the BEAT of the week: Jonathan Lethem at Skylight Books.

As the author of such critically acclaimed contemporary classics as The Fortress of Solitude, Motherless Brooklyn and Chronic City, as well as an established essayist for McSweeney's and The New Yorker, Jonathan Lethem has become a revered name in the literary scene. And so it goes without saying that nearly every new piece published is sure to be scrutinized, and probably lauded, if not well-respected in the least.

I expect his latest work will get as much attention, and more. For the also-well-beloved book series 33 1/3, where artists comment on influential music albums, Lethem takes on the Talking Heads classic Fear of Music. It's promoted to be a personal and passionate take on the 1979 album, delving into the music from the perspective of his New York childhood -- all of which fits perfectly in tune with Lethem's oeuvre. This is definitely Lethem's niche.

You can get an even more personal take from Lethem himself when he makes an appearance at Skylight Books this Sunday. He'll be promoting and signing copies of the book, and band Big Mess will be covering Talking Heads covers afterwards. Consider it a well-deserved party, celebrating two modern classics.

Jonathan Lethem will be appearing at 5pm this Sunday, April 29 at Skylight Books, located at 1818 N Vermont Ave. in Los Feliz.

-- Chau Tu