May 27 2011
To quote the description given at our fifth episode’s official listing:
“‘May 26th and 27th are important dates for fans of Classic Horror. We celebrate the birthdays of Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Vincent Price. 2011 marks Vincent Price’s 100th birthday, so after we wish Pete and Chris our best, we’ll let Vince have center stage.”
So be sure to have a listen, either at the official website or on iTunes. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and at Twitter, either!
May 27 2011
Today marks what would have been Vincent Price’s 100th birthday had he not unfortunately shed this mortal coil. In recognition of this momentous occasion, the horror community (and his hometown of St. Louis) is celebrating the “Vincentennial” in a variety of ways. I have chosen to celebrate by reviewing his classic British radio series, The Price of Fear.
Although best known for his work in film, Mr. Price had a long career in radio that spanned from around 1936 through 1984. The source of that information, Ronald L. Smith’s Horror Stars on Radio wisely notes that Price’s “…contrast of softly pleasant voice with evil deeds would be a ticket to fame for [him]” and this would be utilized to maximum effect in the audio-only world of radio. Oddly enough, his radio career both started and ended with British radio shows, making the subject of today’s review an especially appropriate celebration of this particular aspect of Vincent Price’s career.
The Price of Fear debuted on the BBC World Service in 1973 and ran until 1974, spawning a tie-in book along the way. In 1983, six additional episodes were produced, bringing the series’ total number of episodes up to twenty one. As the show’s host, Price would either recount a fictional adventure of his or simply narrate a story presented to him by another character (in both cases, the episodes were a mix of original scripts and adaptations of stories predating the series). This information, along with an episode guide, can be found here. It should be noted that some sources claim the series aired until 1975 and there are claims of a twenty-second episode called “Never Gamble With A Loser.”
AudioGo’s (formerly BBC Audiobooks) double CD set consists of four episodes from the show’s initial 1970’s run: “Cat’s Cradle,” “Come As You Are,” “Speciality of the House” and “The Ninth Removal.” Those who read the above-linked episode guide will quickly notice that these are not presented in the original broadcast order. According to the detailed liner notes (more on those later), the reason for this selection/order was done in order to match that of the original audio cassette release from the 1980’s. Why did the cassettes present those particular episodes in that particular order? My best guess is that, due to the series’ varying episode lengths, those episodes were chosen due to their ability to fit on each side of an audio cassette. That sort of thing is not as far-fetched as you might think, as it effected the releases of many albums in the days of 8-tracks.
The first CD begins with “Cat’s Cradle,” an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “The Squaw”. In it, we find Vincent Price relaxing in a small Germany city during a break in the filming of a horror movie. He befriends a newlywed couple on their honeymoon, who invite him to accompany them on a tour of a local castle with an infamous reputation due to its involvement in the Inquisition. Too bad that a boring blowhard acquaintance of Price’s invites himself along. Things get even worse when he accidentally kills a kitten while trying to get its attention. Between its vengeful mother and a castle full of torture equipment, you know that things won’t end well.
The second story, Bill Ingram’s “Come As You Are,” appears to have been written especially for the series. The episode begins with Vincent Price discussing his dislike of costume parties, which leads to his recounting of one such party in particular that cemented his aversion to such events. It all started when a friend of his invited him to a costume slash housewarming party during a visit to London. Despite his attempts to get out of it, his friend won’t take “no” for an answer (which leads to a hilarious telephone conversation) and Price reluctantly attends. Feeling out of place, Price quietly grabs some alcohol and finds a place to hide…where he is surprised to find another man hiding in the darkness. His mysterious new friend refuses to give his name and instead tells of his attempt to kill his unfaithful wife. Although you might think you know how this story will end, odds are that you’ll only be half right.
Disc 2 kicks off with “Speciality of the House” (based on the story of the same name by Stanley Ellin) which features a subject very near and dear to Vincent Price’s heart: cooking. A trip to New York leads to Price reconnecting with another old friend, who is eager to show him his favorite restaurant. Although initially put off by the oddball rules and seemingly bland soup of the dismal, small obscure establishment, Price soon shares his friend’s enthusiasm for the place. But why does the chef never let anyone see his kitchen…
Our final tale, an adaptation of R. Chetwynd-Hayes’ “The Ninth Removal,” is an example of the kind of episode where Vincent Price introduces a story rather than actively participate in it. We open with a woman complaining of how modern girls dress. Our usual narrator appears not long after, explaining how he met this woman while visiting a friend’s psychiatric clinic in order to do some script research. Through a combination of radio drama and Price’s narration filling in some gaps, we learn of both her strict upbringing and hatred of a new female employee that is “corrupting” her workplace. And how do a string of “sex murders” tie into all of this? You’ll have to listen to find out, as even those who correctly predicted the ending to “Come As You Are” will be blindsided by this.
Mr. Price and his co-stars all give top notch performances that easily draw the listener into the stories. Although sound effects are used, Price’s voice is the sinister star of this show. His descriptions of the bloodshed in “Cat’s Cradle” are far gorier than any sound effect could hope to achieve, which means this show isn’t something that be be listened to with small children around. Although all four episodes are appropriately chilling, there is humor present as well (as is the case with much of Price’s classic horror films). How can you not love amusingly macabre lines like “he attached himself to us like an incubus,” especially when delivered in the star’s trademark “serio-comic” tone? Despite the packaging noting that the sound quality reflects the age of the source material, I didn’t notice any problems (unless you count two instances of actors flubbing their line). In fact, the quality easily blows away all of the allegedly “public domain” .MP3s made from aging audio tapes of the series. My only real problem with this release was the way the two discs were held in the case. Had I known that the flipside of the tray holding the CDs could be opened by lifting from the left (rather than on the right like most of the CDs I own), I would have had a much easier time getting to disc two.
In addition to offering over two hours of listening pleasure, The Price of Fear comes with liner notes that provide a wealth of information about the history of the series (complete with reproductions of promotional ads and a vintage interview). This is a definite must-have for all fans of Vincent Price and I sincerely hope that sales are good enough to warrant releases of the rest of the series.
Special thanks to AudioGo LTD for the review copy!
May 26 2011
A Handful of Dirt asks a person five questions they wouldn’t normally expect or receive in any other credible interview.
In consulting the Serendipiter Bag o’InquiryTM, we pose a series of questions to come up with a bit of knowledge unknown before – a handful of dirt.
It isn’t unreasonable to say that Thomas Kuebler is a mad scientist, a monster maker and a storyteller. With a quarter-century of toy-prototype and animatronic industry, Kuebler now wears the hat of a freelance artist. Kuebler’s medium is sculpture, and his phenomenal work is outright stunning.
Justine pointed out the artist (and subsequent mini-documentary on his work) in her guest post. For more information on Thomas Kuebler, as well as more images of the man’s work and news of where you can see it in person, check his site: http://www.tskuebler.com/.
If your blood could be any color (or substance,) what would you want it to be?
I think I’d probably stick with red. I know that’s dull, but if I ever needed medical attention I wouldn’t want any distractions given to saving my life.
If you could pick a writer (living or dead) to pen your biography, who would it be?
My childhood I would want written by Saint Peter and my adult life by the Marquis de Sade. Or maybe the other way around…
Can you describe the conception process for your latest (or a recent) piece of creative work? (ed: sort of what was the motivation to get you thinking about the work and what might have triggered the ‘eureka’ moment.)
That Eureka moment is a good question because there are so many different ways It happens. A face in a book or magazine or passing me in the park, an antique store find, a Bugs Bunny cartoon, a movie villain, a dream..Or nightmare! Once the seed is planted in my creative process, two things start to happen. The sculpting begins and the hunt begins. The augmentations of my sculpture are found at antique stores, flea markets, thrift shops, ebay, etc. The picture starts in my head as a very blurry image that slowly sharpens as I work on the actual sculpture. I never sketch unless I’m working out a structural problem. I do use photo or life reference. The face is the most important part of it all, and the character of that face is ultimately the real inspiration. So, if you see me out there in the middle of a shopping mall or a super market with a dazed stare and a half smile, you’ll know the poor soul I’m staring at is gonna wind up as a freak or mad scientist in my odd little world.
Which song by The Ramones do you think accurately describes your life at this point in time? (ed: if you’re not a fan of the Ramones, feel free to pick a different artist)
Pink Floyd more accurately describes my sensibilities. I tend to see the world much like the entire Animals Album. Come to think of it, The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, too.
I’m kind of a cynical guy…warm hearted, but cynical.
In your opinion, is silver the only thing that can kill a werewolf, or do you subscribe to a different theory?
Nah! They just want you to believe that because they know most people are too cheap to melt down their good dinnerware and jewelry for the sake of Werewolf preparedness!
SEE, I told ya I was cynical.
May 25 2011
The Zombeatles
MEAT THE ZOMBEATLES
(Purchase HERE)
It’s amazing how well it works, since it easily could have gone horribly wrong.
The premise is simple enough: take the most legendary rock band of all time and turn them into zombies. However, going half-ass at the project by sprinkling the word “brains” across the lyric sheet taken from a “Greatest Hits” comp would have resulted in a disposable novelty record to be quickly forgotten or, if lucky, to be dusted off for October episodes of the Dr. Demento show when the good Doctor had nothing better to play.
Instead, MEAT THE ZOMBEATLES is astounding and very enjoyable. It’s only eight songs long, though that brevity might help the parody. The Zombeatles don’t wear out their welcome, nor does the concept run thin. (The clip of “A Hard Day’s Night of the Living Dead,” a clip that gained national exposure when Rob Zombie picked it for his Halloween Picks back when YouTube’s Front Page held some clout, is from a documentary about the Zombeatles, which hints at more music or a possible follow-up recording.)
Three of the eight songs can be considered noteworthy hits – “Halp,” “I Wanna Eat Your Hand” and “Hey Food” emulate established staples of radio (if, at the time of this writing, radio exists) play. I think that these songs were picked, not just because their Zombeatle counterparts are fun to listen to, but if the Zombeatles didn’t include them, people would say “What about….?” as some half-hearted, I-Can-Do-This-Too attempt at ‘constructive criticism.’ These are the obvious targets for parody and their inclusion is more, in my opinion, an appeasing gesture.
They’re good songs but when compared to the other tracks selected, the three Hits, they lack that extra panache. Plus, it’s the deeper cuts that show that the musicians behind the Zombeatles put some sincere thought into what they were doing. Instead of regurgitating their copies of “1,” that collection of #1 hits, the Zombeatles have dug deep to find songs. These are true Beatles fans and that shows in the music, as well.
“Brain” Itself is a particularly genius song, not in just its adaptation for the undead crowd but its selection. At first, I didn’t know which song it was parodying; having no idea that “Rain” was a B-side to “Paperback Writer”, further research indicated that the ‘promotional videos’ for the song were an early version of a music video. It’s not as obscure as I first originally though, but it’s not “She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah)”
The album doesn’t sound like a Beatles cover band doing zombie versions of the songs. It sounds like legitimate zombies are playing the instruments. The breakdown of “Dead Prudence” and “Hey Food” is what a less-than-animated-reanimated player would sound like.
It’s no big secret that the Zombeatles have some living alter-egos in the band The Gomers, a band you should check out in their own right. But big respect for Gorge, Jaw, Pall and Dingo; for how exceptional MEAT THE ZOMBEATLES is as a recording, it’s a testament to the quality and thought put into the project. Lesser meat would have failed and the Zombeatles get to reap the tasty, fleshy rewards of victory.
May 24 2011
Tina Seamonster
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinaseamonster
Yetis Love Spaghetti 2 by 3 inch Fridge Magnet by tinaseamonster
Of course, we here at the Local knew that the ‘rapture’ wasn’t going to come around. There’s too much work left to be done.
It might have meant a reprieve to those who are waterlogged and saturated by the flooded banks and the constant rain.
While we might be grateful for the rain when the threats of drought and water restrictions loom around the corners of the next few months, we’re ready for a break in the weather.
We’re also tired of Young Gus blasting that Creedence song whenever he drives up to the offices. At least the workers enjoy it.
We’re coming to a close to Zombie Awareness Month for 2011. Nemi has been around to distribute the invitations to her formal dinner/fundraiser. A few charitable doctors and humanitarians will attend but we’ll pass on that and attend the informal dinner/drinks at the end. We think that’s what the GdL16 members prefer.
Obama Vs. Zombies Four Color Unisex Shirt Blue
We have (probably) one last Tueday uEtsy with products to honor our undead compatriots. This week, we have Tina Seamonster. One of her more noted products features the current Commander in Chief straight up cold-clocking a zombie. Not one that the local office of Rights and Equality for Animated Persons, Nemi Lem, enjoys but if you want to have the current president of the USA not take any guff from a greenskinned flesh-eater on your body, this is the shirt for you.
Sometimes I worry About Zombies Book mark with Sleeve
We’ve tried to keep it straight down the middle, not being too pro or anti zombie. We’ve got friends on both sides of the arguments. And both sides worry about zombies, sometimes. Sometimes, Nemi is worried they’re being mistreated and sometimes, Young Gus is worried that a zombie might be coming to ruin some of his work. So which position you take, this bookmark can represent you.
Zombies Hate that You are Awesome 2 x 3 Fridge Magnet PINK
This isn’t really anti-zombie, per say. It might just be an accurate statement, that zombies are haters. Of course, as haters, haters gonna hate. So Zombies pretty much hate on you for being awesome, fast and smart. Zombies hate food that can out-think them. It’s very frustrating.
Zombies are Crap at Knitting Book mark in Sleeve
This is just a bit of a statement of truth than a dig at the undead. It’s not a coordination issue. We’ve seen many undead work on some machinery and rock a decent six-string. It’s just that Zombies don’t have that much patience to knit something of quality. They usually end half-way through so you either have one mitten or half-a-hat. Sorry, Zombies.
All Five Zombie Fridge Magnet Designs COLLECT THEM ALL
Of course, you don’t need a book marker. Some people don’t use them, which is fine. But a nice magnet to hold a bill, a photograph or just to break up the monotony of your Whirlpool is always welcomed. You can get all five designs from Tina Seamonster’s collection, showcasing the President, Zombies and what looks to be a Narwhal. God bless you, Narwhal.
Find Tina Seamonster’s store here on Etsy. Purchase, play and come back next week for another Tuesday uEtsy.
May 23 2011
The Vooduo
THE ROCK AND ROLL CREATURES THAT STOPPED LIVING AND BECAME MIXED-UP ZOMBIES
“That’s all still a fantasy now, of course, but where d’ya think all the great revolutions begin if not in fantasies?”
The inside photo of Neidi Night and Eerie Powers, posing in black leather beside a Yamaha 350, is the clear evidence that these two are throwbacks to a different time of outlaw attitudes and aesthetics. They’re made in the image of roadhouse rebels, the monsters of grindhouses during the period when the atomic threat of the fifties proved too goofy and the serial slashers of the eighties had yet to be king. Night and Powers, known as The Vooduo, are the creatures of an American period where mutation was too dangerous to be hip, when the derelicts and diseased were on the winning side.
Neidi plays drums while Eerie jams on his guitar and vocals. For their latest, they had a Dave Klien guesting on theremin and organ, noted on the opening song, “Zombie Baby.” Compared to their first album, The Vooduo have developed a depth and greater understanding of who they are. There’s no pretense or bullshit. THE ROCK AND ROLL CREATURES… is straight-up honest rock and roll.
Songs like “Groovy Ghoul,” “Shrunken Head” and “Hell on Wheels” hark back to the dirty and grimy times where there wasn’t a term for ‘grindhouse’ cinema, back before classification was beyond plausible so the blanket of ‘horror’ fell upon it all. The song “Blood Breast and Beast” celebrates this period, where you could find one (or in the case of breast, two) of each in every movie. The attitude of “Bone thru The Nose” shows that there are freaks and finks that will find that life is groovy when it’s dark and dirty.
Consider this: The Vooduo’s new album takes its name from a movie that, like many, we first and only know from its showing on Mystery Science Theater 3000. It’s hard to think there some people went to see ‘The Rock and Roll Creatures That Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies’ in earnest, but they exist. We have documented proof, since one piece of concrete evidence of sincere watching is the recorded testimony from the wild mind of a venerable rabid rock critic, Lester Bangs. A good line from the running commentary goes:
“What about all the truly great movies comprised of unreconstituted trash, which are important not only because nothing else is deranged in quite the way they are, but also because they demonstrate that occasionally intersecting tastes don’t in any way prove the sharing of Good Taste cross twenty or thirty years?”
Like the movie, nothing else is deranged in quite the way The Vooduo are; other bands might bring in more members or bloat their sound with the day’s fashion. The two of them run a tight operation. These two aren’t of bad taste or trash, but of the Bad Taste back when it wasn’t hip or fashionable. Not everyone is going to get them. That’s fine. There’s room for all in this world.
If you’re a fiend, a demon, a monster kid or just some Screamin’ Jay, you will already have this album. If you don’t, you know what you need to do.
“….Realize that the whole concept of Good Taste is concocted to keep people from having a good time, from reveling in a crassness that passeth all understanding.”
Find The VooDuo on Facebook and MySpace.
[youtube id=’-j3Inu4boKs’]
May 19 2011
A Handful of Dirt asks a person five questions they wouldn’t normally expect or receive in any other credible interview.
In consulting the Serendipiter Bag o’InquiryTM, we pose a series of questions to come up with a bit of knowledge unknown before – a handful of dirt.
Nels Truesdell is half of Kava Kon, or “the music you should be playing at your party if you want to be considered cool and sexy by your guests.” A mad science of music and fun, Nels and Bob Kress make some distinct and enjoyable music that will make your drinks taste better and your clothing choices seem more trailblazing.
Keep an ear open this coming episode of 6’+ for some unreleased beat-happenings from Kava Kon. Many thanks to Nels for this interview and his groovy mind.
What’s an element of a past or current project (or perhaps upcoming) that has gone overlook that you would like more people to notice?
A lot of the percussion done on the albums “Departure Exotica” and “Tiki for the Atomic Age” was beatboxing. For example 90% of all güiro sounds were done by my mouth. Than we processed it using eqs and compressors on the recordings to give them a more realistic tone. There are so many more examples of unconventional recording techniques used on our albums.
As an adult, what is your favorite Halloween costume that you have worn?
The Abominable Dr. Phibes. My favorite Vincent Price character and personal idol.
What’s the album you’d pawn three-quarters of all your possessions to get a copy of?
Kava Kon
In concert live on Easter Island
Date: December 21, 2012
You’ve been chosen to replace Steve Jobs. What’s the next iProduct that comes out?
ipirate radio. A little electronic device that hacks radio waves and speaker systems. For example, your sitting in starbucks sipping on some chai tea trying to relax but in the background some shit Barbra Striesand music is playing on speakers ruining your moment. So you turn on your ipirate radio and load your favorite podcast and it takes over the airwaves and soon you will be grooving to some quality tunes from the gravediggers local 16 podcast 6’+!
What song do you pick when you find yourself in a retelling of ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ where Ol’Scratch has challenged you to a Karaoke duel?
Bauhaus – Bella Lugouis dead, only song I really enjoy to sing.
May 17 2011
Janine Basil
http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinebasil
Comic pew pew embroidered headband yellow and red
One of Gulko’s daughters recent visited a cousin out west and attended a Roller Derby. The cousin, whose name is Nah Trasha when she’s on the track, left an impression on the young Gulko girl. We hear that Gulko’s being pressured to build a flat racing track in the back. If we get a local WFTDA affiliate here, we suppose that Gulko’s youngest will be the first to apply.
“She wants to be called ‘Belle Morte,’” Gulko said. “She’s not even Italian! We’re Polish!
Belle, as we’ll call here, was last seen talking to Poinsettia about starting up a team.
“You don’t even have to change your name – That’s so cool!”
We’ll keep you informed if we here at the Local end up sponsoring their team. Maybe we’ll ask you for suggestions for team names – the Quiet Side Riot, maybe?
If we do end up sponsoring Belle’s endeavors, we might request that ever member of her team use Janine Basil’s products. If you are or aren’t a roller girl, you might find that this week’s Tuesday uEtsy spotlights products that will both be fashionable and useful.
Sugar skull headband Dia de los muertos, in green with red rhinestones
These headbands and hair fasteners allow for any person to hold back their hair in ways that look incredible. When we showed Bella this headband, she said “That would be perfect for this one girl I know – she can be Mia de Los Muertos!”
We commend Belle for her focus. Even if your name isn’t Mia, you can still don this for the upcoming holiday and be festive.
Green zombie brains headband accessory
Janine Basil’s products are also appropriate for this month’s Zombie Awareness campaign. Show your support across your brow by showing that deep inside your skull lies the green brain of a zombie, even if your body hasn’t taken that distinguishing hue just yet.
Creepy exposed brains headband
Or you could be a bit teasing with this normal colored brain. “Yes, I am made up of something that you, zombie, would find delicious. Nyah-Nyah.” Or it could be a show of solidarity that underneath all the glamor, we’re just food for someone else. Your choice.
We asked Bella if she had any idea if some of her potential teammates would wear that. She came up with the names “Rigor Morticia,” “Irene Gangrene” and “The Working Stiff” but doesn’t have anyone to fill out the roster just yet. Perhaps we should take applications for her?
Zombie embroidered headband, red and white
Of course, you can show support for zombies without advertising yourself as food with this embroidered headband. We considered getting this for ourselves. Belle just laughed at us. Girls can be so cruel sometimes.
Tattoo inspired headband Flaming Dice
There are plenty of designs and fashions available at Janine Basil’s store. We’ve showcased only fasteners and headbands, but she has a selection of hats and other hairpieces of many flavors. The above flaming dice design is an example of such. Belle liked it and might get it for herself, if only she can get her father’s permission first.
You don’t have to get anyone’s permission – you can head on over to Janine’s store and buy whatever you want. And come back here next week to see what she showcase next on Tuesday uEtsy.
May 16 2011
Scott Kenemore
Zombie, Ohio: A Tale of the Undead
(Check out Scott Kenemore’s Zombie Blog)
Zombie, Ohio starts off slow but like the titular creature, picks up momentum as the story progresses on to make a very enjoyable read.
Scott Kenemore has crafted the pacing of Zombie, Ohio to follow, step-by-step, the progression/degeneration of the main character, Peter Mellor. After awakening from a car crash with a case of amnesia, Peter finds himself in a nightmare world with “walking cadavers.” What’s even more horrific, thanks to help from his best friend Sam, Peter finds out the type of man he used to be: a professor at Kenton College in Gant, Ohio who slept around, drank and cared not for anyone else.
“I, Peter Mellor, was a disappointment.”
Things don’t get much better after Peter discovers half of his skull is missing. There are very few situations where that would be an improvement, right?
In creating Peter Mellor, Kenemore made a believable character in an unbelievable situation. Zombie, Ohio turns to be a case study of Mellor, told from his perspective. As a Philosophy professor, Mellor is greatly suited to be the narrator of his tale. Beleivably, he doesn’t immediately develop a gung-ho attitude or becomes an instant zombie-survivalist. He fails, has odd successes that come at a price and contemplates the morality of his situation more than following a predetermined set of zombie-survival rules (that everyone and their sister has, nowadays.)
The origin of the zombies is never fully explained but it never becomes necessary for Kenemore to do so. It could be magic, bioterrorism or divine intervention, all hinted throughout the book. But the explanation of why the dead have risen would be only a novelty and thankfully, Kenemore doesn’t spend too much time on that route.
Instead, through the first-person perspective, Kenemore explains how zombies function. It’s interesting to have a firsthand account as to why a zombie is, or should be, a slow moving threat. Some things we as a living organism don’t take notice of become apparent in Mellor’s development. It’s these small details that add an extra bit of charm to the book. The small details are one of Kenemore’s strengths; as he populates the novel’s landscape with small bits of madness that really work well in establishing the atmosphere of despair.
Mellor retains the majority of his mental facilities after he zombifies, which is also never clearly explained but a exchange between him and Sam theorizes his ability to an odd mutation. Kenemore’s use of language made it easy and the character of Peter Mellor was one I found enjoyable so when it came to the half-explained rationale how he can still function with a literal flat-top, I had no trouble going with it.
As one might suspect, bring a thinking-zombie made Mellor a one-eyed king in the land of the blind and hungry. He uses this to his advantage in clever ways, showcasing Scott Kenemore’s dark sense of humor. Humor doesn’t take the forefront in Zombie, Ohio but there are some moments where I found myself smiling along.
The location (the Ohio in Zombie, Ohio) is important. The wide landscape of a rural area allows for a desolate and lonely setting. In an urban location, where corners are tight and shadows are long, it’s easier to amplify the threat of a zombie horde. It’s a bleak situation, what can be easily attained if ever the reader has spent some time in an isolated, rural area. Kenemore’s setting is perfect in expressing the utter despair of the situation and I commend him for capturing it.
Also, by choosing a wide-open space to set the novel, Kenemore draws comparison between a zombie and any other herding animal. By stripping away a bit of the horror that makes a zombie a real monster, Kenemore presents the zombie as something more natural, if it can be thought of that way.
The story is divided among three parts: Peter Mellor first attempts to conceal his zombie nature; after an incident makes him reject humanity, he wholeheartedly accepts who he is; and in the last act, he must make the decision of who he’s going to be, either man or zombie. Along the way, the mysterious nature of his death is brought up and solved.
It’s a good read. It does have a slow start and there are some details in the novel that I personally wouldn’t have done. These things are personal aesthetics. Though the mystery of Peter Mellor’s death is a lure, it’s not as prominent motivator for the story. Some might fault a few off-notes but I wasn’t frustrated. In a display of his skills as an author, Scott Kenemore demonstrated a great mind of a storyteller.
In the end, Zombie, Ohio is definitely a good read. As a debut novel, it shows that Scott Kenemore has a great supply of wit, creative ideas and potential. I look forward to his future works. For those who want an interesting character study or those looking for a nice way to get into zombie literature with a neat character, I would definitely seek this book out.
May 13 2011
To quote the description given at our fourth episode’s official listing:
“‘The V word. Vampires. Once the inspiration for a thousand Halloween costumes, now they’re the inspiration for a million bad YA novels. But there are those who remember that vampires can be scary. For this episode of 6′+, we salute you, nosferatu.”
Just in case you missed the interview with 6′+ creative influence Lima Whiskey, here’s some big news: 6’+ is officially now on iTunes!
So be sure to have a listen, in addition to bookmarking 6ftplus.com. After all, you don’t want to miss a single episode, do you? Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and at Twitter, either!
May 13 2011
A Handful of Dirt asks a person five questions they wouldn’t normally expect or receive in any other credible interview.
In consulting the Serendipiter Bag o’InquiryTM, we pose a series of questions to come up with a bit of knowledge unknown before – a handful of dirt.
This special edition of A Handful of Dirt is in celebration of the following announcement: 6’+ is now available on iTunes. In honor of this occasion, we bring you AHoD with the creator of the 6’+ name, Lima Whiskey. Lima was one of the driving forces that helped get 6’+ off the ground. Read the interview, subscribe via iTunes or head over to the 6’+ website to listen.
Who is Lima Whiskey? Is she a globe-trotting model-slash-ninja-slash-fashionista, expert wielding a wrench and a razor-sharp expression? Is she that one just now entering in her initials, beating your High Score? Do you think that’s her at that kareoke bar-bowling alley? Can she fly? These questions and more remain. Lima Whiskey is a mystery. Lima Whiskey is.
What is the strangest thing that ever happened to you in a professional (or semi-professional) environment?
I was booked at a lingerie shoot in Okinawa, Japan. The stylist grabbed an errant pubic hair that was stubbornly poking through the mesh underwear. “Sorry. Can I cut?” Her scissors were already in hand, posed next to my crotch. “Yes.” I felt quite embarrassed. She snipped it away, muttered something in Japanese and appeared to be satisfied.
Which movie you expected to be horrible but found out was surprisingly good?
Showgirls. It is one of my guiltiest pleasures.
What is your current Favorite Halloween Candy?
Reese’s Pieces: buttons or cakes.
Three words that annoy you for no discernible or logical reason?
Fish taco, impactful, like.
Science has named a disease (non-fatal) after you. What are the symptoms?
Lack of depth perception, clumsiness, shyness, hypervigilance.
May 13 2011
Remember the guy responsible for creating the “Marik Plays Bloodines” series? Well, LittleKuriboh has unleashed another horror-related comedy video on his Ninjabridge channel, this time combining a clip from Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan and the “Guile’s theme goes with everything” internet meme:
Personally, the end result reminds me of something out of the Mortal Kombat series instead of Street Fighter II. It’s still hilarious, though.
May 12 2011
A Handful of Dirt asks a person five questions they wouldn’t normally expect or receive in any other credible interview.
In consulting the Serendipiter Bag o’InquiryTM, we pose a series of questions to come up with a bit of knowledge unknown before – a handful of dirt.
The multi-talented Tom Bagley (aka Jackson Phibes) has been involved in the world of spooky, strange and horror for over twenty years. As the frontman of Forbidden Dimension, he has produced a plethora of incredible music with that eerie bent and rockin’ beat. As an artist, Tom’s pen-style is fantastic at capturing both the playful and the macabre. It’s highly recommended that you check out his Flickr account. You may see some work you recognize.
What’s the biggest influence on your most recent creative work?
Apart from the white lightning bolt on my dog’s forehead, I’m still into all the same type of stuff I’ve been into all my life, to a degree. I still draw power and influence from those quite often mundane stimuli.
I think a slight downside of life nowadays is all that stuff is so readily available to everybody due to the Internet, so I’m less inclined to physically go through my stacks of old horror and rock music mags and records languishing in my somewhat chilly dungeon. I can just sit at my kitchen table and look at the same images on my laptop, just like everybody else, look at (formerly) insanely rare clips on YouTube, etc. I love all those blogs that have scans of old horror comics uploaded on ’em. Very cool to be able to read all that stuff so handily.
Although now, as a result, a lot of my inspiration seems to come from actually going out and wandering around in the dusk (with my dog), looking at the weird color of the sky, the black silhouettes of the trees and power-lines, seeing skunks and rabbits lurking in the shadows, etc. I get most of my current ideas from inherent weirdness in my actual surroundings, not so much from fiction – which is probably pretty cool! It’s like with movies too, I’m probably more influenced by stuff like “Demon Lover Diary”, “Mule Skinner Blues” and “American Movie” than I am by actual horror movies themselves. I’m way more interested in how people in the middle of nowhere (like me!) get the messed-up inspiration and energy to complete their own projects and get through their often difficult lives.
I also get lots of ideas from joking around with my wife (artist Kipling West) and my spawns, who are also completely weird, creative sorts.
What unusual skill/talent that someone wouldn’t assume you had from looking at you?
Probably that I make part of my living from teaching children some of the arcane secrets of drawing and cartooning, and that the children think I’m a funny, friendly guy. I’ve been told by one the kids that her mom regards me as some kinda degenerate hippy weirdo, which is probably pretty funny, as I’ve most likely done less drugs in my lifetime than she. Ironically, none of those kids would assume that I play in a punk-ass band!
Also, that I can walk around on the knuckles of my feet. It hurts a lot more than it did when I was 8 years old!
Where’s the farthest you’ve been from home?
Earth.
What is the one movie you can watch anytime, anyday?
“Legend of Boggy Creek”. Love that one. Also, “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia”. If I’m in the mood for old B&W horror, I can still watch “Night of the Hunter” or the Val Lewton discs any time. I used to be way more into the gore, but since the late 80’s, black and white old stuff is where it’s at for me. A current fave is the original “Not of this Earth”. Been waiting for that one for years!
What candy would you give your worst enemy?
Tootsie Pops/Rolls. Fucking hate those things. Brutal.
May 11 2011
You read that title correctly, it is indeed Zombie Awareness Month once again. Despite Weird Jon being a complete sourpuss about it, the rest of the Local is feeling more festive (though we did meet him halfway on the podcast). In addition to the various zombie–related articles that have been posted recently (or will be posted later in the month) we wanted to do a little something extra. So besides letting you know that the Zombie Research Society’s Facebook page is giving away copies of their book That’s Not Your Mommy Anymore every day in May, here is a quick collection of vintage zombie-related articles:
Political Zombies
Zombie Bongo Limbo
Batman: The Stone King
Entrar…REY ZOMBIE!!!!
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Kava Kon
Music to Haunt By: Buzz Works
Tuesday uEtsy: Zed’s Zombie RanchFreaky Tiki Surf-ari: The Surf Zombies
Happy Zombie Awareness Month!
May 10 2011
What the hell is going on in Alabama?
That state has produced some of the most interesting surf-instrumental reverb minds around. One of the finest examples is 
Kill, Baby…Kill, the five-fingers of death in music form. Their debut recording, the EP titled SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK, is five tracks of high voltage instro music. It’s not just power surf; the prefix ‘mega’ can be applied with absolute sincerity.
It’s after midnight and your backseat is glowing in the dark. Parts of you have taken a beating but the blood is dried and you’re sure you’ll make it another night. There’s a hitch-hiker riding shotgun and you’re not sure if you’re about to get knifed or fall in love. It doesn’t matter what car you’re in. Kill, Baby…Kill is playing on your radio.
Opening up is “Love Theme for a Twisted Mind,” a heavy swirl of emotion, deception and body-chemicals bouncing off the walls of your skull. It’s an explosion to start things off. There is no slow getting in. It’s head first or out.
The first time I heard it, the song “Psycho Beach party 3000” pissed me off. Honestly, I was angry because it was clear that Kill, Baby…Kill was a band that I would have to follow closely. Yes, you can get what you want and still be mad. Though, the anger was short lived. The guitar work on this song is impeccable.
My anger faded right about the time “Suppose The Doomsday Cults Were Right?” came on, a sentiment that seems more appropriate with the oncoming 5/22/11 hoo-hah. Of course, if they are right, I don’t have to worry about next month’s rent.
If you need a theme song for Zombie Awareness Month, “Hunting for the Dead” is not your song. If you need something to get your adrenaline pumping while you go out and return some bodies back to their graves, well. Kill, Baby…Kill has a song for you.
It’s pretty impressive how the five elements work together. “Turn Your Insides Out” has the two guitars of Brains and The Rev fighting in a gang war while Loose Grooves belts out some tricky organ sounds up front. Shades and The Wolf work the drums and bass respectively as if they’re trying to summon forth the elder gods to consume the blight that is man off the face of earth. It’s pretty wicked.
The only fault is that it’s an EP. Given a wider canvas to experiment and work on, I see Kill, Baby…Kill really stretching and reaching into the bizarre world that the five of them inhabit. But this is that first taste and it packs a bite. This is Damn Good Music. It is no surprise that the band was invited to the recent Instro-Music Summit. These guys have what it takes and I’ll definitely be looking forward to what comes next from them.
You can find Kill, Baby…Kill on Facebook, MySpace and ReverbNation. You can purchase their EP over here (Definitely, support these guys.)
May 10 2011
Jenn Rose Creative FX
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennRoseFX
Limited Edition Zombie Sketch Art Print- “Profile”
Convenience. It’s the one commodity that most brick and mortar stores offer better than online stores. Availability, well. That’s an unfair game when it’s one against the world – Living Records doesn’t just compete with those in the state, but those in the country (and the world, when dealing with some stranger acquisitions.)
The Intern spent last weekend taking Poinsettia down to Living Records, since he’s recently gotten involved Scott Castella has bought the place from his uncle and has been running it for the last twenty years. The influx of students involved in vinyl and some of the rarities that Living Records collect keep the store in business. Vinyl records are an undead format, much like the Zombies that we celebrate during Zombie Awareness Month.
This time, our Tuesday uEtsy spotlights Jenn Rose FX and her store that offers not records, but other bits of evidence of things living and dead.
Limited Edition Zombie Sketch Art Print- “Walk”
The above piece, “Walk,” demonstrates the mobility (or lack thereof) of the typical recently reanimated. Or, the fashion sense of a typical slobbish undergrad. One must be careful when traversing a University campus during an outbreak since it’s hard to discern a sluggish BioChem major from their term project. This isn’t meant to discredit Ms. Rose’s work. Here, in this minimalist expression, she manages to convey motion and the abnormal structure of the subject’s anatomy. With just a few thoughts, anyone looking at the picture could easily reproduce the subject’s wounded gait. It’s that level of understanding which is commendable within her work.
Limited Edition Zombie Sketch Art Print- “Stare”
The depth of expression contained in the one good eye of the subject in “Stare” is astounding. The lack of humanity and bare, animal reaction to the environment is, coupled with their overflowing horde mentality, what makes a zombie scary. Adding some pensive reflection is an interesting choice. If you were to cover up the good eye of the character, what expression do you see? A malevolent being about to jump at you to get his next meal? Cover up the mouth, its lips pulled down in a terse expression, and do the eyes reflect a sense of sorrow? Add all the elements and does this creature appear to contemplate you or perhaps, consider your reaction to its visage? Is that the source of its disgust or the act that it must do next? Things to consider.
Zombie Nurse- Original Framed Print with Hand-Painted Accents
A more modern rendition of the undead has this zombie nurse with decayed mouth and dead eyes. It comes with a frame whose hand-painted accents complement the subject. If you wish to have a ghoulish metaphor for the current health care system in your country, this would be perfect.
Fetal Skull Trinket Box- Silver
Not only are there pictures, but other object for sale from Ms. Rose’s designful mindful. This trinket box displays the anatomic skull of an infant, a reminder of the potency of a child’s mind and how it’s carried within such a small case. Similarly, you can keep all your magnificent treasures inside a box, showing that a lot can be fit inside a small box.
Victorian Trilobite Fossil Trinket Box
Of course, if natal-skulldergy is not your thing, Ms. Rose offers a variant that features a trilobite. Bring about the fossils and show that nothing is ever truly dead. A fantastic saying to keep in your mind when you open it up to find those mementos you keep, those physical objects that store your memories as you swish about through your life.
You can find Ms. Rose’s work here at her store, on Facebook and even on Twitter. Follow, like and buy – not necessarily in that order and not in that specific quantity (just make sure you BUY more than you Follow.) And follow the line back here to Tuesday uEtsy next week. See you then.
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