Happy Birthday

to
razzle!

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Behold a banner I made for the LJ and Facebook groups! luvthyjoker blended the backgrounds for me because I'm an idjit when it comes to Photoshop. Thank God for smart friends!

Happy Birthday

and the
safest of journeys
to
brujah!

The Road to Rome and the Winding Down of TJB

As I write of the beginning of Cadmus and Orphaeus' journey by foot from Jerusalem to Rome, I'm beset by questions like what manner of mischief will they find themselves in. What kind of people will fall victim to the chalice so that Orphaeus can give over the memories Cadmus needs to retrieve the Blood Crown? How will they come to trust one another enough to work in tandem when the time comes for them to make their way to the Apostate? What kind of wisdom will be imparted to each of them and to me as I write this? Will it be revealed to Orphaeus that Cadmus killed Persephone and, if so, will that revelation be made in this book or The Augury of Gideon? I've got more questions than answers right now, but I have confidence my "dynamic duo" will answer them when they're ready, especially Cadmus. He never seems to shut up, sitting there in my head, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. No wonder I walk around with a half-terrified look on my face all the time.

The Joker Blogs will be coming to a conclusion soon. Only a few more episodes to go before the finale and the Big Reveal, when Little Bro finally takes off the war paint for people to see who he is. I'll be sad to see the Blogs end because I have enjoyed them immensely, but I am looking forward to the Big Reveal and all the good things to follow for Dude. I'm unsure I'll be a part of that and, if I'm not, that's okay. I've done what I can do and that's all anyone can ever do, so I have no regrets there. I just hope I've been able to help and that the gathering of what is essentially his first fan club will assist him in bringing more unique and brilliant entertainment to people.

Lighterthief's "Hard Listening"

Lighterthief’s Hard Listening

Hard Listening, the latest offering from Swindon-based music collective Lighterthief will fill you to overflowing with sonic wonderment while leaving you craving for more. The EP features three songs, none of which have any similarities or common ground except for the presence of Lighterthief mastermind Stuart Rowe, of Future Sound of London/Amorphous Androgynous fame, and XTC’s Andy Partridge, whose APE label is fortunate enough to carry the collective.

“My Dream Sea” features APE vocalist Jen Olive on lead vocals starting the listener out gasping for breath as Jen instructs you to “just breathe in and out.” You’re then blanketed with an ocean of sound that swirls and plays with your senses, and incorporates everything from 30s-styles vocalizations from backing vocalist Andy Partridge to Gregorian-style chants. An overall Trip-hop feel is enhanced by Jen Olive’s delightful vocals, her style being sexy, solid, and confident enough to experiment and play with the music.

“Running with the Mothmen” throws the listener into the mad world of Barry Andrews, ringleader of another music collective Shriekback. Stuart Rowe’s quirky and infectious guitar riff is the gentle glue that holds the song together, as swanky sax and electric rock guitar vie for the listener’s attention. Typical of an Andrews song, the lyrics engage the music, merging flawlessly with it, yet still demanding a certain attention of their own. The chaotic percussion serves only to augment the lyrics, prompting the listener to go “mad as a bag of cats” and “do what the voices say.”

The more mainstream offering on the EP is “Shining Surface.” With both Stuart Rowe and Andy Partridge pulling guitar duty, the engine of this song is revved from the beginning few notes. Sam Bates shows us exactly why he’s part of the Lighterthief Live Band with his strong, unwavering voice. The bridge is reminiscent of the Psychedelia that came out of the 80s. The song is so powerful, it literally has to be geared down before it can come to a conclusion! Both fans of XTC and Foo Fighters would definitely find this song on all their favourite play lists.

Should you buy Hard Listening? It cannot be more strongly suggested that you do. In the wasteland that the music business has created producing vapid music with little substance and a pretty face, this is indeed a lighthouse for people who love genuinely good and original music. Stuart Rowe’s production is flawless and serves only to enhance an already delightful auditory banquet. The only problem is you’re left wanting much more from Lighterthief. Be prepared to wear out the repeat function on your players. You can find Hard Listening available at the Ape House, and be sure to check out Lighterthief’s other EPs while you’re there.

- Tracy A. Evans

Worse Than Death

I was telling gunslingaaahhh that there were fates worse than death when it came to encountering Cadmus Pariah. This cautionary piece, which was reworked to become a chapter of The Chalice was my first example of that.

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( Beautiful Pets )