Around the Tubes: September 7, 2024

   

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Benee, Weezer, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, America, ABBA, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Paisans for Kamala.

- Ahead of its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Hulu has announced the premiere date for the highly anticipated original film "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band."  The film premieres on October 25, 2024, on Hulu and Disney+.  Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band offer the most in-depth look ever at the creation of their legendary live performances - sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage - as well as hearing directly from Springsteen on the topic. Fans get the chance to experience professionally shot footage from the 2023-2024 tour for the first time ever - while following the band through their one-of-a-kind preparation process, and onto performances for tens-of-thousands across continents.

- Kicking off what promises to be another bold and bright creative chapter, Multi-Platinum alt-pop visionary BENEE returns with a brand new single entitled “Sad Boiii,” out now via Republic Records—listen HERE. It notably marks the first release from the New Zealand-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter since 2023, and it also heralds more music to come soon. The song is released alongside the music video, directed by Nikki Milan Houston and featuring a very special guest, Cotton the lamb—watch HERE.  On this highly anticipated release, BENEE leaps forward by looking back, nodding to a formative musical memory in the process. The track captures the breezy energy of a New Zealand summer into its loosely strummed guitar chords and island-inspired beat. At the same time, the sun-kissed soundscape only gives her lyrics more gravity. Over the production’s buoyant bounce, she exhales, “No, I don’t want another sad boiii.” As always, her dynamic approach simply enchants.

- GRAMMY® Award-winning multi platinum alt rock icons Weezer will celebrate three decades of their seminal full-length debut LP, Weezer a.k.a. the Blue Album, with the release of the Blue Album 30th Anniversary Edition on November 1, via Geffen/UMe. This must-have for any Weezer fan will be available in multiple configurations, including a massive Super Deluxe Edition 4LP + 10-inch + 7-inch box set as well as a Deluxe 3CD set, and digitally. Pre-order any of these amazing options HERE.   To herald the arrival of Blue Album 30th Anniversary Edition, Weezer just shared the earliest known recording of “Undone – The Sweater Song (Third Practice).”  Listen HERE.

- In celebration of its 40^th anniversary, Capitol Records and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), in conjunction with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, announce the October 25 release of Frank Sinatra’s L.A. Is My Lady with Quincy Jones and Orchestra.  The vinyl is a reproduction of the 1984 LP release and features the original 11 songs. The CD and digital versions will appear as Deluxe Editions featuring six bonus tracks, three previously unreleased, plus the original liner notes by Stan Cornyn with new notes by Charles Pignone that include revealing quotes from the main participants. Long-time Sinatra engineer Larry Walsh created new mixes for this release.

-  Capitol Records/UMe announces the first-time vinyl release of Dean Martin’s Greatest Hits on November 1, 2024. This 1LP collection of 13 classic tracks will be pressed on standard black vinyl available in retailers nationwide and on exclusive limited-edition color vinyl available for pre-order, HERE.  Greatest Hits notably boasts 13 of Dino’s biggest hits and signature songs on one comprehensive compilation. These range from “That’s Amore” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” to “Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu)” and “Sway (Quien Sera),” among others. Fittingly, the album concludes with the heartfelt “Return To Me (Ritorna-Me).”

-  For nearly five decades, an unforgettable live performance from the iconic band AMERICA at the Hollywood Bowl lay dormant as a lost treasure. That night included many surprises: a stunning rendition of the band’s smash hit, “A Horse With No Name,” replete with an orchestra conducted by Sir George Martin, the world’s most famous producer; skywriting and fireworks that went hilariously awry; and a program of songs that have since become indelibly imprinted in popular consciousness.   That special night is widely available for the first time ever as America – Live From The Hollywood Bowl 1975 (Primary Wave Music; distributed by Sun Records). The record comes out almost exactly 49 years to the day of the performance (the show took place on September 5th, 1975). The never-before-heard tapes were recently restored and recently mixed and produced from the original master tapes. Previously issued in limited quantities on Record Store Day, the 20-track album is now being released on CD, on a new red vinyl variant, and digitally.  Stream/purchase the album here

- he 50th anniversary of ABBA’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest on April 6^th 1974 has been thoroughly celebrated all over the world – not just the triumph with ‘Waterloo’, but the group’s amazing accomplishments and their position as one of the world’s major pop bands. And the celebrations aren’t over yet! In October 2024, Polar Music International will issue a magnificent box set of ABBA’s single A-sides: The Singles – The First Fifty Years. The compilation brings together, for the first time, not only every ABBA single issued by Polar up until 1982 but also the singles released in conjunction with 2021’s Voyage album.  The Singles – The First Fifty Years is the ultimate celebration of ABBA’s pop music genius!  Linkfire: https://abba.lnk.to/TheSingles50Years

- GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys are excited to announce their new album, Mama’s Boys from Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers, set for release on Friday, October 25. This project marks their fifth collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and was recorded at Historic RCA Studio A and Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. To build anticipation for the album, the first single, “I Thought About You, Lord,” featuring Willie Nelson, is available for download and streaming on all digital platforms today and has been premiered exclusively by Whiskey Riff!  To preorder: orcd.co/mamasboys

- With the stakes higher than ever in the 2024 election, the Italian American community is rallying together to flex its political and celebrity influence in support of the Harris-Walz ticket. Paisans for Kamala, organized by the Italian American Democrats, is hosting a star-studded Sunday Sauce Kickoff on September 8th at 6 PM ET. This event isn’t just another organizing call—it’s a family-style gathering where participants will share stories, recipes, and the values that define their heritage, all while mobilizing to support the Harris-Walz ticket. At this virtual dinner table, you’ll hear from some of the most prominent Italian American figures, including Robert De Niro, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Alyssa Milano, Lisa Ann Walter, Anthony Scaramucci, Rosa DeLauro, and Jim Messina. Not only will they discuss why they’re doing everything possible to make sure Kamala Harris is the next president, but they’ll also share their favorite family recipes, traditions, and what makes their heritage so important.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: September 1, 2024

  

Snowpiercer: I feel like I missed an episode, I do not remember what happened to Roashe at all.  But we are getting the inevitable teamup between Wilford and Layton.  I am sure that will end well.

 

Orphan Black: Echoes:  Apologies for the “Thanos was right” type statement, but is cloning the smartest people in attempt to solve climate change and other major issues at the time really that bad?  Sure, very unethical to do this without permission but it should do more good than harm.  But a bad ending to a bad show.  I audibly laughed when the bad guy killed the younger Jessica Jones only for there be another one with a bad wig.

 

Only Murders in the Building:  Backula!!!  Though, he is kind of on top of my murder board after the first episode.  But the big question is: is he a good enough shot to kill someone from across the street and through glass?  Maybe I should scroll through his IMDB to see if he has any sniper experience.  There were moments that I thought maybe Sazz did not die as my number one rule in television shows, if you do not see a body, then they are not dead (and even if you see the body, there is still a chance they are not really dead).

 

I guess the Bulgarian replacements pretty much confirm it was her, but I still go back to my number one rule on television.  Until I see a flashback, I will probably still have an inkling she somehow survived.  But then who is the body?  Could Sazz have put something in the incinerator and have spare parts to make people think she is dead?  Though the killer presumably cleaned up after themselves.  It is weird that the camera made note of Sazz writing something with her blood, but the killer then cleaned it up.  Unless some forensic equipment will be able to detect it.

 

The Challenge: Battle of the Eras:  Well, looks like Tony Time is already over.  Moron.  I usually complain whenever the peanut gallery helps one contestant, but that was just karma that everyone ganged up on Tony.

 

The Ark: Myonly take away from this episode: nerd sex.  I am kind of glad this is not on premium television.  I am not sure I wanted to see a more graphic version of that scene.

Around the Tubes: August 31, 2024

  

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 Noah Kahan, Stevie Wonder, James Bay, John Legend, Jimmy Carter, and #Unfit.

- To mark the end of his sold-out and critically acclaimed “We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour” this week, GRAMMY® nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Noah Kahan drops his new live album, Live From Fenway Park, today via Mercury Records / Republic Records—listen HERE. Recorded last month at his back-to-back sold-out shows at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park, the live album is a celebration of Kahan’s massive touring success over the past two years and the final installment of the Stick Season chapter. It features a new unreleased song, “Pain Is Cold Water,” which has gone viral online with fans anxiously awaiting its official release, as well as a live duet performance with fellow GRAMMY® Best New Artist nominee and singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams on “Everywhere, Everything,” who was a surprise special guest during the first night at Fenway Park. On the record, fans can also listen to live versions of Stick Season tracks and favorites from Kahan’s discography, including “Mess” and “Maine.”

- Stevie Wonder shares his new song “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” out now via Republic Records. Listen HERE.  It marks his first solo release since 2020. On the track, Wonder trumpets a call for unity embodied in heartfelt lyrics as he asks, “Can we fix our nation’s broken heart? Are we brave enough to try?” Backed by acoustic guitar and a steady beat, this anthem provides the rhythm and refrain for a core reminder, “We are family.” Ultimately, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” upholds his lifelong commitment to breaking down walls and bringing people together.

- Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated and BRIT Award-winning multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Bay shares a new single entitled “Easy Distraction” out now via Mercury Records. He co-wrote the song with Brandon Flowers of The Killers, marking their first collaboration. The song sets the stage for the release of his anxiously awaited fourth full-length album, Changes All The Time, now landing on October 4, 2024. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE. See full track listing below.  Listen to “Easy Distraction”—HERE.  About the song, Bay said, “The song is about realizing too late that someone means so much to you, but you still want to show them and let them know. It’s exploring how, in the face of adversity we can still reach out, we can still connect. 

- Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend today unveiled My Favorite Dream, an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families, out now via Republic Records: Kids & Family.  A “lush yet gentle collection” of “soulful, capital-J John Legend songs” (Los Angeles Times, Associated Press), the project was produced by singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, and features nine original tracks written by Legend.  As part of a collaboration with Fisher-Price, the album also includes three bonus tracks with covers of songs from their beloved toys. My Favorite Dream is available to stream/download HERE.  In conjunction with the album’s release, Legend shared a sweet video for “Always Come Back” from the album.  Watch it HERE.  “I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend, father of daughter Luna (8), son Miles (6) and two toddlers, daughter Esti and son Wren. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids.  We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”

-  Just one month before Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, Virgin Music has released Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration. The project features recordings from President Carter’s final Sunday School lessons delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church, in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter speaks about the importance of love, kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. His moving lessons are paired with stirring music.  “Let’s celebrate and honor President Carter’s remarkable wisdom through the jubilant power of music. His teachings have inspired us all. Music is a perfect medium to express the joy and gratitude we feel for him,” said Kabir Sehgal, a longtime Carter family friend who orchestrated the music.

- From the filmmakers of the critically-acclaimed blockbuster #UNFIT: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DONALD TRUMP, which grossed over $2.5 million, has been viewed by millions, and was nominated for the IDA Documentary Awards Video Source Award.  Director, producer, and writer Dan Partland and producer Art Horan are back with #UNTRUTH: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TRUMPISM examines the psychology of “Trumpism” and the authoritarian strain that it seeded in the American political landscape.  In #UNTRUTH, political conservatives, psychologists, and historians explore how partisanship, disinformation, and social media lead to the anger, conspiracy theories, and political violence, that is threatening democracy around the world.  WATCH THE TRAILER FOR #UNTRUTH NOW: https://youtu.be/cPQ0hDDNZaU

Transmissions from Pluto - Everything coming to Pluto TV in September 2024

 

There’s so much fresh content to stream (for free!) next month on Pluto TV. September brings spectacular new sports action to the service, from a boatload of coverage and analysis of the new NFL season to two new contact sports channels with the launch of ONE Championship TV and  Women of Wrestling. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're expanding our channel lineup in the category and have gathered recommendations from our programming team for what they’re most excited to watch this month. And for fans looking to return to a place where everybody knows your name, we have a new Cheers + Frasier channel to deliver nostalgic vibes.  For a closer look at all the entertainment coming to Pluto TV in September, check out the latest edition of Transmissions from Pluto.

STREAM LEAGUE

With the kick-off of the new football season next month, fans will turn to the NFL Channel for the latest news and in-depth analysis all week, including NFL GameDay Preview, NFL GameCenter Live, the NFL Fantasy Football Show, NFL Daily and more. Every Sunday, CBS Sports HQ will have 15 hours of wall-to-wall gameday coverage, including Gameday Pregame, Gameday Scoreboard, Primetime Pregame and Scoreboard Final, featuring score updates, analysis, highlights and on-site reporting at CBS broadcast games. Plus, tune in the rest of the week for even more football action, including Fantasy Football Today segments seven days a week. Are you ready to Ruuuuuuuuuumble? In September, Pluto TV will give you ringside seats to the best in contact sports programming with two brand new knockout sports channels: ONE Championship TV and WOW - Women of Wrestling. These channels join Pluto’s all-star Sports Category lineup, covering MLB, PGA Tour, PBR, Bellator MMA, World Poker Tour and so much more. And if you’re looking for more sports storytelling, we have a wealth of uplifting sports movies and documentaries streaming live and on-demand.

FAST FAMILIA SPANISH LANGUAGE PICKS FROM THE PLUTO TV CREW

Clockwise: Peter Chavez, Monica Acevedo, Grecia Vela and Mario Tardon ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! It’s been five years since the launch of our dedicated Spanish category, and we couldn’t be more proud. Pluto TV was the first FAST service to offer a dedicated category for the U.S. Hispanic audience, with a diverse collection of shows and films in both English and Spanish. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month we asked our programming team to give their recommendations for what to stream. Acapulco Shore “The show follows a group of friends living it up in Mexico’s wild party scene, packed with drama, laughter and crazy nights. For nonstop fun and excitement, this show is a must-watch. Trust me, you won't be able to look away.” — Grecia Vela Cine Clásico “What a privilege to watch all of those classic titles that, not a long time ago, were hard to find on one single channel. Toña Machetes is my favorite. I always love to describe it as ‘If Quentin Tarantino would have adapted a novela back in the 80s.’ It’s a must!” — Mario Tardon Comedy Central en español “If I’m looking for a mood boost and a good laugh, Comedy Central en español is the right place to find it. Whether I’m ready for some interesting and very inaccurate historical facts with Drunk History, or just want to enjoy some of the funniest stand-up comedy in Bar Central, I’m sure I will laugh out loud watching this channel.” — Monica Acevedo Casos de la Dra. Polo Caso cerrado is a classic. I can remember it always being on at my family’s home so it’s amazing that we now get to highlight the series on the channel Casos de la Dra. Polo.” — Peter Chavez

PREPPING FOR LAUNCH

Here are some of the new channels and movies launching throughout September on Pluto TV.  Acapulco Shore  Welcome to Acapulco Shore: where the fights, drama and chaos are non-stop. Tune-in to see the contestants on one of the wildest journeys on television. The party doesn't stop on Acapulco Shore; join the fun! Cheers + Frasier Sometimes you want to go where you know everybody’s name. Whether it's a barstool in Boston or a shrink’s couch in Seattle, there’s always a place for you on Pluto TV’s Cheers + Frasier channel. La Familia del Barrio The very successful adult animation La familia del barrio is on Pluto TV. This Mexican family will mock reality with a high dose of dark humor. Everything can happen in this hilarious series. ONE Championship TV Experience all the action from the world’s largest martial arts organization on ONE Championship TV, featuring MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and more! Check out the best fighters on the planet, weekly events, and behind-the-scenes originals! Pluto TV Novelas We offer you the most complete catalog of novelas for free, to watch whenever and wherever you want. The novelas that accompany you over time: the most memorable and the ones that move you. Powerful, emotional and current stories. Queens of Reality Take a personal look at all your favorite reality stars, as well as their family and friends’ most exciting moments as they enjoy everyday life, navigate family dramas, celebrate their biggest moments and so much more right here on Queens of Reality. WOW - Women Of Wrestling Channel dedicated to the premier all-female sports entertainment property features new and previous seasons of your favorite WOW Superheroes in epic high-energy matches.

MOVIES 30 Minutes Or Less A Christmas Gift A Miracle Before Christmas A River Runs Through It Across the Universe All Styles All the Pretty Horses The Animal Atl Playboy Part 1 & 2 Bad Asses Bad Asses on the Bayou Bats Beavis and Butt-Head Do America Beverly Hills Ninja Big Black Girl Erupted Blankman Blossom Boomerang Boondock Saints Bound The Brothers Grimm Brown Sugar Cadillac Records Call Her King Cheech & Chong's Still Smokin' The Christmas Clapback Christmas Party Crashers Clerks Clue Coming to America Country Strong Crossover Dance Flick Dance For Me Deadly Entanglement Desperate Measures Disturbia Domino Eddie Murphy Raw Face/Off Faceless After Dark Failure to Launch Fear of a Black Hat Ferris Bueller's Day Off The Fighting Temptations Filly Brown First Blood The First Noelle The First Wives Club Fools Rush In Frank Miller's Sin City Fun Size Game of Deceit Get Rich or Die Tryin' Ghost Good Burger Harlem Nights Heist (2015) High School High A Holiday Chance Holiday Hideaway The Honeymooners Hoop Dreams Hot Chocolate Nutcracker I Got Problemz I Like It Like That Imani In & Out In Too Deep Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of The Crystal Skull Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Infidelity It Could Happen to You Jackass 3 Jackass Number Two Jackass: The Movie Jane Got A Gun John Carpenter's Starman Johnny Mnemonic Just Go With It Just One of the Guys   Juwanna Mann Karen Kingpin Lethal Legacy Lila and Eve Little Man Little Nicky The Longest Yard (2005) Look Who's Talking Loser Luv A Message from Brianna Mo' Money The Monster Squad Multiplicity My Perfect Wedding Necessary Roughness No Country for Old Men Norbit Obsession Old School Open The Original Kings of Comedy Paid In Full (2002) Payback Pet Point Break Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Practical Magic Pretty in Pink Quinceanera Raiders of the Lost Ark Rambo III Rambo: First Blood Part II Red Winter The Ring Two The Ring Road Trip Rocketman Rolling Into Christmas Romper Stomper Scary Movie Scary Movie 2 The School Of Rock The Score Secret Window She's The Man Showdown At The Grand Slackers Sleepwalkers (1992) Soul Santa Sound Of Christmas South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut Stalked Within Stripes (1981) Sydney White That Thing You Do! The Crow The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Getaway The Harder They Come The Last Letter The Last Seduction The Lazarus Effect The Missing The Name of the Rose The Reading The Wash The Whole Nine Yards The Woman in Black 2 Tommy Boy Top Gun Trophy Wife Tropic Thunder True to The Game 3 Two for the Money Under His Influence The Untouchables Urban Cowboy Used Cars (1980) Wayward A Wesley Christmas When The Game Stands Tall When We Were Kings Who Gets The Dog? The Wood

Channel launch dates are subject to change

Previewing Only Murders in the Building: Season Four

Only Murders in the Building is the funniest show on television.  There are multiple times when I was laughing so hard while watching the show I had to rewind the scene because I missed what happened next.  Like at the end of the first season when Charles got drugged.  And at the end of the second season during the slow motion portion of the Killer Reveal Party.  (Unfortunately they took a more serious approach with the reveal of the killer in the third season fell a little flat.)  The hardest I laughed outside the final minutes of the season was when Jane Lynch showed up playing Sazz Pataki, Charles Hayden Savage’s stunt double during his CBS procedural days back in the nineties.

 

Unfortunately the end of the third season saw Sazz being shot and we the audience were left wondering if that bullet was meant for Charles and just hit someone who looked like him instead.  Unlike the first three victims, Sazz is a likeable and empathetic victim (sure flashbacked ended up softening all three of the previous victims), leaving us much more invested in the investigation.  But on the flipside, where the suspect list was much longer for the previous, more hate-able victims, who could possibly want Sazz dead?  Of course, Charles, on the other hand, has plenty of people on that list.  And what exactly was Sazz writing in her blood when she died?  And what was the time sensitive thing she had to tell Charles before she was shot? 

 

Of course, the skeptic in me also wants to bring up my number one rule of television watching: if you do not see a body, they are not really dead (and even if you do see the body, they still might not be dead-dead).  While we saw Sazz get shot, no one discovered her body in the third season.  This was the show that made it look like Ben Glenroy was very dead at the end of season two, but he still managed to show up to the after-party, so there may very well be a twist this season too.

 

The other big development is that Hollywood wants to make the Only Murders in Building podcast into a movie.  It seems like Amy Schumer wanting to buy the rights seems to be dropped; instead Paramount will be making the show.  Considering 20th Century, which is owned by Disney, produces the real show, I wonder just how hard up for money The Mount is for letting this show make fun of them.  With a Hollywood movie comes Hollywood stars, Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy, and Zach Galifianakis are set to play Mabel, Charles, and Oliver.   Melissa McCarthy, Molly Shannon, Kumail Nanjiani, Richard Kind and Edgar from You’re the Worst also make appearances this season.  Oh yeah, and Meryl Streep returns.  And thankfully with The Idol canceled, so Di’vine Joy Randolph was more available for this season. And her return this season might be as memorable as her season three return.  Now, that is a long list of guest stars, but there are a couple of surprise appearances that have not been announced yet to look out for.

 

With season four, the trio is back for more hilarity.  Thankfully there is not much to pull them apart like last season.  This may be the most the trio has been together compared to previous seasons.  And this season we even get a bonus trio!  Howard is back and has found a new purpose that works better than his time as the stage manager.  Some many guest stars can be tricky, especially whenever they play versions of themselves, but all the actors acquaint themselves perfectly within the story (well, except the directors of the movie who and not quite as bad as the producers from season three, but are still close).  So make sure you have the remote close while watching the new season, because you may have to rewind a few times because you missed something because you were laughing too hard.

 

Only Murders in the Building airs Tuesdays on Hulu.  Just one episode premieres tomorrow with new episodes weekly.