Previewing Restrepo

In ten to twenty years, the Oliver Stone’s of the future should have a much easier time recounting our current war in Afghanistan to the next generation than Stone did with the Vietnam War as there have been plenty of great documentaries and articles by embedded journalist that have come out in the past decade and continue to come including tonight with the debut of Restrepo on the National Geographic Channel at 9:00.

For the film, Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington (seen above) documented an outpost in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley which many consider the most dangerous posting in the U.S. military. They take you there through the boredom, heat, cold, flies, firefights, and meetings with tribal leaders in hopes to make the area a safer place that will have your emotions go from laughter to heartbreak in a matter of seconds. The camera only leaving the area to conduct interviews with the soldiers after their deployment is over. Named after a fallen soldier, Restrepo is a hard look at what our soldiers do to keep us safe at home. Check out a clip below:

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CLVIII

The Walking Dead: I have a real problem with the ending this week, and not even because they killed off the token hot chick (which never a good sign for a show), just last week we saw that the camp is surrounded by those cans, but we didn’t hear them make any noise. After last week’s close call, shouldn’t they have beefed up their alarm system, not make it more porous? You can download The Walking Dead on iTunes.

Chuck: As much as I enjoy Sarah partaking in a kickboxing match, it seems like the writers are trying a little too hard to make us the viewers believe that shge loves Chuck that much to do the things she did in this episode. But I did enjoy the B-plot of the Nerd Herd doing a little quid pro quo to help Captain Awesome. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.

How I Met Your Mother: Remember back when all actors talked about not wanting to be type-cast? Well now all of them are more that welcome to play on their past characters and it is starting to get annoying. Life how many Lost references did you count in this episode just because Hurley made an appearance? That aside, this was the most enjoyable episode of the season so far. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

The Event: I do not understand the turn face of the Vice President. He can easily get his family secret service detail, if they do not have it already. But this was just really a filler episode. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download The Event on iTunes.

Sons of Anarchy: What was the more surprising death, Jax killing Alverez or Stahl killing her partner? These two will do about anything to get what they want, but who will be the one that turns on the other because I do not see both shaking hands and letting the other get what they want out of their orginal deal. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Sons of Anarchy on iTunes.

Glory Daze: I was hoping for more of a confrontation between the Young Republican and the Liberal Professor, hopefully he takes his class next semester. You can stream recent episodes over at TBS.com.

Modern Family: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Hayley cannot break up with Dylan, the show needs more Dylan, not less. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu.



Terriers: Wow, they really pumped things up going into the end of the season which makes me wonder why they didn’t do this overarching storyline the whole season instead of half the season focusing on standalone cases. We finally know what the evil lawyer is up to, an airport. Can’t wait to see how the season plays out. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Terriers on iTunes.

Best of the Week vol. LIV

Quote of the Week: Guys, I can’t go in there, as a Young Republican I vowed to say no to pot... and fulfillment. (Jason, Glory Daze)

Song of the Week: O.P.P. – Naughty By Nature (Parenthood)

Big News of the Week: Please Touch My Junk: The loud minority was at it again this week with people whining about getting groped at the airport, and you can count me in the majority that would rather have my junk touch than blown up in a plane. Seriously, if you think this is such a violation of your right, drive, take a train, or boat. But I have come up with a simple solution for that loud minority, how about too planes, ones where everyone gets felt up, and ones where no does and not x-rays. Then lets see how full the non-groping planes are. Of course the TSA would not have this problem if they hire chicks that looked like Victoria Secret models and dudes that look like they came straight from their other job at the Abercrombie store. In a measure of full disclose, it should be noted that getting me on an airplane is about as easy as getting B.A. Baracus on one, so I have yet to be gropes and stepped onto a plane once last decade and that was only because someone gave me a most expenses paid trip to the set of Veronica Mars.

Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:



New Album Release of the Week: Love Me Back - Jazmine Sullivan

New DVD Release of the Week: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]

Free Download of the Week: Music World Holiday Sampler (Amazon MP3)

Deal of the Week: Amazon Cyber Monday Deals: I would also like to point out amazing album deals that Amazon MP3 is currently running, I am not sure when these are set to expire, but as I write this, you can get albums from these artist for as low as $1.99 such as Kanye West, Sara Bareilles, Weezer, and Arcade Fire. Head over to Amazon MP3 to see if they have any new deals that low for today. If you want these albums for even lower or free in some cases, use the code "GET3MP3S" for a $3 credit from now until 11/30.



Video of the Week: I guess we have Betty White to thank for this, but the latest celebrity the internets have taken up in hopes to get host Saturday Night Live: The Cookie Monster? Alrighty. The hand puppet even made his own audition tape. And of course there is a Facebook page.



Next Week Pick of the Week: Terriers, Tuesday at 10:00 on FX: After its best episode of the series, it should make for an explosive season (hopefully not series) finale of Terriers this week.

The 9th Green's 2010 Holiday Schedule

To find out how to win an Amazon MP3 or iTunes gift card, keep reading.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, or as those outside the U.S. like to call it, Thursday. So I hope you have (or had depending on when you read this) a great Turkey Day. Just a heads up with the holidays upon us, here’s a look at the schedule the 9th Green will be taking the next couple weeks as well as a list of the best of 2010 and on day that are not listed, they will be filled by the regular reviews and such you have come to find at the 9th Green, and I may even try a couple new Best of the year lists (card subject to change):


November 25-26 - Off for Thanksgiving
November 30 – ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Schedule
December 1 - Induction into the Scooter Hall of Fame
December 2 – Grammy Nominations
December 15 - Lyrics Quiz: Best of 2010
December 22 - Worst Songs of 2010
December 23 - Best Albums of 2010
December 24-25 - Off for Christmas
December 26 - Best Videos of 2010
December 27 - Best Performances of 2010
December 28 - Best Mash-ups of 2010
December 29 - Scooter McGavin’s Reader’s Best Songs of 2010*
December 30 - 100 Best Songs of 2010
December 31/Januray 1 - Off for New Years
January 2 - Induction into the Scooter Hall of Fame
January 3 - Best Movies of 2010


*As you may have noticed, on the 29th I will have a Reader’s poll on what you all thought were the best songs of the year.

I will be doing things a little different, which hopefully is easier. All you have to do is fill out the form below. If you have problems with it, feel free to e-mail me, ScooterKSU(at)aol(dot)com, your list. So if you would sometime time before Christmas fill out the form below, I will put a link at the top of the sidebar if you want to think about it. And as an added bonus, if you send me your list this year you can win a $5 Gift Certificate to iTunes or Amazon MP3. Please note, only people with American accounts can win but foreigners are still welcome to voice their opinions. Winners will be contacted sometime between Christmas and New Years.

(Scooter's Note: The list has been compiled and no longer taking entrees)

If you need a refresher of songs from the last twelve months, check out the list of the albums I reviewed for my Terror Alert Scale as all the songs from those albums are eligible, look through the music videos I highlighted the past year and of course any song released this year is okay too even if I didn’t talk about it. Your nominations will be confidential and I won’t disclose it here at the 9th Green, so if you enjoy the 9th Green please fill out the form by December 26.


And with Christmas coming fast upon us, check out Amazon's Black Friday page for your loved ones:

Is Hip-Hop Just a Euphemism for a New Religion?

There has never been a more appropriate sample in the history of rap than when Kanye West used King Crimson’s 21st Century Schizoid Man. Kanye has become the most mentally unstable pop star since Michael Jackson. He always had a massive ego but his music back it up and who didn’t agree with his assessment of how George Bush handled Hurricane Katrina. But dude went off the deep end after the release third album, recorded a horrible emo album, became an intern, ate fish sticks, a failed tour with Lady GaGa, started dating an androgynous chick, set up the most frantic Twitter account, and apparently was the only person that didn’t get the memo that the Video Music Awards are the least legitimate award show out there and made a teenage girl cry in the process.

But as Jackson(who West eulogized at the beginning of All of the Lights) showed us, even in your darkest hour and deepest disappear, great music can come out of it, and West rebounded with one heckova album and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy should have been the natural follow up to Graduation where he goes back and forth between the braggadocios of his first three albums and the self loathing of 808’s and Heartbreaks. And he went big for this album with all but two full song clocks under five minutes thanks to bloated crew tracks (Monster, So Appalled), deconstructing songs after most artist would have ended them (Runaway), and even a monologue from Chris Rock (Blame Game).

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy sees West rap over some of the best beats of his career, from the King Crimson mixed with a choir of ooo’s and hey’s and hand clap of Power, to the string infused Dark Fantasy which sounds like something left over with his collaboration with Jon Brion from Late Registration, but with a choir of ooo’s thrown in for good measure. In fact big choruses are on many of the tracks including All of the Lights that melds vocals of many name singers which most become unrecognizable, even to the singer like Elly Jackson of La Roux who could not even make out her own voice on the song. Then there is the lone note that opens the first twenty seconds of Runaway, which not much else for the other nine minutes but a drum beat and a jarring sample.

But just as any crazy genius, Kanye goes too far and most of those lengthy songs could have been chopped down to three or four minutes getting rid of the eccentricities. The Bon Iver assisted closer Lost in the World would have been better placed on 808’s where West bites Imogen Heap’s layered vocals. And he goes overboard with the guest spots, some of which do not click. I have never understood the appeal of Rick Ross who sounds like he is bored most of the time, and he shows up on to song here (Monster and Devil in a New Dress). And Nicki Minaj (also on Monster which not so coincidentally was the lone G.O.O.D. Friday free download I deleted after hearing it) continues to be the most annoying person on the planet. Then Fergie’s rap on All of the Lights is just straight out painful.

That is not to say all the guest spots are throw away. Pusha T of the Clipse is the breakout star of the album on Runaway who follows West’s apologetic verses about not being a very good boyfriend but saying in effect, yeah I cheated, so what? He also spits a couple of decent bars on So Appalled. But that track belongs to The RZA who brings the energy to the song but is all too short a verse.

West is back to his wiity wordplay on the album, the best being the diss from Dark Fantasy, “Too many Urkles on your team that’s why your wins-low.” Hopefully West follows this route for the next album and doesn’t take another unnecessary detour like the overly auto-tune of 808’s. If he doesn’t I’ll be sure to raise my glass and have a toast to this douchebag.

Song to Download – Power

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Feed Your iPod vol. LII: By Your Side

While watching Scott Pilgrim vs. the World this weekend (which comes highly recommended) there was a song that caught my ear when to characters were about to get very comfortable in one’s bedroom that distracted me because it took me a while to place the song (which is why I wait to watch movies when they come out on Blu-Ray, because I have yet to find a theater that will let me pause or rewind to re-watch something I may have missed). What threw me off was it was a cover and eventually realized it was an alt-rock take on By Your Side originally done by Sade.

When most people think Sade they think of her big eighties ballads, but for me, By Your Side from 2000 was her best outing which got plenty of plays when I was getting very comfortable in one’s bedroom. I am not sure the Beachwood Sparks, the version in the movie, will get the same consideration, but it is an interesting, if not trippy, take on the RnB classic.

A quick review of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: I had high hopes for this film and it totally lived up to it with plenty of Nintendo-era references mixed with comic book graphic and an adorable Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Sky High) as the object of Michael Cera’s (Superbad) affection. But it was the bit players like Cera’s teenage girlfriend Knives Chau and the hilarity of how they get around Aubrey Plaza’s (Mystery Team) dirty mouth that make the movie great. Now I need to download the 8-bit Double Dragon style game adaptation off the Playstation Network. The game better do something cool when I press up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, triangle, O.


By Your Side – Sade




By Your Side – Beachwood Sparks

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CLVII

The Walking Dead: I know the show is about zombies, but does the plot really need to move this slow. I thought going back to Racist McGee would not take the whole episode to happen. His soliloquy in the beginning went on way too long, same for the wifebeater scene. You think for a show that only had a six episode order, they would be in high gear at all times. Speaking of racist McGee, I understand that his brain was literally fried, but would have been that hard to kick that little bar loose he was attached to? Or saw through it when you get the hacksaw? You can download The Walking Dead on iTunes.

Chuck: Why hasn’t this show picked up a full time Nerd Herder since the loss of Anna Wu? It is clear with all the female guest stars from Kristin Kreuk, to Olivia Munn and most recently Summer Glau, they need a tokn hot chick to fill out the Nerd Herd uniform week in and week out. Which begs the question, what is Sarah’s cover these days, can’t she join the Nerd Herd as her cover? You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.

How I Met Your Mother: Why is it that this show always has the lamest guest stars: Britney Spears, the annoying couple from The Hills, and now a Pussycat Doll. I really need to reexamine why I watch this show. Especially after how insulting their depiction of Cleveland was (sure the Big Chuck and Little John reference was nice, or least it would have been had they not retired a couple years ago). Also, we are doing alright with LeGone. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

The Event: Another what the frak ending, almost creepy as the old faced little girl. And I almost didn’t realize what was happening until I thought, wait, Hal Holbrook just got young, then old again. That means I will be watching for at least another week. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download The Event on iTunes.

Castle: These are the types of episodes the show does best, when Castle comes up with an absurd hypothesis that could actually be right, and with every clue Castle gets more giddy and Beckett gets more flustered. And having Lyle Lovett as a Man in Black made it all that better. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Castle on iTunes.

Sons of Anarchy: They are not really going to kill Tara off are they? I do not see how she can get out of that situation, should make for an interesting next episode. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Sons of Anarchy on iTunes.

Survivor: Nicaragua: When did this season get interesting? I still hate basically everyone left, I laughed when their camp burnt down, yet this episode was king of entertaining. I guess it has to do with the comeuppance for Brenda who was too cocky for her own good. I was actually a little shocked that Sash didn’t give her the Idol (and in fact even voted for her). This may set up for blind sides for the rest of the season because there are no strong alliances left. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com.



Modern Family: I was kind of bored with most of this episode (sans Gloria with the BB Gun), but all was forgiven when Mitchell jumped into the Flash Mob, and the detest on Cameron’s face as he tried to join in because he was not invited in on it was priceless. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu.



Terriers: This seems like an episode that should have happened closer to the middle of the season than at the end, but it was still a satisfying flashback. But I do not think we learned why Gustafson told Britt that Hank will let him down. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Terriers on iTunes.

The Challenge: Cutthroat: Finally next episode we will get the anticipated CT sighting that was promised at the beginning of the season. Can’t wait to see how he gets involved (although I will have to wait two weeks, stupid Thanksgiving). And when did Laurel become attractive? You can stream recent episodes on MTV.com. You can also download The Challenge: Cutthroat on iTunes.

The Big Bang Theory: Who knew Penny and Leonard fake dating would be so much more entertaining than them dating for real? Though I am surprised that Leonard did not try to get a sleep over out of the situation.

Community: Even though I saw it coming from a mile away, all the fake outs at the end were still hilarious. I was kind of hoping that one of the guns turned out to be real. Oh well. You can stream current episodes on Hulu. You can also download Community on iTunes.

Also check out my Preview of Glory Daze.

Best of the Week vol. LIII

Quote of the Week: Do you get Big Chuck and Lil’ John here? (Punchy, How I Met Your Mother)

Song of the Week: Free Your Mind – En Vogue (Modern Family)

Big News of the Week: NBC Mid Season Announced: Considering they went with the Jay Leno Hour last year, it is hard to be befuddled by NBC’s scheduling, but their mid-season lineup is weird even for the Peacock standard. Let’s start with the oddest of the odd, Thursdays all sitcom lineup starting January 20, with Olivia Munn’s Perfect Couples taking over at 8:30 after Community, Parks and Recreations getting the post-Office slot, with 30 Rock and Outsourced getting the uncharted 10:00 hour. Which begs the question whatever happened to Love Bites which was supposed to get the 10:00 slot last fall before the show’s virgin character got knocked up in real life? Or give The Marriage Ref back the timeslot for the three hour comedy block?

Instead The Marriage Ref, which for some reason still is an hour show when thirty minutes would work much better, will start up the all reality Sunday night with a two hour The Apprentice following both beginning March . Of course the reason The Apprentice is failing this Fall because it is only one hour. Wow. Of course NBC knows a little something about failing upwards.

Other head scratchers, Parenthood will air every Tuesday in January in its regular spot before being moved to Monday at 10:00 in March where it will replace new show Harry’s Law which will get its limited run started January 17. Which means Chase gets the coveted timeslot against American Karaoke, Wednesdays at 9:00 starting January 12. This means the Law and Orders are getting split up, SVU is getting pushed back to 10:00 on Wednesday while Los Angeles gets the old Parenthood slot starting in February.

Sadly no word on when Friday Night Lights returns.

Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:



New Album Release of the Week: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (CD / DVD Deluxe Edition) - Kanye West

New DVD Release of the Week: The Pillars of the Earth [Blu-ray]

Free Download of the Week: Bloodshot Records Label Sampler (Amazon MP3): Features tracks by The Old 97’s Alejandro Escovedo, and the Bottle Rockets

Deal of the Week: Holiday Albums for $5: This includes albums by Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Harry Connick Jr., and Bob Dylan.



Video of the Week: One last bit of NBC mid season programming, The Cape premieres Sunday January 9 with a two hour premiere that will reair in new timeslot Monday January 10 both at 9:00. But looking at its new promo, entitles Suit Up, Barney Stinson has a legitimate lawsuit he can draw up. But I do think NBC has much confidence in the show as it already has The Event set to return February 28, which by my math only means seven episodes for The Cape.



Next Week Pick of the Week: 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Thursday at 9:00 AM on NBC: It is the annual tradition, this time you can expect appearances by India Arie, Big Time Rush, Betty Buckley, Ann Hampton Callaway, the casts of Broadway’s American Idiot, Elf, Memphis and Million Dollar Quartet, the Big Apple Circus, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Miranda Cosgrove, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Gloriana, Michael Grimm, Arlo Guthrie, Keri Hilson, Eric Hutchinson, Juanes, Victoria Justice, Gladys Knight, Mannheim Steamroller, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, Power Rangers Samurai, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Crystal Shawanda, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, and Kanye West. Wait, Kanye West? Here’s hoping he has a run in with co host Matt Lauer. Or maybe he will also show up in primetime during Taylor Swift’s special airing at 8:00 on NBC.

Around the Tubes vol. LXXV

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 The Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas, Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, The President’s Photographers: 50 Years in the Oval Office, Brew Masters, LENNONNYC, Appitalism, Shazam, Strange Days with Bob Saget, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Seinfeld, and Atomic Tom.

- We still have to wait a week and a half until ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, but starting this Sunday, it is The Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas. See what is in store in the video below:



- Tonight, Jesse Venture tackles the biggest Conspiracy Theory of them all: The JFK Assassination. He is said to have never-published CIA documents that could link the plot to the Watergate break-in and four US presidents. It airs tonight at 10:00 in TruTV.

- The latest HBO documentary premieres this Monday at 10:00. Public Speaking was directed by Martin Scorsese and is about legendary New York writer Fran Lebowitz. Here is the trailer:

Trailer

- There have been plenty of iconic presidential photographs and next Wednesday PBS is turning the camera on those who take those pictures for The President’s Photographers: 50 Years in the Oval Office. And if you want to see those iconic shots, look out for the companion book, The President’s Photographer: Fifty Years inside the Oval Office on bookshelves now.

- Premiering this Sunday at 10 on the Discovery Channel is Brew Masters which “follows Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Brewery and his partners as they travel in search of exotic ingredients and ancient techniques to produce beers of astounding originality.”

- The Beatles fans rejoice, the Fab Four in now available to download on iTunes. For the John fans, PBS is airing LENNONNYC on November 22 at 9:00 (check your local listings).

- eMusic recently lost the music library from Domino Records, Merge Records and Beggars Group, but you can still find music from those labels as well as 10 Million music downloads at Appitalism.com, “the first site to combine a social community with an online store to help consumers quickly and easily discover, discuss and download the best digital content for all devices.”

- Remember that Married with Children episode where Al gets a song stuck in his head but he can’t remember the name, just five notes? Too bad there wasn’t Shazam back in nineties, it can identify music anywhere then allow you to buy the song instantly and share with your Facebook friends. Shazam is available on iPhone, Android, Symbian, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile devices.

- Last week I predicted they had ran out of Reality TV subjects with the Hasselhoff show, but A&E decided to prove me wrong but announcing Strange Days with Bob Saget premiering Tuesday November 30 at 10:00 with back to back episode. I will only watch if Kimmy Gibbler shows up. In other A&E reality news, Gene Simmons Family Jewels returns Sunday December 5 at 9:00.

- What would Thanksgiving weekend be without a television marathon? Starting at 11:00 AM on Friday, TBS will be hosting a Seinfeld Happy Festivus marathon running until 7:30.


-Finally, for those looking for some live music today from the warm confines of your computer chair, at 7 PM (4 PT) head over to livestream.com for a live acoustic set from Atomic Tom.

I Want My Music Television vol. XCV

There have been a couple of videos that have caught my eye lately so I thought I’d give them some love since the death of Musical Television left a void for a forum on the art form. If you are interested in buying the video through iTunes, click the title link (where available). If you are interested in buying the song, look for a link in the analysis.


Pow Pow - LCD Soundsystem



MTV is actually putting the Music back into their name. No, they will not be showing more music videos, but for some really they are going to back roll higher produced music video dubbed Supervideo. The first partnership is that with LCD Soundsystem who recruited Scott Pilgrim vs. the World actress Anna Kendrick playing, um, I have no idea what is going on here. Money well spent MTV.


Playing God - Paramore



Speaking of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, is the lead singer of Paramore the real life version of Ramona Flowers?


Bright Lights Bigger City - Cee Lo Green



When I saw Cee- Lo Green released a video for Bright Lights, Bigger City I was hoping for a Michael J. Fox cameo. Alas it was not meant to be.


Last Leaf - OK Go



OK Go has another interesting video backed by a mediocre song out, this time with 100% more bread.

Previewing Backwash

People ask me why I blog and it is quite simple: for the chick and swag. And recently I received the weirdest piece of swag ever: a sausage stuffed into a sock. No euphemism, actual edible meat in a lone sock. Needless to say my interest was piqued. The accompanying screener was for the new webseries Backwash that premiered earlier this week on Crackle.

The series follows three slackers, Michael Ian Black (VH1’s I Love the…), Joshua Malina (Sports Night), and Michael Panes (Confessions of a Shopaholic) who inadvertently rob a bank (spoiler alert: it involves a sausage wrapped in a sock) and of course hilarity ensues. Each episode features a new narrator which includes John Hamm, Ken Marino, Jeffery Ross and many others.

Backwash is irreverent and is reminiscent of old Three Stooges type absurdness with a modern bent and is worth the seven minutes if you have the time to watch it. You can find Backwash on Crackle, the first three episodes are up now with a new episode premiering every Monday and Wednesday through December 20, 2010. You can follow Crackle on Twitter and Facebook. Now I need to figure out what to do with my solitary sock now that I have eaten my sausage.

Previewing Glory Daze

If you ever wondered whatever happened to the tradition sitcom that you grew up with, they are currently on TBS from the recently canceled Bill Envall to all the Tyler Perry sitcoms. But much like all those family sitcoms from the eighties, they are moderately funny at best and look very cheap. But with the recent signing of Conan O’Brien (not to mention landing March Madness), it seems like TBS has a bit a swag to them, and they are branching out from their safe sitcom fare for the first time since the embarrassing Outback Jack.

Case in point, Glory Daze, their first post-Conan offering. An hour long set in the eighties at college that actually looks like they spent money on, with the college setting, large cast, period clothing, and an actual eighties soundtrack that includes the Talking Heads, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Duran Duran, The Cars, Shannon, The Pretenders, The Fixx, Kim Wilde, Spandau Ballet, Trio, The Clash, Madness, The Ramones (and for some reason Jefferson Airplane) and that is just in the first episode. Of course we will have to see if TBS spent their entire licensing budget on the pilot or if this signs of things to come.

Like any real college, our main cast is a rag tag group of friends who only hang out due to their placement in the same dorm. Kelly Blatz (Aaron Stone’s Aaron Stone) is the pre-med student who gets wrangled into pledging. Drew Seeley (Another Cinderella Story) has the chance to be the most entertaining Republican on television since Alex P. Keaton. Hartley Sawyer (Glory Daze, this is basically the only thing on his resume) is there on a baseball scholarship that can get any lady he wants, as long as Mike Schmitt does not (expletive delete) block him. And what college story would be complete without the dork that can’t get any loving, here that comes in the form of Matt Bush (you may remember him best from AT&T’s roll-over commercials).

Rounding out the cast is Callard Harris (Sons of Anarchy) as the care free fraternity recruiter the guys rush. Juilianna Guill (the stupendous actress from the Friday the 13th reboot) is the object of Blatz affection who manages to avoid all the bad eighties hairstyles. Then Tim Meadows (The Bill Envall Show) pops up as your token liberal college professor who undoubtably will have a few run ins with the quite literal Reagan-hugging Sealy.

Knowing the greenness of the main cast, Glory Daze has signed up quite a few comedy veterans besides Meadows to show up throughout the season. The pilot boasts Brad Garrett (Everybody Love Raymond) and Cheri Oteri (Saturday Night Live) as Blatz oversharing parents, and David Koechner (The Comebacks) as the college’s baseball coach who gives some interesting works of wisdom. Also showing up sometime this season are Kevin Nealon, Fred Willard, John Michael Higgins, Andy Richter, D.L. Hughley, and Michael McKean. For those keeping track at home, that is six SNL alums.

Lame title (why they went with the name of the unwatched Ben Affleck movie instead of the awesome Bruce Springsteen song, even writing the review in Word, it wants me to change the name to Glory Days every time I write it), plot lines we have already seen on ABC Family’s Greek (and Animal House and ever other fraternity themed movie) and cheesy tongue and cheek modern references (electronic mail will never catch on) aside, Glory Daze is the first original TBS program that lives up to the network’s Very Funny tagline. The over eager Bush steals most of the scenes he is in but it is his Asian roommate who gets the biggest laugh of the first episode as he visits the Asian fraternity.

TBS has long been the red-headed step child to TNT, but with Glory Daze, TBS finally has a show the matches the quality of their sister station.

Glory Daze airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on TBS.

Lyrics Quiz: 1986

Tomorrow see the premiere of Glory Daze, the TBS series that is sent at a college in 1986. Due to its setting; there will be plenty of great music that will make up the soundtrack (assuming that TBS will have a budget to get the rights, the Pilot is music heavy). In honor of the premiere, I have collected some of my favorite songs for 1986. As always leave your guesses, both artist and song title, in the comment section or e-mail me. If you are correct I will un-bold the lyric. Please keep in mind the lyrics quiz is for entertainment purposes only so please only use your own meandering mind to guess them. Now onto the lyric quiz:


1. Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye.
2. I was eighteen, didn’t have a care. Working for peanuts, not a dime to spare.
3. Not the word from your lips, you just took for granted that I want to skinny dip.
4. In the paper today: tales of war and of waste, but you turn right over to the TV page.
5. You could have a bumper car bumping. This amusement never ends.
6. Now Little Bo Peep cold lost her sheep and Rip van Winkle fell the hell asleep. And Alice chilling somewhere in Wonderland, Jack’s serving Jill a bucket in his hand. (Peter Piper - Run-DMC; guessed by Rose)
7. I used to be a renegade, I used to fool around. But I couldn’t take the punishment and had to settle down. Now I’m playing it real strait and yes I cut my hair.
8. I don’t want to end up a cartoon in a cartoon graveyard.
9. Er war Superstar. Er war popular. Er war so exaltiert. Because er hatte Flair.
10. When the mirror crashed I called you in time to her you say, “If only for today I am unafraid.”
11. Every time I see you falling I get down on my knees and pray. I’m waiting for that final moment you say the words I can’t say.
12. You must have been heaven sent. Hearing me call you went out on a limb.
13. Set me free why don’t ya babe? Get out my life why don’t ya babe?
14. I know you are an emotional girl. It took a lot for you to not lose faith in this world. But I can’t offer you proof but you’re gonna face the moment of truth.
15. That’s when you she told me a story about free milk and a cow. And said no huggy no kissy ‘till I get a wedding vow.
16. I hardly know this beauty by my side. I’ll never forget the way look tonight.
17. Her weapons were her crystal eyes making every man mad.
18. Well, the whole world’s got you dancing, that’s right, I’m telling you. It’s time to start believing, oh yes, believe in who you are, you are a shining star.
19. You don’t have to watch Dynasty to have an attitude.
20. I got the gun, you got the booze, you got two chooses of what you can do. It is not a touch decision as you can see, I can blow you away or you can ride with me.
21. I got a job waiting for my graduation. Fifty thou a year will buy a lotta beer.
22. The further on the edge, the hotter the intensity.
23. Did you hear the one about Gina? Some say she’s much too loose. That came straight from a guy who claims he’s tasting her juice. (Rumours - Timex Social Club; guessed by Rose)
24. Went to see my physician Dr. Jones. He took my trousers off; told me to cough. Dr says there ain’t nothing to discuss. He tells me anyway I might have to wear a truss.
25. I am a man who will fight for your honor. I’ll be the hero you’ been dreaming of.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CLVI

The Walking Dead: I kept on waiting the whole episode for that grenade Rick picked up to come into play (I wonder why he never tried to find the keys to the tank?); I thought he might toss it down the ladder when he realized the Walkers might climb up. I thought he might use it in the front of the department store with all the Walker broke through the first window. I thought he might use it on the grate in the sewers. I thought he would use that as the distraction as they went to get the truck. But in never came into play. Hopefully we have a good pay off with the grenade.

I thought while watching the credits this week, if these were in fact spoilers. Is it safe to assume that those that didn’t make the title sequence are essentially redshirts for the zombies to eat? Thankfully none of the actors have much name recognition so I really do not know who cast members are and who are just supporting actors. You can download The Walking Dead on iTunes.

How I Met Your Mother: So Barney finally get the name of his father in the same episode we meet Zoey’s father husband. Not that I really cared much about either as I kept hoping the whole episode would be Ted saying “wieners”. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

The Event: What the frack was with that ending? I think that creeped me out more than anything on The Waking Dead this week. But anyway. Didn’t Sterling have a picture of Thomas, how didn’t he recognize him in the elevator. Wasn’t his flashback about how he was going to pay attention to detail to everything, how he missed an alien standing right next to him. And what is with the promo about finally learning who tried to assassinate the president? Don’t we already know it was Hal Holbrook and his shady cabal? And how did his crony go from a broken leg held at gun point by a Federal Agent to standing on two legs free? Did I miss something? You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download The Event on iTunes.

Castle: Wow, that was the least sad I have ever seen anyone who had just been told their pet ran away. I know as a guy I have been more lenient to a big butt and a smile than I should, but I would be very happy if some token hot chick lost one of my pets, I’d at the very least want some tears before I even considered accepting an apology. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Castle on iTunes.

Parenthood: Just as I predicted, Patty Pryor and Vince Howard hooked up and it was as creepy as I expected. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Parenthood on iTunes.

Sons of Anarchy: I can’t believe they let the incest go as far as they did, but I guess I should not expect that Sons of Anarchy will not step over the preverbal line considering just earlier in the episode they went all Hostel on one of the characters. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Sons of Anarchy on iTunes.

Survivor: Nicaragua: It has been pretty clear that they decided to cast a whole group of Russell’s and this season is suffering greatly. I’m hoping the teaser was a meteor that killed half the tribe which means they will have to end this season early. And hopefully the next season isn’t the much rumored Russell vs. Boston Rob season. Of course if Survivor were to ever bring back Russell how do you not vote him off the first tribal he goes to? You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com.



Terriers: It has been song long since they mentioned it, I almost forgot the overarching plot. And they brought it back with a vengeance with that reporter poking into that land developer. Though I do not understand why Hank presented himself to the guy afterward, seems like a risky proposition considering his henchmen is good at concealing murder. And it was nice seeing the Nerds of Dooms back again as the worst kidnappers ever. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Terriers on iTunes.

The Challenge: Cutthroat: Who would’ve guessed that MTV would have a stronger concussion policy than the NFL? You can stream recent episodes on MTV.com. You can also download The Challenge: Cutthroat on iTunes.

The Big Bang Theory: I have never been a fan of a female version of Sheldon, but Amy continually checking out Wikipedia for things to do at a slumber party was pretty hilarious, especially when she tried lesbian activities.

Community: I do not know what a bottle episode is and I do not care what a bottle episode is, I am just disappointed I had to see Chevy Chase in his underwear, but Annie never stepped out from behind the desk. You can stream current episodes on Hulu. You can also download Community on iTunes.

Outsourced: India really needs more holidays where Charlie can shoot off his guns in the streets. You can stream current episodes on Hulu. You can also download Outsourced on iTunes.