The reason that most of us never experience the exhilaration of hitting the game winning shot is that so few of us are willing to risk shooting the ball when the game is on the line.
Archive for the ‘Entertainment/Music/Sports’ Category
Thought for the Day – Taking a Shot
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Thought for the Day / Quotes, tagged game on the line, game winning shot, taking risks on April 9, 2015| Leave a Comment »
10 Surprising Albums
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, tagged 1984, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, AC/DC, Achtung Baby, Back in Black, Black Sabbath, Bon Scott, Boston, Brian Johnson, David Gilmour, Fleetwood Mac, Gregg Rolie, Heaven and Hell, Infinity, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, John Entwistle, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Lindsey Buckingham, Michael Jackson, Neal Schon, Off the Wall, Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Ronnie James Dio, Sharon Osbourne, Stevie Nicks, The New Yardbirds, The Yardbirds, Third Stage, Thriller, Tom Scholz, U2, Van Halen on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »
1. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin: Originally hired as a bassist for the popular English band, “The Yardbirds”, Jimmy Page eventually came to share guitar duties with the legendary Jeff Beck. But as the group began to unravel, Page attempted to put together a new lineup, and tour as, “The New Yardbirds”. Allegedly, John Entwistle of “The Who” joked that this new band was going to go down like a lead balloon, so when the original band members forbade Page to use the Yardbirds name, “Led Zeppelin” was born. Despite the bumpy transition, Led Zeppelin’s debut album was an immediate success, and went on to become a rock classic.
2. Achtung Baby – U2: From the band’s debut album, “Boy” (released in 1980) until their classic 1987 release, “The Joshua Tree”, U2 had experienced a steady rise in both artistic and commercial success. It wasn’t until the release of their 1988 documentary, “Rattle and Hum”, that the band received its first notable criticism, with some describing it as, “bombastic” and “overly pretentious”. Disillusioned by the music industry in general, and bored with what had become their signature sound, the group’s 1991 album, “Achtung Baby” was a radical departure in almost every way.
3. Off the Wall – Michael Jackson: The Jackson Five’s departure from Motown records in 1975 seemed to mark the end of an era. Though the group continued to tour and release records, their popularity steadily dwindled. Because Michael was the main songwriter, and focal point of the band, there was no reason to believe that a new solo record would do much to change that trend. But the 1979 release of the album, “Off the Wall” set off a new era of stardom for the singer that eventually eclipsed everything that had come before it. An artistic leap forward, it laid the foundation for the phenomenal “Thriller” album, which was released just a few years later, and went on to become the biggest selling album of all time.
4. 1984 – Van Halen: The years that followed the band’s spectacular 1978 debut release, “Van Halen”, found the group steadily touring and recording. And though it would be difficult to argue their ongoing success, it was hard not to notice the progressively declining quality of their albums. Despite its commercial success, longtime fans couldn’t help but be dismayed by the remake filled album, “Diver Down” from 1982. Given those factors, there was no reason to expect the stunning return to form that “1984” represented. On many levels it was the band’s most successful album.
5. A Momentary Lapse of Reason – Pink Floyd: For long time fans, it didn’t seem possible to make a legitimate Pink Floyd record without founding member Roger Waters. But guitarist David Gilmour and company did just that with this 1987 release. Though not necessarily ranked with their best work, this album was highly successful, and proved to be a credible addition to the bands enduring legacy.
6. Fleetwood Mac (1975) – Fleetwood Mac: By the time that Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks arrived, “Fleetwood Mac” had already been a band for almost a decade, and had released nine albums. But the addition of these two distinctive artists radically changed the chemistry within the group, and propelled them to a whole new level of popularity. This album not only topped the chart, it sold over 5 million copies, and produced three big radio hits (i.e. Rhiannon, Over My Head, and Say You Love Me). More importantly, it set the stage for the group’s next album, “Rumours”, which went on to be one of the biggest selling albums of all time.
7. Infinity – Journey: Originally formed in 1973, the band was made up of veteran players from the San Francisco bay area; including Santana alum Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon. But after the groups first three albums failed to consistently connect with a sizeable audience, their record company recommended a change in direction, including the incorporation of another vocalist. This shift from a jazz/rock to pop/rock style, and the addition of Steve Perry’s striking vocals, proved to be a winning combination, as their 1978 release, “Infinity” went on to achieve platinum status, and set off a string of highly successful albums.
8. Back in Black – AC/DC: The death of lead singer, Bon Scott, seemed to signal the end for Australian rock outfit AC/DC. His charisma, and distinctive growl, were at the heart of the band’s sound, and looked to be irreplaceable. At that time, few could have anticipated the emergence of new singer Brian Johnson, and the release of what is arguably the bands most complete album.
9. Third Stage – Boston: Though not considered to be on a par with the band’s first two albums (i.e. 1976’s “Boston” and 1978’s “Don’t Look Back”), this album is notable for the eight year span that preceded it’s 1986 release. Multiple law suits, and techno-wiz/guitarist/producer Tom Scholz’s constant tinkering, led to the delay. Despite the gap, this album did manage to continue the bands string of multi-platinum success.
10. Heaven and Hell – Black Sabbath: Considering that Ozzy Osbourne was the face, the voice, and ultimately the stage persona of the band, it seemed unlikely that the group could be successful without him. But when his rampant drug & alcohol abuse caused the band to “fire” him in 1979, they decided to regroup with former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Surprisingly, this new lineup reinvigorated the band’s music, and was well-received by die hard Sabbath fans. It’s interesting to note that it was the daughter of the band’s manager, Don Arden who recommended Dio as Ozzy’s replacement, and that years later she (Sharon Arden) became Mrs. Ozzy Osbourne.
10 Surprising Singles
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, tagged Because the Night, Bing Crosby, Bohemian Rhapsody, Cantaloop, David Bowie, Detroit Rock City, Fleetwood Mac, Frankie Valli, Freddie Mercury, Grace Slick, Jane, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Kiss, Marty Balin, Nevermind, Nirvana, Owner of a Lonely Heart, Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, Queen, Smells Like Teen Spirit, The Four Seasons, The Patti Smith Group, Tusk, Us3, Yes on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »
- Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen: Lead singer, Freddie Mercury was an unprecedented showman, and his unique persona made its mark on all of the band’s music; but this epic recording stands alone in its innovation and originality. Even decades later, with all of the advances in music technology, there is nothing like it.
- December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) – The Four Seasons: Also known as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, their string of 1960‘s hits made them one of the most successful vocal groups of all-time, eventually propelling them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And while the signature falsetto of lead singer Frankie Valli was at the forefront of almost every big hit, it was drummer Gerry Polci who sang lead on this 1975 hit, which went on to become the group’s biggest selling single.
- Owner of a Lonely Heart – Yes: Through ten albums, and more than a decade, art rock band “Yes” habitually produced 8 -10 minute opuses that didn’t fit well into the pop radio format. But all of that changed with the 1983 release of the album “90125”. This pop music gem went on to become the band’s one and only #1 single.
- Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana: In the early nineties there was nothing on pop radio that sounded remotely like Nirvana’s brand of rock, which was ultimately dubbed, “grunge”. Even their record company was caught completely off guard by the meteoric rise of the band, their single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, and its corresponding album, “Nevermind”.
- Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) – Us3: This Jazz/Hip-Hop fusion from 1993 was revolutionary for it’s day, and it’s mass appeal helped drive the Rap/Hip-Hop genre from the fringe of popular music to the heart of popular culture.
- Beth – Kiss: By the mid-seventies, the band, “Kiss” had risen to stardom on the strength of their spectacular stage shows, and their hard rock sound. In keeping with what had brought them success, the band released the single, “Detroit Rock City” in 1976. But to the surprise of everyone associated with the band, it was the B-side of that record, the ballad, “Beth”, that went on to become one of the groups most successful songs.
- Jane – Jefferson Starship: Founding member, Paul Kantner, and his band, had a string of soft rock hits (e.g. Miracles, With Your Love, Count on Me) following their transition from the original “Jefferson Airplane” lineup. But with the 1978 departure of lead singers, Grace Slick, and Marty Balin, they found themselves at yet another crossroad. Then, the addition of “Fooled Around & Fell in Love” singer, Mickey Thomas, and a new harder rock sound, propelled their surprising 1979 single, “Jane” up the charts; beginning a new chapter in the bands long and diverse history.
- Tusk – Fleetwood Mac: Following up on the phenomenal success of the classic album “Rumours”, with its four top ten singles, was a daunting task. But the 1979 album, “Tusk” provided twenty new songs to choose from. Of those, the unusual title track seemed to be the least likely candidate for release as a single. Nonetheless, this pop music oddity reached the top ten later that year.
- Because the Night – The Patti Smith Group: Nothing in Patti Smith’s eclectic artistic history would have indicated that a Top 40 record was anywhere in her future, but her reworking of this Bruce Springsteen composition ruled the airwaves upon its 1978 release.
- Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie: In what had to be one of the most unlikely pairings in pop music history, 1940’s crooner Bing Crosby, and 1970’s glam rocker David Bowie teamed for this Christmas medley, which was included as a part of Crosby’s 1977 television Christmas special.
10 Memorable Debut Albums
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, tagged Appetite for Destruction, Boston, debut album, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, The Cars, The Doors, The Pretenders, The Yardbirds, Van Halen, Whitney Houston on January 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »
- Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin: From the opening notes of the first track (Good Times, Bad Times), Zeppelin’s debut album hailed the coming of one of rock-n-rolls greatest bands. Mixing bruising rock with heavy blues, and sprinkling in a touch of folk, it was an instant hit that set off a string of now classic albums (e.g. Led Zeppelin II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti). Cuts like “Dazed and Confused”, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Communication Breakdown” stand amongst the best in Zeppelin’s catalog.
- The Cars – The Cars: On the front of what was aptly called the, “New Wave”, the Cars debut record was a heady blend of synthesizers, crunchy guitars and quirky lyrics. Though the band went on to score numerous radio hits, no album in their catalog ever approached the consistent quality of this one.
- Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses: Looking back, it’s hard to remember that this record didn’t initially sell very well. It wasn’t until the radio got a hold of “Sweet Child o Mine”, that sales began to take off. Along with the popularity of tracks like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City”, the album went on to sell almost 30 million copies worldwide.
- Crosby, Stills & Nash – Crosby, Stills and Nash: Despite their notable success with other bands, David Crosby (The Byrds), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Graham Nash (The Hollies) never sounded better than when they joined their voices together in this super-group. Their 1969 debut album stands as one of the greatest records of that turbulent era.
- Van Halen – Van Halen: The Van Halen brothers arrived with a bang on their 1978 debut record. Featuring tight rhythms, David Lee Roth’s distinctive howl, and Eddie’s virtuoso guitar work, it was a gritty counterpoint to the synth-pop sounds that ruled the airwaves. For die-hard fans, this album still represents the pinnacle of their catalog.
- Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston: Though originally released in 1985, it took almost a year for this landmark debut album to reach a worldwide audience. But Whitney Houston’s dazzling voice and stunning beauty were impossible to ignore; as the record went on to produce three #1 singles. It was a remarkable beginning for one of pop music’s most amazing voices.
- Boston – Boston: Though their debut album seemed to explode onto the music scene in 1976, it was actually years in the making. Techno wiz Tom Scholz essentially began the process of recording with the core of the band in the early 1970’s, repeatedly reworking the demos until he felt they were ready. The finished product became one of the biggest selling debut albums of all time, and nearly forty years after its release, songs from this record can still be regularly heard on rock radio.
- The Pretenders – The Pretenders: Though formed in England, the creative core of the group was primary songwriter, and singer, Chrissie Hynde; who was originally from Akron Ohio. More gritty than the typical New Wave band, and more accessible than the average Punk band, their music was a compelling blend of influences. Even decades removed from the context of the early 1980’s, this record still sounds fresh and relevant.
- Ten – Pearl Jam: Just as band mates Stone Goassard and Jeff Ament’s previous group (Mother Love Bone) was set to release their debut album, lead singer Andrew Wood died of a drug overdose. Just a year later, they regrouped with a new lead singer (Eddie Vedder), renamed the band (Pearl Jam), and released their ground-breaking debut album “Ten”. Despite it’s rather dark themes, rock radio gravitated to cuts like, “Alive”, “Evenflow”, “Jeremy”, and “Black”; as the album went on to sell over 13 million copies.
- The Doors – The Doors: 1967 proved to be a pivotal year in Rock-n-Roll history, and the release of The Doors self-titled debut record proved to be a significant part of that. Whether it was the irresistible keyboard hook of “Light My Fire”, the rocking “Break On Through”, or the haunting, “The End”, this record was an instant classic.
The Many Faces of Ebenezer Scrooge
Posted in Christmas, Entertainment/Music/Sports, tagged A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, Christmas movies, Scrooge on November 3, 2014| 2 Comments »
I’m a huge fan of Charles Dickens novella, “A Christmas Carol”. Since its first publishing in 1843, it has never been out of print, and the story has been adapted many times for film, the stage, and even opera. Its timeless theme of redemption has made it an indispensable part of our family’s Christmas tradition. But with so many versions of the story available, it’s hard to know which way to turn. After watching many of the popular adaptions, I have yet to find one that I would consider to be the definitive version. Even so, several of them are very worthwhile. As someone who values the original story, I offer the following insights.
“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” / “The Muppet Christmas Carol”
Though Dickens ode to Christmas ultimately ends on a hopeful note, much of the journey to get there can be dark, and may not be suitable for younger children. A couple of great ways to introduce this classic tale to the younger generation are Disney’s “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (featuring Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit), or the Muppet’s version (featuring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit). Though the newer Disney version (2009 – featuring Jim Carrey) is animated, the darker elements of the story are retained, and in some cases even highlighted.
“Scrooge” (1935 – Featuring Seymour Hicks as Scrooge)
One of the biggest challenges that any production of this material faces is realistically portraying the supernatural elements of the story. The 1935 film version worked around this problem by simply allowing the audience to hear the spirits voices, without actually attempting to show their forms. While this avoided the ultra-cheesy effects that hamper many adaptions, it also managed to detract from the overall story, and almost made it seem as though Scrooge might be slipping into dementia.
“A Christmas Carol” (1938 – Featuring Reginald Owen as Scrooge)
Not to be outdone by the 1935 British film, MGM commissioned an American production of the story just a few years later. This version is only noteworthy in that it was the first to include the spirits arriving at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 on the same night, while Dickens original story had them visiting on three successive nights. This change was incorporated into most of the subsequent productions.
“A Christmas Carol” (1951 – Featuring Alastair Sim as Scrooge)
I’ve heard many critics refer to this as the definitive version, though I would certainly beg to differ. Something that does stand out about this film is that it includes numerous story elements that didn’t come from the original novel. Some of these details are actually helpful (e.g. Ebenezer’s mother died giving birth to him, which is why his father doesn’t want him around, and his sister Fan died giving birth to Fred, which is why Ebenezer doesn’t want him around.), while others are simply a distraction (e.g. Ebenezer being wooed away from Fezziwig’s for more lucrative business ventures, which eventually include a company takeover, orchestrated by he and Marley.). Fragments of this subplot involving Scrooge’s shrewd business dealings were later incorporated into other productions, most notably George C. Scott’s portrayal in the 1984, made for television version.
“Scrooge” (1970 Musical – Featuring Albert Finney as Scrooge)
In many ways this adaption represents the pinnacle of the available versions, though its flaws are also painfully obvious. Albert Finney’s award winning portrayal as both the young and old Scrooge is brilliant, and the overall production values of the film are light years beyond anything that preceded it. The songs, and score, flow seamlessly with the story, and help to break up some of the drearier aspects of the tale. On the other side of the coin, some of the special effects are embarrassingly bad. The scenes featuring Sir Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley, and of Scrooge flying over the streets of London, are absolutely cringe-worthy; and Ebenezer’s side trip to hell is both bizarre and unnecessary. Despite these shortcomings, Finney’s performance, and some impressive musical numbers, makes for a memorable retelling of the story.
“A Christmas Carol” (1984 – Featuring George C. Scott as Scrooge)
This version of the story seems to suffer from director Clive Donner’s involvement with the 1951 version of the film. Like that adaption, it incorporates elements that would indicate that Scrooge was a ruthless and shrewd business man, which fundamentally changes the character that Dickens portrayed in the original story. In the novel, Ebenezer clings to his money like a security blanket, and uses it as a hedge against a world that largely terrifies him. He lives like a pauper, unwilling to part with anything because of his fears of returning to a life of poverty. Ultimately, he lords people’s indebtedness over them because it is the only sense of power he has. Watching George C. Scott’s Scrooge swagger through the Royal Stock Exchange seems totally out of step with that characterization. For me, Scott’s powerful stage presence actually works against him with this character, and manages to diffuse the sense of transformation at the end of the story.
“A Christmas Carol” (2009 – Featuring Jim Carrey as Scrooge)
There is a lot to like about this Robert Zemeckis film. The computer animation is beautiful, and it solves the problems that most productions have with realistically portraying the supernatural elements of the story. Carrey does an admirable job voicing Scrooge, and demonstrates his range by voicing several other characters as well. Overall, the story sticks pretty close to Dickens original material. But at times the producers seem to get enamored of the technology, with extended sequences of dizzying effects. These moments give the film a more cartoonish feel, and become tedious with repeated viewings. Additionally, the gimmick of using Carrey’s likeness, and voice, in all its various incarnations, wears thin as the movie progresses. Ultimately, the movie could have retained a more classic feel had filmmakers confined Carrey to the role of Scrooge, and let other talented voices inhabit the remaining roles. One highlight of this film is a particularly poignant moment when an unseen Scrooge comes face to face (i.e. within inches) with a grieving Bob Cratchit. As he stares deeply into his tear filled eyes, you can almost feel Scrooge’s heart break. It is a surprisingly real moment, and better than I expected from an animated feature.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Five for Five
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on February 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Clearly, I don’t get a vote on who gets into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; but if I did, things would look a little different. For me, some of the artists they’ve chosen are head scratchers, while some of the ones they’ve left out are equally baffling. I could go on for days, but let me narrow it down to five. If I could trade five who are already in for five who’ve been left out, they’d be:
Sell
1. The Beastie Boys – I guess white guys making credible rap music was somewhat groundbreaking in its day, but I can’t find anything in the catalog that warrants this kind of accolade.
2. Donna Summer – I love her voice and she made some great dance records, but I don’t get the rock and roll connection. While early R&B artists and Motown legends influenced a whole generation of rockers, I don’t know anyone who’d site her catalog and/or disco music in general, as informing their rock and roll. Definitely belongs in the Pop Music Hall of Fame.
3. Blondie – Another band that I enjoyed, but like the Beasties I can’t find the classic work that would launch them into this sphere.
4. Patti Smith – I’ve appreciated her art (in all its varied forms) and I admire her as a human being. I also think that “Because the Night” was a great record. But I don’t see anything that really warrants elevating her to the pantheon of rock music.
5. Daryl Hall and John Oats – Like Ms. Summer, I’ve enjoyed some of the records, and they’ve had great success on the charts, but the music is purely pop. Other than a pretty credible cover of the classic “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling”, I’m struggling to see Hall of Fame credentials here.
Buy
1. The Doobie Brothers – Though their catalog is a little uneven in spots, it is filled with classic rock songs (e.g. Listen to the Music, Black Water, Another Park – Another Sunday, Long Train Running, China Grove, Takin’ it to the Streets…) that make them worthy of this recognition.
2. Bad Company/Paul Rodgers – I personally feel as though the quality of Bad Company’s catalog (e.g. Bad Company, Ready for Love, Can’t Get Enough, Shooting Star, Feel Like Makin’ Love, Burnin’ Sky…) justifies a spot, but for those who might disagree, I would submit that without a doubt vocalist Paul Rodgers belongs. His work with “Free”, “Bad Company”, “The Firm” and even “Queen”, qualifies him as one of the greatest rock vocalists ever.
3. Chicago – I realize that some of their later pop recordings tarnished their legacy a bit, but they had a solid run of ten albums filled with groundbreaking rock music.
4. Boston – I believe that their debut album alone qualifies them. The second album was a classic as well. Over 30 years later, these songs are still all over the radio.
5. Yes – An amazing collection of virtuoso artists, making totally original music. With artists like Traffic, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and now Peter Gabriel, already inducted, why not recognize the achievements of this innovative band.
Upon Further Review (A Fresh Look at Some Old Rock)
Posted in Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged Bad Company, Chicago, classic rock, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, overrated rock music, Steeely Dan, The Beatles, The Doors, The Guess Who, underrated rock music on February 27, 2014| Leave a Comment »
After spending the first thirty years of my life being glued to the radio, collecting record albums, and reading Rolling Stone magazine, I took about a twelve year hiatus from that whole scene. In recent years, as I’ve revisited some of that old music, I’ve been surprised by how different some of it sounds to me now. A few of the bands I used to love don’t sound that good anymore, and others seem even better than I remember them. Here are a few examples:
Under-rated:
- Steely Dan – I always enjoyed this bands completely unique approach to their craft. The complex jazz influenced arrangements, the exquisite musicianship, the cryptic lyrics and the sparkling production made them standout against the rock/pop music landscape. These attributes also give their best work a timeless quality that has allowed it to become classic.
- Chicago – In its heyday, this band was one of the brightest and most innovative groups in rock music. Through their first ten albums they produced a library of compelling music, much of which remains vibrant today. Though the exploitation of the band’s name in later years diminished their stature in the rock community, a listen to their earlier work is a great reminder of what a special group this was.
- Bad Company – Formed from the ashes of the bands, “Free”, “Mott the Hoople” and “King Crimson”, Bad Company was something of a super-group and it showed immediately on their classic (self-titled) debut album. Though their run (with the original lineup) was relatively brief, it produced five solid albums filled with a lot of great music.
- The Guess Who – This legendary Canadian band has taken on many forms over the years, but it was the combination of Burton Cummings remarkable vocals and guitarist Randy Bachman’s copious musical skills that created their most memorable music. Between 1969 and 1970 they released classics like, “These Eyes”, “Laughing”, “Undun”, “No Time”, “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature”, “Share the Land”, and “American Woman”. Those songs alone give them a Hall of Fame worthy resume.
Over-rated:
- Kiss – No one is likely to dispute their credentials as world class entertainers, and I would list a Kiss concert (with makeup) as a must-see event for any avid rock music fan. But as I revisited the old studio recordings it’s been hard to miss the mediocre songwriting, singing and, in many cases, playing. Other than Kiss Alive I & II, I’d be hard pressed to get through a whole album anymore.
- Eric Clapton (Solo) – There’s no doubt that Clapton is a guitar virtuoso, and that he has played on numerous classic recordings. But as I’ve listened with fresh ears it’s difficult not to notice the huge disparity between the work he did in bands such as the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Domino’s, and his solo recordings. His limitations as a songwriter and vocalist become far more apparent when he was not surrounded by great musicians/vocalists like Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Duane Allman, Steve Winwood… His best solo recordings have generally been songs written by others (e.g. JJ Cale).
- Jimi Hendrix – I know that I’ll likely be lynched for including his hallowed name on this list, and it is in no way meant to disparage his amazing talent. In truth, it is more a lament over the circumstances that surrounded his brief recording career. Though every fan cherishes anything they can get their hands on, most of the Hendrix catalog is made up of poorly recorded, poorly produced snippets of songs and ideas. All of them point to the limitless potential that Hendrix possessed, but sadly, few of them represent the realization of that potential.
Lives Up to the Hype:
- The Beatles – These guys are the gold standard by which just about everyone else is judged and after years of not hearing them, their music still sounds fresh and innovative. With all due respect to their notable individual accomplishments, none of them consistently approached this artistic level as a solo artist.
- The Doors – Like everyone else, I was a big Jim Morrison fan, and was often mesmerized by his persona. But in revisiting the Doors catalog I was struck by the incredible talent and contributions of the rest of the band (keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger). They were by no means simply Morrison’s backing band.
- Led Zeppelin – English bands that loved to play the blues were a dime a dozen back in the 1960’s, but none of them quite reached the heights that Zeppelin did. Their eclectic mix of blues, folk and hard rock could be at times tender, haunting, or even bludgeoning. Going back and listening to this music only enhanced my respect for this one of a kind band.
Bjcorbin's Blog 
10 Holiday Movies/Shows that I Can Live Without
Posted in Christmas, Commentaries, Entertainment/Music/Sports, Lists, Opinions, tagged Bad Santa, Die Hard, Elf, Fred Claus, Home Alone, Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, The Christmas Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas on November 30, 2015| 1 Comment »
One of the things I have appreciated about the Christmas season has been the opportunity to take a break from the relentless, cynical, rude, and sexualized rhetoric that seems to rule our everyday entertainment. Unfortunately, within the last couple of decades, those things have found their way into the seasons entertainment offerings. Many of which are listed below.
1. The Christmas Story (1983 movie, starring Peter Billingsley): Though Peter Billingsley is utterly charming throughout this movie, the rest of the cast, and the story, make it hard to watch.
2. Scrooged (1988 movie, starring Bill Murray): Little more than Bill Murray being obnoxious and trashing a classic story.
3. Die Hard (1988 movie, starring Bruce Willis): I actually enjoyed this movie, but the fact that the terrorists take over the building during the company Christmas party doesn’t really qualify it as a Christmas movie.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989 movie, starring Chevy Chase): If you like National Lampoon, Chevy Chase, and/or the other “Vacation” movies, you probably consider this a classic. But for someone like me, it’s everything I dislike in a comedy, wrapped in Christmas lights.
5. Home Alone (1990 movie, starring Macaulay Culkin): Though I’m not a fan of slap stick comedy, my main contention with this film is that it isn’t a Christmas movie at all. Christmas is just a plot element, and not a substantive part of the story.
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993 animated feature from Tim Burton): Like all Tim Burton creations, this is a fascinating film to watch, but it’s eccentricities overwhelm any genuine sense of connection to Christmas.
7. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 movie, featuring Jim Carrey): Jim Carrey goes way over the top in this overly long adaption of a beloved story. It’s painful to watch.
8. Elf (2003 movie, starring Will Ferrell): This is as close as Will Ferrell ever came to playing a role I could watch, but in the end it was just too ridiculous to be heartwarming.
9. Bad Santa (2003 movie, starring Billy Bob Thornton): Bad Santa = Bad Movie. The end.
10. Fred Claus (2007 movie, starring Vince Vaughn): This movie aspires to be something that it never quite achieves. All the rude, slap stick, Vince Vaughn mugging, buries whatever mild sentiment they may have been shooting for.
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