#that Phoebe and Mike scene from Friends but with a different... setting

[blatterburystreet]

Garrik Tavali (with act1 hairstyle): Warlock, Half-Elf, Noble (but not that much)

[rrrick]

While filming "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982), first-time director Amy Heckerling said she was seeking to make a comedy that was less structured than conventional ones, and more like "American Graffiti" (1973) so that "if you woke up and found yourself living in the movie, you'd be happy. I wanted that kind of feel."

Universal executives recommended David Lynch as a director, and source material author Cameron Crowe met with Lynch. Though Lynch liked the idea, he passed on directing. Producer Art Linson showed Crowe's script to Heckerling, who at that point had directed only student films. Heckerling then met with Crowe, and the two began brainstorming different ideas for the film. Heckerling thought the book "had just such an amazing wealth of material" that could be incorporated more into the script." She liked how much of the book's action is centered around a mall, and suggested featuring the mall setting even more prominently in the film.Said Crowe, "Amy completely got it and we were up and running."

Judge Reinhold was the boyfriend of Heckerling's best friend, who was also doing casting. He got the part anyway without the producers knowing of their relationship.

Mike Damone's nude scene with Stacy that was filmed and never used was stated by Heckerling to show the natural vulnerability between two young teenagers. The intent was to show each of them undressing, and then show them standing before each other fully naked, full frontal, vulnerable, and nervous. The scene was pulled due to an impending X-rating and has never been released.

According to Heckerling, Phoebe Cates was initially reluctant to carry out her character's poolside topless scene at the house in West Hills because she thought the neighbors might be spying on the set from the surrounding rooftops. She reportedly got Cates to overcome her fear by assuring the actress it would only be for a few seconds and thus wouldn't allow people much time to stare. Ironically, in the following years (during the era of videotape home video), it became a running joke at many video rental stores that copies of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" often suffered a predictable flicker during the topless moment in question because so many renters had paused the video on that shot (causing excessive wear on the tape at that location). (IMDb/Wikipedia). [link]

[thebowerypresents]

POSITIVE SPINS: NEW ARTISTS, NEW ALBUMS, AND NEW LIVE STREAMS THAT PUT OUR 2020 ON A BETTER TRACK

2020 proved to be one of the hardest years we have collectively gone through.  While we didn’t have live music to lean on when times got tough, these are the albums, artists and livestreams that got us through the rough patches and will carry us into a brighter 2021.

Listen to our playlist of Positive Spins!

BEST NEW ARTISTS OF 2020 (in no particular order)

THICK

“Brooklyn-based pop-punk three-piece, THICK, are not afraid to say (or sing) what’s on everyone’s mind - with a fierceness and confidence I can only aspire to assume. Sticking it to the establishment is the name of their game - take “Mainsplain,” for instance - and they manage to do so with catchy chord progressions and an uplifting vigor. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the trio, and who else they’ll put in check.” - S. D.

Ela Minus

“Brooklyn-based techno-pop artist Ela Minus broke onto the scene this year with her debut album “ acts of rebellion.” The Colombian-born musician has a background in emo bands, is a trained jazz drummer, and she wrote, produced, engineered, and recorded the album on her own. “acts of rebellion” is moody and sultry, while still making you want to grab your friends and dance.” - K. C.

Arlo Parks

“Without even having released her debut album yet, Arlo Parks has made a name for herself this year. Singles released throughout the year, paired with 2019’s EP ‘Sophie’ and her slot as support on Hayley Williams’ (cancelled) tour have boosted Arlo to a new level this year, that we can only assume will continue to rise in 2021 when her debut album drops.” - K. C.

Beabadoobee

“Beabadoobee’s interesting name is only matched by her sound - bedroom-pop fused with nineties indie-rock, tinged with a tender, DIY aesthetic. Her track “If You Want To” will have you singing along, while her single “She Plays Bass” will take you back to your hormonal, vulnerable, teenage years met with sublime nostalgia. She’s without a doubt a silver lining in 2020.” - S. D.

BENEE

“I first saw Auckland’s BENEE at Rough Trade in October of last year - her sincere, to-the-point lyrics and quirky hooks instantly hooked me. You may know her track, “Supalonely,” which found popularity on TikTok during the height of lockdown, but BENEE’s sound isn’t limited to the confines of one social media trend. In her debut album released this year, BENEE displays an uncanny ability to tackle alt-rock, hip-hop and electro-pop all at the same time, in an unbothered, endearing way - making her a “one to watch” in 2020 and beyond.” - S. D.

Christian Lee Hutson

There isn’t a lack of acoustic singer-songwriters out there, but Christian Lee Hutson is an important new voice. Hutson first full length album, “Beginners,” released this year, has a warm and honest quality to it. The production is subtle (thanks to producer Phoebe Bridgers), and so perfectly complements a simple, acoustic narrative. The result is a soulful, beautiful, and special work of music. - S. D.

Do Nothing

“2020 newcomers out of Nottingham, UK, Do Nothing have already made a big splash in the post-punk world. Releasing their first EP, Zero Dollar Bill, earlier this year, the band have been compared to Idles and are setting out on a similar path of success. Upon first hearing their earlier single Lebron James, countless fans are sure to be sucked into the world of Do Nothing.” - K. C.

Kate Bollinger

“I first listened to Kate Bollinger when she released I Don’t Wanna Lose in 2019. I played the track Candy on repeat all year long. It has been so lovely to watch her grow into the artist she is today. This year she released an EP called A word becomes a sound, which quickly became one of my favorite releases of 2020. Her voice is so comforting. Whenever I listen, I feel like I am being coddled in a fluffy blanket with a cup of herbal tea and nothing could go wrong at that moment. I can’t wait to see what Kate has planned for 2021 and beyond!” - L. S.

SAULT

“After a year of intense racial unrest in the United States, SAULT’s importance is more significant now than ever.  With themes focusing around the Black Lives matter movement, this mystery soul-funk group has become more than buzzy in the music scene, and has earned a spot on tons of year end lists.” - K. C.

Sorry

“London-based genre-defying band Sorry released their debut album ‘925’ this year, produced by James Dring (Gorillaz, Jamie T) which is already reason enough to pique the interest of most. The album certainly does not disappoint, with each song giving you a different taste of the many interesting sides of this up-and-coming group.” - K. C.

Honorable Mentions:

Gracie Abrams Remi Wolf Hailey Whitters KennyHoopla Jade Hairpins Jockstrap Model/Actriz Mild Orange Your Smith Neal Francis

BEST NEW ALBUMS OF 2020 (in no particular order)

Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters

“Fiona Apple is fearless in this album. The song structures and sounds take you on a listening experience I can only describe as emotional in the best way. Eight years of waiting was totally worth it.“ - S. D.

Fleet Foxes – Shore

“This album had been bright spot in a difficult year. St. Ann’s Church was the perfect location for their Colbert performance of Can I Believe You and the live stream will be the perfect holiday present. Ready to feel all the feels!” - K. A.

Khruangbin - Mordechai

“Khruangbin is one of my go-to bands, and “Mordechai” has been heavy in my rotation in 2020. It’s really a great album – I play it cover-to-cover and pairs well with a cocktail and cooking at home, infusing some needed spice and energy in what could otherwise be ‘just another night’ during a long, monotonous several months.” - C.M.

Moses Sumney - Græ

“The highly anticipated second album from Moses Sumney, shows us more of the highly personal, raw and emotionally moving music we have some to expect from him. The cluster of emotions that Moses works through with his beautifully unique voice in this 20 song album give us a look into the complicated mind of one of the most interesting artists of the last 5 years.” - K. C.

Perfume Genius – Set My Heart On Fire Immediately

“*Bill Hader’s Stefan voice* this album has everything! From the heavy and distorted bass on “Describe” to the melodic harp stringing of “Leave,” to the dance ballad (is that a thing?) “On The Floor,” Perfume Genius’ album Set My Heart on Fire Immediately really does have it all. Each song feels vastly different from the next in tone, instrumentation, and influence – yet they all come together so perfectly to make this stunning album, all while showcasing his vocal depth and range. There’s a reason he’s called Perfume *Genius*, and that is because Mike Hadreas can take familiar feelings and turn them into unconventional pop ballads that feel both relatable, but new and exciting at the same time.” - R. E.

Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher  

“How does Phoebe do it? (a question I ask myself daily). I remember waking up on June 18 as if it was my birthday. Punisher is everything I hoped for and then some more. The last song on the album, “I know The End” concludes with a scream which is the perfect cherry on top to this masterpiece. This album is a rollercoaster of Phoebe’s emotions and I feel blessed to be along for the ride. It is relatable, heartfelt and honest. Thank you to Phoebe for this gift. The world will never be the same after this.” - L. S.

Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA

“SAWAYAMA is the early 2000s pop resurgence we didn’t know we needed, mixed with all the best parts of nu-metal. Rina Sawayama uses catchy pop hooks reminiscent of early Britney Spears, and pairs them with heavy guitar riffs to give us arguably the most fun album of 2020 that we cannot wait to experience live.” - K. C.

Tame Impala – The Slow Rush

Thundercat - It Is What It Is

“I love how this album embraces the darkness while managing to find the light in despair - it seems to acutely reflect the times we are in yet is simultaneously so personal to Bruner. The lyrics are set against a backdrop of funk, electronica, jazz, and soul, so there’s a little something for everybody.” - S. D.

Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud

“This album was released early in quarantine, and was the perfect musical escape during some of the toughest days. The imagery and reflection of the lyrics are why Saint Cloud tops my list of albums of 2020.” - J. F.

Honorable Mentions: The Beths – Jump Rope Gazers Fontaines DC - A Heros Dream Kevin Morby – Sundowner Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – Reunions My Morning Jacket - The Waterfall II CHIKA - Industry Games Megan Thee Stallion - Suga Christian Lee Hutson- Beginners Idles- Ultra Mono Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin Grass Pup - This Place Sucks Ass Futurebirds- Teamwork Adrianne Lenker – Songs / Instrumentals Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes - What Kinda Music + the bonus tracks EP Some Kind Of Peace – Olafur Arnalds Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown - Pressure Josh Ritter - See Here, I Have Built You a Mansion Sahara Moon - Worthy Local H - Lifers Deep Purple - Whoosh! Indigo Girls Look Long Taylor Swift - folklore Against All Logic – 2017-2019

TOP TEN LIVESTREAMS 2020 (in no particular order)

Christine & The Queens (Live on KEXP at Home)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bavZe47um4

“Live on KEXP at Home” was home to some of my favorite quarantine livestreams, and this one did anything but disappoint. Not only does Chris, aka Christine & The Queens, perform, but interviews are woven throughout the livestream. The drama of her performances, juxtaposed with her witty and humorous banter with the interviewer was such a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of Chris, this is a must watch.“ - S. D.

Courtney Barnett and Lucius & Friends: Live From Our Lounge Rooms with Sheryl Crow, 3/25/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfRbw3o1jU

“This was a gift that kept on giving. The stream started off with Courtney Barnett and Lucius in matching pajamas. I truly thought it could not get any better but I was in for a treat! The stream included performances by Nathaniel Rateliff, Sheryl Crow, Sharon Van Etten, Waxahatchee, Kevin Morby and more. I can safely say this was my favorite live stream I watched in 2020.” - L. S.

Julien Baker, Themfest Instagram Livestream, 4/16/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tINSbY4wRjs

“Recorded for Themfest during the early days of quarantine, Julien Baker’s in-home livestream was a welcome respite from the Cuomo briefings and general despair of mid April. Just kidding, Julien Baker is the queen of Sad Shit and I certainly didn’t tune into this livestream expecting a mood boost. But if you subscribe to the “sad songs make me feel better” aesthetic purveyed by our sweet little siren, this moody, intimate shot-on-iphone set will scratch that itch. But let’s not fool ourselves, nothing will ever replace the feeling of holding your breath along with 1,799 others at Brooklyn Steel while JB rips your heart out, in a nice way.” - E. M.

Kurt Vile, Love From Philly Livestream, 5/3/20 (covers John Prine’s “Sam Stone” near the end)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjKG-7d5loY&feature=emb_logo - Jared

“Back in May, Kurt Vile took to his basement for a solo acoustic stream to benefit 30 Amp Circuit, a non-profit dedicated to support the health, wellness, and professional needs of Philadelphia-based musicians and artists. The intimate 3-song set rounded out with a special tribute to the late John Prine, as Kurt did his own rendition of “Sam Stone.”” - J. D.

Radiohead, In Rainbows - From The Basement, 6/4/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqDIZxO-nU

“This is the one die hard Radiohead fans have been waiting for. This session originally from 2008 existed in some pretty esoteric places and has been almost impossible to find – until now.” - G. A.

Sturgill Simpson, Live at The Ryman Auditorium, 6/5/20  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO73im4J2sU

“2020 was supposed to be a banner year for Sturgill, until he got COVID-19 in April. He’s ok now, but something about this performance in the sacred church of country music The Ryman, hits different.” - G. A.

Haim - Women in Music PT. III Live Show, 6/25/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_eJU6X3_jQ

“I love pretty much everything the Haim sisters do - so much so that I aspire to be a sister myself. When I was feeling those very familiar mid-pandemic blues, their “Women in Music PT III” livestream, which celebrated their new album of the same name, was the exact pick me up that I needed. For the first time since March, the 30 minute set made me feel as if I was at an intimate gathering - rather than behind a computer watching a YouTube video along with thousands of others. The stream will have you grooving, laughing, and you may even want to be a Haim sister yourself.” - S. D.

Nilufer Yanya, Boiler Room: Streaming From Isolation with Night Dreamer & Worldwide FM, 6/28/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAaAicIJE7s

“Hauntingly beautiful and yet also somehow grounded, Nilufer Yanya’s June livestream was a special one to watch. It makes the case for how intimate an artist’s performance can be, even virtually.” - G. A.

Brittany Howard, Live From Ryman Auditorium, 10/17/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLH59WLQbZo

“Watching Brittany Howard and her incredible band rip through a set on the Ryman stage like no one and everyone was watching all at once was cathartic. The combination of such a singular artist and historic venue hit a similar nerve to seeing an artist you’re excited about play a show in the flesh with people you love – not an easy feat!” - M. L.

Tkay Maidza - Live on KEXP at Home, 11/3/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJgrDvyRbw

“13 minutes and 11 seconds of pure energy. This livestream is the moment we’ve all been waiting for, and, in my opinion, showcases Maidza as the star that she is. A must-watch if you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful approach to hip-hop.“ - S. D.

[samkirschberg]

The Ally Coalition's 4th Annual Talent show with Lorde, Jack Antonoff, Kacey Musgraves, and more!

A few nights before the Grammy Awards, comedians, artists- some past/present Grammy winners and nominees, and a fashion designer came together to put on an epic night for an awesome cause. The Ally Coalition was started by the band fun. (Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff, and Andrew Dost) and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff. TAC works with friends in the entertainment, fashion, and music worlds to raise awareness and funds in support of LGBTQ+ equality, to help create safe spaces, and to be a resource to take action.

The 4th annual star-studded talent show included Lorde, Kacey Musgraves, The National, Spoon (Britt Daniel/Alex Fischel), Shamir, Bleachers, Andrew Dost, Phoebe Robinson, Aparna Nancherla, Jacqueline Novak, Mike Birbiglia, and hosted by Rachel Antonoff. It was The Ally Coalition’s biggest talent show yet. The show raised almost $200K (double of last year!), which will go to homeless LGBTQ shelters and local organizations around the country including New Alternatives NYC.

In times like these, saying that you’re an ally is nice, but not good enough. Be kind to each other and support one another. If the world isn't being inclusive, stand up for all and fight for not just your rights, but the rights of others. We all deserve to be treated equally and love who we want to love. Donate or volunteer for different organizations. Get involved and help in any way you can.

Some highlights from the show included:

Kacey Musgraves unfortunately didn’t bring her karaoke microphone, but she was still amazing and hilarious. She performed two songs “Butterflies” and “Rainbow” that will be on her upcoming album, and her hit “Follow Your Arrow”. After performing she declared, “I’m an ally for fucking life. Hands down. Don’t care what anyone says.”

Comedians Novak, Birbiglia, and Dope Queen Robinson did sets on about the importance of ordering your own damn fries, some sperm troubles, and a super weird scene in the Kingsman: The Secret Service movie, respectively. Aparna “Beast Mode” Nancherla talked about New York winters and how vaginas are more regulated than guns.

The National performed three songs including “I Need My Girl” and “Fake Empire.” Spoon beautifully covered John Lennon’s “Isolation." Both bands rocked and were super honored and psyched to be at the show. Mr. co-founder Andrew Dost showed off his piano skills playing some music from an upcoming secret project and covers of Judee Sill’s “Waterfalls” and Harry Nilsson’s “Turn on Your Radio."

It was also great to have songs performed that were LGBT themed. Shamir started off by saying, “I have a lot of songs about LGBT issues because I’m a part of that alphabet.” And then sang his songs “Straight Boy” and "90's Kids." Kacey’s “Follow Your Arrow” has the lyrics, “Make lots of noise/Kiss lots of boys/Or kiss lots of girl/If that's something you're into.” Bleachers performed “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)” live for the first time. The song is off of the Jack Antonoff-curated album for the movie Love, Simon- a film about a teenager’s coming out story.

Bleachers played a heartfelt tribute to Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. Band member Mikey Hart actually went on tour with The Cranberries making it a little more emotional. They also performed “I Wanna Get Better”, a cover of ELO's “When I Was a Boy," and kicked off the show with the Beatles-esque “Good Morning.”

Ella spoke to the crowd, “We were here [at The Ally Coalition Talent Show] last year, we were doing this, and it was like the first time I’d been on a stage in a long time. I felt very much like I just emerged from our hiding place situation to come and play. I could feel like everyone was just like, ‘Oh my god, it’s her. What is she doing out in the world?’ By that point, we’d written pretty much all of Melodrama and we were just getting ready to finish it up and put it out into the world. And I remember being here last year and thinking like that feeling just felt impossible to even understand- that there would be another record for me. And now there is. We made it together and it’s nice that I can still come here and annoy Jack.”

Sitting on the piano bench, they performed “Writer in the Dark”, Carly Rae Jepsen (a TAC talent show alumni)’s song “Run Away with Me”, Roy Orbison’s “You Got It”, and “Green Light”. While singing, she pointed to mic to the crowd and everyone sang, “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it!” The performance got the only standing ovation of the night. It’s just the magic of Lorde and Jack.

The evening ended with The Ally Coalition Talent Show tradition of inviting everyone back on stage to sing Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”. The best part of these talent shows is that they’re low-key and chill. They allow the artists to be themselves and vulnerable and appreciative. They are all there to show their talent and help raise funds for LGBT+ youth. It makes you fall in love with new artists and more in love with artists you already love/like.

You know what’s also cool about bringing all these artists together- not only are we fans of them, they are also fans of each other. Shamir spoke about how excited he was to finally meet Lorde, Aparna, Phoebe, and Kacey. He has even covered Kacey’s “Merry Go ‘Round” in the past. As you watch each performer, you could see the other performers watching from backstage.

Take the pledge to be an ally with The Ally Coalition and start doing something to make a difference.

All photos by Daniel Silbert and Gabby Kirschberg. 

[upalldown]

The National - I Am Easy To Find

Album number eight from the Ohio indie rock band recorded in Aaron Dessner's home studio features guest appearances from Sharon Van Etten, Gail Ann Dorsey, Lisa Hannigan, Kate Stables, Mina Tindle and the Brooklyn Youth Choir

11/13

Necessity’s the mother of invention, and just as U.K. racism gave rise in the late 1970s to the activist, mixed-race Two Tone scene, so has #MeToo informed a new wave of indie-rock. For a culture that likes to fancy itself woke despite an ongoing tradition of sexism and sexual predation, it’s heartening to see not only a new generation of women and non-binary artists up front, but cis bros evidently rethinking their work and privilege in gender-mixed contexts. This year, Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers teamed up as Better Oblivion Community Center. Ezra Koenig unveiled Vampire Weekend 2.0 on Father of The Bride with vocal help from Danielle Haim (and bonus points for the metatextual sample of Jenny Lewis singing the word “boy.”) On I Am Easy to Find, another standard-bearing indie dude brand has reconfigured itself with multiple women’s voices at the LP’s core, a portion of the roughly 77 musicians that temporarily explode the band’s quintet. The album was also conceived of a piece with a luminously sad and lovely short film of the same name, directed with emotive minimalism by Mike Mills (20th Century Women), and starring Alicia Vikander, who pulls off a heartbreaking and quietly astonishing hat-trick by aging from cradle to grave in 26 minutes with no perceivable changes beyond movements and mannerisms.

Evidently, as the African proverb suggests, it takes a village. But this art mobbing isn’t out of character for The National, a band that’s spent much of their career snowballing community, through festival curation (Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, the Eaux Claires Festival), producing friends’ records (for a time at Aaron Dessner’s Brooklyn home studio), operating a label (Brassland), and marshaling outsized projects like a five-plus-hour Grateful Dead homage (Day of The Dead) and the ever-growing 37d03d (aka: PEOPLE) collective.

I Am Easy to Find is, however, the first time they’ve applied this approach to the band itself, and they pull it off without diluting their National-ness. It’s a balancing act. “You Had Your Soul With You” begins with a stuttering melody built of sample-shards and Matt Berninger’s signature baritone incantations, which outline a failed relationship. The third verse is sung by Gail Ann Dorsey, Berninger eventually joining her in rueful harmony. The lyrical and formal suggestion, explored throughout the record, seems to be that it takes two to tango, and despite the canyon that separates our perceptions, however gendered, we all share vast tracts of emotional territory, and are capable of deep empathy. Whether we act on it is another story.

Dorsey’s dusky contralto, once David Bowie’s foil, also melds with Berninger’s voice on “Roman Holiday” and “Hey Rosie.” Tracks featuring higher-register singers plumb different tensions. “Oblivions” begins with Berninger trading lines with French singer/songwriter (and Bryce Dessner’s wife) Mina Tindle, before their voices converge, with Tindle out front, singing about marriage and the fear it fails to erase (“It’s the way you say yes when I ask you to marry me/You don’ t know what you are doing/Do you think you can carry me/Over the threshold/Over and over again until oblivion?”). That Beninger hangs back in the mix is interesting, both because it’s ostensibly his show, and for how pop songs — in mixing and arrangements — have historically treated women’s voices as subservient to men’s, not unlike the way photographic technology favors Caucasian skin tones. Tonal balance and audio separation are small gestures, but they demonstrate the breadth of cultural sexisms that need dismantling.

The duet-centered songs are the strongest. In its poignant tick-tocking piano melody, the camera-shutter percussion, the bleep-blorp electronics, the brightly funereal brass, the elegant choral and string arrangements, the title track beautifully skeins almost every sonic byway the group’s been exploring lately. A Big Apple tale, Berninger sings about “towers,” lies, and the way city life can rip a union apart, with Kate Stables, of the idiosyncratic English folk-rock group This Is The Kit, matching nearly every word. “You never were much of a New Yorker
/ It wasn’t in your eyes,” the couple sing to one another, with equal parts accusation and resignation.

In a similar way, “The Pull of You” suggests the banter of arch, articulate, probably degreed lovers — New York Review of Books readers, in therapy, whose smarts, sensitivity and self-awareness can’t save them or their relationship. And “Not in Kansas” uses a list of the things we use to define ourselves — beloved music, movies, drugs — to pin its character like a butterfly:

Smidges of bad ecstasy Must have left it in my pocket With my Christianity and my rocket I’m binging hard on Annette Bening And listening to REM again Begin The Begin over and over

It’s a tragicomic song, and Berninger sings it mostly alone, though one wonders how much of it was written by his life- and writing partner, Carin Besser, who co-wrote the set’s lyrics along with Berninger and Mike Mills. The loss in the song is palpable, as it is in “Light Years,” which ends the record in a swirl of strings and flashbacks, soft regret and acceptance — that faintly bitter taste that grows strangely appealing over time. Like the short movie, it doesn’t offer any morals or profound truths. Just beauty, and an invitation to savor it while you can.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-the-nationals-i-am-easy-to-find-836169/

[aaronmaurer]

Music I Liked in 2019

Every year I reflect on the pop culture I enjoyed and put it in some sort of order.

2019 was a great year for music, at least among the pop-leaning alt and indie rock I enjoy. Several favorite bands came back and knocked their latest efforts out of the park and I gained new appreciation for some artists that I’d never really connected with before. In fact, there was so much good music this year, I stretched my self-imposed Top 15 to get a few more records in. Of the three lists I write up each year, music is easily the most subjective because there’s a lot more of it out there and it’s even more fragmented, so I definitely don’t make any claims that these are the best albums of the year; they’re just my favorites and come highly recommended.

15. Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center

Phoebe Bridgers and Conner Oberst teamed up for this surprise release which merges both of their styles. The record is more electric/grungy than Bridgers’ solo output and though I’m not a big Oberst fan, there is still much to like here, especially the lovely ode to musical discovery “Chesapeake.”

14. Native Tongue – Switchfoot 

Switchfoot have established a pattern of alternating records I adore (Hello Hurricane, Fading West) with records that do almost nothing for me (Vice Verses, Where The Light Shines Through). Native Tongue swings back to the positive column with a mix of shiny anthems and contemplative balladry. Maybe the next one will break the cycle and stay in the “win” column?

13. New Jersey EP – Geographer / Let’s Try the After EPs – Broken Social Scene

The digital-age trend of artists dropping EPs rather than full-lengths continued in earnest this year with a lot of decent short-form offerings. Geographer’s New Jersey EP is my favorite thing he’s done in years and Broken Social Scene’s two Let’s Try The After releases continue the revitalized kick begun with 2017’s Hug of Thunder.

12. (I Am) Origami Pt. 3 – A Catacomb Hymn – John Van Deusen

Former Lonely Forest frontman Van Deusen released the third in a series of solo records last year, this one reconciling the alt-rock angst of Pt. 1 and the spiritual introspection of Pt. 2. There’s a lot to dig into here, but I’m especially fond of “Fly Away to Hell,” an appeal to finding hope through the natural world’s beauty in the midst of despair.

11. Without Fear – Dermot Kennedy

Kennedy’s first full-length record comes on the heels of a series of EPs and includes several tracks cherry-picked from those yet still coheres as a whole. Mixing singer-songwriter guitar folk with modern pop production (including vocal distortion effects and massive percussion) yields a sound that is simultaneously raw and polished – and immediate. Highlights include “All My Friends,” “Moments Passed,” “Lost” and “Dancing Under Red Skies.”

10. Everyday Life – Coldplay / Hyperspace – Beck

The latest albums from these two alt-rock luminaries were released on the same day and both have a lot to recommend them, even if they don’t quite reach the heights of the artists’ best work. Everyday Life is an interesting grab bag of ideas that doesn’t quite gel, but it is far better than anything on the prior A Head Full of Dreams. Tracks like the quietly pretty “Èkó,” the Owl John-interpolating “Champion of the World” and the Afrobeat breakdown “Arabesque” are peak Coldplay. Hyperspace is Beck doing vaporwave, a mostly chill dive into existentialism that finds a medium between the neon pop of Colors and the mellow beauty of Morning Phase.

  9. Rattlesnake – The Strumbellas 

While even Mumford & Sons have tired of the banjo-rock trend they re-popularized, there are still some terrific folk-leaning bands keeping the tradition alive. The most recent record from the Strumbellas is a collection of upbeat anthems that celebrate life and hope with an honest tinge of existentialism. This is perfectly encapsulated on closer “All My Life,” an ode to the paradoxical nature of love (whether divine or romantic) as both heart-breaking and life-giving force.

8. I Am Easy to Find – The National

I Am Easy to Find is the National at their more gorgeously languid. With the inclusion of a chorus of female vocalists (one of three in a trend on this list), the music here expands in new directions. As a sister piece to a short film by artist/designer Mike Mills (Beginners), this record has the feel of a curated museum piece – in the best possible way. “Not in Kansas” references my favorite R.E.M. album, “Where Is Her Head” is all propulsive stream-of-consciousness, and the closing sequence from “Hairpin Turns” through “Light Years” is as strong as anything else in the band’s catalog. (If you like this record, I strongly recommend “Think You Can Wait,” their earlier collaboration with Sharon Van Etten for the soundtrack to Win Win.)

7. Surviving – Jimmy Eat World

2016’s Integrity Blues marked a return to form for Jimmy Eat World after a couple uneven efforts and Surviving sets the bar even higher. Zach Lind’s percussion comes through as clearly and strongly as the robust guitar riffs, making this one of the best rock records of the year. The album’s middle stretch – from the synthy staccato of “555” to the quiet-loud dynamism of “One Mil” to the Futures-esque “All The Way (Stay)” to the soaring immediacy of “Diamond” – may be my favorite 4-song sequence of any album this year.

6. In the Morse Code of Break Lights – The New Pornographers

Another dose of shimmering power-pop from the Canadian collective, In the Morse Code of Break Lights finds A.C. Newman at his most lyrically direct, confronting the current political landscape with comparisons to fallen empires of antiquity on the likes of “Colossus of Rhodes” & “One Kind of Solomon.” Standouts include those tracks as well as the rhythmic pulse of “Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile” & “Opening Ceremony” and Simi Stone’s dynamic violin flourishes on “Dreamlike And On The Rush” & “Leather On The Seat.

5. Norman Fucking Rockwell! – Lana Del Rey

I’ve been on the fence about Lana Del Rey to this point, appreciating some of the singles I’ve heard but never fully engaging with her brand of arch romanticism. Whether her casually profane and resigned lyrics are authentically her or an ironic persona, NFR! is undeniable, reflecting the fatalism of young adulthood in Trump’s America with excellent songcraft. Jack Antonoff’s production floats her dreamy vocals over spare but lush instrumentation, creating a hazy atmosphere of malaise with maybe some glimmers of hope flickering through.

4. My Finest Work Yet – Andrew Bird

Another reflection of the times from an artist I’ve never quite connected with before, Bird’s wryly titled My Finest Work Yet focuses his droll wit on deconstructing American exceptionalism and imperialism. The wordplay throughout this record is ingenious, but it’s the compositions that really sell everything, with hooks a-plenty and warm jazz orchestration to counterbalance the heavy subject matter. And yes, there is some whistling.

3. NINE – blink-182 / Strange Love EP – Simple Creatures

If 2016’s California was preoccupied with recapturing the bratty pop-punk rush of Enema of the State, then NINE is blink-182’s return to the more experimental emo leanings of their self-titled 2003 release. While not quite as adventurous as that record, it’s definitely their best work since, featuring introspective lyrics, plenty of Whoa-Oh-Oh sing-a-longs and full integration of newest member Matt Skiba (who is deployed as much more than a Tom DeLonge surrogate this time out). Personal favorites include “Heaven,” “I Really Wish I Hated You,” “No Heart To Speak Of” and “Hungover You,” but this is a solid front-to-back listen.

2019 also saw Mark Hoppus team up with All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth for two EPs under the moniker Simple Creatures. Strange Love is the stronger of the two and leans into synthpop territory with bright choruses, providing a nice complement to NINE.

2. Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend

Aside from the stellar “Harmony Hall,” the pre-release singles from Vampire Weekend’s latest didn’t really wow me and I worried that this record (the first without Rostam Batmanglij as a full member) would end their unimpeachable run. However, in the context of the album, everything works brilliantly, a clear case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Ezra Koenig is at both his most experimental (see “Sympathy” and “Flower Moon”) and most traditional (see “Unbearably White” and “We Belong Together”) here, to great effect. Danielle Haim contributes vocals to several songs (two of three of the trend), tying everything together and adding a new dimension to the sound, which is still recognizably VW while expanding in new directions.

1. American Football (LP3) – American Football

Though I missed American Football’s initial late-90s run, I was glad to catch up with the band upon the release of their 2016 reunion album. Their music lives somewhere at the nexus of emo, post-rock, shoegaze and jazz, with instrumental motifs that call to mind Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity opus “Goodbye Sky Harbor.” 2019 brought a third LP (fortunately without a 17-year wait) that I believe is their best yet. Featuring female vocalists on several tracks (three of three of the trend), this set of songs has more immediate hooks without sacrificing lush guitar cascades or meditative polyrhythms. A perfect record to get lost in on a quiet morning drive – or any other time, really.

You know what’s better than reading about music? Listening to it. Here’s a sampling of songs from each of these records if you want an easily-digestible mix:

Bonus! Reinterpretation Albums:

Reworked – Snow Patrol – For Snow Patrol’s 25th year, they put out this album of new recordings of some of their greatest hits (and a few new songs for good measure). These reinterpretations aren’t drastically different from the originals, but they share a consistent coffeehouse vibe that makes for nice Sunday morning listening and a fresh approach to a typical “Best Of” record (which, to be fair, they have done before).

Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ – Various Artists – One of the final projects Scott Hutchison was involved with before his death, Tiny Changes bucks the trend of reissuing a landmark album on its anniversary. Instead, to commemorate 10 years of their breakthrough release, Frightened Rabbit tapped some of their favorite artists and friends (including the likes of Ben Gibbard, Manchester Orchestra and Julien Baker) to record cover versions of the whole thing. While nothing can touch the raw emotion of the originals, these interpretations reveal new dimensions to many of the songs, especially Daughter’s hauntingly beautiful and gut-wrenching take on “Poke.”

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Summer TV Preview: 26 of the Best New and Returning Series to Watch!

Among ET’s 90 top picks for summer are our 26 most anticipated TV shows of the season.

Who says the best television is reserved for the fall, or even the spring, for that matter? Summer has proven to be a prime season for TV, with critically acclaimed shows (Mad Men), juicy reality (Survivor and American Idol) and surprise hits (Wayward Pines).

This summer is proving to be no different. The Bachelorette and World of Dancewill certainly provide us with our reality fix, while acclaimed shows like Insecure, Queen Sugar and Younger are all coming back with new seasons. But what will be our surprise hit? Ryan Murphy’s Pose? American Woman, from reality housewife-turned-producer Kyle Richards? Amy Adams in Sharp Objects? Or, perhaps, all of them! There are plenty of options to choose from.

The Bachelorette

Let’s do the damn thing! New Bachelorette Becca Kufrin is ready to find love again after being proposed to by Arie Luyendyk Jr. and publicly dumped on television. The premiere, featuring 28 suitors vying for Becca’s heart, is sure to be spicy, as the 28-year-old publicist will be unexpectedly reunited with a guy from her past. While the drama and tears will surely be flowin’, we’re so ready for Becca to reach peak happiness. Arie who?

Premieres: Monday, May 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC

Six

Olivia Munn makes her debut on the second season of the Navy SEAL drama, playing badass CIA officer Gina Kline. Highly intelligent and cunning, Gina has dedicated her entire life to the clandestine world of dangerous government assignments. Her latest mission? Hunting down a mysterious terrorist only known as the Prince, which becomes her most personal yet.

Premieres: Monday, May 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on History

World of Dance

NBC

J.Lo, Ne-Yo, Derek Hough and Jenna Dewan are back and ready to find the latest talent in the world of dance! Already renewed for a third season, the super fun competition show will welcome another top-level talent to the fold, Julianne Hough, as a mentor for season two. Bring it on!

Premieres: Tuesday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC

Queen Sugar

OWN

When Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay are involved, you drop everything. The third season continues the Bordelon family’s fight as they try to save their family farm and father’s legacy as they navigate their own personal journeys. They soon find that their fight extends beyond their close-knit family to the community. Rutina Wesley, Kofi Siriboe, Bianca Lawson, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Ethan Hutchison and Nicholas Ashe are back for more family drama.

Premieres: Tuesday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Netflix

It’s time to say goodbye to Kimmy Schmidt. The first six episodes of the fourth and final season of the quirky Ellie Kemper comedy launch this month (the seven remaining episodes will premiere at a later date) and we’re not ready to bid farewell to our favorite cult member-turned-HR manager. Joining the zany world are Busy Philipps, Greg Kinnear, Bobby Moynihan and Aidy Bryant, with familiar faces Jon Hamm, Amy Sedaris and Zosia Mamet also returning.

Premieres: Wednesday, May 30 at 12:01 a.m. PT on Netflix

Pose

FX

Ryan Murphy is back at FX with Pose. Set in the 1980s, the eight-episode drama explores the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York: the ball culture world, the rise of the luxury Trump-era universe and the downtown social and literary scene. Featuring the largest transgender cast in series regular roles in TV history, as well as the biggest recurring cast of LGBTQ actors for a scripted series, the ensemble also includes James Van Der Beek, Kate Mara and Evan Peters.

Premieres: Sunday, June 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX

Dietland

AMC

Don’t mess with Julianna Margulies. The Good Wife and ER alum returns to the small screen as red-haired glamazon Kitty Montgomery, the narcissistic boss of fashion magazine writer Plum Kettle (Joy Nash). Based on Sarai Walker’s 2015 best-selling novel and created by Marti Noxon (Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, UnREAL), Dietland unveils Plum’s journey to self-awakening while exploring a multitude of issues faced by women today -- including patriarchy, misogyny, rape culture and unrealistic beauty standards. Plus, it’s sexy, provocative and oh, so juicy!

Premieres: Monday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC

Younger

Team Charles or Team Josh? That is the ultimate question! The TV Land favorite returns for its fifth season, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Liza (Sutton Foster) as she navigates life and love in the Big Apple, most of the time pretending to be a younger, 20-something version of her actual self. Creator Darren Star hinted that a big premiere-ending bombshell will “change the equation for the entire series going forward.” Uh oh, what could it be?

Premieres: Tuesday, June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TV Land

Marvel's Cloak and Dagger

Freeform

Another Marvel show is heading to TV, and this one just might fill the void left by Hulu’s teen-centric Runaways. Cloak and Dagger tells the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph), two teenagers from different backgrounds who find themselves with newly acquired superpowers -- Tandy can throw light daggers, while Tyrone can control darkness -- that are mysteriously linked to one another. We’re so in.

Premieres: Thursday, June 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform

Nashville

The CMT drama prepares to bid adieu with the final eight episodes of the series, and we’re betting the drama is just ramping up for Juliette (Hayden Panettiere), Deacon (Charles Esten) and company. As the finale nears, the cast fondly remembered their six-season run, with Esten saying, “There was a magic in the very beginning. There will be magic in the very end."

Premieres: Thursday, June 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT

American Woman

Paramount Network

Inspired by the real-life childhood of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards, American Woman follows Bonnie (Alicia Silverstone), an unconventional mother struggling to raise her two daughters after leaving her husband in 1970s Los Angeles. With the help of her best friends, Kathleen (Mena Suvari), and Diana (Jennifer Bartels), Bonnie and her pals are about to discover their own brand of independence in a world reluctant to give it to them.

Premieres: Thursday, June 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network

Claws

TNT

The claws are out in Manatee County, Florida! TNT’s female-led nail-erific crime drama is back with Niecy Nash leading the charge as Desna and her trusty crew of women embrace the darker side of their shady side business. But they’re about to face some formidable foes in the form of dangerous Russian gangsters. Even so, we’re 99.9 percent sure that Desna and company are more than capable of showing who’s boss.

Premieres: Sunday, June 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on TNT

The Bold Type

Freeform

Our favorite trio -- Jane (Katie Stevens), Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and Kat (Aisha Dee) -- returns for two more seasons, and the girls of The Bold Type are truly upping the ante with a two-hour sophomore premiere. There’s a lot to look forward to: awesome friendship moments with the core trio, blossoming romances and even some illegal activity. Oy vey, we’re counting down to the show's return!

Premieres: Tuesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform

The Affair

Showtime

Season four finds Noah (Dominic West), Helen (Maura Tierney), Alison (Ruth Wilson) and Cole (Joshua Jackson) in their own orbits, alienated from each other, spinning further and further away from where they all began. Each of them is involved in a new relationship, forcing them to decide if they’re ready and willing to leave the past behind for good. Sanaa Lathan joins the Showtime drama as Janelle, the tough-as-nails principal of the charter school where Noah teaches, with fellow new additions Ramon Rodriguez, Russell Hornsby and Phoebe Tonkin.

Premieres: Sunday, June 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime

Shades of Blue

NBC

J.Lo is a busy bee this summer! The woman who does it all leads the third and final 10-episode season of her police procedural as Detective Harlee Santos, whose “poetic” arc ends with “true redemption.” “Now looking at it with a little distance, playing Harlee strengthened me and helped me grow into a more self-assured woman,” the 48-year-old star said in April when the final season was announced. “It's crazy how some parts permeate your soul and change you forever and for that I am grateful.”

Premieres: Sunday, June 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC

Yellowstone

Paramount Network

Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who control the largest contiguous ranch in the country and must contend with constant attacks by land developers, clashes with an Indian reservation and conflict with America's first national park. From creator-director-writer Taylor Sheridan, the drama also stars Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Dave Annable and Cole Hauser.

Premieres: Wednesday, June 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network

Marvel's Luke Cage

Netflix

A powerful new villain is about to rock Luke Cage (Mike Colter) to his core. After the events of The Defenders, Luke returns to Harlem as a hometown hero, but it isn’t long before his newfound celebrity status attracts unwanted attention from Bushmaster, who also happens to wield bulletproof powers. Elementary star Lucy Liu directed the season premiere.

Premieres: Friday, June 22 at 12:01 a.m. PT on Netflix

GLOW

Netflix

Do we really need to sell you on GLOW? It’s divine, and that’s all you need to know. Plus, Alison Brie is a force to be reckoned with. But, if you still needed another season to tune in for season two, Brie recently teased that there might just be a scene or two with some major breakdance action. Sold.

Premieres: Friday, June 29 at 12:01 a.m. PT on Netflix

Suits

Things are about to look very different in the world of Suits. The long-running legal drama said farewell to longtime stars Meghan Markle and Patrick J. Adams, but a new chapter is upon us with the addition of Katherine Heigl. The former Grey’s Anatomy star joins the high-stakes law world as attorney Samantha Wheeler, whom Gabriel Macht likened to Harvey Specter 2.0. “They're truly adversarial, but they sometimes mirror each other in their actions and their manipulative ways to accomplish what they need,” he teased to ET. “We'll see who's the better the poker player, who can kick more people in the knees."

Premieres: July on USA Network

Sharp Objects

HBO

Five-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams stars in the eight-episode limited series, Sharp Objects, based on the 2006 novel by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn. Adams plays reporter Camille Preaker, who returns to her hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, to investigate the murders of two young girls, forcing her to face her personal demons. If the trailer is any indication of what lies ahead, this may be our new summer obsession.

Premieres: Sunday, July 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO

Heathers

Originally scheduled to debut in March, Paramount Network pushed back the launch of the Heathers TV reboot after the Parkland, Florida, high school shooting on Feb. 14. Loosely inspired by the 1988 cult classic with Shannen Doherty (she’s back as a new character!) and Christian Slater, this 10-episode black comedy is set in modern-day Westerburg High School and revolves around Veronica Sawyer (Grace Victoria Cox) as she deals with the school's most popular (and most vicious) clique, the Heathers.

Premieres: Tuesday, July 10 on Paramount Network

Trial and Error

NBC

Kristin Chenoweth takes over as the new lead on the sophomore season of Trial and Error: Lady Killer. The Tony and Emmy winner will play Lavinia Peck-Foster, an eccentric heiress known for her flamboyant outfits, large hats and hairless cat, who has not left the confines of Peck Gardens in ages. Lavinia calls on Josh Segal and Associates -- the team that got off Owl Murderer Larry Henderson (John Lithgow) -- to defend her after her husband is found stuffed into a suitcase in the back of her car.

Premieres: Thursday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC

Making It

NBC

Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman are rollin’ up their sleeves for the six-episode competition series, where the most talented crafts makers from across the country will take on a variety of handmade projects in the hopes of impressing Poehler, Offerman and expert judges Simon Doonan and Dayna Isom Johnson. Honestly, we’re here for anything with these Parks and Recreation BFFs!

Premieres: Tuesday, July 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC

The Sinner

USA Network

Jessica Biel may not be returning in front of the camera, but she’s just as excited to be pulling the strings behind the scenes as an executive producer on the new season. Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, Fargo) joins returning cast member Bill Pullman as the new lead, playing Vera, a formidable yet mysterious woman who struggles between upholding the ideals of the community she leads and fulfilling her own desires.

Premieres: August on USA Network

Insecure

Issa new season for the hilariously honest HBO comedy. (See what we did there?) Issa Rae -- sorry, two-time Golden Globe nominee Issa Rae -- is reason enough to tune in for another season of realness as we pick back up with Issa, her bestie Molly (Yvonne Orji) and ex-boyfriend Lawrence (Jay Ellis). Besides, we’re dying to know where exactly things are going to go after last season’s finale.

Premieres: Sunday, Aug. 12 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on HBO

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Amazon Studios

John Krasinski stars as the titular action hero in Amazon Prime’s highly anticipated TV adaptation of the popular Tom Clancy novels in his first series regular role since Jim Halpert on The Office. The series reintroduces Jack as an up-and-coming CIA analyst thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time and co-stars Wendell Pierce (Suits) and Abbie Cornish. More reason to spend a weekend in for a binge watch? It’s already renewed for a second season!

Premieres: Friday, Aug. 31 on Amazon Prime

MORE SUMMER PREVIEW:

Summer Film Preview: 27 of the Most Anticipated Movies of the Season!

Summer Music Preview: 17 Albums We Can’t Wait to Hear

Summer Theater Preview: 11 Must-See Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows

Summer Book Preview: 9 Beach Reads by Bill Clinton, Emily Giffin, Lauren Weisberger and More!