This modernist approach to recycling or reintroducing samples was completely new in the rock/pop format of the mid-80s, and pre-dated key sampling releases from De La Soul, 2 Live Crew, Beastie Boys and MARRS' Pump Up the Volume, the first sample-based 1987 hit single to top the chart. In fact, BAD's 1985 debut album, This Is Big Audio Dynamite, and the Nicholas Roeg-sampling homage and hit single E=MC2, are now widely acknowledged as pioneering works in the emerging format.
Big Audio Dynamite - more pioneering than the Clash?
The Guardian reassesses Mick Jones' post Clash hip hop/techno/reggae/pop/punk band. I certainly like the Clash more, but recently was listening to some BAD and have to say, the group was way ahead of the curve. Some of the music hold up well today and you certainly can hear strains of it in Gorillaz and other groups of today.
John Lennon collected letters set for publication
A book collecting letters written by the late Beatle is set for publication in October 2012.
Yoko Ono has sold the publishing rights to a collection of Lennon's letters, which give an unrivalled insight into his daily life, character, concerns and hopes and run to hundreds of pages. Ono owns the intellectual property rights to the letters, but was persuaded to sell them by the Beatles' biographer, Hunter Davies.
...It was a singular collection with more than 150 letters including notes Lennon wrote to newspapers and record companies and a missive he wrote to an eight-year-old boy
DC dumps Comics Code
Following a move made by Marvel Comics several years ago, DC is dumping the 56-year-old Comics Code Authority Seal of Approval. Like Marvel, DC will replace the seal with its own on-cover ratings.
Nearly six decades after the industry was pressured into using the CCA seal by the juvenile delinquency scare of the 1950s, I can understand that it may have outlived its usefulness.
But I also feel like today's comics publishing industry may not suitably have its act together enough to operate its own ratings systems. I'm not saying that the publishers shouldn't try doing so, only that they should try harder.
Here's how I see it:
In this age of a zillion different comics titles, parents who want to buy a child a comic featuring Spider-Man, Batman or some other superhero because a kid has seen that character on TV or in his/her Happy Meal, should have some sort of direction as to which of the half-dozen or so Batman or Spidey comics out there is appropriate.
Ratings can help parents navigate through this confusion. But, to do so, the ratings must be clear. I don't think Marvel's really are. For example, Marvel uses an "A" for "all ages." To my mind, "A" could mean "adult." The other letters used also are potentially confusing. Not only that, but parents may not even realize that these letters are intended as ratings. Not that most folks ever knew, past 1954 or so, what the heck the comics seal was, either -- especially as the publishers started running it at a smaller and smaller size.
I think publishers should offer clear guidance on comic book covers as to what age the title is appropriate for. There shouldn't be any wondering necessary by the parent.
Better yet, I wish DC and Marvel would just ensure that all their mainstream superhero titles -- those featuring Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, the Hulk, Fantastic Four, Thor, Captain America and the like -- are rated for the same audience. Right now, there are "all ages" Spider-Man, etc., titles and "teen-plus" or even "mature" Spider-Man, etc. titles. This makes no sense to me and likely just turns parents off comics entirely.
In movie terms, I think these titles should be in the "PG" category: edgy enough to interest teens and adults, but appropriate enough for kids around age 12. There's no sane, or for that matter, commercial,reason that comics featuring such characters should be essentially rated "R" -- at least not if you're going to continue marketing toys featuring that character to young children.
Anyway, that's my view. And here's a look at DC's new rating system:
Nearly six decades after the industry was pressured into using the CCA seal by the juvenile delinquency scare of the 1950s, I can understand that it may have outlived its usefulness.
But I also feel like today's comics publishing industry may not suitably have its act together enough to operate its own ratings systems. I'm not saying that the publishers shouldn't try doing so, only that they should try harder.
Here's how I see it:
In this age of a zillion different comics titles, parents who want to buy a child a comic featuring Spider-Man, Batman or some other superhero because a kid has seen that character on TV or in his/her Happy Meal, should have some sort of direction as to which of the half-dozen or so Batman or Spidey comics out there is appropriate.
Ratings can help parents navigate through this confusion. But, to do so, the ratings must be clear. I don't think Marvel's really are. For example, Marvel uses an "A" for "all ages." To my mind, "A" could mean "adult." The other letters used also are potentially confusing. Not only that, but parents may not even realize that these letters are intended as ratings. Not that most folks ever knew, past 1954 or so, what the heck the comics seal was, either -- especially as the publishers started running it at a smaller and smaller size.
I think publishers should offer clear guidance on comic book covers as to what age the title is appropriate for. There shouldn't be any wondering necessary by the parent.
Better yet, I wish DC and Marvel would just ensure that all their mainstream superhero titles -- those featuring Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, the Hulk, Fantastic Four, Thor, Captain America and the like -- are rated for the same audience. Right now, there are "all ages" Spider-Man, etc., titles and "teen-plus" or even "mature" Spider-Man, etc. titles. This makes no sense to me and likely just turns parents off comics entirely.
In movie terms, I think these titles should be in the "PG" category: edgy enough to interest teens and adults, but appropriate enough for kids around age 12. There's no sane, or for that matter, commercial,reason that comics featuring such characters should be essentially rated "R" -- at least not if you're going to continue marketing toys featuring that character to young children.
Anyway, that's my view. And here's a look at DC's new rating system:
E – EVERYONE
Appropriate for readers of all ages. May contain cartoon violence and/or some comic mischief.
T – TEEN
Appropriate for readers age 12 and older. May contain mild violence, language and/or suggestive themes.
T+ - TEEN PLUS
Appropriate for readers age 16 and older. May contain moderate violence, mild profanity, graphic imagery and/or suggestive themes.
M – MATURE
Appropriate for readers age 18 and older. May contain intense violence, extensive profanity, nudity, sexual themes and other content suitable only for older readers.
Kate Bush plans reissues, possibly new music in 2011
Kate Bush is a fascinating but far from prolific recording artist, so any news about releases, old or new, is pretty rare. In this case, there's confirmation that four of her albums -- The Dreaming, Hounds Of Love, The Sensual World and The Red Shoes, all originally released between 1982 and 1993 -- will be out later this year. No specific details on bonus tracks (if any) or release dates. There's also been talk lately about Kate releasing some new music this year, but:
“There are other plans but I’m not able to talk about them right now,” is all Munns would say, adding, “There’s nothing ready until Kate says it’s ready. That’s always been the way.”
Three paperbacks on the way in DC Comics' Joe Kubert Library
Three of the great cartoonist's works will be available in paperback "Joe Kubert Library" editions in May. The titles include: "Yossel," "Jew Gangster" and "Dong Xoai
."
."
Britain's Royal Mail unveils Gerry Anderson-themed stamps
A series of stamps paying tribute to Gerry Anderson's various marionation series is out now. From the press release:
Royal Mail is celebrating the iconic work of Gerry Anderson on a new set of stamps.
Gerry Anderson is the creator of the puppet characters from cult TV programmes such as Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray, that have thrilled millions of people since the 1960s.
FAB: The Genius of Gerry Anderson kicks off the 2011 Royal Mail Special Stamps programme in style as the issue contains the UK’s first ever ‘motion stamps’. A miniature sheet of four stamps has been specially printed so that when they are tilted back and forth the iconic opening sequence of Thunderbirds is played with each of the crafts launching: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
The latest stamps celebrate the 50th anniversary of these ground-breaking programmes which began with Supercar in 1961. The programmes celebrated on the main issue of stamps are Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, Fireball XL5, Supercar and Stingray. Whilst the miniature sheet of ‘motion stamps’ features stamps showing Thunderbirds 4, Thunderbirds 3, Thunderbirds 2 and Thunderbirds 1.
Gerry Anderson said: “I feel incredibly proud that my work has been chosen to appear on a set of Royal Mail stamps and to see actual animation of the opening scenes of Thunderbirds appear on the motion stamps is really wonderful.”
Philip Parker, Royal Mail Stamps spokesperson, said: “Gerry Anderson’s ingenuity and inventiveness caused a sensation in the 1960s. We‘re delighted that 50 years on we are able to recognise and celebrate his work on our first stamp issue of 2011.
“It’s particularly fitting that his characters will once again be visiting millions of homes across the UK as they arrive through the nation’s letterboxes on letters and cards. And also that the dramatic 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, opening sequence is now a UK first through its appearance on our new motion stamps.”
Yet more pictures from X-Men: First Class
Here's Michael Fassbinder as Magneto and James McAvoy as a young Professor X.
Three new photos from X-Men: First Class
The Los Angeles Times offers up three fresh photos and quite a bit of detail about the new film.
Here are pics of cast members James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Kevin Bacon as Sabastian Shaw and January Jones as Emma Frost and others:
Here are pics of cast members James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Kevin Bacon as Sabastian Shaw and January Jones as Emma Frost and others:
Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman in next Batman film
From the press release:
Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”
In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.” Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. “The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Bob Dylan signs six-book deal
Dylan will write two more installments of his "Chronicles" series of memoirs along with four additional books in a deal with Simon & Schuster. One book is reported to be a collection of Dylan's musings from his "Theme Time Radio Hour" show. No details on the others.
New comics Jan. 19, 2011
Age of Reptiles Omnibus
MySpace Dark Horse Presents Volume 6
Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago... Volume 3
House of Mystery Vol. 5: Under New Management
Justice League International Vol 5
The Starman Omnibus Vol. 6
Captain America: Man & Wolf
Secret Avengers, Vol. 1: Mission to Mars
Spider-Man: The Complete Clone Saga Epic - Book 5 (Spider-Man (Graphic Novels))
Thor: Ragnarok (Thor (Graphic Novels))
First offical cast picture: X-Men: First Class
The movie, out in June, stars Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, January Jones as Emma Frost, Jason Flemyng as Azazel, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Lucas Till as Havoc, Zoe Kravitz as Angel Salvadore, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, and James McAvoy as Charles Xavier.
Anthony Horowitz gets official go-ahead to pen Sherlock Holmes novel
The estate of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle has granted the "Alex Rider" novels permission to write an authorized Holmes book.
I've not read any of Horowitz's other works, but purists online are understandably nervous/upset. Of course, there have been a zillion non-Doyle Holmes books over the years. The character and the concept is quite adaptable. I figure the original is always best, the adaptations range from ok to wretched. So I'm not gonna get worked up about it.
Actually, I think this, presumably unauthorized, one looks fun...
Anyone out there read it? More info on this "Further Adventures" series from Titan Book here.
I've not read any of Horowitz's other works, but purists online are understandably nervous/upset. Of course, there have been a zillion non-Doyle Holmes books over the years. The character and the concept is quite adaptable. I figure the original is always best, the adaptations range from ok to wretched. So I'm not gonna get worked up about it.
Actually, I think this, presumably unauthorized, one looks fun...
Anyone out there read it? More info on this "Further Adventures" series from Titan Book here.
Marvel Comics solicitations April 2011
Some highlights from Marvel's April offerings.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AVENGERS VOL. 11 HC
Written by ROY THOMAS & STEVE ENGLEHART with HARLAN ELLISON & STEVE GERBER Penciled by RICH BUCKLER & DON HECK with GEORGE TUSKA, JOHN BUSCEMA, DAVE COCKRUM, JIM STARLIN & SAM KWESKIN Cover by DON HECK
Avengers Assemble! Back in another beautifully restored MARVEL MASTERWORKS edition, Cap, Iron Man, Thor and the gang present another set of trendsetting adventures! Starting off with an intriguing Harlan Ellison adaptation, there's no time wasted upping the ante when the mutant-hunting Sentinels return from the heart of the sun. Then, the order changeth! After six years as writer of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Roy Thomas passes the torch to the new scribe who would take the super-team to even loftier heights. Enter: Steve Englehart! Without skipping a beat, he descends into the time-lost Savage Land and brings back the Black Panther -- all the while devising the machinations of the Grim Reaper and the Space Phantom that cruelly twist the Vision to their will. The tension peaks when Hawkeye quits, and the mutant menace Magneto takes out not just the Avengers, but the X-Men, too. Toss in Daredevil and the Black Widow, and what we've got here is an epic in the Marvel manner. Collecting THE AVENGERS #101-111 and DAREDEVIL #99.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 6 TPB
Written by STAN LEE Penciled by JACK KIRBY Cover by JACK KIRBY
Continuing their greatest-hits streak on the "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine," Stan Lee and Jack Kirby weren't content just to introduce the Inhumans, Galactus and the Silver Surfer. No, a three-peat was thinking far, far smaller than the most amazing team in comics' history imagined. Their followup was a heart-wrenching tale of tragedy and heroism titled "This Man! This Monster!" If this story doesn't make you come to love Benjamin J. Grimm, then yer heart must be made of orange rock, fella! Because the greatest Fantastic Four story wasn't enough, Stan and Jack had yet another unmatched milestone waiting in the wings: the debut of the world's first African super hero, the Black Panther, and his kingdom of Wakanda! And that's just the start! In the pages of this MARVEL MASTERWORKS, you'll also encounter the vile Klaw; see the Silver Surfer go toe-to-toe with the Thing; watch the Human Torch face his namesake, the original 1940s Torch; and wonder in shock and awe at how the Fantastic Four can hope to overcome Dr. Doom when he's wrested the Power Cosmic from the Surfer himself! We can't guarantee you won't wear out the pages of this volume reading stories this great again and again! You may want to order two just in case! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #51-60 and ANNUAL #4.
THOR: THE ART OF THOR THE MOVIE HC
Written by MATTHEW K. MANNING Continuing their popular ART OF series of movie tie-in books, Marvel presents its latest blockbuster achievement! Featuring exclusive production artwork, behind-the-scenes photography, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, THE ART OF THOR provides an insider's look into the making of the highly anticipated film directed by Kenneth Branagh, and starring Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman.
ESSENTIAL THOR VOL. 5 TPB
Written by GERRY CONWAY & LEN WEIN Penciled by JOHN BUSCEMA, DON PERLIN & JIM MOONEY Cover by JOHN BUSCEMA
Thor, God of Thunder, wields Mjolnir across the nine worlds to save lives and thwart those who would imperil the Earth -- the Absorbing Man, Demon Druid and Mercurio the 4th-Dimensional Man -- and the greatest threats the universe has ever known: Mephisto; Xorr the God-Jewel; Ego the Living Planet; and Surtur, the Fire-Demon! Also featuring Asgardian favorites the Warriors Three, Balder, Heimdall, Odin and Sif! Collecting THOR #196-220.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AVENGERS VOL. 11 HC
Written by ROY THOMAS & STEVE ENGLEHART with HARLAN ELLISON & STEVE GERBER Penciled by RICH BUCKLER & DON HECK with GEORGE TUSKA, JOHN BUSCEMA, DAVE COCKRUM, JIM STARLIN & SAM KWESKIN Cover by DON HECK
Avengers Assemble! Back in another beautifully restored MARVEL MASTERWORKS edition, Cap, Iron Man, Thor and the gang present another set of trendsetting adventures! Starting off with an intriguing Harlan Ellison adaptation, there's no time wasted upping the ante when the mutant-hunting Sentinels return from the heart of the sun. Then, the order changeth! After six years as writer of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Roy Thomas passes the torch to the new scribe who would take the super-team to even loftier heights. Enter: Steve Englehart! Without skipping a beat, he descends into the time-lost Savage Land and brings back the Black Panther -- all the while devising the machinations of the Grim Reaper and the Space Phantom that cruelly twist the Vision to their will. The tension peaks when Hawkeye quits, and the mutant menace Magneto takes out not just the Avengers, but the X-Men, too. Toss in Daredevil and the Black Widow, and what we've got here is an epic in the Marvel manner. Collecting THE AVENGERS #101-111 and DAREDEVIL #99.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 6 TPB
Written by STAN LEE Penciled by JACK KIRBY Cover by JACK KIRBY
Continuing their greatest-hits streak on the "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine," Stan Lee and Jack Kirby weren't content just to introduce the Inhumans, Galactus and the Silver Surfer. No, a three-peat was thinking far, far smaller than the most amazing team in comics' history imagined. Their followup was a heart-wrenching tale of tragedy and heroism titled "This Man! This Monster!" If this story doesn't make you come to love Benjamin J. Grimm, then yer heart must be made of orange rock, fella! Because the greatest Fantastic Four story wasn't enough, Stan and Jack had yet another unmatched milestone waiting in the wings: the debut of the world's first African super hero, the Black Panther, and his kingdom of Wakanda! And that's just the start! In the pages of this MARVEL MASTERWORKS, you'll also encounter the vile Klaw; see the Silver Surfer go toe-to-toe with the Thing; watch the Human Torch face his namesake, the original 1940s Torch; and wonder in shock and awe at how the Fantastic Four can hope to overcome Dr. Doom when he's wrested the Power Cosmic from the Surfer himself! We can't guarantee you won't wear out the pages of this volume reading stories this great again and again! You may want to order two just in case! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #51-60 and ANNUAL #4.
THOR: THE ART OF THOR THE MOVIE HC
Written by MATTHEW K. MANNING Continuing their popular ART OF series of movie tie-in books, Marvel presents its latest blockbuster achievement! Featuring exclusive production artwork, behind-the-scenes photography, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, THE ART OF THOR provides an insider's look into the making of the highly anticipated film directed by Kenneth Branagh, and starring Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman.
ESSENTIAL THOR VOL. 5 TPB
Written by GERRY CONWAY & LEN WEIN Penciled by JOHN BUSCEMA, DON PERLIN & JIM MOONEY Cover by JOHN BUSCEMA
Thor, God of Thunder, wields Mjolnir across the nine worlds to save lives and thwart those who would imperil the Earth -- the Absorbing Man, Demon Druid and Mercurio the 4th-Dimensional Man -- and the greatest threats the universe has ever known: Mephisto; Xorr the God-Jewel; Ego the Living Planet; and Surtur, the Fire-Demon! Also featuring Asgardian favorites the Warriors Three, Balder, Heimdall, Odin and Sif! Collecting THOR #196-220.
Johnny Depp talks Tonto
An interesting bit of casting: The actor plans to play the Lone Ranger's faithful Indian companion in the upcoming Disney film.
Depp, who is part Cherokee, feels a special connection to the role of Tonto. “I always felt Native Americans were badly portrayed in Hollywood films over the decades,” he says. “It’s a real opportunity for me to give a salute to them. Tonto was a sidekick in all the Lone Ranger series. [This film] is a very different approach to that partnership. And a funny one I think.”
Young Tarzan by Roy Thomas and John Buscema
I either forgot or missed this, because I was a reader of Marvel Comics' Pizazz kids magazine as a kid. Along with stories TV, films and music of the time -- all geared to a middle school and under audience -- the mag also featured Star Wars comics and this.
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