Our editors spotlight the best in the West. This week: The Rider on DVD, new music premieres, and a preview of Indian Market.
First things first, I should remind you of The Rider, the indie western whose lead actor graced the cover of our May/June Best of the West issue. Real-life Lakota cowboy Brady Jandreau stars in a stunning adaptation of his own redemption story. He’s a talented horseman who faced the possibility of never riding again after a rodeo accident. The Rider, beautifully directed by Chloé Zhao, follows Brady and his friends and family during his struggle to find new purpose. When the film comes out on DVD next Tuesday (Aug. 14), you’ll definitely want to check it out. Buy tissues, as well, because tears’ll fall. (And if you can wait a couple of weeks, we’ll be giving away some DVD copies on our Instagram, so, good lookin’ out.)
Next up, a look at some of the fresh offerings at cowboysindians.com:
MUSIC FOR MILES: We continued to kick out the video and song premieres from up-and-coming country and Americana artists this week. Start out slow and reflective with Tuomo & Markus’ “Vanity Blinds,” pick up the pace with Sylvia Rose Novak’s “Wildflowers,” pick and grin with Dustin Collins on “Hillbilly Shoes,” and tap your feet to the soulful grooves of Adam Hood’s (pictured above) “She Don’t Love Me” featuring Brent Cobb. Sounds like the start of a road-trip playlist.
MORE MAINSTREAM: If you like the popular country tunes of the day and missed this week’s primetime CMA Fest wrap-up special, you can see what our senior writer, Joe Leydon, thought by reading his live Tweets from the telecast.
TAILGATE TREAT: Our food and drink editor, José R. Ralat, shares a few cocktail recipes fit for any football pre-game party. Topo Chico is my tap water, so I’ll take two Perfect Palomas, straight away.
FOR THE READERS: We should all be reading more fiction, right? Escapism is sometimes necessary. So, let’s all dig in on John Larison’s twist-y new western, Whiskey When We’re Dry, coming out August 21. We have an insightful Q&A with the author (pictured above) to get you prepped.
REAL ESTATE DAYDREAMS? Check out photos from our latest gorgeous featured Western property, Colorado's Elk Island Ranch.
EVERYTHING’S BETTER IN SANTA FE … and that is especially true August 18-19, when Indian Market 2018 takes over the plaza. There’s no better place to buy the rich, traditional, colorful works of true Native American artisans — and better yet, you can talk to them and gain insight into what you are getting. It’s a cultural experience you’ll remember forever, even if you don’t take home sacks full of goodies. My fellow editorial director, Dana Joseph, has a nice preview of this year’s Indian Market. Read it and make plans to attend!
And for this week’s parting shots, I leave you with two weekend time-wasters:
- Listen to one of my favorite albums by Roger Miller, in anticipation of a star-studded new tribute record coming at the end of the month. Miller was an artist with rhythm and humor like no other, and even though we’re excited about the cover versions on the new collection, it’ll be hard to top the originals. Hit play, chuckle, and sing along for yourself:
- And if you want to be inspired by a Hollywood legend who’s bluntly honest and couldn’t give a damn what anyone thinks about her, go all in on this widely-shared Vulture interview with the great Kathleen Turner. She's got a cowgirl's grit, I tell ya. It’s the best non-C&I thing I've read this week.
Photography: (The Rider) courtesy Sony Pictures Classics; (Adam Hood) by Alysse Gafkjen; (John Larison) by James R. Larison; (Indian Market) by Samantha Jacobs