Billy Dechand

Aug 6, 2025

Flying Saucer Surprise

I'm excited to announce a new album release. Flying Saucer Surprise is a new band of old friends.

A new psychedelic rock project with funk leanings, Flying Saucer Surprise brings together three seasoned musicians: Billy Dechand (St. Louis, MO), Matt Kaden (Memphis, TN), and Dan Sonenberg (Portland, ME).

Also note the cover art by Jim Pruy.

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Flying Saucer Surprise album cover by Jim Pruy

Give it a spin!

Jul 12, 2025

Billy's Books 96: Immaculate Conception

Here's an actual novel! It's supposed to be just regular fiction, which I read so rarely, but it ends up being scifi upon closer examination.

This one is Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang. There's cloning and consciousness transfer and all sorts of stuff that lead to big questions.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Jun 12, 2025

Billy's Books 95: Reign of the Empire: Mask of Fear

Time for another Star Wars book! This is a rather wonky book, with political planning and action being the primary focus. Mon Mothma tries to build a coalition against the emperor, Bail Organa looks for evidence suppoorting the innocence of the Jedi, while Saw Guererra seeks the weapons cache of the broken Separatists.

One thing I didn't mention is how important Padme Amidala's memory is to both Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. At imes they'd reach a breaking point, but then stick together to honor the political vision of Padme, as well as their shared friendship. Those are beautiful but sad moments.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

May 29, 2025

Billy's Books 94: The Left Hand Of Darkness

The Left Hand Of Darkness is today's science fiction masterpiece, by Ursula K. LeGuin.

While her books have spaceships and stuff, her real alternative worlds are more about alternate social makeups. In this book, Genly Ai, a male human, lands on a planet of adrogynous people who only show maleness or femaleness during "kemmer", each individual's mating time.

Thanks again to the Saint Louis Public Library. Support your local library!

Apr 4, 2025

Billy's Books 93: Superman Gone Bad

Today we review two graphic novels featuring Superman. But in both, he goes a little crazy with power, eventually becoming the bad guy. Power corrupts, absolute power... yadda yadda yadda.