I’M READING AS FAST AS I CAN: MARCH 2011 EDITION

The book reports you’ve been waiting for all this time have arrived. Glory be.

JUST FINISHED

How The West Was Weird, edited by Russ Anderson, Jr

I was reluctant to pick this up, but only because two of the writers in this anthology just happen to read this blog, and what if I had to tell them I didn’t like it? I mean, how awkward is that? Otherwise, I like the idea of an anthology of Weird West tales (being a fan of Jonah Hex and Brisco County Jr and all). And luckily for me, it’s a rather good collection. Inevitably some stories are better than others (with the final story seeming an odd fit as it’s set in modern times), and it helps to have an appreciation for the pulp-fiction style of writing. But there’s a lot of nifty ideas here, from Aztec vampires and gunslinging exorcists to tentacled alien horrors and possibly the strangest zombie story I’ve read in years. And as I like to do my part to support the indie presses, here’s a link for more details.

JUST STARTED

Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler

Well, it’s Raymond Chandler, who writes lines like “a blonde to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained glass window”. Enough said.

( RECENTLY: Triffids! Armageddon! Space opera! Ultimate Truth! And wizards named Harry! )

It’s a kind of magic,

This is dF

LISTEN TO IT #28: 49% MOTHERF***ER, 51% SONOFABITCH

I don’t know about you, but in a world where technological change has accelerated to unprecedented levels and revolutions are breaking out everywhere from Libya and Wisconsin to Charlie Sheen’s house, there’s something almost comforting about the unwavering institution that is Motörhead.

Oh sure, there have been line-up changes, but Lemmy is still in charge of the ship, and the band has managed to stick to the same musical formula for the last 35+ years. How many bands who aren’t AC/DC and Social Distortion can say that? It’s the ultimate in brand maintenance – when Motörhead releases a new album, you know exactly what yr going to get.

Their new album is no different. Evidence follows – with bonus Coco and Andy.

Get back in line,

This is dF