Blogs

Mel Bosworth & Christy Crutchfield "The Five Lost Senses of Carl" (Deckfight Press, October 2011)

Some say that man and the human existence is in a steady (or perhaps rapid) decline. Whether you agree with that or not you will be able to appreciate the way Mel and Christy paint that physical decline so literally. It is so difficult to imagine losing any one of our senses, each play a crucial role in balancing the way we experience life around us. In The Five Lost Senses of Carl we are able to observe and experience that loss through Carl's troubled and accident filled life.

I don't think it is spoiling anything to say Carl losses his senses, and the way Mel & Christy describe what he is going through is riveting. You feel as though you are experiencing the tragedy along side Carl, and in the end are as trapped as he is.

The Five Lost Senses of Carl is available as a free ebook from Deckfight Press.

Julie Speed "Compass", 2011 collage and gouache 17 1/2 x 17 1/2 in.

Julie has a new exhibit that just open at GP Gallery in New York.

Listening:
1. Way Yes!: I am always impressed with the bands that I figure on the Lefse label and the latest find is called Way Yes! Listen to: "Automail" (mp3)
2. Lambchop: Kurt Wagner is returning with his Lambchop project this February with the album "Mr. M". You can grab the incredible first single from the album, "If Not I'll Just Die" here.
3. Volcanoes: This St. Louis based duo is the latest signing of Afternoon Records. They play everything at 11! Listen to: "A Knife in the Dark" (mp3)

Reading:
1. Excerpt from Threats by Amelia Gray
2. Star Anise by Kari Nguyen

Episode 87: Give Up Because Life's So Long

* Ana C. & Stephen Tully Dierks "the agony of life (life's so long)"
* Sunbears! "They Think They're Soooo Philosophical"
* Burial "Shell of Light (Shlohmo Remix)"
* Kristina Marie Darling reading from The Body is a Little Gilded Cage
* Nite Jewel "Sister"
* Suburban Living "Give Up"
* Burial "Shell of Light (Shlohmo Remix)"

Scott Campbell “Clay on Wheel Series #2" from the current show entitled "Ghost" at Gallery 1988 in LA.

Listening:
1. Spacecamp: This Brooklyn-based band is releasing their debut ep soon. Listen to: "Miko D.T.B."
2. Tennis: This Denver-based based trio is releasing their sophomore album in February. Listen to: "Origins"
3. Black Light Dinner Party: This NYC band released a "sexy" video this week for their new single "Gold Chain" (mp3) to media and I can't wait to share it when it is released... two words, Ron Jeremy!

Reading:
1. The Deer, the Dad, Etc... by Jimmy Chen
2. Nights and Weekends by Brett Gallagher
3. Seeds by Noel Sloboda

Episode 86: Thank You For Your Interest

* Alex Clare: "Caroline"
* Overwerk: "Buzzin'"
* Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz: "Thank You For Your Interest In Our Fellowship"
* Mwahaha: "Love" ft tUnE-yArDs
* Overwerk: "Buzzin'"
* The Dirty Poet live from The Orange Alert Reading Series
* The Loom: "For The Hooves That Gallop, and The Heels That March"
* Noah Wall: "Public Dancer"

In the new short story/ebook from Hosho McCreesh we find a blue collar husband searching for something that alludes most, truth. In this brief look into his life you can he has been hurt, and is now wondering if anything can be done to make it right. For McCreesh to make this character a mechanic seems fitting. He is able with ease and precision to repair all the various types of vehicles that he is brought, but can not manage to repair a broken relationship. What is key to the story is that this relationship is not broken because of something he has done, but because of all of the things he has never done. The irony lays in the final section of the story where he finally takes a stand. Would Cathy have been proved of his bold change or is his just running further away for ambition.

Something That's True was released last month as an ebook though Mendicant Bookworks.

Brian Dettmer "Prehistoric Societies (detail)" 8-5/8 x 7 x 1-1/2" Book, Acrylic Medium, with Ink Jet Print (not pictured)
2011

Dettmer is back in Chicago for two weeks only at Packer Schopf Gallery.

Listening:
1. The Bandana Splits: Anytime a group cover Moz I pay attention, but this band especially. Listen to: Everyday is Like Sunday (mp3)
2. Trippple Nippples: Have all the good band names been used? Check out this unique group with an unfortunate name here.
3. Currents: Fresh rock from LA. Download their EP here.

Reading:
1. The Strip by Amy Rossi
2. Hike by Lincoln Michel
3. Orange by Andrew Borgstrom
4. On Not Believing by Curtis Smith