Every now and then we feel the need to recommend things that we've been enjoying lately. Think of it as The Lit Department's syllabus to life. Only less academic. And less oppressive.
"Watching the Planets" by Flaming Lips (music)
This song sounds not a thing like the Flaming Lips. The low-fi vocals are vaguely reminiscent of Joy Division, and the overall feel is at once industrial and tribal and less futuristic and psychedelic than what we've come to expect — no robot wars here. But, oh, that drumming. The jury is still out on the rest of their new album, but do yourself a favor and download this song immediately. - CM
Pomplamoose (music)
They're a band, a collaboration between two YouTube sensations (
Nataly Dawn and
Jack Conte), and you should buy their album on iTunes. Their cover version of the late, great Jacko's "Beat It" blew up thanks to Digg.com (some Digg users strangely reacted with
anti-hipster hate, which leads me to believe nerds aren't very skilled at telling the difference between
hipsters and indy musicians... and yes, there's a difference), but it's Pomplamoose's cover of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" that really is the gem in their musical treasure trove. Their original tunes are lovingly crafted as well, and remind me of a cross between Feist and LCD Soundsystem, as sung by a pretty girl with a degree in French Literature. - EB
Glee (television)
If you like musicals, stories about the underdogs, pop music, country music, classic rock, mash-ups, teenage angst, flashy dance numbers, or if you ever sang in a choir, had a gay friend, fell for someone already married or dating someone else, had doubts about your career, future, or current partner, ever got slammed into a locker by the cool kids, or basically, if you went to high school ever in your whole life, you will like this show. - CM
(EB's note: I've never watched this show, but I did catch the clip of a bunch of football players performing the dance routine to Beyonce's "Single Ladies," which was mildly entertaining; also, I promise no more "Single Ladies" references for the rest of the article).
Regretsy.com (web)
There are people in this world who make gorgeous crafts with their own two hands: jewelry, sweaters, wall art, sculptures, knick-knacks, plush robots, and on and on. These people sell their wares on Etsy.com and have managed to eek out a living based on their handiwork. There are also people in this world who think your water-bottle needs a crocheted pink vagina cozy, or that you are dying for hand-painted converse sneakers depicting Bella and Edward from twilight, or that your backyard would be incomplete without a taxidermied unicorn. These people can be found at Regretsy, along with site creator, Helen Killer’s ruthless commentary. - CM
Black Adder (television)
Before seeing Black Adder the 2nd, I had no idea that Rowan Atkinson (better known as Mr. Bean) was capable of not acting like a complete idiot. And beyond that, that he was capable of portraying someone with devious intentions, moral depravity, or even wit. But that he is. The BBC series follows Mr. Atkinson, as the Black Adder throughout British history (well, a loose tie in with some historic events anyway), joined by Stephen Frye, Hugh Laurie, Tony Robinson, and a variety of other standout English actors. And, the complete series is now on iTunes, so you have no excuse for not watching it. - CM
