Your monthly Sightsee Vibe Check is back with Issue #3! From spooky to groovy to civically-minded, this month's picks have a little something for everyone. (Vibe) check ‘em all out, and let us know what you’ve been up to, as well! We love getting responses to this email with your recs on new things for us to read, watch, listen to, and do.
READING
- Allyson: I’m currently reading The Persuaders by Anand Giridharadas. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to create change, fight injustice, or even have a tough conversation with a loved one in a more welcoming, less polarizing way.
- Joel: One of the top five books I’ve ever read is The House in the Cerulean Sea. I have The Inky Phoenix to thank for the recommendation. I’m currently re-reading it because I’ve missed the characters and I want to hang out with them again.
- Carlo: Right now I’m reading Gardens of Historic Charleston by James Cothran. Charleston has a rich horticulture, and many of the gardens have a fusion of native and foreign plants and flowers - I’m taking notes on the best gardens & can’t wait to visit with friends once I’ve finished!
- Marley: I love thrifting for books and recently found a beautiful royal blue hardcover edition of Emma by Jane Austen. I’m about halfway through, so no spoilers please!
- Suzi: I was on a bit of a reading tear earlier this month, but by far my favorite was Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. It’s about how a couple’s toxic relationship to each other can impact their friends and family, and it’s beautifully written and heartbreaking.
WATCHING
- Carlo: I recently started watching season 3 of Atlanta. Lakeith Stanfield is one of my favorite actors, and I’m excited to see how this season weaves together the weird and funny elements of the previous seasons.
- Marley: In the spirit of Halloween, I’ve been watching several Stephen King adaptations this month. I thoroughly enjoyed IT, Carrie, and The Shining. Next up is Doctor Sleep!
- Joel: Carlo’s Vibe Check recommendation last time tipped us over the edge to finally watch The Bear on Hulu and we’re completely hooked. I could dedicate this entire Vibe Check to listing out all of the reasons it’s absolutely fantastic.
- Suzi: Halloween is my favorite holiday, mostly because it’s the best movie season. I’ve made a tradition of rewatching a few favorites every year: The Shining, Practical Magic, and Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge.
- Allyson: I recently watched The Eyes of Tammy Faye and damn, Jessica Chastain nailed that role! A great watch for any fellow 80s/90s North Carolina kids who grew up knowing who these televangelists were, but not their dramatic backstories.
LISTENING TO
- Suzi: I mean, it just wouldn’t be honest to put anything other than Taylor Swift’s Midnights. This is her best pop album to date, and a perfect example of why her collaboration with Jack Antonoff is the best thing that has ever happened. Please let me know your top three tracks - mine are Maroon, Karma, and The Great War.
- Allyson: I’m building my latest personal playlist and so far it’s full of dance-y vibes from artists like SG Lewis, Rhye, and Lucas/Heaven. Send me your best kitchen dance party setlists!
- Marley: Amy Winehouse’s first album, Frank, is one of my favorites for the fall. It’s a no skip album and is much jazzier than her later works!
- Carlo: My most listened to album this month was Kaytranada‘s 99.9%. I’ve been searching for tracks to add to a potential DJ set list, and I was blown away by the production - it’s crazy good.
- Joel: Ever since I discovered Bang by Tobe Nwigwe and Jacob Banks, I’ve been hooked on Banks’ album Lies about the War. If you love Retrograde by James Blake and wish Who Did That To You by John Legend was on Spotify, this is for you.
DOING
- Marley: I’ve been baking a lot recently (mostly from box mixes, but hey, it still counts!) — pumpkin muffins, double chocolate brownies, and those little Halloween sugar cookies have been on rotation recently.
- Suzi: Earlier this month, I completed my training to be a poll worker in the upcoming midterm elections! It feels good to be contributing in a positive way right now. If your polling location is the Charleston Charter School, be sure to come vote & say hello! (Check your polling place here.)
- Carlo: One of my biggest complaints about Charleston night life is the lack of good music being played, so I decided to learn how to DJ! My friend & roommate Richella recently revived Rave Salon, a queer DJ and electronic music collective, and it’s been so fun to become a member & learn the ropes.
- Allyson: I’ve been making my voting plan for Election Day on Nov. 8th. My ballot has 17 races (!!!), many of which are roles that are somewhat difficult to research (like School Board) but will have a HUGE impact on the future of our city and state. Personally, I don’t want to live in a place where books are banned, where I don’t have a say in my healthcare decisions, or where guns are easier to get than a bottle of Campari, so I'm getting prepared AF to go to the polls. (P.S. — a Sightsee voting guide is coming soon.)
- Joel: I’ve committed to surfing once a week (waves permitting) year round. It’s kinda humbling to be a beginner at something again, but I’ve got the rest of my life to learn so I’ll be passable, eventually…
That's what the Sightsee crew is up to these days. Stay tuned for a guaranteed fresh Issue #4 of Vibe Check coming next month and until then, hit us up with any recommendations of your own!
