February 9, 2010
Note Books - Ian Vanek of Japanther
The Note Books series features musicians discussing their literary side. Previous contributors have included John Darnielle, John Vanderslice, and others.
Japanther's lo-fi aesthetic, eclectic samples and legendary high energy live shows combine to make these Brooklynites one of my favorite bands.
The band's new album, Rock 'n' Roll Ice Cream, is out March 2nd.
Japanther has also published a book, Don't Trust Anyone Over 30.
In his own words, here is the Note Books entry from Japanther's Ian Vanek:
1. Naked By the Window: The Fatal Marriage of Carl Andre and Ana Mendieta by Robert Katz
This look into a 1980's art scene murder is endlessly fascinating to me. It's like reading a Chandler or Carver novel about all the gallerinas and art egos we swim amongst in the NYC. I highly recommend it to anyone who might have art handled or worked in Chelsea. I'm not going to point fingers but this book could also be called: "How To Throw Your Wifey Out The Window And Get Away With It." Died much too young.
2. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
This novel about a language born virus remains one of my all time favorite works of fiction. Stephenson predicts things like the social networking, adaptations to the energy crisis and the future of nationalism.
T.V. snow is falling, no ones really calling...
3. Jack Goldstein and the CalArts Mafia by Richard Hertz
Jack Goldstein made the best video art going in my humble opinion. He utilized Hollywood film studios to make a variety of recordings and films with unique drive and passion. He was a part of the Chanard school (CalArts Pre-Disney) in southern California that took the art world by storm in the late seventies and early 80's with sculpture, paintings and video that pushed social and economic limits. Oh you selfish kid...
4. Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and the Germs by Brendan Mullen
For fans of poetry, semi-secretive gay sex, Queen, Bowie and mind control. Out of f**king control music bio that makes you squirm a bit. L.A. UR A Mystery to me...
5. You Can't Win by Jack Black
This tail of an American hobo is both enthralling and educational. Recommended to those witty crooks out there who show a spark of intelligence. Who's side you on? The crooked coppers or The Hamburglar? 1-2-3-4 f**k the cops.
Japanther links and free and legal mp3s:
the band's website
the band's MySpace page
the band's book, Don't Trust Anyone Over 30
the band's Facebook page
the band's Twitter
Japanther: "Spread So Thin" [mp3] from Rock 'n' Roll Ice Cream (out March 2nd)
Japanther: "Radical Businessman" [mp3] from Tut Tut Now Shake Ya Butt
Japanther: "Bumpin' Rap Tapes" [mp3] from Tut Tut Now Shake Ya Butt
Japanther: "Challenge" [mp3] from Skuffed Up My Huffy
Japanther: "Fuk Tha Prince A Pull Iz Dum" [mp3] from Skuffed Up My Huffy
Japanther: "One Hundred Dollars" [mp3] from Skuffed Up My Huffy
Japanther: "Gravy" [mp3] from Yer Living Grave
Japanther: "Wolfenswan" [mp3] from Yer Living Grave
also at Largehearted Boy:
Previous Note Books submissions (musicians discuss literature)
52 Books, 52 Weeks
Antiheroines (interviews with up and coming female comics artists)
Atomic Books Comics Preview (highlights of the week's comics & graphic novel releases)
Book Notes (authors create playlists for their book)
daily mp3 downloads
guest book reviews
Largehearted Word (highlights of the week's book releases)
musician/author interviews
Soundtracked (directors discuss their film's soundtracks)
Try It Before You Buy It (mp3s and full album streams from this week's CD releases)
weekly music & DVD release lists
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