Welcome Distractions
New music, book reviews, short stories and more from blog this week
Plus lots of links to other good stuff that didn’t get there (yet)
Hi! You’re here! Thank you.
Gotta keep this brief - all the time I usually allocate to writing the fun part of this turned to smoke, a loved one got into a motorcycle accident (he’s ok), an old friend from Berlin and his family dropped in for a visit, and my kid almost got lost at a big comic book festival, resulting in a panicked call and a lost afternoon while I sprung into Rescue Dad mode. (I love being Rescue Dad, it has been a while single I had the chance).
All that to say: doozy of a week. I’m hammering this out on my phone in a coffee place in the middle of the night but it’s fun to have adventures. I’m off on one last road trip on Friday before the real world comes back, and I’m frankly glad to see the end of this summer.
Bring on fall.
Got something to share? Lay it on me. And now:
Off the blog: links you shouldn’t miss
A few good things to share today:
I wrote last week about the Polari award for LGBTQ+ literature falling apart because of a transphobe’s inclusion. They cancelled the whole thing. And if you didn’t think that the guy was a jackass, this’ll seal the deal.
An excellent interview with Yael van der Wouden in Lit Hub. Her book The Safekeep is one of the best I’ve read this year.
If you’ve considered doing A Personal Anthology, now’s your chance, Jonathan is taking submissions. I did it and it was much harder and much more rewarding than I expected it to be.
This profile of Penn and Teller is a brilliant, excellent read.
The stylistic through line in 50 years of Penn and Teller is skepticism. Their act begins with the assumption that magic tricks are all bunk. Then the two trick you.
I can’t be the only one that, when they see a bookshelf on TV, loses all interest in what else is happening. Here’s a fun piece about evaluating your therapists books.
Blog fave Chris Dalla Riva got the “My Internet” treatment this week, and it’s a fun read:
There was recently a trend on Twitter started by Matthew Zeitlin (in a deleted tweet) where people were discussing the worst song of all time. Some of the most popular suggestions have been ridiculous. “Brown Eyed Girl.” “Sweet Caroline.” “Hey Ya!” If people think those are the worst songs of all time, they can count themselves blessed.
What got your attention this week? Got a hot take on something? Hit reply and let me know.
On the Blog
Reading:
Catherine Lacey’s memoir/novella hybrid is just stunning. You should read it.
The Pilgrimage, which was published in Ireland in 1961 and banned for being spicy and gay, is a good artifact if not a great novel
The Rarest Fruit will teach you about vanilla cultivation, the history of Réunion Island, and it’ll feel like someone singing to you while it does.
The Shortlist: A short shortlist today, but there’s a stunning piece of nonfiction there. Check it out.
Got a short story? Send it my way
Listening:
Great features this week:
Bebe and Oona released their new album a couple of months ago. I liked it the. But I like it more now. Bebe’s vocal style is so unique, you have to hear it.
Cruel Sister has an interesting backstory and an even more interesting record out.
Air Drawn Dagger’s A Guide For Apparitions is a pop-punk hybrid thing with wild music videos.
Winter’s new record Adult Romantix is a lovely, wistful, nostalgic collection of lo-fi indie songs.
The Setlist: 2 hours of great music. Standout tracks from a trio of blog faves": The Boojums, Days on Parade and Work Wife
Listen on Apple Music or Spotify.
What’s on your playlist? Send me your faves
Next week: Check back Monday, I’ll have a plan by then. All I know is the Ganser record comes out next week and you don’t want to miss that.
Thanks for being here.
-hugh
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