Even though my blogging has suffered the last month, please don’t think I’ve been remiss in my mission to become a better man through my actions, thoughts and daily interactions. I’ve had two big DIY projects I’m hoping to present to you, my nearly 10s of readers, as well as some warmer weather thoughts as the school year melts into summer vacation. I coach lacrosse, which takes up the most time of all my extra curriculares, but I’ll be back on the blogging horse soon enough.
Right now, I’d like to take some time to go over some media I’ve been digesting the last few weeks. Mostly music and books (my preferred media intake) of one kind or another:
Tegan & Sara “The Con” - This definitely fell into my Bob Dylan theory of music where I hate it at first listen but my annoyance quickly evolves into deep appreciation. Strong lyrics and interesting sound structure make up for any feelings of vocal repetition.
Astronautalis “This is our Science” - An indie rapper who recently relocated to the Twin Cities from Portland. Great lyrics, a commanding voice and interesting things to say. What’s not to love?
“Zone One” by Colson Whitehead - Check out my review on Goodreads
“Daredevil” by Brian Michael Bendis - I’ve read a lot of comics. A. Lot. And let me say these issues are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The pacing of smaller stories within larger overarching plots is incredible, the characters jump off the page with caring authenticity and the way they acknowledge 50 years of backstory without getting bogged down in it should be used as the standard for current comic book writing.
“Daredevil” by Brian Michael Bendis - I’ve read a lot of comics. A. Lot. And let me say these issues are some of the best I’ve ever seen. The pacing of smaller stories within larger overarching plots is incredible, the characters jump off the page with caring authenticity and the way they acknowledge 50 years of backstory without getting bogged down in it should be used as the standard for current comic book writing.
“Usagi Yojimbo” by Stan Sakai - I love westerns, and a lot of westerns borrow heavily from the Samurai history and mythologies of ancient Japan. Sakai has been writing this comic for more than 20 years telling the story of Yojimbo, a masterless samurai who travels across the Japanese countryside. Some of the stories are single issues that look at Japanese culture, folklore and art, while others are longer narratives. Slower, novelesque pacing and recurring characters who become more complex and entwined with each issue.
