Phoebe Bridgers’ Christmas Album:
As the season of candy canes and Christmas trees rolls around, the festive tunes of Mariah Carey and Michael Buble will dominate once more. For people who prefer something more acoustic, consider Phoebe Bridgers’ new cover of The Handsome Family’s So Much Wine. The song was released on a six-song EP along with her Christmas covers from previous years, including a gut wrenching cover of Silent Night featuring Fiona Apple and The National’s Matt Berninger, as well as a somber version of Merle Haggard’s If We Make it Through December. Bridgers’ melancholy voice, paired with stripped back instrumentals and angelic harmonies, is the perfect soundtrack to make it through December. Additionally, all proceeds from So Much Wine will benefit the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
– Nadia Liu, Public Relations Manager
New Brockhampton Album:
After ten years, six studio albums, and five tours, the iconic band Brockhampton announced their disbandment — but not without dropping two final albums. Consisting of 28 total songs, The Family and TM dropped within 24 hours of each other on Nov. 17. Several songs reference the group’s experiences over the past decade, with All That contrasting their beginnings with their current state as they prepare to disband. Both albums should be enjoyed by a range of listeners, as throughout the albums are a variety of catchy tunes embedded with meaning from the diverse band. The duo of albums is a stunning blend of hip-hop, pop, and passion expressed through music.
– Dana Hathaway, Editorial Editor
Holiday Songs:
As a Christmas skeptic, it is incredibly difficult for me to find holiday songs that I can listen to on repeat. Therefore, I’ve compiled a short list of my top Christmas songs to share with El Gato’s readers who also struggle to connect with this genre of music. The first song, one that tops every other song, is Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson. Wow. If I’m going to be honest, it is simply pure perfection in the form of a four minute ballad. Next up is Feliz Navidad. This song ALWAYS hits; if you play it, I will listen to it. Last but certainly not least is a classic jangle that without, this list would be incomplete— Last Christmas. Wham!, thank you for your service. I love this song, and I always will. Although short and sweet, I have no doubts that these songs will leave you embracing the Christmas spirit!
– Sarah Gouldrup, Humor Editor
Holidate:
Holiday movies are a staple for the month of December, as well as my savior when it comes to getting through the stress of finals. My personal favorite is Netflix original Holidate featuring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey. While some adore the cliches and familiarity of classic Christmas films, this movie has a twist on the traditional holiday film. Roberts and Bracey play two single adults in Chicago who are fed up with being single during the holidays. After meeting, they decide on a no-strings agreement where they are each other’s plus-ones throughout the holidays year round, including New Year’s Eve, Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, Halloween and — of course — Christmas. The humorous pact, engaging dialogue, and evident chemistry are enough reasons to add this rom-com to the top of your festive watch list.
– Saya Alvares, Sports Editor
The People We Meet on Vacation:
As the temperature drops and the ground becomes icy, we all find ourselves wishing for a tropical vacation. Look no further than The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Not only will you reimagine yourself at a warm, glorious tourist destination during the peak of summer, you’ll bear witness to one of the best romance tropes ever, best friends to enemies (kind of) to lovers. Poppy and Alex will fulfill every aspect of your book hunger, so much so that immediately after finishing it, you’ll be dying to pick up Henry’s other bestselling novel, Beach Read.
– Esha Bagora, Public Relations Manager
Princess Diaries 3:
In the month of November Disney announced the third movie in their critically acclaimed series, The Princess Diaries, starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. Although it is not certain that Hathaway will be returning to the screen to portray her beloved role of Mia “Princess of Genovia” Thermopolis, the actress has expressed her support and excitement for the continuing of the series. The movie is predicted to make its way to the big screen at some point in 2024, so buckle your seatbelts and get excited for the long-awaited return to Genovia!
– Georgia Kaufman, Opinion Editor
Worst Christmas Foods:
With Christmas fast approaching, people worldwide are beginning to experiment with holiday recipes. Here are some delicacies I pray I won’t find on anyone’s dinner table this Christmas Eve. I will hear no counter-arguments. Fruitcake is absolutely vile. Any dessert that lasts over three months needs to be locked up and shipped far, far away. Aside from this, if I see one more person devouring their gingerbread house, I will lose it. Whether it’s the knock-off M&Ms or the rock-hard cookie, everything on that poorly-put-together house is bound to make grandma pull out the Tums. As an honorable mention, I will forever maintain that candy canes taste like toothpaste. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and keep these monstrosities that people try to pass off as food far, far away.
– Maya Gomez, Editor-in-Chief
Ain’t Too Proud:
The touring cast of the 2019 original musical Ain’t Too Proud has finally arrived at Broadway San Francisco. This musical is nothing short of a masterpiece, depicting the highs and lows of the various members of the Temptations. The audience sees this iconic musical group get their start, watches flawless dance moves, and listens to the amazing harmonies in their classic songs, including My Girl, and Papa was a Rolling Stone. The narrator of this musical is an actor portraying Otis Williams, who to this day is the only original member of the group still performing. Be sure to catch Ain’t Too Proud while it’s showing, or give its soundtrack a listen!
– Ainsley Northrop, People Editor
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
Nintendo’s Pokémon Scarlet and Violet break stunningly away from the main franchise’s 26 years of traditional formulas. The games feature non-linear, open-world gameplay throughout the Paldea region, highlighted by new dash, climb, and swimming mechanics. Scarlet and Violet have also done away with Pokémon’s usual level-scaling system, completely changing the game progression. Through its bold reinventions and creative charm, Scarlet and Violet are perfect for both those new to Pokémon as well as for seasoned fans seeking a new spin. The games are available for the Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo eShop.
– Angela Sheu, News Editor