Ask the Editors: What We’re Bringing with Us for the New Year
QUESTION: What are you bringing to the new year?
With a new year and a new semester often comes new goals, new habits, and more. However, the daily lobo editors look to our past and decide what we want to keep with us as we move forward. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things, whether it’s movies, TV, music, books or sports, for you to browse.
Megan’s Pick: SHOW: “Star Trek” Created by Gene Roddenberry
In a time when it often feels like you need an escape, you can find one from the living room of your own home in the “Star Trek” universe. Ranked as one of the most culturally influential shows of all time, “Star Trek” was groundbreaking when it was released in the 60s and continued to make more shows after its original run with timeless themes. which easily delight the viewer.
As a new “Star Trek” fan, I recommend starting with “Next Generation” and perusing some of the newer shows before watching the classic original series. “Star Trek” allowed me to find solace in the midst of a chaotic pandemic and also taught me countless lessons while showing me new perspectives. Although the show started off as a kind of slow-burning love affair for me, it got to a point where I didn’t even realize I had never looked back.
John’s Choice: MUSIC: “CRAWLER” by IDLES
Now face it, a post-punk rock album that deals heavily with themes of addiction and loss might not sound like the best thing to get you through the tough times, but there’s something really beautiful about through all the blown guitars and screaming voices. of “CRAWLER” by IDLES.
IDLES is a band whose message is all about the beauty of life and perseverance, and this album is truly the epitome of that message. As lead singer Joe Talbot exclaims on the final track, “Despite everything, life is good.”
Joseph’s Choice: MUSIC: “Reflektor” by Arcade Fire
Over the winter break, I found myself reminiscing about music from the past decade, and in the process, I stumbled upon one of my long-forgotten favorite albums, 2013’s “Reflektor” by Arcade Fire.
Arcade Fire has always sounded huge, but on “Reflektor” their sound has changed. It is developed and optimistic. It’s messy, wild and caffeinated, but cool like a Montreal cafe. Layered beats, sharp, messy guitar riff bits and hidden horn sections intertwine with vocalist Win Butler’s smooth yet raw vocals.
“Reflektor” is an intense artistic album, in one of the best possible ways. It makes me want to put on my Doc Martens, smoke a cigarette and take posed photos for my Tumblr. I may never know how this album fell off my radar… But what I do know is the power, angst and talent of the “Reflektor” album. My favorites from the album are “We Exist”, “Jeanne d’Arc” and “Porno”.
Liam’s Pick: MUSIC: “Can’t Cool Me Down” by Car Seat Headrest
I wouldn’t consider myself an avid alternative indie fan. That said, I simply cannot overstate how much the car seat headrest has influenced my musical tastes. The refined sound of albums like “Teens of Denial” and “Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)” are some of my favorite albums of all time.
In 2020, Car Seat Headrest released their latest album “Making a Door Less Open”, in which the band seemingly managed to recapture the self-produced grungy vibe of their previous work while still retaining enough melody to tap their feet. “Can’t Cool Me Down”, an enigmatic song from the album, proves to be the band’s ideal showcase.
Lead singer Will Toledo is a master of stream-of-consciousness lyrics and the song paints a frenzied image with lines like “Say there’s a hole in the ceiling / All but me and it’s got no feeling / The smoke spills out of bed / I crawl like an animal towards you.
So if you’re looking for an unorthodox and slightly chaotic song to dance to during the semester, “Can’t Cool Me Down” is definitely worth a listen.
Shelby’s Choice: FILM: “Encanto” directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard
One of the most endearing movies I watched in 2021 was the latest feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Encanto.” I watched this movie in theaters at the request of my younger brother, and from the short “Far From the Tree” that played before the movie with the very colorful credits, I was really pleased.
I know not everyone is a fan of Lin Manuel Miranda, but his talent for writing the original song lineup for this film is undeniable. They’re fun, memorable, and each contributes to the beautiful love letter to Colombian culture that is this film.
Watching the Madrigal family address themes of generational trauma, the weight placed on older siblings, and being black sheep of the family provided a surprisingly cathartic experience. I know that I will see it several times this year and that I will listen to the soundtrack even more.
Zara’s pick: MUSIC: “…Off the Bone” by The Cramps
While a lot can be said about the groundbreaking sound and pioneering role of the Cramps as one of the original punk bands and early performers in the more specialized psychobilly genre, I personally love them the most. for their ability to make me feel like I’m in a cheesy 80s horror movie, which is why my pick is “…Off the Bone.”
Lux Interior’s singular vocal styles combine with macabre lyrics and solid rockabilly instrumentals to create some truly infectious tunes. This horror-inspired album got me through the end of a truly nightmarish year, and hopefully it will hold me over until Halloween.
Natalie’s Pick: BOOK: “Chocolate” by Joanne Harris
Looking at the cover and adaptation of “Chocolate” by Joanne Harris, one could easily assume that the book is a mess of half-witted, superficial romantics; it is anything but that. An exploration of a woman’s inability to sit still and find meaningful and lasting contentment in the twisted world around her, the candied metaphors and self-indulgent fantasies make the complex and somewhat dark subjects endurable and entertaining. “Chocolate” is a quick read with enough substance to remind me why I need to calm down and try to be moral.
The sweet, bittersweet story is always fun to pick up and I’m sure it will keep me anchored through what is sure to be a tumultuous first week of school.
Matt’s Pick: SPORTS: UNM Women’s Basketball
The Lobos women’s basketball program is one of the most dynamic and fun-to-watch basketball teams in the country. After sacking their entire starting roster from last year, UNM dominates conference play, currently undefeated at The Pit and potentially on their way to the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.
It’s not just their stellar record that makes these Lobos so enjoyable to pick up. Mike Bradbury’s team plays a brand of basketball that is the best of the sport’s past and future. They appear near the top nationwide in a plethora of offensive stats and have a really exciting attacking spectacle. You never know who might explode for seven three or sink a hard winning game Three.
The Lobos lead the Mountain West Conference in women’s basketball attendance by many, but for such a successful team at the forefront of women’s basketball, a lot more fans should show up.
Mackenzie’s Pick: MUSIC: “The Good Life” by Devon Gilfillian
Two years ago, Devon Gilfillian’s “The Good Life” was released and deservedly reached No. 5 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Song chart of 2020.
This song is filled with an uplifting beat that will easily calm your nerves and relax you, and the enlightening lyrics can quickly lift your mood. Gilfillian’s style with the song is a soothing melody.
Whenever I’m doing my homework or working, this song really helps me focus, relax and realize that this is the good life.
What we bring with us into 2022 is extremely important as we continue to grow and progress. And as the pandemic continues to storm and the semester begins, the editors hope that you – our readers – can find comfort in making one of our old things your new thing.
Megan Gleason is the editor of the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @fabflutist2716
John Scott is the editor of the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @JScott050901
Joseph McKee is the Design Director of The Daily Lobo. They can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @j_mckee_
Liam DeBonis is the copy editor at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @LiamDebonis
Shelby Kleinhans is the Daily Lobo’s multimedia editor. She can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @BirdsNotReal99
Zara Roy is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter @zarazzledazzle
Natalie Jude is the culture editor of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @natalaroni
Matthew Salcido is the Daily Lobo’s sports editor. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @baggyeyedguy
Mackenzie Schwartz is the photo editor of the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @mackenzid5
Have a question? We want to answer it! Questions for editors can be submitted to the editor at [email protected]. Title all submissions “ASK THE EDITORS”