Bo Jackson, Para Rosa, and Convenience Store Woman
Featuring an interview with Cautious Clay.
Welcome to the sixty-first installation of The Q : your one-stop weekly newsletter of culture recommendations.
Album
Bo Jackson by The Alchemist and Boldy James
The Alchemist and Boldy James are a match made in heaven. On their third project together, the two sound like old friends catching up. The Alchemist’s gritty, dusty beats sound at home under Boldy’s low-key flows as we are treated to 14 tracks of Boldy bearing his heart out. The two also bring on a variety of guests who only add to the magic and showcase the power behind their artistic pairing. The Alchemist and Boldy James have a better connection than most artists who spend their careers together. There’s a deep care and understanding behind each track that we are blessed to vicariously experience their craft.
Film
Para Rosa directed by Kathryn Boyd-Batstone
In Para Rosa, Kathryn Boyd-Batstone uses the story of a fictional mother named Eva to shed light on the Madrigal Ten, a group of ten Latina women who filed a lawsuit against L.A. County-USC Medical Center in the 1970s for being sterilized without their consent while giving birth. The story in itself is unbelievably horrid, and perhaps is made more so by the fact that it took place only fifty-some years ago.
Book
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
The strange conundrum of the story is that if Keiko Furukura were living in a bubble with no societal influence, she would not face the judgment she does in this novel, but without society, there would be no convenience store to work in. It is a cruel irony that without the society that seeks to judge her, she would have no safe haven. At the convenience store, the rules are simple and the goals are clear. Not only that, but she can look to her coworkers as examples of how to speak and act.
Playlist
Teresa’s “August ‘21” features Trudge, TSHA, and Jamie xx
Teresa’s favorite track: “Easy - Mild Minds Remix” by Tycho, Mild Minds
Description: “Music with no words…essentially.”
Podcast
Episode #56: Snapple Peach Tea and an Interview with Cautious Clay
On this week's episode, Sam and Teresa interview Cautious Clay over a glass of Snapple Peach Tea. Cautious Clay (Joshua Karpeh) is a Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and record producer who draws from R&B and indie rock styles. Cautious Clay recently released his first full-length album, Deadpan Love. Cautious Clay talks to Teresa and Sam about his journey towards becoming a full-time musician, putting together Deadpan Love, as well as his recent inspirations.
