The Week in Pop: Cultural faves from the last seven days
Once again, it's time for a rundown of stuff that struck my fancy this week. I'm always eager to hear your own recommendations, and, per usual, these go to 11:
1. House of Cards. I've had a little spring in my step this week because I know when I get home new episodes are waiting. And while I agree some aspects of this season have been laughably unrealistic, let's not forget it's a soapy drama — realism would suck all the fun out of it!
2. The Circle by Dave Eggers. This week I finished the novel, which made me almost as anxious as Gravity but I recommend it nonetheless.
3. Transparent. My favorite Amazon pilot features Jeffrey Tambor, Gaby Hoffman and Judith Light as members of a family bursting with secrets.
4. The Fogelnest Files. Jake has been delivering great episodes of his podcast lately. I particularly loved his discussion about public-access television with a comedian who also knows about it firsthand: Chris Gethard.
5. Faces on Film's The Rule. I heard this track the other day and liked it so much I listened twice. A full album from the Boston artist arrives March 25.
6. Clarence. This week Cartoon Network released a preview of this funny 'toon, and I'm eager to see more. It debuts in April.
7. Dean Wareham's video for The Dancer Disappears. Made from archival advertising footage, it's hard to look away from this one. His new record arrives March 11.
8. 99% Invisible. If you're a consumer of print media, you may want to hear this insightful ep about how magazine covers are constructed (and how they've changed over the decades).
9. The Final Member. Please don't watch this at work or near children. Tonight, though, click on the trailer for this oddball documentary about men who want to donate certain body parts to a certain museum.
10. Reality Bites nostalgia. Without shame, I'd place Reality Bites on my list of all-time favorite movies. Read this oral history if you're a fan, too.
11. Goo Goo Clusters. I thought these Nashville-made treats were only sold down South until I spotted 'em in Brooklyn this week. So delicious.
Thanks so much to everyone who spent a few moments with Pop Candy this week. I hope you all have a splendid weekend, and I'll see you Monday!