Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
We're talking Miles Davis, we're talking Pere Ubu, and we're talking the very art of the music review. A writer in the books section talks about a book he hasn't read, and a regular contributor to the film section treats us to a showing of his very own film. An untimely passing is noted, and on the lighter side, we anticipate the beginning of football season. If you're getting the idea that this hasn't been a "business as usual" kind of week, you're right. And we've got it all covered, as only we can.
MUSIC
From Music Editor Connie Phillips:
Mat Brewster always does a great job with his Bootleg Country feature, but in the article from this past week, Bootleg Country: Gillian Welch – 09/17/03, he gives a particularly entertaining look not only at the show, but inside himself.
In Music Review: Miles Davis – Cool and Collected, JP tells exactly why "Miles Davis is Cool." Once you read the article, you'll have to agree.
It was a busy weekend for John Owen. First, he wrote a very creative Music Review: Pere Ubu – Why I Hate Women. So creative, it had me asking him if it was a review or more an opinion piece. He went on to explain himself and examine the whole review process in Music Review: Pere Ubu's Why I Hate Women and a Review of Music Reviews. Both articles are a must read!
From Asst. Music Editor A.L. Harper:
JP tries to sum up Miles Davis' cool in his very chill Music Review: Miles Davis – Cool and Collected.
From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
Objectivity, schmobjectivity. I was going to write a review of John Owens' Review of Music Reviews, but I forgot the formula. On-target article, plus any music review that mentions Tristram Shandy and Jim Thompson is okay by me — if I may be allowed to be subjective for the moment.
BOOKS
From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:
Possibly a first this week — a chosen article about not reading a book. Mayank Austen Soofi was given a copy of War and Peace for his 16th birthday, which I think most of us would agree was an ambitious choice. But how has he done since? He reflects in this lovely article. (Your book editor has read a third of it. I got volume one from the library but when I went to get two, someone had taken it out. That was that.)
And it seems this week we are in the mood for classics. Anil Menon is exploring Lilavati, a 1000-year-old classic. He makes me want to rush out to buy a copy.
From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
Well, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes. But I warn you, if you don't tell me that this means… Zzzzzzzz… It was the best of tomes, it was the worst of tomes… but it was definitely one of the best and most entertaining of Mayank Austen Soofi's writings.
TV/FILM
From Film Editor Lisa McKay:
Instead of a film review, we got a film! Aaron McMullan (Duke de Mondo in these parts, in case you're new) presents Cliddyplomp — his award-winning student film. Watch it. Right now.
As a parent, I always found the MPAA movie ratings to be completely worthless. After reading Steve Carlson's review of This Film Is Not Yet Rated, I'm beginning to understand why. Check out the review and you'll probably want to check out the film afterwards.
From Film Editor Erin McMaster:
Joan Hunt's article on Steve Irwin can't be missed. Not only does it touch on the untimely passing of the Crocodile Hunter, but gives some much needed hope for the future of Steve Irwin's cause.
El Bicho takes on Ultraman in a review that is perhaps proof that El Bicho is still a child after all.
From Asst. Music Editor A.L. Harper:
The Duke De Mondo tickles our funny bones with the introductory waffle to his award winning film Cliddyplomp. The film is pretty fabulous, too.
From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
I saw World Trade Center a couple days before Alan Dale's seamlessly incisive analysis, and while I was relieved the movie wasn't the typical Oliver Stone kitchen-sink crackpot-conspiracy onslaught, I was still bothered by certain aspects. Alan deftly discerned and articulated the flaws amid the flourishes in a comprehensive and cohesive fashion.
CULTURE
From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:
Dave Nalle takes an intense and concise look at the quickly changing face, force, and challenges of labor in the well-written Working In A New America.
Howard Dratch notes famous paintings having been found and eloquently notes why works of art are so important to our world in A Scream Is Recovered And A Madonna Found.
Sujatha Bagal uses word and image to guide us through a breathtaking reality in Travel Photo Essay: Dreaming of Rajasthan, India.
POLITICS
From Asst. Politics Editor Mark Schannon:
Democracy Will Fail in Lebanon, by John Bambenek is a depressing but accurate assessment of the disaster in Lebanon.
SPORTS
From Sports Editor Matthew T. Sussman:
Honestly, it's not time to get excited for the NFL until you read David Mazzotta's trademark preview of the NFL season. For one, he sees the Giants as being a contender "if Eli Manning can avoid firing passes like he was playing Robotron 2084, and if Tiki Barber doesn't start shedding body parts."
GAMING
From Gaming Editor Ken Edwards:
Mac Game Review: Sims 2 Nightlife by Erin McMaster. An in-depth and informative review of the Nightlife expansion to the wildly popular Sims 2.
PC Game Review: Madden NFL 07 by Tall Writer. We've got the PC version of Madden NFL 07 covered like a bad sports pun (and don't forget the PS2 and Xbox 360 versions, too).
SCI/TECH
From Sci/Tech Editor Lisa McKay:
Diana Hartman waxes philosophical on the topic of Placebos, Prayer, and Pain Relief. There's much food for thought here.
