We're an interesting bunch, that's for sure.
We've mourned the loss of Tower Records and philosophized over the decline of the neighborhood music store in the digital age, we continue to extol the virtues of reading, we wax eloquent about the Wild West, we've been to the multiplex to see the newest Scorsese, we are trés knowledgeable about film noir, we're trying not to get Lost in TV-land, and we're talking (or not) about a certain Congressman. On top of that, there's music reviews, gaming reviews, and sports talk.
If you're feeling out of the loop, you can be sure this week's picks are a good place to catch up because we've rounded up the best, just to make your life easier.
Damn, we're good.
MUSIC
From Music Editor Connie Phillips:Erin McMaster really likes the new Joshua Radin CD, and that passion for this music shone quite brightly in her review of Music Review: Joshua Radin - We Were Here.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is eloquently explain why you dislike an album. Michael J. West made it look easy in his Music Review: Dom Minasi - The Vampire's Revenge.
Glen Boyd received well-deserved attention for his article, When Are We Going To Let The Hippies Back Into The Record Store?, discussing Tower Records closing its doors. Also sharing his thoughts on the topic in an articulate way was Ray Ellis with Tower Records, RIP.
From Asst. Music Editor A.L. Harper:
Janet Jackson still talks to my naughty side and Don Baiocchi knows it. His review of Jackson's latest album, 20 Y.O., convinced me to buy the album and I love it!
One crazy and lyrical Irishman reviews another in Duke De Mondo's Music Review: The
Pogues - Hell's Ditch.
From Executive Producer Eric Berlin:
Ray Ellis' Tower Records, RIP charts the end of an era, perhaps, with the closing of Tower Records stores worldwide. Good stuff and important stuff for anyone who grew up browsing record racks. I'll never forget stumbling across the Suicide Machines debut album myself at the Tower on Broadway and 4th in New York City.
From Film Editor Erin McMaster:
Josh Phillips reviews John Popper Project's collaboration with DJ Logic. Not only does Josh do a nice job reviewing the album, he does a nice job explaining how blues and rap can actually work well together.
BOOKS
From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:
In The Boy Who Got Lost In The Library Shelves, Howard Dratch takes us on a magical childhood journey. The title, on one level, tells you where you are going, but there are other levels. I won't say more — check it out for yourself.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Thanks for the pick Connie! You are sure right about the attention -- and nobody was more surprised by all of that than I was. I was also glad to see Ray's Tower R.I.P. get picked by you guys because that was a damn good piece IMHO.
Anyway, I've got a question. Since it's been awhile since I've got one of these wonderful honors...
Do we "editor's pick" recipients still get to choose one of the following weeks picks?
Just wondering...
In the meantime, thanks again for the honor. ABC aside, its always nice to get recognized by the folks you more or less work with.
-Glen
2 - Don Baiocchi
Thank you! Quite unexpected and very flattering.
3 - Lisa McKay
Glen, I sort of quit that part. For one thing, almost no one played, and given the number of picks we've been racking up, and the addition of Christopher's very fine comment of the week feature, we're kinda going on at some length these days.
On the other hand, if there's something you liked, there's no reason not to say so right here in the comments section!
4 - Michael J. West
Wow, I wasn't expecting that at ALL. Thank you, Connie!
5 - Howard Dratch
Your pick of one of my pieces was more than appreciated. I am in the middle of a lot of hassles -- feeling down and ready to say writing is just wasting time. The story of that boy, David, was a quick dream-like fugue while feeling guilty that I hadn't done anything worthwhile for your great Book Fair Celebration on Blogcritics.
Then you honored it. David and I and all the people who live in the library stacks and the books -- good and bad but not banned -- thank you with all the force of fictional, living and breathing characters.
6 - stan
Thanks for picking my story guys ... although I am chasing the sun and surf on the far north coast, I saw on TV that there have been memorials to the Bali victims this week in Australia and around the world this week. It is important that we remember all those who have died at the hands of these lunatics and realise that there really is a global war on terror and a global terror network (Indonesia is a long way from London and New York). It's just what constitutes that war that is causing division right now.
7 - Josh
Thank you
8 - SJ Reidhead
Your kind words are much appreciated. Thank you.
9 - Ian Woolstencroft
Thanks Jackie, you won’t have to wait long for the next one, I’m working on it now.
10 - Nik
thanx Erin!!
11 - Snarkattack
Glen getting picked was well deserved, especially after his news stint!
Thanks again for picking my review - I'm glad the editors enjoyed it!
12 - Duke De Mondo
a belated thank you, editors! sorry for the shamefully impolite delay in such.
13 - chantal
another belated thank you!! Very much appreciated :)