First Take: Salt of the Earth, Clouds of Sils Maria, Predestination
I've seen three memorable movies in the last three weeks. Two of them come from world-renowned directors, and one of them is as crazy and strange as time-travel stories get.
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Belle and Sebastian’s happy song about sadness
Want an injection of instant joy? I’ve just heard the most joyful song about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Thank you, Belle and Sebastian!
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Two Days, One Night & Something, Anything
I saw all of the Oscar hopefuls, and none of them have stayed with me as powerfully as these unpredictable, suspenseful, and richly rewarding films.
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Bruce Cockburn: Psalms in Seattle
Legendary guitarist and songwriter Bruce Cockburn spoke about the Psalms as he moved from song to song during his short, seven-song set on Thursday in Seattle.
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Q&O: Galaxy Quest, 2015’s Best Record, & They Might Be Giants.
Are you excited about Galaxy Quest coming to television? What's your favorite album of 2015 so far? How about They Might Be Giants — what's your favorite album from their 31 years of recording?
1 Comment5 Minutes
Join me for a talk about 2015’s best records so far
What's your favorite record of 2015 so far? Let me know, and I'll try to make find time to mention it during the live podcast recording of the show.
2 Comments1 Minutes
Madonna, Bettye LaVette, Joe Henry: Whose version of Stop is best?
The new album by Bettye LaVette, produced by Joe Henry, features some excellent test cases when it comes to the subject of cover songs.
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Harrison Ford is back in character!
We held our breath. The Lucasfilm logo came up. We cheered. Familiar music. Familiar sights. And then...
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How to Get “Let It Go” Out of Your Head: The Hadestown Cure
I've spelled out some reasons why I think "Let It Go" caught on, and some reasons why we should question its widespread popularity. I've also recommended an alternative.
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Looking Elsewhere: MFA Adventures, April Foolishness, and More
From April Fool's antics to coming attractions, this installment of "Looking Elsewhere" is loaded with goodness.
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Up on my sweet-smelling soapbox
Soap A makes your hands smell fruity and fresh. Soap B has no scent at all. Which one makes your hands cleaner? And what does this have to do with movies?
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Song of the Sea (2014): A Conversation With Animator and Author Ken Priebe
The Secret of Kells is gorgeous, dramatic, funny, moving, alive with mystery, and bursting with details that continue to emerge viewing after viewing. It's no surprise that it took so many years for Tomm Moore and his team to come up with another feature-length film: Song of the Sea.
0 Comments28 Minutes
Foxcatcher (2014)
In which three film enthusiasts — all named Jeff — discuss and debate Foxcatcher.
1 Comment16 Minutes
An Hour of Wisdom and Storytelling with Joe Henry
Joe Henry, who recorded my favorite record of 2014 (Invisible Hour), was the guest on the latest installment of the excellent podcast "On Being," with Krista Tippett.
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Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet
(now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened)
– e. e. cummings, “i thank You God for most this amazing”