The fourth name on my freebie list is not Jimmy Fallon, but rather Gabrielle Union, his partner in the sketch that serves as today’s Song of the Day.
Union has been on my radar for 15 years, starting with her supporting turn in the beloved romantic comedy Bring it On.
Ah Rashida Jones, you beautiful tropical fish. If this list were in order, the multi-talented Jones might well occupy the top spot.
The daughter of Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton, Rashida Jones is a writer, director, actress, singer, songwriter, Harvard grad, and social and political activist — as funny and smart as she is beautiful.
My second freebie list entry (though these are in no particular order) is Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the English actress who broke out in 2014 with excellent performances in the underrated films Belle and Beyond the Lights. Mbatha-Raw is back this holiday season playing the wife of Will Smith’s character in Concussion, a film about the NFL’s coverup of serious medical issues.
Recently, I happened upon a couple of musical performances by women on my laminated freebie list. Fans of the classic sitcom Friends will recall that a “freebie list” names the five celebrities you can take to bed without repercussions from your spouse.
Unlike movies, television and books, music is an art form that allows for passive appreciation. Many songs reward careful attention to the lyrics, the melody, the production. But some music is best heard in the background — of a dinner party, a restaurant, a club, even a grocery store.
I don’t know if it’s an insult to say that I consider Al Green a perfect passive artist. I love the man’s voice and the general vibe of his music, but it isn’t the sort of thing I’ll sit down and dissect over headphones. And I won’t play it in my car, which I consider active listening. But as the backdrop when company’s over, slam dunk.
