Oh sure, I could talk about The Tortured Poet’s Department, but everybody’s doing that, and no one wants my old Gen X lady take (Gen X Lady Take might be the name of my new band) on Taylor Swift’s latest double album. But Pearl Jam also released a new album this weekend, and as my 24-year-old son messaged me, the “album is actually very good.” Their best in many years, in fact. We ain’t dead yet, folks!
But I managed to squeeze in a few other fun things this week, so let’s get to it.
Anatomy of a Fall. I finally got around to watching Sandra Hüller’s Oscar-nominated performance as a writer trying to prove her innocence after her husband's death. Heavy on the courtroom drama. I thought the kid actor was great, and I hadn’t heard a thing about him prior to watching it. Great movie, but not for those who don’t like tidy endings or subtitles.
Nolly on PBS. Helena Bonham Carter stars as Noele Gordon, one of the most famous faces on British TV. It’s only three episodes, it’s a great period piece that’s also a true story, and it’s wonderful. Helena Bonham Carter is brilliant and campy.
Franklin on Apple TV+. Michael Douglas does a pretty solid job of portraying Ben Franklin in this limited series. I’m a sucker for history, so this is right up my alley. “In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when — as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance — he embarks on a secret mission to France.” I’ve only watched the beginning of every episode, because I keep falling asleep. Staying awake is hard! But Scott has finished all the episodes so far, and he gives it his stamp of approval. I’ll get around to the second half of every episode eventually. I mean, I know what happens. Spoiler alert! The French help out!
Carol Burnett on the Mark Maron Podcast. Just more Carol Burnett love. She’s 90, she talks for an hour, and she’s sharp as a tack. She’s funny, engaging, and she does Wordle with Alison Janney every day.
Here’s yet another installment in my effort to revisit songs, bands, or music videos from the ‘80s that I ignored, didn’t know existed, or simply forgot about until recently. Cloudcuckooland is the debut album by British band the Lightning Seeds released in 1990. I will always consider 1990-1991 part of the ‘80s, since I graduated from college in 1991, and it usually takes a few years for a new decade to really form its own identity. “Pure” was the band's first hit in the United Kingdom, and their only top 40 entry in the United States. A light and romantic little ditty, pure and simple just for you.
It took me a long time to listen to Marc Maron, but that episode was in my queue and I enjoyed it. Then, after that I listened to Billie Joe Armstrong's interview. So, now I'm listening to Green Day again and old clips of the Carol Burnett show on YouTube.