Current Obsessions: The Wigs of The Crown
Plus: Dolly Parton’s new album, and wrapping up my time with Barbra Streisand.
Heavy is the Head that Wears The Crown* (*The Wig)
The first four episodes of the sixth—and final—season of The Crown hit Netflix on Thursday. And the second I logged off from work that day, I binged them all. Not that that’s an accomplishment—it’s a pretty short set of episodes. But assuming everyone isn’t an obsessive little weirdo like me and hasn’t watched them yet, I’ll save my extended thoughts for when the remainder of the season drops.
But what I will say now—and without spoilers—is I was a little disappointed by the wigs of my two favorite royals, Princess Margaret, played by Lesley Manville, and Princess Anne, played by Claudia Harrison. Their performances were great last season, and from what I’ve seen of this season. But if I’m being honest, the wigs just aren’t doing it for me. And I feel bad saying that because I watched a delightful behind the scenes look at the making of the wigs. But I have to speak my truth.
I do agree with the wig stylists that they really do look real! And their work on the Queen Elizabeth wigs—and especially the Margaret Thatcher ‘do in season four—has been outstanding. I just wanted bigger! Poofier! Bouffantier!
I know with biopics, especially historical fiction, a facsimile isn’t impressive without the performance to back it up (see: Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody). And a great performance can outshine a lacking lookalike (see: Taron Egerton in Rocketman). But these are royal figures with signature bouffants—give them their proper crowns.
What Would Dolly Do?
Dolly Parton’s latest album, Rockstar, just came out and it’s a blast. To mark her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the album reimagines popular rock songs sung by Dolly and her iconic rockstar pals like Elton John, Joan Jett, and Debbie Harry to name a few (and purposefully ignore a couple interesting choices). But it’s also an important reminder of how much fun music can be.
That sounds like a very basic and obvious take. But I’m frankly getting tired of the current model of carefully crafted eras and release cycles. I wish artists would follow Dolly’s lead and take some time to get a little more playful. Forge a new great American songbook! Duet! Play around with new interpretations! For the love of god, bring back jam sessions (thank you for your service, Brandi Carlile)!
I think that’s part of the appeal of doing a Christmas album (cannot wait to listen to Cher’s next week when it’s more seasonally appropriate, by the way). While the cynical side of me wants to say they’re just thrown together cash grabs, the more creative side of me feels they give artists an opportunity to play around with different sounds. Look at Cher’s ABBA album, and Lady Gaga’s foray into jazz. I would kill to hear Beyoncé reimagine the music of Diana Ross. And maybe Queen Bey is a bad example, considering there’s been no album more playful in recent memory than Renaissance. But my fantasy still stands!
Kelly Clarkson’s genius Kellyoke segments come to mind. Again, cynical me wants to say she’s simply found a great way to keep going viral and advertise her talk show. But you can’t deny how much covering different artists every day is letting Kelly flex and grow her musical muscles. And isn’t it fun to get to listen?
48 Hours Later…
I finished Barbra Streisand’s memoir, and as predicted, I found myself wanting it to go on for another 48 hours. She’s already given us so much, but I really need Babs to start a podcast so I can get a weekly fix of her voice. Preferably food related. I wasn’t kidding when I mentioned her passionate descriptions of food—like I said, it was a FEAST!
And if you need another reason to start listening (or reading, I guess) check out this My Name is Barbra drinking game making the rounds on Instagram.
Parting Shot: Kamala Talks Turkey
Ever since this clip of then Senator, now Vice President, Kamala Harris surfaced a few years back, it’s become a Thanksgiving tradition for me to rewatch it over and over. In the midst of a pre-interview soundcheck, Harris gives some solid advice for prepping a turkey. I keep returning to it every year because I find it so comforting—she’s talking with her hands, having two conversations at once, and above all, giving great advice—and it reminds me of whenever I ask my mom a question about cooking. I myself am more partial to a wet brine, but this clip alone has (almost) convinced me to try it dry. Maybe next year.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
