-BOOKS:
3. Grace Notes: Stories of Surprise, Regret, and Redemption by Robert Hubbard*
2. SCUM Manifesto by Valerie Solanas
1. Castrated: My Eight Months in Prison by Ralph Ginzburg
-PERIODICALS and ZINES:
-Imprimis-
"Imprimis," October 2025, Volume 54, Number 10
"Imprimis," November 2025, Volume 54, Number 11
"Imprimis," December 2025, Volume 54, Number 12
"Imprimis," January 2026, Volume 55, Number 1
"Imprimis," February 2026, Volume 55, Number 2
"Imprimis," March/April 2026, Volume 55, Number 3/4
-The Voice of the Martyrs-
"The Voice of the Martyrs," October 2025, Volume 59, Number 10
"The Voice of the Martyrs," December 2025, Volume 59, Number 12
"The Voice of the Martyrs," January 2026, Volume 60, Number 1
(Updated May 8, 2026) *- indicates most recent addition
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Reading in 2025 (complete)
-BOOKS:
5. John D. Rockefeller on Making Money by John D. Rockefeller (compilation)
4. Paradoxia: A Predator's Diary by Lydia Lunch
3. Scenes with My Son: Love and Grief in the Wake of Suicide by Robert Hubbard
2. Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
1. Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction by Stephen J. Davis
-PERIODICALS and ZINES:
-Fangoria-
"Fangoria," Mubi's The Twin Peaks Issue
-Imprimis-
"Imprimis," March/April 2025, Volume 54, Number 3/4
"Imprimis," June 2025, Volume 54, Number 6
"Imprimis," July/August 2025, Volume 54, Number 7/8
"Imprimis," September 2025, Volume 54, Number 9
-The Voice of the Martyrs-
"The Voice of the Martyrs," April 2025, Volume 59, Number 4
"The Voice of the Martyrs," May 2025, Volume 59, Number 5
"The Voice of the Martyrs," June 2025, Volume 59, Number 6
"The Voice of the Martyrs," July 2025, Volume 59, Number 7
(Updated December 31, 2025)
5. John D. Rockefeller on Making Money by John D. Rockefeller (compilation)
4. Paradoxia: A Predator's Diary by Lydia Lunch
3. Scenes with My Son: Love and Grief in the Wake of Suicide by Robert Hubbard
2. Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton
1. Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction by Stephen J. Davis
-PERIODICALS and ZINES:
-Fangoria-
"Fangoria," Mubi's The Twin Peaks Issue
-Imprimis-
"Imprimis," March/April 2025, Volume 54, Number 3/4
"Imprimis," June 2025, Volume 54, Number 6
"Imprimis," July/August 2025, Volume 54, Number 7/8
"Imprimis," September 2025, Volume 54, Number 9
-The Voice of the Martyrs-
"The Voice of the Martyrs," April 2025, Volume 59, Number 4
"The Voice of the Martyrs," May 2025, Volume 59, Number 5
"The Voice of the Martyrs," June 2025, Volume 59, Number 6
"The Voice of the Martyrs," July 2025, Volume 59, Number 7
(Updated December 31, 2025)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Road Games (1981)
This sometimes sloppy, but effectively shot thriller has been mischaracterized as a slasher film for decades thanks to the presence of iconic scream queen Curtis.
Quid (a very likable Stacy Keach) is an independent truck driver cruising around Australia. His traveling mate is a nonbarking dingo named Boswell, and the pair scrounge for jobs and places to sleep, with Quid doing a running monologue to his pet. During one trip, he notices something happening with a hitchhiker and a mysterious stranger in a green van, who always seems to be either following Quid or being in close enough proximity to turn Quid paranoid. After Quid picks up "Hitch" (Jamie Lee Curtis), a hitchhiker, he begins a cat-and-mouse game with the green van's "Smith or Jones" (Grant Page), who he suspects may not be showing up at all the right times because of coincidence.
Although second billed, Curtis has just a few scenes. This is Keach's vehicle (so to speak) and he rises to the occasion, although the two leads have a great onscreen chemistry. The Australian setting provides some wide open spaces, and quickly recalls other highway suspensers like "Duel," "Joy Ride," "Breakdown," and so on. Director Franklin succeeds mostly through his point-of-view camera placement. If something is happening further up the road, we don't get a front row seat to the happenings, we see what Quid sees. Smith or Jones is not a superhuman killing machine, the film's success lies in the build-up of the suspense- as one online reviewer quipped: "Rear Windshield." The tension does approach Hitchcockian heights at times, and this could have been almost perfect as "Rear Window" is, but toward the middle of the film screenwriter De Roche has a couple of "wha?" sequences and terrible character decisions that frustrate. There seems to be a lazy attempt to incorporate the "Games" part of the title into the film through some of Quid's dialogue, but nothing comes from that, either. Curtis did this film in 1981, and would appear with Stacy's brother James Keach in the sexually charged drama "Love Letters" two years later, in case you ever need that piece of Hollywood trivia.
This film was released before the MPAA introduced the "PG-13" rating, so it is a very hard "PG," and would probably earn that "-13" if released today. Also known as "Roadgames," this is a very good road thriller.
Stats:
-(1981) 101 min. (8/10)
-Directed by Richard Franklin
-Screenplay by Everett De Roche, Story by Everett De Roche and Richard Franklin
-Cast: Stacy Keach, Jamie Lee Curtis, Grant Page, Marion Edward, Robert Thompson, Thaddeus Smith, Steve Millichamp, Alan Hopgood, John Murphy, Bill Stacey, Ed Turley, Angelica La Bozzetta, Colin Vancao
-(US: PG)-(UK:15)-(Au:M)- Physical violence, brief gore, some profanity, sexual content, sexual references, adult situations, alcohol use
Quid (a very likable Stacy Keach) is an independent truck driver cruising around Australia. His traveling mate is a nonbarking dingo named Boswell, and the pair scrounge for jobs and places to sleep, with Quid doing a running monologue to his pet. During one trip, he notices something happening with a hitchhiker and a mysterious stranger in a green van, who always seems to be either following Quid or being in close enough proximity to turn Quid paranoid. After Quid picks up "Hitch" (Jamie Lee Curtis), a hitchhiker, he begins a cat-and-mouse game with the green van's "Smith or Jones" (Grant Page), who he suspects may not be showing up at all the right times because of coincidence.
Although second billed, Curtis has just a few scenes. This is Keach's vehicle (so to speak) and he rises to the occasion, although the two leads have a great onscreen chemistry. The Australian setting provides some wide open spaces, and quickly recalls other highway suspensers like "Duel," "Joy Ride," "Breakdown," and so on. Director Franklin succeeds mostly through his point-of-view camera placement. If something is happening further up the road, we don't get a front row seat to the happenings, we see what Quid sees. Smith or Jones is not a superhuman killing machine, the film's success lies in the build-up of the suspense- as one online reviewer quipped: "Rear Windshield." The tension does approach Hitchcockian heights at times, and this could have been almost perfect as "Rear Window" is, but toward the middle of the film screenwriter De Roche has a couple of "wha?" sequences and terrible character decisions that frustrate. There seems to be a lazy attempt to incorporate the "Games" part of the title into the film through some of Quid's dialogue, but nothing comes from that, either. Curtis did this film in 1981, and would appear with Stacy's brother James Keach in the sexually charged drama "Love Letters" two years later, in case you ever need that piece of Hollywood trivia.
This film was released before the MPAA introduced the "PG-13" rating, so it is a very hard "PG," and would probably earn that "-13" if released today. Also known as "Roadgames," this is a very good road thriller.
Stats:
-(1981) 101 min. (8/10)
-Directed by Richard Franklin
-Screenplay by Everett De Roche, Story by Everett De Roche and Richard Franklin
-Cast: Stacy Keach, Jamie Lee Curtis, Grant Page, Marion Edward, Robert Thompson, Thaddeus Smith, Steve Millichamp, Alan Hopgood, John Murphy, Bill Stacey, Ed Turley, Angelica La Bozzetta, Colin Vancao
-(US: PG)-(UK:15)-(Au:M)- Physical violence, brief gore, some profanity, sexual content, sexual references, adult situations, alcohol use
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Album Review: "Dare to Dream"- Yanni
*Get "Dare to Dream" by Yanni on Amazon here*
*Get Yanni In Words by Yanni with David Rensin on Amazon here*
With his swarthy good looks and hair a male pattern baldness sufferer like myself would kill for, Yanni was almost as pretty as the music on this album. Unfortunately, more than half the songs here confirm the reputation that New Age/Ambient music has acquired over the years- a lot of this stuff is really good, and a lot of this stuff is slop. By song:
1. Once Upon a Time
The song's sudden start will catch you off guard, and the tune has a touchy-feely-warm-fuzzy ambience to it. It sounds like the end credits to a "The Mighty Ducks" film.
2. A Love for Life
An edgier feel makes this a better listen. The album should have opened with this.
3. Nice to Meet You
An acoustic violin gives this a jaunty, jazzy, Celtic bounce. Really great.
4. So Long My Friend
Simple and sad piano is punctuated by completely unnecessary background instruments.
5. You Only Live Once
Driving percussion dress up this average cut, but this is way too long at over seven minutes.
6. To the One Who Knows
This time, simple and sad piano is helped by background instruments; a nice, plain piece.
7. Face in the Photograph
The piano sails here, in a lush tune that screams for comparable lyrics.
8. Felitsa
I do not know who or what a Felitsa is, but this feels contrived and emotionless.
9. Desire
I certainly hope this is not what desire sounds like to Yanni- bored drums and harsh wind instruments.
10. Aria
Taken from a French opera, this is the only cut on the album with vocals. There is more than just a backbeat here, and Yanni re-imagining other operatic works could prove interesting.
11. A Night to Remember
The less than stellar CD starts to wind down with a night I would prefer to forget- long and repetitive.
12. In the Mirror
The album ends where it begins- on a sour note.
Never mind that the song titles sound like greeting card categories at a strip mall pharmacy, or the program at a really dull French film festival. The entire effort smacks of mediocrity. I usually like this kind of stuff but the negative outweighs the positive. I must slightly not recommend "Dare to Dream."
*Get Yanni In Words by Yanni with David Rensin on Amazon here*
With his swarthy good looks and hair a male pattern baldness sufferer like myself would kill for, Yanni was almost as pretty as the music on this album. Unfortunately, more than half the songs here confirm the reputation that New Age/Ambient music has acquired over the years- a lot of this stuff is really good, and a lot of this stuff is slop. By song:
1. Once Upon a Time
The song's sudden start will catch you off guard, and the tune has a touchy-feely-warm-fuzzy ambience to it. It sounds like the end credits to a "The Mighty Ducks" film.
2. A Love for Life
An edgier feel makes this a better listen. The album should have opened with this.
3. Nice to Meet You
An acoustic violin gives this a jaunty, jazzy, Celtic bounce. Really great.
4. So Long My Friend
Simple and sad piano is punctuated by completely unnecessary background instruments.
5. You Only Live Once
Driving percussion dress up this average cut, but this is way too long at over seven minutes.
6. To the One Who Knows
This time, simple and sad piano is helped by background instruments; a nice, plain piece.
7. Face in the Photograph
The piano sails here, in a lush tune that screams for comparable lyrics.
8. Felitsa
I do not know who or what a Felitsa is, but this feels contrived and emotionless.
9. Desire
I certainly hope this is not what desire sounds like to Yanni- bored drums and harsh wind instruments.
10. Aria
Taken from a French opera, this is the only cut on the album with vocals. There is more than just a backbeat here, and Yanni re-imagining other operatic works could prove interesting.
11. A Night to Remember
The less than stellar CD starts to wind down with a night I would prefer to forget- long and repetitive.
12. In the Mirror
The album ends where it begins- on a sour note.
Never mind that the song titles sound like greeting card categories at a strip mall pharmacy, or the program at a really dull French film festival. The entire effort smacks of mediocrity. I usually like this kind of stuff but the negative outweighs the positive. I must slightly not recommend "Dare to Dream."
Album Review: "A Man Called (E)"- E (Mark Everett)
*Get "A Man Called (E)" by E (Mark Everett) on Amazon here*
*Get Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett on Amazon here*
This decades old album is one of those unknown, underrated collections of songs that everyone can relate to, and will leave you wondering why E (real name: Mark Everett) never had bigger success with it. The songs, except for two co-writes, were written by Everett and deal with distant love in a screwed up world back in the early 1990's when our biggest problem was the Gulf War. The songs here are not depressing, however. They are upbeat, uptempo, and so true anyone out there will feel Everett is penning your emotions and getting it right on target. One by one, the songs are:
1. Hello Cruel World
This catchy intro song just talks about the weird world we are in, without getting melancholy. We should just learn to accept our surroundings and get on with it.
"What the hell, Hello Cruel World"
2. Fitting In With the Misfits
My favorite song on the album, as Everett sings about marching to the beat of your own drummer, made easier if you have friends who can march with you.
"Living in lost and found... Lost souls don't know where they're bound"
3. Are You and Me Gonna Happen
Great piano hook and fresh drums make a seemingly unhappy song about a one-sided love affair almost giddy.
4. Looking Out the Window With a Blue Hat On
Another love from a distance song as Everett crosses into surreal territory, wanting to die and be born again so he can love his ideal even more. Not as uptempo as the earlier songs, but good.
5. Nowheresville
A song we can all relate to, as Everett and maybe his cowriter want to take off and travel to exotic lands, falling in love with the perfect girl/companion on these imaginary travels that many of us will never make.
"Insane on the Seine"
6. Symphony for Toy Piano in G Minor
A thirty-second break in the songs has a toy piano leading an orchestra to crescendo; very clever.
7. Mockingbird Franklin
Great use of strings make this song about the singer's soulmate even more moving. Mockingbird is just going through life not caring what everyone else thinks.
"I'm a lot like you"
8. I've Been Kicked Around
This song is very similar to the Traveling Wilburys sound of the 1980's. The singer has been kicked around by life, losing his heart and soul, but he is alright.
9. Pray
Another peppy song about love from afar has a spiritual side to it as Everett looks for his perfect mate.
10. E's Tune
Another almost spiritual song, as Everett breaks from his perfect vocal/music mix to show the listener his confusion about the world around him.
"Life's just an ugly mess...and it feels like someone's smiling down on me"
11. You'll Be the Scarecrow
The weakest song here, while still good, borrows too many elements from the first ten songs on this album.
My biggest disappointment with "A Man Called (E)" is that the songs are too short and there are not enough of them. Excluding the thirty second toy piano symphony, three of the songs are under three minutes, and none of the songs go over four minutes. Everett's blend of friendly pop standard instruments and intelligent lyrics will make you wonder what radio programmers were listening to in the day. Mark Everett, and his later band Eels, is an artist to seek out and enjoy, and is one of the many reasons I do not listen to mainstream radio.
*Get Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett on Amazon here*
This decades old album is one of those unknown, underrated collections of songs that everyone can relate to, and will leave you wondering why E (real name: Mark Everett) never had bigger success with it. The songs, except for two co-writes, were written by Everett and deal with distant love in a screwed up world back in the early 1990's when our biggest problem was the Gulf War. The songs here are not depressing, however. They are upbeat, uptempo, and so true anyone out there will feel Everett is penning your emotions and getting it right on target. One by one, the songs are:
1. Hello Cruel World
This catchy intro song just talks about the weird world we are in, without getting melancholy. We should just learn to accept our surroundings and get on with it.
"What the hell, Hello Cruel World"
2. Fitting In With the Misfits
My favorite song on the album, as Everett sings about marching to the beat of your own drummer, made easier if you have friends who can march with you.
"Living in lost and found... Lost souls don't know where they're bound"
3. Are You and Me Gonna Happen
Great piano hook and fresh drums make a seemingly unhappy song about a one-sided love affair almost giddy.
4. Looking Out the Window With a Blue Hat On
Another love from a distance song as Everett crosses into surreal territory, wanting to die and be born again so he can love his ideal even more. Not as uptempo as the earlier songs, but good.
5. Nowheresville
A song we can all relate to, as Everett and maybe his cowriter want to take off and travel to exotic lands, falling in love with the perfect girl/companion on these imaginary travels that many of us will never make.
"Insane on the Seine"
6. Symphony for Toy Piano in G Minor
A thirty-second break in the songs has a toy piano leading an orchestra to crescendo; very clever.
7. Mockingbird Franklin
Great use of strings make this song about the singer's soulmate even more moving. Mockingbird is just going through life not caring what everyone else thinks.
"I'm a lot like you"
8. I've Been Kicked Around
This song is very similar to the Traveling Wilburys sound of the 1980's. The singer has been kicked around by life, losing his heart and soul, but he is alright.
9. Pray
Another peppy song about love from afar has a spiritual side to it as Everett looks for his perfect mate.
10. E's Tune
Another almost spiritual song, as Everett breaks from his perfect vocal/music mix to show the listener his confusion about the world around him.
"Life's just an ugly mess...and it feels like someone's smiling down on me"
11. You'll Be the Scarecrow
The weakest song here, while still good, borrows too many elements from the first ten songs on this album.
My biggest disappointment with "A Man Called (E)" is that the songs are too short and there are not enough of them. Excluding the thirty second toy piano symphony, three of the songs are under three minutes, and none of the songs go over four minutes. Everett's blend of friendly pop standard instruments and intelligent lyrics will make you wonder what radio programmers were listening to in the day. Mark Everett, and his later band Eels, is an artist to seek out and enjoy, and is one of the many reasons I do not listen to mainstream radio.
Album Review: "Marvelous Sauce"- Marvelous Sauce
*Get the album "Marvelous Sauce" on Amazon here*
*Get The History of Canadian Rock 'n' Roll by Bob Mersereau on Amazon here*
This self-titled CD from a Canadian group was on many college charts around the country in the early 1990's, although you have probably heard music similar to this before. Do you remember that "jazzy" streak that hit popular music in the mid-to-late 1980s? Groups like Double, Spandau Ballet, Level 42, and Breathe made it big.
Marvelous Sauce brings back that era with the first song on the album- "Sister Knows What To Do." To get an idea of what this song sounds like, think of Breathe at their weakest. Next is "Animals on Bicycles," which starts out fine, but sinks with poor lyrics. The song seems like an inside joke: "Animals on bicycles...they're likable/Thoroughly respectable in overalls." "The Amended Will" tells an odd story of a man dying of a heart attack. The song sounds like something from The Replacements, complete with bouncy guitar melody. "Medium" is also helped by better music than lyrics. Heck, think of Breathe at their best in a song praising the virtues of anonymity and mediocrity. "Strength and Sobriety" is probably the best cut on the album. It sounds like an early Billy Joel song, with some great piano and vocals. "Talk About You" has everything but soul and feeling- unmemorable, to say the least. "Move on Living" also falls into that category. "On My Floor" is better, thanks to a distinguished vocal arrangement, although the lyrics are a mystery. "Underwater"'s melody is everywhere, you will need a map to keep up. "Temporarily Aside" is another strong cut with strong lyrics and a wonderful organ riff.
The group's singer and lyricist, Stephen Barrick, has a nice range, although some of his lyrics seem silly. The rest of the band is very good, with Joe Rozier's piano, organ, and keyboards doing a fantastic job. Unfortunately, Rozier is under a "Special Appearance by..." credit. Strongest cuts on the album: "The Amended Will," "Strength and Sobriety," "Temporarily Aside," and "Medium."
*Get The History of Canadian Rock 'n' Roll by Bob Mersereau on Amazon here*
This self-titled CD from a Canadian group was on many college charts around the country in the early 1990's, although you have probably heard music similar to this before. Do you remember that "jazzy" streak that hit popular music in the mid-to-late 1980s? Groups like Double, Spandau Ballet, Level 42, and Breathe made it big.
Marvelous Sauce brings back that era with the first song on the album- "Sister Knows What To Do." To get an idea of what this song sounds like, think of Breathe at their weakest. Next is "Animals on Bicycles," which starts out fine, but sinks with poor lyrics. The song seems like an inside joke: "Animals on bicycles...they're likable/Thoroughly respectable in overalls." "The Amended Will" tells an odd story of a man dying of a heart attack. The song sounds like something from The Replacements, complete with bouncy guitar melody. "Medium" is also helped by better music than lyrics. Heck, think of Breathe at their best in a song praising the virtues of anonymity and mediocrity. "Strength and Sobriety" is probably the best cut on the album. It sounds like an early Billy Joel song, with some great piano and vocals. "Talk About You" has everything but soul and feeling- unmemorable, to say the least. "Move on Living" also falls into that category. "On My Floor" is better, thanks to a distinguished vocal arrangement, although the lyrics are a mystery. "Underwater"'s melody is everywhere, you will need a map to keep up. "Temporarily Aside" is another strong cut with strong lyrics and a wonderful organ riff.
The group's singer and lyricist, Stephen Barrick, has a nice range, although some of his lyrics seem silly. The rest of the band is very good, with Joe Rozier's piano, organ, and keyboards doing a fantastic job. Unfortunately, Rozier is under a "Special Appearance by..." credit. Strongest cuts on the album: "The Amended Will," "Strength and Sobriety," "Temporarily Aside," and "Medium."
ALBUM REVIEW INDEX
ALBUM REVIEWS: (alphabetical by primary performer's name)
E
- "A Man Called (E)"- E (Mark Everett)
M
- "Marvelous Sauce"- Marvelous Sauce
P
- "Release"- Pet Shop Boys
S
- "Laundry Service"- Shakira
- "Party"- Nick Swardson
- "Get In Touch With Yourself"- Swing Out Sister
T
- "This is Techno 6: UK"- Various Artists
Y
- "Dare to Dream"- Yanni
E
- "A Man Called (E)"- E (Mark Everett)
M
- "Marvelous Sauce"- Marvelous Sauce
P
- "Release"- Pet Shop Boys
S
- "Laundry Service"- Shakira
- "Party"- Nick Swardson
- "Get In Touch With Yourself"- Swing Out Sister
T
- "This is Techno 6: UK"- Various Artists
Y
- "Dare to Dream"- Yanni
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