Around the Tubes: June 3, 2023

  

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 Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, Jack Johnson, Jhené Aiko, and Fellow Travelers.

- Kenny Rogers’ first posthumous album, Life Is Like A Song, out today via UMe, is a heartfelt collection of songs that were near and dear to the late legend but in most cases never released. Curated and executive produced by the Country Music Hall of Famer’s widow, Wanda Rogers, the album features eight never-before-heard recordings, spanning 2008-2011, and showcases Rogers’ range through an array of original material and covers, including interpretations of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” and Lionel Richie’s “Goodbye,” as well as the artist’s long-sought-after lost duet with Dolly Parton, “Tell Me That You Love Me,” presented here in a never-before-released, newly remixed form. A digital deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks: a cover of the Mack Gordon/Henry Warren standard, “At Last” (made famous by Etta James), and the Buddy Hyatt-penned original, “Say Hello to Heaven.” Life Is Like A Song is available now on CD and vinyl as well as digitally. The release marks the first new non-Christmas studio album by Rogers in 10 years and the only non-compilation/non-reissued full-length album to be released on vinyl since 1991.  Stream or purchase Life Is Like A Song: https://kennyrogers.lnk.to/LifeIsLikeASongPR

- Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, The Beach Boys’ magnum opus, Pet Sounds, changed the notion of what an album could be when released in May 1966, forever altering the course of popular music. Breaking away from the surf rock that made them global stars, The Beach Boys’ 11^th album in just four years couldn’t have been more different than what came before, especially the acoustic rave-up, Beach Boys’ Party!, featuring their smash hit “Barbara Ann,” that preceded it by only a few months. Influenced by The Beatles’ Rubber Soul and Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production, creative visionary Brian Wilson took a left turn from their standard formula of upbeat songs about girls, surfing and the Southern California lifestyle and sought to create what he called “a complete statement.” In turn he produced an album like nothing before, one that revolutionized modern music by venturing into uncharted musical territory, both in composition and production, employing innovative recording techniques and pioneering the use of the studio as an instrument. Across 13 exquisite tracks, Pet Sounds pushed the boundaries of sonic experimentation, introducing a rich tapestry of complex, orchestral arrangements, unconventional instrumentation like Theremin and Coca-Cola bottles for percussion, flawless, trademark harmonies by Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love and new addition Bruce Johnston, and deep, introspective lyrics that went beyond anything the group had ever sung about. The record influenced The Beatles and their longtime producer George Martin to push the creative envelope when making their groundbreaking album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts, and paved the path for countless generations of musicians and producers. Today it remains one of the most pivotal and beloved albums ever made.  Stream Pet Sounds In Dolby Atmos:  https://TheBeachBoys.lnk.to/PetSoundsinAtmosPR

- Multi-platinum musician Jack Johnson’s new remix album, In Between Dub, is out today through Brushfire and Republic Records and available through all digital platforms and and select retailers on CD and Vinly,  In Between Dub, a hand-selected collection of some of Johnson’s favorite songs over an incredible two-decade career, features a reimagined collaborative compilation of classic Johnson tracks remixed by some of Reggae’s most influential names like the late Lee “Scratch” Perry, Dennis Bovell, Nightmares on Wax, and Subatomic Sound System.

-  Sleep Soul, a fresh R&B-inspired take on the traditional baby sleep music genre presented by Jhené Aiko, reveals its latest installment Sleep Soul: Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music (Vol. 3). Listen to the new project – HERE.  Curated by Jhené, Sleep Soul: Relaxing R&B Baby Sleep Music (Vol. 3) encompasses 20 soothing tunes crafted to inspire and maintain a good night’s sleep. Vibrant R&B melodies melt into downtempo rhythms encased in warm synths tailored to receptive young ears. “Sleepy Bear Soothing Serenade” opens the album with mesmerizing echoes and ambient rain sounds across a soft soundscape. “R&B Lullaby Dreams” and “Counting Sheep With Brown Noise” pacify and precipitate rest. Finally, “Sweet Dreams With Sleepy” provides a delicate conclusion to the evening with a gentle twinkling piano melody.  Expanding the vision yet again, Sleep Soul has introduced a merchandise store with premium infant clothing. The release consists of a baby beanie, onesie, and Sleepy The Bear plushie that gently plays Sleep Soul Vol. 3 album from a hidden speaker inside. Check out the full store – HERE.

- SHOWTIME has released the first teaser for its new limited series FELLOW TRAVELERS. The eight-episode drama is created by Oscar^® nominee Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia, HOMELAND) and stars Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart, The Boys in the Band), Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), Jelani Alladin (The Walking Dead World Beyond), Allison Williams (Get Out, Girls) and Noah J. Ricketts (American Gods). Bomer and Nyswaner will executive produce with Robbie Rogers (All American, My Policeman) and Dee Johnson. Daniel Minahan (Halston, American Crime Story: Versace) will executive produce and direct the first two episodes. Co-produced by Fremantle and SHOWTIME, FELLOW TRAVELERS will premiere on Paramount+ With SHOWTIME later this fall.   To watch and share the teaser, go to: https://youtu.be/hC5DsDt0FGQ.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 28, 2023

 

Fatal Attraction: I am still pretty confident that Lizzie Caplan is not dead.  That is all I really can say because not that much interesting in this episode.

 

The Blacklist:  When they first called that person “agent Malik” I thought someone was impersonation Siya’s.  It was not until someone called her “Meera” that realized these were flashbacks.  Hopefully we get more of this the rest of the season because it is the only interesting part.

 

Fear the Walking Dead:  Not only did Morgan and Grace give up their kid, so did Dwight and Sherrie.  What happened these last couple years that all four just gave up like that?  We got some vague flashbacks last week, but it is still a bit puzzling.  Also puzzling, cutting of the index finger of someone you want to make a cure for zombieism.  That could come in handy, kind of stupid to cut it off.

 

The Clearing:  Yeah, I called the adult lady to be one of the kidnapped girls very early on.  Okay, I did think was going to be the most recent kidnapped girl.  I wonder if she will show up in the current timeline.  I wonder what happened to all those kids.

 

Saint X:  I have been saying the frumpy chick was the murderer all season, but after the penultimate episode, I am starting to have doubt.  I am beginning to think the “mistake” she talked about a couple episodes ago was to suggest the devil’s threesome.  Then after spending all season thinking that

 

Class of ‘09:  So they are done with the character of the week already?  Poor boring white dudes never got their own episode.  So are we to assume the one boring white dude lost his arm in the building collapse? 

 

Survivor:  Well, that was a bottom five season.  It has been a while since there has been a good one.  I looked back at my rankings and have not given any season over a “5” since David vs. Goliath. 

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  Why is Olivia’s parents given their blessing to her teacher?  How do they not think that is gross?

 

Yellowjackets:  I am confused.  Is that really the end of the Adam storyline?  Are the cops really going to believe that Kevyn killed him because Walter cyber framed him?  Are they just going to overlook that Kevyn had two bullets in him.  Oh, and that he actually died by being drugged.  And drugged at the same compound and day that a high school classmate also died from an overdose whose needle was injected into her chest.  Oh, and another one of his classmates and the owner of the compound had a bullet in her shoulder.  How exactly do they explain all that?  And wouldn’t six Yellowackets being on the premises  where two deaths and one shooting attract massive media attention.  Is this chapter really over or is Walter just being delusional when he said he fixed everything?  Feels like the Yellowjackets should be in a bigger mess than they were when it was just Adam.

 

But on the bright side, at least Coach Ben finally realized he should try to kill all those crazy benches.  Hopefully the writers take this extended writers’ strike to realize what went wrong and spend the downtown thinking up a coherent third season that can right the ship.

 

Around the Tubes: May 27, 2023

 

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 Searching For Soul Food, Benee, Lauren Spencer Smith, Noah Kahan, Asia, and Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs.  

- Check out the official trailer for Hulu’s food and travel series, “Searching For Soul Food.”   The series premieres all episodes on June 2, 2023 on Hulu   Searching For Soul Food” follows rock star celebrity chef, Alisa Reynolds, as she discovers what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out the food, she’ll also explore the stories, the people, and the traditions of each place she visits, bringing her own flavor right along with her. The international journey finds Chef Reynolds exploring the culinary worlds of Mississippi, Oklahoma, Appalachia, South Africa, Italy, Jamaica, Peru and Los Angeles. 

- Alt-pop musician BENEE has collaborated with New Zealand mental health charity Youthline and leading neuroscientists on a new single, “Bagels,” scientifically designed to help reduce anxious feelings.  LISTEN TO “BAGELS” HERE.  Written and produced specifically to support young peoples’ mental wellbeing, “Bagels” uses musical elements identified by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) neuroscientists to relax the nervous system, modify brain activity and ease feelings of anxiousness.

- Lauren Spencer Smith, the singer songwriter with a booming voice and over one billion global streams, shares her romantic new single “That Part.” “That Part” is a beautiful pop ballad about leaping heart-first into a relationship — the single comes on the heels of the announcement of her debut album Mirror, due 7/14 which is accompanied by a 42-city global headlining MIRROR Tour.  The track builds upon the momentum of Lauren’s 2023 releases, “Best Friend Breakup” (Euphoria Magazine called it, “a full story, worked by the juxtaposed, unfiltered feelings of traded melodies and sharper beats); and “Fantasy” a collaboration with GAYLE and Em Beihold that confronts toxic relationships.  These songs followed Lauren’s previous two RIAA platinum certified singles, “Fingers Crossed” and “Flowers.”  

- Critically acclaimed Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan proudly announces his new mental health initiative, The Busyhead Project. Sharing its name with his 2019 debut album, The Busyhead Project will join forces with a handful of national and local organizations to increase mental health awareness, amplify discussion, and democratize resources. Its first goal will be to raise “$1 million for mental health” with Noah donating a portion of every ticket sold on the upcoming summer leg of his “Stick Season Tour”. Impressively, over $325,000 has already been raised for The Busyhead Project.  LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUSYHEAD PROJECT HERE

- BMG Music has released the legendary ASIA studio album Phoenix with a highly collectible double vinyl edition, available today, May 26^th. Asia are the multi-platinum selling English rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021. Their 1982 self-titled debut album reached number one in several countries, including nine weeks topping the US charts, with lead single ‘Heat Of The Moment’ making the top 40 in over a dozen, including US #4.  Pooling the talents of John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe, ASIA immediately became the epitome of a supergroup of rock aristocracy and the natural heir to its members’ legendary bands of the 70s – King Crimson, Emerson Lake & Palmer, The Buggles and Yes.

- Raw, real, and rife with shocking revelations, this new unscripted series follows 10 Muslim American sisters whose faith and bonds are put to the ultimate test while trying to navigate cultural expectations, their careers, and love in Los Angeles. The number #1 rule The Sozahdah sisters swear by is “family over everything.” But what happens when the secrets these sisters hold sacred are revealed and the TV show they thought would bring them together threatens to tear them apart?  Check out the official traile for the new Hulu unscripted series "Secrets & Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs."  All episodes premiere June 7, 2023 on Hulu.  Trailer: HERE

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 21, 2023

 

Fatal Attraction: So Lizzie Caplan really killed the old lady.  Cool.  But they teased us with blood in her apartment, I am still pretty convinced it is not hers and she is still very alive.

 

Fear the Walking Dead:  So there was a big time jump where the baby we once knew is now a precocious little girl.  Gee, where have I seen this before?  But am I really supposed to believe that Morgan just gave up and did not even try to get

 

Saint X:  Much like Yellowjackets, the earlier timeline is more interesting, but the crazier the sister get, the more entertaining the present day timeline gets.  Hopefully she gets crazy enough to confront Gogo in the next episode.

 

Class of ’09:  Unlike Yellowjackets and Saint X, the earliest timeline is the least interesting part.  I could actually do without it completely.  I even kind of forgot if there was any ’09 timeline this week.  At least the other two are kind of tying into each other as we see why each are into the Minority Report type program.  But I do not get why they are doing a character of the week for a show that is an eight episode mini-series

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  So TJ said his final starts now at the end of the elimination and then they let everyone get a good night’s sleep right afterward.  Does that really count as TJ’s final?  But really just another run of the mill Challenge finale.    They really should switch things up.

 

Survivor:  What happened between Rotu and Sika that they will only vote for each other and just let Tika run the game.  This was the last time to do something about the trio, even if they forced a tie.  Letting Tika run this game already made this a bottom 5 season.  But it has been a while since there has been a above average season.  It is time for a hard reboot, and not one that involves more scavenger hunts.  

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  Wait, Susan had an abortion?  I remember they forked, but I missed that a doctor took care of it.  And when did Dot get interesting?  She seemed like such a background character all season.

 

Yellowjackets:  Well that is an interesting way to play Russian roulette.  I guess I should specify that I was referring to drawing the Queen of Hearts because Lottie wants to play in the current timeline.  At the time, I was wondering if there was any significant to Javi drawing the King, but I guess if they do not kill the Queen; the King is a worthy alternative.  So all that time, Javi never did tell anyone where he was.  It looks like he was about to tell Natalie, but then the wilderness took him.

 

But at least it looks like Coach Ben found where Javi’s hiding spot with plenty of tiny bones, so it looks like Akilah’s dead buddy’s family might be there too.  So we may be able to put two and two together on what Javi was doing when he was missing.  But the one big unanswered question is: who exactly is the person who told Javi he should not go back?  Was it Other Tai?  Could there be someone else down there?  We only have one more episode to learn the answer to or it might be a long wait with the writer’s strike.

 

So is this where the warring tribes are split?  Nat vs. Lottie?  Will Lottie’s crew take the cabin and Team Nat will be in the tree?  I am having trouble figuring out who would actually follow Nat.  It seems to be just Travis, Ben, and maybe Shauna and/or Tai.  I could see Misty playing both sides.  I wonder if we will get a hard split by the end of the season or will be have to wait until the next one.

 

Then in present day, all the secrets came out and Lottie’s big solution is to sacrifice one them to the Wilderness and everything will be alright again.  Ooof.  I am not entirely sure if everyone says no.  Well, maybe there will be a Javi situation and the Wilderness will take someone and those girls will get a reprieve like Nat did back in the nineties.  One of Lotttie’s purple people has to be disposable.

Around the Tubes: May 20, 2023

 

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 Futurama, Imagine Dragons, John Mellencamp, Lord Huron, Lyn Lapid, Willie Nelson, Noah Kahan, Greta Van Fleet, Revival Season, Charlie “Bird” Parker, and The Venture Bros.

- Season 11 of “Futurama” is set to premiere on Monday, July 24th with one episode. New episodes will be released weekly on Mondays on Hulu.  After a brief ten-year hiatus, Futurama has crawled triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact. The ten all-new episodes of season eleven have something for everyone. New viewers will be able to pick up the series from here, while long-time fans will recognize payoffs to decades-long mysteries – including developments in the epic love story of Fry and Leela, the mysterious contents of Nibbler's litter box, the secret history of evil Robot Santa, and the whereabouts of Kif and Amy's tadpoles. Meanwhile there's a whole new pandemic in town as the crew explores the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV.

- Hulu announced a forthcoming documentary film “Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas”, a love letter to the band and the city that helped make them one of the biggest acts in the world. An intimate look at performances of the band’s chart-topping hits during their current “Mercury Tour” and archival interviews, Dan, Wayne, Ben and Daniel recount the evolution of the band, from where they started to where they are now, the highs and the lows. The Hulu Original Documentary premieres Friday, July 14. Internationally, “Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas” will be available to stream on Star+ in Latin America and on Disney+ in all other territories at a later date.  Far from the days of playing in dive bars and casinos across the Las Vegas Strip, Imagine Dragons returns home to perform at the city’s largest stage, Allegiant Stadium, in a triumphant concert film that showcases the band's rise to fame and the city that helped shape their sound.

- John Mellencamp is gearing up to release his much-anticipated album Orpheus Descending. Today, he shares another taste from the LP with new song “The Eyes Of Portland”—listen/share HERE and watch/share the official lyric video HERE.  Orpheus Descending will now be released June 16 via Republic Records. Pre-order the album HERE.  “The Eyes Of Portland” follows “Hey God.” Listen/share HERE, watch/share the official lyric video HERE.

- Lord Huron unveiled a new song entitled “Ace Up My Sleeve”, which was featured in the new film The Starling Girl, notably scored by Lord Huron vocalist/guitarist Ben Schneider.  The Starling Girl opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, May 12, with additional markets following on Friday, May 19. The film was written and directed by Laurel Parmet and stars Eliza Scanlen, Lewis Pullman, Wrenn Schmidt, Austin Abrams, and Jimmi Simpson.  Listen to “Ace Up My Sleeve”—HERE.

- 20-year-old buzzing songstress Lyn Lapid continues her new musical chapter with her latest single “ok with it,” accompanied by the official music video, both out now on Mercury Records/Republic Records–listen HERE and watch HERE. The song is the newest track from Lyn’s forthcoming EP, to love in the 21^st century, out this summer.  Across “ok with it,” acoustic guitar brushes up against a fluttering synth loop as Lyn’s vocals practically hover atop the verses. Her voice swoons on the refrain, “it's the end and i'm ok with it” as horns carry her harmonies off to the heavens. With its emotionally charged lyrics and unshakable hook, “ok with it” illustrates her natural progression as a songstress and performer all at once.

-  In celebration of the legendary Willie Nelson turning 90 this year, several of his beloved albums from the 1990s and 2000s that were never released on vinyl at the time will be pressed on vinyl in a variety of options over the next few months. The releases will kick off June 23 with his 2002 collaborative album, The Great Divide, followed by 1998’s acclaimed, cinematic, Daniel Lanois-produced Teatro on August 4 in honor of its 25^th anniversary. Willie’s 2000 ode to the blues, Milk Cow Blues, will come on September 15 as a double LP, while 1996’s stripped-back and emotionally raw Spirit will bow on October 20, just ahead of the American icon’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 3. The Great Divide and Milk Cow Blues will be making their vinyl debuts while Teatro and Spirit return to vinyl due to popular demand after being available in limited capacity but now long out-of-print.  All albums will be available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as a limited edition color variant on 140-gram vinyl, exclusively available at uDiscover Music and WillieNelson.com. The Great Divide and Spirit will be pressed on clear vinyl while Teatro and Milk Cow Blues will be on translucent red vinyl and orange vinyl respectively. The LPs are available for pre-order now here: https://WillieNelson.lnk.to/90thVinylPR

- Critically acclaimed, Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan reveals the upcoming release of Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) out June 9th via Mercury Records/Republic Records. The highly anticipated, extended version of 2022’s breakout album will feature seven new tracks, including “Dial Drunk,” which has already received an incredible response from fans online after Noah began teasing the song on social media, amassing millions of views to date. Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) will arrive just in time for Noah’s summer leg of the “Stick Season Tour,” which is completely sold out and includes two nights at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and one night at Los Angeles’ The Greek Theatre.  Noah says, “I deeply appreciate your patience and your support for this project, and I am so incredibly grateful to be able to continue telling this story. I can’t believe I get to do this for a living, and I can’t imagine a better community to make music for.”

- Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet is debuting their new track “Sacred The Thread;” listen HERE and watch/share the visualizer HERE.  “I always like to think that some people’s first impression of Greta Van Fleet in concert is, ‘Wow, these guys really like dressing to the left and blowing shit up,’” notes frontperson Josh Kiszka, adding, “this song is particularly important to me because it’s about my jumpsuits.”

- A new era has begun, platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and Gen Z pop king Conan Gray unleashes an infinitely catchy new single and music video entitled “Never Ending Song” out now via Republic Records.  Listen to “Never Ending Song” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.  Powered up by bright and bold neon synths, it updates eighties New Romantic vibes with 21^st century style and spirit with production courtesy of the legendary Max Martin.

- Revival Season – comprised of rapper BEZ and Jonah Swilley, a founding member of Mattiel and also known for his production work with Moonwalks and Night Beats – today share "Chop", their latest single for Heavenly Recordings.  Claustrophobic as hell and crunching down in all the right places, "Chop" is a close-quarters, rapid fire hip-hop track from the Atlanta based duo. Talking about the track they said: "This one came together naturally, and gives you a look into future lyrical and production themes coming from us The video happened the same way, just us walking through downtown Nashville making people uncomfortable."

- Throughout his brief but influential life, Charlie “Bird” Parker made an enormous impact on popular music and laid the foundation for modern jazz. The jazz titan, inarguably one of the greatest saxophonists of all time, grew up in Kansas City, Mo., and spent much of his adult life in New York. Nonetheless, the city of Los Angeles looms large in his musical life as he spent more time in L.A. than anywhere outside of K.C. and N.Y. From 1945-1954, Parker made half a dozen trips to the City of Angels where he recorded many of his greatest musical triumphs. In December of 1945, Parker and Dizzy Gillespie changed music forever by bringing the sound of bebop from the East Coast to the West Coast for a fabled two-month residency at Billy Berg’s Supper Club in Hollywood billed as “Bebop Invades the West.” Parker would end up staying in L.A. for an extended amount of time during which he gigged around town, recorded at a Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) concert, and made pivotal recordings for the nascent Dial label. Following a drug-fueled physical and mental collapse at the infamous July 29, 1946 “Lover Man” session, he was committed to Camarillo State Mental Hospital for a six-month stint for his struggles with addiction. Shortly after being released in January 1947, Bird would stick around for a few more months, which included a well-documented two-week engagement at the Hi-De-Ho Club, before heading back to NYC. He would return to L.A. four more times: briefly in November 1948 with JATP, for a three-month stay during the summer of 1952, and for shorter visits in 1953 and 1954.  Stream/purchase Bird In LA now: https://charlieparker.lnk.to/BirdInLA

- *Date Changed*  For the first time ever, all episodes from Adult Swim's award-winning original adult animated series are brought together in one set with The Venture Bros.: The Complete Series. Get ready to experience thrilling action-packed adventure along with acute family disfunction and binge all 82 episodes from the seven season run along with all the previously released special features. The Venture Bros.: The Complete Series will be available to purchase Digitally and on DVD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment on June 13, 2023.

Previewing Ghosts of Beirut

 

“This is a fictional account of deeply researched events.”  That is how Ghosts of Beirut starts off.  It is not quite The Great’s “An occasionally true story,” but an interesting way of telling us this ripped from the headlines story may or may not actually be how the story went down.  The titular character is Imad Mughniyeh, the founder member of Lebanon’s Islamic Jihad Organization, second in command of Hezbollah, and was credited to killing the most Americans before the 9/11 attacks including the 1983 U.S. embassy bombing.

 

The show follows Mughniyeh follows him as a 21-year-old though his over quarter century reign of terror threw his eyes and the CIA and Mossad agents they tried to hunt him down.  The fictional retelling of his story is intertwined with real talking head comments from journalist and the agents who were in the CIA at the time and well as real footage of newscasts reporting many of the terror attacks credited to Mughniyeh.

 

Covering multiple decades in four episodes means a lot of jumping around and with much of the emphasis on Lebanese characters and many Mossad agents the show has plenty of subtitles.  Still Ghosts of Beirut is an important highlight on someone most Americans do not even know the name even if they lived through the eighties and definitely remember his warpath.  The limited series stars an international cast including Dina Shihabi (Jack Ryan, Archive 81), Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding), Garret Dillahunt (12 Years a Slave), Iddo Goldberg (Snowpiercer), Hisham Suleiman (Munich, Fauda), Amir Khoury (Image of Victory) and Rafi Gavron (A Star is Born).

 

Ghosts of Beirut airs Sundays at 10:00 on Showtime, but you can stream or watch all four episodes On Demand starting Friday.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: May 14, 2023

 

Fatal Attraction:  Oh thank goodness, Lizzie Caplan killed the old lady (allegedly).  I thought she might have killed the dog.

 

The Blacklist:  I was befuddled when Red was still part of the task force assuming killing the one dude in a federal building without the FBI’s knowledge would be a step too far.  I guess it was as Red scrubbed himself from the record and did not show up to the meeting with the Committee Chair.  It just took a week longer than I expected.  But maybe the bigger news is that the new chick was adopted.  I have to assume this will somehow tie back to Red.  He cannot possibly be the father, van he?

 

Saint X:  My pick of the brunette chick got a good bump this week when she said she made a horrible mistake.  Though the preppy dude and the creepy pregnant couple were also implicated in that cold open.  Maybe everyone was there when she died. 

 

Class of ’09:  Well those first two episode were kind of a borefest.  Hopefully things pick up and soon.  Quantico was a pretty bad show, but at least it was not boring.

 

The Challenge: World Championship:  The show really needs to stop people like Tori and Kacee with their predetermined alliances on the show.  It makes it so boring to watch.   The veterans really ruined what could have been an entertaining season.  Those country specific shows were much more entertaining without them.

 

Survivor:  So are they not going to explain why the two chicks would rather the tribe breakdown to be 3-2-1 instead of 2-2-2.  That makes about as much sense as the guy with an Idol not playing it even though an Idol got played for the person he voted for.  What did he think would happen?  Clearly Tika was on to him so he basically had a one in four shot that the votes would come to him.  That may be a top ten dumbest play in the history of the show.  Almost as silly was the Tika saying they would be in the majority if the votes go their way.  It is still three-three and I believe they know that one of those three has an extra vote.  So they could easily get voted out with a three to four split.  Of course those two have to wise up and vote out a Tika next week and wise moves and been few and far in-between this season.  Thankfully only one episode left.  I am ready for this season to be over.

 

Titans:  That ending made no sense.  How did Superboy come back to life?  I knew he would, but at least put him under some yellow sun so it makes sense.  There are just too many of this inconsistency to name.  Good riddance to this poorly executed show.  It should have been much better.

 

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies:  I did not think I needed an episode dedicated to the T-Bird and after this episode, I gotta say, I was right.  Those kids have absolutely no charisma, especially compared to John Travolta.

 

Yellowjackets:  I was getting ready to write that this was the first episode where the modern day scenes were more interesting than the 90’s… and then Shauna had to go and punch Misty out of nowhere and just wailed on Lottie, so I think it may be a draw.  But still, I am disappointed that it took so long for all the girls to get to the cult (one of them noticeably said “we’re all here,” does that mean everyone else is a goner?).  The Misty tank may end up going down as the most entertaining scene of the series.

 

Speaking of the “we’re all here,” prior to that I believe Lottie mentioned that most everyone was there, but they hid the face to begin and for a second I thought maybe she was talking to Ben, whom Misty just talked off a cliff, before revealing it was her psychiatrist who turned out to not be there.  So it looks like my prediction that Ben kills himself is wrong… for now.  Though I did not see him in the brawl at the end.  What a weird scene, we all assume Ben is a goner, this seemed like a perfect time for him to go, his imaginary lover seemingly abandoned him, but in the end, Misty talking about there been too many deaths stopped him.  So is he actually going to survive?  I cannot image he will kill himself now, after being talked off the ledge.  Will they actually give him some sort of heroic death?  Coach Ben making it to season three may be the biggest shocker on the show, but almost seems likely now.

 

So much going on this episode which unfortunately means no time for Javi to explain what happened to him once again.  So one even mentioned that if javi could survive two months, Crystal could survive a couple days, no one in that moment thought to ask, yeah, Javi, how exactly did you survive in the freezing cold all alone for that month?  They really are going to drag this out all season, aren’t they?

 

Then we have to add the question of what happened to <strike>Crystal</strike>Kristen.  At least Javi is a healthy teenage boy even if dead-ass Jackie could not survive the same storm, <strike>Crystal</strike>Kristen was spitting up blood when given chest compressions, there is no way she could have gotten far.  Though maybe the question should not be did she move, but did someone move her?  I know I have been saying that this is a mystery box show and it would be silly to suggest that the same people that kept Javi alive for months saved <strike>Crystal</strike>Kristen, but I will put it out there just in case this does turn into a mystery box show.

 

With so much going on, it is almost easy to forget that the two remaining redshirts were the first to bring up cannibalism.  Kind of a big moment for two characters that have been so insignificant so far. 

Around the Tubes: May 13, 2023

   

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs Jack Johnson, MisterWives, Kenny Rogers, Pete Townshend, Noah Kahan, Lauren Spencer Smith, Clairo, Joy Oladokun, Jeremy Zucker, Eliott, Nanna, Kiana Ledé, Taylor Swift, Searching For Soul Food, Afghan Dreamers, and POV. 

- Multi-platinum musician Jack Johnson has released a new album track, “Calm Down (Dennis Bovell remix),” available through all streaming platforms today. The thoughtful track is the latest preview to Johnson’s summer remix album, In Between Dub and follows the incredible company of released songs, “Traffic In The Sky (Lee “Scratch” Perry remix)” along with “Better Together (Nightmares on Wax remix).  British Reggae legend and multi-instrumentalist, Dennis Bovell lent his talents to “Calm Down,” a beloved track off Johnson’s critically acclaimed 2022 album, Meet The Moonlight. With Blake Mills and Johnson on guitars and vocals, Bovell added drums, bass and organ for the remix.

- New York City/Los Angeles-based alt-pop group MisterWives announce their highly anticipated fourth studio album Nosebleeds due out July 14 and available for pre-order now. Plus, the band announces the Don't Look Down Tour with Bishop Briggs across North America this fall with tickets on sale now via misterwives.com/tour. Alongside the announcements, the band shares the booming, tenacious title track out everywhere now and its accompanying video, which premiered exclusively via Rolling Stone.  Nosebleeds, highly anticipated fourth studio album by MisterWives, propels the group into all new territory, this time, equipped with bravery, confidence and strength. Through a decade-long career, of tremendous highs and lows, the forthcoming project meets the band at their most evolved as they turn their pain into power. Over ten compelling tracks, the band digs deeper than they ever have before, capturing the nuances of life's highs and low and re-defining what it means to succeed and to fail.

- Kenny Rogers’ first posthumous album, Life Is Like A Song, due June 2^nd via UMe, is a heartfelt collection of songs that were near and dear to the late legend but in most cases never released. One of the unreleased treasures, available to stream and download as of today, is “Catchin’ Grasshoppers,” the centerpiece of the stunning and emotional new song cycle, featuring unreleased cuts and coveted rarities that tell the story of the love, life, loss and faith between Rogers and his family. A deeply personal ode to Rogers’ twin sons with Wanda Rogers, Justin and Jordan, “Catchin’ Grasshoppers” was written by Laura McCall Torno and Earl Torno, with production work by Rogers and Randy Dorman (a member of Rogers’ band, Bloodline, since the 1970s). The moving tune finds Rogers reveling in the quiet, precious memories made with his young children, now aged 18. Rogers sings, “Years from now I won’t remember this day/I won’t recall the field/But I’ll remember my children’s eyes/Lighting up like stars when they were five/Yes, I’ll remember/Catchin’ grasshoppers.”  Listen to “Catchin’ Grasshoppers” and pre-order Life Is Like A Song here: https://kennyrogers.lnk.to/LifeIsLikeASongPR.  Curated and executive produced by the Country Music Hall of Famer’s widow, Wanda Rogers, the album features eight never-before-heard recordings, spanning 2008-2011, and showcases Rogers’ range through an array of original material and covers, including interpretations of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” and Lionel Richie’s “Goodbye,” as well as the artist’s long-sought-after duet with Dolly Parton, “Tell Me That You Love Me.” A digital deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks: a cover of the Mack Gordon/Henry Warren standard, “At Last” (made famous by Etta James), and the Buddy Hyatt-penned original, “Say Hello to Heaven.” Life Is Like A Song will be available on CD and vinyl as well as digitally. The release marks the first new non-Christmas studio album by Rogers in 10 years and the only non-compilation/non-reissued full-length album to be released on vinyl since 1991.

 

-  June 23, 2023, sees the release of the first in a series of half speed mastered studio albums from Pete Townshend, Rough Mix and Empty Glass.  These limited-edition black vinyl versions have been mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley and cut for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a half-speed mastering technique which produces a superior vinyl cut and are packaged in original sleeves with obi strips and certificates of authenticity. Rough Mix is presented in a gatefold sleeve, and Empty Glass features a full-color inner bag with full lyrics and a 12” x 24” poster.  Rough Mix was initially released in September 1977 while The Who were on hiatus and was a collaboration with Small Faces bassist the late Ronnie Lane and features contributions from Who bassist John Entwistle, Eric Clapton, and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts among others.  AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW.

- Ahead of his upcoming, sold-out “Stick Season Summer Tour,” critically acclaimed Vermont singer and songwriter Noah Kahan drops a live rendition of his fan favorite song “Orange Juice” and captivating cover of Jason Isbell’s “If We Were Vampires” featuring Wesley Schultz of The Lumineers for Spotify Singles–listen HERE.  The updated, piano-ballad version of “Orange Juice” features Noah’s raw and emotional vocals alongside his signature songwriting. On the acoustic guitar-driven “If We Were Vampires” cover, Noah and Wesley’s voices fuse together, creating a stunning reimagining of the Jason Isabell classic

- Today, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith announces her debut full length album Mirror, to release July 14 via Island Records/Republic Records.  Mirror, which will feature 15 deeply moving, personal records tells a story filled with autobiographical ups and downs. The title Mirror is personal and deliberate.  “I’ve been working on this album for years. It has been with me through so much in my life, the highs and the lows, and it means more to me than I can put into words. It tells a story of reflection, healing and growth.” says Spencer Smith. “I went through a hard breakup, and the album tells the story of that all, the journey of that and now being in a more happy relationship. The title comes from the one thing in my life that's seen me in every emotion through that journey— my bedroom and bathroom mirror.”  Songs from the album have already amassed over 1 billion streams. Released in 2023, "Best Friend Breakup" presents a song that resonates with almost anyone yet fills a creative void, while most recent single "Fantasy" confronts toxic relationships through a collaboration with GAYLE and Em Beihold. Having grown up in a small town without a music community, Smith considers her collaborators the friends she always longed for. The chemistry from their group chats comes alive in the single and video.

-  Today, artist, songwriter, and producer Clairo unveils her Live at Electric Lady EP, the latest release in the Spotify and Electric Lady Studios series. The five-track EP features re-imagined versions of fan favorite hits from her discography and critically acclaimed sophomore album Sling, including “Bags,” “Amoeba,” “Zinnias,” “Partridge,” and “Blouse.” Not to mention, Clairo’s performance of “Amoeba” for the EP recording was her first time performing the song live on-camera.  Clairo says, “I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to perform at Electric Lady. A huge thank you to everyone involved!”

- A new performance video for acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s song, “Taking Things for Granted,” is debuting today. Watch/share HERE.  "Taking Things for Granted” is from Oladokun’s new album, Proof of Life, which was released last month to overwhelming acclaim via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records (stream/purchase here). In celebration of the record, Oladokun performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” last week and recently spoke with The New York Times, who proclaims, “the singer-songwriter with Springsteen aspirations wants to make music for everyone. Her new album, Proof of Life, pushes her one step closer,” and continues, “her songs are conversational and confessional, and her hooky but profound melodies turn her lyrics into mantras.”  “Nashville’s most low-key musical revolutionary…in this time of shifting priorities away from work toward self-care and connection with others, Oladokun is offering a master class in those subjects”—Rolling Stone

- Multi-Platinum Certified singer, songwriter, and producer Jeremy Zucker drops his new single, “OK,” via Mercury Records/Republic Records—listen HERE.  The introspective and emotionally charged track is a reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health in a world that can often be overwhelming and stressful. With his signature blend of indie pop and electronic music, Zucker delivers a raw and honest performance as the song explores the feelings of uncertainty that many people experience on a daily basis, and encourages listeners to take a step back and take care of themselves.

- Alt-pop singer and songwriter Eliott continues to build the anticipation for her debut album with the release of the evocative new single “Control” – listen HERE. Fueled by Eliott’s soul-drenched vocals, “Control” is accompanied today by the official video directed by Charles Buxton-Leslie (known for his work with G Flip, ASHWARYA, Yergurl) and arrives fresh from supporting Irish singer/songwriter Cian Ducrot on his Australian leg of his World Tour – watch HERE.  Eliott shares, “Control is about unreciprocated love. It is about feeling isolated and vulnerable and coming to terms with the fact that you can’t force someone’s affection when you have already given them everything.” 

- Since announcing her debut solo project in January, anticipation has been mounting for Nanna’s new album How to Start a Garden, out today via Republic Records. She’s given fans a sneak peek at the 11-song project with the releases of three advance tracks: “Godzilla,” “Crybaby,” and “Disaster Master.” Produced by Nanna alongside collaborators Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift) and Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, War on Drugs, Hiss Golden Messenger), How to Start a Garden is a tremendous solo introduction from this highly acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer.  LISTEN TO HOW TO START A GARDEN HERE

- Platinum-selling Phoenix-raised and Los Angeles-based artist and R&B’s foremost femme fatale Kiana Ledé uncovers a brand-new single entitled “Deeper” today via The Heavy Group/Republic Records.  Listen to “Deeper”: HERE.  The track’s silky guitar melody wraps around an understated beat. Meanwhile, her sensual delivery echoes by turning up the heat, culminating to a climactic chorus.

- Taylor Swift has made history once again this week. The vinyl release of folklore: the long pond studio sessions debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200, logging the “The highest chart debut for a Record Store Day Vinyl ever.” Right now, she occupies three spots in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 (#3 folklore: the long pond studio sessions, #4 Midnights, #10 Lover), joining Whitney Houston as the only female soloist to achieve this milestone. Moreover, folklore: the long pond studio sessions has emerged as “the first vinyl-only release to land in the Top 10” in the modern era. At the same time, it has earned her the title for “Most #1 Albums” on the Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart. The album also more than doubled the previous highest selling record store day sales record. The previous record was 35k units and folklore: the long pond studio sessions sold 75k.

- Onyx Collective debuts the teaser for upcoming Hulu food and travel series, "Searching For Soul Food."  All eight episodes will premiere on Friday, June 2 only on Hulu.  TEASER: HERE.  “Searching For Soul Food” follows rock star celebrity chef Alisa Reynolds as she discovers what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out the food, she’ll also explore the stories, the people, and the traditions of each place she visits, bringing her own flavor right along with her. The international journey finds Chef Reynolds exploring the culinary worlds of Mississippi, Oklahoma, Appalachia, South Africa, Italy, Jamaica, Peru and Los Angeles. 

- Paramount+ today announced it will exclusively premiere the award-winning MTV Documentary Film, AFGHAN DREAMERS. Executive produced by Emmy® Award winner Sheila Nevins and Oscar® winner Ellen Goosenberg Kent, the feature-length documentary will launch on the streaming service Tuesday, May 23rd.  Winner of the Best Human Rights Film award at Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland and the Audience Award for Tiempo de Historia at Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain, AFGHAN DREAMERS tells the harrowing story of an all-girl robotics team from Afghanistan as they struggle to succeed in international competitions, while combating their male-dominated culture under the threat of Taliban rule. It has been a sensation at film festivals across the country including: Boulder, Cleveland, Dallas, Montclair, SCAD Savannah and more.

- Multi award-winning series POV, hailed as America’s longest-running non-fiction series on television, enters its 36th season with a slate of 16 feature documentaries with themes devoted to caregiving, transnationalism, activism, childhood aspirations, accessibility, and intergenerational relationships.  The series’ commitment to provide a public platform to showcase bold forms of nonfiction storytelling by filmmakers with diverse voices and perspectives brings audiences unforgettable protagonists with unique points of views. Half of Season 36’s films are directed by women, and over two-thirds by filmmakers of color.  Celebrated films previously announced this season include POV alumni director Simon Lereng Wilmont and producer Monica Hellström’s timely Oscar®-nominated documentary A House Made of Splinters. As the war in Eastern Ukraine takes a heavy toll on families living near the frontline, a small group of strong-willed social workers work tirelessly in a special kind of orphanage to create an almost magical safe space for kids to live in. In Vietnamese first-time director Hà Lệ Diễm’s riveting Oscar® Shortlisted feature Children of the Mist, she details the challenges facing a Hmong girl living in rural Northern Vietnam caught between tradition and modernity.