To listen to: Hazards of Love, The Decemberists // No Line On the Horizon, U2
The Decemberists have dabbled in prog-rock/rock-opera several times already. This new album promises to develop the band’s symphonic talents even more. Colin Malloy’s lyrics are some of the most playful out there; he actually seems to enjoy working with the English language, as opposed to most twee-pop and even Indie artists for whom words appear to be more of a chore than a delight. Here’s hoping he hasn’t lost his touch.
As for Bono’s bloated ego… let’s just say I really do pray that this album works. The single didn’t capture me, but I usually like the more hidden songs on each U2 release anyway (e.g. “In a Little While,” “Love Is Blindness,” or “Running to Stand Still”). Still, they disappointed me last time, and I’m waiting for a convincing reason to believe that Bono’s skill is at least half as large as his self-appreciation.
To read: The Myth of Religous Violence Secular Ideology, William Cavanaugh // Back to Blood, Tom Wolfe
Cavanaugh has never written an uninteresting or unprovocative book. Which is something that can be said of only a handful of living theologians. This is a must-read.
I like Wolfe, I really do. But some of his literary quirks are like Mick Jagger’s lips: they just aren’t as flattering on an old man. I admit I haven’t read I Am Charlotte Simmons, so maybe my condemnation is unmerited. Wolfe’s style doesn’t seem to have matured all that much, certainly not in his novels. So, for all the good will earned from New Journalism, I’ll probably ignore Back to Blood unless friends insist otherwise.
To watch: Sunshine Cleaning // The Brothers Bloom
I first saw the trailer for Amy Adams’ new movie several months ago, and loved it. Then, after Frank posted it on HPN a while back, I realized I’d forgotten about it completely. Maybe it’ll just be another ultimately clichéd indie-flick like Little Miss Sunshine. But I’m willing to trust the watchability of Ms. Blunt, Ms. Adams, and Mr. Arkin. Plus, I need to see a good movie with Frank, since a viewing of Slumdog Millionaire didn’t work out.
I loved Rian Johnson’s first film, Brick. You could tell he really loved film noir, and that was enough to win me over, even without the surprisingly good plotting, as well as the Chandler-esque dialogue. So on account of that previous success, there’s good reason to put faith into his upcoming film (not to mention the all star cast). But sophomore acts often fall flat. And while Johnson was able to reproduce the feel of an old Howard Hawks noir, this new film looks completely different. From the trailer, it almost appears like he’s reworking the old classic, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. If he pulls it off, I’ll be elated.
I was all ready to check out the new Cavanaugh, and then I saw the price tag. Do you really think it will be worth $40+? Since you’re leaving us, I’m going to need to find a new friend to steal these books from.
RE: New Tom Wolfe: Friends Will Insist!
Also, I’ll need to borrow that Cavanaugh from somebody.
HPN needs to become a print journal (ha! take that, Austin!) so that we can get free review copies of expensive books.