Three of the finest shows I’ve ever seen wrapped before the mid-point of 2023. I'm not here to spoil anything so relax. I'm also not going to talk about them in a way where if you never saw a single episode this matters. I'm bringing them up because Barry, Succession, and Ted Lasso are holding up … Continue reading Modern Art, Modern Mirrors (Barry, Succession, and Ted Lasso Edition)
Tag: art
Pee Wee And Establishing Range
I’m thinking a lot about how in a presentation, or song, or piece of art - the creator establishes “average” and “deviation.” In music it might be loud/soft (like the Pixies). In art it might be contrast/lack thereof (like Rothko). In a presentation - you have to set the average, and then deviate to make … Continue reading Pee Wee And Establishing Range
Podcast Of The Week: Luxurious LVMH
Every now and then I check the Acquired podcast feed, get intimidated by the length of the episodes (should I just read a book/the book/several books on my own?), and too often lately I move on. HOWEVER. Every time I stop and listen to one I think, “I really should listen to more of these.” … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Luxurious LVMH
Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)
We need friends who we both respect AND can disagree with. Because there’s no growth without resistance. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were that type of friends. They were also upward-bound artists. Mapplethorpe loved Andy Warhol and wanted to be a part of his scene. Smith didn’t feel the same. But they were still deeply … Continue reading Respectful Disagreement (And Andy Warhol Disses)
Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
My buddy Adam K. sent me this clip from Lex Fridman discussing Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” with Rick Rubin. They discuss how the lyrics, originally written by a 20-something, are sad but a bit redemptive. The same poem, when sung by a 70ish-year-old, feels devastating. It’s an incredible piece of perspective art. Listen to … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Rick Rubin on Cash’s “Hurt”
Maggie Rogers On Her (Visual) Creative Inputs
Before Maggie Rogers makes an album, she has to write some songs. And before she writes some songs, she starts with some visuals. She calls it a mood board (and this is apparently a thing people do that TIL). As a synesthesiac, her brain connects colors to feelings and sounds. She pulls out the poster … Continue reading Maggie Rogers On Her (Visual) Creative Inputs
Life Isn’t Black And White (Better Call Saul Edition)
[what follows is a riff on my appreciation for creative choices, design, and communicating emotions. you, dear reader, are my proverbial water cooler friends this morning] I’m writing this before the last episode of Better Call Saul airs - and however the series ends, I’m feeling grateful for TV like this. No spoilers, but I … Continue reading Life Isn’t Black And White (Better Call Saul Edition)
Sunday Music: My July 2022 Playlist
First and foremost, thanks to those of you who have kicked me with… “so it’s been a minute since you’ve shared a mix/playlist - what gives?” I consider this a midsummer’s vacation day arc, which starts with morning reflections and appreciations, midday day-drinking (complete with self-loathing and punky snark), a sentimental lull around dinner, a … Continue reading Sunday Music: My July 2022 Playlist
Sunday Music: More Bounce To The Ounce
Maybe it was reading the Morris Day book, but I’m feeling a little funky lately. Zapp & Roger’s “More Bounce to the Ounce” is just too good. Does anybody synth bass and vocoder like this? If they do, this is where they learned it. Turn it up. https://youtu.be/X1ijvN7ADt4
Born In The USA (Song Twins Edition)
Bruce Springsteen’s first take on “Born In The USA” was dark. Despairingly dark. It was a folk song (check out the demo from the Nebraska sessions) and leaned heavy on the blues of being born in the USA. Somewhere along his journey, Bruce codified what makes him Bruce, and put the blues in the verses, … Continue reading Born In The USA (Song Twins Edition)