Around the Tubes: August 7, 2021

    

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting.  This post includes blurbs on The Great, Dopesick, John Mellencamp, Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Anthony Hamilton, Luz, Noah Kahan, The Chi, and other Hulu TCA announcements.

- In season two of “The Great,” Catherine finally takes the Russian throne for her own—but if she thought coup-ing her husband was difficult, it’s nothing compared to the realities of liberating a country that doesn’t want to be. She’ll battle her court, her team, even her own mother (played by guest star Gillian Anderson) in a bid to bring the Enlightenment to Russia. Meanwhile, she’ll also battle her heart as Peter slowly transitions from a much-hated husband to a prisoner? Ally? Lover? Ultimately, Catherine will learn that to change a country, you must let it change you, that there is a fine line between idealism and delusion, and that becoming “Great” will ask more of her than she could have imagined.  The series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, Gwilym Lee, Charity Wakefield, Douglas Hodge, Sacha Dhawan, Bayo Gbadamosi and Belinda Bromilow. 

- From executive producer Danny Strong and starring and executive produced by Michael Keaton, “Dopesick” examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community to the hallways of the DEA. Defying all the odds, heroes will emerge in an intense and thrilling ride to take down the craven corporate forces behind this national crisis and their allies. The limited series is inspired by the New York Times bestselling book by Beth Macy.  The eight-episode series stars Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Poulter, John Hoogenakker, with Kaitlyn Dever and Rosario Dawson. Guest stars include Phillipa Soo and Jake McDorman. 

- The first three episodes of "Wu-Tang: An American Saga” season two premiere September 8 on Hulu. New episodes stream Wednesdays. 

- John Mellencamp launches the pre-order for the live album to accompany the upcoming documentary The Good Samaritan Tour 2000 out on August 27^th.  Pre-order The Good Samaritan Tour 2000 live album HERE  and watch the trailer for the documentary HERE.  The Good Samaritan Tour 2000 will also be streamed on Turner Classic Movie’s (TCM) YouTube channel August 27^th with Mellencamp appearing as a guest programmer on the network in September.

- SHOWTIME^® has released a trailer for BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES, directed by Emmy^®-nominee Sacha Jenkins (WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN, BURN, MOTHERF*CKER, BURN!). BITCHIN’ is an intimate yet propulsive look at Rick James, one of rock, funk and R&B’s most legendary and often underappreciated figures. Featuring rare footage of James’ incredible live shows, never-before-seen home video, original interviews with legendary artists, collaborators and friends, and a treasure trove of recorded interviews with James (who died in 2004), the documentary presents a full picture of James’ dramatic rise and fall, focusing in on the “Punk-Funk” music he left behind. The film, which screened at the Tribeca Festival^® in June, will premiere on Friday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. 

- The Weeknd releases his much anticipated single “Take My Breath”, the first from his forthcoming album as announced in his GQ global cover story this week. The sonically-charged track exemplifies The Weeknd’s ability to consistently evolve his sound and his knack for story-telling through his music. The release is accompanied by a mesmerizing visual directed by Cliqua - Watch the video HERE. Listen to “Take My Breath” HERE.

- Vevo, the world's leading music video network, announces the release of Billie Eilish’s Official Live Performance of “Male Fantasy” off her latest album, Happier Than Ever via Darkroom/Interscope Records. Vevo’s Official Live Performances are the result of close creative collaboration with artists and their teams, resulting in a series of very special exclusive performances. “Male Fantasy” follows the release of Billie’s previous Official Live Performance of “Your Power.”

-  After teasing more music for the past year and building anticipation among fans worldwide, GRAMMY® Award-winning, multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, Anthony Hamilton returns with his anxiously awaited tenth full-length and first album in five years, Love Is The New Black., on September, 24^th 2021. Billboard made the exclusive announcement. It notably will be the flagship release under his own label My Music Box in partnership with BMG. Pre-order Love Is The New Black.—HERE.

- Irish artist Luz has today revealed her brand-new single ‘permanent +1’, out now via global artist services company Platoon. Listen now here.  Recorded between Dublin and London with producer JMAC (Haux, Rosie Carney, Matilda Mann), the track is Luz’s fifth release, following previous singles ‘counting houses’, ‘we’ll be fine’, ‘i’m lonely’ and ‘the author,’ the latter of which has recently been featured in this year’s series of Love Island. Since being played on the show the track has doubled its daily streams, hitting Number 11 on Shazam’s charts, as well as re-entering the iTunes chart. 

- Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan drops his new fan-favorite track, “Animal,” from his upcoming album, I Was / I Am, out September 17^th—listen HERE!  “Animal” was chosen by Noah’s fans as his next single after he teased the song on socials. On the song, his falsetto soars over head-bobbing beats and handclaps as he sings, “Oh, sometimes I feel like an animal. Oh, I climb so high just to feel a fall and let it go. So, look me in the eyes, am I someone else?” Of the meaning behind the song, Noah says, “‘Animal’ is about dissociating from who you thought yourself to be. I wrote it with a friend of mine. He and I speak at length about mental health and what it’s like to live with depression, and I think this song is fundamentally about that everyday struggle.”

- More news out of Hulu's TCA's

Hulu Greenlights Comedy Series “This Fool”

 “This Fool” centers on Julio Lopez, a self-described “punk-ass bitch” who still lives at home and goes out of his way to help everyone but himself. Inspired by the life and stand-up comedy of star and co-creator Chris Estrada, this cinematic half-hour comedy explores Julio’s work at a gang-rehabilitation non-profit and his quest to overcome his codependency issues with his family as he navigates working-class life in South Central Los Angeles.  “This Fool” is written and executive produced by Chris Estrada, Pat Bishop, Jake Weisman and Matt Ingebretson. Jonathan Groff and Fred Armisen also serve as executive producers on the series. The series is produced by ABC Signature.

 Hulu Expands Unscripted True Crime Collection With New Documentary “Dead Asleep” and Docuseries “Captive Audience”

 “Dead Asleep”

In a ground-breaking new spin on the true-crime genre, the documentary film “Dead Asleep,” produced in association with Sky Crime, flips the traditional thriller narrative to explore a deeper and more troubling mystery: Did a remorseful Randy Herman Jr. really commit a brutal murder in his sleep, or was it a convenient cover story? Pulse Films has secured exclusive access to Herman and his family, the defense and prosecution attorneys, journalists who covered the case, forensic psychiatrists and world experts in violent parasomnia (sleep-walking) to give viewers an inside look at the shocking twists and turns of the controversial crime. A Pulse Films production, “Dead Asleep” is directed by award-winner Skye Borgman, who is also behind the critically acclaimed documentary “Abducted In Plain Sight” and recently worked with Pulse Films on their Oxygen special “The Case Died With Her.” For Pulse Films, executive producers include Marisa Clifford, Nelesh Dhand and Sunshine Jackson. For Sky U.K., Jack Oliver and Poppy Dixon will also serve as executive producers.

 “Captive Audience”

In 1972, 7-year-old Steven Stayner mysteriously vanished on his way home from school. Nearly a decade later, his dramatic return to his family sparked ‘80s-era “stranger danger” warnings, legal reforms and one iconic Made-For-TV-Movie2, in which the family’s ordeal was transformed into a prime-time miniseries watched by 70 million Americans. When the credits rolled and the movie ended, it closed one tragic chapter of the family’s life but opened another.  This limited documentary series explores the evolution of true-crime storytelling through the lens of one family’s 50-year journey and two brothers; one deemed a villain and the other a hero. It’s about how truth becomes story and story becomes truth—on TV, in the justice system and in our minds.  “Captive Audience” is directed by Jessica Dimmock (Netflix’s “Flint Town” and “Unsolved Mysteries”) and produced by Wonderburst and High Five Content. It is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Jen Casey and Andrew Jacobs, along with Mike Larocca, Todd Makurath, Nick Gilhool and Peter Rieveschl.

“Animaniacs” – Season Two Premiere, Friday, Nov. 5

LINK TO TEASER/DATE ANNOUNCEMENT (YOUTUBE) HERE

Hellloooo, season two! Hulu, Amblin Television and Warner Bros. Animation have joined forces once again to bring you “Animaniacs.” This Emmy Award-winning animated series—and one of Hulu’s all-time most talked-about shows on social media—returns with 13 brand new episodes on Friday, Nov. 5.  Yakko, Wakko and Dot return for an all-new season of this iconic, family-friendly series with something for everyone: pop culture parodies, musical showstoppers, takedowns of historical baddies and even some important safety tips. Join the Warners and Pinky and the Brain as they wreak havoc everywhere they go, from the Warner Bros. lot to an international beauty pageant, even all the way into outer space. Keep an eye out for season one favorites Starbox and Cindy, as well as some rejected Animaniacs characters that were left on the cutting room floor.  Steven Spielberg returns as executive producer of the series, with Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios. Amblin Television co-presidents, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, also serve as executive producers. Wellesley Wild serves as showrunner and executive producer. Gabe Swarr serves as co-executive producer. “Animaniacs” is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.

 “Baker’s Dozen” – Series Premiere, Thursday, Oct. 7

 Passionate amateur bakers will go head-to-head with seasoned professionals in each episode of “Baker’s Dozen.” Join hosts Tamera Mowry-Housley (Emmy-award winning host of “The Real,” FOX’s “The Masked Singer” and Hallmark’s “Christmas Comes Twice”) and Bill Yosses (author and former White House Pastry Chef) for this fast-paced competition series that will determine the best baker of all! Which of the 13 bakers has what it takes to create the next viral baking sensation, win the golden rolling pin and take home the cash prize?  “Baker’s Dozen” is executive produced by Sandy Varo Jarrell, Suzanne Rauscher, Justin Rae Barnes, Tara Seiner and Scott Mlodzinski for Bright Spot Content, an All3Media America company. 

“The Next Thing You Eat” – Series Premiere, Thursday, Oct. 21

 From chef David Chang and Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville, “The Next Thing You Eat” is a six-episode docuseries that explores the seismic changes happening all around us and what they mean for the way we’ll eat in the future. Chang and a diverse cast of characters dive headfirst into what lies ahead, including everything from robots, to lab-grown fish, to insect farms, to artificial intelligence calling all the shots.  Executive produced by the creators of the Emmy®-nominated “Ugly Delicious,” with showrunner Dominic Musacchio

 “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition” – Season Premiere, Thursday, Nov. 4

In “Taste the Nation,” award-winning host, executive producer and cookbook author Padma Lakshmi, who recently received her third Emmy nomination, takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups and 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.  “Taste the Nation” returns this fall for a special four-part “Holiday Edition,” where each episode will highlight unique traditions through the lens of different immigrant cultures and cities, like Korean New Year in Los Angeles and Cuban Christmas in Miami.  “Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition” is executive produced by Padma Lakshmi along with Part2 Pictures’ David Shadrack Smith.

- SHOWTIME has picked up the hit drama series THE CHI for a fifth season. Created and executive produced by Emmy^® winner Lena Waithe (Twenties, Boomerang) and executive produced by Academy Award^®, Emmy and Golden Globe^® winner Common (Selma), THE CHI is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. The fourth season, which just aired its finale last night, is averaging 4.2 million weekly viewers and is on pace to become the most-streamed SHOWTIME series ever. The fifth season will return to the network in 2022.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: August 1, 2021

  

The White Lotus:  So I guess they are just not going to acknowledge the death until the final episode.  They are not even going to tease it except maybe the desk guy overdosing.  Maybe the college chick kills her friend in a jealous rage.  Not that the show needs a murder mystery (the death may not even be a murder, we just know someone died), it is entertaining without it.  The gay dad storyline is hilarious.  What point does the dad take up the desk guy’s offer?

 

Kevin Can Fork Himself:  So there was a shooting and that is all we know.  But who shot who and did the one who got shot die?  The police was very vague and as learned later in the episode, that is a ploy when the police do not know everything, but they want the person they are interrogating they think they do.  I am guessing Kevin did the shooting and gets off because of the Castle Doctrine.  If he did die or go to jail, does the show drop the sitcom? They did have the sitcom for the very first time without Kevin this week.  Maybe they change the name to Neil Can Fork Himself next season if Kevin did die or goes to jail.  Though I guess if Kevin goes to prison, they could do the sitcom whenever someone visits him.

 

The Chi:   That was a cheesy start to the show.  Sure, when I was that age I probably was doing the exact same thing to Jodeci, but at least I never filmed it.  But man, the mayor gets shot and he is back to being full evil beating a man (presumably) to death in his own house.  Someone need to finish that guy off.

 

Black Monday:  There goes my season long theory that the reverend’s daughter was the one killing everyone.  Though it is hard to predict someone if you were told they were dead.  The reverend’s daughter makes much more sense, why exactly would Lenny kill the reverend.  But now that I think about it, we never get actual confirmation that Lenny killed anyone, all he did was creepily grab an axe on his way out of the hospital. He could just be a huge misdirect.

 

Flatbush Misdemeanor:  “You don’t need to yell and cuss, one would be fine.”  Then admits he would not be mad if a guardian slaps a teacher.  Now that is quality principaling. But that was an unexpected ending.  That is one way to lose guardianship.

 

Motherland: Fort Salem:  The episode’s title was “My 3 Dads” and all I wanted is to know how that actually works.  But I came out of the episode more confused than when I first saw the title.  But those were some incompetent body guards.

 

 

Around the Tubes: July 31, 2021

   

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting.  This post includes blurbs on Only Murders In The Building, Sublime, Dexter, Billions, Smallville, Tug of Words, Lord Huron, Clairo, Flag Day, The Flash, and Three Women.

- The first three episodes of "Only Murders In The Building” premiere August 31 on Hulu. New episodes stream Tuesdays. 

- 25 years ago yesterday, Sublime’s self-titled album was released after the untimely passing of lead singer Bradley Nowell, spawning timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” The iconic album continues to connect with fans and live on a quarter-century after its initial release, as the music endures and new generations discover Sublime. To celebrate the 25^th anniversary, the band’s  management  Surfdog/DKM in conjunction with UMe have arranged a number of special releases and events, plus new merch with Live Nation and other partners to commemorate the milestone. ‘Sublime’ 25^th Anniversary Highlights:  ‘Behind The Album Cover’ Episode: An in-depth conversation with Sublime art legend Opie Ortiz as he explains the history of the legendary ‘Sublime’ album cover and how it came to be. Fans can check out the episode here: http://sublime.lnk.to/behindthecoverPR

- Starring multiple Emmy nominee Michael C. Hall as America’s favorite serial killer Dexter Morgan, the special event series DEXTER: NEW BLOOD will premiere Sunday, November 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Set 10 years after Dexter went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura, the series finds him living under an assumed name in the small town of Iron Lake, New York.  Dexter may be embracing his new life, but in the wake of unexpected events in this close-knit community, his Dark Passenger beckons. Joining Hall, the cast also includes Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Alano Miller (Sylvie’s Love), Johnny Sequoyah (Believe), Jack Alcott (THE GOOD LORD BIRD) and Clancy Brown (The Crown, BILLIONS).  Reuniting Hall with original series showrunner Clyde Phillips, DEXTER: NEW BLOOD is currently in production on 10 one-hour episodes in Western Massachusetts. 

- SHOWTIME released today the trailer for the highly anticipated return of season five of the hit drama series BILLIONS, starring Oscar^® nominee and Emmy^® winner Paul Giamatti and Emmy winner Damian Lewis, which will return on Sunday, September 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with five new episodes. For fans looking to catch up, the season five premiere episode of BILLIONS is now available for free on YouTube, Showtime.com and Sho.com, as well as across multiple SHOWTIME partner platforms. All previous episodes of BILLIONS are now available for subscribers on SHOWTIME. BILLIONS has been renewed for season six, which will premiere early next year.

- It’s been 20 years since Clark Kent first arrived in Kansas, and in honor of the 20^th Anniversary of the remarkable series, Smallville: The Complete Series 20^th Anniversary Edition will soar onto Blu-ray for the first time ever from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on October 19, 2021. This set for the ultimate fan features all 218 episodes along with over 28 hours of bonus features from all 10 incredible seasons, plus Digital Copy (US Only). Smallville: The Complete Series 20^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is priced to own at $179.99 SRP ($209.99 in Canada) and will also be available on DVD for $154.99 SRP ($184.99 in Canada).  The groundbreaking, Emmy®-winning 10-season hit that redefined the origins of the world’s greatest super hero is all here – from Krypton refugee Kal-El’s arrival on Earth through his tumultuous teen years to Clark Kent’s final steps toward embracing his destiny as the Man of Steel. Relive a decade’s worth of thrills in fantastic adventures full of action, heart and humor in abundance, all anchored by the marvelous performance of Tom Welling at its center. Savor again the series’ thoughtful and imaginative integration and reinvention of the iconic characters of DC lore. And let your spirits be lifted up, up and away.

- Game Show Network, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, has announced Emmy® award-winning television and sports personality Ahmad Rashad as host of a new quick-moving wordplay game show, TUG OF WORDS. The half-hour original series is anticipated to premiere fall 2021.  From the producing team behind “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” TUG OF WORDS is a fast-paced game where two teams compete to answer word clue questions correctly and pull the flag on the “tug of war rope” to their side. In round one, each answer involves changing a single letter in the word that appears on the board. For example, with ‘TUG’ on the board, the answer to the clue ‘a label inside a garment’ is ‘TAG,’ and with ‘TAG’ then on the board, the answer to the clue ‘hopefully the upstairs neighbors aren’t learning this dance’ is ‘TAP.’ With each round, an additional letter is added creating four and five letter words to solve. The team with the flag on their side after three rounds wins the game, qualifying them for the bonus round where they have opportunity to compete for $10,000.

- Lord Huron release the official music video for their song “Love Me Like You Used To” off their critically acclaimed album Long Lost.  Watch Lord Huron’s “Love Me Like You Used To” official music video HERE.  Stream Long Lost via Whispering Pines Studios Inc./Republic Records HERE.  The video shows a mysterious woman exploring the Whispering Pines Museum. As she explores the memorabilia, paying homage to Tubbs Tarbell and the artists of Whispering Pines Studios, the true purpose of her visit becomes clear.

- Clairo’s critically acclaimed sophomore album Sling, released on July 16^th via FADER Label/Republic Records, debuted at #1 on Billboard Alternative Albums Chart, #2 on Top Rock Albums Chart, and Top 20 on Top 200 Chart. This is the highest album charting debut for the 22-year-old American artist, songwriter, and producer. Listen to Sling HERE.

- Seattle Surf & Republic Records announce the upcoming release of the Flag Day Original Motion Picture Soundtrack out on August 20^th.  The thirteen-track soundtrack serves as the musical companion to the Cannes Film Festival selected film Flag Day starring and directed by Academy® Award winner Sean Penn and starring his daughter Dylan Penn. The film opens in select theaters beginning Friday August 20, 2021.The soundtrack will feature songs from Cat Power, Glen Hansard, Eddie Vedder & Olivia Vedder.  Pre-order the Flag Day Original Motion Picture Soundtrack—HERE

- It’s time to escape the Mirrorverse, resurrect the Speed Force and make every second count! The Flash is back to protect Central City with his lightning-fast reflexes – and fans will be zooming in to pick up the highest-rated series on The CW – as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases The Flash: The Complete Seventh Season on Blu-ray and DVD on October 12, 2021. Speed-watch all 18 riveting episodes from season seven, plus never-before-seen bonus content including deleted scenes and a gag reel. The Flash: The Complete Seventh 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 Seventh Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

- SHOWTIME has announced that DeWanda Wise (She’s Gotta Have It, Jurassic World: Dominion) will star in the original series THREE WOMEN. The series also stars Emmy and SAG Award nominee Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies) and is based on the blockbuster nonfiction No. 1 bestseller by Lisa Taddeo, who is also a writer on the series. Principal photography is set to begin in the fall. 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: July 25, 2021

The White Lotus:  So absolutely no reference of someone who is going to die this week?  There was not even really a clue either unless the manager guy OD’s from all the drugs he stole.  But we got one of the funnier aid’s joke every.  That was a joke, right?  I laughed pretty hard even though it seemed pretty obvious that is where the conversation was going.

 

Kevin Can Fork Himself:  Finally something that almost resembled something funny in the sitcom part this week with Kevin going back and forth between his two birthday parties.  Now all his wife has to do is wait for his heart to explode from all that meat.

 

The Chi:   Who knew Emmitt had that in him.  I guess thinking about your woman getting down with other dudes with straighten you out.  But his girl definitely has a reason not to trust him.  I was thinking how long before his eyes start to wonder again.  Though I think they may get their movie ending by the end of this season and we will see if dude can stay faithful next season.

 

Black Monday:  I felt like I missed something with Blair being scared Tiff was going to kill him at the beginning of the episode.  I had to go back to the “previously on” to see if I missed something.  It just turned out he thought she was the murderer because the stock exchange lady had a heart attack.  Kind of a big leap.  But Tiff is definitely not the murderer because she just got show and maybe dead, I guess we will need some confirmation if the gunshot was fatal next week.  The remaining Leman brother is definitely dead.  With so many deaths, I wonder if this eighties show will do the biggest eighties plot twist and have the whole season turn out to be a dream.

 

Flatbush Misdemeanor:  My favorite part of the episode was after porn kept coming up, dude tries to explain it away by claiming, “I bought this used.”  Sure.

 

Motherland: Fort Salem:  So it is not going to dawn on her that the reason her mother did not show up is because she is not actually dead.  But she did realize she did she her ex-girlfriend last week and she was not seeing things so at least she is not totally dense.

 

In the Dark:  Well that plan went up in flames.  Quite literally.  But were they able to get all the drugs out first.  No reason to ask if they got Jess out, that one is very obvious.  But what now?  The group is going to have to be arrested now.  But I have always assumed that the blind chick would be able to clear herself if she has proof that the captain destroyed Harry Crane’s confession.  Mmm, I wonder whatever happened to his daughter now that both parent are dead.

 

Good Girls:  That could have made for a decent series finale with the girls actually moving to Nevada with the final scene being them robbing once again.  Just stop before anyone actually got shot.  Except Nevada just turned out to be a dream. Though I am not entirely sure what was going on once the dream sequence ended.  So they find the gun with her fingerprints all over it, I am presuming the same one that killed the nerdy chick.  But the Secret Service is just going to leave that alone?  And why did Annie get arrested?

Around the Tubes: July 24, 2021

  

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting.  This post includes blurbs on Clairo, Lorde, American Rust, Homeroom, James Blake, UFO, Pen15, Ariana Grande, Cassadee Pope, Cassadee Pope, Iron Maiden, Superman & Lois, Three Women, and POV.

- Following the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Sling, 22-year-old American artist, songwriter, and producer Clairo has announced her 2022 headlining North American tour dates today. Produced by Live Nation, the 28-date tour will kick off on February 16^th in Charlotte, NC at The Fillmore Charlotte with stops in Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and more before wrapping April 16^th in Atlanta, GA at Tabernacle.  Go to Clairo.com for more details.

- GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum artist LORDE has released new song “Stoned at the Nail Salon”. The song is the second track from Lorde’s highly anticipated third studio album, Solar Power, which will be released via Republic Records on August 20^th. The album includes 12 tracks and is produced by Jack Antonoff who she collaborated with on her chart-topping last album, Melodrama.  Pre-Order / Pre-Save / Pre-Add Solar Power HERE.  Listen to “Stoned at the Nail Salon” HERE

- SHOWTIME has released the official trailer for its upcoming drama series AMERICAN RUST, starring Emmy winner and Tony nominee Jeff Daniels (THE COMEY RULE, The Newsroom, Godless, The Looming Tower) and award-winning actress and Emmy nominee Maura Tierney (YOUR HONOR, THE AFFAIR, The Report, Beautiful Boy). Daniels executive produces the series, reteaming with Oscar nominee Dan Futterman (The Looming Tower, Capote, Foxcatcher), who serves as executive producer, writer and showrunner. The series is co-produced with Boat Rocker Studios and will premiere on Sunday, September 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

- Check out the official trailer and key art for the inspiring and powerful documentary "Homeroom" directed by Peter Nicks and executive produced by Ryan Coogler. The Hulu Original documentary premieres on Hulu and in select theaters Thursday, August 12.  In "Homeroom,” Oakland High School’s class of 2020 confronts an unprecedented year. Anxiety over test scores and college applications gives way to uncertainty springing from a rapidly developing pandemic. Efforts to eliminate the school district’s police force unfold against the backdrop of growing nationwide demands for systemic change. 

- GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer James Blake has announced his new album, Friends That Break Your Heart, due out September 10, 2021 – Available for pre-order HERE, via Republic Records. Blake joined Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 for “Hottest Record in the World” to premiere the album’s first single, “Say What You Will”. The single was accompanied by the release of the official music video starring Finneas alongside James Blake – Watch HERE. Today, the artist additionally announced his 2021 Fall tour dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 15-show tour will kick off on September 16th in San Diego at The Observatory North Park, making stops at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, and more before wrapping up in Atlanta’s Tabernacle on October 15^th. Tickets go on-sale to the general public starting Friday, July 30^th at 10am local time on JamesBlakeMusic.com
- SHOWTIME has released the trailer for the timely docu-series UFO from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Glen Zipper, premiering on Sunday, August 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The four-part series explores our fascination with unidentified flying objects, and what clandestine influence the American government, lucrative private companies and the military may have in shielding the truth behind extraterrestrial phenomena to further their own agendas. The premiere episode will be made available for free on YouTube, Showtime.com and Sho.com, as well as across multiple SHOWTIME partner platforms, and all four episodes will be available to SHOWTIME subscribers on Sunday, August 8 at 12:01 a.m. ET/PT. Directed by Mark Monroe (Icarus) and Paul Crowder (Riding Giants), the series is a co-production by Bad Robot and Zipper Bros Films.  To watch and share the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/tU9NhwYKCLM.
- It’s summer vacation and your favorite 7^th graders are back in a special "Pen15" animated episode launching Friday, August 27^th only on Hulu!  Ep. 208, “Jacuzzi”: On vacation with Curtis, Anna and Maya are introduced to new crippling insecurities. The girls try to ignore them, but a mystical turn makes their self-doubt impossible to forget.
- Vevo, the world's leading music video network, announces the release of Ariana Grande’s Official Live Performance of “positions" from her album Positions. Vevo’s Official Live Performances are the result of close creative collaboration with artists and their teams, resulting in a series of very special exclusive performances. “positions” follows Ariana’s previous Vevo Official Live Performances of “pov,” “safety net (feat. Ty Dolla $ign,)” “my hair,” “34+35” and “off the table (feat. The Weeknd)”.
- Cassadee Pope has just released the new music video for her latest single, "Say It First," off of her upcoming ninth album,  THRIVE, exclusively with Sounds Like Nashville. The video, directed and edited by Ed Pryor, is a colorful depiction of the inner storm that matches the song's eruptive angst along with the vulnerability of its lyrics.   “Working with Ed Pryor again was such a treat," says Pope. "We both knew we wanted this video to include weather elements and fast flashes to coincide with the inner turmoil the song talks about. I wanted to wear a beautiful dress to further illustrate the fact that vulnerability is strength.”  WATCH:      "Say It First" Music Video
- BMG is thrilled to announce the release of IRON MAIDEN’s 17th studio album Senjutsu, their first in six years, on September 3rd. It was recorded in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Steve Harris.  It was preceded on Thursday July 15th by an already highly acclaimed animated video for the first single “The Writing On The Wall” made by BlinkInk based on a concept by Bruce Dickinson with two former Pixar Executives. It followed a month-long teaser campaign & global ‘treasure hunt’ for clues about the track title and concept.  For Senjutsu – loosely translated as ‘tactics & strategy,’ the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai themed cover artwork, based on an idea by Steve Harris. With a running time of a little under 82 minutes, Senjutsu, like their previous record The Book Of Souls, will be a double CD/Triple vinyl album.
- Superman saves the world, and saves his family when Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season releases on Blu-ray and DVD on October 19, 2021 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Featuring never-before-seen extended versions of all 15 action-packed episodes from the first season, plus bonus features, Superman & Lois: The Complete First 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). Superman & Lois: The Complete First Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers and to stream exclusively on HBO Max starting August 20, 2021.
- SHOWTIME has announced that Emmy and SAG Award nominee Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies) will star in the original series THREE WOMEN, based on the blockbuster nonfiction No. 1 bestseller by Lisa Taddeo, who is also a writer on the series. The show has been picked up straight to series, with principal photography set to begin in the fall. 
- American Documentary | POV is proud to announce the national broadcast premiere of David Osit's Mayor on Monday July 26th at 10 p.m. (check local listings) and online at pov.org. The film will also be available to stream for free on pov.org until August 25th, 2021.  Mayor is director David Osit’s second film to broadcast on POV after his documentary Thank You For Playing, which won the ‘Outstanding Arts & Culture Documentary’ at the 2017 News and Documentary Emmy Awards. Mayor was named a New York Times Critic’s Pick and has picked up awards from Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and CPH:DOX, among others. 

- SHOWTIME has signed THE L WORD: GENERATION Q showrunner, executive producer, director and writer Marja-Lewis Ryan to an overall deal through which she will develop television projects exclusively for SHOWTIME. “Marja is our Shohei Ohtani … a gifted two-way player who is both an exceptional writer and an inventive director,” said Levine. “I love the energy, the perspective and the fun she brings to THE L WORD: GENERATION Q, and I look forward to the upcoming season of that series and other inspired creations from her.” 

57 Channels and Only This Is On: July 18, 2021

 

The White Lotus:  I was not expect this show to be a murder mystery but we learned someone died in the first scene.  Obviously we can write off the boring white dude since he was there in the future.  But since he was alone, this heavily it was his wife, but he seemed more angry than sad his wife died.  Plus they already set up plenty of reasons why she would want to go home without him (especially if you include the “This Season On” segment). 

 

Steve Zahn and his possibility of testicular cancer also makes him too obvious.  After the first episode, I would definably put Jennifer Coolidge at the top of my.  She is all alone and sad.  In the trailer she even asks if booze will be served on the boat.  Alcohol and the high seas seem like a pretty bad combination.  But then after I did my internal power rakings of the cast, it occurred to me, does it have to be one of the guests?  Could it be someone who worked there but grew up on the mainland?  The manager is Australian, so probably not him, the pregnant chick seems native to the island, but I would not be too surprised if it is someone else.  Granted the masseuse lady is the only other employee we spent much time with.

 

Kevin Can Fork Himself:  So all the trouble getting the drugs and she is not even going to try and kill Kevin?  So now the plan if for him to go to jail for the drugs?  Seems like a worse plan.

 

The Chi:   So the mayor gets shot last week and they are just going to ignore who shot him?  Is he not even going to plot revenge?  But hopefully they are learning just how hard it is to keep the piece if you are policing yourself.  Dude is going to be the one that gets shot if he keeps going out trying to stop violence by himself.  He has already been punched a few times.  But poor Kevin, finds a girl to play video games with but gets blocked when he tried to shoot his shot.  Though I am not sure why he is getting more freedom after he punched a teacher and got kicked out of school.  Might want to reign that kid in after that.

 

Black Monday:  Oh snap, Mo just not so subtlety called out the Emmy’s for always getting the Best Comedy Actor wrong.  So Dawn is just going to work for Death Row now (assuming the white rapper that was hung over the balcony was Vanilla Ice)?  That should be fun.  I always thought Staight Outta Compton should have a sequel that focused on Dr. Dre’s time at the label and not entirely sure why no one has done it.  Well, maybe I know why and it has to do with everyone being too scared of Suge Knight.

 

Flatbush Misdemeanor:  “Things just don’t make sense, you just go along with them.”  What a great thing for a teacher to say to his class.  About as good as “If only he’s death, I think it’s a win.”  Who knew a bomb threat at school could be so funny.

 

Motherland: Fort Salem:  So the former partners were in the same place at the same time for the first time this season.  I wonder how long until they come face to face.

 

In the Dark:  Man, all that trouble and the cop just takes all the cash.  But that is on the dude.  If you offer the cash, do not present him with a bag, take the right amount out while you care in the car then give it to them.  But now we are closer to my prediction that the blind chick will go back to Chicago and become evidence against the captain.

 

Good Girls:  If the DA is not actually a DA what game is the skincare guy even playing?  Is the lawyer even a lawyer?  Clearly he is just projecting his distain on his wife onto Dean, It is just about control over other people because he lost all control to his wife?

Around the Tunes: July 17, 2021

 

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting.  This post includes blurbs on Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Clairo, Chelsea Cutler, Almost Famous, Tycho and Benjamin Gibbard, Elvis Costello, The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E, Wakefield, and I Love Youu for This.

- The second season of “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” will premiere with the first three episodes on September 8th and every Wu-Wednesday following.  The Clan is disillusioned with life in the projects, and Bobby knows that success in the music industry could be their ticket to better lives. But getting the Clan members to drop everything for music isn’t easy. The resentment between Dennis, Sha, Power and Divine still runs deep, while the other Clan members struggle dealing with intercity life. This time around, Bobby is dedicated to authenticity and though he knows he can lead his crew through the challenges of the music business, the Clan’s fractures may prove too much to overcome.

-  Clairo has released her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, Sling, today via FADER Label/Republic Records. Listen HERE.  Co-produced with Grammy® Award winning producer Jack Antonoff, Sling was recorded at Allaire Studios in Upstate New York and features 12 tracks, including her critically acclaimed track “Blouse,” which the 22-year-old performed live on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last month. Watch the breath-taking performance HERE.

- Platinum Certified singer, songwriter, and producer Chelsea Cutler is back today with her new single, “Walking Away”—listen HERE!  Chelsea Cutler’s new song “Walking Away” hinges on lightly plucked guitar, as she accepts the end of a relationship and says goodbye once and for all through lyrics so personal, they could be a text message. Last year, she shared a short snippet of the track on Instagram, which fans lovingly dubbed the “Jeep Song.” After months of clamoring for its release, she finally delivers it today, and it marks the beginning of her highly anticipated sophomore album, set for release later this year.

- "Look under your bed—it'll set you free."  With those enticingly enigmatic words, an empathetic, hip older sister bequeaths to her hyper-smart but nerdy 11-year-old brother her Rosetta Stone to life in the late-'60s: a prized trove of expertly curated rock, pop, and folk albums that set into chaotic motion young William Miller's eye- ear- and mind-opening journey in director Cameron Crowe's quasi-autobiographical 2000 ode to rock 'n' roll fandom, Almost Famous..  UMe has compiled multiple iterations of the film's Grammy® Award-winning  soundtrack, augmented comprehensively in the limited-edition Uber Box set that encompasses an expanded soundtrack with five CDs, seven 180-gram black vinyl discs, and a brand new 7-inch for Stillwater's "Fever Dog." The expanded soundtrack includes songs from The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Who, and Yes, plus all the songs created for the film's fictional aspiring rock group Stillwater, most written for the movie by Cameron Crowe, Heart's Nancy Wilson and Grammy Award-winning guitarist, Peter Frampton.  The Uber Box includes bonus items such as a 40-page photo book and memoir housed in a film-prop-replica of William Miller's high-school notebook complete with writings by Cameron Crowe, Nancy Wilson, along with cast and crew members; the first-ever complete William Miller cover story on Stillwater as a 1973 Rolling Stone newsprint; two replica ticket stubs from Stillwater's San Diego and Cleveland concerts; and a Stillwater tour poster. Exclusively available only in the Uber Boxset is a Stillwater Cleveland concert poster and a backstage poster; six film-prop-replica backstage passes (some seen throughout the film); three film-prop-replica business cards for Dick Roswell (Stillwater road manager), Lester Bangs (Creem magazine), and Ben Fong-Torres (Rolling Stone magazine); and three photo prints of cast members. Pre-order the ALMOST FAMOUS EXPANDED SOUNDTRACK now and listen to Stillwater's Bonus Track "Love Comes And Goes," HERE.

- 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated electronic artist Tycho and Benjamin Gibbard of 8x GRAMMY® Award-nominated Atlantic Records recording group Death Cab for Cutie have announced the release of a landmark new collaboration. “Only Love” is available now via Mom + Pop Music/Ninja Tune; an official visualizer – designed by Tycho mastermind Scott Hansen – is streaming now at YouTube.  LISTEN TO “ONLY LOVE”

- Gen Z singer-songwriter Claire Rosinkranz announces the ‘Claire Rosinkranz Tour’ for this Fall 2021. The tour is in support of her recently released sophomore EP, 6 Of A Billion – listen HERE!  The tour kicks off November 7^th in San Francisco, with stops in major cities including Los Angeles and Chicago before ending in New York on November 17^th. Spotify Fan First: Tour Pre-sale begins today, July 14^th at 9AM Local Time, and general on-sale begins this Friday, July 16^th at 10AM Local Time. Get tickets and more information HERE.

- Elvis Costello and longtime collaborator, 18-time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® award-winning producer, Sebastian Krys, have brought together a stunning international cast of some of the biggest Latin rock and pop artists from around the globe to interpret Elvis Costello and The Attractions’ album, This Year’s Model, entirely in Spanish. The inspired Spanish-language adaptations are set to the band’s classic studio performances, culled from the original master recordings, which have been newly mixed by Krys, revealing a new power and intensity to The Attractions’ 1978 instrumental performances. The mixes, sometimes running on, allow us to now hear “What Happened Next:” Costello and Mick Jones of The Clash lock dueling rhythm guitars in a thrilling coda to “Pump It Up” or Pete Thomas almost demolishing his drum kit at the end of “No Action.” There is even the occasional vocal cameo appearance by the bandleader, but the album can now be enjoyed in an entirely new way. Spanish Model is set for release September 10 via UMe.  Watch/share video for “Pump It Up” by Juanes.  Pre-order Spanish Model.  Pre-order This Year’s Model

- WE tv debuts groundbreaking original investigative docuseries, “The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E” on Thursday, August 12^th at 10pm. Featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews, the four hour-long installments explore the extraordinary impact Eric Wright, aka “Eazy-E,” had on the music industry and his daughter’s quest for answers to the perplexing circumstances surrounding the 1995 death of the gangsta rap icon.  VIEW SUPERTEASE HERE

- SHOWTIME has picked up the Australian drama series WAKEFIELD, starring British actor Rudi Dharmalingam (The Split, In The Shadow of The Moon). Scheduled to premiere on Monday, October 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME with an eight-episode season, WAKEFIELD is a psychological drama that shines a comedic light on what happens when the sanest individual working in a psych ward begins to lose his grip. A Jungle Entertainment production, WAKEFIELD is executive produced by showrunners Kristen Dunphy and Sam Meikle. The series is directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker, How To Make an American Quilt) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket). 

- SHOWTIME has picked up the half-hour comedy series I LOVE THIS FOR YOU, starring and executive produced by Emmy^® nominee Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live), along with fellow nominee Molly Shannon (The White Lotus, The Other Two) also leading the cast. Bayer co-created the series with Emmy nominee and two-time Peabody winner Jeremy Beiler (Saturday Night Live, Inside Amy Schumer, I Think You Should Leave), who will executive produce. Emmy and Peabody winner Jessi Klein (Inside Amy Schumer, Dead to Me, Transparent) will serve as showrunner and executive produce along with Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, Wet Hot American Summer).