Pop Culture Report 08/23/05

So…earlier this year I saw “Mysterious Skin” by Gregg Araki.

It is no secret I am an Araki fan. To those of you who don’t know his work (Doom Generation, Nowhere, Totally F*cked Up) he is an acquired taste. After seeing the movie and feeling my core thoroughly shook, I am now braving the book. It is not my custom to review a book before I finish it, but I can’t imagine this book disappointing me. While Heim, the author, could distinguish each character’s voice more (something that really irks me in writers) he more than compensates with some of the richest images. While his prose is not difficult, he describes things so perfectly and adamantly that it creates an exact image in my mind. He can humor and heartbreak into a single line of dialogue and keeps things at a breakneck speed, careening towards what I already know is a powerful climax.
I recommend this book, and the movie (it should be out on DVD soon) but I warn people…it is not for the faint of heart…while not bloody it is full of very stark images and, to quote the television, Adult Content.

Here is what Amazon had to say about it:

From Publishers Weekly"The summer I was eight years old, five hours disappeared from my life"?so runs the catchy opening to Heim's impressive first novel. The speaker is Brian Lackey, now a troubled teenager, once an introverted kid growing up scared in the small town of Hutchinson, Kans. The reason for his memory lapse and his fear, as we and Brian learn during the course of the novel, turns out not to be the space aliens that he first suspects, but his molestation at the hands of his Little League coach. The key to Brian's reclamation of those lost hours is homosexual hustler Neil McCormick?the slugger on that Little League team and an accomplice to Brian's sexual abuse. Working its way over the course of a decade toward Brian and Neil's reunion, the narrative unfolds through chapters whose points of view alternate among Brian, Neil and a handful of their siblings and confidants. Heim makes numerous freshman mistakes, including a relatively static narrative, prominent characters who outlive their usefulness and occasional lapses in the writing. He also creates scenes of genuine beauty, however, and handles his complicated characters and delicate subject matter with calm assurance. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

So…the new Nickel Creek CD. Is it worth it? I say yes. Many of my friends are not Nickel Creek friends, Sarah…I expect to have you next to me at the concert, but they should be. They hear the words “bluegrass” or “country” and they cringe…and go listen to their Wilco album. But Sara Watkins Fiddle and Chris Thile’s mandolin defy genres. Sean Watkins isn’t bad either.

1. When in Rome (awesome opening track, love the build)
2. Somebody More Like You (catchy, great line about needing some as tall as you, Sean’s voice is smooth as always)
3. Jealous of the Moon (Chris sounds great, great chorus, top three songs)
4. Scotch & Chocolate (this instrumental track is like a steam engine, it starts out slow and steady and gets you home in record time…er…whut…anyway…its awesome)
5. Can’t Complain (amazing…top three for sure)
6. Tomorrow is a Long Time (every band has to cover this Dylan song at some point and letting Sara take lead is wise, simple and sweet)
7. Eveline (strongest harmonies on the Cd probably)
8. Stumptown (short sweet and amazing music)
9. Anthony (the production values on this track are awesome, tinny and scratched, Sara sounds great)
10. Best of Luck (Sara gets to rock out a little with the boys backing her up)
11. Doubting Thomas (Classic Nickel Creek song)
12. First and Last Waltz (the worst of the instrumental tracks, but its still great)
13. Helena (current favorite song on the CD…just awesome)
14. Why Should the Fire Die? (obligatory title track is anything but obligatory)
Overview – To say I love this CD would be an understatement. One of the best of the year. Please listen and enjoy their eclectic style.

Other Artists to look for:

Gregory Douglass – He’s just so goddamn cute isn’t he. His voice is amazing and his piano awesome. He may be a little too LITE FM for some people but he makes a pleasant diversion after listening to this guy:

Justin Tranter - Now he will definitely not be for everyone’s tastes…woo-boy. He calls his music Drama Pop. Some call it Death Pop. He’s sort of the imaginary offspring that would spring forth if Stephen Sondheim, Billy Corgan, and The Pansies had a baby.

Both can be found at planetout.com and Gregory has an awesome MySpace page. Justin has a website with streaming audio.
Songs to Listen for:

Gregory Douglass - Upside Down, Better Tomorrow, Wild World LIVE, Hold On Live
Justin Tranter – Gag Reflex, Fear of Frailty, Good Luck With Your Armageddon, Martyrs and Monsters

Logo Network: Not worth your time. Jeez-us tits.

Red Eye - Fun Fun Fun. Not very good. But this guy is nice:
She's pretty good too:

Until next time, enjoy!