Welcome to the Joe Vig Top 40 for July 2014
Suzanne Vega on the Best of Visual Radio Part 1
Visual Radio Live is taking the summer off until around August 25, 2014 as our brand new studio is being built! So we have THE BEST OF VISUAL RADIO in circulation and some unreleased shows to keep everyone entertained!
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#1 THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY
The Story of Aaron Swartz
In The Internet’s Own Boy, director Brian Knappenberger has captured the work of a genius, Aaron Swartz, and along with this important story of a man’s life, makes a statement on society, government’s failure to protect the civil rights of citizens and provides information that wasn’t part of the headlines over Swartz’s arrest and death. There are conspiracy theories flourishing on the internet, which is hardly irony, actually more like deserved. Swartz’s ghost is alive and well and filtering in and out of the worldwideweb in a fashion that would make Anthony Hopkins’ “spiritual switchboard” in the film Freejack proud.
“Aaron was looking at the very real possibility of spending much of the rest of his life in prison” says a reporter on The Daily take while Cenk Uygur states “You know what’s criminal? What our government is doing to its citizens.” See the YouTube video to get a taste of the buzz out there since Aaron’s passing.
Knappenberger takes the “secret and suppressed” (thank you the late Jim Keith) out of the film and puts the facts front and center. Where Looking for Johnny (the 2014 Johnny Thunders documentary) director Danny Garcia jam-packs the music bio-pic with information, as Thunders’ story demanded, Brian Knappenberger has to be specific to make this complex saga work to both keep the attention of the viewer as well as slamming the moral of the story home. From his mother to his brother to his girlfriend and colleagues and heroes, the genius at work can only be understood if pleasant music is behind the quotes, the conversations, the speeches. Of course it is Swartz himself who resonates with his prophetic vision, take a quote from the Huffington Post:
I think you should always be questioning. I take this very scientific attitude that everything you’ve learned is just provisional; that it’s always open to recantation or refutation.The not very subtle message is, along with Swartz’s inventiveness and grasp of things much larger that ordinary people miss is his mission of “access to public information.” The problem is, of course, that TMI – too much information – can bog one down in sifting through tons of sand to find a nugget of gold. The movie is so inspiring that it demands multiple views, and there are a number of lessons to be learned, not the least of which is John Lennon’s message in his song “Working Class Hero” – that the “they” out there “hate you if you’re clever” while despising “a fool.” Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
With a waterfall of data people can make up their own minds, but there’s always that tug of war between those we consider the good guys and those we consider the bad element. The film The Internet’s Own Boy brings some kind of clarity to all of these issues and more – was Swartz a thief or a tortured genius? Did the government overreach? What are the implications for those using the computer on a daily basis – or walking by stores with video cameras capturing your image just about every moment of the day.
And perhaps the most chilling point made is what we lost with Swartz’s untimely death. That a human being was bullied with no mediation, no give and take, no respect for what he gave to the world, just a control by those in positions of authority, is what provokes thought. The “very rich 19 year old” was important to progress that our society needs to make. My perspective on the film could go on for fifty pages. Let’s leave it at this: The Internet’s Own Boy is one of the most important films of the year.
Joe Viglione is the Chief Film Critic at TMRZoo.com. He has written thousands of reviews and biographies for AllMovie.com, Allmusic.com, Gatehouse Media, Al Aronowitz’s The Blacklisted Journal, and a variety of other media outlets. Joe also produces and hosts Visual Radio, a seventeen year old variety show on cable TV which has interviewed Jodie Foster, director/screenwriter David Koepp, Michael Moore, John Cena, comics/actors Margaret Cho, Gilbert Gottfried, Gallagher, musicians Mark Farner and Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad, Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals, political commentator Bill Press and hundreds of other personalities.
http://www.tmrzoo.com/2014/62126/film-review-internets-boy-story-aaron-swartz
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2) Wounds to Bind
http://www.mendocinobookcompany.com/book/9780810888616
Jerry Burgan of the WE FIVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29uNvGHsRlc&feature=kp
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3)NAZARETH ROCK 'n' ROLL TELEPHONE
NAZARETH Rock 'n' Roll Telephone
Rock 'n' Roll Telephone is one of the more complete albums I've heard in awhile, the band striking a good chord throughout on this beautifully produced, written and performed selection of songs. While Classic Rock in Boston is starting to add 90s music and beyond (meaning artists that are considered more alternative than classic rock) a terrific album like this that would keep the core audience, that deserves the airplay, gets replaced by sounds that don't resonate with those who tune in to classic rock radio for the sound of classic rock. Which is why the audience is turning to other mediums while driving in the car, CD player and beyond. Most of this new CD, which sounds great in the car, can be found on YouTube so we'll take you track-by-track on this very well constructed and very entertaining disc.
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1)Boom Bang Bang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHkDCTIYPJ0
Opening track "Boom Bang Bang" takes things for Nazareth into an unexpected and wonderful direction, devolving into some anti-disco neo-industrial machine rock that Marilyn Manson could have a blast with. This song could revitalize Manson's career, in fact.
It's fun, a mixture of sounds you can't place but you know you've heard before, a clever riff and superb guitar work making for a nice entree into the 11 titles on the non-deluxe version of Rock 'n' Roll Telephone.
2)One Set of Bones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__9kTEYSxXM
"One Set of Bones" is as "in the pocket" as any tune on the Aerosmith DVD reviewed here, Rock for the Rising Sun. Hard-hitting, direct and sweeping from the blues to Zeppelin sludge rock.
3)Nazareth's "Back 2B4" from the Rock 'n' Roll Telephone CD draws an amazing line between Sutherland Brothers & Quiver meets AC/DC gone folk. It's a terrific, laid back let's have some fun melodic barroom unplugged chant. Just exquisite and it moves the group into 2014 in a very nice way with some intelligent and intriguing guitar at the 2:49 mark before the great chorus kicks back in.
Back 2B4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5b0Dy_kTAs
4) Winter Sunlight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrjhPgBHP9wThe group Angel had a beautiful "Winter Song" which would be superb played back to back to this sweeping pop/ballad excursion into magic lands, would make a nice song for a video of old Viking ships sailing to places unknown.
Track 5) Rock N Roll Telephone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrWXdV4dd4
Title track "Rock 'n' Roll Telephone" is another instant sludge-rock classic, like track 2, "One Set of Bones." Guitar lines emphasize the vocal as the riff drives this playful declaration probably of a musician on the road, or someone emulating the Jerky Boys, to bother people 'cause there's nothing better to do.
Track 6 "Punch a Hole in the Sky" takes things back to the 70s rock sound the fan base knows and loves, straight ahead and less experimental than some of the more interesting numbers here, it still drives and has the magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNVq3_yKOxc
7)Nazareth - Long Long Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHANAvKD12w
The seventh track segues into another dimension from "Punch a Whole in the Sky," not the Linda Ronstadt hit from her 1970 disc Silk Purse but a quasi alternative meets new wave pop and it is an exquisite dip into another genre for the venerable hard rock group.
8)The Right Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMUFEDXMN8I
The theme on tracks 7 and 8 is time, and we go from the catchy "Long Long Time" to a blues ballad straight out of Rod Stewart's Gasoline Alley. The pensive number gives this Rock 'n' Roll Telephone disc a very well-rounded set of material from conventional to unexpected, in a pleasantly surprising way. The band is stretching the boundaries on this lp and the results are most satisfying.
Track 9 Not Today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowiOkU3_kA
Not Today is pure Nazareth from days gone by, triumphant expanded guitar behind and between strong backing vocals in another determined epic to roll the nightmares away, the singer out to get what he wants.
11)Speakeasy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JB7ZuHe60g
Speakeasy again shakes things up, venturing into Kiss territory, and why not? Anthemic like Rock n' Roll All Night (and party every day,) rousing, uplifting and fun! Again, the classic rock stations should be eating this up. A tour with Kiss might be a fun thing as well.
12)God of the Mountain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgKIOEEiUQ
At first glance you'll think "God of the Mountain" is for Zeus or Thor, but the music video Union Square Music issued has young athletes skiing down the icy slopes a la many a James Bond movie. All in all a terrific closing number for the non-deluxe version of the album, a very good album for Nazareth fans and one that can open the group up to a new audience.
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Nazareth's Rock n Roll Telephone is up on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rock-n-Roll-Telephone-Deluxe/dp/B00J3R144W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405308219&sr=8-1&keywords=nazareth
- Audio CD (9 Jun 2014)
- Number of Discs: 2
- Format: Deluxe Edition, Double CD, Extra tracks
- Label: Union Square Music
- ASIN: B00J3R144W'
Product Description
The first new album since 2011 from the hard rock heroes who’ve
sold over 30 million albums features 11 classic heavy rockers and bluesy
ballads.
Deluxe CD digipack and double vinyl gatefold versions include 7 bonus tracks.
‘When we began working on Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone we had no idea that it might be Dan’s last album with the band, so to have it turn out so fantastically well has been a real delight. This is an album that will remain in our hearts and mind for a long time. ENJOY!’ Nazareth February 2014
Deluxe CD digipack and double vinyl gatefold versions include 7 bonus tracks.
‘When we began working on Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone we had no idea that it might be Dan’s last album with the band, so to have it turn out so fantastically well has been a real delight. This is an album that will remain in our hearts and mind for a long time. ENJOY!’ Nazareth February 2014
Product Description
2CD deluxe edition. 23rd studio album of heavy rockers & bluesy ballads w/second disc of 2 studio & 5 live tracks
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
Disc 1:
Disc 2:
|
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-PREVIOUS NAZARETH REVIEW
-PREVIOUS NAZARETH REVIEW
The
pulsating crunch under Big Dog’s Gonna Howl, a neo-Black Sabbath
inverted riff (perhaps After Forever from Master of Reality) gives in to
the plodding AC/DC repeat of ‘You Just Found Me Out’, the refrain that
makes up “Claimed”. Dan McCafferty’s voice is still snarling alongside
original bandmate, bassist Peter Agnew while 90s Nazarenes – guitarist
Jimmy Murrison and drummer Lee Agnew (Peter’s son) keep the rock &
roll essential, no matter what the clock (or the year) says.
“No
Mean Monster” is another top-forty aimed single that’s right in the
pocket, though a step out of time for today’s dreadful “hit” radio. Any
of these numbers would have been perfect as follow-ups to “Love Hurts”,
the group’s Top 10 hit in January of 1976 (which, of course, was nothing
like Roy Orbison’s classic rendition – prolific all over YouTube these
days; or the perspectives of the Everly Brothers and Emmylou Harris).
Hair of the Dog was the group’s sixth album back in the 1970s, and the
Scottish rock band put out over a dozen more after that.
Jimmy
Murrison’s production work is stellar and the six minute and 24 second
“When Jesus Comes to Save the World Again” would be a phenomenon for any
true-to-their-beliefs Christian rock band. It’s superb. The guitar has
enough pause to make one think Led Zeppelin IV. The album clicks in at
55:38, almost an hour of contemporary Nazareth. “Radio” could be a
sequel to Van Morrison’s “Wavelength” album, more charging than Joni
Mitchell asking you to turn her on. The old gang’s still got it…in fact,
the fine wine cliche has to be employed again, Nazareth is rocking
better and bolder than ever, with even Lynda Agnew pitching in to help
out with the artwork.
“Time
and Tide” is a great jam song for bands aspiring to pick up the
Nazareth mantle. Where does the time go? is an appropriate question for
all sixties fans and artists…the ones of us still breathing. Rock &
Roll keeps you young, at least mentally, and the
teenage/twenty-something artform being embraced by the over sixty set is
just something inconceivable back in the day. Wasn’t “don’t pass me by”
a Ringo quote from the White album? There are riffs and notions galore
from the past but it doesn’t sound intentional, it’s just guys who love
their gig getting back to work. The Rolling Stones need a little jolt of
this “get back to the roots” kind of involvement, and maybe the
out-takes from Exile on Main Street drove that point home for Mick &
the boys. “Lifeboat” is a rip-roaring highlight, great riff,
authoritative vocal, political in the same way Ian Hunter’s “Ripoff”
from his classic Rant set the pace re: getting in the government’s face.
The guitar doesn’t quit…holds up past the fadeout. More religious
overtones permeate “Watch Your Back”
McCafferty
doesn’t find the Janis Joplin tenderness in the ballad “Butterfly”, but
he handles the nuances well and it fits into what would have been a
double vinyl set back in the 1970s or ’80s. “Sleeptalker” is another
first rate effort, more Beatles fragments tucked into the texture if you
listen hard enough.
Track
Listing: 1.) Big Dog’s Gonna Howl 2.) Claimed 3.) When Jesus Comes To
Save The World Again 4.) Radio 5.) No Mean Monster 6.) Time And Tide 7.)
Lifeboat 8.) The Toast 9.) Watch Your Back 10.) Butterfly 11.)
Sleeptalker
Joe
Viglione is the Chief Film Critic at TMRZoo.com. He was a film critic
for Al Aronowitz’s The Blacklisted Journal, has written thousands of
reviews and biographies for AllMovie.com, Allmusic.com and produces and
hosts Visual Radio. Visual Radio is a fifteen year old variety show on
cable TV which has interviewed John Lennon’s Uncle Charlie, Margaret
Cho, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Felix Cavaliere, Marty Balin, Bill
Press and hundreds of other personalities.
4) GREGG TURNER PLAYS THE HITS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LZI2vt-BMQ
http://theendofbeing.com/2012/02/03/gregg-turners-new-cd-the-angry-samoan-returns/
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5)
New York, NY (March 26, 2014)—Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the release of The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story on
2DVD and Digital Video on May 20, 2014. Originally made in 2001, this
documentary, presented in Dolby Digital Stereo, is now being presented
with additional bonus material. [Pre-book Order Date April 25, MSRP
$17.98]
The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story explores the tragic, yet celebratory life of the late Syd Barrett, lead guitarist and prominent songwriter of early Pink Floyd. With contributions from all members of Pink Floyd, as well as managers, friends, and others close to Syd,
the documentary traverses the tale of this enigmatic rock legend, from
his intelligent, thought-provoking songwriting and indelible stamp on
the psychedelic music genre, to his 1968 departure from the band, when
his increasingly erratic behavior made his continued participation in
the band impossible. This 2DVD set also includes the additional
interview “Roger Waters On Syd Barrett,” and a second disc with bonus
uncut interviews with Roger Waters,David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, and a performance of “Love You” by Graham Coxon.
Pink Floyd was revolutionary, pushing popular music into new cerebral dimensions, and Syd Barrett was
an integral part of the band’s sound and lyrics. A charismatic cult
figure with a flair for eccentricity, he crafted such unique hits as
“See Emily Play” and “Arnold Layne,” as well as album tracks such as
“Bike” and “Astronomy Domine.” His use of dissonance, feedback, and
distortion in his guitar playing has inspired generations of musicians.
After leaving Pink Floyd,
he recorded two solo albums before vanishing from music altogether,
retiring to his English hometown of Cambridge. Fans and reporters
continued to travel there to seek out the reclusive Barrett until his death in 2006, at the age of 60.
At 214 minutes, The Pink Floyd & Syd Barrett Story 2DVD is an in-depth and comprehensive study of this music and cultural icon.
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#6 AEROSMITH
ROCK FOR THE RISING SUN:
A Concert Film Event
http://www.bullmoose.com/p/14943759/AEROSMITH-ROCK-FOR-THE-RISING?gclid=CIqxl9b2p78CFSwS7AodIGsAhQ
Rock for the
Rising Sun
Aerosmith
Rock for the
Rising Sun is a terrific Aerosmith live disc, as evidenced by the rendition of “Sweet
Emotion” (check it out on YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTKzrE6Z_ws
Tyler, Perry, Whitford, Hamilton and Kramer are at the top of their game, as
are the camera crew and director Casey Patrick Tebo, one of those great
instances when the band is clicking and the right director is there to capture
the magic. Check out the interview with Tebo on Classic Rock Revisited.com
“Love In An
Elevator” also rocks, the guitars a blazing and some great aerial shots and
quick cuts keeping with the energy of the song. Notice the different stage
clothing from the “Sweet Emotion” track as this was cut at Ishikawa Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Japan on November
22, 2011. The YouTube and complete set
list from that date follow:
YouTube
SET LIST
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Having
appreciated the work of Aerosmith for over four decades, catching early Boston shows
at the wonderful Frolics Ballroom on Salisbury Beach in 1973 when “Dream On”
was just breaking regionally, with the Sidewinders opening, along with the Box
in Kenmore Square (under the Nickolodean Theater,) the Music Hall (now the
Citi/Wang Center for the Performing Arts,) the Orpheum Theater, the Lynn Bowl,
Great Woods and more, it warms the heart that almost four decades later in 2011
the band still has the crunch and punch to deliver the goods, 94 minutes of
which are here with an exclamation point and an extraordinary audio mix from
Grammy-winner Chris Lord Alge. They didn’t
have with keyboardist Russ Irwin back in the day, but in this new era he fits
the band perfectly, as Craig Frost did when Grand Funk Railroad brought him
back onboard.
This
Rock for the Rising Sun DVD plays with an authority and groove that is
appealing, especially for long-time followers of the group. The performances are in the pocket, even
when they go somewhat ragged …which is a plus.
It’s all in how the sound hits you and this particular DVD has the vibe,
that intangible that makes for a great soundtrack. Even the interviews in-between the songs add
to the listening experience if you have the disc playing for a backdrop and are
doing other things around the house.
Sometimes these things just happen by cosmic accident, a band makes album
after album, DVD after DVD with some totally mind-blowing and others that miss
the mark. This particular package is
quite wonderful, a superb 8 page booklet and 94 minutes taped in concert
towards the end of 2011. Mixed by Chris
Lord-Alge, as stated above, the “Train Kept A Rollin’ with guest guitarist (via
video) Yusuke Todaka is terrific as the credits close is superb fan meets rock
band. Maybe Tyler can sing “Looking for
Yusuke Todaka at the Crazy Horse Saloon” in Back In The Saddle in future
renditions. Check out Yusuke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH3bzj6l9hU
AEROSMITH will be performing at Great Woods “Comcast
Center” out in Mansfield (Tweeter Etc. Twitter Etc., Comcast, it’s still Great
Woods to me!) on Wednesday July 16, 2014.
PRESS RELEASE
New York, NY (June 4,
2013)— On July 23, 2013, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Rock
For The Rising Sun by Aerosmith. This is a simultaneous release
on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats [Pre-book Order Date June 28, MSRP $19.98
Blu-ray, $14.98 DVD].
This is the band’s
first live video release in 9 years, since the release of You Gotta Move
in 2004 and it offers a unique portrayal of life on the road with Aerosmith
combined with superb live performances, as the band toured Japan. Rock
For The Rising Sun features the classic tracks: “Love In An Elevator,”
“Livin’ On The Edge,” “Last Child,” “Walk This Way,” “Draw The Line,” “Sweet
Emotion,” “Hangman Jury,” and many more, with material drawn from shows
throughout this tour. As bonuses, the DVD includes extra live tracks,
“Lick And A Promise” recorded at the Hiroshima Green Garden Arena and “One Way
Street” taken from the Tokyo Dome.
In March 2011, Japan
was beset by a huge earthquake, a monstrous tsunami and the subsequent meltdown
of the Fukushima nuclear plant. In the autumn of 2011, despite advice to the
contrary, Aerosmith brought their “Back On The Road” tour to Japan, a
country with which they’d always had a special relationship.
The Japanese fans
came out in droves and Aerosmith responded with some of the finest shows
of their distinguished career. This film follows the band on that tour
combining full-length live tracks with behind the scenes footage, which is at
times touching and emotional and at others humorous and insightful. More than
anything else it demonstrates the Japanese fans’ love affair with Aerosmith
and their music.
Aerosmith are truly one of the
great rock acts of all time and this incredible concert film brings together
tracks from across their storied career. A live band par excellence, Rock
For The Rising Sun shows them rolling up their sleeves and doing what
they do better than anyone else.
TRACK
LISTING
1) Draw The
Line
2) Love In An
Elevator
3) Livin’ On The
Edge
4) Hangman
Jury
5) No More No
More
6) Mama
Kin
7) Monkey On My
Back
8) Toys In The
Attic
9) Listen To The
Thunder
10) Sweet
Emotion
11) Boogie
Man
12) Rats In The
Cellar
13) Movin’
Out
14) Last
Child
15) S.O.S. (Too
Bad)
16) Walk This
Way
17) Train Kept A
Rollin’ (credits)
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#7 Eric Bana in DELIVER US FROM EVIL
Better film than current reviews are saying.
_poster.jpg)
FILM REVIEW
DELIVER US
FROM EVIL
Deliver us From Evil has the always excellent
Eric Bana playing Sgt. Ralph Starchie – described by Wikipedia as “a New York
City street cop with a New Jersey accent who has put his faith in religion
behind him, only to find himself entangled with the devil.” When one digs
deeper into the story, which you will do if you encounter this film, it takes
some of the Hollywood out of the story, but that’s ok, because as much as I was
leaning against liking this cliché-filled entry into the horror/Exorcist genre,
it has something very creepy about it, an artful creepiness that has eluded
films of this nature for quite some time. It leaves enough up to the
imagination and has a sizable helping of Perry Mason/Sherlock Holmes detective
work to make the flaws almost irrelevant.
When 1974’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween,
Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and other teenage slasher films
invaded the horror genre that once had Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and its
thinking-man’s drama ruling the roost, it was akin to rap sounds coming in and
dismantling the rock and roll art form. 1991’s
The Silence of the Lambs, William Friedkin’s 1973 epic - The Exorcist - and the
Stephen Spielberg co-scripted Poltergeist (the 1982 film originally directed by
Chainsaw Massacre’s Tobe Hooper, only to be replaced by Spielberg himself
according to IMDB which states “despite some differences that were resolved by
Spielberg himself taking over Hooper's directing duties”) brought the
psychological thriller back to life in a big way.
Yes you will feel moments of The Exorcist
meeting Poltergeist here, thirty-seven year old director Scott Derrickson made
a fortune with his The Exorcism of Emily Rose back in 2005. An interesting flick in that it was also
based – purportedly – on a real-life story and recalled Laura Linney to the
bench after she faced off against Richard Gere in the 1996 Psycho drama Primal
Fear (paired up with Gere again in 2002 for yet another psychological thriller,The
Mothman Prophecies, of course.) We can
dicker about Derrickson, but the dude makes money. His slasher flick, Sinister, brought in
almost 88 million on a 3 million dollar budget, and though The Day The Earth
Stood Still, also directed by Derrickson, made 233 mill on an 80 million dollar
budget, there were flaws that kept that almost-but-not-quite from being the
classic it could have been. Specifically, not enough time for the great
chemistry between Klaatu (Keanu Reeves)
and Professor Karl Barnhardt (John Cleese) Here, in Deliver us From Evil, Derrickson
commits the same error or situation.
Bana, like Reeves, becomes the central figure and it tends to drive the
viewer batty as the “going solo” pumps up the Sgt. Sarchie character at the
expense of believability. Too many
scenes where Sarchie needs back-up – they know the situation is dangerous,
tense and unpredictable and they turn an ordinary cop into …Ssssssschwarzenegger
But, and here’s the key exception to the rule – as an impressionable 11 year old watching Ursulla Andress in She, the successful Hammer film epic of 1965, has a moment where Andress as Ayesha can make the audience jump out of its seat, as me and my childhood friend both did simultaneously. Deliver Us From Evil has a few of those “jump out of the seat” moments, and they are worth the admission fee to the film. They are, of course, offset by actor Bana getting the double whammy, as annoyed by his wife here, Mrs. Jen Sarchie (Olivia Munn,) as he was by Clare (Rachel McAdams) in The Time Travelers Wife in 2008/2009. It’s a bit much and the female histrionics, and Ralph Sarchie’s responses (as were Henry DeTamble’s in the Time Travelers Wife, but at least he had an excuse.)
However the plot is pretty decent, incantations and demonic spirits from some cave in a war zone overseas come back to haunt New York City and a rogue priest who had a heroin addiction in Boston comes to pair up with Sgt. Sarchie to save the day. The priest, Mendoza (Édgar Ramírez) is seen in the film as more of a partner than Sarchie’s actual cop partner, Butler (Joel McHale), and it is the lack of teamwork that is used to build the tense moments. Kind of bothersome (see Keanu Reeves/John Cleese above) but, despite some cloying moments, and this is what surprised me, I came away liking the film and the experience. All things being equal, rife with flaws and cliché, Deliver Us From Evil (at least the fourth film with that title) has that intangible and is worth a visit to the theater for.
(The computer won't let me put the rest of this in BOLD at 1:13 AM...maybe it's the demons opening a portal?)
Check out former Sgt. Ralph Sarchie's site
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2644186/Im-going-head-head-devil-Meet-NYPD-cop-took-20-EXORCISMS-experiences-demon-hunter-inspired-new-horror-film.html
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#8 The Real Kids
I first experienced the (Real) Kids live at the Rat, December 4, 1974. On July 4, 2014 I put their CD into my car player and was amazed at the recording, something very special pouring out of the grooves. On this disc is "Fly Into the Mystery" - a song I heard them perform 39 1/2 years ago, opening up like Venus in Furs from the Velvet Underground, it's a Jonathan Richman classic from the days when Jon Felice - leading light of the Real Kids - performed as a member of The Modern Lovers.
http://www.aceofheartsrecords.com/
http://www.goner-records.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12675
___________________________________________________ 9)Ian Anderson
The 22 page booklet on this release – from the high end KScope Music company – contains the written-word wisdom and wit we expect – that we crave – from Ian Anderson. He explains that it is as much an Ian Anderson disc as a new release from Tull, something this writer did not read until I composed the above opening paragraph noting that.
The musicians provide Anderson exactly what he needs to express himself. John O’Hara (keys including accordion) and bassist David Goodier http://jethrotull.com/musicians/ are from the 2007-2011 Tull; guitarist Florian Ophale along with drummer Scott Hammond and Ryan O’Donnell – performing on vocals, mime and “general stage tomfoolery” – form as formidable a crew as John Evan, Clive Bunker, Glen Cornick, Mick Abrahams and those others who came before.
With words/lyrics all allegedly by Gerald Bostock – based on the writings of Ernest T. Parritt (c.1927) – one can decide on their own if these aren’t all the concoctions of the playful Anderson. The jovial writing of Ian Tull are always compelling, so we asked Jethro Anderson in a Visual Radio interview about any thoughts of going on the lecture circuit; he said he would “leave that to Tony Blair” – the essay in the booklet as inviting as the music on the CD itself.
Pink Floyd had fun with the notion of a businessman thinking Pink Floyd was a person, an actual musician in the group, Lou Reed weeding out the non-believers with his Metal Machine Music onslaught, and other major artists playing practical jokes which become insider fun, is something not foreign to Tull. Ian Anderson keeps his followers on their toes with the invention of fictional characters and with a body of work as extensive as Tull’s / Anderson’s it makes for good copy, and some additional adventure along with the entertainment.
The story of lyricist Bostock finding the only surviving copy of Teddy Parritt’s book – “Homo Erraticus” (the St. Cleve Chronicles) puts this Anderson work into perspective. Here Tull is paying attention to the alleged unknown British colonel from “the very early 20th century” – perhaps as the 20th century rock group gave new literary life to the 1701 inventor of the seed drill.
Referring to the work as “Parritt’s frazzled fantasies” and endorsing his “songwriting partner” as a certified loon, lovely man and evangelical – gives new meaning to the question “IS Shakespeare in his character or is the character in Shakespeare?” Anderson/Mr. Tull blllllurrrrrrsss the line of history with the amusing digression.
Though the fan base may desire a new-fangled “Cross Eyed Mary” or “Hymn 43″ – this excursion, including track four, the 7 minute 11 second epic “”Puer Ferox Adventus” – is more styled toward Thick As A Brick (which this collection is the 2nd sequel to) than Stand Up. The flute, heavy organ and progressive sounds remain, it matters not who provides the accompaniment for Jethro. Opening track “Doggerland” reminds us of Star Trek: The Next Generation characters Data, Captain Jean Luc Picard and Whorf singing “A British Tar” from HMS Pinafore at the opening of the film Star Trek: Insurrection – performing the classics – no Portsmouth Sinfonia here.
As fond of the tongue-in-cheek music of I.A. as we are of his literary scribblings, it is the songs of the maestro which drew us in, and the performance of this Pied Piper that has kept us all intrigued by the progression of sound he continues to issue.
Track 6, “The Turnpike Inn,” has subtle nods to “Locomotive Breath” and those elements make it the more commercial of these short stories. The one minute and thirty three second “Per Errationes Ad Astra” features Anderson’s voice only and – had a similar vocal intervention been placed in between tracks – had every other selection had these meandering digressions leap-frogging over the music, Homo Erraticus could have enjoyed the additional notoriety that :the LP David Bowie narrates, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf , garnered, not that that is really necessary for the worldwide Tull fanatics; it’s just that it would have been a nice, extra special touch. What NASA spacecraft have to do with “loony” Colonel Parritt’s essays is anybody’s guess, but as stated, the narration is a big plus inside the 3-part drama.
Of course, for those of you who did want a variety of spoken word tracks like ” “Per Errationes Ad Astra” and feel that you have the need to hear additional Ian Anderson-speak, you can listen to this writer’s conversation with him here:
Hear Ian Anderson on VISUAL RADIO with Joe Vig and read my review of Bowie’s classic reading of Peter & The Wolf.
http://www.tmrzoo.com/2014/61953/cd-review-ian-anderson-homo-erraticus
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#10 Elton John Vegas Residency
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- The Million Dollar Piano DVD
Click here to download this press release as a PDF
ELTON JOHN
THE MILLION DOLLAR PIANO
FILMED DURING HIS LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT CAESARS PALACE
~ON DVD AND BLU-RAY JULY 1, 2014~
New York, NY (May 14, 2014)— On July 1, 2014, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Million Dollar Piano by the inimitable Elton John. This amazing show was filmed in high definition and will be simultaneously released on Blu-ray and DVD [Pre-book Order Date June 6, MSRP $19.98 Blu-ray, $14.98 DVD]. The Million Dollar Piano is packed with Elton John classics including: “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Your Song,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Circle Of Life,” “Blue Eyes,” “Bennie And The Jets,” “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” “Crocodile Rock,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” and many more.
The Million Dollar Piano was filmed over multiple nights in 2013 at Elton John’s residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The show has been running since September 2011, with the most recent leg spanning 16 shows between March 29 and April 26 2014. The concerts are the culmination of Elton John’s decades long partnership with Yamaha pianos. This film features classic Elton John tracks from across his extraordinary career performed either with his band, solo, or with percussionist Ray Cooper. The multimedia staging is phenomenal with vast screens behind the stage illustrating the songs and the piano itself acting as a screen for graphics and animations.
As well as the 19 song full set from the show, the DVD includes as a bonus “The Making Of The Million Dollar Piano”, a feature which tells the story behind the concerts. In addition, there are four extra tracks filmed in Kiev in 2012: “Candle In The Wind”; “Sacrifice”; “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played almost 4000 concerts worldwide. He has been awarded numerous accolades including five Grammys, twelve Ivor Novello Awards, an Oscar, a Tony, the BRITs Icon Award, induction into the Rock‘n’Roll Hall of Fame and the Kennedy Center Honor. He is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Elton John is the ultimate live showman, with live dates scheduled in June, and more to come in November [see eltonjohn.com]. The Million Dollar Piano is the definitive Elton John concert experience.
http://www.kayosproductions.com/cddvd.php?id=1084
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#11 Dawn Of the Planet Of The Apes
Running Time: TBD
Rating: PG-13
Opening Date: 7/11/14
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Action-adventure
Release: July 11, 2014, in 3D
Director: Matt Reeves
Screenplay by: Mark Bomback and Rich Jaffa & Amanda Silver, based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver
Producers: Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smith-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo
A
growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened
by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade
earlier.
They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides
are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as
Earth’s dominant species.
Running Time: TBD
Rating: PG-13
Opening Date: 7/11/14
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
Action-adventure
Release: July 11, 2014, in 3D
Director: Matt Reeves
Screenplay by: Mark Bomback and Rich Jaffa & Amanda Silver, based on characters created by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver
Producers: Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver
Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smith-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo
A
growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened
by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade
earlier.
They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides
are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as
Earth’s dominant species.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________12) 12)
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13) STATUS QUO
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29)
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14) INSIDE BOWIE
15) SUZANNE VEGA SOLITUDE STANDING LIVE
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/330472-mvd-press-release-suzanne-vega-solitude-standing-dvd/__________________________________________________________________________________
#16 Get On Up: The James Brown Story
Official Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm-wQh664iI
The James Brown Story
http://bobbyhebb.blogspot.com/2014/07/james-brown-covered-sunny-many-times.html
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17)
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31)Beatles Reimagined
__________________________________________________________________13) STATUS QUO
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29)
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14) INSIDE BOWIE
15) SUZANNE VEGA SOLITUDE STANDING LIVE
Songs / Poems:
1. Marlene On The Wall
2. How To Make A Poem (poem)
3. Small Blue Thing
4. Caramel
5. Italy In Spring (poem)
6. Some Journey
7. Penitent
8. When Heroes Go Down
9. Anti-hero (poem)
10. Gypsy
11. Left Of Center
12. Solitaire
13. The Queen And The Soldier
14. In Liverpool (poem)
15. In Liverpool
16. Luka
17. Tom's Diner
Product Details:
Format: DVD
SKU: WNRD2582
UPC: 5018755258213
Street Date: 05/06/14
PreBook Date: 04/01/14
Label: WIENERWORLD »
Genre: Folk
Run Time: 62 mins
Number of Discs: 1
Audio: STEREO
Year of Production: 2003
Box Lot: 30
Territory: NORTH AMERICA
Language: English
UPC: 5018755258213
Street Date: 05/06/14
PreBook Date: 04/01/14
Label: WIENERWORLD »
Genre: Folk
Run Time: 62 mins
Number of Discs: 1
Audio: STEREO
Year of Production: 2003
Box Lot: 30
Territory: NORTH AMERICA
Language: English
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/330472-mvd-press-release-suzanne-vega-solitude-standing-dvd/__________________________________________________________________________________
#16 Get On Up: The James Brown Story
Official Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm-wQh664iI
The James Brown Story
Watch: Chadwick Boseman Channel James Brown In 'Get On Up' Trailer
http://bobbyhebb.blogspot.com/2014/07/james-brown-covered-sunny-many-times.html
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17)
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31)Beatles Reimagined
#32 MOVING WITH NANCY (Sinatra) On Barnes & Noble.com
All Music Guide -
Sundazed released a 1996 CD version of the original Movin' With Nancy album, adding three bonus tracks to the 1968 soundtrack from her television special, and it earns high marks for documenting more of the fun and campy escapades of Frank Sinatra's daughter. Without the opportunity to surpass her dad the way Mira Sorvino or Charlie Sheen may have moved beyond Paul Sorvino and Martin Sheen in terms of popularity, ________________________________________________________________________
#33 LIVE AT THE RAT
http://ratb0y69.blogspot.com/2014/06/live-at-rat.html
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#34 You'd Better Sit Down Kids
Joe Viglione. "Review from Allmusic". Allmusic. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Better_Sit_Down_Kids
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#35 Common at Noon
http://www.allmusic.com/song/common-at-noon-mt0007820789
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#36
BETTER BE GOOD
http://www.allmusic.com/song/better-be-good-mt0010775541
#37 Taxi Boys
At 1:47 the song is the third shortest by Jon Felice and his mates on their eponymous debut lp, but it made an extra impact as the name of a reconstituted Real Kids when heart-throb Bobby McNabb replaced Howie Ferguson on the drums - not on this song - but in the band named after it. The eventual addition of McNabb (recruited, surprisingly, from semi-drag act Lou Miami ) gave the band some pretty boy charisma they were lacking though Ferguson is tough to beat when it comes to beating on the drums. The group named after this song featured only half the original Real Kids, Felice and Paulino, thus the latter ensemble was dubbed by one scenester "The Tacky Boys"
http://www.allmusic.com/song/taxi-boys-mt0027109706
#38 Do The Boob
Song Review by Joe Viglione [-]
Speedy Chuck Berry riffs inverted and expanded is the formula at play on this song from the debut album from songwriter Jon Felice and his Real Kids. Where Boston area legends The Nervous Eaters played the style heavier and dirtier, and as The Ramones had incessant power chords as the undercurrent to their message, Felice keeps it all in treble tone and ultra energetic. Power Punk is what it is and it isn't for everyone. The gay slur was more than just a fancy way to grab attention, at least two of these boys displayed homophobia in the 1970's (though they've all reformed and entered the realm of policital correctness - somewhat -decades later). It's no Mark Knopfler jive as found in "Money For Nothing",http://www.allmusic.com/song/do-the-boob-mt0010758412
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#39 All Kindsa Girls - the Real Kids
Song Review by Joe Viglione [-]
Covered by Swedish power pop band Psychotic Youth on the 1998 compilation I Wanna Be a Real Kid: A Tribute to the Real Kids and Mercury recording artist Klover on their 1995 disc Feel Lucky Punk, this is one of the key titles from vocalist/songwriter/lead guitarist Jon Felice and his Real Kids. While ex-bandmate Jonathan Richman was content to find one "Girlfren" in the post-Felice Modern Lovers mainstream Boston scenester Johnny Barnes was not so content -he wanted "100 Girls" - a similar sentiment to what comes into play on this underground classichttp://www.allmusic.com/song/all-kindsa-girls-mt0026356235
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#40
Songwriter/singer Kat Quinn has a wonderfully compact 4 song E.P. entitled EXHALE now in release. It is a refreshing blend of melody, inspired words and a sincere and impressive voice communicating her ideas.
“What Love Feels Like” starts things off, and it is simply amazing, drenched in the superb production work of master craftsman Peter Calo. Go back over previous reviews of mine, this writer is not prone to hyperbole unless something reaches into the ether and comes up with a surprise, and the surprise is here. Special sounds are what the audience is seeking in 2012, new sounds to dazzle – and the mix of fluke (a ukulele) of Kat’s along with a dizzying array of instruments Calo provides – acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, keyboards, percussion, Viola de Terra (a stringed instrument from the Portuguese islands of The Azores,) lap steel, dulcimer, bass and drum programming, it is a stunning mix.
“Waiting To Exhale” with its ghostly voices at the end is a quick change of pace, mellow but moving followed by “Coffee Shop Song”, perhaps an answer to Harriet Schock’s “Starbucks”, low-key, though, not as “swinging” as Harriet’s song’s been called. The musing over a guy and wondering if he has a wife is longing where Janis Ian’s “In The Winter” had her declare in anger “You have a lovely wife” over an ex she is venting over. “So Damn Cute” could even be a sequel to “Coffee Shop Song”, an uptempo ditty which ends the quick four song escapade that makes up the 4 song Exhale CD. Everything is Grade A on this classy and smart outing, Calo’s production skills simply outstanding. The guy’s a monster that improves like fine wine. Four stars.
http://www.tmrzoo.com/2012/33766/review-exhale-kat-quinn_________________________________________________________________
THE JOE VIG TOP 40 IS EDITED BY 6 YEAR OLD INTERNET PRODIGY JOE VIGLIONE, HERE HE IS.
JOE also edits Community Media Medford.com
http://www.communitymediamedford.com/?p=160
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Joe Vig Top 40
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