We missed the month of April in our monthly recommendations<\/a>, so here’s a quick post to catch-up on everything we might have recommended. Plus some early May knockouts. Plus a cultural shift or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cowboy Carter <\/em>– Beyonc\u00e9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cowboy Carter<\/em> dropped at the tail end of March, and it would\u2019ve been my rec for April had I written one. Nevertheless, the phrase \u201cinstant classic\u201d has never been more applicable. This album is truly a Beyonc\u00e9 album over a country album, but what she creates and redefines within the country genre is remarkable. The run from \u201cTexas Hold \u2018Em\u201d to \u201cAlligator Tears\u201d alone is sheer perfection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rupaul\u2019s Drag Race: Season 16<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season finally made Drag Race exciting again. Despite usual production shenanigans, the overwhelming charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent<\/em> of the cast created one of the best seasons in years, such that even early outs were emotional and surprising. Stream \u201cShe\u2019s Such a Bitch\u201d by Mirage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sh\u014dgun<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In episode two, Lord Toranaga, played by the iconic Hiroyuki Sanada, tells Englishman John Blackthorn to draw a map of the world as he knows it. What follows is one of the most compelling scenes of television this year, a microcosm of how well-written the show is. Sh\u014dgun<\/em> makes the act of translation itself a gripping drama, understanding the deep political and cultural implications underneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kendrick Demolishing Drake<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Megan Thee Stallion\u2019s \u201cHiss\u201d set the tone for music this year: this is the year for rap beef. None has been more entertaining, cutthroat, and catchy than Kendrick Lamar\u2019s tracks, especially \u201ceuphoria\u201d and \u201cNot Like Us.\u201d At this point, saying he defeated Drake is an understatement. These tracks are not only guaranteed to be songs of the summer (especially in Los Angeles); it will also genuinely be in the history books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Room with a View <\/em>by E. M. Forster<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is by no means Forster\u2019s deepest, most thought-provoking novel. But my goodness is the romance, led by sudden love-triangle protagonist Lucy, charming and delightful. It reminds you what a good, classic love triangle can accomplish. Next time someone wants a light beach read, suggest this one instead! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Boa\u201d – Megan Thee Stallion<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As if \u201cHiss\u201d wasn\u2019t already going to be one of the definitive songs of 2024, Megan creates something sonically and visually special in \u201cBoa.\u201d The Gwen Stefani sample \u201cWhat You Waiting For?\u201d is insanely catchy and lays the foundation for Megan to spit on: Bitch, your time\u2019s up<\/em>. Game Over. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We missed the month of April in our monthly recommendations, so here’s a quick post to catch-up on everything we might have recommended. Plus some early May knockouts. Plus a cultural shift or two. Cowboy Carter – Beyonc\u00e9 Cowboy Carter dropped at the tail end of March, and it would\u2019ve been my rec for April […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","WB4WB4WP_MODE":"","WB4WP_PAGE_SCRIPTS":"","WB4WP_PAGE_STYLES":"","WB4WP_PAGE_FONTS":"","WB4WP_PAGE_HEADER":"","WB4WP_PAGE_FOOTER":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[31,23,19,13,16],"class_list":["post-1448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-monthly-recs","tag-album","tag-literature","tag-music","tag-novel","tag-tv-show"],"yoast_head":"\n