Hey anyone who reads this! Here’s what I’ve been rocking this week:

Albums:
“Maximum Balloon” by Maximum Balloon
“Terrible Things” by Terrible Things
“Invented” by Jimmy Eat World
“Hands All Over” by Maroon 5
“See You On The Other Side” by Mercury Rev
“Dark Is The Way, Light Is The Place” by Anberlin

Movies:
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

Comics:
Batman: Streets Of Gotham
Green Arrow

As you can see, its been a slow week for comics and flicks. BSOG is a carry over from next week and you will probably see it for a bit as I’m catching up on it. With all the titles I read I let that one fall by the wayside for some crazy reason. I heart Paul Dini in a big way, so I can’t believe I let that fall by the wayside for so long, but its been great so far. I’m also a big fan of the Manhunter Co-Features. Its been a great series so far and I can’t wait to see how it fits in with the return of Bruce Wayne (so soon!). In keeping with the DC Comics trend, The only movie I watched this week was SUPERMAN/BATMAN: APOCALYPSE, the new release in DC’s line of direct to DVD movies. The film is based on the second arc of Jeph Loeb’s run of Superman/Batman (with art by Michael Turner) collected in the trades as “Supergirl”. This arc reintroduced the character of  Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, to the DCU. I was a big fan of the comic, so I was amped when I heard that it would be coming to the small screen. After viewing, it did not disappoint. I would rank it among my other favorite DC Animated movies, SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES and JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON TWO EARTHS.

Musically, its been a pop/rock kind of week. “Maximum Balloon” is a great record, the side project of TV On The Radio’s Dave Sitek. I love TVOTR, and this disc is certainly going to keep their fans happy. Funky enough to groove on, artsy enough to satisfy even the most scowling hipster, Sitek’s first solo effort is a must grab for any TVOTR fan. It is closest to the bands last release “Dear Science” genre wise, but the comparisons stop there. This is a strong solo effort that will stand on its own. In the same funky vein, I’ve been enjoying Maroon 5’s new album “Hands All Over”. Adam Levine and co. have produced another solid pop effort, weaving seamlessly between ballad and sexy funk. If you liked their last album, though not a direct copy, it’s very similar in nature. Worth the listen.

My heavy rock moods this week were satisfied by “Terrible Things” and “Dark Is The Way, Light Is The Place”. Anberin gets back to their riff heavy roots this time around. Personally, I was not as in love with their album “New Surrender”. It seemed uneven to me, the band trying to find a balance between their hard rocking roots and a softer sound. A perfectly fine album, but it didn’t hit me as hard as their previous efforts. DITWLITP finds the band on even footing, harnessing the balance they had sought previously. If you’re not a fan or felt as I did about “New Surrender”, check out tracks ‘We Owe This To Ourselves’ and ‘Down’. You should also check out Terrible Things. A “supergroup” of sorts featuring Andy Jackson (Hot Rod circuit), Fred Mascherino (Breaking Pangaea, Taking back Sunday), and Josh Eppard (Coheed and Cambria), the trio has put together a stellar debut. Crunchy riffs, powerful choruses, and a thundering rhythm section make for a record full of dips and turns. Rock at its most pure.

Everyone should love Jimmy Eat World. They’ll rock you, make you think, and always please your ears. Of course that’s just my opinion, but I love these guys. “Invented” is a welcome addition to their catalogue, equal parts rock (“My Best Theory”, “Evidence”) and contemplative pop (“Coffee and cigarettes”, “Heart Is Hard To Find”). Also see the highs and lows of the title track, a trademark strength of the band’s.

Finally this week I’ve been really enjoying much of the catalogue of Mercury Rev, but “See You On The Other Side” has really struck me. Perhaps because it is the newest addition to my collection, but also because it’s a fascinating record. Mercury Rev have always existed between the light and the dark, the hard and soft, with each disc a new and more exciting journey than the last. Orchestral swells, heavy guitars, playful wind instruments, and great storytelling make this album a must listen. My only regret is that it took me so long to get into this band.

Well that’s it for me! Have you heard any of these records?