“Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington” – Oscar Peterson
While not essential, “Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellington” is a fine collection of easy-listening jazz.
“Speed” (1994)
Starring Keanu Reeves, “Speed” is an over-the-top action spectacle that delivers high-octane thrills but not much else.
“The Ballad of Narayama” (1958)
Filled with dazzling color and unsparingly bleak fantasy, “The Ballad of Narayama” is one of the greatest Japanese movies ever made.
“Barry Lyndon” (1975)
With some of the most beautiful imagery ever seen in a film, “Barry Lyndon” is another masterpiece from director Stanley Kubrick.
“An Evening with Billie Holiday” – Billie Holiday
“An Evening with Billie Holiday” is a solid, well-rounded album of bluesy standards from one of jazz music’s greatest singers.
“Blue Period” – Miles Davis
Released on Prestige Records in 1953, “Blue Period” is Miles Davis’ first foray into hard bop. It’s an inessential yet enjoyable album.
“Jazz at Oberlin” – Dave Brubeck Quartet
On “Jazz at Oberlin,” the Dave Brubeck Quartet delivers one of the greatest and most iconic jazz concerts of all time.
“Paths of Glory” (1957)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, “Paths of Glory” is one of the most pessimistic and powerful anti-war films ever made.
“Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love” – Nat King Cole
“Nat King Cole Sings for Two in Love” is probably the singer’s most underrated album of the 1950s. His voice never sounded better.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951)
The 1951 adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire” contains some of the best ensemble acting in cinematic history.
“Young Man with a Horn” – Miles Davis
“Young Man with a Horn” features fantastic soloing over straightforward arrangements, as Miles Davis fully develops his trumpet talent.
“Snow White” (2025)
Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of “Snow White” is bad and boring enough to hopefully put an end to this era of photorealistic CGI slop.