In Lieu Of A Review...

...aka a few of my favourite things in recent months:

Reading:
Zadie Smith White Teeth (2000) - A funny, engaging, exciting debut novel. Believe the hype.
Neil Gaiman & Andy Kubert 1602 (2003) - aka What if the Marvel Universe came to be in the 17th century?
Daniel Way, Javier Saltares & Mark Texeira Ghost Rider (2006) (in The Mighty World Of Marvel) - One of my favourite characters, back in a (Johnny) Blaze of Glory.
Karen Ellis Planet Karen (2006-) - Small press that shows the big hitters a thing or two about comics.

Listening:
Soulsavers It's How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land (2007) - Imagine the Paris, Texas houseband if it comprised members of R.E.M. and Portishead, with Ennio Morricone as musical director and Johnny Cash as front man...
Talking Heads Fear Of Music (1979/2006) - Their best album, no question.
Death From Above 1979 Sexy Results (MSTRKRFT Remix) (2005) - To steal from Nina Simone, this is funkier than a mosquito's tweeter.
John Cale All My Friends (2007) - A stunning cover of LCD Soundsystem, that John Cale makes all his own.

Watching:
Kiss Of The Spider Woman (Bristol Old Vic, 09/06/07) - Not as good as the Raul Julia/William Hurt film adaptation, but impressive nevertheless.
Marcus Brigstocke (The Comedy Box, Hen & Chicken, Bristol, 20/04/07) - "Intelligence and humour not mutually exclusive" shocker!
The Prestige (2006) - Apologises for The Illusionist with it's inventiveness and manic lead performances
Heroes (2006-) - TV superheroes done right, in spite of Jeph Loeb's involvement!
Doctor Who (Series 3) (2007) - David Tennant as The Doctor vs. John Simm as The Master? 'Nuff said!