On my radar
I always enjoy reading the 'On my radar' interviews in The Guardian so I thought I would do one myself and see if anyone else fancied joining in with a little blog meme 🤔
1.Music
Doechii
As I am pretty old I 'discovered' Doechii via a performance on Stephen Colbert that went so viral it reached my middle aged corner of the internet! She is a lyricist of rare skill and charisma and even Kendrick has anoited her as the chosen one. Her album has got me through January and with Simz looking like she is going to drop something new 2025 is looking like the year of feminine energy.
2.[Comic]Book
Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman
DC's new Absolute imprint (Absolute Batman, Superman and this) are reimagining their big three characters from the ground up in new and extremely interesting ways (Marvel are doing similar with their rebooted Ultimates universe - with Ultimate Spider-Man being a particular joy to read). Thompson's Wonder Woman is the pick of them all though with a fresh and thoughtful take on the Amazonian Princess and Sherman's art is spectacular - and he gets plenty of opportunities to show off.
3.TV
High Potential on Disney+
There is very little original about High Potential - it is even based on a French show - and it is nobodies idea of prestige television. What it is though is funny, smart, interesting and full of really good actors enjoying themselves (Kaitlin Olson is clearly having a blast). In an era where every show seems to want to be taken seriously it resolutely goes in a different direction.
4.Food
Bab Haus Mex, Newport Market
Thirty years ago(!) when I was a student I was a pretty regular visitor to Newport Market but it is safe to say it has changed in the ensuing decades (though funnily enough the reason for those visits - the comic book stall - is still there!). The place looks lovely, the staff were friendly and has some amazing food choices but my dining companion was adamant that these tacos were the pick of the bunch and I can't say she was wrong! As good as any taco I can remember having here or in the States, they are incredibly tasty (but also structurally sound so less mess) and I can't recommend them highly enough.
5.Place
Leake Street Tunnel, Waterloo
Leake Street tunnel near Waterloo station in London is an unofficial 'legal' graffiti gallery. The pieces change daily and at any given time day and night you can find artists working. It is my favourite place in London and I try to get there several times a year.
6.Gallery
STRAAT Museum, Amsterdam
I'm InterRailing again in April and once again I am starting my trip with a visit to the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam. Most galleries and museums are unable to do justice to graffiti and street art as part of the appeal is scale...the STRAAT museum avoids this problem by providing massive canvases to the artist in this cavernous warehouse space in the NDSM area of Amsterdam (the whole neighbourhood is basically as extension of the museum). The only problem with it is I can lose an entire day there and miss out on the other delights of the city!