Tag Archives: Music

Shopping for the Bookworm: Truman Capote Edition

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I love Truman Capote. He makes me giddy. His writing-when he was at his best, when he cared enough to really try-is sublime. I could listen to his voice all day long. No, I could listen to his voice all the live long day. Enjoy these Capote-themed goodies from Etsy.

Truman Capote Necklace by Art History Nerd

Truman Capote Necklace by Art History Nerd-$25.00

I adore the photograph embedded in this necklace. It’s probably my favourite of Capote. If I wore this piece, I’d spend too much time fiddling with it like a toy.

Truman Capote Quote by hendersweet

Truman Capote Quote by hendersweet-$3.00

A nice little card with a quote from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Truman Capote Print by Senioritis

Truman Capote Print by Senioritis-$15.00

Colourful, kitschy print (11×17).

Vintage 1970s Cosmo featuring Truman Capote Article from Shop Buy Love

Vintage 1970s Cosmo featuring Truman Capote Article from Shop Buy Love-$24.99

This July, 1972 edition of Cosmopolitan features the article Truman Capote by Truman Capote.

House of Flowers Soundtrack from The Vinyl Frontier

House of Flowers Soundtrack from The Vinyl Frontier-$25.00

This is the soundtrack to the Truman Capote/Harold Arlen musical, House of Flowers. Starring Pearl Bailey, it was recorded in 1954.

The Grass Harp by Truman Capote from Bound By Books

The Grass Harp by Truman Capote from Bound By Books-$10.00

A Penguin Books edition of The Grass Harp.

 

Daily Diversion #36: Then You Realise That You Got to Have a Purpose*

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I came across this whilst wandering around Half Price Books last night. It called my name to the scream of a punk beat. “I’m yours, yours, YOURS, Maeeedezzzzzzzzzzz!”

Route 19 Revisited

Route 19 Revisited

How could I resist, especially on the eve of Joe’s birthday?

Route 19 Revisited, The Clash and London Calling

Route 19 Revisited, The Clash and London Calling

He would have been 60 years old today.

*From Clash City Rockers by The Clash

Voices from the Grave-Joe Strummer Birthday Edition #1

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For one day only, I’m switching from literature to punk, from the imagination to concrete humanity. Today is dedicated to Joe, on what would have been his 60th birthday. He had a heart bigger than the world, and lyrical ability to match. With compassion, clarity, and righteous anger, he, along with George Bernard Shaw*, pointed me in the only direction I am meant to face.

One of my favourite songs by The Clash.

My wedding song.

I still cry when I watch this video.

*If you think they are an odd pair to be so heavily influenced by, in equal and often parallel  measure, please check out the Pinterest board I have dedicated to them: As Far as Thought Can Reach. It might not offer an intellectual explanation, but it is fun to see them side by side.

A Year in Books/Day 185: The Mistinguett Legend

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  • Title: The Mistinguett Legend
  • Author: David Bret
  • Year Published: 1990 (St. Martin’s Press)
  • Year Purchased: 1990s
  • Source: My mother
  • About: Mistinguett was a widely, and wildly, famous French chanteuse. I’m not sure how well her appeal translates from French to American culture, but she was a first-class oddity. Continue reading →

Shopping for the Bookworm: Patti Smith Edition

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I love Patti Smith. My fingers are itching to get carried away in rhapsodies about her, but my head insists that I maintain restraint. At least for today. The need for a long essay has been forcing its way into my brain, so you’ll likely see something on here soon. Until then, enjoy these Patti-themed goods from Etsy!

Nautical poster print with Patti Smith quote by Grainyman

Nautical poster print with Patti Smith quote by Grainyman. $34.90

The combination of image and quote is just plain lovely.

Patti Smith Easter on vinyl by Drop The Needle

Patti Smith Group  Easter on vinyl from Drop The Needle. $20.00

A classic on vinyl.

Patti Smith key chain by Ultravioletglam Designs

Patti Smith key chain by Ultravioletglam Designs. $10.00

This is probably my favourite photo of Patti Smith. A key chain equals portable inspiration.

Patti Smith pocket planner, 2012-2013 by Rock 'n Roll Rebellion

Patti Smith pocket planner, 2012-2013 by Rock ‘n Roll Rebellion. $7.95

A practical application using a wonderful image from a 1978 cover of Rolling Stone.

I know it’s a close-up of the key chain image, but I love the impact of the heart surrounding the expression on her face.

BONUS #1:

It is well-known how close Patti was to Robert Mapplethorpe, so I had to include a piece in honor of him. This is a vintage ad.

BONUS #2:

Arthur Rimbaud stencil print by Chiaroscuro

Arthur Rimbaud stencil print by Chiaroscuro. $12.00

Arthur Rimbaud has been a deep influence on Patti’s life and work. The delicacy of this stencil is present in all Chiaroscuro‘s art.

A Year in Books/Day 177: Rat Patrol from Fort Bragg The Clash

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  • Title: Rat Patrol from Fort Bragg The Clash
  • Author: Alan Parker
  • Year Published: 2004 (Abstract Sounds Publishing)
  • Year Purchased: 2006/2007
  • Source: Unknown
  • About: As a highly detailed discography, albeit with a twist or two, this book is for die-hard fans only. What sets it apart from regular fare is the great love and enthusiasm that Alan Parker has for his subjects, his short but personal recollections of each release, and the nice array of quotes and photographs sprinkled between the data. It is hard for me to be so brief when it comes to Strummer/The Clash, but I will save my words for future reviews of other related books in my collection.
  • Motivation: I don’t believe in the concept of personal heroes, but I can say without artifice or exaggeration that Joe Strummer is partially responsible for making me the kick-ass person I am today.
  • Times Read: 2
  • Random Excerpt/Page 1: “On December 23rd, 2002 I was waiting at Heathrow Airport for a flight to Manchester to spend Christmas with my family. Just before our flight was due for boarding, Pete Wylie called me. Joe Strummer was dead. A heart attack at home, he was only 50 years old when he died. By the time I hit my hometown of Blackburn in Lancashire, the normal Christmas staples playing from pub jukeboxes had been swapped for a new ‘soundtrack’ of The Clash. This would continue for at least five days. My book was almost finished and my hero, one of the men who told me to do this project, was dead.”
  • Happiness Scale: 10

    Joe Strummer

    Joe Strummer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Diversions-15 April 2012

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  • The Fictional Characters Birthday Calendar on Flavorwire  is the best thing I have seen all year! Unfortunately, I share a birthday with a character from Type-Moon. Oh, well, it is still a fun bit of fluff.
    • When I saw the amazing band Alabama Shakes in concert back in December, I knew they were standing on the edge of big-time success. Their free show at a local dive bar brought out a few hundred of us die-hards. My friend and I were lucky enough to spend about 40 minutes chatting with the entire band; we even shared pet pics with Brittany (she has a bunny!). Now their first album has dropped and the Alabama Shakes are everywhere. Including on Letterman. Check out this brief profile of the band on Bust Magazine‘s blog, which includes footage of their recent Late Show performance.
    • I’ve been doing yoga and pilates for years. When I recently saw my first pair of Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear  ballerina flats, I squealed. Meant to be worn while working out, they combine comfort and eco-consciousness with serious style. They’re slightly pricey (for me, anyway) but I’m eager to invest in a pair, as I know I will get more than my money’s worth. By the time I decide between the Amanda and the Daryl, I should have enough dosh to make the purchase!
      The Daryl in Leopard by Blake Brody

      The Daryl in Leopard by Blake Brody. Image courtesy of blakebrody.com.

      • The closer I get to going home, the more homesick I become! I’m really looking forward to my (brief) visit in early May. Until then, I’m stalking Etsy for reminders of Columbus. I love this photo by illumiquest.

        Columbus Ohio Downtown Photograph by illumisquest

        Columbus Ohio Downtown Photograph by illumisquest. Photo courtesy of illumiquest on Etsy.

[Resources] Starlight Echoes

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 Starlight Echoes-A music, writing & art group* is an open, highly interactive community on Facebook. Whether you are a new or untried artist looking for a safe, supportive and encouraging community or a professional interested in expanding your network or widening your platform, you will find a warm reception. Artists, writers and musicians from around the world post their work. Taken as a whole the offerings are impressive; viewed individually, they are stunningly varied. It’s heartening to see strangers, united only by a common passion for creativity, be so open and eager to welcome the art of others. It is never easy to put yourself out there; it requires an emotional nudity and brazen nerve that never entirely resolves itself. If you are in need of a critique of your work, then you will have to look elsewhere. There are plenty of forums for that. Starlight Echoes is a place where positivity reigns; it is inclusive and inspiring. Who can’t use a little of that in their lives?

*FYI-This is NOT my Facebook group. It was started and is administered by a lovely, spirited woman named Angela Muchmore.