So … bottom line …
Should I go see Rocket Man this
weekend?
Deb
See it.
You’ll be going into the theater MUCH better informed than I
was when I went to go see it last weekend.
You’ve been forewarned as to its weaknesses.
The fact that the songs are presented in
random order with no regard for the actual sequence of events is tolerable in
this new context because the performance of this music is so well done.
We’ve already told you about the many falsehoods presented here
as facts … if you can overlook these as a means to an end by way of creative
storytelling, you’ll be fine. Hopefully,
you will come away from the film wanting to do more research into the real
story of Elton’s career … because it truly is a fascinating story.
These faults in and of themselves are not reason enough to
skip the film. They take absolutely nothing
away from the top notch performances by Taron Egerton as Elton, Jamie Bell as
Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as John Reid and the rest of the stellar cast.
It is brilliantly acted and the artists embody their
roles. Egerton does a very credible job
of handling Elton’s vocals and if the idea of mini music videos executed along
the way to help keep the story moving forward is the current vogue in “creative
style” and doesn’t bother you (it gives
the film more of a musical feel than your typical biopic documentary style of
film-making), I think you will likely enjoy most of it. It shows the transformation of a young and
somewhat timid Reginald Dwight into the flamboyant, outrageous superstar that
was Elton John, the #1 recording act of the ‘70’s (and, according to Joel
Whitburn’s Record Research, the #5 recording artist of The Rock And Roll Era, falling
just behind Mariah Carey and Madonna and just ahead of Michael Jackson.)
Go see it … and then let us know what you think. (kk)
Sad news Thursday Night about the passing of Dr. John …
Although he only had a couple of hits under his own name
(“Iko Iko,” #50, 1972; “Such A Night,” #42, 1973 and, of course, his biggest,
“Right Place, Wrong Time,” #9, 1973) he appeared on numerous albums for other
hit artists of the day … among them Ringo Starr, Cher, Aretha Franklin, Frank
Zappa, The Band and many others.
He never abandoned his New Orleans roots and became an
integral part of its music scene.
Dr. John (real name Malcolm “Mac” John Rebennack) was
77. The cause of death was shown as a
heart attack. (kk)
Brian Wilson has “postponed” another tour.
Last time it was because he needed back surgery … and once
he healed from that process, he did start making appearances again.
But this time, it seems to be a bit more serious …
psychologically.
Wilson has long had a history of mental illness … and, quite
honestly, he has NEVER looked happy on stage.
(His fear of touring dates back to his Beach Boys days at which time
Glen Campbell and then Bruce Johnston were brought in to cover for him.) Wilson always felt more comfortable in the
studio than out on the road. Even the
couple of times when we had the chance to meet up with him backstage after a
show, he seemed extremely uncomfortable, looking as though he would rather be
virtually ANYWHERE else but there.
His return to touring (backed by the incredible Brian Wilson
Band, formerly known as The Wondermints) was quite revolutionary. Thanks to these incredibly talented
musicians, they were able to recreate studio sound live on stage that The Beach
Boys never even dreamed of.
In an official statement on Thursday, Wilson said, “Lately
I’ve been struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean, and
I don’t know why. It’s something I’ve never dealt with before and we can’t
quite figure it out just yet.”
Word is they had been recording a new album until new tour
date commitments came up on their schedule.
For right now, only his June and July dates have been postponed … but shows
already scheduled for August may soon be affected, too.
We wish you good health, Brian … but most of all,
happiness. (kk)
Hi Kent!
As the winner of Davie Allan and The
Arrows’ Retrophonic 6 CD – and as someone who wishes the excellent Retrophonic
5 would have sold more copies – I thought I’d share my views on the album in
the hopes that others will be encouraged to get themselves a copy.
To be blunt, this album – pardon the
pun – rocks! There’s a reason Davie’s been called “The King of the Fuzz Guitar”
and every song on the album shows how accomplished he is as a musician.
The opening track, "Mass
Distinction," is a perfect album opener, showcasing some awesome guitar
effects without destroying the melody. That song leads in to "You’re Gonna
Try," a tune with a more mellow opening, and one that highlights my
favorite aspect of the disc – although every song proves that Davie and his
band are great at creating high-octane rock, there’s enough variety throughout
that the album remains an interesting listen all the way through.
My favorite songs include "The
Cruisin’ Shuffle" and "More Licks On Route 66," a follow-up to
Retrophonic 5’s "Get Your Licks On Route 66". Rounding out the CD are
two demos that Davie recorded for his band to learn the songs – even in demo
form they’re amazing and are a welcome addition.
I’d definitely recommend anyone,
whether they’re familiar with the group's work from the ‘60s or not, to check
out this CD. And the fact that Davie autographed it for me just makes it that
much more awesome!
Colin Donahue
This is going to be a GREAT show!
We told you about it yesterday and now comes the official
press release from The Arcada Theatre, announcing that tickets will go on sale
at noon TODAY!!!
Get yours early because they’re going to go fast!
It Was Fifty Years Ago Today –
Tour 2019 – A Tribute To The Beatles’ White Album
Featuring Christopher Cross, Todd
Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Joey Molland –
Coming to the Historic Arcada
Theatre!
Ron Onesti, Operator of the historic
Arcada Theatre and President and CEO of Onesti Entertainment Corporation,
announced he will host the “It Was Fifty Years Ago Today – Tour 2019 – A
Tribute To The Beatles’ White Album featuring Christopher Cross, Todd Rundgren,
Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Joey Molland” tour on October 1, 2019, at The
Arcada Theatre in Saint Charles, IL!
The tour launches in the Fall, with
Saint Charles being one of the tour’s first stops.
“This is the ‘Show Of The Year,’ and
not to be missed,” said Onesti. “To have
these five artists come together to celebrate their songs along with the 30
iconic songs on The Beatles’ White Album is remarkable. I am honored to be hosting the anniversary of
such a memorable album in our musical history.”
Tickets will go on sale on Friday,
June 7th, at 12 Noon. Tickets
can be purchased by phone at (630) 962 – 7000 or online at www.oshows.com.
“I am really excited for this show,
and hope fans of the Arcada Theatre and music in general are a well. It will truly be a night to remember,” Onesti
stated.
We wouldn’t DARE miss this one!
Hope to see you there! (kk)
And here’s a great “Story Behind The Song” to kick off your
weekend … no matter which version you choose to believe! (kk)
