Monday January 23 2023

UK garage, Janet Malcolm, the 2022 playlist, worst diner in the U.S., and more

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This graphic of the most popular books in U.S. public libraries last year is a trip. I’m surprised that novels dominate and embarrassed I didn’t already know. Bread-and-butter fiction writer? GOAT job security. And what’s the opposite of a broadband author like John Grisham? A narrow funnel passionate like the late record collector Joe Bussard.

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Do you have a donut scale? By that, I mean something that pleases you even in its worst incarnation. For example: if you give me a 1-out-of-10 donut, I will eat it. UK garage is powerful on my donut scale. Have you made a passable 2-out-of-10 UKG mix? Perfect—I will listen to it and buy the limited edition cassette that I have no way of playing. This new Physical Therapy mix of UKG from 2022 is an 8 or a 9, and a perfect place to start if you have no idea what I’m on about. Do you love Burial? Our man comes out of UKG, as does Jamie XX.