Blood Sweat & Murder

Moving Out and Heading Over

2011-12-02T12:08:00.001-06:00

I originally meant to do this back in June, but am only just now getting around to taking care of things and getting the furniture arranged at the new digs:

http://www.kentgowran.com

That's my new place. All the old posts should be there now, and maybe I'll even add some new ones and do some decorating in the near future.

Atomic Hellcat In Chains

2011-11-27T13:20:00.000-06:00

The Big Combo

2011-11-18T11:59:00.000-06:00

Over at his site Dead End Follies, Benoit Lelievre has been running a series of guest spots called My Dark Pages. In what must have been a moment of poor decision making, Ben asked me if I'd like to take a crack at a post, and I gladly accepted. Many thanks, Ben.

So, if you happen to be so inclined, hop over to Dead End Follies and take a look at My Dark Pages.

Dancin' Dancin' All Night Long

2011-11-17T11:01:00.000-06:00

Elmo Williams and Hezekiah Early:

You Better Run

2011-11-15T05:19:00.001-06:00

Ok, once again, I'm going to suggest your part with some of your hard earned cash. But first, some that's not going to cost you a thing but a few minutes of your time, though if admission were being charged, it would be more than worth the scratch. Eva Dolan has a No Rules post over at Heath Lowrance's Psycho-Noir that you all ought to read. It's good stuff.

Next up, the first issue of Pulp Modern is out.

Believe me, you want to get this one folks.

First off, there's a classic story from Lawrence Block. Then, among others, you've got Glenn Gray, Sandra Seamans, Garnett Elliott, David James Keaton, Thomas Pluck (the more observant among you might say, hey, I know all those names from that swanky flash fiction site Shotgun Honey), and that's not all, you also get some Jimmy Callaway, Edward A. Grainger, Stephen D. Roger, Matthew Pizzolato, Melissa Embry, and Chris La Tray.

And that's not even everyone in this thing. Seriously, you want a bang for you buck? Snap up a copy of Pulp Modern.

But wait, there's more:

And when I say there's more, I mean a lot more. Because Crime Factory: The First Shift is out and, like Pulp Modern and the recent Noir at the Bar anthology, this is another one you do not want to snooze on.

Just a sampling of the writers in this thing: Jedidiah Ayres, Hilary Davidson, Leigh Redhead, Josh Converse, Charlie Stella, Roger Smith, Ken Bruen, Steve Weddle, Chris F. Holm, Frank Bill, Patricia Abbott, and Kieran Shea.

Editors Keith Rawson, Cameron Ashley, and Jimmy Callaway (each of these guys have stories in here, too, and it's not just a case of editors including themselves because they can, folks) did a hell of a job putting this anthology together. Anthologies have a way, more often than not, of being very hit or miss, so when something like Crime Factory: The First Shift comes along, where each story is nothing less than top shelf material, it's time to sit up, take notice, open your wallet, and get to reading.

I realize that's a whole lot of reading, but folks, again, it's the good stuff. You don't want to miss out, so get on it. You better run.

Pulp Metal Magazine: Sea Legs

2011-11-14T05:48:00.000-06:00

The latest issue of Pulp Metal Magazine went up on Saturday, and along with non-fiction from Paul D. Brazill, there are stories from Charlie Wade, Heath Lowrance, Benoit Lelievre, Jim Wilsky, and others. I also have a story there, it's called Sea Legs. You might like it.

Sympathy Sessions

2011-11-13T09:23:00.000-06:00

This CD from the Oblivians compiles a couple of 10" the band released in the early-mid 90s.

It's filled with raw, fuzzy splendor that needs to be played loud.

I can, without reservation, recommend every release by this band as essential listening.

Memphis Sol Today

2011-11-12T00:08:00.000-06:00

Back in 1993, The Gibson Bros., led my Mssr. Jeffrey Evans and Don Howland, released Memphis Sol Today.

It's not as raw as earlier released by the band, or related outfits like '68 Comeback, Bassholes, South Filthy, and others, in fact, you could probably call it a very accessible record, and if you haven't heard it, I'd suggest it as a great place to cut your teeth on, and get hooked by, the brilliance of Evans and Howland.

Man from Mars

2011-11-11T12:57:00.001-06:00

I'm not big on checking my blog stats. But today I did, and I found that someone had arrived here while searching for Forest Ray Colson. I thought that was interesting. Maybe someone had been looking at my Twitter profile or something. Just for giggles, no, I am in no way affiliated with poor, dead, Mr. Colson. Anyway, here's the Man from Mars. You're welcome.

Night Life

2011-11-11T11:26:00.001-06:00

Last night on the mighty Twitter feed, Heath Lowrance and I had a brief exchange about some classic country artists we both have an appreciation for. After that talk, I had to put on Night Life.

I couldn't tell you the first time I heard Ray Price's 1963 album Night Life, but I do know it was in my grandpa's basement in Elgin, IL.

Somewhere along the way, this record became one of my all-time favorites. It's a perfect album from front to back. Everything works here, from the song selection (the title track is a Willie song, which he recorded in 1961, but it never sounded as good as Ray's take, if you ask me), Price's singing and presence. Bring in the amazing sounds of Buddy Emmon's steel guitar, Joe Zinkan's bass lines, the guitars of Art Bishop and Grady Martin, the rhythms of drummer Buddy Harmon, and piano from man with the coolest name of all time, Mr. Pig Robbins, and it's stellar.

It's a record you can just sit still and listen to.

Again and again.

Blasted Heath

2011-11-06T08:19:00.000-06:00

Again, since I've been ignoring this blog like it had a bad case of the crabs, there are some things that might be of interest which have gone unmentioned, though I'm sure you haven't missed anything. But, just in case, I figured I'd take a moment to mention the new digital publisher Blasted Heath. They busted loose last week like a chainsaw at full tilt boogie with books by Ray Banks, Anthony Neil Smith, Brian Pendreigh and others.

I'll always love printed books, I love the smell of things, the way it feels to hold a book in my hands, but, at the same time, I welcome the moves digital publishers like Snubnose Press and Blasted Heath are making because, ultimately, it isn't about getting books on shelves, it's about getting stories out there and read. Yeah, when there's a choice between print and digital, I see myself going for the print option. You'll probably never see me reading on a phone (I hate those goddamn things), but I do have an e-reader and I'm getting used to it. I know some bemoan what they perceive as a case of imminent death syndrome for printed books, but let's be honest, those folks are about as well informed as this guy.

Beat to a Pulp: HARDBOILED

2011-11-05T20:20:00.000-05:00

I've been absent from posting for a little more than a month, so, of course, I return now and am once again asking you to open your wallets.

First, this time it's less than a dollar (save the penny you get back for putting on a railroad track somewhere). Second, this time around it's a little more selfish since I happen to have a story in this new anthology you might have heard of called Beat to a Pulp: HARDBOILED. Really happy to be part of this collection, and if you should be so inclined, I'd be stoked if you were to purchase a copy. It's full of good stories, and one of mine, too.

WINO: Iron Horse

2011-09-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

A Twist of Noir: Shotgun for Two

2011-09-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may be so inclined, I've got a story up at A Twist of Noir. It's called Shotgun for Two, (all of which you probably already figured out from the post title) and I hope you enjoy it. I appreciate you taking the time to check it out.

KILL LIST: They are bad people. They should suffer.

2011-08-26T11:59:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week, the wife and I watched Ben Wheatley's excellent movie Down Terrace. When I took the the twit-stream to yap about it, Ray Banks clued me in on Mr. Wheatley's soon to be released Kill List. All I've seen are the trailer and some teasers, but this one looks to be like exactly the kind of movie I really dig. No idea if it will make it to screens over here, but I'll be keeping an eye out.

Get D*ICKED

2011-08-24T07:17:00.002-05:00

Time to open those purses and wallets again. I know, seems like every other post here lately is me yammering about something you need to buy.

But listen, I wouldn't turn you on to any crap, all right? I just wouldn't do that to you fine folks.

You've probably seen some teasing by various writers over the last several months about a Dick Cheney inspired anthology called D*CKED. And now, at long last, you can get D*CKED by the likes of Scott Phillips, Ken Bruen, Patricia Abbott, Keith Rawson, Tony Black, Hilary Davidson, Jason Duke, Steve Weddle, Matthew C. Funk, and many others, all courtesy of editors Greg Bardsley, Kieran Shea, and Jedidiah Ayres.

Get D*CKED here, and know that Satan actually wasn't all bad when he gave the world his only begotten son.

Some Paul D. Brazill Action For Your Weekend

2011-08-20T00:51:00.001-05:00

By now you are all more than familiar with the top shelf stories from Paul D. Brazill. Yeah, that's an assumption, and one I'm going to stick with.

And since you've read his work before, you know Paul is a craftsman, a writer who is a seemingly incapable of turning out a bad or even just lackluster story. Over on Shotgun Honey, Paul's story "White Ink", which is included in this collection, has been one of our most read stories to date.

Right now you can get a collection of Paul's stories, Brit Grit, for less than a buck. Get on it.

Knockin' On Your Wallet Again

2011-08-19T07:06:00.002-05:00

Back again, looking to get you to part with more of your cash. Real big of me, yeah?

First up, John Hornor Jacobs, has a collection of short stories available for your digital reading pleasure with the swanky title of Fierce As The Grave. Check out that snazzy cover art and snap it up.

Next up on your shopping list, editors Nigel Bird and Chris Rhatigan have assmebled quite the crew for a new anthology from Needle Publishing called Pulp Ink. They've got stories from all these folks:

Allan Guthrie
Reed Farrel Coleman
Gary Phillips
Hilary Davidson
Matthew C. Funk
Paul D. Brazill
AJ Hayes
Michael J. Solender
Richard Godwin
Naomi Johnson
Jimmy Callaway
Sandra Seamans
Patti Abbott
Jodi MacArthur
David Cranmer
Chris F. Holm
Jason Duke
Eric Beetner
Ian Ayris
Kate Horsley
Matt Lavin
Jim Harrington
Nigel Bird
Chris Rhatigan

How's that for a killer lineup? Again, make with the clicking and grab some Pulp Ink for yourself.

And here's something you can enjoy without opening your purse or wallet. Ain't I sweet?

Shotgun Honey: How I Got The Gun?

2011-08-18T13:27:00.000-05:00

Awhile back, my co-editor Ron Earl Phillips decided that he was going to launch an interview series over on Shotgun Honey.

I thought it was a cool idea as I often enjoy interviews with writers, and today that first interview was posted.

Ron asked some great questions, and the silver-tongued devil himself, Mr. Dan O'Shea, provided excellent answers. Click on over and check it out.

Keith Rawson and The Chaos We Know

2011-08-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

It's no kind of secret that Keith Rawson is one of my favorite short story writers.

Since his first stories started to appear he's developed into not just a solid writer, but one with a unique voice, and the kind of guy whose stories never fail to impress.

That's a lethal combination, if you stop to think about it a moment. And ff you've read Keith's work, I know you know what I mean.

Today is the day that the fine folks over at Snubnose Press officially release The Chaos We Know, Keith's first collection of short stories.

And that means you really ought to buy it now because it's priced to move and ready to be devoured.

Mixed Up With The Devil

2011-08-14T15:31:00.001-05:00

A stack of musical selections to close out the weekend.

Noir At The Bar: The Anthology!

2011-08-13T20:49:00.000-05:00

By now you all know about Noir At The Bar down in the grand city of St. Louis (yeah, it's no Chicago, but it's still a swinging Midwestern metropolis). But did you know that Jedidiah Ayres and Scott Phillips have put together a swanky anthology full of stories from folks who have read at their ongoing series?

All right, probably you did, as I'm a little slow on the posts here as of late. And by as of late I mean all of 2011 so far. But I've been busy.

Or something.

I'll quit wasting your time now so you can get on the stick and click on over to Subterranean Books and get yourself a copy. You won't be disappointed.

Get Some: John Hornor Jacobs' SOUTHERN GODS

2011-07-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

Feel like reading a good horror novel?

Then get your nose into John Hornor Jacobs' debut novel Southern Gods.

Hell, even if you aren't in the mood, even if horror ain't your thing, grab this sucker and give it a read. It might not make you a fan of horror novels, but it will make you a fan of Jacobs. And since he's got plenty more in the pipeline, you aren't going to be left high and dry.

Grab it here, or wherever else you drop your cash on the written word.

The Happy Birthday To Me Estate Planning Flash Fiction Challenge

2011-07-23T06:42:00.084-05:00

Well, that master of mayhem Mr. Dan O'Shea once again issued a flash fiction challenge and I just had to join in again. Check out all the other stories, too. And hey, it's all for a good cause.

Happy birthday, Dan!

Now, against my own better judgment, I give you....

A Familial Negotiation

“It’s over.”

“He’s dead?”

Ike Turnbuckle looked at his sister and nodded his head. “Father is gone.”

“Finally!” Amelia grinned from ear to ear. She rushed forward and threw her arms around her brother. Ike couldn’t remember the last time his sister had hugged him. Maybe it had been her sixteenth birthday when declared she was the reincarnation of Elizabeth Bathory and demanded everyone call her Countess.

“It was a long time coming, Countess.”

Amelia broke away from Ike with a laugh. “Countess? Has it really been so long since we’ve seen each other, Ike?”

“I haven’t seen you since you left for California.”

“That’s right. You never came to see me.”

“I wasn’t invited.”

“You’re my brother.”

“You tried to cut my throat.” Ike felt his face flush red. “I certainly didn’t relish giving you another shot, Countess.”

“You don’t have to call me that anymore. I was a silly little girl, wasn’t I? Elizabeth Bathory." She rolled her brilliant green eyes. "So like a child to believe in a fraud.”

Ike couldn’t have been more surprised. The attempted bloodletting he’d mentioned had been the direct result of his mentioning to his sister how unlikely it was that Bathory had ever done any of the things she was accused of. His hand went to his throat and he touched the long scar there. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“You can just call me Amelia now. Or Mrs. Allard, if you're feeling formal.”

"Mrs. Allard?"

"I'm married know. I believe you know of my husband."

His face remained blank for a moment and then he laughed. "You mean Karl Allard? The doctor? You married that quack, Amelia? Really?"

“Don’t mock me.” Amelia grabbed her brother’s arms and squeezed. “I’m not going to warn you a second time.”

“Let go!"

Amelia tightened her grip. “Did you hear what I said?”

Ike nodded as tears welled up in his eyes.

Amelia released him and shoved him against the door to their father’s bedroom. “You don't want to cross me, big brother. I could end it all for you right here and now.”

"Why did you even come back? You hated him"

"So did you." Amelia went to one of the two antique armchairs in the sitting room and sat down. She crossed her legs and the whisper of her stockings brought a flush to Ike's face. She saw his reaction and laughed at him. "All these years and you're still harboring a lust to play Roderick and Madeline with me?"

Ike worked his jaw back and forth but said nothing.

"You're a twisted little pervert." She uncrossed her legs and then crossed them again, but slower.

"Stop it!" Ike turned his gaze away from her. "It's not my fault I..."

"What?" She laughed again.

Ike clenched his fists and shook. "I love you."

"Of course, you do. You're my brother."

He knew she was toying with him, that he should leave the room, but he couldn't. "I want you, Amelia."

She stood and walked to him. "You're just as sick and fucked up as he was."

Ike looked down at his shoes. "I can give you what you want."

"I doubt you could give any woman what she wants."

"No... The key. I have the key."

Amelia's eyes went wide. "But it was lost. How can you have it?"

"It was never lost." Ike gulped. "Father knew she wanted it. And he knew you wanted it."

"So, to keep it safe he gave it to you? No, I don't think that works, Ike. Not at all."

"He didn't give it me."

"Then who?"

"Isaac Nix."

Amelia frowned. "Now that makes sense. But Isaac would never let you get your hands on it."

"True." Ike allowed himself to smile. "That's why I killed him." The shocked expression on her face was priceless to him. "I did it for you." He reached into his pocket and brought out a old brass key that looked ordinary enough for an antique, save for the gold fob attached to it with a pentagram carved into it. He held the key up in front of her face. "I'll give it to you."

Amelia opened her mouth to speak, but Ike flung open the bedroom door, grabbed her arm, and yanked her inside. She snarled and raked her nails across his face. "You little shit!"

Ike laughed as he went to the bed and tugged their father's corpse off it and onto the floor. "Right here, dear Amelia. You give me what I want, and I'll give you the key."

She kept her eyes on the key in his hand. It looked like the real thing. But could Ike have really killed Isaac Nix to get it? She didn't know. But she couldn't risk losing it. "All right."

"What?"

Amelia sat on the edge of the bed. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Ike licked his lips and moved toward his sister.

A single shot rang out and Ike stopped in his tracks. The key dropped from his hand as he went to his knees.

"It took you long enough," Amelia said as her husband stepped into the bedroom.

"I was enjoying your little act too much," Dr. Allard said.

Ike's throat made a gurgling sound as he tried to reach out for his sister.

"Disgusting." Allard grimaced and shot him again.

Amelia picked up the key and held it tight. "You'll take care of his body and then meet me in London?"

"I have a flight booked for tomorrow morning. I can get a room for the night near the airport."

Amelia kissed her husband and said, "Don't keep me waiting long."

Outside her father's home, Amelia walked quickly to her rental car. As she opened the door, a big man dressed in black approached her. She greeted him with a smile. "The doctor is upstairs."

"All right."

"Make it quick," she said.

The man said nothing and walked off toward the house.

Mastodon - The Hunter

2011-07-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

You ask me, that's a cool album cover. Reminds me a bit of the cover to Times of Grace from Neurosis.

Burnin' Grudge - a very short story about The King

2011-06-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

A couple years ago, this piece of flash fiction appeared on the Flashshot web page. It's based on some real circumstances in the life of Elvis, with a bit of speculation on my part, too. Anyway, I think the story still works for what it is, and since I haven't posted anything here in a long time, I figured this would do the trick.

BURNIN' GRUDGE

Bad mood time and the last face he wanted to see was right there on the tube.

His hand went into his pocket. His fingers touched the letter he carried there. The letter from Anita. He’d kept just the one. Not because he loved her. No, it was Bob and his goddamn post-script to her letter.

And there he was on The Mike Douglas Show.

“Sonofabitch.”

Some things, he thought, shouldn’t be tolerated.

“Somebody call the front desk,” he said. “Tell ‘em everything’s fine up here.”

He raised the gun and shot Bob right between the eyes.

Shotgun Honey On The Move

2011-05-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

Well, since Blogger shit the bed yesterday, Shotgun Honey packed up the bags and moved over to a new site.

We'd talked a bit about making a move before, but had no solid plan in place. Anyway, when this morning came around and Blogger was still dead in the water, Ron was on it and moved everything over to the new location.

So, a big tip of the hat to Ron Earl Phillips for taking things in hand today.

It's a little bare bones at the moment, but the stories are there, ready and waiting to be read.

http://www.shotgunhoney.net

Keep coming around. You'll be glad you did.

Hey look! Science Fiction!

2011-05-09T09:56:00.013-05:00

At least, I think it's science fiction.

A nice slab of pulpy sci-fi with the cool (and bonus because it makes me think of a Don Nix song) title "Down, Down, Down, Burns Burns, Burns" by Jedidiah Ayres is now live over at Beat To A Pulp.

Head over and check it out.

A Can of Gasoline and a Big Damn Roach

2011-05-07T06:35:00.001-05:00

The kid behind the counter at the gas station looked and smelled like he was using the 40-weight oil for both a hair tonic and an aftershave. He had the manual for a '68 Barracuda open on the counter in front of him, and from the right angle it appeared the pin-up on the 1986 Snap-On Tools calendar was almost as engrossed in the reading material as he was. I decided I should try to remember the pin-up's big hair and curves in case I took a break at a rest stop on the drive back to Cincinnati.

I went over to the cooler, grabbed out a can of Coke and walked to the counter.

"Can of Coke and a gallon of gas." I tossed two dollars on the counter. "Keep the change."

"Thanks."

I turned and headed for the door but stopped before I got there and faced the kid again. "Your calendar is out of date."

"What?"

"It's 1987."

"So?"

You just can't be friendly with some people.

#

I'd never had any intention of stealing a car when I first set out on the road from Cincy. But by the time I got to Denver, my old Buick Skylark was done. And that would've been fine, but it turned out Cotter had already moved on, and I was about out of cash and still short a set of wheels.

The first car I stole was a Trans Am. Black with a big gold eagle. Its owner had a respectable collection of Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash tapes, too. I got rid of that car in South Dakota, but I kept the tapes.

I might've lost Cotter's trail for good, but then I ran into this woman called Arlene in Madison, Wisconsin. I didn't remember her right away, but she remembered me.

"You're Cotter's friend." It came out of her mouth like an accusation.

"I wouldn't say that. Not anymore."

"Do you remember me?'

I decided to go with honesty at that point. "I can't say I do, but, you know, when I was running with that guy..."

She waved me off. "I remember you. Randy from Cincinnati. You had a big appetite for pills."

"That's me."

She tossed her peroxide blonde hair over her shoulder and sat down next to me. "Arlene."

Hearing her name made something click in my head. "From Houston."

"That's right." She seemed pleased that I remembered that little detail.

"You're a long way from Houston, Arlene. How about a drink?"

"How about two or three?"

That sounded good, so I started buying drinks with money that I hadn't earned and she brought me up to date on Cotter.

#

The sky opened up and started to dump rain as soon as I pulled out of the gas station in Munster. I'd been to Chicago a few times, but never to Indiana, though Munster, to be honest, felt more like just another southern suburb of the city. I had directions to Cotter's place, but the rain pounded down so hard the Grand Prix's windshield wipers couldn't keep up.

I spotted a parking lot and pulled off the street to wait out the storm and listen to some music. After awhile, I opened the glove box and checked out the registration. One Larry Wilder of Madison. Maybe, I thought, when I was done with Cotter, I'd use a payphone, call this Larry guy collect, and tell him where to find his car down in Munster.

I opened the ashtray next. Inside was a roach.

A big damn roach.

I had to laugh. Larry Wilder of Madison was probably really bummed that someone had stolen his car.

I got the roach out of there and fired it up as the sound of a tornado siren filled the air.

I didn't see a tornado, but after an hour or so, it had gotten dark and the rain let up a bit. As I drove toward the place Cotter was supposed to be, I saw some downed tree branches and bit of destruction.

I'd seen the aftermath of tornadoes before, and it looked to me like the folks in Munster had dodged the bullet for the most part.

I popped the tape out of the deck and switched on the radio. The best thing I could find was Murray Head singing 'One Night in Bangkok'.

Finding Cotter's place was easy enough. Just a little house with a black Olds parked out front. I pulled to a stop across the street, cut the engine, and rolled down my window.

Almost four hours went by before I saw Cotter at the front window. He had a can of beer in one hand, a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth, and he was talking to someone on the phone.

In a way, it was good to see him again.

I got as much as I could out of that roach while I waited for Cotter to call it a night.

I was about to get out of the car as soon as the lights went out in his place, but a cop car came rolling up the street real slow and I started to get a little paranoid.

The cop never even looked in my direction.

Still, I waited for another hour before I got out of the car.

The rain had started coming down again. Thunder boomed and the rain came harder as I took the gasoline can from the trunk and walked toward Cotter's place.

It was a little cold but I didn't mind. I'd be good and warm soon enough.

Check out the rest of the stories in Dan O'Shea's Tornado Relief Flash Fiction Challenge right here.

Tornado Relief Flash Fiction Challenge: Dan O'Shea

2011-04-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

Head over to the official and ultra swanky online home of Dan O'Shea and check out the details and then sign up to throw down 1000 words or less of rain logged fiction on May 7th.

The Lineup #4

2011-04-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

By now, if you're reading this, you're either on to the release of and blog tour for The Lineup #4, or, you poor sucker, you're actually paying attention to my occasional antics and shenanigans on this page, in which case I probably owe you a Coke or a beer at some point down the road.

Gerald So, along with his crew of cohorts, began this venture all the way back in 2008. And I've read and enjoyed each volume so far, and am will to take odds that I will continue to enjoy future volumes as well.

Keith Rawson. One of my favorite short story writers. And with his piece here, "A Story To Tell Our Daughter" he distills everything I've come to enjoy about his stories into a stack of lines that are tight and ring as true and as real as any piece of fiction.

Reed Farrel Coleman, Ken Bruen, and David Corbett are three of the most poetic novelists working today, and it should come as little surprise that when they turn their attention to poetry, each of them nail a solid homerun.

Kieran Shea, Chad Rohrbacher, and Steve Weddle are a trio whose short stories have been on my personal must read list for awhile now. Each of these guys lay it down and contribute a trio of the strongest pieces in a strong collection.

Nancy Scott and Randall Watson, with their respective poems, became writers I will be seeking out to read more of. The same goes for Jeanne Dickey, J.D. Smith, and J.J. Steinfeld.

Peter Meinke is another name that I am familiar with, but, while reading The Lineup, realized I should really take the time to become more familiar with.

And that, to me, is one of the great things about anthologies like this. Unknown voices announce themselves, others become more vital, and those already so familiar bring a new dimension to their work.

I know I don't talk about poetry much on here, but really, I love the stuff. Like short stories and novels, there's the good and the bad and, why not, the just plain ugly, too. But it's worth the time to dig for the good stuff. And, for another year, The Lineup has made finding that good just a little bit easier.

When Tommorow Hits

2011-04-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

As of last night, the first four stories that will appear over at Shotgun Honey are set to go. The plan is to post new stories on a Monday - Wednesday - Friday schedule.

I'm stoked, jazzed, and generally excited for folks to read what's coming up.

And the wait won't be long.

Tomorrow morning you get it with both barrels.

The Wheels Are Rollin'

2011-04-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

I'd just like to say thanks to all the folks who have been showing support for this Shotgun Honey thing I've got going on.

Thank you. I truly appreciate it, folks.

Submissions are starting to come in, and I feel confident in saying the first story will be up on Shotgun Honey before the week is out. Maybe even more than one story. You never can tell.

Shotgun Honey

2011-04-01T20:17:00.003-05:00

I think more than a few of you who might stumble along this way probably remember DZ Allen's Muzzle Flash. I was a big fan of that site and a great many of the stories that appeared there. One of the things I liked best was the 700 word count limit. It kept the stories tight and to the point. I'm not the biggest fan of rambling prose. All right, that's cutting it a little short. I just plain dislike rambling prose. I don't need every little detail spelled out and painted up for me. That's just not my bag as a reader. It might be yours, I realize, and that's fine and cool thing.

To get to the point, yeah, there are other flash fiction sites out there. Some very good ones, even. But those 1000 word limits so many go with as the standard, they don't always scratch the particular itch I have. That's not a knock, I'm just saying, for me, as a reader, there's still a void left unfilled since the demise of Muzzle Flash.

Which almost brings us to Shotgun Honey. It's been on my mind awhile. I about had my decision made, so I ran the notion by some friends today. Not a one said, "Don't do it!" or anything even a shade negative.

Tonight I've started working on the page that will become Shotgun Honey, a new flash fiction site for stories maxing out at 700 words. Crime, hardboiled, noir, whatever you want to call it is the name of the game. If you're interested, you can send stories, queries, death threats, and random thoughts on BBQ and rock'n'roll to shotgunhoney700@gmail.com and I'll do my best to get back to you fast.

Soledad Brothers - i-75 Boogie

2011-03-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

Been awhile. Nothing much going on that bears repeating, relating, or otherwise running at the mouth about on here. But here's a cool song from the Soledad Brothers off their debut. Enjoy.

Miracle Cure

2011-03-06T10:29:00.002-06:00

Beat to a Pulp: The Death Fantastique

2011-02-20T13:35:00.002-06:00

Right now, over at Beat to a Pulp, you can read a new short story from John Hornor Jacobs.

Yes, that guy, the you all know best, and deservedly so, as the person who designed the cool masthead right here on this blog. Why he didn't just call it a day after that and move to a mountaintop somewhere is beyond me.

I'm kidding, of course.

Maybe.

No, really, I'm kidding. John's a hell of writer, and always does a bang up job when it comes to design, too. Just check out the excellent work he does with each issue of Needle, and take a look at that cool piece to the right there that he did for his BTAP story. Talented guy to say the least.

Anyway, enough of my horsing around here, click on over and check out John's story "The Death Fantastique". It's a damn good story.

What Can I Do?

2011-01-10T11:46:00.002-06:00

Here are The Black Belles:

This tune is also the theme to Elvira's show on TV. How cool is that?

These Bones Will Rise

2011-01-05T09:58:00.002-06:00

A little Sweet Velvet C this morning:

Shoulda Known Better

2011-01-03T20:00:00.000-06:00

Possessed By Paul James from the excellent movie The Folk Singer.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T11:39:00.002-06:00

2010: Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long

2010-12-31T12:08:00.000-06:00

Last day of the year. I'm glad to see it go as I've been wanting to drag 2010 out back and shoot it in the head for awhile now.

Living After Midnight

2010-12-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

A new electronic publisher, Acid Grave Press, has just released their first anthology, Living After Midnight. It's available over here right now, and should be making it's way to some other sources soon enough.

Editors Clarke and Wilbanks did a great job with this one, though I admit I'm biased since I have a story in there. The idea is, each writer chose a band and write a story that they felt fit the spirit of the band.

So, you've got Randy Chandler taking on Spooky Tooth, L.L. Soares got righteous with Slayer, Matthew Fryer ups the irons with Iron Maiden, Steven Shrewsbury gets down with Black Sabbath, David T. Wilbanks does a little screaming with Judas Priest, and I went after Motorhead.

If you're inclined to purchase, I thank you, and I'd like to hear what you think when you've read it.

Wino and Scott Kelly February 2011 Tour

2010-12-08T15:54:00.005-06:00

Wino and Scott Kelly are doing a short acoustic tour in February. So, you can probably guess where I'll be on the 9th day of that month. I hear they're doing a split seven-inch, too.

Adrift is one of the best records I've heard this year, so the chance to see Wino doing his acoustic set is something I'm definitely looking forward to.

And Scott Kelly's acoustic stuff is also top notch, if you missed out on any of it, especially The Wake, you should take the time to catch up. You won't regret it for a moment.

Tour Dates:

Feb. 05 - Viper Room, Hollywood, CA
Feb. 07 - Casbah, San Diego, CA
Feb. 08 - Emo's, Austin, TX
Feb. 09 - Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL
Feb. 10 - Great Scott, Allston, MA
Feb. 11 - Sonar, Baltimore, MD
Feb. 12 - Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Ingrid Pitt

2010-11-26T00:19:00.000-06:00

R.I.P.

Slice Of Hell

2010-11-16T06:51:00.002-06:00

Along The Scenic Route

2010-11-07T08:03:00.000-06:00

Plow You Under

2010-11-03T19:54:00.000-05:00

All right.

Last two months of the year. Hell of a lot to do, but not a whole lot to say about it.

Here's Biram:

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T00:13:00.002-05:00

Death Breath

2010-10-30T09:07:00.002-05:00

Screwed N' Chopped

2010-10-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

After Forever

2010-10-28T02:39:00.000-05:00

Moody Apocalypse - Volume One

2010-10-27T06:59:00.001-05:00

The Devil's Redhead Is Gonna Run You Down

2010-10-26T06:55:00.000-05:00

A couple mixes from the 8Tracks:

CRIMEFACTORY

2010-10-25T19:58:00.000-05:00

All right.

It's Monday night.

Time to kick back, watch some dumb TV or football, and eat some crappy yet delicious food until it's time to drag the aging by the minute carcass off to bed.

And, yes, brothers and sisters, that would be the plan, and a solid one at that, except...

Yep, it's here! CRIMEFACTORY #5! Head on ever and get yourself the latest slambang issue.

And while your at it, check out the new Crimefactory blog, Day Labor where Mssr. Keith Rawson has some cool news to share with everyone. Looks like a lot of great reading this issue, so I'm gong to end this and get on it.

Six Words

2010-10-25T09:29:00.001-05:00

Over on his blog, Chis F. Holm is having a contest. Everybody loves a contest.

The prize? A copy of the new Beat To A Pulp anthology to two lucky winners.

The catch? Post a six word story in the comments section.

I did.

Thunderbird ESQ

2010-10-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Gories are one of those bands that you always figure everyone loves. But then you remember that, when they were around, the appeal of a more primitive kind of rocknroll was considerably less than it is these days, and it's not like it's at the top of the charts or anything now.

Last night, Carrie and I went to the Empty Bottle and saw The Gories on their current reunion tour. Flat out stellar show. If you get the chance to see them, do not hesitate to do so. And if you've never experienced the pure rocknroll sound of this band, check out the old video of them below, and then go get their albums. There's not much material, they were only around a short time, but it's all what you would call essential listening.

RUT

2010-10-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

Even though it's rude, I'm gonna go on ahead and assume that most of you folks reading this miserable excuse for a blog are already familiar with the books of writer Scott Phillips. But have you heard about Concord Free Press and Scott's new novel Rut? Basically, you get a free book and in exchange you make a donation to help other folks, and track it on the Concord website. You ask me, that's a really cool idea. Anyway, click on over, see what Concord Free Press is all about, and get yourself a copy of Rut.

If You Gotta Go, Go Now

2010-10-22T07:23:00.000-05:00

Writing On The Wall

2010-10-21T19:11:00.002-05:00

DollSquad:

A Wrench in the Monkey Works

2010-10-20T19:43:00.000-05:00

Forest Ray Colson

2010-10-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

The Hex Dispensers:

I Was A Teenage Werewolf

2010-10-18T05:47:00.000-05:00

The Cramps:

The Devil's Broomstick

2010-10-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

Creature From The Black Lagoon

2010-10-17T06:42:00.000-05:00

The 3-D Invisibles:

Night of the Werewolf

2010-10-16T07:55:00.003-05:00

Heading out shortly to get the family go-kart all tuned up and ready for the upcoming freezing ass season here in the city. Just thought I'd mention a few things here before I go.

That Evening Sun. We finally got to watch this adaptation of a short story by William Gay and I was impressed. An excellent piece of work from the cast and filmmakers. Check it out if you get the chance, it's definitely worth your time.

Last month Carrie and I went to see Sleep over at the Logan Square Auditorium. Outstanding show. I thought Jason from Neurosis was a great fit for the band.

Oh, and we moved into a new apartment. I'll skip over all the sordid and boring details of the move and just say we're now living in a cool old building that hasn't suffered the wrath of the gut rehab blight. It's rather big by Chicago apartment standards, and we're all really digging the place.

Other than that, it's the middle of October and the Halloween season is in full swing. This tune from Lee Kristofferson is a gem of a B side from the 70s. Enjoy!

Motor Witch

2010-10-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

I guess I need to clear out the tumbleweeds around this place again.

The Necessary Evils:

Brass Knuckles

2010-09-01T06:32:00.000-05:00

Over on his blog The Sentence Salvo, Peter Farris has a new (and darn good) post about prison movies. I'm a fan of that particular genre of movies myself, and it got me to thinking about some of my favorites, in particular Bad Boys. No, not the Martin Lawrence movie (if that's what came to mind just now, please go stand in the corner and think about what you've done), I''m talking about the 1983 Clancy Brown movie. Sean Penn and Esai Morales are in it, too. If you've never seen it before, definitely check it out.

I was going to post the trailer, but decided to go with this one from New Jersey's own Personal and the Pizzas instead.

So...

2010-08-31T18:59:00.001-05:00

Mostly I wanted an excuse to use this picture of Willie Nelson. There's no Willie in the actual mix, since that might be a violation of the rules over yonder.

Enjoy!

(More) Night of the Demons (2010)

2010-08-29T20:53:00.001-05:00

After doing a bit of lazy investigating, I've found a few of the names who will be contributing tunes to the soundtrack for Night of the Demons...

45 Grave (this is supposed to be a new song just for this movie)
Goatwhore
Psycho Charger (unless I'm mistaken, that's Psycho Charger you hear in the trailer)
TSOL
The Ghastly Ones
Wednesday 13
and
Death Riders

I probably don't need to mention that two of those bands were also on the greatest horror soundtrack of all-time, right?

Night of the Demons (2010)

2010-08-28T09:17:00.003-05:00

Unlike some, remakes of classic movies don't make me break out in hives (yes, the 80s Night of the Demons is a classic, and if you can't acknowledge that, I'd like to suggest your either watch it again or go play in traffic, which ever suits your fancy).

Sure, remakes usually are less than good, but who cares? I think this particular remake looks like it has potential. At the same time, there have been reports of it being shelved for awhile, current conflicting releases saying it'll be straight to DVD next month or in theaters come Halloween. I'm going to reserve judgment until I see it (isn't that a unique idea?), but I am going to hope for the best based on the trailer here.

A word of warning: If blood, boobs, and cussing hurt your feelings, don't watch the trailer. Thanks.

Ice Worm

2010-08-27T15:03:00.001-05:00

Now we get to some real and true as it gets heavy metal/doom metal (hey, if it's doom, it's heavy metal, no matter how much some might want to split hairs and argue nuances)from one of my favorite bands, The Gates Of Slumber. And this song, "Ice Worm", is one of my favorites from TGOS.

Enjoy...

Conan

2010-08-25T20:33:00.000-05:00

I'm going to go ahead and say I think it's cool that a band finally just went ahead and said, hey, we're Conan. This kind of metal, in general, owes a sizable debt to the written works of Robert E. Howard. So, while it's not exactly a bold move on the part of these guys from the UK, they do in fact do the name justice and with their EP Horseback Battle Hammer, they've delivered one of the heavier albums of 2010. A good thing in my book.

This song is called "Krull" not Kull, oddly enough, and while it's a good song, it also recalls a bad "I can't believe it never made it to MST3K!" 80s movie, which did have Liam Neeson and I think Robbie Coltrane as part of merry band of criminals who are actually the good guys, and I admit I thought was kinda cool in 1983, but mostly it was a post-Star Wars bit of fluff.

Anyway...

For your listening pleasure...

2010-08-24T04:55:00.000-05:00

The Humongous mix...

Locust Star

2010-08-23T14:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just get stuck on one or two bands and can't get enough of their music. That's what's going on today. And today's bands are Neurosis and Yob. I could rattle on about both, but that would most likely scare you away and serve to remind me that I spend far too much time pondering this stuff.

NEUROSIS - Locust Star

YOB - Quantum Mystic

Funny thing is, when I got up this morning, I thought it was going to be a very mellow kind of day. Glad I was mistaken on that count.

Hollow Severer

2010-08-21T10:25:00.000-05:00

Kylesa:

Murder Style

2010-08-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

A classic track from The Lords Of The New Church. Fans of the TV show Seinfeld might get a bonus laugh out of this, 30 seconds or so in.

Top 25

2010-08-17T05:08:00.005-05:00

Lists. I try to avoid making them, because I always end up leaving something/someone off that I realize later I should've included. Still, I was reading some short stories the other night and I got to thinking about writers of short stories who never fail to impress and/or entertain with their work. Then I thought, could I come up with a list of 25, right off the top of my head, who are writing now, and who I would suggest as good reading to other folks? And I think I'm up to it. So, without rehearsing, here we go...

1. Norman Partridge
2. William Gay
3. Joe R. Lansdale
4. Frank Bill
5. Stephen Graham Jones
6. Darren Speegle
7. Cody Goodfellow
8. Tia V. Travis
9. Paul D. Brazill
10. Laird Barron
11. Richard Gavin
12. Simon Strantzas
13. Hilary Davidson
14. Nate Southard
15. Gina Ranalli
16. Anthony Neil Smith
17. Don Tumasonis
18. Livia Llewellyn
19. Mehitobel Wilson
20. Kealan Patrick Burke
21. Keith Rawson
22. Matt Cardin
23. Paul Finch
24. Holly Black
25. John Langan

There you go.

And that was easier than I thought. Some of those folks are quite prolific, some have collections, some have forthcoming collections, others I damn sure wish had their stories collected, or had more collections. You get the idea.

Of course, I'm already thinking "Oh, and what about... How could I have forgotten about..." but maybe I'll do another list another time. For now, if any of those names aren't familiar to you, drop them into your favorite search engine and do some reading. You won't be disappointed.

Lake Michigan - Minus the Stench

2010-08-16T05:04:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about going over to the other side of Lake Michigan is that the lake doesn't stink of sewage, you don't get bacterial infections from going in the water, and they don't have to close the beach because the water is a public hazard. All right, that's three things.

Back in the City

2010-08-15T09:03:00.003-05:00

We spent the last week over in Michigan, as we've been doing for the last five years. It's good to get out of the city for a week, but, to be honest, we all start to get a little itchy to get back by the time the end of the vacation comes around. The once mighty Dale's Donut Factory has fallen to bad times and the shitty economy; and there's no such thing as a good hot dog or a good pizza in Michigan (I live in Chicago, and you'll have to accept that I am an authority on such matters, because I am.), which is a shame. But those are small complaints. And hey, we avoided the swarms of biting flies that attacked people at the beach one day, so I'd have to say it was a rather successful vacation.

I can never remember if I've mentioned it or not, but I keep an account over at 8Tracks and put together some mixes now and then. I did a new one last night as I was working on resolving a week's worth of dirty laundry.

Tilt-A-Whirl, FTW!!!

2010-08-02T09:53:00.003-05:00

We went to the carnival this weekend.

Twice.

Last year, Lila was having nothing to do with rides.

This year, she got her sea legs, so to speak.

The Dizzy Dragons did a number on me, but the Tilt-A-Whirl was a blast. I used to ride that thing over and over and over as a kid whenever the carnival came to town.

Cotton candy and corn dogs were consumed.

Tales From The Crypt

2010-07-20T22:16:00.001-05:00

Tonight I'm watching this movie from 1972, the year my silly ass was born...

Madhouse

2010-07-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

Apocalypse Pooh

2010-07-14T17:53:00.001-05:00

Yeah, it's old, but it still cracks me up.

ZOROASTER

2010-07-06T10:38:00.000-05:00

Seeing these guys tonight...

KVELERTAK

2010-07-03T20:16:00.002-05:00

Carrie discovered this band from Norway this afternoon. I like them a lot. The vocals are in Norwegian, but it works good with the music. Their album will be out soon, and it's definitely going on the Must Buy list.

Bodies hanging from the trees!

Shewolf

2010-07-02T14:48:00.002-05:00

Warp Riders

2010-06-30T20:14:00.007-05:00

On August 24th, the new album from The Sword is released. It's called Warp Riders supposed to be a sorta epic not exactly concept album science fiction type thing. I think the cover is cool, reminds me of the old SF paperbacks I used to read. It kinda gives me the itch to read some more of those some time. Anyway, as such things tend to go, a lot of people have a lot of different opinions when it comes to The Sword. Are they a good band or are they merely hipster douchebags? Personally, I like what they're doing. I'll also say that I thought the near blatant rip off of Sleep riffs on their debut was a bit much. You know what I mean, there's wearing your influences on your sleeve and then there's swiping. But I still enjoyed it. And I've never owned a white belt nor worn skinny jeans.

Death Rider

2010-06-29T21:16:00.005-05:00

Out for a drive tonight to sell some books and get a bit of cash in the old barren wallet and I was listening to some High On Fire. Their latest, Snakes for the Divine, is a fantastic driving record. Anyway, for whatever reason that got me to thinking about some of the great bands form the 80s you never hear much about anymore. Bands like Cirith Ungol.

And Omen. Remember those guys?

Stitched In Sin

2010-06-29T09:31:00.002-05:00

Black Diamond Heavies

Shake Hands With Danger

2010-06-24T19:26:00.002-05:00

I probably posted this before. But it's great, so you're getting it again. If you want to see the whole twenty-some minute film, just search for it on the YouTube. It's a good one, so far as those old safety films go.

Teenage Mother

2010-06-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

... means nine months of trouble. From 1967:

SLEEP

2010-06-21T20:30:00.007-05:00

If you know me, you probably know of my love for the band Sleep. Hopefully, even if you don't know me, you know and love the band Sleep.

There have been a whole lot of rumors and lots and lots of wild and crazy speculation concerning a Sleep reunion tour after they played some one-off gigs. I don't mind telling you, right now, I'm as giddy as my daughter over a new Barbie because, yes indeed mothers and fuckers, the reunion tour is a go!

Dates:

9/03/2010 All Tomorrow’s Parties – Monticello, NY

9/07/2010 Starlight Ballroom – Philadelphia, PA

9/08/2010 Brooklyn Masonic Temple – New York, NY w/ Lichens

9/09/2010 Logan Square Auditorium – Chicago, IL w/ Lichens

9/10/2010 Mohawk – Austin, TX w/ Sub Oslo

9/11/2010 Roseland Theater/Music Fest NW – Portland, OR w/ Scott Kelly, YOB

9/12/2010 Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA

Now excuse me while I crank Holy Mountain.

The Folk Singer

2010-06-21T14:33:00.002-05:00

Maybe you remember an earlier post here about the movie The Folk Singer from Slowboat Films, which stars Possessed By Paul James and Scott H. Biram. Or maybe you don't. Either way, the movie is now available on DVD. Just shoot an email over to contact@slowboatfilms.com and they'll hook you up.

Scalped

2010-06-19T07:34:00.003-05:00

Right off the bat, there's a brand new issue of Plots With Guns up. Frank Bill, Cameron Ashley, Dennis Tafoya, and Kieran Shea (among others) all deliver the goods. Get on over there and get to reading.

Speaking of PWG, awhile back top crimedog Anthony Neil Smith mentioned he'd been reading a crime comic called Scalped. Now, I'm not a comic book guy, or, rather, I haven't been one in a very long time. Still, Neil's take on things often runs fairly close to my own when it comes to books, movies, music (you know, the important stuff), so I decided to give Scalped a shot. I finished reading the first collection, Indian Country, this morning and have come away very impressed. While I'm not 100% sold on the style of the art (though I'm warming to it) the story by Jason Aaron is top notch. I might not ever make a return to being a comic book reader on a regular basis, but I'm sure as hell hooked on Scalped.

You're probably familiar with the short stories of Stephen Blackmoore. I would just go ahead and assume you are, but I wouldn't want to be one of those people, if you know what I mean. Anyway... A huge congratulations to Stephen who announced a two-book deal for his novels City of the Lost and Dead Things.

So then...

2010-06-16T09:01:00.004-05:00

Look who got a facelift.

Maybe you noticed the snazzy new masthead up top? That's courtesy of one John Hornor, a man of many talents. If you're not familiar with him, you should correct that right about now.

Down yonder at the bottom of the page is a bit of art put together by my wife, Carrie. She does some cool art and illustration, most of which is of a decidedly non-violent nature.

What else... Dan O'Shea has posted the final chapters of his novel The Gravity of Mammon. It's good, and it's free. Speaking of free, Steve Weddle has posted the first two chapters of his novel Lost and Found. Check 'em out, you'll be glad you did.

Today is Wednesday and it's feel like a Charles Bronson kind of day...

Mulholland Books

2010-06-15T14:10:00.004-05:00

Little, Brown & Company announced their new mystery/thriller/suspense imprint Mulholland Books this morning. Among some of those who will have books coming out from this new imprint is a guy whose first novel, Secret Dead Men, put him on my personal Must Read list (which is a fairly short list). So, a big congrats to Duane Swierczynski.

When you check out the Mulholland site, watch their video and you can get a quick glimpse of some titles. Good stuff.

The Mechanic

2010-06-14T05:07:00.000-05:00

1972:

Charles Bronson.

2010:

Jason Statham (According to Ray Banks, you say Statham's name the way Captain Caveman used to say his own. It works. Try it.).

The Velvet Bulldozer

2010-06-13T14:04:00.001-05:00

"Blues Power" from Albert King...

CRIMEFACTORY Vol. 2, Issue 3

2010-06-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

Last night, the new issue of Crimefactory went live. This time you get stories from Dennis Tafoya, Greg Bardsley, Sandra Seamans, Dan O'Shea, Kieran Shea, and one hell of a an excerpt from the unpublished (but better not stay that way) novel Peckerwood by Jedidiah Ayres.

Crimefactory was reanimated with a roar earlier this year, and, no foolin', it just gets better and ups the ante with each new issue. You can grab the free PDF right off their site, or hop over via some easy linkage to get it for your various electronic reading devices.