Okay, summer really is over now. Kids of all ages are hitting the books, parents all over are breathing a sigh of relief, and the days are getting shorter. Whether you're heading back to school or just looking forward to the autumn days ahead, make sure to leave room in your new routine to check in with Blogcritics every day.

Satire seems to have been the good word this week, but, as you can see from the selections, we'll also clue you in to what's good in music, movies, and more. Our politics writers will keep you informed on the run-up to the mid-term elections, and you're always invited to stick around for the conversation afterwards.

MUSIC

DJRadiohead's Music Review: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith - Way Back is not only a thoughtful and entertaining review, but a nice little lesson on the blues.

Masked Movie Snob Tio Esqueleto, in Music Review: The Old Grey Whistle Test, Vol.3, not only looks at the collection of music but educates in the process. Don't worry, it's in a fun way.

Richard Marcus shares a bit of himself as he talks about what folk music means to him in Music Review: Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion Exploration New Hands, Old Music.

From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:

We should know more about the music we listen to than just the notes. Few are more accomodating than Richard Marcus. He provides background and gives us a fair idea of how we'll feel and what we'll hear with his review of Richard Wagner - Der Fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman).

From Blogcritic Scott Butki:

My pick of the week is Matthew Milam's review of Cassie. It was a difficult piece to write since it was going against the grain, but he provided what we most need here – original thought, no matter how positive or negative.

BOOKS

We must all have a favourite book we've lent to a person who seemed like an upright, reliable type, and yet found it hasn't been returned. (Mine was a great anthropological study of an Iranian village – and can I remember the author or title?) Eric Whelchel had no trouble remembering the title or author, but has a great tale of how his copy of Jimmy McDonough's epic Neil Young biography, Shakey hit the road.

And as for our favourite authors, well many of us would like to offer an appreciation, but few have gone to the complete, enthusiastic lengths that Dan Traeger went in his excellent description of the work of Gail Simone. Follow a couple of the links and see if you think he's right...

TV/FILM

El Bicho reviews the DVD box set Apocalypse Now: The Complete Dossier. Whether you own the original version or Redux, read this and prepare to open your wallet yet again.

The intrepid Iloz Zoc relays yet another chapter of "Rescue In Monster Land" and while we're along for the ride, treats us to a damn good review of Trilogy of Terror. Horror fans mustn't miss this one!

From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:

I've not seen either of the shows Brad Schader talks about, but I've ordered the DVDs because of the things Brad said in Unemployed Earl Loses to Office Jerks.