Shiny Objects -- No. 1

Here are a few of the more interesting things that have distracted me this past week: 

1. “Where They Raced: Speed Demons in the City of Angels”: This fun documentary of SoCal race tracks over the past century is currently streaming for free on Hulu. It’s remarkable how many classic tracks peppered the Los Angeles area over the years, only to be overrun by developers.   

Here’s a trailer for the film:

2. The Best American Infographics 2014”: I’ve long believed in the power of great infographics and this terrific collection captures the depth and breadth of prime visual storytelling from around the world. I was given this book for Christmas and am finding it ideal for browsing for a few minutes here, a few minutes there. 

For more on the book and background on infographics, here's Leo LaPorte interviewing editor Gareth Cook on a recent episode of “Triangulation”: 

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Review: U2 "From the Ground Up"

I’ve been a fan of U2 since snagging the 45 single of “I Will Follow/Out of Control,”  one of the greatest A/B sides ever. 

Over the years, my interest has come and gone post 1987 as the band grew into global superstars and  experimented and pursued a variety of influences and projects (“Achtung Baby” and “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” good, “Rattle and Hum” and “Zooropa“ bad). 

Frontman Bono (Paul Hewson) can be insufferable with all his look-at-me/hep-the-world work, but at least he acknowledges that in promoting truly life-changing projects. What keeps me coming back, however, is the group dynamic: four childhood friends from Dublin who remain tight, equal, and genuine. 

That comes out in “From the Ground Up” U2 360° Tour,” a glossy, thick-stock 256-page photo book chronicling the biggest, boldest tour in rock history, a three-year journey that ended in 2012. “From the Ground Up” includes tons of photos and good behind-the-scenes observations from Dylan Jones. The photos get stale after awhile (you can only capture the band and set in different views so many ways), but the quality is top-notch throughout. 

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Review: “Rock Stars Stole My Life”

The unassuming man behind some of my favorite music publications — including the beloved Word magazine — has just released his memoir, and it’s a fun ride. 

Mark Ellen’s ”Rock Stars Stole My Life!: A Big Bad Love Affair with Music” documents an adventurous 40-year career in British music journalism, starting as a freelancer with New Musical Express; later in editing roles at publications like Smash Hits, Q, Mojo and, perhaps most memorably, The Word; and side trips into broadcasting as a controversial stand-in for legendary British DJ John Peel and as host of “Old Grey Whistle Test.” 

“Rock Stars” is a fast read, with short chapters and tons of vignettes spanning the mid-1970s through late 2012 (when he hilariously documents the sausage making behind Rihanna’s boondoggle of a tour). There are so many unexpected adventures that I started to get the sense Ellen is a musical version of Forrest Gump, a quirky but likable fellow who seems to find himself in the most unexpected of scenarios. 

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