Cultural Life: Beth Orton, singer/songwriter

(AP)

Music

I went to see Fleet Foxes; that was great. I've been listening to MGMT and also a TV on the Radio song, "Family Tree".

Books

I've got a baby, so I read books like 'Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain', by Sue Gerhardt, explaining why love is essential to brain development in the early years of life.

Television

I always like watching Louis Theroux. He is very intelligent and funny although maybe he is losing his edge. He's smart at getting to the point. In that one about that crazy American religious cult, he really got into the head of one of the girls.

Film

'Slumdog Millionaire' was amazing. I wasn't terribly into 'The Reader'; it lost its way a bit. 'Man on Wire' is a good portrayal of what fame can do. I love the innocence of the story.

Theatre

'Three Days of Rain', in London, starring James McAvoy. The first half is about the children finding their father's diary and what they make of his truth. The second half is his actual truth; three days spent indoors with someone he'd fallen in love with, while it poured outside. I love a play that can do real rain!

'Trailer Park', Orton's debut album, is re-released on Monday on Sony Music