This month’s 70-song best-of playlist pulls from dozens of new albums and a few singles, including the latest from Lizzo and Cardi B, Adia Victoria, George Harrison, John Carpenter and CHVRCHES, the Killers, Jade Bird, Phoebe Bridgers, Sturgill Simpson, Belly and the Weeknd, Lorde, Supergrass, and Django Django. [Spotify]
Speaking of Wanda Jackson, who made the above playlist, the classic rockabilly artist is back and ready to talk about her relationship with Elvis and the music industry in general. [The Independent]
Nanci Griffith passed away a few weeks ago— if you aren’t familiar with her musical output, here’s a good starting point: her Guardian obit. [The Guardian]
This is fun: pop singers sorted by their vocabulary size. Some big surprises here. [Digg]
Warren Ellis of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds stole Nina Simone’s gum, giving birth to his new book (title.) [The Guardian]
Film/TV
Have you seen both Running on Empty and My Own Private Idaho and thus the two greatest performances by River Phoenix, the leading actor of his generation? If the answer is not a resounding “yes,” get on it, stat. [Variety]
While the Jeopardy! hosting nightmare continues, this article on the fall of Mike Richards (written before he was finally fired yesterday but still relevant) and the corporate ineptitude in TV today is a must-read, blistering attack. [Vulture]
Politics/Activism
Brian is in Florida and has little in the way of internet access, cell phone service, or good times right now, but he is okay. Other people who help with this mailing list are doing well but their homes may not have survived the impacts of Hurricane Ida. Will keep you all updated, but so far, everyone is doing OK, health-wise. Thank you for all your texts, calls and emails!