When speaking of a supercharged something, such as a supercharged engine, why is it souped up instead of suped up? The engine is not comprised of, nor does it have anything to do with soup. If you’re going to contract supercharged, it would make more sense to do so as suped. So, what’s up with that?
SCI FI Wire just published a story I wrote about John Varley’s new novel, Red Lightning.
SCI FI Wire just published a story I wrote about Jay Lake’s new two-book deal with Tor.
Okay, so the album kicks ass. I don’t know about it being the “heaviest and most creatively aggressive outing in years!” though. I mean, yeah, it’s clearly heavier than Soundtrack to Your Escape, which is the previous album, but it’s just about as heavy as Reroute to Remain, which was the album before Soundtrack. It’s not exactly going back to the savagry of Lunar Strain, but it is pretty awesome. Which is not to say that the heaviness of an album determines how good it is; I’m just questioning that quote on the package. As I said, I’m quite happy with the album–I’ve listened to it a couple times tonight already, and I really dig it.
As for the DVD–it actually has “videos” for the whole album (except for one track, which isn’t a regular song), but I put videos in quotes for a reason. The DVD is basically like one long video of In Flames in the recording studio. It’s stylishly shot though, and looks pretty cool.
I recently wrote a story for SCI FI Wire about Tobias S. Buckell’s excellent first novel, Crystal Rain, but in case you all were too lazy to click over, I just wanted to point out that Toby has the prologue and first 14 chapters of the novel available on the book’s website for free download. Beware: if you go read them, you will be compelled to buy the book.
My review of the book should appear later this month at Intergalactic Medicine Show. But I’ll tell you now: it’s awesome.
SWEEEEEEET.
Came home from work today to discover the new IN FLAMES CD, Come Clarity, waiting for me. I’d ordered some special limited edition “fan pack” which included some other stuff besides the CD, like a Come Clarity T-shirt and a DVD with a couple videos on it. The fan pack also came with a In Flames patch and a big giant In Flames coaster. Oh wait, it’s not a coaster, it’s a 2-song vinyl EP! Cool! Uh, what the hell am I supposed to do with it?
But anyway, the reason this means living in New Jersey is a good thing is that the official release date for the CD is Feb. 7 in the US, yet here I am holding it in my hands today, the 2nd. The record label, Ferret Music, is located in NJ, so I suspect that’s why I got it so damn fast. Also, because I got an email yesterday saying that my order was on the way, and that the date of receipt would depend on how far away I live from New Jersey.
Another reason to be totally geeked out: a sticker on the wrapping of the CD case promises that Come Clarity is In Flames’s “heaviest and most creatively aggressive outing in years!” which is of course good news. Their last album, while good, leaned a bit toward the wussy side. Glad to hear they’re getting back to the hard stuff.
SCI FI Wire just published a story I wrote about William C. Dietz’s two new forthcoming Legion of the Damned novels.
Some good news to report: in addition to my book review column for Intergalactic Medicine Show, I’ll now also be writing an occasional DVD review column.
Now, I didn’t post that just to gloat. I need your help. The column needs a snappy title, and I can’t seem to think of anything. So, a contest!
The rules are simple:
If someone comes up with a column title that I like and decide to use, I’ll send you, as a prize, some review books that I either have multiple copies of, have read already and don’t want to keep, or have no interest in reading. Once I select the winner, I’ll let the winner know what books he or she has to choose from.
Sound good? Okay, get started!
SCI FI Wire just published a story I wrote about Elemental: The Tsunami Benefit Anthology.
Oooh, and look! I get a byline now. :)