This week is about cosmic collaging. Nothing really fits together, but then, like magic, it does. It’s divine — re-shaping the weirdness into something that works. We begin with Sofie Royer and her album Harlequin. The work molds nostalgia into a passion for cultivated arts, like opera and ballet. There’s earnest longing in every song, an artistic catharsis. It reminds us that it’s not all bad. There’s still art to be made. In Cosmica Italiana, we’re given the music that might propel us into that state of passion. It’s deeply stirring, like we’re in a long, late night conversation with an intellectual friend. It gives something to consider. Soapkill is considered one of the first indie bands to emerge in the Middle East and the album Enta Fen is nostalgic, interesting and surprising. It feels fresh and original, even twenty years later. If it’s raining where you are, I suggest putting this on. Alternately, if it’s sunny, put on Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band and their incredible instrumental cover of P.IM.P (yes, that one). Never have I ever heard a vibe quite like this. And then there’s Mina. Always bright, always heartfelt. Mina makes us feel like something is happening within us and it’s gotta be something good.
Enjoy.
The playlist is here.
Monday
Harlequin - Sofie Royer (2022)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Tuesday
Cosmica Italiana - Lorenzo Morresi & Tenderlonious (2022)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Wednesday
Enta Fen - Soapkills (2005)
Spotify / Apple Music / Other streaming services
Thursday
55 - Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Friday
Sabato sera – Studio Uno '67 - Mina (1967)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Pair with:
Miso Honey Chicken. If you ever say “miso” to me, I will immediately say yes. It’s the perfect flavor for any season and it’s so easy to deal with.
Fattoush Salad. A classic Lebanese salad with a lot of herbs, spices and pita chips. DIY your pita with za’atar.
McNally Editions. MY FAVORITE BOOKSTORE IS NOW PUBLISHING BOOKS. I just got my first few in the mail. Unreal.
Putting flowers in your ice cubes. It never really occurred to me that ice could (or should?) be cute, but, fuck it, put some flowers in there.
This week in outfit inspiration:
The vest over blazer.
Red.
Slip dress + oversized shirt.
Bradshaw and baguettes.
Thank you, thank you. Have a great week.
p.s. if you only have time for one song and one song only, here’s the one.
Does this playlist link go just to a single album, or am I being technologically deficient?