#EnjoyThisBecause Good vs. Evil is Always a Hit

Welcome to the first edition of Enjoy This Because I Said So, where each week I’ll write about the things I’m enjoying and why I think you’ll enjoy them too.  Let’s get right to it.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 

(You’ll want to check out both the original series of graphic novels, written by Bryan Lee O’Malley, and the movie, starring Michael Cera and directed by Edgar Wright)

Ramona Flowers is the girl of Scott Pilgrim’s dreams. But winning her heart won’t be easy. Forced to fight Ramona’s seven evil exes, Scott finds himself caught up in a world of bass battles, telekinetic vegan powers, and demon hipster chicks. Scott Pilgrim is one part manga, one part fighting game, and one part hilarious romantic comedy. This quirky love-letter to both nerd and alternative music culture is over-the-top, surreal, and just plain awesome.  I’ll unashamedly use the “L” word when describing Scott Pilgrim.  No, not “lesbians.” The other “L” word.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (the movie) is available on DVD. The series of graphic novels can be found in your local comic shop (support your LCS!) or in most retail book stores.

Reaper 

This hour long comedy ran for two seasons on the CW from 2007 to 2009.  The show chronicles the plight of Sam Oliver (Bret Harrison) who, on his 21st birthday, finds out his parents sold his soul to the Devil. He’s then forced to act as the Devil’s bounty hunter, returning escaped souls to hell.  Though the threats Sam and his friends deal with are far from human, it’s the humanity of the characters that give Reaper it’s appeal.  Tyler Labine’s “Sock” is easily one of the most likable, genuinely funny characters I’ve come across on TV.  Reaper leans on the relationships of slacker 20-something buddies thrust into situations way out of their death, to great comedic effect. Though it took a couple of episodes for me to get into Reaper, the relatable characters and smart writing won me over quickly.

Both seasons of Reaper are available on DVD and are streaming on Netflix.

Gossamer, by Passion Pit 

It’s been three years since electro-pop outfit Passion Pit’s debut album, and the long-awaited follow-up Gossamer does not disappoint. From the first track onward, it is abundantly clear that this is a Passion Pit album, from the breezy, candy-sweet synthesizer jams of “Carried Away” to the eclectic bleeps and blorps of “I’ll Be Alright.” The first single, “Take a Walk,” has been on constant replay on my iPod since it’s release earlier this summer. The song’s simple, booming synth riff has prompted me to crank the volume, roll down my windows, and bob my head on more than one occasion.   Gossamer’s uplifting beats and poignant lyrics make clear that this is a deeply emotional album, and that comes across immediately in the listening.

Gossamer is out July 24 and is available for pre-order on iTunes and at Passion Pit’s website. The full album is streaming now on NPR.