TOP PICK
This Is Spinal Tap
(MGM)
The greatest mockumentary ever made finally comes to Blu-ray in a
stellar package that includes most of the old DVD’s extras (like
deleted scenes, commentary and music videos). There’s also some new
stuff, including a live version of “Stonehenge” from last year and an
interview with Nigel from a National Geographic special. Turn it to
11.
MUSIC
Factory Records:
Communications 1978-92
(Rhino)
This 63-song compilation (available on iTunes and other download
services) includes just about every noteworthy song released by the
venerable indie label that was brought to life in 24 Hour Party
People. In addition to classics by Joy Division and New Order, OMD,
Happy Mondays and Cabaret Voltaire show up in remixed and remastered
glory.
BOOKS
Filthy Rich;
Dark Entries
(Vertigo)
These two graphic novels in the new Vertigo Crime series pile on the
dark and gritty. Filthy Rich (by writer Brian Azzarello and
artist Victor Santos) is about an ex-football player and his gal;
Dark Entries (by Ian Rankin and Werther Dell’Edera) centers on a
haunted reality TV show. Both are loaded with plenty of sex, booze and
blood.
BOOK
Precious Metal
(Da Capo)
Subtitled Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal
Masterpieces, this in-depth look at some of the most brutal records
ever made expands on interviews originally published in the music mag.
Bands like Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death and Diamond Head are all here.
So is Dio-era Black Sabbath. Devil horns!
CD
Elvis Presley:
From Elvis in Memphis: Legacy Edition
(RCA/Legacy)
Just in time for the 32nd anniversary of the King’s death, this
two-disc reissue of his last great album piles on the bonus tracks.
Originally released in 1969, Memphis is Elvis’ triumphant
comeback after years of Hollywood hell. Extras include outtakes and
non-LP singles, like “Suspicious Minds,” one of Elvis’ all-time
best.
This article appears in Aug 12-18, 2009.