Looking for something new to read, watch, or listen to? I get so much pleasure out of books, music, TV shows, and movies that I thought I’d share some of my favorites every weekend so you might explore them. Let me know what you think.
LISTEN (music)
“This Bitter Earth” by Veronica Swift
Jazz singer Swift does a pensive interpretation of a Dinah Washington classic that builds to an almost triumphant climax. Emmet Cohen’s simple but intense piano adds an emotional dimension to Swift’s haunting performance. You can listen to the song here:
For comparison, also listen to Dinah’s soulful version :
WATCH (movie)
Pig (2021) written and directed by Michael Sarnoski
Everything about this film is both surprising and rewarding. Although it starts as if it’s going to be a John Wick clone, it actually is the anti-John Wick movie. Nicholas Cage, in one of the best and most restrained performances of his career, goes to the big city to find his stolen truffle-finding pig. But the film isn’t interested in revenge, it’s interested in insight and enlightenment, but never sacrifices on suspenseful plotting, smart dialogue, or compelling characters.
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