It could have been Sonia Sotomayor, who went from a Bronx housing project all the way to become the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice and only the third woman Justice ever. She kept her cool under ridiculous charges of racism during her confirmation hearings and singlehandedly changed the landscape of the highest judicial body of the country.
It could have been Salma Hayek, who breast fed a starving baby when she visited Sierra Leone. This sucking heard round the world — spread virally by an incredibly human and touching video — changed people’s opinions about breast milk, which boosts immune systems (particularly important in third world countries).
It could have been Xerox’s Ursula Burns, who in July became the first black woman to head a Fortune 500 company. And, guess what? She started there as an intern!
Instead, one of the 12 Glamour Women of the Year and one of the five corresponding December covers is none other than Rihanna. Rihanna…who was severely beaten by her boyfriend Chris Brown this year. Rihanna…who for nine months remained silent on the issue. Rihanna…who only now is speaking out and (coincidentally?) also has an album dropping this month.
Don’t get me wrong. I think she should speak out and she probably needed some time to physically and emotionally heal before she did. However, Glamour’s signature program claims to celebrate “inspiring women who are changing the world.” So, why didn’t they wait until she opened shelters for victims of domestic abuse, booked high school speaking engagements to raise awareness for the epidemic of violence or embarked on a tour in which all proceeds support victims? Why didn’t they wait until she actually used this horrible tragedy as an opportunity to affect change?
It’s a mystery to me, except the obvious reason that they wanted to strike while the publicity fire was hot — no matter how off-brand the choice.
In honor of one of our favorite holidays, we present you with our Top Five Scary Movies!
Mariola:
1. V.
Ok it is not a movie, but I watched the tv show as a kid and it scared me. I remember being home alone on a Friday night and watching this show, and being unable to turn off any light in the house. Diana was scary fierce, though watching this clip now seems a lot less frightening.
2.Rosemary’s Baby
It is not really scary, but one of the best films in the horror/suspense genre, along with Polanski’s earlier film, Repulsion, which I still think was a huge influence on Lynch. And Mia Farrow really did eat that raw piece of liver.
3. Jaws
We are all scared to go in the ocean thanks to Steven Spielberg.
4. Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me
I mean David Lynch, but the icky guy at her bed…and the general confusion of the film.
5. Watcher in the Woods
I watched this movie as a kid at a family slumber party. And other than being young, I think all of us girl cousins helped make each other even more scared. But let’s admit Bette Davis as an old woman is creepy enough.
Wendy:
1. John Carpenter’s The Thing. The first time I ever saw this film I watched it alone in my apartment, during daylight hours. After it was over, even though it was still daylight and nothing spooky was going on, I was scared! I think I checked under my bed that night. I believe I was around 25 years old.
Besides, it is scary seeing Wilford Brimley as a relatively young man.
A silent but creepy! Max Schreck as Count Orlok is one of the most iconic images in cinema’s history. This vampire is not sexy and DOES NOT twinkle in the sun. He just scares the bejesus out of you and sucks your blood.
This movie isn’t necessarily scary for all the gore that happens later on in the film, but for the violet act that occurs to cause such gore. Besides Ms. 45, this is probably thought of as one of the quintessential rape/revenge movies. It is the ultra-violet gang rape that occurs to the female lead that really turns your stomach, though. The rape scene is so long and so brutal, that you actually cheer on the lead and she targets and kills each of her attackers (even the mildy-retarded one).
4. Last House on the Left, the original 1972 film directed by Wes Craven
Wes Craven is a horror God. His early films are nothing short of brilliant. This films involves not just everyone’s own worst nightmare (especially women’s), but also every parent’s worst nightmare. The story of two young girls who go out for a night on the town only to be captured by escaped convicts. The girls are held captive, rape, beaten up, humiliated, and eventually killed. Chance of fate has it that they are killed right outside one of the girl’s home. Her parents then find their daughter’s body floating in the river nearby. The revenge that then takes place on the killers is goretasically beautiful.
5. Night of the Living Dead, directed by George A. Romero
The founding father of zombie movies. Enough said.
Jen Mae:
1. Faces of Death
I should begin by saying, except for on very rare occasions, I was not allowed to watch television, movies, or listen to secular music until I was about 13 years old. My mom was a bit of a religious nut, so I had to be crafty in finding entertainment. After watching ‘Faces of Death’ on VHS at a friend’s house, I sort of understood why Mom wanted to keep me so sheltered. I’ve since become somewhat desensitized to violence, but I was only ten when I watched this and didn’t know that much of the footage was fake. I was terrified.
2. The Exorcist
This one made me think I was going to hell, for sure. At the beginning of the movie I could really identify with Regan. The sacrilegious imagery, that creepy demon voice, and the notion that it may have been based on a true story really scared the bejesus out of me.
3. The Shining
This is possibly one of my top ten favorite movies ever. Isolation, madness, blood gushing elevators, shiver inducing shrills, psychic powers, and Scatman Crothers for a mentor…what more could you ask for?
4. 28 Days Later
I enjoy zombie movies for their social commentary, but generally don’t find them scary. This was an exception. I think the quick editing and the speedy, tweaky, zombie movement helped keep me frightened.
5. Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear
Although this isn’t really a scary movie, per se, it freaked me out. In my adolescence, I developed a bit of a thing for older convict types and this movie set me straight. I found Deniro’s performance captivating, and his chemistry with Juliette Lewis very believable. I can safely say I jumped a few times during this flick. I suggest you watch it at home, in the dark, by yourself. Haven’t seen the original yet, but it’s on queue.
Lisa:
1. Single White Female:
It just keeps getting more and more out of control and no one notices it happening. I remember seeing at as a kid and being so scared to ever have to live by myself.
2. The Shining:
Typical terror at its best.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness:
Definitely not scary is typical horror movie style, but this movie terrified me. I found it soul-sickening. For weeks I was panicked about how easy it could be for my life to fall apart and end up the street.
4. Cape Fear:
Robert DeNiro is CREEPY. Bad dream, pervy old man creepy.
5. Blair Witch Project:
I saw it right when it came out when there were still rampant rumors that it was a real documentary. Even though you knew it couldn’t be, it still felt like it was more real than anything I’d ever seen before.
Stacey:
For most of my life, I haven’t really been a ’scary movie’ lover. In fact until recent years, I sucessfully avoided Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Exorcist and Friday the 13th. Wendy would probably call me a pussy at this point in the conversation. Of the few that I did watch, these are the ones that F’ed me up.
1. Jaws
I remember seeing this opening scene through the crack of a door in my friends basement. We were spying on her older brother, as we often did, and needless to say I was NOT prepared for what I was about to see. A girl stripping one, and two, watching her flop around like a rag doll until she was pulled into the abyss. Is it the original that also cuts to her hand washed onto the shore with the crabs?! guh. This one didnʼt scare me in my dreams as much as it did when I body of water Iʼm in til this day.
2. Psycho
Let’s just say my shower curtain is set up so that I can see the bathroom door in case of THIS:
3. The Ring
When my roommate in college and I rented this, I was ‘over the hype of the ring, but yeah I’d watch it.’ We paused occasionally to confirm the noises we were hearing were coming from the washer/dryer in the basement and that it was only the tree branches brushing up against her window that were making the sounds from outside. I felt I had to make it though, and as we were discussing the film and how I hated the fake resolve… the 13″ TV/VHS combo that was black, all of a sudden turned on and all we saw was snow. I’ve never screamed so loud at a TV or jumped up that fast to turn one off. It didn’t even help that I knew that they automatically rewind and turn the VHS player of when the tape reaches the end. And I slept in her bed that night while my room, three feet away remained empty.
4. Candy man
I get freaked out if I say candyman more than three times in my head. In fact, as I type this I’m trying not to repeat it. ARGH! HATE THIS MOVIE!!
5. The Room
Even though this is number 5 on my list, I’d say its number one overall. The fact that this was even made is scary on so many levels that it’s best seen in its original form. Please enjoy.
BIG DANCE THEATRE’s production of ‘COMMES TOUJOURS Here I Stand’ intrigued me not for its dance or theatrical components but solely because they were using Agnes Varda’s 1961 film ‘Cleo from 5 to 7′ as a found object. I was really interested in how that would work.
Agnes Varda’s film ‘Cleo from 5 to 7′ follows through the streets of Paris a young chanteuse who fears she has cancer and is awaiting a biopsy result at 7pm. From the beginning of the film where she has her Tarot cards read, the only part shot in color, through to the end she encounters friends, colleagues and strangers and reflects on fate, mortality and herself.
Performed at New York’s THE KITCHEN, ‘COMMES TOUJOURS Here I Stand’ takes Varda’s film and uses a set of three swirling screens to catch and reflect video (some being recorded and projected live, other recorded before) while the actors bob and weave throughout their interpretation of the film. The set’s constant re-invention reflects the varying scenes from the film not in real time (as the film constructs itself) but abridged and adapted to fit in multiple costume changes, character switches, side stories and dance.
The choreography was demanding and exact; the actors flexible and fluid. The re-invention climaxed into a massive video screen of falls leaves with an almost empty stage, save for the heroine and the stranger walking towards her destiny.
Usually when a celebrity kicks the bucket I have a very detached reaction. I wouldn’t flinch and I’d likely offer up a cool response such as, “hmmm, really.” Seems callous, but I equate a celebrity’s death with that of a complete stranger. It’s a person (albeit a talented, wealthy or just plain lucky person) who I have never formed a bond with so I don’t feel any grief.
But, every once in a while when a celebrity dies it really bothers me. Eliott Smith, Heath Ledger … Since I’m typically not bothered by celebrity deaths I ask myself on these rare occasions why it hits me so hard. Recently, my heart dropped when I heard that Patrick Swayze died from his battle with pancreatic cancer.
A few months ago I was channel surfing and I came across Barbara Walter’s interview with Swayze shortly before he died.
I was bawling by the end of it, sobbing. Mind you, I had the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, the second soundtrack “More Dirty Dancing” and I knew every line to “She’s like the Wind,” but the true reason I was so broken up over his death was because he and his wife Lisa had been married for 34 years! That must set a Hollywood record. With the American divorce rate hovering somewhere around 50%, it seems like Hollywood marriages are doomed from the beginning, most with a shelf life under a year, obviously entered into for the publicity and career boost.
I recently read about a 101-year-old couple in Great Britain who were married for 81 years! She told reporters that the secret to a long marriage was to “argue every day.” Statistically it’s nearly impossible for two people to stay married for 81 years, not only because of the high divorce rate but also because the chances of living to see your 100th birthday are less than 1%. Maybe a Hollywood marriage has about the same odds? What do you think?
PSYCH! No matter how much I wanted this one to be Scott, it wasn’t. It was Manohla Dargis. And what she wrote gave me chills. From today’s NY Times:
“…after jolting the story to excited life, Mr. Jonze quiets the movie down for a series of flawlessly calibrated scenes of Max alone and with his sister and mother (Catherine Keener), an interlude that tells you everything you need to know about the boy and that announces all that will happen next.
These scenes, lasting 20 minutes or so, are achingly intimate and tender. Mr. Jonze, working with his regular cinematographer, Lance Acord, brings you close into Max’s world as he builds an igloo in the street, starts a snowball fight with Claire’s friends and is left to weep alone after the igloo is destroyed. (When Max slides into the igloo, the camera is right there, which means that you’re there too when disaster strikes.) The world is cruel, children too, lessons that Max absorbs through a smear of tears and hurt. The wound doesn’t heal. Max clomps and then stomps and then erupts: he roars at his mother. She roars back. And, then, like his storybook counterpart — like everyone else — he sails into the world, adrift and alone.”
1. William Shakespeare – Let’s see: responsible for the most impressive canon of work in history; wrote in Old English but created phrases that so many of us use today (“mind’s eye,” “the world is my oyster,” “brevity is the soul of wit”); originated the characters of Hamlet, Juliet and Iago and dramatized fascinating historical figures like Richard III, Henry V and Cleopatra; and, finally, so little is actually known about him. But he writes some damn good bar scenes so you know he’ll be a hoot!
2. Pat Kingsley – This is my guilty pleasure invite. She will have the scoop on man behind THE TOM CRUISE. And, because of her years on top of the celeb kingdom, she will likely know the answers to all of my pressing gossip questions.
3. JK Rowling – Her story is made for the movies – welfare to way wealthy in a handful of years – and she created a mesmerizing alter-universe of wizardy that I wish I knew first-hand. She’s stayed classy and discerning in the midst of becoming the most famous author in the world. Mega respect for her.
4. Jose Marti – What would this Father of Cuban independence say now?
5. Queen Elizabeth I – She ruled England for almost half a century, supported the arts, never married and used that to her political advantage. I imagine she’d have loads to say about the guys in power who can’t seem to keep their dick in their pants. Shakespeare and Elizabeth have some catching up to do, too.
Jenni
1. It may be cheesy, but I would invite my BFF (K.H.) to dinner. Who better to share this amazing experience with than your very closest girl friend? We would be talking about this for years to come! Plus she could assure me that this wasn’t just a dream.
2. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I remember that when a lot of people are posed this question they want Jesus to attend the dinner. Well, in my case I would rather have Mary Magdalene attend than Jesus. As a mysterious and powerful historical figure, she would be a real asset to the group. I would get all the dirt on Jesus and the Apostles and I have always wanted to know the untold (edited out) stories of biblical women figures.
3. I don’t know if she would currently be pegged as my favorite author, but I have always really liked S.E. Hinton and in high school she was my number one. She wrote “The Outsiders” when she was only 16 years old, I love how her books capture teenage angst and confusion. She is such a colorful storyteller – maybe she could make the toast.
4. While talking about philosophy, history and art would make interesting dinner conversation, we would need someone there who could liven up the party. I would invite my absolute favorite comedian of all time, Lucille Ball. I love her – the physical comedy, accents, imitations – I think she is a quintessential comedian. I can just envision what it would be like to have Lucille and Mary M. sitting side by side.
5. I decided to go big and select a music icon, someone who could round out the talent repertoire – Mr. Johnny Cash. I think his folk stories and family tales would keep us all captivated and maybe he could play a little ditty while we sipped cappuccinos and had dessert. Of course, a male presence might be nice too.
Jen Mae
1. Oscar Wilde- I’d love to hear his critique on the state of today’s politics. His wit is timeless and his social commentary is brilliant. I imagine Wilde will be the emcee for the evening.
2. Emily Dickinson- One of my favorite poets. My grandmother introduced me to her work when I was young, but it took me a while to really appreciate it. Dickinson’s brevity can easily be mistaken for simplicity, but I always gain insight with each new read. There is so much mystery surrounding her life. I’d like to learn more about her, firsthand. I’d also ask her to bring me a loaf of her famous gingerbread.
3. Dorothy Parker- Now this lady can have a good time! She is another one of my favorite poets and also a talented essayist. I expect Dot to put Oscar in his place, when necessary. I’m positive she will be the last one to leave. She and I will stay up all night and drink entirely too much whiskey, unless she goes home with my next guest…
4. Bill Murray – I just watched a rerun of an interview that Murray did with Elvis Mitchell on TCM’s Under the Influence. In the interview, he confessed that he has a major thing for funny, smart women, but that those women are few and far between. Guess what Mr. Murray? I have several friends who would fit the bill, pun intended! I’ve decided to adhere to my vows during this little dinner party, but I can imagine he may find Dorothy’s wit and intellect irresistible.
5. Jesus Christ- Just wanna see if he’ll show up.
Autumn
1. Agnes Varda: a french filmmaker whose films have kept me asking questions about my own life for years. i feel she would bring aplomb and an intense feminine insight to the night. a matron of media and an original director of the french new wave, i’d only ask her once how much she misses jacques demy. then we’d carry on about fantasy and her cheeky filmmaking.
2. Gabriel Garcia Marquez: carrying all the history of latin america with him, the old man would bring sass, sex and full-on flavor to the night. i’d ask him about salman rushdie, jack kerouac, mark twain, lao tzu, raymond carver and octavio paz. he’d probably bring fantastic wine and weed and grab the server’s ass.
3. Henry Kissinger: i’ve had a bone to pick with him since he extended the vietnam war for 4 additional years–the time my father was forced to serve–and he’s invited solely for the shit he’d spin. a brilliant strategist and a bad man, i’d need a chaperone around this war champion and would rail him over his corporate–invested past. i hope he chokes on his entree.
4. Bill Murray: an unassuming man who has wooed the finest of women with his school boy charm and wit, he could pull my ponytails any day. i’m gonna need him to shed comical light on all the ol’ stuffies and perhaps play a delicate round of footsy with me under the dinner table. he’d sit to my right.
5. Billie Holiday: a woman of frank emotion and joy, she would sauce things up with her experience and immense talent. if she broke out in song, i would concur and cajole; the table would be set with white gardenias. i hope she’d fulfill a dream of mine: singing solo, basked in spotlight and kicking out ‘a fine romance.’
In this episode, we learn what sitcom life would be like if Charlie Day was in Charge instead of Scott Baio. And…it ain’t pretty.
The newly-promoted Charlie shows his cunning side and concocts an evil scheme in order to get back at Dennis for threatening to sleep with the waitress. He sums it up perfectly when he tells Dee: “It’s not sex I want from you; it’s sex I don’t want from Dennis.”
What ensues is a hilarious cat and mouse game of banging friends’ parents — which we quickly learn, can’t be “unbanged” — and fake toupees, leading to one of the funniest Sunny scenes ever showcasing Frank’s misguided dance floor moves.
Still, at the heart of Charlie’s diabolical actions is his love for the waitress, and, when it’s revealed that she was driven by his very own plotting to sleep with Frank (because “she likes her sex old and ugly”) the episode takes a heartbreaking turn. As the camera zooms in on Charlie’s face, his nose goes all Rudolph, his eyes well up and then one, solitary tear jumps for its life. You wish the utmost comfort for him: right back to doing Charlie work…just where he belongs.
Ever since I opted-out of employment as a public school teacher to work at home while caring for my daughter, I’ve become increasingly aware of and very interested in the realms of private and public space, how people exist and interact in these often conflicting arenas, and how the lines separating the two blur.
Naturally, my curiosity was sparked when I learned that there would be an exhibit on roadside memorials at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs, Florida. I was pleased to find that there was also a small exhibit of some of Arnold Newman’s photographs in a neighboring gallery.
I felt I was imposing while looking at Mantas’ photograph of this memorial.
Here, Newman takes us into the home of Golda Meir, Israel’s first female Prime Minister.
At first, I found it odd that an icon such as Newman would be paired with a photography teacher (albeit a talented one) from Chicago, but as I walked through each exhibit I realized that their work was somehow connected. Newman, the pioneer of environmental portraiture, became known for taking pictures of public figures in private places while Angelo Mantas photographs private memorials that are displayed in public places.
No stranger to publicity, Woody Allen posed for Newman where he does much of his writing, in bed.
Mantas’ juxtaposition of the cross and the car clearly shows a melding of private and public worlds.
I was somewhat bothered when looking at the roadside memorials, especially those that were adorned with personal mementos or private messages. I felt like I was encroaching on the privacy of the dead. However, I was drawn to many of Newman’s photos and found myself wanting to know more about the people in them. I guess I’m more comfortable peering into a public figure’s life because they have invited me to do so.
I have a lot of records. A lot. Most of my records are old, too. Pre-80s. Most people get really excited when they notice my record collection as they walk into my room. That is until they realize that they’ve never heard of half of the artists I own albums of. (It might scare people to realize I have over 20 Doris Day records too, but whatever) Recently I bought myself one of those not so fancy record players that can help me import my vinyl into MP3 format. I thought it would be fun to occasionally find a random tune out of my records and upload it here, for you, faithful Matterful readers. I would love to hear reactions to the crazy, random music I adore. So, without further delay, I present to you, Song of the Day!
Today’s song: Kiss of Fire by Georgia Gibbs.
A few months ago I watched La Vie en Rose, an amazing bio-pic about Edith Piaf. After the movie was over, I naturally turned to my record collection. I thought I had had some Edith Piaf, and wanted to put it on and cry to it. Apparently I don’t own any Edith Piaf, or if I do it is lost in the mix of records somewhere. The point of this story is that while I was searching for some Edith Piaf, this song creeped up and attacked my brain. I began to sing it all over the house until I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to dig through my collection until I found it.
The record that I have this on was a bonus album found in a record that I had bought at a thrift store. It didn’t belong to the sleeve that it was in, but it needed a home so I assume someone took pity on it and placed it with a compatible counterpart. It is off of a various artists compilation called The Great Ones.
It is no wonder that this song made it on to an album of that title. This 1952 hit begins with a gun blast of horns that make you duck for cover. The tango that ensues makes you wanna grab that stranger in the corner that you’ve been eyeballing all night, and convince him to be yours through dance. If that makes sense. I don’t know that it does.
Favorite line of the song: “Love me tonight and let the devil take tomorrow!”
Someday, I wanna take burlesque lessons. If I find myself in need of music for a routine, I’ll have this in my back pocket, ready to go.
Take out your iPods and iPhones and hit shuffle! Here’s the first five songs that we came up on ours this week:
Autumn:
1. Ra diohea_d RainyDayz Remixes by Amp_Live: ‘15 Stepz’ (ft. Codany Holiday)
Even though Radiohead has said recently that they no longer feel the need to produce album length work, the way they released In Rainbows on the last minutes of my birthday a few years ago was genius: pay what you will, fans, and download it now. They followed the album with In Rainbows 2, a shorter release and a variation on the original theme, and then came the Remixes. I loved that In Rainbows continued to keep coming back at me in differing variations; I never wanted the album to end. ‘15 Stepz’ totally re-envisions the kinetic first song of the album with downbeat tempos and soul vocals.
2. The Charltans: ‘A Man Needs to Be Told’
The chorus of this song is lovely, with its distorted ‘do do do do do do dos’ and sweet lyrics to remind a man there’s a whole lotta world going on.
3. Michael Jackson: ‘The Girl is Mine’
Love this song, love the video, love that Michael and Paul fight over the same woman. It crescendos with Paul’s ‘I don’t believe it!’ and you think MJ might just have this one in the bag.
4. Cat Power: ‘Ramblin’ Woman’
Chan does Hank and it is earth-shaking. That crazy broad’s got the voice to do this song, and the past to make it real.
5. Radiohead: ‘Mk1′
Please see #1.
Wendy:
1. Radiohead: ‘All I Need’
Honestly, I can’t say much about this song. I still haven’t given In Rainbows a fair listening to. Dare I say it, but I’m a little Radiohead’d out.
2. The Beach Boys: ‘Here Today’
I should listen to this song more often. I am all for a good anti-love song.
3. PJ Harvey: ‘Rid of Me’
PJ making psycho sound sexy, like she always does. This was the first PJ Harvey album I ever owned. It was just what I needed in high school.
4. Tony Galla & The Rising Sons: ‘In Love’
One of the random old soul songs that I have. I don’t believe one can own enough old soul, so I just keep acquiring more and more. I love it when one pops up on shuffle. They always put me in a very distinct frame of mind.
5. Guns n’ Roses: ‘November Rain’
I laughed out loud and thought “YES!” when this one popped up. My second thought was about how I’ve never taken this song on during karaoke.
Jen Mae:
1. Daniel Johnston: ‘I’m Nervous’
This song is from one of my favorite Daniel Johnston albums, Welcome to My World. It’s a compilation of what I think are some of his best, older songs, but it also includes a few newer gems. Critics have debated Johnston’s musical prowess, but I think he’s a superb songwriter. His lyrics possess a vulnerability that I can certainly relate to. Maybe you can too. He’ll be playing at the Highline Ballroom on October 14th. I wish I could go.
2. Lambroula Maria Pappas: Donna È Mobile
This was definitely an impulse purchase. It’s from the World’s Very Best Opera for Kids… in English! I bought it while I was pregnant, thinking that I would play it regularly for my daughter, but I’ve come to find that I cannot stand opera in English. It just sounds awkward to me.
3. Language Addicts: ‘Characteristics (Recognize)’
This is a recording of common Greek expressions used to describe physical characteristics. I’m trying to learn Greek so I can eavesdrop on all of my husband’s relatives. They always look like they’re saying something really juicy. I listen to this album all of the time while I’m working around the house.
4. Elizabeth Mitchell: ‘Three is the Magic Number’
Now here’s a song that I love, love, love! The original Schoolhouse Rock tune has been covered over and over again, but I absolutely adore this version by Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton. This is another record that I purchased for my daughter while I was pregnant, but I play this one for her almost every day and she loves to sing along and dance to it. My heart gets really warm when I hear this song because I think of what a beautiful trinity my little family is. If you have children, know someone who does, or just like mellow, lo-fi music, you can listen to and find out more about Elizabeth Mitchell here.
5. Booker T and the MGs: ‘Jellybread’
One of Stax Record’s greats! I can’t listen to Booker T and the MGs and be in a bad mood at the same time. There are undoubtedly funkier songs on this album, but ‘Jellybread’ still makes me shake my rump.
Jenni:
1. Lucinda Williams: ‘Fruits of My Labor’
Love, love, LOVE her. Saw her play at Radio City a few years back and was blown away. She’s an amazing poetess who is uber-country but all attitude. Makes me want to wear red cowboy boot shit-kickers. I can’t help but sway and swoon every time I hear this song.
2. Crooked Fingers: ‘Destroyer’
I have a very soft place in my heart for Eric Bachmann. Like many bands, they remind me of Gainesville because I saw them play at the Covered Dish, circa 2000-ish. This song is a slow ditty with lots of croons and electric guitar.
3. The Evens: ‘All These Governors’
I love this duet, but of course I’m always a sucker for a guy/girl duet, plus this one has the added bonus of the two singers being sweethearts. Oh, gush, gush. The Dischord sound always fondly reminds me of living in D.C.
4. Lifesavas: ‘Shine Language’
This is from the “Gutterfly” Soundtrack. I honestly didn’t even know I had this in iTunes; I don’t think I’ve ever even listened to it and I haven’t seen “Gutterfly!” That said, on first listen, it’s not bad hip-hop, I guess I have to put “Gutterfly” in my Netflix queue.
5. Jawbox: ‘Reel’
Reminds me of living in a dormitory my freshman year in college, back when I really didn’t know what music I should like. At the time, I was being introduced to so many new, great bands who weren’t being played on the ever-so-plentiful classic rock stations of Central Florida. It all seemed so fresh and interesting. So, a good feeling tune.
Lisa:
1. LCD Soundsystem: ‘45:33′
Me, my brother, and a group of his friends usually have a Nike+ challenge (the whole iPod pedometer thing) going on. From time to time Kevin also finds/creates running playlists and shares them. This one is a little too dance/trance for my musical tastes, but it did entertain on one 45-minute run to check it out.
2. Aretha Franklin: ‘Respect’
Great live album. I think every track is 10 minutes plus. Each track is its own mini-performance. I like listening to it on weekend mornings, puttering around the house.
3. The Quantic Soul Orchestra: ‘Barbarabatiri’
No idea what this group or track is. About 75% of my iTunes is music sent to me by brother that I download from SendSpace, but then never get around to listening to.
4. Amy Winehouse: ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’
From the days of my Amy Winehouse obsession a few years ago. I still really like her voice, but thinking of her makes me a little sad. So much potential!
5. Dana’s Hip Hop: ‘Dana’s Hip Hop 2′
Oh, the days of mixed CDs without track names, but with such inventive names for the CDs (not!). This was from a CD made by one of my college roommates, Dana. On listening, this is Q-Tip’s Vibrant Thing…”Yo, you such a vibrant vibrant vibrant a vibrant thing.” Definitely got some play at college house parties. Now, it might make it into a running mix every once in a while.
Mariela:
1. Stephen Malkmus: ‘Freeze the Saints’
Perfect example of why this Top 5 is genius. I swear, it’s like I never heard this song before — partly because the song names never imported. This is Malkmus at his poppiest and softest. He’s almost Wilco-esque. Love the intro piano and the drums in the chorus.
2. Neil Young: ‘Lotta Love’
From Autumn’s 2009 Mix CD — my favorite of the year so far. Young is so vulnerable here and love needs to pull him through.
3. The Pretenders: ‘Thumbelina’
Not a fan of this one. I don’t dig the zip zip zip, country-rock vibe. Skip.
Today’s song: Kiss of Fire by Georgia Gibbs.
