Every week or so, we’ll be offering a themed list of music, films, books, events and other cool stuff in hopes of supplying you with a sufficient art fix, as well as the cures you didn’t know you needed. So whether you’re reeling from a recent break-up, seeking inspiration for your creative block, or just needing a change of scenery, these lists will help raise your spirits and remedy your ills.
I think we can all agree that the vast majority of this winter has been terrible, especially for those of us poor, unfortunate souls here on the east coast. And because we all can’t just surrender, pack our bags and catch a flight to The Golden State, we have to find other ways of coping. Film, music and books are always a good (and cheap) place to start, so let’s get out of ever-so gloomy Brooklyn, and into the SoCal mind-state until spring has finally sprung. And because everything is better when it’s weird, we’ve compiled a selection of the strangest LA-centric things to watch, read and do.
- Go see Maps To The Stars at Nitehawk Cinema. David Cronenberg + Julianne Moore + hallucinations + ghosts + drugs + Hollywood Boulevard = a wild and creepy win for everybody.
- Download this dark and addicting free track from XYLØ, a new electronic duo based in LA. Grab some candles, dim the lights and play on repeat. It’s haunting.
- Stop by Mister H in The Mondrian SoHo on Thursday, March 12th, and find solace in the dark lounge vibes and summer-drenched sounds from Figgy and Them Jeans. It’s free before midnight with RSVP.
- Track down a copy of underground legend Kenneth Anger’s cult classic Hollywood Babylon, and/or watch the accompanying documentary. It isn’t meant to be taken too seriously, but it’s deliciously entertaining and some of the old school scandals depicted here make the Kardashians seem wholesome.
- If you’re more into scandalous crimes that aren’t based mainly on speculation and gossip, read Helter Skelter. Written by the prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, this is arguably one of the most knowledge-packed, bone-chilling and all around insane books ever written.
- Once you’ve acquainted yourself with Charles Manson and his bizarre relationship with Dennis Wilson, check out this Beach Boys track that was kind of/sort of stolen from the infamous cult leader.
- Pour some summer wine and watch Lana Del Rey dance around with her pretty boyfriend in the video for her sultry Nancy Sinatra cover.
- Revisit American Horror Story: Murder House, preferably with friends, cats, booze or any other vice that brings you comfort and a sense of safety.
- Develop conspiracy theories on what went down at the Stay on Main — FKA The Cecil Hotel. Then, try to figure out if it’s going to be the setting for the new AHS.
- Lastly, embark on the twisted cinematic journey that is Mulholland Drive. Nothing captures the surreal, creepy, complex and beautiful layers of Los Angeles quite like this masterpiece from the one and only Mr. Lynch.
Article by Nicole Woszcyzna. Follow her on Twitter @nicolewosz
