ART: In Architecture at the End of the Earth, Tulane University professor of Slavic Studies William Craft Brumfield captures the sometimes crumbling, sometimes resplendent cathedrals, chapels and other structures of the Russian North. Nearly 200 full color images of brick and wood buildings in varying degrees of neglect and upkeep, as well as a travelogue and careful, compelling documentation of the edifices are combined to offer a beautiful and daunting portrait of the region.
POP/CALIPSO/FUNK: Daria & The Hip Drops will celebrate the release of their full-length album Hipnotic at Chickie Wah Wah on Sept. 12. The 12-track effort features beachy dance grooves, such as the catchy, steel drum-infused opener “Battleship,” and reggae jam “Lost UR Mind,” as well as a trippy yet delicate and melodic piano ditty aptly dubbed “Lovely Interlude,” of which the latter would be right at home on the soundtrack to a David Lynch film.
FICTION: One of The New York Times Book Review’s 100 Notable Books of 2014, I Pity the Poor Immigrant, is now available in paperback just in time for the author’s turn as a member of the New Orleans Magazine People To Watch 2015 class. Zachary Lazar’s poetic crime drama reads like a memoir and features gangsters, mistresses, murder and a deep foray into history.
JAZZ: Dr. John fans will want to hurry to their favorite record store or online music purveyor to get the Grammy Award winner’s latest release, The Atco/Atlantic Singles 1968-1964. This compilation includes 22 of the iconic New Orleans musician’s biggest hits and best B-sides and is set to release on Sept. 18.
Please send submissions for consideration, attention: Melanie Spencer, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005.
