Around the Tubes: January 9, 2021

  

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on No Man's Land, Solar Opposites, Derek Delgaudio's In & Of Itself, Ryland James, Eddie Vedder, The Black Crowes, The Weeknd, Bailey Bryan, Taylor Swift, and Michelle Obama.

- NO MAN'S LAND Opens in Select Theaters, on Digital Platforms and VOD on January 22nd . Synopsis:  Border vigilante Bill Greer (Frank Grillo) and his son Jackson (Jake Allyn) are on patrol when Jackson accidentally kills a Mexican immigrant boy. Bill tries to take the blame but Texas Ranger Ramirez (George Lopez) sees through the lie, spurring Jackson to flee south on horseback across the Rio Grande to become a gringo "illegal alien" in Mexico. Chased by Texas Rangers and Mexican federales, Jackson journeys across deserts and mountains to seek forgiveness from the dead boy's vengeful father (Jorge A. Jimenez), as he falls in love with the land he was taught to hate.

- Adult animated comedy series Solar Opposites returns with 8 all-new episodes on March 26, only on Hulu.  Season 2 Announcement Video Available HERE.  Co-created by Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty) and Mike McMahan (ex-writer's assistant on Rick & Morty), Solar Opposites centers around a team of four aliens who escape their exploding home world only to crash land into a move-in ready home in suburban America. They are evenly split on whether Earth is awful or awesome. Korvo (Justin Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) only see the pollution, crass consumerism, and human frailty while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) love humans and all their TV, junk food and fun stuff. Their mission: protect the Pupa, a living super computer that will one day evolve into its true form, consume them and terraform the Earth. On season two of Solar Opposites, the Solar Opposites take it bigger, funnier, and more opposite than ever before.

- DEREK DELGAUDIO’S IN & OF ITSELF is a new kind of lyric poem. It tells the story of a man fighting to see through the illusion of his own identity, only to discover that identity itself is an illusion. An intimate and powerful exploration of what it means to be and be seen, the film chronicles Derek DelGaudio’s attempt to answer one deceptively simple question, “Who am I?” His personal journey expands to a collective experience that forces us to confront the boundaries of our own identities. Premieres Friday, January 22, only on Hulu.

- Today critically acclaimed Canadian breakout star Ryland James released a brand new single, “Blame,” via 21 Entertainment / Republic Records / EMI and Universal Music Canada.  Listen to the single and watch the lyric video HERE.  “Blame,” comes after a busy holiday season that saw Ryland release his first-ever holiday EP, A Little Christmas. The project had Ryland revisit and recharge four seasonal classics, including his 2019 smash rendition of “Please Come Home For Christmas”, which garnered over 10 million streams.

- Eddie Vedder releases the five-song Matter Of Time bundle. Just in time for Christmas, he expands on the previously released two-track set and collects a series of acoustic songs and covers performed and recorded throughout 2020. He presents all of these tracks together for the first time in one comprehensive collection which also includes an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s song “Growin’ Up.”  Get Matter Of Time available tomorrow at all digital streaming partners HERE via Monkeywrench/Republic Records.

- The Black Crowes Present: Shake Your Money Maker, the multi-platinum debut by the seminal rock n' roll band The Black Crowes, is being re-released in multi-formats sets on February 26, 2021, through UMe/American Recordings. Band founders, brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, with original producer George Drakoulias, oversaw the creation of the re-release.  Most exciting are the  4LP and 3CD Super Deluxe versions, which includes the original album, remastered; 3 never-before-heard studio recordings; 2 unreleased demos from the band's early incarnation as Mr. Crowe's Garden;  B-sides; a spectacular, high-energy 14-song unreleased concert recorded in their hometown of Atlanta, GA in December 1990; reproductions of an early Mr. Crowe's Garden show flyer, setlist and tour laminate; a 4" Crowes patch; and a 20-page book with liner notes by David Fricke.   To listen or pre-order Shake Your Money Maker, click HERE

- The Weeknd has released an intriguing new video for “Save Your Tears” from his album After Hours. The video, maybe the darkest from the album thus far, continues the platinum selling artist’s continued physical transformation (previously being decapitated in the “Too Late” video). While his physical rehabilitation makes progress it’s clear in the video that he’s mentally unraveling.  With the NFL playoffs starting this weekend the countdown to February 7th for The Weeknd’s Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime performance begins with fans eagerly anticipating the super star’s show for over 100 million viewers.   WATCH ‘SAVE YOUR TEARS’ HERE

- Bailey Bryan is kicking off 2021 not with an expected celebratory New Years bop, but with “Sober” -- a gorgeously constructed, melancholic reflection on a love-hangover that feels all-too-relatable. Out today is the track’s chillingly profound music video where glitter, plastic champagne glasses, Chinese takeout and silver balloons litter the floor as Bailey pleads to a lover to remember her after the buzz of their young love wears off.

-  Rounding out a landmark 2020, Taylor Swift closes out the year by making history once more. evermore, her latest 5 star album, bows at #1 on the Billboard 200, and her single “willow” captures #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing her as the only artist in history to simultaneously debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Billboard Hot 100 twice. Taylor is the only artist ever to accomplish this historic milestone in one year.

- Former First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA'S story has just begun. The Obamas have remained quite busy with their new life of activism which includes their issue-oriented production company, Higher Ground, which won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2020. Mrs. Obama's autobiography, Becoming, has become the best-selling memoir of all time and even won a Grammy following the publication of her book. Get lost in the incredible journey of this modern-day First Lady's story in the making.  The feature-length biography is now widely available, including Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/2XqTne5

- As we are watching the U.S. Capitol being taken over on our television screen, BET has posted a point of view piece on BET.com, sharing the words of Black legislators.

- Through his actions, President Donald J. Trump has violated his oath of office and betrayed the public trust.  The shameful events of January 6 have shaken American democracy to its core. Incited by the incumbent president of the United States, a mob temporarily took over the US Capitol and tried to prevent the Congress from exercising its constitutional duty to confirm the choice of the American people for their next president. Thankfully, the effort failed. Indeed, the episode underscored the essential resilience of our democracy. At a time of great peril, the congressional and judicial branches have rallied to protect our constitutional system and the rule of law—features that have distinguished the United States during its nearly 250-year history.  There will be time enough for thoughtful reflection about the path forward to restore the health of our democracy, reduce the polarization that has prevented effective action to address the needs of the American people, and recommit to the aspiration of making the United States a beacon of freedom and equality for the world. But at least one thing is already clear: The president, through his actions, has violated his oath of office and betrayed the public trust. More than that, his ongoing presence and unwillingness or inability to faithfully exercise his constitutional duties pose a direct threat to the peaceful transfer of power and the well-being of the Republic. Whether through resignation, impeachment and conviction, or invocation of the 25th amendment, President Trump must leave office immediately.  Michael Abramowitz, President of Freedom House,  Michael Chertoff, Chairman, Freedom House Board of Trustees

-  Independent Women's Forum President Carrie Lukas released the following statement:  "Millions of Americans have lost faith that our election systems can be trusted. They don’t trust the media to tell the truth. They feel our government bureaucracy has been politicized and our justice system treats politicians from one party very differently than the others.  “These concerns are legitimate, but violence and disrupting the peaceful transfer of power are not the ways to fight those fights. The Constitution that our founders bequeathed to us is more important than any single election. Americans have the right to protest peacefully, but not to destroy or resort to mob violence. Anyone who violates the law, regardless of political party, should be arrested and charged to the fullest extent of the law.  “We must keep fighting for a better country, but not like this."

The Twenty-Five Worst Songs of 2020

 
1.        Yummy – Justin Beiber

2.       W.A.P. – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion

3.       LIL PIMP BIG MAGA STEPPIN – Lil Pump

4.       Trollz – 6ix9ine featuring Nicki Minaj

5.       Watermelon Sugar –Harry Styles

6.       Stupid Love – Lady Gaga

7.        Blueberry Faygo – Lil Mosey

8.       Body – Megan Thee Stallion

9.       Commander in Chief – Demi Lovato

10.   ROCKSTAR – DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch

11.   Imagine – Gal Gadot and Friends

12.   What’s Poppin – Jack Harlow

13.   Stuck with U – Ariana Grande and Justin Beiber

14.   My Oh My – Camilla Cabello featuring DaBaby

15.   Savage – Megan Thee Stallion

16.   Rain on Me – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande

17.   Toosie Slide – Drake

18.   Anyone – Demi Lovato

19.   Nice to Meet Ya – Meghan Trainor featuring Nicki Minaj

20.   Wonder – Shawn Mendes

21.   Nobody’s Love – Maroon 5

22.   Baby I’m Jealous – Bebe Rexha featuring Doja Cat

23.   HOLIDAY – Lil Nas X

24.   Monster – Shawn Mendez and Justin Beiber

25.   I Love My Country – Florida Georgia Line

A Ranking of Every Song From the First Season of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

1. American Pie - Ensemble

2. Crazy - Zoey

3. You Give Love a Bad Name - Autumn

4. Pressure - Zoey

5. Say My Name - Jessica

6. I've Got the Music In Me - Zoey

7. If I Can't Have You - Max

8. I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Autumn and Ensemble

9. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - Max

10. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) - Mitch and David

11. True Colors - Mitch

12. All I Do Is Win - Leif

13. Here I Go - Max and Simon

14. Happier - Simon and Jessica

15. Fight Song - Abby

16. I Want You to Want Me - Zoey

17. Moondance - Mitch

18. Perfect - Mitch and Maggie

19. Mad World - Simon

20. Don't Speak - Tobin

21. Everybody Hurts - Leif

22. The Trouble with Love Is - Mo

23. The Sound of Silence - Mitch and Howie

24. All of Me/I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) - Max

25. Sucker - Max

26. Superstar - Ensemble

27. Let's Stay Together - Leif

28. It's Your Thing - Mitch

29. Jealous - Simon

30. I Think I Love You - Max

31. How Do I Live - Zoey

32. Margaritaville - Bonnie

33. Bad Moon Rising - Zoey

34. Angel of the Morning - Mo

35. All Out of Love/Bye, Bye, Bye - Leif and Max

36. Dream a Little Dream of Me - Maggie

37. All by Myself/Whatta Man/Help - Ensamble

38. We Gotta Get Out of This Place - Maggie and Ensemble

39. No - Simon

40. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? - Maggie

41. I Put a Spell on You - Leif

42. Feeling Good - Deb

43. Get Together - Ensemble

44. I Will Follow Him - Mo

45. Should I Stay Or Should I Go - Simon

46. The Great Pretender - Mo

47. Kokomo - Bonnie

48. Amazing Grace - Mo

49. A Little Less Conversation - Maggie

50. Lean on Me - Mo

51. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Zoey

52. This Little Light of Mine - Mo

53. The Boy Is Mine - Joan and Ava

54. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Joan

55. Fight for Your Right - David

56. Roar - Joan

57. Buttons - Emily

58. Bailamos - Mo and Eddie

59. Tik Tok - Joan

60. Con Te Partiro - Max

61. Just Give Me a Reason - David and Emily

62. Wrecking Ball - Joan

63. Issues - Mo

64. I Got the Music in Me - Random Doctor

65. This Is How We Do It - Karaoker

66. Achy Breaky Heart - Karaoker

The Ten Most Anticipated Events of 2021

  
10. Everything that got delayed from 2020:  Unfortunately due to the Coronapocalypse, many things on my most anticipated list from last year never actually happened.  Hopefully movies like Ghostbusters: Afterlife, West Side Story. Black Widow, as well as the Olympics actually happens this year.

9.  Mr. Mayor (January 7):  National treasure Ted Danson is back on a NBC sitcom about a year after the end of The Good Place from the team that brought us 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.  Should be good.

8.   8. In the Heights (June 18):  There are a lot of things this year that are written in pencil, but Warner Bros. have already announced their entire slate of movies will get a simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max release.   So we should see some of these movies no matter how long the vaccine rollout takes.  Many people know Lin-Manuel Miranda for Hamilton, but before the cultural phenomenon, there was In the Height.  And unlike the Disney Ploose version of Hamilton which was just the stage play, this is a full blown adaption.

7.  The Book of Boba Fett (December):  There was some confusion as if this would be its own thing or if it would be the third season of The Mandalorian, but it turns out to be a mini-series and the first of the many live action spin-off from the first show.  Boba was awesome in his limited run and Ming-Na Wen is always a welcome addition to any cast.  Plus this show will be run by famed director Robert Rodriquez who directed the big Boba Fett return.  Maybe we will finally learn how he got out of the Sarlac Pit and what he has been up to since then and now.  This is likely the only new Star Wars live action show we get this year, but animated show The Bad Batch (a spin-off of the Clone Wars which will also feature the voice of Wen) and anthology show Visions are also supposed to air this year but no date for either.

6.  Marvel Television on Disney Ploose:  The MCU was a sprawling cinematic universe that spanned ABC, Netflix, Hulu, and Freeform.  Granted none of the shows really had any influence on the movies and Marvel TV studio was shut down, all the existing shows were canceled.  All of this was to consolidate the televised show onto Disney Ploose (sorry sister site Hulu who was planning a whole Adventure into Fear series of shows when this decree when down).  Now all these new shows for The Ploose supposedly will be tied directly into the MCU and the first couple features characters from the movies.  We have dates for WandaVision (1/15) and Falcon and Winter Soldier (3/19) but just loose dates after that including Loki (May).  Later this year is the show I am most excited for, Hawkeye which features the titular character mentoring Hailee Steinfeld and Lucky the Pizza Dog.  The other show that is supposed to happen this year is the lone show based on a new character Ms. Marvel.

5.  Nine Perfect Strangers (TBA):  Big Little Lies was such a success for David E. Kelly and Nicole Kidman; they made a second season and went on to do another mini-series together, The Undoing.  They are teaming yet again for a Hulu show Nine Perfect Strangers which like Big Little Lies is based on a book by Lynn Moriarty.  While not one of the titular characters, Kidman plays the director of the resort than the nine strangers come to relax.  But the list of actual strangers is pretty impressive: Bobby Cannavale, Regina Hall, Michael Shannon, Grace Van Patten, Samara Weaving, Luke Evans, and Melissa McCarthy (okay have not heard of the last two actors of the nine).  Manny Jacinto (BORTLES!!!!!!!) and Tiffany Boone also work at the spa with Kidman.  Pretty interesting cast.

4. The Suicide Squad (August 6):  A wise man once said, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice… won’t be fooled again.  Yet I am cautiously optimistic about DC’s second attempt at the franchise which is sort of a sequel and sort of not (added only a “The” to the title only adds to the confusion).  James Gunn was quickly picked up by DC after being fired from Guardians of the Galaxy (but quietly rehired) giving him free reign on a sequel even if it does not quite jive with the original.  Back is the best part of the first film Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.  Also returning are Viola Davis (Amanda Walker), Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag), and, um… Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang).  Idris Elba was originally cast to replace Will Smith as Deadshot but ends up playing the much lesser known Bloodsport.  He is not the only D-list villain in the movie, but unlike Elba, I would be fairly surprised if Pete Davidson’s Blackguard, David Dastmalchian’s Polka Dot Man, Michael Rooker’s Savant (Gunn has already killed him once), Nathan Fillion’s T.D.K.,  Daniela Melchoir’s Ratcatcher 2, or Fluta Borg’s Javelin make it to the end of the movie.  I would have had John Cena’s Peacemaker on that list, but he was already announced to be starring in a HBO Max spin-off show.  It is still unknown which of the numerous villains is the main antagonist and which are in the titular group, but Sylvester Stallone and Taika Waititi are both cast as yet to be announce characters.  At the very least, this has to be better than the first one.  Right?

3. Last Night in Soho (April 23?) – Edgar Wright is one of my favorite working directors so anything he does goes to the top of my list.  This movie is being listed as a psychological thriller but seems to be much more serious than his previous horror movies like Shaun of the Dead.  The movie star Anya Taylor-Joy after her much buzzed about show The Queen’s Gambit.  No trailer yet which makes me think this will not make its April date (is had already been pushed back once) but hopefully it will get released by the end of the year.

2.  Only Murders in the Building (TBA):  Steve Martin and Martin Short gave us one of the funniest movies in the history of cinema in The Three Amigos and who better to replace Chevy Chase in that threesome than Selena Gomez?  The trio star as three strangers with a true crime obsession who get wrapped up in one.  And of course, then hilarity ensues.

1.  No More President Donald Trump (January 20):  I cannot think of a more incompetent person to lead our country through a pandemic and yet Donald Trump somehow performed worse than I ever expected.  Thankfully there were over eighty million Americans who agreed with me and will be showing him the door in a couple weeks.  Hopefully Joe Biden can do a better job at the vaccine roll out because the rate it is happening under trump, it would take a full decade.  And it is not only Trump who will be leaving; also gone will be all his incompetent flunkies.  I look most forward to a new Postmaster General so I no longer will have to wait weeks to receive a package that was sent through the USPS.

Here is also a list of everything I will be watching as I wait to go back outside again once everyone gets vaccinated.

Mondays
8:00 - The Neighborhood (CBS, January 4)
9:00 – Snowpiercer (TNT, January 25)

Tuesdays
8:00 – Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC, January 5)
9:00 – Black’ish (ABC, January 26)
9:30 – Mix’ish (ABC, January 26)
10:00 – Nurses (NBC, January 5)
10:00 – Big Sky (ABC, January 26)

Wednesdays
8:00 - The Challenge: Double Agents (MTV, already started) 

      8:00 – The Goldbergs (ABC, January 13)

Thursdays
Search Party (HBO Max, January 14)
8:00 - Mr. Mayor (NBC, January 7)
8:00 – B Positive (CBS, January 7)
8:30 – Superstore (NBC, January 14)

Fridays
Wandavision (Disney Ploose, January 15)
The Falcon and Winter Soldier (Disney Ploose, March 19)
8:00 – The Blacklist (NBC, January 22)

Sundays
9:00 – Shameless (Showtime, January 10)
9:00 – The Waling Dead (AMC, February 28)
10:00 – Your Honor (Showtime, already started)

57 Channels and Only This Is On: January 3, 2021

 

 

Your Honor:  So they are just blowing up houses now?  It is not enough to murder the person you think killed your kid, but you have to take their whole family?  And just how does the OPP (yeah you know me) plan on covering up a murder?  It seems hard to turn blunt force trauma to the head into a suicide.  I also do not understand how the judge just completely deflected a bloody rag in front of a detective and a senator.  But that kid is going to start blabbing some more at some point.  I thought he might try to pick up the sister at the memorial.  Maybe next episode.

 

 

His Dark Materials:  Oh hey, James McAvoy, finally for the first time this season.  Though no explanation of where he was all season.  But we did learn that Lyra’s is prophecized to destroy fate… which is a bit of irony, I guess.

 

 

A Teacher:  What a waste of time.