The Arts 2019 Year-In-Review
The Harvard Crimson ranks the best movies, TV shows, albums, and books of the year, while writing some not-exactly-serious vanities.
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Arts
Music
Top 10 Albums of 2019
The Crimson Arts Board presents its musical favorites of the year, from "WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO?" to "Heard It In A Past Life."
Bishop Briggs Bares All on ‘Champion’
Despite what its name implies, “Champion”’s overall message is not one of victory. Its self-awareness and smooth instrumentation make it Briggs’s most vulnerable work yet.
On Campus
A Book Fair for Art Lovers: The Third Annual Boston Arts Book Fair
The language of art, creativity, and social change swirled through both conversation and publication at the Cyclorama for the third annual Boston Arts Book Fair.
After Migration: Fashion Designer Walé Oyéjidé in Conversation with Harvard Professor Teju Cole
A former lawyer, Oyéjidé is now the creative director and founder of the fashion company Ikiré Jones. His designs featured prominently in the 2018 Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther.”
Theater
Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert and Sullivan Players Present their Fresh and Humorous Update of ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’
Even in its 13th iteration at Harvard, “H.M.S Pinafore” can still make an audience burst into laughter with every joke.
Modern American History Meets Opera in ‘Fellow Travelers’
Effectively utilizing the DC backdrop, "Fellow Travelers" personifies the suspicion and mayhem of the McCarthy era through a compelling love story.
Film
Top 10 Films of 2019
The Crimson Arts Board presents its TV favorites of the year, from "Parasite" to "Hustlers."
‘The Two Popes’: An Endearing Introspection
“The Two Popes” is a stunning thematic achievement in building bridges; it’s unabashedly politically charged (and unmistakably pro-Francis), but Meirelles’ film does what it sets out to do well.
Books
‘Twenty-one Truths about Love’ Proves the Power of the List
On the face of it, the list is one of the most banal forms of literature.
‘Incidental Inventions’ Is a Steady, Beautiful Simmer
It’s hard to not feel just a little bit cheated after reading the first two dozen pages of Elena Ferrante’s new book, “Incidental Inventions.”
TV
Top 10 TV Shows of 2019
The Crimson Arts Board presents its TV favorites of the year, from "Fleabag" to "Pose."
‘Riverdale’ Review: Nothing Says Thanksgiving like ‘Ice Storm’
It looks like the characters of “Riverdale” celebrated Thanksgiving early, and as anyone could have guessed, no one got a quiet, relaxing dinner with their family.
So Much For The Sisterhood: Sarah Dessen and the Ugly Side of Twitter
It’s understandable to have missed the mid-November debacle that concerned Sarah Dessen, YA literature, and people’s irrational tendencies to jump into a debate about which they do not possess all the facts.
What the Hell Happened: John Oliver’s Secret Lawsuit
What is unexpected is the grand finale, an incredible five-minute dance sequence set among the bright lights of Time Square and littered with jokes at Murray’s expense. It is spectacular and cathartic. Words do not do it justice.
What the Hell Happened: Victoria’s Secret Cancels their Fashion Show
If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest news in the world of women’s lingerie, you may be shocked to hear that the once beloved Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is cancelled indefinitely.
What the Hell Happened: Harry Styles and the Eroda Conspiracy
Nietzsche was wrong. God is very much alive, and his name is Harry Styles.
What the Hell Happened: 2020 Grammy Nominations
If there’s one (big) takeaway from Wednesday’s announcement, it’s that new artists are giving the old guard a run for its money.
Of Course Harry Styles Can Make Bread Sexy
Everyone who wanted to hear Harry Styles say “getting railed to death” on live TV got their wish last weekend.
Nina MacLaughlin Reads Stories from ‘Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung’ at Harvard Book Store
On Nov. 19, local journalist-turned-carpenter-turned-author Nina MacLaughlin read three stories from her fiction debut, “Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung.”
What the Hell Happened: Harry Styles Appropriates Ballet
Styles, though garbed in a legitimate tutu, is not so convincing in his poses, even for a still photo. He clearly has no knowledge of dance, and shows no regard for representing it in a respectful way either.
Music Video Breakdown: ‘Tusa’ by Karol G and Nicki Minaj is The Epitome of Sad Boy Reggaeton
Karol G sings about this girl who is going out tonight. She's trying to dance her tusa away.
Arts Vanity: So You Want To Be a Writer? 5 Things That Should Inspire You
You want to be a writer, you say? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
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