This week: Hip-hop duo Run The Jewels explains the cat sounds in their new album… Graphic novelist Adrian Tomine tells us why he writes about confused dads… “Eat, Pray, Love” author Elizabeth Gilbert gives us passive-aggressive advice… Ska legend Pauline Black of The Selecter spins us a spunky and soulful soundtrack… We learn about the eerie death of Edgar Allan Poe and get a cocktail from his hometown of Baltimore… The Paris Review’s Sadie Stein spills on New York juice crawls… Plus Phil Rosenthal on his new food show and an excerpt from Sloane Crosley’s first novel.
Sloane Crosley - 'An Atom Walks into a Bar...'
The writer, who shares an excerpt this week from her novel "The Clasp," gives us a positively-charged icebreaker that'll be a hit at your next physics convention.
The Latest Phenomenon in New York Nightlife… Juice Crawls
Sadie Stein, contributing editor at the Paris Review, spills the details on how a few health-minded revelers conga dance the night away while hitting up pressed juice bar after pressed juice bar.
The Eerie End of Edgar Allan Poe's Own Story
This week back in 1849, the great gothic horror writer Edgar Allan Poe headed off on his last business trip. What happened after that remains a mystery... except for the fact that he died. Concoct your own theories after sipping an appropriately dark cocktail from Baltimore's Poe-themed bar.
Ska's First Lady Pauline Black Selects a Soul-Infused Soundtrack
Pauline Black is the front-woman of the legendary U.K. ska band, The Selecter. Back in the '80s, they and groups like The Specials revived the genre with socially conscious lyrics and punk energy. The Selecter's new album, "Subculture," is out now. Pauline prepares a playlist with a few legendary soul singers for a legendary night.
Run The Jewels Mixes Meows And Beats For Humor and Charity
Killer Mike and El-P are the hip-hop duo "Run The Jewels." They're adored by fans and critics alike for their menacing beats and dexterous wordplay. They've released two acclaimed albums... neither of which could've prepared us for the one they dropped this week. The two talk to Brendan about their fan-driven project, "Meow The Jewels," juxtaposing goofiness and seriousness, and why you shouldn't ask about the state of hip-hop.
Sloane Crosley's Big-Hearted Novel
Sloane Crosley's funny, confessional essay collection, "I Was Told There'd Be Cake," was nominated for a Thurber prize. Her follow-up, "How Did You Get This Number," was a New York Times bestseller. Her first novel, "The Clasp." is out on October 6. She shares an excerpt.
Phil Rosenthal Takes his Passion for Food to TV and Worldwide
Phil Rosenthal, creator of the megahit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," famously fed his staff better than anyone in show business. These days, he invests in restaurants from chefs like Mario Batali... and starting this week he hosts his own food travel series on PBS: "I'll Have What Phil's Having. He talks to Rico about his foodie awakening and the worst lasagna in history.
Attack, Pray, Leave: Elizabeth Gilbert Offers Up Advice
Elizabeth Gilbert began her career writing magazine pieces for the likes of GQ and The New York Times, and then went on to write several well-received books, including her smash hit, globe-trotting journey of self-discovery called "Eat, Pray, Love." Her latest non-fiction book is called "Big Magic." She tells us about conquering fear so creativity can thrive and then recommends unleashing your inner Bruce Willis.
Adrian Tomine on Schlubby Dads and Melancholy Comedy
Considered one of America's great graphic novelists, illustrator Adrian Tomine's clean-lined illustrations have graced the covers of several issues of the New Yorker magazine, as well as album covers by bands like The Eels. His new collection, "Killing and Dying," made Publishers Weekly's list of the most anticipated books of the fall. He delves into the semi-autobiographical elements of his new graphic novel and explains how taking criticism to heart helped open up his creativity.
Dungen – 'Akt Dit'
Swedish psych-band Dungen have a new album out titled "Allas Sak," which Google tells us, means "Everyone's thing." It's certainly been our thing the past couple of days. Here's the album's first single, "Akt Dit."
