Shelf, Screen, and Stereo

I never have been one to post "what I'm reading, watching, and listening to." In all honesty, it has always made me slightly uncomfortable. I wouldn't call myself in expert in music, film, or literature so it never felt right to share what I claim to be good or bad. That's also why journalism and news has come easy to me, reporting often requires the extraction of opinion.

I am subscribed to multiple newsletters on this very "recommendation" centered theme, such as Culture Study and Morning person. However, I recently have found myself disagreeing with what the people have been recommending more often than usual. Not necessarily because they're wrong, but maybe because it simply comes down to difference in taste. That disconnect has finally pushed me to reveal my own raw list of what I have been listening, watching, and reading over the past couple of weeks.

Take everything with a grain of salt. Take the recommendation or don't, it's not like I'll really know anyways.

I'll start with what I've been listening to. Recently, I have been challenging myself to listen to albums in full rather than listening to certain songs on repeat. Elliott Smith has been an artist I have listened to off and on since high school. However, I just recently listened to Either/Or front to back and shortly after ordered the album on vinyl.

In my opinion, it's one of those records that deserve full-album treatment. Standouts for me were Alameda, Between The Bars, and Angeles. Definitely not the happiest and most up beat, but definitely a nearly perfect album.

On the more up beat side, I would also recommend Passion Pit's Manners album. This album feels like straight sunshine to me and is great for long train rides.

Famesick

Lena Dunham's newly released memoir

I'll admit that I am not the biggest reader, so when I recommend a book, I really mean it. GIRLS is one of my favorite shows of all time, and I full heartedly believe it is a true representation of Lena Dunham's genius. I recently attended Dunham's book talk in Brooklyn where she introduced her memoir, answered questions, and talked about her experiences in the industry. I immediately started reading Famesick on the train back home and was hooked.

The writing is incredible along with the stories. It is also a very easy read, so great for easy entertainment.

I think majority of population under the age of 30 has been keeping up with season three of Euphoria. I hope this is a safe space to say that it sucks. I mean I am definitely entertained, but the show has definitely lost its sparkle.

That being said, I will still be tuning in every Sunday.

As for film and speaking of Zendaya, I recently saw two new movies in the theater, The Drama and Undertone. I initially did not like The Drama until sitting with it for a day and then decided to give it a 3/5 on my letterboxd. I would say it's worth a watch. The acting is good along with it being a very entertaining film.

I really enjoyed Undertone up until the ending, which I thought fell flat. As a fan of horror, I'll watch almost any new scary movie that comes out. Undertone is definitely unique just for the fact that it revolves around sound other than visuals. I was certainly spooked at points which automatically makes me deem it a 4/5.

That's about it for this roundup but I must add one last thing. While on the topic of recent obsessions, I have to mention my new vice.

I freaking love Thai tea. Actually I don't just love it, I need it everyday. I have been trying new places around the city while on the hunt for the best Thai tea, so I am taking recommendations.

And if you have never had a Thai iced tea, that is really sad and I hope you can try one soon.

See you next week!

—Mary

lovingly preserving life's leftovers in TheMayoJar.