issue 14: an ode to Lisa Loeb
"You say, I got a crack in my windshield"
Hey y’all!
Things have been hectic in my sphere. I’m simultaneously moving and a month into a new job. I haven’t been able to focus on much more than that! So I’m back this week (and a day early no less), but know that things could get a little sporadic over the next three weeks.
As Freddie Mercury once sang, the show must go on.
Lisa Loeb
Quick primer just in case you’re thinking, “Alexa, whomst?”: Lisa Loeb is a 90s singer known for her affecting guitar melodies, her retro 1960s specs, and overall wholesome image. Her best known songs are “I Do” and “Stay,” for which I just learned the video was directed by Ethan Hawke.
Lisa over the years has turned up unexpectedly in both movies and T.V. shows, and it’s always a fun surprise. It’s also a great excuse to share some fave films.
Gossip Girl (HBO Max) — I realize that I am (nearly) alone in never having watched this show in full, but I’m starting with this moment because I know you’ll appreciate it. I love that she is just in the mix with no flashy introduction. Her presence is a wink to the audience. You either get it or you don’t. The other thing I can’t get over about GG is that Dan’s dad is played by the murderer from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (bit of a spoiler, but that movie is trash. Glad to see he got more work!). Here is a short read Lisa talking to The New York Times about her cameo.
House on Haunted Hill (HBO Max) — I am so pumped this movie is streaming. I have a soft spot for it because it’s one of the first R-rated films I snuck into and it still creeps me out. The ghosts have this unsettling jerky body movement that you see most often in Japanese horror, but this is the first time I saw it in American horror. The original Vincent Price adaptation (and the book for that matter) are much better, but as far as C-list horror goes, I love this. Anyway, back to Lisa! Here she opens the film as a reporter interviewing our plotting, rollercoaster tycoon and protagonist Stephen Price (an obvious nod to Vincent <3).
3. Geico Commercial — The truth is that Lisa’s 2021 Geico Commercial is what sparked this rambling ode in the first place. I can’t help but sing along to it every single time. Also, I’m sorry, but look how good she looks! 53! I aspire.
Fright Night 2011 (available to rent & likely on Disney Plus) — If I haven’t declared my love for this movie yet, let me do so now. IT IS SO FUN. I don’t own many movies in digital form, but this is one. This is a remake of the 1985 film of the same name that features a dishy Chris Sarandon playing the vampire named Jerry and some killer special effects. The newer one stars Anton Yelchin (RIP, he and Lisa actually share a birthday), Toni Collette still screaming, David Tennant, Imogen Poots, and the even dishier Colin Farrell (also a vampire named Jerry). I like when Colin gets to have fun and this is the perfect blend of him being a charming baddie and bringing some comedic moments. I get so wrapped up in this movie that I literally exclaim, “OH HEY!” when Lisa graces the screen for all of 2 minutes. There’s no YouTube video, sadly, but here’s a quick vid of McLovin’ aka Christopher Mintz-Plasse not knowing Lisa’s music. Speaking of music, the film score slaps because it’s done by Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi.
And because you’ve all been good, if you want a “spoiler” but fun adrenaline scene from the film, look no further: