57 Channels and Only This Is On: 5/31/14

Quote of the Week: Marriage is a racket. (Pete Campbell, Mad Men)

Song of the Week: Sugar, Sugar - The Archies (Orphan Black)

Scene of the Week:


Big News of the Week: Six Seasons and a Movie… Maybe: In its second season, a monumental event happened that of course Community was going to reference: The Cape premiered. Of course Abe was obsessed and declared there would be six seasons and a movie. Unfortunately The Cape barely made it past six episodes before becoming canceled but the “six seasons and a movie” became a rallying cry for the fans for the low rated fans that barely got renewed for a third. It eventually got a fourth, but show creator was booted creating a zombie season. And then not only did it miraculously enough get renewed for a fifth, Harmon was actually brought back. Except the show still felt like a zombie show, Chevy Chase was out; Donald Glover was quick to follow. But hey, they were one season away from their goal and if NBC renewed them the three previous low rated seasons, they would bring the show back for a sixth? Nope, Community got the ax earlier this month.

But we live in a time were beloved television show never really die. Cougar Town was quickly picked up by TBS. Even long dead shows like Arrested Development got another Netflix enhanced season while Veronica Mars Kickstarted a movie seven years after their demise. It looks like Community may actually get that sixth season and who knows; maybe even a movie because they are currently in negotiations to resurrect the show via Hulu. This would be interesting because unlike competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime who are going for award winning cable like programming, all of Hulu’s original programming so far looks like actual webseries with one major sponsor who gets shoehorned into plots forcibly. But then again, how Subway subsidized the last couple seasons of Community, Hulu may actually be a good fit. Plus, who says no to more Alison Brie? Although I kind of hope this not come to fruition so Brie can move on to bigger and better things.

Preview Picture of the Week:

“You’re the One I Want” Melissa and Joey, Wednesday at 8:00 on ABC Family

Mad Men: Stupid split seasons. As I watched Bert Cooper dance his way off the show (this is the second time Don has envisioned a dance sequence, at least last time it was under the influence of some butt drug; what was he taking this time?) I came to the realization that this could have very well been a good place for the series finale. Don has his job back and solidified. Peggy can get a client on her own. Rodger is learning to become a leader without Bert. Joan gets her money. Ted gets to come back to New York. But we still have eight episodes left coming sometime next year where the McCann partnership will undoubtedly go bad. Ugg.
You can download Mad Men on iTunes.

Penny Dreadful: Did we see our first werewolves, or were those just regular wolves? I also do wonder if Dr. Frankenstien will comply with his monster’s request for a mate. I find it interesting the monster seems to let the doctor choose even though he had some longing looks at the actress in the play. Granted the chick with consumption could need some resurrecting in the near future.

Crisis: I was beginning to wonder if any of the parents would call the kidnappers bluff and not do his bidding. If any of them would it would be someone who could start World War III between the USA and China. Except she did unleash the cyber attack and it was not until after the fact she stopped it. C’mon, after that point might as well save your child. But I do not understand why the president gave up the secret agent. If I were the president, I would call the Chinese leader and say, “give us the location of your rouge agent or we will take the cyber attack as a sanctioned attack on American sovereignty by the Chinese government and respond quickly and swiftly.”

I was surprised that Gibson actually went through with killing the kid though. He said he had to send a message to the most important parent yet. The president would make the most sense considering he is the most powerful man in the free world. But I am going to guess that it will actually be the parent of the nerdy boy who parent’s I do not even remember being hinted at. Watch him turn out to be the CIA director’s son.
You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Crisis on iTunes.

The Challenge: Free Agents: Oh Nany, you are better than that. Okay, that is probably not true. But how of all weeks they decide not to have an aftershow, I would be this week? Who would not have stuck around to see Johnny Mosley awkwardly interview Nany, Cohutta, and Johnny?
You can download The Challenge: Free Agents on iTunes.


Free Download of the Week: Jungle – Jamie N Commons and X Ambassadors (iTunes)

New Album Release of the Week: Platinum - Miranda Lambert

New DVD Release of the Week: Pretty Little Liars: Season 4

Video of the Week: So they got Nicolas Cage to star in the Left Behind movie. Makes sense. I know the books were a hit, but do we really need another rapture movie after This is the End? I do not see anyone doing a better version than that.


Next Week Pick of the Week: The 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Tonight at 8:00 on HBO: Sure the actual ceremony took place last month and you could watch most of the clips on YouTube, but those were mostly crappy cellphone video, if you want to see high quality video of Lorde singing Nirvana, Carrie Underwood singing Linda Ronstadt, nobody singing Kiss, and the E Street Band taking forty minutes to accept their induction, tune in tonight.

Best of the Week: 4/12/14

Quote of the Week: Didn’t, I told you, you were going to wish I killed you? Well, Don’t you? (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, Justified)

Song of the Week: (Don't Fear) The Reaper - Blue Öyster Cult (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

Scene of the Week:


Big News of the Week: Stephan Colbert Gets Called up to the Majors: Just a week after David Letterman announced his retirement, CBS has already found its replacement. Interestingly as Dave was announcing his long goodbye (he is set to continue until sometime next year), Colbert was in a mild scandal over what some called a racist tweet (note to self: do not say something that can be construed as racist to make fun of racist people). Even with the mild scandal, the announcement is not a surprise because Colbert’s was the first name that was floated as a possible replacement. It should be interesting to see how viewers react to Colbert who has been playing a parody of a conservative talking head for over a decade now, so dedicated to the persona; no one has seen the real Colbert on camera for a very long time. Or maybe Colbert really is a conservative blow hard and the joke has been on the viewers all this time. Either way, one can only hope that Daft Punk performs on his first show.

Preview Picture of the Week:

“Where There’s Smoke” Dallas Winter Finale, Monday at 9:00 on TNT

Free Download of the Week: Somebody Loves You - Betty Who (iTunes)

New Album Release of the Week: Illmatic XX - Nas

New DVD Release of the Week: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Video of the Week: This year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class have been waiting awhile to get in. Hall & Oates, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstadt, and Kiss had been eligible for a combined 87 years before being inducted. Even the E Street Band had to wait fifteen years after Bruce Springsteen was inducted by himself. The lone first ballot inductee (or one that did not have to wait more than a decade) was Nirvana. The surviving members had not played any Nirvana songs live since Kurt Cobain died, but Krist Novoselic did play bass and accordion on Foo Fighters 2011 song I Should Have Known. The following year Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and touring guitarist Pat Smear teamed up with Paul McCartney for a new song off the soundtrack of Ghohl’s Sound City documentary.

But since they never played any Nirvana songs together so there was some debate if they would do so for the Hall of Fame, and then the bigger question, who would sing? That in part answered earlier this week when Grohl posted a picture to his Instragram account of his drums, Novoselic’s bass, Smear’s guitar along with Joan Jett’s guitar. Jett, who herself has been eligible since 2005 (2001 if you count The Runaways) came out and sang Smells Like Teen Spirit. But the band did not stop there, Kim Gordon would sing Aneurysm, and St. Vincent would come out to perform Lithium (she covered the song recently on the anniversary of Cobain’s death). Then Novoselic introduced Lorde to sing All Apologies in a bright pink suit. Did not see that coming. I guess the video that popped up a month of two with Novoselic playing Royals on accordion makes a little more sense now. The crappy cell phone videos will have to do for now because The 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Special does not air May 31 on HBO. Seriously HBO, it is 2014, how does it take something seven weeks to make it to air?


Next Week Pick of the Week: Mad Men, Sunday at 10:00 on AMC: It is the beginning of the end for Mad Men with its final season premiere. Granted it will be a while until the actual end because AMC split the season in two so the series finale will not air until sometime in 2015. Ugg.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 12/18/13

Tomorrow I start my Best of 2013 lists, but before then, I thought I would have a rare mid week 57 Channels post because of all the television on Sunday that deserves some analysis. As for the best of list, you can contribute by filling out the 9th Green's Readers Favorite Songs of 2013 Poll at the bottom of this page (or just click the link).

Quote of the Week: If you had just discovered after 30 years that I was a martian, the least I could do was explain to you life on mars. (Margaret Scully, Masters of Sex)

Song of the Week: Days Are Gone – Haim (Revenge)

Big News of the Week: Hall and Oats Finally in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The inductees for next year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced yesterday and to little surprise, Nirvana were a first ballot inductee (though I would have held off the twenty-fifth anniversary of Nevermind). After Rush was inducted this year, another long overlooked rock act with a feverish fan base Nirvana are also in. Peter Gabriel also got in for the second time, he originally was inducted as part of Genesis and this time will be as a solo artist. And things will get mellow with the inclusion of Cat Stevens and Linda Ronstadt. But for my money, the show will be headlined by Hall & Oates the greatest duo in the history of music. I am guessing the reason it took a decade and a half to be nominated (they were inducted after their first nomination) was because of those extremely cheesy eighties music video.

Once Upon a Time: After a really bad first half of the season, this show really needed a reboot, and surprisingly they actually did it, Storybrooke no longer exists, everyone is back in fairytale land where they left off with no recollection of what happened. While Emma and Henry live as is she never gave him up. Okay, this storyline reeks of the flash forwards on the final season of Lost, but as least we know now it will not all turn out to be purgatory (at least hopefully not). But why does Bae go back to fairytale land? He was in the real world when the curse went into effect. And if everything goes back to the way it was pre-curse, does this mean everyone who died will be resurrected. I am guessing that would be the best way to bring Rumplestiltkin back. Of course if that is the case then Peter Pan, the Huntsman, et al will also be resurrected.

With Neverland behind us (hopefully), we did get a glimpse of what is ahead. And no I do not really care how Captain Hook got his memory back. Nope, the real news is we got a glimpse on the next Big Bad: The Wicked Witch of the West. Get ready for some embarrassingly bad CGI flying monkeys.
You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Once Upon a Time on iTunes.

Homeland: The only thing I hoped for with the finale was that Brody died a horrible death and the writer finally followed through. If only two seasons too late. I was also kind of hoping Carrie would have a miscarriage but unfortunately that did not happen. But hopefully for next season grandpa and auntie take care of the Brody spawn because raising a kid in Istanbul sounds like a horrible idea. And I am guessing that Saul will be part of Carrie’s team in Istanbul. Though how Carrie got a promotion is pretty befuddling after everything she has done over the past season and a half.

Revenge: The series started off with Daniel (presumably at the time) getting shot, so I guess it is almost apropos that he ended up being on the other end of the gun for the teaser to this season. Though it is hard to believe even a drunk Daniel would shoot Emily. Unfortunately the teaser for the second half of the teaser has Emily with amnesia, one of my three least favorite plots on television. Hopefully we learn by the first episode she is faking because I really hate amnesia plotlines.
You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Revenge on iTunes.

Masters of Sex: Greatest colligate presentation ever. But shockingly the rainmaker got fired for it. So will another college take a chance on him or will he have to go back to running studies at whorehouses? I will be spending the next nine month trying to not go to Wikipedia to avoid spoilers. I did make it through three seasons of Deadwood without checking out history reports on the subject.

How I Met Your Mother: The Mother is so inconsequential that I completely forgot that she ran into Lily until she brought it up. The writers really should have came up with a good storyline for the Mother before actually folding her into the show because of right now, I am not sure if she even make the top 5 of the Ted Mosbey Girlfriend Power Rankings.
You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

The Sing-Off: Last week’s promo had me a little worried for the safety of Vocal rush and they did inexplicably end up in the Ultimate Sing-Off (even though Voice Play definitely should have been in the bottom two). But thankfully they did make it out unscaved and got two performances from the group. Though I do hope it is the last time we see the group in the bottom because they are significantly better than everyone else this season except Home Free and maybe Ten (that really should be the final three). Since only half of the groups performed, my Power Ranking has unchanged from Sunday with the exception of Element getting the ax.

1. Vocal Rush
2. Home Free
3. Ten
4. acoUstiKats
5. The Filharmonic
6. VoicePlay


Free Download of the Week: Something About December – Christina Perri (iTunes)

Video of the Week: We are a year away from Interstellar from hitting theaters, but you can have your first look now. Well, it mostly looks like stock footage except for a quick glimpse of Matthew McConaughey driving on a country road (which says nothing since the movie supposedly is about space). But that is enough for me consider the movie comes from Christopher Nolan, the guy behind Memento, Inception, oh, yeah, and the Batman trilogy.


Next Week Pick of the Week: What else is there aside from ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas?

Best of the Week: 10/19/13

Quote of the Week: My father used to say that all the time, that and who does one have to orally gratify to get a drink around here? (Sheldon Cooper, PhD., The Big Bang Theory)

Song of the Week: Royals – Lorde (Revenge)

Scene of the Week:


Big News of the Week: The Lorde Backlash Begins: There is an old saying that the only certain things in life are death and taxes. In the age of the internet, there is also the inevitable backlash to anything that becomes too popular. I first downloaded Lorde’s Royals back in March; I was taken aback by the stark song and anti-commercialism by a teenaged foreigner. By the time the summer hit, Royal started popping up in a few summer jams playlists (including my own) and then became a fixture in the iTunes top ten. By September Lorde finally pushed her way past the cheesy pop singer she makes fun of in her song and landed at number one where she has pretty much had on lock for over a month except for when a new high profile song is released and displays her for a day or two.

And now the inevitable backlash has begun because in this day and age, you will always find a contrarian or million of them. First out the gate is some feminist blogger who claims Royals is racist with the title: Wow that Lorde song is racist. Wow, you are a moron. The writer claims that putting people with gold teeth, Cristal, and Maybachs means that Lorde is unfairly targeting wealthy rappers. How many black people drive around in their Maybach’s sipping Cristal through their gold teeth? Less than one percent? Anyone who thinks Lorde’s is racist because they think she is attacking black people in her song is vastly more racist.

What is worse is the writer goes on to say, “Why aren’t we critiquing wealth by taking hits at golf or polo or Central Park East?” Right in between the lines about gold teeth and Maybach is the line , “Blood stains, ball gowns, trashing the hotel room.” Which is obviously directed at rock stars of the Caucasian variety. And I do not know many, if any rappers that have, “Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash.” That sound more like the very white Richard Branson than Jay-Z. And the song is not even a complete take down of the rapper lifestyle because Lorde is driving Cadillac’s in her dreams. But most importantly, people with gold teeth need to be ridiculed and so does the writer of this article.

Preview Picture of the Week:

"Grave New World" Pertty Little Liars, Tuesday at 8:00 on ABC Family

Free Download of the Week: Expired Lover – Emily Kinney (Noise Trade): I had two takeaways from The Walking Dead this week, 1) why are the killing off all the guest stars I recognize and, 2) when did the other Greene sister get hot? Last season, the Greene sisters entertained the prison with some song and apparently the other Greene sister is an actual singer, get her first single off her upcoming album for free.

Deal of the Week: Vampires Sale: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Priest, and Underworld

New Album Release of the Week: Smoke and Mirrors - Brett Dennen

New DVD Release of the Week: Brave Enough: Live at the Variety

Video of the Week: The 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations were announced this week headlined by Nirvana (for those that did the math and did not think they were eligible for another three years, the band released a single Love Buzz back in 1988). I was surprised to see Hall and Oates on the list because I would have assumed the greatest duo in rock and roll history would already be in there. This is the second time the Rock Hall is actually letting fans vote (before you start spamming the website, keep in mind the top five vote getters from the fan vote will go on the Fan’s Ballot which will be only one of over 600 ballots). In a measure of full disclosure, I voted for Hall and Oates, N.W.A., Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, and The Replacements. Again, this is the first year Hall and Oates made the ballot even though they have been eligible for the past sixteen years. I have to wonder if it was their horrible eighties music videos like Adult Education that has kept them out of the Hall all these years.


Next Week Pick of the Week: Ravenswood, Tuesday at 9:00 on ABC Family: After creating a show based on another book written by the Pretty Little Liars failed, ABC Family is taking a more direct approach with a direct spin-off of their biggest show. Over the past season the Liars have taken a couple trips to creepy Ravenswood including the season finale which will also be the setting of its Halloween special. In the hour they have to explain when Caleb is just going to up and move to the town without warning. Supposedly there is a curse so maybe it will keep him from leaving and keep Hanna and the rest of Rosewood forget him. Unless they are going to continue their relationship on two different shows.

Best of the Week - 12/10/11

Quote of the Week: I suck (expletive deleted) and I love it. Yummy, yummy, yummy, yummy. (Saudi Diplomat, Homeland)

Song of the Week: Highway to Hell – AC/DC (How I Met Your Mother)

Scene of the Week:



Big News of the Week: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees Announced: And joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year will be Beastie Boys, Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The (Small) Faces, Donovan and Laura Nyro. Well that should make for an interesting jam session. Just the GnR induction should make for an interesting performance. I wonder if voters selected them just to see who shows up an actually plays together. Hopefully it does not turn into another Van Halen situation. And since the event will be held in Cleveland this year, I am availavle to cover it if anyone wants to hook me up with tickets.

Free Download of the Week: When the Bells Start Ringing - My Morning Jacket featuring the Head and the Heart

Deal of the Week: 100 Holiday Albums for $5: For those in need of so holiday cheer, Amazon has a buch of Christmas albums for only $5.00 including ones from Frank Sinatra, Twisted Sister, New Edition and Sarah McLaughlin.



New Album Release of the Week: Red (Vinyl) - Dia Frampton

New DVD Release of the Week: Sledge Hammer! The Complete Series

Video of the Week:

Betty White PSA


Next Week Pick of the Week: Big Cat Week, all week on Nat Geo Wild: Feline lovers clear your schedule this week because Nat Geo Wildwill be running its second annual Big Cat Week starting tomorrow at 8:00 with Stalking the Mountain Lion followed by American Cougar at 9:00 with Cat Wars: Lion vs. Cheetah closing out the night at 10:00, and run ever night until concluding Friday. And who better to introduce Big Cat Week than living legend Betty White (see the above Video of the Week).

Best of the Week - 9/30/11

Quote of the Week: Honestly after all you sleepovers with the brown boy, a girl is a relief. (Howard’s Mom, The Big Bang Theory)

Song of the Week: Hello - Lionel Richie (Community)

Scene of the Week:



Big News of the Week: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees Announced: The governing body (or whoever does the nominating) of the Rock Hall released the names of fifteen acts of which five will be inducted next year. Most notable include repeat nominees Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, newbies Eric B. & Rakim and Guns N' Roses. With both the Beasties and Peppers releasing albums this year, I bet both will make it this year (though I contend the Peppers should not get in until the 25th anniversary of Blood Sugar Sex Magic). I have GnR as a lock if only because everyone wants to see who will actually show up. And though a first ballot Hip Hop Hall of Fame inducted, Eric B. and Rakim will doubtfully get in especially with other rappers Beasties likely to be enshrined. If I were a betting man I would put Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and The Spinners grabbing the other two spots. If I am not mistaken, inductees will be announced in December with the ceremony taking place in March here in Cleveland (and I am available to cover the festivities if anyone wants to hook me up with a ticket). Stayed tuned next year when Debbie Gibson finally becomes eligible.

Free Download of the Week: Pilot - Pan Am, Season 1 (iTunes): For those that have missed what I decreed as the best pilot of the new season that I have seen so far, you can catch up before the second episode by downloading the episode on iTunes.

Deal of the Week: Miramax Movies as Low as $5.99 (No Country for Old Men, Sin City, Kill Bill)

New Album Release of the Week: Metals - Feist

New DVD Release of the Week: Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series We are 85 shopping days until Christmas and for those wondering what you can get me, this will do just fine.

Video of the Week: After a slew of some pretty poor chick flicks, Kristen Bell is returning to television this January for House of Lies. I did not know until this teaser that the show is actually a comedy. And hopefully the pantsuit is not a sign of Bell’s wardrobe on the show, but I am always down for watching her dance more.

House of Lies Tease


Next Week Pick of the Week: Pop Up Video, Weekdays at noon on VH1: I have no idea why they ever canceled Pop Up Video returns after a ten year hiatus Monday for sixty new episodes. Personally I cannot wait until the first weekend marathon where I can veg out and enjoy the new episodes for a whole day.

On a side note, "Weird Al" Yankovic Live! - The Alpocalypse Tour hits shelves Tuesday but for those that cannot wait until then or just rather watch it for free, tune in tomorrow to watch Weird Al perform songs from his new album like TMZ, classics like Smells Live Nirvana and of course some polka, most in his traditional costumes. And since the special was filmed in Toronto, Al naturally breaks out Canadian Idiot.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CLXI

Quote of the Week: Well Nick, throughout this competition, we all really have grown from Boyz II Men, we have shown the nation we’re not just Pussycats anymore, um, I’m just really proud we haven’t Ben Folding under the pressure and I just wish the judges would give us One More Night (Una Noche). (Josh, The Sing-Off)

Song of the Week: We're Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister (Glory Daze)

Big News of the Week: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011 Inductees Announced: Well this should make for an interesting end of concert jam session. Going into the Hall next year will be crooner Neil Diamond, shock rocker Alice Cooper, gravel voiced Tom Waits, jazzman Dr. John, and R&B sidekick Darlene Love. The only way it could have been more eclectic is if they would have finally inducted the Beastie Boys who got snubbed again this year.


The Sing-Off: There was a clear pecking order with the judges from the first episode: Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town and Committed at the top with Streetcorner Symphony and the Backbeats just behind. It was clear On the Rocks would get the boot first and I was interested on who the judges would actually kick off after there. And not so surprisingly they decided to send them all to the final. But did they have to tell Jerry last, it look like he was heartbroken, then about to have a heart attack. It is understandable no one went home because I do not have a problem with any of these acts winning. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download songs from the show on iTunes. Here was my favorite performance of the past week:



How I Met Your Mother: Maybe cause I watched Inception and it dream within a dream, within a dream, within a dream just two days earlier, but the shows flashback within a flashback, within a flashback was more annoying that it usually when the show goes to it. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

Glory Daze: What an anticlimactic ending. It is not surpising that the Jew couldn’t make it to the finish line, but when the brothers were content with it, I thought maybe they had one more prank up their sleeve, and then nothing. You can stream recent episodes over at TBS.com.

Survivor: Nicaragua: Really, these are the dumbest Survivors ever. First you have Chase with the worst poker face ever in the history of the world of bluff who tries to tell Jane that it is Dan going before breaking down and telling it is her. Then even everyone including the channeling of Jeff Probst’s mom think well why not have Jane join up with Fabio and Dan, those two doofuses were like, no, we have no problem being in the minority. Which is especially surprising for Dan who has absolutely no show at winning immunity, or he has been trying to get voted off since before the tribes got mixed. It’s as if no one wants to win this season. I feel bad for the people who actually tried to win this season like Marty, Alina, Jill, Kelly B, for having to watch these quitters and idiots get further in the game than them. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com.



The Big Bang Theory: I was ready to call this the best episode of the season until Raj uttered the line, “Scooter sucks, he’s the Aquaman of the muppet babies.” That hurts man. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com.


New Album Release of the Week: All You Need Is Love – Duran Duran (iTunes only release; physical disk being released 2/11)

New DVD Release of the Week: Bob Ross: Joy of Painting - Barns Collection

Free Download of the Week: You’ll Never Find My Christmas – Bishop Allen (Target): If you have watched television in the past month you have undoubtedly seen the Target commercial with the absurdly catchy You’ll Never Find My Christmas tune. Well the store is giving away free downloads of that and thirteen other Christmas songs.

Deal of the Week: The Big Blu Ray Sale (The Dark Knight, Lord of the Rings, Life)

Video of the Week: Despite the old adage, I have long belived that you can judge a book by its cover. If the words inside are so good, how could someone not come up with a worthy cover? If there is a movie corollary, can a movie named after an Eddie Money song possibly be good? Well it is set in the eighties, so that will get me to check it out when it hit the Blu-Ray. Until then, here is the trailer for Take Me Home Tonight.



Next Week Pick of the Week: The Sing-Off, Monday at 8:00: Ben Folds and the dude from Boyz II Men have done all they could and now it is up to us to crown the new Sing-Off champs. But before that is announced the groups get to perform with Neil Diamond, Sheryl Crow, Boyz II Men, and Sara Bareilles. After the finale, NBC will be giving a sneak peak of Perfect Couples, and as much as I enjoy having even more Olivia Munn on my television screen, I can’t imagine this being very good by the look of the promos.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. LXIII

Quote of the Week: You’re a rebound for Jesus. (Billy Riggins - Friday Night Lights)

Song of the Week: You've Got It (The Right Stuff) - New Kids on the Block (Tool Academy)

Big News of the Week: Class of 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Announced: Run-DMC, Metallica, Bobby Womack, Jeff Beck (who gets in for the second time, the first as a member of the Yardbirds seventeen years ago), and Little Anthony and the Imperials all get in this year. This year’s ceremony should be extra special for Womack because for the first time in twelve years, the induction will actually be held in his hometown of Cleveland where the Hall is located. Of course I am within driving distance to the ceremony so if anyone has an extra ticket or press pass, shout me a holla. I have the date cleared on my calendar.

Also going in this year are Rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson who is being inducted as an early influence as well as three sidemen: Elvis Presley’s bassist Bill Black and his drummer D.J. Fontana, as well as Dewey Lyndon “Spooner” Oldham, who has played piano with everyone from Neil Young to Aretha Franklin to the Drive-By Truckers.

Coalition Links of the Week:
From the Gossip Girl spinoff to Chuck's dad to the rise of Adrianna on 90210, Buzz scooped up some news at the TCA press tour. (BuzzSugar)

Sandie watched for the first time and fell in love with The Biggest Loser. (Daemon's TV)

Despite some flaws and some overly Diablo Cody-speak, Vance really enjoyed Toni Collette's new show The United States of Tara and can attest that the episodes get better from there. (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace posted an advance review of Season Three of Skins and interviewed series co-creator Jamie Brittain. (Televisionary)

Marisa had long since given up on The Real World, too, but the show's new setting of Brooklyn lured her back. This week she compares the MTV BK with the real thing. (TiFaux)

Heather got to sit on a darkened screening room and watch the first two episodes of the fifth season of Lost and mighty fine she says they were, too... (TV Spy)


Confessions of a Teen Idol: Sadly Time Warner still hasn’t dumped VH1 so I was stuck watching the second episode (but that wasn’t the worst, check the next item for that). I am just glad that the guy whose name I can’t remember called out the stylist for wearing that hideous green shirt. And how does having Marilyn Manson and P!nk on your résumé make you a credible stylist? You can also download Confessions of a Teen Idol on iTunes.

Tool Academy: Just when you think no one could limbo under the bar Ryan Seacrest set with Momma’s Boys, somehow VH1 slithers under that bar for the lowest reality show of the year. With that said, I enjoyed every minute of it. And they couldn’t have done better job casting the Tools. The fashion show where the Tools thought they were competing for Mr. Awesome was the highest of high comedy. The only drawback, much like the Charm School series, is the show is completely rigged where the more interesting people get to stay even if they are much bigger Tools. There is no reason the chair throwing Tool should not have gotten booted for that. As for a prediction, I may have to go with Matsuflex because he seems to be only one that is self aware that he is a humongous Tool. And his girlfriend is definitely the hottest out of all of them. You can also download Tool Academy on iTunes.

The Big Bang Theory: Yeah, that was enough Walowitz-centric episode for, like ever. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.

How I Met Your Mother: Is it really that hard to think of stuffing the magazine in your pocket like I always do? Of course the only problem I run into is a bathroom in the break room and I tend to come out to a dull house that all wonder what I was doing for half an hour. But when you have yet to read about Obama getting elected, you have to get some extra reading in sometime. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.

Leverage: Is it every episode where someone says, “This isn’t a typical job we do.” It is only six episodes in, they don’t have a typical job yet, let alone one ever week. Still an enjoyable episode. And they lucked out with next week’s ripped from the headlines story even though the episode was filmed months ago as the gang gets on a plane that may have to make an emergency landing complete with Sheldon’s last girlfriend, Sara Rue, as someone who isn’t very good a flying. You can also download Leverage on iTunes.

Gary Unmarried: There was really nothing more predictable that the art teacher to actually turn out to be hot because she really had a Rachel Lee Cooke in She’s All That quality to her where you’d still hook up with the ugly version. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.

Don’t forget to check out my First Impressions of Friday Night Lights or my sit down interview with John Lehr part 1 and/or parts 2 and 3.

Free Download of the Week: The Fear - Lily Allen (iHeartMusic.com): It is a little cumbersome to get: you have to give them your e-mail to which they will send a link to for you to download; but it is a great song and in MP3 format so it is worth the extra minute out of your day to get.

Deal of the Week: Buy Two ABC Family DVDs and Save $10 Buy any two of these ABC Family DVD’s: Greek Chapter Two, Kyle XY Season Two, or The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and save $10 on your total purchase.

Video (Game) of the Week: Instead of the usual video this week, here is a game you can play. Based on last night's episode of The Office, The Duel, where you can choose to play as either Dwight or Andy, choose various weapons of attack and defense, and see what the outcome is! There are tons of scenarios so be sure to try them all!

Next Week Pick of the Week: Lost, Wednesday at 9:00 on ABC: I always find the fandom around Lost puzzling, its like people latch onto things they don’t understand in the hopes to not look dumb or out of the loop. I personally resigned myself not to be hugely let down by the inevitable end that I stopped really caring somewhere during third season and just went along for the mind numbing plots: mental time travel, sure, moveable islands, why not, frozen donkey wheels, why not. I’m not sure what is in store from the penultimate season (see what you learn by watching Gary Unmarried), but I’m sure it will result with a bunch of fanfare by people that have no clue what is going on but want people to think they do. And if you cannot get enough Lost, tune in at 8:00 that night for a recap hour where they will most likely forget Shannon, Boone, Nikki, Paulo and the Tailies ever existed.

Musings From the Back 9 vol. XIII

- Yesterday after writing about the Hall and Oates Christmas album, I thought I’d hunt down the Jingle Bell Rock video to see if it was cheesy as I remember (it was, click the link to see for yourself) but on the sidebar I noticed another video that caught my eye: Do They Know its Christmas - Band Aid 20. How did this get released in 2004 and I’m just finding it now? And the video is disturbing on so many levels. There is the cringeworth guitar solo from the dude from The Darkness, who has already fallen into obscurity. The weird Thom York sighting. I think I could name more people in the orginal than this one. And most importantly, how could Bono ruin the most iconic line ever, one that he created? But this begs the question, where’s an updated version of USA for Africa? Can we start on that right away so we can have something ready for the twenty-fifth anniversary in 2010?



- The Mitchell Report came out today (click on it view it in its entirety in a PDF file) and conspicuously ran against the Democratic Iowa debate which was announced much earlier than the report. Someone apparently didn’t want the new coverage to be as big with the news channels carrying the debate instead. The report itself was pretty anticlimactic because the names came from two people and previous court cases and nothing will come out of it because Mitchell himself said none of the players should be punished. They should be punished in that none should be allowed in the Baseball Hall of Fame and sports writer who votes for any of them should be fired by their newspaper or magazine. And what is really odd, and somewhat telling, was that Miguel Tejada, who was on the list, goy traded just yesterday as well as Eric Gangé got $10 Million from the Brewers a couple days ago which goes to show how much owners and general managers cared about the report knowing there was going to be a good chance both would be on it.

- Also announced today were next year’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and disturbingly Madonna got in on her first try and no Beastie Boys. Also making the list are John Mellencamp, Leonard Cohen, The Ventures, and the Dave Clark Five. I’ll have more on them when the ceremony goes down I think in March.

- With no end in sight to the writer’s strike, there will be very little scripted shows at the start of next year, but one of them will be Kyle XY and I have a press release for its return. Also I may be getting my hands on another Kyle XY prize package, though the contest most likely will not start until sometime in the New Year. But that is something to look out for in 2008. Here’s the press release:

THE TRUTH IS REVEALED!

THE MYSTERY CONTINUES ON ABC FAMILY’S
HIT ORIGINAL SERIES ‘KYLE XY’ WITH TEN ALL NEW EPISODES BEGINNING JANUARY 14TH

Kyle looks towards the future while the Tragers finally learn his secrets in the first of ten all new episodes of ABC Family’s original hit series KYLE XY set to premiere on Monday, January 14 (8:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT). Matt Dallas (“Wannabe”), Marguerite MacIntyre (“The Days”), Bruce Thomas (“Legally Blonde”), April Matson (“Quintuplets”), Jean-Luc Bilodeau (“Ill Fated”), Chris Olivero (“24”), Kirsten Prout (“Elektra”) and new comer Jaimie Alexander (“Rest Stop”) all star in the hit drama.

After his journey with Jessi ends, Kyle returns home and is ready to tell the Trager family the whole truth. With every sordid detail out on the table he wonders if they will be so willing to take him back. Once they hear everything the Tragers only support him more and rally around Kyle to take on Madacorp. With a plan in hand, the family heads to the company picnic to help Kyle take down the corporation’s secret machine.

Meanwhile, torn between her instructions from Madacorp and growing affection for Kyle, Jessi was last seen leaping from a cliff into a raging river…but was it a fatal leap? And if she lived, will she help Kyle, or is she more dangerous than ever?


- Another interesting e-mail I got recently was from an anonymous source about a scene from the upcoming Judd Apatow flick Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story that was recently leaked to the internet, but not in its entirety. Well here is that full scene. Check it out while you can before the powers that be remove it (and if it doesn’t get removed I guess we know who “leaked” it in the first place)



- Just in time for Christmas, the price for Veronica Mars 3.x dropped below $30 and I’m sure you can find someone who would enjoy finding that underneath their Christmas tree in two weeks (i.e. me) and the first two seasons are still dirt cheap (see below for ads):

March Madness 2007 Update

Well I certainly hope no one took my March Madness advice because I had the worst first round ever. It was so bad that I’m currently sitting in the 11% of all Yahoo brakets. On the bright side I only had one Elite 8 teams and one other Sweet 16 teams bounced so far (Notre Dame, Old Dominion). I actually had a year once where I only lost one game on the first day, but that one lost was a Final Four team which just ruined any chance of winning despite having the best first round score (darn you Stanford). But I’ll pretty much have to run the table to take home any money this year. Maybe this year may be the best time to start up a second chance bracket. But anyways. If your braket is as cooked as mine, you could always participate in Band Madness, with a whopping 512 bands taking on each other. And at least it is St. Patrick’s Day so I have a socially acceptable way to drown my sorrows, time to cue up the Traditional Irish Folk Song.

In other news, Congratulations to Dara for winner her second consecutive Lyrics Quiz putter her in a tie for most wins ever at three. I’m sure being subscribe to this blog is something that has helped her to victory by being one of the first to learn when each post is uploaded helps. So to keep up with her, be sure to click on the orange button on the top of the sidebar and subscribe to your favorite feed reader. And if you don’t have a favorite, I highly recommend Bloglines.

She of course won the Rock and Roll Edition of the Lyrics Quiz. The Hall recently released their list of 200 must have albums. I haven’t talked about them up to know because every time I looked at the list, I’d see something that really irked me (Celine Dion in the top 100, more Dixie Chicks than Johnny Cash, No Paul's Boutique, etc.). But I have since calmed down and here is that list in its entirety with the must own albums that I actually own in bold (42 by my count):

1. BEATLES – SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
2. PINK FLOYD – DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
3. MICHAEL JACKSON – THRILLER
4. LED ZEPPELIN – LED ZEPPELIN IV
5. U2 – JOSHUA TREE
6. ROLLING STONES – EXILE ON MAIN STREET
7. CAROLE KING – TAPESTRY
8. BOB DYLAN – HIGHWAY ‘61 REVISITED
9. BEACH BOYS – PET SOUNDS
10. NIRVANA – NEVERMIND
11. PEARL JAM – TEN
12. BEATLES – ABBEY ROAD
13. SANTANA – SUPERNATURAL
14. METALLICA – METALLICA
15. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – BORN TO RUN
16. PRINCE – PURPLE RAIN
17. AC/DC – BACK IN BLACK
18. ROLLING STONES – LET IT BLEED
19. DOORS – DOORS
20. GRATEFUL DEAD – AMERICAN BEAUTY
21. SHANIA TWAIN – COME ON OVER
22. WHO – WHO’S NEXT
23. STEVIE WONDER – SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE
24. FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS
25. PINK FLOYD – THE WALL
26. ALANIS MORISSETTE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL
27. NORAH JONES – COME AWAY WITH ME
28. EMINEM – MARSHALL MATHERS LP
29. OUTKAST – SPEAKERBOXX-LOVE BELOW
30. DR. DRE – CHRONIC
31. BEASTIE BOYS – LICENSED TO ILL
32. GUNS ‘N ROSES –APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION
33. DIXIE CHICKS – WIDE OPEN SPACES
34. MILES DAVIS – KIND OF BLUE
35. EAGLES – HOTEL CALIFORNIA
36. DEF LEPPARD – HYSTERIA
37. SOUNDTRACK – GREASE
38. MARVIN GAYE – WHAT’S GOING ON
39. BEATLES – WHITE ALBUM
40. SOUNDTRACK – SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
41. JIMI HENDRIX – ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
42. BEATLES – REVOLVER
43. BOSTON – BOSTON
44. BON JOVI – SLIPPERY WHEN WET
45. U2 – ACHTUNG BABY
46. WHITNEY HOUSTON – WHITNEY HOUSTON
47. LED ZEPPELIN – LED ZEPPELIN II
48. DAVE MATTHEWS BAND – CRASH
49. ROLLING STONES – STICKY FINGERS
50. GREEN DAY – DOOKIE
51. LED ZEPPELIN – HOUSES OF THE HOLY
52. JONI MITCHELL – BLUE
53. ELVIS PRESLEY – ELVIS AT SUN
54. AEROSMITH – TOYS IN THE ATTIC
55. LAURYN HILL – MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL
56. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – BORN IN THE U.S.A.
57. 50 CENT – GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN’
58. AC/DC – HIGHWAY TO HELL
59. NOTORIOUS B.I.G. – LIFE AFTER DEATH
60. VAN HALEN – VAN HALEN
61. GREEN DAY – AMERICAN IDIOT
62. BLACK SABBATH – PARANOID
63. EMINEM – EMINEM SHOW
64. JEWEL – PIECES OF YOU
65. COLDPLAY – RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD
66. MEATLOAF – BAT OUT OF HELL
67. USHER – CONFESSIONS
68. KID ROCK – DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE
69. GEORGE HARRISON – ALL THINGS MUST PASS
70. BILLY JOEL – STRANGER
71. EAGLES – HELL FREEZES OVER
72. VAN MORRISON – MOONDANCE
73. REM – AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE
74. PHIL COLLINS – NO JACKET REQUIRED
75. METALLICA – MASTER OF PUPPETS
76. FAITH HILL – BREATHE
77. JOHNNY CASH – AT FOLSOM PRISON
78. JOHN COLTRANE – LOVE SUPREME
79. PINK FLOYD – WISH YOU WERE HERE
80. MICHAEL JACKSON – OFF THE WALL
81. MARVIN GAYE – LET’S GET IT ON
82. BOB SEGER – NIGHT MOVES
83. PAUL SIMON – GRACELAND
84. LINKIN PARK – HYBRID THEORY
85. PRINCE – 1999
86. DEF LEPPARD – PYROMANIA
87. JANET JACKSON – CONTROL
88. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK
89. DIRE STRAITS – BROTHERS IN ARMS
90. TUPAC – ALL EYEZ ON ME
91. MATCHBOX TWENTY – YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU
92. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – CALIFORNICATION
93. LED ZEPPELIN – PHYSICAL GRAFFITI
94. NELLY – COUNTRY GRAMMAR
95. CREED – HUMAN CLAY
96. CLASH – LONDON CALLING
97. CELINE DION – FALLING INTO YOU
98. NEIL YOUNG – HARVEST
99. SOUNDTRACK – DIRTY DANCING
100. DIXIE CHICKS – HOME
101. TOM PETTY – FULL MOON FEVER
102. VAN HALEN – 1984
103. SOUNDTRACK – TITANIC
104. CROSBY STILLS & NASH – DÉJÀ VU
105. TLC – CRAZYSEXYCOOL
106. BECK – ODELAY
107. KENNY G – BREATHLESS
108. NWA. – STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
109. SEX PISTOLS – NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS
110. BEATLES – RUBBER SOUL
111. RADIOHEAD – O.K. COMPUTER
112. SIMON & GARFUNKEL – BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
113. DIXIE CHICKS – FLY
114. METALLICA – AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
115. MICHAEL JACKSON – DANGEROUS
116. MARIAH CAREY – DAYDREAM
117. SOUNDTRACK – TOP GUN
118. ELTON JOHN – GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
119. POLICE – SYNCHRONICITY
120. NO DOUBT – TRAGIC KINGDOM
121. ROLLING STONES – BEGGAR’S BANQUET
122. R KELLY – R
123. TOOL – LATERALUS
124. OASIS – WHAT’S THE STORY MORNING GLORY
125. BOB MARLEY – EXODUS
126. JOURNEY – ESCAPE
127. CHRISTINA AGUILERA – CHRISTINA AGUILERA
128. JAY-Z – BLUEPRINT
129. ALICIA KEYS – DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS
130. SOUNDTRACK – O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU?
131. CARS – CARS
132. ENYA – DAY WITHOUT RAIN
133. NATALIE COLE – UNFORGETTABLE WITH LOVE NATALIE COLE
134. SOUNDTRACK – FOOTLOOSE
135. LIONEL RICHIE – CAN’T SLOW DOWN
136. SARAH MCLACHLAN – SURFACING
137. BONNIE RAITT – NICK OF TIME
138. METALLICA – RIDE THE LIGHTNING
139. SHERYL CROW – TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB
140. FRANK SINATRA – IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS
141. EARTH WIND FIRE – GRATITUDE
142. ZZ TOP – ELIMINATOR
143. WILLIE NELSON – RED HEADED STRANGER
144. JOHN LENNON – IMAGINE
145. TONI BRAXTON – TONI BRAXTON
146. ETTA JAMES – AT LAST
147. ELVIS PRESLEY – ELVIS PRESLEY
148. CAT STEVENS – TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN
149. SMASHING PUMPKINS – MELLON COLLIE & THE INFINITE SADNESS
150. DAVE BRUBECK – TIME OUT
151. JANET JACKSON – JANET
152. QUEEN – A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
153. OZZY OSBOURNE – BLIZZARD OF OZZ
154. WILL SMITH – BIG WILLIE STYLE
155. PRINCE – SIGN OF THE TIMES
156. PUBLIC ENEMY – IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK
157. BOB DYLAN – BLOOD ON THE TRACKS
158. GEORGE MICHAEL – FAITH
159. BOYZ II MEN – COOLEYHIGHHARMONY
160. DESTINY’S CHILD – WRITING’S ON THE WALL
161. JAY-Z – BLACK ALBUM
162. AVRIL LAVIGNE – LET GO
163. FUGEES – SCORE
164. MADONNA – LIKE A VIRGIN
165. LED ZEPPELIN – LED ZEPPELIN
166. STEVIE RAY VAUGHN – TEXAS FLOOD
167. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS – CORE
168. ORIGINAL CAST – PHANTOM OF THE OPERA HIGHLIGHTS
169. JETHRO TULL – AQUALUNG
170. TUPAC – ME AGAINST THE WORLD
171. DAVID BOWIE – RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST
172. SHAKIRA – LAUNDRY SERVICE
173. SOUNDTRACK – FORREST GUMP
174. AL GREEN – CALL ME
175. CURTIS MAYFIELD – SUPERFLY
176. LIVE – THROWING COPPER
177. GEORGE BENSON – BREEZIN’
178. WHITE STRIPES – WHITE BLOOD CELLS
179. LYNYRD SKYNYRD – PRONOUNCED LEH-NERD SKIN-ERD
180. SADE – DIAMOND LIFE
181. FLEETWOOD MAC – FLEETWOOD MAC
182. PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS – BAND ON THE RUN
183. BEYONCE – DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE
184. ANITA BAKER – RAPTURE
185. NAS – IIIMATIC
186. BARBRA STREISAND – A STAR IS BORN
187. EARTH WIND FIRE – THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD
188. ANITA BAKER – RHYTHM OF LOVE
189. JAY-Z – IN MY LIFETIME VOL 1
190. LL COOL J – MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT
191. STEELY DAN – AJA
192. WILLIE NELSON – STARDUST
193. ARETHA FRANKLIN – SPARKLE
194. ANDREA BOCELLI – ANDREA
195. BOB DYLAN – BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME
196. LUTHER VANDROSS – NEVER TOO MUCH
197. U2 – ALL THAT YOU CAN’T LEAVE BEHIND
198. RUSH – 2112
199. OUTKAST – AQUEMINI
200. GRAND FUNK RAILROAD – WE’RE AN AMERICAN BAND