Uplifting books, music and comedy that will put a positive spin on isolation
Editor’s note: In the aftermath of the unfortunate yet completely understandable and responsible decision to scrap this year’s iteration of Big Ears, the BLANK staff was left grasping at straws for ideas of content that could replace the pre-festival coverage that typically graces our cover each March. It was Bill Foster who suggested that we write about some of our unheralded favorites – music, movies, books and other things that might fly under the radar of most folks – in order to provide our readers with touchstones for exploring new entertainment options during this protracted period of self-isolation. Tuesday’s picks come from longtime BLANK contributor/web guru and Nashville resident Matt Miller.
Books
“How Music Works” by David Byrne
For any self-proclaimed music nerd, this book explores the deep history and evolution of music through the eyes (and research) of one of the most open minds in the industry. “How Music Works” is an expansive look into the history of music in all forms, including how we create, consume, distribute and enjoy the rhythms that become the soundtrack to our everyday lives. Byrne’s long experimental career forms the basis for firsthand insights into many topics. Throughout, he remains honest yet optimistic about the ever-changing world of music creation and consumption.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life” and “Everything Is F***ed: A Book About Hope” by Mark Manson
If you haven’t experienced two of 2019’s best bestsellers yet, now is the time to do it! Mark Manson has established himself as one of the great writers of the current generation with his keen ability to explore daily life and personal struggle in a way that is sincere, realistic and encouraging. Manson is a realist in nature, but he’s an optimistic one who is able to inspire while confronting harsh realities. These books will impact you in some way; understanding them requires introspection and self-reflection, but they will be sure to lift your spirit.
Music
David Byrne albums and live performances
Although you may already be familiar with Talking Heads and David Byrne, here is a “Byrnexploration” I highly recommend for both those who are unfamiliar with the musical genius and those (like me) who are obsessed with him.
- Talking Heads – “Stop Making Sense” (live performance DVD)
- David Byrne – “Live From Austin, TX” (live performance DVD)
- David Byrne / Brian Eno – “Everything That Happens Will Happen Today”
- David Byrne / St. Vincent – “Love This Giant”
- David Byrne – “American Utopia” (Broadway show)
Nashville Artists
There’s been a lot of great music coming out of Nashville so far in 2020. Many of these artists are being forced to cancel spring tours that were scheduled in support of these albums, so please stream or purchase them if you can to help these folks during these tough times.
- Katie Pruitt – “Expectations”
- Devon Gilfillian – “Black Hole Rainbow”
- Sadler Vaden – “Anybody Out There?”
- Bre Kennedy – “Twenty Something”
Stand-up comedy specials
In the last few years, stand-up comedy has seen a surge in success, primarily due to wider access with Netflix. Here are some more recent comedy specials to keep you laughing this month.
- Marc Maron – “End Times Fun” (Netflix)
OK, so this one may not make you feel better, but Maron’s uniquely sarcastic and realistic takes on life today is needed and often helpful. He is beginning to acknowledge and accept the chaotic, ever-changing world with a sense of calm, which only adds to the hilarious sincerity he projects.
- Nate Bargatze – “The Tennessee Kid” (Netflix)
This Nashville native has quickly gained stand-up popularity thanks to this latest Netflix special. Bargatze brings a blend of calm and confidence, and he’s a terrific storyteller who explores the strange hilarity of everyday life (air travel, cheap weddings and college football to name a few). There’s no crudeness or political incorrectness with Bargatze, and this now-rare comedic approach is quite refreshing.
- Ramy Youssef – “Feelings” (HBO)
In his first HBO stand-up special, newcomer Ramy Youseff takes a very personal yet very funny look at his life as an Egyptian-American in the entertainment industry. Youssef takes very specific angles at universal predicaments, finding the humor in the differences of his experiences and bringing a new, unique voice to stand-up comedy.
Television
The assorted works of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David
To start, if you’ve never ventured into the creative, successful minds of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, there’s no better place to start than with the legendary sitcom “Seinfeld.” There are countless lists cataloging the best episodes that will get you going. And David found the best home ever at HBO for his improv-comedy masterpiece “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” now with 10 seasons of nonstop hilarity under its belt. The show is filled with celebrity appearances, and the closest thing to a “Seinfeld” reunion we may ever get occurs in Season 7.
Don’t worry: There’s even more. Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” is now on Netflix, providing unique and hilarious interviews with some of today’s most creative comedians, actors, musicians and more. For family-friendly fare, his “Bee Movie” is great for all ages. “Clear History” is a lesser-known favorite of David fans, and it also stars Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kate Hudson, Michael Keaton and others.
We must throw in that “Seinfeld” great Julia Louis-Dreyfus starred in the HBO show “Veep,” which last spring ended its run after seven excellent seasons. It made BLANK’s best-of-decade list and would be perfect for any political-comedy fan over the course of the next few weeks.
