Glen Burtnick-12/31/1988 Stone Pony

This one is for Dylan's Dad.

Since this is the final day of 2009, I thought I would post about one of the New Years Eve concerts I went to at the Stone Pony ending the year 1988.

I've been fortunate to see a few concerts on New Years Eve: Billy Joel in 1983 at the Garden, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes a couple times at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey.


For a few years a couple of us would go to the Stone Pony and see John Eddie or Glen Burtnick on New Years Eve. The other day I spoke with one of my best friends, who went to many of these shows. We talked about this particular show, and how great it was. I believe our days of New Years Eve concerts are over, but luckily we saw a few memorable ones. Glad we were able to go to these shows when we did, but not sad to not be going out on New Years Eve anymore. We both have families now, and are looking forward to spending it with them.

Glen really mixed up his setlist and did a bunch of songs he rarely, or ever, did. Highlights were Glen singing an original written for the show called 1989, which had Glen performing as the baby New Year in a diaper.

In order to further accommodate the costume change back to "grownup" clothes, The Day that Your Ship Gets Thru was performed with the instrumental ending first, then Glen came out and performed the main part of the song.

Opening act Joey & the Works added backing vocals to Talk That Talk. Steve Schuffert and Mike Baran from Glens band, the guitarist and bass player, took lead vocals on a couple songs. The other band members at this time were Bobby Gordon on keyboards and Jimmy Clark on drums.

After the New Year rang in, Patty Smyth came out and performed a couple Scandal songs with Glen and his band. They then performed a couple new songs they just wrote, one being Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough, which became a hit for her a few years later. Ironically, my friend turned to me after they performed the song and said "my prediction is that song will be #1 this time next year". He wasn't too far off. Patty finished with the Led Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love.

Overall a great concert, and for me at that time the best way to ring in the New Year. My thanks to Glen for a great show, and to my friends for being there and having the same passion for some great Jersey rock. We still have the same passion for the music, but have much better offers nowadays.


Here's the setlist.


Follow You/Roll Over Beethoven/I Wanna Be Sedated/Not Fade Away
World Tonite
Walls Came Down
Abalene
Glad All Over/Birthday/Pump It Up
Talk That Talk w/Joey & the Works
Slow Down-Steve & Mike Lead Vocals
Auld Lang Syne
1989
Honky Tonk Woman-Steve & Mike Lead Vocals
Day That Your Ship Gets Thru
Love Goes On
Everyday I Fall In Love
Heard It On the Radio
Womans Point of View
Goodbye To You w/Patty Smyth Lead Vocals
The Warrior w/Patty Smyth Lead Vocals
Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough w/Patty Smyth
Everyone Loves a Hero w/Patty Smyth
Whole Lotta Love w/Patty Smyth Lead Vocals
Replace My Face
Here Comes Sally
Scattered
Long Tall Sally

The Gaslight Anthem-Wellmont Theatre 12/11/2009

I was lucky enough to see The Gaslight Anthem the other night. They are a great band out of New Brunswick New Jersey that consists of Brian Fallon on guitar and lead vocals, Alex Levine on bass and vocals, Benny Horowitz on Drums and Alex Rosamilia on Lead guitar and vocals. This was the first time I was able to see them, however I was fortunate enough to see Brian Fallon at last years Hope Show Benefit at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.
The band played a strong 85 minute set which included all but one song from their latest CD The '59 Sound and great cover of Tom Petty's Refugee.
The concert also brought back something I haven't heard in a while; drunks yelling "Bruce" at the worst possible moments for absolutely no reason. I'm glad to see that time honored Jersey tradition being carried on so well for a new generation.
Here's the setlist:

Old White Lincoln
Wooderson
Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis?
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
High Lonesome
We Came To Dance
Film Noir
I'da Called You Woody, Joe
Great Expectations
Miles Davis & The Cool
Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts
Meet Me By The River's Edge
Here's Looking At You Kid
The '59 Sound

Casanova, Baby!
1930
Bring It On
The Navesink Banks
Refugee
Say I Won't(Recognize)
We're Getting a Divorce, You Keep the Diner
The Backseat

Roger Daltrey-Count Basie Theatre 11/17/2009

I'm a Who fan. More so in the last 10 years or so than before. I've been saying I'll see them each time they come around, but have yet to actually go. When Roger Daltrey announced he would be playing the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey, I knew I had to go. He would never be closer to where I live, and I would regret it if I blew this one off.
The show would feature his solo work, some covers and some Who songs. The truth is, the bulk of the show was Who material. A few were reworked, but the majority were pretty faithful to the original versions. The most noticeable reworking was a bluesy version of My Generation, first verse and chorus, going into a faithful version of I Can See For Miles.
Daltrey walked out and said a few words about the reason for touring, to keep his voice in shape, and about the songs he would be performing. He also spoke before most of the songs, telling a little about the inspiration for the upcoming song. Before Tattoo he told a story about the pirate radio stations that were in Great Britain during the 60's.
Of course when Daltrey would be giving introductions, several audience members felt that this was the time for them to try to have a conversation with him. Luckily at one point he told a guy to "shut the f*$# up" or else they would be there all night. He said it half jokingly.
For the most part Daltrey's voice was in good form. There were a couple songs where he voice did sound pretty worn. The first few songs and one of his solo songs Walk on Water were the strongest.
His backing band consisted of long time collaborator Simon Townsend on guitar, Jon Button on Bass, Scott Devours on drums, Loren Gold on Keyboards and Frank Simes on lead guitar.
The band was tight and most amazingly did not sound like a Who cover band.
Daltrey, although 65, is still an amazing frontman and has a great stage presence. Although his voice is not what it was 20 years ago, it is still very good. I'd be amazed if anyone's voice sounded the same throughout their career.
Here is the setlist.

Who Are You
Pictures of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Tatoo
Days of Light
Freedom Ride
Gimme a Stone
Going Mobile-Simon Townsend Lead Vocals, Daltrey on Harmonica
Naked Eye
My Generation/I Can See For Miles
Squeezebox
Walk on Water
Young Man Blues
Baba O'Riley

Johnny Cash Medley featuring Folsom Prison Blues & Ring of Fire
Red,Blue & Grey

Without Your Love

Greatest Movie Moments- I Walked With a Zombie

This one is in honor of Halloween. One of my favorite movie moments is from the 1943 RKO Pictures movie I Walked With a Zombie. Although it is not a horror movie, it was marketed as such when it was originally released in 1943. Producer Val Lewton and Director Jacques Tourneur created what is one of the most atmospheric and mystical films I have ever seen.

The plot concerns a young nurse named Betsey Connell(played by Frances Dee) who takes a job in the West Indies looking after the wife of Paul Holland(played by Tom Conway), the oldest son of a family that owns a sugar plantation in an unnamed Caribbean island. Paul's wife, Jessica(played by Christine Gordon), has suffered from a fever which has left her in a zombie like state. Everything is tried to bring her back to a normal state, including shock treatment. Nothing works. Eventually Betsey tries to bring her to the "home fort", where locals hold voodoo ceremonies, to see if they can help restore her to her "living"self.

We never really know, or find out, if Jessica's state is due to the fever she had or if she truly is a zombie. Many of the characters believe that the voodoo rituals do have power, while others feel that it is all superstition.

The movie ends in much the same way. We don't really know if Jessica is a zombie, or if she had a legitimate medical condition. We don't know if voodoo actually is a legitimate power, or if it worked because people want it to work.

There are many things which make this movie unique.

First of all, the movie was made on a very small budget, yet the production values and performances are all very good. The story is very well written and has well developed characters.

Although this is really not a horror movie, it does have some of the most moody and atmospheric moments that can be seen in a movie. There is very little background music. Silence is used to great effect and makes many of the scenes more suspenseful.

And one of the biggest strengths of the movie, especially given the time it was made, was that the black characters in the movie were treated with dignity and not in the stereotypical way that was common at that time.

Although not a horror movie, I Walked With a Zombie is far eerier than most horror movies, and tells a story that is probably scarier than 100 Jason's or Michael Meyers.

The scene that stands out as a classic to me is the walk to the "Home Fort". The young nurse Betsey brings Jessica Holland with her through the sugar cane fields one windy night. The only sound at first is the wind. As their walk brings them deeper into the sugar cane fields, you can hear the voodoo drums in the background, quiet at first and building as they get closer. They come across an animal skull in a circle of rocks . As they go further, a goat is seen hanging from a tree. They eventually come across a man standing guard in the sugar cane. He may be blind, or in a possessed state. He allows them to pass to the "home fort". The scene is so well photographed, and the sets so impressive, it's easy to forget that it was filmed on a soundstage.

There is nothing in the scene which tries to make you jump or tries to create a scare. There is no overblown music score. The scene takes its time and gives you a feeling of unease. It is genuinely eerie.

Bruce Springsteen-Giants Stadium 10/9/2009

A few weeks back my wife got to hear me make my grand statement regarding Bruce and the E Street Band. I said he should end the E Street Band and record and tour with a stripped down band. Drums, Bass, Keyboard/Organ and Bruce. I still think he should do this. I based this opinion on what I had heard many other Bruce fans saying and what I had seen a little of in the rehearsal shows I saw in Asbury Park earlier this year and also by highlights I saw from some of his European shows: Steven seemed bored on stage, Max had other duties being the bandleader for the Tonight Show, Clarence could not play as well as he could a few years ago and his health was apparently not too good, the band had become to big and bloated with the addition of 2 back up singers and Soozie Tyrell(as great as they are). When a band has up to 5 people playing tambourines, it's 5 too many.

Then I saw Bruce and the band at Giants Stadium on October 3. I can admit when I am wrong. I will say what everyone has been saying. The band plays better now than I have ever heard. Some of the members can't move around like they use to, but that does not make a difference. Bruce has more energy that a 20 year old.

The E Street Band has always represented, in living form, what his songs are about. Community, friendship, family. Originally the band members were the characters in his songs. "Scooter and the Big Man". But as the band expanded, they became the community he sang about. There were always members of different races in the E Street Band, and other bands he has played in, but with the addition of members of the opposite sex, the band represents more of the community he writes about.

Each show in the 5 show run at Giant Stadium highlighted a different classic Bruce album. The first and fourth show were Born to Run. The second show was Darkness on the Edge of Town. Both great albums. Classics by any standards. Born to Run is my favorite Bruce album along with Tunnel of Love. To me they are his best, most consistent works.

The third and fifth show, the final show, featured Born in the U.S.A., a great dividing point among Bruce fans. Many feel, if you like this album you're not a real fan. Many long time Bruce fans felt he became too big and too commercial. I love this album and I think I am a real fan.

The first Bruce concert I ever saw was the Born in the U.S.A. tour at Giants Stadium on August 21, 1985. Iwas not really into Bruce, but we got free tickets the day before the show. 6 songs in it was my favorite concert and I loved Bruce.

A year later I listened to Born to Run endlessly and it became my favorite Bruce album.

Having said that, I think Born in the U.S.A. is a great album. Take away the endless airplay and the dated synth pop "sound" of Dancing in the Dark, and I think a lot of the naysayers might feel differently about the album. It may not have had the point A to B structure of Born to Run or Tunnel of Love, but it does tell a story of people cheated, people trying connect and people finally finding what it all comes down to in an album which is serious, sad, moving, inspirational and fun. Not fun, but FUN. This is another reason I feel a lot of Bruce fans don't like the album. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out is fun, but Darlington County is a party. Darkness on the Edge of Town is desperate, but Glory Days is desperate with a wink. The album's tone is not as bleak as Nebraska, but is Downbound Train any less heartbreaking, or beautiful? In Thunder Road, probably one of the songs which has everything great about a Bruce song in it, Bruce said "It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win". It's a short distance to No Surrender and its "wide open country in my eyes and these romantic dreams in my head".

Whereas the music may be more party rock at times and made for a stadium, songs like Born in the U.S.A. are so desperate: "I'm 10 years burning down the road, I've got nowhere to run, I've got nowhere to go. I'm Going Down may be fun, and it may have one of the most unoriginal choruses, but what's fun about "I pull you close but when we kiss I can feel the doubt"? The need for connection in Dancing in the Dark: "You can't start a fire worryin' about your little world falling apart".

Where do these stories and these people wind up in the end? In the main street that exists in every ones lives. You can let life take you down, or you can spit in its face and say, "on my terms". The father in My Hometown recounts what has happened to his hometown, his life and decides they are the ones to decide the life they live and the legacy they will give their child. He and his son go for a drive and, as his father did with him, sits him behind the wheel and says "son take a good look around, this is your hometown". In personal terms, this is the connection from one generation to another and the community you live in and are a part of. You can be beaten down, or you can fight for what is important. This is a connection to Born to Run and Darkness and Tunnel of Love and Magic. To all of Bruce's greatest works.

So, for me, I found it totally fitting that Bruce's final night at Giants Stadium featured Born in the U.S.A., the album which allowed him to play the stadium 23 years earlier.

Sadly, there were many similarities in the setlist between the two shows, outside of the Born in the U.S.A. portion. Both very good setlists, but not much variation. A cover of the Rolling Stones The Last Time was a highlight in the final night encores, and Kitty's Back was a highlight at both shows.

Of course I wondered, what would the final song of the night be? What song would "wreck" the place? Rosalita? Twist & Shout? Detroit Medley? Bruce opted for Jersey Girl. A song he rarely plays, although he did perform on the October 3 show also. With a slight lyric change " Take that one last ride, cross the river to the Jersey side", he said goodbye to a place with a slow dance. Maybe a sweet farewell to a place which had given him a few good nights, and several thousands of fans a few special nights we'll never forget.

Wrecking Ball w/Curt Ramm -Trumpet
Badlands
Spirit in the Night
Outlaw Pete
Hungry Heart
Working on a Dream
Born in the U.S.A.
Cover Me
Darlington County
Working on the Highway
Downbound Train
I'm on Fire
No Surrender
Bobby Jean
I'm Goin' Down
Glory Days
Dancing in the Dark
My Hometown
Tougher Than the Rest w/Curt Ramm
The Promised Land
Last to Die w/Curt Ramm
Long Walk Home
The Rising
Born to Run w/Jay Weinberg-Drums

Raise Your Hand
The Last Time
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Seven Nights to Rock
Kitty's Back w/Curt Ramm
American Land w/Curt Ramm
Jersey Girl

Kristina-Carnegie Hall 9/24/2009

The newest musical from Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the BB in ABBA, had it's American premier at Carnegie Hall on September 23 & 24 2009. It is the English language version of the hit Swedish musical Kristina frän Duvemäla. Herbert Kretzmer wrote the English lyrics based on Ulvaeus' original Swedish lyrics. The score is epic and lush and very moving.
The title character was played by Helen Sjöholm who has played the role in Sweden, and regularly performs with the Benny Andersson Band. British tenor Rusell Watson played the role or Karl Oskar, Kristina's husband.
The story centers on Kristina and Karl's marriage and their life in Sweden, their emigration to America, and the hardships and trials they face in their new homeland.
The show has been a huge hit in Sweden and this is the first time an English language version has been performed in the U.S. I though that it was not as easily accessible as Chess, Andersson & Ulvaeus' first musical, but thought it was very good.
Whereas Chess was more of a pop musical, Kristina is more of a musical in the style of Les Miserable. There were a couple songs that had a pop feel, but the music style was more traditional show music and folk based songs. Although there wasn't a song with the power of "Anthem" or the radio friendly sound like "One Night in Bangkok" there were some songs which were staggeringly beautiful. Songs like Miracle of God, You Have to Be There, Where You Go I Go With You, Summer Rose and I'll Be Waiting There were ones which rank as some of the most beautiful songs I've heard in any show.

However, the song American Man reminded me of Master of the House from Les Miserables, not so much in subject, but in it's humor and being a song where the audience literally clapped along once the chorus kicked in.
It's probably wrong to compare the two shows. Chess came out of nowhere and had a cult following for the start. There had really been nothing quite like it at that time. There will not be another Chess and credit should be given to the creators for not trying to recreate the same format for their next musical.
There was very little dialogue in the Kristina concert, only a little narrative to set up several of the songs, and also a few projected passages on the stage wall. I think a fully staged version of the show may create a clearer narrative.
Having said that, the bottom line is that the performances were very strong, the music had some amazing moments, and the final moments with the were about as moving as a show gets. The final song, I'll Be Waiting There, left few dry eyes in the hall.
I hope this isn't the final time that Kristina plays in America, and I hope it's gets a full staging in the future. It would be nice to have another musical on Broadway with a strong story and such a beautiful score.

Kanye West-MTV Video Awards 9/13/2009

Do you think at some point, somebody will say that Kanye West is an ass? Would one of the multitude of celebrities/musicians/whatever, actually say that he may have some talent, but he's obnoxious and replaceable?
Despite what he says, he is not the most important artist of his or any generation. He will never have the gift to speak to generations to come. The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley are a few of the actual artists who, decades after they started, still "speak" to new generations. Kanye will never be on that list, and I think he knows it.
Tonight he interrupted Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for Best Female Video. He said he was glad that Taylor won and wanted her to finish her speech, but first he needed to praise Beyonce's video. Happily he was booed by a large number of people.
My guess is that Kanye knows his "importance" is not what it use to be, and he needs to stir up a little controversy so we all remember how edgy he still is.
I would love to see other performers during the show say that they find his behavior rude and uncalled for. But my guess is that everyone will tip toe around it and make some lame excuse as to why he did it.
Is he talented? Of course he is. Is he as talented or relevant as Green Day? Of course not. He's more like Johnny Holcomb. Who? Exactly.

*Photo by Kevin Mazur-Wire Image

World Cup Qualifier: Mexico 2 U.S.A.1

The U.S. lost their World Cup Qualifier today against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico.
The sad fact is, the U.S. looked like they were content to walk away with a tie, but El Tri would only take a win. Anything less would have been a loss in their eyes.
On Mexican soil, the U.S. team is now 0-23-1. Regardless of what anyone says, history always plays a part in these games.
After the recent 5-0 loss for the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, the U.S. seemed like they were ready to come back with vengeance. Sadly, they never seemed to get any sort of flow going.
After Charlie Davies early goal to put the U.S. in the lead, they seemed content to lay back. Two Mexican goals later and the U.S. were beat.
Luckily they are still in second place in their group and will most likely make it to the World Cup.
Hopefully if they meet up with Mexico in South Africa, they can get back the confidence they are obviously missing right now.

More Stowe

More photos from Stowe. The amazing Cactus Cafe(where they have incredible nachos) on the Mountain Road and the Ben & Jerry's Factory(where they have incredible Ice Cream) in nearby Waterbury.

Stowe Vermont

We just got back from Stowe Vermont, as I mentioned in the previous posts. I have included a few photos showing why we love this place so much.

Classic Car Show-Stowe Vermont Part 4

And one more batch of photos of the cars from the Classic Car Show in Stowe Vermont this past weekend.

Classic Car Show-Stowe Vermont Part 3

And more photos from the Classic Car Show in Stowe Vermont this past weekend.

Classic Car Show-Stowe Vermont Part 2

More Photos from the Classic Car Show in Stowe Vermont this past weekend.

Classic Car Show-Stowe Vermont Part 1

Last weekend the town of Stowe Vermont held the 52nd Annual Antique & Classic Car Meet . We were not in town for the weekend of the show, but were there for the week leading up to it.
It was fun to see the classic cars trickle in through the week. We would see one or two each day. By Thursday night, the town was filled with some truly beautiful classic cars. The main street and the hotel parking lots were dotted with cars that were restored to there original glory, and probably even better than new.
I had to admire the care that the men and women who owned these automobiles had for their cars. You could see the pride they had in them, and rightfully so.
On Thursday night and Friday morning I took photos of the cars in the parking lot of the beautiful Green Mountain Inn and the neighboring streets. I also took photos at the Town & Country Resort on the Mountain Road.
I would like to thank the owners who took time to talk a little about their cars. They were very friendly and more than accommodating in letting me take pictures.

I will include photos over the next couple of posts.

Michael Jackson-Loss of a Legend

Anyone who knows me, knows that I think the word "legend" is overused. Today a legitimate legend and icon passed away.
Michael Jackson passed away at the very young age of 50.
I'd be lying if I said I grew up loving Michael Jackson and thought he was the greatest. I never bought any of his albums and never saw him in concert.
To me, Michael Jackson was a cultural phenomenon that got stranger and stranger as the years went on.
The allegations of child molestation and the plastic surgeries and his wearing of surgical masks, to name a few things, just made him seem more and more unreal.

What it is easy to forget are the following things.

Many of his songs are pop masterpiece's: Thriller,Beat It,Off the Wall,Billie Jean,Black or White,Smooth Criminal to name a few.

Whose jaw didn't hit the floor the first time you saw him moonwalk on the Motown Anniversary special.

His music videos were events, when videos meant something.

His appearance with N'Sync on the MTV Music Video Awards was exciting.

And most importantly, intentionally or not, he managed to connect with a wider audience than any other pop star. People from so many different races, religions and cultures connected to him.

I personally think he started to recycle his own dance moves as time went on, he never really changed much musically or performance wise like Madonna or Prince did.
But for those years in the early 80's to the late 80's, no one was more recognized as the king of pop music as Michael Jackson was, rightfully so.
In the late 90's I started to hear his music differently. I thought a lot of the songs were really good. Maybe it was a bit of nostalgia on my part, but I'd like to think it's because I really heard how good his early output was and how talented he truly was.
I don't think anyone can deny that Thriller is one of the greatest records of all time. It may not be your cup of tea, but you can't argue with a work that has been referenced by many artists and one that stands up still as a great album.

Prior to Michael Jackson there had been other artists of color on MTV such as American Garland Jeffreys and Joan Armatrading from the U.K. But Michael Jackson helped to usher in a broader range of music on the channel. It was no longer "rock" only.
In the future, I don't doubt that Mr. Jackson's personal life will once again be discussed and picked apart. But for today I'll remember the artist that blew open the doors on MTV for African American artists, whose Billie Jean video was always a highlight for me while watching MTV after school, whose song "The Way You Make Me Feel" has always been a favorite of mine, and the person who will always be remembered a great entertainer.
My favorite memory of Michael Jackson will always be his tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. years ago on TV. He performed the song "You Were There". No effects, no dance moves. Just Michael singing a beautiful song, with a voice you could easily forget he had. It was a great moment and probably the one I will remember as my favorite.
Rest in Peace.

In Memoriam-Farrah Fawcett

This is a horrible week of losses in the entertainment world.
Farrah Fawcett lost her long battle with cancer today.
Miss Fawcett was about as big a cultural icon as there could be in the late 70's and early 80's. Although she was only on Charlie's Angels for one season, she is the most recognized person and image from that show.
After leaving the show she never quite had the film success she was trying for. She did find success in television movies, and gave a great performance in the feature film The Apostle.
There are maybe one of two figures that come along each decade that seem to be the poster person for that time. Farrah Fawcett was one of those people.
Rest in peace.

In Memoriam-Ed McMahon

One of the true icons of late night television passed away this week.
Ed McMahon was the long time announcer/sidekick to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Mr. McMahon's laugh and opening call of "Heeeeere's Johnny" have often been imitated, but never duplicated. He was part of the era when late night TV talk shows seemed like a world that was hipper and cooler than anywhere else. Johnny was the host at the party we all wish we could go to, but Mr. McMahon was the guy we wanted to hang with.
Rest in peace.

I have a simple idea

Today at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., Mr. Stephen Tyrone Johns, a guard at the museum, was tragically killed by James W. von Brunn. Mr. von Brunn entered the museum and opened fire, and sadly fatally wounded Mr. Johns before being shot himself.
Of course it was later discovered that Mr. von Brunn was anti-Semitic and was not happy with what he was seeing in this country socially. I'd venture to guess there were plenty of personal issues too.
My idea is very simple. For all those like Mr. von Brunn, spend a few weeks secluded with people who have the same beliefs as you and meet your religious and physical requirements. My guess is that within a short period of time you'll start to have a problem with them too.
Do this and spare the young life of an innocent man who's mistake was that he went to work and did his job.
Rest in peace Mr. Johns. My sympathies go to you and your family.

Spencer Pratt - I'm a "Celebrity" Get Me Out of Here

Spencer Pratt & his wife Heidi Montag quit the "reality" show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here last night, again.
For those who don't know, Spencer Pratt is a regular on The Soup where host Joel McHale makes fun of him every episode. Do not miss this show on E.
At first I thought this guy was a complete idiot, then it became painfully obvious that his whole persona was an act. There is no way anyone is this deluded. Even people with huge ego's make an effort to come across as nice.
My guess is that he knows that his shelf life is only another year, if he's lucky. However, if he continues to market himself as the guy we love to hate, he pretty much guarantees himself a spot on future reality shows.

The Real Housewives Of New Jersey

I'd like to thank the creator's of this show for giving me one more reason to hate my home state.

Pete Seeger 90th Birthday Concert-Madison Square Garden 5/3/2009

One of the most overused words today is "legend". Not that there aren't people deserving of the title, but it seems to get thrown around a little to easy nowadays.Not to sound too much like my father, but it used to be that in order to be considered a legend, you needed to have been around for quite some time, you needed to have created an important body of work and also continue to be relevant in some fashion as time went on. On Sunday May 3, 2009, a benefit concert was given at Madison Square Garden to pay tribute to a legitimate legend. Pete Seeger. Pete Seeger is considered the father of American folk music. He made folk music popular when no one cared, and fought tirelessly for human rights and also environmental issues when it was not fashionable. He is an artist who has to be considered a legend regardless of his political views, some of which may have been misguided or naive, and which made him disliked by many for many years. He has always stood up for what he believed was right, and did it peacefully. The fact is, his views were pretty spot on in most cases. The concert at Madison Square Garden was a virtual who's who of folk and rock. Pete himself opened and closed the festivities.The majority of the artists performed ensemble versions of Pete's music and music he inspired. A few of the performers did not perform in an ensemble setting, probably due to the fact that they are currently touring and may not have been able to rehearse with the others. The concert was billed as a benefit for the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a charity that helps to clean up the Hudson River and maintain the sloop that Mr. Seeger helped get built. One of their main goals is to educate young people about the environment. There were many musical highlights throughout the evening. For me, the best songs were The Water is Wide, Bring Em' Home, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Where Have All the Flowers Gone and Ghost of Tom Joad. I will provide details of the performers of all the songs below. I also loved seeing all the artists onstage for the finale. Tim Robbins and Norman Lear gave short tributes to Mr. Seeger also, and Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street had the funniest line of the night. Tom Chapin told him we were gathered together to celebrate Pete's 90th birthday. Oscar replied by saying "90, I thought he was like 100".Members of Pete's family were also on hand, including his older brother(95 years old). Bruce Springsteen's speech before Ghost of Tom Joad was also very moving. He credited Pete with being a virtual living history lesson and "a stealth dagger through the heart of the country's illusions of itself". And you cannot look at Pete Seeger's life without giving much deserved credit to his wife of 66 years, Toshi Seeger. She has stood by him when most people probably wouldn't have. Happy 90th Birthday Mr. Seeger, and may you live 90 more.

******************************************************* I must also note that Pete's Grandson, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger played on many songs, I noted as many that I know he was onstage for.

The house band included saxophonist Lenny Pickett and drummer's Shawn Pelton and James Wormworth. Jay Ungar & Molly Mason were onstage for several songs. I noted as many as I could.

The New York City Labor Chorus were also onstage throughout the performance. I noted the songs were they were featured.

Special thanks to the numerous articles & reviews that helped with some of the song titles. *****Setlist***** (Some of the title's may be wrong) Menomonee Love Song(Instrumental)-Pete Seeger on recorder Native American Indian Cultural Alliance Tribute If I Had a Hammer-John Mellencamp Ride Back Home-John Mellencamp Tim Robbins Tribute to Pete To My Old Brown Earth-New York City Labor Chorus Which Side Are you On?-Ani DiFranco & Bruce Cockburn John Henry-Tom Paxton,Tom Morello,Eric Weissberg,Jacob Silver Dear Mr. President-Michael Franti,Patterson Hood,Laura Cortese,Eric Weissberg Oh Freedom-Patterson Hood,Toshi Reagon,Bernice Johnson Reagon,Abigail Washburn,Guy Davis,Jacob Silver,NYC Labor Chorus Internationale'-Billy Bragg(With lyrics he penned) The Union Maid-Billy Bragg,Mike & Ruthy Merenda,Dar Williams,NYC Labor Chorus (All holding up Union cards at the end) Sailin' Up Sailin' Down-Pete Seeger,Steve Earle,Taj Mahal,Toshi Reagon,Warren Haynes,Tao Rodriguez-Seeger False From True-Steve Earle,Warren Haynes,Buddy Miles Water is Wide-Emmylou Harris,Teddy Thompson,Kate & Anna McGarrigle Family,Rufus & Martha Wainwright,NYC Labor Chorus Dink's Song-Bruce Cockburn,Anna & Kate McGarrigle,Martha & Rufus Wainwright Banjo Medly(Including Blue Skies & Happy Birthday)-Bela Fleck & Tony Trischka Waste Deep in the Big Muddy-Taj Mahal & Tom Morello Where Have All the Flowers Gone-Joan Baez The Torn Flag(Reading)-Ruby Dee (Musical Accompaniment-Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring-Bela Fleck) Bring Em' Home-Tyler Ramsey,Ben Bridwell,Patterson Hood,Warren Haynes,Tao Rodriguez-Seeger,Preservation Hall Jazz Band We Shall Overcome-Toshi Reagon,Joan Baez,Bernice Johnson Reagon,Emmylou Harris,Keller Williams,Ani DiFranco,Ruby Dee,Bill Nershi,Preservation Hall Jazz Band and others **************Intermission****************** Norman Lear Tribute to Pete Amazing Grace(Sing Along)-Pete Seeger & Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Garbage-Tom Chapin,Michael Mark,Oscar the Grouch There's a Hole in the Bucket-Kris Kristofferson & Ani DiFranco Little Boxes-Tommy Sands & His Irish Band Michael Row the Boat Ashore-Tim Robbins,Miles Robbins,Anna & Kate McGarrigle,Martha & Rufus Wainwright,Tony Trischka,Jacob Silver,Casey Driese,NYC Labor Chorus Freedom/Motherless Child-Richie Havens Jacobs Ladder-Joan Baez,Mike & Ruthy Merenda,Scarlett Lee Moore,Jay Ungar,Molly Mason,Larry Long,NYC Labor Chorus Oh Mary Don't You Weep-Arlo Guthrie,Del McCoury,John Hall,Tony Trischka,Bill Nershi,Preservation Hall Jazz Band Worried Man Blues-Arlo Guthrie,Tao Rodriguez-Seeger,Jay Ungar,Molly Mason,Ramblin' Jack Elliott,Bill Nershi Gather Round the Stone-Ben Harper,Ellen Verdes,Sue Chase,Tom Morello Letter to Pete(Reading)-Peggy Seeger Maggies Farm-Kris Kristofferson,Ramblin' Jack Elliott,Warren Haynes,Keller Williams,Richie Havens,Taj Mahal,Jay Ungar,Molly Mason Turn! Turn! Turn!-Roger McGuin,Tyler Ramsey,Ben Bridwell Precious Friend-Emmylou Harris,Arlo Guthrie,Tony Trischka,Preservation Hall Jazz Band Rye Whiskey-Dave Matthews Ghost of Tom Joad-Bruce Springsteen & Tom Morello This Land is Your Land-Pete Seeger & All Happy Birthday-All (Exit music-When the Saints Go Marching In-Preservation Hall Jazz Band) **************Encore**************** Well Make the World Go-All This Little Light of Mine-All Good Night Irene-Pete Seeger & All

Greatest Movie Moments-The Last Temptation of Christ

One of my favorite movies, and possibly my favorite.

Most people know the basic story of Jesus through one of the many films or TV shows telling his life story. As I heard it once stated, "we may get the story of Jesus from the Bible, but we get the images from Hollywood." One of my favorites is The Greatest Story Ever Told. A good straight ahead telling of the New Testament.

Unlike most other versions, The Last Temptation of Christ focuses more on the human side of Jesus. Yes, he was also human, a fact most people tend to forget or overlook.

Before this movie came out, there was tons of controversy surrounding it. There was an attempt to have it banned even before anyone had the chance to see it. Had any of those protestors bothered to see it, they would have seen a pretty straight forward telling of the important events of the adult Jesus' life.

Of course the big controversy was that the film portrayed Jesus as actually having true temptations that he most likely would have faced, and also doubting if he is actually the Messiah. But I think that is the strength of the film. He could easily go through his life as if nothing phases him, but this Jesus has actual dilemma's and true conflict's. You actually see his struggles which makes them all the more relevant.

Director Martin Scorcese also opted to replace vintage dialogue with a more modern tone, and characters with modern accents. It is strange to hear Judas, the amazing Harvey Keitel, speak with a Brooklyn accent, but I think it makes the character more unique and gives him a new life.

I can understand how people might be offended by a scene where Jesus watches Mary Magdalene sleep with several men, she was a prostitute, and then is even tempted himself. He does not sleep with her, but sits a breaks bread with her. You see that they have a friendship since childhood, and that he does love her, just not romantically.

I think by focusing on the fact that Jesus was human, makes the viewer even more amazed at the sacrifices he made. We know he makes them, but it is more impressive when there is conflict, which exists in all temptations.

Another reason I love the movie is that if you know nothing about the many pivotal moments and events in Jesus' life (Palm Sunday,The Last Supper,The Sermon on the Mount,etc.) the movie gives you enough backstory to know what each of these events was and why they are important, something sadly missing in some of the other Biopics.

Of course the biggest controversy came over the final portion of the film, the last temptation. The temptation is that Jesus, at his weakest moment, is given the chance to live a normal life, to grow old and have a family. I repeat that this comes at his weakest moment, after being tortured and hung on the cross. He sees what his life could be like. He marries Mary Magdalene and has children. There is a very brief scene where we see the two of them making love. It is not prolonged or even erotic. This to most people who opposed the film, was very offensive.

Of course Jesus before dying of old age decides he does not want to live a human life, and begs God to let him die on the cross. He suddenly is once again on the cross where he dies.

What's great about this scene, is that at first you almost wish he could have this perfect peaceful life. But as the scenes go on, you get more disturbed. You know this is not how his life should be, and so does he. He gradually is confronted by Saul/Paul and later Judas. These people help him to find his way back. It's Jesus' realization in the form of people that were crucial in his life. Saul/Paul sums it up beautifully in his meeting Jesus. He is preaching to a crowd about how he was reborn after meeting the risen Christ. Jesus tells him that he did not die on the cross, that he lived a normal life. Saul/Paul says "I'm glad I got to meet you, because now I can forget all about you."

It doesn't bother me that people were offended by the film, or even if they protested it. What bothers me is the idea that there were people who belived no one should be able to see it. I'm an adult and a movie is not going to change my faith.

I would tend to believe that those people protesting Last Temptation, were also the ones praising Passion of the Christ, a 2 hour movie which glorifies the torture of Jesus, with absolutely no character development. I don't think that movie provided any insight into the life of Christ, but was more a exploitation film into his death. But if someone wants to see it, and feels they are getting something out of it, so be it. Visually it was an impressive movie, but when you get to the point where violence makes you numb, there's too much.

I personally would rather see a movie which discusses what religion and faith and love are, than one that focuses only on the most horrific part of the story.

Despite the fact that there are many memorable moments in Last Temptation, I always was amazed at how impressive the Palm Sunday sequence is. It is a pretty traditional staging of the day, with Jesus and the disciples entering the temple. Jesus is seated on a donkey and the townspeople wave palms and blankets are laid out on his path. What made the scene memorable, aside from the cinematography, was the amazing score by Pete Gabriel. Seeing this in the theatre was breathtaking. Instead of going with a traditional classical piece, Peter Gabriel composed a score that suited the landscape and geography. The Palm Sunday sequence was heavy on percussion and also included vocal runs by Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour.

See it. You'll never look at Palm Sunday the same way again.

In Memoriam - Fernando Correia Martins

Portuguese composer/arranger/conductor/musician Fernando Correia Martins passed away today in Lisbon, Portugal.
Maestro Correia Martins had arranged/composed & conducted for such artists as Olivia and Marina Mota. He was also known for being the Music Director for the television program Sábado à Noite, as well as conductor, arranger and composer for several Festival of Song on the Portuguese public television channel RTP.
Most recently he was the Conductor & Musical Director for the show Piratada à Portuguesa in Lisbon.
On Friday March 27, he was awarded the Máscaras do Teatro on the stage of the Teatro Maria Vitória.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Rest in peace.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band-Convention Hall 3/23/09

Just when I might begin to forget why I love Bruce so much, I see him live and it all comes back in a flash.
Bruce's new world tour starts on April 1 in California. As with his last few tours, he decided to do a couple warm up shows at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, a tradition he started in 1999 with the Reunion Tour and continues through to today. I was lucky enough to attend the first of the two scheduled rehearsal shows.
Although there were still a few kinks to be taken care of, they showed for the millionth time why they are one of the greatest live bands around.
The band was augmented by two back up singers, Curtis King and Cindy Mizelle of Bruce's Sessions Band. At several points I felt as though the E street Band was a combination of both bands, since Charlie Giordano, Soozie Tyrell and Patti Scialfa are also in the Sessions Band. Drummer Max Weinberg's son Jay will be filling in for Max when needed, so he got to perform on a few songs also.
The setlist included 7 songs from Bruce's new Working on a Dream CD, several older songs, and a few covers.
This first warm up show was better than the warm up show I saw at Convention Hall for the Magic Tour. The sound was very good, in a space that is known for terrible sound. The pacing of the show was also better. The Magic tour seemed to be one fast song after another, whereas the setlist for this show had more variety.
The highlights for me were I Ain't Got No Home which was performed with the back up singers up front with Bruce and Soozie, Charlie and Patti alongside them. The Woody Guthrie song, which Bruce covered years ago, sounded like an electric version of the Session's Band. The same can be said of Hard Times Come Again No More, a Stephen Crane song that got the Session's Band treatment.
The pacing, for the most part, was pretty solid. The only glaring issues were the length of time between a couple of the songs, a few botched vocals and a few miscues, which were pretty noticeable. However, this is a rehearsal show and that is to be expected.
One moment which I am sure will get tossed, was an audience sing along during This Life. It was pretty clumsy, and broke the rhythm of an otherwise good performance. The bands vocal arrangement on this song was very impressive, reminiscent of Pet Sounds era Beach Boys. Also, going from Long Walk Home into Surprise,Surprise and then into Badlands seemed very unconnected, despite loving all 3 of those songs. The final songs of the main set, Badlands and No Surrender were also too reminiscent of the end of the main set during the Magic and Rising Tours.
Drummer Max Weinberg's 18 (or is he 19) year old son Jay will be filling in for Max when he joins the Max Weinberg 7 on the Tonight Show. Jay played a 5 song stretch about midway through the main set. After which Bruce stated, "There will always be a Weinberg behind the drums at an E Street Band concert". Jay is very good, and seemed to be having the time of his life. Who wouldn't. He has a harder style than Max, which sounded great on Good Eye and Radio Nowhere. I am curios to see how he will be on some of the quieter songs. Max is known for being able to slip from one style to another effortlessly, not to mention a vast knowledge of classic songs and the drum part required.
During the encores, Bruce brought up local legend John Eddie for a cover of Mustang Sally. A little sloppy, but fun nonetheless. Since they covered the first verse twice, I assume no one really knew the words. But seeing the two of them together was a lot of fun.
The show closed with another cover song, Seven Nights to Rock. This was played almost regularly on the later part of the Rising tour.
Overall a very good show. Do improvements need to be made, of course. Traditionally the E Street Band hits their stride about 10 shows into their tours, then they get better night after night after night.
Looking forward to seeing them this summer.
Here's the setlist.

Outlaw Pete
My Lucky Day
Night
Out in the Street
Working on a Dream
Johnny 99
I Ain't Got No Home
Good Eye w/Jay Weinberg
Radio Nowhere w/Jay Weinberg
Candy's Room w/Jay Weinberg
Because the Night w/Jay Weinberg
Mary's Place w/Jay Weinberg
The Wrestler
This Life
Long Walk Home
Surprise, Surprise
Badlands
No Surrender

Hard Times
Mustang Sally w/John Eddie
Thunder Road
Born to Run w/Jay Weinberg
American Land w/Jay Weinberg
Seven Nights to Rock

Natasha Richardson 1963-2009

It was announced that Natasha Richardson has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a skiing accident yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Rest in Peace.

Patti Scialfa - Paramount Theatre Asbury Park NJ 09/15/04

I have very mixed feelings about Patti Scialfa. Whereas I think there are moments during the E Street Band concerts when she is crucial (Empty Sky on the Rising Tour, Factory on the Reunion Tour), many times I feel she does not add anything critical to the band. There are many times during the E Street Band tours when she doesn't even perform. I think she would be best used as a guest performer during certain songs.
Having said that, I LOVE her solo work. She obviously is a good songwriter and I think her voice sounds great on her own recordings. So when she did a small tour in late 2004 I was excited at the chance to see her perform some of her solo work. I was lucky enough to see her do a couple of those songs at Bruce's Holiday Concerts and at the Come Together Concert in 1998.
Opening the show was Griffin House. Too many times I am not impressed with opening acts, but Griffin House was excellent. After about 2 songs, he had the crowd in the palm of his hands. He was accompanied by Paul Moak on guitar. He opened with Amsterdam and proceeded to perform many songs from his CD Lost and Found.
Patti took the stage shortly afterward and gave a great show. She had a great stage presence and had a genuine connection with the crowd. She reminisced about working on the Asbury boardwalk and growing up in the area. She performed many songs from her first 2 Cd's Rumble Doll and 23rd Street Lullaby.
Her band included fellow E Streeters Nils Lofgren and Soozie Tyrell and also the great Steve Jordan on drums. For the last 2 songs of the main set, Mr. Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, joined in on guitar and backing vocals.
Patti opened the show with Spanish Dancer accompanied by Nils on guitar. Her band, for having limited rehearsal time, I would imagine, were very tight. Nils also had a remarkable solo to end In My Imagination.
As it might be expected, the vocal arrangements stood out, and separated this from from the other band she performs in. Don't get me wrong, I love the E Street Band, but great harmonies do not come to mind when you talk about them. The addition of a cellist and Soozies violin added a wider range to the musical landscape that Patti covered.
Here is the setlist.

Spanish Dancer
Rumble Doll
23rd Street Lullaby
You Can't Go Back
Rose
In My Imagination
Yesterday's Child
Each Other's Medicine
State of Grace
Charm Light
Baby Don't
Stumbling To Bethlehem
Lucky Girl
As Long as I (Can Be With You) w/Bruce Springsteen
Love (Stand Up) w/Bruce Springsteen

Young in the City
City Boys
Valerie

It may be a little better, but only a little

*****This is an update for the previous post.*****
I read an updated article regarding the 9 year old girl in Brazil who was raped by her Stepfather. It seems she may not have been excommunicated because she is considered a minor. Her Mother and the Doctor were excommunicated though. The Stepfather is now in custody and it seems he may have been abusing her for years. Hopefully he will be spending the rest of his life in prison. And still he will not be excommunicated.

God have mercy on Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho & the Pope

Today I read about a poor 9 year old girl in Brazil who was raped by her Stepfather. The poor child wound up being pregnant with twins. It was recommended that she get an abortion since she most likely would not be able to carry the babies to term. I vaguely remember in High School Health class being told that the odds of a baby being born to someone so young would increase the risk of a baby not being fully developed. That seems to be a no brainer.
So of course the regional archbishop, Jose Cardoso Sobrinho of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, did what would be expected. He excommunicated the little girl and her Mother. Let me repeat, he excommunicated the rape victim, a 9 year old girl, a child.
Luckily the rapist, her Stepfather, was not excommunicated since his crime was not as terrible.
And on cue, the Vatican defended this decision.
I really wouldn't expect the Catholic Church to condone abortion, but do you think they might just keep their mouth shut due to the disgusting nature of this crime, and the fact that a little girls life has been scarred for life. Of course not.
I hope that maybe some of the reports jumped the gun on this, and that the Archbishop did not actually excommunicate these people and that he realizes the true tragedy of what has happened.
It's more than likely that most Catholics probably find that there are times when abortion may actually be the more humane thing to do, for both the sake of the Mother and the child. But as usual, the people of the church usually see things in a more realistic way than the hierarchy do.
Welcome to the 1400's.

Greatest Movie Moments - Toy Story 2

Yes, Toy Story 2.
One of my all time favorite movie moments, animated or live action, is in this movie.
Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, is stolen by Al, voiced by Wayne Knight. Woody is the final piece to complete the full set of Woody's Round Up toys. He meets Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack. Woody wants desperately to go back home and be with Andy, the little boy who he belongs to. He tells Jessie that she can come with him, that Andy has a little sister. She then proceeds to tell Woody about the little girl that she use to belong to and how they were inseparable.
The entire flashback is told in song, the beautiful "When She Loved Me" by Randy Newman (Sung by Sarah MacLachlan)which should have won the Oscar that year. The flashback shows how Jessie was always with the little girl she belonged to, but was quickly forgotten once she started to grow up. When the little girl finds Jessie under her bed years later, she smiles in recognition of her, and takes her with her to where they use to play together, only this time to be donated as a used toy.
It sounds, pretty simple, and it is, but this is one of the most beautiful scenes ever put on film, and one of the most touching. At some point, everyone has had that toy which meant everything to them, and probably could never fathom parting with. But we eventually do, and we probably even forget why it meant so much to us.
This scene is probably the most moving scene I've ever seen in an animated movie, rivaled only by the Baby Mine scene in Dumbo and Bambi's mother being shot in Bambi.
If you love animated movies and have not seen Toy Story 2, see it but have a box of Kleenex nearby.

Greatest Movie Moments - Slumdog Millionaire

I've wanted to gradually add my favorite movie moments to my blog. I will forgo including such scenes as the opening & closing moments of Citizen Kane, the chariot race from Ben Hur, the closing of Casablanca. Not because I do not consider those scenes among the best ever, I do. They are scenes that everyone knows and are automatically on that list of the greatest scenes ever put on film.
I figured I would start with a scene from this years winner for best picture, Slumdog Millionaire. I was very happy this won. Unfortunately this year I only saw 3 of the best picture nominees:Slumdog, The Reader & The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Whereas I loved all 3, Slumdog was the one that felt new, and was unlike anything I'd seen prior.
The scene which I would include among my favorite movie moments is this.

*************Spoiler Alert****************

By now everyone knows the basic plot of Slumdog Millionaire. Jamal, a young man from the slums of Mumbai India is a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? How he came to know the answers for each question are told in flashbacks of his life in the slums. As a young child, his Mother is killed in a riot between Hindu's & Muslim"s. Both he and his brother Salim are taken in my a group of modern day Fagin's led by , Arvind and are forced to beg for money. They befriend Latika, a young girl who becomes the "third Musketeer". There is nothing pleasant about what they go through, and the film includes some very harrowing scenes of how the young children are treated. One brutal scene shows one of the young boys blinded in order to bring in more money as a beggar.
Jamal and his brother escape from their captors and travel through India trying to survive. Later, Jamal returns to Mumbai/Bombay to look for the "third Musketeer", Latika. Jamal runs into the young boy who was blinded, begging for money. He gives the young boy an American $100 bill. He provides Jamal with the identity of the person on the American $100 bill. As Jamal is leaving, the young boy lets him know he recognizes who he is, and that he was always a good friend.
The scene was very powerful because, unlike a Hollywood film, there was no swelling music, no overdone close-ups, and no feel of "Isn't this the most touching thing you've ever seen. You should cry now".
The movie stayed with me, and that scene was one of many in that film which was touching for not overdoing it.