As part of our revamped 2021 slate, we’ll be doing a weekly roundup every Monday morning to get everyone oriented for the week ahead. Monday morning can be tough, so it’s good to have things to look forward to. One rec/topic + a little hometown love–spotlighting an upcoming OC piece! In this pre-inauguration week: Livingston Taylor, MLK/FBI, and Lakers-Pelicans.
The week ahead! Week two of 2021. I think we’re hoping this one has a bit less activity than last? That said, just on balance, as traumatic and disturbing as last week was, the good did outweigh the bad. We elected the first Black senator from Georgia, we took control of the Senate, and the coup attempt has thrown the GOP into disarray.
Next week includes MLK Day and of course the inauguration. So if no one goes crazy (feels unlikely), maybe we can actaully sit back, enjoy a game, dive into a flick, and await the triumphant week to come.
Some notable birthdays:
Dave Grohl turns 52 on 1/14. Thank you for 30 years of awesome music Dave.
Orlando Bloom turns 44 on 1/13. Thank you for Legolas, Orlando.
Regina King turns the big 5-0 on 1/15. Happy Birthday Regina! Loving you in Watchmen. (Yes, I know that’s a TV show, but it’s based on the movie! ((Which is based on a comic book… alright, don’t @ me.))
And one of MMH’s true Patron saints, Lin-Manuel Miranda turns 41 on 1/16. LMM, a true American hero. Feels good that his initials are somewhat close to ours. Good omen.
Music /// Livingston Taylor
Livingston Taylor performs a livestream concert from the Helmerich Theater in Key West on January 13 at 8PM EST. Click here for tickets. Livingston Taylor is the younger brother of James, but every ounce the talent. This is a rec with a personal touch. Every January Livingston used to kick off the year with a string of dates at The Iron Horse in my hometown of Northampton, MA. I used to go every year. His concerts are absolutely charming. Everything you could hope from a listening room/singer-songwriter environment. Beautiful stories, warm affectation, mesmerizing song journeys. His guitar playing is masterful and his songwriting is as sharp as Wonder Woman’s sword. Gather the family together and enjoy a soul cleansing night with Livingston on Wednesday.
Movies /// MLK/FBI
MLK/FBI comes out on January 15. Acclaimed documentary director Sam Pollard (Mr. Soul!, Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me) returns with MLK/FBI. “MLK/FBI is the first film to uncover the extent of the FBI’s surveillance and harassment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on newly discovered and declassified files, utilizing a trove of documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives, as well as revelatory restored footage, the documentary explores the government’s history of targeting Black activists, and the contested meaning behind some of our most cherished ideals. Featuring interviews with key cultural figures including former FBI Director James Comey, MLK/FBI tells this astonishing and tragic story with searing relevance to our current moment.”
This has the makings of a deeply important, tragically relevant film, and is already receiving rave reviews. “Great. Engrossing. Unsettling. As timely as an alarm clock.” Writes A.O. Scott of The New York Times; and the film currently has an unassailable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film comes out in theaters and on VOD on Friday. And for the folks in Austin, it is playing at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. For those uncomfortable going to the movies—of which, I am one—I cannot find a streaming source. But I will continue to investigate and will add an update here or on social media.
Hoops /// Pelicans at Lakers, Friday January 15 at 10PM ET
In 2019 Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package that included Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart. The trio makes their return to Staples this Friday. In BI’s last year with the Lakers he averaged 18 (which is more than I remember)-5-3. In the two season’s since, he has blossomed into a (likely) perennial all-star averaging an outstanding, almost LeBron Jr.-ish, all-around 24-7-6 so far this season.
These teams played three times last year. In the first game Zion did not play. In the second game, LeBron and AD showed out for 61 combined points, but not to be outdone, BI and Zion unloaded for a combined 63. In the third showdown, Bron and Zion dueled like the titans they are for 34 and 35 respectfully.
However, since the last team these teams tipped it up, the Lakers won a world championship. On a recent Lowe Post podcast episode Zach cited asking BI about the Lakers winning for an upcoming piece. He said that BI gave a nondescript answer, but before he did, he paused and his gaze tightened. Can’t wait to see what statement he has in store for the team that let him go.
MMH Spotlight /// Totally Sounds Like
On Friday, Steven will be releasing the second installment of his new column Totally Sounds Like where he compares the playstyle of a hoops legend with the sonic waves of an all-time great musician. This week’s comp is Tim Duncan and Lionel Richie. Lolol. That comparison is just too good.
Have a great week y’all!
