Album Playthrough Project: April 2024

The Album Playthrough Project 2024 continues.  April was a light month for full album listen-throughs for me, but there was one album that got lots of play...over and over and over.  It may be obvious which one that is by looking at the list.  I also did lots of listening to playlists where I dug up some forgotten artists and some new artists I plan to give a full listen to the albums in the upcoming months.  

I hope to get back to more album playthroughs in May, but I lose my Friday nights to the live Dave Matthews concert series on the Dave Matthews channel on Sirus XM satellite radio.  

Here is the April List of Albums:  

Ammonia Avenue (1984) Alan Parsons Project 4/13/24
American Town (2000) Five for Fighting 4/17/24
The Tortured Poets Department (2024) Taylor Swift 4/19/24
1989 Taylors version (2023) Taylor Swift 4/20/24
Odelay! (1996) Beck 4/27/24
Scaled and Icy (2021) Twenty-One Pilots 4/27/24

Best Memories: American Town, Five for Fighting 

Biggest Disappointment:  Ammonia Avenue, Alan Parsons Project

Best New to Me (and the world): The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift

For a description of the Album Playthrough Project, click here

February

March

Free Comic Book Day: Top Stories previewed

Free Comic Book Day has come and gone and the large pile of free comic books has been following me around room-to-room as I read them.  Also in that pile are some comics and a graphic novel I purchased at my Local Comic Shop (LCS) that day.  Most of the Free Comic Book Day books are previews to series or storylines that are upcoming, while some offer a side story glimpse of a current run.  This is a look at my post before FCBD where you will find books that I was looking forward to reading.  Interestingly, two of the three books below were on my pre-FCBD list.  

Here are three books that preview some really fun and cool-looking stories: 

"Target: Peter Parker" and "Forgotten Mavels:" 

Target: Peter Parker has Peter and his date attacked by pizza parlor animatronic band animals.  When
Spider-Man shows up, he discovers that the animals are trying to warn him that, "you are his target."  The animatronic animal is shut down by Norman Osborne.  Norman concludes this little preview of things to come by saying on the last panel, "...it looks like we got here just in time."   In the Forgotten Marvels, we have Captain America, Iron Man, and Doctor Doom working together!  They infiltrate an archive of oddities when they are attached by H.A.N.D agents.  In the battle, Cap apparently finds their target, lights a Molotov cocktail, and throws it to a standing burned-out corpse.  When it explodes into flame, the corpse comes to life as the Human Torch.  Say what??  I'm sold.  

Archie Horror Presents The Cursed Library Prelude: 

Jinx Holliday, the daughter of Satan, is telling horror stories from the library in which she sits to a tied-up mummy of some sort.  There are some familiar faces, kind of, like Betty Cooper, Archie Andrews,
Jughead Jones and Veronica Lodge.  It's creepy, but it looks like a ton of fun.  

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone:  

Writer Jim Zub brings his A-game to writing what can be a complex character with tons of history.  This preview introduces the idea of a Conan story to fit into a "universe" with many of, the original creator, Robert E. Howard's other famous characters like Solomon Kane, James Allison, and Dark Agnes.  There is a description of this universe called the Howardverse at the back of the book.  But, the action revolves around Conan battling invaders.  When he topples a massive foe, he discovers a signet stone around the neck of the adversary which rips open memories he had buried deep.  It seems Conan has discovered the Black Stone which will link him to many of Howard's other characters.  Stay tuned and hold on, this seems to be quite a ride.
  

Free Comic Book Day 2024: What to Expect

The annual "holiday" Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday, May 4!  It is that day when we are invited to our Local Comic Shop (LCS) to peruse a sizeable collection of Free Comic Books.  It is a fun day where many LCS's will host fun events and activities to celebrate the day.  Be sure to check with your LCS.  

Before we get to the fun stuff, I just want to remind you to thank your local owner for hosting this fun event and consider making a purchase when you are there to support their efforts.  These LCS owners took a risk on your community to support them, and most LCS's create a positive community of commonality with books, stories, and support.  Be sure to support them!  

Now, what to expect from the 2024 Free Comic Book Day!!  

Let's start with a universe you don't want to miss, Energon Universe.  This is a universe that includes G.I. Joe, the Transformers, and Void Rivals.  The art is excellent but might be rivaled by the writing of these books.  Be warned, if you grab this book on FCBD, you will want to add it to your pull list at your LCS. 

A free Marvel Book by Zeb Wells, yes please.  A free Marvel Ultimate Spiderman book, oh yeah!  A Free Comic Book Day Marvel book with Spidey, Cap, Iron Man, the Goblin, and Doom on the cover, I'm running to my LCS on Saturday to grab this.  It is the return of the Goblin and the debut of a new powerful hero to the Ultimate universe.  

Archie Horrors presents The Cursed Library Prelude.  The Cursed Library returns to FCBD and this year previewing a summer of horror stories.  This is a fun series and if you haven't experienced Archie Horror stories, be sure to pick up this prelude book on FCBD on Saturday.  

Finally, the kids love them, adults love them, and I love them...they are the Investigators.  I said it last year and it is still true today, I have a reluctant reader at home, but the Investigators always get a look and garner some chuckles too.  Join Mango and Brash on their undercover investigation to save the middle school Mascot
.  

This is just a small look at the offerings on Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 4.  Be sure to dress in your best Star Wars costume or t-shirt as FCBD is also May the Fourth Be With You Day!  But, you will find familiar titles like Conan the Barbarian, Pokemon, Disney's Encanto, Jonny Quest, Doctor Who, Monster High, and Snoopy

For a full look at the Free Comic Book Day Catalog, check out this link.  

See you at Free Comic Book Day!  

Album Playthrough Project: March 2024

The 2024 Album Playthrough Project continued in March. Below is the list of the albums I listened to this March with minimal distraction and full attention to the music and lyrics.  For a description of the project, checkout the original post here.  

You may notice that I started the month with some Irish classics in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day!  

Drunken Sailor (2012) The Irish Rivers 3/2/24
Celtic Women (2005) Celtic Women 3/3/24
Jubilee (2021) Japanese Breakfast 3/3/24
Fantasies and Delusions Opus 1-10 Music for Solo Piano (2001) Billy Joel 3/3/24
Hilary Hahn Plays Bach (2010) Hilary Hahn 3/3/24
Chopin Nocturnes (2010) Luis Fernando Perez 3/3/24
Elvis Presley (1956) Elvis Presley 3/3/24
Elvis (1956) Elvis Presley
LA Woman (1971) The Doors 3/4/24
Storm Front (1989) Billy Joel 3/4/24
Permanent Vacation (1987) Aerosmith 3/5/24
Bootleg Mixtape, Vol. 1 (2020) Youngr 3/5/24
In the Dark (1987) Grateful Dead 3/6/24
Future Nostalgia (2020) Dua Lipa 3/6/24
Yours Truly (2013) Ariana Grande 3/7/24
Dropout Boogie (2022) Black Keyes 3/10/24
The Bridge (1986) Billy Joel 3/11/24
Eternal Sunshine (2024) Ariana Grande 3/11/24
Sweet Boy part 2. 2024 Malcome Todd 3/11/24
Let's Face It (1997) The Mighty Mighty Bosstones 3/19/24
King Creole 1958 Elvis Presley 3/20/24
Wherever You Are Tonight (2024) Kenny Chesney 3/20/24
Scattered, Smothered and Covered (2005) Hootie and the Blowfish 3/20/24
Obviously (2021) Lake Street Drive 3/20/24
Live Tracks Vol. 40: Madison Square Garden (2016) Dave Matthews Band 3/27/24

Best Memories:  Stormfront, Billy Joel

Disappointed in:  Nothing - I loved it all!!

Best New Listen:  Jubilee, Japanese Breakfast

February Post

2024 Reading/Viewing Stats 1st Quarter update

2024 Reading/Viewing Stats 1st Quarter Update 

The first quarter of 2024 is in the books (or blog). Below are my Reading/Viewing stats for the first quarter. I feel that I have been able to take time for quite a bit of content consumption. Ha! That couldn't seem more cold and statistical, but truly, I have enjoyed so much of what I have read, viewed and listened to.

You might realize that there is a new category, Podcasts. Being a podcaster myself, I need to listen more shows to help improve my own but also to support my friends putting some amazing content on the Interwebs. I must admit that it has been a bit of a challenge to remember to record all shows I listen to, but I feel that I am catching most.

If you would like to see a summary of 2023 and past years, jump back to January for that post.

Movies Watched: 3

Rewatch: 1
First time: 2
In Theater: 0

TV Series (streamed): 57
Rewatch: 25
First Time: 32
Podcasts episodes: 17
Time listened: 652

Books Read: 4
Fiction: 3
Non-Fiction: 1
Pages read: 1,129

Audiobooks:
Fiction:
Non-Fiction:
Hours listened:

Books Abandoned: 1
Fiction: 1
Non-Fiction:
Pages read: 98

Short Stories read:
Pages read:

Comic Books read: 77
Print: 41
Digital: 36

Book Titles:
Dragons of Spring Dawning: Dragonlance Chronicles Volume III
Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden
Mandalorian: The Manga adapted by Yusuke Osawa
Numb to This: Memoir of a Mass Shooting by Kindra Neely (Graphic Novel)
#MurderTrending (abandoned)

Movies Watched:
Solo: A Star Wars Story
The Marvels
Elvis

TV Streamed Series and Documentaries:
Marvel's What If...
X-Men animated season 2
The Crown season 5
Echo season 1
Resistance season 2
Voltron
X-Men animated season 3
Bad Batch season 3
X-Men 97

Podcasts:
Song Exploder (3)
Teachers in the Dungeon (2)
Rebel Base Card Podcast (3)
Untapped Mana (2)
Coffee with Kenobi (2)
Business Wars (6)
All Songs Considered (1)

Favorites of the 1st Quarter:

Movie: Elvis

TV Series: X-Men 97

Book: Star Wars: Dark Disciple

Comic Book: X-Factor

Podcast: Business Wars

Album Playthrough Project February Update

As the days pass, I continue to move forward with the Album Playthrough Project.  Below are the albums I listened to throughout February.  I even got in an album on Leap Day!  

I didn't get in as many albums as I had hoped, but quantity isn't the goal with this project, taking time to listen is the goal.  

Dulcinea (1994) Toad the Wet Sprocket 2/1/24
Fear (1991) Toad the Wet Sprocket 2/1/24
World in Motion (1989) Jackson Browne 2/19/24
Four (1994) Blues Traveler 2/20/24
New Orleans, Vol.1 (1977) Preservation Hall Jazz Band 2/21/24
Heart Shaped World (1989) Chris Isaak 2/26/24
International Pop Overthrow 1991 Material Issue 2/29/24
Let the Day Begin (1989) The Call 2/29/24
Lifted (2022) Trombone Shorty 2/29/24

Best Memories:  International Pop Overthrow

Disappointed in:  World in Motion

Best New listen: Lifted

Top 5 Moments of The Bad Batch Season 3 Ep 1-4

 

The return of The Bad Batch in late February brought a feeling of homecoming.  We left this family of soldiers at the end of season two in a state of loss, separation, and desperation.  The excitement of adventure returned with a certain purpose to reunite and continue to make the Empire feel their presence. 

Here are my top 5 moments of the first four episodes: Confined, Paths Unknown, Shadows of Tantiss, A Different Approach.   

5. Any mention of Tech: His presence if felt throughout the first four episodes and I don't believe that will change as season 3 continues.  His impact on all of the characters is clear, but especially with Omega.  She learned a lot about being a clone, a soldier, and herself from conversations she had with him.   In his own way, he had a lot to give beyond his technical expertise and quirks.  I will miss him as the season continues, but something tells me that a return of Crosshair might help to ease that loss. 

4. A visit from the Emperor:  In Shadows of Tantiss, the Emperor shows up to the lab and is "most eager to see the progress" Doctor Hemlock has made.  The thunderstorm that accompanies the arrival is not by accident.  What impresses me and I quickly note the grace and confidence that Hemlock displays in the presence of the Emperor and red helmeted and cloaked guards (I still think these are the most awesome costumes).  Shall we mention Project Necromancer at this point?  It's too chilling to discuss.  

3. Hunter returns the horn of Isa Durand's son:  Upon completing and turning over a Pyke prisoner to Isa Durand, Hunter tosses Roland Durand his missing horn.  This was a highlight for me, because it reminds me that The Bad Batch isn't just good at what they do; they pay attention to the details. They also know that to get the information they need from Isa Durand, they will need every favor they can get.  It is the small things to the Bad Batch, and I look forward to more of that as their story finishes up. 

2. "Did they teach you plan 72?"  This brings up one of the Tech mentions from above, but this demonstrates that Crosshair hasn't lost his edge with strategy.  I also can't imagine that he doesn't think of the others, his friends when he thinks of plan 72.  It also reminds me, with the mention of Tech, that Crosshair doesn't know Tech's fate.  

1. "All right, let's try things your way."  After spending most of the events in episode four following Omega's plans of negotiation and stealth, she and Crosshair find themselves surrounded by Captain Mann's troopers and local guards.  Captain Mann insists on handing over all the credits that she won from him earlier in the episode and surrenders for Hemlock's arrival.  Omega tosses the credits and utters the quote.  I love this because it gives a real sense of Crosshair's return.  It also demonstrates that Omega is willing to trust and work with Crosshair.  Their relationship is strengthened throughout this episode, and this moment is a defining one.  

An honorable mention has to be the conclusion of episode four when the Bad Batch reunites.  There numerous things to mention regarding that scene, but rather than write about it here, just listen to the Coffee with Kenobi podcast episode 731, where host Dan Zehr and I break it down in detail.