The Incongruous City

Mrs L sees and hears it on the streets of Manhattan

 

Picks for August 2009

Book: I’m reading Colum McCann’s latest, "Let The Great World Spin". I’m not even halfway and I’m enthralled. I really stand in awe of Mr. McCann’s writing—I picked "Dancer" a few months ago. I love it when I discover a writer who has a real voice, and a masterly feel for language and knows how to complete a narrative arc in a compelling way. McCann has it all in spades.

 Television: Just finished watching the entire ‘Nurse Jackie’ series on demand. It’s so repellent—and so compelling. I keep waiting for her whole house of cards to fall, with the drug addiction and the sordid affair. I guess that may happen in the second season, but she really has a good game face. The supporting cast is phenomenal, particularly the actress who plays Jackie’s student nurse, Zoe. Zoe put a nasty film critic in a coma in the last episode. Way to go, Zoe.

Music: Oh wow, oh wow. Exciting new finds: 1) Maino. Yes, Maino. My son is turning me on to hip-hop. I LOVE his record ‘All the Above’. When he gets to the line ‘Thank you for making me struggle/ the struggle was nothing but love’ I get a lump in my throat. When he ends up ‘I am destined for greatness’, tears come. I swear. This is a great lyric, and a passionate performance.
2) Black Eyed Peas, ‘Where Is The Love’. Thank god there is someone who can still do social commentary without sounding like he is judging and preaching. It’s a beautiful rap.
3) "God Help The Girl". This is an ensemble piece, and it’s fascinating and a concept record, and I love the story and the music but the real thrill for me is discovering Brittany Stallings, who sings ‘Funny Little Frog’. If I’ve played it once, I’ve played it a thousand times. If I was 25, and I had to trade voices with someone, I’d ask Brittany. What a great talent. Check out the video for "Funny Little Frog" on youtube.

And finally, Joe Henry’s new record "Blood From Stars" is a monumental achievement. Just read Paste’s review, and the fact that they call him the ‘artist of the decade’, to get a feel for how important and poetic Joe Henry is. This record is an indication.

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