Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - "Falling Slowly"

In the 20 years since "Falling Slowly" first debuted, how many people have used it as their first song at their wedding? I haven't seen Once in forever, and so I haven't thought about "Falling Slowly" in quite some time. Yes, it's still deeply affecting. Rest in peace, Glen Hansard. 

Sonny Rollins - "St. Thomas"

Rest in peace to the Saxophone Colossus.

Traffic - "Feelin' Alright?"

Joe Cocker made the song a hit. But Traffic recorded the original. Rest in peace, Dave Mason.

Robert Duvall's Best Movies

Over at Rolling Stone, I contributed to a roundup of Robert Duvall's essential roles. You can read our list right here. 

Frederick Wiseman, 1930-2026

Frederick Wiseman was one of my filmmaking heroes. I was lucky enough to interview him twice. I knew one day he'd be gone, but still I'm very sad to see him go. For Rolling Stone, I paid tribute to a legend. 

Robert Duvall, 1931-2026

Robert Duvall had died. He was 95. I paid tribute to the Oscar-winning actor over at Rolling Stone. 

Catherine O'Hara, 1954-2026

What a shock: Catherine O'Hara is gone. For Rolling Stone, Jon Blistein and I pay tribute to a very funny woman. 

Bela Tarr, 1955-2026

A couple years ago, I had the immense pleasure of moderating a Q&A with Bela Tarr after a screening of his final film, The Turin Horse. He was great. Today for Rolling Stone, I pay tribute to an iconic filmmaker. You can read my piece here. 

Brigitte Bardot, 1934-2025

Brigitte Bardot was one of cinema's most indelible sex symbols. Then she walked away from stardom. My tribute on the occasion of her passing is over at Rolling Stone. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Rob Reiner's Impact on Movies and Politics

When someone in the film industry passes, Madeleine Brand will often ask me to come on the show to talk about that person's legacy. I was touched to go on Press Play to eulogize Rob Reiner, both as a filmmaker and as an activist. My segment was up first, if you'd like to listen below.

The Essential Rob Reiner Films

For Rolling Stone, I helped contribute to a list of the late, great Rob Reiner's best films. I tackled his two Aaron Sorkin collaborations: A Few Good Men and The American President. You can read the whole list here. 

Rob Reiner, 1947-2025

What a terrible way to end a terrible weekend of sad news. For Rolling Stone, Althea Legaspi and I wrote about Rob Reiner's legacy. 

Ace Frehley - "New York Groove"

It's true: I've never been much of a Kiss guy. But if I had to pick a favorite song of theirs, I'd probably go with this Ace Frehley solo joint. Rest in peace, sir.

Diane Keaton - "Seems Like Old Times" (from 'Annie Hall')

This seemed the only choice for this week.

Diane Keaton's Best Films

I pitched in over at Rolling Stone on a piece that celebrated the late, great Diane Keaton's 10 essential movies. I was happy to take on Reds. You can check that out here.

Diane Keaton, New Hollywood Heavyweight

It's a sad day: Diane Keaton has died. For Rolling Stone, I tried to sum up her brilliance. 

Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Speaking of Tongues"

Yesterday would have been my friend Kaz's 50th birthday. Her death back in May has made this a melancholy year for myself and Susan, and tomorrow will be her celebration of life.

I tend to know the kinds of music my friends enjoy. But what Susan and I were struck by is that, with Kaz, we didn't necessarily talk about music much with her. So I don't have artists who immediately come to mind when I think of her.

But for years, Kaz's email signature included this quote from Michael Franti: "Love like your life depends on it, because it does." Franti is a bit of a blind spot for me, so I didn't immediately know what song that line was from. Turns out, it's "Speaking of Tongues." So today's video is dedicated to her.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Robert Redford's Legacy

Yesterday, Marisa Lagos filled in for regular Press Play host Madeleine Brand and had me on to talk about Robert Redford's life and career. It was a pleasure to pay tribute to the man. You can hear the segment down below.

Robert Redford, 1936-2025

For Rolling Stone, I wrote about the passing of Robert Redford, the movie star and the man behind Sundance, in two ways. Rest in peace, sir.

Ozzy Osbourne - "No More Tears"

Growing up in the Midwest at the time I did, it was impossible not to be aware of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. I can't pretend Ozzy's work with his iconic band or as a solo artist was foundational for me. (Wasn't the whole point of Nirvana that it was an antidote to that sort of theatricality in hard rock?) But the orchestral bombast, killer riffs and suite-like sweep of "No More Tears" remains as cheesy/silly good as ever. Rest in peace to an artist who impacted so many lives. Also, this is worth remembering: 

If you’re looking for hope in the world, just remember that Jimmy Swaggart died a disgrace while Ozzy Osbourne died universally beloved.

— Ponsonby Britt (@hockeenight.bsky.social) Jul 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM