Well, well, well. Liane Moriarty made the right friend in Nicole Kidman. I say that because she’s chosen another one of Moriarty’s novels to adapt to the screen. And I don’t know how well your memory serves you, but it worked out really well with Big Little Lies. I’m a little surprised that Moriarty’s most recent novel, Nine Perfect Strangers got selected to be adapted so quickly. As an author I’d want the material to sit with readers a little longer. In any case, I was looking forward to this mystery/drama.
Read moreMonth: October 2021
The White Lotus Season 1
It’s been a little bit now, but I’m so glad I was able to watch this series! As of right now, there is no news of a second season of The White Lotus, but it was almost so perfect it doesn’t need one? In my opinion, anyways. In a show where so much great stuff happens, it also floats in the ether of being genre-less. That’s a pretty rare feat!
Read moreNew Music: Singles Edition
I love new music and here’s a bunch of it!
Foster the People
“Chin Music for the Unsuspecting” – I suppose this is new to me but old to the band because it’s another unreleased track from Torches…ten years ago. It’s quite different from anything I’ve heard from the band before! It’s pretty stripped back for them. By that I mean there’s no synths or pre-programmed sounds. Most prominently is the piano, with a solid drum beat accompanying it. Despite its lack of synths, I could have seen this complimenting “Miss You” off the initial release. Something about it just feels like it would have been a natural flow. After one listen, I don’t love this song, but I love Foster the People and I know this will make its way into rotation soon.
Bullet for My Valentine
“Rainbow Veins” – For the band claiming they’re reverting back to their hardcore roots, this is a pretty light song title. And I suppose, in a way, compared to the other two singles released this is a “lighter” song. Vocally, at least. Matt Tuck is able to float effortlessly between almost whispered strained singing to ripping screams. The lyrics are quite dark, but I’d expect nothing less from this band. Feelings are always visceral for them and this entry is no different. I like how opposite this song sound compared to the others and it’s got me more eager to listen to the rest of the album when it comes out later this month. Could be a more well-rounded album than I was initially going to give it credit for.
AFI
“Caught” – New AFI?! It’s at least new to us. The band really loved this song but felt it didn’t go with the flow of the record. Thankfully they didn’t choose to scrap it, and instead they even chose to share it with all of us! We are truly blessed. I can see what they mean about it not really fitting with the rest of the album. This song is about as close to a ballad as I’ve ever heard from them. It’s bare bones with just guitar, but it’s beautiful and shows off Havok’s always perfect vocals. I do hope his song finds its way into a live setting (could give Adam’s arms a break), but it if not, at least we got it like this.
Ghost
“Hunter’s Moon” – Ghost just keeps giving us little treats and I’m here for it! Especially in lieu of a new record. Everything they’ve done recently I have to imagine has been so fun, and getting to do a song for the Halloween Kills soundtrack has to be right up there! I know the movies are taking place in present day, but this song transports me back to all of the 80s hair metal I’ve listened to in the past (sorry, wasn’t alive back then to enjoy it in its prime). Also lyrically, how can you not think of Michael Myers following you around and stalking you from a distance? This song will likely become very addictive, but in the meantime it has me pumped to go see Halloween Kills next weekend!
Miles Kane
“Caroline” – The latest single off of Miles Kane’s upcoming release definitely carries the same vibe from “Don’t Let It Get You Down.” Especially in the way the saxophone really punches it up. Plus it’s upbeat and seems very danceable. In fact, I’d much rather be hearing about this Caroline at a wedding than the typical one…just saying. It’s got a real oldies quality to it, but I find that I really enjoy it! Aside from that, there are parts of the song where my brain immediately switched to Kings of Leon’s “Supersoaker,” which I suppose is a compliment. I really like that song, so if I’m getting reminded of it, he’s doing something right without copyright infringement happening. This continues to have me excited for the full record in January.
Wallows
“I Don’t Wan to Talk” – Wallows have been hit or miss for me in the past, but did that stop me from buying a ticket to their 2022 tour? Absolutely not. Despite not all of their music resonating with me, I can still appreciate and really enjoy the songs I do like. This new single lands somewhere in the middle. I appreciate the use of the harmonica. I like seeing Cole on acoustic guitar (in the video at least). I don’t like that weird little chirpy noise they’ve got rolling through the whole track, but I can ignore it in certain parts. Sometimes Dylan Minnette’s monotone vocals get me nervous, but I think over time he’s found a way to make it work for their music and that is no exception here. Who knows, maybe after a few more listens this will click with me more. We shall see.
Weekly Dramas
It’s that time where my summer shows are winding down. In fact, Animal Kingdom has wrapped up for the season! Hopefully we won’t have to wait as long into the new year for the final season, but that remains to be seen. Regardless, here’s what went down this week in my regular network dramas.
Read moreWeekend Movie Review
I feel like I’m making up for lost time here. September didn’t have me seeing nearly as many movies as I would have liked. Or perhaps, there is just so much good stuff coming out this month! A lot of them actually should have came out last year, but the pandemic had other plans. I mean, the pandemic still has other plans, but luckily for me and other film lovers, the big studios are forging ahead! Before I get to all of that though, let’s get a recap of what I actually watched this weekend.
Read moreFan Art Friday: Margot Robbie
I’ve always been a fan of Margot Robbie and this drawing has been on the docket for quite some time. For whatever reason, now seemed like the time to draw it! The Suicide Squad just came out a little while ago, but I think she’s got some good projects on the horizon. I’m looking forward to whatever she puts out whether it’s acting or part of production company. In the meantime enjoy this latest drawing!
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