ALBUMS

THEN

 OK Computer—Radiohead

I have a vivid memory of the 1997 release of Radiohead’s OK Computer. I was at a party and someone hijacked the CD player to put the new Radiohead album on. After “Paranoid Android,” everyone spent the party staring at each other in gleeful shock. Sure, it still sounded like Radiohead…but this? This was something. Something…better. 

NOW

 Little Fictions—Elbow

Elbow’s follow-up to 2014’s The Take Off and Landing of Everything is perhaps a little more sparse than die-hard fans are used to, but with some exciting new beats, lush production and Guy Garvey’s heartfelt emotional lyrics, it’s destined to win new fans and delight the die-hards.

BOOKS

THEN

 Silence by Shusaku Endo

In this beautifully written novel by one of the most celebrated Japanese authors of our time, two Portuguese Jesuit priests have their faith tested to breaking point as they witness the unspeakable cruelties carried out against their brethren in 17th century Japan. Martin Scorsese’s movie adaptation starring Liam Neeson and Adam Driver is already getting Oscar buzz. 

NOW 

The Girl Before: A Novel by JP Delaney

This is the decade for Girl titles. Girls gone, girls on trains, girls on fire, girls with dragon tattoos…The Girl Before is a nail-biting psychological thriller about a home that exudes a strange power over its occupants and not all what it seems to be. Keep it on your radar: Ron Howard has reportedly signed on to direct the movie.

DVDs

THEN 

 You Can Count on Me

When I think of Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo, I think of 2000’s You Can Count on Me. Kenneth Lonergan’s first outing as a writer-director gave us a deceptively simple story about flawed people struggling through life, but performed so honestly that it was strangely breathtaking. This is a movie that will stay with you for a long time.

NOW 

Manchester by the Sea

Manchester by the Sea is a look at the realities of living with grief rather than overcoming it. Set in Massachusetts and beautifully written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, it also puts Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams together on screen and we are all the better for it. Keep an eye on this one for awards season—it’s knocking everyone’s socks off.

Article by Sharon Penny