Rogues Portal Staff Picks 2.1.2019

Michael’s Pick

Thanks A Lot, Mr. Kibblewhite

Music fans, rejoice! Roger Daltrey, The Who’s lead singer, penned this autobiography…and man, is it wild.

It’s a fascinating look at a post-war (g-g-)generation that struggled to deal with life’s cruel realities, a few blokes who could play hard music and party even harder, and the cut-throat world that is the music industry.

Daltrey’s brief and blunt style of writing sheds some light on one of the world’s most iconic bands. You’ll feel the tension between him and Pete Townsend, be awed by the force of nature that was Keith Moon, and be taken along the ups like the creation of Tommy and the downs like the multiple arrests and sudden deaths of band members.

If you enjoyed Bohemian Rhapsody—or if you just like a first-person perspective of rock icons—you’ll want to pick up this book.

Molly’s Picks

Literature: Blood Relations, Sharon Pollack

As a Bostonian with a library science background and a more-than-passing interest in macabre history, of COURSE I’ve devoured every fictionalization of the Lizzie Borden story I could. I’m currently involved with a community theater production of this play, and every time I read through it, I find a new thing that captivates me. Pollack is a Canadian feminist playwright who manages to present the sensational 1892 story of Lizzie Borden’s (…alleged) double patricide in a provocative and fresh way. It’s structured as if Lizzie is telling the story ten years later, which is a deft and meta way to raise questions about the very project of historical fiction and unreliable narrators.

Music: Transatlanticism, Death Cab For Cutie

I started listening to this album at the beginning of January (“so this is the new year / and I don’t feel any different”) and just never stopped. Death Cab For Cutie was a favorite of mine back in high school, but this album never quite resonated with me until now. The arrangements are lush and engaging, the lyrics and stories are heartfelt, and it’s the perfect album to put on while watching the snow fall.

Greg’s Pick

Marvel Collector Corps

I had subscribed to the Marvel Collector Corp from the initial box but wasn’t sure what to think when Funko decided to outsource the boxes to Amazon. The good news is that since the change the quality of the boxes has not dropped. With the extension of the Funko line the variety of the items has also grown. In the last few boxes things like Taco holders, stress balls, and notebooks have all been included. All of the boxes still include an exclusive Funko pop, which is the true selling point for collectors of the vinyl figures.

Anelise’s Pick

Midsomer Murders

You know when you find a new Netflix series that has 19 seasons and hour-long-plus episodes? That happened to me recently when I came across Midsomer Murders. It’s a British crime series that launched in 1997, and it’s based loosely off the crime-novel series of the same name by author Caroline Graham. Each episode sees Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby solve a new murder in the countryside area of Midsomer. What I really like about this show is that you don’t have to watch each episode in order, as Barnaby and his family aren’t the focus. While there is some familial drama and character development, it’s mainly focused on the murder mysteries, which makes it good for watching when you’re doing something else (aka me all the time with TV). It also has this weird, otherworldly vibe to it that’s reminiscent of Twin Peaks (which obviously makes it a must watch!!).