In the latest bonkers excerpt from Jonathan Karl’s new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show, attorney Sidney Powell reportedly fell so hard for a QAnon conspiracy theory that she actually contacted the Pentagon and attempted to launch a special operations mission to extract CIA Director Gina Haspel from Germany.
For the record, Haspel was not in any danger whatsoever, but thanks to a steady diet of wild QAnon theories, Powell was fully convinced that the CIA director had been injured and arrested while on a covert mission to destroy proof that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. According to Karl’s book, Powell contacted Ezra Cohen-Watkins, a Trump appointee at the Pentagon, and demanded immediate action. Via Mediaite:
“The server, Powell claimed, contained evidence that hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of votes had been switched using rigged voting machines. Powell believed Haspel had embarked on this secret mission to get the server and destroy the evidence – in other words, the CIA director was part of the conspiracy.”
“They needed to get the server and force Haspel to confess,” Karl adds, explaining Powell’s motives. According to the reporting in the book, Cohen-Watkins was so taken aback by the call he reported the call to the acting defense secretary.
According to the book, the situation got so out of hand, that a CIA spokesperson had to issue a statement saying that Haspel is “alive and well,” and more importantly, in her office. Powell would later be removed from Trump’s legal team for somehow being too crazy for Rudy Giuliani, which is pretty impressive. That takes skill.
There are a lot of reasons not to drink milk. Adverse allergic reactions, lactose intolerance, environmental concerns, well-placed hate for the dairy industry, or simply being weirded out by the idea of drinking the milk of some other animal. We get it, milk is kind of weird, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients, according to Healthline, including iron, niacin, vitamins B, E, K, thiamin, and selenium. It’s full of calcium that’ll keep your bones and teeth healthy and is great for baking and other culinary uses. And, most importantly, milk makes the best cheese!
But sometimes you just don’t want to mess with milk, even if you’re down with cheese. Luckily, we live in an age in which you can get all kinds of plant-based milk alternatives and some of them are just as tasty and useful as milk. Unfortunately, a lot of them are also crap that’s either really bad for you, not what it seems, or both.
So we’ve taken a deep dive into the most popular milk alternatives currently on grocery store shelves to give you a full run-down of all the good and bad of each of them. Whether you’re looking for milk for your cereal, latte, baking a cake, or making a smoothie, we’ve got you covered! Because this list is more of a guide than a ranking, don’t consider the brand we’ve chosen to represent each different milk as an endorsement of that brand, we just picked whatever brand had a large national presence for each style.
Wait… How Do You Milk Any Of This Stuff?
It’s something that you might not think about because in a lot of cases plant-based milk looks like milk, but you can’t exactly milk an oat. Or an almond. Or any of this stuff. So then what the hell is plant-based milk? In most cases, it’s a bunch of ground-up beans, grains, plants, or nuts that are mixed with water, vitamins and minerals, sometimes sugar or vanilla flavoring, emulsifiers, thickeners and gums, and perhaps the most shocking of all, oils. That’s all blended together to make, well, “milk.” But what do you want people to call this stuff? Somewhat interestingly, in most cultures outside of the Anglosphere, they call them “drinks” — oat drink, soy drink, almond drink, etc. But we digress.
Like plant-based meat, plant-based milk requires a whole lot of processing. So in order to get that consistency milk is so famous for, a lot of plant-based milk options need some kind of fat mixed in. That means a lot of brands opt for oil since it’s dairy-free and contains healthy fats (assuming it’s good oil, though in most cases, it won’t be). Once you know plant-based milk has oil in it, you won’t be able to not taste it. We sincerely apologize for letting you know.
What To Look For
When it comes to plant-based milk, the fewer ingredients the better. It’s normal to see emulsifiers like sunflower lecithin and dipotassium phosphate, or vitamin and mineral blends, and salt. You’re going to want to stay away from things like added sugar, sweeteners, the phrase “natural flavors,” long lists of ingredients you have a hard time pronouncing, and something called carrageenan. Carrageenan is an emulsifying agent derived from seaweed that, according to MedicineNet, scientists believe can induce inflammation and lead to chronic illnesses and digestive disorders.
We should also note that certain low-quality oils may also lead to inflammation, but that’s a whole other guide we’d have to dive into so we can’t really cover that here. You may also want to spend the extra dollars for products that are organic, considering a lot of pesticides go into the growing of things like almonds, peas, and oats.
In short — look for unsweetened “milk” with a shortlist of ingredients that contain good levels of protein, calcium, and vitamins, and stay away from carrageenan. Now that you’re a little bit more familiar with what’s inside most plant-based milk, you’re probably thinking you can make your own. You totally can, it’s easy and in a lot of cases better for your health because you have full control over what you put in it.
The Milk
Almond Milk
Blue Diamond
The Milk:
Almond milk is hands-down the most popular plant-based milk currently on the market. Tasting it, it’s easy to see why. It has a soft and creamy texture with a delicately nutty flavor and is, according to Medical News Today, naturally high in fat, vitamin E, calcium, and potassium while being low in calories and unfortunately, protein. Generally, most almond milk brands further fortify it with calcium, more protein, and vitamins A and D, giving it a nutritional profile that isn’t that far off from cow’s milk. Though it is less bioavailable, which means you don’t absorb it quite as well.
Unfortunately, almond farming is very damaging to the environment considering almonds require a lot of water to grow and most almonds in the world come from California, a state that is always in the news for being in a drought. Maybe stop growing almonds, California! No seriously, I say this as a Californian, stop growing almonds here, please!
Where it sucks:
Baking. Don’t substitute cow’s milk for almond milk in a baking recipe. Well, let us walk that back a bit, you can substitute 1:1 but you shouldn’t. Almond milk has the high-fat content to act as a good substitute in most recipes, but the flavor leaves a lot to be desired. Milk is sweet, almond milk — especially the unsweetened stuff we suggest you buy — is not, which will result in your recipes always tasting inferior when compared to using real dairy. The texture will also be less fluffy.
Where it thrives:
In almost every other use for milk that you can think of. Need something for your cereal? Almond milk. Need some cream for your at-home coffee? Bam, use almond milk. Making a vegan cheese? Almond milk is the stuff!
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
Smoothies and milkshakes. As I mentioned before, almond milk has a pretty high-fat content, which is why it works in baking (even though, again, we don’t suggest it). So when it comes to smoothies and milkshakes, it’s one of the best choices you can use next to cow’s milk. It nails that creamy consistency.
Banana Milk
Mooala
The Milk:
Banana milk is made with blended banana and water, so it is essentially banana juice. If that sounds delicious to you, we’re happy to report that it is. Banana milk is one of the best-tasting milk alternatives out there thanks to its natural sweetness. Some banana milk on the shelves is blended with other plant-based milk, so keep that in mind when looking at ingredients lists.
This option shines for being low in carbs, calories, and added sugars, as well as being allergen-free so long as it isn’t mixed with nut-based milk (or you’re not allergic to bananas). Unfortunately, it’s also low in protein and other important nutrients. So if you’re looking for a milk alternative for flavor, this is that milk. If you want milk for nutritional reasons, this one is one of the weaker options.
Where it sucks:
Savory options. Don’t make a bechamel sauce or any other cream sauce with banana milk unless you want to throw up.
Where it thrives:
Smoothies, obviously. Banana milk is a great way to double down on banana flavor when you’re mixing up a smoothie.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
As a great baking option. Sometimes. Yes, banana milk tastes a lot like a banana. So if you don’t want the taste of banana in your cake, don’t use it. But if you do, it really adds that magical touch of something extra. Don’t use it to make banana nut muffins… banana-ier, instead add a subtle touch of banana to things like a devil’s food cake, or even pumpkin spice cupcakes.
Cashew Milk
Elmhurst
The Milk:
If you’re feeling guilty about being an almond milk drinker but love the flavor, give cashew milk a try! Cashew milk also has a deliciously creamy consistency with a naturally sweet nutty flavor that is still low in sugar. It’s not as delicate as almond milk, but it’s (slightly) better for the environment.
This is the sort of milk that you should definitely learn to make at home, as it’s one of the easier ones to make right. But, unfortunately, while your end product will be delicious, it’ll be pretty free from substantial nutrition. If you’re looking for something vitamin and mineral fortified, you’ll find it in the grocery aisles, but that usually comes with a whole lot of other ingredients and thickeners.
Where it sucks:
While you can use it as a 1:1 substitute for milk in baking, again, we suggest against that. It’s a better choice than almond milk because most cashew milk will come sweetened, but it still leaves your baking recipes missing that extra dose of sweetness that cow’s milk provides.
Where it thrives:
Like almond milk, cashew milk is good for smoothies and milkshakes, but also makes a great milk substitute in savory foods.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
As a plant-based milk base for a curry.
Coconut Milk
Silk
The Milk:
Coconut milk comes in two categories: canned, and what is called “coconut beverage,” which is the refrigerated stuff. The canned stuff is thick and creamy and made from actual coconut and acts as a delicious cooking ingredient and is even thick enough to be whipped into cream. It’s the sort of stuff you should use in a curry.
Coconut milk beverage on the other hand is the sort of thing you’d put into your coffee, drink from a glass, or eat with your cereal. You could bake with both but not in equal measures!
Where it sucks:
In certain recipes. While you can substitute cow’s milk 1:1 with coconut milk beverage, sometimes to great results like when baking, it’s going to sometimes impact the flavor in adverse ways. Coconut milk isn’t quite as neutral as cow’s milk, if you reduce it down into a sauce, that sauce is going to have a coconut quality to it. If that’s not what you’re going for, it can ruin the results.
Where it thrives:
It’s delicious in baking!
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
It is hands down the best milk to eat cereal with, even compared to cow’s milk. Eat cereal milk with coconut milk and I promise you you’ll never look back.
Hemp Milk
Pacific Foods
The Milk:
High in protein, hemp milk is a fantastic plant-based milk alternative with a distinct earthy flavor and a thick and creamy consistency. Hemp milk is also high in omega 3s and iron and has skin and heart-healthy nutrients but is low in calcium, according to Heathline. Yes, hemp is a cannabis plant. No, it won’t get you stoned. Even if you drink the whole thing in one sitting. That might make you throw up though.
Where it sucks:
Baking. Again. Like a lot of the other plant-based milk, it’s not that it doesn’t make a good substitute for cow’s milk consistency-wise, it’s just that the flavor is way too distinct, so it messes with the balance of sweetness in your baked goods.
Where it thrives:
Savory dishes, it has an earthiness that adds a lot of distinct character to sauces.
Where you wouldn’t expect it
As the base of a double espresso shot latte with a generous swirl of honey. That’s earthy bitter perfection in a cup.
Flax Milk
Good Karma
The Milk:
Flax milk — made from flaxseeds crushed and mixed with water — is a great choice for those looking for plant-based milk that doesn’t contain nuts. It has a tasty earthy flavor but is usually pretty low in protein and often comes fortified with all sorts of stuff.
Where it sucks:
Coffee. It doesn’t add a creamy lift like a lot of the other options on this list. Instead, it leaves coffee tasting flat and dirty.
Where it thrives:
In savory dishes.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
Crepes. It’s a little too thin for good pancakes. But if you’re looking to make a crepe, its silkiness will keep your crepe from ever-rising too thick.
Oat Milk
OatLy
The Milk:
If almond milk is the current favorite of the plant-based milk buying crowd, then oat milk is a close second. Made from whole oats and water, oat milk tastes a lot like a less intense version of oatmeal with a creamy texture and an earthy and nutty flavor.
Where it sucks:
It doesn’t have the neutrality of cow’s milk, so in certain dishes, it imparts an earthy flavor that can be off-putting and give your baked goods a health-store quality. It can be used to an advantage, but not always.
Where it thrives:
In lattes. Like hemp milk, oat milk’s nutty earthy flavor profile pairs perfectly with espresso.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
In smoothies. Oats sounds like a dull way to enhance your smoothie when you compare it to something like banana milk or almond milk, but the earthy nutty flavor of oat milk adds a nice sense of texture that can calm down overly sweetened smoothies. It’s a nice balance.
Rice Milk
Rice Dream
The Milk:
Rice milk is by far the thinnest plant-based milk substitute on the market. It’s also low in fat, protein, and fiber, and is usually sweetened. So why would anyone ever pick rice milk? Because it’s soy-free, dairy-free, and doesn’t contain allergens like nuts. Still, as far as plant-based milk go if you can stomach other options, this is the one we recommend the least.
Where it sucks:
Baking. I know we’ve said that about almost every milk on this list, but rice milk is the absolute worst for baking. The consistency is just way too thin. Do not use this as a 1:1 substitution for cow’s milk, it’ll throw everything off.
Where it thrives:
Cereal, that’s pretty much it.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
In coffee, it tastes somehow remarkably similar to cow’s milk.
Soy Milk
Silk
The Milk:
If you hopped in a time machine and traveled back about 15 years, the only plant-based milk you’d find on grocery store shelves would be soy milk. The option for using soy as plant-based milk was a no-brainer, soy milk contains a lot of protein and is naturally full of antioxidants while still being rich and creamy like cow’s milk. It’s sweet and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for milk on any occasion, from making butter to baking, to really, any type of cooking.
So why isn’t it the most popular? Let’s get to that.
Where it sucks:
Soy milk is interchangeable with cow’s milk, so the flaws with this milk are less in what it can and can’t do, and more about why you might not want to drink soy. A lot of people are allergic to soy, so they can’t drink soy milk. Also, soy farming is incredibly harmful to the environment.
Rain forests are cut down and burnt in order to make way for soybean farms (which also includes animal protein production too). It’s one of the worst environmental offenders, even when compared to almond milk. Soy also contains phytoestrogens that may mess with the hormonal levels of infants, children, and adolescents. According to Livestrong, contrary to popular belief, those phytoestrogens should have little impact on the hormone levels of fully grown men.
Though there are a lot of current studies being conducted in regards to the human consumption of soy, just something to think about!
Where it thrives:
In cooking. Use it in any recipe that calls for milk and soy milk will get the job done.
Where you wouldn’t expect it:
Of the plant-based milk on this list, soy froths up better than any other milk that isn’t cow’s. Take it from me, I worked as a barista for five years.
With digital streaming platforms, we have all of the music in the world at our fingertips, but still can’t seem to figure out exactly what we want to hear. Lucky for all of us, Geoff Rickly is here to help with Making A Mixtape, the new video offering from Uproxx’s Indie Mixtape. As the singer for the post-hardcore band Thursday, Rickly has a unique and experienced perspective on what it takes to craft an impactful mixtape.
After creating mixtapes with Cloud Nothings, Bartees Strange, Jeff Rosenstock and more, Rickly is joined by Montreal singer-songwriter Josie Bolvin, who released a new album, Voyage To Mars, under the name Munya earlier this month. Bolvin served as producer, songwriter, engineer, and performer on the project, and gives Rickly some insight into the singular artistic vision, informed by her background in opera and jazz.
Check out the eighth episode of Making A Mixtape above and the “Best New Tunes Of 2021” playlist below.
Petey — “Lean Into Life”
Big Thief — “Little Things”
Bartees Strange — “Weights”
Illuminati Hotties — “MMMOOOAAAAAYAYA”
Beabadoobee — “Last Night On Earth”
Munya — “Cocoa Beach”
Inner Wave — “Fever”
The War On Drugs — “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” (ft. Lucius)
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Fresh off the release of her excellent third album, Things Take Time, Take Time, Courtney Barnett has another gift for her fans, who have found a rather lovel community through Barnett’s music. Today, she announced the release of a documentary, Anonymous Club, that will be coming out next year. Though she tends to be a very private person, the film was shot over three years and gives a striking behind-the-scenes look at the singer-songwriter’s life as she went on a global tour behind her last album, Tell Me How You Really Feel.
Barnett will be narrating the film from her audio diary, which was recorded in a dictaphone that filmmaker Danny Cohen gave Barnett to help flesh out the film’s intimate perspective. According to a press release, the documentary will offer “frank and unprecedented insight into Barnett’s creative process, the sacrifices and inner conflicts set in motion by fame, and the sometimes dark backdrop to her whimsical, relatably poetic compositions.” The film was shot on 16 mm film and will be released by Oscilloscope as a traditional release sometime next year. Check out a trailer for the film above, and keep an eye out for more info on the movie coming very soon.
Seth Rogen puts his money where his mouth is, quite literally, and he’s reaping success for his weed brand in the aftermath. He couldn’t be more pleased to sell his wares in the U.S., and Seth’s regularly tweeting out the fruits of one of his other loves (pottery spinning). Well, he’s combined the same colorful spirit from a lot of his pottery creations with his weed love and “invented a rolling tray.”
Here’s his very important Twitter announcement, complete with video demonstration.
Naturally, the rolling tray is a big hit on Rogen’s Houseplant website, and the above tweet’s sitting at 620,000 “likes” and counting, but not everyone can witness success without an argument. Seth, as well, was cool with pushing back a bit in his replies toward sporadic detractors. One user attempted to point out that Seth “designed” rather than “invented” a tray, and Seth got a little (good-naturedly) hyperbolic while illustrating how silly it is to argue that point. “Nah dude I invented the concept of trays,” Rogen tweeted. “Motherf*ckers were rolling in bowls and on rocks and sh*t before me.”
Nah dude I invented the concept of trays. Motherfuckers were rolling in bowls and on rocks and shit before me.
This is all in good fun, hopefully, but some people do take these things too seriously. When someone else stepped up to express respect for Seth’s “entrepreneurialism,” they also advised that he “[m]aybe scale back just to special occasions” while smoking weed because “I worry that if you keep smoking grass every day your memory will go.” Hmm.
Your entrepreneurialism is outstanding, Seth, but I worry that if you keep smoking grass every day your memory will go. You need to memorize lines in movies, no? Maybe scale back just to special occasions. I say this because I care. Best, Jordan.
Finding the perfect gift for the movie lover or TV fan in your life should, in theory, be pretty easy. After all, there are hundreds of shows streaming right now and dozens of blockbusters available at our fingertips — there’s got to be something for even the pickiest of people on your shopping list, right?
Then again, having so many options means sifting through the junk to get to the hidden gems and one-of-a-kind memorabilia can be, well, kind of exhausting. Even Santa doesn’t have to do this much work. That’s why this year, UPROXX is dropping a handy buying guide for any cinephile and TV fanatic on your list. From choice comics to prep them for upcoming Marvel storylines to recipes for biscuits, movie pass subscriptions, quirky coffee table books, show-specific apparel, and more — we guarantee you’ll find something worth adding to your holiday cart here.
Marvel
Hawkeye by Fraction & Aja: The Saga of Barton and Bishop
This new trade paperback collects all 22 issues of the iconic comic run by Matt Fraction and David Aja that inspired the upcoming Disney+ Hawkeye series. Acclaimed for its sharp writing, superb characterization, and inventive storytelling, Hawkeye is the story that put the character of Clint Barton back on the map — and made Kate Bishop a household name. Even if you’re not familiar with comics, you’ll want to pick this book up. We promise you’ll be hooked.
Even if you’re not great in the kitchen,Ted Lasso’s biscuit recipe is easy peasy, lemon squeezy. It literally has four ingredients in it, requires minimal kitchen utensils to make, and the delicious product is sure to delight almost anyone, even if they’re not a fan of the show. They make a great host/hostess gift, a thank you to your mailman, or a perfect snack for Santa. The official Ted Lasso biscuit recipe can be found at The Kitchn, and those perfect pink candy boxes can be found all over the internet. We like the ones from Nashville Wraps as they can hold a sizable portion of buttery biscuits, but they’re also small enough to evoke the feeling of having biscuits with the boss. Ted Lasso totally believes that you can make these.
Film Twitter has been singing the praises of this carefully-curated streaming collection for years but there’s truly something for everyone here – whether you’re a proud cinephile or just starting to dive into the world of moviemaking. Themed collections, director-spotlighted streaming lists, arthouse finds, international fare, and of course, the classics – they can all be found here for a price tag that is shockingly reasonable considering all of the incredible storytelling at your fingertips. If you know someone who calls themselves a film fanatic and they don’t have this subscription, do them a favor this year.
Yes, it’s still a travesty that virtually no Squid Game merch was available in time for Halloween this year, but let’s get real: everyone still wants a piece of the hottest show of 2021. Now, Netflix has a bunch of options depending on which side you fall on – player or guard – but this brightly-colored hoodie feels like the kind of statement piece any TV fan would want in their closet.
Got a Schitt’s Creekfan in your life who also loves to dabble in the arts? This delightful set of colored pencils from Pop Colors makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Twelve vibrant pencils with color names like “Rosebud Motel”, “Fold in the Cheese”, and “The Crows Have Eyes III” will have your friends and family giving you the warmest regards for your excellent taste in gifts.
Maybe your friends and family haven’t yet gotten around to watching Schitt’s Creek? Pop Colors has you covered as they also offer pencil sets for other classic and beloved TV series such as Parks and Recreation, Breaking Bad, and The Office.
The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
If you’re a hardcore Marvel fan, you’ll want to pick up this massive celebration of a decade’s worth of MCU secrets, stories, and special moments. Written by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, it’s the definitive bible for the superhero franchise that changed — and continues to change — moviemaking. Bennett and Terry uncover untold casting stories, new interviews, shocking revelations about some of the biggest Marvel films, and more.
When you think “scratch-offs” you probably think of gas station lottery tickets but this piece of film memorabilia is, dare we say, chic? A collection of 100 of the best movies of all time – everything from Star Wars to Jaws, The Shawshank Redemption, Get Out, and more are featured here – this scratch-off poster sports minimalistic miniature posters of some of our favorite films. Use it as an eye-catching piece of artwork for your walls or as a fun answer to the age-old question: “What should I watch tonight?”
Considering we’re about to dive back down the rabbit hole again, this incredibly robust box set feels like a must-have for any film fan. It red-pills viewers again with a hi-def version of each of the three films in the original trilogy, pairing them with a documentary on the making of The Matrix, an animated series of short films that builds out the Wachowski siblings’ universe, hours of commentary from the directors and casts, music videos, original artwork, storyboards, and more. Whether you’re digging for clues about the next installment or just wanting to relive the experience of watching a film that changed cinema forever, this is a must-have gift.
Fans of Critical Role and Dungeons and Dragons can now create their own adventures in a familiar setting with this campaign book, featuring new guides, brand new creatures, and lots of familiar locations for Critical Role fans. Co-written by Critical Role Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer, it’s the perfect addition to your D&D adventures. How do you want to do this?
Wes Anderson has gained a film fan following thanks to the imaginatively idiosyncratic worlds he creates on-screen. From grand hotels to fox dens, summer camps, and small-town newspapers – he’s able to build colorful, quaint locales that match the quirkiness of his characters. This book asks the question: “What if a Wes Anderson movie came to life?” It answers it too, with a unique, conversation-starting travel guide to hidden gems and unusual landmarks around the world, all of which have that essence of peculiarity and otherness that Anderson features so heavily in his films. The director gives the book a foreword, and each stunning destination comes complete with a backstory in case you ever think of visiting for yourself. It’s a loving ode to a filmmaker’s body of work that doubles as inspiration for your next real-life adventure.
Let the spice (jokes) flow while you play this intricate, beautifully-designed board game based on director Denis Villeneuve’s theatrical adaptation. Whether you fully grasped the complicated, nuanced hierarchy at play in the futuristic feudal society of Dune or you just remember the parts with sandworms and Jason Momoa playing a character named Duncan Idaho, you’ll have a good time parsing out the mythology and backstory of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic. And, since we look to be getting a sequel to the film, this board game can also serve as a world-building primer for even more space adventures.
In case you didn’t know, the A24 shop has some fantastic, bespoke merch available for film fans looking for a more sophisticated way to celebrate their favorite studio picks. Personally, we love this interpretation of the Twitter thread that took the world by storm in 2015. Authored by A’Ziah King, or Zola as you may know her, this compilation of tweets reads like poetry… if any of the literary greats had the courage to write about stripper-trips-gone-wrong. It features a foreword by Roxanne Gay and an afterword by director Janicza Bravo, who helmed the film version of this tale that dropped earlier this year. Study it before watching the movie or keep it on your coffee table so you can launch into an epic re-telling of the road trip from hell whenever guests visit.
Serial bingers of The Office know that it is legit the gift that keeps on giving. Watching the classic sitcom over and over again is seriously one of the most soothing things on the planet. So, if you’re a fan of The Office—or have a fan in your life—this Funko advent calendar makes sure that the good times keep rolling right on through your very own Margarita-Karaoke Christmas bash. (Seriously, if you throw one of those, please make sure we’re on the invite list.)
For each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas, there’s a little Funko Dunder Mifflinite waiting to surprise. Just pop the box open and have some fun. That’s what she said. Er… that’s what Santa said?
Fun City: New York City And The Movies That Made It
New York is a city that means something different to everyone who’s been there, but the version of it that exists on film is iconic thanks to a handful of filmmakers who’ve spent years crafting the Big Apple through their lens. This book looks at how some of those movies shaped the city we know and love today, through gorgeous photos and in-depth interviews with names like Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Westfeldt, Noah Baumbach, and more. It’s an ode to the Big Apple, yes, but also to the art of movie-making and it’s the perfect gift for cinephiles with an affection for some of the greats.
It’s hard to believe that we have been living in a Stranger Things-less world for almost three whole years. The fourth season is slated to premiere at some point in the spring of 2022, but that leaves a few months to wait for the continued adventures of our friends from Hawkins, Indiana. This Lego set is sure to help pass the time as your giftee ponders the still-unsolved mysteries of the Upside Down while assembling this masterpiece. Sadly, this set does not come with assistance from our favorite babysitter, Steve Harrington. But it’s still pretty great.
Chicago-based trio Horsegirl may been composed of musicians still in their late teens, but they’ve already made major waves in music since forming in 2019. Their bellowing vocals and fuzzy chords resonate with indie lovers, earning them a chance to perform at Pitchfork Music Festival this year and capture a sizeable following. Now returning with a new single and an exciting slew of tour dates, Horsegirl share the “Billy” video.
Like their previously releases singles, “Billy” boasts droning guitars, warm harmonies, and the tangible chemistry of the friendship between each band members. About the new single, which marks the first release of the record label Matador, Horsegirl said:
“There was a period of last year where the three of us spent every day together writing and recording. It was during this time, when we practically lived in Penelope’s basement, that ‘Billy’ was written. Penelope had recently read about Nick Drake‘s alternate tunings prompting her to detune her guitar, while Nora overlaid a rhythmic vocal line detailing the life of a fictional character, Billy. At the time, we had been listening to a lot of New Zealand underground bands (80’s/90’s Flying Nun). With that scrappiness in mind, we worked the rest of the song out through improvising together, and ‘Billy’ quickly fell into place.”
The visual alongside “Billy” was filmed on a rainy day in Chicago with Horsegirl’s close friends. “This video is a love letter to our city and friends,” they said about the visual. “The song is a love letter to past music scenes we wish we could have witnessed. Please listen to ‘Billy’ in your kitchen with a group of good friends and dance along — we can’t wait to share it with you.”
Watch Horsegirl’s “Billy” video above and find their 2022 tour dates below.
03/16/2022 — Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/17/2022 — Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/19/2022 — Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA
03/20/2022 — Washington, DC @ DC9
03/22/2022 — New York, NY @ Market Hotel
After a run of dates in 2021 that included supporting slots for both Tame Impala and Death Cab For Cutie, Perfume Genius has announced a new North American tour for 2022. In many of the stops, it’ll give fans the first opportunity to catch songs off of 2020’s excellent Set My Heart On Fire Immediately.
The way these songs come across live is inextricably tied to their creation, as Perfume Genius’ Mike Hadreas explained to Uproxx last year:
“The whole record, I was imagining performing it live. It’s about being outside and it’s about connection; it’s about the people, and all the ideas that are formulating around performance, and how I was going to get the music to people beyond just releasing it. It’s hard. That’s how musicians sustain themselves really, touring is how you make money. I’m sure there’s a way for me to perform here, inside. Some people are more natural at pointing the camera at themselves in their house and going. And I can still do that. But I just had different ideas for what it was going to be.”
Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday 11/15 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased here. Check out the full tour schedule below.
03/20/2022 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
03/21/2022 — San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
03/23/2022 — Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
03/24/2022 — New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
03/25/2022 — Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
03/26/2022 — Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
03/28/2022 — Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
03/29/2022 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
03/30/2022 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
04/01/2022 — Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
04/02/2022 — Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre
04/03/2022 — Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Rialto
04/05/2022 — Boston, MA @ Royale
04/06/2022 — Holyoke, MA @ Gateway City Arts
04/07/2022 — New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
Death Cab For Cutie is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
Silk Sonic’sorigin story dates back to the European leg of Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic Tour. Anderson .Paak served as the opening act for the string of shows and it’s here that Silk Sonic’s funky, free-spirited roots were planted. More than four years later, the tourmates-turned-good-friends delivered what will undoubtedly be one of 2021’s most memorable albums with An Evening With Silk Sonic. This brief, but rich musical experience, is birthed out of a few things: Bruno and .Paak’s trajectory in their careers, the combination of their respective inspirations, and a schedule that was unexpectedly freed up due to the coronavirus pandemic.
An Evening With Silk Sonic is a unique spectacle that Bruno and .Paak were kind enough to release in a format that allows us to infinitely experience this magic. From the very moment that the curtains open and Bootsy Collins’ ethereal voice seeps out, Silk Sonic coasts with no regard for distractions and an incredible display of showmanship. Collins’ multiple appearances on An Evening With Silk Sonic are key as it’s an endorsement that requires both acknowledgment and respect. Bootsy Collins, who rose to fame beside James Brown, stands as one of the front names in funk’s history. That’s on top of inductions to the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as well as being recognized as one of the top bassists of all time.
That’s exactly what makes An Evening With Silk Sonic so special. The idea that a mere collection of jam sessions beautifully produced a body of work created in the glory of greats from the 1970s. “After Last Night,” which supplies help from Thundercat and Bootsy Collins, balances sensual and soulful with funky and yearnful. Bruno and .Paak lay stomach-flat with feet to the sky on cloud nine after an unforgettable experience with the woman of their dreams. “If I still had my phone, I’d call every girl I know / And tell them goodbye,” the duo sings blinded by love. “Cars, clothes, diamonds, and gold / Anything you want, any place you want.” This dramatic account of surefire love after one encounter is soon greeted with an equally-dramatic display of despair and sadness on “Smokin’ Out The Window” after both singers find out their newfound romance is nothing but a sham. That’s exactly how Silk Sonic’s show is supposed to be: exaggerated, hyperbolic, and melodramatic. It’s a quality that .Paak solidifies on that song. “Look here, baby I hope you find whatever it is that you need,” he says. “But I also hope your triflin’ ass is walking ‘round barefoot in these streets!”
The theatrics behind Silk Sonic’s new album, when taken from the viewpoint of Bruno and .Paak’s respective discographies, is a clash of 24K Magic and Yes Lawd!. The intentional blast to the past intertwines itself with dressed to the nines cockiness on An Evening With Silk Sonic. .Paak leads a ridiculously confident and infectiously good declaration of self-excellence on “Fly As Me,” one that also crowns a lucky woman with a top-notch title of her own. “I’m tryna love, is you gon’ love me back?” .Paak quips on the track. Towards the backend of the album, Silk Sonic gets lost in gambling and the other addicting aspects of Las Vegas on “777.” If you needed any proof that Bruno and .Paak could be the life of the party, “777” is both evidence of that and an enticing invitation to join them in some high-risk/high-reward fun.
A large part of Silk Sonic’s success lives behind the scenes. Critically-acclaimed producers and songwriters James Fauntleroy and D’Mile live within the notes of the album. Fauntleroy co-wrote three of the album’s nine songs while D’Mile co-wrote and co-produced each one in addition to delivering background vocals and contributions to the project’s instrumentation. Furthermore, Babyface’s contribution to “Put On A Smile,” a song dedicated to putting on a front through heartbreak, as well as that from others throughout the album, are notable in their own right. Together, they emphasize Bruno and .Paak’s strive to make An Evening With Silk Sonic as perfect and flawless as possible. The freedom of the album’s jam session contributes to the rawness and true spirit of the project while help from the industry’s best ensure that its rough edges aren’t too sharp.
Long story short, Silk Sonic did it. An Evening With Silk Sonic is fun, charismatic, and ambitious in all the best ways. Sure, the sonics of this project aren’t particularly new, but it’s a change in the wind direction in today’s R&B/soul landscape. And yes, maybe the album could’ve been a bit longer, but according to D’Mile every song Silk Sonic and company created appears on the album, except one. Bruno and .Paak gave us everything that had for their first collaborative effort. Soon enough, fans from all over will be able to spend an evening with Silk Sonic when the duo (hopefully) goes on tour. Once that comes to an end, An Evening With Silk Sonic will be capsuled as a moment in time for years to come. So let’s enjoy the great music and make room for the memories that will arrive with it because An Evening With Silk Sonic won’t be forever.
An Evening With Silk Sonic is out now via Atlantic/Aftermath. Get it here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Laura Ingraham isn’t generally known for her comedy, but a viral clip from the November 15 episode of “The Ingraham Angle” has people rolling.
Ingraham was chatting with author Raymond Arroyo, a regular guest on her show, about the supposed popularity of “un-woke’ television programming. Arroyo asserted, “There is a reason people are in love with Yellowstone, Laura. It is in an antidote to the politics and all those woke storylines in so many shows today.”
Then he added, “I was watching an episode of ‘You,’ where measles came up…”
Ingraham interrupted him: “When did I mention measles?”
Arroyo was referring to the Netflix show ‘You,’ and he kept repeating the name of the show to clear up the confusion. But Ingraham kept thinking he was talking about her show.
“We have never done a measles and vaccine episode,” she said. “Is this a joke? I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“It was on You,” Arroyo repeated. “It was on You.”
“Raymond, I have never had measles, what are you talking about?” she said. “This is stupid.”
And it just kept going:
“It was an episode of a show, Laura.”
“What’s it called?”
“You! You! It’s called You.”
“I’ve never done a show on measles!”
“It is a show called ‘You’ on Netflix.”
“There’s a show called Laura Ingraham on Netflix…what are you talking about?”
Just watch:
Abbott: Who is on first!nCostello: I’m asking YOU who’s on first.nAbbott: That’s the man’s name.nCostello: That’s who’s name?nAbbott: Yes.nCostello: Well go ahead and tell me.nAbbott: That’s it.nCostello: That’s who?nAbbott: Yes.pic.twitter.com/ep6afGTUzH
Some people thought for sure that the whole thing was scripted, which is entirely possible.
The funniest thing about it, though, is that it’s fairly emblematic of how conversations go on The Laura Ingraham Show. A guest says something, Ingraham reacts, vapid debate ensues, and Ingraham repeatedly doubles down on whatever she’s wrong about. That part is hilarious.
Now people are torn between thinking it’s real and thinking it’s scripted and both options seem to make sense. If you weren’t familiar with the show “You,” you could easily believe that Ingraham was legitimately confused. Then again, the likelihood that someone in media would be unfamiliar with one of Netflix’s top five shows seems low, but you never know.
Penn Badgley, the star of “You” even weighed in on the debate on Twitter, writing, “Definitely a bit. His delivery is great tho.”
Definitely a bit. His delivery is great thohttps://twitter.com/jaylawrence91/status/1460581564023283714u00a0u2026
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