Archive for June, 2008
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick (1974) - Another of PKD’s near future police state novels, turning out to have a surprising amount of heart. Gosh, I just read this in the 1990s, but on re-reading it, found I didn’t remember hardly any of it. Well, that’s just plain handy.
The Secret Life Of Houdini
The Secret Life Of Houdini by William Kalush and Larry Sloman (2006) - A new biography of Harry Houdini, based on tons of new research material. I’m not sold on the writing style, a little too ‘professional contract writer’ for me, but Houdini’s remarkable life wins out. A very driven man, to an almost disturbing extent. There are some very interesting allegations here, if their evidence is reliable (I’ll never be able to read Sherlock Holmes the same way again). Phony psychics — infuriating now, infuriating then. Additional materials appear online, with much more appearing in a limited 2 volume hardcover version.
Eye In The Sky
Eye In The Sky by Philip K. Dick (1957) - Considering this is from his 1950s straight ahead sci-fi period, it rivals his later books in brain punching f-ed-up-edness, though it does resolve things more or less rationally by the end. Strange stuff, and a smattering of esoteric hi-fi fetishism besides.
Strummin’ Mental
Strummin’ Mental, Parts One and Two by various artists (Crypt/199?) - Two separate CDs of joyfully obscure late 1950s to mid-1960s rock instrumentals. This batch does cover the fabled twang ‘n’ surf era with 32 sides a piece, waxed by unknown American kids gone mad with the power of electric guitars. Points off for zero information on the bands or tunes.