Friday, February 28, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#384 and #383)

(#384, Space City Kicks by Robert Pollard)

One of my favorite things to do when a new Pollard record comes out, is to peruse the track titles, and try to guess where he came up with some of them.  Check out some of these titles ...

"Mr Fantastic Must Die"

"Sex She Said"

"Something Strawberry"

"Children Ships"

"Spill the Blues"



This is a pretty fun record, and for those of you not fans of Pollard, check out these numbers that Todd Kemper and I are used to.  18 songs, under 36 minutes long, only one song over 3 minutes long, and 11 of them under 2 minutes long ...

Take a listen to "Mr Fantastic Must Die" ...




(#385, Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors)

I discovered this band on Paste in 2009, and this album is a sonic joy.  And as much as I want to talk about this record, I just can't help to think what dicks we were to Mrs. Wagner.














This is "Stillness is the Move" ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Barry Windham vs Mr Perfect)




While this was hard for me to pick, Mr Perfect eventually took 100% of all votes cast in beating Barry Windham.  I've got to think people aren't as familiar with Windham as I thought.

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Randy Orton vs Junkyard Dog)


Randy Orton takes 86% of the votes in a victory over Junkyard Dog.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

newgazzi Vol 13

The monthly newgazzi playlist enters its second year with a pretty solid batch of new tunes.  We have new music from some old favorites (Dum Dum Girls, Neil Finn, The Presidents of the United States of America and Guided By Voices).  We will also be introducing newgazzi readers to the music of Amen Dunes, Lake Street Dive, Young & Sick, Temples, Natural Child, Mr Little Jeans and Jon Bryant.  For the third time in the last four months, Norah Jones has crept into the playlist, with her appearance on Dawn Landes' track "Love Song".  I simply couldn't resist including Karen O and Ezra Koenig's studio version of the Oscar nominated song from "Her" ... "The Moon Song".  There is some local flavor this month, as I introduce the music of a gentleman I saw perform in Port Washington recently, his name is Ryan McIntyre, and we have new music from the man I've been spending most of my time with recently, Mark Kozelek, and a track from his most recent Sun Kil Moon record ... enjoy!




Track #1 (Bad Self Portraits by Lake Street Dive, from the album Bad Self Portraits)

A year ago, I stopped subscribing to Paste.com, and that is a big reason why the newgazzi samplers started. It's been a year, but recently, I felt like calling up an old friend, and renewed my subscription.  It felt good.  It felt right.  A few of the tracks I chose this month came from a recent Paste sampler, and this is one of them.    This also happens to be a free download at iTunes currently, so mosey on over there and download this tune.

Check out there website to learn about them ...




Here is there recent performance of this song on "Late Show with David Letterman" ...



Track #2 (Shelter Song by Temples, from the album Sun Structures)

This song has been floating around for a little over a year, but the debut album of Temples was just released a few weeks ago.  This is a must listen.  I love the opening riff, I love the vocals.  Can't wait to give sufficient time to the entire record.  

Take a few minutes to visit their website ...










Track #3 (Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes by Sun Kil Moon, from the album Benji)

My buddy Todd Kemper introduced Mark Kozelek to me about ten years ago, and it probably took about 8 years for me to warm up to him and his music.  It was well worth the wait, as this is what I've been spending most of my time with as of late.  Three of Sun Kil Moon's records are currently in heavy rotation in my household, and this is his most recent record.  If Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums would have been thought of a few years from now, this would have been represented for sure.  






Track #4 (Good Mistake by Mr Little Jeans, from the Good Mistake - EP)

Found this on iTunes while browsing a few nights ago.  This was the last song that was chosen for this month's volume, and their EP features a cover of Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs", which is also worth checking out.

For more information about Mr Little Jeans, visit their website ...










Track #5 (Rimbaud Eyes by Dum Dum Girls, from the album Too True)

I discovered Dum Dum Girls in 2011 while reading SPIN, and pretty much have loved everything they've done since the first time I heard "Coming Down" from their record Only in Dreams.  So much so, that I chose "Lord Knows" from their End of Daze - EP as my song of the year in 2012.  I was thrilled to see this released a while back, and have been enjoying it ever since.

If you are not familiar with this band, visit their website to play catch up ...





Here's another performance from "Late Show with David Letterman" ...



Track #6 (Dizzy Heights by Neil Finn, from the album Dizzy Heights)

Neil Finn is the brainchild behind Crowded House, and the father of Liam Finn, both of which are featured on Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums.  This is Neil Finn's latest solo effort, but if this is your first introduction to him, and you like what you hear, take a listen to Crowded House's "Together Alone" as well.

Here is his official website, for more info ...









Track #7 (Hard Hard Heart by Jon Bryant)

I don't know much about Jon Bryant, but I look forward to finding out more about him.  Everything works in this song.  Musically, there are a lot of colors represented, and I love his vocals.  This was released as a single ten days ago, and if there is an album coming soon, count me in ...

Learn more about Jon Bryant here ...










Track #8 (Out in the Country by Natural Child, from the album Dancin' With Wolves)

This is the second of two tracks that I discovered on Paste.com recently.  Another band I'm not too familiar with, but this song is solid, and I'll have to check out the new record ...

Read more about it here ...











Track #9 (Glass by Young & Sick, from the album Young & Sick)

This album comes out on April 8th, but you can grab the first single, "Glass", right now!  One of my favorite songs I found this month ...















Track #10 (Slow Slow Fly by The Presidents of the Unites States of America, from the album Kudos To You!)

Let's be honest.  We all loved "Lump" and "Peaches", and I have a soft spot in my heart for "Cleveland Rocks", but quite honestly, I haven't given this band much thought since about 1998.  I may be getting the facts wrong here, but I think they've broken up a few times since then, and that could have contributed to me not being familiar with anything they've done since Pure Frosting.  I stumbled upon this about a week ago, and really love what I heard.  These are fun songs, and music should be fun.  Give this a listen ...






Track #11 (Planet Score by Guided By Voices, from the album Motivational Jumpsuit)

newgazzi readers probably know that I chose Class Clown Spots an UFO as my album of the year in 2012, and of the five albums they've released since reuniting in late 2011, this is easily my second favorite of the bunch.  I know this is unrelated, but I've been asked several times, "Why do you use a lower case n when you spell out newgazzi?"   I don't know, it just looks better with all lower case letters, I guess.  

Anyway, if you enjoy Pollard, pick this up.  If you're not familiar with him, check this out ...




This is awesome, by the way ...



Track #12 (Dirt Floor by Ryan McIntyre)

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the "Best of Milwaukee" Acoustic Artist of the Year for 2012. I saw him play in Port Washington recently, and really enjoyed his set.  You can see him at The Rox Bar in Pewaukee every Thursday night, and I recommend that you do so.  Check out Ryan's website to see where else he'll be playing.  












Track #13 (Love Song by Dawn Landes, from the album Bluebird)

This is a gorgeous song, and I need to make more time with the Dawn Landes discography.  This is also Norah Jones' third appearance on newgazzi in the past four months, as she plays piano and provides harmonies on this beautiful track.  

Please visit Dawn's website to learn more about her ...









Listen to "Love Song" right here ... "Love Song" by Dawn Landes




Track #14 (Lonely Richard by Amen Dunes, from the album Love)

If you are a loyal newgazzi reader, it is no secret that I like to close strong on these playlists.  This is the song I've listened to the most over the past few weeks.  The album won't be out until May, but I can't wait.  And for the record, I just noticed the racy photo on the bottom of the record.

Damon McMahon, you have a new fan for life!










Listen to "Lonely Richard" here ... "Lonely Richard" by Amen Dunes




Track #15 (The Moon Song by Karen O and Ezra Koenig, from the Motion Picture "Her")

I loved the movie, can't get the song out of my head, and simply had to close newgazzi Vol 13 with this song.  I actually knew leaving the theater that night that this would eventually close a volume of newgazzi, and I didn't waste any time in doing so.  



















Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#386 and #385)

(#386, One Foot in the Grave by Beck)

Look, am I gonna sit here and tell you that I had a copy of this before Mellow Gold came out?  Hell no, and if anyone says they did, they're lying to you, because although this was recorded before Mellow Gold was, it wasn't released until well after we all pretended to know the words to "Loser".  Scott Radke is responsible for introducing this man's music to me, and a big thank you to him for doing so.  This is one of a select few artists that tells the world they are releasing something new, and I'm first in line.  By the way, Beck's new album came out two days ago, it's called Morning Phase.  This particular record sounds nothing like Odelay or Midnite Vultures, but still an essential record if you are a fan of Beck.


This is "Asshole", a song Tom Petty would cover just a few years later for the "She's the One" soundtrack ...




(#385, Monsters of Folk by Monsters of Folk)

This is what happens when Conor Oberst, Jim James, M Ward and another guy get together and collaborate.  I love the idea of the supergroup, and this is one that I would like to hear more of.  I think The Roots sampled this record as well.













This is a cool video for "Dear God" ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Dusty Rhodes vs JBL)


Dusty Rhodes beats JBL with 69% of all votes cast.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#388 and #387)

(#388, Is This It? by The Strokes)

These guys seemed to own 2002 for a period of time, and it almost seems like they've fallen off the face of the earth since then.  They've actually released four other albums since then, but I haven't heard a note from any of them, and I'm not really sure why.  This is a solid garage rock record, and I really am surprised that I haven't given them more of a look since 2002.  Perhaps it's because that's the last year that I watched any MTV2, and that is where I discovered them.








And even though you've all seen it, you probably haven't seen it recently.  Here's the video for "Last Nite" ...




(#387, Mission Bell by Amos Lee)

This album is the answer to an interesting trivia question.  Which album has the lowest sales ever for a number one record?  In its debut week, this album sold just over 40,000 copies, which was number one in the country, but that total is the lowest ever for a number one record.   I don't give a shit about trivia like that, I'm not even sure why I shared it.  This album is fantastic, featuring a good number of guest musicians, and was produced by Joey Burns of Calexico.








Here's "Violin" featuring Sam Beam ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Kurt Angle vs Yokozuna)



Kurt Angle beats Yokozuna with 75% of the votes to advance in the tournament.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#390 and #389)

(#390, amorica. by The Black Crowes)

You can probably tell by the album art that this is not a record I listen to a ton while my daughter is in the room.  But like every eight year old girl, Gracie has a bed time, and this is in heavy rotation while she is counting sheep. This is just good rock and roll music, played very well.  I had a chance to see these guys live about five years ago, and inexplicably gave the tickets to my ex-wife.  I mean, I hope she had fun, and I don't regret the gesture, but what was I thinking?








This is "She Gave Good Sunflower" ...




(#389, Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen)

I ranked this as my 7th best album of 2012, and the only thing that kept it out of the top 3 was MLB's overuse of the song "Land of Hopes and Dreams", and for the same reason, this album isn't ranked higher this time around.  Even though I haven't heard those ads for over a year now, they still pop up in my head every now and then.  All kidding aside, this is a solid effort from The Boss.







This is "Death to My Hometown".  I tried to find the performance from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (which was the tits), but could not find it ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Razor Ramon vs Booker T)



Booker T beats Razor Ramon with 64% of all votes cast.

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Jeff Hardy vs "Ravishing" Rick Rude)


"Ravishing" Rick Rude beats Jeff Hardy, with 60% of all votes cast.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Happy First Birthday, newgazzi !!

The monthly newgazzi playlist is celebrating a birthday this month, with a special playlist!  I've taken at least one song from each of the first 12 volumes of newgazzi (15 total songs), in anticipation of newgazzi Vol 13, which will be unveiled this Friday, February 28th.   Over the past twelve months, I've really enjoyed sharing the new music I love with all the loyal newgazzi readers, and I love it when the musicians tell their fans about what we are doing here at newgazzi.  The whole point from day one was to take The Melodic's chocolate, and see how it tastes next to James Tristan Redding's peanut butter, and give fans of each artist exposure to music that they may not have heard had it not been for the newgazzi playlist.  Thank you to all my readers and all the great musicians for keeping newgazzi alive!

I hope you enjoy it !

Track 1 - On My Way by The Melodic



Track 2 - Undertow by Anna Vogelzang



Track 3 - Here We Go by Emily Forst



Track 4 - Peaches by In the Valley Below



Track 5 - Irony is Not a Type of Metal by James Tristan Redding



Track 6 - Stranger to My Happiness by Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings



Track 7 - Brighten It Up by Matt Stansberry & The Romance



Track 8 - November by Grace and Tony



Track 9 - Leslie by Nataly Dawn



Track 10 - High School Lover by Cayucas



Track 11 - Faith in a Man by Danielle Ate the Sandwich



Track 12 - I Love You by Said the Whale



Track 13 - Pretty Green by White Denim



Track 14 - Fowl and Foe by Old Monk



Track 15 - This is How I Let You Down by The Franklin Electric




Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#392 and #391)

(#392, Furr by Blitzen Trapper)

A big thank you to Todd Kemper for introducing this band to me, and this is not the last time these gents will show up on the list.  I would rank this band pretty high on a list of bands I need to make more time for.  Another solid listen from top to bottom.













This song is called "God and Suicide" ...




(#392, Admiral Fell Promises by Sun Kil Moon)

Todd, you are 2 for 2 tonight.  Mr Kemper also introduced me to Mark Kozelek and his many musical aliases a while back.  Of all of Kozelek's records, this is the one that he likes the most.  "Bury me with it.  That album is me at my best, my most focused.  It's cohesive, beautiful and my playing was inspired by the legendary Andres Segovia."  Over the past few months, I've been spending most of my time with his albums, and his latest, "Benji" is a masterpiece, and you will hear a track from it this Friday night on newgazzi 13.






Here is Alesund, track #1 from the record ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Edge vs Rey Mysterio)



Edge beats Rey Mysterio, with 71% of all votes cast.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Chris Jericho vs Owen Hart)



Chris Jericho beats Owen Hart, with 70% of all votes cast.

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#394 and #393)

(#394, Earthquake Glue by Guided By Voices)

Pollard just released his 20th Guided By Voices record this past week, and of all of them, Earthquake Glue could be labeled as his most mature effort.  Most Pollard recordings have one or two of those really goofy songs that seem out of place, but you won't find any of that filler here.  This is a pretty solid recording from front to back.  This would end up being his second to last album with GBV, followed by almost 8 years of nothing, and now in the last 26 months, 5 more, and another coming this summer.







Take a listen to "The Best of Jill Hives" ...




(#393, So Beautiful or So What by Paul Simon)

The world lost a musical genius when Phil Ramone passed away last March.  For those of you not familiar with the name, Mr Ramone is partially responsible for you knowing the name Billy Joel.  Before working with Billy Joel for the first time in 1977, Phil Ramone had already formed a great working relationship with Paul Simon, and this record is one of the final things that Phil Ramone produced before his passing last March.    One of my favorite artists, Elvis Costello, has been quoted as saying that this record "deserves to be recognized as among Paul Simon's finest achievements".  He is correct.





Saturday, February 22, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#396 and #395)

(#396, Walls and Bridges by John Lennon)

Music marks time, and while this album was recorded in the mid 70's, I'm sure I listened to it a ton in the early 80's after Lennon was killed.  I can't say for sure, but I feel like my father listened to this a lot when I'd visit him, and the songs feel like home to me.  I always say that my mom gave me Elvis Presley, my dad gave me the Beatles, and Billy Joel came from both sides of the family, but I remember listening to a ton of solo Lennon and Harrison a lot as a kid as well.

This was the album that Lennon recorded during his 18 month separation from Yoko Ono, the "Lost Weekend", as it were.  I love it, and I love you, dad  ...



So many great songs to choose from here, but I'd like to share #9 Dream ...




(#395, Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go by Jason Molina)

I'm unsure when I discovered Jason Molina and his music, but I remember I stumbled upon him, almost by accident, really.  I was reading reviews on Pitchfork on a day off, and found the review for this.  So I sampled it on iTunes, and was instantly drawn in.  I started to dig deeper into his catalog, with Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. and didn't realize at the time that this gentleman would write and record an absolute masterpiece just a few years later.  If you're unfamiliar with this man's work, this may not be the best place to start, which isn't a knock at the material here, but it's safe to say that this is probably Molina's most bare recording, and not representative of most of his work.  I'd probably recommend the Songs: Ohia stuff as a starting point, but either way, this is nice recording for rainy days and late nights.


Here's the title track ...





Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match ("Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs The Magnificent Muraco)



"Rowdy" Roddy Piper has beaten The Magnificent Muraco, with 54% of the votes cast.

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match : (Sheamus vs Diesel)




Diese has beaten Sheamus, with 55% of the votes cast.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#398 and #397)

(#398, Teenager of the Year by Frank Black)

I was late to the Pixies / Black Francis / Frank Black party.  Sure, I had heard of the Pixies, but wasn't properly introduced to them until Dan Lozoff turned me on to them in 2004.  This is Black's second solo album, and the first thing of his I really sat down and listened to.  I wouldn't learn until a few years after listening to this that Kurt Cobain was a huge fan of the Pixies.  At 22 songs, and 62 minutes long, there is enough strong content here to hold my attention.









This is "I Want to Live on an Abstract Plain" ...




(#397, Rome by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi)

This is a concept album, I suppose.  All of the songs recorded here are inspired by music from old spaghetti westerns.  Jack White and Norah Jones each contribute vocals to three songs on the record, and the record sounds like a soundtrack to a movie yet to be made.  Brian Burton is slowly becoming a talent that pretty much turns everything he does to gold, and this is no exception.








Here is "The Rose With the Broken Neck", featuring Jack White on vocals ...


Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (Mick Foley vs Brock Lesnar)



Brock Lesnar beats Mick Foley, with 57% of the votes cast.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#400 and #399)

(#400, Zenyatta Mondatta by The Police)

While this is the only album by The Police that did not make Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, this is the album I choose to kick of my top 400.  It's still hard to fathom that these three incredible musicians haven't recorded a note of new music in over 30 years, but much like Billy Joel, if they announced tomorrow a world tour, they would sell out every ticket, in every town, in about 30 minutes.  I still regret to this the day the decision not to see Elvis Costello and The Police in the summer of 2008.  While everyone is familiar with "Don't Stand So Close To Me" and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", there are a number of other great songs on this record, namely "When the World is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Around", "Canary in a Coalmine, "Voices Inside My Head", "Man in a Suitcase" and the instrumental that ends the record, "The Other Way of Stopping".

Let's all go down memory lane, and watch the video for "Don't Stand So Close To Me" ...




(#399, OK Computer by Radiohead)

I guess this is where roundtable discussion begins.  Many reading this would put this in their personal top 10, some have never heard this, and some have claimed that records like this make them feel stupid.  For me, OK Computer is a great piece of art rock, that can be appreciated when the time is right, but should not be overplayed.  This is an example of a record that I pull out about once a year, I always enjoy it, but by the end of it, I feel exhausted, and couldn't imagine giving it another go for a long time.







Up until this morning, I had never seen this before.  It's the video for "Paranoid Android" ...

Legends of WrestleMania: First Round Match (The Big Show vs Andre the Giant)













The Big Show beats Andre the Giant, with 54% of the votes cast.


Everything you need to know about The Incredible Hulk, Season Five and Beyond

The Incredible Hulk was cancelled prior to the start of the fifth season premiere.  Seven episodes were filmed and broadcast, but a proper ending to the show was never written.  NBC would later buy the rights to the show, and produce three made for TV movies.  A fourth movie was to be the final installment of the story, but was never made, due to Bill Bixby's death in 1993.  While there have been rumors about a relaunch on the ABC network, nothing has come of it yet.

So here is how the series ends ... for the most part, not a great season, but the stronger episodes are near the end of the abbreviated season.

(1) The Phenom

David befriends a rookie baseball player who gets mixed up with a shady sports agent.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Thrown down the stairs
Attacked in parking lot

My take

Just like the wrestling episode from season four, you'd think I'd really like this one, being baseball related and all.  As you will see, for the most part, these season five episodes are pretty bad.  This is easily the weakest season premiere in the history of the series.  The Hulk swinging a bat is pretty comical.  When The Hulk comes face to face with the Roosters mascot, I would have loved for Ferrigno to break the fourth wall, look at the camera and say, "Really??".  Since that did not happen, 2 stars.


(2) Two Godmothers

David is forced to help three prisoners from a woman's institution escape, and one of them is nine months pregnant.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Hand crushed by falling rock
After being handcuffed

My take

It came as a shock to fans and the many people that worked on this episodes that the show was canceled, but looking back at these episodes, and the tail end of season four, the show was obviously in a decline.  Many of the great episodes had me on the edge of my seat, and while watching this one, I was playing "Cat-opoly" with my daughter, and barely looked up at the TV.  2 stars.


(3) Veteran

David tries to stop a Vietnam veteran from assassinating a prominent politician.

The "Hulk-Outs"

While strapped to an electric chair
Punched and kicked during assassination attempt

My take

This is the best episode from season five, the flashbacks to 'nam are well done, the storytelling here was top notch.  4 stars.


(4) Sanctuary

In order to protect a wounded Mexican boy from deportation and possibly death, David poses as a clergyman to help hide the young man in a sanctuary.

The "Hulk-Outs"

While chained to a tree stump
Shot at during a car chase

My take

As a whole, these season five episodes are throwaways, and this one is no exception.  It pains me to say this, but I can start to understand why the show got cancelled, and five years in, this is the best they could produce.  The editing was really poor, and this story never really went anywhere.  1 star.



(5) Triangle

David has to compete with a powerful lumber baron for the attention of a beautiful local girl.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked by lumber folk
While lumber folk attempt to drop logs on him

My take

Decent episode.  Charles Napier is a solid guest star once again.  3 stars.


(6) Slaves

David is captured by an angry convict who forces him to work as a slave in a gold mine along with several other prisoners.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Blindsided by another slave
As cave came crashing down on him

My take

Faye Grant is hot.  And I like the bickering between the two heels.  4 stars.


(7) A Minor Problem

David finds himself in a deserted town that has been contaminated with a deadly bacteria.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Thrown through glass window
After becoming contaminated

My take

I liked this one, because it was unique.  While the seasons seemed to get weaker with each passing year, when I saw episodes like this, it reminded me of how great the show could be, and I still wonder how the series could have ended with a proper send off.  4 stars.



The Incredible Hulk Returns

It has been two years since David's last transformation, and he is now employed at the Joshua-Lambert Research Institute, where he and a team of scientists are putting together a Gamma Transponder, which he hopes to use to reverse the effects of gamma radiation on himself.  David is then startled by the arrival of Dr Donald Blake, an old student of his, who claims that he now shares a bond with Thor, the God of Thunder of Norse mythology.  Later on, a battle between Thor and The Hulk leaves David's lab severely damaged, and The Hulk's re-appearance forces David to go on the run again.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Electrocuted during battle with Thor
Attacked while entering Institute
Shot at with poisonous dart
Sucker-punched by Lambert

My take

You would think that having six years in between the last episode of the original series and this made for TV movie would have been enough time to come up with something epic.  Perhaps it was the lack of Kenneth Johnson's involvement, but this movie was everything that Kenneth Johnson always tried to avoid when he was executive producer.  They got all comic-hooky on us.  I actually remember watching this when it originally premiered, and I'm still as disappointed as I was 26 years ago.  This production lacks the heart and drama that made the series great.  And no Hulk-Out music??  Not even another Charles Napier appearance can save this one.  I will give this 2 stars, only because it is the last time we see Jack McGee (although it seemed like he was on autopilot), and the third Hulk-Out sequence was pretty cool.  But, Goddamn, that synth music is brutal.




The Trial of The Incredible Hulk

David is at the end of his rope, and makes his way into a large city with hopes of renting a room and staying hidden from society.  After attempting to save a young woman from an attack, he transforms into The Hulk, and shortly thereafter, David is arrested.  While awaiting trial, a blind defense attorney is assigned to David's case.  David has a nightmare about transforming on the witness stand, transforms, and breaks out of prison.  The blind attorney tracks David down, and reveals to him that he is Daredevil, and needs David's help to take down the man controlling the town.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked on the subway
A nightmare about taking the stand prompts a transformation
While Daredevil is being beaten up
fourth one

My take

Another return to the comic book feel that Kenneth Johnson wanted to stay away from, but the writing and overall story are much better here than the previous movie.  The drama builds up nicely, and this was a great performance by Bixby.  One thing I noticed about this movie is that they don't use slow motion during the Hulk sequences like they did in the original series, which almost makes it seem like they are being sped up.   4 stars.






The Death of The Incredible Hulk

David poses as a mentally-challenged janitor at a scientific research facility, in order to gain access to the lab of a doctor he believes can cure him.  The doctor soon realizes that David is Dr David Banner, and they soon become friends.  Trouble finds itself in their lab, David falls for a reluctant spy and the series ends in tragedy.

The "Hulk-Outs"

While being robbed
During experiment to bring out The Hulk
During experiment to cure The Hulk
While trapped in a truck by two bulldozers
While chasing the airplane


My take

Solid movie, although not the way the series was supposed to end.  I still hope they do a re-launch to further the story.  4 stars.





Counting the 82 first run episodes of the original TV series that aired on CBS from 1978-1982, and the 3 movies that aired on NBC from 1988-1990, there were a total of 85 productions of The Incredible Hulk.

I rated 16 of them as 5 stars (19%)
I rated 22 of them as 4 stars (26%)
I rated 27 of them as 3 stars (32%)
I rated 14 of them as 2 stars (16%)
I rated 6 of them as 1 star (7%)

45% were rated 4 or 5, and 77% were rated 3 or higher .... that's a pretty good percentage, in my book.

The average score for each season ...

Season 1 (3.67)
Season 2 (3.41)
Season 3 (3.35)
Season 4 (3.17)
Season 5 (2.86)
Movies (3.33)

This tells me the show was stronger in the early years, 75% of the shows that rated 4 or higher happened in Season 3 or earlier, and 70% of the shows that rated 2 or lower happened in Season 3 or later.

Here are my 5 star episodes ...

The Incredible Hulk (two hour pilot episode)
Death in the Family (two hour season one premiere)
747
Married (two hour season two premiere)
A Child in Need
Alice in Disco Land
Like a Brother
The Haunted
Brain Child
Homecoming
The Psychic
Deathmask
Dark Side
Bring Me the Head of the Hulk
The First, part 1
The First, part 2



Here are my 1 star episodes ...

No Escape
Jake
Babalao
Free Fall
Half Nelson
Sanctuary


I can't wait to watch them again!  Most of them, anyway.



Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Fugazzi Grand III : My Top 500 Albums (#402 and #401)

(#402, Normal Happiness by Robert Pollard)

Bob Pollard is a one prolific son of a bitch when it comes to writing catchy pop songs, and this is easily his poppiest album ever recorded.  "Accidental Texas Who" is a typical Pollard song.  How did he come up with the title, and why can't I get it out of my head?












Here's "Boxing About" from the album ...




(#401, The Way I See It by Raphael Saadiq)

I heard rumors a number of years ago that this gentleman was producing a single that Elton John and Billy Joel were working on together.  It never happened, but I was still curious about his music.  I like the comparisons to Smokey Robinson, and this album most definitely has a 60's soul feel to it.











This is an uptempo version of  "Sure Hope You Mean It" ...