New Music From Doves!

 

New Doves' album releases February 14! Not sure if anyone else knew this was coming, but it was a total surprise to me when I saw this pop up online in the middle of the night Sunday, and in keeping to form, I'm instantly smitten.

Pre-order Constellations For The Lonely HERE.

 

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Watch:

Peacock's Hysteria! is a show I read about and thought, "Sounds great, but I'll bet the execution will put me off."

Nope. I am happy to report that halfway through the series and I'm really digging this one.

Bruce Campbell is a huge plus here. He's just so likable, and yeah, we all know that, but honestly, he's never been enough to get me to watch something that seems like I won't take to it (I still haven't seen Black Friday). Here, though, he anchors an otherwise fantastic cast of characters, and while I'm pretty sure I can see what's coming a mile away, hey, I might very well be wrong. In the meantime, this 80s tale of Heavy Metal and Satanic Panic takes me back to my youth, and what's more, nostalgia is not all Hysteria! has to offer. I'm genuinely curious where this is going and I'm enjoying the road there, so this is a full recommend.

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Read:

Pretty sure I just read what will be my favorite comic of the year, and that's the seven-issue FISHFLIES by Jeff Lemire.

While I've become a fan of Lemire's work as a writer ever since Gideon Falls, reading much of what he puts out with other artists, but ever since 2022's Maze Book, I've really developed an appreciation for the books he writes and does the art for. That's Fishflies, and it is really something. I'd read the first four or five issues back a few months ago (this was the book I subscribed to via my Chicago store, Amazing Fantasy, so picking it up was sporadic at best), then decided to wait until I had the entire run before rereading. 

First, I LOVE how this was released as seven perfect-bound, 64-page issues. I adore that format, and it definitely helped create a great reading experience. Perfect-bound always does. It reminds me of old-school prestige-format books like Batman: The Cult and The Punisher: No Escape. Second, this book starts one place and then really veers into some strange territory. That's all I'll say, as I wouldn't want to ruin anyone else's experience, just let it be said if you dig Lemire's work, I think you'll love FISHFLIES.

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Playlist:

Doves - Renegade (Pre-release single)

Nachtmystium - Survivor's Remorse (single)

Dr. John - Gris Gris

Melvins - Tarantula Heart

Antibalas - Where the Gods Are in Peace

John Carpenter - Lost Themes IV: Noir

Chrystabell & David Lynch - Cellophane Memories

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Card:

Today's card for study is the 7 of Wands, Valour:

Unintentionally drew two of the four Sevens in a row, so I'll continue on that path for the remainder. Netzach has always been the Sephiroth that drew me most (outside of Tipareth). 

From the Grimoire, "A positive result dependent on the actions of the Querent."

Computer Blue

 

From possibly the greatest album of the 1980s. This will probably be taken down by the estate, even though I'm not trying to do anything here other than spread love for one absolutely amazing song. Listen to the keys below the surface. Also, just listen to the way this song does a complete transformation halfway through. I would be hard-pressed to think of a song that sounds more progressively 80s, and by that I mean it doesn't sound dated. Or nostalgic, exactly, but still futuristic, in the way that 80s Psyber Punk still feels futuristic, even though we've moved beyond or outright incorporated so much of its textures into the fabric of our everyday world.  

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NCBD:

HOLY SHIT! How are these covers just getting better and better? I believe this is the penultimate issue of the series, and I will most definitely be sad to see it go. I'll now follow Daniel Warren Johnson anywhere he chooses to go.

Issue #1 of Red Room has been banging around in my head for the last month, and I'm psyched to jump back into it with the second issue!

I didn't realize That Texas Blood was returning so quickly! Very cool; I loved the first arc and can't wait to jump into the second. A suitable replacement for Southern Bastards (for the moment).

The finale! I'll probably be re-reading this series start to finish now that it's done.

If that cover doesn't evoke Clive Barker, I don't know what does.

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Playlist:

Atrium Carceri - Kapnobatai

White Zombie - Astro-Creep 2000 

White Zombie - La Sexorcisto 

Not a lot of music today, as I was fully enraptured with the 22nd installment of Bret Easton Ellis's The Shards. This is not only the best thing he's written - hard for me to say that considering how much I love Lunar Park - but his readings have become wickedly engaging. The interplay between Abby Malory and young Bret blew me away.

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Card:

So, I canceled the meet-up with my old friend and postponed the posting of my nosleep serial. Lots of reasons to go ahead with both, and as this card suggests maybe I should have. The meet-up was a little outside my control, the nosleep postponement was all me second-guessing myself. Bad idea? Maybe, but I genuinely think there is something bigger the post can be than what it is. Better. I'll give it a week. Then it's on.