FlashForward

Catch this before Episode Two!
“Okay, if you have been on Lost, please follow the green arrows in this line. You will be asked to fill out some forms, and then you will be cast in ABC’s new puzzling drama, FlashForward.”

This is how I felt when I sat down to watch the first episode. Not only did I see Charlie and Penny, I also saw the woman that Sawyer conned! It’s weird to see so many of the same actors jump ship to another show. If you’re a huge Lost fan, you can’t help but wonder, “Does this mean something is going to happen to Penny?” She is a major character in this new show, and I’m not sure she will have time for both roles.

And what was Seth McFarlane doing in this show…the creator and voice of Family Guy in a tense drama? Apparently, he’s a friend of the co-creator. I have to admit it was a bit disruptive. The scene was all serious, and then Seth just popped up! My daughter and I had a good laugh though.

I’m happy to see the gorgeous Josesph Fiennes on a weekly basis. He’s a great actor who recently fell off the radar. I’m glad he’s on a solid-looking drama.

So far, I’m in. I don’t like the crime, medical, or lawyer dramas. For me, it needs to be a bit displaced from reality. That’s why I enjoy Lost. I know I would like Fringe, but I didn’t think that show would get picked up, and now I’m too behind. I recommend you jump on this one now. I put the entire first episode up so you can watch before Thursday. I think it’s a keeper.

These filmmakers are definitely using an interesting approach. Screenings in colleges and depending on Facebook and Twitter to get the word out, it's the new way for unknowns to do business.

I don't know. I think the last movie that really scared the crap out of me was Silence of the Lambs. The Ring was lame! Blair Witch Project was a cool project, but it didn't scare me. Will this be the one? I keep searching. All the slasher flicks are just gross and not worth my time. If this plays anywhere near me I will make the trek and let you know. If I tell you it's scary, it is!

How I Met Your Mother

Fall Premiere

Well maybe they didn’t win the Emmy last night, but this show is gaining ground. I personally can’t understand why this show is not more popular. For those TV watchers who say the sitcom is dead I give you a sarcastic… “Hello?”

This show has been delivering great comedy since day one. The cast is top-notch and Neil Patrick Harris is, legend - wait for it - dary! I go to work every Tuesday morning and spend the day amazed that co-workers are not making HIMYM references. Why is everyone missing this gem?

When I come home from toiling in an office all day, I don’t want to see C-list celebrity has-beens dancing, find out what peculiar ailment has befallen someone, or what white-teethed teen is banging what other white-teethed teen. I want to do one thing, laugh. For that one simple request, HIMYM comes through smartly, sweetly and better than most of the thinly disguised third rate poser comedies out there.

VH1 Divas Live

VH1 Divas | Divas Video

The only worthy pairing of the show. These two kicked ass! Enjoy!

Bursting with “Glee”

Well, Fox hyped this show like crazy all summer. There’s no way it could have lived up to the expectations thrust upon it…but it did!

The cast is brilliant, and we already find ourselves hoping that Rachel and Finn will get together, that Kurt will embrace his sexuality, that Will will realize his wife is insane and rush to Emma’s arms and, of course, that Coach Sylvester will crash and burn.

The musical numbers are fantastic and songs that you think will be embarrassing like Don’t Stop Believing are extremely cool. And just when you think they can’t pull off something like Gold Digger, they do that too.

I don’t know if a show can maintain such a high momentum, but it’s already a must in our house. Right now, there’s nothing I would change about this show. For years they have been trying to bring a musical show to TV, and this is the best shot I’ve seen yet. If this ragtag team of misfits can’t win your heart, well, you’re dead inside.

Mary Travers

Jet Plane to Heaven

Mary Travers, of the trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away today at the age of 72. The folk trio of the 1960’s that had such hits as, Puff, the Magic Dragon and Leaving on a Jet Plane, brought folk music into the mainstream pop music scene.

When I was in the 5th grade my teacher wanted to teach the class Puff, the Magic Dragon. She kept stumbling over the words and I took over. “How could you not know all the words?” I wondered.

I had the pleasure of seeing Peter, Paul and Mary live in the early 90’s. That reunion concert holds a special place in my heart.

I attended the concert with my father. It was because of him that I knew groups like Peter, Paul and Mary and the Kingston Trio. I still have all my Dad’s vinyl albums in my garage (I know not the best place). He beamed with pride that night as we sang along and he saw that I remembered all the songs he played for me in my childhood.

My dad passed away just a couple of years after we attended that concert. I thank Mary Travers and Peter and Paul for the wonderful memories they gave to me. At my wedding I had a special request song for the dance with my father. You guessed it, Puff, the Magic Dragon.

Maybe right now they’re hanging out in heaven and she’s singing for my dad. I know he’d join in.

Rest in peace.

Song of the Week

Just Don’t want To Be Lonely – The Main Ingredient
Everyone knows, “Everybody Plays the Fool” but I always felt this song takes the trio to a new level. First it’s as classic, old-school soul as you can get. Every great soul song has talking in it and this song delivers that right off the bat. I smile every time this song comes on because it reminds me of when my son was little. He used to refer to it as, “The Lonely Song.” Even on the classic soul radio stations, this doesn’t get enough airplay. Maybe it’s a good thing, because I still get very excited when this song comes on. If you think you don’t know this song, you probably have just forgotten, so treat yourself to a spin. If you really never heard it, add it to your list of all-time great slow jams.

Jay Leno

Well Leno couldn’t have asked for a better premiere episode. To snag Jerry Seinfeld was one thing, but to have already booked Kayne West and then to have the VMA controversy the evening before, it almost seemed planned.

As a show, Leno brought nothing new and I don’t think NBC wants him to. I can’t say I wish Leno the best. Frankly, I would like his show to crash and burn. He had his day in the sun and he needs to step aside. He’s over saturating the night-time talk show market.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Conan in the earlier Tonight Show time slot and I don’t want Leno to sour audiences away.

I also don’t want this to become a trend. If you’re going to have writers coming up with jokes for all these TV hosts, couldn’t they band together to revive the sitcom? This is exactly why viewers are turning to cable. I really have to rework my budget and get my premium cable turned back on.

VMA Tribute to Micael Jackson

<a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2009/" target="_blank">Janet Jackson's Tribute To Michael</a>

Janet Jackson's Tribute To Michael

Oh man, Janet hit it outta the park...enough said, watch!

The Daily Show

Jon Stewart, I need you!

Finally, my life returns to normal tomorrow night at 11pm. The Daily Show has been on hiatus for three weeks and I've been going crazy! I've been forced to watch actual news broadcasts in the evening. Some may say that's a good thing, but I really need the balance of news events and comedy. The real news can rile me up and have me so pissed off by 11:30 that I can sleep. Stewart and the gang give me the top stories with a bit of honey. If I can laugh, I know I'll get through it. The team is back just in time to make me laugh about healthcare! Luckily, the Joe Wilson story is still fresh enough to get a good trashing from Stewart. I look forward to falling asleep with a smile instead of a scowl.

Ellen on Idol

I just heard the news that Ellen Degeneres will sit in Paula Abdul’s empty seat on the upcoming season of American Idol.

An odd choice, to say the least. At least they chose someone extremely likable. I’m sure some will tune in solely to see how Ellen fits in with a singing competition.

I’m disheartened that producers of the show could not come to an agreement with Abdul. It’s really a mirror of the state of the country these days. It’s all about the bottom line and corporations fail to see the worth in individuals. The, “Your lucky to have a job,” mentality is even prevalent in Hollywood!

Idol is such a juggernaut in the ratings it’s improbable to think they’ll be impacted by Paula’s departure, but I hope they are, if not this season, but over time.

Yes, I’ll watch. My main concern was the lost of nice factor and I think that’s where the choice of Ellen comes in to play. You know she’s not going to be mean to anyone. She’ll be the mama bear to replace Paula’s cougar mama!

Don’t get too big for your britches Idol! Remember the viewing audience will drop you too, in a heartbeat, just like you did Paula, and they won’t look back.

Song of the Week

Bizarre Love Triangle – Frente!
This song rounds out a dozen picks now. Hopefully, you’ve found some new gems to add to your iPod. This week’s track is a wonderful cover of the original New Order song from the 80’s. The Frente! Version is slowed down and the effect is a perfect blend of familiarity with a tasty difference. I wish this would get radio play. I hear the original often on my local radio stations, but this fine cover seems to have been forgotten. It’s a very short song that leaves you wanting more. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I don’t sign off on a lot of covers; believe me I don’t recommend them lightly.

Flight of the Conchords - Season Two

DVD Review


It was complete torture for me to wait for Season Two to be released on DVD. Everyone has been hit hard by these tough economic times, and I’m no exception. To finally accept the fact that after all these years I needed to give up my premium cable channels was a tough pill to swallow. The irony, of course, is now I’ve launched this blog, and it would be beneficial to have access to these shows and give more timely reviews. For now, I’m regulated to DVD releases! It’s already hard enough to not get invited to special screenings or have studios send me private DVDs!

I’ve watched Flight of the Conchords - Season One several times. I watch clips of their stage performance on YouTube all the time. I have all of their songs accept, “Too Many D**ks on the Dance Floor,” (why is that not available?) and I went to see them live in concert last May. So basically, I consider myself their number one fan!

The launch of Season Two brings high expectations for fans like me. Can these two keep coming up with absurd comedy and catchy tunes? Let’s just say there’s no sophomore slump here. These guys deliver the goods. I have to recommend watching the 10-minute “making of” documentary in the special features. It’s easy to forget that these guys write the show and all of songs. The songs are all real fully fleshed out tunes. That alone is quite an accomplishment. If they continued at their pace, it would equal a new album every year.

The rumor mill is high that the boys are bowing out after this season. For my own selfish entertainment, I naturally want them to keep going. The burnout factor, though, must be quite high, and I’m willing to cherish two years of brilliant television and not force these guys to produce less they top-notch work.

The weakest episode this season is The Prime Minister, but other shows could take a lesson, because their weakest efforts far surpass most of the crap the networks try to pass off as comedy these days. In episode two, The New Cup, we witness comedy gold, as Brett sends the couple into a downward financial spiral by purchasing a $2.79 teacup without first checking their bank account. The episode delivers huge laughs and slips into the absurd, while still remaining grounded. This is also the episode featuring their song, “Sugar Lumps,” so it’s pretty much as perfect as it gets. If I was to recommend one episode for someone to get a good feel for this show, this would be the one.

If the show ends here, fans were given a stand-in conclusion in the season finale. The story line also easily leaves the boys’ situation as an easy fix, if they choose to continue.

So, I have my two DVD sets, and they may have to sustain me forever. I’m sure the boys are launching themselves into bigger and brighter things. Does Jermaine Clement deserve his Emmy nomination? Absolutely! Season Two had him turning to prostitution to pay the bills and a musical number where he grabs two cooing pigeons from the window…well that has Emmy written all over it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Song of the Week

Verdi Cries – 10,000 Maniacs
The final track on the 1987 In My Tribe, is a haunting tune that truly showcases Natalie Merchants beautiful voice. This is that rare album that you can play from beginning to end and every song is a joy. I have this on vinyl and it’s taken a spin on my turntable many times. Merchant’s voice has such a unique quality to it; I just don’t know anyone who sounds quite like her. Her music may have become more “adult contemporary” since going solo, but I still enjoy the new music she puts out there. I have to be honest though, I don’t think she’ll ever be able to top this album for me and beautiful tunes like this one.