I’m not sure when I first picked up In the Book of Bad Ideas, the 2023 album from Ohio’s Smug Brothers, but the album made a huge impression on me from the outset. It abounds with the sort of off-kilter indie rock that’s both viscerally satisfying and singularly compelling. In advance of a tour that will bring them to Brooklyn (Young Ethel’s on November 9!), I spoke with singer-guitarist Kyle Melton about the band’s new EP, Another Bar Behind the Night, their penchant for collage, and the works of Italo Calvino.
Morning Bites: Margaret Killjoy’s Latest, Amelia Courthouse Returns, Sam Sax Interviewed, and More
In our morning reading: an excerpt from Margaret Killjoy’s new book, an interview with Sam Sax, and more.
Sunday Stories: “The Body Politic”
The Body Politic
by Laura Shaine Cunningham
The mood of pre-dinner optimism had not yet dissipated; the soup still simmered on the stove, and one place remained empty at the table. “We have a mystery guest, a volunteer who needs a place to stay until the election.” I set down an extra bowl and two glasses, one for water, the other for wine.
Weekend Bites: David Yow Interviewed, Jamie Quatro’s Latest, Ledia Xhoga’s Playlist, and More
In our weekend reading: an interview with David Yow, reviews of new books by Gillian Linden and Jamie Quatro, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Tony Tulathimutte’s Latest, Elisa Gabbert on Poetry, Lincoln Michel’s Recommendations, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Tony Tulathimutte’s new book, poetry and clouds, and more.
An Excerpt From “The Golem of Venice Beach, Book 2”
We’re pleased to present an excerpt from the second volume of The Golem of Venice Beach, a graphic novel from writer Chanan Beizer and artist Vanessa Cardinali. There’s a Kickstarter campaign up and running as of now for the graphic novel; besides Cardinali, a host of other writers is also contributing to the volume, including Frank Quitely, Nick Dragotta, Dean Haspiel, Stan Sakai, Howard Chaykin, and Juan José Ryp.
Morning Bites: László Krasznahorkai’s Latest, National Book Award Longlists, Brian Evenson on Horror, and More
In our morning reading: exploring László Krasznahorkai’s new book, Brian Evenson on horror, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Katharine Haake’s Fiction, Revisiting Panthers, Chris Stein’s Memoir, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Katharine Haake’s new book, musings on climate fiction, and more.