Blood Knots is an amazing book. My brother gave me a copy and I’m forever grateful. Beautifully written, funny at times, and mesmerizing at others. The stories about Robert Nairac were unexpected and moving.
I could listen to Mark Knopfler sing highlights of the Dow Jones Industrial Average… I’ll be piping those tunes into my this morning! Then, to get that “Local Hero” soundtrack. Cheers, to a good week for all.
Bill Forsyth is one of the most underrated filmmakers of all time. His follow up, Comfort and Joy, is a fantastic (slightly melancholy) little comedy set around Christmastime, which is when I hold my annual rewatch.
Not thought about Tindersticks since college. Brit pop roommates opened up my world. They were not interested in my live Dead and Phish tapes. Sometimes it’s better to receive than give.
I think I discovered Spirit of the Beehive thanks to this blog.
The Saturday Matinee section of Criterion is one of my favorite things in general.
Listened to the podcast Stick the Landing but not only the The Larry Sanders cast but then I found one on The Leftovers, my all time favorite HBO but not mention of the ethereal music by Max Richter.
I don't know anyone among my circle who has watched this show. Can't convince anyone to watch it. They don't know what they're missing. It's like a secret fellowship and should definitely be considered a dark horse.
Will have to check out "Laughing in the Hills." I was similarly embarrassed to have not been familiar with the sports writing of AJ Liebling until very recently. Just finished writing a piece on my Substack regarding Liebling's fascination/relationship with fellow turf writer Colonel John R. Stingo.
I still don't get why Arrested Development was not a wildly popular sitcom. Critically acclaimed for sure, but never a smash among viewers. Anywho, I relish meeting another fan and somehow AD comes up in conversation. Let the quotes fly!
I have you to thank for the introduction to Blood Knots. Sadly without the McGuane introduction but I've seen that the wonderful small publisher Slightly Foxed has relatively recently put out a nice edition in their usual cloth binding small format too.
Oh nice! That's a book I'll buy in any edition. Oddly, the subtitle is different in every version I've seen (which is not a good sign for sales), but more variations for us!
There are just some books I can't not buy when I find in an old edition in a secondhand bookstore. I think I have four copies of Salter's 'Light Years' (not including the audiobook).
Perhaps of a different vein than what's listed here, but the Australian film "The Castle" may qualify as a dark horse. There's something endearing about the film's earnestness and it's held up well after 25+ years. You'll know within the first five minutes if the film matches your own sense of humor.
Co-sign the Local Hero recommendation—great charm there. The soundtrack courtesy of Mark Knopfler is also a winner.
Yes, the soundtrack is so good!
Local Hero is a fantastic film with an equally fantastic soundtrack done by Mark Knopfler.
I feel the same about the Go-Betweens.
Great shout. And the book they get their name from would fit in well here too
Blood Knots is an amazing book. My brother gave me a copy and I’m forever grateful. Beautifully written, funny at times, and mesmerizing at others. The stories about Robert Nairac were unexpected and moving.
Such a welcome addition to your always sage advice! I've found a few gems in this post.
“It’s a false economy to invest in cheap goods!”
(Watching LOCAL HERO, loving it. Thank you!)
And don’t forget Local Hero’s wonderful and heartfelt soundtrack by Mark Knopfler!
It's so good. That seems to be a theme today!
I could listen to Mark Knopfler sing highlights of the Dow Jones Industrial Average… I’ll be piping those tunes into my this morning! Then, to get that “Local Hero” soundtrack. Cheers, to a good week for all.
Bill Forsyth is one of the most underrated filmmakers of all time. His follow up, Comfort and Joy, is a fantastic (slightly melancholy) little comedy set around Christmastime, which is when I hold my annual rewatch.
I think I even watched a documentary on the making of Local Hero.
Oh good suggestion. I'll look it up!
I don’t think you can easily get it on home video here in the states but there is a very high quality version on YouTube.
Fantastic list.
Not thought about Tindersticks since college. Brit pop roommates opened up my world. They were not interested in my live Dead and Phish tapes. Sometimes it’s better to receive than give.
I think I discovered Spirit of the Beehive thanks to this blog.
The Saturday Matinee section of Criterion is one of my favorite things in general.
Thanks Tim! Fire up Tindersticks (ideally after 10pm).
Listened to the podcast Stick the Landing but not only the The Larry Sanders cast but then I found one on The Leftovers, my all time favorite HBO but not mention of the ethereal music by Max Richter.
Haven’t entered the Leftovers universe. But am a big Max Richter fan.
I don't know anyone among my circle who has watched this show. Can't convince anyone to watch it. They don't know what they're missing. It's like a secret fellowship and should definitely be considered a dark horse.
Will have to check out "Laughing in the Hills." I was similarly embarrassed to have not been familiar with the sports writing of AJ Liebling until very recently. Just finished writing a piece on my Substack regarding Liebling's fascination/relationship with fellow turf writer Colonel John R. Stingo.
Oh yes—great collection of his boxing writing “The Neutral Corner.” He described one boxer who “went about his man and knobbed him merrily.” All time.
I still don't get why Arrested Development was not a wildly popular sitcom. Critically acclaimed for sure, but never a smash among viewers. Anywho, I relish meeting another fan and somehow AD comes up in conversation. Let the quotes fly!
It came out too early. With ads. If it had come out a few years later and was on streaming it would have been gold. Legendary.
Both Tindersticks & Richard Hawley just came to my attention a few years ago (but are now prominently featured on my Spotify). Great list!
They're the best. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised there are Hawley fans among Contender readers. But it makes me happy!
I have you to thank for the introduction to Blood Knots. Sadly without the McGuane introduction but I've seen that the wonderful small publisher Slightly Foxed has relatively recently put out a nice edition in their usual cloth binding small format too.
Oh nice! That's a book I'll buy in any edition. Oddly, the subtitle is different in every version I've seen (which is not a good sign for sales), but more variations for us!
There are just some books I can't not buy when I find in an old edition in a secondhand bookstore. I think I have four copies of Salter's 'Light Years' (not including the audiobook).
you ever listen to the philly based band - spirit of the beehive ?
Perhaps of a different vein than what's listed here, but the Australian film "The Castle" may qualify as a dark horse. There's something endearing about the film's earnestness and it's held up well after 25+ years. You'll know within the first five minutes if the film matches your own sense of humor.