Let's put our heads together, and start some new music up

I thought that the Dirt would be the best rock book I read in 2007, but I was wrong. I am currently reading Rip it Up and Start Again, Postpunk 1978-1984 and it is masterful. The book's thesis is that postpunk was a creative forward looking reaction to backward looking punk. The movement was also intellectually oriented, often being grounded in political, literary or artistic theory.

In each chapter, author Reynolds takes a few bands related due to philosophy and geography and explores how they got started in music as well as what thinking drove their creative process. The chapters are wonderfully balanced between the band's philosophy and the juicy stories of living the rock life. Each chapter is short enough that if you are bored you can read it quickly enough to get to the next, but is also long enough to tell a story.

If you have any interest in the period or the bands, you will learn more about the bands you like and find more music you will want to find. If you can, get the UK version as it includes a few chapters nixed in the US version.

The author's website has a 26 page discography for those who want to search for new music. There is also an esoterica section which includes facts which didn't seem to make it into the book. Don't take this for how the book reads, this reads like unedited notes.

Among the bands covered are Devo, Joy Division, the Human League, Adam and the Ants, Public Image Limited, the Fall, Throbbing Gristle, and the Sisters of Mercy. And piles more.

And in super great book news, his next book is called Bring the Noise, 20 years of Writing About Hip Rock and Hip Hop. I've always wanted a sherpa for hip hop and I think this might be what I seek.

Grindhouse

The Slate review of Grindhouse has somehow increased my already massive interest with this line: "there are moments that feel like a throwback to seeing Pulp Fiction in a crowded multiplex in 1994, with the audience gasping and giggling in delighted unison at the wild plot twists and goofy patter."

It's true, seeing Pulp Fiction (fresh back from China and with limited movie watching) was quite the experience in 1994.

It looks like this one can be a bit stomach churning as this line hints: "The gore is deliberately fake-looking and absurd, but that doesn't make it any less yucky to watch Naveen Andrews pelt Bruce Willis with a bag full of severed human testicles."

Inventive! If you've missed the trailer, here it is. You will either salivate or be instantly opposed.

Consuming mass quantities

So, my company has a Fun Committee and said committee had an Easter party today. As part of the celebration we had a Peep eating contest, and for my sins, I joined it. I thought that perhaps I might be a contender until I saw a Round 1 opponent cram 10 Peeps* into his neck, in a mere 30 seconds. In my round, I ate a paltry 8, while another fellow ate 10. The poor bastards had to go to round 2 and eat as many as peeps as possible in 10 seconds. I suppose they felt the need to outperform their prior exertions as the winner managed six more in his allotted time. I feel sick right now.

I'm pretty glad I didn't make it to round 2, as the first and second prizes was a gift certificate to Big Town Hero. (third prize is you're just a jackass.) I shouldn't be surprised at this either. When I entered the holiday treat contest with my really rather good almond butter balls, I took 3rd prize. For my efforts, I got a cake tin and some cake mix and frosting from the dollar store. I suppose that was the don't quit the day job message.


*The wikipedia entry describes the sport of Peep jousting. And check out a chef from the Culinary Institute of America showing you how to make home-made Peeps.

Done it before, probably do it again

Occasionally, I have a perverse reaction to book recommendations. The chances of me reading a book decrease with each repetitious recommendation. I have an old friend who constantly recommended Richard Russo's Straight Man. Now there was every reason for me to read it. For one I really liked Russo's Empire Falls. For another, the book is both literate and humorous. But no, I perversely for years avoided reading it.

Having finally read and loved the book, I can see my actions are thematically consistent with the book itself. Like other Russo characters, the hero, Hank Devereaux Jr. is a man dissatisfied with his position in life. He He hasn't published anything in 20 years and is realizing the small school he thought was the lauching pad for his academic career, is in fact his career. He has ended up where he is in part because of his propensity to goad others. He started down the path of the academy to spite his philandering and abandoning father. He tweaks his colleagues just because he can. And he surrounds himself with misfits, perhaps out of love for their own gentle oddities.

I've made the book seem serious, which it is on the thematic level. It is also a hilarious read. Not in the crack a smile sense, but in the laugh out loud sense. In addition to a study of midlife crisis, the book is also a satire of academic life. The petty politics, the strident and zoned out students, the creeping corporatization and the fads are all humorously exposed. One of Hank's (male) colleagues in the English department rejects books as phallocentric and will only teach sitcoms. He is also called "Orshe" by the rest of the staff due to his reflexive response to every use of the pronoun "he."

This book is a rarity and I am thrilled to see that Russo has another book, Bridge of Sighs, due in late 2007. Yes, it includes a middle aged man in the Northeast, but as the titles alludes, it is also set in Venice.

And it doesnt look that way to me

Peter Bagge writes funny, R. Crumb-esque comics for Reason magazine. Given his employer, you can guess that it is political and libertarian at that. What I like about them is that Bagge is funny while he politely points out the weakness of argumentation on both the left and right. What's more he actually puts a surprising amount of policy recommendations into his comics. While it isn't a substitute for more detailed analysis, his sympathetic and pragmatic take on the homeless, Bums, is a much more reasoned take than the leftist paternalism or right wing hand-washing we normally see. In Beware the Brown Peril, he hits right wing scaremongers and left wing protest hijackers.

It's possible that I like the cartoons so much because they constantly attack my number two bete noire, rigid ideological thinking. The only thing worse is self-praise. If I am silent while you sing a paean to yourself, it is because I am trying not to use swears.

Two out of three ain't bad

Lee Child's Killing Floor and Die Trying are awesome reads. I am sad to say that the third novel in his series, Tripwire, is at best a mediocre read. While reading it, I was in the ideal thriller reading environment, sitting on a chair in a condo facing the beach. If a thriller doesn't work there, it is a bad sign. This book diverges from the format set in the prior two. The first two are action-oriented with many characters and fast paced plot. This story is a mystery which takes place on a much smaller canvass. This slows down the story quite a bit and ended up losing me.

Another problem is that one of Child's great stregths is misused. His description of how one accomplishes a technical task, like picking locks or casing a building for breaking and entering. His descriptions are indepth, no matter what the topic. In this book, he ends up describing any matter of boring topics such as how rooms and houses are decorated.

I'm not going to give up on Child as the first two books were so excellent, but if the rest of the books are most like Tripwire, then I am going to be really sad.

Michael Dibdin, RIP

English mystery novelist Michael Dibdin has died, at the age of 60. As this link explains, his Aurelio Zen crime novels are as much explorations of modern Italy as they are crime novels. He also wrote a number of stand alone novels including the excellent Last Sherlock Holmes Story, which involves Jack the Ripper.

The perils of rock and roll decadence

I used to think that I could not be shocked by tales of celebrity shenanigans. Well, I was wrong. After a few recommendations I read The Dirt, the story of Motley Crue. For most of their career, the behavior of these people (Mick Mars excepted) is flat out appalling. As Nikki Sixx notes, if they were not famous they would have been in jail. I'm pretty sure that if you saw any of these people in their heyday, you would hate them immediately.

If it was written in the 80s, it would probably have been unreadable. As it was written after the end of their Crue career, the tone is more reflective. With the help of Neill Strauss, each chapter is written by a band member or a hanger-on. This was a great choice. For one, we often see where band members have different takes on the same event, or they think the other guys were unaware of behavior. Mick Mars, for example, states that no one knew he was really drinking large glasses of vodka, instead of water, pre-show. In the next chapter, another members notes that Mick always pretended to drink water. The narrative approach also humanizes these freaks. You can hear Tommy Lee talking with his frequent "It was all good, dude."

There is self-criticism among the bragging and celebration. You get a sense they are looking for absolution. One of the more despicable members, Nikki Sixx, attempts to atone for his awful behavior to nearly everyone around him. Vince Neill is more like Lars in Some Kind of Monster, less reflection and a lot less growing up. That may be a defense, as he has some of the worst overall experiences. All of the band members face a heavy personal cost for their fame, and that provides some level of sympathy for them.

Some people will be repelled by the book, but I found it fascinating. This is what Behind the Music would have been like if HBO did it, instead of VH1.

Getting better, worse, I can not tell

I think I am never going to be that excited about Neon Bible. Sigh. As NBK told me earlier today "Help Me Interpol, You Are Our Only Hope." And let's not forget Excellent Italian Greyhound.

While we wait, enjoy Pieces of the Sun and Starlight, which are new, and Pavement Saw, Ibi Dreams of Pavement, and In the Morning which are not. Re: Starlight, I'm really bummed I passed up Muse tickets.

Monday afternoon action

Hey! Want to read another article about how a Bush appointee has screwed up a fine American institution? No? Then don't read this op-ed about the Smithsonian. On the plus side, change is afoot and people are aware of some of the issues I have noticed on recent visits.

Here is an interesting article on books that that servicemen and women are ordering in Iraq.

Henry Kamen has written yet another big book on Spain and the Guardian has a glowing review. I can't allow myself to purchase it until I have at least started his book called Empire. I've had it for at least four years.

Borders has a brief, but still amusing, interview with Christopher Buckley.

Sandra at Book World really likes Flannery O'Connor. I have to admit I have not yet read her, and I know this makes me a bad Southerner. The blog post makes me want to read her soon.

I hate "My Humps" very much, so I was amused by this cover by Alanis Morrisette. (thanks CG) It has been nearly 15 years so I can admit I actually like Ironic.

In case you missed it, the Hugo nominees are out. If the rest are as good as Blindsight, then we have some good reading ahead.

Top five scifi badasses

While the mystery genre does a great job of creating individual badasses, science fiction is the place to go for organized bad asses. The genre is replete with tough guy outfits, but there are some that rise to the top.

5) The Mandalorians. In the late period these guys got a little weak, but in the early days it took a nation of Jedi to hold these guys back. That little baby Boba Fett wore their armor, maybe so we wouldn't hear him cry like schoolgirl when he tossed into the Sarlac.

4) The Fremen. Not content with defeating the supposed top badasses in the galaxy, the Sardaukar, the Fremen go on to conquer the galaxy. And unlike the rest of the list, instead of using space ships, the travel on giant worms.

3) Special Circumstances. Even socialist paradises like the Culture occasionally need to bust some heads. Unlike the theocracies and authoritarian regimes above, they don't want people to know about it. So for uncover backstabbing, destabilization and general mischief, the Culture turns to Special Circumstances. While not as outwardly destructive as some, they achieve much with few resources.

2) The Envoys. A friendly name for some nasty bastards. In the Takeshi Kovacs novels, the Envoys are super soldiers who have been neurologically enhanced. They think and move more quickly than regular humans, are stronger and have perfect recall. And limited morality apparently.

1) The Paratwa. What's worse than a super-soldier? How about a super soldier with two separate human bodies that share one consciousness? These little horrors were the last step in the destruction and evacuation of the Earth. If you haven't read Liege Killer then do so right now.

Honorable Mention: The Ghost Brigades. Can't really discuss them without spoilers unfortunately.

It ain't as easy as it looks, coming up with all those hooks

I haven't looked in awhile, but I am pleased to see that the full video of Big Audio Dynamite's Medicine Show is available online. Note ex-bandmates of the Clash including Joe Strummer have roles as cops (and are gunned down by Mick Jones). John Lydon makes a brief appearance in the gun battle as well. While that is my fave B.A.D. video, my top song has to be Looking For A Song.

Nerd World is talking about the top ten nerd songs. Like one of the commentators, I am amazed that In My Garage is not on the list.

Oh man, this new cover of Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before makes me want to cry. If you require a aural palate cleanser, listen to the original. Or you could completely switch gears and listen to Megadeth.

What have I become, my greenest friend?

Damn, looks like Kermit has dethroned Johnny Cash as master of the Nine Inch Nails cover. Thanks NBK.

Getting your nerd on

Here is a fun science fiction/fantasy blog with a great name, the Darkness that Comes After. Lots of good stuff there, including a free online version of Blindsight, info on Malazan books and Terry Goodkind hating.

I'm crossing over county lines, I'm tired of drinking 3.2 beer

If there is any beer that fits the Samuel Jackson beer "It'll get you drunk" mode, it is Dog Fish Head. There are plenty of strong beers, but there are not so many that are delightful as well. Dog Fish Head makes potent, yet palatable beers. The 90 Minute IPA is a very strong 9% alcohol by volume, but is so tasty it is my go to beer.

I just tried the limited edition Burton Baton which is part 90 Minute IPA and part strong ale aged in oak casks. The oak brings a bourbon like sweetness to the beer that was quite nice, although I began to tire of it towards the bottom of the glass. I also noticed the alcohol (10% ABV,) feeling buzzed about 3/4 of the way into the beer. This one is interesting, but I'd rather to stick with the 90 minute IPA.

With their titanic amounts of alcohol, you won't find these beers in all states. A number require that beer be sold at 3.2% ABV, in groceries and markets at least. Here is an article from beer-hating state Utah which claims that the crappy 3.2 limit is good because it forces you to focus on flavor. Sure, and let's all drink decaf so we can learn all the subtleties of the coffee bean.

Opinions were like kittens, I was giving them away

I've just started Tom Holland's Persian Fire. This guy writes history for people who run screaming from history books. His Rubicon is in the top five (popular) histories I've ever read (dare I say top 3?). This one is about the Greco-Persian wars and is ideal for those whose interest in the period was whetted by 300.

So what is so nifty about the guy? He manages to balance a compelling narrative, use of professional historical sources, a connection the modern day and a cheeky sense of humor. This is tricky balance. Most people who tie to the modern throw an ideological bent to the text. Not here. Most people who aim for humor spoil the narrative. Not this guy. And the books are just the right length. I will say this. If you are enjoying Rome (the tv program) and have not read Rubicon, you should stop what you are reading and read Rubicon.

Part of his success may come from his experience as a fiction writer. In the 90s, he wrote books about Lord Bryon as a vampire. Here is an interview from before he started writing history that hints at the change.

Sadly this one is a tad large for my upcoming vacation, but I may need to make room. I would hate to put it down. So far the following books are coming: Ghosts by Noel Hynd (horror - risky!); Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling (Powell's recommendation); The Shield of Achilles ( I admit I will be skimming sections of that one); The Road to Verdun by Ian Ousby (should be uplifting!); Straight Man by Richard Russo (comes highly recommended by many) and Scribbling the Cat by Alexandra Fuller.

That is more books than I can read in the time frame. I always need a book hedge strategy. I might hate half of them, or simply not connect in the vacation context. Is there anything worse than being stuck somewhere and being out of books? . Not only will have to pick up something less than ideal, you will be placing something ahead of line of your piles and piles of anxiously awaiting books at home. Better to bring more that you can read.

A few things

Ahmed Rashid, author of a number of books on Central Asia and Afghanistan, has a disturbing column on political upheaval in Pakistan. There is a relative paucity of books on Pakistan, which given its potential future significance is also disturbing. Stephen Cohen's Idea of Pakistan is a bit dry, but worth reading.

Nerd world reports that the Library of Congress is collecting the ten most important computer games, as well as proposing his own top five. I would toss in the original Castle Wolfenstein and its 3-D successor. Also the King's Quest series. It's hard to beat that for puzzle solving.

France has made public its UFO files. Apparently 25% of encounters remain unexplained.

Zen fascists will control you

People need to stop indoctrinating their children. Or stop making books about it at least. Here is the latest, How to Raise an American. I am all for patriotism, but the book is clearly aimed at raising American Republicans. I have a horrible vision of being lectured by Wilford Brimley-Rush Limbaugh hell-spawn when I think of what reading this book must be like.

Since that one is aimed at parental readers, albeit ones hell bent on alienating their children, I find it a bit less irritating that Why Mommy is A Democrat, which is meant as a bed time tale. Of course it promotes the Us vs. Them mentality of the book above, but it does so in a scary paternalistic way. Have a look at these sample pages, "Democrats make sure we are always safe, just like Mommy does." So the Democratic party=your parents? This book may as well say "Democrats will think for you, just like Mommy does." If you want your children to get beat up, be sure to purchase a "My Mommy is a Democrat, Ask Me Why!" T-Shirt.

As manically ideological as these people (on both sides) are, they should start churning out propaganda posters like those found in Maoist China. I rather like this one which shows a gleeful peasant (in the middle of the Great Leap Forward, mind) saying "We sell dry, clean, neat and selected cotton to the state!"

Funny

If you like or listen to This American Life, this parody will make you laugh and laugh. It is perfect.

And if you have ever had to provide a service and discussed it over the phone, you will like this.

Put on your headphones for this one. It is a parody of car sales commercials.

Cold War movies

The Cold War inspired a number of movies that are under-appreciated today. Everyone loves Strangelove and the Manchurian Candidate, but there are others that remain to be seen. All the movies here are worth seeing, but a few (The War Game, the Fog of War and the Battle of Algiers) stand out.

Matinee: This comedy stars John Goodman as a monster movie maker trying to hit it big in the Florida Keys during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While the setting is the main Cold War element, the movie is a celebration of monster movies, themselves a byproduct of the rise of nuclear weapons. It is also just a good funny movie.

Seven Days in May and A Very British Coup. What is the Cold War without coups? In Seven Days, the lesser of these two movies, a military cabal plans to overthrow the US government due to peace treaty. This one feels more far fetched as the more extreme elements in the US government (Curtis LeMay aside) tend to be in the civilian ranks. It is still a good movie. The British movie is about conservative attempts to (illegally) unseat a strongly leftist Labour party PM. It's excellent, in that understated British way.

The Dogs of War: Why should the First World get all the fun? This early career Walken effort has our hero overthrowing a corrupt African government. Not the world's best movie, but a rare look at Africa in the Cold War. The author of the novel, Frederick Forsythe, researched what it would cost to actually mount the coup and some claim he was planning on actually launching it.

By the Dawn's Early Light: Most nuclear war movies focus on the after effects, this one focuses on the war itself. Rogue elements of the Soviet military launch a strike on a Russian city and after the mistaken attack on the US, the Soviet Premier and US President try to end the war. Not so easy. Good for international security students.

The War Game. Not the silly mad computer picture, but a 60s British documentary about the results of a nuclear exchange in Britain. Incredibly harrowing. Don't schedule anything fun the night you watch this one.

The Fog of War: I tend to avoid political documentaries, as they are not trustworthy. The one-sided approach to argumentation and the reliance on image make me doubt their messages. Based on a recommendation, I made an exception for this one and I'm glad I did. The movie is a long interview with Robert McNamara about the use of force. It is one of the clearest and most dispassionate discussions of the topic I have ever seen. One of the key lessons is that policy making is incredibly difficult and any success is amazing. Watch this one.

The Battle of Algiers: An admirably balanced movie, for a communist director at least. The movie explores the wars of national liberation that characterized much of the Cold War. No good news here, but a compelling story and one of the best uses of music in any movie.