Book Review: 13 of 24 (First Lady of Rock Criticism)

Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music
Edited by Nona Willis Aronowitz
Barnes & Noble link

This was a book I wasn't sure how to approach when it came time to finally review it. At first, I abandoned the idea of doing this, since it is the first book of its kind that I ever reviewed (here or anywhere else). But after some consideration, the review will go on. This unsung lady of rock journalism shall not go ignored any longer! With a little help from her friends (and daughter too), the late Ellen Willis gets a fitting tribute in this collection of her greatest hits in Out of the Vinyl Deeps.

Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011: Book Review 1 of 5

South of the Border, West of the Sun
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link

*Note: this is the first of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*

When it comes to writing about lost love in an earnest tone, Haruki Murakami delivers in spades. If you need further evidence, please consult Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood. He writes another story of lost love, and this time, there is nothing that stand between the two... well, except the two. Lovers go to battle with their own demons in South of the Border, West of the Sun.

WTF Ear Candy

Law and Order
by Lindsey Buckingham
Barnes & Noble link

Special note: this was reviewed using the 1981 vinyl release.

Much like his New Wave compatriot from Wisconsin, Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham set forth on the journey to Solo Career Town in 1981 with the release of Law and Order. To the surprise of absolutely no one, it wasn't an enormous success. You know, because there was another album out that was catching everyone's attentions. It didn't stop the album's second song "Trouble" from becoming his first Top Ten hit. When you finish spinning the album for the first time, it leaves you feeling something, mostly the feeling of "what the eff did I just listen to".

Book Review: 12 of 24 (Richard Matheson is A Ninja)

Other Kingdoms
By Richard Matheson
Barnes & Noble link

Imagine my surprise when I happened upon a random slice of information one late February day: Richard Matheson, the man who brought the world What Dreams May Come and one of the most popular Twilight Zone episodes (also a short story), had released a new book. New book. In 2011. You bet I ordered it before you could say "Bob's your uncle and he makes cheese of the finest variety". Too bad it was a sore disappointment.

Book Review: 11 of 24 (Nail-Biting Nonfiction)

Shockwave: Countdown to Hiroshima
By Stephen Walker
Barnes & Noble link

As the narrator of Fallout 3 best put it: "War never changes". Years have passed since the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on two cities in Japan, citing the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. But, what if the bombs weren't dropped? Well, there would've been a land battle between Americans and Japanese. Many deaths were foreshadowed, possibly more than the total overall of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But, some had to die in order for more not to die? Those, among many more questions you will ask yourself as you read Walker's Shockwave: Countdown to Hiroshima.

Best of 2010: Movie Edition

While this list ended up being longer than I expected, it still isn't as substantial as I wanted it to be. To be fair, I'm extremely picky with newer films. Plus, all the stuff I usually go for are released around this time. And so, on this final day of the year, I conclude this series. Until this time next year... here are my choices for this year's best films:

Best of 2010: Book Edition

I regret to say that this list was unfortunately small to put together. I have read more older books this time 'round, I suppose.