Hey gang! I am back again with a list of things I am digging that you may dig as well. It’s been pretty much forever since I last wrote a blog post – thanks for pointing that out Jeff. I partially blame the switch over to WordPress, which I still find daunting and scary. The g14ers never showed me how to use it, so I am flying blind here…
But enough excuses! You’ve come here for one reason: For me to tell you some cool things to check out this summer whilst on a beach or killing time at work. So, to the list!
-‘Boxer’ by The National
Gods, I love this band. Moody and sexy without falling into the retro-electronic-chic of so many bands today (I’m looking at you Interpol… and the Killers… and the Bravery). Their last album, ‘Alligator’ (also well worth your time) caught me by surprise during the summer of 05 with its catchy tunes and interesting lyrics and phrasing. But much more so than that, ‘Boxer’ is an album that grows on you. My first impression upon hearing it was, “That was good, but were are the catchy hooks?” Oh, they’re in there. And when you listen a second time, they’ll start to stick out. By the fifth time through… the whole album feels like an organic masterpiece that wiggled into your head… in a good way. Perfect album for driving at night.
-’The Venture Bros. Season 2′
This just came out on DVD a few months ago. If you haven’t seen the first season, try to check it out, as this is one of the few adult swim series that respects character continuity. And while that 1st season was a great deconstruction of Johnny Quest-esque adventuring, Season 2 really finds creative team Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer hitting their stride. From the hauntingly hilarious opening montage to the 2-part finale that CHANGES EVERYTHING FOREVER, the series continues to examine the lives of henchmen, what it means to ‘arch’ a super scientist, and the dangers of trying to live up to expectations all while allowing their characters to grow and interact. A much smarter (and funnier) series than meets the eye.
-“The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” and “A Model World” both by Michael Chabon
‘Yiddish Policemen’s Union’ opens with the discovery of a dead boy in a run down hotel – the beginnings of many a great noir. But in this alternative history yarn, and in the hands of writer Chabon, the hotel, the body, and the detective working the case all belong to an Alaskan community of Jews who settled there after WWII. Jewish noir in an icy tundra? I don’t know how, but it works. A fun read. For a more ‘serious’ Chabon, check out his short story collection, ‘A Model World.’ Each story has a way of revealing itself to be something more than it seems. And the last 5 stories create a novella about a boy becoming a man, piece by piece. Quietly moving and heartbreaking.
-‘Friday Night Lights’
“Its just football, for God’s sake.” I’ve heard a particular g14er say. Yeah, well… its not. Peter Berg turns his film into a damn fine series about the pressure, the passion, and the obsession to ‘win’ that I think we really can all relate to. Sure, there’s football in this show (NO! Really!?) But its really about the feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Sometimes that can make you feel strong. Sometimes it makes you feels insignificant. And sometimes the pressure of expectations by those that count on you and love you can overwhelm. This a great drama with a great cast and you can check out the entire first season NBC.com. Give it a shot.
-“Buffy: Season 8” written by Joss Whedon
If you’re not a Buffy fan… what the hell is wrong with you? If you are and you aren’t reading this comic series… what the hell is wrong with you? Not a mere extension of the show’s story, but an honest and true addition to series. The characters sound and act like the characters, the story surprises AND makes sense with what has come before, and it feels like a Buffy episode – funny, scary, heartwarming. Push through the nerdling hordes at your local comic shop and get it. Now.
Okay… that’s that. I hope you find something on this list that you dig as much as I do. Give me a shout if you agree, disagree, or just want to thank me for introducing you to the awesome. That’s why I do this people… for YOU! I’ll post again soon.
In like, 6 months.
Word,
David C. White
