Hot Stuff: cultural picks for August from five local luminaries
August is peak season for beach reads, Netflix binges and patio playlists. We asked five local luminaries to share their cultural picks for a summer heat wave.
“I’m re-watching this brilliant comedy in anticipation of its much-delayed second season this fall. It’s hilarious, with a hide-behind-your-hands cringe factor.”
“In the summer I like to work late and listen to Laurie Brown’s radio show. Her tastes—from indie emo-drone to rousing digital anthems—are, for me, perfect.”
“A friend introduced me to Collins, a former American poet laureate. This poem is wise and heartbreaking.”
“I rediscovered this album while writing a screenplay for Bruce McDonald set in the summer of ’76. Each song feels like the kind that would play in the car on the way home from the beach.”
“This summer, the Lightbox is screening a dozen films by the British director Jim Jarmusch. I’ve never seen Stranger Than Paradise, so I’m looking forward to that one, as well as Down by Law, one of my favourites.”
“I’ve kept their track ‘Understand’ on repeat while shuffling through airports and train stations. It helps me get into my own head.”
“His first novel, out in September, is all about STDs, Paris, sex and cannibalism. What’s not to love? He’s a genius, and it’s wonderful to see that intellect extend out beyond filmmaking.”
“My boyfriend turned me on to this Toronto band when we were in Europe recently. It’s contemporary jazz, with lots of texture in the sound.”
“I’m years late to this, but I’m currently bingeing the latest season. Julianna Margulies’s gothic features are endlessly watchable.”
“Having tracked down copies of every last Lee Child thriller online, I simply have to wait for him to publish the next, but sometimes I wake up needing him like coffee.”
“I was lucky enough to hear St. Vincent at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year. Now I have two of her albums on repeat, full of fierce electronics and angelic vocals.”
“I can’t wait to see the new film about Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed-race grandniece of Lord Mansfield, who grew up in his stately home in London’s Hampstead Heath. I published a story about Dido in 2002, so it’s a real thrill to see her get the big-screen treatment.”
“Sad to see this show go [from network TV, at any rate] after five seasons. I’m a big fan of sitcoms, and Community is one of the best ever. Super clever but with so much heart.”
“I guess it’s a stretch to call basketball culture, but man, the Spurs play the most beautiful ball since the Lakers and Celtics of the ’80s. Watching those guys play is like going to the Louvre.”
“Coldplay are generally considered uncool, but they’re perennially good at what they do. ‘Magic’ took me by surprise—it’s the song of the year so far to me. Smooth production, soulful vocal performance and just a great song about hope.”
“Samson, the front man for The Weakerthans, is a terrific songwriter. I pick up this book every couple of days to admire the precision of his words.”
“Each story is its own world. I find myself rereading it again and again, the way you want to keep listening to a great song.”
“It’s introspective and melancholic without being precious or mopey, with a horn section worthy of Otis Redding.”
“Fake news has become one of the best cultural outlets for irreverent journalism. The show is in reruns through the summer, so it’s a great time to look back at earlier episodes you might have missed.”
“Žižek, a Slovenian philosopher, is sometimes referred to as the Elvis of cultural theory because he is so damn entertaining. In this film, he parses classic Hollywood movies for deeper meaning—it’s that magical mix of high and low brow.”
