HIGHLY RECOMMENDED W/ DANNY BATEMAN (FROG)
* This Q&A is being re-broadcast from September 2016, but don't worry: top notch recommendations have a long shelf life.
#1 - WHAT IS THE ONE ALBUM (OR EP OR SONG) THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE THE VERY NEXT MUSICAL THING THAT EVERYONE PRESSES PLAY ON THE NEXT TIME THEY FIND THEMSELVES THINKING “WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NOW”?
I find it difficult to know exactly what type of recommendation to make when answering questions like these in situations like this one- should it be new music? Should it be old? Do I know anything about what people who read this would find interesting? So I’ll slightly cop out and I’ll give two answers.
For old music, I’ve been listening to the compilation of the first recordings that Elvis Presley made in the early 50’s, ‘Elvis at Sun’. The slow songs are boring, but the upbeat songs changed the entire world. As soon as he sings ‘That’s Alright’ he’s Rockabilly Jesus, with a big red car on a dirt road popping pills and foaming at the mouth.
For new music, I’ve been listening to Frankie Cosmos and Future. They rule!
#2 - WHAT IS THE ONE MOVIE OR TV SHOW THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE NEXT IN EVERYBODY’S NETFLIX QUEUE (OK, DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NETFLIX, WE’RE ALL INTERNET ADULTS HERE AND KNOW HOW TO FIND ANYTHING ONLINE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER)?
My wife hates me, but all I watch now is Almodovar movies. ‘Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown’ is my favorite so far. The taxi guy, the actresses, the writing, its all amazing.
#3 - I (AND BY “I” I MEAN “THE PERSON THAT IS READING THIS”) AM GOING TO THE BOOK STORE (OK, PROBABLY AMAZON) TO FIND THE VERY NEXT BOOK THAT I WILL BE PUTTING SOME EXTREMELY VALUABLE ‘ME-TIME' ASIDE FOR. WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU GET, IF YOU WERE ME (AND, I SUPPOSE, YOU HADN’T ALREADY READ WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO SUGGEST)?
I’ve been reading lots of Bolaño, if you’re feeling adventurous. 2666 is something I think about all the time.
If you want something a little less heavy, I’ve also been reading all of Donna Tartt’s books. They’re incredible and I read each one in 3 days. She’s gotta be putting something in the pages.
#4 - WHAT IS THE ONE WEBSITE (OR JUST ANY OLD INTERNET THING: APP, GIF, SERVICE, WHATEVER) THAT YOU WOULD GET REALLY DOWN IN THE DUMPS ABOUT IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY GO AWAY?
I think that my life would vastly improve if some or any of the internet would disappear. I’m an addict, and I’m slowly becoming convinced the whole thing is a net loss. However, the criterion collection section on Hulu plus has been huge for me. I’ve watched hundreds of these movies, and I’ve only found a few that I didn’t like something about.
#5 - AND FINALLY… PLEASE GIVE ONE COMPLETELY UNAIDED RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD START DOING / USING / WATCHING / EATING / THINKING / QUITING / ETC-ING TO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LITTLE BIT MORE BETTER AND/OR BEARABLE.
I’m going to give a few.
Buy a tape machine. Even a shitty one. They sound good.
Walk 3-4 extra stops before you get on the train! Think of the things you miss down there.
Pet your cat. They love it! They deserve it.
Get a large ice coffee, milk no sugar from Dunkin’ Donuts and walk out feeling like a king.
Cash your whole paycheck instead of depositing it. Look how much money that is! Man, you’re rich and you didn’t even know it.
That’s all I got for now. Thanks buds!
OK folks, there you have it. Things that Danny thinks you should consider incorporating into your day/life. Before you go cash that pay cheque and head off to Dunkin' Donuts, follow Frog on Twitter and give them a like on Facebook AND go spend some time on their Bandcamp page.
