Want more Coheed and Cambria? You got it!

OMG!

How do they do it? How can Coheed and Cambria continue to amaze me?

So I had Ms. Amy from Young Adult go on a mad hunt for the Coheed and Cambria graphic novels and while she hasn't found them yet (don't worry, we're still looking!), she managed to discover the sheet music for their fourth album, "No World for Tomorrow". Brilliant! This is why it's good to have a librarian for a friend. They can find anything, even the weird stuff. I practically skipped to the hold shelf to pick up my copy. Wait, that's not all. I know all of you musicians out there are wondering what could be better then that, but let me tell you! Apparently, Guitar Hero even has one of their songs as a game option. Even the musically untalented (like myself) can tear it up Coheed style. Who knew? I am so stoked!

Okay, I know I am more then reasonably excited about these developments, but seriously, Coheed and Cambria rocks my socks. This may be the highlight of my week.

Want your socks rocked? Check them out!

Beyonce "Knowles" the single ladies

All the single ladies, all the single ladies...

I have to do it. There's no way to avoid it. I have to feature Beyonce's track, "Single Ladies", which you can hear on our MySpace page. I know that I usually display music that is complicated or underground, but sometimes the song that needs to be added to the rotation is the simple stuff, the stuff you dance to. I fell in love with Chris Brown because of one single line in one single song ("Look what I can do with my feet") and sometimes that's what music should be; randomness.

However this week's song is not completely random. I was inspired by three specific things. The first was an awesome GNO with my two cousins who are twelve and thirteen that have thankfully filled me in on a ton of Jonas Brothers/Miley Cyrus drama. These single ladies dig this tune. The second reason why this song is this weeks must play is honor of my niece, Phoebe, who turns one today. I kid you not, every time the song comes on, she starts shakin' it. Just imagine a baby doing a serious head nod to the beat while she gansta leans in her car seat. She even brings out the sideways thug point with her hand. It is HI-larious! But most importantly this song is getting its props as we approach the mother of all unreasonably, ridiculous romantic holidays. I don't know why New Years has turned into a couples holiday. Everyone has to change the calendar whether they have someone when the ball drops or not. Beyonce's okay with the singles, so why isn't Rockin' Eve?

So let's hear it for the single ladies (and guys) who know their worth no matter what. The people who are funny, thoughtful and good friends. The people who know how to ring the new year in style. Let's face it, if you are reading this blog on a regular basis, then clearly you have fabulous taste.

And if you like it, then you should put a ring on it. Or at least put us in your favorites.

Don't bury Charlie Bone!

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

The other day and I saw the Twilight movie, again, and had my first viewing of the newest Harry Potter movie that will be released next year. (The trailer looks fantastic, by the way. Check out our MySpace page to get a sneak peak) Every time I see Harry Potter, I feel a little bit sorry for this fantastic series that got lost in the shuffle; Charlie Bone. Don't get me wrong, I love the Potter books probably more then is healthy. I was the person who waited in line at midnight to get the books on the day they were released, I still go to the midnight showings of the movies, and it is more then possible (cough) that I had my sister buy me a time turner for Christmas a few years ago. But in the mystical magic that is the Harry Potter phenomenon, Nimmo's fabulous series of books got overlooked.

Similar to Harry, Charlie is a boy who mysteriously discovers his magical powers and is sent off to a school for gifted students. Aside from them both having a father who died under questionable circumstances, this is where the similarities end. Charlie's gift is that he can communicate with people through photos. I used to think that if I had a supernatural power I would want it to be time travel or mind reading, but after the Bone books, I'm starting to rethink the photo thing isn't a bad gig.

Looking for something to listen to while your doing the dishes? This series also comes in audio book form. So for those of you who loved Harry Potter and are looking to fill the void now that the last book has been published, check out the Charlie Bone series. It's worth digging up.

Tugging String

A tugging string : a novel about growing up during the Civil Rights era by David Greenberg

I LOVE this book!

One of the more ingenious historical fiction books in a long time, David R. Greenberg presents a memorable story about growing up in the Civil Rights era. Not only does he tell a powerful story of twelve-year old Duvy, which in and of itself is a fantastic tale, but it's the presentation of historical information that really makes this book a gem. This is historical fiction re-invented. Instead of bombarding you with facts in the story, Greenberg uses footnotes to fill you in what was happening in the 1960’s. It's almost as if he's assuming he has a smart audience and uses the footnotes to fill in the gaps rather then trying to stuff a decade into the plot. Not everyone needs to have history spelled out for them, and Greenburg seems to respect that. Being able to choose when you want to be taken away from the story for a history lesson really makes the read enjoyable. Another bonus feature to this book is that he also includes numerous real life photographs from the time period.

Own Robert Pattinson

Can't get enough Twilight? Coming in spring of 2009, look forward to the launch of the Twilight Dolls!

Seriously, these dolls look a little weird, but somehow I know I'll be one of the first to buy them. I always thought I could use an Edward Cullen figure in my life, and apparently all I need is to fork up the cash to get him. I find it more then a little interesting that Edward's doll looks so much like Robert Pattinson, while the Bella doll is not really a match for Kristen Stewart. Really though, how obsessed with this series am I that I notice?

I want to give a little shout out to the people who leaked this fantastic information, my favorite blog, http://www.readergirlz.blogspot.com/.

It's not to late to see what the buzz is about! Request your copy of Twilight today!

Concert karma holiday style

'Tis the season for bragging rights.

By the mother of all things random, I have excellent concert karma. About three years ago, my friend and I went to Akron to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra. After a fabulous show, my friend and I waited in line for over an hour to have them sign our programs. In fact we were the very last people to go through the line. As we left, they started wrapping things up, and we heard the creator, Paul O'Neill, mention that they were going to head over to this restaurant across the street. My friend, an Akron native, turned to him and said, "I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. O'Neill, but I have to tell you, that restaurant is terrible. You'd be better off going to the grill around the corner". To make a long story short, this is how I chilled with TSO.

We became their pseudo tour guides for the night, and after four of the best hours of my life, we exchanged email addresses and contact information. I would have thought that would have been the end, but still to this day every time they come to the Cleveland/Akron area, someone gets in touch with us. I email back and forth with their light guy all the time. They treat me and my friend like more then just crazed fans. In fact, Paul O'Neill sent me a congratulations card when my niece was born last December. Oh yeah, and he has given my friends son a hundred bucks each Christmas since. So in appreciation to the coolest group of rockers that like to get down holiday style, the song of the week is "Wish Liszt" by TSO. Check out our MySpace page and see the awesome video of a Christmas light display featuring this amazing song.

Want to rock out this Christmas? Request a copy of their CD!

Happy Holidays!

K-Rock, what are you thinking?

I don't know if anyone has checked out K-Rock 92.3 lately, but there have been some serious changes. In protest to the excessive amount of talk radio that has been added to their competition, they have eliminated all of their DJ's, with the exception of their morning show. That's right, no more Mighty Eight at Eight, no more Rachel Steele, no more Verlane. Just music and the occasional commercial. On principal this is not a bad idea. FM stations should be about the music. However, a little talk is not a bad thing. It heightens the overall music experience. I like to know when a new album is being released, what the inspiration for the song was and which bassist is leaving which band. Also, because they have more time to fill, the station has expanded their play list. Again, not a bad idea, but the day you turn on an alternative radio station and the Counting Crows comes on, that's the day you invest in an iPod. Seriously, K-Rock, what's the deal? Music fans, tell me, do you agree? If you don't maybe you can explain their reasoning to me. Either way, I'd love to know.

Forget being in the know, be ahead of it

As you may or may not know, I like to keep my ear to the pulse of the underground music movement in Cleveland. Back in the day, I used to hit up the old Peabody's downtown to see Mushroomhead. This was back before they got "discovered" and were ruined by great reviews and conformity. This was also a time when mosh pits were a response to music, not a desire to get your face elbowed. Sigh...enough of my trip down musical memory lane. I still like to know what's hot before everyone else does. I like saying to people, "Oh yeah, I've been listening to them for years." I'm a little bit of a snob that way. On that note, let me introduce you to a stellar progressive rock band, Ruled by Reason.

This band is so new to the scene that their songs don't have names only numbers. They haven't gone to the recoding studio yet. It's worth a listen, though. I found out about this group because I work with Chris Glavac, the bassist. He is unbelievably cool, and then when we started talking music I realized he had fab taste. Seriously, check out their MySpace page and look at their friend list. The list of bands is amazing. And this band is amazing. If they don't blow up the prog rock scene, there is be no justice in the world. I do want to give you a heads up that this band is not for the faint of heart. It is intense, heavy, deliciously beautiful metal. Those brave pop rock listeners what are looking to push the envelope are in for a shocking, unexpected treat. Check out our MySpace page and you'll see what all my hype is about.

Sleigh Ride with Relient K

Love the holiday's but getting a little tired of the same old seasonal cliches? Seriously, how many times can we hear Mariah Carey sing "All I Want for Christmas is You"? If you're like me and want a fresh sound to the holiday's, then check out this hilarious video by Relient K of a classic holiday tune, "Sleigh Ride". You can either follow the link above or check it out on our MySpace page. The intro is a little long, but when you get to the part where snowmen start spitting out giant sized snowballs, it's totally worth it! Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like giant sized snowballs!

Under the Rug

It’s pretty rug but still it’s a rug. And fairly dusty for that matter.
Oh yeah. Let’s get everyone on the same page.
Other vampire series lost in the Twilight shuffle.
Yes, they do exist! Like most books some are good some are bad. Some just are. You can sort through the plot lines and writing styles to find ones that you like. Note: not all of these are romances. But they would all be shelved in the YA room if there wasn’t a waiting list…..

(Vampire Kitty Says "READ")

Book Series
Vampire kisses By Ellen Schreiber
Peeps By Scott Westerfeld
Blue Bloods By Melissa De LA Cruz
Vampire academy By Rachel Mead
Chronicles of Vladimir Todd By Heather Brewer
Morganville Vampire series By Rachel Caine
House of Night By PC Cast
Bloodline by Kate Cary
Atwater-Rhodes series.
Cirque De freak By Darren Shan
Vampirates by Justin Somper

Graphic Novel/ Comic book style
Trinity Blood By Sunao Yoshida
Chibi Vampire By Yuna Kagesaki
Vampire Knight By Matsuri Hino
Vampire kisses By Ellen Schreiber (No, I didn’t make a mistake. It comes in both formats. Each one gets a different sub title though.)

Twilight + Robert Pattison = Heaven

On Monday I went and saw the Twilight movie. OMG. That's all I can say. Any one who has read the books can tell you that Stephenie Meyer is a supernatural master. I don't know a single person who has read them and been disappointed. But that is always the downfall of a great book; you run the risk of the movie being a bust. This movie was a bust alright. It busted through any worry I had and wowed me beyond belief. Not only was Robert Pattison hot, hot, hot, (come on ladies, that was a given!) but this film was intense. Even though I knew what was coming, I gasped, cringed, and wanted to become immortal. I don't care that the characters didn't look like how I imagined. I hardly noticed because I was so sucked in, pardon the pun. And don't even get me started on the music. Paramore, Linkin Park, and whatever the name is of Robert Pattison's band as background music is a guaranteed off the charts listening experience. You have to see it. It should be a law. This movie proves that there is still a place for a low budget film. All you need is a hot leading man, a stellar soundtrack, and a killer story.

On a little side note, Edward in the light is amazing. Bella is so lucky.

I'm loving it!

Have you heard the latest song by Kanye West, "Love Lockdown"? It is amazing! For the life of me, I don't know exactly what it is about this song that I'm addicted to. Unlike most of the music I like, this song isn't too complicated, it isn't too wordy, and it's slightly repetitive. Despite myself, I keep hitting the repeat button over and over again on my CD player. When I first heard it on the radio, I couldn't get to iTunes fast enough. I'm a little surprised by my reaction. As an individual Kanye is so self-centered that he makes my blood boil. I hate to admit it but his music is sheer genius. I can't get enough. Normally when I have an ear worm (those songs that get stuck in your head) I get really annoyed. This tune has been floating around like my own personal soundtrack, and let me say, I'm digging it. I've even caught myself strolling through the library to the mental pulsing beat. Check it out on our MySpace page and get back to me. I need to know if I'm the only Kanye West fan locked down out there.

(kind of) Twilight junkie

I hopped on the Twilight bandwagon pretty early. I didn't pick it up because I heard it was good, the plot intrigued me so I decided to read it (actually I listened to the first three. Ilyana Kadushin, the narrator, isn't the greatest but she's not bad. She has an interesting voice and tries to distinguish between the characters). Then we heard a movie was being made. And you know, I'm not much for following the crowds, but I think the popularity has actually created more of an appeal for me. Seeing the actors grace the covers of all the rags that I see when I'm checking out at the grocery store stirred my desire to see the movie. And I'm gonna see the movie. Except, from the pictures I've seen of the actors, Rosalie doesn't quite live up to the person I was picturing in my mind. Actually, none of the other vampires do either. Their puffy coats and ultra coiffed hair don't scream "seasoned vampire" to me. Let's just hope their acting makes up for it. Are you going to see the movie? Have you already? Tell me what you thought! And please agree that Jasper needs to get a haircut.

I want to read it!! (Get in line, sister)

Gossip Girl doesn't know everything

The other day I was catching up on some quality TiVo time when I started a Gossip Girl marathon. What can I say? I'm addicted. I can't resist the fashion, the music and of course, the drama. I was a huge O.C. fan back in the day, and one of the hidden treasures in this type of show is the music. They play some of the greatest tunes behind all that girl scandal. Gossip Girl introduced me to the Pierces one episode, and the very next day I rushed to our catalog to hunt down their album.

The song I was searching for is the closest thing to a love ballad that a girl like me can stomach. I'd much rather listen to emo-screamo rock then hear Beyonce tell me how she wished she was a boy. But here I was, intrigued. I waited all day long to pop that CD into my car. I was sure I was going to be blown away. Boy, I could not be more disappointed. Imagine old school Gwen Steffani trying to sing with marbles in her mouth with the random cat meow thrown into the mix. That drivel is the core of this album. Having heard "Three Wishes" I don't understand what happened. So, this week, the song I'm featuring is the saving grace of that album, "Three Wishes". Check it out on our MySpace page and you'll see why I went to the effort. Doubt that the rest of the album is as bad as I claim? Check it out and get back to me. Maybe I'm missing something.

In the mean time, I have three wishes of my own:

Wish 1: Gossip Girl will warn us when the albums they feature suck

Wish 2: Gwen Steffani will give the Pierces voice lessons

Wish 3: Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby Ice Cream becomes healthier then vegetables

A girl can dream, can't she?

Feed your mind with Sci-Fi

Feed by M.T. Anderson

I’m not a huge fan of reading about spaceships and aliens, but I do enjoy a good sci-fi book. Science fiction doesn’t mean it has to be about big green aliens or UFO’s. Some of the most fun books have elements that are abnormal or strange to our world. One book in particular I think you would like is Feed by M.T. Anderson. It’s about the not too distant future here on Earth. People can take day trips to the moon, and everyone is connected to a super computer that allows them to talk to each other in their minds and shop and buy items they see instantly. Sounds pretty fun, right? Well, it is, for most people. But (isn’t there always a but?) there are some people who don’t react too well to the surgery to get connected to the computer. The story is fun to read because we get to see how normal teens react to not so normal situations. Have you read it already? Let us know what you thought about it!

Check it out.

Stagger into history

The Second Bend in the River by Ann Rinaldi

No doubt about it, historical fiction can be a tricky business. If you're like me, then you hate to read a book that reminds you of sitting in history class. There's a fine line between telling a great story and being bored to tears. So please let me introduce you to a historical fiction master. Ann Rinaldi's words transform historical facts into staggering, moving and motivating stories. Her settings and adventures leap off the page and you will find it hard to put her books down. This particular tale takes an honest look at the life on the Ohio frontier as we step into Rebecca Galloway's world. Based on the real life relationship between Rebecca and Tecumseh, one of the most infamous chiefs of the Shawnee tribe, we see that strong women have been motivating great leaders for centuries. A perfect book to get ready for Thanksgiving, it is easy to be swept away by this love story.

Advice from a bunch of Kooks

For this week's song choice I was completely inspired by a recent trip I took to the United Kingdom. I spent the last week touring London, soaking in the fashion and the stellar accents. Everywhere you go, there are people with their iPhones rocking out to their favorite tunes. I was amazed by how much American music infiltrates British culture and was a little disappointed that I wasn't overwhelmed with new and exciting sounds. Two days before I left I was riding the subway when it stalled out and we were stuck for a good half an hour. While stranded, I ended up meeting three "footballers" from Wales who filled me in on some of Britain's finest modern musicians. The song of the week is called "Naive" and is preformed by a group called the Kooks. I am so glad those rowdy athletes have great taste in music and I hope all you can imagine strolling down cobbled streets and riding double-decker buses when you hear this tune, featured on our MySpace page.

If you are interested in listening to other musicians from the UK, there are other great artists such as the Darknes, Girls that Scream, Lunarblues, Adele, DragonForce, M.I.A, Paul Oakenfold and Coldplay. MPL has many of these artists in our collection, so be sure to visit our branches.

Talk about progressive!

The song of the week for this week is from one of my favorite prog-rock bands, Coheed and Cambria. Progressive rock is not for the faint of heart. It can be intense. What makes this form of rock "progressive" is that an entire album is centered off one central theme. Pink Flyod launched the prog-rock movement with their album Dark Side of the Moon which was completely inspired by space. As the movement grew the music became darker and heavier, and artists started seeking inspiration for more abstract sources. The band Mastodon created a metal album entirely about Moby Dick.

What makes Coheed and Cambria so amazing is that the creators wrote the music as a way to increase sales of their graphic novel series, Coheed and Cambria. The band blew up in the prog-rock metal market, and now the graphic novel series is released in limited addition. No one could have expected that authors could have created such a musical phenomenon.

For those of you interested in beginning your experience with prog-rock, check out Coheed and Cambria's "The Suffering" on our MySpace page. If you fall in love with this band like I did, check out their albums from our catalog.

Get ready to be transported.

The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson

"The words were scribbled on the wall with thoughts of friends you didn't have" - Coheed and Cambria

Welcome to a series where not fitting in actually makes you a hero! This is the most refreshing trilogy that I have read in a long time. It's as if Harry Potter met Indiana Jones in medieval times. As I read this series, I found myself saying "wow" over and over again. The series also answers a lot of life long questions. Have you ever met someone for the first time and but feel as if you've known them your whole life? Batson and his very motivating characters have a reason for you.

If you're like me and like to listen to music when you curl up with a good book, this series goes great with the Muse's Black Holes and Revelations, in particular the song "Knights of Cydonia". Get your hands on both the CD and the book series by visiting our catalog.

It's so dangerous it's delicious!

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson

I just finished the best audio book of 2008. I have always been a James Patterson fan, but I'll admit, I was a little worried about this new alien hunter series. I am so glad that my love for his writing trumped my fear because I fell in love with this recording.

The story itself was great with the typical fast moving plots and unexpected twists that you expect from Patterson. What made this experience so amazing, though, was the reading itself. Milo Ventimiglia, the hunky guy who plays Peter Petrelli on Heroes, does a stellar job depicting the countless characters. How he managed to make aliens sound so normal is beyond me.

If you've never listened to a book on CD before, start with this one. Still not convinced that audio books are the way to go? We carry this title in traditional book form as well. I have it on good authority that this series will soon be released in graphic novel form, so be sure to check back with us to be the first to get your hands on a copy.

Ryan Seacrest and Twilight

Today I was driving to work and listening to Ryan Seacrest's radio show, when he suddenly started reading an expert from Twilight. I can't help but wonder, why? I know that he is all things Hollywood with his American Idol, America's Top 40, Rockin'Eve with Ryan Seacrest, the E! News show, and countless of other business endeavors, but seriously! When did he become the expert on all things literary? I can't help but wonder if he is getting any kick backs from the movie people to be promoting this book. I want to know, do you think it's at all bizarre that Ryan Seacrest would start reading passages from a best selling book on a pop radio station? I'd appreciate any thoughts or feedback, because I'm baffled.



If you're interested, check out the trailer for the movie Twilight on our MySpace page, or visit our catalog to reserve a copy of the book.

MacFabulous

Macbeth illustrated by Ken Hoshine

Three weeks ago if you would have asked me if Shakespeare and graphic novels went together, I would have thought you were crazy. Then a version of Macbeth came across my desk and I became a believer.

Put out by the same people that bring you SparkNotes, this is an illustrated version of Shakespeare’s most infamous, whiny hero. Despite having an unnatural attachment to the world’s most recognized playwright, I’m from the mentality that plays are best watched instead of read. I’ve always felt that something was lost or at least missing when I’m holding the script instead of watching the scene. With Hoshine’s interpretation, it’s as if you are watching the play frame by frame. Forget Cliffs Notes and SparkNotes, this version uses Shakespeare’s original text word for word and makes it easier to understand.

If you are having trouble understanding this play, or love it so much that you are looking for a fresh face on this classic, this graphic novel is the way to go.

Under my umbrella

Being the most eclectic music fan known to man kind, I am constantly rocking out to something all the time. In my car, at my house, sitting at the reference desk, you name it. I'm either listening, singing or trying to get the "ear worms" out of my head. I have decided to share my random music preference by featuring a song or music artist of the week. With the weather outside today being all gloomy and rainy, Scott Simon's version of "Umbrella" is definitely the way to go.

Don't get me wrong, I am an avid Rihanna fan. Just this morning I was blasting "Please Don't Stop the Music" while zipping in and out of traffic, but she has nothing on Scott Simon. His take could mellow out the most highly stessed soul and will probably be a song that fathers and daughters will dance to on wedding days. It will change your view on pop music forever. Feel free to check it out on our MySpace page!

If you listen to something that really rocks your socks, please recommend it to me! I love hearing new stuff, and I want to know what you think we should feature.

Think you know vampires? Guess again!

The Otherworldlies by Jennifer Kogler

Forget everything you think you know about vampires! Great for Halloween, this book has you checking over your shoulder to see if your eccentric neighbor may be harboring an ancient secret. Fern's secretive history has her wondering on what side she will stand, and with opposing forces fighting for her soul, it's hard to know where evil ends and good begins. Fern's unique physical characteristics make it hard to hide, and this action packed story will have you guessing to see what happens next. If only the reason I was so pale was because I was a vampire...

Read BeTween the Lines

Welcome to the blog made for tweens and teens! We at Mentor Public Library want to provide an area that's sole function is to present the freshest information and commentaries on books, movies and music for tweens and teens. You are also invited to check us out at MySpace.com and Facebook.com to see what's hot!