What I'm Loving This Week (Week ending February 19, 2011)

1. Estrella Distante - I read my first Bolaño novel this week. I’ve been meaning to read something of his for some time now, and although 2666 was at the top of my list, I didn’t have time for such a monstrous novel.

2. Criterion Re-releases - Criterion announced the re-releases of both Solaris (Tarkovsky) and Diabolique (Clouzet). The latter being one of my favorite thrillers.

3. Hip Hop on Fallon - This was the week of Hip Hop on the Jimmy Fallon show. He brought in underground rappers Tyler, the creator and Hodgy Beats (Odd Future), who delivered with a crazy, punk-like performance, and followed them with Raekwon and Ghostface. Having the Roots as your in-house band certainly helps.

4. "Circo" Trailer - Just saw this today. A documentary about a traveling Mexican circus. What's not to love?

What I'm Loving This Week

Here are a few things that I've really been into this week with music, literature, and movies. This is something I'll try to do every week.

James Blake

Toro y Moi

Tu, la oscuridad by Mayra Montero -

This is the first novel we're reading in my eco-criticism class. Dangerous jungle treks, voodoo, and endangered frogs; what else could one ask for?

The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore -

A fascinating graphic novel that deals with human relationships within the context of the zombie genre. Although the savage brutality is present it is only secondary to character studies of the text. Very cool stuff!

Even the Rain (Tambien la lluvia) Dir. by Iciar Bollain-

Saw this trailer this week and became really excited. A film that's premise is the making of a film about the conquest within the context of present-day Bolivian society. Can't wait for this one to come out.