Re(a)dZebra

bBooks: The Book of Other People, ed. Zadie Smith
Strikingly familiar yet woven throughout the world—global and intimate. The characters created are more real than Mom or Dad. Exquisite writing, mostly, especially in “Frank,” “Lele” and “Puppy.”

mMusic: Sigur Ros, Med suf ieyrum vid spilum endalaust.
Different, but settles—moves abstractly, as if directionless. But props for vibraphone on Track 2 and heavier rhythm/pace. Favorite part = the cover. Sigur Ros fans won’t be disappointed.

fFilm: Lars & The Real Girl
Quirky and real, enough pace to offset the long rural shots. A troubled man begins a relationship with a sex doll. Eventually, the community begins to understand. And help.

mMusic: Langhorne Slim, Langhorne Slim
Genuine folk music that’s itchy around the collar. “Collette” tells of a young lover in a refreshingly stripped-down lyrical style. “She’s Gone” a break-neck tale of loss. Profound, simple arrangements.

bBooks: Devil in the White City, Erik Larson
Turn-of-the-century Chicago brought to life in mirrored tales of two winning men: an architect of the 1893 World’s Fair, the other a killer. At times melodramatic, stories are riveting throughout.

coming soon:

mMusic.
Portico Quartet, Knee-Deep in the North Sea
Mugison, Mugiboogie
Sigur Ros, Med suf i eyrum vid spilum endalaust
Andrew Bird, Noble Beast

bBooks.
The Book of Other People, edited by Zadie Smith
Alphabet Juice, Roy Blount, Jr.

fFilm.
The Visitor
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Revolutionary Road