mickey kojak monday

Feelin' these 2 from Mickey Kojak.

Remix of Crooked Colours' "Do It Like You."

And a cover of Daft Punk's "Something About Us."

bill ackerman's favorite films and cinema-centric media of 2018

One of my favorite film podcasts is Supporting Characters, a collection of rewarding interviews by Bill Ackerman.

Ackerman's list of 2018 favorites (and favorite 2018 film writing, podcasts & blu-ray releases!) is available here. It's really wonderful. I'm looking forward to catching up with and discovering!

top 10 singles of 2018

Hi. Here are my Top 10 Singles of 2018!

10.

"Confirmation" - Westerman


Westerman's single is sophistipop at its finest and smoothest.

9.

"New Light" - John Mayer

I'm surprised how much I like a John Mayer song, but alas, "New Light" is tuneful and slickly-produced (those little drumclaps). Knowingly a tad corny but sincere as well.

8.

"Sylvia Says (Tensnake Remix) - Charlotte Gainsbourg

Pulsing, unabashedly Anita Ward-inspired disco remix by Tensnake of Charlotte Gainsbourg's "Sylvia Says" is blissful melancholic pop.

7.

"Dished (Male Stripper)" - Purple Disco Machine

Easy to get the party started with this balloon-synth stomper.

6.

"Shallow" - Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

A unifying power pop movie ballad is welcome in any era.

5.

"Immaterial" - SOPHIE

A fury of drum-n-bass and staccato hits, SOPHIE's tune was one of the more exciting records of the year.

4.

"In My View" - Young Fathers

Edinburgh's trio Young Fathers' song, complete with its rich, mysterious lyrics, is confident and grand.

3.

"High Horse" - Kacey Musgraves

The reliably clever Kacey Musgraves' single of sunshiny daytime disco and crystal-clear country twang was a bright spot in the year. The imagery of lyrics is in real lockstep with the sound itself. I wish more country artists were as adventurous as her.

2.

"This is America" - Childish Gambino

Revolutionary tune and video package from Childish Gambino. The song has elements of farce, tonal shifts and booming trap--sonically and lyrically enveloping issues of racism and racial identity.

1.

"In My Dreams" - Kali Uchis

A tune, co-written by Damon Albarn (one of his best songs in years) that bridges between escapisim and reality, delivered with complexity and yearning by Kali Uchis.

Below is my favorites of 2018 playlist on Spotify!

And here's a look back at 2017.

this christmas thing

My Dad's Christmas single, "This Christmas Thing," is now available!

iTunes
Spotify
Soundcloud

juicy

Lucaj brings the funk to Biggie's "Juicy." Great trumpet stabs in the chorus.

best actress

My poem "Best Actress" is now up on Punch Drunk Press.

Thanks to Jim Smith for sharing his artwork.

things

Love this swirling, wistful synthpop tune from Louis Cole.

Music video below.

feel good movies

Meep and Ben bring out their favorite "feel good films" on the 5th anniversary (!) of Retro Movie Love Podcast. Great stuff and needed right now for sure!

iTunes link
Spotify link

till death do us part

One of my favorite Madonna songs is "Till Death Do Us Part" from Like A Prayer. The sparkly electropop is in contrast with the tale of an abusive relationship. Excellent remix below is from Dubtronic.

immaterial

One of the most striking singles of the year has to be SOPHIE's jumpy "Immaterial." Here's a good grimy mix from Gangsigns.

art by kip omolade

Amazing hyper realist oils by Kip Omolade. He uses molds as basis for his paintings. Really beautiful work.

via Kip Omolade

I discovered his work through AnkhLave Arts Alliance on Instagram

no more "i love you's"

Nice house mix of Annie Lennox's "No More 'I Love You's'" from Lehay.

art by rosie woods

A selection of vibrant art by Rosie Woods.

via It's Rosie Woods

ghost

Haunting dance track from MAGDALENA BAY.

art by jordan bolton

Loving these cassette tape  / CD graphic designs of film creds by Jordan Bolton!

They are available to buy on Etsy.