Mike's Rant
Ray Walston, Art Bell, the VH-1 Top 10 list.
Hello, gang! Hope everyone is enjoying the new year. Just a few notes this week:
GOOD-BYE
Very sad to report the passing of actor Ray Walston. (Absolutely---N) Mr. Walston passed away last week of natural causes at the age of 86. A Tony and Emmy award winning actor, Walston managed to endear himself to many generations of fans. He originated the role of the Devil in the musical, "Damn Yankees," which earned him the Tony. He later reprised that role in the film. His other notable early film roles were in "South Pacific" and "The Apartment." His best known role came in the 1960's television show, "My Favorite Martian." Though it brought him fame, for many years Walston blamed the show for "typecasting" him in the minds of casting directors. In later years, he reached a new generation of fans with his role of Mr. Hand, slacker Jeff Spicoli's teacher in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and his role as Judge Boone in the television series "Picket Fences." He received back to back Emmy awards for this role. His memorable first acceptance speech, "I now have 30 seconds to explain that I've been waiting 60 years to get up on this stage!"
ART'S BACK
Happy to report that Art Bell will return as host of "Coast to Coast AM" on February 5th. Bell ends a brief retirement brought about after he was falsely accused of being a child molester. (Among other things he was falsely accused of. Yes, it's great to have him back.---N)
TOP TEN REVISITED
Taking a cue from the ever popular "Pop Culture Review", (Someone must lead!---N) VH1 polled 500 rock journalists to determine the top 10 albums in history. Happy to report that two of my choices (Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road) made the list:
1. Revolver - The Beatles
2. Nevermind - Nirvana
3. Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
4. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
5. Are You Experienced? - Jimi Hendrix
6. Rubber Soul - The Beatles
7. Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
8. Abbey Road - The Beatles
9. Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan
10. Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
Well, that's it for now.................told you I'd be brief. Time to work on next week's issue where I get to proclaim, "MATT IS 40............HEE!"
Altho 3 Beatles albums making the cut is hardly shocking, I was surprised Rubber Soul placed at number one. I figured Sgt. Pepper. Stevie Wonder?? Marvin Gaye?? They may have made decent albums, but they're hardly historical! I don't mean to sound prejudice, but is this some attempt to equalize something by "soul-i-fying" the Top 10? Kurt must be happy about Nevermind, tho, wherever he is.---Nolan.
"Mike's Rant is ©2001 by Michael A. Smith
Matt's Rail
On turning 40 in the year 2001!
Hello, one and all.
After just taking my first few sips of the liquor that is the year 2001, I feel that it is already a time for reflection. What's that, you say? It's only 9 days old? Therein lies the issue. For you see, 9 days into the year 2001 can mean only one thing.
I'M 40.
Yes, that is what was first on my mind this morning as my eyes awakened to my brand new world. Strangely, it seems almost a surreal experience...a kind of "out-of-body" existence, if you will. I certainly don't FEEL 40, and Nolan and Mike and pretty much everyone who's ever come into contact with me knows...I don't act my age, so I'm certainly not planning on acting 40.
What is it about that age, anyway? Obviously, I'm still around, so by the mere virtue of MAKING it to 40 I feel some dubious distinction (which rhymes with extinction!!). Oh well. At least for now life will go on.
One thing that does inspire me, though, is what's been on my mind all day. Aside from turning 40, of course. As this is a major landmark, I began looking back at past age landmarks and all I could come up with was my 18th. Incredible amounts of booze were consumed that day by yours truly and Mike. More incredible still that I remember ANY of it, yet, I recall all. The Stable, The Copper Door, The Brass Balloon....Mike coming on to me......me being the good friend and never telling anyone. I remember it all so vividly. (Awww..I'm sure he appreciates it!---N)
As for tonite, it'll be just a couple of cold Molson's, and reflecting on how great it's all been, and how I feel so damn lucky that I'm convinced the best is still to come.
Cheers,
Matt
On behalf of the staff and..uh..crew...of Nolan's Pop Culture Review, I wish you a very happy birthday and many happy returns Mr. D! Mike....what's your side of the above story?---Nolan.
"Matt's Rail" is ©2001 by Matt Drinnenberg
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