Sydney's Sunday Reads: #27
Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.
Hootie and the Post Malone. - For this edition of “Unexpected Covers That Are Almost Better Than the Original,” we have Post Malone covering the Hootie and the Blowfish hit, “I Only Wanna Be With You,” that was literally released the same year and month Malone was born (July of 1995). The brilliant cover was released for the 25th anniversary of Pokémon and stands as Malone’s first release as a solo artist since 2019. As a 90s baby I can’t believe that one, Pokémon has been around for 25 years, and two, how much I love this cover. I don’t think Post Malone gets enough credit for his production skills, but they really shine on this track. Smartly, he sticks closely to the original but puts his own flair and signature vocals on it to make it all his own. Listen HERE! (Billboard)
A Domestic Science. - In the 17th century, household management meant much more than cooking and cleaning - it could also entail minor surgery! In this fascinating article, Olivia Campbell introduces us to Hannah Woolley, an author of domestic management books in pre-Industrial Revolution Europe. Campbell explains that while Woolley is considered by many to be a pre-Martha Stewart-esque influencer, a more apt comparison would be that of Woolley to Gwenyth Paltrow, actress and founder of the wellness empire Goop. It would not be enough for a wife and mother of the 1600s to just know how to clean, she would also need to possess nursing skills to whip up tonics and tinctures that could heal ailing family members. As more and more cookbooks and recipe books of this era become digitized, we’re being treated to a glimpse of why women have been running this world for centuries. (Smithsonian)
Small space, big potential. - I’ve always been a fan of home tours, but after a year of being at home full-time, it’s become one of my absolute favorite genres of video content. Check out this 280-square foot abode in NYC that has been creatively transformed into a dream space perfect for one person. (Apartment Therapy via Youtube)
Glory! - Behold: one of the greatest auditions in ten years of The Voice. Victor Solomon, a college student in North Carolina, chose John Legend’s Oscar-winning song, “Glory” for his shot at entering the competition, and absolutely blew all the judges away - including John himself, who historically never turns around for people singing his songs. The power in Solomon’s voice, the ability to add runs that aren’t in the original, and just the overall energy make this performance truly unforgettable. I think this guy’s got a chance of going really far! (The Voice via Youtube)
One more… - And while we’re on the subject of electric Voice auditions, here’s my other favorite so far: Raine Stern from Madison, WI singing “Electric Feels'“ by MGMT. Right off the bat she starts her audition with a super sick guitar riff and has amazing vocals to match. Mark my words, Stern will be the one to watch this season! (The Voice via Youtube)