Listening…
Beach Boys, Pet Sounds
Classic summer goodness.

Violent Femmes: Deluxe Edition
I think I was a sophomore in high school when a friend lent me this album, and I think it’s all I listened to for a month, and then I gave it back and hadn’t heard it since. So when I finally remembered to download the album (okay, just my favorite tracks), listening to them was like being fifteen again, but in the good, dancing-around-in-my-bedroom-in-my-underwear kind of way.

Weezer, Blue, Green, and Red
I dig Troublemaker. Not that it makes a whole lot of sense, but it’s catchy as hell. And if I’m downloading that, why not some of the others? (And I’d just like to note that I totally wail on Say It Ain’t So on Rock Band. You would be impressed, and throw your panties at me.)

Watching…
For The Bible Tells Me So
Really moving. Not intended to perturb anyone – not that it should come as any kind of shock that I’m left-leaning. I’m not going to pretend that this is a totally unpartisan, objective piece, and I don’t expect anyone to jump on my liberal, pro-gay marriage bandwagon, but I challenge anyone to watch this film and not find beauty in the acceptance of these families, or feel the heartache of the children whose families don’t, or did too late. I was brought up in a conservative household, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself drifting farther away from those teachings. So if you believe differently, I understand why; I respectfully disagree, and I’m not going to get in a shouting match about it.

Reading…
Candy Girl
By Diablo Cody, of Juno fame. Not for the kiddies, or the faint of heart. Honestly, I was just curious. Funny and frank, but her writing style got a little old after a while – I get it, you’re cool and quirky and an unabashed pop culture nerd. It can begin to feel like she’s trying too hard, which is the same vibe I get from her EW columns more often than not. Luckily it’s a quick read – I finished it over a weekend. Eh, B-.

All We Ever Wanted Was Everything
The first honest-to-goodness chick lit I’ve read in a while. I’ll admit, I was intrigued by the title more than anything. Another easy, soapy read – pampered, devoted wife is betrayed, enter screwed up daughters with their own drama, obligatory meltdowns for all three, they live happily ever after (or do they?). C+.

Brideshead Revisited
Okay, I’ll admit that my interest was piqued after seeing previews for the movie when we saw Mamma Mia. I went out and bought it the next weekend, and…it’s still sitting on my nightstand, the Vanity Fair subscription insert still holding my place at page 9. It’s a totally different style of writing from the last couple of things I’ve read, and I’ve not been able to devote more than just snatches of time to reading, and this will require more attention than that. But I’ve got a plane ride coming up that should be the perfect opportunity*.

*Who am I kidding, I’ll probably end up at the Hudson News with a stack of People, Us Weekly, and Ok!