What I Watched: Season two of Van der Valk, a remake of a remake (1991 to 1992) of an original show (1972 to 1977). Season three will come out in 2023. Set in Amsterdam, it is a police series with each subject split into two episodes. This year there were six episodes and three stories (one of which was a take on Jeffrey Epstein). Van der Valk is taciturn and somewhat miserable, and even loses fights with bad guys – he is no superhero.
Season one, as per Amazon: “Commmissaris Piet Van der Valk leads a dynamic team as they tackle high-profile cases in the worlds of art, politics, addiction, mysticism and fashion in contemporary Amsterdam.”
Season two: “Commissaris Piet van der Valk and his team are plunged deep into the contrasting worlds of Amsterdam–from alternative artistic communities to the underbelly of the legal profession; from the dazzling diamond trade to the dysfunction of the family that rules it; and from the delights of the classical music world to the dark heart of sex trafficking and a secret that only van der Valk can unlock.”
What I Read: As usual, I read lots of stuff, but am currently enjoying Patricia Rice’s Crystal Magic seven-book series. Rice has a quite good Regency series about the Magical Malcolms, and this takes on the descendants of the same family a few hundred years later. The current series has some cross-over with her Psychic Solutions mystery series (mentioned in a previous Brain Drain). Obviously, I like her stuff. There is always mystery, magic, and romance written by an author who does her research and never writes down to the audience. I’ve complained before about some prolific authors who may as well simply change the character names and locations, whoseem to be phoning it in. Rice is the opposite of that; each series and book stands on its own.
What I Listened To: Teal by Wunderhorse ; Local Suicide by High Buildings w/ Lee Stevens; and Captured Images by NEØV
Thank you for playing Brain Drain! How are you, darling ones? What’s up, DeadSplinterites?
What I watched: Ambulance. I was in day four of my Covid slump and I had already watched way more movies and TV that I had since I was a kid. I was bored and I was running out of options. It’s pretty standard Michael Bay blow-em-up-who-gives-a-shit-about-the-writing fare. What was most interesting to me is that this is a remake of an original Dutch film, so I wonder if Farscythe ever saw the original.
What I listened to: Our latest stop on the best engineered albums of all time brings us to the eponymously titled first album by Black Sabbath. First things first: the album was named after the song, and the band was named after the album–not the other way around. Anyway, this is one of those albums that really drives home the point that the best way to get a great sound on tape is to start with a great performance–and the next best way to get a great sound on tape is to not fuck with that performance too much. The album was cut–more or less–during a single 12-hour session (with the exception of Evil Woman, which had been cut previously), with scant few overdubs, then mixed the next day. All but two songs (Evil Woman and The Warning) are Sabbath originals. The band played live, meaning that Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals were likewise cut at the same time as the band, which gives the performance aspect of the album the raw, natural feel that it has. Released in 1970 and engineered by Tom Allom, the total cost of making the album was roughly 600 pounds, which equates to roughly 8,800 pounds today–which is still an incredibly small amount of money. Hell, I was working on four-song demos in the 90’s that cost $10k, so that should give you some idea of just how inexpensive this album was to make. These guys just went in, dropped their tracks, and left Allom to do the rest. The frequency and dynamic range of this album is just out of this world. Plus, considering this is an entirely analog album, Allom knew that the best way to avoid tape noise was to hit the tape has hard as possible with signal.
Probably the most telling thing about what made this album so great is that it had become a rocket, hitting number 8 upon its release, without any of the typical musical gatekeepers having any say in the matter. The fans just bought this thing like it was going out of style. Black Sabbath was a relatively unknown band when the album came out. But, within weeks of its release, they were already legends.
This is among the finest sounding albums ever recorded.
I very much like your industry-insider stories, whether from the music or food service sectors!
I watched Bullet Train, which I thought was fun. It’s a dumb gory action movie/comedy with a bunch of hitmen (starring Brad Pitt) with conflicting and overlapping contracts on a train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
I can see how some people would hate it, and it doesn’t really try to make sense, mostly just move from fight to fight, but I thought it did a good job knowing what it was.
I also watched the final Jodie Whitaker Doctor Who and it just didn’t work. There were occasional fun bits, but head writer Chris Chibnall just can’t put together a coherent story to save himself, and even worse he can’t assemble a cast of characters and work out their relationships in remotely satisfying ways.
He keeps having characters refuse to connect, but it long ago became clear that’s a case of wallpaper pasted over studs with no drywall — he’s just covering up a complete lack of substance, and when holes poke through the surface you can see there’s nothing else.
Oh my, I will steal this line, thank you, “case of wallpaper pasted over studs with no drywall”.
I watched the horror movie called Barbarian. It was pretty original plot wise. But the writer/director is this white dude whose claim to fame is a racist, sexist, homophobic, antisemitic comedy troupe called The Whitest Kids U’Know (this is according to a quick internet search as I’ve never heard of it… Correct me if I’m wrong). For him to “tackle” sexism, racism, rape and white male privilege in his film is to co-opt BIPOC and women’s Own Voices stories and experiences. Like he’s studied Peele’s success in the horror genre and taking the credit for it. I don’t support it but I watched it without knowing about the writer and thought it was a good horror film.
Damn, I liked it too but didn’t know anything about The Whitest Kids You Know. That’s really a shame because it was so well done. I was going to recommend it even for the squeamish because it’s pretty light on gore.
Appreciate the background…
I started watching AHS: NYC and am hooked. I believe Cousin Matthew mentioned it last month. I haven’t watch AHS since season 1 and was expecting/dreading some kind of fantasy element to it like magic or evil. Happy to say it is basically a serial killer drama set in the real world 80’s gay community in NYC. It’s got everything you’d want from that kind of series: closeted detective, intrepid journalist, gay nightlife scene, a government funded disease conspiracy, the sadistic rich, the optimistic naive everyman, steamy sex scenes, good acting and high production values. It’s not perfect in that it doesn’t have a diverse cast. All the main characters are white men. The women in the show feel like they were thrown in as an afterthought to pass the Blechdel test. One is a Dr following the spread of the virus the other is the leader of a lesbian gang who antagonises the journalist for excluding lesbians from his gay journal and also conveniently happens to have worked at the government facility that created the virus.
AHS; never watched it. But this one sounds good as it is less horror and more serial killer.
I spoke too soon. I’m watching E5 right now and there’s now a psychic involved and possibly the devil/death personified. Still a good show but leaning toward more of what I had originally expected.
I haven’t been around much lately so there may have already been discussion about it – but I watched Andor and really liked it. It was nice to see the non Jedi/Sith part of the Star Wars universe.
Hi Lymond! I hope work is going well, and great to see you.
…I think andor has been pretty good…& even some of the other shows like the boba fett one that had some definite missteps have managed to maintain a tone that seems satisfyingly “star wars” without having some of the problems of the films
…fingers crossed they stick some sort of landing
So (loses all Star Wars cred) I read that as and/or instead of Andor, and thought “oh, a graph novel turned television?”. (Rolls eyes at self.)
It’s good — it’s like they figured out what made Rogue One work.
I never got why Lucasworld got so hung up on unifying everything. It’s all set in a galaxy, and galaxies are big. It’s not like everything takes place in Brooklyn with a bunch of characters who would never stoop to setting foot in Queens or Staten Island.
I also watched Barbarian and came here to recommend it but after reading @HammerZeitgeist‘s comment I’m not sure I should. 🙁
I started Inside Man and in spite of the great cast, David Tennent, Stanley Tucci, and Dolly Wells is a disappointment. I’m willing to suspend disbelief to a point but this one had me rolling my eyes so hard. The conflict between Tennent and Wells is ridiculous and could have been handled instantly. There are things I like about Tucci’s character and his sidekick but it owes far too much to Silence of the Lambs.
I do however recommend Slewfoot by Brom for fans of historical fiction. A Puritan widow fights for autonomy and survival in a community where strong, independent women are already suspect. She gains the attention and help of a creature that may or may not be a demon, or the Devil himself.
I listened to the new Iggy Pop single Frenzy and won’t even bother to post it. Skip it.
I was worried that Inside Man would lean that way. I’m going to avoid it and keep my starry-eyed stanning Stanley Tucci stance unfazed.
He does look good though, lol.
I love the sound of his voice. I wonder if has worked on any audio books.
Edited to add that he has! From The Post Man Always Rings Twice to food and wine books and even children books.
I must confess that I have never listened to an audio book before. I might make time for it now.
@hammerzeitgeist I never used to listen to audiobooks, either. Couldn’t get into them… they were too slow because I read so fast and (to be honest) a lot of the readers have mildly-to-majorly annoying voices or reading styles. BUT. I was looking for a book that was part of a series and it was ONLY available as an audiobook, so after some heavy sighing I gave it a try. Turns out, they aren’t so bad! I usually listen to them while I crochet or sew, and it’s better than tv shows because I don’t have to keep glancing up, so I can concentrate more on what I’m doing.
I am pretty picky about which ones I like, and I will listen to a dozen samples before settling on one. I also find that I prefer it to be something I’ve read before because I sometimes tune out and, if it’s unfamiliar, then I have no idea what’s going on. I get a lot of them through hoopla or Overdrive/Libby, so if it’s a dud, no big deal… return it and find another!
Listening to an audio book while crocheting is a great idea. Thanks!
I like demons…and Mr. Tucci.
I polished off my second Dawn Powell novel and just started a third. They are: The Locusts Have No King, The Wicked Pavilion, and The Golden Spur. These were done in order (they’re not a series) and I find they get better as you move along, from oldest to newest, with Locusts being the oldest and Golden Spur being the newest (and I think her final novel.) They are intensely Manhattan novels so I don’t know if others would enjoy them as much, but so was Bonfire of the Vanities and that did pretty well (the book, not the trainwreck of a movie.) It’s uncanny how much of that world is still recognizable if you can do the translation from early postwar to 21st century. In The Wicked Pavilion, which takes place in the early 1950s, there’s a very funny recurring minor character who has a middlebrow TV panel show that any number of failing cable networks would be happy to broadcast today. For example.
On November 9th, next Wednesday, I will no doubt be in a foul post-election mood, but that is the day The Crown, Season 5, drops, and I couldn’t wish for a better antidote.
Also: What I Watched: This, improbably enough:
Better Half watches a lot of these fashion design collections videos and I usually leave the room in pursuit of more productive labors, like rotating wine bottles and watching the Faithful Hound snore. But this one I watched, mesmerized, not for the clothes, which I couldn’t care less about, but for the setting and the soundtrack. The theme is “California Dreamin'” and the music (covers of familiar songs) is phenomenal. Skip to 11:40 to hear a version of America’s “Ventura Highway” that I think is better than the original. They’re all gems, though.
Back in the dark ages I worked as a buyer for an independent high-end retailer. It wasn’t a good fit (avarice is king) but I am still a sucker for the glitz and glam. Although my wardrobe is all machine washable these days, no splurges on dry cleaning.
…I feel like I’ve been remiss in forgetting to mention I finally get t around to watching the lost city…not this week, hence the remiss part…but it was fun & extremely undemanding?
…definitely owes something to the jewel of the nile/romancing the stone flicks & maybe stumbles a little in a few places…but overall it seemed to know what it was & at least one of those things was pretty funny
I need something fun! Thank you! (I am reading through the current series being watched, as I find it depressing with zero character likability or relatability.
I loved The Lost City so much for the sheer entertainment factor.
Also they made a movie about a romance book author and her cover model without being mocking to the fans of the genre.
100% this!
We quite liked Van der Valk. The new ones are from 2020-2022 and the original is from the 90s I think. I really liked the episode with the young woman medieval scholar with the evil twin who makes out with a nun and gets killed during sex through replication of the wounds of Christ. Good stuff.
We are currently watching The Devil’s Hour with Peter Capaldi in a creepy role he was born to play. It’s as close to horror as I can get my Mrs to watch and it’s pretty good overall. A little confusing.
That checks out…if I remember correctly, you’re the Deadsplinterati with the nun/trauma/fetish that stems from experience of attending a Catholic school?
Hi Luigi! How is the flock? I’m adding the Devil’s Hour to the list, horror-lite works for me, too.
Flock is great. We put together the mating groups and now they’re canoodling. Love is in the air.
you know you gotta watch it………….you live with the wooly buggers
Love that movie! 🐑
READ
Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance, by Leonard Peltier. This is a tough read, and I’m not sure why I was reading it while working around dad’s visitation and memorial services, but that’s how it goes. Some really beautiful parts to this, even though much of it is overwhelmingly sad. If you don’t know Peltier’s story, it’s certainly worth your time. Peter Matthiessen’s In the Spirit of Crazy Horse is a highly recommended read for more detail.
This Land of Snow: A Journey Across the North in Winter, by Anders Morley. Dude jeopardizes his marriage to ski across Canada in the winter. A stunningly difficult, if not impossible, goal. Some very interesting descriptions of being out on your own in wilderness, some which I have experienced myself. And his encounters with folks along the way are great. But his stuff about his relationships seems like just some added drama to make the book more than just a travelogue.
The Living Mountain: A Celebration of the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland, by Nan Shepherd. This is an older book that I’ve seen cited by British outdoor writers whom I’ve read previously, including Richard MacFarlane (“The Old Ways”). It’s a very simple meditation on a group of mountains that the author lived near for her entire life. Shades of Muir, Lopez, etc., about the magic that a mountain environment can produce. I enjoyed it. More than the other two I’ve listed here.
LISTENED
I posted one of their songs this week, but I’ve been cycling through stuff by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. No one album in particular stands above the rest, so I load up a playlist of random songs and dig in. “Y Control” is on an early album.
WATCHED
This was my insomnia watch last night/this morning, and I found it fascinating. I think this will appeal to at least @brightersideoflife, but maybe others will find archeology/anthropology in the US West interesting. There is so much we still don’t know about those who preceded us.
I’ve read In the Spirit of Crazy Horse but not the Peltier book. It’s infuriating that he’s still in prison in spite of the prosecutor and judge saying they were wrong and he’s innocent. I have a friend whose uncle was the priest taken hostage and she told me he also believed Peltier was innocent.
I really enjoy hearing about your reading selections; they expand my genre interests.
I actually haven’t read very much this week… I keep getting distracted by other stuff! Mostly mobile games, to be honest (damn you, Woodoku… I WILL get past level 44, someday!)
Read – books 6 and 7 of the Modern Magick series
– Mud and Gold, book 2 of a rather depressing (but still good) historical series. I have book 3 but haven’t had the mental fortitude to start it yet.
– a ridiculous “fated mates” romance called Mated to the Monster* that wasn’t actually awful, just kind of silly.
Currently reading – Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything, which is equal parts gross and fascinating. I was always interested in medical stuff (wanted to be a vet or a nurse when I was a kid) and now that I AM a medical mystery (that’s a whole other thing) it’s even more interesting. I may lament the passing of the era of over-the-counter laudanum, but I’m equally glad to have missed the eras of “bleed, purge, and clyster” and “let’s burn it out of you!” Not to mention surgery/dentistry with no anesthetic except booze!
Watched – Started watching Inside Job on Netflix this week. That show is… something.
– re-watched season one of Derry Girls, moving on to season two when O-H goes to work next week.
– found A Knight’s Tale was still on Netflix and watched that last night. God, I love that movie.
– Somebody Feed Phil has a new season, so, naturally, I started all over with season one and will watch all the way through again! He’s adorable.
*I can’t resist a tacky story. The worse the better! These monster/alien/demon/shifter romance novels are usually so bad they’re great. Sometimes they’re just bad, but even those are usually funny in their terribleness!
You and me both…Kristen Painter does a bunch of series/spin-off series that walk the line between formulaic paranormal cozy mystery and so bad it’s good. I am thrilled that you are still enjoying Modern Majicks.
I might have mentioned or forgotten to mention that I started the The Peripheral (Amazon). I’m only two episodes in and it is funnnn for those that enjoy sci-fi and first person shooter video games. @farscythe and @Splinterrip come to mind
what?
i didnt do nothing!
hey wait….is that hit girl?
…yes…yes it is
…& from what I remember of the book…she’s something of a badass in this, too?
…having read most if not all of william gibson’s stuff I was meaning to check that out…& I thank you for the reminder
I’m enjoying watching Georgia Bulldogs dismantle fucking Tennessee and it’s delightful. Fucking Rocky Top. Also some very questionable referee calls in favor of Tennessee, which is bullshit and I’d be pissed if I were Georgia folks.
GO SPORTSBALL!!!
There was targeting earlier that should have gotten a TN player ejected from the game. Then a facemask I spotted, didn’t get called. Then the safety that was called an incomplete pass. Now a super clear case of holding.
I dunno folks. I’m only mediocre at spotting this shit and I’m also commenting here, playing with my phone, etc. Like if I can spot this stuff, it’s egregious.