Brian James's Blog, page 15

Fiction Friday (101)

So, it's happened again...another event that is requiring me to dive into reading a bunch of contemporary YA fiction. In the past, I've mentioned that my love of YA, which used to be so strong, and still is for the right book, has soured a bit over the years as YA becomes less and less about Literature and more and more about celebrating pop fiction. I'm find with that. I mean, pop fiction is popular, it's in the name. But what I'm not a fan of is how it's come to be celebrated as literature when it's not. So many of these books will be forgotten, not only by the world, but by the people who read them and "love" them, and that's sad. But anyway, I can always find something redeeming in a story.
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
(Greenwillow, 2017)

Eliza is famous, at least she would be if anyone knew her online identity. Though she's anonymously famous online for creating one of the most popular webcomics in the world, in real life she's like any other teenager with self-esteem issues just trying to survive her last year of high school. If she could finish the year, finish her comic, and escape to college, everything would be just fine. Unfortunately, things in real life tend to get more complicated than that.  
I found this book to be very slow through the first half, and also quite formulaic, albeit with some quirky elements mixed in. However, those elements didn't feel genuine. They came off as add-ons, things to make it different from every other teen girl-meets-boy-and-her-world-comes-undone story, of which there are thousands. There were also more than a few non-plausible elements in the story that kind of turned me off. However, with all of that said, I did enjoy the story and I really liked Eliza. She was a great character whose problems felt real.
My favorite part of this story was one of the subplots, one which involved the crippling creative pressure that can come with success and the relationship between artist and fan. These aspects of the book were incredibly well done and redeemed the story in my eyes, allowing me to forgive some of the parts that I felt were weaker. 

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived, and in honor of springing ahead, I've decided to fall back and take a look a lot of albums from the '70s that I've been jamming to recently. I've also included two newer albums just to keep it current. Some of these are albums from bands I've followed for a long time, others are new to me and nice surprises. There's some dream pop, country rock, folk and jazz to keep the list intriguing. Hopefully there's something here you want to hear. Enjoy.
Shana Falana - Darkest Light: The first album in three years from the New York indie dream pop artist is another beautiful moody album. She takes a cue from 90s indie, using her beautiful voice in the background that drifts just above the wave of guitars, giving it a shoegazer feel while never losing track of melody and rhythm. In that way, she reminds me of PJ Harvey's work from that era. "Everyone is Gonna Be Okay," "Right Now is all We Know," and the title track are standouts. 
Michael Nesmith - Cosmic Partners: The McCabe's Tapes: Recorded in '73, this archival live set was recently released for the first time. After leaving The Monkees in '70, Nesmith embarked on a solo career that showcased his country roots. I've always been a believer in the Monkees and think they don't get the musical credit they deserve. They made some fantastic records. I knew Mike's hit "Joanne," but not much else of his solo work, so this was a great surprise. He's a talented country folk artist surrounded by talented musicians. A great collection of songs, and he's great at working the crowd with very funny banter. I will definitely keep my eyes open for any used Nesmith vinyl floating around.
Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains: This Chicago alt-country indie band seemed to come out of nowhere last year and surprise a lot of people. It was a band I missed until it starting showing up on year-end lists by a lot of people whom I respect. In a way, it's a group made of members of other groups, including Jermey Earl of Woods (a band I very much enjoy), and featuring the late David Berman, of Silver Jews. This reminds me a lot of Silver Jews, almost a revival of their sound, and quiet good. This has never been my ideal genre, but something that I can dig when I'm in the mood. I can see why so many people have enjoyed this album, it's a great last album for Berman to leave behind.
Sonny Criss - I'll Catch the Sun!: Released in 1969, right in the middle of the Memphis saxophonist's career, this is the tail end of the Hard Bop era, beginning of the Post-Bop era and shows the influence of soul music on jazz. This is a beautiful lazy afternoon kind of record, and the kind of jazz that brings me into its world. "Blue Sunset," "I Thought About You," and "California Screamin'" are standouts on this fantastic album. 
Van Morrison - Saint Dominic's Preview: Released in '72, this is the Irish folk singer's sixth solo album. This album dates from the height of his commercial appeal, following the blockbuster Moondance and Tupelo Honey, and feels more inline with those than his Astral Weeks masterpiece. I recently got this in the 4 for $10 bin at the local store and it's certainly worth it. It's a great laid back sound and one of those perfect records for putting on when you have company whose musical tastes you're unsure of...ie..relatives. 
Crazy Horse - Loose: The second album from Neil Young's on again, off again backup band was released in 1972. This is the first album they made after Danny Whitten was kicked out of the band, and his loss shows. I picked up a White Label promo copy of this record for a few dollars, and it's definitely worth a few dollars, but I wouldn't pay much more. It's decent enough country rock.

Fiction Friday (100)

One of the fun things about working at a library is the random book encounter. This comes from checking things in, glancing at the return carts, or skimming the shelves. Last week I came across this little gem in just such a fashion. I was curious about the small trim size, removed it from the shelf, and recognized the wonderful artwork on the cover. This translated French novel is a Mommy Dearest for the contemporary teen and a kindred spirit to my own books written during the same time.
Like a Thorn by Clara Vidal
(Delacorte, 2008)

Mélie has always believed she has two mothers; rosy mother and dark mother. One kind, one cruel. Since she was a little girl, she has been certain of this duality though no one else seems to see it. She believes it is up to her to ward of Dark mother and begins develop rituals to ward off her mother's harshness, rituals that grow more complicated and all consuming. The brevity of this book is where it finds its power. It is an intense read, a painful read, a read that makes you feel for the main character, makes you want to be the one who is there for her when no one else is. To be honest, Mélie reminds me a lot of characters I've created in my books. She could be soul mates with Elizabeth (from Tomorrow, Maybe and Thief), with Lacie (from Perfect World), with Sabrina (from Life is But a Dream). 
Mélie was written with the same kind of intensity, and therefore, I'm not surprised to see reader reviews similar to those of my books. Basically, some people are turned off by characters like this. I'm not one of those readers. This is a book that really struck me and will stay with me. And if you are fans of any of those books of mine that I mentioned, I highly recommend reading this.

I'm Totally Okay With This

My newest television obsession is I'm Not Okay with This on Netflix. The seven-episode first season began streaming on Netflix last week and I'm already fiending for the next one. Similar to the networks other quirky graphic novel adaptation, The End of the F#*KING World, this show is delightful in every way, and once again proves Netflix, along with HBO, is a leader in adapting books and graphic novels into spectacular television.

Sydney is an average teenage girl who discovers she is far more than average when extraordinary things begin to happen to her. When the story opens, Sydney is stuck in a rut. Her father has committed suicide, and though a year has passed, she still hasn't dealt with. Home life is troubled, school life is an awkward mess, and the only bright spot is her best friend who is suddenly dating the star of the football team. Sydney is definitely NOT okay with any of this.
I don't want to spoil anything, but her emotions soon grow uncontrollable...like X-Men uncontrollable. But this is the kind of show that blends the paranormal and the real so perfectly that it appeals to fans of both, similar to Stranger Things in that way.
Definitely do yourself a favor and dive into this. You won't be disappointed.

Weekend Music Roundup

The lazy days of winter are fast approaching their end, much to my dismay. Spring will be here soon, and then the dreaded summer season. So for this weekend, I'm taking a look at the kind of albums I like to listen to in the bleakness of winter before the typical flood of new music descends upon us in the coming months. These are albums that I've listened to over the winter, some new and some old, some jazz and some not. Enjoy.
Alexandra Savior - The Archer: The second album from the L.A. indie pop performer is one of the early 2020 releases getting a lot of attention. Her first album, released back in 2017, barely registered, but this one is getting noticed. Perhaps its because this certainly sounds like it could be Lana Del Ray's sister, or Fiona Apple's cousin, or perhaps is simply because it's pretty darned good. Sure, it's has a sound, that washed out California sunshine sadness sound, that loungey Sunset Strip vibe, that beautiful sound that makes us love Lana and Fiona, and now this.
Johnny Hartman - All of Me: Originally released in '57 under the title The Debonair Mr. Hartman, this version was re-released in '78. This is Hartman in his Big Band era. His voice is huge in these recordings. As much as the voices of other standard singers are celebrated, it's always amazed me how little mention Johnny gets. "Tenderly," "Birth of the Blues," and "The End of a Love Affair" are personal favorites on this romantic ballads album that transcends the genre. 
Moana - In the Allure: This is the debut full length album from the Perth heavy psych band, released this past fall. I was attracted to this because of the cover which reminds me of images that I've compiled on a Pinterest Board entitled "Dark Imagination." I was rewarded by taking a chance. This is a chaotic album that is wonderfully menacing noise rock. This has a similar, if not darker, sound as Le Butcherettes, which was one of my favorite albums of last year.
Ten Years After - Ten Years After: The 1967 debut from the London psychedelic blues band is one of those albums I always meant to check out, but just never did. I found a beautiful vinyl copy (with a beat to hell sleeve) a little while back for a few dollars. Even then, I had it over two weeks before listening to it (I'm really not sure what it is about this record). Well, it's fantastic. Like Doors meeting early Floyd. It's that mix of British Blues and early London psych scene. 
That Dog. - that dog.: The debut album from the L.A. band was originally released in 1993, and then re-released in '94 on Geffen. It would be easy to classify this a rrriot grrl band, simply because it's lo-fi indie rock made by three sisters in the time where all bands of that sort were lumped together. But there's a softness to this record that makes it more characteristic of other indie bands like Drop Nineteens and Enormous that separates from the more garage punk sound of bands like Babes in Toyland or Bikini Kill. This was a very nostalgic listen for me, bringing right back to those summers in High School when this would have been an album I clung to.   
Roger Hodgson - In the Eye of the Storm: Released in 1984, this is the solo debut from the Supertramp member. It's more prog-pop than prog-rock and features a lot of synth effects that establish it very much of it's era. At moments it reminds me of The Wall and Hodgson definitely channels his inner Roger Waters on this record. Some great moments on here, and some weaker moments, all of which makes for a decent listen.

Fiction Friday (99)

It's clear that over the past few decades, we've come to live in a world dominated by series, trilogies, and extended universes. I will not deny that I'm a fan of this trend, though I will admit that it has diminished the creative spark in some ways. It seems that it's no longer enough to create a great story, you to create a great story that exists in a world that can be exploited for all its worth. The most recent book I read falls into that category. It takes place in a world I first encountered some 25 years ago, and probably would have ignored if I hadn't been reintroduced to that world through the HBO series. I'm glad I was, because sometimes it's nice to visit familiar places.
The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
(Knopf 2017)

Set several years before The Golden Compass, this book shares the extraordinary circumstances by which a baby Lyra comes to be in the care of Jordan College and under the protection of Scholastic Sancutary.
This isn't really Lyra's story though, it's the story of an 11 year old boy named Malcolm and the bravery he shows in keeping Lyra safe. Malcolm lives with his parents in Oxford, helping them tend to their tavern, The Trout, and taking care of his canoe, La Bell Sauvage. Malcolm's destiny takes a turn one afternoon when he witnesses something shocking. This event will begin an epic journey or rescue, escape, discovery, and friendship.
For those who are familiar with Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, this story will fascinate, while not really revealing anything new about that saga. It certainly adds to the world, including magical fantasy elements that didn't seem to exist in the original books. While I really liked those scenes, I will admit that they were a bit jarring as the original world didn't include them, as far as the reader knew. I also felt the book dragged a bit in the beginning and didn't really pick up until Malcolm was joined by the fierce Alice on their flight through the flood.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, but was left unsure of why it had to be attached to those books, other than the obvious sales implications. It easily could have stood alone as something complete different and separate.

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend is here. There a couple of newer albums on here, a bunch from 2019 that I didn't get to in 2019, as well as some older albums that have been waiting for their moment on the Roundup. This is one of those kitchen sink lists with folk, rock, metal and hip-hop. Something for everyone, so go on and dig in. As always, enjoy.
Big Thief - Two Hands: This is one of those albums that I missed in 2019. Though it's the fourth album in four years from the Brooklyn indie band, they were completely unknown to me until I started seeing it pop up on people's favorites lists. This is an album that is true indie folk in the sense that it blends the two genres. Adrianne's voice is amazing and really delivers these songs right to the soul. "Not" and "Replaced" are two of the best songs I've heard in this genre in a long time. Perfect for fans of Smoke Fairies and First Aid Kit. 
ShitKid - Duo Limbo: This is the third album from the Swedish lo-fi indie band. Naturally, with a band name like that, I was tempted to research them and what I found sounded interesting enough to give it a listen. They mix power pop with indie rock the way the riot grrl movement did in the '90s. They definitely have heroes in bands like Bikini Kill. The result is a fun album that has all songs in English on side A and in Swedish on side B. "Eagles Over America," "Feels like the Movies," and "Anger MGMT" are my personal favorites. 
Violent Femmes - Hotel Last Resort: The iconic Milwaukee folk punk band's second album since re-forming in earnest a few years ago is their 11th studio album to date, coming 35 years after their debut. Now this is one of those bands that has suffered from the pure brilliance of their debut album, an album that they have never truly been able to match. However, it doesn't mean their other material isn't worth a listen. This album is a bit hit or miss, and doesn't stray far from the style they developed so long ago, it just sort of lacks the hunger and passion. "God Bless America," "I'm Not Gonna Cry," and the title track (featuring Tom Verlaine of Television) are standout tracks.  
Zaum - Divination: The fourth album from the Canadian doom metal band came out last spring. This is a band that I'd been meaning to check out for some time and finally got around to it. The album consists of three lengthy tracks that create soundscapes typical of stoner doom metal. It's heavy, eerie, sludgy, and quite well done. Certainly not an album for everyday, but when you feel like escaping into this world, it feels just right. 
Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975: This compilation is the best selling album all-time in the U.S., having sold more than 30 million copies since it's release in 1975. Any one who grew up in the 70's and 80's, such as myself, undoubtedly knows every one of these songs. That's kind of always been my problem with this album, just way too familiar. Familiarity breeds contempt. The trick for me this time was that I haven't really heard many of these songs in over twenty years and so listening to it now, it was wonderfully nostalgic. The Eagles managed to blend country and folk rock into tunes that were easy to listen to, yet felt special somehow. 
Knxwledge - Wt.Prt10.8: The L.A. based, NJ born artist has released dozens of albums and mix tapes in the past seven years. This mix tape comes from 2017. He does a lot of experimental hip-hop and glitch hop, which makes for an interesting listen when combined with clearly talented flow. Everything feels very fluid and stream of consciousness, which it has to be in order to be so prolific. Nothing is over thought or over produced and the rawness is what makes it worthwhile. "Sneakin," "Runninsprints," and "eggwhites" are standouts on this brief EP.

The Way Time Goes...

It's been one of those strange weeks, one where the quick passage of time really hits home. It feels like just yesterday when our daughter was just as seed that we were waiting meet. This week, I had to fill out paperwork to register her Kindergarten...and renew her passport. 
The oddest thing about your child getting older, changing from baby to toddler to actual kid, is that they are quickly at the age where your own memories start in earnest. I have so many clear memories of the months leading up the Kindergarten and it's odd to think that these are times she will remember too.

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend is here, a weekend for celebrating all loser presidents who have nothing on our current would-be king...I'm jesting of course, though I know it's hard to tell sometimes because his cult following might actually say words to the same effect. But let's forget about politics and focus on music. Good music. This week I'm sharing a few great records that truly impressed me, and mostly from artists who were new to me at the time of listening to these albums. It's the spirit of exploration that makes this journey so interesting. Enjoy.
Pink Cigs - Pink Cigs: The debut album from the UK stoner rock band is the first super solid album of 2020 for me. Now I think it's fair to say that there is little to distinguish one stoner rock band from next, and I suppose that's sort of true. It would be hard to find differences between this album and Kadavar for example. It follows the blueprint for good stoner rock, a path of heavy rhythm section and classic 70s heavy rock vocals. It doesn't sound like I'm singing the praises for this, but I am. You could slip this album onto your shelf of classics and it would fit right in, in a way that bands like Wolfmother and Greta Van Fleet try to but fail at in my opinion.
Paul Orwell - Smut: The third album from the London garage rocker came out last summer. My first thought was that it sounds a lot like the early Kills, which makes sense as they were the premier garage rock revival band of the 00s. There's a sleaze rock factor to this that I really love, and it's certainly an album that I would have loved back in the day. That said, I still really like it. "Hot Bitch," "Hot Air - Loud Noise," "Speak of the Devil," "Out of Here," and "Out of Love" are standouts on this solid album. 
The Holy Modal Rounders - The Moray Eels Eat the Holy Modal Rounders: The early mid-60's Village folk scene in NYC produced legends, but it also had a very vibrant "freak folk" or "psychedelic folk" scene. One of the leading bands on that seen was The Fugs. This band is an offshoot of that band. Released in '69, this is their fourth album and its deliciously weird, but the thing about them is that there is enough of a sense of melody and structure that it's a great listen. It reminds me of "Trout Mask Replica" in many ways. "Werewolf," "Dame Fortune," and "Mobile Line" are favorites.  
Supertramp - Crisis? What Crisis?: Released in '75, this is the fourth album from the London pop prog band, right in the teeth of their popularity and creative output. It opens with the fantastic double punch of "Easy Does It" and "Sister Moonshine." This has a strong late era Pink Floyd vibe to it, and feels like a more listenable The Wall. It maintains the eerie elements that would surface in Roger Waters' work, but keeps a groove that keeps it moving, making it a superior album in my opinion. "Ain't Nobody But Me," "Soapbox Opera," and "Lady" are standouts for me on this gem of a record. 
Melvins / Flipper - Hot Fish: This is a new collaboration between two bands from the old school American alt punk scene. The first side of the album consists of the two bands playing together, and the second side is the Melvins covering Flipper. Flipper is a band that's had a revolving door of members that have included Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and currently includes David Yow (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard). Because it's a collaboration, we see the Melvins crew deviate a little from their classic sound, but not too much. An interesting EP, but probably only for fans.

Devil's Kitchen - Devil's Kitchen: Formed in San Fran back in '68, this short-lived band never released an album, until this archival release came out in 2011. This has that classic San Fran blues psych sound from that time and the musicians are totally competent, it's just a matter of chance I suppose that they didn't make it while others did. Certainly not a "lost classic" by any means, but quality stuff that deserved to see the light of day. Most of this album was recorded live in the legendary Family Dog Ballroom, where all the big San Fran bands of the time passed through.

The Story Continues...

It's been some time since I've posted about writing, but I've actually been making real progress on the latest manuscript that I've been working on for nearly a year. I'm currently writing a chapter that I feel is the clear half-way point in the story and as I write it, so much of the story is becoming clearer. Anyone who has ever written a novel knows the joy of that feeling. 
I've always found that story creation contains many phases. There is the initial inspiration where the buds of the story sprout. In that early stage, there is so much excitement as to the possibilities that may arise from the idea you've committed to. There is a first burst of pages that seem to spew out, but after a bit you find yourself in the mire of the story. You're doing a lot of technical work, a lot of map reading trying to figure out where the hell you're going.
For me, I find that by the end of the first third of a story, I'm muddling around a little. I've introduced the elements that will come into play. I've started to weave them together. But then there is that moment where you have to make real choices in order to provide direction. You have to take the lose threads you've left dangling and tie them together And just when it begins to feel hopeless, the clouds part...at least, if you're lucky they do.
The clouds have began to part in my story and the view is clear. It will get muddy again, but for now, I will plow ahead into the daylight.