Entertainment

The Rolling Stones: Foreign Tongues

I’ll leave it to others to provide Foreign Tongues with the traditional blessing that greets every new Rolling Stones album—“it’s their best since Some Girls!”—but I will say it features their best cover art since Some Girls. Created by Chicago painter Nathaniel Mary Quinn, the image mashes up caricatures of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood into a glorious grotesquerie that channels the colorful glam-trash aesthetics of the band’s late-’70s phase. In the process, it also takes every ageist insult that’s been lobbed at the Stones over the years—they’re too old, too wrinkly, too decrepit—and rubs it in our faces. Where they once shocked the tabloids with their wanton drug use and cross-dressing, the cover reminds us that the most provocative thing the Stones can do these days is simply continue to exist as octogenarians.
But as much as the art suggests a rebirth of the band’s campy streak, it also reflects a mix-and-match approach to familiar Stonesy archetypes. Following 2023’s Hackney Diamonds (their first album of originals in nearly two decades, and first since the 2021 death of drummer Charlie Watts), Foreign Tongues marks the band’s second collaboration with Andrew Watt, the 35-year-old producer who’s become the de facto hooksmaxxing guru for veteran rockers. As a producer with a foot in both the classic-rock and modern pop/rap worlds, Watt possesses both a fanboy’s reverence for Stones history and a shrewd knowledge of the precision mechanics practiced in pro songwriters’ rooms. The Stones may not be chasing the zeitgeist as flagrantly as they did in the late ’70s and ’80s, but, under Watt’s thumb, they do sound ever more attuned to the science of contemporary pop music, where the verses, pre-choruses, and choruses kick in at perfectly timed intervals—i.e., songwriting as a neatly arranged procession of clippable moments.
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And so you have a lot of instances on Foreign Tongues where the band’s innate, let-it-loose swagger rubs up against this calculated craftiness to awkward effect. The “Parachute Woman”-goes-to-Vegas blues romp “Rough and Twisted” and the “Soul Survivor” riff-nicking strut “In the Stars” give way to smoothed-out choruses that a bit feel like a tuxedoed butler showing up to serve you a glass of Dom in the middle of a roadhouse brawl. The politically pointed yet disjointed “Covered in You” pits the bratty Jagger who breathlessly rapped his way through “Shattered” and “Dance (Pt. 1)” against the MOR Mick who made She’s the Boss. And then there’s the missed opportunity that is “Jealous Lover,” where Jagger’s falsetto tries to tickle your “Emotional Rescue” pleasure points, but the song forsakes deviant disco for a stately soul ballad that—like Beck circa “Debra”—blurs the line between sincere homage and comedy sketch.
Foreign Tongues was built around leftover material from the Hackney Diamonds sessions, and the two albums are such mirror images of one another that they may as well have been released together, Use Your Illusion-style. Each come outfitted with a snotty rocker about inflicting violence on the noggin (“Bite My Head Off” vs. “Hit Me in the Head”), a mid-album country breather (“Dreamy Skies” vs. “Ringing Hollow”), a comforting, Keith-sung comedown track (“Tell Me Straight” vs. “Some of Us”), a blown-out gospel-ballad climax (“Sweet Sounds of Heaven” vs. “Back in Your Life”), and an album-closing return to the band’s blues roots through a stripped-down cover designed to sound like it was recorded in the Beggars Banquet toilet stall (Muddy Waters’ “Rolling Stone Blues” vs. Chuck Berry’s “Beautiful Delilah”). The celeb-stacked guest lists also overlap, with Paul McCartney and Benmont Tench showing up for another go-round, though Hackney ringers Lady Gaga and Elton John were apparently traded for Bruno Mars and Robert Smith in a blockbuster off-season deal. And there’s another posthumous appearance from Charlie to bridge the Stones’ Watts and Watt eras.
But Foreign Tongues improves upon its predecessor by trading in Hackney’s mannered, mid-tempo execution for a more robust rhythmic flair that shines a brighter spotlight on bassist Darryl Jones and drummer Steve Jordan, who steer “Never Wanna Lose You” toward the Stones’ ’80s dance-rock canon. And while the enduring strength of Jagger’s voice has never been in doubt, he seems to be having more fun here and also using his position in the rock establishment to prod at power structures from within. The cheeky chant of “Mr Charm” provides a distant echo of the Goats Head Soup-era groupie sleazefest “Star Star,” only this time, it’s Jagger playing the proverbial starfucker leeching off his paramour’s riches while mocking the outer-space obsessions of the one percent, with “mad mogul Mr. Musk” catching strays.
Unlike so many latter-day Stones albums erroneously slapped with the “best since Some Girls” tag, Foreign Tongues invites legitimate comparisons to that record on purely musical grounds by giving equal airtime to the band’s punky and funky sensibilities. Where the apocalypse-themed “Divine Intervention” steers a respectably “Respectable”-like garage racket toward a surprisingly urgent and emotional finale, the reverentially restless rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” sounds like it was spun out from the harmonica-slathered groove of “Miss You.” It’s an extremely rare instance of the Stones deigning to cover a song outside the traditional blues canon, and an even rarer case of Jagger gender-flipping a track originally written by a woman. But he clearly relishes the opportunity to put his stamp on the song both as a singer and a player, replacing the Dap-Kings’ authoritative brass refrain with blasts of howling harmonica. (The song is also probably the closest he’ll get to the self-demonizing introspection of “Sympathy for the Devil” in 2026.)
If the title of Hackney Diamonds called back to the Stones’ London roots, Foreign Tongues feels more firmly planted in the USA, from the New York and Silverlake scenery of “Divine Intervention” to the Florida trailer-park fantasies of “Never Wanna Lose You.” The country, of course, has long been the Stones’ most fertile source of musical inspiration, but, as we hear on Foreign Tongues, it’s a long-term relationship that’s hit the rocks. “Ringing Hollow” is fashioned as an old-timey honky-tonk heartbreaker, though in this case, Mick and Keith—singing in torn’n’frayed unison—are breaking up with America, dismayed by its authoritarian tilt, failed promises, and “scoundrels trying to whip the crowd.” On top of authentically conjuring that early-’70s moment when the Stones were hanging out with Gram Parsons and inventing alt-country, the song also recalls a time when Jagger-Richards was among the most perceptive songwriting tandems in rock. At their most primal and powerful, the Stones weren’t simply selling American music back to Americans, they were holding a mirror up to the nation’s violent, decadent soul. Foreign Tongues’ cover revels in the Stones’ ugliness; the album shows they can still force us to reckon with our own.
Rolling Stones: Foreign Tongues

Entertainment

A friendship worth killing for

Prime Video’s Ride Or Die, created by British multihyphenate Tessa Coates, is the best alternative for a cowardly world that won’t give Hannah Waddingham 007 status. The genre-bending series, created by British actress Tessa Coates stars Waddingham in a role as an assassin woman who is approaching 50 years old and has never experienced anything else. The pairing of this character and Octavia’s best friend looks to be the beginning of another action comedy about two friends who believe they know each other well, until one is forced into revealing that she is an assassin. The team of Coates Waddingham and Spencer produces something much more intriguing.
Ride or Die is a comedy with a twist. The premise of the film, however, is based on the world that Waddingham’s character Judith has built for herself through having Judith’s civilian friend, Debbie, as her bestie. The show does not stop there. It explains why the two women are so similar. Judith’s friendship with Debbie is the only thing that has ever brought her true love. Debbie is in an unbalanced marriage to a useless politician, who cannot even tie his shoe without Debbie. The two main characters are constantly challenging each other, even when they don’t want to be challenged.
The ensemble of Ride Or Die deserves a lot of the credit for its success. The focus of the show initially seems to be on Judith’s and Debbie’s adventures, but as the plot unfolds the two learn that they have many more people in their corner than they thought. Calam Lynch, Ed Skrein and other minor characters are unexpected highlights. They add depth to the archetypes of spy fiction that would otherwise be one-dimensional.

Entertainment

‘Little House On The Prairie’ Adaptation Has Modest Opening On Netflix

Little House on the Prairie has a modest debut after its weekend arrival on Netflix. Netflix’s adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books debuted as the No. The English TV chart for the week ending July 6, with 6.4 millions views, was ranked No. 3.
Little House on the Prairie’s performance in its four-day debut is better than Netflix’s recent original The Boroughs which achieved 5.6M during the same time period. Although it’s not a great start for this anticipated remake of an American classic, the show has plenty of room to grow. It just debuted on July 9th.
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is a tough competitor for Netflix’s television lineup. I Will Find You has risen to the top of the English TV chart for the fourth week in a row, adding another 11.5M viewers. This puts the series over 85M in less than 30 days. It is a contender to be included on the Top 10 Most Popular English Series List, which previously featured another Harlan Coben adaption, Fool Me Once.
I Will Find You needs 65 days to reach His & Hers 98.2M view counts over the 91 day initial period Netflix sets as its standard for all-time list.
The second place in the TV ranking for this past week went to the show Worst Neighbor Ever, with 8.2M views.
Enola Holmes 3 topped the English-language weekly list with an extra 12M viewers. Shipwrecked Nightmare at Sea debuted at No. Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea launched in the No. 2 position on the list, with 9M views. Voicemails for Isabelle landed the No. 3 spot, with 8.6M views. The third spot is Voicemails for Isabelle, with 8,6M views.

Entertainment

Eminem’s ex-wife, Kim Scott, rushed to hospital 2 months after DUI arrest

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Kim Scott, Eminem’s former wife, fainted at her Michigan residence over the weekend. She was taken to hospital.
According to a Chesterfield Fire/EMS Report obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, the 51-year old suffered from a “hemorrhage” or “laceration” leading to uncontrolled and heavy bleeding at 8 p.m. Saturday local time.
The video released by the publication showed Scott appearing unconscious.
Watch the full video at TMZ
Scott’s current condition has not been disclosed. She was taken to McLaren Macomb Hospital.
Her recent health problems come at a time when she is dealing with legal troubles stemming her arrest for DUI on May 14, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.
A police officer at the time claimed she hit a car parked, noting there were no reported injuries.
Scott was also allegedly staggering and blowing nearly three times legal limits, which resulted in a blood alcohol level of.204%, far above the legal limit for the state, 0.08%.
She also admitted that she had consumed alcohol a few days prior, according to her police report.
According to the publication, Scott was willing to cooperate with police officers when he was arrested.
Scott spent a brief time in Macomb County Jail where, with her pixie cut and mugshot, she was almost unrecognizable.
Page Six reported exclusively that a warrant for Scott’s arrest was issued in June after she did not show up at a DUI hearing.
TMZ reports that the warrants have been dismissed.
Scott previously was married to Eminem, born Marshall Mathers from 1999-2001. In 2006, the exes briefly remarried, but split up after Eminem, who is 53 years old, filed for divorce.
Three of their ex-partners have children: Hailie, Jade (30), Alaina (33), and Stevie (24).
Scott has a son, Parker. She welcomed him after her divorce from “Lose Yourself’s” singer.

Entertainment

Tennessee Is Courting Paramount

The Hollywood Reporter learned that Tennessee has courted David Ellison’s Paramount.
Stuart McWhorter, Deputy Governor of Tennessee and author of a July 2 letter addressed to Ellison, urged him to move the corporate headquarters for Paramount Studios amid the California-Tennessee rift over the $111 billion purchase by Warner Bros. Discovery.
The letter stated that “Our success stems from fiscal discipline, lower taxes, predictable government, and our steadfast belief in the role of government as a partner for private sector growth.” Companies that select Tennessee will find much more than just a friendly business environment. They’ll find an entire state dedicated to their success.
California had already signalled its intention to block the agreement when it sent out an invitation. Paramount had extended an “olive branch” prior to Monday’s filing by promising to make 30 films per annum with a 45 day theatrical window. This offer was rejected.
Ellison’s decision to leave California may not be the best, considering that Paramount moved out of New York in 2012. However, a trusted adviser tells THR “that everything is still on the table.”
The studio would be doing a great disservice to the production levels in California and Los Angeles where they are at historic lows if it reallocated a large chunk of their $30 billion budget to other regions such as New York, New Jersey or the U.K. Matlock, NCIS, and Tracker are among the studio’s productions that shoot in California.
Paramount’s spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of this letter, but had nothing else to say.
Paramount, if it moved, would be joining companies such as FedEx, HCA Healthcare, and Autozone.
McWhorter said, “As Paramount Skydance begins its next chapter in Tennessee, the state offers an attractive proposition. It is a place where technology and creativity converge and talent is nurtured and embraced.” We would be delighted to discuss our ideas on how Tennessee can help Paramount Skydance’s talented team and shape its future.
Ellison’s family has deep roots in Tennessee where he spent 11 years, from 2014 until 2025, living on and off. After Paramount failed in its bid to buy Skydance, Ellison sold his house.
Oracle’s plans to construct a huge campus in Nashville, headed by Ellison’s father, are also a major factor. Clay Magouyrk, the co-CEO of Oracle, also lives in Tennessee.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s move to Tennessee will be a welcome return to Tennessee. It used to have a huge office complex in Knoxville that was derived from the Scripps Network 2017 deal. The property was sold in 2023.
A coalition of twelve state attorneys general, led by California, sued Paramount on Monday to prevent its $111-billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Entertainment

Prince Harry, 41, Breaks Silence on His Rapidly Balding Head

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The Crown
Prince Harry, age 41, breaks his silence on his rapidly balding head
The Duke also refused to accept his label “ginger”.
Male-pattern hair loss can affect even members of royalty.
Prince Harry (41), appeared in a podcast episode on July 13, where he discussed his thoughts unfiltered on hair loss. Jake Bhardwaj and Joe Marler were the co-hosts.
Joe Marler is a former English professional rugby player who hosts Joe Marler will See You Now along with co-host and comedian Jake Bhardwaj.
This episode started with an “intake questionaire,” which was structured as an interrogation with direct, concise questions.
Marler, 36, a retired English rugby star, was asked by Prince Harry to answer his first question in rapid fire: “What is your hair-care routine?”
The Duke of Sussex asked, “Are you talking …”?” He pointed to his head before pointing at his trousers.
Bhardwaj clarified that the question was about both “upstairs” and “downstairs”.
Harry gestured to his goatee, adding “and middle stairs.”
Harry explained, “I trim it every five or six days to keep it neat.”
He said, “Nothing is really happening at the top.” Otherwise, I don’t look.
The Duke of Sussex used to be known for his red curly hair, which was full and striking. However, his hair has lost its volume, at least in the top part, while the length of the neckline is getting thicker.
Prince William is still a step ahead of him.
The 44-year old Prince of Wales once had a head full of sandy blonde hair. William, now in his 40s, is nearly bald.
Marler then asked Harry: “What is the most common misconception about you?”
The royal replied, “I’m sure I am not ginger.”
“Hang on, hang on,” Merler pressed. People get it wrong?
Harry replied, “Yeah.” People think I am ginger but in reality I look more like sunset auburn.
Harry, who was deadpan, said, “I’m not sure why this is funny.” As Jake and the camera crew laughed, Harry said, “I’m not really sure what’s so funny about it.”
He said, “Unless, you want to call me ‘ginge’, you know I was bullied at school a lot, called carrot-top.”
Harry has passed on his “sunset auburn” hair to both of his children: Princess Lilibet (5 years old) and Prince Archie (7 years old).
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife of 8 years and a regular on the social media scene, regularly highlights Lilibet. Although the faces of both children are typically obscured, they are frequently visible in their sunset-auburn hair.
Harry has in the past attributed his hair color to Princess Diana, his mother who died.
In a 2023 edition of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert said: “I really thought that at the start of our relationship I would never be able to have children if this went the distance. The ginger gene wouldn’t stand up against my wife’s genetics.” But I was wrong.
Harry was surprised to learn that the genes of his mother outweighed those of his wife. He added: “The Spencer gene, or ginger gene, is extremely strong.”
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