Foodstuffs were rationed and, as in other countries in a similar situation, the black market was flourishing.

But the pinch of the game had not arrived yet.

Two of the broodingest singers in alternative rock, Greg Dulli (of the Afghan Whigs) and Mark Lanegan (of Screaming Trees) are the Gutter Twins, groaning through their debut album, “Saturnalia” (Sub Pop), as if answering a dare to the make the most aimlessly depressive record ever.

Supposing somebody sees you, with all those flowers too? Supposing somebody writes him a letter? Ooooh! (a pure round open Tamil O.)