Reel Life: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Rooney Mara, Rooney Mara, Rooney Mara….

Where do I start? Having not seen the Swedish version of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and not having read the book, I went into David Fincher’s version with no real expectations whatsoever….Rooney Mara.

This is what I came away from it with, TGWTDT is and adult movie with a capital “A” … and I do not mean for it’s violent & sexual content (we will get to that later).

It is a film for grown ups who like character exposition and plots you have to pay attention to. The first half of the film is dedicated to establishing who Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) & Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) are as people before their two paths cross. At first I thought this part of the movie to be a tad long, but the more it sat with me, the more I loved it!

When I see a movie and I think about it after the fact, well that is a good sign to me, it is better than it being disposable. 

Thus TGWTDT is a fascinating character study. My only quibble is, I wished Mikael Blomkvist was as interesting as Lisbeth Salander. Rooney Mara, OK, time to move past it, David Fincher has directed some of my most favorite in your face movies “Se7en” “Fight Club” & “The Social Network” …which, is one of the things I find quite interesting about TGWTDT -

The sex and violence are quite subdued…. Seriously lets site a couple of Jodie Foster films that illustrate intense quite well, Oscar winner “Silence of the Lambs” way more freaky violence wise, and “The Accused” a rape scene that had me so upset I wanted to lay it down on the next guy I saw on Hollywood Blvd. who even gave a woman that look.

Yeah, TGWTDT is quite tame by the abovementioned standards. So one of my fave directors, Fincher, has remained true to himself, yet oddly grown up. Did I like TGWTDT? Heck yeah! It was a really great film for adults…and in case I did not mention it Rooney Mara is amazing!

Note: Hey Mr. Fincher - you never disappoint, however, next time you want to be a big boy, a little up in people’s grill would be a nice addition.
　
http://www.dragontattoo.com/site/

Mel Carter "The Other Standards"

Mel Carter, the man responsible for giving the song "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," a place in pop history, began his career in Cincinnati at the age of four when his grandmother held him up to the microphone in a penny arcade recording booth.

It was 25 cents well-spent; the unpolished performance had an unmistakable element of raw talent in those grooves.

Well he kept grooving and it’s time to celebrate the Holidays even more because the hit maker is back!

What’s Mel’s latest release you may be asking yourself? His latest release bears the title “The Other Standards” and as you Mel fans out there know, this is what Mel does best. To the new comers in the house it’s time to introduce yourself to the man with the hit making touch and golden voice.

Stand outs include “Cry Me A River” which is one of this writers favorite songs evuh!

Another stand out is…well they all stand out, it’s Mel Carter people.

2012 is near, don’t “Cry Me A River” I have my copy of “The Other Standards”….
So? What are you waiting for, get yours, and get it now..!

Find out more about Mel and get “The Other Standards” at: http://www.mel-carter.com/

What Does Emii Want For Christmas? Stilettos...!

"Oh damn this drunk chick just spilled the drink on my Manolos
And that's a no, no, baby"....

Forget Cha Cha Heels, that is so John Waters "Desperate Living" what does the well heeled gold digger want this Christmas?

The small woman with the big voice & sense of humor, Emii is back after her hit with Snoop Dogg "Mr. Romeo" ...And she wants stilettos, now damn it! Please make sure they are 5 or 6 inches, or you will not please her one bit..(of course 7 would be the preferable fit )....

What does she have to say about all this? "I have a sense of humor about a lot of things. It might be terribly inappropriate, but I have no qualms about joking around. It's all good".

Check out my full length chat with Ms. Thang about "Mr.Romeo" for Chorus and Verse at:
http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20110404A

Pay her a Holiday visit at: http://www.emii.net/  and you'd better be bearing stilettos, b!tches...!

Disclaimer: None of the abovementioned is to imply Emii is a gold digger, and if you choose to say so, please preface it with Diva...Thank You  for your cooperation.

25 Years Of Christmas: Darlene Love

This year marks the 25th year that Ms. Darlene Love will be singing her rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on the "David Letterman Show."

The venerable legend who made the Rock-N-Roll hall of fame last year, which I predicted in our interview for Chorus and Verse when we chatted about the CD of her beloved classics "Concert of Love."

http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20101110A

Has been been bringing down the house, year after year, with this tradition on Letterman that puts a smile on everyone's face.

Ms. Love has this to say about her annual performance: "This will be the 25th year I have done David Letterman. It's so wonderful to have people come up to me and tell me they do not feel it's the holidays until they have heard me sing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)". I told David we have to do something spectacular"!

Knowing this pro you are in for something really special.

Raise a Holiday toast to Darlene and tune into David Letterman Friday December 23rd and catch her 25th beloved performance.

Find out more about the CD of her classics "Concert Of Love" at: http://www.whoisdarlenelove.com/

WebTV: "Have Yourself A "Meaty" Little Christmas"

Here at "Entertain Me" we like to celebrate the Holidays some....OK, a lot, so in the tradition of the seasonal posts, Sandy Zacky's "White Christmas," Mike Clifford's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" & 10 Silly Holiday Questions: Winter Wonderette's ..."Entertain Me" is happy to lay another Holiday celebration on you, oh yeah!

That's right, it's time to "Have Yourself A "Meaty" Little Christmas" with Mr. Meatballs....Woot!

As you recall from a November post yours truly did, Jonathan Brett's Mr. Meatballs is now in season 2 of it's WebTV prescence: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/webtv-heeees-baaack-mr-meatballs-season.html

Well here is a blast from the season 1 past, a warm Holiday treat titled: "Tiny Tim Needs Help".

It has everything you love about the season, Wheel Chairs, Charles Dickens References, Santa, Hanukkah & most importantly, MEATBALLS...stick a fork in em, and you're done...!

Get "Meaty" for the Holidaze at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MeatballsAreFunny

TV Watch: True Blood Season 5

It has been officially confirmed, after an initial press leak,  that Christopher Meloni, formerly of "Law & Order SVU" (Special Victims Unit, for those who need an acronymn translation) is coming to season 5 of my beloved "True Blood" (A special shout out to Debby Holiday for my intitial alert to the leak) ....

According to the press release he is playing a "powerful and ancient vampire" uh, aren't they all?!

As a fan of both shows this has got this fang banger quite stoked, can I get a heart ripped from someone's chest high five?!

No word yet on whether he is a good vampire or a bad vampire, I am guessing he is a total bad ass, and after last years annoying and lackluster villain Marnie (yes, she of the over articulated voice and a demeanor that only an infant could fear) I can't wait for someone as fierce as Mr. Meloni to let loose his devil inside..!

Here's to plenty of  "doing bad things to you"  on the upcoming season of "True Blood" Meloni style...

"Waiting Sucks"! Indeed....

http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html

10 Silly Holiday Questions: Winter Wonderettes

Lowe Taylor, Julie Dixon Jackson, Bets Malone and Misty Cotton in "Winter Wonderettes"

The Holidays are a time of family, friends and most importantly music…lots and lots of music. That is what the hit show “Winter Wonderettes” now playing at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA is all about.

Here to represent is Lowe Taylor who plays “Cindy Lou" tis the season...


MS: Happy Holidays to you and the Wonderettes, finish this sentence: Walking in a winter…

LT: Wonderland!! We sing that song in Act 2. Its one of our favorites!!

MS: What is your favorite Holiday song to sing?

LT: That is hard to choose. We do more than 30 songs in “Winter Wonderettes” and they are all so much fun. I think personally I get to have a lovely character moment singing “All Those Christmas Cliches“. But “Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town” is also a blast because its super 60's and very dancey.

MS: Can you name all 8 of Santa’s Reindeer?

LT: Not even close! Although I bet Bets Malone could! She knows everything about Christmas. We do "Donde Esta Santa Claus" in the show where we refer to Dasher Dancer PEDRO and Blitzen. Haha. Let me try though... Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen Comet Cupid R--? Blitzen. Who am I missing?? I can't remember that one!! Dang. And Rudolph of course :)

MS: Which of you if any likes kissing under the mistletoe?

LT: My character Cindy Lou would definitely be the one caught kissing under the mistletoe. And lets just say, art imitates life :)

MS: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

LT: I think there is a little part of me that loves to believe in the magic of Christmas. Its the time of year when anything is possible. That might seem pollyanna but it's nice to live in that space sometimes.

MS: Name your favorite Holiday TV special.

LT: Definitely the “Rudolph” one with the old school animation. Claymation I think?

MS: If you were a Christmas tree what kind would you be?

LT: Lets be honest, in my living room in West Hollywood is a 6 foot white and silver tree with teal ornaments. I mean, fabulous much?

MS: You are playing the home version of Family Feud and you are to name things associated with Frosty the Snowman, what do you think the number one answer would be?

LT: Corncob Pipe!

MS: Ever crush on any of Santa’s Elves?

LT: Not generally. I like a tall drink of water ;)

MS: What message would you gals like to send everyone for the Holidays?

LT: I think I can speak for all of the girls when I say we would want to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and New Year. Be kind to each other and to yourselves. Yay!! How fun! I wish the girls could have done this with me!

All the show info is on musical.org. And my website is www.lowetaylor.com or people can follow me on twitter at @lowetaylor. 

For Immediate Release: James Durbin Update

Hey "Entertain Me" peeps remember my chat with James about his Rock-N-Roll fantasies?

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/james-durbins-rock-n-roll-fantasy.html

Well here is an update on the rockin' "American Idol" finalist -

American Idol’s James Durbin Cracks Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart with Debut Album, Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster

First Two Singles Impact Rock and Top 40 Radio

Revolver Magazine names James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars”

December 2011- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist, James Durbin, is celebrating a whirlwind year with the release of his Wind-Up Records debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster as it cracks the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart at #8 and #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart.

Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster features not one, but two lead singles with the power-charged ballad “Love Me Bad” at Top 40 radio and the anthemic rock single, “Stand Up” which is a gleaming showcase for Durbin’s signature rock-star yowl and powerful, energetic voice. The NFL has tapped “Stand Up” as its stadium anthem featuring it on jumbotrons nationwide during its games this Fall/Winter season. James will be performing with his band during half-time shows at various games this Winter including the Atlanta Falcons game on December 15 and the San Francisco 49ers game on December 19.

People magazine gives Memories Of a Beautiful Disaster a 3 out of 4 star review and says “Durbin is one of the best voices to come out of Idol. His debut packs metallic muscle.” In addition, Revolver magazine has named James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars” alongside other rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, Nikki Sixx, Gene Simmons and Dave Grohl.

Unforgettable performances on the Idol stage with legends such as Judas Priest and Zakk Wylde led Durbin’s own “Idols” to support the rocker’s first ever release. Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, songwriters James Michael (Sixx A.M, Mötley Crüe) and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Ozzy Osbourne) along with Swedish rock band Hardcore Superstar all contributed to the making of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was “surreal” to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, “When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind.” The long-time Mötley Crüe fan continued saying, “He’s a true rock legend and he’s playing on my record. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.” Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, “It was sick to have played on James’ debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass, he’s the real deal.”

On American Idol, James Durbin waved the flag for rock and it was that devotion to rock that helped him overcome his private struggles with tourette’s and aspergers syndrome. He touched the hearts of people everywhere while on the show, and with the release of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster he is proudly waving that flag high again.

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

Mike Clifford's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

It’s time for more Holiday cheer from “Entertain Me”…Teen Idol Mike “I’m Not Dead Yet” Clifford is here to put a jingle in your bells for The Holidays with his rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.

You may remember my November post about him:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/teen-idol-mike-clifford-im-not-dead-yet.html

The video is from his last solo performance in December of 1987 at the Vine Street Grill in Hollywood, CA - Clifford’s melodic rendition of “Merry Little Christmas” is here to make your Holidays a little brighter.

So, enjoy some more warmth of the season brought to you by the letters M & C.
　
Celebrate the Holidays with Mike at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Clifford-Close-to-Cathy/432999335318

Rock On: Theory of a Deadman

 Honesty is always the best policy. Theory of a Deadman adheres to that age old adage on their fourth album, “The Truth Is“…exactly what people need right now.

So let's get what “The Truth Is” straight from the man who wrote the songs, “Theory” front man Tyler Connolly…!

MS: Hey Tyler, tell the truth, you stated that the “The Truth Is” is a shared experience with your audience, in what way?

TC: I like to write from a fans perspective, whatever topics they are talking about, so…It’s one of the biggest compliments you can get, when a lot of fans relate to the songs and think it’s about them.

MS: Do tell...

TC: So, the truth on this record is, I went one step further and became outright with my lyrics. They are not so generalized, or vague. They may be a little over the top and stuff, tell people the truth, ya know? The album is like saying to someone: “You have a mole on your face and it’s so huge.”

MS: When I was listening to it I thought “There’s no room for interpretation here.”

TC: Yeah, the songs are about love or hate, nothing in between which is exactly what I think needs to be done right now, people are so afraid of it these days. The last label we had we had to fight them to put the album out because we had so many “F-bombs” on the record. We said “There are F-bombs” on the record because that’s how people talk, it’s not offensive.

MS: Hey, I talk like that around my good friends. BTW - I bet you have heard of the song, “The Cat Came Back.”

TC: Nooooo! Yes, of course….(laughs)

MS: The minute I heard your song “The Bitch Came Back” I went “oh they know that song.”

TC: Everybody comes up and whispers to me “Dude, I know about “The Cat Came Back”…It’s not like I stole the song so I was like, “Dude, yeah” the songs are very similar, but different.

Can you handle the truth? Get yourself a copy of “The Truth Is” and see what other theories these deadmen have at: http://www.theoryofadeadman.com/

Checking In With: Debby Holiday

Debby Holiday rocks, oh, and has a great dance beat too. With Billboard hits such as “Dive” and “Bring It On” Debby is a one of a kind Rock-N-Roll dance diva! 

My fellow “True Blood” fan is here to chat about her upcoming single, movie and intimacy…OK Debby, let’s rock!

MS: Hey Fellow Fang Banger how are you?

DH: That’s so weird I was just trying to call you and the line was busy, that’s because you were trying to call me.

MS: It must be serendipity since we are both “True Blood” fans! (both laugh) Thanks for alerting me that Christopher Meloni will be joining the cast.

DH: And you know he will be hot! (both laugh)

MS: And you know Russell is back next season and it has to be Pam that let him out.

DH: Of course she is pissed off at Eric, her maker because he doesn’t love her the way he used to, he loves Sookie.

MS: Yeah, Sookie and her “precious fairy vagina.”

DH: Right? I mean she is cute and everything, but c’mon y’all! Who would commit suicide over “fairy pussy”? (both laugh)

MS: Let’s talk about “An Intimate Evening With Debby Holiday.”

DH: You know, I love my dance diva stuff, it’s so much fun. Between that and my TV & Film licensing, It pays my bills, it’s my living. But I perform by myself, to tracks…this is the saddest story and I don’t know if you want to print it, but I had four shows back to back in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. About six months ago. I performed on stage doing maybe four or five songs, I got to the fourth song and I said, for our next song, and I turned around as if there was a band there. I thought “Oh my God I have lost my mind”! I missed playing with my band so much that they were there as imaginary band members. (laughs) I miss them.

MS: I bet.

DH: It’s cost prohibitive trying to do local Los Angeles shows. So I thought how do I perform and pay my band well?

With all my diva stuff I am always belting, there is a whole other side of my voice I am not using, I thought "you know I want to sing some of my softer stuff and original songs" and that is where I came up with my intimate evening. My first one is a private party this week.

MS: You also have a single coming out in January.

DH: Yes, I do, it’s called “Never Give Up” and it’s with DJ Phil B. - who I love!

MS: I’m not familiar with him.

DH: He’s a handsome Brit with a heart of gold. Every time I see him he is nothing but hugs and love and smiles. He’s just squishy yummy! I was so happy when he called me and said: “I have this song, I keep hearing your voice on it and I think we should do it.” I thought: “If you keep talking to me like that, I’ll do whatever you want”! (laughs)

MS: Too funny!

DH: It’s a cover of a song by Yolanda Adams and it’s really, really great! I love it because it is so positive. The song is out the middle of January, and Phil B’s mix is amazing!

MS: Your idea for an intimate evening is great BTW everything is so detached these days.

DH: It’s funny the other day I was iChatting with someone, then it hit me, we live three blocks away, I said: "Do you want to meet at the Coffee Bean and actually talk in person"? She was like: “Oh, yeah”…we left our homes and went outside and actually saw each other’s faces.

MS: That really puts your intimate evenings into context.

DH: Yes, it’s real and it’s happening right now, which is not the same as performing to a track, which I love too, I just would like to add that live connection with other human beings on stage together to what I do.

MS: Rumor has it you are making your movie debut soon.

DH: Starting in February, I’m getting really excited about being in the movie “The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife.” It’s the Del Shore’s play I was in for almost 4 years…it’s almost finished and goes to film festivals next year. Octavia Spencer from “The Help” is in it, plus some other really amazing co-stars, Beth Grant & Dale Dickey & David Steen. Also I get to sing and wear some really awesome red dresses throughout the entire film.

MS: Congrats, Ms. Holliday.

Get Intimate With Debby:
http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fr5/artist_408220?eid=A408220_10495679_

http://www.facebook.com/debby.holiday?ref=ts

10 Random Thoughts: Moses

With his new album “Predictions”, Moses takes listeners on a sonic journey into the mind of an adventurous young man not afraid to turn the conventional on its booty. His aim? To push buttons and change minds.

"I'm Your Man", featuring XELLE, is the first single off the album. Its dirty synth sound, heavy beat, and Moses's unique voice make "I'm Your Man" a check it don't wreck it listen. Time to get random with Moses ...!

MS: Hey Moses, how are you?

Moses: I’m good, how are you?

MS: I’m fine.

Moses: Are you in Los Angeles?

MS: You got it…shall we get random?

Moses: Let’s go..!

MS: Cross Dressing

Moses: I love cross dressing. Everyone cross dresses in one way or another. A mailman in my eyes is a cross dresser, everything in life is about cross dressing.

MS: Men

Moses: Men in general are something that we see in different variations. Men are masculine, some more on the interior and others more on the surface. What makes a man a man to me is if you do something you really love to do.

MS: Archangel

Moses: Being and looking as pure as you can and then being able to go to the other side and become a dark angel.

MS: Depeche Mode

Moses: That’s a band that I have so much respect for. I adore them and I grew up listening to them. They are an inspiration to my art.

MS: Tel Aviv

Moses: It’s a beautiful place that I grew up in.

MS: Xelle

Moses: They’re great! One of the band members is Mimi Imfurst who was featured in RuPaul’s Drag Race. I love working with them, I call them my girls. They are very fearless I need people like that around me, because I am.

MS: Unicorns

Moses: I love unicorns! It’s a fantasy, everything should be like a unicorn. Unicorn is a state of mind.

MS: “I’m Your Man”

Moses: “I’m Your Man” is who I am. It is my first exposure to the world, it introduces me. It says this is who I am, this is how I look and this is how I sound…take it or leave it.

MS: The 10 Commandments

Moses: Oh, the first one is: Thou Shall Not Stop Dancing (laughs)…I always say I have 11 commandments, because there are 11 tracks on my album. Having my own set of commandments is a lot more fun!

MS: “Predictions”

Moses: My prediction for my future is to continue making and performing music. The biggest prediction I have is I am going to perform at Madison Square Garden!

Join the universe at: http://www.mosesuniverse.com/

Sandy Zacky's "White Christmas"

Ho, ho, ho & Happy Holidays I thought I would kick off December with a Christmas posting. Yes people it is almost here and Sandy with a "Y" not "E" remember my chat with her in October?

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/10/checking-in-with-jazz-chanteuse-sandy.html

is here to make your Holidays brighter with her rendition of "White Christmas"....

Like Darlene Love's cover of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"on David Letterman every year
Ms. Zacky's flawless rendition of "White Christmas" has become a tradition on Radio & the Internet for three years now and counting...

Here is a sound bite from Sandy with a "Y" about the song & the season upon us: "The Holiday Season is a time of  friendship, love and most importantly family...the song "White Christmas" reflects all of these things perfectly to me."

Check out the video above of Ms. Zacky performing the song live at her CSUN performance...

you owe it to yourself to give a listen to the singer Don Grigware calls:

...Zacky is a cross between Rosemary Clooney and Ella Fitzgerald. She is a truly great singer with consummate phrasing...--DON GRIGWARE, GRIGWARE TALKS THEATRE

"Happy Holidays Everyone"....Love, Sandy

Join Sandy on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Sandy-Zacky-Fan-Page/142692019103428

Listen to her on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/sandyzackymikeclifford

Be sure to request "White Christmas" on Boston Internet Radio: http://www.jhf-website.com/BIR/

10 Stupid Questions: Snow White & The 7 Slutz

They're here their slutz, get used to it! Snow White & The 7 Slutz are here to punk your world....

With their many Los Angeles gigs, not to mention charity work & an EP "Creedence Clearwater Revival" thrown down, what time is it? It's time to get slutzy!

MS: High Ho, High Ho, it’s off to?

7S: Amsterdam where they get sleazy b!tches

MS: Breezy or sleazy?

7S: Well you see, there’s a lot of existential creativity that spills out of our organs every time we are together. Its flows and flows, wherever the wind goes, so go our organs. Eastern European anteaters, why not?

MS: Who won the war?

7S: Whatever beezy got the sleaziest because all life is, is doing drugs and dying.

MS: Really? Why do you think that is?

7S: Because the government is raising gas prices. I’ve been seeing a lot of raccoons lately…I think it’s the government.

MS: Can you name all 7 slutz?

7S: Sleazy, beezy, stanky, skanky, drrrrrty, breezy, Rebecca

MS: How many times have you seen a pretty girl?

7S: The world is a vampire

MS: Did you know “Adelaide” on “American Horror Story” wanted to be a “pretty girl” on the Halloween episode?

7S: No.

MS: How many times a week are you guys drunk?

7S: UNDERAGE DRINKING IS WRONG!!!!!!!

MS: What is your favorite type of booze?

7S: Mojitos.

MS: Your thoughts on why the red, red robin keeps, bob, bob, bobbing along?

7S: Yum, Red Robin, Yum. And also the fact that he comes from the land of booberdoop and there they passed a law where you need to be bobbing at all times! If you are not bobbing and you are caught, you will be shlooped up and thrown in jail. In jail is where they keep the loodleloppers. They are the CRAYZIES. I tell ya, they are CRAZAAY! But that’s besides the point. Anyway, so in jail if you are caught not bobbing, you become part of the group of perdoodles. Those are the really mean ones, they eat all the other creatures brains with a cup of milk and a banana every morning. Evil I say, THEY ARE THE KOOL KIDS, with a K. But only in jail. And you don’t want to go there in the first place, ESPECIALLY not in the land of booberdoop. So that is why red robin keeps bob bob bobbing along.

Get slutzy at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Snow-White-the-7-Slutz/166554000085838 &

http://snowwhiteandthe7slutz.bandcamp.com/album/creedence-clearwater-revival

Reel Life: The Muppets

"It's time to play the music...It's time to light the lights...It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight..."

Sound Familiar? Well if it does you are no doubt one of those people, like me, who grew up with "The Muppet Show."

Well last night, I trekked to The Grove in Los Angeles (luckily we can walk there from my friends place, the parking is more "Nightmare on Elm Street" than the smile on my face The Muppets bring) ... and got my Muppet freak on..!

I L-O-V-E-D this movie and since I am not in the habbit of giving reviews (leave that to others I say) as a fan it was great and a return to form for our band of the hand.

From the deliberately corny musical numbers, wink and nudge sense of humor, the movie is so much fun I forgot all my troubles and got happy....Hey those slick Muppets even went Meta on the audience at points in the film, a term I was just introduced to last night, it means breaking the 4th wall and addressing the audience (in my day as a drama student, we just called it breaking the 4th wall).

Most importantly "The Muppets" has heart and that is something sorely lacking in most movies today.

Also I would love to give a special shout out to Amy Adams and Jason Segel - two of the best comedic actors working, and an extra nod to Jason for the clever script and concept that brought The Muppets of my childhood back to me at a time when I needed to feel warm and felty.

So ditch that awful "Twilight" series and saunter to a theatre and see "The Muppets" - you owe it to yourself to smile!

"Why are there so many songs about rainbows..."

http://disney.go.com/muppets/

Teen Idol, Mike Clifford "I'm Not Dead Yet"

Teen Idol Mike Clifford wants you to know "I'm Not Dead Yet"! It's his new slogan, many people prior to his recent resurgence as an artist thought he was....!

Well unless he is "The Walking Dead" it would seem the former teen dream who had a hit world wide with his single "Close to Cathy" is very much alive, kicking and getting back to business.

Clifford recently came out with a maturity that he did not demonstrate in his younger years on a groovy cover of "Mack the Knife" that would do Bobby Darin proud. He also has a YouTube video for the Holidays, a live version of: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Do you need further proof Mr. Clifford is not "dead yet?" Well check out the interview I did with him this year about "Mack The Knife":

http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20110117A

Now do you believe me?! Remember teen idols never die, they simply get recycled, go green!

Get "close" to Mike and follow him at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mike-Clifford-Close-to-Cathy/432999335318

Download "Mack The Knife" at iTunes or CD Baby

WebTV: Heeee's Baaack, "Mr. Meatballs" Season 2



"Mr. Meatballs" Jonathan Brett

 Mr. Meatballs (Jonathan Brett) is back for season 2 of humor, commentary, and all around silliness, hey he and Life (Peter Corrigan) are here for your entertainment people...!

I must say I did have a blast last season when I was a guest star on not one, but two episodes:

"My Musical Meatballs" & "Masterpeace Theatre Part III" can I get a "Hey now" ?!

With more pop culture references than TMZ and off the wall humor than a Walmart, that's the place where they sell wall jokes...

Get yourself a pair, and take a bite of Mr. Meatballs ! Be carfeul though he might bite back...!

Season 2 Premiere Episode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoBfbCZ0sOs&feature=youtu.be

Get your fill of "Meatballs"with all the episodes at:

 http://www.youtube.com/user/MeatballsAreFunny

Video: Margaret Cho - "Baby I'm With The Band"

Photo Credit: Austin Young


The videos just keep coming from Ms. Cho's Grammy nominated CD "Cho Dependent."

Her latest, "Baby I'm With The Band" was filmed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival & directed by Liam Sullivan (Yes, that's right, "Kelly" of "Shoes" fame) it features a number of cool Bonnaroo-ites such as: Conan O'Brien, Reggie Watts, Doug Benson, The Flaming Lips, Weezer, OK Go, The Gossip, The Punch Brothers, and GWAR - among others...do I hear a woot ?!

With tongue in cheek and a wink and nudge to the Pamela Des Barres groupie bio, "I'm With The Band."

Margaret's latest video raaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhwwwwwwwwwwks!



Time to get with the band at: http://vimeo.com/32143561

Get your "Cho On" at: http://www.margaretcho.com/

Checking In With: Filmmaker, Liz Adams

Director-Writer Liz Adams made a diabolical little horror short titled: “Side Effect.” It made a killing (pun intended) on the festival circuit picking up many awards. “Side Effect” was in fact the opening scene for her full length, equally diabolical feature script “Blood Level.”

Ms. Adams recently wrapped production on her first feature as a Director-Writer on “Air Collision” for The Asylum…Congratulations Liz!

MS: Hey Liz congrats on recently wrapping and being in post-production on your feature debut “Air Collision.”

LA: Well I am making it for The Asylum, are you familiar with them?

MS: Yes, a friend of mine just starred in a film for them called “Celebrity Sex Tape.”

LA: Oh yeah, I knew about that, that’s right. So you know all about them they make like, 12-15 movies a year. They are basically genre films, they do action, horror and of course sex comedies. Their biggest hit is “Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus.”

MS: That’s the one with Deborah Gibson and Lorenzo Llamas!

LA: Yeah, they are really great people! It’s a lot of fun working there.

MS: Sounds fun!

LA: It is, the initial cut ended up being 82 minutes, but it seems the SyFy Network is interested in it. They need a 90 minute cut, I was working on that this morning before your call, I am writing up another 10 to 12 pages for the Producers and it looks like we are doing some re-shoots too.

MS: Can you tell everyone the storyline?

Liz & "Air Collision" star, Jordan Ladd

LA: There is a solar flare that screws up some computers and Air Force One and a civilian plane get locked onto each other in a collision course.

MS: That sounds better than the actual “Air Force One” movie.

LA: (laughs) It’s pretty wacky, there’s a lot of crazy stuff going on. Plus there is a lot of stuff going on with air traffic control trying to save the day.

MS: Dish on an on set experience.

LA: Well air force one fires this missile at the civilian plane & the missile penetrates the hull, so we got this huge fan, we called it “Katrina” because it blows hurricane force winds (both laugh). We blew it at the extras, it was really good fun!

MS: The Asylum sounds like the new Roger Corman factory.

LA: Yes, and I think one of the partners may be a Roger Corman protogee’ actually. It’s definitely in that tradition.

MS: I love that you don’t take yourself seriously.

LA: Not at all, I do genre movies, they should be fun!

Liz & Crew with "Katrina"

MS: Totally, you directed the horror short “Side Effect” at AFI (American Film Institute).

LA: I was the first horror movie to come out of the DWW (Directing Workshop for Women)  program there. It’s a 34 year old program so it was an accomplishment.

MS: That is an accomplishment. So how’s your feature script for “Blood Level” coming along?

LA: Still working on it, I am working with a producer right now, she’s looking for money, and we are trying to get a cast attached. It’s a tricky process.

MS: Keep me posted on “Blood Level” now that I’ve got some horror cred with my role in “The Summer Of Massacre” I would love to play a faculty member in it.

LA: Oh, that would be so fun! It's out there, and I definitely have a lot of interest in it.

Have a "collision" with Liz at:  www.sideeffectthemovie.net

Check into The Asylum at: http://www.theasylum.cc/

Video: Traci Lords Is A "Drag"

Whose the coolest chica on the dance floor right now? Traci Lords, of course, her current single "Last Drag" is currently laying it's pimp hand down and claiming its status as the dance/pop hit of 2011.

Remember my 10 Random Things blog with her? Well I also did an awesome (according to Traci herself) full length interview with her too for http://www.choruandverse.com/, if you haven't read it yet, well here it is get to it!

http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20111026A

In the meantime enjoy the video for the hottest dance single around, directed by  "9 1/2 Weeks" bad boy Zalman King.

Get your "Drag" on at:

http://www.tracilords.com/
http://www.seatosun.com/

James Durbin's "Rock-N-Roll Fantasy"

James Durbin & Nikki Sixx

American Idol finalist, James Durbin, is gearing up for the release of his album “Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster” on November 21^st, and is giving fans a taste of what’s to come as he reveals his first two singles from the highly anticipated debut. The anthemic lead single “Stand Up” will go to rock radio and the power-charged “Love Me Bad” will hit the Top 40.

James is living out his dreams, I caught up with him to speak of his fantasies, his rock-n-roll fantasies…

MS: Hey James, it’s amazing you are living your dreams right now, but every performer is always setting the bar higher for themselves, so let’s talk about some of your Rock-N-Roll fantasies.

JD: Sounds good!

MS: What band in your wildest dreams would you front if you could?

JD: This is going to sound cheesy, but I have always wanted to create my own destiny. I never wanted to try and rehash someone else’s old dream. So I am going to say, my band.

MS: Awesome! So who would you most like to write a song for you?

JD: Jared Leto. “30 Seconds to Mars” is my favorite American band in the last 10 years.

MS: Name the person you would most like to duet with.

JD: Again, Jared Leto, or Steven Tyler.

MS: Pick the venue you would most like to headline.


JD: The Rock Am Ring Festival in Europe. I watch videos of bands performing on those stages over and over, and the view from those stages is just great!

MS: Which magazine cover would you most like to appear on?

JD: Obviously, “Rolling Stone.” (laughs) It’s the cream of the crop.

MS: Tell us which song you would like to cover as a single.

JD: “Rainbow in the Dark” by Dio. It’s a song I used to sing in karaoke all the time, I would have everyone on their feet like it was a freakin’ rock show!

MS: What would you like your musical legacy to be?

JD: All I have ever wanted was to be a working musician. To be able to support myself and support my family. Because of the awesome opportunity on “American Idol” I have gotten a lot more than that. I’m taking it one step at a time.
　 

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here:

http://twitter.com/durbinrock,

http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

2012: It's The End Of The World, Prepare Yourself With The Chippendales Calendar!

2012: rumor has it, its the year the world ends, hey these things have been way off before, remember "The Rapture" was supposed to happen recently - yaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn... so why not click your heels together 3 times and say: 2012 is going to rock! 2012 is going to rock..???

2012 is the time to get your Chippendales on...their calendar features such diverse guys as: Kenny King (Pro Wrestler) & Jaymes Vaughn (Lead Singer & Musician).

This venerable all male dance troupe will be also be celebrating 30 years since their debut &  the
10th anniversary of their show "Six Packs" in Las Vega$ as well, does this really sound like the end?!

Talk about a legacy of stamina...!

2012: It's not the end of the world, only the beginning, celebrate it with the men of Chippendales at:

http://www.chippendales.com/

The Arts: NoHo Arts Festival

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 12 (12-8PM)

Is the celebration of the NoHo Arts District. Maybe they should call it NoHo Day? Either way it's going to be a party, oh yeah !

NoHo is going to open it's doors so L.A. can experience the talent, art, uniqueness, kookiness and just plain grooviness of the NoHo Arts District...their booming one-mile neighborhood in the North Hollywood, CA area of Los Angeles.

Well this NoHo is going to be there for the sole reason to attend a performance of A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters" starring Jonathan Brett & Yvette Green.

 

NoHo Stages - 4934 Lankershim Blvd.

Time: 2:00
Show Title: LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney
Synopsis: World renowned, Pulitzer Prize winner two character play which covers the lifetimes of two friends born in the 1930’s who comnmunicate throughout their lives using the lost art of letter writing.
Rating: PG

Best of all? The festival is freeeeeeeeeeee....! See you there !

Get Your Festival On At:  http://www.nohoartsdistrict.com/

Video: Kate Bush "Wild Man"

OK, this is not an official video, it was fan made and Kate's label approved it, thus, I am a fan so I am posting it. R U following me so far? Yeah? Awesome..!

Harkening back to my love of Kate is not hard to trace. I was in a drama group in college and was at a party for said group cut to, prententious class actress with bleached blonde hair and black lipstick and goth make-up, she takes a drag off of her cigarette: "Michael, have you ever heard of Kate Bush"? Me: "Uh, no."

Dragging dramatically again: "I think you would like her, you should really give her a listen". Well, pretentious drama classmate, thanks! I did listen and I liked her, make that love her, and I still do to this day! I can't wait for her "50 Words For Snow" album to drop on November 21st....in the meantime, here is the fan video for the first single "Wild Man"....

Get yourself some Kate at: http://www.katebush.com/

10 Stupid Questions With: Matthew Duffy

 In anticipation of his upcoming EP, "Spunk Pumpers Unite" (to be released February 2012), Matthew Duffy wants to introduce you to his latest single, "Homosapien," which is a cover of the Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) song from 1981. Matthew also covers (not in the literal sense) "Angel, Angel Down We Go Together" from Morrissey which he recorded as a tribute to the LGBT community. "The increasing bullying, suicides, & isolation of our community makes me so upset and frustrated and when I was growing up this song gave me confidence to never give up" Duffy states. Very well put. OK, Matthew time to get stupid....

MS: Why should Spunk pumpers unite?

MD: To save the world from misery by delivering muscles and magic to the people of earth.

MS: Are you in love with Morrisey?

MD: I really just want to make out with him while simultaneously stroking his pompadour

MS: Girl in a Coma is, do you know who they are?

MD: No but my sources tell me it's really serious.

MS: What song gives you confidence?

MD: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

MS: Do you consider yourself a homosapien, too?

MD: I am indeed homo erectus and homosapien, like you.

MS: Define Buzzcock?

MD: Drunk dancing at the east village watering hole.

MS: Is that something you do regularly?

MD: Yes! At least once a day & twice on Sunday.

MS: Peanut Butter & Jelly, or another combo?

MD: Peanut Butter, Thick Cut Bacon, Banana, & Honey.

MS: Because the wind is high it blows your….?

MD: Beef curtains open

MS: WTF, does Matthew Duffy think he is?

MD: He is SPUNKY. Enjoys getting DRUNKY. And he likes Ryan Gosling cause he be HUNKY.　

Get Spunky & Drunky with Matthew at:

www.facebook.com/matthewduffymusic

www.soundcloud.com/matthew-duffy-music

TV Watch: American Horror Story

Seen any good horror movies lately? I thought not, that’s because the best thing going horror wise is on FX….

“American Horror Story” rocks! It’s everything that you want your horror to be, edgy, nasty, creepy & best of all politically incorrect.

Two time Oscar Winner Jessica Lange, (one of my favorites) looks like she is having a blast, chewing the scenery as “Constance.” - with her daughter, "Adelaide" played by Jamie Brewer.

Their relationship is very “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane” slash Piper Laurie & Sissy Spacek from “Carrie.”

Being a total horror geek I can completely appreciate these references shed in a new light and there are many other horror flick wink & nudges in this frightfest. It is obvious that it's creators, two guys who did one of my favorite shows ever “Nip/Tuck” Ryan Murphy & Brad Falchuck, are huge horror geeks too.

The main victims, uh, family that moves into this infamous “murder house” are headed by Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott & Taissa Farmiga as the Harmon’s. The Harmon’s are a really dysfunctional lot, and that is the charm of them too, and why the “murder house” draws them in and owns them, nobody puts the “murder house” in a corner!

With so many juicy horror elements thrown in, and Zachary Quinto recently guest starring as one half of the previous 2010 couple who owned the house, hey the Harmon’s are so 2011, so, if you are true horror fan why aren’t you watching, freak?!

Really I do not want to give too much away if you have not seen it . There is one secret I could spill, perhaps…Dylan McDermott is one of the coolest guys I have ever met, oh, and beware of men in rubber suits…

“Take a look at yourself”!

http://www.fxnetworks.com/

Checking In With: Matt Zarley

Singer, Matt Zarley has released his follow up CD to “Here I Am’ the title of the CD?

“Change Begins With Me” has already yielded the hit dance single “WTF”

Matt is a guy on the go, let’s check in with him and see “WTF” is happening….
　
MS: Hey Matt, wanted to check in with you, Loving the theme of your new CD “Change Begins With Me.”

MZ: The CD is the result of a really tough break-up I went through years ago. We were together 4 years. I sort of did the album as a way to heal. “Forgive Me For Not Forgiving You” is the first song on the album that I wrote about that relationship. I’ve learned through this whole process that you can’t expect other people to change, you have to make that happen for yourself. It’s human nature to play the blame game, when you’re hurt. The person I was with is a terrific person, we just weren’t terrific together.


MS: How does the song “WTF” fit into this scenario?

MZ: That song was written about somebody I had a quickie romance with last year. The situation was profound only in the sense that I didn’t think I was ready to fall in love with somebody. It awakened me to the fact that I was ready, even though it was hurtful it served a great purpose in the end.

MS: When I was reading the press release I went: Wow, this CD is something everyone can relate to.

MZ: Well good, I am glad.

Get more Matt at: http://www.mattzarley.com/

Also if you are in Los Angeles on Tuesday November 8^th check out the information for the event Matt is involved in at the top of this page and get to it!
　
　

Video: Margaret Cho Is "Asian Adjacent"

Margaret Cho & Michael Shinafelt

Hey Peeps, check out one of my fave performers & interview subjects latest video from her CD "Cho Dependent".....

Margaret Cho is proud to release her latest video from her Grammy nominated "Cho Dependent" CD release. “Asian Adjacent,” which appears on Cho Dependent, her musical comedy album she released last year, wherein she collaborated with the musical minds of Fiona Apple, Brendan Benson Tegan and Sara and many more. For “Asian Adjacent,” she teamed up with singer-songwriter Grant Lee Phillips; and the dude also appears in the video– beautifully directed by Tani Ikeda.

Laughspin says: Margaret Cho is more than a comedian. She’s a force. She proves it time and time again. With each live performance, with each album release, television role and video, she keeps pushing the boundaries of what is considered mainstream entertainment

I agree...!

Click here to watch "Asian Adjacent": http://vimeo.com/31270345

Get more Cho at:
http://www.margaretcho.com/

Trick Or Treat: It's "Scream Queen" Raine Brown

Actress Raine Brown has done it all from drama to comedy, stage to film…

That being said, Raine is best known as one of the premiere indie horror actresses around. A “Scream Queen” if you will who has legions of followers and lights up any movie she appears in such as “100 Tears” for which she won best supporting actress at the 2008 Tabloid Witch Awards, “Barricade” & “Brain Cell.”

She also hosted “New York's Village Halloween Parade 2005” - Trick or treat, guess whose knocking at your door for Halloween…?

MS: Hey Raine..Boo! How are you? film anything that is going to make us scream this year?

RB: I’m doing great, I have done a couple of horror films and I am actually in the middle of shooting a comedy right now.

MS: Awesome!

RB: Yeah, it’s really cool, a different change of pace.

MS: So Raine, shall we get spooky? It’s Halloween…

RB: I love getting dressed up, honestly if I did not get in costume all year long, I would be so gung ho for getting into a costume for Halloween. But whenever there is an event or a party, it makes getting dressed up for Halloween a little less exciting, because I am always putting together a costume.

MS: Ah, show biz! (laughs)

RB: Halloween is actually my Mom’s Birthday too, so that’s kind of cool. We go crazy decorating the house. Everyone always gives her Halloween decorations for her Birthday - so we have plenty of stuff to use. (laughs)

MS: What is your favorite role in a horror movie?

RB: Definitely “I Heart U” …I co-created the story & the character, produced and starred in it, it was great being involved from the ground up a little bit more. It’s in post production and close to being finished.

MS: Can you tell us what it is about?

RB: It is a horror/romantic/dark comedy - it's about a husband and wife who live this perfect suburban dream. But they each have this secret life, they are both serial killers and neither one of them knows about the other. It mocks the “dream” and what is really going on underneath it all. I love that they are evil and yet you root for them, it’s a wicked little twist. (laughs)

MS: Hit us with your favorite horror movie.

RB: I’d have to say it’s “Carrie” that to me is classic. I love that it is female based, that is always of interest to me. Also I love that it is so psychological, you really feel for Carrie, it’s really, to me, honestly about her story more than it is about the blood, the blood is more of a symbol of what’s going on. Every time I see it, I think, ah, that is such a good movie.

MS: OK, Ms. Brown, time for your favorite horror movie villain.

RB: Ooooooooooooooh, my favorite horror movie villain, that’s a hard one….well the one that scared me the most, recently, and now it’s old is Jigsaw, from the original “Saw” movie. He scared me the most out of every villain that I have ever seen. That was part of that whole torture craze, and that dude scared hell out of me! I’m not sure if that makes him my favorite or not, but he got the job done! (laughs) I’m like Unnnnnnnnh, I don’t like that! (laughs)

MS: Getting the job done is half the battle, so do tell, for those not in the know, what’s it like being a “Scream Queen”?


RB: Well, it’s very messy! (laughs) You often spend the whole day covered in sticky, bloody goo! (laughs) I love the fun of it. It’s a great genre to be a part of, because the people who love horror, just LOVE IT! They follow it, and that’s been able to keep me working a lot. Fans go: Oh My God, let’s see what Raine’s doing. People hire me because they know people will watch it because I am in it. As you know the “Scream Queen” is only on part of what I do - I do every kind of film, theatre or character there is, just throw it at me, I love it! The horror is a large part of what I do, and the fans are great!

MS: Ever thought about cutting a single?

RB: I can sing, maybe I should.

MS: Any parting thoughts on Halloween.

RB: It used to be a Holiday for kids, but now it’s like, it’s time for grown-ups to get out and have fun, release your inner craziness! It’s the one day adults can be a total freak and show it on the outside! Also free chocolate just for ringing a door bell? I mean c’mon that’s the American way, I love chocolate!

Get down, with Raine Brown at:

http://www.rainebrown.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raine-Brown/200385190029588?sk=wall