(Let's try something a little different. Single reviews!)
"Laura"
By- Bat For Lashes
From- The Haunted Man (release date: October 12th, 2012 in UK, October 23rd, 2012 in US)
Length- 4:27
Song available at your favorite legal digital music provider
All throughout 2012, I've been discovering new people and getting into various types of music. By the end of the year, I should have a nice list for y'all to peruse. Though with the thrill of discovery, it is always nice to hear from a familiar voice. It's like finding your friend amidst the crowds of the mall during Black Friday. Imagine my delight during my musical journey to find that Ms. Natasha Khan a.k.a. Bat For Lashes was not only out with a new single, but a new album too!
The first single (and video) from the upcoming album is a heart-aching ballad called "Laura". From the video, one could assume the song is about a former singer/dancer. But if you listen to the song by itself, it seems to be more about the narrator, who is close to the titular Laura, trying to cheer her up after life has kicked her down. It is a tender piece, capturing the genuine sadness and heartfelt optimism of Khan's delivery. I always love a song that emotes perfectly, not leaving the listeners to guess whether it was tongue-in-cheek or not. The music being soft and in the background gives the song almost an a-capella feel, the listeners get a better view of the vocals. A good decision.
It is much different than the mega-hit "Daniel" from Two Suns, but a good artist must evolve and try different angles. You go, Ms. Khan. Welcome back to the fray.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sorry for the delay...
I'm hard at work on some reviews for this lovely website (man, good thing I'm not being paid to do this, huh?). I got behind due to life stuff, but am now back on track.
Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned for more!
Friday, July 20, 2012
How Not to Talk About Tusk
Fleetwood Mac's Tusk
By Rob Trucks
Barnes & Noble link
(For those interested in learning more about this amazing book series, check out their website at http://www.33third.blogspot.com/)
There is nothing greater than reading an entire dissertation on a classic album. That's where the 33 1/3 series comes into play. This is their bread and butter, letting writers to properly geek out and write about an album, approaching it from any angle they desire. Almost reaching that sweet spot of 100 entries, nestled into the 77th spot, is Rob Trucks' slender entry on the iconic and controversial Fleetwood Mac album Tusk. Would it be a straightforward historical document? A journey deep into the psyches of the band members? Or would it be a missed opportunity to talk about its nuances, but in its place "quirky" autobiographical details that really add nothing to the big picture? It's all of the latter.
The book can be separated into three parts: one part Trucks' autobiography during the pre- and post-Tusk release, most of the time having nothing to do with the album (who cares, really?); one part interview with Lindsey Buckingham (most of it just stuff you can learn by reading other interviews), and one part interviews with various musicians about how they feel about Tusk (lemme get a "who the f*** cares?!" over here!) It is a convoluted mess, plain and simple.
None of it makes sense, especially the life and times of our author, who honestly shouldn't insert himself like this in the history of such a game-changer of an album. So what if you were having neighbor issues while you were researching the album? What does this have to do with everything? Yes, "Tusk is a symbol", but not the way you think it is. Big deal, I was about six months old when Tango in the Night was released and you don't see me make a huge to do about it.
There are times when the author can insert themselves into the time period that the album was released, capturing the mood and time with precise, sharp detail. That is where Jonathan Lethem succeeded with his take on Fear of Music. Rob Trucks failed because he couldn't resist making it all about him and how Tusk happened to be a blip in his world. Once again, how special snowflake of you, sir.
Please skip this entry with no doubt in your mind. You are missing nothing. I just hope that if 33 1/3 allows do-overs, someone can give Tusk the proper treatment it deserves. Without pretension, without unnecessary interviews, without a self-centered author.
By Rob Trucks
Barnes & Noble link
(For those interested in learning more about this amazing book series, check out their website at http://www.33third.blogspot.com/)
There is nothing greater than reading an entire dissertation on a classic album. That's where the 33 1/3 series comes into play. This is their bread and butter, letting writers to properly geek out and write about an album, approaching it from any angle they desire. Almost reaching that sweet spot of 100 entries, nestled into the 77th spot, is Rob Trucks' slender entry on the iconic and controversial Fleetwood Mac album Tusk. Would it be a straightforward historical document? A journey deep into the psyches of the band members? Or would it be a missed opportunity to talk about its nuances, but in its place "quirky" autobiographical details that really add nothing to the big picture? It's all of the latter.
The book can be separated into three parts: one part Trucks' autobiography during the pre- and post-Tusk release, most of the time having nothing to do with the album (who cares, really?); one part interview with Lindsey Buckingham (most of it just stuff you can learn by reading other interviews), and one part interviews with various musicians about how they feel about Tusk (lemme get a "who the f*** cares?!" over here!) It is a convoluted mess, plain and simple.
None of it makes sense, especially the life and times of our author, who honestly shouldn't insert himself like this in the history of such a game-changer of an album. So what if you were having neighbor issues while you were researching the album? What does this have to do with everything? Yes, "Tusk is a symbol", but not the way you think it is. Big deal, I was about six months old when Tango in the Night was released and you don't see me make a huge to do about it.
There are times when the author can insert themselves into the time period that the album was released, capturing the mood and time with precise, sharp detail. That is where Jonathan Lethem succeeded with his take on Fear of Music. Rob Trucks failed because he couldn't resist making it all about him and how Tusk happened to be a blip in his world. Once again, how special snowflake of you, sir.
Please skip this entry with no doubt in your mind. You are missing nothing. I just hope that if 33 1/3 allows do-overs, someone can give Tusk the proper treatment it deserves. Without pretension, without unnecessary interviews, without a self-centered author.
Monday, July 9, 2012
To A Forgotten Man and A Forgotten Era
Mystery to Me
By Fleetwood Mac
Barnes & Noble link
(This one's for you, Bob Welch. You're the reason I never stopped loving Fleetwood Mac. R.I.P., good sir.)
By Fleetwood Mac
Barnes & Noble link
(This one's for you, Bob Welch. You're the reason I never stopped loving Fleetwood Mac. R.I.P., good sir.)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Greetings!
Hello everyone and the world, this is Jupiter_Nova reporting for duty! I am a longtime writer of various practices, trying her hand out at keeping two blogs at once. Let's see how that turns out...
I will be reviewing books and music here, along with the occasional movie and video game. But, just to assuage any disappointment, this is mostly a music and literature review blog.
I used to keep my reviews on my personal blog, but have decided to move them to here. You will see a ton of reviews dating from years ago. Pardon their roughness, I am getting better. You'll find those under the label "from the archives".
Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
I will be reviewing books and music here, along with the occasional movie and video game. But, just to assuage any disappointment, this is mostly a music and literature review blog.
I used to keep my reviews on my personal blog, but have decided to move them to here. You will see a ton of reviews dating from years ago. Pardon their roughness, I am getting better. You'll find those under the label "from the archives".
Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Video Game Review: Silent Hill: Downpour
Silent Hill: DownpourKonami Digital Entertainment
Rated M (Mature)
Released March 13, 2012 in North America
Overall Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Xbox 360/PS3 (I'm reviewing the former version)
(CAUTION: there may be some spoilers, intentional or not)
Silent Hill was doomed, on the fast track to Washed Out City, joining Resident Evil and Fatal Frame (still pissed that future titles will never be released in North America) along the shores, fishing away the twilight years. Homecoming, which was released in 2008, overwhelmingly disappointed most of its buyers, especially the hardcore fans. I know I all but declared the series gone by Shattered Memories (released in 2009), while others waited until longtime Team Silent veteran Akira Yamaoka (who wrote the music for all the games up to Downpour) to start planning the series's memorial service. Some turned to the graphic novels (which were seeing an upswing in quality) while others waited for the next title and the new film (due sometime this year).
After retreading a ton of history, here is the punchline: just like the Spanish Inquisition, Downpour was not expected. To be good, that is.
Rated M (Mature)
Released March 13, 2012 in North America
Overall Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Xbox 360/PS3 (I'm reviewing the former version)
(CAUTION: there may be some spoilers, intentional or not)
Silent Hill was doomed, on the fast track to Washed Out City, joining Resident Evil and Fatal Frame (still pissed that future titles will never be released in North America) along the shores, fishing away the twilight years. Homecoming, which was released in 2008, overwhelmingly disappointed most of its buyers, especially the hardcore fans. I know I all but declared the series gone by Shattered Memories (released in 2009), while others waited until longtime Team Silent veteran Akira Yamaoka (who wrote the music for all the games up to Downpour) to start planning the series's memorial service. Some turned to the graphic novels (which were seeing an upswing in quality) while others waited for the next title and the new film (due sometime this year).
After retreading a ton of history, here is the punchline: just like the Spanish Inquisition, Downpour was not expected. To be good, that is.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Best of 2011: Album Edition
That's right, longtime readers and new ones... we're almost done! We just got the music to cover and then we can brush our hands clean of the year. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the apocal- I mean, 2012.
Best of 2011: Book Edition
I may actually finish reading some 2011 releases during January 2012 and may redo this list to reflect the newer choices. Otherwise, here it is as of this time...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Best of 2011: Movie Edition
Yes, it is that time of year again! We'll kick things off with the moving pictures!
This is a short list, half mostly concert films. Sometime during the year, I said that if this list was small, I would end doing a best-of for movies each year. Since I watch films at a pace that would agitate a movie aficionado, this is my last list. If I watch enough in 2012, I will do a list but otherwise, do not expect it from here anymore. I love movies, but I'm a snail.
So without further ado, my final list:
This is a short list, half mostly concert films. Sometime during the year, I said that if this list was small, I would end doing a best-of for movies each year. Since I watch films at a pace that would agitate a movie aficionado, this is my last list. If I watch enough in 2012, I will do a list but otherwise, do not expect it from here anymore. I love movies, but I'm a snail.
So without further ado, my final list:
Monday, November 14, 2011
Book Review 18 of 24 (Scrapbooks Are Paper Blogs)
The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt
By Caroline Preston
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I just found out about this book earlier yesterday at my job. Read it in two sittings and decided that it was an appropriate last review.)
When given the tools, anyone can become the person they were meant to become. The influences could come from anywhere, but usually you can discern the usual suspects. For the narrator of The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, this was an easy one: her own parents. But it takes more than that to get this girl going. Adventures await her as she leaves the farming countryside of New Hampshire for the wide-eyed wonder of New York State in this uniquely-presented tale.
By Caroline Preston
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: I just found out about this book earlier yesterday at my job. Read it in two sittings and decided that it was an appropriate last review.)
When given the tools, anyone can become the person they were meant to become. The influences could come from anywhere, but usually you can discern the usual suspects. For the narrator of The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, this was an easy one: her own parents. But it takes more than that to get this girl going. Adventures await her as she leaves the farming countryside of New Hampshire for the wide-eyed wonder of New York State in this uniquely-presented tale.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Book Review 17 of 24 (Atwood Schools Everyone About Sci-Fi)
In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination
By Margaret Atwood
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: the main reason I joined Twitter was because Margaret Atwood had one and enjoyed using it.)
When you want to learn about a genre, you normally go towards the genre's representative books. In this case, we are talking about science fiction. Go for the popular, we have Robert A. Heinlein, Ray Bradbury, and Philip K. Dick. Wanna get esoteric? Walter M. Miller, C.S. Lewis, and J.G. Ballard. How about the ladies? Margaret Atwood, Octavia E. Butler, and Ursula K. Le Guin. You have a lot to choose from.
In this case, let's go with Margaret Atwood. She has written the chilling The Handmaid's Tale, the apocalyptic tale of Oryx and Crake and its sequel The Year of the Flood. But she ain't through. She has more to say about science fiction than her novels could contain. With In Other Worlds, Atwood puts together all she learned about sci-fi and schools you good.
By Margaret Atwood
Barnes & Noble link
(Fun fact: the main reason I joined Twitter was because Margaret Atwood had one and enjoyed using it.)
When you want to learn about a genre, you normally go towards the genre's representative books. In this case, we are talking about science fiction. Go for the popular, we have Robert A. Heinlein, Ray Bradbury, and Philip K. Dick. Wanna get esoteric? Walter M. Miller, C.S. Lewis, and J.G. Ballard. How about the ladies? Margaret Atwood, Octavia E. Butler, and Ursula K. Le Guin. You have a lot to choose from.
In this case, let's go with Margaret Atwood. She has written the chilling The Handmaid's Tale, the apocalyptic tale of Oryx and Crake and its sequel The Year of the Flood. But she ain't through. She has more to say about science fiction than her novels could contain. With In Other Worlds, Atwood puts together all she learned about sci-fi and schools you good.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Book Review 16 of 24 (Surrealistic Lady Writers Unite!)
Fantastic Women: 18 Tales of the Surreal and the Sublime from Tin House
Edited by Rob Spillman
Barnes & Noble link
(I'm breaking with tradition: I normally don't review things after reading another review, in fear of plagiarizing... but it's time to subvert!)
If it weren't for the wonderful magazine Bitch, this book's existence would've never been made unto me. Already hurting to read more works by female writers, this collection not only appealed to that but also for the draw of big names. I've read Rikki Ducornet's The Fountains of Neptune (a recommendation from a creative writing professor) and am currently reading Karen Russell's excellent Swamplandia! and the collected stories of Lydia Davis. Thanks to this book, I now have a list of fantastic writers to check out.
Edited by Rob Spillman
Barnes & Noble link
(I'm breaking with tradition: I normally don't review things after reading another review, in fear of plagiarizing... but it's time to subvert!)
If it weren't for the wonderful magazine Bitch, this book's existence would've never been made unto me. Already hurting to read more works by female writers, this collection not only appealed to that but also for the draw of big names. I've read Rikki Ducornet's The Fountains of Neptune (a recommendation from a creative writing professor) and am currently reading Karen Russell's excellent Swamplandia! and the collected stories of Lydia Davis. Thanks to this book, I now have a list of fantastic writers to check out.
Monday, September 19, 2011
When Out of the Cradle and Under the Skin Collide...
Seeds We Sow
By Lindsey Buckingham
Barnes & Noble link
It used to be epic news to hear that Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham was releasing a solo album. Go Insane and Out of the Cradle was a soul-rending eight years of waiting and wondering. For the last five years, he has spoiled fans by releasing three albums in a-year-and-some-odd time span. If each album ended up being as great as the last, then why did he take so damn long earlier? Well, it's not best to dwell on the past. We have to listen to Buckingham's latest offering! 'Cause, you never know... he could release another album soon.
By Lindsey Buckingham
Barnes & Noble link
It used to be epic news to hear that Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham was releasing a solo album. Go Insane and Out of the Cradle was a soul-rending eight years of waiting and wondering. For the last five years, he has spoiled fans by releasing three albums in a-year-and-some-odd time span. If each album ended up being as great as the last, then why did he take so damn long earlier? Well, it's not best to dwell on the past. We have to listen to Buckingham's latest offering! 'Cause, you never know... he could release another album soon.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Book Review 15 of 24 (Ladies and the Records They Love)
Record Collecting for Girls: Unleashing Your Inner Music Nerd, One Album at a Time
by Courtney E. Smith
Barnes & Noble link
There are not too many women writing and publishing books on music criticism, or even about the life and times of being a record collector. Well, there are but not enough to balance out what has been a longtime man's game. Music has been mostly about guys and showing off their collections and their knowledge. Us ladies have been treated as ones only casually interested (and stereotypically as only interested in "girly" music) and never being knowledgeable. But, this couldn't be further from the truth. Us ladies can be just as knowledgeable (and maybe even more) and we're into more than "girly" music. We can listen to Sarah McLachlan and have our Creedence Clearwater Revival too. Just don't count Courtney E. Smith as our representative (we're torn between Ann Powers and the late Ellen Willis at the moment).
by Courtney E. Smith
Barnes & Noble link
There are not too many women writing and publishing books on music criticism, or even about the life and times of being a record collector. Well, there are but not enough to balance out what has been a longtime man's game. Music has been mostly about guys and showing off their collections and their knowledge. Us ladies have been treated as ones only casually interested (and stereotypically as only interested in "girly" music) and never being knowledgeable. But, this couldn't be further from the truth. Us ladies can be just as knowledgeable (and maybe even more) and we're into more than "girly" music. We can listen to Sarah McLachlan and have our Creedence Clearwater Revival too. Just don't count Courtney E. Smith as our representative (we're torn between Ann Powers and the late Ellen Willis at the moment).
Monday, August 22, 2011
Further Thoughts on Retromania
The book spurred so much thinking that a separate post is needed. I didn’t want to clutter the review with my own load of “cool story, sis”, so here you go!
Book Review 14 of 24 (In Which We Learn the Internet is A DeLorean)
Retromania: Pop Culture’s Addiction to Its Own Past
By Simon Reynolds
Barnes & Noble link
(I dedicate the Doctor Who references in the beginning paragraph to my Amy Pond-cosplaying, Dalek-hugging little sister. Keep on shining with your Sonic Screwdriver.)
I shall never doubt the contents of the introduction ever again. When I cracked open Reynolds’ latest offering in music criticism/history, the introduction led me to believe that all the arguments were going to be a big load of “cool story, bro” and at worst, pathetic. By the fourth chapter, I was thunderstruck. Yep, seems like society jumped into a TARDIS and went back without warning the rest of us. And we left the Good Doctor behind.
By Simon Reynolds
Barnes & Noble link
(I dedicate the Doctor Who references in the beginning paragraph to my Amy Pond-cosplaying, Dalek-hugging little sister. Keep on shining with your Sonic Screwdriver.)
I shall never doubt the contents of the introduction ever again. When I cracked open Reynolds’ latest offering in music criticism/history, the introduction led me to believe that all the arguments were going to be a big load of “cool story, bro” and at worst, pathetic. By the fourth chapter, I was thunderstruck. Yep, seems like society jumped into a TARDIS and went back without warning the rest of us. And we left the Good Doctor behind.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011: Book Review 2 of 5
after the quake
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the second of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
Short stories are a strange animal. You are telling the story of people, places, and things; and yet you only have a limited amount of time. All there is time for is the important stuff, the "greatest hits" of it, if you would. It takes a different set of skills to reach shortened-literary perfection. Even novelists are daunted by them. Haruki Murakami remained, as usual, undaunted by a challenge. While he's done it before, he achieved his finest hour in after the quake.
By Haruki Murakami
Barnes & Noble link
*Note: this is the second of five reviews for the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge*
Short stories are a strange animal. You are telling the story of people, places, and things; and yet you only have a limited amount of time. All there is time for is the important stuff, the "greatest hits" of it, if you would. It takes a different set of skills to reach shortened-literary perfection. Even novelists are daunted by them. Haruki Murakami remained, as usual, undaunted by a challenge. While he's done it before, he achieved his finest hour in after the quake.
Monday, July 11, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, June 17, 2011
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".
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".
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