In which the author discusses parallels in the lives and work of two Charm City scribes.

Edgar Allan Poe, alcoholic inventor of Gothic literature, died in Baltimore on October 7, 1849. Charm City commemorates the 160th anniversary of his death this week. But what does Poe have in common with David Simon, Baltimore native and creator of HBO’s “The Wire?”

Edgar Allen Poe: Deliberately sought court-martial at West Point to pursue career as a visionary writer. “I have no energy left, nor health,” he wrote his guardian. “I shall neglect my studies and duties at the institution.”
David Simon: Left the Baltimore Sun to pursue career as a visionary TV series creator. “I got out of journalism because some sons of bitches bought my newspaper and it stopped being fun,” he told the Baltimore City Paper.

Read More “Edgar Allan Poe and David Simon, Compared” »

Via Pitchfork, I learn that Lance Reddick—better known as Lieutenant Daniels on The Wire—has recorded an album of jazz vocals. Painfully smooth, soporific jazz vocals. I suppose this is in keeping with the horrible track record that former Wire actors have had with their careers. But it’s still sad to experience the aural equivalent of having stale honey poured on your head. Also: awful album title. Contemplations & Remembrances? What’s wrong with A Man Got to Have a Coda? Or Jukeboxing the Stats?

To clear the smooth sounds of Reddick out of your head, try M.I.A. and Blaqstarr’s cover of “Way Down in the Hole”:

Update: This is the best post We’ve ever read about Lance Reddick’s eyes.