Monday, February 29, 2016

Happy Leap Year!

Lady Gaga & Sexual Assault Survivors
@ The Oscars
Yes, today is that day that happens once every four years another day gets added to the shortest month of the year, February 29th, Happy Leap Year!

After what will go down in history as one of the worst Oscar telecasts ever, I felt a need to reflect on the best moment of the evening. Lady Gaga performing her song that addresses the issue of sexual assault Till It Happens To You

Not only did Gaga give a knock out performance, she was bravely joined on stage by actual survivors of sexual assault. This song was robbed of the Oscar in my opinion giving it to Sam Smith for an anemic Bond Theme instead.

Then another piece of Oscar magic happened Brie Larson who won for best actress for Room hugged each and every one of those who took a stance with our Lady on stage as they exited. Check out the video below.

Have a terrific February 29th, you won't get this day again for another four years!!!



Sunday, February 28, 2016

Oscar Tribute: It's Raining (Naked) Men

Naked Oscars & This Year's Host
Chris Rock
Every year my friend Tye Briggs does an Oscar tribute on his Favorite Hunks blog to the nominated Actors and some past winners, who have bared it all on screen. Which seems quite fitting since the award statue itself is essentially a nude dude with a sword.

This year is no exception. Tye offers some sharp writing to accompany the libido charged images. 

I have already checked it out and for those of you want something unique in your Oscar coverage I offer you this option.

Christian Bale, Sylvester Stallone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy to name a few, are showing off their bodies for your viewing pleasure.

To all you lovers of naked men, happy Oscar viewing!

Hit the link here:

http://favoritehunks.blogspot.ca/ 

And The Oscar Goes To...

Does anyone out there really care who wins the Oscars anymore? I know I don't, but it is fun to watch the spectacle that accompanies it. 
Below are 7 Things my friends at E! think you should know about the Oscars. I will re-iterate for those who may not be in the loop, that I really have no passion for covering award shows, thus I re-post whatever catches my fancy.
Of those 7 Things the two I am personally excited for are Chris Rock Hosting and of course the musical performances!
Here are E!'s top 7 Things, enjoy the show!
1. Rock the Boat: For weeks, fans have been speculating as to what Chris Rock will say and do when he host's tonight show. The guessing games only continued when he posted a tweet Friday with the words, "See you Sunday…#BlackOut #Oscars." Will the #OscarsSoWhite controversy be addressed? Watch what happens!
2. Thanks Academy: This year's producers are trying to make acceptance speeches a little more engaging. So what's their plan? Nominees were asked to submit a list of the people they'd like to thank. Those names will then run across the bottom of the screen while the winners fill this 45-second maximum time requirement.
3. Leo's Time: From the SAG Awards to the BAFTAs, Leonardo has been able to pick up the Best Actor trophy all season long thanks to his role as frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant. After six Oscar nominations over his career, this has to be his year, right? Before you place your bets, though, don't forget that he's up against Bryan CranstonMatt DamonMichael Fassbender and Eddie Redmayne.
4. Boycott: Because of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, some stars have made it clear that they will not be attending the show. Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Spike Lee are opting to pass on the event. 
Meanwhile, Selma director Ava DuVernay and Creed director Ryan Coogler are opting to attend a special event in Michigan titled #JusticeForFlint.
5. Red Carpet MagicRyan Seacrest is back on the carpet with a front-row seat to all the gowns, tuxedos and fashion for tonight's show. During Live From the Red Carpet, the pro will be chatting with all the big stars. Giuliana RancicKris Jenner,Zanna Roberts Rassi and Ashley Graham will also be close by to dissect all the hot looks.

6. The Weeknd's Big Weekend: Three of the five nominees for Best Original Song have been given the opportunity to perform their songs live at the Dolby Theatre. Audiences can look forward to Sam Smith's "Writings on the Wall," The Weeknd's "Earned It" and Lady Gaga's "Till it Happens to You." In an added twist, The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl will also be on-hand for a "special performance."
7. A-list Alert: If you're favorite Hollywood star isn't nominated, that doesn't mean you won't see them at the Oscars. The Academy has announced that familiar faces including Reese WitherspoonKerry WashingtonSofia VergaraJohn Legend and Jennifer Garner are just some of the stars expected to present awards tonight.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Staying Relevant With Cheryl Tiegs

Simply Beautiful!
Ashley Graham
A memory of my youth was the hot selling poster of one Ms. Cheryl Tiegs. Beautiful to look at and very accessible. 

Not sure what has happened to Ms. Tiegs in recent years. While she is still gorgeous and looks amazing, why is she shading plus size models?! OK, we get it, you weren't one, but seriously?!

Cheryl had this to say about equally beautiful Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover model Ashley Graham:

"Actually I don't like it that we're talking about full-figured women because it's glamorizing them and your waist should be smaller than 35 inches. That's what Dr. Oz said, and I'm sticking to it."

First off we are all built differently, I personally would like to look like some of the guys in my spin class, but guess the fuck what?  I don't! Oh, and I am still comfortable in my own skin, so there. While I understand where the comment was coming from, models in glass houses should not throw stones. 
Pretty on the Outside
Cheryl Tiegs
Yes, Cheryl I am calling your ass out! You look way too thin, like you could be toppled over with a feather, and you really need a face lift. BTW Ashley is sporting a size 30 waist, ignorance is bliss baby! 

Let's place some bets here, I bet Ashley is going to get film offers too. Well, I feel certain she won't need to appear in anything like "The Brown Bunny" or resort to quoting Dr. Oz to stay relevant. 

Here is your humble pie, I made it just for you Cheryl

Get real with Ashley at:
https://www.instagram.com/theashleygraham/?hl=en  

Friday, February 26, 2016

Got "Butthole" ???

Buttholes!
Butthole Surfers
"Let's Go to Hell"
Scattered Memories of the Butthole Surfers
by James Burns

Finally tells the story that was thought (and often hoped) would never be told...
495 pages, 7x10" paperback published by Cheap Drugs

Because life was made for "Butthole"
The Butthole Surfers remain one of the most enigmatic bands in the history of rock music. Most of their records have no information of any kind, and often with the suggestion that you play them at 69 rpm.... They lived like nomads through much of the 1980s, and built their reputation upon tours that never ended, and shows that resembled hedonistic acid tests. They left a heap of former band members in their wake, and have often alienated as many fans as they've attracted. Here for the first time is the complete story of one of the most controversial and dangerous bands to have emerged from the ashes of the punk rock movement. 

Let's Go to Hell compiles the scattered memories into the first comprehensive overview of the band. Featuring exclusive interviews, tons of rare and unpublished photographs, and analysis of the band's vast recorded (and unrecorded) efforts, Let's Go to Hell finally tells the story that was thought (and often hoped) would never be told...

Author James Burns lives in Saugerties, NY with his wife and four children. He founded Cheap Drugs Records in 2000. Let's Go to Hell is the 9th release of the label, and first book to bear the Cheap Drugs name... James been running the Butthole Surfers Anal Obsession archive for more years than he wants to admit.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Heather Langenkamp is a "Nightmare"

French Kissin' in the USA
Heather Langenkamp
While Heather Langenkamp aka Nancy Thompson the erstwhile heroine of a Nightmare on Elm Street bit the dust in a Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors she did rise again in Wes Craven's New Nightmare, a reboot of sorts as the kids say these days. 

Well she's back to be terrorized for your amusement in the horror flick, Home.

We all know that is where the tell tale heart is. But instead of the razor gloved one, she has to contend with this mess: 
Carrie, a young, spiritual woman, is abandoned by her father and forced to move in with her mother (Langenkamp) and stepsister, whose lifestyle conflicts with everything she’s come to believe in. In addition to this test on her values and convictions, Carrie believes the new house possesses evil, paranormal forces. During one terrifying night after her mother leaves on a business trip, Carrie and her boyfriend conduct an exorcism to rid the house of its supernatural presence. But, instead of purging the spirit, they awaken an even more sinister terror that begins to haunt and torture them. Now, as creepy occurrences lead to full-blown terror, Carrie must confront savage forces to protect her little sister and save their lives.
Squishy!
Hey Heather it's time to meet your little sister on March 1st! Yes, that's when it comes out on VOD and DVD.
Heather Langenkamp on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000486/?ref_=nv_sr_4

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

It's "Alpha Balls" Wednesday...!

Baywatch Bromance
Johnson & Efron
And boy is it ever! Here are some pix of Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron from the set of the currently filming Baywatch Movie.

The word is this time around BW is a straight forward comedy, rather than the unintentional one it actually was. It's humor will also be distinctly R-Rated...well that sounds enticing. 

While no one can ever duplicate Pamela Anderson's  iconic run down the beach, this round Baywatch has some serious man candy in the form of Johnson and Efron to compensate. 

Hey, no matter your sexual preference you've gotta admit, these two are 100% Beef!

The former Rock took to his Instagram with this comment about his Co-Star Efron

 "#BAYWATCH Day 1. My character "Mitch Buchannon" just gave @zacefron's character "Matt Brody" the all important beach speech about what it means to have manly "Alpha balls". Zac's ad-libbed responses were brilliant! Talented and great dude. World get ready to have some fun, 'cause the beach will never be the same again. #OnSet #BAYWATCH #Day1 #AlphaBalls #NowWhoNeedsMouthToMouth?"

As a child of the 80's I for one am welcoming the comeback of raunchy R-Rated Comedy films. Yeah, I grew up with those. Let's hope Baywatch hits the mark.

Happy Hump Day! Get yourself some "Alpha Balls!"

Ride the Baywatch wave with: 

Dwayne at: https://www.instagram.com/therock/?hl=en

Zac at: https://www.instagram.com/zacefron/?hl=en 

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

The Voice Of God Is Now On GPS

I Can Walk On Water and I'm an APP!
Morgan Freeman
"Life is a mystery everyone must stand alone" - Madonna - Like A Prayer

That's correct people, life truly is full of mystery, but now you don't need to stand alone. 

God is now on your fucking GPS! Can I get an, amen people?! (Yeah, I went trite, move on)

Distinguished, not to mention all around amaze balls actor, Morgan Freeman who portrayed God in Bruce Almighty. Will now guide down the stony end on GPS. As long as you don't cast them.

Of course this is a tie in to his latest film London Has Fallen. The sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, where he plays this Vice President of the United States. Hey, this man played God, damn it! Shouldn't he at least have been cast as POTUS? Just sayin'....

Oh yeah, the APP? It's available on Google for free! Wow! That's cheaper than belonging to a congregation and much more entertaining! 

Time for a commercial break (it's all about the APP)




Morgan on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000151/?ref_=nv_sr_1 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Mash Up Monday With KC + Ceelo !









KC & CEELO SET FOR MASH UP ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!
ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND



'KCeelo and the Sunshine Band' to Perform
As Part Of #MashUpMonday 


They did the mash, they did the Mash Up Monday mash, oh yeah!!!

 
This week’s #MashUpMonday on ABC Network's Jimmy Kimmel Live! will feature two of music’s most identifiable – yet different artists with the collaboration of KC and the Sunshine Band and CeeLo.

In the episode, which will air on February 22 at 11:35/10:35c on ABC, the two performers will join up for what has become one of the most-anticipated segments on the comedian’s popular talk show. During the month of February, the series has paired up Panic at the Disco and Sisqo, Weezer and ZZ Top, alternative band Haim with Morris Day & The Time, and Blackstreet along with Aloe Blacc.

Founded in 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band carved out one of the biggest musical careers of all time with their feel-good anthems "That's the Way (I Like It)", "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty", and “Please Don’t Go.” Under the leadership of front man Harry Wayne Casey, the band also became one of the biggest touring draws of all time – a mark they still hold over four decades later. Their music has also been featured in box-office favorites as Blow and Roll Bounce, in addition to a successful series of video games titled Dance Dance Revolution.

Born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway in Atlanta, Georgia, CeeLo Green has carved out one of the most varied careers in the world of entertainment. As an artist, he’s enjoyed success with the Hip Hop group Goodie Mob, and later as a member of the duo Gnarls Barkley. He also enjoyed a huge international hit in 2010 with “Fuck You!” He has guest-starred on series such as Anger Management and Parenthood, and is also well-known to audiences for his four seasons serving as a celebrity coach on NBC’s The Voice. In 2013, he released his autobiography Everybody’s Brother.

Casey said he is very much looking forward to the collaboration. “KC and the Sunshine Band has always tried to incorporate a variety of sounds in our music – while being true to ourselves musically. Being able to collaborate with someone like CeeLo will definitely give us a chance to stretch and get those creative juices flowing – and it will make for one hell of a party.”

For more information on KC and the Sunshine Band, please visit heykcsb.com.

# # #

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Have An "Absolutely Fabulous" Sunday

Cheers To An "Absolutely Fabulous" Movie!

So the teaser for the upcoming Absolutely Fabulous movie is out! 

And well it looks, should I say it? Shall I go all redundant on your ass? No, you know what the fuck I was going to say!

Unlike Star Wars, which I got over after the three anemic prequels. Yes, I did not see nor have any motivation to view Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Unless the Force awakening people involves certain sex acts that dare not speak their name on this blog.

Which brings me to my enduring love of Absolutely Fabulous! It's all about the sex, yes sweetie darling it is.  Not to mention the chemistry between Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone and Jennifer Saunders as Edina Monsoon is off the hook!!!

So, have a Sex Filled Sunday and enjoy whatever you ride. This is one movie I will not miss!

It's Teaser Time...



See what I'm saying about the sex???

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Be Like Gooch

Gooch Nelson
QUADRIPLEGIC CANCER SURVIVOR GOOCH NELSON TEAMS
WITH 9-TIME GRAMMY-WINNING PRODUCER JOE NICOLO
FOR ‘TRANSCENDANT’ GENRE-BLENDING, BLUES-BASED COLLECTION


Critical Acclaim and National TV Attention Arrive
with Gooch and The Motion’s Comin’ Home CD
— First Artist on New Blacbird/Universal Label

“It’s a bit startling to hear Nelson’s deep growl expose his demons given his intensely positive outlook. … But for Nelson, there is no better way to handle pain and hardships than through song.” – ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Transcendent. … a message of hope instead of hopelessness.” – NO DEPRESSION

Need some inspiration? Look no further than The Gooch! 

The release of COMIN’ HOME, the debut album by New Jersey’s GOOCH AND THE MOTION — the first on the newly minted Blacbird/Universal label — doesn’t just set the bar ridiculously high for blues-rock in 2016. It also is an aural testament to the indomitably of the human spirit, and the healing powers of music.

And it arrives with strong critical acclaim and national TV attention to an inspiring story with the musical goods to back it up.

Under the aegis of nine-time-Grammy-winning studio whiz Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo (Billy Joel, Cypress Hill, Boyz II Men), singer-songwriter Ryan “Gooch” Nelson has conjured a rip-snorting, foot-stomping collection of songs despite a personal backstory that seems right out of Hollywood. The Associated Press dispatched a profile of GOOCH AND THE MOTION that has since been picked up by the Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, among many others. Fox News Channel is preparing a feature package on Gooch, andNJTV’s award-winning One on One with Steve Adubato will be premiering a session with Gooch in March, the same month Philadelphia public radio station WHYY-FM is scheduled to air a special interview session.

In 2004, Gooch was in a terrible car accident that left him a quadriplegic. Five years later, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Through it all — including the still-daily chemotherapy treatments that have kept the cancer in remission — music has been Gooch’s balm and salvation.

Not that it has been easy for the 30-year-old southern New Jersey native, who re-learned to play guitar by placing it on his lap and using a specially-fitted bottleneck.

When I lost the ability to use my hands it was devastating to me — much more than losing my legs,” he says. “It really depressed me. It took me down.”

Two years after the accident, Gooch’s grandfather bought him an electric guitar. That, and the mix tapes provided by friends, enabled the healing process to begin in earnest. Throughout, he was writing lyrics, many of which dealt with his situation.

The paralysis was just the first of a bad-luck double whammy. But even the cancer diagnosis couldn’t defeat him — and music was again the antidote.

“It was nice to be able to go and play gigs,” says Gooch. “Playing really took my mind off the cancer and for the spinal injury, it was also paramount.”
Troubadour 
 Musically, everything begins with the blues for the inspirational singer-songwriter, whose vocal style is a classic swampy moan somewhere between the vocals of Dr. John and Tom Waits. Specific influences include Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All-Stars and the late blues man R.L. Burnside.

But, Gooch notes, “I really try to draw from everything. And being from rural South Jersey, my music kind of comes out of a bluesy, Southern-rock-type sound. But I think you can hear elements of funk, hip-hop, a little country and jazz.”

That’s Gooch’s recipe for an album that No Depression raves is “transcendent” and “a message of hope instead of hopelessness.” THAT Music Mag says “Gooch and the Motion has seemingly bridged the gap between fantasy and reality by turning tragedy into a surge of success,” while Beehive Candy hails COMIN’ HOME as “quite stunning.”

Among the collection’s signature tracks are “Diamonds on My Windshield,” on which Gooch puts the iconic descending bass riff of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walking” in the service of a deep-groove blues gumbo; the heartfelt cover of “Sitting On Top of the World” by 1930s blues avatars The Mississippi Sheiks and “Devil Don’t,” the only song on the disc in which Gooch addresses his physical and mental states in the wake of his health battles.

COMIN’ HOME is not only about Gooch Nelson’s lyrical and musical prowess, but a wholly collaborative effort showcasing both the work of The Motion – a rotating eight-piece collective featuring several background vocalists – and a glittering collection of guests artists including Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Billy Idol,  Joan Jett) on bass; Luke Carlos O’Reilly (Curtis Fuller, Dave Valentin, Fred Wesley, Steve Turre) on piano and organ; and Andy Kravitz (Billy Joel, Cypress Hill, Joan Osborne) and David Uosikkinen (The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper, Rod Stewart, Patty Smythe) on drums.

Gooch’s health issues are obviously an important part of who and what he is as an artist. But for Nicolo, they were pretty much irrelevant when he decided to produce COMIN’ HOME.

“When I first met Gooch I listened to him perform with my eyes closed,” recalls Nicolo. “I didn't want his condition to affect my opinion of his music. He totally sold me. He's so unique. There's nothing out there really like him. It's one of the finest compliments I can give an artist.”


Friday, February 19, 2016

Cat-Walking In Marc Jacobs

Cat Fight? No, Catwalk
Kendall Jenner & Lady Gaga

It's the weekend and as per usual it's time for some fun! Thus I present to you, Marc Jacobs muse du jour - Lady Gaga. Getting all feline on the catwalk with Kendall Jenner.

Do these shoes make our ass look huge? No, they look cool ladies! Anyway no one can see your ass with the multiple layers you are wearing over them. 

Of course this took place during the happening thing of the moment. New York Fashion Week

Gaga insisted on going sans entourage and took to her Instagram with this bon mot:

"I've adored @marcjacobs @therealmarcjacobs since I was very young, so I was so honored to be one of his beautiful creatures tonight." 

The Lady knows how to werk it! 

Marc himself seemed extremely self satisfied stating: 

"That's a wrap! Thanks for watching. #mjfw16."

Indeed it is. Have a terrific weekend!

Let's make this all about Marc Jacobs:
www.marcjacobs.com/

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Cyndi Lauper Is "Walkin' After Midnight"


Apparently She's A Little Bit Country
Music Icon Makes Her Sire Records Debut With Her Signature Takes On Country Classics From The ‘40s, ‘50s, And ‘60s

Lauper collaborates with  Country Elite For Swinging Duets Including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Jewel, Alison Krauss, And Willie Nelson

Available From Sire Records On May 6

Cyndi Lauper  takes a "Detour" and just wants to have fun! Yes, Cyndi is going country, and I bet the outcome will be amazing. Personally I can't wait for her take on Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" !!!

Cyndi Lauper’s celebrated musical journey takes an unexpected southern turn on DETOUR, her 11th studio album, which finds the Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning singer-songwriter putting her signature spin on a dozen classic country songs.

DETOUR showcases Lauper’s unmistakable voice on country classics from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s and features guest appearances from county music stars Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson. Lauper recorded the album in Nashville alongside a band comprised of the city’s top session players.

The album is Lauper’s first for Sire Records and is executive produced by legendary Sire founder, Seymour Stein.
Shades Of Dolly Parton!
Photo: Chapman Baehler 
Lauper says recording a country album is something she’s dreamed about for many years. Growing up, she recalls listening to singers like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Wanda Jackson in her Aunt Gracie’s kitchen. “When I was a really young kid, country music was pop music, so this is what we grew up listening to. These songs are part of some of my earliest memories so it has been an absolute thrill to revisit them.”

Lauper sounds right at home from the start, beginning with the album opener, “Funnel Of Love,” a track Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly, recorded in 1960. Another highlight is the rollicking take on “Heartaches By The Number,” a country standard previously covered by everyone from George Jones to Waylon Jennings to Dwight Yoakum. DETOUR also features stunning covers of two classic Pasty Cline songs, “Walkin’ After Midnight” and her #1 smash, “I Fall To Pieces.” Lauper says, “I spent a lot of time in my room singing with Patsy. I had to sing a Patsy Cline song – or two – because her voice was like one of my girlfriends. That’s how close I felt to her.”

For the album, Lauper duets with several special guests, including country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” Jewel also makes an appearance on DETOUR, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies.

DETOUR Track Listing:
  1. “Funnel Of Love”
  2. “Detour” - Featuring Emmylou Harris
  3. “Misty Blue”
  4. “Walkin’ After Midnight”
  5. “Heartaches By The Number”
  6. “The End Of The World”
  7. “Night Life” - Featuring Willie Nelson
  8. “Begging To You”
  9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” - Featuring Vince Gill
  10. “I Fall To Pieces”
  11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” - Featuring Jewel
  12. “Hard Candy Christmas” - Featuring Alison Krauss
# # #

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy) !!!

God bless the Heffalumps And Woozles, Information Society is back!


No matter how you deconstruct the history of electronic music, Information Society is an essential part of its evolution. On March 11th they present Orders Of Magnitude, a collection of new and previously released songs that have influenced their sound and their style. From the InSoc-ified Winnie The Pooh staple "Heffalumps and Woozles" to the pop side of the Sisters Of MercyOrders Of Magnitude offers a glimpse into the influences behind one of the most innovative synthpop acts of our time.

From their first self-released album in 1983 to their latest release, InSoc have grown from a young electronic band, mutating the sum total of their influences, to a veteran collective influencing a new generation of electronic musicians. One important thing remains constant: The music is distinctly Information Society, monster electro bass and beats topped with lush, poppy vocal hooks.

Founded by producer/songwriter Paul Robb and vocalist/songwriter Kurt Larson, the group quickly drafted bassist James Cassidy and went on to storm the club charts in the mid '80s with their Freestyle classic "Running." Inspired by the worldwide response to the single, the group moved to New York to record their major label debut, Information Society, for Tommy Boy/Reprise. Initial buzz was intense, and proved to be accurate; by the time the group got to its first in-store appearance, two days after the record's release, the album was sold out.

After a whirlwind series of live dates, the group went on to release the albums Hack and Peace And Love, Inc. and numerous hits, notably the #1 smash "What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy)," as well as "Walking Away," "Think," "Repetition," and "Peace and Love, Inc." National and international tours followed; outside the United States the group is particularly popular in South America, Spain, and Japan.

Departing Tommy Boy/Reprise Records in the mid-'90s, the group returned to its electro-industrial roots on several independent releases. Kurt Larson took the artistic helm of the group in 1997, and released Don't Be Afraid, which explored the darker recesses of the band's musical imagination. In the early 2000s, re-releases of both "Running" and "What's on Your Mind" reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club chart. This renewed interest in the band served as a catalyst for a new round of songwriting, and an EP of new material, entitled Oscillator was released in 2005, followed by the full-length album Synthesizer in 2007.

Summer 2013 found the three original members - Kurt, Paul and James - reunited to discuss working on a new album and the result, _hello world, the first new album of new material from the original lineup in over 20 years, was the offspring. The success of _hello world inspired another round of recording, this time each member explored their influences and inspirations and pooled their ideas to form the nucleus of a "covers album". 

Orders Of Magnitude is the output and the varied tracklist puts an easily identifiable InSoc spin on synthpop classics like Heaven 17's "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" and The Human League's "Don't You Want Me". They delve into the roots of "alternative" with their take on Fad Gadget's "State Of The Nation" and Snakefinger's "Man In The Dark Sedan" and go WAY back to their youth with covers of the Sesame Street track "Capital I" and the Winnie The Pooh jam "Heffalumps and Woozles". Orders Of Magnitude is the band at their best; it's a tip of the hat to their past and a nod to their future.





Tuesday, February 16, 2016

"Vanity" Thy Name Is Woman

Beautiful
Vanity

Denise Matthews best known as Vanity has passed away at 57. While most people know her as the Prince protege who fronted the grrrrrrrl group Vanity 6, I most fondly remember her as a charismatic presence on the silver screen.

"Yes" I would see movies because Vanity was in them. Why else would I have checked out The Last Dragon & Action Jackson?! 52 Pick-Up had other reasons to see it, but Vanity was still one of them.

It's a shame that she had moved on from Prince before Purple Rain as she was the intended star of it. Instead we got stuck with Apollonia. While PR is a good film, I am sure Vanity would have made it much better.

While the cause of her death has yet to be revealed suffice it to say Denise was not of good health in her latter years. 

The nice thing about stars when they pass away is while their physical energy will be missed, their spirit lives on through the work they left behind.

I will be checking out 52 Pick-Up again this weekend.

Vanity on IMDB: