Here's What You've Missed

It's been a while since I've posted here. I haven't quite had the urge to do so but that doesn't mean I haven't done at least a little writing. So, here's the stuff I've done since the last post...

The first review is that of the re-issue of Passion Pit's debut album Manners. It was on my fave albums of 2009 list and the new version adds two bonus tracks. Here's an excerpt from the review which was first published on Blogcritics back in May:

The biggest test of an album is how it holds up over time. My opinions of some albums have changed over time and not necessarily for the better. Fortunately, Manners remains excellent nearly a year after its initial release. The three bonus tracks may not be enough for fans to double-dip but this release is perfect for anyone just discovering the group.

Next up, is a review of Janelle Monae's debut full-length The ArchAndroid. It's a likely shoo-in for one of my favorite albums of 2010. Here's an excerpt from the article which was first published on Blogcritics in June:

Monae tackles a wide variety of styles on this release from R & B/soul to rock, pop, and electronic. While it could have been a disjointed mishmash of an album, instead it's wonderful from start to finish. The ArchAndroid is endlessly creative and marks the official arrival of a unique voice in music.

Then, for a change, a DVD review. This one is of the Tom & Jerry: Deluxe Anniversary Collection. The H-B cartoons are great. Everything else is a little questionable. Here's an excerpt from that review also first published on Blogcritics in June:

To mark the occasion, Warner Bros. has released a new Deluxe Anniversary Collection DVD featuring 30 cartoons that span nearly every aspect of the Tom & Jerry legacy. Animation enthusiasts and collectors who have picked up the Spotlight Collection releases will probably be a bit disappointed. However, if you're a fan who just wants some cat-and-mouse antics at a reasonable price, this set is for you.

Finally, here's my most recent review. It's of The Chemical Brothers newest release Further. Further is not only a departure for the electronic duo...it's their best album in years. Here's an excerpt from that review which was first published on Blogcritics just a couple of days ago:

In a bold move, their new album contains just eight songs and no featured guest stars. Relying only on themselves (and a sparingly used female vocalist), the duo has crafted one of their best albums in years and an experience best enjoyed as a whole.

Well, that gets you up to date on my writing activities. I want to get back to blogging in the near future. I won't make any promises because when it comes to this blog, I usually don't keep them. Instead, I'll ask you to keep watching this space.

Blogcritics Redesign

Blogcritics recently got a nice new redesign/relaunch. The new look takes a little getting used to but I like seeing more images and the new logo. Although I haven't written a new article since the redesign, I did update my writer page with a new (terrible) bio and a twist on the picture I've used to represent myself on this blog for the past five years.

Although the look is different, all the great writers are still there. I'm looking forward to posting my first article for the new BC, my review of the second Death Note anime box set, very soon.

Another Blog Resolution Will Soon Be Fulfilled

I made my Blog Resolutions for 2008 a while back. Of the resolutions, the only one I pretty much did was write a greater variety of posts (I posted my first product review on BC Magazine recently). Another one of them was to appear on a podcast. Now, it looks like that will happen.

Fellow Blogcritic Josh Hathaway, who runs the great music blog Confessions Of A Fanboy, has invited me to appear on his show B Sides Concept Album. It's a live internet radio show on BlogTalk Radio and is part of the BC Radio Network.

The show airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST. I will be appearing on the show on February 14, this Thursday, to talk about the Grammys.

If you can't listen to the show at that time, don't worry. The show will be available for download sometime after it airs. In fact, you can go to the show's site and listen to or download previous editions.

I'm half-excited and half-nervous about doing this and I'm definitely looking forward to it.