As 2011 comes to an end, we are taking a look back at some of our favorite posts of the year by our guest editors.
Marcellus Hall first made a name for himself as the frontman of Railroad Jerk, which released four albums on Matador between 1990 and 1996 before breaking up. Hall and RJ drummer Dave Varenka went on to form White Hassle the next year, issuing a handful of records until disbanding in 2005. These days, Hall is pursuing a solo career, and he just released his debut album, The First Line, on Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace label. Aside from the music, the 13-track LP also shows off Hall’s other big talent: illustration. Since moving to New York City in the late ’80s, Hall has seen his artwork appear in the likes of The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and The First Line features a 44-page book showcasing his art. Not only is Hall guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week, he’s also drawing illustrations to accompany everything he writes about. Read our brand new Q&A with him.
Hall: How did the phrase “Best wishes to you” get whittled down over the years to just “Best”? Nothing unnerves you more than when an email ends with the word “best.” OK, a close second is when people say “As far as [such and such] … ” and they omit the “is concerned” or “goes” part. That drives you fucking crazy. And what is it with people who pronounce words like “street” as “shtreet”? Newscasters do this especially. Here’s a drinking game: Listen to the news, and take a swig every time someone says “adminishtration” or “shtrategy” or “indushtry.”
Video after the jump.
