Long gone are the days of 1960s psychedelic rock and the British invasion – or so we thought. New Orleanian AM recently released his debut album Future Sons & Daughters, the Abbey Road Studios-mastered vinyl edition of which was made available Oct. 19, which hearkens The Byrds as well as modern icons Beck and Wilco. AM also brings to mind alt-rock group Muse, and appropriately so, considering he made his New Orleans tour appearance opening for Muse at Voodoo Experience this year on Oct. 29. Ten percent of all Future Sons & Daughters vinyl sales will go to the Barrier Island Restoration Development Society and the New Orleans Tipitina’s Foundation.
Fiction l The Southern Review has been publishing original Louisiana State University fiction, poetry, critical essays and other writings since its inception in 1935, and it now proudly releases its first “greatest hits” collection of LSU fiction writers. Best of LSU Fiction, edited by professors Nolde Alexius and Judy Kahn, features the works of legends such as Robert Penn Warren, and contemporary favorites David Madden and Andrei Codrescu, among many others. These stories run the Louisianian gamut, from tales of the Fighting Tigers and hurricanes to Rebecca Wells’ story of an anti-war cotton-grower in the deep South. This anthology is sure to bring to mind the “stately oaks and broad magnolias” of LSU and its fiction.
Cookbook l In New Orleans, food is revered and cooking is an art form, so it was only a matter of time before cuisine became a religious experience. The Louisiana Seafood Bible cookbook series focuses on different seafood stars: Shrimp, Crawfish and now Crabs, the latest chapter in this version of food’s holy trinity, written by Jerald and Glenda Horst. Crabs features authentic Louisiana recipes, a glossary of crustacean and commercial crabbing terms and everything else you ever wanted to know about the clawed creature. From soft-shell crabs to crab cakes, this all-inclusive guide is a holy addition to any kitchen.
Children’s l Local artist Alex Beard has not only charmed New Orleanians with paintings and drawings of animals and wildlife, but also with his first children’s book, The Jungle Grapevine. His second foray into youngster lit is both a story and an art lesson. Monkey See, Monkey Draw brings readers into Africa’s Mbuno Hills and the inhabitants that “monkey around” there. The trouble-making characters ultimately learn the joy that comes from creative expression, no matter the medium.
