Pretty Things Susan Compo (Verse Chorus Press) I’m always intrigued when an author with past success goes to a smaller press for the freedom to publish something unconventional. Susan Compo, whose two books of short stories (Life After Death and Malingering) were good enough to garner praise from critics and get her a job teaching […]
Kevin Sampsell
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Billy Ray’s Farm
Billy Ray’s Farm Larry Brown (Algonquin Books) One of the reasons I love Larry Brown is that he has managed to gain his strong reputation without going to college. Sure, he might step into classrooms these days and teach a few courses or do a residency, but he learned his writing craft by doing it […]
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Letters to Wendy’s
Book Review
Letters to Wendy’s Joe Wenderoth (Verse Press) What first comes across as a cute gimmick–a gathering of strange notes written on Wendy’s comment cards (Tell us about your visit–WE CARE!), displays a stunning depth that you wouldn’t expect. Spanning a time of 13 months, the unnamed scribe of these thoughts and confessions (and yes, sometimes […]
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Beat Punks
Beat Punks Victor Bockris (Da Capo Press) Names like Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, and William Burroughs are splashed across the cover of Victor Bockris’s collection of profiles–this could easily come off as a marketing scam, and sometimes it absolutely is. But when Bockris takes the time to delve deeper into each subject (his […]
Posted inMusic
The Soft Side
The Mellowing of Mike Wu
It’s almost impossible to compare the ear candy pop of Mike Wu’s former band Poolside to the quiet and contemplative path he’s now taking in Seaside. Essentially a solo project with occasional collaboration from fellow guitarist Kevin Kruse, Seaside gives Wu a chance to focus more on his lyrics and vocals. “With Seaside I want […]
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SHOWDOWN WITH EVEL!
Former Portlander Steve Mandich and the King of the DaredevilS
F YOU’RE A CHILD of the ’60s or ’70s, you were probably one of those people who revered motorcycle stunt man Evel Knievel in one way or another. Representing the bombastic American attitude and naîveté of those pre-ironic times, everyone had something to love about Evel. Some identified with his lack of respect for authority, […]
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Got Mad Hits!
Laser Beasties Analyzed
MYKLE AND KEVIN went to the Laser Beasties at OMSI last week, and it blew their freaking minds. Here are their thoughts. MH: I saw my first laser light show–Pink Floyd, of course–when I was 15. That was also the first time I ever smoked pot, and the combined experience left a heavy stamp on […]
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One Comeback That Doesn’t Suck
The Go-Betweens’ Robert Forster Talks About Their New CD
“DEALING WITH a major label was not what we wanted. You see, then you’re dealing with people who don’t like music. They stand in back at your shows and they’re just tin-eared.” So says Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, one of the most overlooked and brilliant pop bands of our time, whose revolving line-up and […]
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Good/Grief
Book Review
Good/Grief Josh Koppel (Perennial/Melcher Media) The same color, size, and weight as a block of cheese, the new book by visual artist Josh Koppel might seem clever and precious at first glance, but the stories inside hold real power. Each page is like a haunting little postcard with simple phrases that move into the each […]
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IS KARAOKE KILLING THE LOUNGE SINGER?
Marlena Wray Holds on to a Dying Art
THE PARQUET FLOOR measures roughly 10-by-12 feet, as an old couple slow dances in the tinselly surroundings, slightly sparkled by a disco ball overhead. Behind them on a tiny, equipment-packed stage, is one of the most talented musicians in Portland, Marlena Wray, singing a Johnny Mathis song. I’m at the Wishing Well bar on a […]
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THE SEVEN STAGES OF DRUNK
Being a relatively sober person with a bunch of crazy friends, I often see the results of overt drunkenness firsthand. I began to take notes on various subjects and have compiled a list of mannerisms that are often performed by people who have consumed too much alcohol. Subject’s face begins to stretch, as if struggling […]
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CANADA: WHAT BIGFOOT TAUGHT ME ABOUT AMERICA’S CORRUPTION!
Pullout: Salute to America