Natalie Merchant: Better Late Than Never

In many ways, it's like Natalie Merchant never took a seven year absence.  In her new album, she still produces intelligent lyrics with lush instrumentation coupled with her elegant voice that just seems to get better with time. Her new album feels like the natural successor to 2001's "Motherland" despite the long gulf of years between the two albums.

The self-titled album's main theme shares much in common with her old song "Life Is Sweet."  Many of the songs point to the hardships of life and the importance of enjoying what little happiness we can find and ignoring the bitterness. As things stand now, our hardships seem evident and increasing, and there is nothing that will alleviate it anytime soon.  "It's A-Coming" promises change but only after much suffering and upheaval.

Among my favorites are the glorious "Go Down Moses" and the bold "Giving Up Everything."  This album is very dense, layers upon layers, and it will not likely win you over at first listen, but it is a very rewarding experience for repeat listenings.  It will at least lend you some comfort and, perhaps, a little hope.

Natalie Merchant's New "Natalie Merchant" Album: Now With More Natalie Merchant Music

Silly title aside, I've been meaning to dust off the old blog for some random writing exercises, and what better way than to celebrate Natalie's Merchant's newest album. I'm going to avoid a few superficial disagreements I have with the album and not even mention the whole gap between albums thing.

Point of fact, Natalie's back, and her voluptuous voice is as stunning as ever. The fusion of orchestra and more traditional band sounds makes for a heady combination, but make no mistake. This is not another "Leave Your Sleep."  Its tone and themes are much more sombre this time around.

These songs were cultivated during that long interim, her first foray into motherhood.

Natalie, promise us it won't be another four years until you grace us with your lyrical genius.

The Big Five-OH

I guess it would be remiss of me not to take a little time to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. This day, fifty years ago, was when the first episode, "An Unearthly Child", broadcasted in the BBC. If I'm fortunate, I might even be here to see the 100th anniversary in 2063, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

It's surprising to learn how many pop culture ideas came from the 60s and all are celebrating their golden anniversary. James Bond did a few years ago.  Fantastic Four will next year.  Spider-Man and Ultraman will have theirs in 2016. This is just me skimming the surface, of course.

I suppose I'm a little jealous in that I have no idea or character that will outlive me.  No one will look fondly back, fifty years from now, at something that I wrote.  So, I just borrow a very old ideology, one of goodwill and self-sacrifice. Hopefully, that will see me through.

Ultraman Taro Warrior of Light (Hikari no Ultra Senshi) Review

With the new Ultraman television series, "Ultraman Ginga," there's no surprise that there is a flood of new merchandise. Besides Ultraman Ginga, I was surprised to find out that Ultraman Taro had a supporting role in the series (as a talking toy, don't ask) and was included in said landfill of new toys.

Ultraman Taro first had his own television series in 1973, but has made several appearances since then, namely 2006's "Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Borthers." He's been one of my favorite due to his unique design.


So, let's take a look at this 6" figure. There is a rubbery feel to Taro, not unlike the rubber suits that make up the Ultraman costumes. The legs feel solid and shouldn't warp over time.  Due to the electronics in its chest, the toy does have a bit of a heft to it.


Now there's virtually no articulation. Okay, the arms move up and down, but they feel a little wobbly, like I could just pull them out of their sockets if I wanted to. But what it lacks in articulation, it makes up in a very solid sculpt.


Taro has a very strong stance. The sculpt captures a lot of the details from the actual suit, including the boots, gloves, and the wrinkles in certain areas.  The head and chest look very "on-model." In other words, Taro is a great looking statue.


A great looking statue that lights up, of course. The whole concept behind the "Warrior of Light" series is that the Ultraman's eyes and color timer light up at a press of a button.  I would have preferred that it be a switch so that I could leave Taro on, but it's minor at best. My only other complaint is that the color timer seems really bright, laser pointer bright.

Overall, it's a great, but immobile, version of Taro. I'm so happy that they even cut out the area in Taro's fin. A lot of companies are too lazy to do that.