United State of Pop 2014

DJ Earworm mashes up 24 of the biggest hits from the past year, and somehow creates something more listenable than any of the individual tracks.

Literary Lights

My English-teacher wife might appreciate these for our bathroom.

This is a thing?

Dying armpit hair. Huh.

Aimee Mann also has a new xmas song

With the Both, who we'll be seeing next week at her annualish Xmas concert. This interview from Slate prompted me to look up the hilariously over-the-top lyrics to Alone Again (Naturally). Go read them, they're a hoot.

Very sciencey poll from the Cards Against Humanity people

Just go have a look-see.

I wonder what it sounds like when celebrities are stuck in traffic?

Oh, it sounds like this.

I wonder what it sounds like when we land a spacecraft on a comet?

Oh, it sounds like this.

Liz Phair has a new xmas song

Ho Ho Ho. It's no Father Christmas or 2000 Miles, but more listenable than Wonderful Christmas Time.

Fell in love with a Pope

Seriously, I love this dude.

Steve Albini on the state of the music industry.

Pretty sharp.

Pretty thorough feminist re-blogger

I won't be applying for hugs, but good tumblr.

Elliot Smith

E.S. killed himself (probably!?) 11 years ago today. Huge loss. Chronic depression is a bitch.

I have to remember not to listen to Robyn Hitchcock at work

This tune is just devastating.

Ricky Jay

I ran into magician/actor/raconteur Ricky Jay at an Art Spiegelman presentation on wordless comics and woodcuts. I said "Ricky Jay?" And he said, "Why, yes, " and I said "You're awesome!" He laughed and said thanks.

Living in L.A. Is alright sometimes.