Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Hump Day & Chill

One From The Heart

Dreams and fantasies are an integral part of our lives. Thus today we are going to Hump Day & Chill to this image of Nastassja Kinski and Frederic Forrest in Francis Ford Coppola's One From The Heart.

Coppola took real life issues amongst couples and set them against a Las Vegas fantasy back drop. The film was a critical and box office failure upon it's release. It was quite ambitious and sought a new way of telling people's stories.

As the years have gone by One From The Heart has gotten re-evaluated and is now well regarded.

Honestly I loved how the emotionally raw performances were juxtaposed with fantasy it is beautiful and brilliant IMHO.

So I hereby decree we are going to Hump Day & Chill to the fantasy and beauty of Ms. Kinski as a billboard come to life. 

Free your mind Minions!

One From The Heart on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_from_the_Heart

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

California Gold



CALIFORNIA GOLD DISCOVERED IN COSMO’S VAULT

 
Two legendary rock musicians, Doug Clifford and Bobby Whitlock joined forces with a host of incredible players to create a gem that is finally being released on September 9.
 
Pre-order/pre-save link : https://orcd.co/DougCliffordCaliforniaGold

 
Doug Cosmo” Clifford, the iconic Creedence drummer, has a treasure trove of unreleased recordings hes produced over the years, all safely stored in Cosmos Vault.
 
This past summer he re-discovered what he thought was a long-lost album called California Gold. It features Bobby Whitlock on lead vocals, singing 10 original songs he and Cosmo co-wrote together.   The album was recorded at the infamous "Cosmos Factory" and various other San Francisco Bay Area studios and the result is indeed a newly unearthed treasure.
 
The rock luminaries joined forces to create a perfect good time rock-n-roll record.   Doug Clifford is known for his powerful drum style in one of the most popular American bands from the late 60s and early 70s, Creedence Clearwater Revival.  Co-founder of Derek & The Dominos, Bobby Whitlock is well known to rock fans, critics and music aficionados.  As well as being a singer/songwriter, guitarist and Hammond B-3 player, the musician has enjoyed his own string of hits in collaboration with Eric Clapton including “Layla,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” "Tell The Truth" and more.  
 
Doug and Bobby gathered other top shelf musicians along their journey including producer/writer and bassist extraordinaire, Donald "Duck" Dunn who ushered in the sounds of Stax and played bass on literally thousands of recordings. Other musicians include Tom Miller on bass and David Vega and Mike O’Neill on guitar.
 
The songs are a combination of roots rock and melodic blues, all natural with no filler. Whitlock’s powerful and distinctive vocals are in top form and Cosmo’s drumming is rock solid, stretching beyond his well-known Creedence grooves. 
 
For reasons that shall remain a mystery, California Gold was somehow lost in time. But now that the album has been re-discovered, perhaps its time is here and now. 
 
The California Gold release date for streaming and downloads is Sept. 9 via Cliffsong Records, distributed globally by BFD/The Orchard. CD available for pre-order now at https://orcd.co/DougCliffordCaliforniaGold
 

Monday, August 29, 2022

Chic Out!

Chic!
Anne Hathaway

 "One, two, Ah, freak out! Le freak, c'est chic" - Le Freak, Chic

Spying Anne Hathaway out and about in NYC made me think of the phrase from the song Le Freak above. Except I would insert the word chic for freak.

There is something seriously amazing about the simplicity of Anne's outfit that is oh so chic at the same time.

I mean, flared leg jeans, a standard issue black top, add silver boosts to make it well, eye catching and, ya know, chic!

Thus today why don't we all try to Chic Out! with Anne by wearing our usual basics for the day but adding one simple practical item that puts it over into another realm with it.

Strike a pose there's nothing to it Minions...

Hey ho, let's go!!! 

Anne on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/annehathaway/?hl=en   

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Tie One On

All Hail Pee Wee Herman!

It's finally here, the day you wait for all year long! "Yes" it's finally National Bow Tie Day!!! Yay!!!

JK, you were more than likely unaware of this day at all. But it's Sunday Funday and, well it's fun so WTF not? I ask you? I asked please answer, oh well...

Here to get in on the frivolity is none other than the man, the myth and red bow tie wearer Mr. Pee Wee Herman.

Pee Wee made his red bow tie his signature and he's an icon who has lasted decades. 

Thus we celebrate National Bow Tie day by honoring the King Of The Nerds.

All Hail Pee Wee!!!

National Bow Tie Day on the WWW -

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bow-tie-day/

Saturday, August 27, 2022

The Rundown Kreeps

 


Los Angeles Ska/Punk Trio Rundown Kreeps’ Pay Homage To The Beatles' 'Help!' In New Video "NOLA”

Tour Dates Announced; Playing Fest on October 27

"This one combines sugar-sweet bubblegum pop melodies and punk energy in a Ramonesy fashion- Brooklynvegan 


***
Screen Shot 2022-08-26 at 10.40.48 AM

""NOLA" observes and compares the theme of escapism in relation to the banality of everyday life. Whether it's work stress, financial struggle, emotional hurt, or the hunger to accomplish a dream; we're all either running towards or away from somewhere. Recorded and mixed by Jonathan Mireles (audio engineer for Travis Barker as well as Machine Gun Kelly's "Tickets to My Downfall).

With this music video we wanted to pay homage to our musical heroes The Beatles; as well as subtly remain on the theme of escapism. The idea is that instead of making a video in which the subject matter is asking for help; we'd remake the "Help!" music video as close to shot for shot as possible". -Rundown Kreeps

"NOLA" Music Video

https://youtu.be/F3aOLeOxK2g

Stream the track here:

Spotify

Apple Music

Amazon Music

Tidal

Formed in 2009, LA-based trio Rundown Kreeps perform amped-up melodic Punk Rock with heavy dashes of frantic Ska, punk backbeats, and twangy vibes to keep audiences moving across a variety of dance floors.

Rundown Kreeps have completed several tours throughout the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii and have shared stages with notable acts like The Toasters, Reel Big Fish, Nekromantix, Buck-O-Nine, The Wierdos, The Phenomenauts, and Mustard Plug, to name a few.

All of Rundown Kreeps' past catalog of music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Rhapsody, Tidal, Google Play, Pandora, YouTube and more!

Catch the band on tour in Sept.October. See dates below.

Social Media:

Website- www.rundownkreeps.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RundownKreepsLA

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rundownkreeps/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/rundownkreeps

Friday, August 26, 2022

"Hold Me Closer"

Britney & Elton

T.G.I.F! Honestly I can't think of a better week to kick off this weekend than with the official audio to Hold Me Closer by Elton John and one Ms. Britney Spears.

FYI it's Britney's first new music since 2016 and her first since being free of her conservatorship.

Well it's good and kudos to Sir Elton for understanding the assignment -

Hit it at the video below Minions!!!


Thursday, August 25, 2022

Michael's Musings

Feeling Madonna, Looking Like Nina Hagen
Michael Shinafelt

This has been an interesting week with many things to ponder and new and exciting challenges. Ones that bring you into inner space and outer space. Some things that used to seem intimidating now seem like a welcome stranger, other things that were comforting now seem useless.

And all I really wanted to do was Vogue, damn it!

When I saw Garcelle's of RHOBH son had been trolled on the Internet I had to see what the 411 was. Sadly it was worse than I thought it would be.

I love Barbie Ferreira on Euphoria, she was off the hook the first season. She also had a storyline. Where as season two was more like a cameo. Sad, but not surprised she is dropping out of the show before season three.

You are the aesthetic 

I try to be nonchalant, but under the surface I'm chalant AF!!!

The last face you see before you wake up in a Motel 6 ice-filled bathtub with one of your kidneys missing...Go!

If you write songs about sewing machines does that make you a Singer, songwriter?

Current Mood: Better late than than never

History is not for you to like or dislike. It is there for you to learn from it. Including your own.

Woman Crush of the Week - Blake Lively today's her Birthday after all. HBD Blake!

Put a squirrel in your butt, that's all

Congratulations to those of you who got student loan forgiveness

Remember prudes are people too!

So I got an air fryer, now what?!

Let's collectively get into the groove, yeah that's the ticket

Join Me Here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Hump Day & Chill

Here we are Minions a scant 68 days away from Halloween and an even lesser 51 days from the conclusion of the current Halloween trilogy, Halloween Ends.

Honestly I can't decide which one I am more excited for, thus I declare it a tie. Thus let's Hump Day & Chill to my favorite time of the year.

"Yes" in case you didn't know I am a huge horror fan and of all the days of Spooky Season leading up to Halloween.

Also the buzz about Halloween Ends is that takes an entirely different direction than any other Halloween movie ever. Which will hit or miss, fingers crossed it's the former.

So let's give a big Hump Day & Chill to everything Halloween and then some!

Halloween on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Smithereens

In the fall of 1993 while they were in between contracts with Capitol and RCA, The Smithereens ventured into Crystal Sound Studios NYC to write and record a new album for their own label. The result of those one month marathon recording sessions is this album, unheard by the outside world until now and appropriately titled The Lost Album.  The Smithereens’ take no prisoners sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2500+ live shows. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, who cited The Smithereens as a major influence. Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 41 years. Jim Babjak (guitar) Dennis Diken (drums) and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret and lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live. They’ve since performed on stages coast to coast from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to the Meadowlands Arena in NJ to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tour mates have included Tom Petty, Squeeze, The Pretenders, Lou Reed, and Ramones, among others.

 
In bassist Mike Mesaros’ “own write” – 
The Lost Album has previously existed only as a sentimental “scrapbook” for Dennis, Pat, Jim and me. Mine was tucked away in a dusty shoebox with other cassettes—forsaken raw nuggets of outtakes, demos, rough mixes and silly chatter. Now, the inevitable turning of the clock and the tragic demise of friend and brother Pat has buffed and polished this collection of songs into emotional gold.  The Lost Album remains only 80 percent finished and rough mixed. The feeling and style, however, are all there, outweighing any overdub or mix considerations. It is something new, yet vintage, emerging from its warm analog tomb into a cold digital world.

And so The Lost Album lives. Listen and float with us in between labels purgatory. Pat D. Is in fine fettle and we are young, together and tight. Cigarette smoke fills the studio like a mainline from the NJ Turnpike. It’s good and loud. Even playbacks. Beer is swilled and laughs are had with Den’s impersonations ruling the roost. It’s our traditional and comfortable atmosphere for makin’ us a record.

‘Round midnight, we exit Crystal Sound Studio A and jaywalk over to Studio B — O’Flynn’s Saloon. In due time a cab is hailed and we head downtown to our village incubator, Kenny’s Castaways. We affectionately reckon with our uncle and mentor, Pat Kenny and invite the beloved man to a session. (He came). We’re jazzed about this project because, for the first time, we are producing ourselves and mum’s the word to the outside world. Somehow, it evokes the early days when we were our own best kept secret and a fan club of 4.

The next day our singer is AWOL. After Kenny’s we had followed the clarion call to Freddy’s, an extinct Little Italy speakeasy (Bud in cans or Smirnoff shots) run by our pal Sal where Pat was the jukebox Sinatra. By day it was a paper/tobacco stand/ soda fountain. Sal’s mama always had a big pot of sauce gurgling awaiting her cloud-like meatballs. The aroma permeated lower Manhattan to 6th Avenue.

As we three Carteret hangovers await the Scotch Plains boy’s arrival we are soothed by our ace engineer, pocket psychologist, and studio owner Larry Buxbaum. He supports us and believes in our project like an older brother with a bemused grin. Love and miss you Larry. Thanks.

The Lost Album showcases some of DiNizio and Babjak’s best writing and never better group empathy and collaboration. At this point we were really listening to each other and this was key in our individual styles meshing so well. A real band.  We could be mean, sweet, joyful, or brooding. As need be. We still were in our prime — young, battle-scarred vets who were fluent in the lingua franca of rock ‘n roll but still not far removed from Jimmy’s garage and Pat’s basement. (We still aren’t.)

Out of a shoebox it came. New and vintage. Come back with us. Let’s Get Outa This World.
Tour dates are as follows:
10/14              WALL STREET THEATER            NORWALK, CT
11/2                CITY WINERY                                  CHICAGO, IL
11/3                POTAWATOMI HOTEL                  MILWAUKEE, WI
11/4                LUDLOW GARAGE                         CINCINNATI, OH
11/5                KNUCKLEHEADS                           KANSAS CITY, MO
**wih Marshall Crenshaw on lead vocals
 
12/3                CARTERET                                      CARTERET, NJ
**with Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson 
 
3/3/23             80s CRUISE 
**with Robin Wilson
 
 

Monday, August 22, 2022

Before & After

Hair Apparent
Halle Berry 

It's just another Manic Monday Minions (say that three times fast) - and I thought we would honor it with a photo of Halle Berry's hair style with a before and after shot.

"Yes" it's because I am feeling light today, just as light as Halle with blonde streaks in the before photo.

But soon I am will be feeling like a Purple People Eater, much like Halle in her after and current photo.

There you have it peeps Halle Berry's Hair.

Now go out there and get em' Minions and have a groovy Monday!

Halle on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/halleberry/?hl=en    

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Cosmic Sounds

 Meanwhile at the Mt. Wilson Observatory in Los Angeles...

Cosmic Sounds with Composer CM von Hausswolff and Pasadena's Fulcrum Art + Science Festival


CM von Hausswolff will score a special telescope viewing on Fri. Sep. 23. He will also conduct 12 musicians using the frequencies of the ocean as part of Fulcrum Art's Deep Ocean/Deep Space.” Art + Science Festival, which takes place Sep. 23-25 (the festival starts on the 15)

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Rain Rain Go Away

16 year old viral teen sensation Havanna Winter, is a musical artist, actress, and influencer. In 2020 she gained worldwide attention after going viral on TikTok and currently has a fanbase of over 6 million followers across her social media platforms.

Havanna was born in Oslo, Norway, but spent her childhood summers in Spain. With Spanish summers and Viking winters running through her veins, she made the transatlantic move to Los Angeles, California at the age of 9.


With a burgeoning music career on the horizon, Havanna has signed with Stevie Van Zandt's new imprint Wonderwall Records.

Van Zandt says "Wonderwall Records is our new imprint that focuses more on the Pop side of things and we're looking forward to Havanna being the first release."

The plan is to release 3 singles this year with an album to come next year, all guided by Executive Producer Maya K (Bebe Rexha, Anita, J Balvin).

Maya K says, "I am very excited to work with such a talented artist like Havanna. It’s really inspiring to be able to work with an artist who has such a clear vision of who she is and what she wants."

A video for the first single “rain rain go away” written by Rhyan Besco (Prettymuch, Shaylen) and co-produced by Truls Dyrseth and William Van Zandt, is now streaming at: https://youtu.be/YZ8HrUxlbNA.

Of the video, Winter says, "We went for a The Lost Boys vibe. It's one of my favorite movies and biggest sources of inspiration, so the fact that it looks a bit raw only adds to the eighties vibe we were going for!"

The clip was produced by the music video's cinematographer Michael Donovan and creative director Anette Winter, with editing by Alexander Zarate from Scope.

Inspired by filmmakers Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, and Tim Burton, as well as films like "The Lost Boys” "Pulp Fiction" "Dazed and Confused,” Havanna’s musical vision is to creatively deliver a cinematic experience and sound with every song release. Cultivating elements of her retro interests has allowed Havanna to bring new life to them in the digital world.

***

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@havannawinter (3.2 million followers)

Insta: www.instagram.com/havannawinter (1.4 million followers)

FB: www.facebook.com/havannawinter (398k followers)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HavannaWinter (19.6k followers)

Youtube (34.2k subscribrs)

Triller https://triller.co/@havannawinter (1.3 million followers)

Friday, August 19, 2022

Freaky Friday

Who's Those Girls?

Imagine The Wizard of Oz with Britney Spears as Dorothy and Madonna as Glinda...imagine no more because woot here they are as those exact characters!

It's like the movie Freaky Friday except with classic movie characters, ya know???

This re-imagining was done by photo-shop artist Ronald McDonkey who I follow on Instagram.

His vision of celebrities gone wild is pointed, funny and political.

Thus I will leave you with Madge and Britney as it were and as they are, right here, right now.

Now click your heels together three times...

Wand Drop!

Ronald McDonkey on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/ronaldmcdonkey/?hl=en

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Michael's Musings

My Head Is Being Pulled By The Stars Again...
Michael Shinafelt

Ever take flights of fancy in your mind that manifest themselves in your real life? Well lately mine have been materializing in my actual life outside of my head and it is truly amazing! 

Visualization works Minions, on a scale of 1-10 it definitely rates a 10! Can we talk now?! "Yes" we can!!!

Watched my Queen Garcelle absolutely slay on last night's RHOBH 

Yippee Ki-Yay Sparkle Farts!

Happy 86th Birthday to Robert Redford. I met him once, he did not disappoint

Current ear worm: At Last by Etta James

He forced me out the back door, think about it, but not too much...

Thought's on Tim Burton's Netflix series Wednesday? Personally I'm on the fence after viewing the trailer

Don't give up one day you'll be ______ fill it in, it's blank Minions 

There's a horror film named Glorious, it's about a Glory Hole. This was inevitable, who didn't see this coming at some point?

Woman Crush of the Week - Jenna Ortega, even though I have reservations about Wednesday, I don't have any about the current Scream Queen. She was great in X and, well, Scream!

I hate when people show me photos of their newborns and I have to pretend to be fascinated. Like their newborn doesn't look like everyone else's

Everything happens for a reason you make up after the fact

Living my best angle

Surrender the Big Pink! If you know, you know

Feeling perpetually cute of late

Check me out here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Hump Day & Chill

Elizabeth Taylor & Montgomery Clift

Of late I have been yearning for the Hollywood days of yore when there were real Movie Stars, ya know?

This image a BFF's Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift captures all that and more. Thus we are going to Hump Day & Chill to old Hollywood and this dynamic duo.

Seemingly and most likely this photo was taken on the set of Suddenly Last Summer, a great film that I need to watch again as it has been years since I've seen it. I'm sure my understanding of it will have expanded since I am now older with more life experience, right here, right now.

Thus that is exactly how I'm gonna Hump Day & Chill by fixing myself a gin martini and kicking it old school with Liz & Monty and Suddenly Last Summer.

What's on your agenda?!?!

Suddenly Last Summer on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suddenly,_Last_Summer_(film)  

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Massacre At Central High

The startling U.S. debut of Dutch writer/director Rene Daalder, originally released in 1976, Massacre at Central High is a thriller about a high school transfer student who resorts to murder after being pushed too far by a trio of bullies. When it appears he has freed his fellow classmates from the rule of violent oppressors, the newfound power becomes too much and soon the bullied become the bullies. 


For years, Massacre at Central High more or less slipped under the radar. With the exception of Robert Carradine, the cast consisted of actors you might recognize but not know by name. That, coupled with a title that suggests it might be your run-of-the-mill slasher rather than a smart commentary on the power and influence of violence, has resulted in an under-appreciated gem.

Not everyone overlooked the film, however. In an early '80s episode of Sneak Previews, famed critic Roger Ebert listed Massacre at Central High as one of his guilty pleasures, praising it as "an intelligent and uncompromising allegory about the psychology of violence." Ebert further elaborated on how the "well-crafted" film does an excellent job showcasing how the "student body is a breeding ground for fascism." Nearly fifty years later, those themes present in the film are as relevant as ever.

The new release from Synapse features a high-definition 1080p remaster scanned, transferred and supervised by Daalder. The Blu-ray also contains a full course-load of special features including the brand-new documentary Hell in the Hallways: The Making of Massacre at Central High. Massacre at Central High stars Andrew Stevens, Derrel Maury, Kimberly Beck, Rainbeaux Smith, and Robert Carradine.

Order Here -

Monday, August 15, 2022

Smile It's Monday, Or Not

Pee Wee Herman

Smile, it's Monday - or perhaps NOT!!! I'm feeling loopy and for some reason known exclusively to the corners of my mind. Pee Wee Herman's secret word of the day materialized in my head. Ya know straight outta Pee Wee's Playhouse?! Of course you do!

While "Moist" was never the secret word on his actual show, it's the word I'm using today via this meme because it elicits a strong negative or positive reaction.

"Yes" Minions my goal is to make you smile or not today because I feel like pushing buttons. I'm provocative that way.

Thus enjoy your Monday and my contribution to your mirth or discomfort. The choice is yours.

Pee Wee on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/peeweeherman/?hl=en   

Sunday, August 14, 2022

A Constellation Of Concerns

Meanwhile at the Mt. Wilson Observatory in Los Angeles...

Talks and Telescopes

w/ Glenn Kaino:

"A Constellation of Concerns"

Sat. August 20

@ 5:30 pm

Glenn Kaino, an artist of impact in our time, works in the intersection of art, science, and society, often reimagining our relationship with the natural world. In many of his works he highlights the illusionistic and mesmeric effects of scientific and natural phenomena in large scale installations.

Kaino will talk about his inventive, multidisciplinary approach, his sources of inspiration, his intrinsically collaborative method, and how his art creates engagement with vital issues. He describes each work as existing as A Constellation of Concerns, within which each project ethically engages multiple ideas in conceptually aligned ways.

Multidisciplinary artist Glenn Kaino.

Photo by Nogen Beck.

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Balls, I Say!

The Big Lebowski
Jeff Bridges & Julianne Moore

Get ready to have a ball today, a bowling ball that is! That's correct Minions it's National Bowling Day! 

Thus we had to commemorate it with a scene from the quintessential bowling movie the Big Lebowski with Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore, naturally.

I enjoy bowling, am I any good you ask? Well that varies from frame to frame I could get a strike or a spare then pivot to the next frame and hit two pins. "Yes" I have not mastered being consistent at bowling, but I still find it fun!!!

"The Dude abides" now get out there and grab a lane by the balls!!! 

National Bowling Day on the WWW -

https://nationaltoday.com/national-bowling-day/   

Friday, August 12, 2022

Film Buff Friday: The Postman Always Rings Twice

It's time for some film noir Minions. Does The Postman Always Ring Twice at your door? Well he does at Lana Turner's in the form of John Garfield and such.

Erotic tension is the name of the game in this sizzling piece of movie history. 

It was also remade in 1981 with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange.

So let's enjoy my buddy Jay Jacobson's write-up about it shall we? We shall for sure!!!

T.G.I.F!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/the-postman-always-rings-twice-1946