much money most mainstream animated fare earns, it almost seems like a bomb. That's a shame, because the story is pretty strong, delving into Mexican myths and legends, and the animation is excellent in this Day of the Dead-inspired flick. If you're the type of person who can easily get lost in the visuals of a film, give it a shot. Here's a look: 
Art and Craft is a documentary about a master art forger named Mark Landis, who wasn't interested in getting rich so much as wanting to look like a kind philanthropist as he gives away what people think are masterpieces. The movie delves into Landis' life, particularly what happens when an art expert exposes his ruse. Here's a look: