From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
Not only is Mat Brewster's Bootleg Country: Lou Reed a well-written and evocative overview of the influential Reed's focus on "the darker personalities...on the outskirts of normal society," but his mom sounds like my mom, and, well, I'm such a sentimentalist... Not so much that I would have a Hootie and the Blowfish tape within reach, though.
BOOKS
From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:Often the hardest part of writing a review is thinking of an intro – once you're up and typing, impressions of a book can just tumble out, and mysteriously take on some logical flow. Where beginners often get stuck is finding a way to start the review. (Hint: "I think" is almost never the way to do it, and just reciting the title and author is less than exciting.)
Two reviews this week did a lovely job of dragging you into their accounts. Richard Marcus, reviewing Lessek's Key, by Robert Scott and Jay Gordon, began "what I'm about to do is highly unfair, taunting, and in some circles might even be considered legitimate cause for disembowelment". How could you not read on?
I felt the same as my eyes lit on Bonnie's review of Noisy Outlaws, Unfriendly Blobs... "Okay, let's start by getting the complete, unabridged title out of the way," she begins. I'm intrigued, and guessing that it is going to be a long, and probably amusing, title. But I got this idea without being thumped over the head with the obvious.
TV/FILM
No picks this week.
CULTURE
From Executive Producer Eric Berlin:Suri Cruise Exists To Some, But Baby-Daddy Tom Still Weird To All by Dawn Olsen. I wasn't obsessed with the Mystery of Suri prior to reading this piece. Now I am. 'Nuff said, as it is said.
From Editor DJRadiohead:
If The Duke DeMondo had stopped with just the title, Pop Cult Mind Wax - Old Age, Memory, Penile Mutiny, I still would have picked him. But he didn't. This is a must read.
From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
Pop Cult Mind Wax - Old Age, Memory, Penile Mutiny by Duke De Mondo. Just being resourceful – I may need to borrow a cup o' 'postrophes someday. And I'm also currying favor so I can get Duke's go-ahead to use the following phrases: "cacophonous industrial gargle," "ashen-hued jaws all a-slackened," and "barbed clusters o' rustic lung-juice." Oh, and because it's Editor Pick-worthy.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Since Film/TV is becoming the red-headed stepchild of the Editor's picks, I'll nominate Hombre Divertido's DVD Review: Superman: Brainiac Attacks because it sounds so much better than the movie was.
2 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the picks Connie, AL and Gordon. And Gordon the Hootie reference was a bit made up, since my memory isn't quite so good as to remember what I put in the place of Lou, and Hootie is fittingly bland.
However, I must admit to a softspot for young Hootie during those days. My brother lived in Charleston at the time and was always rattling on about them before they hit big. "Hold my hand" will always be near and dear even if it is a stiking pile of soft cheese.
3 - Duke De Mondo
DJ and Gordon, thank you! and Gordon, any time, old chum!
4 - Jet in Columbus
From an insecure author who sometimes thinks he's not achieving anything, this means a lot to me.
All of the Forest Strangers are grateful too...
Gratefully
Jet
5 - Jet in Columbus
Mark, I and several Forest Strangers thank you for the recognition and encourangement...
Jet
6 - Jet in Columbus
Okay, now I know I'm senile, this is for July not August.time to update those shortcuts on the sci page Lisa!!!