Working Man's Cafe (Ltd Ed Deluxe CD/DVD Combo) by Ray Davies
Jesus of Cool by Nick Lowe
Vagabonds by Gary Louris
Hard to Find Jukebox Classics 1957: Rhythm & Rock by Various Artists
That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 26 by Various Artists
CD new releases Feb. 19, 2008
Working Man's Cafe (Ltd Ed Deluxe CD/DVD Combo) by Ray Davies
Jesus of Cool by Nick Lowe
Vagabonds by Gary Louris
Hard to Find Jukebox Classics 1957: Rhythm & Rock by Various Artists
That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 26 by Various Artists
DVD new releases Feb. 19, 2008
American Gangster (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Lust, Caution (Widescreen NC-17 Edition)
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (remastered deluxe edition)
Walker - Criterion Collection
Gangsters - The Ultimate Film Collection (American Gangster / Scarface (1983) / Casino / Carlito's Way)
German Expressionism Collection (The Hands of Orlac / The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari / Secrets of a Soul / Warning Shadows) (4pc)
Fairport Convention: Maidstone 1970
Great comic book art: Aparo "twitches"
I've always loved Jim Aparo's art. His Brave and Bold was a favorite of mine and, for my money, he's one of the best-ever Batman artists: Right up there with Dick Sprang, Carmine Infantino, Neal Adams and Marshall Rogers.
His graphic storytelling was dramatic and easy to follow. His figure work and use of blacks and whites was superb--hearkening back the great newspaper strip art of Milt Caniff, Alex Raymond and others. Much of the time, he inked and even lettered his own work--great stuff.
But one thing I never paid much explicit attention to until recently was Aparo's deft use of lines to express emotion.
Sure, lines are often used to evoke motion and speed in comic books. But look at Aparo's art and you'll see lines meant to express a character's emotional frame of mind: anger, surprise, disappointment, excitement, disorientation.
These lines don't show what a character is doing--they express how a character is feeling.
For lack of a better word, I call them "twitches."
Aparo did it all the time, and he did it so well. It's crystal clear how these characters are feeling. And conveying that sort of emotion with lines on paper is pretty remarkable.
Offhand, I can't think of many other American comic book artists who do/did this sort of thing. It's something manga artists use a lot, but seems rare in American comics.
Yet another example of what made Aparo such a master, and an underrated one at that.
Here are some example of what I'm talking about, all from DC Comic's "Showcase Presents the Phantom Stranger Vol. 1."
His graphic storytelling was dramatic and easy to follow. His figure work and use of blacks and whites was superb--hearkening back the great newspaper strip art of Milt Caniff, Alex Raymond and others. Much of the time, he inked and even lettered his own work--great stuff.
But one thing I never paid much explicit attention to until recently was Aparo's deft use of lines to express emotion.
Sure, lines are often used to evoke motion and speed in comic books. But look at Aparo's art and you'll see lines meant to express a character's emotional frame of mind: anger, surprise, disappointment, excitement, disorientation.
These lines don't show what a character is doing--they express how a character is feeling.
For lack of a better word, I call them "twitches."
Aparo did it all the time, and he did it so well. It's crystal clear how these characters are feeling. And conveying that sort of emotion with lines on paper is pretty remarkable.
Offhand, I can't think of many other American comic book artists who do/did this sort of thing. It's something manga artists use a lot, but seems rare in American comics.
Yet another example of what made Aparo such a master, and an underrated one at that.
Here are some example of what I'm talking about, all from DC Comic's "Showcase Presents the Phantom Stranger Vol. 1."
Upcoming DVDs
Here are DVDs of possible interest to Pop Culture Safari fans. Click the title links for more info or to pre-order from Amazon.
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Volume Three - The Years of Change
out April 29
I Spy - Season 1
Out April 29
Robert Culp and Bill Cosby star as international espionage agents Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott on highly dangerous missions in this ever-popular, award-winning series. Culp poses as a world-class playboy/tennis player, and Cosby goes undercover as his trainer. Together they travel the world, trading quips and fighting high-level crime with cool bravado and extraordinary savoir-faire. Combining humor with action/intrigue, "I Spy" was the first adventure TV series to be shot in exotic international locales, establishing a new standard for television dramas.
I Spy - Season 2
Out April 29
Mission: Impossible - The Fourth TV Season
out May 13
The Muppet Show - The Complete Third Season
out May 20
Wocka! Wocka! Wocka! The innovative variety show s sensational third season earned television s prestigious Peabody Award as well as an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Program. Featuring a sensational lineup of hilarious guest stars including Sylvester Stallone, Gilda Radner, Raquel Welch and Liberace Season Three is loaded with more Muppetational moments than any show in primetime history. Experience all 24 episodes from Season Three digitally re-mastered and restored in this special 4-disc DVD set. With hours of bonus features, including an all-new behind the scenes documentary, original Muppet commercials and much more, The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season is unbeatable entertainment for the whole family.
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Volume Three - The Years of Change
out April 29
I Spy - Season 1
Out April 29
Robert Culp and Bill Cosby star as international espionage agents Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott on highly dangerous missions in this ever-popular, award-winning series. Culp poses as a world-class playboy/tennis player, and Cosby goes undercover as his trainer. Together they travel the world, trading quips and fighting high-level crime with cool bravado and extraordinary savoir-faire. Combining humor with action/intrigue, "I Spy" was the first adventure TV series to be shot in exotic international locales, establishing a new standard for television dramas.
I Spy - Season 2
Out April 29
Mission: Impossible - The Fourth TV Season
out May 13
The Muppet Show - The Complete Third Season
out May 20
Wocka! Wocka! Wocka! The innovative variety show s sensational third season earned television s prestigious Peabody Award as well as an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Program. Featuring a sensational lineup of hilarious guest stars including Sylvester Stallone, Gilda Radner, Raquel Welch and Liberace Season Three is loaded with more Muppetational moments than any show in primetime history. Experience all 24 episodes from Season Three digitally re-mastered and restored in this special 4-disc DVD set. With hours of bonus features, including an all-new behind the scenes documentary, original Muppet commercials and much more, The Muppet Show: The Complete Third Season is unbeatable entertainment for the whole family.
Pop links
Here's an interview with Louise Jameson, who played Doctor Who's cavegirlish companion Leela back in the 70s.
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Hasbro has info and pics on a range of toys based on "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
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The promo site for the straight-to-DVD "DC: The New Frontier" movie has some great Darwyn Cooke-inspired wallpapers available for download.
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An early recording of Beat poet Allen Ginsberg reading his epic "Howl" has been discovered. You can hear it here.
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Hasbro has info and pics on a range of toys based on "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
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The promo site for the straight-to-DVD "DC: The New Frontier" movie has some great Darwyn Cooke-inspired wallpapers available for download.
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An early recording of Beat poet Allen Ginsberg reading his epic "Howl" has been discovered. You can hear it here.
Lost March 6 episode preview
Highlight the hidden text for details about the March 6, 2008 episode of "Lost."
Also see the trailer for the episode and hear the official "Lost" podcast.
JULIET IS PAID AN UNWELCOME VISIT BY SOMEONE FROM HER PAST AND ORDERED TO TRACK DOWN AND STOP CHARLOTTE AND FARADAY FROM COMPLETING THEIR MISSION, ON ABC'S "LOST"
"The Other Woman" - Juliet receives an unwelcome visit from someone from her past and is given orders to track down Charlotte and Faraday in order to stop them from completing their mission -- by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Ben offers Locke an enticing deal, on "Lost," THURSDAY, MARCH 6 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
"Lost" stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Terry O'Quinn as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.
Guest starring are Jeremy Davies as Daniel Faraday, Rebecca Mader as Charlotte, Alan Dale as Charles Widmore, Andrea Roth as Harper, M.C. Gainey as Mr. Friendly/Tom and Brett Cullen as Goodwin.
"The Other Woman" was written by Drew Goddard & Christina M. Kim and directed by Eric Laneuville.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
Also see the trailer for the episode and hear the official "Lost" podcast.
JULIET IS PAID AN UNWELCOME VISIT BY SOMEONE FROM HER PAST AND ORDERED TO TRACK DOWN AND STOP CHARLOTTE AND FARADAY FROM COMPLETING THEIR MISSION, ON ABC'S "LOST"
"The Other Woman" - Juliet receives an unwelcome visit from someone from her past and is given orders to track down Charlotte and Faraday in order to stop them from completing their mission -- by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Ben offers Locke an enticing deal, on "Lost," THURSDAY, MARCH 6 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
"Lost" stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Terry O'Quinn as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.
Guest starring are Jeremy Davies as Daniel Faraday, Rebecca Mader as Charlotte, Alan Dale as Charles Widmore, Andrea Roth as Harper, M.C. Gainey as Mr. Friendly/Tom and Brett Cullen as Goodwin.
"The Other Woman" was written by Drew Goddard & Christina M. Kim and directed by Eric Laneuville.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
Still more Beatles U.S. picture sleeves
And here's a last batch of Beatles 45 rpm picture sleeves released by Capitol Records.
100 Things I Hate about Comics
1. Overpowering, too-dark computer colors
2. Fear of sound effects
3. Fear of cover dialogue or blurbs
4. Pinup covers
5. Contemptuous creators
6. Big events
7. Events that promise to "forever change" the status quo of a character or title, but never do
8. Pointless, endless and enormously expensive (to the reader) crossovers
9. Gratuitous killing off of characters
10. Degrading treatment of female comics characters
11. Degrading treatment of female comics creators
12. Decompressed, writing-for-the-trade storytelling
13. Lack of visual story-telling chops
14. Endless retreads of past comics events and storylines
15. Multiple "takes" on characters
16. Violence, nihilism, soft-core pornography and fratboy humor that masquerades as "sophistication"
17. The aren't we-cute-and-ironic practice of re-ballooning old war/romance comics
2. Fear of sound effects
3. Fear of cover dialogue or blurbs
4. Pinup covers
5. Contemptuous creators
6. Big events
7. Events that promise to "forever change" the status quo of a character or title, but never do
8. Pointless, endless and enormously expensive (to the reader) crossovers
9. Gratuitous killing off of characters
10. Degrading treatment of female comics characters
11. Degrading treatment of female comics creators
12. Decompressed, writing-for-the-trade storytelling
13. Lack of visual story-telling chops
14. Endless retreads of past comics events and storylines
15. Multiple "takes" on characters
16. Violence, nihilism, soft-core pornography and fratboy humor that masquerades as "sophistication"
17. The aren't we-cute-and-ironic practice of re-ballooning old war/romance comics
Pop links
Director John Landis ("The Blues Brothers," "Animal House") will direct a bio-pic about Mad magazine/EC Comics publisher William M. Gaines.
The high point of the film is likely to be the Kefauver Hearings, which took place in 1954 in the wake of the publication of Dr. Frederic Wertham's Seduction of the Innocent, and which tried like Wertham's book to blame postwar juvenile delinquency on comic books. Gaines refused to apologize to the legislative inquisitors and paid the price in the press where he was vilified asAmerica
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Here's a teaser for "Batman Gotham Knight," a collection of animated Batman shorts that serve as a sort of prelude to the next live-action Batman film "The Dark Knight."
A number of different anime directors contributed to the shorts, which will appear on DVD later in the year.
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After a great run of Frank Frazetta pieces, Golden Age Comic Book Stories turns its focus to romance tales by the great EC cartoonist Al Feldstein.
The high point of the film is likely to be the Kefauver Hearings, which took place in 1954 in the wake of the publication of Dr. Frederic Wertham's Seduction of the Innocent, and which tried like Wertham's book to blame postwar juvenile delinquency on comic books. Gaines refused to apologize to the legislative inquisitors and paid the price in the press where he was vilified as
---------
Here's a teaser for "Batman Gotham Knight," a collection of animated Batman shorts that serve as a sort of prelude to the next live-action Batman film "The Dark Knight."
A number of different anime directors contributed to the shorts, which will appear on DVD later in the year.
----------
After a great run of Frank Frazetta pieces, Golden Age Comic Book Stories turns its focus to romance tales by the great EC cartoonist Al Feldstein.
Lost clues: "The Economist" Ep. 3, Season 4
Episode summary:
In flash forward, we see Sayid on a gorgeous, seaside golf course. He meets a fellow golfer, who says Sayid looks familiar to him. Sayid says this is because he's one of the Oceanic 6--his picture has been spread across the media. The other golfer seems very upset by this and doesn't want to continue golfing. As the golfer leaves, Sayid calls him "Mr. Avellino." Avellino turns back around and Sayid shoots him dead.
Later we see Sayid in Berlin meeting up--seemingly by chance--with a woman who is an assistant to an esteemed economist. They strike up a romance, but it becomes clear that Sayid is trying to get to the economist and kill him. The woman, Elsa, shoots him. She apparently knows what Sayid is up to, too. But Sayid shoots back, killing her.
Wounded in the shoulder, Sayid goes to what looks like an animal hospital/shelter or laboratory that's closed for the night. Someone, we don't see his face, stitches Sayid up--chastising him for thinking with his heart, not his head. We see that this person is Ben. He's given Sayid a list of people to kill. Killing these people will help Sayid's friends, Ben says.
Back in island time, the helicopter crew agrees to bring the survivors off the island if they retrieve Charlotte from Locke. Sayid, Kate and Miles go to the Others' barracks to do this, but are captured by Locke and his crew. Sayid strikes a bargain, though, he gives Locke Miles and brings Charlotte back to the helicopter.
Frank, the helicopter pilot, reluctantly agrees to bring a couple of the survivors with him to the waiting freighter--there's little fuel left in the chopper and he can only take a light load. Sayid and Desmond go along.
Questions/clues/observations:
* Why has Sayid become an assassin for Ben? Who are the people Ben is after? Are they associated with Matthew Abbaddon and/or the Dharma Initiative?
* Back on the island, Sayid finds a secret room in Ben's home. It's full of clothing. In the the desk, there's a drawerful of currency from different countries and fake passports, each bearing Ben's photograph. Looks like Mr. Born on the Island is a traveling man. Is he some sort of spy? What's he up to?
* On the island, Daniel the physicist asks the freighter crew to shoot over a rocket payload to the island. It launches but doesn't land until 31 minutes later. There's some freaky time anomaly between the island and the rest of the world.
* The bracelet Sayid spots on Naomi's wrist looks the same as the one Elsa is wearing. It seems this means they work for the same organization. When Sayid first sees the bracelet, it seems like he recognizes it somehow.
* Naomi's bracelet reads: "N. I'll always be with you. R.G." Who is R.G.? Could the R stand for "Richard," Ben's Other pal?
* Ben and Sayid refer to a list--presumably a "to kill" list. What's up with Ben and his lists? Back on the island, the Others have a list of "good" people among the survivors that, apparently, Jacob provided.
* Sayid is one of the Oceanic 6. So we've got him, Hurley, Jack and Kate (although, I'm still not convinced she's officially among them, being a fugitive. Wouldn't she be in jail if the world knew she was back?). Who are the rest?
* Locke goes to where he thinks he'll find Jacob's cabin, but it's not there? Earlier, when Hurley saw it, the cabin seems to be moving around, appearing in several different spots and disappearing. What explains this?
* Does the island move around in time and dimension just like Jacob's cabin?
* Confronted by Desmond, Frank reveals he isn't working for Penelope. He doesn't even know her. Frank, Miles and the rest seems to be in the dark about a lot of the details of what's going on. They just know they're on the island to get Ben.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
In flash forward, we see Sayid on a gorgeous, seaside golf course. He meets a fellow golfer, who says Sayid looks familiar to him. Sayid says this is because he's one of the Oceanic 6--his picture has been spread across the media. The other golfer seems very upset by this and doesn't want to continue golfing. As the golfer leaves, Sayid calls him "Mr. Avellino." Avellino turns back around and Sayid shoots him dead.
Later we see Sayid in Berlin meeting up--seemingly by chance--with a woman who is an assistant to an esteemed economist. They strike up a romance, but it becomes clear that Sayid is trying to get to the economist and kill him. The woman, Elsa, shoots him. She apparently knows what Sayid is up to, too. But Sayid shoots back, killing her.
Wounded in the shoulder, Sayid goes to what looks like an animal hospital/shelter or laboratory that's closed for the night. Someone, we don't see his face, stitches Sayid up--chastising him for thinking with his heart, not his head. We see that this person is Ben. He's given Sayid a list of people to kill. Killing these people will help Sayid's friends, Ben says.
Back in island time, the helicopter crew agrees to bring the survivors off the island if they retrieve Charlotte from Locke. Sayid, Kate and Miles go to the Others' barracks to do this, but are captured by Locke and his crew. Sayid strikes a bargain, though, he gives Locke Miles and brings Charlotte back to the helicopter.
Frank, the helicopter pilot, reluctantly agrees to bring a couple of the survivors with him to the waiting freighter--there's little fuel left in the chopper and he can only take a light load. Sayid and Desmond go along.
Questions/clues/observations:
* Why has Sayid become an assassin for Ben? Who are the people Ben is after? Are they associated with Matthew Abbaddon and/or the Dharma Initiative?
* Back on the island, Sayid finds a secret room in Ben's home. It's full of clothing. In the the desk, there's a drawerful of currency from different countries and fake passports, each bearing Ben's photograph. Looks like Mr. Born on the Island is a traveling man. Is he some sort of spy? What's he up to?
* On the island, Daniel the physicist asks the freighter crew to shoot over a rocket payload to the island. It launches but doesn't land until 31 minutes later. There's some freaky time anomaly between the island and the rest of the world.
* The bracelet Sayid spots on Naomi's wrist looks the same as the one Elsa is wearing. It seems this means they work for the same organization. When Sayid first sees the bracelet, it seems like he recognizes it somehow.
* Naomi's bracelet reads: "N. I'll always be with you. R.G." Who is R.G.? Could the R stand for "Richard," Ben's Other pal?
* Ben and Sayid refer to a list--presumably a "to kill" list. What's up with Ben and his lists? Back on the island, the Others have a list of "good" people among the survivors that, apparently, Jacob provided.
* Sayid is one of the Oceanic 6. So we've got him, Hurley, Jack and Kate (although, I'm still not convinced she's officially among them, being a fugitive. Wouldn't she be in jail if the world knew she was back?). Who are the rest?
* Locke goes to where he thinks he'll find Jacob's cabin, but it's not there? Earlier, when Hurley saw it, the cabin seems to be moving around, appearing in several different spots and disappearing. What explains this?
* Does the island move around in time and dimension just like Jacob's cabin?
* Confronted by Desmond, Frank reveals he isn't working for Penelope. He doesn't even know her. Frank, Miles and the rest seems to be in the dark about a lot of the details of what's going on. They just know they're on the island to get Ben.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
Underrrated pop groups of the 60s: The Zombies
Sure, you've heard "Time of the Season," "She's Not There" and maybe even "Tell Her No," but there's more pleasure to be had from this band than a few British Invasion-linked top singles.
Connoisseurs of 60s pop, of course, have made the band's 1967 LP Odessey and Oracle a cult classic--as well it should be. It, and a good compilation of the group's singles, belong in any self-respecting record collection.
I enjoy The Zombies' BBC recordings, as well. I have a batch on an LP Rhino Records put out in the 80s at some point, but there are newer, more comprehensive collections out now on CD. Great stuff, with some fun, brief interviews and cool voiceover intros by BBC announcer Brian Matthews (familiar from his appearances on the Beatles and Who BBC compilations).
The band was comprised of keyboardist Rod Argent (who later led a band under his last name, which charted a hit, "Hold Your Head Up," in 1972 and also recorded "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which was later covered by Kiss), vocalist Colin Blunstone, guitarist Paul Atkinson, bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy.
I love Blunstone's cool, breathy vocals. The combination of it and Argent's often jazzy Hammond riffs gives the group a unique sound that stands out from the other, mostly guitar-based British Invasion bands. And the harmonies are awesome, particularly on the various Odessey and Oracle tracks. I remember a review that described the album as sounding like the Beach Boys in Westminster Abbey, and that's apt.
Actually Odessey was recorded in Abbey Road, just after the Beatles wrapped up Sgt. Pepper. And it was put on tape by the same engineer, Geoff Emerick.
If you haven't heard the album, you should. It stands up there with Pet Sounds, Revolver, Aftermath and other mid-60s greats.
Zombies CDs
Decca Stereo Anthology (all the band's pre-Odessey album and singles for Decca)
Odessey and Oracle (straight remaster of the original, in stereo)
Odessey and Oracle (Big Beat release containing both the mono and stereo versions-it's worth it)
Live at the BBC (a remastered and much-expanded compilation of the Rhino LP that came out in the 1980s)
Zombie Heaven 4-CD Box Set (includes all singles, album tracks, BBC recordings and rarities)
Into the Afterlife (post break-up collaborations and rarities)
DVD
* Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London (featuring one of the Argent-Blunstone reunion shows)
Zombies on Youtube:
The Zombies on "Shindig" Tell Her No
The Zombies (Shindig) - It's Alright With Me
Connoisseurs of 60s pop, of course, have made the band's 1967 LP Odessey and Oracle a cult classic--as well it should be. It, and a good compilation of the group's singles, belong in any self-respecting record collection.
I enjoy The Zombies' BBC recordings, as well. I have a batch on an LP Rhino Records put out in the 80s at some point, but there are newer, more comprehensive collections out now on CD. Great stuff, with some fun, brief interviews and cool voiceover intros by BBC announcer Brian Matthews (familiar from his appearances on the Beatles and Who BBC compilations).
The band was comprised of keyboardist Rod Argent (who later led a band under his last name, which charted a hit, "Hold Your Head Up," in 1972 and also recorded "God Gave Rock and Roll to You," which was later covered by Kiss), vocalist Colin Blunstone, guitarist Paul Atkinson, bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy.
I love Blunstone's cool, breathy vocals. The combination of it and Argent's often jazzy Hammond riffs gives the group a unique sound that stands out from the other, mostly guitar-based British Invasion bands. And the harmonies are awesome, particularly on the various Odessey and Oracle tracks. I remember a review that described the album as sounding like the Beach Boys in Westminster Abbey, and that's apt.
Actually Odessey was recorded in Abbey Road, just after the Beatles wrapped up Sgt. Pepper. And it was put on tape by the same engineer, Geoff Emerick.
If you haven't heard the album, you should. It stands up there with Pet Sounds, Revolver, Aftermath and other mid-60s greats.
Zombies CDs
Decca Stereo Anthology (all the band's pre-Odessey album and singles for Decca)
Odessey and Oracle (straight remaster of the original, in stereo)
Odessey and Oracle (Big Beat release containing both the mono and stereo versions-it's worth it)
Live at the BBC (a remastered and much-expanded compilation of the Rhino LP that came out in the 1980s)
Zombie Heaven 4-CD Box Set (includes all singles, album tracks, BBC recordings and rarities)
Into the Afterlife (post break-up collaborations and rarities)
DVD
* Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London (featuring one of the Argent-Blunstone reunion shows)
Zombies on Youtube:
The Zombies on "Shindig" Tell Her No
The Zombies (Shindig) - It's Alright With Me
Pop links
A London flat once shared by the Beatles is for sale for £1.75 million.
Manager Brian Epstein found them the top-floor flat in Green Street, Mayfair, to give them some privacy during their time in the capital.
The property holds a unique place in history because it is the only home in which all four Beatles lived together.
An early publicity photo of the Fab Four peering over a bannister, used as the cover for the December 1963 edition of The Beatles Book, was taken at the top of the communal stairwell.
The band stayed for only a few months - Paul McCartney soon moved in with then girlfriend Jane Asher's family in nearby Wimpole Street, while John Lennon rented another London property with first wife Cynthia.
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Chris' Invincible Super Blog offers up some comics-centric Valentine's. This one was my fave. Not necessarily the most tasteful, but you know...
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And how's this for romance? Superman and Lois Lane's first kiss, from Mail it To Team-Up.
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The teaser trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is up. Check it out here.
Manager Brian Epstein found them the top-floor flat in Green Street, Mayfair, to give them some privacy during their time in the capital.
The property holds a unique place in history because it is the only home in which all four Beatles lived together.
An early publicity photo of the Fab Four peering over a bannister, used as the cover for the December 1963 edition of The Beatles Book, was taken at the top of the communal stairwell.
The band stayed for only a few months - Paul McCartney soon moved in with then girlfriend Jane Asher's family in nearby Wimpole Street, while John Lennon rented another London property with first wife Cynthia.
---------
Chris' Invincible Super Blog offers up some comics-centric Valentine's. This one was my fave. Not necessarily the most tasteful, but you know...
---------
And how's this for romance? Superman and Lois Lane's first kiss, from Mail it To Team-Up.
----------
The teaser trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is up. Check it out here.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie details
The first solo X-Men film, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," starring Hugh Jackman in the title role, is set for May 1 release, USA Today reports.
The film will trace Wolverine's past as he discovers the world of mutants and, ultimately, the ominous Weapon X program, which turns people into living weapons.
Jackman is tight-lipped on plot details, though he says the film will hardly be a one-mutant story.
Wolverine's nemesis Sabretooth "is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos" of new and familiar mutants, he says. "But you can't give too much away, because fans are pretty hard-core. Their expectations go up a level every time you come out with a new film."
Here's teaser art for the movie:
The film will trace Wolverine's past as he discovers the world of mutants and, ultimately, the ominous Weapon X program, which turns people into living weapons.
Jackman is tight-lipped on plot details, though he says the film will hardly be a one-mutant story.
Wolverine's nemesis Sabretooth "is going to play a big part in it. And there will be a good bit of cameos" of new and familiar mutants, he says. "But you can't give too much away, because fans are pretty hard-core. Their expectations go up a level every time you come out with a new film."
Here's teaser art for the movie:
Star Trek film bumped to 2009 release
J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek" film won't be out this Christmas, Variety reports.
Paramount decided the flick would be a bigger money maker if released May 8, so it can play throughout the typical blockbuster summer season.
"Star Trek" has no competition in its new slot -- at least not so far, although it opens one week after 20th Century Fox bows "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and one week before Sony is slated to bow sequel "Angels and Demons."
Paramount also dated two titles. Martin Scorsese's Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer "Shutter Island" will be released Oct. 2, 2009.
Paramount decided the flick would be a bigger money maker if released May 8, so it can play throughout the typical blockbuster summer season.
"Star Trek" has no competition in its new slot -- at least not so far, although it opens one week after 20th Century Fox bows "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and one week before Sony is slated to bow sequel "Angels and Demons."
Paramount also dated two titles. Martin Scorsese's Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer "Shutter Island" will be released Oct. 2, 2009.
Don't forget Lost tonight!
Here's teaser text for tonight's "Lost."
Then come back here tomorrow for a full look at the episode, including observations and clues.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
Then come back here tomorrow for a full look at the episode, including observations and clues.
Also see:
Lost Season 4 Episode Guide
The Best Lost Sites on the Web
Lost: What we STILL don't know
Upcoming comics April 2008
We reviewed DC and Marvel's planned releases for April 2008. Here are items of interest from other publishers.
Click the title links to pre-order titles from Amazon.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer SEASON 8 VOL 2 NO FUTURE FOR YOU
Brian K. Vaughan (W), Joss Whedon (W), Georges Jeanty (P), Cliff Richards (P), Andy Owens (I), Dave Stewart (C), and Jo Chen (Cover) On sale June 4 FC, 120 pages $15.95 TPB, 7" x 10"
When a rogue debutant Slayer begins to use her power for evil, Giles is forced to recruit the rebellious Faith, who isn't exactly known for her good deeds. Giles offers Faith a clean slate if she can stop this snooty Slayer from wreaking total havoc - that is, if Buffy doesn't beat her to it. Georges Jeanty (The American Way) remains at the top of his game as series artist, and Whedon continues as Executive Producer in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series. * Collecting issue #6-10 of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight series.
CREEPY ARCHIVES
Various (W/A) On sale June 18 b&w, 232 pages $49.95 HC, 8 3/8" x 10 7/8"
Gather up your wooden stakes, your blood-covered hatchets, and all the skeletons in the darkest depths of your closet, and prepare for a horrifying adventure into the darkest corners of comics history. Dark Horse Comics further corners the market on high quality horror storytelling with one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, a hardcover archive collection of legendary Creepy Magazine. This groundbreaking material turned the world of graphic storytelling on its head in the early 1960s, as phenomenal young artists like Bernie Wrightson and Neal Adams reached new artistic heights with their fascinating explorations of classic and modern horror stories. * Brilliant, classic Creepy stories from 1964-1966 raised from the dead after twenty-five years. * Featuring work by such comics luminaries as Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, Alex Toth, and Frank Frazetta. * Archive editions of Creepy will be the cornerstone of any comic-book library. * Volume One reprints the first five terrifying issues of the magazine's original run, reprinted in the original magazine size!
INDIANA JONES OMNIBUS VOL 2
Various (W/A) On sale June 25 FC, 384 pages $24.95 TPB, 6" x 9"
Excitement and danger follow Dr. Henry Jones Jr. around the globe in this collection of classic, long-out-of-print stories! From Greece to Germany, the South Pacific to the seas of the Vikings, his race against the Nazis to recover artifacts like the Golden Fleece, the Philosopher's Stone, or the Spear of Destiny will run him afoul of legendary monsters, ancient cults, and armies of the undead! Undeniably thrilling, these are the stories that define the meaning of adventure. * Collects Indiana Jones and the Golden Fleece #1-2, Indiana Jones and the Shrine of the Sea Devil, Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix #1-4, Indiana Jones and the Spear of Destiny #1-4, Indiana Jones and the Sargasso Pirates #1-4. * Cover art by Dave Dorman!
COMIC ARF
by Various
Another great Arf book for 2008, featuring one of the greatest cartoonists of all time - Milt Gross! The Gross-ness begins on the cover with a stunning painting by the Count of Cartoons depicting Uncle Sam as he grinds up a sea of immigrants into a parade of classic comic strip characters. During the 1920s Gross drew a comic strip that left the last panel blank for aspiring artists. Arf series editor Craig Yoe has drafted a Who's Who of contemporary cartoonists to complete Gross' unfinished masterpieces, among them Art Spiegelman, Patrick McDonnell, R. Crumb, Bil Keane, Johnny Ryan, Jaime Hernandez, Mike Mignola, and more! For the history buff, Comic Arf delivers with showcases of Dudley Fisher, Arch Dale, and a hard-hitting chapter entitled "The 15 Most Powerful Anti-War Cartoons of History." SC, 9x12, 120pgs, B&W SRP: $19.99
HANK KETCHAMS COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE VOL 4 1957-1958
by Hank Ketcham
No one captured the mischievousness, rambunctiousness, and anarchy of a kid's world better than cartoonist Hank Ketcham with Dennis the Menace. This fourth volume of Hank Ketcham's The Complete Dennis the Menace publishes every single panel strip from 1957 and 1958 in one handsome and thick hardcover volume. (AUG073646) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Not available in the U.K. (May Purchase from U.K. Vendor) HC, 5.5x6, 672pgs, B&W SRP: $24.95
WALT DISNEYS VACATION PARADE #5
by Carl Barks, Floyd Gottfredson & Ken Hultgren
Uncle Scrooge's zoo houses the world's rarest animals, until he sends Donald and Gladstone on Carl Barks' "Trail of the Unicorn!" Then Scrooge himself stars in Kari Korhonen's "Treasure Treasury," and Mickey battles a monster puma in Ken Hultgren's must-requested "Seven-Colored Terror!" Vintage 1932 Floyd Gottfredson gags wrap the book. SC, 80pgs, FC SRP: $9.95
SKYROADS VOL 1
by Jay Meader & Russel Keaton
Almost 100 strips of this classic syndicated feature by Russel Keaton from 1935 are collected here! This never-before-reprinted run features adventures in China, pre-dating Terry and the Pirates action in that area. Features an introduction by comics historian Jay Meader. SC, 56pgs SRP: $8.00
JAMES BOND PARADISE PLOT
by Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence & John McLusky
Stand by for two more adventures with the world's greatest and most famous secret agent, James Bond, as some of his most thrilling ultra-rare stories are collected for the first time ever in a deluxe collectors' library edition! In this latest action-packed volume, Bond teams up with fellow 00 agent Suzi Kew once again on another sun-soaked escapade, "The Paradise Plot!" This new, never-before-collected edition also features Lawrence and McLusky's rarely seen story "Death Mask!" Plus, a new introduction by Lois Chiles from the film Moonraker and an exclusive feature on rare and unusual James Bond comics from around the world! (C: 0-1-2) SC, 9x12, 104pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95
KIRBY FIVE OH 50 YEARS OF KING OF COMICS
(The Jack Kirby Collector #50)
The publication that started the TwoMorrows juggernaut presents Kirby Five-Oh!, a special look at the best of everything from Jack Kirby's 50-year career in comics! The regular columnists from The Jack Kirby Collector magazine have formed a distinguished panel of experts to choose and examine the best Kirby stories published each year from 1938-1987! Plus, the best covers from each decade! Jack's 50 best unused pieces of art! His 50 best character designs! Also, profiles and commentary by the 50 people most influenced by Kirby's work! To wrap it up, there's a 50-page gallery of Kirby's powerful raw pencil art, and a deluxe color section of photos and finished art from throughout his entire half-century oeuvre! (Twomorrows Publishing) RES. from Previews Vol. XVII #12 (DEC073947) SC, 10x14, 168pgs, PC SRP: $19.95
Click the title links to pre-order titles from Amazon.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer SEASON 8 VOL 2 NO FUTURE FOR YOU
Brian K. Vaughan (W), Joss Whedon (W), Georges Jeanty (P), Cliff Richards (P), Andy Owens (I), Dave Stewart (C), and Jo Chen (Cover) On sale June 4 FC, 120 pages $15.95 TPB, 7" x 10"
When a rogue debutant Slayer begins to use her power for evil, Giles is forced to recruit the rebellious Faith, who isn't exactly known for her good deeds. Giles offers Faith a clean slate if she can stop this snooty Slayer from wreaking total havoc - that is, if Buffy doesn't beat her to it. Georges Jeanty (The American Way) remains at the top of his game as series artist, and Whedon continues as Executive Producer in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series. * Collecting issue #6-10 of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight series.
CREEPY ARCHIVES
Various (W/A) On sale June 18 b&w, 232 pages $49.95 HC, 8 3/8" x 10 7/8"
Gather up your wooden stakes, your blood-covered hatchets, and all the skeletons in the darkest depths of your closet, and prepare for a horrifying adventure into the darkest corners of comics history. Dark Horse Comics further corners the market on high quality horror storytelling with one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, a hardcover archive collection of legendary Creepy Magazine. This groundbreaking material turned the world of graphic storytelling on its head in the early 1960s, as phenomenal young artists like Bernie Wrightson and Neal Adams reached new artistic heights with their fascinating explorations of classic and modern horror stories. * Brilliant, classic Creepy stories from 1964-1966 raised from the dead after twenty-five years. * Featuring work by such comics luminaries as Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, Alex Toth, and Frank Frazetta. * Archive editions of Creepy will be the cornerstone of any comic-book library. * Volume One reprints the first five terrifying issues of the magazine's original run, reprinted in the original magazine size!
INDIANA JONES OMNIBUS VOL 2
Various (W/A) On sale June 25 FC, 384 pages $24.95 TPB, 6" x 9"
Excitement and danger follow Dr. Henry Jones Jr. around the globe in this collection of classic, long-out-of-print stories! From Greece to Germany, the South Pacific to the seas of the Vikings, his race against the Nazis to recover artifacts like the Golden Fleece, the Philosopher's Stone, or the Spear of Destiny will run him afoul of legendary monsters, ancient cults, and armies of the undead! Undeniably thrilling, these are the stories that define the meaning of adventure. * Collects Indiana Jones and the Golden Fleece #1-2, Indiana Jones and the Shrine of the Sea Devil, Indiana Jones and the Iron Phoenix #1-4, Indiana Jones and the Spear of Destiny #1-4, Indiana Jones and the Sargasso Pirates #1-4. * Cover art by Dave Dorman!
COMIC ARF
by Various
Another great Arf book for 2008, featuring one of the greatest cartoonists of all time - Milt Gross! The Gross-ness begins on the cover with a stunning painting by the Count of Cartoons depicting Uncle Sam as he grinds up a sea of immigrants into a parade of classic comic strip characters. During the 1920s Gross drew a comic strip that left the last panel blank for aspiring artists. Arf series editor Craig Yoe has drafted a Who's Who of contemporary cartoonists to complete Gross' unfinished masterpieces, among them Art Spiegelman, Patrick McDonnell, R. Crumb, Bil Keane, Johnny Ryan, Jaime Hernandez, Mike Mignola, and more! For the history buff, Comic Arf delivers with showcases of Dudley Fisher, Arch Dale, and a hard-hitting chapter entitled "The 15 Most Powerful Anti-War Cartoons of History." SC, 9x12, 120pgs, B&W SRP: $19.99
HANK KETCHAMS COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE VOL 4 1957-1958
by Hank Ketcham
No one captured the mischievousness, rambunctiousness, and anarchy of a kid's world better than cartoonist Hank Ketcham with Dennis the Menace. This fourth volume of Hank Ketcham's The Complete Dennis the Menace publishes every single panel strip from 1957 and 1958 in one handsome and thick hardcover volume. (AUG073646) (C: 1-0-0) NOTE: Not available in the U.K. (May Purchase from U.K. Vendor) HC, 5.5x6, 672pgs, B&W SRP: $24.95
WALT DISNEYS VACATION PARADE #5
by Carl Barks, Floyd Gottfredson & Ken Hultgren
Uncle Scrooge's zoo houses the world's rarest animals, until he sends Donald and Gladstone on Carl Barks' "Trail of the Unicorn!" Then Scrooge himself stars in Kari Korhonen's "Treasure Treasury," and Mickey battles a monster puma in Ken Hultgren's must-requested "Seven-Colored Terror!" Vintage 1932 Floyd Gottfredson gags wrap the book. SC, 80pgs, FC SRP: $9.95
SKYROADS VOL 1
by Jay Meader & Russel Keaton
Almost 100 strips of this classic syndicated feature by Russel Keaton from 1935 are collected here! This never-before-reprinted run features adventures in China, pre-dating Terry and the Pirates action in that area. Features an introduction by comics historian Jay Meader. SC, 56pgs SRP: $8.00
JAMES BOND PARADISE PLOT
by Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence & John McLusky
Stand by for two more adventures with the world's greatest and most famous secret agent, James Bond, as some of his most thrilling ultra-rare stories are collected for the first time ever in a deluxe collectors' library edition! In this latest action-packed volume, Bond teams up with fellow 00 agent Suzi Kew once again on another sun-soaked escapade, "The Paradise Plot!" This new, never-before-collected edition also features Lawrence and McLusky's rarely seen story "Death Mask!" Plus, a new introduction by Lois Chiles from the film Moonraker and an exclusive feature on rare and unusual James Bond comics from around the world! (C: 0-1-2) SC, 9x12, 104pgs, B&W SRP: $19.95
KIRBY FIVE OH 50 YEARS OF KING OF COMICS
(The Jack Kirby Collector #50)
The publication that started the TwoMorrows juggernaut presents Kirby Five-Oh!, a special look at the best of everything from Jack Kirby's 50-year career in comics! The regular columnists from The Jack Kirby Collector magazine have formed a distinguished panel of experts to choose and examine the best Kirby stories published each year from 1938-1987! Plus, the best covers from each decade! Jack's 50 best unused pieces of art! His 50 best character designs! Also, profiles and commentary by the 50 people most influenced by Kirby's work! To wrap it up, there's a 50-page gallery of Kirby's powerful raw pencil art, and a deluxe color section of photos and finished art from throughout his entire half-century oeuvre! (Twomorrows Publishing) RES. from Previews Vol. XVII #12 (DEC073947) SC, 10x14, 168pgs, PC SRP: $19.95
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