Despite all of the Lost hysteria, I did manage to hear a few tunes and read a few books this week. Check out my picks, then share your own in the comments:
Best TV show I watched: Lost. The finale delivered on all counts: It was suspenseful, heartbreaking, humorous and satisfying, with a dash of romance and sweaty Sawyer thrown in for good measure. You won't find me complaining ... until around September, when I'll start getting antsy for Season 5.
I also enjoyed: Top Chef, This American Life's touching story of Memphis fighters ... and HBO's Recount movie wasn't so bad, either, partly thanks to Laura Dern's scary clown makeup.
Best movie I saw: Heavy Metal in Baghdad. I wrote about the documentary the other day -- it's definitely worth checking out, even if you're not a news junkie or a heavy metal fan. (I wouldn't say I'm either.) The film showcases the power of music worldwide, especially for those who truly need that release rock 'n' roll can offer. If this band ever makes it to the States, they can scream in my living room anytime.
I also watched: Knocked Up again, and on tap this weekend are Son of Rambow and (maybe) Sex and the City, if I feel like braving the fashion-forward crowds.
Best book I read: Right now I'm loving Issue 27 of McSweeney's. It's the coolest thing these guys have put together in awhile, which is saying a lot, since all of their issues offer a special experience. This one comes in a box, and you get three small books: One is a short-story collection with work by Stephen King (!), Larry Smith, Jim Shepard and others. Another is a catalog from the recent art exhibition that featured work from David Shrigley, Andy Warhol, Raymond Pettibon, David Mamet and more artists. And then, best of all, the issue includes an Art Spiegelman sketchbook! The whole thing costs $24, but that's only $8 a book when you think about it.
I'm also reading: The other night I cracked open Tank Girl: Armadillo! by Alan C. Martin (Titan, $9.95). It's a book of Tank Girl stories, which is a little weird, because it's the first time anything about Tank Girl has been published in anything other than comics form. However, once you get rolling, the voice eases back into your brain, and she hasn't lost any of her edge with age. Also, I enjoyed the first issue of Vertigo's House of Mystery (by Fables' Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges). It's sort of Lost-esque, in that several folks are trapped in a purgatory-like setting for mysterious reasons.
Best album I heard: I got an early copy of that Baseball Project disc with Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey and friends, and I really loved it ... even though I don't know much about baseball. The songs are super-catchy and jangly and the concept reminds me of the Billy Bragg/Wilco collaborations. It comes out July 8, and it's bound to educate and entertain listeners of all ages.
I'm also listening to: I still like that We Are Scientists record, though my spouse is going through a random jam-band phase, which I've been battling. (I can take those dudes in small doses, but five hours of Phish is way too much for me.)
What pop culture turned you on this week? Share your picks in the comments.
Now that the regular TV season has ended, though, it's time for me to break out of my comfort zone. Starting tomorrow, I've resolved to try at least one new series every night for a week. Who knows? Maybe I'll even like some of them.
I'm excited and a little sad to post the final Lost discussion thread of the season. Before you share your thoughts about the episode, don't forget these guidelines: