I haven't posted on this blog this week because of my insane schedule lately. School work is starting to pick up, did a lot of fun stuff with my unicorn siblings for my birthday (<3) and have been further sinking into my fantasy world. :) No complaints, really.
Since I am such a nut for my media and my recent acquisitions, I will let you know what has been going on.
Comic books have become a daily staple of my world. Today, for example, I went to Books, Comics & Things and picked up the following new issues from DC's "New 52":
Batman-"Knife Trick"
Deadman-"Twenty Questions, Part 1"
Demon Knights-"Seven Against the Dark"
Justice League-"Part One"
Resurrection Man-"Pronounced Dead"
In my back catalog, I have also been enjoying old Aquaman (my "Showcase Presents" volumes as well as my plethora of back issues from the 90's) and discovering the Marvel superhero group The Eternals. Really looking forward to next week's DC reboot of Aquaman, and who knows? I may take a chance on a few more reboots that catch my eye, given that I enjoy the ones I purchased today and that are eagerly awaiting a read.
Musicwise, this week has been pretty big. I have taken a sneak peak at some of the new album leaks online, determining what I feel is worth entering my collection.
Blink 182-"Neighborhoods" (4.0) I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Not that I thought that they wouldn't be able to make a decent album after 8 years of hiatus, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I wasn't a fan of Angels & Airwaves, mostly because I can't stand Tom DeLonge. Well, he's still front and center on this album, which is a disappointment because I think that Mark is a far better singer. But overall, the songs are catchy but more sophisticated than their earlier, sillier songs and has the same tone as their self-titled (2003) album which I thought was their best work. Definitely worth a listen. Notable songs: "Natives," "Heart's All Gone," "Ghost on the Dance Floor," "MH 4.18.2011"
Machine Head-"Unto the Locust" (4.7) There was no doubt in my mind that this album was going to rock HARD. Ever since the band revamped their sound in 2004 with their album "Through the Ashes of Empires," and their 2007 metal masterpiece "The Blackening," Machine Head has been on my "CAN DO NO WRONG" list. This album just further proves that. Do I love it as much as "The Blackening?" Not yet. But there is not one bad song on this album, and it plays like classic Machine Head from beginning to end with the crisp production you would expect from the metal gods. Notable songs: "Be Still and Know," "Who We Are," "I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)"
Thrice-"Major/Minor" (2.7) These art-rockers have gradually upset me a little bit more with every album since their 2003 landmark "The Artist in the Ambulance." Ever since, they have removed themselves further away from the music and fanbase that made them who they were and instead are going the route of Radiohead...if Radiohead decided to bore the pants off of everyone listening. As with most recent Thrice albums, a gem here and there does not help save the album or even allow the good songs to shine in a sea of half-heartedly written riffs and droning keys. Notable songs: "Call It In the Air," "Words in the Water," "Anthology."
I will have a few more reviews posted for albums that I have listened to but not yet gotten a chance to analyze. All I will say is that the new Tori Amos, "Night of Hunters," is a beautiful 72 minutes of music, all focusing around Tori's piano and voice, boosted up by an orchestra in this classically-influenced concept album. Full review next time. :)
For DVDs, my recent excitement has revolved around the Sponge Bob Square Pants season one boxset, and "Bridesmaids" on Blu-Ray/DVD combo. I don't have a Blu-Ray player yet, but those combo packs are only a few dollars more than the DVD, so why not get that? :) The special features on the DVD are hilarious, I can only imagine the awesome special features included on the Blu-Ray.
Vinyl-wise, I have been spinning some older ones I bought a few weeks ago that I haven't gotten a chance to listen to yet.
Toto-"Vol. 4" (1982)
Meat Loaf-"Bat Out of Hell" (1977)
Starship-"Knee Deep in the Hoopla" (1985)
Heart-"Dreamboat Annie" (1976)
And I bought these today at my favorite Fort Wayne record store, Neat Neat Neat.
Jimmy Eat World-"Chase This Light" (2007) MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF THEIRS!
The Locust-"New Erections" (2007) POWERVIOLENCE MUSIC AT ITS FINEST
Currently working towards finishing up Stephen King's "Carrie" (1974) and William S. Burroughs' "Junky" (1953).
One last note, my uncle Rob bought me one of the heaviest, most brutal albums of last year: The Acacia Strain's "Wormwood." What a kickass uncle, huh? :) Thanks Uncle Rob!!
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