Blu-ray Review: South Pacific – 50th Anniversary Edition
If you’re a fan of musicals, South Pacific is definitely one of the best. South Pacific is a 1958 film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific, which was based on James A. Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Director Joshua Logan (Picnic, Bus Stop, Sayonara), shot much of the film on the […]
Music Review: Serena Ryder – Sweeping the Ashes
Back in November of 2007, I reviewed Serena Ryder’s EP I Told You in a Whispered Song. That was my introduction to the Canadian born singer. Nearly two years later, Ryder is set to release a new three song EP titled Sweeping the Ashes that highlights her raspy delivery, emotional lyrics and impressive guitar skills. […]
DVD Review: The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
The Wiggles are an international phenomenon. Formed in 1991 when three of the original members were studying early childhood education, the Wiggles connect with their preschool audience using light humor, simple songs with interesting lyrics, and lively dance steps. The supporting cast of characters includes a pirate named Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Dorothy the […]
Music Review: Peggy Lee – Make It With You/Where Did They Go
By the time 1970 rolled around, Peggy Lee had been making records for nearly thirty years, been nominated for an Academy Award, and several Grammy Awards. She took home a Grammy in 1969, for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Female for “Is That All There Is?” Having accomplished so much and with musical tastes changing so […]
Music Review: Peggy Lee – All Aglow Again
The compilation All Aglow Again! was originally released on Capitol Records’ discount-priced Starline label in May of 1960. At the time, the goal was probably to get Lee’s 1958 mega-hit “Fever” on LP for the first time. Previously, the song had only been released as a single, so Capitol Records executives likely saw a way […]
Music Review: Curt Smith – Halfway, Pleased
As a major Tears for Fears fan growing up, I was curious what the bands co-founder, Curt Smith’s first solo album in ten years would sound like. Smith freely admits that his new album Halfway, Pleased is semi-autobiographical and explores his relationships with his children, parents and friends. “It’s where I find myself at this […]
Music Review: Paper Rival – Dialog
I knew nothing about Paper Rival until I was sent a copy of their self-titled EP last fall. The Nashville band–vocalist Jacob Rolleston, bassist Cody McCall, guitarist Brent Coleman, drummer Dillon Napier and guitarist Patrick Damphier–immediately impressed me with their lush pop melodies and alternative rock rhythms. The band has said from the start that […]
Ricky Nelson Would Have Been 68 Today
Ricky Nelson would have turned 68 today, had he not been killed in a plane crash on January 1, 1985. Here he is singing “It’s Late” on Ozzie and Harriet. The song peaked on the charts at #9 in 1959.
Music Review: Peggy Lee – The Lost ’40s & ’50s Capitol Masters
As a long time music collector in my thirties, I’ve always had an appreciation for what I like to call “pure vocalists”–singers who seem to be able to belt out any song and make it their own. This talented group tends to cross musical genres: standards, jazz, pop–their tremendous vocal range gives them a vast […]
Music Review: Carole King – Tapestry – Legacy Edition
As a long time music collector, it is always impossible for me to come up with one of those “Twenty-Five Best Albums of All Time,” type lists that magazines, blogs and other media outlets are so fond of creating. While I could never put my favorite albums of all time in any sort of numeric […]