As an attempt to be the saving grace for those coping with boredom, staff members at the Mass Media decided to start a new tradition in the paper: Staff Picks. Editors, staff writers, and general friends of the Mass Media have compiled a list of favorite albums, movies, and books that tickle their fancy this month.
Let’s start with music:
The list of favorite albums of the month ranged from oldies-but-goodies to some new and upcoming artists. Of course, with it’s recent drop, Adele’s “25” was a hit on the list. With the entire album projecting an expressive and emotional narrative, goose-bump inducing vocal runs, and a few upbeat post-separation songs, there’s no doubt that this album would have made the list. Other’s found interest in albums like Chance the Rapper’s mixtape “10 Day,” Fall Out Boy’s “Save Rock and Roll,” and even AC/DC’s “Back in Black.” One of the most surprising albums listed (and now an addition to my musical catalogue) is Iration’s newest album “Hotting Up,” a funky mix of reggae and rock.
For movies, there was a nice little spread of films to fit the winter moods. Whether shaking with anxiety over a thriller is your thing, a laugh-out-loud comedy with friends, or holding back tears with a coming of age film, there’s something for everyone.
A dramatic and suspenseful flick comes way of the 2007 thriller “There Will Be Blood,” and “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009). Comedy made its mark with “You Got Served” (2004) and “Dear White People” (2014). Drama made its case with “The End of the Tour” (2015), “Whiplash” (2014), “Ever After” (1998), and the newest release of The Hunger Games trilogy, “Mockingjay Part 2” (2015).
Our top literary works for the month showcased a wide range of titles, including “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” by Thomas S. Kuhn, Jhumpa Lahiri’s “Interpreter of Maladies,” “Killing the Cranes” by Edward Girardet, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig, and the “Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.
We hope that with this small list of titles, you, the reader, will have just enough to keep you busy for winter break. These great reads, movies, and albums will give you comfort and keep you company while cuddled up next to the heater in the middle of winter.
Here’s to hoping your cup of amusement will always be full. Cheers.