I actually have enough material to write a "Bell, book, and candle", but this would prove to be too much work. Especially because the Candlelight USA compilation CD is mostly metal-type music that I would have to grind through to write about the last piece of the puzzle.

Instead, here's some random books-related music that I've come across lately. As always, look to news.weheartmusic.com for additional information.

KRS-One (official / myspace) just recently released his book, The Gospel Of Hip Hop, and wrap up (haha: rap) his recent book tour. I first came across him, via REM, of all people, with their collaboration "Radio Song".

Any massive fan of hip hop should want to get a copy of this 15-year-in-the-making book for $24.95. That price might seem high, until you realize that the book is a hardcover with over 800 pages.

More details of the book at Powerhouse Books:

The Gospel of Hip Hop: First Instrument, the first book from the I Am Hip Hop imprint set for launch in Spring 2009, is the philosophical masterwork of KRS-One. Set in the format of the Christian Bible, this 600-plus-page opus is a life-guide manual for members of Hip Hop Kulture that combines classic philosophy with faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Hip Hop as a life path. Known as “The Teacha,” KRS-One developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Brooklyn, New York, engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected emcees in Hip Hop history. Respected as Hip Hop’s true steward, KRS-One painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as “Hiphoppas,” can and should preserve its future.

Speaking of books, I think I may have agreed to do some coverage on The Books (official / myspace / twitter) when they arrive here in December 1^st. I actually tried to navigate to their official website to see what they're all about, and I reckon it's too smart for its own good. I guess I just don't have the patience to sit and figure out what to do when all I really wanted is a biography and perhaps links to listen to their music. I suppose that's what myspace is for, however ugly it is, at least you know where to look and what to do.

Their myspace lists their last release is in 2006 for Music for a French Elevator and Other Short Format Oddities EP, which the CD version is all sold out. I suppose they have a new album coming out and/or testing new material on their upcoming tour:

11/19 - Waltham, MA Rose Art Museum @ Brandeis University
11/21 - Bellingham, WA Mainstage
11/23 - Los Angeles, CA Masonic Lodge @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
11/24 - Seattle, WA Triple Door (2 sets, early and late)
11/25 - Vancouver, BC The Clutch
11/26 - Calgary, AB Broken City
11/27 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/28 - San Francisco, CA Noe Valley Ministry
11/29 - Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
11/30 - Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
12/01 - Minneapolis, MN Cedar Cultural Center

Lookbook ♥ Varsity Theater (11/06/09)

Finally, I saw Lookbook (myspace) a few weeks ago, and instantly made Andrew jealous. While Lara tells me that they used to be called Digitata (quote: "I LOVED Digitata"). I did look around, and it looks like Digitata are still around the twin town, Maggie sings in both band. So yeah, it seems they've got a few fans here.

Since Lookbook opened up for Har Mar, whose music is more dancey-type vs the 80s pop synth song... so I'm not really sure if the audience there that night was taken by Maggie & Grant's music. However, I think their music might fit really well with their recent appearance with Solid Gold, who recently played a sold-out First Avenue show.

They've certainly got the buzz by fans of local music here, so there's no doubt that I will eventually run into Lookbook again in the near future.

UPDATE 11/17/09: I receive information on Bam Margera's Book Serious As Dog Dirt - which is out today (Tuesday, November 17^th).  The book is published by MTV Books and retails for $35.  You may know Margera from MTV's Jackass as a professional skateboarder.  More information on bamargera.com and twitter.com.

Here's what they said:

He’s bared himself on screens big and small, but now, Bam Margera exposes himself as never before. Famous for his fearless, funny as s*** daredevil stunts, he has thrilled and revolted audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time, Bam shares his private writings, never before seen personal photos, drawings, and more in this anarchic auto-collage/travelogue, an honest document of the life he leads and a dynamic testament to his wild imagination. Known for his creative style since becoming a pro skater at thirteen, Bam pulls readers into his chaotic world – the music, the movies, the pranks, the skating, the glory, the pain, and the blood.