Category: Pop Culture Roundup

Pop Culture Roundup (Mid-January 2012)

24 complete series Keifer Sutherland

In case you were too busy driving around with your dog on your car roof or wondering how to finish that research paper with Wikipedia going dark for a day in protest of a proposed law, here are some of the recent pop culture stories you might have missed.

Movies

The Los Angeles Times notes that four recent movies leave the viewer with an open ending. (Watch out for spoilers!)

Do the proposed new rules for the documentary category of the Academy Awards make sense?

George Clooney is planning a movie about art historians rescuing art looted by the Nazis.

Keifer Sutherland reports that shooting for a 24 movie could start in a few months.

A new documentary looks at the life and career of comedian Bernie Mac.

Metromix has 21 films to watch for in 2012.

Another Bruce Almighty sequel is in the works, but this time with Jim Carrey returning.

James Franco’s new movie about the life of writer Hart Crane is available on demand or through download. (review)

This year, four film classics return to theaters but this time in 3-D. . .

The Los Angeles Times takes a look at the character of Sherlock Holmes’s sidekick Watson on the screen through the years.

NY Times reviews new documentary in the Paradise Lost series about the West Memphis 3, recently cleared of murder.

Why an empty box was the Star Wars holiday gift sensation in 1977.

Wes Anderson’s upcoming film is Moonrise Kingdom:

Music

Owl and Bear has an interesting list of top 2011 albums.

The New York Times reviewed Glen Campbell’s “Farewell Tour” performance in NY.

Bill Moyers explains why Woody Guthrie is relevant now.

Kelly Willis talks about making an album with her husband Bruce Robison. (No Depression)

Madlands? Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming album is angry. (Paste)

A conversation with Texas legendary troubadour Billy Joe Shaver.

Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift will perform at Grammy Awards on Feb. 12.

A proposed Indiana law sets performance standards (w/ fines) for the national anthem at public schools and colleges.

Turnstyled Junkpiled has a “tribute show” collection of videos of artists covering Townes Van Zandt songs.

John Fogerty made a guest appearance on the new Fox TV show The Finder, also singing the theme song.

Van Halen just released its first David Lee Roth video since 1996.

Television

The Golden Globes award show was on Sunday, leading to the question: Do the Golden Globes pick better winners than the Oscars?

The 500th episode of The Simpsons airs Feb. 19.

The Paley Center for Media celebrates Bill Cosby’s 50 years in show biz.

AMC is developing a Goodfellas TV series. Yeah, I think this is funny. Clown funny.

Hostess Twinkies

Other Pop Culture News

Alvin! Check out the history of Alvin and the Chimpmunks.

Barry Larkin on his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A new biography of Stephen Hawking celebrates the ideas of the world’s most famous scientist. (review)

Better start stockpiling those Twinkies and cupcakes. Hostess filed for bankruptcy.

  • Pop Culture Roundup for December 2012
  • Guy Clark’s Life and Music in “Without Getting Killed or Caught”
  • Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s Cover of Bob Dylan’s “Brownsville Girl”
  • Townes Van Zandt Covered an Elvis Song About a Shrimp?
  • The Love Story of Joey + Rory: “If I Needed You”
  • It’s Like Deja Vu All Over Again

    • (Some Related Chimesfreedom Posts)

    Pop Culture Roundup (9 Jan. 2012 Edition)

    Kathleen Edwards In case you have been deep in the NFL playoffs or if you live in Iowa or New Hampshire and have been too busy listening to presidential candidates, here is this week’s roundup of some of the stories about music, film, and pop culture that you might have missed.

    — Music —

    Patti Smith has written a song about Amy Winehouse and will include the tune on her next CD.

    Cee Lo Green manaaged to anger religious leaders, atheists, and John Lennon fans with a New Year’s “Imagine” lyrics change. He later explained why he changed the lyrics.

    Jump! Van Halen — including David Lee Roth — played a small club this week to warm up for their upcoming tour.

    Rodney Crowell’s website has three live acoustic songs for free download. Nice.

    Kathleen Edwards’s new CD, released later this month, was co-produced by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) w/ guest artists.

    For the first time ever, in 2011, digital sales of music topped the physical sale of music.

    Grammy-winning musician Youssou N’Dour will run in Senegal’s presidential election next month.

    Charlie Louvin’s new memoir recounts Oasis-type disharmony with his brother when the Louvin Brothers toured.

    Terry Ardolino, the drummer with NRBQ from 1974-2004, passed away at the age of 56. RIP.

    Freddie Milano, one of the Belmonts who sang with Dion on a number of classic rock and roll songs, passed away this week. After Dion left the original Belmonts behind (and a falling out and litigation followed), Milano continued to sing with the group while pursing his education. When he passed away he was working with the less fortunate, helping indigent people detained at Rikers Island jail in New York City. After Milano’s death was announced, Dion wrote a short tribute on his Facebook page, stating how Milano played an important role in his younger life: “We had our ups and downs through the years but that’s how things go in families, even rock-and-roll families. I will always remain grateful for his contribution in 1958 & 59 – may he rest in peace and rock on in heaven.” Milano was known for his great harmonies in the group on such songs as “I Wonder Why.”  RIP.

    You may also hear and see Milano (on your right) in this performance of “A Teenager in Love.”


    — Movies —

    This year in movies “might just be the geekiest ever.” — IMDb editor Keith Simanton.

    A Bridesmaids Sequel Without Kristen Wiig?

    Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig The Chicago Tribune listed 10 films to see this winter from Michael Phillips.

    The Tree of Life originally included a planned Adam and Eve sequence.

    War Horse actor Benedict Cumberbatch has signed on to be in the Star Trek sequel, perhaps as a villain.

    Red Tails — an action film produced by George Lucas about WWII African-American Tuskegee Airmen — is out Jan. 20.


    — Television —

    Betty White has a new hidden-camera TV show of seniors pulling pranks.

    Donald Trump     announced his biggest Celebrity Apprentice cast ever.

    What happened to Ted Williams, the “man with the golden voice” who was found homeless last year? (video)

  • Who Flipped a Coin With Ritchie Valens?: The Day the Music Died and the Coin Toss Controversy
  • Dion Has the Blues
  • Charlie Louvin RIP
  • Nanci Griffith’s Superstars on Letterman: “Desperados Waiting for a Train”
  • “Satan’s Jeweled Crown” & Bruce Springsteen (Cover of the Day)
  • “Hello Christmas” from Dion and Amy Grant

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    Pop Culture Roundup (Best of 2011 Edition)

    New Year hat 2012 Happy new year! In case you have been too busy preparing for the new year, here is a sample of recent pop culture stories you might have missed. As you might guess, many of the interesting stories look back at the best and worst of 2011.


    — Best of 2011 —

    A number of websites and blogs consider the best music of 2011. The New York Post featured Twitter-sized reviews of the best songs of 2011. Ickmusic has a 2011 best-of list of albums and songs. Uprooted Music Revue listed its 50 Favorite Audio Releases of 2011. Entertainment Weekly listed its top 10 albums of 2011. USA Today critics picked their best albums of 2011. Cover Lay Down presented mp3s of the best cover songs of 2011.

    A number of sites considered the best and worst films of 2011. Chicago Tribune critic Michael Philips picked his 10 worst films of 2011, and he also picked his 10 best films. Just Go With It was the number one rented film at Redbox kiosks in 2011. All of top 5 rentals were comedies. Leonard Maltin picked the 11 Best Films You May Have Missed In 2011.

    Some posts examined the top books. For example, NPR listed its Best Music Books Of 2011. (Thanks @robertloerzel.) The New York Daily News picked the best under-the-radar books of 2011.

    There were other end-of-the-year lists. For example, Salon featured the viral videos of 2011. Frontier Psychologist listed The Top 10 Not That Special People of 2011. (Thanks @HipandCritical.) Salon featured the best and worst Tweets of the year. Slate had the worst catchphrases of 2011. TV critic Robert Bianco put together a list of the best and worst of TV in 2011.

    DJ Earworm created a mashup of the top 25 pop songs of 2011 in one 5-minute clip. It’s pop. There ain’t no Lucinda Williams or Ryan Adams in here.

    — Other Recent Music News —

    Beyond “more cowbell!” The New York Post examined Blue Oyster Cult in pop culture.

    Kelly Clarkson received a big boost in album sales after she endorsed Ron Paul.

    stuffed puppy toy
    Thanks for saving me, Pink!

    Pink saved a puppy thrown in a river. How cool is that?

    Singer-actress Kaye Stevens passed away. She performed with the Rat Pack, on Johnny Carson, etc.

    Bob Seger recently explained his 2011 highlight was playing with Bruce Springsteen.

    The Los Angeles Times     interviewed Woody Allen about his career playing New Orleans jazz.

    Bono and Glen Hansard played on the streets of Dublin for charity on Christmas Eve.


    — Other Movie News —

    Me Tarzan, you ?? Maybe it isn’t true that the chimp that just died was the 80-year-old Cheetah of Tarzan movie fame.

    Scientists have discovered the reason for the strange bird behavior that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.


    — Other Television News —

    Anne Serling has written a memoir about discovering her father Rod through his show The Twilight Zone.

    Slate has the best and worst ads inspired by director Wes Anderson.

    Barry Livingston, who played Ernie on My Three Sons, is still acting and has a book out.

    What were your favorite stories of the year? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Bono and Glen Hansard: The Auld Triangle
  • “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and . . . Eddie Vedder (Duet of the Day)
  • ‘Fairytale of New York’ at Shane MacGowan’s funeral
  • Death in Movies That Remind Us to Enjoy Life
  • Springsteen and Bono Sing “Because the Night” in Dublin
  • Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen “Shout” In Their Third Performance Together

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    This Week in Pop Culture Roundup (18 Dec. 2011)

    Captain America In case you were too busy planning and then canceling a debate because nobody was going to show up, here are some of the pop culture stories you might have missed. This week’s roundup features some “Best of 2011” lists.

    —– Best of 2011 —–

    Salon listed its 10 Best Movies from 2011.

    Chicago Tribune critic Michael Phillips selected his top 10 films of 2011.

    Slate listed the best jazz albums of 2011.

    The African-American Film Critics Association named Tree of Life the best film of 2011.

    Time Magazine    ‘s “Person of the Year” is. . . The Protester.

    Here are 10 movies from 2011 that you may not have seen but should have.

    The Americana Music Association listed its 2011 Top 10 Most Played Albums.


    —– Movies —–

    Where’s the Batsuit when you need it? Christian Bale got a little roughed up in China while trying to visit a dissident in the country.

    Cuban horror spoof Juan of the Dead, satirizes socialism using zombies.

    Poptimal has a review of Tinker Tailor Solder Spy.

    The first trailer for Men in Black III has been released.

    Orsen Welles’s 1942 screenplay Oscar for Citizen Kane went up for auction.

    Here’s an interesting video essay about “the Spielberg face” used in the director’s movies:

    The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations may change predictions for the Oscars.

    Say it ain’t so! Daniel Ruettiger, who inspired the film Rudy, settled w/ the SEC regarding allegations against him.

    Paramount Pictures is tweaking its logo.


    —– Music —–

    No Depression featured a review of a Ryan Adams show in Baltimore.

    Questlove from the Roots listed his top five hip-hop concept albums.

    On Monday, Billy Joel became the first nonclassical musician to be inducted into Steinway Hall.

    In January, Ani DiFranco will release her first album in three years.

    Hasidic Jewish reggae musician Matisyahu announced upcoming changes and shaved.

    The Los Angeles Times reviewed one of Aimee Mann’s annual holiday shows.

    Etta James is terminally ill with chronic leukemia. Since we posted recently Rachel Crow’s version of “I’d Rather Go Blind,” let’s give a listen to James singing her great song.


    —– Television —–

    The FCC ordered TV stations to regulate the volume of loud TV commercials, taking effect Dec. 2012.

    Howard Stern is replacing Piers Morgan on America’s Got Talent.

    Steve Carrell of The Office got snubbed in the Golden Globe nominations. That’s what she said.

    After interviewing the Kardashians and others on her special, Barbara Walters revealed that her “Most Fascinating Person” for 2011 is the late Steve Jobs.

    —– Other Pop Culture News —–

    Joe Simon, the co-creator of Captain America, passed away Wednesday night. Vanity Fair has a nice tribute to Christopher Hitchens, who also passed away in the last week. RIP.

    Ho Ho Ho! Check out these photos from Life magazine of Santa making kids cry. We hope that your wishes come true without any crying in the upcoming holiday weeks.

    What were your favorite pop culture stories of the week? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Etta James and Dr. John on the Classic Heartbreak Song Written in Prison: “I’d Rather Go Blind”
  • What if William Randolph Hearst Could Hack?
  • I’d Rather Go Blind: Rachel Crow
  • Treasure Island & Wallace Beery
  • Billy Joel is Turning the Lights Back On After The Longest Time
  • Etta James: “Almost Persuaded” (Song of the Day)

    • (Some Related Chimesfreedom Posts)


    This Week in Pop Culture Roundup (11 Dec. 2011)

    chewbacca toy In case you have been too busy this week angrily Tweeting about American Airlines because a flight attendant interrupted a game you were playing on your phone, here are some of the pop culture stories you might have missed this week. FYI, see below for a funny video relating to the American Airlines incident. Three of the big stories that were already covered this week in Chimesfreedom were the passings of actor Harry Morgan, singer Dobie Gray, and blues man Hubert Sumlin, so check out those stories too. But here are some of the lesser known reviews and stories from the fields of movies, music, and popular culture.


    —— Movies —–

    Filmmakers are clashing with each other over access to West Memphis 3 witnesses.

    The Hangover III may be set in Los Angeles and may try a new formula.

    The Los Angeles Times contemplated predictions for the Golden Globe race for drama films.

    The Sundance Film Festival announced its short film roster.

    Salon featured a slide show of 20 classic spy movies.

    The trailer for the new Three Stooges movie is out.

    Jeremy Piven revealed that an Entourage movie is in the works.

    A sci-fi fan is suing James Cameron, claiming the director stole Avatar story idea.

    Below is a video tribute to the year of 2011 in film and music, “The 2011 Portfolio”:

    —– Music —–

    Amnesty International released a 4-CD set: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan: Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty Intnl.

    In the New York Times, Camille Paglia reviewed Greil Marcus’s new book on the Doors.

    Was Gram Parsons an underrated songwriter?

    2012 R&R Hall Inductees: Beastie Boys, Donovan, Guns N’ Roses, Laura Nyro, Red Hot Chili Peppers & Small Faces/Faces.

    Barbara Orbison, the widow of Roy Orbison, passed away Tuesday.

    Lady Gaga’s latest video, for “Marry the Night,” is 14 min long and reflects one of her darker days.

    Popdose has a funny discussion of the AM Gold songs from 1967.

    New music collaborations include My Morning Jacket & Kelly Clarkson, as well as Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys on tour.

    Cover Lay Down has covers of songs in the new Christmas canon.

    Twangville has a review of a recent performance by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

    Blogness has Bruce Springsteen’s performance with Gaslight Anthem from this week in Asbury Park.

    Billboard named Adele the top artist of 2011 as she makes history.

    —– Television —–

    In Wookie news, Chewbacca is going to guest star on Glee.

    The Mythbusters guys apologized after they accidentally fired a cannonball into a residential area earlier this week.

    “Very funny.” — Tonight Show bandleader Kevin Eubanks on the Roots’ controversial entrance song for Michele Bachmann.

    Laugh-In star Alan Sues, who also was in the Twilight Zone Episode “The Masks,” passed away this week.

    Was it too soon for Saturday Night Live to spoof the Penn State scandal? Colin Quinn thinks so. In other SNL news, Alec Baldwin appeared on the show last night to apologize about the American Airlines incident to . . . Alec Baldwin, “an American treasure.”

    —– Other Pop Culture News —–

    Manny Ramirez un-retired from baseball. That’s Manny being . . . Brett.

    Salon listed its favorite non-fiction books of 2011.

    Jerry Robinson, the comic book artist who created Batmans’s The Joker, passed away yesterday. RIP.

    In the way that all sci-fi alien horror movies begin. . . NASA just discovered an earth-like planet. Assuming the aliens do not attack us, we will see you with more pop culture stories soon. . .

  • I Wish It Was Christmas Today
  • Clarence Ashley: “The Cuckoo” & “Little Sadie”
  • The Flying Burrito Brothers Song That Includes a Tribute to Bobby Kennedy
  • The Star Wars Holiday Special 1978
  • Paul McCartney Joins Springsteen for “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
  • The 1977 Johnny Cash Christmas Show

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