Asher’s Jukebox Part 183

Marble Machine by Wintergatan 2016 Genres: Folktronica, post-rock, Experimental Pop

Wintergatan is a very unique band from Goteborg, Sweden. They are known for creating some truly inventive songs, as well as some equally cool instruments. This specific song, “Marble Machine”, was released to Youtube in 2016, where it soon became a huge viral hit. It now stands at over 96 million views, and it continues to increase each day. The video has one of the band members, Martin Molin, showing off his incredible musical instrument, a hand-cranked music box that is played with 2,000 marbles. The marbles are dropped into many different tubes, which connect to various instruments like vibraphones, snare drums, and cymbals. The ending result is a uniquely satisfying and funky melody that stays in your head. I was completely blown away upon my first watch, and have showed the video to many people. I highly recommend watching the video and checking out more of their work, because they are so cool and innovative. Tell me what you think of it in the comments’ section below.

 

 

Advertisements

Bizarre and Wonderful Books Part 1

Parental Advisory! These books may discuss some controversial themes. You have been warned!

Hello everyone, and welcome to a brand new post! I’ve wanted to discuss this topic for a very long time, and I thought that today would be a good place to start. Throughout the years, I’ve read some absolutely bizarre books. When I discovered “Bizarro Fiction” for the first time, it was like a match made in heaven! This genre is insane, and covers some of the most mind-blowing stories I’ve ever read. I see it as the “Abstract Art of Literature”. It has different meanings depending on who reads them, and isn’t afraid to touch on some offensive subjects. If this post makes you interested in this wonderful genre, then I’ve done my part. Now, let’s dive into the amazing world of Bizarro Fiction!

• John Dies At The End by David Wong 2009 Genres: Bizarro Fiction, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction  464 Pages Age Rating: 17+ (Strong Language, Gore, Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Drug Usage) 

I’ve talked about this book multiple times in the past, and I still love it to death. The story is about two college kids that fight the paranormal occurrences in their undisclosed town. It also has to do with an absolutely insane drug known as “Soy Sauce”. The book was made into an equally awesome film, and spawned two sequel novels which are just as crazy.  Unlike most Bizarro Fiction books, this one can be found at local bookstores and libraries. I highly recommend checking this book out, and would love to hear what you think of it in the comments’ section below.

• Zombies and Shit by Carlton Mellick III October 17th, 2010 Genres: Bizarro Fiction, Horror, Survival, Punk, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Fantasy 312 Pages Age Rating: 17+ (Gore, Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Shocking Imagery, Cultural Issues) 

What is there to say about Carlton Mellick III? He easily is one of the godfathers of Bizarro Fiction. His crazy look and explosively intriguing books make him standout in the crowd of literature. I first discovered him when I was researching books that were similar to the one mentioned above. The crazy artwork alone pulled me into the rabbit hole, and there I stayed. This particular novel is one of his coolest and most fascinating. It literally is what would have happened if you were to put Battle Royale, Mad Max, and Dawn of the Dead into a blender. If you like survival novels, you will adore this book. It is equally humorous and tragic with an excellent blend of hardcore punk. The twenty different characters are also very unique, and the story has many ridiculous plot twists throughout. Once again, I highly recommend picking up this book because it is one hell of a unique ride. (Zombies and Shit can be purchased on Amazon for $13)

 

The main picture on this post is of the “Godfather of Bizarro Fiction” himself, Carlton Mellick III.

Carlson Mondays (Every 2 Mondays)

mHello fellow art lovers! It’s Monday, and you know what means! Yes, it’s time for us to take a look at some more trippy paintings. Now, let’s get started!

• Untitled by Larry Carlson  June 1st, 2018 

This is an absolutely insane work by “Master Surrealist”, Larry Carlson. It’s depicts a multicolored female figure with a normal body, and a completely bizarre “head”. Her “head” is actually a series of spray paint cans, which, themselves, are creating a rainbow masterpiece. I adore this work, and would love to hear what you guys think of it in the comments’ section below.

 

• Spiral Wavy  by Larry Carlson Archival Pigment Print on Paper 

This is an incredibly hypnotic work by “Computer Guru”, Larry Carlson. It’s another one of his black and white pieces, and god, it’s a feast for the eyes! It depicts a female, possibly nude, figure. Surrounding her are a ton of trippy spirals and jagged waves. The piece is almost like an optical illusion, and it draws you into the center. Tell me what you think of this piece in the comments’ section below.

More Delicious Foods From Around the World (Every Other Friday)

Hello fellow food lovers! It’s Friday, and you know what that means! Yes, it’s time for us to take a look at some more delicious foods. Now, let’s dig in!

• Galaktoboureko is a zesty dessert that comes from Greece. It’s a pastry made with filo dough, lemon, custard, and orange.

 

• Ghapama is a savory dish that comes from Armenia. It’s made from pumpkin guts, dried fruits, rice, honey, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s eaten during Christmas time .

Asher’s Pub (Thursdays)

Hello fellow Cicerones! It’s Thursday, and my Pub is open once again! I hope you guys are ready for some awesome drinks. Now, let me fix you up something special!

• Ladybug Cocktail

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz cognac
• 1/2 oz dark rum
• 1 1/2 oz orange juice
• 1 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz almond syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender with a half cup of crushed ice. Blend for 15 seconds. Pour into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes. Garnish with an orange slice, and serve. 

 

• Bitter Sweet Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 oz rosso vermouth
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 2-3 dashes orange bitters

Directions: Stir in a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, add a twist of orange, and serve.

Even More Of My Favorite Spells Part 3

Hello fellow Tavern Dwellers! It’s time for another Hearthstone post! This is another continuation of my “Spells Series”. I hope you guys are ready for some more awesome spells. Now, let’s begin!

• Cinderstorm Type: Mage Rare Spell Mana Cost: 3 Appearance: A mage casting 5 fireballs. Effect: Deal 5 damage randomly split among all enemies. 

This is like a much stronger Arcane Missiles. It’s also surprisingly versatile and saw tons of play when it was released. The cost is perfect for tons of synergies, and can easily clear boards.

 

• Flanking Strike Type: Hunter Normal Spell Mana Cost: 4 Appearance: A frightened kobold with a shield. There’s also a threatening wolf  in the back ground. Effect: Deal 3 damage to a minion. Summon a 3/3 Wolf. 

I absolutely adore this spell! It is extremely useful for you if your board is empty, and can deal heavy damage to a minion. Plus, the fact that the wolf is part of the “Beast Tribe” makes it key for all kinds of crazy synergies. If you pop this card, and then play a Kill Command to deal a hefty 8 damage.

Even More Crappy Book Covers (Every Other Tuesday)

Hello fellow book lovers! It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means! Yes, it’s time to take a look at some more crappy covers. Now, let’s begin!

• Shadows of Sleep by Aaron Gritsch Release Date: August 17th, 2018 Genre: Fiction 383 Pages Plot: This is a tale about fighting demons while in sleep paralysis 

The plot of this book actually sounds pretty interesting, however, the cover is anything but pretty! It looks like a half-assed drawing of a shadow person that looks  like it could be done by anyone.

 

• Finding Our Way by Jayson James Release Date: December 11th, 2013 284 Pages Genre: LGBT Fiction Plot: The story of a gay couple and their daily lives.

The story of this book is very fascinating, and I will probably read it someday. Unfortunately, the cover doesn’t do it justice. It’s a pencil drawing of 2 boys, however one of them looks high as hell. I honestly would treat a book discussing difficult subject matter to have a more refined cover.