The new Metallica video is a masterpiece of a alternate-history sci-fi Soviet-propaganda diesel-punk rotoscoped horror movie.

The murder ballad is an old concept, as are war poems and story songs. Today, hip hop has surpassed country music as the best and most interesting supplier of violent tales put to music. Some of my favorites are below.

Currently reading: Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk. 

"Shakey Dog" by Ghostface Killah (my all-time favorite)

"Walk Around" by Ghostface Killah

"Dance With the Devil" by Immortal Technique

"The Heist" by Big L

"Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" by Public Enemy

"Gold" by GZA

 

I don't watch Gossip Girl. I did happen to see the pilot episode while working as a professional teevee watcher back in New York, and the show wasn't nasty and dirty enough to sell me on it. I was hoping for Cruel Intentions meets Brett Easton Ellis, and it seemed like another teen soap opera.

But the billboards that have been up in LA all summer might make me give the show another shot. I can't speak for the show, but these ads, which match sexy images with quotes from the show's harshest critics, is beautiful trash at its finest.

I should have some more news in the next few days, but for now enjoy the gods of California stoner metal, Kyuss. Like bong vapors floating in hundred-degree heat, vodka breath in the morning, a sloppy late night fist fight that ends badly.

I've read all nine Fletch novel, making it the only mystery series I've followed all the way through. The original Fletch is a great book, and if you've only ever seen the movie then you are missing out. The Fletch of the novels is much more reserved, and far more intelligent, than the character from the film. I know the world mourns for David Foster Wallace, but it is Gregory McDonald who mattered more to me.

The first post-Deadwood Western looks to be bloody old-school fun.