Directed by Mark Wexler Written by Mark Wexler & Robert DeMaio Tell Them Who You Are is an intriguing and captivating documentary. It begins as a look at the life and career of famed cinematographer and two-time Oscar winner Haskell Wexler. He came on the scene in the ‘60s and …
Read More »Gordon S. Miller
Layer Cake
Directed by Matthew Vaughn Written by J.J. Connolly Based on his novel Layer Cake is a tasty treat for those who hunger for great films. It’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking and a stunning directorial debut by Matthew Vaughn, who previously worked as a producer on Guy Ritchie’s films. Not …
Read More »The Bravery
The Bravery is another in a long line of new bands that owes their sound to the ‘80s and this New York band revels in it, wearing their influences on their collective sleeve. The first track off of their debut album, “An Honest Mistake,” starts out with a bass drum …
Read More »Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven is a big movie and its action is worth seeing on the big screen. It has more positives than minuses and had the potential to be very good.
Read More »The Raveonettes – Pretty In Black
The Raveonettes are back with their third release Pretty in Black, a collection of love songs whose sound would be very much at home on a David Lynch film soundtrack. Sahrin Foo’s vocals have a haunting ethereal aspect like Lynch collaborator, singer Julee Cruise, especially on “Sleepwalking.” Also, the music …
Read More »Concert review: Rooney – The Redwalls – Everybody Else
Rooney/The Redwalls/Everybody Else Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA 4/16/05 Chain Reaction is an all-ages club in Anaheim. I thought that meant people under 21 were allowed to mix with grown-ups. What I discovered is that “all-ages” meant that the bar served soft drinks and candy, offering sugar and amped-up caffeinated drinks …
Read More »The Cure – Seventeen Seconds Expanded and Remastered
Seventeen Seconds is The Cure’s second album and was released in 1980. It is a very pivotal album in the band’s history; it almost never happened because the band almost came to end. Robert Smith was growing at odds with bassist Michael Dempsey. At the same time he had met …
Read More »Mem Shannon – I’m From Phunkville
Not only is Shannon from Phunkville, but he’s also on the welcoming committee. This former cab driver takes you around, showing you all that there is to offer. In the end, this 70-minute blues showcase covers a gamut of emotions and makes you glad to be alive. The album opens …
Read More »Umphrey’s McGee is Doing O.K.
Things keep getting better and better in 2005 for jam band Umphrey’s McGee as they continue to get recognition for their hard work. The Chicago Music Awards named them the “Best Rock Entertainer of the Year.” Also, the Jammys, an award that recognizes the best in live music performance, has …
Read More »Joey DeFrancesco with Jimmy Smith – Legacy
Legacy is a great name for this album because that’s what this musical summit is about. Jimmy Smith, legendary Hammond organ player, passes on the torch to current impresario Joey DeFrancesco. Their paths have crossed many times over the years. Jimmy sat in a on couple of medleys during Joey’s …
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