Smile When I Want (Playlist)

An eclectic, irreverent playlist that defies convention and embraces the unpredictable. This audacious collection of tracks is designed for those who march to the beat of their own drum, celebrating individuality and the unapologetic pursuit of joy.

"Smile When I Want" is a genre-bending journey through a myriad of musical styles, featuring an eccentric mix of artists who aren't afraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. From indie gems to cult classics, each song in this playlist bursts with character and charisma, sparking a grin on your face with every twist and turn.

This playlist is your trusted companion on a roller coaster ride through emotions, experiences, and musical experimentation. One moment, you'll find yourself dancing to an infectious beat, and the next, you'll be nodding along to a thought-provoking lyric that resonates with your soul.

"Smile When I Want" is the soundtrack to your unapologetic self-expression, embracing life's quirky moments and inviting you to let go of inhibitions. So crank up the volume, let your hair down, and revel in the freedom that comes from embracing the unexpected.

Get ready to embark on a wild, exhilarating adventure through sound, and remember - with "Smile When I Want," there are no rules, just pure, unfiltered expression. So smile, laugh, and dance whenever you want, because life's too short to be anything but yourself.

TIDAL

Spotify

Artist Spotlight: Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Caldwell is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been active in the music industry since the 1970s. His unique blend of jazz, R&B, and soul has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. In this post, we will take a closer look at his career and his discography.

Early Career and Breakthrough:

Bobby Caldwell was born on August 15, 1951, in Manhattan, New York. His parents were both professional musicians, and he grew up surrounded by music. As a child, he learned to play multiple instruments, including piano, drums, and guitar. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Miami, where he studied music.

In 1978, Caldwell released his debut album, "What You Won't Do for Love," which became an instant hit. The title track reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was covered by many other artists over the years, including Boyz II Men, Go West, and Goldie. The album went platinum and launched Caldwell's career.

Album Discography:

After his breakthrough success, Caldwell continued to release albums that showcased his unique blend of genres. Here is a list of his major studio albums:

1. What You Won't Do for Love (1978)

2. Cat in the Hat (1980)

3. Carry On (1982)

4. August Moon (1983)

5. Heart of Mine (1989)

6. Stuck on You (1991)

7. Soul Survivor (1995)

8. Blue Condition (1996)

9. Perfect Island Nights (2005)

10. House of Cards (2012)

11. Cool Uncle (2015) - with Jack Splash

Notable Songs and Collaborations:

In addition to his successful albums, Caldwell has also had several notable songs and collaborations throughout his career. Some of his most popular songs include "Open Your Eyes," "My Flame," and "Jamaica." He has also collaborated with other artists, including Michael Lington, Steve Oliver, and Vanessa Williams.

Caldwell's music has been sampled by a variety of hip-hop and R&B artists, including Tupac, Common, and Biggie Smalls. His song "What You Won't Do for Love" has been sampled over 120 times, making it one of the most sampled songs in music history.

Legacy:

Bobby Caldwell's career has spanned over four decades and has left a lasting impact on the music industry. His unique blend of genres and soulful voice have inspired many other artists and helped shape the sound of R&B and soul. He passed away March 14, 2023 in New York, NY

In conclusion, Bobby Caldwell's career is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. With a discography spanning 11 studio albums and numerous collaborations, he has cemented himself as a legendary figure in the world of R&B and soul music.

Oscars 2023 Picks

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

• AUSTIN BUTLER - Elvis

• COLIN FARRELL - The Banshees of Inisherin

• BRENDAN FRASER - The Whale - Winner (My pick)

• PAUL MESCAL - Aftersun

• BILL NIGHY - Living

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• BRENDAN GLEESON - The Banshees of Inisherin

• BRIAN TYREE HENRY - Causeway

• JUDD HIRSCH - The Fabelmans

• BARRY KEOGHAN - The Banshees of Inisherin

• KE HUY QUAN - Everything Everywhere All at Once - Winner (My Pick)

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

• CATE BLANCHETT - Tár

• ANA DE ARMAS - Blonde

• ANDREA RISEBOROUGH - To Leslie

• MICHELLE WILLIAMS - The Fabelmans

• MICHELLE YEOH - Everything Everywhere All at Once - Winner (My Pick)

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

• ANGELA BASSETT - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (My Pick)

• HONG CHAU - The Whale

• KERRY CONDON - The Banshees of Inisherin

• JAMIE LEE CURTIS - Everything Everywhere All at Once - Winner

• STEPHANIE HSU - Everything Everywhere All at Once

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

• GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO - Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson, Gary Ungar and Alex Bulkley - Winner (My Pick)

• MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON - Dean Fleischer Camp, Elisabeth Holm, Andrew Goldman, Caroline Kaplan and Paul Mezey

• PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH - Joel Crawford and Mark Swift

• THE SEA BEAST - Chris Williams and Jed Schlanger

• TURNING RED - Domee Shi and Lindsey Collins

CINEMATOGRAPHY

• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - James Friend - Winner

• BARDO, FALSE CHRONICLE OF A HANDFUL OF TRUTHS - Darius Khondji (My Pick)

• ELVIS - Mandy Walker

• EMPIRE OF LIGHT - Roger Deakins

• TÁR - Florian Hoffmeister

DIRECTING

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN - Martin McDonagh

• EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE - Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert - Winner (My Pick)

• THE FABELMANS - Steven Spielberg

• TÁR - Todd Field

• TRIANGLE OF SADNESS - Ruben Östlund

FILM EDITING

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN - Mikkel E.G. Nielsen

• ELVIS - Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond

• EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE - Paul Rogers - Winner (My Pick

• TÁR - Monika Willi

• TOP GUN: MAVERICK - Eddie Hamilton

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - Volker Bertelmann - Winner

• BABYLON - Justin Hurwitz

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN - Carter Burwell

• EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE - Son Lux

• THE FABELMANS - John Williams

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

• APPLAUSE from Tell It like a Woman; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

• HOLD MY HAND from Top Gun: Maverick; Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga and BloodPop

• LIFT ME UP from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; Music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson; Lyric by Tems and Ryan Coogler

• NAATU NAATU from RRR; Music by M.M. Keeravaani; Lyric by Chandrabose - Winner (My Pick)

• THIS IS A LIFE from Everything Everywhere All at Once; Music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski; Lyric by Ryan Lott and David Byrne

BEST PICTURE

• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - Malte Grunert, Producer

• AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER - James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN - Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin and Martin McDonagh, Producers

• ELVIS - Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss, Producers

• EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE - Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert and Jonathan Wang, Producers - Winner (My Pick)

• THE FABELMANS - Kristie Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, Producers

• TÁR - Todd Field, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert, Producers

• TOP GUN: MAVERICK - Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers

• TRIANGLE OF SADNESS - Erik Hemmendorff and Philippe Bober, Producers

• WOMEN TALKING - Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Frances McDormand, Producers

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

• ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - Screenplay - Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson & Ian Stokell

• GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY - Written by Rian Johnson

• LIVING - Written by Kazuo Ishiguro

• TOP GUN: MAVERICK - Screenplay by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie; Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks

• WOMEN TALKING - Screenplay by Sarah Polley - Winner

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)

• THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN - Written by Martin McDonagh

• EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE - Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert - Winner (My Pick)

• THE FABELMANS - Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner

• TÁR - Written by Todd Field

• TRIANGLE OF SADNESS - Written by Ruben Östlund

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL THE OSCARS 2023 WINNERS.

Tv Series: Big Love

Big Love is an American drama television series that premiered in 2006 and ran for five seasons until 2011. Created by Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, the show offers a compelling exploration of polygamy and its impact on a suburban family living in Utah.

Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer served as the showrunners for Big Love, guiding the narrative and character development with depth and sensitivity. The series featured a talented team of writers, including Dustin Lance Black, Patricia Breen, and Doug Jung, among others. Their writing skillfully delved into the complex dynamics of the Henrickson family and the challenges they faced in balancing their personal lives and religious beliefs.

Big Love attracted notable guest directors who contributed their creative vision to the series. Directors such as David Petrarca, Daniel Attias, and Mary Harron brought their own directorial styles to various episodes, enhancing the storytelling and capturing the nuances of the characters' experiences.

One of the standout features of Big Love is its nuanced and empathetic portrayal of polygamy. The show delves into the intricate relationships between Bill Henrickson, played by Bill Paxton, and his three wives, played by Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloë Sevigny, and Ginnifer Goodwin. The writing explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of living in a society that often misunderstands and stigmatizes polygamous relationships.

The performances in Big Love are exceptional, with a talented ensemble cast bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Bill Paxton's portrayal of Bill Henrickson is compelling and complex, showcasing his struggle to balance his roles as a husband, father, and businessman. The supporting cast, including Tripplehorn, Sevigny, and Goodwin, deliver nuanced performances that highlight the emotional complexities of their characters' lives.

Visually, Big Love presents a realistic and grounded aesthetic, capturing the suburban setting and the everyday struggles of the Henrickson family. The production design and cinematography contribute to the authenticity of the series, immersing viewers in the world of the characters.

Big Love has been widely praised for its exceptional storytelling, strong performances, and its exploration of complex themes. The series delves into the moral, religious, and societal implications of polygamy, shedding light on the personal sacrifices and emotional challenges faced by those living within these unconventional relationships.

Overall, Big Love is a must-watch television series for fans of character-driven dramas and thought-provoking storytelling. With its talented cast, compelling writing, and exploration of complex relationships, Big Love stands as a significant and thoughtfully crafted series. It has garnered critical acclaim for its depiction of polygamy and its ability to tackle sensitive topics with depth and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Classic Album: Full Moon - Brandy

Full Moon, the third studio album by Brandy, is a masterful work of R&B that showcases the singer's impeccable vocals, impressive songwriting, and undeniable talent as an artist. Released in 2002, the album is a defining work of early 2000s R&B that remains just as relevant and influential today.

The album's lead single, "What About Us?" sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its hard-hitting beat, sultry vocals, and socially conscious lyrics. The track's edgy production and Brandy's powerful vocals make it an instant classic, and set the stage for the rest of the album.

Tracks like "Full Moon," "When You Touch Me," and "He Is" showcase Brandy's versatility as an artist, with the singer effortlessly switching between mellow grooves and uptempo bangers. The album's production, courtesy of a who's who of producers including Rodney Jerkins, Mike City, and Timbaland, is equally impressive, with intricate beats, lush instrumentation, and impeccable vocal arrangements.

One of the most impressive aspects of Full Moon is the album's cohesion and narrative flow. The tracks are expertly sequenced, with each song building on the themes and emotions of the previous track. The album's skits and interludes help to tie the tracks together, creating a seamless and immersive listening experience.

Overall, Full Moon is a timeless work of R&B that solidifies Brandy's place as one of the most important artists of the early 2000s. The album's impressive songwriting, impeccable vocals, and innovative production make it a must-listen for fans of R&B and pop music.

Tracklist:

1. "B-Rocka Intro"

2. "Full Moon"

3. "I Thought"

4. "When You Touch Me"

5. "Like This"

6. "All in Me"

7. "Apart"

8. "Can We"

9. "What About Us?"

10. "Anybody"

11. "Nothing"

12. "It's Not Worth It"

13. "He Is"

14. "Come a Little Closer"

15. "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out"

16. "WOW"

Release date: March 5, 2002

Brick by Brick...

There are a lot of cliches about making things or branching out on your own. If we think about it in story terms, the adventure starts when the protagonist takes the first step towards their goal. Art imitates life in that way. Your choice of profession or desire doesn’t matter because the beginning is the beginning, and you always start wherever you are.

However, the answer to the question that follows is usually the determining factor of success or failure, and that question is, Am I willing to “DO” what it takes? A verbal answer isn’t enough. We have to take action.

You know how it is, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So if I build it, come get some, or whatever Kevin Costner said... 😅

- J.O.

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The Collaborators

What's on your radar?

These are the joints that have our attention this month.

Just Like Movies

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Did we miss anything? Put us on to something that we need to check out: McnxTv@mrjoliphant.com.

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Coming Soon…

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The Minority Connection

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The Minority Connection 〰️

Classic Film: Get Out

"Get Out," directed by Jordan Peele and released in 2017, is a groundbreaking horror-thriller that masterfully blends social commentary with spine-chilling suspense. Written by Jordan Peele himself, the film follows the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African American man who visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), only to discover a dark secret lurking beneath the seemingly idyllic surface.

Peele's direction in "Get Out" is nothing short of exceptional. He expertly crafts an atmosphere of tension and unease, gradually building suspense and delivering shocking twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's pacing is superb, allowing the story to unfold gradually while maintaining a sense of impending dread.

The performances in "Get Out" are outstanding, with Daniel Kaluuya delivering a gripping and nuanced portrayal of Chris. His performance anchors the film, evoking a powerful sense of empathy and vulnerability. The supporting cast is equally remarkable, with standout performances from Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and Catherine Keener, who bring depth and complexity to their respective roles.

What sets "Get Out" apart from other horror films is its sharp social commentary. Peele uses the horror genre as a vehicle to explore themes of racism, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of black bodies. Through its thought-provoking storytelling, the film offers a scathing critique of societal issues while delivering genuine scares.

The film's cinematography and score contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. The visuals are meticulously crafted, enhancing the film's tension and emphasizing the claustrophobic nature of Chris's experiences. The haunting musical score heightens the sense of unease, effectively amplifying the film's suspenseful moments.

"Get Out" is a powerful and impactful film that challenges conventional genre tropes and demands attention. With its thought-provoking themes, exceptional performances, and skillful direction, it has become a modern horror classic. Released on February 24, 2017, the film's cultural significance and lasting impact continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Classic Cartoons: Avatar - The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a highly acclaimed American animated television series that premiered in 2005. Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the series takes place in a world where certain people have the ability to manipulate the elements of water, earth, fire, and air, and follows the journey of a young boy named Aang, the last airbender and the Avatar, who has the ability to control all four elements and bring balance to the world.

Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko served as the showrunners for Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the series featured a talented team of writers, including Aaron Ehasz and Tim Hedrick, among others. The show also featured several prominent directors, such as Giancarlo Volpe and Dave Filoni, and animators such as Joaquim Dos Santos and Lauren MacMullan.

One of the standout features of Avatar: The Last Airbender is its exceptional world-building, with a rich and complex world that draws inspiration from various cultures and mythologies. The show's characters are also well-developed, with complex personalities and relationships that evolve over the course of the series.

The show's use of humor and lighthearted moments is also noteworthy, providing a welcome balance to the intense action and drama. The show's animation and visual style are also impressive, with beautiful and dynamic visuals that bring the characters and world to life.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has been praised for its exceptional storytelling, engaging characters, and stunning animation. The show's exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and the nature of power has also been noted as one of its strengths.

Overall, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a must-watch anime series for anyone interested in action, adventure, and heartwarming stories. With its talented cast and crew, engaging storylines, and impressive visuals, Avatar: The Last Airbender stands as a classic example of animated television at its best. The show has won numerous awards and has inspired a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow even years after its original release.

Artist Spotlight: Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier is an iconic actor, director, and civil rights activist who broke barriers and paved the way for African American actors in the film industry. His talent, dignity, and commitment to portraying complex and powerful characters made him a trailblazer and an influential figure in Hollywood. In this blog post, we will explore Sidney Poitier's remarkable career and delve into his notable filmography.

Early Life and Acting Breakthrough:

Sidney Poitier was born on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, and raised in the Bahamas. He grew up in poverty but possessed a natural talent for acting. After moving to New York City in his teens, he honed his skills and made his Broadway debut in the play "Lysistrata." Poitier's breakthrough in film came in 1955 with his powerful performance in "Blackboard Jungle," where he played a defiant student, challenging racial stereotypes.

Trailblazer and Cultural Impact:

Sidney Poitier's career unfolded at a time when racial discrimination was pervasive in the film industry. Despite the obstacles he faced, Poitier's talent and charisma shone through, and he became the first African American actor to achieve true leading man status in Hollywood. He was known for his dignified portrayals of strong and intelligent characters, challenging racial prejudices on and off-screen.

Notable Films:

Sidney Poitier's filmography is filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking roles. Some of his most notable films include:

- "The Defiant Ones" (1958): Poitier played a fugitive handcuffed to a white man, exploring themes of racism and friendship.

- "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967): In this groundbreaking film, Poitier portrayed a black man who becomes engaged to a white woman, tackling interracial relationships and societal prejudices.

- "In the Heat of the Night" (1967): Poitier starred as a detective facing racial tensions in a small Southern town, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

- "To Sir, with Love" (1967): Poitier played a charismatic teacher who inspires and transforms his unruly students.

- "A Patch of Blue" (1965): Poitier portrayed a compassionate man who befriends a blind white girl in a story of empathy and love.

Achievements and Awards:

Sidney Poitier's talent and impact were recognized with numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1964, he became the first African American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his performance in "Lilies of the Field." Poitier also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Later Career and Legacy:

After making significant contributions to film and breaking racial barriers, Sidney Poitier expanded his career as a director, helming films such as "Stir Crazy" (1980) and "Ghost Dad" (1990). His enduring legacy as an actor and advocate for civil rights continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. Sidney Poitier's ability to humanize characters, challenge societal norms, and elevate the representation of African Americans on screen has left an indelible mark on the film industry.

In conclusion, Sidney Poitier's career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. As a pioneering African American actor, he shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations. His remarkable filmography and the social impact of his roles continue to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the power of art to challenge prejudice and drive social change. Sidney Poitier's contributions to cinema and civil rights make him an enduring and revered figure in the history of film.

Tv Series: High Fidelity

High Fidelity is an American romantic comedy-drama series that premiered on Hulu in 2020. Created by Sarah Kucserka and Veronica West, the show is based on the novel of the same name by Nick Hornby, and the subsequent film adaptation starring John Cusack.

Sarah Kucserka and Veronica West served as the showrunners for High Fidelity, and the series featured a talented roster of writers, including Sarah Kucserka, Veronica West, and Lyle Friedman, among others. The show also featured several prominent guest directors, such as Natasha Lyonne and Tamra Davis, who directed several episodes throughout the series.

The show follows the story of Robyn "Rob" Brooks, a music obsessive who owns a record store and struggles with romantic relationships. The show explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with a focus on the power of music to connect people and help them through difficult times.

One of the standout features of High Fidelity is its exceptional cast, led by Zoë Kravitz, who delivers a captivating performance as Rob. Kravitz brings depth and nuance to the character, making her both relatable and complex.

The show's writing is also exceptional, with a focus on character development and storytelling that is both funny and heartwarming. The show's use of music is also noteworthy, with a mix of classic and contemporary tracks that perfectly complement the show's themes and tone.

Overall, High Fidelity is a must-watch television series for anyone interested in romantic comedies and music. With its talented cast and crew, engaging storylines, and bold exploration of complex issues, High Fidelity stands as a standout example of contemporary television at its best. While the show was unfortunately cancelled after one season, it remains a gem that is worth watching for its witty writing, great performances, and killer soundtrack.