The February book in Dad’s and my reading challenge.
Eastern European classic, Dad bought it years ago based on a Kundera recommendation. Total farce, hilarious comic novel. Bumbling anti-hero, a miserable idiot…or is he? Really a lot of fun to read. The never-ending “Well that reminds me of” stories and the contretemps…just indescribable. We both loved it. Humbly report, sir…
Somewhat in the tradition of Don Quixote or Tristram Shandy, although Svejk is a bit more self aware than DQ.
Bitter, dark, magical and mysterious. Couldn’t put it down!
Fans of Justine Larbalestier or Margo Lanagan would like this, I would think, although Marrije said she couldn’t get into it the first time around.
Bought:
Always behind the times as I am, I picked up this 2003 release at Green Apple on my trip to San Fran last month. Not only had I never heard of this album, I didn’t know Andrew Kenny (or his band American Analog) or the Home series itself (which offers other interesting pairings such as Bright Eyes/Britt Daniel).
So pleased I bought this. Lovely quiet little songs. Subtle and sweet. Here’s a longer review if you need one.
Gibbard’s Death Cab band mate has a solo album out (out now, currently, not four years ago — in case you’re wondering) and it’s getting good reviews everywhere I look. But so far I really haven’t been tempted — it’s Gibbard’s voice that really makes Death Cab for me; and you get a nice dose of it here on these four solos.
On my cab ride in this morning, I had the horror of listening to an interview with some completely nuts evangelical who I believe was named Richard Lamb (?? not that I really care if I am accurate on the dude’s name) all about the sanctity of marriage and how evangelicals will never vote for a Demoractic (i.e., pro choice) candidate and blah blah blah.
Despite the horror (I seriously got the gag reflex at one point, his comments were so ridiculous), and again wondering what it is about the SEPARATION of church and state that people such as he refuse to understand…he did provide a moment of humor when he commented on the current battle for the Democratic nomination:
I feel sorry for Senator Clinton. She’s trying to conduct a job interview and Obama’s on a date.
Hilarious and very accurate of how the campaigns are being run / experienced by the public, I’d say.
Awesome “put them in their place” quotes from Nick Marino‘s piece on “Thriller”/Michael Jackson in Paste #40:
Not long ago I caught a concert by teenaged R&B star Chris Brown, who is sort of a less charismatic verson of Usher, who is himself a less charismatic version fo Michael Jackson.
Today we’re left with Chris Brown, Usher and Justin Timberlake, whose most famous stage move to date involved ripping the bodice of Michael Jackson’s sister.
[Underlines = emphasis de moi]
“Gravedigger” – Willie Nelson (from Paste sampler #40, off his album “Moment of Truth”)
Dude, he works “Ring Around the Rosie” into it; come on now. His voice is such a perfect combination of melodiousness and gravel. I neverrarely* buy his albums but every once in awhile I come across a tune of his I love. He’s a better lyricist than I’ve heard him given credit for. You should never have to bury your own babies. And have you seen Songwriter? Because I love EVERYTHING about that movie, including him, his acting, his singing, and his humor. But it’s one of those movies that I’m not sure anyone other than me and my Dad ever watched (Dad is a big Alan Rudolph fan).
*I did buy one a few years ago, I think it was this one.
These may be the best pictures of the Bean I’ve ever seen.
And you know how I love the Bean.