How we're spending our leisure time.
Everyone has a bit of quiet downtime once in a while. Whether you're sitting quietly at home or trying to relax on a plane or just giving your busy mind and hands a break, it's important to relax.
A good way to do that is to read a book, listen to some music or watch a movie or show. See what's caught our attention for the week of October 6.
Daniel Bader
This week, I've been trying to find music to keep me focused and alert during the day, which, in a world of distractions and notifications, is not easy.
To that end, I've been really enjoying the vibrant and ambitious sounds of Sufjan Stevens' Carrie & Lowell Live, a fascinating and eclectic take on the mellow and contemplative eponymous album from a couple years ago. The original is a classic in its own right, full of emotional comings to term with the death of his parents, and the new life he has started on his own. It's mature stuff, but beautiful.
On the other side of the spectrum, Spotify's new Time Capsule playlist, which rolled out to all paying members earlier in the week, is an algorithmic marvel. Based on the songs and albums, both old and new, you've played, Spotify creates a custom playlist of old-school bangers that you probably forgot you loved. I know I did.
Tom Westrick
This weekend is the Fountain Square Music Festival in Indianapolis, so I've been listening to some of the artists that will be performing at those concerts. In addition to full albums from the artists I'm seeing, I've also been listening to The Lion's Roar by First Aid Kit.
As for TV and movies, I rewatched The IT Crowd on Netflix. I got into a rabbit hole by looking up the different actors in that show, which ended up with me renting the movie Submarine, written by The IT Crowd star Richard Ayoade. It's on my list to watch this weekend, and based on the trailers I think I'll enjoy it. Finally, I've been watching all the hands-on coverage from the [Pixel event](/google-pixel-2-preview], and living vicariously through everyone who has had a chance to use the new Pixelbook.
Jen Karner
This week, when it comes to reading, I've gotten sucked into Hex by Thomas Heuvelt. It's placed in the picturesque Hudson Valley, where anyone who moves there can never leave, thanks to the curse set by a witch 350 years ago. That Witch still haunts the town, wandering with eyes and sewn shut. I cannot say enough how much I love this creepy book which blends the folklore of the past with modern technology to keep it at bay.
When it comes to listening, I've been going through Spotify playlists, and the Southern Gothic has an amazing mix which includes the likes of Delta Rae amongst others. It's a great playlist to get in the mood for Halloween and all its creepy glory.
Marc Lagace
This week, I discovered a new band who created one of the coolest music videos I've ever seen. The band is The Academics, a four-piece band from Ireland, and the music video is for their song Bear Claws — except it's actually an extended version of that single recorded in loops while streaming live on Facebook. You see, there's a bit of a delay when you stream live on Facebook, so they used that time difference to play along with themselves and create a mesmerizing loop.
Seriously, the way they layer in the different instruments and build up the song is fascinating. I've been dabbling with some music recording at home with a loop pedal, so I found the whole video to be super inspiring. It's something I think everyone should experience, and I could only imagine the reactions of the 200 or so people who managed to see it come together live on Facebook. I hope this becomes a trend and other bands try to use streaming platforms as creatively as here.
Jerry Hildenbrand
My wife and I went to see the 2017 remake of Flatliners. And that's the best thing I can say about the film.
It's not scary when it's trying to be scary and even Kiefer Sutherland making a comeback from the mediocre original 1990's version couldn't save it. We should have waited for Blade Runner 2049.
I also downloaded the new LCD Soundsystem album earlier in the week. This is much better than the crummy movie I saw! American Dream is the best record from the band, and a must-have for any fans. It's also a pretty cool way to check them out for the first time.
Here's hoping next week's movie goes better. Any recommendations?
Joe Maring
When I'm not kicking out articles here on AC, I'm usually hitting the books to wrap up my business degree ASAP. I don't usually have a problem with focusing or setting time aside to study, but I've found that Spotify's Intense Studying Takeover is a great addition to those quieter times.
There's a vast assortment of classic tunes throughout the playlist, and intermittent study tips from Bill Murray and Jan Vogler help to break things up. From Bach's Suite For Cello No.1 to Bill Murray narrating Walt Whitman's Song Of The Open Road, this is easily my new favorite collection of tunes to help me focus on the task ahead.
I admittedly haven't done much reading this week, but I have been doing my fair share of watching — more specifically, NBC's The Good Place. My girlfriend and I powered through season one in a weekend, and we're anxiously awaiting to see how the rest of season two plays out. Every single person thinks about the afterlife at one point or another, and per the mind of Michael Schur, it includes Ted Danson lying on the floor and weeping about season eight of Friends. If you're a fan of The Office or Parks and Recreation, this is right up your alley.
Harish Jonnalagadda
I read Dan Brown's Angels and Demons 12 years ago (time really does fly), and loved it. The fast-paced action juxtaposed with the historical background made for a highly enjoyable read. The Da Vinci Code was also great, but the two books that followed it — The Lost Symbol and Inferno — were mediocre.
I'm hoping Origin will be much better. The book debuted earlier this week, and based on the dust jacket, the plotline centers around a tech breakthrough. That should make things interesting, particularly considering the series' historical underpinnings. It's going to be a fun Saturday.
Your turn
What are YOU reading, watching, or listening to this week? Let us know in the comments!
Update, October 6, 2017: This is an occasional series where we tell you what we're into, so check back often!
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