Very sweet documentary covering people who shape sound in any manner or way they see fit. Call these noise practitioners, the new Punks. Some of those shown performing describe what they do as a new form of punk rock, a DIY mindset of artist creation, made with whatever musical instrument, effect pedal, electronic device or mechanical apparatus is at hand. Whatever label you put on these sounds, the end result is a collection of unique individuals who are producing, performing, and espousing noise. It is all very liberating and refreshing. Granted the documentary is seven years old by this date [More]
Alan Vega was the vocal half of the synth duo, Suicide. Vega is no longer with us. Rev’s scary, repetitively sequenced synthesizer drives their songs accompanied by Vega’s frenzied, reverb-drenched rockabilly delivery. A very influential band whose work would impact many future musicians. Their early stuff is rawer and more intense.
Earth versus The Space Bugs in this intense action film. We have a new enemy that is trying to wipe out our species so Earth fights back and sends some of its military finest to engage the threat. Four young recruits are followed from their basic training days up until they become battle hardened soldiers. The scenes of war between the gigantic, alien insects and the Roughneck ground forces are amazing special effects sequences! Lots of body parts flying, gore splattering everywhere and gun play. Directed by Paul Verhoven of Robocop fame, this is a semi satirical, gut busting science [More]
Rousing TV movie full of strange beasties on the loose. Cornel Wilde investigates stories and sightings involving a hidden race of ancient creatures, the gargoyles, that emerge during certain periods of history and their time has come again in the 1972 American Southwest. The gargoyles appear once again determined to exert their dominance over man. Can they be stopped? Look past the slightly gawky monster costumes and enjoy the thrill ride! Scott Glen is here in an early role.
Glorious, orchestrated rock tune from Van Der Graaf Generator. I placed “Generator” in parentheses in the title because at this stage of the band’s career, they had decided to abbreviate their title. Anyway, “Pioneers” is an epic composition highlighted by Peter Hamill’s vocals which alternate between mournful wail and guttural snarls. Hammill possesses a truly unique voice in rock. Rob Halford of Judas Priest learned a few tricks from Hamill’s approach it would appear. I like the powerful, effects laden bass guitar. When I first purchased this live set, “Vital” on audio cassette(!!! I date myself), I felt the bass was [More]
A mildly amusing Saturday afternoon diversion, “Graveyard Shift” was based on a Stephen King short story. Here it is fleshed out into movie length and a large part of that filling is loaded with oozing, despicable caricatures. A bunch of people you could care less about are tasked with cleaning up the lower level area of a mill located somewhere on the east coast. Maybe the extraction of all the crap which has accumulated down there over the years will alleviate some of the rat problem that infests the place. What is not known is that the mother of all [More]
A rousing, electrified musical number from ’70’s supergroup, Emerson, Lake and Palmer. I always play this song around Christmas time because it just radiates that time of year for me. The song itself is an ode to England and its majesty but ignoring the lyrics and listening to the music itself is a Christmas time treat. If that makes any sense. Swirling organs and flavorful synthesizer phrasings from Keith Emerson. Percussion professor Carl Palmer adds his intricate drum fills. String whiz Greg Lake also provides the shimmering, powerful vocals. A delight. Break out the cordials!
We have lost another Great One. We now live in a world now without Lemmy Kilmister and that void will never be filled. Lemmy was a well known, larger than life personality. He played a very distorted, loud, bass guitar with his rock and roll band, Motorhead. He was also a key figure for many years in the space rock outfit, Hawkwind. In the distant past, Lemmy was renowned for his large drug intake. It probably is amazing that he lasted this long! He was outspoken, crude, hilarious. Lemmy was a true believer in the spirit and power of rock and roll. [More]
The Joker is certainly one of my favorite comic book characters. Batman’s arch nemesis can be considered among the Top Ten of fictional super villains of any media. But, let’s face the facts. He is totally mad! Sometimes his plans and schemes can get a little out of control. And with the melding of “adult” themes with graphic art forms, The Joker’s naughtiness can basically be allowed to plummet any depth the author of the piece cares to pursue. Here are a few of The Joker’s darkest moments.
On the eve of the grandest viewer spectacle there is, namely, Super Bowl LIII, I would like to share this collection of dubious player performances in football that lead to the player being ejected from the game. I know these athletes are very highly paid and are thought to be role models to youthful fans, and all, but these are very competitive games and in football there is a lot of contact. Let’s face it. Tempers flare, bad manners surface and sportsmanship can go out the window. There is always next week to show people what you’ve got. Anyway, enjoy [More]
Always a favorite Valentine’s Day view, “Fatal Attraction” documents a married man’s fling while the wife’s away that turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life. Rather than obediently disappearing after their wild weekend, Michael Douglas’ love interest, Glenn Close, chooses instead to hang around and try to become a more permanent fixture in his life. Of course, this was not a part of the plan in Douglas’ mind. Close is very single minded in her pursuit and will not think of hearing “no” as a response in her quest top become Douglas’ primary love interest. There is [More]
I think I mentioned Tales From The Crypt in an earlier post. I stress this segment from the anthology film from the ’70’s because it features a diabolical madman on the loose who dons a Santa Claus suit to get into the spirit of the Christmas season during which the segment transpires. Seedy Santa leers and creeps outside the residence of an equally seedy sexpot played by Joan Collins. You can question whether there was type casting involved. I have. Anyway, an enjoyable if edgy representation of the jolly fat guy who in this case gets his jollies from stalking [More]
As that special time of year comes around once again, the Halloween pranksters start to emerge from their drafty crypts and share their enthusiasms. Go to this link to find one such gag fester: http://wjhl.com/2017/09/20/halloween-decor-prompts-911-call-owner-says-its-all-in-fun/ I know the line “Kids don’t try this at home” has been used to death but remember to always proceed with caution when engaging in such shenanigans.
Nice, likable fable about a race to land the first person on the Moon. The Russians and the Americans are locked in battle again to be the first nation to get a person on the Moon. The Americans opt for a barely space worthy civilian to represent the US in an effort to match a similarly progandistic move dreamed up by the Russians. A last second flurry of preparation sends James Caan rocketing to the Moon with Robert Duval acting as his more experienced coach. The whole thing is drenched in melodrama but don’t let that deter you. You will [More]