ALBUMS

THEN

Buena Vista Social Club—Buena Vista Social Club

Cuban music glowed in the spotlight with 1997’s Buena Vista Social Club, both the gorgeous soundtrack album and the award-winning documentary. Produced by Ry Cooder, the album made household names of legends like Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzalez, and Eliades Ochoa. In my house, it’s guaranteed dance-around-the-kitchen music. 

NOW

Prodigal Son—Ry Cooder

After six years, Ry Cooder returns with his first new release. Attempting to capture the hopefulness, angst, and playfulness of America’s spirit through original compositions and songs of legends like Blind Willie Johnson, the Stanley Brothers, and the Pilgrim Travelers. 

BOOKS

THEN

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Bestselling debut novel from Arundhati Roy. The God of Small Things is an unforgettable tale of a wealthy Indian family that weaves family drama, forbidden love and politics in an intoxicating and unputdownable way.

NOW

Warlight: A Novel by Michael Ondaatje

The best-selling author of The English Patientreturns with a dramatic novel set in post-World War II that weaves a beguiling narrative steeped in the labyrinthine qualities of human memory. Nathaniel looks back to the unusual events of his life at age 14 and tries to fill in the blanks of understanding that he has gained as an adult, paving the way for secrets and violent surprises along the way. 

DVDs

THEN 

The Fly (1986)

Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, and body horror on a scale like nothing you’ve ever seen nor will soon forget. If you’re looking for nightmare-fuel then this is ground zero. Director David Cronenber achieves thought-provoking insight while also providing realistically disgusting special effects: It’s a true high-wire act that has to be seen to be believed. Just don’t expect to sleep again any time soon. 

NOW

Annihilation