Smashed (2012)

Director Sacha Gervasi's 2012 Alfred Hitchcock biopic was less of a proper biography and more of a breakdown of the events leading up to the release of 1959's Psycho. Composer Danny Elfman's elegant score reflects that sense of minutia, offering up a scant 38 minutes of material, much of which clocks in at under a minute. Elfman's signature blend of dread, whimsy, and mischief serves the tone of the story well, and while it may not be as stocked with memorable themes as some of his better-known works, it dutifully conveys the pathos, unpredictability, and humor of its source material.

The notion of a 44-minute album solely consisting of drums and a Hammond organ might appeal to a limited audience. But Must Be Nice, the latest record from local funk duo Soule Monde, has more crossover flavor than might first appear. Composed of two noted local musicians, organist Ray Paczkowski and drummer Russ Lawton, Soule Monde are a block-party dance-athon and a refined, creative musical experiment. Verily, Must Be Nice has something for everyone.