Now Streaming
Golden Blues
The Rough Guide series are remarkable in the presentation of tracks recorded as far back as the early 1920s, and in the process have removed the hiss, pop, and clicks of those old 78rpm shellac records. The latest, Delta Blues (★★★★★), is a must for collectors thanks to the inclusion of the wonderful Geeshie Wiley who recorded only ‘‘six sides’’ (three records) of which only 10 copies have ever been located. She gets her due among standard-bearers such as Bukka White, Skip James, Son House and Memphis Minnie, whose I’m Talking About You is the standout. Rarities include the delightfully named Jelly Jaw Short, Rube Lacey and The Mississippi Moaner. –Colin Morris
Bon Musique
There’s a theory, probably written by academics, that states using electronics in music is not to be taken seriously by those indie fans who see a stripped back, naked, DIY approach to be more authentic rather than a robotic approach. Well Bon Iver, (French for ‘‘good winter’’) real-name Justin Vernon, has over three albums thrown the baby out with the bathwater in an attempt to create something so admirable or plainly so weird that it will appeal to both camps. In reality, the songs on 22, A Million (★★★★) are a set of jumbled up lyrics, put through a series of electronic distortion devices that makes for a disquieting listen yet sung in a voice that demands you hug him to your chest. Scratching the surface simply isn’t an option, this is a disc that demands total immersion. – Colin Morris
Chilling Comedy
Rams (M, is yet another surprise package from the Nordic land that former English footballer Gary Lineker described as having ‘‘more volcanoes than professional footballers’’ (after they defeated his home nation at Euro 2016). Writer-director Grimur Hakonarson skilfully manages these tonal transitions, keeping his focus on the changing relationship between the two estranged brothers, as they firstly seem set to escalate to open warfare, before realising they may have to work together for a common goal.– James Croot
Breathless Horror
Horror director Fede Alvarez follows up his fresh take on Sam Rami’s Evil Dead with Don’t Breathe (★★★) a lean, mean, twisted home invasion thriller about three young thieves who break into the house of an ageing blind man who turns out to be vengeful and bloodthirsty. One of the most suspenseful horror pics of the year, this ingenious thriller is filled with twists.- Tirdad Derakhshani, TNS