In CD music: Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead/ John Wesley Harding

Long before author Wesley Stace visited the Decatur Book Festival (he's been there twice), he was performing on stage at venues such as Eddie's Attic as John Wesley Harding. Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead is his latest album, the first in five years, and features guest appearances by many of Harding's musical peers, including REM's Peter Buck and singer-songwriter Kelly Hogan (Rock*a*Teens, Jody Grind). Named for a Barbara Comyns novel about ergot poisoning in a small village, the CD is everything Harding fans have come to expect and love about the man -- catchy riffs, lyrics that run from laugh-out-loud sarcastic ("Top of the Bottom") to the more meditative ("A Very Sorry Saint") -- but written and delivered with the assurance and introspection of a true poet. The CD also includes a recording of a live performance, featuring songs from his back catalog. Well worth the listen, whether the first or the twentieth time. Reserve this CD

Take A Tour of the New AV Department

Take a little peeksie at the library's flashy CD music section, divided by musical style. When completed, it will feature browser friendly and clearly labeled flip bins for the entire collection and rotating selections from the library's music-related book and DVD collections. Did I say flip bins? I sure did.

The audiobook, DVD and VHS collections also get fancy digs, in a forest of spacious shelves and displays. And, thanks to our wireless Internet connection, you can now search the catalog on your laptop from any of the library's hip new seating areas. Think of it as your own private park, where a festival of entertainments and information awaits. Only here, it's always sunny.

And did I mention the kiddies? They get a music bin all to themselves, in the Children's "Pond."

Welcome to the NEW Conyers-Rockdale Library.
We rock. Totally.

The AV Department Gets a Whole New Look.

Remember the old days? The CDs were next to impossible to look through, the DVDs were crowded together in plastic boxes on the wall, the lighting was nearly nonexistent, and browsing the collection was a nightmare. Well, no more. The Conyers-Rockdale Library has officially reopened its newly renovated upstairs area, and the Audio-Visual department proudly takes front and center. Thanks to our spankin' new, bright'n'shiny shelving, it's easier than ever to find that movie, audiobook or music cd you were looking for. Over the next few weeks, we will be making adjustments and additions to the shelving, including more music bins, all with an eye toward making this AV department (and library) among the best.

New in Music-related Books: The 50th Law by 50 Cent

Fear nothing, and you shall succeed. This is the philosophy embraced by 50 Cent, who offers life lessons and business advice in this book, co-authored by Robert Greene (The 48 Laws of Power). Highlighted by stories from 50's early life on the streets and during his rise through the hip-hop industry, The 50th Law is part autobiography and part self-help guide on what is needed to survive and thrive in business and in life.

Reserve this book today.

In Our DVD Section: 3:10 TO YUMA

Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard, the story of 3:10 to Yuma centers around a rancher (played by Christian Bale) who agrees to escort a murderous robber (Russell Crowe) to meet the prison train, in exchange for the money to save his ranch. Along the way, he must wrestle with a crumbling relationship with his son and against increasingly difficult odds. This is actually the second adaptation of the story; the first version appeared in 1957, starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. (Leonard's original story appeared in a 1953 edition of Pulp magazine.)

Reserve this movie here.

New in our CD collection: the Selmanaires and Gentleman Jesse

For the last seven years, the Selmanaires have been steadily expanding their fan base with a musical style that has been compared to Wire, the Kinks, Talking Heads and Devo. Formed in Atlanta, the band derived their name from the street on which their practice space was located (Selman Street, in Reynoldstown). More recently, band members have been involved in side projects (such as Noot d'Noot) and experimenting with an Asian-inspired psychedelic sound. Check out their first album, and original sound, here.

Now that the Carbonas are on an indefinite hiatus, bassist Jesse Smith and drummer Dave Rahn have more time to devote to their other band, Gentleman Jesse & His Men. Reminiscent of early Elvis Costello and Jonathan Richman (whom Smith cites as a direct influence), the band have been touring the country for the past couple of months as opening act for another Atlanta favorite, The Black Lips. Hook up with Gentleman Jesse's eponymous CD today .

In Our DVD Section: THE BICYCLE THIEF

Shot on location in Rome with a cast of nonactors, Vittorio de Sica's Ladri di biciclette (The Bicycle Thief) is hailed as a masterpiece of the Italian neo-realist film movement. It tells the story of Antonio Ricci, who needs his stolen bike to find work, and who together with his son, must confront his place in the morally complex world of post-war Italy. The 1948 film was honored with awards worldwide and is considered by many in the film community to be among the best films ever made.

Visit the library catalog here.