Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

A still from Amber RTÉ

Here's what you'll be reading, watching and listening to in 2014

Looking for new books, music, films and TV shows this year? We’ve got you covered.

WHATEVER ABOUT THE towering boxsets, the barely-thumbed-through tomes you picked up in the previous year, and the cinema releases you’ve yet to catch up with on DVD, get ready for a new onslaught of cultural experiences in 2014.

To help you make your way through what’s coming down the line, we’ve handpicked some choices for you, based on your tastes last year.

TV

If you watched Borgen (or The Killing)… then you’ll watch The Bridge in 2014

(Nimbus Film/YouTube)

  • It perhaps didn’t get as much attention as other Danish series did, but season one of The Bridge was fantastic detective telly. Season 2 airs on BBC 4 this month. There’s also 1864, set in the Denmark of (you guessed it) 1864, and the Swedish series Crimes of Passion.

If you loved Girls… then you’ll want to watch Orange is the New Black in 2014

(Netflix/YouTube)

  • This prison dramedy will be into its second season, reportedly airing this spring, so there’s time to catch up with S1 on Netflix. Meanwhile, we eagerly await the third season of Girls – it premieres in the US on 12 January.

If you miss Breaking Bad… then start watching True Detective in 2014

(TVSeriesPreviews/YouTube)

  • Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson journey onto the small screen for this HBO series about a cold-case murder investigation. There’s no meth involved (we think), sorry.

If you loved Love/Hate… watch Amber in 2014

(BeyondHomeEntertain/YouTube)

  • Amber examines what happens when a teenage girl goes missing. Meanwhile, Love/Hate is back for its fourth series this year, Quirke is a thriller starring Gabriel Byrne, and Vikings looks to be a bloody good watch.

CINEMA

If you loved In A World… then you’ll love The Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014

(FoxSearchlight/YouTube)

  • Kooky, dreamy, and funny, it’s Wes Anderson’s latest, due out in March.

If you hated Django Unchained… then you’ll prefer 12 Years A Slave in 2014

(JoBlo.com/YouTube)

  • The disturbing true story of former slave Solomon Northup is taken on by British director Steve McQueen in this searing big-budget film, starring our own Michael Fassbender.

If you loved Blue Jasmine … then you’ll enjoy Inside Llewyn Davis in 2014

(ENTV/YouTube)

MUSIC

If you listened to Hozier then you’ll want to hear The Gloaming in 2014

(Samuel Bishop/YouTube)

  • It’s an Irish supergroup, and might kick-start a love affair with Irish traditional music for those who have previously bypassed it. (We figure Hozier fans will love the drama that trad brings with it).

If you got tired of Miley Cyrus… then you’ll love Charli XCX in 2014

(officialcharlixcx/YouTube)

  • Spunkier, songs that trounce Cyrus’s efforts, and without a twerk in sight.

If you loved Villagers… then listen to James Vincent McMorrow in 2014

(jamesvmcmorrow/YouTube)

  • He’s Irish, and his second album is going to make him an international name, mark our words.

BOOKS

Matilda-reading

If you read Alex Ferguson's autobiography... then read Elk Stopped Play by Charlie Connelly in 2014

  • Even those with only a cursory knowledge of cricket are likely to enjoy Connelly's latest - he's an incredibly witty writer who looks at sport from a new angle. It's due out on Bloomsbury in March. Alternatively, try Sport in Ireland, 1600 - 1840 by Jimmy Kelly.

If you couldn't put down The Spinning Heart... then pick up From Out of the City by John Kelly in 2014

  • The broadcaster and writer releases his latest novel, said to be about a US president who is assassinated during a visit to Dublin, in May on Dalkey Archive Press.

If you re-read For Whom the Bell Tolls (or any Hemingway classic)... then grab Mrs Hemingway by Naomi Wood in 2014

  • Wood looks at the married life of the famous author's four wives in this book, released by Picador in February.

What books, films, tv shows, albums or otherwise are you looking forward to in 2014? Tell us in the comments.

Read: The worst-reviewed movies of 2013>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
50 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ...
    Favourite ...
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:12 PM

    Go on home to your sexy wives !

    178
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Yeah Ok
    Favourite Yeah Ok
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:13 PM

    If the Swedish government need someone to go over to Sweden and have lots of sex with lots of sexy blonde Swedish women I’m game. Willing to do my bit to help the world.

    151
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Fechter
    Favourite Peter Fechter
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:06 PM

    I think Sweden might just have bigger fish to fry than Coitus right now…and for many years to come….

    121
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sue
    Favourite Sue
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:10 PM

    There is probably a lack of consensual sex going on in fairness.
    But at least society isn’t too white anymore! Yucky Caucasians!

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
    Favourite Wayne O'Fathaigh
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:17 PM

    It’s funny I spend half the year surrounded by Approx 1,500 Swedes and none of them seem to think they have the issues you regularly highlight! Maybe living there they know something you don’t

    27
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Beachmaster
    Favourite Beachmaster
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 5:05 PM
    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roly Burkinshaw
    Favourite Roly Burkinshaw
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 7:11 PM

    Plenty of sex going on …if being held down in an ally and gang raped by 6 Muslims counts ??

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan Wikström
    Favourite Dan Wikström
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 10:41 PM

    We’re to busy having our coffee breaks (Fika) and judge people who earn more than us. And wish someone else would do something about it.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean byrne
    Favourite sean byrne
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:08 PM

    No sex please, we’re multicultural.

    100
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:51 AM

    Multiculchies you mean?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Methodical Insanity
    Favourite Methodical Insanity
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:46 PM

    Might have something to do with the fact that they’ve spent decades demonising traditionally “masculine” behaviour and possibly even broken the native Swedish men to the point were they’re probably afraid they might be considered a sex offender for daring to so much as even flirt with a woman. Meanwhile, they’ve imported an actual real life rape culture, let it run wild and free, and done everything in their power is done to cover this up. There seems to be plenty of sex happening in Sweden. It just isn’t consensual and Swedish men aren’t usually getting any.

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan Wikström
    Favourite Dan Wikström
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 10:42 PM

    Call me feminine again, and I swear I will hit you with my handbag. Behave.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey_Westland
    Favourite Joey_Westland
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:16 PM

    If you’re talking about sex then you’re not getting any.

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy Gunn
    Favourite Tommy Gunn
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:27 PM

    The imported enrichers are having loads of “sex”with local Swedish women

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Smith
    Favourite Dave Smith
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:57 PM

    Sweden has broken their men , they are ladyboys now compared to their Viking heritage. Maybe their women are hoping to get some action from the new invaders?

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
    Favourite Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:09 PM

    So, does the Swedish government want to encourage its citizens to have more sex? if so, I wonder how they’ll go about that.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry with a J
    Favourite Gerry with a J
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:39 PM

    I’d imagine they’ll just do what our government do to us and f*(k them when they’re least expecting it.

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey_Westland
    Favourite Joey_Westland
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:40 PM

    Tax incentives.

    11
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:48 AM

    No, it will be an excuse to add more migrants to their population?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Winston Smith
    Favourite Winston Smith
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:22 PM

    Swedish Blondes having less sex!!! I think the country needs more Psychiatrists for the male population.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matthew Whelan
    Favourite Matthew Whelan
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:37 PM

    There just worried if they’ll be a minority in 40 years to come!

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cillian McCormick
    Favourite Cillian McCormick
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:13 PM

    But their wives are so sexy.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Les McQueen
    Favourite Les McQueen
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 4:43 PM

    Until they become your wife….

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan Holland
    Favourite Aidan Holland
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 5:57 PM

    I actually find this incredibly sad men in Sweden now are probably afraid to talk to woman due to the radical feminist movement in that country. The one bright spot is there a new kind of men in Sweden now and believe me girls they wont take no for an answer

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Ward
    Favourite John Ward
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 5:50 PM

    Swedes eh? Well, that’s a turnip for the book!

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan Wikström
    Favourite Dan Wikström
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Radish-ing news, isn’t it? :o

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:47 AM

    I’m thinking of melons now after that…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dan Wikström
    Favourite Dan Wikström
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 10:37 PM

    Swede here! I’m not sure this article is entirely true. I have sex constantly.
    I wish I wasn’t alone when i do, though. :/

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bowden
    Favourite Jack Bowden
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 6:15 PM

    I’m no sociologist but I think when electricity becomes available in a country the birth rate plummets 20 to 30 years later. Education and contraception are the main reasons but people sitting around watching television and on computers instead of having sex doesn’t help.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey_Westland
    Favourite Joey_Westland
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 5:33 PM

    Tyrn off the Red Light probably has something to do with it.
    And feminists.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Gough
    Favourite Patrick Gough
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 5:41 PM

    If it’s a jailable offence to have paid for sex I’m not surprised nobody is taking a chance

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:44 AM

    Plenty are still doing it here…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Garreth Byrne
    Favourite Garreth Byrne
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 7:25 PM

    In some countries of Western Europe there is too much sex and not enough babies born to maintain the population level. Some societies aren’t reproducing themselves and depend on continued immigration to keep the economy functioning. The Swedish Government should be taking a hard look at the birth rate.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Austin Rock
    Favourite Austin Rock
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 9:21 PM

    Or bring in millions of migrants.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank's Cat
    Favourite Frank's Cat
    Report
    Jul 30th 2016, 12:10 AM

    *Rolls up sleeves* Time to help our Swedish cousins…

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:50 AM

    Sex with cousins, yikes…

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Austin Rock
    Favourite Austin Rock
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 9:20 PM

    probably will end up lowering the age of consent to 5

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey_Westland
    Favourite Joey_Westland
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 11:52 PM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Walsh
    Favourite Sean Walsh
    Report
    Jul 29th 2016, 11:35 PM

    Down with that sort of thing

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:52 AM

    They can’t see what they are doing in the winter, then there is the cold and in the summer they can’t do it in sunlight?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alois Irlmaier
    Favourite Alois Irlmaier
    Report
    Jul 31st 2016, 3:44 AM

    50 shades of Sweden?

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.