“The Society of Shame” by Jan Roper

Jan Roper’s third book, “The Society of Shame,” is releasing Tuesday. Roper’s book focuses on the shame that pervades society. When the main character Kathleen Held’s husband, who is running for senate, is caught having an affair with his youngest staffer, it seems as if Kathleen will be safe from shame. But when photos from the affair leak to the public, the only thing talked about is the stain on Held’s pants: a period stain. As her husband’s career tanks, Held’s career as a political activist takes off. 

Both funny and deeply compelling, “The Society of Shame” is available for pre-order on Amazon and other online booksellers.

“Air”

Sneakerheads, get excited. “Air” follows Nike basketball representative Sonny Vaccaro, played by Matt Damon, as he attempts to stabilize the company’s basketball section. Vaccaro wants to work on recruiting a basketball player to be the face of the brand. When no stars are willing to sign with the failing company, he reaches out to incoming rookie Michael Jordan. 

“Air” has a “Moneyball”-esque focus on the behind-the-scenes attributes of sports. The film is directed by Ben Affleck and stars Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Marlon Wayans and Ben Affleck. “Air” comes to theaters Wednesday. 

Daniel Caesar “NEVER ENOUGH”

Canadian R&B singer Daniel Caesar is releasing his third album “NEVER ENOUGH” next Friday. The album has 15 songs with singles “Do You Like Me?” and “Let Me Go.” 

“Let Me Go” starts with smooth synths and slow drums, giving Caesar the perfect platform to explore the depths and emotions within his voice. Caesar sings in his falsetto, quickly flowing from his airy high notes to an echoing and full chest voice. 

Looking at “Do You Like Me?,” Caesar pulls out muted guitars and punchy bass lines to create a vibing masterpiece full of sass. “NEVER ENOUGH” is set up to be another classic from Caesar. 

Daughter “Stereo Mind Game” 

London-based trio Daughter is set to release their third album, “Stereo Mind Game,” next Friday. The three singles for the album have been released individually over the last three months, with “Be On Your Way” debuting in early January, “Party” in early February and “Swim Back” in late February. 

In “Be On Your Way,” the band’s hazy, orchestral backing pairs well with their introspective and emotional lyrics. The track feels like a film soundtrack: fine for being in the background, but lacking the merit to stand alone. “Party,” on the other hand, is an interesting indie-pop track with a simple drum groove, subtle and rhythmic guitar and static vocals. The vocal patterns and lyrics are reminiscent of late-stage Johnny Cash, if he had been a British woman. “Swim Back” is a mixed bag; wild synths like the ones in “Be On Your Way” pair with the simple drums from “Party” and create something in the middle that is missing an identity of its own. 

Expect this album to be hit or miss, with some tracks hitting your emotional core and some tracks falling short and losing themselves in an attempt at creativity.