Wondering how to keep yourself occupied? You should hang out with us.
This week we listen to some classical music, attend a three-day music festival in Austin, Texas, pack books for a trip to Pakistan, enjoy an exhibit at the British Museum in London, and learn that chocolate is good for us wherever we are. If that's not enough for you, there's lots more, so dig in.
In addition to bringing you the best of the best this week, we introduce a new feature. Our esteemed Comments Editor Christopher Rose submits his first entry in the Comment of the Week category. Christopher is tasked with keeping our comments pages spam-free and our commenters mindful of our policies — and has the opportunity to see us at our best, our worst, our funniest, and our dumbest. And now you'll have a chance to see it all, too.
MUSIC
From Music Editor Connie Phillips:Duke De Mondo reviews this CD as only he can. In Music Review - Ben Kweller he takes us on a journey through the artist's life and career.
Snarkattack finds a way to make sure we hear every note and instrument in this educational and entertaining review titled Music Review: György Kurtág, Kafka fragmente op. 24.
Erin McMaster spent her weekend at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. She then gave us three great reports, highlighting every detail of the weekend. Make sure you read her accounts of day one, day two, and day three.
From Asst. Music Editor DJRadiohead:
I am no fan of John Mayer (just ask Mark Saleski and Phillip Winn), but I am willing to overlook that in David Winchell's case. He has written a positive yet balanced review of Mayer's new album, Continuum. I have a feeling I would come to a different conclusion. I hope mine, whatever it might be, would be written this well.
Poignant and funny, Mark Saleski's latest Friday Morning Listen is another great entry in a series that has its share of them.
From Asst. Books Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
I'm buying a copy of Chris Smither's Leave the Light On based solely on this review. Not only because of the specific enticements of the album itself (a "cover of Bob Dylan's 'Visions of Johanna' is turned on its side and treated as a waltz"!!), but also due to Ray Ellis' ability to articulate his viewpoint ("conjures a vision of blues at its purest - acoustic, raw and from the gut of the soul").
BOOKS
From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:Preparing for a journey, one of my biggest quandaries is always what books to pack. What mood will I be in? How much time will I actually get to read? These are not always predictable. As an Indian going to Pakistan, Mayank Austen Soofi faced these usual problems, and then the tougher ones. As he takes us through his thought-processes in A Book-Lover Sets Out for Pakistan, he provides an introduction to the issues, the topics, and the sensitivities of literature about the sub-continent.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Suss, I can't believe you didn't pick my article on Morten Andersen! The headline was GOLD! Rrr, you're on my shit list for the next seven days.
2 - Mayank Austen Soofi
It is cool, Natalie. Guess what: I started re-reading 'Shame' this morning. It is so witty. Am loving it. Thanks.
3 - El Bicho
"The headline was GOLD!"
4 out of 5 Gilbert and Sullivan fans agree
4 - Howard Dratch
Thank you to the editors. I write and post and, often, decide the article floated like a stone across the screen. Then you all are nice enough to pick me out of the growing mountain of BC writers writing more and better stuff every week. Honors do wonders for positive thinking.
Thanks!
5 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Lisa! I always find it encourging to see that what I oten what I don't consider my best writing is seen as better than I expected. That doesn't make sense, but I think you know what I'm saying. If I don't make sense, let me just say thank you for the pick!
6 - Q Bit
Thanks Suss !
7 - Glen Boyd
Congrats to all. I dont think they like me anymore.
8 - Steve C.
All right! Thanks! I knew I felt good about this piece for a reason...
9 - Duke De Mondo
Connie and Christopher, thank you! And i'm off to investigate those other pieces up yonder that i missed.
10 - Snarkattack
Ooh, I'm dreadfully flattered to be chosen. Thank ye oh great ones at BC!
11 - Alexis
Hey! I was so stoked to see that you had written about Ben Kweller on this site. I LOVE him! He is so amazing live and I think his album is amazing. I especially like his new single "Sundress", which is currently playing on the radio. Check out his site on MySpace to hear more of his stuff. Spread the word! Keep up the good work on BK!