Don’t let those seasonal blues get you down. Even with new classes, the biting cold wind and snow (well, sort of), there are still plenty of ways to turn up the heat. Put those cold-weather boots to work dancing, stamping and stomping yourself into a fever with the latest beats, film, art and spoken word that even a groundhog would turn out early to see.
Sounds
Vampire Weekend‘s much-anticipated second album “Contra” drops Jan. 12. Check out the band’s tasty first single (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0u11rgd9Q) as a warm-up for its April 8 show in Atlanta.
Brave the cold before winter and class work really start coming down, and see RJD2 as he brings his instrumental hip-hop beats to The Masquerade on Jan 16 ($17, 8 p.m., 695 N. Ave., 404-577-8178).
February 9 brings the release of Hot Chip‘s new album “One Life Stand.” And if the group’s single “Take It In” is a litmus test, Hot Chip’s signature layered, swelling beats have been refined (this time with a little less disco behind them).
Sights
“Brief Interviews with Hideous Men” — a film adaptation of a variety of relationships men have with women — is coming to Midtown Art Cinema for one week only (January 22-29). It is directed by John Krasinski who plays Jim on “The Office” (Cost varies, but before 6 p.m. is cheaper, 931 Monroe Dr., 678-495-1424).
For that rich local flavor, treat yourself to “Satryitown: A Short Film About Cabbagetown,” playing at Eyedrum on February 5 (Free, but donations accepted, 7:30 p.m., 290 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.E., Suite 8, 404-522-0655).
For something a little less provincial, catch Tim Burton’s take on “Alice in Wonderland,” out March 5. Sure to be an avant-garde delight, the film stars the always-crazy Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice.
Events
Take shelter with the works of one of the most influential architects and furniture designers at the Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture exhibit, but catch it quickly before it departs January 16 ($5, with your student I.D., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., The Museum of Design, Marquis II Tower, 285 Peachtree Center Ave., 404-979-6455).
Thaw yourself out with a steamy cup of organic coffee at Java Monkey’s Open Mic Poetry event held every Sunday night (free, 8pm, 205 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-5002). Or drop in any other day of the week for the delicious snacks, free Wi-Fi and its prime studying spots.
To really get your blood boiling, experience Henry Rollins, former Black Flag lead singer and peerless rant-and-rave humorist on February 28 at the Variety Playhouse. His unique blend of stand-up and spoken word is a must-see ($25, 8pm, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-524-1923).