MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
Me and Mr Jones: My Life with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars
From the stylist who crafted David Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust look, Me and Mr Jones offers a mesmerizing glimpse behind the curtains of a legendary era in pop culture history. With its dazzling and intimate narrative, the book provides a distinctive perspective on one of the most enigmatic stars of our time. Moreover, it paints a vivid portrait of a world poised on the brink of cultural metamorphosis, chronicling the triumphs and tribulations of life as one of the few women in the room where it all unfolded.
The Spoiled Heart
From the twice Booker-nominated author of The Year of the Runaways and China Room comes The Spoiled Heart – a magnificent and multi-layered narrative depicting one man's inevitable descent. This explosively contemporary tale delves into the realm of secrets and assumptions, unveiling consequences beyond imagination. The Spoiled Heart is not only a magnificent and multi-layered narrative, but also a blazing novel of love, community, and politics. Set at the edge of the Peak District, it delves into a deeply moving family mystery, adding another dimension to its already compelling storyline.
Dead Weight: On Hunger, Harm and Disordered Eating
In Dead Weight, Emmeline Clein intricately weaves her personal journey of disordered eating with insightful social commentary, drawing from the experiences of both renowned women throughout history and those close to her. Through a compelling narrative, Clein delves into the medical and cultural landscapes surrounding eating disorders, shedding light on anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder. With a powerful call to action, she urges readers to confront and combat these destructive patterns, envisioning a world where individuals embrace their appetites and reject the tyranny of societal pressures. In an era dominated by the suppression of natural urges, Dead Weight emerges as a timely and essential read.
Butter
Influenced by the notorious case of the convicted con woman and serial killer known as The Konkatsu Killer, Asako Yuzuki's Butter offers a vivid and unsettling journey into themes of misogyny, obsession, romance, and the unconventional joys of food in Japan. Rika, the sole woman in her news office, often resorts to quick meals like ramen due to her late work hours. However, as she begins to share meals with the enigmatic Kajii, their encounters become more than just culinary exchanges—they evolve into a journey of self-discovery. Rika initially hopes to soften Kajii through their gastronomic experiences, but she soon realizes that she is the one undergoing a transformation. With each shared meal, she discovers a newfound connection with Kajii, prompting her to question whether they may have more in common than she initially presumed.
Close to Death
Richmond Upon Thames epitomizes the quintessential London living experience, with Riverview Close emerging as a serene enclave promising an idyllic lifestyle to its residents. However, the tranquil atmosphere shatters with the arrival of Giles Kenworthy, accompanied by his boisterous family, fleet of cars, raucous gatherings, and ambitious construction plans. As Kenworthy's disruptive presence disrupts the peace, animosity brews among his neighbors, each nursing their grievances against him. When Kenworthy meets a grisly demise, pierced by a crossbow bolt, suspicion falls upon those in his orbit, unraveling a web of deceit and treachery. With the police stumped by the perplexing case, they reluctantly enlist the expertise of former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. Yet, even Hawthorne finds himself ensnared in a labyrinth of lies, deception, and subsequent fatalities, confronting a seemingly insurmountable enigma.
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
BMQ Joytown 2024
BMW Group India announced the return of Joytown, its exhilarating music and driving festival. Set to unfold over two days on April 12 and 13, 2024, at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, Joytown promises an unforgettable brand experience. Headlining this year's event are global sensations The Chainsmokers, joined by the dynamic Diljit Dosanjh. A diverse lineup of top-tier artists spanning Indie, Pop, and Electronic music genres will grace the stage, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere for all attendees.
Bumper Blyton
For one unforgettable night, Delhi welcomes the acclaimed live comedy show from the UK, presenting their hilarious parody performance inspired by the beloved childhood author, Enid Blyton! (Think Famous Five, Mallory Towers, and the Faraway Tree). Hailing from the land of top hats, unpredictable weather, and Tikka Masala, this lively troupe of Brits brings a self-satirizing twist to the Angrez culture through the nostalgic lens of the cozy 1940s era. Prepare for an uproarious journey back to an idyllic childhood, filled with cheeky satire and unexpected twists that will have you laughing till your sides ache. Each performance is a spontaneous and utterly unique experience, promising an evening of pure joy and laughter.
BIRD: A Contemporary Dance Presentation
At NMACC Mumbai, BIRD will present a mesmerizing contemporary choreography. It is a visually elegant and intellectually intriguing performance, blending poetic narratives of human rootedness with the ethereal grace of avian flight. Inspired by a short story from the celebrated Colombian writer Garcia Marquez, this stunning piece features the talents of Deepak Kurki Shivaswamy, Vikram Iyengar, Surjit Nongmeikapam, and Joshua Sailo. Conceptualized and choreographed by Preethi Athreya, the performance challenges our perception of the human body and invites reflection on our bodily selves.
World Jazz Festival
Launched in February 2020, this festival has showcased Jazz Music from around the globe, garnering immense appreciation in Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore. Attendees included bureaucrats, consulate officials, corporate leaders, and notable media figures. Aptly titled the World Jazz Festival, this event seamlessly blends World and Jazz music. Featuring incredibly talented artists from the Netherlands, Serbia, Turkey, Belgrade, Brazil, and more, this festival is held in collaboration with one of the world's largest jazz music festivals, the Amersfoort Jazz Festival from The Netherlands. The journey of the 4th edition of the World Jazz Festival begins in Delhi in April.
Thaikkudam Bridge Concert
Immerse yourself in a musical spectacle like no other as Garuda Mall proudly presents Blend Alive India In Concert featuring Thaikkudam Bridge on April 27th! Hailing from Kerala, this phenomenal band has captured hearts with their viral interpretations of Malayalam classics and unexpected covers such as Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters". Their distinctive fusion of rock, reggae, Hindustani, and Carnatic music ensures a spellbinding experience brimming with compelling vocals and captivating instrumentals.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Vultures Vol. 3
Kanye West has been generating excitement for his upcoming album Vultures, a collaborative effort with R&B singer and producer Ty Dolla $ign, for several months. Despite facing numerous delays and schedule changes, West had reaffirmed his commitment to a new rollout strategy, dividing the album's release into three volumes. The release of its third edition will mark West's first full album since his 2021 record, Donda, which earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 64th Grammys.
The Tortured Poets Department
Shortly after completing work on Midnights, Taylor Swift conceived The Tortured Poets Department and further developed it during the Eras Tour (2023–2024). Describing the album as her "lifeline" record, Swift poured herself into imperative songwriting, resulting in a collection of sixteen tracks. The album features collaborations with American rapper Post Malone and English indie rock band Florence and the Machine. In addition to the standard tracks, the album's physical formats also include bonus tracks.
Don't Forget Me
Don't Forget Me is the upcoming third studio album by American pop singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers. It is set to be released on April 12, 2024, through Debay Sounds and Capitol Records .Rogers debuted songs from the record during tour stops on her 2023 tour in support of her second studio album Surrender (2022). In a letter to her fans, she expressed her aim of creating a record that evoked the feeling of a "Sunday afternoon”.
Dark Matter
Pearl Jam's upcoming album, titled Dark Matter has already released its first single of the same name, signaling the beginning of a new era for the band. With a world tour scheduled to kick off in May, Pearl Jam, born from the Seattle scene three decades ago, shows no signs of mellowing with age. "Dark Matter" promises to lean even further into their rock roots than their previous album "Megaton," with drummer Matt Cameron's powerful beats taking center stage.
I’m Doing It Again Baby!
Marie Ulven is getting ready to release the new Girl In Red album I’m Doing It Again Baby!.Girl In Red has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Her earlier hits like "we fell in love in october" and "i wanna be your girlfriend" were hushed, poignant ballads with memorable melodies, released when she was just a teenager. However, her debut full-length album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet, ventured into louder, glitchier pop sounds. With her latest release, Doing It Again Baby, she takes it up a notch. This track serves as an in-your-face anthem, brimming with Ulven's signature eccentricity.
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Amar Singh Chamkila
Imtiaz Ali's latest directorial masterpiece, Amar Singh Chamkila is set to premiere on April 12. The film delves into the untold true story of Punjab’s original rockstar, Amar Singh Chamkila, renowned as the "Elvis Presley of Punjab" and the highest record-selling artist of his time. Shot in authentic locations, the film promises to immerse audiences in the vibrant and rhythmic world of Punjab's folk music, capturing the essence of live music performances in villages known as Akhadaas, where Chamkila's powerful voice once resonated. Starring Parineeti Chopra as Amarjot, Chamkila’s wife and singing partner, the film offers a compelling glimpse into the life and legacy of this iconic figure.
Parasyte: The Grey
Netflix’s upcoming Korean horror series, Parasyte: The Grey promises to deliver a fresh interpretation of the beloved manga Parasyte, potentially marking it as one of the most captivating live-action adaptations to date. The manga is renowned for its intricate character development, profound philosophical themes, and a seamless blend of body horror and quirky humor. Helmed by director Yeong Sang-ho, known for his work on the acclaimed series Hellbound and the critically acclaimed film Train to Busan, the show is poised to captivate audiences with its innovative approach.
Challengers
Challengers is an upcoming American romantic sports film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes. Starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist, the film centers on a Grand Slam tennis champion who decides to participate in a challenger event, where he faces off against his wife and coach's former lover.
Monkey Man
Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Dev Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city's sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
Ripley
Adapted from Patricia Highsmith's 1955 crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the psychological thriller features Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf, and Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood. The limited series, spanning eight episodes, is set in 1960s New York. Tom Ripley is enlisted by a wealthy individual to persuade his rebellious son to come back from Italy. However, Tom's immersion into Dickie Greenleaf's idyllic lifestyle overseas marks the beginning of a convoluted journey involving deception, deceit, and ultimately, murder.
Words Platform Desk
Date 01.04.2024
