Blogcritics Editors’ Picks: May 10 through May 16

There’s music in the books section, a conversation amongst friends (minus the beer) in the music section, and some opining on the news of the day in the politics section. If that’s not enough for you, we’ve got concert reviews, movie reviews, sports news, a humorous look at what those Hummer drivers are compensating for, and much more.

Let me remind those of you who are chosen that you are invited to submit your own pick for next week (due to space considerations, please limit it to one). Please feel free to email me your picks (including the URL) by next Tuesday.

MUSIC

From Music Editor Connie Phillips:

Stephen V Funk delivers once again with CD Reviews: The Music of Jon Gibson. In his own charismatic way he takes a detailed look at three hard-to-find releases from this artist both individually and collectively.

In CD/DVD Review: Red Hot + Blue — Various Artists, Richard Marcus looks both at this original CD, the awareness and money it raised for HIV/AIDS research, and the current reissue with the extras contained here-in. It’s not only a well-told review but also an enlightening look at the charity involved.

Delivered by Lisa McKay, The Roundtable Weighs In On The Seeger Sessions is another entertaining discussion delivered by three of our most knowledgeable when it comes to Springsteen. Lisa McKay, Mark Saleski and DJRadiohead all give their independent reviews and then continue to discuss and debate the album in question in the comments along with the readers.

BOOKS

From Books Editor Natalie Bennett:

It was a musical week in the Books’ section, with two classy reviews that looked both back to the past, and into the future.

Gordon Hauptfleisch reviewed Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan, reflecting on the “mildly ill-mannered folkies” of 1966, who objected to the turn to the electric, and saying that in that concert, and this book, Dylan always hits the right note. The memoir, Gordon says, is “as meandering and roundabout as it might get, nevertheless imparts a reassuring sense as Dylan paints a masterpiece on page.”

Ray Ellis looked back of 1000 issues of Rolling Stone magazine, presenting a lively and affectionate portrait of its early revolutionary place in the music world, and its current strength. “Not only is she relevant, she’ kickin’ it, baby.”

From Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:

I’ve always been fascinated by the way the seemingly disparate is and can be reconciled or associated. Jeliel’s expressive and enthusiastic book review of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference articulately explains how “little things…give birth to an epidemic; these little things are what constitute the tipping point, the point where localized phenomena spreads… Quickly.” Furthermore, Jeliel makes a convincing case for a book that “would give us all a better insight into human behavior.”

“Ghost films have been too often overlooked by film historians and critics,” according to Cinematic Hauntings. Thomas M. Sipos brings his considerable expertise and critical admonitions to his review of this book, a collection of essays devoted to various horror films. Though Thomas takes issue with some of the selections and some of the analysis, he nevertheless contends that this fascinating but flawed book, “more often than not,” helps fill a gap in “the subtle side of horror.”

TV/FILM

From Film Editor Erin McMaster:

Jackie’s take on the Survivor Finale makes me almost sad I didn’t get hooked on that show. Thanks, Jackie, I really needed another show to add to my viewing schedule.

From Editor Jackie:

The other Survivor finale review was a great contrast to my own. I enjoyed reading Stephen V. Funk’s take on the show even though he and I had opposite opinions on the season! It was well-written, nicely referenced and fun read. (Although he’s wrong – it was a good season!)

CULTURE

From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:

Sal Marinello takes an amusing look at the impact of industry decisions on society at large in General Motors Is Discontinuing Production Of The Hummer H-1.

POLITICS

From Asst. Politics Editor Mark Schannon:

200 Million Americans’ Phone Calls Are in Federal Databases by Michael J. West
Michael raises good issues about how this could be leading us down a slippery slope.

Putin Welcomes Uzbek President on Massacre Anniversary by Pete Blackwell
Excellent, concise review of what’s happening in Russia and the former Soviet states.

Satire: No Mexicans, Get Congress on the Job! by Matthew Milam
Well-done satire about what would happen if we lost all those illegal Mexicans.

SPORTS

From Sports Editor Matthew T. Sussman:

Elite Company: Bonds Likely Won’t Stand with Ruth and Aaron by Zach Baker
With no home runs to talk about in the past couple of weeks, Zach puts some perspective on how Barry will be judged when his career is over, which will be a career with more home runs than Babe Ruth but not nearly as much respect.

GAMING

From Gaming Editor Ken Edwards:

E3 2006: Is Console Monogamy Wrong? by Daniel Woolstencroft
Daniel has settled down with an Xbox 360 and is trying to be faithful. Can Sony or Nintendo tempt him?

SCI/TECH

From Sci/Tech Editor Lisa McKay:

Dave Nalle goes shopping for a new truck, and we can all learn something about balancing the need for a capacious, load-carrying vehicle with a desire for fuel economy and lowered emissions in Introducing the Humongous EcoTruck. There are a lot of good links here, too, for readers wanting to learn more about this alternative fuel source.

Picked by last week’s chosen authors:

From Richard Marcus:

I think Gordon Hauptfleisch’s review of Bob Dylan’s autobiographical offering Chronicles is wonderful because it manges to capture the enigma that is Bob Dylan within the context of writing a review. Dylan can be at times frustrating and at times enlightening and from Gordon’s description of the book it sounds exactly like it’s vintage Bob Dylan. Book Review: Chronicles – Volume One by Bob Dylan is my choice for a pick of the week for all those reasons.

From Megan Giddings of Modern Pea Pod:

I’m not sure how old Triniman is, but he brings all the infectious glee of a teeny bopper at their first concert to this review of a Strokes concert. While Triniman storms the stage and winds up right in front of the Strokes, a reader can’t help but wish they had went to the concert with him too. Triniman finds a way to make a Strokes concert exciting and interesting, as well as proving himself to be an awesome concert buddy.