Song of the month January 2019


“Fast Talk” by Houses

This is one of those songs that I like even though everything is so muted I can’t really tell what’s going on.

Reading the lyrics I see an illustrative use of words, and a life that I haven’t lived but hear about a lot in popular culture.

It seems to combine being ultra cool and laid back, with a more-or-less depressing message that kind of comes off as positive if you aren’t listening too closely.

Lotta stuff going on here.


“Hearts Beat Loud” from the movie Hearts Beat Loud

I watched this movie in the waning hours of 2018 and it was a great way to end the year. I’m a sucker for “making the music”-type movies, and so that scratched that itch. Plus, the winning charismatic combo of
Kiersey Clemons and Nick Offerman doesn’t hurt either.

The song itself is a good and happy one. Even though it’s kind of sad, lyrically.

Youth Media Awards 2019

The ALA conference was in Seattle this year, so I got to hear the Youth Media awards announced in the same time zone in which I live. This meant listening at work, but they were fine with it.

I also had the library catalog open and ready to place holds.

It was a special year this year because I knew someone on the committee that chose the Printz Award (it’s like the Newberry, but for YA books.)

I had no idea what she was gunning for, but I’m pleased with the Printz award winner, The Poet X. Also pictured on the other screen with Multnomah County’s website, Printz honor book I, Claudia, which future me can tell you is very good.

There’s Danielle’s name, right there on the screen! I’ll never be on the Printz Award Committee, but I can be excited when my friends get to be.