Author Archives: robbskidmore88

About robbskidmore88

Robb Skidmore writes 'upmarket literary' fiction. He is the author of “The Pursuit of Cool”, a critically acclaimed coming-of-age novel about love, music, and the 80s, and the novella “The Surfer.” His short stories have appeared in many publications. When not writing, he enjoys traveling, finding music for his iPod, and staring at the sky with wonder and appreciation.

The Terrible Burden of Having Stuff

Posted on 07/08/2013

Moving is hell, as the saying goes, and my recent move to California, in the tiresome way of all major moves, has been hellish. The main driver of misery is the Stuff to be moved. There is the back breaking, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

The Complete Discography of THE PURSUIT OF COOL

Posted on 01/21/2013

The I Ching says it best: Music eases tension from the heart, releases thoughts from the mind, and inspires us to greatness. For many people, music is a fundamental way they cope with the world. Lance Rally, the main character … Continue reading →

Posted in 80s, books, entertainment, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greatest 80s Music Videos – the Digest: “Rio” Duran Duran

Posted on 12/14/2012

Duran Duran, with their unique synthpop sound, pastel clothing and male model looks, was the perfect creation for early MTV. They were the first to use exotic location shoots and cinematic techniques in their music videos. Like “Hungry Like The … Continue reading →

Posted in 80s, entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greatest 80s Music Videos – the Digest: “Once in A Lifetime” Talking Heads

Posted on 11/19/2012

When “Once in A Lifetime” debuted on MTV in 1981 it went into heavy rotation in the consciousness of everyone who saw it and became an instant classic. The Talking Heads went from being artsy underground musicians to the coolest … Continue reading →

Posted in 80s, entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Movie Reviews of “The Master” and “Looper”

Posted on 10/08/2012

A study in contrasts, “Looper” is a tightly plotted high concept sci-fi thriller and “The Master” is a rambling low concept movie of stunning acting performances.  Each illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of their respective approaches. “Looper” involves assasins (loopers) … Continue reading →

Posted in 80s, entertainment, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greatest 80s Music Videos – the Digest: “Come on Eileen” Dexys Midnight Runners

Posted on 09/25/2012

The music video for “Come On Eileen,” a lethally infectious single by Dexys Midnight Runners, hit MTV in 1982 and that zippy violin melody and images of shirtless hillbillies have been burning in our brains ever since. 80s videos were … Continue reading →

Posted in 80s, books, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Emoticons: Where They Come From & Why I Use Them

Posted on 08/06/2012

Anyone who has communicated on a social network or done some texting knows about emoticons, those clever smiley-faced :) and frowny-faced :( symbols. I count myself as a heavy user because I am an emotional and sensitive guy, a writer … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment