The Watch List

Listening:
1. Camera: A dark energy rising up from the Chicago suburbs.
2. Staff Benda Bilili: Straight from the Congo, this is like nothing you've heard before.
3. The Golden Filter: This is one of the hottest bands in the country right now. Listen to: Peter, Bjorn & John "Lay It Down" (The Golden Filter Remix) (mp3)

Reading:
1. Kora Issue #1: Zachary C. Bush has his own journal, and it is called Kora. The first issue was great, and I'm sure he will follow it up strong.
2. Errands by Philip Byron Oakes: These are like no errands that I have ever run.
3. The House by Brian Smith: Great opening.
4. nightlightnight by Mark Cunningham & Mel Nichols: This is the latest free e-book from Right Hand Pointing.
5. Punishment by Caroline England: It's all about the things we do to each, and the things we want done.
6. Six Month Check-up by Constance Stadler: I think I've witnessed this very check-up.
7. Swansea Doesn’t Understand You by Dan Gee: This is a Polaroid picture that moves.

Wishing:
1. Mixtape Zine Issue #8 is now available for preorder.
2. Turntable Speaker Mixer: A tiny turntable the plays your music and allows you to scratch!

Getting:
1. Dublab's "Enter The New Era" Calander
2. The Fake Fictions "Laugh Tracks EP": A new free ep from Chicago's fuzz pop trio.

Watching:
1. "Under The Pines" by Bodies of Water
2. "Fell Out of The Sky" by State Shirt
3. "Peanut" by Quitzow
4. Youth:Kill's debut album is coming soon from Chicago's The Secret Life of Sound
5. Jenny Kanzler Interview at Studioscopic

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Gospel Gossip: I have found a slew of powerful female singer recently and Sarah Nienaber creeps up on my list a little more each time I listen to her. Gospel Gossip is preparing to release a new EP on my second favorite Minnesota label Guilt Ridden Pop as a follow-up to their debut album Sing into Your Mouth. Listen to: Revolutions in Physic (mp3) from Sing into Your Mouth and Nashville (mp3) from the forthcoming Dreamland Ep
2. Said The Whale: Vancouver is beginning to burst with talent again and Said The Whale is leading the way. Listen to: The City's A Mess (mp3)
3. Zach Lipkins: Downtempo soul with a breathy nearly tropical feel. The best comparison I could make is to Jim Noir.

Reading:
1. Amy Tan by Amelia Gray: Her first collection, AM/PM, will be published by Featherproof Books in February 2009. I can't wait!
2. 400 Words by Albert Maysles: This is a charming story of family and life.
3. Scrapbook of Fatal Accidence by Spencer Dew: Spencer is documenting Chicago one story at time.
4. Beastie Rhythms by TR Deeks: This was found at one of my new favorite journals, My Name Is Mud.
5. Let's get tired of cannibalism! by Justin Taylor: I agree salesmen are killing us.
6. MFA/MFYou Expirience by JA Tyler, Yu-Han Chao, Donald Illich, and Saeed Jones: This is a very interesting journal as they examine the difference in literary experience between a MFA writer and a non-MFA writer.
7. Double Bolted Doors by Sandy Florian: This is written in a language all its own.

8. The Day After by Gareth Storey: Have you ever had one of those nights?

Wishing:
1. Heroes And Heartbreakers by Ryan Bubnis: A line of artist designed toys by kidrobot.
2. Saltgrass Issue #3: Just $5 this journal features work from Mike Young, Kristi Maxwell, and many more. The are now reading submission for issue #4.
3. Wishing that the Vets in this country were treated with the Respect they deserve. Here is an update on Richard Leck and all of the issues that the people who for him are facing. Please read and get involved.

Getting:
1. My favorite old school hip hop blogs, Bust The Facts, is back and very active. They have made several posts this year already and among the best was four Grandmaster Flash albums and a megamix from Bobby Corridor.
2. Wip Issue #3: A new pdf photography magazine. The title stands for Work In Progress.

Watching:
1. Tinyrun "The Making of Lincoln T's"
2. Annuals on Interface
3. Fol Chen " No Wedding Cake"
4. E Reece & Core Elements "How We Do"
5. 2 Poems by Charles P Ries: This is from the incredible new journal Shape of a Box. This is a youtube based lit journal. I'm sure you will see mentioned a lot on the watch list.

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Trezire: Heavy experimental tones from Pittsburgh.
2. The Arctic Circle: Chicago's Anthony Iamurri creates incredible bedroom beats as The Arctic Circle.
3. On We: Bridget O'Callaghan is the strength in this tiny Chicago band. They are playing at Subt on the 16th.

Reading:
1. What Facebook Updates Really Mean by Rusty Barnes: Two little gems from the master of little gems.
2. it's november & you're 30 by j. michael niotta: 30 is tough in any month.
3. from The Evolutionary Revolution by Lily Hoang: This is a glimpse at what looks like a great story.
4. Juggling Spheres of Time by Joshua Michael Stewart: "he lounges in his yellowed briefs drinking applejack out of Big Bird’s head"
5. Celebrity Slumber [25] by Judson Hamilton: You will never guess who the celebrity is!
6. Products by Donald Illich: Everything is a product.
7. Daily Grind by Jared Ward: What a grind that would be.

Wishing:
1. Grow Book: This is the latest book in the featherproof family, and it is not only beautifully designed but it is a book with a conscious. Grow plants the seed of environmental responsibility in young children through a fun and interactive daily routine, with playful graphics and typography. The book is now available for presale through featherproof.
2. Erin Dollar's Fake Beards: Do you have trouble growing a beard? Well, let Erin Dollar take care of your facial hair needs. She just reopened her esty shop this week.
3. Speaking of beards, check out the latest shirt from Michael Cianfrani and Tinyrun.

Getting:
1. The new ep from Chicago's White Devil for free here.
2. The latest album from Chicago's Office is called Mecca. Frontman Scott Masson has decided to give it away for FREE!

Watching:
1. Joe Frawley "The City (Map 1)": Here is a bonus video from Joe Frawley.
2. Great Northern "106 Days and Counting"
3. Xrabit & DMG$ "Follow The Leader"
4. Melodium "Felt Melt (Primitive Version)": This is two years old, but still an amazing song and video.
5. Ben Tanzer spits the TRUTH!

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Sun Visor: I suppose all you need is one song, well I think they might have more than one, but that is all that I found on their myspace. Luckily it is a good one.
2. Albatross: There is something about Julie Popelka voice that blows me away.
3. Box of Baby Birds: Gary Calhoun James is the mastermind of this soothing brand of folk/country from Chicago. They are performing at The Hideout on an 9th.

Reading:
1. Us, People by Jimmy Chen: I am a sucker for pop culture, but what we really got me was the last line.
2. & (twenty-two) by J.A. Tyler: A flash of brilliance.
3. Me and Theodore dress up like Eskimos while we roast chestnuts on a hotplate by Mary Hamilton: This was the other story that Mary read at the last Orange Alert reading.
4. PAVEL PONOMARYOV AND PROV SADOVSKY by Jac Jemc: This is from the latest issue of No Posit, and there is so much more great stuff in this issue. New pieces from Noah Cicero, Matt Ryan, Zachary German, Chris Major, David Oprava, and many more.
5. Saved by the Bell by Sam Pink: What if Sam Pink wrote an episode of Saved by the Bell?
6. On Bathybius by Tom Orange: Mr. Orange how have I not found you sooner?!
7. Gone by Sarah Williams: A well-painted picture.

Wishing:
1. Blago 2016-F**K Them T-Shirts: This just further proves that Chris Bower is a genius.
2. Ink Work & original art by Chris Szostek
3. Blue Collar Poet by G. Emil Reutter: To be released in February, but now available for pre-order.

Getting:
1. An Introduction to Hunger by Zachary C. Bush: An interesting collection of poems by Zach from Gold Wake Press.
2. Excited about AWP? Well here is one more reason to attend.

Watching:
1. "Mona Lee" by The Sweet Serenades
2. Zac German & Brandon Scott Gorrell eat a crap ton of Popeye's
3. "Sore Thumb" by Fujiya & Miyagi
4. "Evrytm We Do It (RAC Maury RMX)" by Wallpaper.
5. Smoking Popes "Stay Down" Live on JBTV

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Winter Gloves: With a full-length album due in March this Montreal band has recorded a cover of one of my favorite songs of all-time. You should also check out their digital ep due in Feb. called Let Me Drive (mp3). Listen to: Someone Great (LCD Soundsystem Cover) (mp3)
2. Thunders: Indianapolis is home to this fuzzy jangle-pop group. Their music is fun and fresh. They just released their debut ep THE SYMPATHETIC OSCILLATIONS.
3. Brighten Up: Combining electronic music with organic instrumentation and vocals, this Chicago band is tearing up the local scene. Listen to: Fond (mp3)

Reading:
1. Shaving by Ben Segal: Duct taped eyelids are not the best way to avoid eye contact.
2. A Thousand Miles Away by Kyle Hemmings: A chilling winter tale.
3. Two Poems by G. Emil Reutter: Stories from Philly.
4. Punches by Daniel Casebeer: Short, but action-packed. It made me want to listen to The Shins.
5. A Manifesto is an Invoice by Tung-Hui Hu: A manifesto about writing a manifesto.
6. Duck Sauce by Mike Topp: It's a minute, but read it twice.
7. Flash Flicker Fire by Mary Hamilton: Mary read this at the last Orange Alert Reading and it was amazing!

Wishing:
1. Keyhole Issue #5
2. redblackbrown calander

Getting:
1. Adele "Melt My Heart" (Johnny Polygon and Green Lantern Remix) (mp3)
2. Novel's 808's & Mixtapes

Watching:
1. Theresa Andersson "Birds Fly Away" (mp3)
2. Tokyo Police Club "Your English is Good"
3. Sidewalk Chalk "Lights Out"
4. Yea Big & Kid Static "Mega Man" (Live)
5. Gable "Drunk Fox in London"

GaBLé / Drunk fox in London
Uploaded by yannick-lecoeur

The Watch List

Listening:
1. The Mystery Books: A young band from Florida with a history that includes a video by Tao Lin. You can download their debut album Russia from cllct.com for free.
2. Dead Pixels: A new band from very diverse backgrounds including Egypt, France, Denmark and the UK. Listen to: So You Say (mp3)
3. Soft Speaker: This Chicago band is currently recording their debut album, but they are playing a free show at the Empty Bottle on Dec. 29th.

Reading:
1. Let's Drink Our Way Through Winter by Ted Powers: Something has to get us through winter.
2. Slide it across the floor with your foot by Becky Hunt: Birthdays can be tough.
3. Generation by Meagan Wilson: This has some unique visuals.
4. Insulate, Insulate by Martin Brick: A rapid description of an early mid-life crisis.
5. HAIRHEADLAND by Shane Jones: This seems to be Shane's attempt at writing a fairy tale, and what an enjoyable but strange attempt it is.
6. An Occasional Bird Finds Itself in the Wrong Dream-Set & Exits after Disorientation by Jessica Bozek: Got Milk?
7. Shoplifting From Urban Outfitters by Victoria Trott: I feel sorry for Jane.

Wishing:
1. Wearable Toy Piano
2. TLE Holiday Special: Music + Comic + T-Shirt = $49!
3. Knuckle Sandwich Necklace

Getting:
1. Count & Sinden's Mega Mega Mega
2. "Interlude with Starlings" from littleBANG!: This one of my favorite finds of the last year.

Watching:
1. The Acorn "Crooked Legs"
2. The Shys "Savior"
3. Team Genius "Take Me Home"
4. Interview with Khaled Hosseini
5. Fol Chen "Believers" (mp3)

Fol Chen - The Believers from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Loyal Divide: This Chicago band just released one of the most surprising EP of year. You have to check it out! You can stream all four songs here.
2. Milk at Midnight: The third release from this Chicago band is filled with driving rhythms and hard edges. They are celebrating the release of Less Love More Acid at The Empty Bottle of Dec. 12th.
3. Inchworm: Local favorites, Inchworm just released their third album called Sheep in Wolf's Clothing. It filled with folk rock melodies beg for a simpler life.

Reading:
1. Undo by Martin Reed: A fast-paced story about driving and typing and so much more.
2. Western Bridges by Tobias Carroll: A hitchhikers journey.
3. Tulum by Tim Hall: This is actually an except for Tim's new book Full of It.
4. Cookie Hour by Jimmy Chen: Mmmm, an hour of Cookies!
5. When This Borrowed Car Burns by Sean Patrick Hill: A small scene of regret.
6. Now This by Joe Ashby Porter: I wanted something different and found a story of a military pilot.
7. Loneliness: Fourteen Variations by Barbara Hurd: Not the happiest story but well written.

Wishing:
1. Plustapes: Chicago is helping to bring back the cassette.
2. Orangyporangy: Handcrafted fashion from Madison.
3. Jennifer Davis has a new line of greeting cards with Vandalia Street Press. Check it out!

Getting:
1. Blanket 2nd Anniversary Issue: I can't believe Blanket has been around for two years already! 2. A free education in the music of The Last Poets from the fine folks at Milk Crate Breaks.

Watching:
1. Billy Collins "The Best Cigarette"
2. Boy Least Likely To "The First Snowflake"
3. Butch Walker "The Weight of Her"
4. Daniel Maurer reading from "Brocabulary: A new Man-i-festo of Dude Talk": This book was an embarrassment, and to see him reading you can tell he feels it.

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Conductive Alliance: This Chicago band reminds me a lot of a more organic version of The Books. It's creative instrumental folk that is as inventive as it is soothing.
2. Zelienople: Showing the ambient side of Chicago music, Zelienople has been perfecting their drone for several years. Their latest release is actually the soundtrack for a 25 minute video by Donald Prokop called Land of Smoke.
3. Bully in the Hallway: Just finishing their debut, Chicago's Bully in the Hallway have raw rock sound that can make some noise in 2009.

Reading:
1. Self-Portrait by Jason Cook: Self portraits are always the hardest.
2. A Bundle of Nerves by Lois McShane: Conversations at work are always somehow more interesting.
3. Harvest Time by Michael Lee Johnson: Calliope Nerve is now on-line!
4. Gretchen by Karl Koweski: How does someone come to be called Wet Wet?
5. Serious Adverse Events: An Uncensored History of AIDS by Celia Faber by Tao Lin: Hamsters always have the most fun.
6. Worst by Mikael Covey: Power image of a Mother's concern.

Wishing:
1. Rar Rar Press : Some of the most creative items I've seen in a long time.
2. Tiny Run: Great limited run t-shirt designs.
3. Owly Shadow Puppets: This maybe the most original concept I've seen this year. It's custom shadow puppets!

4. Broken Cherry 25% off sale this weekend only!!

5. Scumbag Holiday Superstore: 50-75% off the best Formula Werks Gear

Getting:
1. Juliet Cook "Projectile Vomit"
2. Silences Sumire free EP: This was released in 2007, but I just found it this week and it is really worth the download.

Watching:
1. Jihae - Best Thing
2. Best Fwends - The Live Experience
3. Her Space Holiday - Feel Better Birdie
4. Venna - 12 Shades to the Wind (Demo Version)

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Child Bite: This wild Detriot band is releasing their second album, Fantastic Gusts Of Blood. Listen to: Banana Gorgon (mp3)
2. The Argument: This is a young band Sweden who just released their first album for free this week. You can check it out here.
3. Blonde Acid Cult: Do you ever feel like you need a little New York party pop break? You can download the new single from Blonde Acid Cult, "Calypso", here.

Reading:
1. Hoyt-Schermerhorn by Susana Mai: It's all about shifting perspective.
2. My Trick by Justin Hyde: Everything changes with age.
3. Homecoming by Kevin O'Cuinn: Home is still home no matter the condition.
4. I'm Done Playing, Red Rover, Red Rover, Send Paige Right Over by Paige Taggart: Everyone crumbles sometimes.
5. The Man with the House in the Sky by Jason Jordan: That must have been a really tall ladder. 6. Non-Medical Descriptions of an Object Floating in Glass by Matt Bell: "Boy as discovered and uncovered."

7. Smiley Tol Me by Townsend Walker: I had to read this one three times.

Wishing:
1. Another cool Christmas idea... Prints and manipulated pamphlets from Will Bryant.
2. Orange Alert Inspection Sticker: Oh this is extremely cool!

Getting:
1. MAP stands for Music Art People and it is also great digital zine.
2. Tiger in The Mine by Julia Sonmi Heglund: This is a great 30 minute mix!

Watching:
1. Plushgun "Just Impolite": Directed by Tyler Shields, the video features Juno Temple (“The Other Boleyn Girl,” “Atonement,” “Notes on a Scandal,” and upcoming “Mr. Nobody” and “The Year One”), Brittany Snow (“Hairspray,” “Prom Night,” and upcoming “Clock Tower” and “The Vicious Kind”) and Shiloh Fernandez (upcoming “Cadillac Records” and “The United States of Tara”).
2. Fight Bite "Swissex Lover"
3. Erran Baron Cohen "Dreidel"
4. Git Beats "America": featuring LadyBug from Digable Planets
5. Beach House "Used To Be"
6. The Hours "See The Light": This video features Sienna Miller. Here is the Calvin Harris Remix (mp3)
7. From "One Spring Away" - 41 commercials mashed up into a music video

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Desmond Reed: On a small label in Peru called Susy Records comes an indie rocker from Massachusetts. Listen to: Guinea Pigs (mp3)

2. Ecce: Based out of London Nicholas Lisher is Ecce, and he is releasing an EP on Nov. 24th on Exploding Art called August Day.
3. Cult With No Name: Erik Stein and Jon Boux make lush electronic ballads, and their latest album, 'Careful What You Wish For' is available on Trakwerx.

Reading:
1. Calliope Nevre Issue #17: This issue features an interview with someone you might know.
2. The Fat Goths by S. Craig Renfroe Jr.: Seriously, is there anything worse than a fat goth?
3. Monkey and Birdie by Jill Summers: I love this story, but I also really liked the images by Owleyes.
4. Breakdown by Christian Ward: "I lathered the inside of my brain with caffeine"... so true!
5. The Walk Home by Dawn Corrigan: Never should you have to walk alone.
6. Me and Theodore Fought the Law and the Law Won by Mary Hamilton: "We talk about POETRY like it's really really really important." Who doesn't?
7. Cash Rules Everything Around Me #7 by Greg Oguss: This an essay on the N word and how it relates to the recent election.

Wishing:
1. Casperian Book's SALE: "With the economy in the toilet and sales never quite recovering from the summer slump, we're including every one of our titles in a Black Friday sale! Every book is $10 only while supplies last!"
2. Shakespear Theater - CST for $20 Program - This was sent to me in response to my conversation with Megan Mercier. A very cool program for theater goers under 35.
3. Buena Onda Series Sale from Ryan Bubnis: Normally $100 each, they wonderful pieces are $60 each through the end of the year.
4. YouTube: An Insider’s Guide to Climbing the Charts: A very interesting book by Alan "fallofautumndistro" Lastufka and Michael W. Dean

Getting:
1. Joyful Noise Recordings has released a free digital sampler of their upcoming 2009 release schedule. The "Joyful Noise 2009 Digital Sampler" as it is called, also includs tracks from the freshly released November 2008 albums of Grampall Jookabox, Prizzy Prizzy Please, and Man At Arms. The sampler also stretches well into the 2009 release schedule - offering free tracks from upcoming albums by Marmoset, Hi Red Center, The Delicious, Abner Trio, Bizzart, Valina, Push-Pull, and Stationary Odyssey.
2. New mp3 from Tigers Can Bite You - Colleagues (mp3)
3. Awel Issue #3: The theme is "Insects"

Watching:
1. Luke Jackson "Come Tomorrow"
2. The Dark Romantics "Let's Ride"
3. State Bird "I Saw The Light"
4. PH Madore opens his mail and get's an Orange surprise
5. Boy Eat Drums Machine "Crack in the Sea"


boy eats drum machine - "crack in the sea" from Jon Ragel on Vimeo.

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Jay Jay Pistolet - 21 year old Londoner Jay Jay Pistolet was personally picked by Laura Marling to join her for main support for here current tour. His debut Happy Birthday you EP, produced by Charlie Fink (of Noah and the Whale) will be released on November 17th on Stiff Records. Listen to: Oh Caroline (mp3)
2. The Dig : A new band out of New York.
3. Sharks and Seals: A dark and scary Chacago band.

Reading:
1. Brothers by Nick Ostdick: A letter between brother anywhere.
2. Idea for Story #1,643 by David Gianatasio: A funny piece with a little Tao Lin bashing free of charge.
3. Action Hero Defeats Terrorists by Bradley Sands: Rico Slade is a bad dude!
4. Tongue by Samantha Henderson: This is final story published by one of my favorites Dog vs Sandwich. The on-line zine are dropping like corporate employees who have worn out their welcome!
5. Several Minutes of Death and Taxes by P.H. Madore: "Onward. Meat of the day." I love that line!
6. Just One Question by John Roberts: I have many questions, but this one will do.
7. Gives Birth to Monsters by Spencer Dew: Spence is one of the brightest voices in Chicago. You can see him read @ The Whistler on November 18th!!!!

Wishing:
1. Midnight Picnic by Nick Antosca: Word Riot Press must have a gem on their hands! I can't wait to read it.
2. Spill by Curtis Crisler: The winner of the Keyhole chapbook contest.

Getting:
1. Side of Grits: Volume 1, Issue 1 - Brilliant, Michele you rock!!
2. 672 Hours by Andrew Demcak: A small e-chap from an accomplished poet.

Watching:
1. Dark Side of the Moog from The Boxing Lesson
2. Haley Bonar performing an unreleased song
3. GTA - Breakthrough 08
4. Lowtide from O'Death
5. You Don't Gotta Run featuring Pop Levi (Trailer)

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Smoldering Ashes: I have been enchanted by the lovely voice of Veronica Ashe!
2. Donny Hue and The Colors : Brooklyn's boys bring a little taste of the blues to the mix. Listen to: Good Time Happening (mp3) (video)
3. Pirate Love: Gut-busting grim and grit rock from Oslo, Norway. Listen to: The Lonely Streets (mp3)

Reading:
1. 1 Diagram & 3 Graphs by Joshua Ware: It may be the accountant in me, but I really think these are cool.
2. Glass Cake Plate by Juliet Cook: Juliet is always fascinating.
3. decomP November Issue: Rusty Barnes, Justin Hyde, LCB, Aleathia Drehmer, the best issue ever.
4. Being a Parent by Alex Summer Melnick: Short but so honest and direct.
5. The Watchman by Melissa Hansen: A good Halloween poem.
6. When Underwater Volcanoes Erupt by Dominique Holmes: How do we view tragic events?
7. Paperwall Issue #12: Great new issue of this pdf journal.

Wishing:
1. From Which Place the Morning Rises by Michael Lee Johnson: This is Michael's new chapbook and it contains my interview with him.
2.You should do ALL of you early Holiday shopping HERE!

Getting:
1. Proteus Magazine Issue 6
2. Kid Color "Carded & Discarded"

Watching:
1. Fredrik "11 Years" created by Dutch filmmaker Iris Piers.
2. Illinois - 'The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe' Trailer"
3. The Astroid Galaxy Tour - "The Sun Ain't Shining No More"
4. International Jettsetters - "Inside Out"
5. Caveman Robot

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Pillars and Tongues: This is music explores you while you try to imagine how it was created. This Chicago trio is making some of the most inventive music in town. Their latest album Protection was released by a local label on October 14th. Listen to: Hall of Bliss (mp3)

2. oRSo: Chicago's Phil Spirito has a scary beard and a magical sound. Back in September he released a hypnotic mix of tenor banjos, soft organs, muted brass, and calm harmonies called Ask Your Neighbor. Listen to: See Me (mp3)
3. Gladshot: Debbie Andrews and Mike Bixwell make sugary pop music. This New York duo released their latest album Burn Up & Shine on October 14th. Listen to: All I Want is You (mp3)

Reading:
1. Live Young by Jennifer Gravely: This one was a tough one, but the subject matter was well handled. I love Fiction at Work, btw. The "Boss!" button rocks!
2. Scratches of Hope by Aimee Wilkinson: "One of these days she will win back all the sacrifices she gave throughout her life. "
3. Different from Dickinson by Eleanor Ellis: "and I sat there, quivering like underdone jello"
4. Yakaterina Golubeva by Jac Jemc: Almost as fascinating as her stories are tales of her rejections detailed on her blog.
5. The Little Mogul by Thomas Sullivan: This draws upon the huge amount of loss associated with gain.
6. Spilled Milk by Joanne Faries: A child's memories of his Grandmother.
7. Norm MacDonald by Ellen Kennedy: "Norm Macdonald walks into a Gamestop. Norm Macdonald buys himself a Nintendo DS Lite."

Wishing:
1. Bust Down the Door and Eat All The Chickens (Issue 8) by Bradley Sands
2. Poketo makes the best looking wallets, check out their latest series.

3. Cadaver Dogs by Rebecca Loudon: This comes recommended from a great source, and I have to take a look at it.

Getting:
1. Lee Kelly makes a mean crossword puzzle... check one out here CMJ preview crossword.
2. KJFF's interview with Tim Hall author of Full of It
3. Check out Postcard.fm: Send an audio postcard to a friend.

Watching:
1. XLR8R talks with E*Rock
2. Ian Anderson and One for the Team plays for Spin
3. Check out the Latest from Mr. Lif
4. Spywatchers by Icy Demons courtesy Babel Music
5. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights by Seth Brau
6. I Saw The Bright Shinies (mp3) by The Octopus Project

The Watch List

Listening:
1. LittleBear: Nick Principe is LittleBear, and I am happy he his. His debut EP is a well layered and soulful taste of what is to come.
2. Lemonade: Casio beats and sun drenched vocals make this San Francisco group nearly irresistible. Listen to: Sunchips (mp3)
3. Kicksville: Not just a band, Kicksville is a movement, a virtual community and a musical collective that mix live instruments with electronic programming to create a fascinating landscape. A mix of poetry and electronic music. Listen to: Old Man John (mp3) and Homage to Subversion (link)

Reading:
1. Your Heart is an Oversized Transformer by Raffi Robert Kiureghian: A heart-breaking love story for Sweetest Day!
2. That's a Strange Mistake to Make by Patrick Howell O'Neill: Every story should start out "Listen to me".
3. brains folding over in the heartland of america by Justin Hyde: Great way to start a poem, "he only likes obama because he's black "!
4. Man Detained by Airport Security by Lafayette Wattles: These are tense times.
5. I Go To Some Hollow by Amina Cain: A story of friendship.
6. How to Remove a Pair of Pant Without Jealousy by Drew Kalbach: It's not what you think, it's better.
7. This Space is Intentionally Left Blank by Paul Giles: Twist ending!
8. The Power of Water by Nick Ostdick: A late addition, but a great one.

Wishing:
1. Six Foot Owl: Check out their hand painted custom clothing.
2. This Feels Like Normal by Colin Bassett, Matthew Savoca, and Brandon Scott Gorrell : This is the first release from Bearcreekfeed Press and it is free.
3. Just Seeds: This is a visual artist collective here in Chicago.

Getting:
1. Obama Mixes: This is no way reveals how I will be voting, but I did receive two great mixes this week. Check out Z-Trip's Obama Mix and Green Lantern's Yes We Can Mix
2. Wip Issue 2: Great new photography zine.
3. The Flight Before Christmas: To promote the release of this new kids DVD they sent me a cool activity page for kids.

Watching:
1. Skew - Stadiums Are Ok Too: This is from the forthcoming self-titled debut album that will be released by It's Bananas on November 11th.
2. I Met The Walrus: In 1969, a 14-year-old Beatle fanatic named Jerry Levitan, armed with a reel-to-reel tape deck, snuck into John Lennon's hotel room in Toronto and convinced John to do an interview about peace.
3. Fredik - 1986

4. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead: I love this song!
5. Vivian Girl - Tell The World
6. Kicksville - Evil Demon Weed
7. Ben Reading at Quickies

The Watch List

Listening:
1. The Dead Trees: Portland indie rockers return on October 21st with King of Rosa. Check out their Daytrotter Session here. Listen to: Shelter (mp3)
2. Kid Mud: Sean Duncan is a strange man who likes to cover Justin Timberlake. His EP Birds Will Move In was released last week on New and Used Records. Listen to: Press it Out (mp3)
3. The Pale Corners: Table tennis, beer, and a group of friends from Sweden. Listen to: Steve Buscemi (mp3)

Reading:
1. robosouthamerica by Brandon Scott Gorrell: With a chapbook forthcoming from the newly formed Muumuu House, Brandon has put together a series of interesting lines.
2. A Pale White Hamster Yawns in Bed by Ellen Kennedy: A hamster who works as a janitor.
3. Evening Collapsed Purple by C. Robin Madigan: A great series of stories by this Chicago writer.
4. The Mustaches in the Springtime by Charlie DeVore: Mustaches and a place named Coffeyville, what more could you want? You can also listen to Charlie read this story over at Word Riot.
5. There's No Telling by Blythe Winslow: You never know what might happen.
6. Campfire by Donna D. Vitucci: I am not a fan of camping, but I love campfires.
7. Girl With Curious Hair by Lisa Zaran: "there's something missing."

Wishing:
1. PBR Soap: Now you can be hip and clean. Made from Pabst Blue Ribbon, Distilled Water, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, sodium Hydroxide, this soap is also vegan friendly.
2. Sarah Palin Debate Flow Chart: You know there had to be some logic behind her apparent madness.
3. The Price of Death by SJ Robinson: " It's a novel with all the corporate greed, personal intrigue, and (yes) even sex that you expect in a feel-good, easy-read. " Sound interesting enough.

Getting:
1. Blanket Issue #12: The Travel Issue... I thought everyone was staying home these days.
2. A new mp3 from These United States! This is one of my favorite songs right now, "Get Yourself Home" (mp3)
3. An invite to Queer Eye on a Diverse Nation feature the work Robert Porazinski. One of many shows taking place this month, this exhibit runs through Nov. 15 and is located at 3656 N. Halsted.

Watching:
1. Cadence Weapon "Real Estate"
2. Audrye Sessions "Turn Me Off"
3. Rick Riordan the latest from Barnes & Noble's Meet the Author.
4. The Deer Tracks "Slow Collision": One of the most beautiful videos and songs of the year!

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Tigers Can Bite You: Part of the Silverlake music scene, Tigers Can Bite You will release their full-length album Steve Ward Hears Voices on Oct. 28th. Listen to: Hawks (mp3)
2. Matthew and The Arrogant Sea: Denton, TX (imagine that!) is home these fantasy filled dream folkers who love the sea! There new records family family family meets the magic christian will be released Oct. 28th. Listen to: The Wizard (mp3)
3. Corpsekisser: October is the perfect time to be scared, this Portland duo makes songs about nightmares.

Reading:
1. A Thorough Exegesis of the Opening Credits to Laverne & Shirley (The Wisconsin Years) by Ed Murray: This piece is hilarious and slightly informative.
2. All the Young Punks by Edward Kampanowski: Punks just aren't what they used to be.
3. Room 829 by Mike Boyle: Mike is a master of the dark and dank.
4. Paperwall Issue #11: A one page pdf print-out featuring Matthew Savoca, John C. Goodman, and Shane Jones.
5. Lord of the Road-Kill. by M.J. Salmon: I almost hit a squirrel today.
6. Year of Weird Light by Blake Butler: "He’d repeat until the words became just words, until even what short sleep came for me was slurred. " What great little story!
7. What Remains by Ellen Kombiyil: Loss is still loss no matter what you've have lost.

Wishing:
1. Repetition Patterns by Ben Tanzer: It's coming!!!
2. Defend & Resist Complex: It's is truly the cure for the common cold.
3. Bands of the Road: The Tour Sketchbook by Silke Leicher and Manuel Scheiner: This is the coolest book I have ever owned! (Full-review to follow)

Getting: (More Mixtapes!)
1. Songs to Get Killed in the Woods To by Tobacco (from Black Moth Super Rainbow)
2. Verbena no5 by Buffetlibre Dj's
3. The Ravonettes Remixed
4. XLR8 Marriage Records Podcast: featuring Karl Blau, Adrian Orange, Lucky Dragon, YACHT, Little Wings, and more

Watching:
1. Moby Starts a Punk Band!
2. Will The Ladies Send You Flowers by Neva Dinova
3. Either/Or by Wild Sweet Orange
4. A Message from Mr. Lif
5. Escape Mechanism "Cycles"

The Watch List

Listening:

1. Shiloe: Relesing their new EP ...And Now the Screaming Starts on Oct. 14th, LA's Shiloe play a furious brand of power pop. Listen to: Gone (mp3)
2. Generifus: This past June, Spencer Sult (aka Generifus) traveled to Anacortes, WA to record and album with my favorite Anacortes musician Karl Blau. The album, Solstice Songs, will be available through Bicycle Records. However, you can order a copy through his myspace now.
3. Mystery of Two: This Cleveland trio recently released a digital seven inch, Gravity, and are now recording a new full-length album. They are drawing a lot positive buzz and they are on my favorite Cleveland label Exit Stencil. Listen to: Desolate (from Arrows Are All You Know, 2007) (mp3)

Reading:
1. Ten Minutes in a Library by Kenneth Pobo: Jesus defends Orwell and expresses his love for Bette Davis.
2. Set Sail by Aleathia Drehmer: Short but sweat!
3. Snow by Hardy Jones: The Winter Games can have that affect on people.
4. Gloom Cupboard Issue #59: Several great pieces in this issue, especially "to die" by John Grochalski
5. Strewn About the Days by William Taylor Jr: I love William's work, and have had his name on my list for along time!
6. Cowboy by David E. Oprava: This taken for David's full-length collection, VS. due in October. Check back for my interview with David to be posted on Oct. 9th.
7. Japanese Children with Digital Cameras in a Field by Tao Lin and Ellen Kennedy: This story has it all, Cannibalistic Japanese babies, green lobster suits, Nintendo Duck Hunt, The Prime Minister, and more.

Wishing:
1. "ZAUM AS A SECOND LANGUAGE" Ugly Duckling Press T-Shirts
2. Field Notes Memo Books: Very nice little books to record anything.
3. Gloom Cupboard Issue #4: Justin Hyde, Misti Rainwater-Lites, and more!

Getting:
1. A behind scenes look at Brian Dettmer's Studio.
2.MP3's: C. Robin Madigan - "Margaret Tweedstitcher" (mp3) and Walter Meego - "Forever (Van She Remix)" (mp3)
3. To judge a book by it's cover: Check out Judgeby.com!

Watching:
1. Crystal Antlers in Seattle on 9/11
2. Aviary Ghost "The Brain Is A House"
3. Jed Perl on Watteau from the new Barnes & Noble Review Gallery
4. Theresa Andersson "Birds Fly Away"

5. The KnuX - "Bang Bang"
6. Serious Literature

The Watch List

Listening:
1. Lady Lamb The Beekeeper: Brunswick, Maine is home to Adelaide & Basil Aly. This duo is creating lo-fi atmospheric pop melodies. Listen to: Walrus (mp3)
2. David Daniell: Drone music from Chicago, David crafts the most beautiful and peaceful sounds I've heard in a while.
3. Kordan: Arthur Eisele only has a handful of demos recorded, but he is currently opening for Cut Copy. He debut single should released this fall, and he will then work on his debut full-length. One of his songs was heard on East Village Radio while the guys from Cut Copy were there in the studio a few months ago. They found it to be the most memorable songs that night. With a new tour being planned to come stateside, months later they remembered Kordan. They had their manager contact Kordan and the rest is history. Listen to: Fantasy Nation (mp3)

Reading:
1. Equality by Fiona Hemsley: A girls quest for respect, I think. Her methods are strange and entertaining.
2. Spiderman, Pee Wee, Fellini by Katrina Kymberly NGUYEN: "I feel dumb for feeling embarrassed." A story of confusion about life and relationships. Also a story about Wal-Mart and panic attacks.
3. Dating Advert by Chris Killen: Honesty is not always the best policy.
4. Three Poems by Jason Fisk: Poems of humor and poems of deep isolation and even a poem about being drunk!
5. Why Obama by Daniel Ingala (aka Plushgun): A great essay by a great musician. Why should we care who Plushgun is voting for you ask? Well, maybe we should, but he does support his opinion and made me smile in the process.
6. Missive To T by John Ottey: Some of the best stories are written in a foreign land.
7. Ninty One by Justin Rand: This 91 from 72!

Wishing:
1. Ryan Bubnis is now offering originals on his etsy site. My absolute favorite is "Under Pressure"
2. Skidding Through the Mud Incognito by Jenifer Wills: This chap was the winner of Gloom Cupboards 2008 contest. (review to follow)
3. The Gone-Away World by Nick Harkaway: I know cover design is important, but pink fuzzies! Really?

Getting: (Full Album Samplers Edition)
1. Max Justus is the coolest electronic musician in Missiouri. Download his album Talk To Strangers
2. Duck Down Records, home to DJ Revolution, Kidz in the Hall, Ruste Juxx, Heltah Skeltah, and more, has released a sampler filled with tracks from their upcoming releases.
3. I know this is old news, but Ghostly is one of my favorite label and back in April they contributed a great mix to the Adult Awim series. Check out Ghostly Swim.

Watching:
1. Theresa Anderson Na Na Na Na: Now that is what I call a multi-instrumentalist! Theresa is playing at SPACE in Evanston tomorrow night.
2. Pop Montreal Teaser
3. Sia "Soon We'll Be Found"
4. Casettes Won't Listen "Freeze and Explode"
5. The Beckoning of Lovely: The message is simply, but will you act?

The Watch List

Listening:
1. I Am Three: Irving and Hughes are two Manchester lads making a combination of folk, pop, and oddly enough rap. Check it out.
2. The Deer Tracks: Heavenly melodies out of Sweden. I know I should just move to Sweden, but seriously this duo is incredible! Listen to: Slow Collision (mp3)
3. Anna Vogelzang: Chicago folk-rocker, Anna and her band of boys are sure to impress. Listen to: Buckets of Rain (Dylan Cover) (mp3)

Reading:
1. Grocery Store Check Out Girl by John Grochalski: An ode to memories and whatever might bring them on.
2. The Warhol-Sleeping Quartet by Peter M. Ball: This is a long one, but very interesting.
3. Sorry by Chris Killen: Never wake your wife up to talk about dreams.
4. Battling for Gucci by Jennifer Walmsley: That's right battle for Gucci, not world peace, not decreased eco-footprints, gucci.... I love it!
5. Hed by Colin Bassett & Janelle Barr: A love poem, I think.
6. Everything They Say About Sailors Is True by Donna George Storey: This wasn't what I was looking for, but I couldn't stop reading.
7. I Am Being Honest by Matthew Savoca: Sometimes it is better to not be so honest.

Wishing:
1. Red Reign Designs - Art Objects by Michelle Miller: Incredibly intricate origami objects, she can even customize!
2. Joe Scarano Letter Pressed Trading Cards: I am a sucker for letter press.
3. Jeff Koons Limited DVD: Colette is selling this unique dvd of Jeff's work. I am still undecided on the work it's self, but people seems to dig it.

Getting (Underground Lit Edition):
1. Indiebound : A great resource for the indie bookstore.

2. Love Chicago : I like the design of this site, and it appears to be Gapers Block for the young generation, but it just needs to be updated more frequently. Maybe they a need a music and lit writer? (hint)
3. Little Bang!: I can't wait for October to get here!
4. Skeleton News: This is a print newspaper that is filled with fiction and comics and all sorts of amazing stuff. However, they have no web presence and I don't know where to find more issues of their publication. All I have is an e-mail address that they put inside the paper. They are looking for writers, distribution, reporting, web design, and more. Contact: theskeletonnews@gmail.com.

Watching:
1. The Interiors and Matt and Kim on Rolling Stone.com
2. The Bug ft Warrior Queen "Poison Dart": I can believe I've slept on this one so long. It's a banger if I've ever heard one!
3. Wild Sweet Orange "Sour Milk": "Don't tell me that man is my father"... Powerful!

4. El Perro Del Mar "Glory to the World"

5. Excerpt from Yum Yum I Can't Wait to Die by Sam Pink
6. Mr. Lif "Home of the Brave" (live) w/ Aesop Rock & El-P: There really is a better to listen to this week!

The Watch List

Listening:
1. From: Roni Brunn is the lone woman behind the sound of From. She has quite the incredible story, and a light and fun style as well. Brunn grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel, attended high school in Beverly Hills, and graduated Harvard University with a major in economics. After college, she launched a line of high end handbags that sold in exclusive shops around the world and appeared in top fashion magazines, including Vogue, InStyle, and Marie Claire. In 2002, she created Math-Club, an organization that puts on recreational math events as documented in Time Magazine, Wired, BON, and NPR. In her work as a web developer, she created sites for Ringo Starr and Justin Timberlake. She is a self taught musician who writes, arranges, performs, and produces all the tracks for From. Listen to: One Spring Away (mp3)
2. The Unabombers: Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford are two DJ's who on October 6th are going to take you straight to the legendary Manchester club 'Electric Chair'. Electric Chair - Saved My Life is an incredible DJ set featuring some of the best underground dance music around.
3. Welcome to the Cinema: Just released their debut album Blocks and Hills, these five South Dakota boys play a great a brand of pop music. Listen to: Tasty Taste (mp3)

Reading:
1. ALIENATED AFRAID OF FURNITURE IN BEDROOM by Brandon Scott Gorrell: A fear of furniture is rational, right?
2. Siberia by Noah Cicero: Olive Garden and porn, sweet!
3. Honey by Steve Finbow: Don't ever read in the tub.
4. One More Saturday Night by Cassie J. Sneider: Records stores and Sha Na Na and dirty bathrooms.
5. A Pig Cannot Look Up by Greggory Moore: A strange conversation about pigs and their ability to look up.
6. Two Poems by Karl Koweski: One of the best in the biz!
7. Tonight by Sean Lovelace: Nothing says romance like Depeche Mode, and sautéed onions.

Wishing:
1. Four-Way Make-Out: New work by Matt Furie, Jay Howell, Matthew Feyld and Dawn Riddle Opens Sept 5th, 6-9pm Closes Sept 28th (Grass Hut Gallery, Portland, OR)
2. Typewriters Morph Into Creepy Sci-Fi Creatures
3. "Emo for Obama" buttons

Getting:
1. Library of Inspiration: What a great concept! Journey into a virtual dedication ceremony, celebrating great works of art in the fields of music, film, and literature.
2. Writers on Writing: A literary interview show hosted by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett.
3. Open Books: Working to promote literacy. They are looking for volunteers, and it is a great cause.

Watching:
1. Langhorne Slim "Restless" (mp3)
2. Sam Champion Video #3 and Like a Secret
3. Canon Blue "Battle Hymn" 4. Basia Bulat "The Pilgriming Vine"
5. The Stain of Poetry Reading Series: Ryan Murphy
6. New video interview with Ben Tanzer, author of Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine