In just 8 issues, Joe the Barbarian became one of my favorite comics of all time. In it, Grant Morrison and Sean Murphy weave fantasy and reality in a book about a boy who transports to a dream world—or does he? This is a fairly standard concept–it’s been done famously by Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland—but Morrison uses this “standard” plot device to powerful effect. And the art is nothing short of breathtaking.
Check out this spread:
Morrison is often difficult to read. He can be nonlinear and can expect too much of his readers. But here, he brings us along fast enough that we don’t get bored, but not so fast as to leave us behind. It’s a risk, when dealing with an overused concept, that readers will dismiss the story as something they’ve seen before. Morrison avoids this by bringing in both the familiar (toys come to life, and we see cameos from Transformers to Star Trek) and the new (characters with mythical names and backstories that are only hinted at), proving that he is truly one of the greatest comic book writers of all time.
I bought the hardcover for all the comic fans I know–it’s a true “all ages” book that can be enjoyed by adults and kids without being simplistic for the grown-ups or condescending to the younger ones.
The book may not have sold that well, but for those of us who read it, it left a deep, powerful impression.
It doesn’t get much more awesome than this….
Rich Daley, a.k.a. Babyface Monster, wants you to have his FreEp. He’s a Chi-town lyricist with a silky flow and lyrics that range from Cool J shmoove to street stories, all told with humor. The whole album feels very person. Really solid stuff.
Get it here.
Babyface Monster – Cadillac Brougham Joints by bfmbangerz
Here’s how this band reached out to me: “My name is Aaron and I’m in a live Hip Hop band from London, England.”
When I see “hip hop” and “England” in the same sentence, my first instinct to to head for zee hills. But this one’s good. Real good.
Check out the vid for “Pubsteppin,” below. That’s British for barhopping. And if you like it, the album is just six pounds on Bandcamp I don’t know what is in dollars, but I’m pretty sure it’s about six.
We also recently dropped an album (free link below):
Music to be stoned to. Not high, stoned. Whistle Peak’s lo-fi Americana fits in well with bands like Yeasayer and Colossal Gospel–bands who take traditional elements and play them a little … Strangely. Sometimes there’s an off-key accordi0n or a suffocated vocal. It’s always a little bit whimsical, a little bit painful, and never, ever takes itself too seriously. It’s music that’s willing to take a chance at failure, or at doing something radical and weird. It’s never broad, but never narrow.
Hopefully, by the time you’ve read down to hear you’re confused and curious enough to give them a try. But remember: This won’t make you skip or clap. It’s the sound of contemplative paintings.
Scheduled for release February 14, 2012, on Karate Body records.
Whistle Peak, “Wings Won’t Behave” by karatebody
Extremely good freEp, which you can get here.
I don’t know why so many folks are covering Pat Benetar these days, but it warms my heart. She was totally my favorite when I was ten. And surprisingly, the craft of her songs holds up real well.
[soundowl track_id="2lsl" title="Shadows of the Battlefield (Pat Benatar Medley) - Free Download" artist="Colossal Gospel" url="colossal-gospel-shadows-of-the-battlefield-pat-benatar-medley-free-download" ]
Download Thao & Mirah Love Is a Battlefield (pat benetar)
[soundowl track_id="2lsm" title="Love Is A Battlefield (Pat Benetar)" artist="Bird by Bird" url="bird-by-bird-love-is-a-battlefield-pat-benetar" ]
Good rap single that samples Fiest. So all you indieraplovers can dig it.
Here’s the remix.
Here’s the video:
Youtube to mp3
