Music and Video Review

American Idol Season 11 - Fits like a Glove!

 

American Idol, Fox's cash cow and the music industry's best commercial enterprise, returned for its 11th season last week. The crew that helped propel Scotty McCreery to country and western insta-stardom last season has returned intact for another go with their comfortably familiar singing competition.

J-Lo, the Dog, Ryan, and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler are all back yucking it up with producer Nigel Lythgoe pulling the behind-the-scenes strings. What is different for Idol this year is that now there are two other entrants into the reality singing competition business. The Voice, famous for spinning chairs and the song "Moves like Jagger," and the X-factor, famous for its stage and production that completely envelop the performers, have both established themselves with good enough ratings to return.

The Voice will actually go head to head with Idol this season beginning in February. Adding a twist of nasty spice to this Fox-NBC network competition will be the Voice using American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson as a mentor.

Can America digest two singing competitions concurrently? We will see, but if last weeks lowest-ever-ratings for an Idol debut are any indication - the audience has been diluted by these other shows. Too bad, because it is still the best one. Idol's familiarity fits like a glove.The city-by-city auditions, Hollywood week and the countdown from the final 24 to the final champion make for terrific old school family television. Few shows provide a more wholesome excuse to gather round the big screen.

There is also Idol's unmatched track record for producing bona fide music stars. Clarkson, Underwood, Daughtry, Cook, Lambert, and McCreery are an impressive group of discoveries. X-factor and The Voice may prove to be equally effective in launching careers, but with just a season apiece both are too new to say.

So here we are, another season. Forget about the elections and the global economics crises. Cook up some popcorn and huddle up the family and begin the debate on who should win. 

Love it.

 

 

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Inductees

Cleveland (December 7, 2011) - Today, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces its inductees for 2012. The inductees are:

Performer Category:

· Beastie Boys · Donovan · Guns N’ Roses · Laura Nyro · Red Hot Chili Peppers · The Small Faces/The Faces

Early Influence:

· Freddie King

Ahmet Ertegun (nonperformer) Award:

· Don Kirshner

The Award for Musical Excellence:

· Cosimo Matassa · Tom Dowd · Glyn Johns

I had reported on each of these nominees earlier in the year on this blog. Comments on each artist can be found here.

The only real surprise is the inclusion of the small Faces - I was never a fan and they didn't sell tons of records. While they were clearly rock and roll, I would have preferred to see Seattle-based women-rockers Heart make it in. They were rock and roll and inspired women all over the world to give music a go. They will make it in, just not this year.

Laura Nyro wrote some good pop songs and was clearly one of the pioneer female hippie singer-songwriters of the late 60's. A contemporary of Carol King and Joni Mitchell but with a much shorter career (her hits stopped quickly and she died young). More than anything though she was one of the initial David Geffen "discoveries" (along with Jackson Browne). Given Geffen's status with the hall, her inclusion isn't a surprise.

Speaking of Tom Dowd, the Manhattan Project-participant-turned-record producer, check out his fantastic documentary "Tom Dowd and the Language of Music." One of the best documentaries about a true music pioneer. Good to see him producer Glyn Johns and impresario Don Kirshner all get it.

No Madonna or Abba this year - so a good year for the hall. Maybe GNR will reunite for the show...

Melancholia - 2011 - Movie Review

If seeing a bummed out Kirsten Dunst busting out her wedding dress bustier for an hour is your cup of tea, have I got a film for you! Lars von Trier's "Melancholia."

Trier describes his slightly sci-fi two hours and 13 minutes as "A beautiful movie about the end of the world." And to be fair, some of the images Trier and his cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro have crafted are exquisite. The film looks simply fantastic. The countryside and the actors have all earned their pay.

What I learned in Robert McKee's screenwriting seminar however is when the discussion about a film shifts to its cinematography and soundtrack it is likely because the story is incoherent.  Yes, the music is wonderful here as well.

The problem with this movie, is how dark and depressing it was. OK, I get the author is trying to invoke "German romanticism" or what Trier describes as "Wagner in spades!"  I get too that there is a cinematic precedent for this sort of slow moving allegory about life and death. This genre is perhaps best exemplified by Wim Wenders "Wings of Desire." Against this backdrop Trier succeeds - this film fits well into that pantheon - which may explain the ebullience found in many of the intellectualized reviews of this film.

For me though, as well executed as this film is, given Greece, Italy and Herman Cain, I want the films I see in my precious extra time to scratch my entertainment itch. "Melancholia" didn't do that.

I need something lighter. I want something clear and coherent. Here is a novel idea movie makers, I want to feel good when I leave the theater.  I know that is artistically vapid, but, it is what I want for my $50 spent at the theater. Is that too much to ask?

This film ends and I sat there bummed out and not sure exactly why.  If I were to do this review as I text, that would be easy, "WTF."

2011 - TV still rules the entertainment roost

Long ago, before there was basic cable and DVR's, the start of the fall TV season was a clearly defined event. All of the good shows came from the big three networks. Today, seasons seem to start whenever they want to and with few exceptions most of the great shows do not come from the what is now the big four networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC).

A quick gander at the top box office for 2011 reveals that for high quality entertainment, TV remains the place to go. Movies continue to consistently disappoint. Unless it is Harry Potter or another Avatar, you are better off staying home for entertainment. Not only is it more comfortable, but popcorn will not set you back $6-8 dollars.

And those theaters? Mostly run by idiots who make you wait in line to pay $30 for snacks that cost them $4 to procure. Plus there is always the risk of sitting next to a group of jackasses who think they are home and free to comment through the entire movie.

To help you out in 2011-2012 here is a run down of some of what is out there for you to enjoy on plasma/LCD or other larger screen television.

First, the best.

Breaking Bad (AMC) - One of the best serious dramas on TV.  Season 4 just wrapped up and be be the best yet for BB. High school chemistry teacher Walter White still cooks meth for the chicken man while Skyler talks him into buying a car wash with the money Saul is holding for him in his kitsch office. Anything more than this will be a spoiler.15 episodes until another great series bites the dust.

Parenthood (NBC) - Filling the void left by Friday Night Lights, this Berkeley based family drama rings the emotional bell every week through its remarkable ensemble cast and intuitively sound and always interesting plot twists. Autism, desperation for wanting another child, the purchase of a recording studio and a viagra commercial are just some of this seasons situations that let the characters tug at our heartstrings. Helmed by Friday Night Lights producer Jason Katims. Bravo!

Sons of Anarchy (FX) - Sopranos on motorcycles returns with Clay and Jax getting sprung from the penitentiary getting back to the business of running guns, drugs, with a new sheriff in town. Always interesting with terrific acting by Katey Segal as Gemma. Got to love a show that features a recurring role by Tom Arnold where he gets the living crap beat out of him every time.

George Harrison "Living in the Material World" (HBO) - The quiet Beatle gets nearly four hours of Martin Scorsese's academy award winning focus in a documentary that is a must for anyone who has ever said "Beatles Forever!" It brings you back and forward at the same time. What guy! What music! What friends and family! Beatles Forever!

The Amazing Race (CBS) - As formulaic as this show is, the seriousness with which it is presented, the consistently spectacular settings, and the nuanced struggle of each team to work together to become an effective team never gets boring. A perennial winner of the best reality show Emmy for good reason.

The Daily Show (Comedy Central) - The first 5-8 minutes of this show always brings the funny. The build up to the election year and all the Republican debates - there is simply a mother load of material to skewer.  Stewart and company have raised the bar on themselves year after year and continue to deliver winning Emmys every year.

Curb your Enthusiasm (HBO) - Larry goes to New York and mixes it up with Rosie O'Donnell and in the best episode of the year, Bill Buckner. Still a litmus test for some (I don't like Larry - he's so weird!) but hands down the funniest show on TV. Good news for fans, lots of Leon in season 8!

White Collar (USA) - Something far less serious, and always well written. Breezy escapist fare of the highest order.

The not so great...

Good Wife (CBS) - Alecia and Wil have made the fatal TV series mistake and gone to bed. I guess we'll have to wait to see how long it will take writers and creators Robert and Michele King to figure that out. Still Kalinda and Eli Gold are two of the finest supporting characters on any dramatic show today.

Modern Family (ABC) - Sustaining funny is very serious business. Not sure these folks are up to the task.

And what about?

Game of Thrones (HBO) - Apparently filming for season 2 is still ongoing.  2012. Take your time and get it right!

The Killing (AMC) - We forgive you for canceling Rubicon if when brought back you don't cop out on a final episode and not conclude! Also 2012.

Mad Men (AMC) - Roger Sterling in rehab? Wait...rehab wasn't even invented yet! 2012.

Southland (TNT) - Best cop drama. 2012.

Lights Out (FX) - One of the absolute best shows last year, cancelled!

And the rest...

X - Factor (Fox) - Do we really need another music competition series that exploits singers fresh out of rehab? I don't think so and L.A. Reid shaking his head side-to-side when he's really feelin' it kind of creeps me out.

Boardwalk Empire (HBO) - Can you say bored - walk empire? Miscast Steve Buscemi in a show that tries w-a-y too hard and moves way too slow. Too many other things I'd rather watch despite the fact that The Wire's Omar is there.

If you have missed any of the great shows mentioned above, start with season 1 and get all caught up. Most are avilbile on Netflix or HBOGo. Nothing better than going through several years of TV shows in a couple weeks.

 

 

 

Hard times for ex-rockers...

I would love to cite an attribution here, as this is brilliant..if anyone knows the source, please let me know.

2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced!

Here we go again...

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today announced artists who will be eligible for induction in 2012. These nominees will be presented to voting members and typically 5 acts are chosen for induction. 

Recent years offered up some pretty schmaltzy inductee choices that allowed Madonna and Abba, hardly rock and roll, to sneak in the doors of the Cleveland based hall. 

Let's take a look at the list while providing some very high level comments. For a full description of the nominees "accomplishment" look here at the official press release.

• Beastie Boys
• The Cure
• Donovan
• Eric B. & Rakim
• Guns 'N Roses
• Heart
• Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
• Freddie King
• Laura Nyro
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Rufus and Chaka Khan
• The Small Faces/The Faces
• The Spinners
• Donna Summer
• War

Overall this is a terrific list of some truly worthy nominees. Not only are many real rock and roll, several were hugely influential which is generally the primary yardstick the RRHOF applies to induction.

Four shoe ins here.

Guns 'N Roses. If you need an explanation here, I really don't know what to say. "Appetite for Destruction" is one of the finest debut albums in Rock and Roll history containing several songs that will be in eternal rotation wherever rock music is played - I am thinking Hell. I think all these guys were on heroin at some point - not a requirement for induction, but it helps...

Beastie Boys. "License to Ill" a watershed for rap and marked the crossover from rock to rap and arguably helped further bring hip-hop to the mainstream. The Rock and Roll Hall already acknowledged the migration of R&B and Soul to rap with Run-D.M.C and Grandmaster Flash. These guys were trend setters and "you gotta fight for your right to party" is hip-hop that rocks!

Heart. OK, they may have damaged their reputation with their 80's output of future karaoke hits.Don't hold that against them.  No one can argue that these two Seattle-based chicks rocked better and harder than any other female led band... except The Pretenders. Put on "Magic Man" or "Barracuda" - with that great original band, speak for themselves.

Freddie King. Clapton, Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughn and literally hundreds of other blues-based players were influenced by this wonderfully fluid and soulful player. The RRHOF write up says King is part of the "DNA of the blues" and they are spot on. Just listen to "Hideaway" or the "The Stumble" - despite sounding incredibly simliar - the whole blues riff thing is all there. Such a shame he died so young.

After those acts I am not sure who gets in. Going down the list.

The Cure. Dudes who wore makeup, not so great. But they are one of the few new wave bands whose songs still sound great today. Too lightweight for the hall. This nomination makes some hall-haters put on thier mascara.

Donovan. Those 60's hits were groovy beyond belief. Always sound great wherever they pop up today. Never in the league of Dylan or other singer songwriters of that era in terms of influence, but he sold a ton of records and was at the center of all the action hanging with Beatles and Stones. Plus, he is such a nice guy no one will want to deny his entry and hurt his feelings. May be the best chance for the fifth nominee.

Eric B. & Rakim. Ask any hip hop aficionado, these guys are dope. If the Hall wants to one day let in Jay-Z these guys have to get it. Long shot for 2012.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Because the voters are afraid Joan will kick all thier asses if she doesn't get in, she stands a chance. The music though - "Bad Reputation!"

Laura Nyro. Hit maker for Three Dog Night and The 5th Dimension? Is that Rock and Roll? Alert - David Geffen "discovered" her. That may get her in.

Red Hot Chili Peppers. These guys rock, but apparently not enough as they have been passed over before.

Rufus with Chaka Kahn. Chaka Kahn may be the greatest name in the history of female singers. Not sure that the Stevie Wonder penned "Tell Me Something Good" is enough to qualify. Rufus was the launching pad for "the worlds most recorded drummer" JR Robinson however...

The Small Faces/The Faces. If one song qualifies an act for the hall, not sure "Stay with Me" is good enough. It's a good song but I prefer "I Love Rock and Roll."

The Spinners. These guys might have a better chance at being number 5 than Donovan. More hits, and maybe even better songs. Plus, the O'Jays induction might have cleared the way. 

Donna Summer. I have gone on and on about why she should be in. Passed over several years now, maybe this will be her year? Perhaps the disco affiliation is too much. Opening the door for KC and the Sunshine Band getting in and the massive global vomiting that would ensue, might hurt her chances.

War. The variety and range of their tunes is incredible. Influential for sure. Maybe next year.

So there you go.

And of course the snubs remain that piss all the RRHOF haters off. KISS, Chicago, Moody Blues, Rush, Frampton, Journey, Boston, Jethro Tull, and on and on... You're never gonna please everyone. 

All in all, a pretty good and deserving list.

 

Game of Thrones - HBO's worthy successor to the Sopranos!

Despite the Grammy wins, I am not a fan a big fan of Boardwalk Empire. Steve Buscemi is miscast as the political boss with mob ties in historic Atlantic City. The production values and other actors are terrific, but the stories themselves aren't very rich and are the weak link in what must have been a great pitch session. Clearly, my opinion is in the minority. Buscemi won the best actor Emmy.

When I heard there was a new original series from the network who arguably was ground zero for Television's renaissance with The Sopranos, I was nervous it would be another Boardwalk Empire - a series that failed to live up to hype. Other original HBO dramatic series - while having their fans -  failed to reach the high bar begun with The Sopranos and extended by The Wire and Deadwood. Carnivale, Rome, Treatment, and even Big Love were all disappointments and never caught fire with viewers like some of thier lighter fare has.

Worse, this new series involved Dungeons and Dragons.This immediately put me into a coma. I am pretty sure Peter Jackson's masterful Lord of the Rings Trilogy was all of that genre my life required. More seemed like a another misfire from HBO.

I was wrong.

Game of Thrones, at least season 1, was simply fantastic! Unpredictable, visually stunning, intelligent with its morality, and at times shocking. The violence, completely justifiable and necessary to the storytelling, was at times enough to make your knees buckle. 

Hands down, the best, most promising series from HBO since Deadwood.

If you have not seen this - start watching immediately!

This series is available on demand through HBOGO.com and soon on DVD.

From the opening credits against Ramin Djawadi's original and indelible score, you know this series will be epic. Benefiting from great source material, George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice novels, this series is a flawlessly executed other world with big-screen-worthy star turns by Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage. These two familiar faces get the roles of lifetime and deliver. Emmy's await.

At the heart of the show is politically motivated morality that mirrors the backdrop of a very harsh and mysterious environment. This fantasy world is riddled with unsurvivable winters, ghostly nightwalkers, and dragons - to name a few. This world is compellingly fascinating. You can't look away. The production designers and directors deserve some real credit here. Not since Lord of the Rings has such a mythical world seemed so immediate.

It makes no sense to recount the plot here. It would take paragraphs and still wouldn't make sense. You need to watch it. I also don't want to communicate any spoilers - there are a number of stunning plot twists that will leave you with an open jaw. 

Suffice it to say the plots involve loyalty and betrayal. Honor and deception. Virtue and Evil. You know, the stuff of all serious and great drama. 

If you invest the time to become comfortable with this world, and can stomach the violence, you too will be hooked.

HBO drama is back with a worthy successor to the Sopranos!

 

 

White Collar - Guilty Pleasure

 

TV continues to offer the most varied and satisfying entertainment for people who are willing to invest some time learning what they like. This variety of quality programing can be found either on demand or on DVD - all you have to do is make the effort to look for it.

One show to look for is the USA drama "White Collar." Now in it's third season, "White Collar" is a traditional procedural drama that resolves itself by the end of every episode. Seasons 1 and 2 were driven by a second plot thread that provided some flimsy momentum through the arc of the season. This thread has been wisely abandoned in season 3 in order to focus more on character development.

Season 3, now airing on USA and available through many on demand services, maintains the high bar set by previous seasons delivering another solid set of pure-entertainment television. What "White Collar" achieves is rare and in direct contrast to much of today's "heavy does it" critically lauded shows. "White Collar" simply entertains. Imagine that! 

"White Collar" offers no commentary on anything happening in the world today, no shocking or explicit scenes of violence, and no pretentious aspiration for edginess. "White Collar" is the epitome of a guilty pleasure - succeeding at being merely entertaining. It is like a delicious piece of non-nutritious yellow cake with chocolate frosting - and just as satisfying!

This is because "White Collar" owes more to "Gilmore Girls" than "Law and Order." It's witty, often zippy, dialog is checkered with obscure references that will send you to Wikipedia during the commercial break. There is even a white collar glossary website to help viewers understand them. This smartness is what makes the show so much fun.

It's obvious that creator and producer Jeff Eastin is a writer writing for himself and having a blast doing so. Penning the majority of the episodes himself his scripts never dumb down plots or dialog. Clearly he assumes the audience is smart and paying attention.

For those who don't know "White Collar" tells the story of the impossibly-charming former-conman Neal Caffrey (played by appropriately impossibly-handsome Matt Bomer).  Caffrey is released early from prison to the aid the FBI, under the guidance of Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), thwart the weekly parade of fraudsters by outwitting them in the midst of their various schemes.  Burke tries to keep Caffrey's formidable skills in check and on track, but finds himself falling under his spell questioning what Caffrey is really up to.The excellent ensemble is rounded out by Caffrey's former partner-in-crime Mozzie (Willie Garson) and Burke's wife Elizabeth (Tifsani Theissen).

The shows energy and drive is primarily derived from the relationships between these four main characters. There is a warmth and sincerity in these relationships that seems authentic and something new to TV. The relationship between Burke and Caffrey, agent and criminal. is interesting in the mutual respect they have for each other. In a similar but lesser degree Mr. and Mrs. Burke successful marriage has real warmth and a sense of fun toward each often not seen. It's a credit to the cast that these and the other supporting players never stray into camp or silliness.

The real star here is in the character of Neal Caffrey and the irresistible turn given by actor Mr. Bomer. If you ever scratched your head when your parents retold the virtues of Cary Grant, watching Caffrey might help you understand what they were talking about. With Caffrey you will see the closest embodiment to Grant in a very long time. Caffrey/Bomer is suave, sophisticated, smart, confident, and handsome - the kind of person who would typically piss you off. Yet in the the hands of Bomer you somehow like him.

So if you want some pure entertainment, and you want to be charmed - you should check out "White Collar" - you too may be surprised to looking forward to the next episode.

 

 

Book of Mormon Musical - A Review

  

 

I must admit when I first heard about Trey Parker & Matt Stone adapting the Book of Mormon for the Broadway Stage - I was nervously excited. This could either be either the most interesting musical ever or it could be a complete train wreck. Surprisingly, it's neither.

What the Book of Mormon Musical really is, is a straightforward song and dance production peppered with a few ribald jokes, lots of bad words, and mostly forgettable tunes. Casey Nicholow's energetic choreography is the highlight. Several of his numbers fully realize the absurd juxtaposition of Mormons on Broadway.  It's quite a sight to see a dozen missionaries, donned in white starched short sleeve shirts and black slacks, dancing in unison. These moments are simply terrific.

Also terrific are the actors. Josh Gad in particular establishes himself as a Broadway Seth Rogin - funny and sympathetic. He may be the find of the show.

The book has an inspired premise.

A mormon missionary, Elder Price (Andrew Rannels), hoping to be sent to Orlando for his mission, is instead sent to Uganda. There he finds natives stricken with AIDS and starvation reluctant to embrace the healing power of Joseph Smith's book. Prices' co-missionary, Elder Cunningham (Gad), starts making up a new version of the Book of Mormon that proves more effective in gaining converts.

It's all rather silly and mostly harmless fun. None of the bite of South Park or Team America is here. All the jabs are rather harmless, and perhaps a bit overly respectful of religion and Mormonism. Even the song, Spooky Mormon Hell Dream (a highlight) is about hell, so, how offensive can that be?

That was my frustration with the show. The Book of Mormon Musical wasn't a genre busting, edgy, and polarizing Broadway production that challenged its audience. That's what I was hoping for.

The biggest challenge for the audience is getting a ticket, as it is sold out for most of the summer. The audience I saw looked surprisingly pedestrian, not what I pictured an edgy South Park crowd would look like. They could have all been at Anything Goes the night before.

This is because Parker, Stone, and Robert Lopez have created a show the fits snugly in the tradition of numerous other Broadway productions and was a nice night out at the theater. Nothing to be the least bit embarrassed or apologetic about as a debut production.  A solid B+.

Now if only I could remember a single song melody...

American Idol 2011 - Turn out the Lights!

The votes are in and it's Scotty and Lauren to face off in the first "all country" American Idol final. I suspect the ratings will be down, as there is very little chance that Scotty will not be crowned the next American Idol. Little to no suspense here, and not everyone loves country music.

Also, no disrespect to Lauren - I have predicted her for the final three for some time - but Scotty really brings something different and unique to the Idol stage. His aw shucks humility and super deep lower register resonate with many types of Idol viewers. Country fans love him as much as the teeny boppers. He's the boy next store who says thanks, yes sir and ma'am. His parents are nice. What's not to like here if you can tolerate country music.

If it weren't for his glares and excessive eyebrow movements that kind of creep me out, I would have pegged him as the winner weeks ago. Then James was routinely eating everyones lunch out-singing the other contestants by a mile. Scotty has been like the tortoise, slow and steady wins the race.

American Idol is never about crowning the best singer, it's about finding the most popular singer. And just like in high school where you scratched your head about why some people were so damn popular, the same questions are raised here. Scotty is completely understandable. Lauren too, she's adorable and can sing country as well as anyone - maybe even better than Scotty. What happened to Haley then?

Haley, it turns out, just wasn't able to muster the popularity she needed to make it to the final. She sang circles around both Scotty and Lauren. Her Led Zeppelin cover of "What is and what shall be" was easily the best performance of the night and a season highlight. Singing Robert Plant? The only other contestant to even try such a ridiculous thing was Adam Lambert. He had the pipes to pull it off as well.His take of "Whole lotta Love"  was a showstopper. Please note, he didn't win either.

Haley's sing-off of "Bennie and Jets" was pitch perfect. Full of jazzy phrasing, wails and growls, Haley made that song something her own. So what went wrong?

I think for Haley, she simply didn't have the youth vote. Adults who watch hardly ever vote. Adults are the ones who would appreciate all she did with the almost 37 year-old "Bennie and the Jets." I am sure most teeny boppers where dumbfounded by many of her song choices that bore the stamp of someone whose parents play in a classic rock band. BTW - they do!

Alanis Morrisette? Who is she? Hate to say it but she has become a bit of a golden oldie. Stevie Nicks? Fleetwood Mac? Might as well be Kate Smith or Billie Holiday to the 15 year-olds who vote like crazy.

Had Iovine and the judges selected something more contemporary for Haley she might have had a chance. I doubt it. Doesn't matter now, she's gone. But she really did sing her bottom off. Great tone in her voice.

So I am sure the final show will have some big name country guests to mix it up. Garth Brooks maybe? KISS won't be there that's for sure. Neither will the season's best singers.

So lock up them doors and turn you lights down low!