REVIEWS and some books adapted badly into film

THREE CD REVIEWS & bad movies made from better books
By Alex Ness
July 18, 2025

Easy to Enjoy! Edith Piaf, Anderson Charles

"EDITH PIAF The Platinum Edition" represents a large collection of a French singer, who was very popular, had fans across the globe, and who was at times controversial.  Her two biggest international songs, I've been told are La Vie en Rose meaning to live seeing through a rose colored tint, and Non, je ne regrette rien, a song expressing a solidarity with certain factions, and not regretting anything done during that time. It was taken as a slogan and song to represent 1^er Régiment Etranger de Parachutistes, 1er REP An elite unit of the French Foreign Legion who had refused orders and essentially mutinied, due to their disagreement with a French referendum regarding the Algerian war of Independence. The songs in this collection are very much well chosen, have good quality of sound, and have for 60 or more years since being made, are of a technically good quality. Do I think you would like it? It depends of course on where on the timeline your musical interest falls, but I definitely love it. The Non, je ne regrette rien is a favorite all time song of mine, and I often cry upon hearing it. But if it is French language and old, most Americans won't dig it. 

"ANDERSON CHARLES: It's getting late" The genre of this CD is authentic Americana, with truly lovely songs, meanings and emotions. An opening song, Hillbilly Cats go to Mardi Gras is a delightful work with spunk and knowing, of happiness and youth. I liked it very much. As such it is emblematic of the whole of the work, intelligent, new while being reminiscent of past vibes.  This entire work has a collection of good music and interesting lyrics. The song "A Gorgeous Mess" is a reminder of days when the worst part of life was paying taxes and feeling stalled for a future, but living in a moment of gilded youth. A voice reminds us of a woman he fancies, and every time she visits the bar he sees her coming in with a new beau, and he desires that she changes the beau, if it could be him. The work here is truly worth listening to, it is good. I am grateful for the review copy, and it lives up to the lovely art that appears on the cover.

It can be heard on various digital platforms, but if you like what you hear, buy it to support the artist in future endeavors.

You can contact Chuck here

Powerful Sounds!
CASSINI ECHOES: the only way out is through

Begun as the Sleeper Pins, moved to Layers and Layers at last, Cassini Echoes are the latest phase of evolution in the life of some truly beautiful and moving music. 

Tyson Allison is a special voice and music writer, however loud the music, how apt the lyric, how painful the emotion or deep the love, there is nothing out of place, or imperfect. This CD takes at least two songs that were in earlier CDs, and has made both better. Black Swans is one, I'm Gonna Write a Song if it Kills me is two.  The myriad of fantastically personal lyrics meets cellos, piano, drums and guitars, is good throughout. Too loud for folk, too quiet for rock, it defies labels, and when listening to the whole work, if you haven't felt your heart rise, raise your hands in grace and thanks, or smile, you might need a defibrillator. That is surely hyperbole, but in this case, however outrageous it seems, I think it is true. There is not a song that didn't move me.

https://www.cassiniechoes.com/

Good or Really Good Books interpreted in film poorly

EXIT TO EDEN Anne Rice in book form is about naughty lifestyles and characters seeking hedonistic activities.  The movie of the same title is a badly played buddy comedy with a badly rewritten take on the world and setting, and characters of the novel. I'd read it since a friend said it was well written and not a romance, despite outward appearances. While still not my taste area, I really do like Anne Rice's words. I watched the movie since I thought it could be an interesting premise and expanded to the original premise jewelry theft. But it wasn't anything good. It was poorly acted, poorly interpreted and not at all funny, it was used as an excuse to see nearly nude people making stupid comments. Think 50 Shades of Gray with the two main characters played by Phyllis Diller, and Bobcat Goldthwait.

The book PROPHECY features a work by David Seltzer but it is a novelization of the film. However, Seltzer was the the creator of the concept and movie, so, it was way better than most novels that are adaptations. He knew his own story and wrote a good one in prose. But the movie, this is not cheese, it is crap. Poor effects, a wandering plot, and mostly bad acting, Talia Shire was the exception, I would not recommend this. The creature is a mutant from all the toxic pollution in the region's wood industry. And as monsters go, it should be a scary one, but it was a bear with jiggly flesh trying to kill, hurt, or scare humans. It was miserable. 

FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC is a work written by VC Andrews, an author who was rather popular. But it looks different from a distance. It isn't a (healthy) romance. It isn't a mystery. It approaches horror, but it goes about things in a way that draw the reader in further, as a subtle horror movie would. Was the tragedy followed an innocent event, or was it murder? Was it romantic love? Was it greed? You go find out I am not spoiling things. But the 1987 movie was a crap fest. It managed to not tell the whole story, ignores the hiccups of plot holes due to self censoring, and missing out on why the book had a major focus but this movie skirts around the weird dynamic. VC Andrews wasn't my favorite writer. But if you going to tell her story, try following the work you are adapting.

CUJO by Stephen King and about a dog that becomes a killer due to being infected by a bat bite in the outdoors. Initially the dog is mentally slow, and sluggish, but ultimately, he is overtaken by the virus, and he is shown to have become rabid. The book itself is a well told, but less so than King's other works.  Perhaps I don't find myself moved by what is a story about a dog killing people. The movie was worse however, in that it doesn't express fear, but violence and blood. It might be close to true to the novel, with one or two small changes. But, since it is a movie, one may be of the opinion that a movie might be expected to be more action oriented, and still able to reflect that characters in the book. In this film, I can't even remember the human characters.  And I only saw the movie in the last two years...

NIGHTWING by Martin Cruz Smith I enjoyed the book, but never saw it as horror. So, if I was to judge it based on did it succeed in horror? No. Was it interesting and new for me? Yes. A shaman of sorts tells his foster son he wove a spell for the world to die that night. But there have been waves of bats from the nearby caverns, who have killed others. Setting a choice of believing the curse was real, and happening, or a natural event. It wasn't natural, but you can read and find out what it was. The film was horror, but did not do it well. The feeling of horror and setting failed. The special effects in all areas were flimsy. I watched on first run of the film, and fell asleep. As a much older man I watched and thought, I missed my nap.  Nonetheless, the book was far better, horror or not.

For all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com
My published WORKS 

Social Media
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All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

Recent Media Consumed and News

Movies and Stuff
By Alex Ness
July 16, 2025

NEWS

I had written this article weeks ago, but when Trump authorized bombing Iran, I delayed posting it. The reason being, I thought it possible far more serious events would be going on, making my post even more meaningless than the worst outlooks could perceive my work as being. Life, is not a predictable thing. I have done a lot of written works under a pseudonym, for non profit organizations, for grass roots political organizations, and others. I try to be an unbiased voice to help groups I think deserve to have the voice made greater. I did watch a great many movies in the last two months, I've begun covering music in shows, CDs, and enjoyment. It has changed my outlook in many ways, as I used to see more shows, in one summer saw the Replacements, Hüsker Du and many more, and worked many summer hours. It was in between college semesters and I was energetic, hopeful, and I didn't want to miss out on life.

With cancer in 2013, broken neck in 2019 and surgery for it in 2020, I'd retreated in life, from dealing with others. With five surgeries since 2020, lost the ability to move, sleep, or be active changed my being. If you saw my previous music show reviews, I feel as if I am being restored. If by music alone, that is worth noting, if I'm healing in body from other sources, that's cool too. I can't promise the path that the future offers, but it will have me moving forward. 

When I am not watching, reading or listening to media, I write and have written over 6000 poems and poetry on AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com and have many books published, both in fiction and non fiction, poetry, prose & comics. If you'd like to support my work, contact alexanderness63@gmail.com.

FIND MY PUBLISHED WORKS HERE

The change over to two focused sites over just one covering depends on opportunity and effort. I hope to change in late Summer.

MOVIES WATCHED IN RECENT VIEWINGS

I was interested in watching numerous films with the Cold War as the setting, and focal point. There was an alternative purpose for this, as I was invited to help someone creating a one shot comic book with a political global stalemate, that led to an arms race that includes giant robots. That is, it went into the deeper future. However, the creative talent interested in my participation looked to a real foundation for the situation, so that when violence occurs, it would feel real, and it would have an impact worth the attention given to it all. 

FAIL SAFE is a taut thriller where the action is only shown to illustrate the ongoing human dialogue and considerations of the consequences of the p.o.v. of enemies using nuclear weapons with little ability to fix mistakes once made. The world is therefore kept in a terminal face off, with few means to alter the forward path. This work is one that delivers a blow of enormous power, it kills almost no warriors, only civilians, and most with no knowledge of the war being carried out.

THE BEDFORD INCIDENT is a work about a direct cat and mouse chase and acts of war in a war that isn't active, declared or truly ongoing. It is a battle in modernity that demonstrates that no matter how the wars are fought, it is the perceived field of play that demands of the warriors a certain kind of mind, and heart. In Bedford Incident the two antagonists are not warriors locked in battle, it is the differences between two men deciphering each man's view towards the ongoing "war" in a Cold War.  The acting, set, concept and story are truly exquisite.

The film THREADS is not political work through analyses of politics leading to the event. Rather, by showing the war as a disaster and creator of human despair, all failed policies are illustrated. Despite this not being a war film, as in constant fighting or the results and consequences of showing effects of bombs falling, is war and shows combat, death, and the consequences of the war's violence. Mostly, this is a documentary of sorts showing what it doesn't fictionalize. It is a chilling work, as it shows the results of failed policies leading to active war, and consequences of using weapons that have no nuance, no way to use them without complete disaster. The human suffering is enormous, and the choices people make aren't by their own agency, but choices from limited choices available. Human reproduction, hunger, suffering, and despair are all greatly effected, in ways one might not have understood prior to the event.  I've heard people say this is a great film, and I don't, necessarily, think it is a great work. But it was a work with a legacy of having shown an unimaginable event, in very clear vision. 

All three films belie common story telling, there are no easy concepts, lastly, if jingoistic language was used, it was not meant to express the film maker's voice. It was the background noise of humans dealing with a world that has stopped making sense.

KINSKI/HERZOG

I watched a great many films through my early to late 20s. In university I invested a great amount of time finding and watching film from Director Werner Herzog and actor Klaus Kinski. While I would not have thought, from simply viewing their works, they were said to greatly have disliked working with one another. The two were visionaries, and despite their issues with the other, the end results proved to be brilliant, even if by tortures they were achieved. Their collaborations, seem to have been achieved in service to a muse of frustration and pain. Their joint works, AGUIRRE: THE WRATH OF GOD, NOSFERATU THE VAMPYRE, FITZCARRALDO, WOYZECK, were masterworks. Aguirre and Nosferatu were both brilliant, dark and horrifying. And yet, I don't wish to view them again. The interplay between the characters of the cast, including Klaus Kinski evocatively shared the fears and hopes, drama of human hearts at war, and darkness.  

THOSE STINKING NAZI BASTARDS! MOVIES WITH NAZI BAD GUYS 

I usually watch history documentaries and films, regarding the subject of war, disaster, exploration and human behavior. But when I watch film that isn't about research or comfort, but just stuff to play in the background, recently I've chosen to watch six films that featured Nazis and a variety of ways in which they tried to win the war by alternative means, or were placed in a situation where they'd not normally be the protagonist, but it rarely turned out to be just that.

FRANKENSTEIN'S ARMY 2013

This is a story of Russian recon troops discovering a hidden and secret German lab. Within the lab the project is about former humans and now patchwork humans, sewed back together amidst the wounds. It is ok, didn't thrill or scare me, but ok.

SHOCK WAVES 1977

At the end of the Second World War, the Germans were desperate, and created beings who could fight in any environment, and at the end of the war, Allies assumed this group were created by the Nazi science. They disappeared from Europe and escaped the war's end... only to be found elsewhere.  I first saw this a long time ago, and it scared me shitless, so even though it isn't great, it created a mood, a look, and had Peter Cushing in it, and John Carradine, as well as Brooke Adams... who I didn't necessarily watch the movie for her acting...  Recent watching did not reward in horror or jump scares. But it was fun.  This might be so bad it is good, but I liked it for more reasons than being cheesy.

THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL1978

This is not a film similar to the others on this list, it is a true horror that in ways could in fact happen.  It is fiction, written by Ira Levin, author of Rosemary's Baby, but it anticipates DNA use, and a secret underground of Nazi science, and secret plans. A brilliant work and a scary one too.

THE KEEP 1983

In a backwater region of the 3rd Reich's territories an ancient tower, once used for ancient wars, now, is seen as cursed, and avoided. Until a passing Wehrmacht unit makes plans to use this tower as an area to make camp, and perhaps use in defense of the region. But the unit isn't going to fight Russians or partisans. It is a good enough film, but the book was substantially better. It was interesting in ways, and was made with quality. I think an honest remake using the original material would truly play well.

THEY SAVED HITLER'S BRAIN 1968

Imagine keeping der Fuhrer's brain alive, so that he might rule in the future. Would this be a seed to grow into the future, and the 4th Reich?  If it had quality, it might have been ok, but it is pure cheese.  I am not saying so bad it is good.  It is so bad, it is bad.

DEAD SNOW  2009

This was not a fun film, despite calling itself a satire and comedy of horror films. A team of med students visit the Arctic for a ski vacation. And one by one, they discover who was there before them. (Hint, it was Nazis.) A zombie film that easily could have been better with a different focus. 

CD Holy Blood Genre: 
Unblack Metal
From: Ukraine

I am turning to doing more in the area of music as I blog. This was a subject I avoided in the past since I am mostly not a deep thinker in how music is made or what its roots and links are. My moods or intuition are what informs with music, and as such, it feels to me like I am saying, ummm I like it. But aside from how that is insufficient, I think most music, creative products, work that way at one level. One must build an understanding and enjoyment of what they write about.

In this case, I was a friend of Ukraine since long before the tragic wars with the tyrannical neighbor Russia. As such, I indulged in the food, the hockey team in the Donbass region. I listened to their speakers on World band Radio. And I was invited to listen to a Ukrainian band, of a genre of metal. Holy Blood is a Christian band, and utilizes the genre Black Metal (called Unblack Metal by the band in a lovely juxtaposition). It is loud, but rhythmic, with death metal growls, but it balances with that, Celtic and Nordic sounds and themes.  I like it a great deal, and I especially appreciate that when the 2nd Ukraine War in 2022 began, they created a song called, We Know Who We Are, and it featured vast panoramic views of the country, waving of flags and you need not wonder their allegiances in the war. It moves me and plays into my sympathies as much as is the music to which I enjoy listening. 

I know this is an acquired taste for many, and non starter for many people I know who claim Metal as a genre they enjoy, due to the language difference. I read the lyrics and eventually, I imagine the words, as there is no secret, they print them in English.

For all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social 
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

Writer, Artist, Editor, Publisher Jim Shooter passes at age 73

JIM SHOOTER's Published works 

SHOOTER's BLOG

SHOOTER'S Life 

Jim Shooter

Born September 27, 1951
In Pittsburgh Pa, U.S.A.
Died June 30, 2025 Cause of death: Cancer

Jim Shooter was an active part of the comic book industry starting at 13/14 years old. He had new ideas, a desire to bring comics into a modern professional industry. In doing so, and beyond, he gained allies and he also had many enemies. As such I'm not saying anything about him in this, other than he was a creative talent, understood the administrative part of the industry and was memorable for many reasons.

His work was featured at DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Acclaim/Valiant Comics, Defiant Comics, Broadway Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and more.

Condolences to his family, friends and fans of his work.

Below find a sample of comics created by Jim Shooter and others... all images are asserted as fair use. No copyright asserted.

AARON KERR's DISSONANT CREATURES... Live Show Review MAY 4th performance, Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota

AARON KERR's DISSONANT CREATURES
May 4, 2025 ELK's Club #34 

A REVIEW
By Alex Ness
June 16, 2025

Aaron Kerr & Dissonant Creatures play live from their new album.

The band Swallows are a highly talented group of musicians, accompanying Jeff Crandall lead vocal, as well as creating songs, in both lyrics and musical composition. The band is lovely, powerful and it is an organism all its own. Vast areas of fusion, genres, and dedication to their craft they are an invader into our calm, passive world.

Over time the group expanded their footprint in music by creating individual splinter groups. The character of each group is an expression of the Swallows member, as lead creative force. Last week I covered Jeff Crandall's J.Briozo imprint, and Brett Hansen's band Side Effects. Both are very different in result but J.Briozo's studio presence reveals members from Swallows in various roles. Side Effects is a three instrument punk band, so I've no idea how they'd incorporate members of the collective.

Similar to Swallows, Dissonant Creatures is a band of many genres, and all have aspects of something greater, perhaps even unexpected. They create new music, in doing so capture bountiful moments of awe in the listener. They work in the genres of rock, jazz, classical, opera and more. Aaron Kerr is an enormously talented composer, cellist, and more. His work is as much an individual statement of style and character, while using many instruments and genres. Band's members include those from other bands, especially that of including Swallows, as well as J. Briozo and Side Effects. Watching him direct the orchestra is fun, but when he plays as one of the collective, the project gains deeper veins of power, unique cello sounds and a direction that is joyful, building upon hope and beauty. There is in this music a tribal verve, a thunder in bass and drums, and despite a lack of lyrics, one perceives the impact and power.

There was not a single moment that the music didn't enthrall my mind, and it led to a feeling of hope and beauty, but also, a sense of a great moment composed by a creator.  How was I so fortunate to be in that moment, at that time, hearing that music? I daresay, being grateful was the highest feeling that I came away from with. It isn't to lessen any other feeling or thought, but it felt like unique sounds, a unique talent collective, and a moment of exceptional gravity.

Jazz is often thought to be smooth jazz, oriented towards groovy vibes and relaxation. Or it is thought entirely experimental, but it is not that in this case. Dissonant Creatures might well like being thought of in false genres, they tend to both exalt in rebellion, and come together in pure brilliance. This power jazz but I have no idea if that is used term. But I will say, it is the tough guy on the block, it is going to eat your lunch, and take your lunch money. If you could fall asleep to this, you have sleep deprivation and issues. I speak from having sleep deprivation, and I promise, it is not possible to sleep with this on. It is Rock, hard or otherwise, mostly yes. But if it was released to radio and had no editorial description prior to beginning, most people would call it Rock, even as  they'd be wrong in that there also. This is a group of talented creative minds and bodies who create here a powerful moment of expression. I discuss the genre, in fact, because as I am writing this because I've tried to slap a label on it, and cannot.

Two songs were amazing, equally to the rest, but stood out for me. They were Unstoppable, and Bag of Metal. Unstoppable was a moment of deep drum and bass going before the rest joined in, and it had an unique way of telling of the approach of an experience. The song itself featured each player, but more so, it demonstrated the way of composition, as Kerr no doubt used this song to send a message, of the message it said, follow and listen. Mike Norby is a very talented creator of music, in percussion and mandolin. But the song Bag of Metal featured him striking metal, with metal, and that aesthetic led to a song that was dramatic, epic, and beautiful. As the last point of this discussion suggests, it led me to creating the story of it, in poetic form. I am uncertain if I have ever been so moved in a concert. But ... I have now been so moved.

Playlist for the show
Unstoppable (not found on the album)

Bag of Metal 

Zen and Alchemy 

Scorpio Rising

Head Down, Slowly Onward

Born Bad

This is Going to Hurt a Little

Sick Fusion

Giants in the Earth

Floor of the Sky

Aaron Kerr's Dissonant Creatures' lineup includes Brett Hansen (guitar), Jonathan Townsend (drums), Chris Andresen (bass), Mike Nordby (mandolin and percussion), Jeff Crandall (guitar and piano), and Sean Egan (clarinet and piano.)

Find More at DISSONANT CREATURES

This is the poem that arose in my heart and mind during and after Bag of Metal was performed.

STEEL STRIKING STEEL

In a land of vast potential, a true people rose
Bearing the blood of explorers, and warriors
Striving to provide a land that was their own
This great nation of miners and steelworkers
Would be crushed for expressing a solidarity
Though great in numbers, endings were cruel
And in the echo of time, you will hear sounds
Of steel being bent to the needs of the people
Of coal being harvested, as well as the wheat
With a booming sound of steel striking stones
Of the scythe sweeping grain to feed the land
They'd rise as one, together, hearing the call
But a high ideal is often too far away to reach
The Czar's secret police made Siberia a cage
As did the Commissars and KGB in the time
The inevitable rise of this people occurred
Despite the sound of steel on steel, a cruelty
Shaking the people again, and a lead to war
The land had purpose, one that steel defines
It will call to the future, in ways to progress
It will always include the true sound of steel
Striking steel, scythe cutting grains, in hope

Alex Ness ©2025

For all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social 
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

TOP SHELF productions Annouces IT RYHMES WITH TAKEI has arrived!

It Rhymes With Takei is here! What a week it has been!  Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, the iconic George Takei has returned to the field of graphic memoir with an even more personal story, crafted with the same creative team. It Rhymes With Takei explores the complexities of George Takei's life as a gay man, his decades in the closet, his decision to come out at age 68, and how that moment changed everything.

George Takei hits the airwaves! To celebrate the book's launch, this week Takei visited Good Morning America to discuss his journey through LGBTQ+ history. Now you can watch the full clip here! It Rhymes With Takei's Received Buckets of Praise! ★ "This uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring narrative powerfully demonstrates how Takei’s lifelong experiences led him to be a voice for those who struggle." — Booklist (starred review) ★ "Unflinchingly honest… ultimately an inspiring illustration of love—love of oneself and of others—conquering all. A bold and introspective memoir that will resonate with fans of pop culture history and LGBTQIA+ narratives." — Library Journal (starred review) "Thanks to Star Trek and his political activism, George Takei is known for taking a stand. But this book, about his decision to come out at the age of 68… proves there is more to learn about him." — The New York Times "This invigorating autobiography effortlessly mixes inspiration with insight." — Publishers Weekly "A heartwarming journey that, yes, goes boldly where few men have gone before." — Kirkus Reviews "The outstanding graphic autobiography of a principled man who became a cultural icon because of his passion for improving the world for others." — Foreword Reviews "George Takei offers a profoundly personal and unflinching view of his life, weaving historical context that also provides a portrait of America. Heavily tinged with Takei’s own personality, the book is a cheerful reminder that while things are difficult, we need to have the courage to defend what is important to us." — Comics Beat "It’s more than a biography; this book also helps readers understand what it was like to be gay for most of the 20th century and why it’s important to know." — The Washington Blade "Well-paced, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated by Harmony Becker, It Rhymes With Takei offers a bittersweet perspective on the highs and lows of life as a gay Asian American in modern American history. I felt grateful for the historic context on our current moment. I wish it weren’t so relevant and important right now, but once again, Takei has shown up for us when we really need him." — The Geekiary Following the award-winning bestseller They Called Us Enemy, George Takei’s new full-color graphic memoir reveals his most personal story of all—told in full for the first time anywhere! Looking back on his own astonishing life on both sides of the closet, George Takei presents a charismatic and candid witness to how far America has come… and how precious that progress is. It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger $99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4 336 pages | 6.5” x 9” full-color hardcover graphic memoir Browse preview images | Available now from all fine stores! Watch the animated trailer for It Rhymes With Takei! Celebrate It Rhymes With Takei in style with the deluxe limited edition — signed by George Takei! This Top Shelf signed and numbered edition, limited to 1,000 individually-numbered copies worldwide, features an exclusive iridescent cover finish and a sewn-in letterpress bookplate signed by George Takei. It Rhymes with Takei (SIGNED & NUMBERED EDITION)  by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger $99.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-575-4 336 pages | 6.5” x 9” full-color hardcover graphic memoir with iridescent cover and signed bookplate Browse preview images | Shipping June 24th, 2025! Meet George Takei on both coasts! Takei is celebrating the book (and Pride Month) with a series of live Q&As, personal appearances and book signings throughout June in New York and California. See the links below for details about each event and to reserve your spot! Sat, Jun 14 RESCHEDULED to July 10 — Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles) in conversation with Jonathan Kaji Sun, Jun 15 — Barnes & Noble at The Grove (Los Angeles) in conversation with Dr. Alexander Cho Fri, Jun 20 — Vroman's Bookstore (Pasadena) Sun, Jun 22 — Japan Society (New York City) in conversation with Kenji Yoshino Wed, Jun 25 — Barnes & Noble at Union Square (New York City) in conversation with Meg Lemke

Live performance Barely Brother's Records, Saint Paul, MN: J. Briozo & The Side Effects May 31

Review and comments 

by Alex Ness

June 9 2025



Barely Brother's Records, St. Paul MN A vinyl retailer, offering live music, and refreshments.  Appearing May 31, 2025.



BAND 1: 

J.Briozo  
Genres: Americana, Folk with Rock edges, 
Soft Jazz, Alt Country

 

J.Briozo is a side project of Jeff Crandall, of The Swallows. They are a collective of sorts, and Swallow members play on the projects of one another. I’ve mentioned the Swallows many times, and I am moved by their quality and willingness to go deep in interviews. Jeff Crandall was accompanied by Swallows member lead guitarist Brett Hansen and this appearance featured a performance of two guitars, one electric, the other acoustic. 

I’m most often moved in music by the sincerity of it, in the lyrics, in the performance, or in the talents displayed in voice or instrument. As when Billy Corgan snarled in lyrics “Crucify the insincere”, it was the sort of angry youthful voice that I rather identified with, as a person as sedate as someone like me can be. But I've grown older since then, and sincerity is more than that. 

Technically speaking, Brett was the whole of the backing vocals, music other than the guitar, and more sounds I can't explain, but added layers to voices, and more. When Jeff sang the lyrics, it was with artist quality of narrative truth. Clear, concise but also, properly emotive in all the right places. It was sincere, truly.

The combination of technical mastery and narrative voice excellence, felt more warm close than too close, and natural or casual rather than forced or formal. 

Within the overall context of the J.Briozo vibe,  these are songs that find or express feeling of being home, of searching for and finding one's place, and being an independent being within all that invades our thoughts. As such the two performing delivered the music better live, than perhaps on CD. I don't know that I've ever experienced that. 

It felt more like honesty about life than most entertainment I’ve experienced.
 
The rapture of beautiful music slayed me. It offered much, and lifted my ideas and shared thoughts, in a format nearly spiritual in beauty. In the aftermath of this show, my heart and emotions were afire. I'd experienced the beauty of sound, the depth of words, accompanied by a master of the sound, and the narrator's voice cut straight to my heart.

The songs in order: 


1. Deep in the Waves: 
 Staring out on a great pattern of the mist and waves, the ocean and emotions collide, and the narrative voice speaks from within the fluid. Moments rising and then falling, like emotions and ocean tides. An encompassing and alluring journey of existence, more than anything else.



2. Broken Bones
: We all grow older, and time has a cost. The mind struggles with isolation, and loss. A whispered fear, and final contemplation of the worth and value of love, and relationships. Fights or struggle lead to mental broken bones. A song with deft lyrics that describe possible finding one in perfect despair. Getting old, getting broken by life, isn’t an easy thing, nor is it fun to view.

3. Beautiful Mess: A work that was emotionally worn on the sleeve, and soft and sweet. Reminiscent of a song to break up the heavier songs, but ambushes the heart with a deeper emotive journey.  Beautiful, gentle and kindness in the depths of love or deep like.
 


4. The Big Parade: 
Welcome to the spectacle and glamor of being in a group, creating moments to join one to another, rise as one, to serve the greater "truth" This song is about patriotism, or not, about one for all and all for one, but not really. Politics is the perfect word to describe it. And it hits very directly.



5. Blue: 
This is about as beautiful as the insidiousness of Seasonal Affective Disorder can be, the darker and colder, the more lost and frigid the mind. This is a song about the utter fight to stay out of depression it can be, to live where we do, as much as we love this place.



6. Las Cruces
: A ballad of being intimate and the silence of greater hopes, and a haunted past. The glory of lyrics

...

"And in the bright, clear sunlight 

When we aren't moved by star shine

Hard lines reveal the truth 

Miles and miles from our youth "



... close in and tell you, listen, as they crack you in the noggin'. And at this point, it isn't music, it is something playing in the moments of a life, one you might have lived, or it feels like it in your deep places. The guitars weave a background that is hopeful and driving, even as the lyrics ask what do we do to recover from self afflicted wounds?



7. Star Chaser: 
In banter, Jeff and Brett chat that this song is new, but what the hell, lets do it. But it sounded like anything but new or unrehearsed... I confess, the ideas and final meaning were less clear to me as being in awe of the moment, but the song was powerful in many ways, as it evoked a feeling of warmth and comfort, or really, being home.  



If you wish to support J.Briozo, go to the addresses below. 
Band Camp
The Swallows



BAND 2:
The Side Effects 
Genre: Punk, Power trio, Post Punk
Brett Hansen Lead Guitar, Brandon Hagemeyer Drums/Percussion, & Sylvia Izabella Bass



BRETT HANSEN’s band, THE SIDE EFFECTS is a power trio featuring, a bass, guitar and drums, with turns taken being lead vocalist by Brett and Sylvia. 

Aside from all the music I enjoyed, as a young angry feller... British punk and new wave especially, I confess that my main favorite music from my teens to later 20s, all loud, with less pop sympathies as punk. I didn’t do metal, but did do Husker Du, the Magnolias, the Replacements and more. My enjoyment of the Side Effects isn’t a surprise for me. I trust Brett’s skills going in, so there too, I am not surprised that his band was so good. 

Now this was an absolute fun ride, and I have no complaint, only... As a stodgy much older man than I was years ago, listening to such driving music for 45 minutes too often might kill me. It was an electric experience.

1. Snakes: Brett Hansen vocals This is a song presented with power about a highly effective speaker of the House... it is amazingly moving, and thoughtful. It presents both a sound and higher level of thought from song 1 compared to most bands I liked of this genre and format so very long ago. But again, I shouldn't be surprised...Brett knows music.

2. Walk Away: Vocals by Sylvia The use of drums and a back and forth dialog with Brett, this is a fun, loud, moment stripped from the best of the Power punk era. I liked it live but it was more easily translated in the digital form. But live music is live due to that possibility.

3. Let It Kill You: Vocals by Sylvia, this was a fast, hard ass kicking of glorious loud guitars and bashing drums... the song actually had me smirking for how pure this was. Anyone liking punk could only love this, it bangs on level red. 

4. Mystery: This was a song both clever and deep, with a sound that evoked a variety of best punk over the last 20 years and managed with echoing vocals and powerful guitars to be new. New? New.

5. B-Jam: Honestly, a much more powerful, greater voice, stronger presence of the lyrics, but the power was there, too. It was sincere. 

6. Meadowlark: My favorite of the play list. This work is effective on all levels.  Driving, it goes one step over the line, with abandon. It shows deft use of the 3 instruments and strong vocals.

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-side-effects/1589159789
https://thesideeffectsmpls.bandcamp.com/album/the-side-effects-ep

THANKS to the VENUE Barely Brothers!

https://www.barelybrothersrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BarelyBrothersRecords

Pride, TPBs we need and Games from Book settings

PRIDE & MORE
By Alex Ness
June 4, 2025

The Month is June, and we celebrate many cultural groups through the year, and June is the month we celebrate the LGBTIQ communities. I've been blessed by various members of that community. I am grateful to have known Jeffrey Catherine Jones, who as you might perceive by her name, was known as a male artist, primarily but late in life transitioned to reflect what she had felt most of her existence. Her talents as a painter was immense, and I was a fan since I first saw her work. I got to know her in the late 2000s, and she enjoyed my poems that I shared by email, even suggesting she'd love illustrate a poem I'd given her to read. That never happened, she died prior to that, but her kindness, honest spoken views, and appreciation of the works of others, made me hold of her in the highest esteem. 

Pride is a time to see members of the LGBTIQ and appreciate their presence, their works, and the community.  I wish them all celebratory month, and beyond.

Jeffrey Catherine Jones sadly passed away in May of 2011. It was especially sad, as they were someone who was kind, bright, talented, and had only started understanding her being, inside and out. I will never forget her, the thought of such a talented person painting to accompany a poem of my own, was a way to light my fire in inspiration and bold hope. 

FOUR TPB CANDIDATES

I received a number of emails giving suggestions for future TPB works from the large number of series left uncollected.  The large number of suggestions gave me reason to continue in mentioning works I think ought to be collected.

DEFENDERS 1-12
Volume 2, 2001
MARVEL COMICS
Writer Kurt Busiek
Artist Erik Larsen

I loved this series, and it came before my greater involvement in comic book fan press and fandom. The series was responded to with a less than an excited embrace. It was about the tone, the overall story told and more. But the series had a meaning that embraced the original series, and showed it in ways that were more modern. I enjoyed it, found it humorous, and would like to have it collected for a new audience to read.

FREAK FORCE 1-20
Volume 1, 1993
IMAGE COMICS
Keith Giffen Plots and layouts
Erik Larsen Writer
Vic Bridges Pencils

The Freak Force began its existence as a group of oddly talented people, working for the Chicago police department. They were meant to defeat the powered beings who were not upon the good side, and who were trying to take down every day society. The group finds itself abandoned by the authorities who hired them, and eventually try to fight crime and mutant weirdo's for the reason of doing the right thing. They do better in this, but find it difficult to do so without support and approval. I'd argue this is a work similar to few others, because it is one thing to gather bad guys to fight worse bad guys... and another in gathering good guys who don't win every fight. It was fun, way more than most books of the time.

SPECTRE 1-31
Volume 2, 1987
DC Comics
Writer Doug Moench
Artist Gene Colan

I did buy most of the run of this work, and I found it good, but not great. I think Doug Moench is a fine writer, having written a favorite work of mine, Master of Kung Fu, and I think Gene Colan was a great in the comics world. But if it was not my favorite book, it provided solid stories, and characters who were well constructed. It isn't the Spectre of John Ostrander, which was a brilliant run, but it is a more human character, and had different means of addressing the story. It was worth reading, and a collection would be worth considering.  

ELECTRIC WARRIOR 1-18
Volume 1, 1986
DC Comics
Writer Doug Moench
Artist Jim Baikie

As I've a great fear of AI, the future, and cybernetic alteration of the human body, this work should be one that instills fear in me. I liked it, and think it should be collected, as nothing really is similar on the shelves. It is a work that is unique, with a dystopia of the future, on an earthlike world, on fire between the occupants, all seem to be utilizing cybernetic enhancement and AI. The ability to succeed is largely divided with the wealthy of course able to buy their way into being dominant. The Electric Warrior is someone who resembles a robot wearing a headdress, evoking a Native American. Fighting for communities left out of the benefits of high tech, as well as being against the aliens, gangs, and elites, his role is both as a lone source of justice, and a being who is honorable for honor's sake.  Collecting this offers a world and characters that you can't find elsewhere.

TO LIVE IN THE FICTIONAL SETTING you just read and loved

In the past I've mentioned Robert Adams' Horseclans, Conan by Robert E. Howard, and the Humanx universe of Alan Dean Foster, for their excellence and fun, Steve Jackson Games offers other ways to enjoy them. Utilizing GURPS, an rpg system that allows all sorts of role play gaming, each of these settings offer wonderful play, in worlds the books have introduced. They also allow solitaire format, and truly capture the flavor of each other's settings. Conan is more than a hack and slash RPG, it uses the works of REH to offer adventure with a purpose, showing that Conan is much more than a dullard with muscles and a sword. I realize that not everyone digs Conan, but I do, and I enjoyed these modules and uses of the character.  The only thing I am not a fan of, is the need for someone to either time travel and buy them new, or find them on EBAY or a similar market. Find them at SJGAMES 

In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com
My Work https://alexnesspoetry.blogspot.com/2024/09/published-works-of-alex-ness.html

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

Going to the Quantum Con

My Next Convention
By Alex Ness
May 12, 2025

QUANTUM CON 2025

I am a guest at a convention that is entering its third year, and have hopes to sell many of my new works. As any media guest likely has similar hopes, my hope is, also, that many people attend, support the con, visit my table and chat my books, and buy them.  Note as well, please the image shown, and check out my archive of work on my Poetry blog. 

I did works that focused on short prose stories with friends who can write well, perhaps better me. I respect them all as humans, friends and writers, so it isn't about whoever I can wrangle, much more than that. It is joy to gather and create, even if it is hard, and I make only a little after all the costs are tallied. The genres of books are science fiction, AI, Sasquatch encounters, Cthulhu horror, and two full size books, one of Viking era poetry, SIGR and the other, Tales of Lost Kingdoms with Peter Urkowitz, focused upon the lost worlds and those great stories from myth and legends, such as Atlantis and Mu. This work collects both poems and images of the those lands, in both public domain images of that subject but also, those created or gathered by me from public domain free sources.

I think there is potential in this convention, it is held at a incredibly comfortable and lovely setting, with people who have interest in pop media, paranormal, gaming, and literature. I hope it does well, as it is a rare place that digs arts, poetry, and fantasy, pop culture media as much as my diverse tastes also share.

VISIT MY MAIN BLOG

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I have much going on.  In the meantime, for all your printing needs, Matt at Speed Print Inc. is amazing.

LINKS

My Poetry AlexNessPoetry.Blogspot.Com 
This place Poplitiko.Blogspot.Com
My Work https://alexnesspoetry.blogspot.com/2024/09/published-works-of-alex-ness.html

Social Media
https://bsky.app/profile/alexanderness63.bsky.social
https://x.com/alexnesspoetry

All works are copyright the respective owners, fair use is the sole means of use asserted.

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS announces Love Languages by James Albon

The brilliant James Albon returns with a sweet and sophisticated queer romance! Plus, welcome two newcomers from Italy as we open pre-orders  for The Land of Unfinished Dreams, a captivating fairy-tale adventure for — and about — families of all ages!

Slip into another tongue with Love Languages! Two foreigners in France reach across language barriers and turn each other’s lives upside down in this stunningly beautiful queer romance graphic novel painted in dazzling watercolor. “James Albon’s decadent cartooning and delicate watercolors perfectly capture the beauty and loneliness of wandering through new places that are supposed to be your home, and the specific halting beauty of intense connections forged across language barriers. I'm especially charmed by Sarah and Ping's emoji-strewn text conversations and their sinuous overlapping word bubbles as they gain fluency with each other. I loved this book!” — Shing Yin Khor (The Legend of Auntie Po) “Love Languages is beautiful to look at, highly original, inventive and full of sharp observation. James Albon’s vivid, flowing images tell the story of English Sarah and Cantonese Ping and how languages can connect, but also divide and how learning a foreign language can lead to intimacy…but also to muddle and misunderstanding.” — Posy Simmonds (Cassandra Darke) “Opening with a painfully awkward multilingual friendship, this delightful graphic novel soon made me laugh out loud and even brought me to tears. A masterfully painted celebration of languages and love!” — Rumi Hara (Nori) Sarah Huxley has moved from London to Paris, only to find a lonely life of corporate drudgery and disappointment—a far cry from her romantic expectations of the city. She collides with Ping Loh, a young woman working as an au pair to a wealthy family of Hong Kong expats, and the two bond over their shared struggle with the French tongue. In museums and markets, over text messages and translation apps, Ping and Sarah slowly begin to learn each other’s languages, communicating in a rich and ever-shifting blend of English, French, and Cantonese. As their friendship blooms, so does their private dialect—a personal linguistic patchwork, a shared secret just for them. But when their feelings for each other start to deepen, they discover that the simplest words to translate can be the hardest words to say. In these sumptuously painted pages, award-winning graphic novelist James Albon (The Delicacy) presents a dazzling love story about cross-cultural connection, the bewildering sensation of feeling one’s brain rewrite itself, and the intoxicating rush of the foreign becoming familiar. Love Languages by James Albon ISBN 978-1-60309-557-0 | Diamond Code: FEB251226 $19.99 (US) | 176 pages | Full-color softcover graphic novel with flaps | 8" x 10" Browse preview pages | In stores today! Watch the Love Languages animated trailer! In August, travel to The Land of Unfinished Dreams! Once upon a time, there was a brave hero named …Grandpa?! What’s he doing in this story? Ned is a retired literature teacher without much excitement in his life, but when his grandkids come to visit, he loves to tell them bedtime stories. Every evening, the clumsy knight tries to save the princess in new and different ways, but they never reach the end of the story. On one fateful night, Ned is shocked to wake up inside his fantasy world — full of the characters from his stories, plus many more new friends and foes. And when a terrifying darkness rises, Ned will have to look within himself to confront a threat beyond his imagination. In their first collaboration, Italian creators Marco Daeron Ventura and Marco Ferraris present a thrilling and poignant graphic novel, bursting with color and creativity, about stories, family, growing old, and staying young. The Land of Unfinished Dreams by Marco Daeron Ventura and Marco Ferraris $19.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-555-6 Diamond Code: MAY250966 | 160 pages | 7.75" x 10.75" Full-color HARDCOVER graphic novel for all ages Browse preview pages | In stores August 5th/6th, 2025!