This month, I finally succumbed to the gravitational pull ofBetter Call Saul. Years late, I know, but the shadow ofBreaking Bad– my all-time favorite drama – loomed large. Diving into the world of Saul Goodman proved to be a revelation, a surprisingly deep and rewarding experience that echoed the brilliance of its predecessor.
The show isn’t just a prequel; it’s a masterclass in character study, brimming with subtle nods and thematic resonances for those familiar with the original series. It’s a slow burn, meticulously crafted, and utterly captivating. And speaking of captivating,The Pittreturned, a show that immediately seized my attention and promises to be a highlight of the coming months.
On the film front,Bugoniastood out. A darkly comedic gem, brilliantly acted and genuinely fun, it offered a welcome escape. It was a reminder of the power of cinema to surprise and delight.
My musical journey this year has been ambitious: tacklingRolling Stone’s500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It’s been a thrilling excavation, unearthing forgotten artists and rediscovering albums I somehow missed along the way. A fascinating pattern emerged as I progressed – the quality consistently increased, particularly beyond the 150th album.
January’s listening brought a singular discovery: Jeff Buckley’sGrace. I knew only of his haunting rendition of “Hallelujah” and the tragic brevity of his life. But the album itself… it was breathtaking. His voice, a vessel of raw emotion, combined with poignant songwriting and a perfect 90s alternative aesthetic, created something truly magnificent.
Buckley’s untimely death at age 30 feels like an immeasurable loss. He left behind a single, defining album, a testament to his extraordinary talent. AlongsideGrace, Erykah Badu’sMama’s Gun, Jay-Z’sThe Black Album, and The Pretenders’ self-titled debut also resonated deeply.
Returning to familiar ground, Frank Ocean’sChannel Orangereaffirmed its place among my all-time favorites. Its diversity, coupled with a consistent artistic vision, continues to impress. It’s an album that profoundly impacted alternative R&B, paving the way for artists to explore new sonic and lyrical territories.
Adele’s21, Madonna’sThe Immaculate Collection, and Oasis’s(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?also provided moments of pure musical joy. The month’s soundtrack was a rich tapestry of sound, punctuated by standout tracks like Jeff Buckley’s “Forget Her,” Led Zeppelin’s “The Wanton Song,” and Erykah Badu’s “Kiss Me On My Neck.”
Sometimes, a song transcends time. I revisited The Marshall Mathers LP after decades, and every word came flooding back. It’s a curious phenomenon, this selective memory, and it played out in other ways this month. I found myself passionately embracing Tom Petty’sFull Moon Feverwhile remaining indifferent to his other work, and similarly captivated by Big Star’s#1 Recordbut less enthralled by their subsequent albums.
PJ Harvey’sRid of Meleft me cold, whileStories from the City, Stories from the Seautterly enchanted me. And Blondie’sParallel Linesproved far more appealing than their self-titled debut. These unexpected contrasts are part of the beauty of musical exploration.
In the realm of books, I managed to read six this month, a strong start to the year. I’ve decided to move away from detailed recaps, but a few titles stood out. Shehan Karunatilaka’sThe Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, with its chaotic energy and exploration of political corruption, reminded me of George Saunders’Lincoln in the Bardo.
Miranda July’sAll Fourswas a challenging but ultimately rewarding read, featuring an intentionally unlikeable protagonist. Christina Lauren’sThe Paradise Problemoffered a lighthearted escape, while Mel Robbins’The Let Them Theoryfelt overly simplistic. Katherine Morgan Schafler’sThe Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Controlstarted strong but ultimately lost momentum.
February promises to be a quiet month, a welcome respite after a busy January. The only scheduled event is a rather unusual Valentine’s Day tradition: a Czech and Slovak pig roast, known as a zabíjačka. It’s a far cry from romantic dinners, but it promises to be a unique and memorable experience.
I’m also hoping to secure tickets to see Sombr, a performer playing just a short walk from my apartment. Beyond that, it’s a time for rest, reflection, and perhaps a little more musical exploration. What are you looking forward to in the coming month?
