Word of Mouth: Aug 27

From your friends at Isthmus, Madison's alt-weekly.

What we're listening to

Jeri Casper, Isthmus web analyst/advertising assistant:

I am loving Sleater-Kinney's new album, The Center Won't Hold. The album, produced by St. Vincent, received a few lukewarm reviews and the band's longtime drummer, Janet Weiss, left the band in response to the "new direction" the band was going in. The first listen was a little disorienting because the album is certainly different from the group's other records. But it grew on me quickly and has become one of my favorite Sleater-Kinney albums. Fave tracks are "The Center Won't Hold," "Hurry on Home," "RUINS," "The Future Is Here" and "Can I Go On."

What we're watching

Rachel Werner, content marketing specialist at Taliesin Preservation:

I am beyond thrilled that American Players Theatre's 2019 season includes August Wilson's "Fences." As the most successful modern black playwright to date, Wilson gave voice to the authentic experiences of a culture too often ignored — or misappropriated — onstage. His raw verse shared through complex characters will continue to resonate with you long after curtain call. I've seen it three times already!

What we're drinking

Michael Muckian, Isthmus contributor:

We were skeptical when wineries started canning their output, but our attitude changed when we tried the new Wollersheim White, which the Prairie du Sac winery just started releasing this month in 375 ml aluminum cans (roughly equivalent to a half bottle of wine). A blend of Riesling and Gerwurztraminer, the wine has a bit of bubble to it and a flavor actually more interesting than some of its bottled counterparts thanks to the spiciness of the Gewurztraminer grape. This one's a keeper no matter what it comes in.

What we're craving

What we're eating

Lindsey Bushart, Isthmus advertising rep:

The crisp morning air and break in humidity is a daily reminder that fall is coming, but in the kitchen I'm doing everything I can to hold onto summer. Enter this summer chowder. Filled with sweet corn, zucchini, yellow squash, seasoned with just the right amount of heat and served with crunchy bread, this is the perfect transition from summer to fall.

What else we're listening to

Chelsey Dequaine, Isthmus social media director:

Last week both The 1975 and Sturgill Simpson dropped singles that have a pretty different sound from their previous stuff. The 1975 released "People." It's punk. It's rock. It's intense. It's night and day from tracks like "Chocolate." Sturgill released "Sing Along," which rocks and bangs more than his usual country tracks. But seeing him last summer at Hinterland, I'm not surprised we're hearing more of this sound. Sturgill shredded on the guitar more than anyone I've ever seen. I'm obsessed with both new tracks and can't wait to hear more.

Where we're shopping

Hillary Gunn, marketing coordinator at Majestic Theatre:

Working in the music industry, I have a TON of band and show posters that need hanging. While the frames I purchased from IKEA may be fairly cheap, I still want to make the art look nice, so I reached out to Megan's Custom Framing on Winnebago Street for matting. I took all of my various sized frames and pieces of art into the shop and they helped me with pricing info, mat colors and options, and were also super friendly and helpful.