Category: News

Tainted Love: Alex Coles & Savvy in Conversation

Titled after Soft Cell’s version of the original 1965 Gloria Jones track, Tainted Love is the first book-length inquiry into the subject of the twisted romantic ballad, giving a sense of both its history and contemporary currency. Sometimes extreme, this twist to the conventional romantic ballad spans across gender and generational boundaries to subvert our understanding of both the genre’s function and its behavior. Each chapter of Tainted Love takes a deep dive into a single twisted ballad, examining both its inner workings—lyrics, melody, and vocal approach—and its broader cultural resonance.


Featuring an analysis of songs by Kendrick Lamar, Nina Simone, Roxy Music, Joni Mitchell, The Velvet Underground, Frank Sinatra, Soft Cell, Paul McCartney, Charlotte & Serge Gainsbourg, PJ Harvey & Nick Cave, and Little Simz, this book turns on the question: What compels songwriters to compose—and us to listen to—these warped songs?

Everything Everywhere All At Once

Most definitely worth a watch!

I’ll get straight to the point films like these come along along once or twice a decade, theres so much to say but at the same time I really don’t want to spoil the film for anyone thats yet to see it. However the basic premises is that an Asian immigrant mother along with  her family are merely just trying to pay their taxes and just find their way though life when the fate of the multi-universe rudely interrupts. 

The film is mad cap & goofy and totally absurdist at its highs & lows. But at the core of this film is a heart, depth of thought & so much love….. you could say this film is about the state of the world, connection, family, disconnection, generational trauma, self belief, nihilism, the plurality of morality, mental health & more.. but I’d just say enjoy the wild wild ride..

Written and directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. they guys that made Swiss Army Man and the Turndown For What music video.

The film stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Though I get the feeling this film will be a career defining role for Michelle Yeoh. Don’t get me wrong the whole cast brings their A-game but this role seems somewhat meta and deeply meaningful to Michelle personally.

I give this film a 8.7 out of 10 it truly is great piece of work,  I recommend it anyone that look for something fresh and interesting to watch Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert really have caught lighting in a bottle with this one… I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.