Each Thursday (or Friday, since some weeks we seem to be running behind on everything), Needcoffee.com's staff of whackos will wrack our brains to give you interesting and new things to do over the weekend. Books, movies, whatever. We'll throw them out, you do with them what you will. And hey...if you have something you want to recommend--whatever it is--drop us a line.
Incidentally, we've provided links where we can for you to buy the stuff or find out more if you're interested, courtesy of those Amazon types. Hey, come on, we can't be totally selfless in this, can we?
May 22, 2003
Book of the Week:
by James Weldon Johnson. Many moons ago, I was asked to perform "The Creation" out of this small collection of
seven poem-sermons. Not only great interpretations of their respective biblical stories, but very powerful pieces of
poetry, the book is great for a quick read--or, obviously, for a monologue. It's hard to read these aloud and not plug
into the power inherent in Johnson's words. They're masterful, and if you haven't checked them out already, please do so.
Audiobook of the Week:
by Clive Cussler & Paul Kemprecos, read by David Purdham. Not Dirk Pitt, but something similar, it's another
pair of heroes from the National Underwater Marine Agency on yet another all-over-the-place, action-crazed, save-the-world
adventure. Here you have the first two books from this Cussler series capably delivered by Purdham. Good page-turners
for the lovers of Cussler or the adventure genre in general.
Graphic Novel of the Week:
by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev. Ordinarily, we could give a damn about Daredevil. Even with his
intriguing metahuman abilities, the whole concept just didn't do anything for us. Especially with Kevin Smith writing
the thing. And then...Bendis. By turning everything on its ear--by removing Kingpin with a Caesar-esque assassination
attempt, by putting Matt Murdock's secret identity in jeopardy, amongst other crazed bits--he actually made the series
worth reading. And it's quickly become a must-read for us. Couple Bendis with Maleev's weird, dark style--it's a keeper.
Comic Book of the Week: Y: The Last Man #11
by Brian K. Vaughan & Pia Guerra. How is that this book winds up on the list almost monthly? Well, because, it really
is just that good. Every single damn issue is another bombshell that leaves you biting your fingernails for thirty
freaking days until the next one hits. And not only is it one of the best written series (and freshest-looking thanks
to Guerra) to come out of Vertigo in a while--but they also get points for a nice nod to Preacher in this ish.
If you don't already check out this book monthly, you are foolish--and we pity you.
DVD Boxed Set of the Week:
. This series from Masterpiece Theatre covers the life of the Brett clan, lords of London's West End
stages. With the ideas of playwright Rosemary Anne Sisson and a cast of luminaries forming the foundation, BFS has
smacked out this five-disc set of nineteen episodes--which includes seven that were previously unreleased. We're talking
sixteen hours of viewing goodness here--so if you have any interest in the 1920s or theatre in general, you could make
a meaty marathon of this set.
DVD of the Week:
. Okay, sure, it's a bit dated--but come on, you loved this damn thing. How could you not? Mason, Douglas and
Lorre in a Disney flick? That cheesy squid attack that messed you up when you were a kid--admit it. It's a fun adaptation
of Verne. And, luckily, it comes in a kickass two-disc special edition from Buena Vista. A director and a film historian
commentary, featurettes, even Lorre's ADR tracks are here. Any affection you have for the film will pay off handsomely
with this set.
CD of the Week:
. System of a Down's Serj Tankian has his own imprint now, Serjical Strike. The debut album from said imprint
is this, a collaboration with Turkish musical artist Arto Tuncboyaciyan. And you know what? It rocks from here to
Butte, Montana. People ask me what it's like and the best thing I can manage is: "Imagine Mike Patton of Mr. Bungle
fronting Rusted Root." After their heads stop spinning around, I assure them: no, really--it's whacked, but it's sheer
genius. World music vs. Serj's manic vocal stylings...it's a bit unnerving at first, but you eventually grow to dig it.
Candy Bar of the Week: Organic Chocolate Latte by Dagoba. Very seldom does it get any smoother than this. 37% milk
chocolate, all organic, that's been infused with organic espresso and just a jot of cinnamon. It is of such silky goodness
that even the most diabolical chocoholic will maybe break off two pieces and ingest them before satisfaction hits in. So
a single bar of the stuff will last you. Damndest stuff we've ever tried. Highly recommended.