Recs Request: Winter Warmers

[helloladies]

In theory, we are fans of winter here at Lady Business. I mean, we certainly love of the idea of winter. In our minds, it’s all brisk air, hot chocolate, jumpers and (this is crucial) weather-based excuses for staying in with the media of our choice. In our mind’s eyes this is what winter looks like:


(Emergency Puppy)

Yes, this fantasy winter will do nicely.

The real thing is a little different:





See, when we imagine the fairy tale snowscape of winter, we always forget we have to work which means *shudder* going outside in the dark and the weather.

I think we could all do with a winter lifeline right now. So, we’re here to appeal for your favourite winter blues recs – the media you turn to when the nights start drawing in and the temperature drops. If you’d like to help us out, please leave us recs in the comments for anything: comforting favourites; creators you can always bank on; songs to drown out the sound of rain etc. There may be more photos of cute animals in return for your kindness.

Comments

[chaila]

I can't say this is my usual go-to comfort show (those are Gilmore Girls and Bunheads, because Amy Sherman-Palladino shows are ridiculously rewatchable) but this winter I have been getting a lot of joy out of rewatching Daria. Most of which is streaming online! (And the rest is probably on Youtube). It's this weirdly comforting mix of reminding me of my teenage years (I half-remember a bunch of the eps) and still being wickedly clever and smart and fresh and funny. It's so brilliant, it makes me happy.

[bookgazing]

Good call! I have Daria on disc because I am a dork and as long as I avoid watching 'The Lady and the Tiger' it will be a good experience :P I should probably find the film too.

[0jack]

TV: Leverage: I can never have enough Parker in my life.
TV: Elementary: Lucy Liu is Watson. That is all.
TV: MLP:FIM: My Little Pony, surprisingly frisky and fun to watch if there's little ones around.
TV: OITNB: Orange is the New Black isn't exactly comforting but it's incredibly engaging.
TV: Red vs Blue: YouTube, not TV... I can't really explain. It's a thing. Futuristic soldiers, interpersonal drama, short episodes, grinding war, etc.

Music: Dessa: her music is amazing, check her out on YouTube via Doomtree.
Music: Amir Sulaiman: Islamic hip-hop and poetry, mind-bending adventures, amirsulaiman.com

Video Game: Dragon Age Origins: pure feelgood roleplaying fantasy with option to play female Hero of elf, human, or dwarven origin, engaging party members and romance options.
Video Game: Fable II and III, not as RP-heavy as Dragon Age, no party per se, but fantastic world, comforting music, lots of heroism and great world building, male or female Hero, varied romance options.
Video Game: Spelunky: Just getting into this, comes highly recommended. Adventure, challenges, puzzles, levels—you will die. A lot. Just keep going. In the tradition of the best video games of the past.
Video Game: Gone Home: 90s nostalgia, a missing family. Not a traditional game. Requires minimal coordination. Zero violence. Lovely ambiance. Explore your childhood home, uncover what happened to your family in your absence.

Movies: Comic book live-action movies, I have no pride: Blade Trilogy, The Losers, Hellboy series, Constantine, X-Men 1 & 2, GI Joe series, Fast and Furious series (I know it's not comic books but it's close)—I really like things blowing up and people being pretty, basically.

To Do: Twine: Make your own video game, like a web-based Choose Your Own Adventure Game. Twinery.org. Open source. Lots of resources, relatively short learning curve. Engaging and quick, let people experience your reality.

[calvinahobbes]

Thanks for reccing Amir Sulaiman - I just listened, and he's great!

I might also get something out of Twinery - had not heard of it before.

[bookgazing]

Thanks for the list :D So much stuff to look into (and for the permission to go enjoy GI Joe). It looks like Orange is the New Black is racking up the recommendations.

[(Anonymous)]

This time of year, Frightened Rabbit is always a revelation. Something about his music just makes me feel better about winter. Or lets me wallow in it.
-Lu

[bookgazing]

I love Frightened Rabbit (an Ana rec) and need to get more of their stuff. Thanks for the reminder to put them on repeat.

[thebaconfat]

Not exactly an old favourite, but I'm really enjoying Brooklyn Nine-Nine on FOX. I tuned into the first episode thinking, "Oh, great, an obnoxious but brilliant detective solving crimes," but then it turned into, "Obnoxious detective gets schooled by an older, wiser, gay black cop, and learns to be a team player," so that was a pleasant surprise. The cast is nicely diverse and there's a wonderfully portrayed gay couple.

For songs, I've been all about Murder by Death's Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon album lately, especially Lost River and Hard World.

I really need to look into Orange is the New Black! And I'm planning a rewatch of Hannibal S1 before the new season starts (eee)!

[bookgazing]

Ana has been talking to me about Nine-Nine and I keep meaning to try it but live TV schedule fills up so fast. Thanks for the reminder. And thanks for dropping us things to try :)