Monday, August 30, 2004
Thunderclap Newman's "Something In The Air" is a profound work of British Rock Genius.
Basically a Pete Townshend demo overdubbed by the aforementioned Thunderclap released in 1969, its the tune that's holding the Reverend's sanity at this point during this particular afternoon.
If there ever were a series of CDs that could double as my perfect time machine it would Rhino's 9 volume History of British Rock series. Without these Merseysides and Psychedelic Swingers, not only would Wes Anderson's films be lesser affairs, but the world (especially mine) would lack color of all shades.
Speaking of color, The Three Stooges have been selected as Colorization's latest guinea pigs. Knowing full well that anything filmed in black & white is about as appealing to the young'uns today as brocolli and reading, Columbia has taken it upon themselves to revisit one of the most reviled acts of cinematic heresy to make Larry, Moe, & Curly hip to the Radio Disney set.
The result? While impressive and a marked improvement over Ted Turner's cruel and unusual colorizing of Casablanca back in the 1980's, it still ain't what the good lord intended. Yes the attention to detail here is beyond admirable and its nice to know what shade of brown Larry's hair was but sweeping Technicolor vistas weren't certainly not (or should I say "soitenly") the intention of these classic shorts then and nor are they now.
While the Stooges may live today in living color, I still dream of them in Glorious Black & White.
In closing, I couldn't imagine a group of suits more deserving of a Moe Howard eye poke (and pie throw) than those fine folks at Columbia Tri-Star.
Well maybe the entire Republican party...
Basically a Pete Townshend demo overdubbed by the aforementioned Thunderclap released in 1969, its the tune that's holding the Reverend's sanity at this point during this particular afternoon.
If there ever were a series of CDs that could double as my perfect time machine it would Rhino's 9 volume History of British Rock series. Without these Merseysides and Psychedelic Swingers, not only would Wes Anderson's films be lesser affairs, but the world (especially mine) would lack color of all shades.
Speaking of color, The Three Stooges have been selected as Colorization's latest guinea pigs. Knowing full well that anything filmed in black & white is about as appealing to the young'uns today as brocolli and reading, Columbia has taken it upon themselves to revisit one of the most reviled acts of cinematic heresy to make Larry, Moe, & Curly hip to the Radio Disney set.
The result? While impressive and a marked improvement over Ted Turner's cruel and unusual colorizing of Casablanca back in the 1980's, it still ain't what the good lord intended. Yes the attention to detail here is beyond admirable and its nice to know what shade of brown Larry's hair was but sweeping Technicolor vistas weren't certainly not (or should I say "soitenly") the intention of these classic shorts then and nor are they now.
While the Stooges may live today in living color, I still dream of them in Glorious Black & White.
In closing, I couldn't imagine a group of suits more deserving of a Moe Howard eye poke (and pie throw) than those fine folks at Columbia Tri-Star.
Well maybe the entire Republican party...
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Mid-afternoon on a Thursday...
Keeping my sanity at the moment is The Hollies' mid-'60s triumph Carrie-Anne.
Hopefully the good vibes from this British Invasion moment will cause Kerry to regain his lead in the poles...I read this morning that Bush is now ahead.
I'll say that again for added-exasperated-effect: I read this morning that Bush is now ahead.
How is this possible? Has Tim McGraw physically threatened y'all into turning tail? Is it because I'm a Jew? Have we latte'd ourselves into submission?
It's time Yosimite Sam went back to Texas.
Keeping my sanity at the moment is The Hollies' mid-'60s triumph Carrie-Anne.
Hopefully the good vibes from this British Invasion moment will cause Kerry to regain his lead in the poles...I read this morning that Bush is now ahead.
I'll say that again for added-exasperated-effect: I read this morning that Bush is now ahead.
How is this possible? Has Tim McGraw physically threatened y'all into turning tail? Is it because I'm a Jew? Have we latte'd ourselves into submission?
It's time Yosimite Sam went back to Texas.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
To The Demon on his 55th birthday:
"God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Gave rock and roll to everyone
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone..."
Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!
May you breathe fire and spit cash for a 100 years and the last thing you hear be the sound of electric guitars...
"God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Gave rock and roll to everyone
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone..."
Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!
May you breathe fire and spit cash for a 100 years and the last thing you hear be the sound of electric guitars...
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Could there be a better album to rock out to while you do the dishes than Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album?
I don't think so. Not only does this badass rock 'n roll classic hold up better than most KISS albums, it also makes scrubbin' the most stubborn mashed potato'd pot tolerable.
From the kickstart of "Rip It Out" to the drones of "Ozone", this one practically rawks the dishes to cleanliness.
God bless your drunken soul Mr.Frehley, you're more essential to a sinkload of dirty dishes than Palmolive and steel wool.
Briefly turning to other things KISS, yours truly can be seen cameo-style in the new Gene Simmons documentary DVD release, Speaking In Tongues.
Rock out!
I don't think so. Not only does this badass rock 'n roll classic hold up better than most KISS albums, it also makes scrubbin' the most stubborn mashed potato'd pot tolerable.
From the kickstart of "Rip It Out" to the drones of "Ozone", this one practically rawks the dishes to cleanliness.
God bless your drunken soul Mr.Frehley, you're more essential to a sinkload of dirty dishes than Palmolive and steel wool.
Briefly turning to other things KISS, yours truly can be seen cameo-style in the new Gene Simmons documentary DVD release, Speaking In Tongues.
Rock out!
Friday, August 20, 2004
From one Reverend to another...
Two days ago I shook hands with former Democratic presidential candidate and recent SNL host, The Rev. Al Sharpton.
He was cordial and couldn't be more Al Sharpton if he tried.
I complimented him on his speech at the Democratic National Convention though I wanted to tell him that I thought it was "Superfly DNC" but protocol got the best of me.
Now if only Rev.Al would go after them slanderous fool's on Gilligan's Swiftboat giving our man Kerry a bad name...
Good night America and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Two days ago I shook hands with former Democratic presidential candidate and recent SNL host, The Rev. Al Sharpton.
He was cordial and couldn't be more Al Sharpton if he tried.
I complimented him on his speech at the Democratic National Convention though I wanted to tell him that I thought it was "Superfly DNC" but protocol got the best of me.
Now if only Rev.Al would go after them slanderous fool's on Gilligan's Swiftboat giving our man Kerry a bad name...
Good night America and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
To Jerry & Elmer:
When my fanatical record obsession began (around 1978), movie scores were my first love. Hearing the soundtracks to Star Wars, Superman, & Star Trek were the best way in those pre-VCR days (my family didn't break down and get one til '85) to relive those films over and over again...They provided the ideal backdrop for action figure playtime and the soundtrack to our homemade animated Super 8 adventures we made as kids.
So it is with that I bid farewell to two giants of the film score, Jerry Goldsmith & Elmer Bernstein. Your imagination(s) enhanced the movie experience beyond special effects, THX, and probally popcorn too.
Yours were the music that made good films great and great films classics.
Among Elmer Bernstein's scores are The Man With The Golden Arm, Ghostbusters, Animal House, and most recently Far From Heaven.
Jerry Goldsmith's scores include Alien, Star Trek, Poltergeist, & Total Recall.
When my fanatical record obsession began (around 1978), movie scores were my first love. Hearing the soundtracks to Star Wars, Superman, & Star Trek were the best way in those pre-VCR days (my family didn't break down and get one til '85) to relive those films over and over again...They provided the ideal backdrop for action figure playtime and the soundtrack to our homemade animated Super 8 adventures we made as kids.
So it is with that I bid farewell to two giants of the film score, Jerry Goldsmith & Elmer Bernstein. Your imagination(s) enhanced the movie experience beyond special effects, THX, and probally popcorn too.
Yours were the music that made good films great and great films classics.
Among Elmer Bernstein's scores are The Man With The Golden Arm, Ghostbusters, Animal House, and most recently Far From Heaven.
Jerry Goldsmith's scores include Alien, Star Trek, Poltergeist, & Total Recall.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Ever find yourself in one of those moments where the day job has melted your brain into such queso that you can't think of a goddang thing to blog about?
That's where I am today folks.
So in leiu of something whimsical, please join me in wishing rock legends Dave Davies & Charlie Watts rock-steady recoveries and a quick return to the business of making Classic Rock rawk.
Me? I hope I recover from this malaise of blogger's bloc before breakfast.
Praise the lord and pass the winning lotto tickets.
That's where I am today folks.
So in leiu of something whimsical, please join me in wishing rock legends Dave Davies & Charlie Watts rock-steady recoveries and a quick return to the business of making Classic Rock rawk.
Me? I hope I recover from this malaise of blogger's bloc before breakfast.
Praise the lord and pass the winning lotto tickets.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Trader Joe or Traitor Joe?
Trader Joe, you are slowly being let back in. My lunchtime curried chicken salad did not combust...
As it did not require microwaving, this is a trial reconcilliation.
Trader Joe, you are slowly being let back in. My lunchtime curried chicken salad did not combust...
As it did not require microwaving, this is a trial reconcilliation.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Dearest Trader Joe,
You've broken my heart. Why do you taunt me with inaccurate heating instructions on your burritoed wares? Is it because I've taken advantage of the free snack table one too many times? Is it because I'm a Jew?
Why do you mock me so? Do you laugh every time you hear another burrito explode in a microwave oven? Do your angels grow wings every time a chicken burrito combusts?
Do you enjoy punking your unwitting customers with inaccurate heating instructions? Were you a loner in high school? I thought we were friends. When you introduced me to $2 Charles Shaw I thought you were letting me in...Friends don't let friends go without lunch. You of all people should know that.
Oh Joe, How do you sleep at night?? Do you really want me to make that run to the border? I thought I knew you better than that.
With a heavy heart and an empty stomach,
Rev.Speats
You've broken my heart. Why do you taunt me with inaccurate heating instructions on your burritoed wares? Is it because I've taken advantage of the free snack table one too many times? Is it because I'm a Jew?
Why do you mock me so? Do you laugh every time you hear another burrito explode in a microwave oven? Do your angels grow wings every time a chicken burrito combusts?
Do you enjoy punking your unwitting customers with inaccurate heating instructions? Were you a loner in high school? I thought we were friends. When you introduced me to $2 Charles Shaw I thought you were letting me in...Friends don't let friends go without lunch. You of all people should know that.
Oh Joe, How do you sleep at night?? Do you really want me to make that run to the border? I thought I knew you better than that.
With a heavy heart and an empty stomach,
Rev.Speats
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
For Those Who Are About To Heat Up A Trader Joes Bean & Cheese Burrito:
A word of caution. Only heat up for two minutes as opposed to the reccomended three to four. If you ignore this warning your burrito will explode like the Hindenburg, leaving the office microwave resembling a Chevron restroom commode, and your lunch hour needs completely unrequited.
This has been a Rev.Speats Public Service Announcement. Now back to our regularly scheduled blog.
A word of caution. Only heat up for two minutes as opposed to the reccomended three to four. If you ignore this warning your burrito will explode like the Hindenburg, leaving the office microwave resembling a Chevron restroom commode, and your lunch hour needs completely unrequited.
This has been a Rev.Speats Public Service Announcement. Now back to our regularly scheduled blog.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Wicked Lester rules.
Who are Wicked Lester? Not the evil-parallel-universe-counterpart to Willie Tyler's puppet o' color as many of you might suspect but the band that would eventually become KISS.
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley formed this bubblegum take on the Doobie Brothers in 1971 and quickly landed a contract with Epic Records.
The resulting album never was released (due to the formation of KISS and subsequent disbanding of Wicked Lester) but has made the rounds through the years as a bootleg.
While it may not make you want to rock and roll all night, it certainly will make you wanna party every day.
Who are Wicked Lester? Not the evil-parallel-universe-counterpart to Willie Tyler's puppet o' color as many of you might suspect but the band that would eventually become KISS.
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley formed this bubblegum take on the Doobie Brothers in 1971 and quickly landed a contract with Epic Records.
The resulting album never was released (due to the formation of KISS and subsequent disbanding of Wicked Lester) but has made the rounds through the years as a bootleg.
While it may not make you want to rock and roll all night, it certainly will make you wanna party every day.
Local Rock N' Roll legends The Letter Openers hit Mr.T's Bowl tonight in Highland Park.
For all the non-locals out there, check out http://www.letteropeners.net and prepare your collective asses to get RAWKED.
You know what pop band never seems to get their due beyond snobby music rags? The Apples In Stereo. Relistening to their 2000 release The Discovery of A World Inside The Moon is proof positive that when retro-bubblegum-rock is done right it can be downright blissful. True ear candy for the discerning pop snob.
Friday I'm In Rawk.
For all the non-locals out there, check out http://www.letteropeners.net and prepare your collective asses to get RAWKED.
You know what pop band never seems to get their due beyond snobby music rags? The Apples In Stereo. Relistening to their 2000 release The Discovery of A World Inside The Moon is proof positive that when retro-bubblegum-rock is done right it can be downright blissful. True ear candy for the discerning pop snob.
Friday I'm In Rawk.
To Rick James With Love...1948-2004
From Superfreak to the Mary Jane Girls you'll aways be the kind you don't bring home to mother.
From Superfreak to the Mary Jane Girls you'll aways be the kind you don't bring home to mother.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
From the What-The-Hell-Are-They-Teaching-Kids-In-College-These-Days? Dept.:
Our intern here today asked me today if China was a country. I'll repeat that for spit-take effect: Our intern here today asked me today if China was a country.
Could be the human race is run as Roger Waters once said.
In other, better news...
There is a new team taking their rightful place alongside Cheech & Chong, Bob & Doug McKenzie, Chainsaw & Dave, Slater & Wooderson, Bill & Ted, Artoo & Threepio, Laurel & Hardy, Hope & Crosby, Martin & Lewis, Beavis & Butthead and Abbott & Costello: They are Harold & Kumar. Join their quest and I guarantee your ass will be laughed off.
Our intern here today asked me today if China was a country. I'll repeat that for spit-take effect: Our intern here today asked me today if China was a country.
Could be the human race is run as Roger Waters once said.
In other, better news...
There is a new team taking their rightful place alongside Cheech & Chong, Bob & Doug McKenzie, Chainsaw & Dave, Slater & Wooderson, Bill & Ted, Artoo & Threepio, Laurel & Hardy, Hope & Crosby, Martin & Lewis, Beavis & Butthead and Abbott & Costello: They are Harold & Kumar. Join their quest and I guarantee your ass will be laughed off.
Monday, August 02, 2004
Another one gets hitched!
Another college comrade tied ye olde knot this past weekend, twas a loverly affair...perhaps the best part of the evening was entertaining my friends twin toddlers with my patented cave man routine. I'm a big hit with the Fisher Price crowd it seems...
You know what's really superbadass?
Turning on VH-1 Classic and seeing the Arnold Layne (Pink Floyd's debut single from the Spring of '67) video. . .There the Floyds were hopping around like wee Northern England Monkees doing there best Hard Day's Night in glorious Black & White set to Syd Barret's whimsy and Rick Wrights swirly Farfisa Organ solos.
Now that's what I call music television.
Another college comrade tied ye olde knot this past weekend, twas a loverly affair...perhaps the best part of the evening was entertaining my friends twin toddlers with my patented cave man routine. I'm a big hit with the Fisher Price crowd it seems...
You know what's really superbadass?
Turning on VH-1 Classic and seeing the Arnold Layne (Pink Floyd's debut single from the Spring of '67) video. . .There the Floyds were hopping around like wee Northern England Monkees doing there best Hard Day's Night in glorious Black & White set to Syd Barret's whimsy and Rick Wrights swirly Farfisa Organ solos.
Now that's what I call music television.
