Number 27. This edition is for the week of September 25--October 1, 2000.
Terence's Tantrum
a great name for a column if he starts one!
Mike's Rant
Broadway, Streisand, Terence, Movie trailers, more on Nick Cage.
Howdy gang! Well, after a grueling 10 days in Baltimore and New York City I find myself back among the wilds of Kansas with many things to report.
GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY
Spent a tiring but exciting Sunday in New York City, where I attended the 14th Annual Broadway Flea Market. I had attended the first 9, then missed out when I moved to the midwest. This is a great event that allows fans (and non-fans) an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best and brightest of the Great White Way. The event is sponsored by an organization titled BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS and all proceeds go to AIDS research and to hope those living with this horrible illness. Like many things, the event has grown in size over the years. Almost every show on Broadway (and some NY based television shows like "Rosie O'Donnell" and "Late Night With David Letterman") have tables there. Not only do you get the opportunity to pick up stuff related to the shows themselves, but also there's a chance you may run into your favorite personality. The event culminates in the Grand Auction. The first year, the event raised $34,000. Last year, it raised $507,000! The highlight of this year's auction were (2) tickets to the FINAL concert to be given by Barbra Streisand, as well as two pieces of sheet music signed by her. (But, doesn't she give a FINAL concert every couple of years or so?---N) I haven't heard a total on that package, but last year a piece of music and a CD signed by Streisand went for $11,000!!! And people told me I was a fool for paying $125 to see her. (No comment---N) One of the ladies in our group bid $1500 to spend time on the set of "Sex in the City." (New Yorkers...what a group.---N) I hope she gets her money's worth. The most popular items are "walk ons," which is a chance for you to appear ON STAGE in a Broadway show. These usually bring between $4000-8000. Sorry, but for $8000 I better not just appear in "Phantom of the Opera," I better BE the Phantom of the Opera! If anyone would like to learn more about this annual event, or the other events BC/EFA sponsors, please click here: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Index.
I'VE GOT RHYTHM, I'VE GOT MUSIC
I must say I enjoyed everyone's additional album choices, even Terence, (Issue #26) who actually named some groups I had heard of. And yes, I did use the term "knucklehead", but meant it endearingly. (Well, maybe not after you read his latest, but, on his behalf, I thank you for the clarification.---N) Maybe it's the old prejudice.............if I haven't heard of them, they must not be anybody. An extra high 5 to Terence for his choice of the late, great Buddy Holly. T-man, you're ok in my book! (I thought the "Buddy Holly Collection" violated the "no greatest hits" rule for our shootout, but, whatever. I'm not familiar enough with the album to know---N)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS
Gotta love the movie biz.....................I know I still would, even if it didn't pay my salary. Caught the following previews while away..............hope the movies are half as good:
"The Grinch," which reveals much more in this full length preview. Ron Howard's vision of Whoville is extraordinary, and Jim Carrey is spot on as the Grinch. The new preview to "Book of Shadows, Blair Witch 2" also helps shed some light on the upcoming film and it's story. Where the teaser trailer to this film was just a group of spooky voices and the stickman logo, this effort explains a little bit about the plot without giving too much away. And for those of you who were made almost nauseous by the herky-jerky photography of the first film, you will be happy to know that Shaky the cameraman did not work on this project! (I can't talk...the same cameraman was on MY picture!---N) Also enjoyed the preview to a new film entitled "The Family Man." This film returns Nicolas Cage to more "family friendly" fare. In this film, Cage stars as a man who is shown how his life could have been if he had paid more attention to love than to work. I get a kind of "It's A Wonderful Life" feel. Glad Cage is returning, even temporarily, to what made him a star, which is more character-driven roles. Probably time to leave those action hero roles alone.
The dark and brooding one had a rather negative reaction to Mike calling him a "knucklehead" (See Commentary# 26) for his original list of Top 10 albums, among which were Smashing Pumpkins and Lou Reed/ Velvet Underground. (See Issue # 23) Mike wrote Terence should owe Billy Corgan and Lou Reed money. Terence's email response arrived last week. Read on and keep the fire extinguisher handy.---Nolan
Hahahahahaha! So this columnist of yours says I'm a knucklehead and that I--ahahaha--owe Billy Corgan and Lou Reed money!! This is too rich!!! He should be embarrassed to even talk. I mean for godsake, Jackson Browne?? You have to be kidding me, that crap is so 70's fluff, it's not even funny. And dear god, the Bee Gees--their music is so empty. They did it for a quick buck, let's face it. Except it isn't quite worth the amount I owe Lou Reed. Owe Lou Reed!!! Ahahahaha what bulls#@t!!! Thriller!!!! Michael Jackson; what fluff!! Paul McCartney and Wings!!! What a sellout. Lennon is burning in hell right now and f*@#**king hates you for picking that!! Oh well, there is no accounting for taste, especially when it comes to those sick few who think top 40 music is any good at all. Oh and Nolan, Creedence Clearwater Revival-- please!!! You have to be kidding me again. They were Top 40 opportunists who made mucho bucks basically out of the same song over and over again. Besides, contrary to popular belief, they were indeed hicks!!!!! May Cthulhu come and swallow your souls!!!
Terence
Well, as you no doubt have seen by now, Mike has clarified his "knucklehead" remarks and gave you points for Buddy Holly.
And as for Creedence Clearwater Revival....they were NOT f@#**king HICKS. It WAS popular belief they were. I was DEFENDING them. Top 40 opportunists?? The same song over and over? What F*#@KING albums did YOU hear, they weren't the same ones I have!!!! John Fogerty has more songwriting talent in his little finger than ANY FIFTEEN new acts put together!
Funny you assume John Lennon is burning in hell right now. God hated Yoko for breaking up the Beatles. She's the one who'll burn.
Now then about The Bee Gees....OK, I agree they suck. I never could stomach the whole disco phase and it ruined parts of me for life.---Nolan.
"Terence's Tantrum" is ©2000 by Terence Nuzum. His website is Viddywell Productions.
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Matt's Rail
The man from Massachusetts rings in with his rebuttal to Terence's Tantrums. Thoughtful and articulate, I hope this settles the matter...for the moment.
Well, well, well! We have ourselves a spat, don't we Nolan. (To say the least. It's certainly been a diversion!---N) Now let me surmise ....Terence is upset with Mike because Mike believes that Terence has absolutely NO clue at all as to what could possibly be perceived as tasteful tunes. Taking umbrance with this, Terence has now bashed not only Mike, but pretty much anyone who feels otherwise as to his non-appreciation of artists such as the Bee Gees and/or Jackson Brown....thus, becoming a direct personification of Mike in his original synopsis of Terence's taste, or lack there-of.
Now that we have come full circle, let me explain something to Terence, who is obviously confused.
There is more to music--or more to the point "lyrical creativity"--than drugs, sex, alcohol, sex, homosexuality, lonliness, and murder.
Most people, I'm sure you'll be suprised to learn, prefer "lyrical creativity" that is born from emotion, love, sacrifice, and acceptance..at least when we aren't heading in the direction of that other favorite of ours...kick-ass rock and roll (i.e. Dio, J.Priest, Ozzy, etc.) which is DEFINITELY born from emotion... the emotion to rock.
To say the lyrics of the Bee Gees are "empty" is worse than ridiculous stupidity. Evidence comes to mind with "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", "Let There Be Love", "Words", and "First of May", to name a few. Songs I'm POSITIVE you've never heard, or you couldn't have proclaimed something so assinine.
As for Jackson Browne, while I will admit that "Running on Empty" is not my favorite, there are others such as "For Everyman" and "Late For The Sky" that are start-to-finish classics to most everyone who has heard them.
And CREEDENCE????? I'm not even going to start.
I will say that I am ABSOLUTELY a fan of artists such as Lou Reed and Jim Morrison, and there are, in fact, several selections of yours I could concur upon, but to bash us for liking groups such as THE MONKEES, in retrospect, is no different than Mike bashing you for your selections. (Umm..actually I was bashing us over The Monkees---N)
It's regrettable that people are sometimes shortsighted in the analysis of their treatment to others...and perceive themselves as the victim, and then turn around and blast someone else.
THE WORLD OF NOLAN: Unfortunately for me, I am unable to view this informative and entertaining show UNLESS A CERTAIN SOMEONE SENDS ME A VIDEO RETROSPECTIVE, (Gulp!---N) therefore I can only wish you congrats, Nolan, on a successful inaugural season. (Thank you.---N) I was fortunate enough to catch one show, and have watched it a couple times since. (Cool! Thanks.---N) Enjoy your haitus, and good luck on year 2.
Till next time....God Bless, and take care.
Matthew "Matt's Rail" is ©2000 by Matt Drinnenberg.
I've exchanged emails both private and public with all parties concerned, and, while I certainly can't have my star columnists at each other's throats, I am a maniac for free speech, as long as it's done with passion and sincerity and not for the sake of profanity and insult. Sometimes they creep in anyway. Terence felt he was attacked and was rather aggressive in his response, admittedly. As editor, I'm responsible for output, but I am not into censorship. I'm always vigilant against things like pointless name-calling, for instance.
Terence feels very strongly about some things, like most young people. Altho he is welcome to write anything he wants anytime, I'm expecting only one more column.---Nolan.
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