Why Watch? DJ as destiny. People as Rube Goldberg device. Jamin Winans came out of nowhere (seemingly) to amaze with Ink, but this is the short film that got him the attention he deserved in the first place. It’s a head-noddable exploration of the rhythm of life where editing has as big a role to play as camera work. How does everything in life work out? Apparently it’s because of a guy in a bandana lugging around twin turntables. What does it cost? Just 8 minutes of your time. Check out Spin for yourself:

This week, on a very special episode of Reject Radio, we close out the 2011 season of the show with a long-form interview with Bill Marx about his father Harpo and the rest of the Marx Brothers. The musician and film scorer shares his memories of the most famous harp player this side of King David, a legend of comedy, and one hell of a great human being. Download This Episode

Why Watch? Because the format needs challenging. This short film from Tatiana Plakhova consists of two things. One, the music of Philip Glass. Two, the music of Philip Glass expressed as mathematically created art. It’s experimental to be sure, but the effect is a stirring one that is sure to either create an emotional response, or at least a nod of approval for the beauty of its combination. Or, like all art, maybe it won’t do anything for you at all. But finding out should be fun. What Will It Cost? Just 3 minutes of your time. Check out Music Portraits for yourself:

Thunder Soul is the movie Neil called, “a sweet, heartbreaking, truly unique emotional journey,” when he saw it during SXSW last year. It’s a documentary focused on the reunion of one of the best funk stage bands of the 1970s and the man who taught them how to perform. From the trailer, there’s a real-life element of Mr. Holland’s Opus going on as these men and women pay tribute to their band director, Conrad Johnson, and the life lessons he shared with them. Expect the tears to flow as openly as the syncopation. The music is bound to be out of this world, and it seems to have the emotional gut punch to satisfy those looking for a compelling story as well, so check out the trailer for yourself:

Every day, come rain or shine or internet tubes breaking, Film School Rejects showcases a trailer from the past. The Beatles are arguably the largest worldwide, music phenomenon of the 20th century. Their influence and skill cannot be overstated, and they are partially (alongside The Beach Boys) responsible for the past four decades of pop music (for better or for worse). But in 1964, they were just beginning their takeover, and part of their attack plan as a silly little movie that sees them channeling the Marx Brothers in between jam sessions. It’s absurd, but it’s also the least absurd movie they ever made. Check out the trailer for yourself:

The Muppet Movie is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated movies since the last movie featuring the lovable felt scamps, and now it’s even better. According to The Playlist, Bret McKenzie – a member of New Zealand’s 4th most popular folk parody duo – will be acting as music supervisor for the film as well as penning some songs for it. This is a fantastic marriage. McKenzie has the sort of childlike wonder and ridiculous instrumental prowess that could churn out some truly great songs to be sung by hands inside artistically shaped cloth. Hopefully he’ll suggest a massive ensemble of Mahna Mahna.

Terrorists are a pesky bunch, and even though they come from different backgrounds, countries, and religions mothers, we can all agree they share at least one common trait. They’re assholes. Shooting people or blowing them up because you disagree with their beliefs or ideologies? That’s a dick move. People don’t need to die for the message to be heard. Why can’t terrorists express themselves with acts that leave innocent bystanders still bystanding? Terrorize the populace with politicized origami. Or editorial cartoons. Or, if you’re a Swedish citizen unhappy with the fascist pigs running your country, maybe you could commit acts of musical terrorism. Welcome to the War On Terror 2.0, welcome to The Sound Of Noise.

We’re moving right along toward SXSW 2010 with our preview in full swing. Only 21 days until the festival kicks off and we still have a ton of great movies to talk about. So we might as well get one of the big ones out of the way.

Music videos are basically movies these days. More bands are working on films. Here are a few more that should definitely pick up the baton and try their hand at scoring.

Pirate Radio is a perfectly balanced comedy with a brilliant cast. Hard to believe it’s only Richard Curtis’s second film as director.

You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune, though it will not be the one you seek. But first, first you must travel a long and difficult road, a road fraught with peril.

A little birdie left a bunch of cool images from Taking Woodstock on my doorstep, and then clumsily flew off into a nearby window.

The film is a visceral experience that grabs you by the collar and yells, “Hey! Watch, listen and enjoy.”