Around the Tubes: May 30, 2020

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 We Are Freestyle Love Supreme, Palm Springs, Gary Busey: Pet Judge, Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo, Anthony Hamilton, Royalties, James Bay, The Avett Brothers, Bob Marley, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, The High Note, PJ Harvey, Greg Warren, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, A Film By Errol Morris, and Love, Victor.

- Well before the world knew of the Tony award-winning Broadway musicals Hamilton and In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda was in an improvisational hip-hop group called Freestyle Love Supreme along with director Thomas Kail and performers Christopher Jackson and Anthony Veneziale. Filmmaker Andrew Fried began chronicling the group in the summer of 2005, documenting the early days of Freestyle Love Supreme beatboxing and rapping on the sidewalks—unaware of how their story would unfold. Fourteen years later, Fried captures them reuniting for a series of shows in New York City that led to a triumphant run on Broadway. Both poignant and inspired, We Are Freestyle Love Supreme recalls the creative dreams of youth and why this show still means so much to these accomplished performers.  Premiere Date: Friday, June 5, 2020.

- Premiere Date: The upcoming Hulu Original Film, PALM SPRINGS (starring Andy Samberg) is set to premiere on Hulu and in select drive-ins nationwide on Friday, July 10^th.  Synopsis: When carefree Nyles (Andy Samberg) and reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, of each other.  Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes, Tyler Hoechlin, and Peter Gallagher.

- Each year across the country there are thousands of pet disputes. Those who want their cases tried by the best know there is only one man they can turn to, and he is thirsty for PET JUSTICE! That man- Gary Busey: Pet Judge. The six-episode season is now available and entirely binge-able on Prime Video streaming, and for purchase on iTunes, Google Play, Xbox, and VUDU. The series stars Judge Gary Busey as he presides over the fates of litigant pet owners. Each half-hour show presents two cases with a veritable menagerie of animals including monkeys, goats, birds, dogs, meerkats, turtles, robot raccoons, and more. Is Gary Busey a real judge?  Absolutely not. Does he know anything about pet law? Probably not. Can he look into your soul and suss out your spirit animal while delivering a verdict with a trademark Buseyism? You bet your sweet ass (the donkey kind).

- Gibson the iconic, American-made, leading instrument brand is proud to partner with the legendary Apollo Theater for the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” benefit concert. The celebration marks the launch of a partnership between Gibson and the Apollo Theater which will include collaborations on future show programming, music education initiatives, music preservation and support established and emerging talent. The LIVE, free virtual benefit concert will kick off Black Music Month in June and will offer critical support to safeguard the ground-breaking institution’s future following the unprecedented cancellation of more than 100 programs due to COVID-19. Tune in to watch the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” livestream this coming Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30p ET/4:30p PT at www.apollotheater.org.  “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” is sponsored by Gibson, through the Gibson Gives foundation. The free benefit concert will showcase an array of special guests delivering poems and performances dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. The landmark livestream event features performances by “CAPTAIN” KIRK DOUGLAS OF THE ROOTS, KOOL & THE GANG, GARY CLARK JR., ROBERT RANDOLPH, RAY CHEW, MICHAEL MCDONALD, LIL BUCK & JON BOOGZ, KEB MO, CELISSE HENDERSON, INFINITY’S SONG, MARC BAMUTHI JOSEPH and DJ REBORN as well as special appearances from DIONNE WARWICK, DOUG E. FRESH, ROY WOOD JR. and more to be announced. During the show, artists will perform the music of Apollo legends such as B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, and Stevie Wonder, and highlight the Apollo’s 86-year contribution to arts and culture. The “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” concert will also be available for free streaming by media partner, TIDAL

 With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a "national treasure" by the Los Angeles Times, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, actor, author, and R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, releases the official music video for “Back Together” [feat. Rick James]. Watch it HERE!  What initially began as a story about love and getting back together with someone you knew was special, ultimately took on a new meaning during the current pandemic. The cleverly animated video opens with DJ D-Nice spinning on ‘Instagram Live’ during Club Quarantine and now tells the story of two lovers as they long for the day when they can be reunited post Covid-19.

-  Quibi debuts the trailer of the new musical comedy series, ROYALTIES, created by Emmy & Golden Globe Award-winning actor and songwriter Darren Criss. ROYALTIES is a satirical take on the oft-untold story of songwriters behind the world’s biggest hits. Republic Records to release the series’ original soundtrack, marking the first major label release for a Quibi show.  On June 1^st in tandem with the series premiere, music performed by the ROYALTIES Cast during the first three episodes will be released. As subsequent episodes air, new music will follow daily through the season finale on June 10th. Following the final episode, the full Royalties: Season 1 (Music from the Original Quibi Series) Official Soundtrack arrives on June 12.  The comedy will feature twelve original songs and ten music videos, all co-written by Criss, featuring performances by Jordan Fisher, Julianne Hough, Jackie Tohn, Bonnie McKee, Jennifer Coolidge, Lil Rel Howery, Mark Hamill, Rufus Wainwright, and Sabrina Carpenter.

- Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated and BRIT Award-winning multiplatinum singer-songwriter James Bay returns to The Ellen DeGeneres Show on June 3rd for a special performance. BAY will perform Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."  During quarantine BAY has been giving guitar lessons on Instagram Live on Wednesdays and Fridays. In the past, he has taught fan favorites "Let It Go," "Hold Back The River," "Us," and more. View all previous lessons HERE. 

- The Avett Brothers have announced they will make their debut appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on June 4^th. They will be performing a song never performed on television from their 10^th studio album Closer Than Together which was released last fall to critical acclaim.  This marks the band’s second “at home” performance as they recently performed for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: At Home Edition on April 7^th where they performed “C Sections and Railway Trestles” which was first performed at the end of The Avett Brothers’ HBO Documentary May It Last: A Portrait of The Avett Brothers, and was written by Seth Avett after the birth of his son.

- Today, episode four of Bob Marley’s Legacy documentary series was released; this time exploring Bob’s well-known love of soccer and his longstanding connection between the game and his music. Delving deep into the archives, never before told anecdotes are revealed on Bob’s life and his impact on the world. Rhythm of the Game is available on Bob Marley’s Official YouTube Channel HERE.  Tuff Gong FC has also announced a special collaboration with FIFA for a limited-edition soccer kit available exclusively on May 29 at 1 p.m. ET in FIFA 20's Ultimate Team game mode via a limited-time-only Season Objective. Celebrate Bob Marley’s legacy and love of the sport with the 75th Anniversary Kit, available in FIFA Ultimate Team for a limited time on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One. Additionally, a Bob Marley 75 Soccer Jersey inspired by the newly-added Bob Marley player kit in the 2020 EA video game will become available on June 1 HERE.

- 50 YEARS on from the release of Tea for the Tillerman, the 1970 multi-platinum selling, era-defining album that made a superstar, Yusuf / Cat Stevens is set to release Tea for the Tillerman² on September 18th via UMe.  Tea for the Tillerman² sees Yusuf recast the same eleven songs for a new age with dramatic results. Half a century and an entire universe of experiences after they were originally laid down on tape, T4TT² is a beautiful reunion between the artist and the songs that helped define the melodious ‘70s. The impact of Tillerman has subtly intertwined with the fabric of popular culture while its songs have magnified and developed a life of their own through their ever-expanding use in film, TV, and numerous reinterpretations by other artists. 

- Republic Records and Focus Features release The High Note Original Motion Picture Soundtrack today. The film is also now available on at-home-on-demand and VOD streaming across platforms.  Prior to The High Note’s arrival, listeners everywhere experienced the first single “Love Myself (The High Note)” as performed by Emmy Nominated and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross—who stars in the film as recording artist “Grace Davis.” This served as the multi-talented star’s very first career song release and recording.  Right out of the gate, it attracted widespread critical acclaim. Entertainment Weekly applauded, “Appropriately, Ross hits some high notes in the original single, ‘Love Myself’,” and Rolling Stone observed, “Ross’ musical debut is done exactly as the star had always hoped: through a project that combines her acting chops with a lifelong dream of flexing her vocal talents.” The Inquisitr put it best, “Tracee Ellis Ross, whose given name is Tracee Joy Silberstein, is showing the world that she’s even more talented than her fans already knew.” Not to mention, the official music video racked up over 1.5 million views to date.

- UMe/Island and Beggars today announce a comprehensive reissue campaign which will see PJ Harvey’s entire back catalog - plus her two albums in collaboration with John Parish - released on vinyl over the next 12 months. For the first time, each of PJ Harvey’s album demos will be available as a stand-alone album on digital and vinyl. This catalog project will celebrate every aspect of Harvey’s recording career and afford a comprehensive and exciting look at the evolution of one of the most singular and extraordinary artists of modern times. The first release is DRY, Harvey’s seminal debut album back in print on vinyl for the first time in 20 years with the Beggars Archive/Too Pure Records reissue on July 24. Released to worldwide critical acclaim on March 30, 1992, it was recorded at The Ice House in Yeovil and features the singles “Dress” and “Sheela-Na-Gig.” DRY saw PJ Harvey burst onto the global stage to begin her unique path. “… a seductive calling card that signals the arrival of an extraordinary new artist.”  - Robert Hilburn, LOS ANGELES TIMES. July 24 also sees the release of the 11 track DRY- Demos, previously released with DRY almost 30 years ago, and now available for the first time as a stand-alone vinyl/CD/digital release. Listen to “Sheela-Na-Gig” demo here.

- Greg Warren's newest comedy special and album are coming out in June and July from 800 Pound Gorilla Records and I'm sending you links to see and hear Where the Field Corn Grows ahead of time.   Greg Warren, most recently seen on Dry Bar Comedy, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show and Comedy Central Presents, has built a strong fan base with an act inspired by his Midwestern upbringing. His albums Fish Sandwich (April 2017), Running Out of Time (Sept 2013) and One Star Wonder (June 2009) hit #1, #3 and #6 respectively in iTunes Top Comedy Albums. An honest mix of self-deprecation, frustration and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Greg’s colorful perspective. 

- The fate of the world is in their hands as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on September 22, 2020. Suit up for all 15 captivating one-hour episodes from the fifth season, plus enjoy the epic extra content including a post-production featurette, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $24.98 SRP for the DVD ($29.98 in Canada) and $29.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($39.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. Only). DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- Showtime Documentary Films today announced a new feature documentary from Oscar^® winning director Errol Morris (Wormwood, The Fog of War) about Timothy Leary that will premiere on SHOWTIME later this year. A FILM BY ERROL MORRIS (w/t) asks the question why Leary, the High Priest of LSD, became a narc in 1974 and seemingly abandoned the millions he urged to turn on, tune in and drop out. Was his “perfect love” Joanna Harcourt-Smith a government pawn, as suggested by Allen Ginsberg? Or was she simply a rich, beautiful, young woman out for the adventure of a lifetime? Morris and Harcourt-Smith will reexamine this chaotic period of her life and explore the mystery of the Leary saga: his period of exile, reimprisonment and subsequent cooperation with the authorities. Devotion or selfishness? Perfect love or outright betrayal? Destiny or manipulation? The film is inspired by Harcourt-Smith’s memoir, Tripping the Bardo with Timothy Leary: My Psychedelic Love Story.  In a first-look clip from the forthcoming feature, Harcourt-Smith details an early encounter with Leary, previewing an impassioned affair. To watch or share the clip, go to: https://youtu.be/q8kmZYIbw3s.

- School’s back in session, so get ready for all the feels with the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming YA dramedy series Love, Victor, set in the world of the 2018 groundbreaking film LOVE, SIMON. The series will premiere with all 10 episodes (binge) on June 19^th, only on Hulu.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 24, 2020

Billions: There were certainly a lot of talks about souls this week. But it looks like the Rhodes are going to move on to the painter and the professor. Wonder how long both will last or if this is a short diversion before getting back together.

Killing Eve: So Niko gets stabbed through the neck by a skilled assassin and lives? Did she mean to leave him alive or is she just incompetent? And did they imply that Constantine might be hooking up with Yara Greyjoy and that she also might be his daughter? That is kind of confusing and icky. But like I have said a few times this season, maybe not the best idea to switch showrunners every season. 

 You can download Killing Eve on iTunes.

Supergirl: Well after a really bad season, at least they ended it by killing of Brainiac 5. Okay, I am deep down know that Dreamer will save him next season, but I rather spend the next nine months or so living in blissful ignorance. 

 You can download Supergirl on iTunes.

Snowpiercer: I really enjoyed the movie but came away from it thinking it would have been a better television show with every episode focusing on a new car on the train. After watching the first episode I am left wondering why they turned such a smart concept and turned into a crime show?

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: So what are those dark things the Nazi is hiding? And if Maegery Tyrell is some supernatural being, doesn’t she already know what those things are?

Stargirl: DC Universe has created three really good shows in Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, and Swamp Thing (okay, they kind of ruined the ending of the latter by cutting its episode order while filming), and sure, one was a flaming pile of dog shirt (Titans) but I did have a modicum of hope for Stargirl because .750 is a very good batting average. I got a little worried when they announced it would air the day after of The CW because that is a little too teen leaning for my liking (I prefer Freeform for my crappy teen storytelling), but Stargirl is not even really a teen show, it seems to be geared more towards even younger children, like it should be on Disney Ploose. Hopefully when they add some antagonists, the show will pick up.

The Challenge: Total Madness: Leaving puzzles out in the open for anyone to cheat on has gotten pretty annoying. Can we please get these stations like voting booth tents? And if you are going to create a challenge where you need to go through a foam room to see lights, how about making sure you cannot see the lights from where the disks are? Oh well, at least the two of the most annoying people went home this week. 

You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes.

In the Dark: I never seen The Wire because the more people claim it is the best show ever made, the less I want to see it because nothing rarely lives up to that much hype, but one thing I do know about that show is that if you come at the king, you best not miss. Back look for that dude. I also know from N.W.A. that you do not get high off your own supply so things may not go well for her either. And just how does a Seeing Eye dog veterinarian know how to operate on a punctured lung? I cannot imagine that comes up much there. But it is becoming pretty clear that the secretary is going to die because he steals the gangbanger’s drug. But I am still not sure who kills him. Maybe the bald chick and she forces the others to clean up the mess. 

 You can download In The Dark on iTunes.

Motherland: Fort Salem: The show has been mostly a drag, but at least they went out with a bang. The killed off two of the leads only for them to not be dead a couple minutes, having flowers bloom behind where they walk. I am not entirely sure the other chick’s hair went white. And of course we end with one of the most clichéd twist ending of someone we thought was dead is not really dead. So is mommy some sort of Spree big wig? After a pretty meh first season, I am mildly intrigued for season two. You can download Motherland: Fort Salem on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: May 23, 2020

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 Taste the Nation, The Short History of the Long Road, Supergirl, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kid Cudi, Crystal Starr, Cautious Clay, Ringside, and The Flash.

- In Taste the Nation, award winning cookbook author, host and executive producer Padma Lakshmi, takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today. From indigenous communities to recent immigrant arrivals, Padma breaks bread with Americans across the nation to uncover the roots and relationship between our food, our humanity and our history - ultimately revealing stories that challenge notions of identity, belonging, and what it means to be American.

- For teenage Nola (Sabrina Carpenter, "Girl Meets World"), home is the open road. Her self-reliant father (Steven Ogg) is her anchor in a life of transience. The pair criss-cross the United States in a lovingly refurbished RV, making ends meet through odd jobs while relishing their independence. A shocking rupture, though, casts Nola out on her own. She makes her way to Albuquerque, New Mexico in search of a mother she never knew, only for her motor home to break down unexpectedly. But after forging a bond with an auto body shop owner (Danny Trejo), Nola senses the possibility of mooring her ship in this storm.  The Short History of the Long Road debuts on VOD June 16th.

- Adventure awaits as one of TV’s favorite DC Super Heroes flies into homes with the release of Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on September 8, 2020 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Fans can purchase the sets which, in addition to all 19 super-powered episodes from season five, also contains The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panels San Diego 2019, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($44.98 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($49.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). Supergirl: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- Emmy Nominated and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross releases the official music video to “Love Myself” today. Watch HERE. “Love Myself” is the first single to the upcoming film The High Note in which Tracee Ellis Ross stars in as recording artist “Grace Davis.”  Last week, Tracee Ellis Ross debuted “Love Myself” on Instagram Live to fans and friends like, Michelle Obama, Janelle Monáe, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson, Kerry Washington, her incredible mother Diana Ross, and more.  Watch the premiere HERE and listen to “Love Myself” HERE.

- To celebrate the release of Kid Cudi’s first solo track since December 2016, he has partnered with long time creative director, Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh, on an exclusive t-shirt available on shop.kidcudi.com now for a very limited time.  The shirt which features a sketch from Abloh, references an iconic Kid Cudi moment that fans will recognize and features the track title in Abloh’s hand on back.  In addition to the t-shirt, Cudi has also released a limited edition pressing of the “Leader Of The Delinquents” single on 7” vinyl, 12” picture disc and cassette featuring updated single artwork from Abloh.

 

- Southern California singer, songwriter, and powerhouse performer Crystal Starr presents her new single “Goodie Two Shoes” [feat. L. Michelle].  Get it HERE.  Additionally, she shares the official music video. Watch it HERE.  Nodding to nineties R&B and pop, she gleefully taps into a classic throwback spirit on the track. Her voice glides over slick beats before an unshakable and undeniable hook illustrative of her traffic-stopping range. 

- Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meiers, Claud, Melanie Faye and HXNS premiere the official video for their single, “Cheesin’,” out now via slowplay/Republic Records—watch HERE!  Created by The Valdez, the video for “Cheesin’” brings Cautious Clay, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meyers, Claud and Melanie Faye all back together for their take on the “Zoom-lifestyle” we’ve all grown accustomed to during this quarantine. In the video, throwback filters and hand-drawn graphics add nostalgic warmth to the digital party as everyone dances along—apart, but together.

- SHOWTIME has released the official trailer for its upcoming award-winning documentary RINGSIDE, premiering on Friday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Filmed over the course of nine years by award-winning director Andre Hörmann, RINGSIDE chronicles the dramatic upbringing of two boxing prodigies and follows the divergent paths they take as they navigate life’s uncertainties on the South Side of Chicago.  To watch and share the trailer for RINGSIDE, go to: https://s.sho.com/2TjLmGl.

- Just in time for the seventh season premiere of the highest-rated series on The CW, fans will be zooming into stores to pick up The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases the Blu-ray and DVD on August 25, 2020. Averaging over 1.8 million viewers weekly*, viewers will be able to speed-watch all 19 gripping episodes from the #1 series on The CW, plus a never-before-seen “Kiss Kiss Breach Breach - Noir” episode with commentary by showrunner/ executive producer Eric Wallace. Other special features include: The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panels San Diego 2019, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray.  The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD ($44.98 in Canada) and $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($49.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. only). The Flash: The Complete Sixth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- A group of South Carolinians, who have won key races across the Palmetto State, announced today the launch of “Lindsey Must Go,” a newly formed political action committee that will highlight incumbent Lindsey Graham’s vulnerabilities in the U.S. Senate race. Lindsey Must Go (LMG), will rely on a data and impact-driven approach that engages in an aggressive, persuasion campaign across South Carolina. Grounded by polling, it will include digital, cable, radio and SMS engagement to reach voters. LMG launches with a hard hitting video tackling Graham’s flip flopping on key issues as well as his untrustworthiness.  “Lindsey Graham is in trouble – he knows it, we know it and by November, every voter in South Carolina will know it,” said Tyler Jones, a South Carolinian who served as general consultant and strategist to U.S. Congressman Joe Cunningham in his upset victory in 2018. “We are building a grassroots effort to meet voters on the airwaves and online to make sure that we end Lindsey Graham’s political career.”

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 17, 2020

Billions: Man, they really dove into that Showtime synergy with the multiple Dexter references. But off course Chuck was referring to the book and not the show. Then we get what feels like the first ever mention of Wags family. So are we going to get more family time with him this season? They did shuffle off the daughter without really seeing her but some leg.

Killing Eve: Really the crazy French assassin is just going to blow up her mother’s house with her in it and parts of her new family? And the story about her mother giving her up for adoption was a little silly. I guess you get stupid stuff like that when you have three showrunners in three years. You can download Killing Eve on iTunes.

Supergirl: I vaguely remember Sean Austin being on earlier this season but kind of forgot what he was doing other than I think he was possessed by something. I also thought that assistant Director Skinner died in a Cliffside battle. I wondering if I am misremembering all that or that stuff really happened and was changed by Crisis. You can download Supergirl on iTunes.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: So the brother that killed all those cops with plenty of witnesses is just out and free? But now we got a new personality for Maergery Tyrell. But her explanation of how she is Spanish was very convoluted. Although that may be the point, I kind of zoned out at some point and maybe everyone she explains her heritage to just accepts it because they also stopped paying attention. But if she is a shape shifter who can transform into anyone, including a young boy, why not just shape shift into an actual Hispanic?

Run: Well that took an unexpected turn. Not sure for the better, but it is the first time I w as even mildly interested in the show.

Survivor: Winners at War: I got worried there for a second, after being irate during the original Edge of Extinction when it seemed obvious that the guy voted our fourth was going to win only for him to be bounced by the guy voted out third, I thought, oh no, is the chick who was voted out first actually going to win? But it just shows that Natalie could still get four votes when Michele, who clearly played the better game could not get any. But thankfully it sounds like that will be done with that stupid twist for aware. Yet, even though no seasons are being filmed, and may not be for a while, Probst still managed to announce a twist almost as dumb as Edge of Extinction: he actually encouraged teenagers as young as sixteen to apply. Please no. You can download Survivor: Winners at War on iTunes.

The Challenge: Total Madness: Do you believe in highly unlikelies!!! And the thing is, when you looked at Jenna area under the stage, it looked like there was a pile of rocks that could have filled two wheel barrels. But I really did not understand why everyone just let Tori throw herself in. If I did not want to see her in a final, I would just never throw her in. But it was nice to have drunk Nany back. It has been awhile since she got that crazy. You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes.

Blindspot: Oh yeah, Bill Nye is Patterson’s dad. Still weird. So what happened to the chick with the phone?

The Blacklist: Well that was weirder than I was expecting. And I thought Lizzy’s grandpa was already dead. Weird that she said he was going to recover soon since Brain Dennehy just died. Maybe should have changed that line because they kind of have to kill him off now. You can download The Blacklist on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: May 16, 2020

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 Good Lord Bird, One Day at a Time, The Go-Go's, Love Fraud, Belushi, Pearl Jam, Oh Wonder, Anthony Hamilton, ABBA, somegirlnamedanna, Command Sisters, and St. Louis Superman.

- SHOWTIME^® has released the official poster and trailer for its new limited series THE GOOD LORD BIRD, premiering on Sunday, August 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Starring and executive produced by Oscar^® nominee Ethan Hawke, who plays the controversial abolitionist John Brown, the seven-episode series is from Blumhouse Television and based on the National Book Award-winning novel The Good Lord Bird by bestselling author James McBride.

- Pop TV today announced the ONE DAY AT A TIME animated special will premiere on June 16^th and include special guest stars Gloria Estefan, Melissa Fumero and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The critically acclaimed Sony Pictures Television series had its mid-season finale on April 14^th due to production stoppages as a result of COVID-19. The animated special, titled, ‘The Politics Episode,’ will be fully executed remotely and premiere on Pop TV Tuesday, June 16^th at 9:30PM ET/PT following a marathon of the current season.  Gloria Estefan and Melissa Fumero, both return to ONE DAY AT A TIME, reprising their roles, but this time, they’ll be animated. As for Lin-Manuel Miranda, he makes his debut on the series. The special will center around Penelope’s conservative cousin Estrellita (Melissa Fumero), Tia Mirtha (Gloria Estefan), and Tio Juanito (Lin-Manuel Miranda) coming to visit and with the impending election, they won’t be able to avoid fighting over politics.

- SHOWTIME announced the premiere dates for the non-fiction programs THE GO-GO’S, LOVE FRAUD and BELUSHI. 

• THE GO-GO’S will premiere Saturday, August 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Director Allison Ellwood’s documentary feature, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year, chronicles the first all-female band to play its own instruments, write its own songs and soar to No. 1 on the album charts. The Go-Go’s made history. Featuring candid testimonies, Ellwood’s film charts the meteoric rise to fame of a band born of the L.A. punk scene that not only captured but created a zeitgeist. 

• LOVE FRAUD will premiere on Sunday, August 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s four-part series follows a con-man on the run and the dynamic women determined to put him behind bars, and takes viewers on a bizarre, engrossing ride through the twisted mind of a criminal and the chaos he leaves in his wake. 

• BELUSHI will premiere Sunday, September 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Using previously unheard audiotapes recorded shortly after John Belushi’s death, director R.J. Cutler’s documentary feature examines the too-short life of the once-in-a-generation talent who captured the hearts and funny bones of devoted audiences.

- Pearl Jam revealed the music video for the Gigaton single “Retrograde.”  Watch it HERE.  For the visual, the band teamed up with director Josh Wakely [Beat Bugs, Motown Magic]. The animated clip opens with a lone traveler driving through the rain and descending upon a strip mall. Visiting a psychic, the protagonist witnesses the destruction of the world in a crystal ball as the seas overtake the Eiffel Tower in Paris, London Bridge in London, and the group’s native Seattle. Fluid animation moves like an oil painting in motion as the animated musicians—Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Jeff Ament, and Matt Cameron—step out of their respect tarot cards and into a march. While the water continues to rise climate change activist and revolutionary Greta Thunberg appears behind the crystal ball as a clairvoyant.

- Oh Wonder continues their acclaimed Home Tapes project with “Oceansize,” their fourth song written, recorded, produced and released under lockdown, out now. Listen to “Oceansize” HERE!  “Oceansize” is an affecting addition to the furiously creative duo’s new material—a direct reflection “on lockdown and our consequent yearning for freedom, space and nature.” Home Tapes was introduced by “Lonely Star,” and followed by “Keep On Dancing” and “I Like It When You Love Me.” The band’s fan-sourced music videos to accompany Home Tapes have received thousands of submissions from around the world, with Oh Wonder currently creating a visual for “I Like It When You Love Me” out soon.

- With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a "national treasure" by the Los Angeles Times, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, actor, author, and R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, returns with his first original solo single in two years “Back Together” [feat. Rick James]. Get it HERE!  Written by Anthony Hamilton, Ed D. Kane and produced by 9th Wonder [Mary J. Blige, JAY-Z, Drake], a simmering beat and strings wrap around Hamilton’s instantly recognizable delivery on the verses. Meanwhile, he duets with none other than the late legend Rick James by way of a sample 9th Wonder dug out of the crates. Complemented by a classic James harmony, he carries the hook—“Why can’t we just get back together?”—to the heavens and back. 

- Nearly 40 years since the release of their last album, ABBA are celebrating their entire studio discography with an 8LP box set that features each of their ground-breaking records for the first time on colored vinyl, and with replica LP artwork. Due for release on July 3, ABBA: The Studio Albums is an essential release for fans of one of the greatest pop groups of all time. Preorder here: http://abba.lnk.to/The-Studio-Albums-Box-SetPR.  Across eight studio albums released over eight years, ABBA established themselves as a truly boundary-pushing force in music. Dominating the charts throughout the 70s, and continuing their winning streak into the early 80s, the Swedish four-piece redefined what pop music was capable of, with each new album charting an astounding artistic progression. Four decades after their last release, 1981’s The Visitors, their music remains a fabric of our culture, with stage shows, cinematic blockbusters and even themed restaurants bringing ABBA to new generations of fans.  Taken together, these eight albums represent one of the most stunningly creative runs in pop music history, setting the bar for all those who followed in ABBA’s wake.

- somegirlnamedanna premieres the official music video for “kitchen table,” captured at her childhood home in Minnesota using a VHS camcorder.  Watch HERE.  “We originally had an entirely different treatment for the music video” somegirlnamedanna sets up the story behind the music video, “but when the pandemic hit I drove home to Minnesota and had to find a way to create something just as special while social distancing at home. We got ahold of a ton of old home video footage and my brother and I decided to shoot the music video on the same VHS camcorder to capture the same nostalgic feel.  I wanted the video to honor all of the memories I had from growing up, so I ran in the fields like I was a kid again and kissed my horse’s nose like I did when I was little.”  Listen HERE via LAVA/Republic Records.

- Introducing the band that will eventually need no introduction: Command Sisters. Comprised of Charlotte [vocals, keys] and Sarah Command [guitar] (yes Command is their real last name!), the Alberta-born and Toronto-based sibling duo unleash their debut single “I Can Do What I Want To” today via 21 Entertainment/Universal Music Canada/Republic Records.  Stream “I Can Do What I Want To” HERE & watch the track’s official music video HERE!

-  MTV Documentary Films Academy Award® nominated St. Louis Superman, produced by Al Jazeera Witness will premiere Monday, May 18 at 9PM ET/PT on MTV, VH1 and MTV2 via simulcast. The award-winning film directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan, tells the story of Representative Bruce Franks Jr., a Ferguson activist and battle rapper who was elected to the overwhelmingly white and Republican Missouri House of Representatives.  Known as “Superman” to his constituents, Franks Jr. cuts a unique figure - an unorthodox politician who has overcome a tremendous loss to become one of the most dynamic and unapologetic young leaders in the country. Forced to deal with the trauma he's been carrying for nearly 30 years after witnessing the shooting death of his nine-year-old brother, the film chronicles his work toward overcoming both personal trauma and political obstacles in an effort to pass a bill that is critical to his community. Only by confronting his pain can Franks Jr. find peace and truly fulfill his destiny as a leader.  

 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 10, 2020

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Well that was sad. The longer the season went on, the more obvious that this would be the outcome, but it stlll was sad. But oh my, that last scene, a six minute (mostly) one shot musical was just amazing piece of art. You can download Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist on iTunes. 

Killing Eve: They brought back Eve’s husband just to have someone stab him through the neck? Although they jumped around way too much, I kind of got lost of what was going on. You can download Killing Eve on iTunes. 

Supergirl: They really should not have postponed this episode for over a month because I mostly forgot everything that happened as this episode was going on. But Miss Tessmacher being a deadly assassin was sillier that her being Lex’s mole. But at least she is no longer a robot, or whatever Lena turned her into earlier this season. You can download Supergirl on iTunes. 

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels: Nathan Lane as a grizzled detective is a hard sell, but hanging out in a car full of old Jews seems much more his speed. Too bad they killed half of them. I would have enjoyed a season of a bunch of old Jews hanging out in a car solving crimes. 

Good Girls: Well that almost, kind of worked as a season finale. Sure, you have to forget that the assassin plot just disappeared. But I wonder if now that the new FBI agent is on to them, will she use them to get the gangbanger like the last one. Sure, that did not work out well for him. You can download Good Girls on iTunes. 

Survivor: Winners at War: When the first Tribal Council happened about a half an hour in, I thought, this is going to go for a while or we are actually going to get the Edge of Extinction return challenge this week. That and the second Tribal were pretty short and early affairs, and yet we did not get the return challenge. Instead we get a lengthy confessional from amber, disturbingly similar to Chris’s who seemingly at the time got a random confessional the episode before the finale and we know how that turned out. After that we got a lengthy recap followed by a lengthy preview of the finale. Meh. The editing has been pretty poor for a season that finished filming about ten months ago. Nick got a rare confessional taking about how his first vote was not about this Tribal but what will get him to day 39. Which made me think, great, he is finally going to turn on Tony and vote with Jeremy and Michele… and he voted for Jeremy instead. Meh. Michele rightfully ripped into him leading him to put Ben at a disadvantage which hilariously made her safe and lead to Nick to be voted off. Seems apropos. So is everyone just going to let Tony win? Sarah seems pretty content. Ben is probably too delusional to realize it, but might finally be realizing he is the hyena not the lion after getting the disadvantage and not have one person give him a Fire Token or advantage. Denise pretended to be checked out but, really, it does not seem like she was acting very hard. Tony and Michele seem to be the only one left trying. Oh, and there will be one more person who comes back in the game and I really fear Tony will be the Rick of this season and whoever comes back will pull a Rick. You can download Survivor: Winners at War on iTunes. 

The Challenge: Total Madness: There was nothing more annoying when it would take the show two or three episodes to actually eliminate someone. How hard is it to eliminate someone each week? Survivor manages to do it. I figured that when the Challenged moved to 90 minutes, we would actually get eliminations every week. But not only did we not even get to elimination at the end of the episode, they did not even get to nominations this week. Instead we got a half an hour of relationship drama that was very skippable followed by a forty-five minute ad for a movie that is not even coming out this year. Meh. You can download The Challenge: Total Madness on iTunes. 

In the Dark:  C’mon, evil criminal in jail shanks drug dealer guy and does not manage to kill him? About as believable as evil cop not at least putting drug dealer in isolation for helping him. You can download In The Dark on iTunes. 

Blindspot: So Reade was the one who “died.” I put that in quotations because I would not be surprised if he was rescued before he perished. When the evil chick lead the mercenary to someone out of focus, I actually thought that was going to be Reade first before the random person came into view. 

The Blacklist: So the warden was just doing a Suicide Squad but for criminals? Sad thing is, I kind of think this is one of the more believable episodes. You can download The Blacklist on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: May 9, 2020

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 Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, OUTCRY, Gary Busey: Pet Judge, Bryan Adams, BENEE, somegirlnamedanna, JP Cooper, Morgan Harper-Jones, AMERICAN SOUL, BASKETBALL COUNTY: In The Water, and Scandal.

- Republic Records releases Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: Season 1, Episode 12 (Music from the Original TV Series) in conjunction with the season finale of the critically acclaimed NBC television series Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, produced by Lionsgate and Universal Television in association with the Tannenbaum Company, Feigco Entertainment and Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment. Get it via Republic Records HERE. New EPs have been released in tandem with each new episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, which aired weekly on Sundays at 9pm ET/ PT on NBC. 

 - SHOWTIME has released a first look at its five-part investigative documentary series OUTCRY, produced and directed by Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker Pat Kondelis, and announced a new premiere date of Sunday, July 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. New OUTCRY episodes will debut every Sunday through August 2, while the entire series will release for on-demand streaming or download on the SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME ANYTIME® apps and partner on-demand platforms July 5. OUTCRY examines the gripping story of Texas high school football star Greg Kelley, his controversial conviction for child molestation, and the quest for truth and justice that followed in the wake of his sentencing. In a never-before-seen clip from episode one, Kelley, his supporter Jake Brydon, and Cedar Park Chief of Police Sean Mannix present their sides of the story depicting a juxtaposition of innocence and guilt. OUTCRY captures a raw and divided community over the course of three years as both sides of the appeal process work in pursuit of opposing truths.

 
- Each year across the country there are thousands of pet disputes. Those who want their cases tried by the best know there is only one man they can turn to, and he is thirsty for PET JUSTICE! That man- Gary Busey: Pet Judge. The six-episode season will be available on Amazon Prime and other streaming services as well as for purchase, and will be entirely binge-able on May 25, 2020. The series stars Judge Gary Busey as he presides over the fates of litigant pet owners. Each half-hour show presents two cases with a veritable menagerie of animals including monkeys, goats, birds, dogs, meerkats, turtles, robot raccoons, and more. Is Gary Busey a real judge? Absolutely not. Does he know anything about pet law? Probably not. Can he look into your soul and suss out your spirit animal while delivering a verdict with a trademark Buseyism? You bet your sweet ass (the donkey kind).

- A selection of Bryan Adams’ official music videos will be released in remastered high definition (HD) video and high-res audio via YouTube’s Remastered program, a pioneering partnership between YouTube and Universal Music Group. Adams’ restoration campaign includes several videos, and the first launches today with “Cuts Like A Knife,” watch it HERE. The YouTube Remastered program began last summer and has since been remastering some of the most iconic videos of all time, to ensure current and future generations will get to enjoy these timeless classics.

- New Zealand’s indie pop sensation BENEE unveils “Lownely,” a brand new rendition of her breakthrough international smash “Supalonely” feat. Gus Dapperton—listen HERE!  BENEE strips down “Supalonely” to raw elements of ethereal guitar, delicate production and lush strings. Her vocals and lyrics echo with emotion over the dreamy and soulful soundscape. Recorded with producer Josh Fountain at Golden Age Studio the night that New Zealand went into COVID-19 lockdown, “Lownely” was made in the last few hours before the midnight curfew.

- After introducing herself in March, somegirlnamedanna opens up about her childhood on the new single “kitchen table.”  Get it HERE via LAVA/Republic Records.  About the song, she shared, "The kitchen table growing up is where so many important moments happened—talking with my family about anything from how my day was to some of the most defining moments of my life. The sense of connection and support I needed all happened when we were sitting there together. For me, that kitchen table reminds me of the people I love and where I came from, and it holds so many memories that I look back on."  Be on the lookout for the official “kitchen table” music video to arrive on May 14.

- JP Cooper gifts us with his feel-good new single ‘Little Bit Of Love’, which is released globally today [8th May 2020], released via Island Records.  'Little Bit Of Love' eases us in with a raw acoustic melody, which is followed by the powerful voice we are used to hearing from Cooper. His unique style of soul, electronic and upbeat sounds allows us to create our own perception of the song, whether it be taking in the purposeful lyrics or getting up and dancing to its infectious beat. The song tackles loneliness and the importance of being there for others in hard times, an extremely relatable subject in which Cooper prescribes a "Little bit of love". Subtle, sleek and inspiriting, the result is a brilliant defiant anthem to carry us through into Summer.

- Hailing from Rochdale in Greater Manchester, 23 year-old newcomer Morgan Harper-Jones has today revealed her latest track "Typical", a soaring song instilled with the spirit of self-love, which builds on the young artist’s previous sublime release "Lie To Me". Listen and watch its accompanying video HERE.  Morgan Harper-Jones only unveiled her mesmerizing debut single "Breathe" at the beginning of February, which came accompanied by a stark and subtly moving one-take performance video but has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most candid and enrapturing new voices around.

- BET announces “AMERICAN SOUL” season two will premiere on Wednesday, May 27 at 10 PM ET/PT.  Inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of a young, ambitious and troubled impresario Don Cornelius, the period drama picks up two years later in 1975.  As Don becomes a rising star, he continues to manage an assortment of spectacular talent that comes to his show, a complicated family life, failing personal health, and perhaps most importantly, his ego. The eight-episode season of “AMERICAN SOUL” features a cast of multi-talented actors including Sinqua Walls who plays a young Don Cornelius. Series regulars also include Kelly Price, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Katlyn Nichol, and Christopher Jefferson.  

- SHOWTIME Sports has released a first look at its upcoming documentary BASKETBALL COUNTY: In The Water, premiering Friday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®. The film, from executive producers Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, offers an examination into Durant’s hometown of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and how it has recently produced more elite basketball players than anywhere else in the world.
- “Scandal” Joins Hulu’s extensive library of hit dramas and award-winning Originals including: “Little Fires Everywhere”, “This Is Us”, “ER”, “Killing Eve” and “The Handmaid’s Tale”.The series was created by Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice”). Shonda Rhimes and producing partner Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away with Murder”), Mark Fish, Mark Wilding and Tom Verica are executive producers. “Scandal” was produced by ABC Studios. The Washington, DC drama centered around political fixer Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and her team of associates who sacrifice their time, and often their morals, to “handle” unimaginable crises affecting the nation’s elite. Throughout its seven seasons, Scandal used OMG storytelling to explore political culture, gender disparities, sexual politics and race in America. 

Previewing: Into the Dark: Delivered

When the Veronica Mars reboot happened last summer, unfortunately Tina Majorino decided not to participate. But she finally comes to Hulu with the latest installment of in the Dark. Another May themed Mother’s Day episode, but as last one dealt with a mother tending to her grown son, the new one, Delivered, features expecting mothers.

Natalie Paul (The Sinner) is the expecting mother with a loving boyfriend, Michal Cassidy (Men at Work), but something does not feel right. It has been a rough pregnancy for and the dreams of her future kid punching out of her stomach Alien style probably are not helping. But those are just dreams and she has plenty of them which get kind of annoying as there is maybe one too may be one too many fake out.

No, this is not a demon baby story; it is more reminiscing of another horror movie and subject of another Hulu show from last fall Castle Rock. Yeah, there are plenty of Misery references throughout the episode. Everyone kind of has to see what is coming when Paul meets Majorino in a yoga for pregnant women and invites her to her house for dinner and realize Majorino lives way out there in the middle of nowhere. It is like they never saw a horror movie themselves, never, under any circumstance, go to someone's house in the middle of nowhere espiecally if you just met them.

Even though it is a bit predictable in its main plot, there are some twists and turns to keep things interested throughout. Plus it is always nice to see Tina Majorino stretch the acting chops further than nerdy sidekick that she usually plays.

Into the Dark Season Two Power Ranking:

1. Uncanny Annie (October)
2. A Nasty Piece of Work (December)
3. Pooka Lives! (April)
4. Delivered (May)
5. Crawlers (March)
6. Pilgrim (November)
7. My Valentine (February)
8. Midnight Kiss (December)

Into the Dark: Delivered premieres tomorrow on Hulu.