Howdy, TEO fans! This week I actually will try to say more than two sentences. Though they won't be about this week's page; while it did come out pretty good (though I still suck at drawing large crowd scenes), there isn't much to talk about, save that things are not as hey-nonny-nonny and tra-lira-lira-la in the kingdom of Vanadia as they may seem…
In comic-related news… I applied for the Savannah College of Art and Design last week! They're one of the only colleges on the planet that offers Sequential Arts as a major, so let's hope I get in. (A lot of my friends online say that it's probably a stupid move, getting a degree in comics, but who cares? At least I'll be well-versed in something interesting. Besides, even if I cool on comics, I'll be at an art college, which means I can easily switch to a different, possibly more "serious" major– such as, say, graphic design or illustration.) Savannah Admissions staff, if you're reading this, your college is awesome. The facilities are excellent, the teachers are knowledgeable and helpful, and the city of Savannah itself is wonderfully vibrant. (After a while you don't even notice the smell as much!) I know I am not worthy for acceptance into your college, but please, please accept me, so that in twenty years' time I will be able to laugh in my friends' faces and say, "Ha ha, I am living an awesome life as a professional cartoonist, while you are working on lame spreadsheets in a cubicle somewhere." This is all I ask. Thank you.
In music news: Picked up two CDs recently. The Polyphonic Spree hasn't released a third album yet (The Fragile Army is still currently in production), but they did just release an EP, appropriately titled Wait, that is undeniably awesome. DeLaughter and Co. have definitely diversified in sound and subject from their first sunshine-cult-band-geek-style album The Beginning Stages Of… (which I also own, though I found the Soldier Girl EP that came free with it to be far more fun to listen to. Maybe the Spree actually puts out better EPs than LPs). From the dark, angular disco-beat "The Mental Cabaret" to the giddily complex "Sonic Bloom" to the Spree's unique and wonderful take on Nirvana's "Lithium" (played for the most part without the grim irony that Kurt originally intended for the lyrics, but retaining the total rockitude), this is clearly a more mature 36-member power-pop ensemble. They still haven't given up on light and day, though.
Another good album I got that I won't talk as much about is Beirut's funky old-made-new release Gulag Orkestar. If you like Eastern European brass bands or are especially nostalgic for the 19th century, then this is the album for you! Endorsed by the one guy who played horns for Neutral Milk Hotel! Buy today! (Seriously, though. It's a great album. Not for everyone, but give it at leat two listens. You can tell the kid who made the record put a lot into it.)
Also: I said last week that I downloaded free internet phone program Skype. The only problem is, I don't have anyone to call. Anyways, if you have Skype, give me a ring sometime (username: ian_jay). I'll try to answer your questions, and maybe shoot back a few of my own. (No calling after 10 p.m. please, unless you send me an e-mail notifying me first.)
Comments
Please login to comment.
Login or Register${ comment.author }} at
${ comment.author }} at