You know I love seeing your lists, so here are some of my 2021 favorites! This is just part one since I’m spreading out the post this year. My reading list and most memorable meals coming soon.
▶️ Pretend I didn’t forget Jelani Aryeh’s album on that list. After picking two of his songs I thought he was already there.
▶️ I only highlight shows once and Ted Lasso was already a favorite from last year, but if they keep making episodes like the Rick Astley funeral one, episodes just might have to become a category.
A handful of random thoughts that came to mind when curating this:
▶️ Derek Delgaudio’s heart-filled, philosophical magic show about identity was so wonderful. It came out so early in the year that I almost forgot to include it among 2021 things. About time to give it another view.
▶️ Included Minari on the movies list even though I think it would technically be a (2020) on the papers. This thing of releasing movies that might be the best of the year at the very end where nobody has a chance to see them except pro reviewers is a bit elitist, so now, if people can’t find your movie easily until 2022, you’re a 2022 film in my book.
▶️ Throughline got really good again this year. Loved that podcast a lot when it launched in 2015, but circa 2017, it started focusing on high level political themes that were already dominating airwaves. Love the return to their roots. Black History specials on Marcus Garvey, Octavia Butler, and Banyard Rustin nailed it. Filipino nurses. Tenochitlan. The history of Afghanistan.
A bunch of you dropped off great streaming recommendations when I shared my paternity leave watchlist, but, any other recommendations?