SUNDAY MORNING TUNEAGE
TEARS FOR FEARS - SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE. The 1989 Tears for Fears couldn't really hold my attention the way the 1983 TFF did. The song was their Beatles' tribute and it does as good a job capturing the feel of those late 60s Beatles' tunes as any other. This was a huge hit and I've grown to appreciate it. But it's also a last gasp from a group that was one that knocked me off my feet in their early days.
STEVE MILLER BAND - FLY LIKE AN EAGLE. Listening to this tune the way it was meant to be heard off the album (not the truncated radio version) - you need the 2 minutes of "Harmony" and "Space: Intro" before the awesome bassline starts. Don't know if I could be playing this at louder volumes right now. Always had this as a SMB favorite. "Time keeps on slippin' into the future." Just a bit sad that this new generation mainly knows it from the Seal cover in SPACE JAM. . .
RAINBOW - STREET OF DREAMS. This came in right at the end of 1983 and the beginning of 1984. I was already a Rainbow and Ritchie Blackmore fan before this tune. But this gave them a little life late in their career. It's a nice antidote to the light rock that Night Ranger and Bryan Adams were putting out. But the sound wasn't too far out in the Hard Rock genre to not have a more mainstream following. The video was banned by MTV and I'm still not sure I've seen it. Have to go do a little YouTube research today . . .
SOMETHING RANDOM . . . GOING UNDERGROUND is a documentary about the Beatles and the 60s UK Underground scene that looks informative . . .
and to get your comedy fix in - here's the Top 12 Mitch Hedberg jokes
QUICK LIST (a random, uninformed list off the top of Shawn's head)
BEST BEN AFFLECK FILMS OF ALL-TIME
BEST BEN AFFLECK FILMS OF ALL-TIME
10. ARMAGEDDON (1998) Not a great film. And Ben overacts the whole thing. But when you examine the film again - it's an ode to the disaster films I loved in the 1970s. Coming around on this film finally.
9. CHANGING LANES (2002) Not sure I remember much about this film except than Ben and Sam Jackson were pretty good.
8. JERSEY GIRL (2004) Kevin Smith wants to have a Ben Affleck thing. It kinda works. But there are acting scenes in this film that are almost unwatchable. Overall I enjoy Ben in a majority of it though.
7. COMPANY MEN (2011) Not terrible at all. Not as good as I wanted it to be after the reviews. But maybe the man can act in more adult stories in the future . . .
6. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998) This one defies logic because he does have to act a little and period pieces would not seem to fit him. The cast around him helps.
5. DOGMA (1999) I thought this would be one of his worst casting films. But Damon and Affleck pull it off. I think this film is growing on me more over the years.
4. STATE OF PLAY (2009) Once again, surprisingly good role for Ben in a great film. Buoyed by a great cast again.
3. DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993) Small role but one of the most memorable. So believable as a Texas teenager just looking to beat some kid's butt.
2. CHASING AMY (1997) Who knew that Kevin Smith would bring out one of the best roles for Mr Affleck. Quite the stretch to play a hipster and slacker with low morals. But he's genuinely charming in a-hole way. And his best best beard in all his films.
1. GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) He doesn't have to carry the movie. He's best as a supporting actor and this is a great role. He gets to be himself - where he's best - and he's actually really good as the friend who has to be left behind.
Everyone wants him to be something he isn't, I think. He's our genuinely middle of the pack actor - not a superstar but not terrible either. He's himself and when you let him just riff through a film and not have to overact - he's good. But he can be terrible too if much emotion is required. I kinda like the guy in general. Not on the list because I haven't seen it - ARGO and THE TOWN (and I realize those might both be his best). The worst? The bottom list is big too. But I really hate - PEARL HARBOR, DAREDEVIL and REINDEER GAMES are the bottom of the stinky barrel.
Everyone wants him to be something he isn't, I think. He's our genuinely middle of the pack actor - not a superstar but not terrible either. He's himself and when you let him just riff through a film and not have to overact - he's good. But he can be terrible too if much emotion is required. I kinda like the guy in general. Not on the list because I haven't seen it - ARGO and THE TOWN (and I realize those might both be his best). The worst? The bottom list is big too. But I really hate - PEARL HARBOR, DAREDEVIL and REINDEER GAMES are the bottom of the stinky barrel.
NETFLIX PLAY NOW OF THE WEEK . . . you've got the first couple seasons of BOB'S BURGERS are available now. I've misjudged the show and need to go back to catch up . . . THE DICTATOR with Sacha Baron Cohen is probably not nearly as funny but it's watchable now . . . BURN NOTICE appears to be a decent show from scenes I've encountered - it's all available - can anyone back me up on the quality of this show . . .
Shawn's fave movies according to FLICKCHART
#490 - 48 Hrs
#560 - Patton (should be better than that)
#728 - Bad Santa
#490 - 48 Hrs
#560 - Patton (should be better than that)
#728 - Bad Santa
RANDOM PROJECT UPDATE - The STAR TREK project. I'm still making my way through the 1st season of the Original series for at least the 3rd or 4th time. Just finished "The Squire of Gothos" was probably the most "Twilight Zone" influenced to the 1st season episodes yet. I really enjoyed the twist ending - even knowing what was coming. Also recently had the Theodore Sturgeon episode "Shore Leave" with the fun Alice In Wonderland references. Next up - "Arena".
SHAWN'S TOP ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME (a tribute to the art of the album)
#27 Paul Simon - Graceland (1986)
It had been three years since his "Hearts and Bones" album and I'd kinda forgot about his solo career. This album didn't come out to lots of fanfare that Fall. But by the time Christmas had hit and we had all seen the "You Can Call Me Al" video - it was on lots of turntables at Michigan. The various styles of music on this album blew me away. It's like the ultimate resume of what Paul could do and what he was interested in. It's aged even better - the variety alone makes it always worth a listen. The UNDER AFRICAN SKIES documentary from a few years ago helps bring out the ultimate talents that went into each song. I am partial to Linda Ronstadt on "Under African Skies" and Los Lobos on "All Around the World". This is one of my favorites of all-time but has to settle for being just outside of the Top 25.
It had been three years since his "Hearts and Bones" album and I'd kinda forgot about his solo career. This album didn't come out to lots of fanfare that Fall. But by the time Christmas had hit and we had all seen the "You Can Call Me Al" video - it was on lots of turntables at Michigan. The various styles of music on this album blew me away. It's like the ultimate resume of what Paul could do and what he was interested in. It's aged even better - the variety alone makes it always worth a listen. The UNDER AFRICAN SKIES documentary from a few years ago helps bring out the ultimate talents that went into each song. I am partial to Linda Ronstadt on "Under African Skies" and Los Lobos on "All Around the World". This is one of my favorites of all-time but has to settle for being just outside of the Top 25.
Boy In The Bubble
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Under African Skies
Previous Rankings
#28 - The Clash - London Calling (1979)
#29 - Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988)
#30 - New Order - Power, Corruption, Lies (1983)
#31 - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
#32 - Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
THIS WEEK IN TELEVISION
MONDAY
MONDAY
CALL OF THE WILDMAN: VIVA LIVE ACTION! (ANIMAL) Great title for Turtleman and Neal rescuing a big creature in Mexico.
COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF JAMES FRANCO (COMEDY) Always turn into the later airings to get them uncensored. This one is hosted by Seth Rogen - interesting that they are skewing younger with this Roast. Franco is ripe for humor.
AN EDISON ALBUM / LUMIERE'S FIRST PICTURE SHOWS / 1895-1918: THE WORLD DISCOVERS A NEW ART FORM (TCM) A night of great features on Silent Films. An obsession of mine (hint: more to come in the near future on this).
TUESDAY
LUTHER (BBC) Idris Elba is back in a show that I know I'll love when I get around to watching.
HEROES OF COSPLAY (SYFY) This show looks pretty cool. Tonight they are at a Texas Anime convention (A-Kon?) and a couple costumers get a specail effects job with Guillermo del Toro.
WEDNESDAY
FUTURAMA (COMEDY) It's the Series finale. Again. For the 4th time - the show is ending. This time I feel like it's finally the end. I've actually enjoyed most of this season's episodes. I'll miss the Planet Express gang.
THURSDAY
RAGIN' CAJUN REDNECK GATORS (SYFY) I thought this might be a reality show on History channel. It's a made-for-SyFy film about poisoned moonshine and the alligator that drink it up.
ELEMENTARY (CBS) We're almost to the Season Finale again - this episode breaks down all you need to know about Moriarty and the secrets about Irene.
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (NBC) Yeah, that's what they call it. On a Thursday night. The NFL season starts with Baltimore Ravens going to Denver Broncos. Put your money on Manning starting off the season with a victory.
FRIDAY
TEACH (CBS) Good use of Friday nights on CBS - it's a season long documentary that follows teachers in three cities through the school year.
SHAUN OF THE DEAD (MOREMAX) Time to revisit.
METROPOLIS (TCM) This is a heavily restored version of the Fritz Lang's silent classic. There are some awesome visuals and the story is very prescient.
SATURDAY
DAVID TUTERA: UNVEILED (WETV) This show used to be "My Fair Wedding: Unveiled". His shows are usually a hoot - even if you aren't planning a wedding in your future. New season starts tonight.
NOTRE DAME VS. MICHIGAN (ESPN) Night football at the Big House. Don't distract me between 8pm and 11pm.
WEST VIRGINIA VS. OKLAHOMA (FOX) If the Michigan game doesn't do anything for you - and I just can't fathom that - this is the Big 12 opener for West Virginia. Welcome to the big time, boys.
SUNDAY
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO) It's back!!! And all is good on Sunday nights again. Either the first or second best show on television.
LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX (PBS) A BBC import that looks like a feel good and probably tear jerker. Friends from childhood see each other after 60 years and fall in love. It's been getting great reviews.
NEW YORK GIANTS VS. DALLAS COWBOYS (NBC) The real Sunday Night Football and over the past few years I've made the mistake of going out to watch this game at a bar. And they've lost all of them. Staying home.
SABOTEUR / FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT / NORTH BY NORTHWEST (TCM) Hitchcock marathon with some cool choices. Alternative in case the football game goes poorly.
AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR . . . still catching up in this area.
"She looked me over
And I guess she thought
I was all right
All right in a sort of a limited way
For an off-night." - Paul Simon
I know what I know. Stay hard.
sb
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