Artists of the Month
- Calvin Harris: To begin with, Calvin's DJ set at Music Hall of Williamsburg was totally amazing - one of the best nights ever. Then there is the fact that I have no idea how many times I have listened to Ready for the Weekend this month, but it is nowhere near too many. Meanwhile, "The Rain" is one of my new favorite songs EVER; it and the album provided the perfect soundtrack to driving around Martha's Vineyard on a perfect September weekend, and now the Brit is hooked on Calvin too. Plus, I am now in possession of the double vinyl LP, so Calvin goodness all around.
- Example: "Watch the Sun Come Up" is full of golden-drenched late summer goodness. I want to go live in this song and its video.
- Alphabeat: "The Spell" is an awesome song. So much 80s fabulousness, and yet so fresh at the same time.
- The XX: Digging their covers of Elton's "Teardrops" and The Source's "You've Got the Love."
- Basement Jaxx: The new album is finally out. Rejoice. And "Feelings Gone" has now replaced "Raindrops" as my Jaxx song of the moment.
Things I Cooked
- Asian chicken with broccoli and cashews
- Hoisin chicken
- Butternut squash and corn chowder
- Crab cakes
- Dulche de leche and fresh whipped cream
- Eggs on toast and mimosas
- Spaghetti with sausage and mushrooms
- Garlic bread
Movies
- Whatever Works
- The September Issue
- 9
Books
- Oscar Wilde & A Death of No Importance, Gyles Brandreth. One of the most enjoyable and fun to read books that I have read in a while. Of course, I do love me some Oscar any time at all, but this was also a well crafted piece of losely historical fiction, and the mystery element was a nice touch. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
- Celebutantes, Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper. A frothy piece of Hollywood chick-lit. Some of the characters were quite insufferable and the writing wasn't as biting as I hoped it would be, but there were still plenty of great quotes to be had. Overall, this book further dimmed my view of LA and removed any envy I may have had for actresses on the red carpet.
- Up Island, Anne Rivers Siddons. One of the few books to get its portrayal of Martha's Vineyard right. I didn't love the characters or plot, but Siddons does capture the true spirit of the island and its residents. Of course, it helps that she had some guidance from my godmother, to whom she dedicated the book.
- Nine Stories, J.D. Salinger. A very quick read, but that is because the stories are all so tight and well crafted. Salinger is a master of character, and all of these stories are a testament to that talent.
