An interesting article on Clarkesworld Magazine’s website, wherein several modern fantasy authors are asked about their RPG backgrounds, and the influence on their work.
Friday Music
Here we go….
Scarlett Johansson is the latest to try the actress-turned-singer route — she’s got her first album coming out later this month. The difference is that Scarlett’s album is a collection of Tom Waits covers — and she’s got folks like David Bowie providing backing vocals. For example: Scarlett Johansson – “Falling Down (feat. David Bowie).”
Also out later this month is Same As It Never Was, the new album from UK jazz/electronic/hip-hop/just-plain-fucking-COOL group The Herbaliser. Since I’m on their mailing list, they sent me a link to a free mp3 from the new stuff — a smoking retro-soul-ish track: The Herbaliser – “You’re Not All That (feat. Jessica Darling — Radio Edit).”
Paris-based DJ Pilooski has done an interesting remix of an old, lesser-known Del Shannon tune. I really like how this one turned out: Del Shannon – “Gemini (Pilooski Edit)”
I’ve been listening quite a bit to the soundtrack of the UK TV series Ashes to Ashes — sequel to Life on Mars, but this time it’s Keeley Hawes sent back to 1981. I enjoyed the show (not quite as much as LOM, but that was uniquely brilliant), and the soundtrack is full of gems from 81. Like this one: Tenpole Tudor – “Swords of a Thousand Men.”
Speaking of the 80s, this one has been stuck in my head for a bit, and I have no other reason to post it other than the fact that it’s one of my all-time favorite songs, and was my introduction to the band: INXS – “The One Thing.”
Saul Williams is the place where hip-hop and spoken-word poetry intersect. This was his debut recording in 1997, from the poetry-slam collection Crucialpoetics, Vol 1. It’s got a lot to say. Some of it isn’t work-safe. You should listen to it, even if you don’t like hip-hop….ESPECIALLY if you don’t like hip-hop. Saul Williams – “Twice the First Time.”
And lastly, a bit of groovy hipster Tarantino-tinged cool, just because: Fun-lovin’ Criminals – “Scooby Snacks.”
Enjoy.
Narrowly Missed Our Flight To Oz
We got hit with a major severe thunderstorm last night. Possible tornado, but unconfirmed by any official spotters.
Our house shook so badly that *I* thought we had a tornado coming, so
About 2 minutes later, the 80 mph straight-line winds blew the window over The Minion’s bed right out of its frame, and onto the bed — which we discovered when it was all over. Her bed had about an inch of standing water on it (and the entire window — thankfully unshattered, which
I’ve lived in Kansas from 84-88, 90-97, and again from 2003 unti now. That storm was the worst I’ve personally been through.
So, yeah — no major damage, aside from a soaked bed, a window needing replacement (or at the very least re-sealing), and some very freaked out animals.