On today's show:
Extreme Politesse In The 'Burbs
(Starts at 7:45)
In a candy-colored town where adults wear braces and drive golf carts, one can never be too polite … or can they? The comedy feature film, “Greener Grass,” is a surreal satire that explores exactly this — mining laughs from the extremes of politeness and judgment in American suburbia. Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe wrote, directed and star in the film. They spoke with John Horn about their Midwest origins and inspiration, how they created the world of the movie, and the beginnings of their comedy partnership during their years with Upright Citizens Brigade. (“Greener Grass” is in select theaters now.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyOvQfgQhKQ
Robert Evans, RIP
(Starts at :45)
Robert Evans was an actor, a producer and a studio chief. But more than anything else, perhaps, he was a show business magician — able not only to reinvent himself multiple times, but also escape from many personal and professional predicaments. Evans died on Saturday at the age of 89. His memoir “The Kid Stays in The Picture” (and the audiobook, which he voiced himself) is considered essential for anyone interested in how Hollywood works. Anne Thompson, an editor at large at Indiewire, joined John to reminisce about the Hollywood legend.
Song Exploder: Raphael Saadiq
(Starts at 19:45)
The Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and artist was the lead singer of the legendary ’90s R&B group, Tony! Toni! Toné! As a producer, he’s worked with D’Angelo, TLC, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Solange Knowles and John Legend. This year, Saadiq released his fifth solo album, "Jimmy Lee," which is named for his late older brother. In this episode of Song Exploder, Saadiq breaks down a song he made with his nephew, Dylan Wiggins, called “Kings Fall.”