Annihilation (The Southern Reach Trilogy Book #1)by Jeff Vandermeer Remember that movie Annihilation? No? Well, no one does. It was remarkably unremarkable, right? But there were some good ideas there. And, I’m a sucker for sci-fi. I found this book at a free book exchange and seeing how slender it was, thought I’d pick it up. I don’t read much fiction, and I’d heard good things about the book. Why not? After having read Annihilation, I have to ask, what...

To say this has been a strange year would be an understatement, so it’s no surprise we want to do a little extra this Holiday season. And you can’t have a Holiday season without the Ground Control Holiday Buyer’s Guide. Like every year, we are bringing you some classics that are tried and true and some newcomers to keep things nice and fresh. These gifts range from high to low end, so you have a good range to pick from....

WHO: Jon Snodgrass WHAT: Tace WHY: Yes, there’s a lot of overlap between Jon Snodgrass and the ALL/Descendents universe, but what makes Tace such an important album is that it’s the strongest material Snodgrass has put out in quite a while. Tace is a straight up rock/punk album with a wide range of guests, and punk rock who’s who, contributing instrumental help. It sounds exactly as one would imagine with Snodgrass’ experience: like ALL/Descendents with a south drawl. The only...

Hitchcock Classics Collection I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to watch Hitchcock movies. If you’re familiar with him, you’ll be reminded of why his movies keep standing out after all these years, and if you’ve never watched his movies, prepare for your mind to be blown. I think people often neglect Hitchcock’s early work when they think of his filmography, like Foreign Correspondent or The Lady Vanishes, and think of him as more of a...

WHO: Brook Pridemore WHAT: Metal is My Only Friend WHY: Brook Pridemore has been at it for quite a while, honing his craft. And just when I think he’s outdone himself, he does it again. Metal is My Only Friend has been out for a couple years now but, as I take calm walks enjoying the Fall weather, its brilliance has finally hit me. This is most definitely an underdog of an album that exceeds all expectations. It’s beautifully crafted,...

The Complete Mausby Art Spiegelman Maus is one of those comics that has to be reckoned with sooner or later if you’re a comics fan. I know I put it off longer than I should have, and I thank having this book on my shelf taunting me for years for finally motivating me to read it. This book is simply a marvel for what it does.I pray that comics are getting the backlash they’ve deserved for years, and for which...

Hiroshimaby John Hersey John Hersey’s Hiroshima has been on my to-read list for over a decade. Ever since I read Howard Zinn’s recommendation of it, I made a note of it. Shame on me that it took so long. Hiroshima is written is simple terms, is only 150 pages, and packs a wallop. Everyone should read it. Hiroshima recounts the story of six survivors of the atomic bomb. Six people of different backgrounds and prospects, all complete unprepared to deal...

The Dispossessedby Ursula LeGuin I love Sci-Fi. I really do. I like to think of myself as a sci-fi guy. I’m not just talking movies and TV shows (the good ones, at least), but I try to actually do the work and read the classics. I’m waiting to meet a guru of the genre one day who can guide me to the real classics, and lesser known greats. Until then, I’m stuck going for the obvious choices. Of course, Isaac...

Run the JewelsRTJ4 4XLP Deluxe Edition + Instrumentalsphoto: turntablelab.com Is there any hope left for the youth? In a year filled with turmoil, the stakes have never been higher. If there ever was a time to educate ourselves it’s now. But, what’s the song of the summer? WAP. Meanwhile, Run the Jewels have released the smartest album of the year and it’s not getting anywhere near the attention it should. There was a period in the mid-2000s where I almost...

The Selected Works of Eugene V. Debs, Vol. I: Building Solidarity on the Tracks, 1877–1892by Eugene V. Debs, Tim Davenport (Editor), David Walters (Editor) Look, I try my hardest not to hate on books, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Going in, I was expecting to fully love The Selected Works of Eugene Debs. He’s a fascinating historical figure, has fought for the rights of the disenfranchised, was America’s most prominent socialist, founded the IWW, and ran for...