1) FILM/TELEVISION
SPIDER-MAN : INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - (2018 Animated)
I am by no means letting the majority of folks onto something new here, but no matter. Because if you have yet to lay eyes on this film, you are doing yourself a disservice. I avoided this film for the longest time (I’m not the biggest Marvel/SuperHero fan), until the pandemic left me searching for more and more art to consume. After a good friend kept telling me to check it out, I succumbed to the pressure. And holy shit. Well, it’s now one of my favorite animated films ever made. Maybe this film is mostly built for kids, but the adults can definitely enjoy this one in their own way.
The animation is fresh to the eye, and blends seamlessly with the clever story. And the comedic timing is top-notch, with a cast that is as strong as can be assembled. Disclaimer* - this film definitely does not suck with the addition of any sort of substance that may or may not alter the mind (I am not advocating for doing anything illegal, but, you do you).
Here is the trailer:
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2) MUSIC
AJR - (American Indie Pop Trio)
“AJR is an American indie pop trio composed of multi-instrumentalist brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met. The name "AJR" comes from the first initials of the three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan… The band writes, produces, and mixes their music in the living room of their apartment in New York City. Their musical style has been described as "eclectic," combining elements of pop, doo-wop, electronic, and dubstep.” - Wikipedia
I was a little late to the scene in regards to truly listening to AJR’s complete works, but I have to say better late than never. I have become a complete fanboy of these guys. After seeing them play live in Columbus, Ohio this past summer at the WonderBus Music & Arts Festival, I was hooked by their infectious thumping melodies and their absolute commitment to delivering an entertaining show on a live stage.
One of the extra treats AJR provides is bringing on auxiliary band members to fill the big sound that they conjure up. Recently Arnetta Johnson has been their trumpeter, and she fits right into this musical equation perfectly.
Here is a taste of the energy and fun that AJR brings to the table, and a piece from their OK Orchestra Tour of how they construct the song Bang! :
3) ART
CARAVAGGIO - (Italian Painter)
“Nerdwriter” on Youtube gives a fantastic, short and sweet look into Caravaggio and the way he uses light. For those that are interested in learning a little bit more about how painters paint, and the choices they make, then this is a nice example:
4) BOOKS/ WRITING
STEPHEN KING - On Writing : A Memoir of the Craft
If you have any interest in the actual craft of writing, then Stephen King’s book On Writing is a fantastic look into the art of putting word to page.
It is a book that writers can continue to revisit during their careers for reference or inspiration. Even if you are just a Stephen King fan, it gives great insight on how he started his writing career, and the ties from his own life that led to many of the characters and stories that he has written about.
A fascinating story is one that he tells of Carrie, the novel that started everything for King. He was so despondent with his writing choices in the early novel, that King actually threw the manuscript away in the trash can. He wife was the one that pulled it out of the garbage, unbeknownst to King, until she told him that she thought he had something here, and shouldn’t give up just yet. We all know what happened next for King.
This book gives authors in particular the voice of a writing companion, who has gone through all of the shit that drives us writers out of our minds on a daily basis. In a way, Stephen King is there for you through your struggle. He brings the task of writing back down to earth into a tangible form, instead of letting it ride up in the ethereal sun beams where many of us allow it to float.
If you would like to purchase the book on Amazon, you can do so with the link here: https://amzn.to/3lLwGy3
5) PHOTOGRAPHY
DANNY CLINCH - (American Photographer)
Danny Clinch is a portrait photographer most widely known for his work in the musical space. He has photographed a vast array of musicians, from Johnny Cash to Tupac Shakur, and hundreds of others.
I have always been a fan of rock and roll photography, more so of the live, in-action kind. However Clinch provides a look into the lives of these artists off-stage as well. A subtle framing of time, when the music has stopped, at least for the moment.
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Cheers always for Didion and love Brassai's Paris black & whites...
Have always loved the emotion and play-of-light in Caravaggio's art.Still,had he lived twice-as-long...I doubt the intensity would have been there.King's book sounds interesting/inspiring and Clinch's photos freeze time so powerfully.Spiderman seems like a good animated...but,AJR isn't my cup-of-tea.