Retreat edit - #1
An edit of what I've discovered this week - in case it takes your fancy, too.
Hello and welcome to Retreat edit,
One of the things I’m curious to know about people, and what I usually ask over a coffee, wine or WhatsApp chat, is "What are you reading right now?”.
Or, “Listening to any good music at the moment? Oh, and can you fling any good podcast recommendations my way?”.
I’m perpetually fascinated by what makes people tick. What they reach for when they want to be entertained or relaxed, when searching for intellectual and gastronomical nourishment, or simply a distraction. To satisfy their inquiring mind.
If you’re just as curious, here’s an insight into what makes me tick in a regular feature called, Retreat edit. I’d love to share what I’ve discovered on the book, music, podcast, article, internet front (and more) - in case it takes your fancy, too.
We can lead such busy lives and often our access to unlimited content can be a curse rather than a blessing.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next ‘thing’ but don’t have the time to hunt it down, consider this a good place to start.
What I’ve been Reading…
Girls They Write Songs About by Carlene Bauer, a gift from my lovely older sister Jo. It’s about two daredevil heroines named Charlotte and Rose whose playground is 1990s New York while writing for a music magazine. They bond over their love, and great talent, for writing but ultimately drift apart. I found it a little slow to start but now, as their lives are starting to fall out of sync, it’s unputdownable. I’m sneaking off to a quiet room in our house yelling, “JUST PUTTING THE WASHING ON GUYS!” as I hide instead for five precious minutes to squeeze in a few more pages.
The Great Fire of London - The Essential Guide by Adrian Tinniswood. I purchased this a few years back in the Museum of London (sob, RIP) gift shop, post-exhibition, for our son to read when he was a bit older. Now he’s the right age and studying it at school, the poor child hasn’t had a look in. I’m a sucker for London history and this short, fits-in-my-bag paperback edition includes first-hand descriptions from Samuel Pepys’s diary, as well as gripping accounts from renowned historian Adrian himself. So far, I’ve learnt that Pudding Lane was so called as it was on the route where the ‘puddings’ – parcels of offal – were transported to be thrown into the river. Never knew!
What I’ve been listening to…
Music
Did you know I record a music podcast with friend, radio presenter and voiceover artist Rosie Kendrick? You didn’t? It’s called Pause and Play it Forward and it’s for time-stretched music lovers. For our Music Club segment (a bit like Book Club, but with albums) we choose an album for the other to listen to, then discuss both records in the next episode.
So you can listen along with us, our current homework assignment is:
Usher - Confessions (2004) which is my choice. Usher Raymond IV *SCREAM*. I’ve loved him since 1997’s My Way. This is his fourth studio album and it’s full of Jermaine Dupri-produced gems that have stood the test of time for the most part. My standout tracks are Throwback, Superstar and Burn. Will always dance to Yeah! at a party.
Mac DeMarco - Five Easy Hot Dogs (2023) which is Rosie’s choice - she’s much cooler than me. This is the fifth studio album from the Canadian musician and entirely instrumental. It was recorded during a road trip from Los Angeles to New York and so far, it’s as cool as Rosie.
I’ve also been enthralled by:
go (and other tracks) by Cat Burns - Apart from Fontaines D.C. winning International Group of the Year (and Carlos O'Connell’s lovely speech) and Stormzy being the pure class act he always is, I found the BRIT Awards 2023 a little overwhelming. Then Cat Burns performed go and I felt like everything in the industry, and the world, was going to be OK. The styling was gorgeous.
Podcast
Cold: Season 3 - The Search for Sheree - I listen to music and football podcasts, sometimes wellness, but, truthfully, it’s true crime that seeps out of my headphones the most. Wondery serves up some gripping stories, and this is no exception. Sheree Warren left her job in Salt Lake City on a mild October evening in 1985, telling a coworker she was headed to meet her estranged husband, but she never made it. Sheree vanished. Season 3 follows two suspects, her husband and her new boyfriend Cary Hartmann. Host Dave Cawley forensically digs into the double lives of these two men and examines the intersections between domestic abuse and sexual violence. I’m on the final episode and hoping for answers.
What’s caught my eye on socials…
ᔑamples Media - Be prepared to waste some time, blissfully. You get a video clip of a classic song, then see how it’s been used as a sample in another track. Check out Souls of Mischief’s 93 ‘Til Infinity and how they deftly sample Heather by Billy Cobham and The Jam by Grand Central Station to create a hip hop classic. OBSESSED.
2000s.vibes - Their Instagram profile simply says, ‘Music From All Eras’ and it’s definitely an account to get lost in and relive all the best eras. Often, they’ll compile a playlist and ask followers to PICK THREE (example below). Forced to choose between Whitney, Kool and The Gang and Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam? Cruel.
What I’ve been Watching…
YOU - I chatted to a friend about this the other day. We know that, for some, YOU doesn’t make for highbrow viewing *sniff*, but you know what? We couldn’t care less! I’ve been there from day one with Joe; I read the book by Caroline Kepnes first and then religiously watched all seasons on Netflix up until the latest, Season 4. It’s over-the-top, dark, stylish and delicious and I can’t get enough - and the show’s excellent Instagram account is one of the best. London, he’s our problem now.
Barry White in Concert (1975) - If you look up one thing today, make it this. It’s Barry live at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the Love Unlimited Orchestra - a 40-piece string-laden orchestra formed by the man himself, and serving as a backing unit for Barry and for female vocal trio Love Unlimited. It’s extraordinary. The orchestra! Love Unlimited and their gorgeous voices and dresses! Barry wandering around in the audience shaking everyone’s hand! Everyone is smoking! His green jacket! It’s the music though, that’s the star. Tracks, like I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby, steal the show.
What I’d love to buy…
How beautiful are these illustrated maps by Herb Lester? I want the Writing London one, please.
I love vanilla; in a drink, a fragrance, a cake - I’m not fussy. I especially love the smell of vanilla in a room, so this sweet and creamy The Vanilla Ice Cream Candle by Omni is on my wish-list.
I hope this has been a good first Retreat edit! Happy exploring.
Nicola xx
ps - Will you let me know what you’ve discovered or what you’re enjoying, too?
Fantastic!