Girl, Put Your Records On

Issue 136, featuring an interview with Elise McCue

Welcome to The Girl’s Guide! I’m glad you’re here! Every other Friday, I interview an interesting woman, share a little something about whatever topic pops into my head, and break down the latest news at the intersection of pop culture and politics. Read the last issue here if you missed it!

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Interview with Elise McCue

Today’s interview is with Elise McCue, who you can find doing all things digital at The Daily Signal! Find Elise on Instagram and X.

What does your life look like right now?

Almost a year post-grad now, my life is a nonstop sprint—and I love every second of it. When I’m not at work running the socials and creating content for The Daily Signal, I’m using my free time to familiarize myself with non-touristy DC. My favorite spots right now are St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Capitol Hill, Jimmy T’s Diner, and The Anthem.

What’s your most memorable internship experience?

My journalism internship with The Daily Signal was one of the most enriching summer experiences, so obviously, I had to return! The team trusted interns with real responsibilities, which pushed me to develop speed and accuracy in my writing. I also had the opportunity to explore topics I was passionate about, helping me discover my strengths in content creation.

What’s your advice to a student who wants to make the most out of her college years?

Don’t let yourself flake on plans because you’re tired. Nine times out of 10, you’ll be grateful you went.

What’s your favorite romantic comedy?

My favorite rom-com and go-to rewatch is Pride and Prejudice (2005). Seeing it on a big screen for a 20th anniversary screening recently reminded me how witty, captivating and visually beautiful this movie is. This Jane Austen story still holds up today because it highlights the differences between men and women, and how those dynamics play when you add in other societal factors of that time period — some of which still apply today!

What’s your go-to beauty product?

Neutrogena HydroBoost moisturizer was a game changer for my skin. It’s always in stock at Costco and they have a great sale on it, but you can also find it at any beauty store. The ingredients are clean and leave your face feeling hydrated but not oily.

Girl, Put Your Records On

“Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae isn’t just a hit song — it’s a life philosophy. Sometimes when I’m having a blah day, I realize I just need to put on some tunes to get my energy back. The amazing thing is, we live at a time in history when listening to good music has NEVER been easier. Whether you love classical, folk, death metal — Spotify et al. have got you covered. I love playing Patsy Cline and Sam Cooke for my kids while we eat breakfast (although Margot frequently requests a switch to VeggieTales). She’s even been known to sing along to Crystal Gayle a little.

Music has an amazing power to lift us up — or bring us down. The Internet had a field day when singer Addison Rae likened music to “mind control” recently. “Most times when I’m in my car I’m driving in silence… when background music starts playing it impacts me so strongly I have my mood controlled,” she said. Is this a quote from a chart-climbing pop star or the @reallyverycrunchy mom? people asked. (It’s me. I’m people.) Whether you think Addison’s woo-woo or not, she’s right. The so-called wrong music can negatively impact us. I’m not here to say what the “wrong” music is. But as new music and AI slop seem to be becoming increasingly indistinguishable, you can’t go wrong with the oldies. I have been having a lot of fun revisiting the music I enjoyed listening to with my parents as a child because now I get to share those songs with my kids. It’s like taking a walk down a musical memory lane. So without further ado, here are some of my music memories. They always feel rich when I tap back into them, and in a small way, they made me the person I am today.

Evie’s Music Memories

The Dixie Chicks

Riding around in the minivan with my mom meant country music or ‘80s tunes playing on the speakers. When it was country, it was either the Alison Krauss & Union Station CD or the Dixie Chicks CD (sorry, I don’t think I’ll ever remember to call them just “The Chicks”). Did I really understand the lyrics of “You Were Mine” and “There’s Your Trouble” when I was nine years old? Not really, but I knew good music when I heard it. The Dixie Chicks may have begun my love of country music, and even though they certainly added a pop/rock element to their sound, it was a far cry from today’s new country that’s just pop with a little twang added in. Today, I’ve worked my way backwards and am often listening to some Charley Pride or Conway Twitty.

Dire Straits

If I can thank my mom for playing me country music, I can thank my dad for playing me rock ‘n’ roll. He loves great guitarists like Eric Clapton and Glenn Frey, and he especially loves the band Dire Straits (more great guitar!). One of my core childhood memories is turning the stereo way too loud and playing air guitar with my dad and sister. “Sultans of Swing” was a favorite air guitar concert song, as was “Money for Nothing” (we were probably a little too young for that one). After that, I couldn’t get enough of ‘70s rock. I like to joke that my dream job is to be a 50-year-old guy who DJs a classic rock radio station.

The Johnny Cash Show

Was I alive when The Johnny Cash Show was on air? No. But somehow, The Johnny Cash Show is a big part of my music taste. I guess my family recorded a PBS special with the greatest performances from the show at some point when I was younger. I watched that VHS tape over and over. I remember loving Roy Orbison, Neil Young, and James Taylor. But my favorite performance of all was Joni Mitchell and Cash’s duet “The Long Black Veil.” What can I say — I’ve always been a sucker for a sad song.

What are your music memories? I’d love to hear them. Let me know by replying to this email.

The Haps

Politically Fashioned

Is fashion political? It’s certainly starting to seem like it. Jacqueline Annis-Levings tackles the topic in WORLD and interviewed several conservative Gen Z women about their fashion observations — including yours truly! I talked about conserving versus innovating fashion and the pursuit of beauty. Give Jacqueline’s piece a read by clicking here.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Here are some more links to what I’m reading and writing lately:

• Is This 26-Year-Old America’s Nuclear Prometheus? (The American Conservative): I interviewed Valar Atomics founder Isaiah Taylor about regulating the nuclear industry, the politicization of energy, his Christian faith, and much more.

• How a D.C. Prep-School Kid Became Hollywood’s Most Dependable Bruiser (The New York Times): I didn’t know Jon Bernthal had DC roots. Also, Nick made me watch The Accountant 2 last night.

• How Wes Anderson Finally Lost Me (The American Conservative): Spencer Neale saw The Phoenician Scheme in the theater so you don’t have to.

• D.C. could end daylight saving time (Axios): Um, what?

Ask Evie

Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously! You can read my most recent Ask Evie column, about friendships and political differences, by clicking here.