The woman pushing the arm of her husband down when he tries to raise it for McCain is funny. The people in the room chuckling in the background when the Fox News guy says the vote is split is funnier still.
And I guess since this is kind of a political post, I might as well pass this along.
As I’ve made pretty clear, I’m a huge fan of the first 4 seasons of The West Wing, aka “The Aaron Sorkin Years.” Follow this link to read Sorkin’s take on a meeting between Senator Obama and President Bartlet. Good stuff: Aaron Sorkin Conjures a Meeting of Obama and Bartlet
So Entertainment Weekly decided to celebrate its 1000th issue with, shock of shocks, a series of lists commemorating the “new classics” in entertainment from the past 25 years. Also, shock of shocks, they got things almost completely wrong. Especially when it comes to movies, music, and television (the other lists I can let slide).
The most egregious oversight (I hope it was just an oversight) was that, not only did they fail to put The Shawshank Redemption at #1 on the movie list (“which can be understood, if not condoned”), but they omitted the movie from the list entirely! As an avid consumer of pop culture over the past 25 years (essentially, my lifetime), I can say for certain that The Shawshank Redemption defines what it means to be a “new classic.”
Is it universally recognized as a superior creative work? Absolutely. Is it beloved by the populous at large? No doubt. Can it be watched again and again, whether on HBO, TNT, or DVD? Hell yeah. Has it found its way into the culture, both popular and otherwise, in a meaningful way? If articles written by ESPN’s The Sports Guy can be used as evidence, absolutely. And this is without mentioning the intangibles.
The movie, despite a Best Picture nomination, was largely ignored by the public at large when first released to theaters. Upon its release on video, however, and with little fanfare, it built up a loyal cult following and word of mouth kept it alive. I would argue that it is now one of the most universally beloved films, not just of the past 25 years, but of all time. Its omission is so much of an oversight that it prompted me to get off my ass and write another blog post. That’s how much this matters to me. “This aggression will not stand, man.” The tyranny and bullshit must end.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Excellent movie. Should be on the list. #1? Maybe not. But still influential, quotable, and entertaining as all hell. 2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)
Very good trilogy. The warts start to show on multiple viewings, though (or if you sat through King Kong). Still, I agree it’s a new classic. 3. Titanic (1997)
Eh. Hugely popular doesn’t necessarily make something a classic (see: Backstreet Boys), but in this case it kind of does. I have to admit, I haven’t seen the movie since first seeing it in the theaters back in ‘97. And I liked it. So why is it I’ve never had any desire to see it again? Shouldn’t that be a “classic” prerequisite? Rewatchability? 4. Blue Velvet (1986)
I’ve never seen it. I’m guessing this is true for most people out there. Again, shouldn’t a certain universality be a prerequisite for a new classic? 5. Toy Story (1995)
Great movie. I probably liked the sequel better. Then again, Pixar has yet to make a bad movie. Which is insane. So they definitely deserve a spot on the list and since this is the one that started it all, I’m okay with it as the choice. 6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Should be in contention for #1. Yeah, some cynics out there bemoan the bookends with the old man, but I have no problem with it. Outstanding movie. 7. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Um, I like Woody Allen as much as the next guy, but #7? And I’d argue that Bullets over Broadway is his best since the 70s. Although I also liked Match Point quite a bit (just me?). 8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Holds up very well (except for maybe Jodie Foster’s hair style). No arguments here. 9. Die Hard (1988)
I’m pleasantly surprised by how high on the list this is. Hugely influential and just a down right entertaining film. Take any heterosexual male to Los Angeles and one of the highlights is seeing the actual “Nakatomi Building” in Century City (actually Fox Plaza). No matter what, when this is on TV, I stop and watch. 10. Moulin Rouge (2001)
Hmmm… I think this is one of those movies that is going to divide people. One fellow film industry member of mine said this is the movie that got him to quit being a lawyer and move to LA to go to film school. I, on the other hand, just thought it was okay. 11. This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Defines a classic. Still quotable and rewatchable all these years later. “Hello, Cleveland!” Indeed. 12. The Matrix (1999)
Good pick, great movie, horrible sequels. Kind of the next step in the action movie evolution Die Hard started. 13. GoodFellas (1990)
Classic. Nuff said. 14. Crumb (1995)
Um, raise your hand if you’ve seen this movie. I thought so. It could be the greatest movie ever, but if nobody ever saw it, it can’t be a classic. Sorry. It does get bonus points for being from the director of Bad Santa. Speaking of which, why didn’t that make the list!? 15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Very good, from what I remember. Probably the best representation of Tim Burton’s oeuvre. Personally, I’m partial to Ed Wood (or even Big Fish - yeah it’s sentimental, but in a good way), but this works too. #15 is probably too high. 16. Boogie Nights (1997)
Big cult hit. I preferred Magnolia from the PT Anderson oeuvre, but I’m fine with its inclusion. I guess PT doesn’t really do it for me. Punch Drunk Love was pretty good too. None I’d call a classic. So I guess for the sake of the people who do “get it” I’m cool with Boogie Nights. 17. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Way too high. Almost Famous is a much better Cameron Crowe film that holds up much better on repeated viewings. I guess this can make the list, though, because it really did enter the pop culture consciousness. But, eh… 18. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Even though I haven’t seen this movie, I’m okay with its inclusion because, how haven’t I seen this movie!? I’m told it’s outstanding. 19. Casino Royale (2006)
Very good Bond movie. Best in awhile. Some really cool scenes. But probably shouldn’t be on this list at all. The ending was pretty lousy too. “3rd Act problems” as they say in the business… 20. The Lion King (1994)
Again, classic. The Disney animation renaissance of the early 90s needed to be represented and this is probably the best choice. I’m more of an Aladdin fan, myself, but I’ll defer to the masses. 21. Schindler’s List (1993)
Can’t argue with this. Should also be a #1 contender. 22. Rushmore (1998)
Not a fan. Not much of a Wes Anderson fan at all, I guess. I did enjoy The Royal Tennenbaum’s, but this movie did nothing for me. I was pretty much bored the whole time. I do still enjoy the stupid joke “They’re O.R. scrubs. O R they?” This shouldn’t be on the list at all. Sorry, Wes. 23. Memento (2001)
This was one of the places EW surprised me in a good way. I was all set to be upset that this didn’t make the list. But it did. They decided to make much more egregious omissions, but we’ll get to that in due time. This is one of my all-time favorites. Incredibly unique and outstanding in every way. I saw the damn thing three times in the theaters because I had to make sure everyone I knew saw it. It didn’t make its way into the popular consciousness like some of the other movies, so a #1 ranking is out. But glad to see it on the list. 24. A Room With a View (1986)
Shouldn’t remembering a movie ever existed also be a prerequisite for a “classic”? 25. Shrek (2001)
I have no problem with Shrek. Very fun and entertaining, though #25 is probably high. 26. Hoop Dreams (1994)
I’m told this is outstanding and I hear it referenced quite a bit. I guess I should see it before I make any further comment. But for now I’m cool with its inclusion. 27. Aliens (1986)
“Game over, man.” Great movie. No complaints. 28. Wings of Desire (1988)
Is this a joke? Does ANYONE remember this movie at all? Didn’t they remake it into that Nic Cage/Meg Ryan Goo Goo Dolls debacle? 29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Which Bourne movie is this again? I get them mixed up. Whatever, they were all good. Definitely one deserved inclusion. 30. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
On TV all the time, text book “new classic.” 31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Haven’t seen it yet. But it has achieved enough to be included. 32. Fight Club (1999)
Borderline, but no arguments from me. 33. The Breakfast Club (1985)
As the 80s teen representative, sure, why not? Better than Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles. But maybe this spot should have gone to Say Anything? Or maybe they both should have made it? Thoughts? Comments? 34. Fargo (1996)
Great movie. Not nearly as rewatchable or as enjoyable as The Big Lebowski. So where is that on the list? 35. The Incredibles (2004)
Probably my favorite Pixar film. 36. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Eh. I’m kind of over the Spider-Man movies. But sure, why not. 37. Pretty Woman (1990)
Not my cup of tea, but it wasn’t awful and it definitely has made its mark. 38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Very good movie. But a new classic? Not so much. Of the Charlie Kaufmann crazy flicks, I prefer Being John Malkovich. 39. The Sixth Sense (1999)
I guess so. But you can only watch it once. And M. Night Shamalamadingdong’s recent output has, for better or for worse, made me look back with a much less kind eye to this one. 40. Speed (1994)
Another shocking inclusion. I wouldn’t have thought of it, but this is a pretty damn good action flick. And very rewatchable. Why not? 41. Dazed and Confused (1993)
Absolutely. 42. Clueless (1995)
Kind of nice to see this right after Dazed and Confused as they are kind of two sides to the same coin. I wasn’t the target audience for this one, but it works. 43. Gladiator (2000)
Still excellent. I have no problem jumping in at any point when I find it on TV. One of TNT’s “new classics” so it must be good. 44. The Player (1992)
Haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard good things. But has it really made its mark on pop culture enough to be a classic? 45. Rain Man (1988)
Definitely Rain Man. Definitely. 46. Children of Men (2006)
Too soon. Very very good film. But it feels like it just came out. We need some time to rewatch and reevaluate before we can dub something “classic.” Besides, I’m not sure the public at large has seen it or even knows about it. 47. Men in Black (1997)
Big dumb movie. Should not be anywhere near this list. Entertaining enough, I guess, but not classic. If you had to go with one of these mid-90s 4th of July Will Smith pictures, I’d argue for Independence Day. You know, the one where an Apple Computer saves the world? 48. Scarface (1983)
Good movie? Check. Quotable? Check. Part of the popular culture? Check. New classic? Check. 49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
I liked this a lot. Very cool and influential. Not sure it stayed with the culture enough to be included, but okay. It does lose points for giving Ang Lee the clout to do The Hulk. Unforgivable. 50. The Piano (1993)
Haven’t seen it. No desire to. Next. 51. There Will Be Blood (2007)
TOO SOON. 52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988)
Check it out. A Naked Gun movie made it? Sweet. Now where’s Spaceballs? 53. The Truman Show (1998)
Hmmm… not sure about this one. Not a bad movie in the least, but….kind of borderline as a classic. 54. Fatal Attraction (1987)
Of course. The fingerprints of this movie are everywhere. 55. Risky Business (1983)
This too. Kind of. 56. The Lives of Others (2006)
I don’t remember this movie at all. So, NEXT. 57. There’s Something About Mary (1998)
Classic Farrelly Brothers. But Dumb & Dumber also needs to be on this list somewhere. 58. Ghostbusters (1984)
“Cats and Dogs living together! Mass hysteria!” 150% yes. 59. L.A. Confidential (1997)
One of the great underrated movies of the 90s. Crazy good. Absolutely should make it. 60. Scream (1996)
Eh. I guess so. Borderline. 61. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
An 80s Eddie Murphy flick needed to be on here and this is probably his best. 62. sex, lies and videotape (1989)
In a way, it made Pulp Fiction possible and started the “indie” movement. 63. Big (1988)
Sure. Not my favorite or anything, but I’m okay with its inclusion. 64. No Country For Old Men (2007)
TOO SOON. And what was with that pacing and structure? Very good, but…too many buts… 65. Dirty Dancing (1987)
I’m not the demo, but chicks dig the Swayze mullet… 66. Natural Born Killers (1994)
Too over the top for me. I’d lean towards Platoon or JFK for Oliver Stone. Seriously, where the hell is Platoon on this list? 67. Donnie Brasco (1997)
Solid flick, but again, in what way is it “classic”? 68. Witness (1985)
Harrison Ford + the Amish = classic 69. All About My Mother (1999)
Maybe. But only because Penelope Cruz is smokin’ hot. No, I’ve never seen the movie. 70. Broadcast News (1987)
Really? I forgot this movie existed. Cross it off the list. 71. Unforgiven (1992)
WAY too low. A practically perfect film. 72. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Yeah, not one of my favorites, but it made its place in the pop culture canon. 73. Office Space (1999)
Great movie. Definition of a “new classic.” 74. Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Not so much. Again, if I haven’t seen it or, more importantly, I don’t care that I haven’t seen it, I can’t call it a classic. 75. Out of Africa (1985)
I almost said “see #74,” but the more I think about it, I probably should see this. Sydney Pollack is one of the greats. Was Tootsie ineligible? (Yes.) 76. The Departed (2006)
Also probably too soon. Good, even great movie. But may not hold the test of time like a Goodfellas. 77. Sid and Nancy (1986)
Probably worthy. But have enough people seen it? I haven’t. 78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Governor Arnie had to be represented. But why no Kindergarten Cop? “It’s not a TOO-mah!” (kidding)
79. Waiting for Guffman (1996)
Great movie in the Spinal Tap vein. But again, has it been seen enough or entered the pop culture enough to be a “classic”? 80. Michael Clayton (2007)
Also a great movie and I hope it does become a new classic. But it came out, what? Last week? Too soon to tell. 81. Moonstruck (1987)
Any movie starring Cher cannot be a classic in my book. Maybe Mask. Nah. Jim Carrey scared me too badly as a child with that deformed face. Creepy. 82. Lost in Translation (2003)
Yes, the above confusion of The Mask with Jim Carrey and Mask with Cher and Eric Stoltz was intentional. Sorry it wasn’t funnier. Similar to this movie. I thought it was pretty good, but hardly “classic.” Where’s funny Bill Murray? Speaking of which, where is Groundhog Day or even What About Bob? (my Bill Murray guilty pleasure). “Keep sailing, Bob.” 83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)
Any movie that has spawned about 77 DVD versions deserves its classic status. Bruce Campbell kicks ass. 84. Sideways (2004)
Another good movie. But to paraphrase a sports Hall of Fame argument - its not the Hall of Good. It should be the best of the best. And Sideways just isn’t quite there. 85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Similar argument to #84. Good movie. But didn’t Anchorman or even Superbad become more a part of the pop culture? Actually, I’d argue that Wedding Crashers should have this slot, if it came down to one or the other. And that being the case, Wedding Crashers should also be much higher on the list, if not in the top 10. 86. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)
Your Mom’s a tambien…. I haven’t seen it and I don’t know anyone who has. Or if they have, they haven’t been vocal about it. Amores Perros, with the same actor, would probably be a better choice. But even that didn’t make the pop culture canon. 87. Swingers (1996)
Vegas, Baby. Vegas. Great flick. 88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Watered down a bit by the two sequels, this is still one of the best comedies of the 90s and inarguably a major part of pop culture, still today. 89. Breaking the Waves (1996)
I remember EW choosing this as their best film of 1996. I didn’t want to see it then and I don’t want to see it now. 90. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
One of the funniest poorly made movies I’ve ever seen. The quotes make it worthy. 91. Back to the Future (1985)
WAY TOO LOW. A classic in every way. “You are my density.” 92. Menace II Society (1993)
Shouldn’t this be Boyz N the Hood? 93. Ed Wood (1994)
Mentioned above. Excellent movie. But not really one the average joe on the street would have seen. So the classic status is iffy. 94. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Heck yeah. Freaked me out as a kid. Plus Kubrick should be represented and Eyes Wide Shut sure as heck wasn’t going to make the list. 95. In the Mood for Love (2001)
I didn’t care for this movie, though I know others worship it. I’d say many more have never heard of it. Doesn’t it seem like EW threw some foreign films on the list just to seem “hip”? I’d even argue Life is Beautiful is more deserving than the other foreign films because at least Americans have heard of it and actually went to see it… 96. Far From Heaven (2002)
What? Seriously? This didn’t even make a dent in the pop culture consciousness. 97. Glory (1989)
Outstanding movie and one every high schooler taking American History will watch. 98. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
One of the worst movies I’ve ever paid to see. For shame. Get it off the list immediately. Matt Damon is still doing penance for this atrocity. Boring. Boring. Boring. 99. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Definitely made its way into the cultural conversation, but ultimately, is it a good movie? Is it rewatchable? Not so much. 100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut (1999)
Another “hip” pick, but this one makes a lot more sense. Really really funny.
So it looks like at least 30 of the movies above should be kicked off the list. I do want to be clear: I’m not arguing that they are bad movies, necessarily (I’m looking at you, Men in Black…I mean, really!? REALLY!?). I’m just saying that they’re aren’t “classic” in any realistic sense of the word.
Here are a few that I think were wrongly stricken from the list and, EW endorsement or not, are actual new classics. As EW did, I used 1983 as the cut off. Unlike them, the movie has to be at least a year old to get consideration. These are mostly just off the top of my head, with a little help from the IMDB.
Keep in mind; these aren’t necessarily my personal favorites. They are simply the movies I feel have made their way into the cultural conversation and have a certain baseline of high quality. I’m listing these in no particular order because order is pretty much irrelevant. It’s a yes or no question. Classic? Yup.
These are the most egregious oversights. They all should 100% be on the list, no excuses:
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Wedding Crashers (2005)
Major League (1989)
Spaceballs (1987)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Groundhog Day (1993)
The Wedding Singer (1998)
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Braveheart (1995)
Platoon (1986)
The Fugitive (1993)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Aladdin (1992)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Clerks (1994)
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Finding Nemo (2003)
Now the ones below would get strong consideration for the list, but may not completely fulfill all my criteria. That being said, they all would probably bump at least 35 other movies off the list in a head to head battle (definitely Men in Black):
School of Rock (2003)
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Batman (1989)
Batman Begins (2005)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Se7en (1995)
Amadeus (1984)
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Heat (1995)
Stand by Me (1986)
A Christmas Story (1983)
Dead Poets’ Society (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A Few Good Men (1992)
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Old School (2003)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Top Gun (1986)
Bad Santa (2003)
Tommy Boy (1995)
X2 (2003)
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
A League of their Own (1992)
Rounders (1998)
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
American Beauty (1999)
Yes, I tried to sneak Robin Hood by you. It’s a favorite from my childhood. What are you gonna do?
And despite the length of this post, I’m still certain I forgot some. So please, comment away on worthy additions. Or chastise me for getting this horribly wrong. I can take it.
And like I said, we’ve still got their list of television shows and music albums to cover. I’m back, baby! A good time will be had by all…
I admit it. I’m a sucker for a great Christmas song. Like everyone, I go straight for the classics first and look at any “new” songs or remakes with a wary eye. 99.99% of them are terrible. Sorry, Josh Groban (okay, that’s not really fair because I’m not aware of ever hearing a single song of his. But his Christmas album is currently number one and I just have a hunch that if I were to listen to it, I would put it in the 99.99%).
I will also admit that some classic songs kind of suck, too. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer is a classic, I suppose, and very enjoyable when you’re four. However, it’s also extremely irritating when you’re 24.
So after 4 years of scouring the Christmas CD collection of WJCU in my college radio DJ days, and a few more years after that accumulating what I can from the internet, this is my list of essential Christmas music that I listen to every year. You should be able to fit them on two 80 minute CDs (if anyone uses CDs anymore). (CDs Nutz!) (Sorry, had to say it).
The Big 3 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra White Christmas – Bing Crosby The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra are the forefathers of classic Christmas music. And these are easily the three best Christmas songs from the past one hundred years. Put them together, and you have Christmas magic. Sitting next to a Christmas tree, a roaring fire (actual or on a flat screen tv), hot cocoa (or Irish coffee), family and friends, and these songs on the radio. That should be Christmas every year.
Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Harvest, or December 25th Christmas – Blues Traveler
If you’ve never heard this song, you should iTunes or Limewire (or whatever it is those crazy kids do these days) right away. The only Christmas song I’ve ever heard that name drops Kwanzaa, let alone Chanukah, Solstice, and Harvest. I love the all inclusiveness. And like any good Christmas song, it’s got a tinge of nostalgia and regret, but is ultimately a message of hope, peace, and love. Gotta love it.
Classics Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Bing Crosby Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Frank Sinatra Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry The Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Johnny Mathis Come Rest Ye’ Merry Gentlemen – Bing Crosby Do You Hear What I Hear? – Nat King Cole Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Frank Sinatra I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Frank Sinatra It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Bing Crosby
These songs are classic. You know it and I know it. Anything by Frankie or Bing or Nat and the Christmas spirit fills the air. Judy Garland’s version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is heart breaking. I love the line (changed for Frankie’s version): “Someday soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow…” Plus, Sinatra’s Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! is played over the end credits of Die Hard. Impossible to top that.
Cartoon Classics Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Boris Karloff Silver and Gold – Burl Ives The Chimpmunk Song – Alvin & the Chimpmunks Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
These are the greatest songs from the Christmas specials of our childhood. Rudolph, the Grinch, Charlie Brown…They all bring back that excited Christmas feeling we lost as we aged.
Golden Oldies Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney Please Come Home For Christmas – The Eagles Merry Christmas, Baby – The Beach Boys Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Beach Boys Auld Lang Syne – the Beach Boys Christmas Time (Is Here Again) – The Beatles Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano We Three Kings – The Beach Boys Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry The Man With All The Toys – The Beach Boys Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
They even made Christmas music back in the early days of Rock n Roll. Shocking, I know. The entire Beach Boys’ Christmas Album is a classic, especially Little Saint Nick and The Man With All The Toys. John Lennon and Paul McCartney both check in with solid (in Paul’s case) and spectacular (in John’s case) Christmas classics. And for me, it’s not Christmas Eve unless I hear Feliz Navidad.
Very Special Christmas Music Christmas Eve (Sarajevo) – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Carol of the Bells) Do They Know it’s Christmas? – Barenaked Ladies Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen The Christmas Song – Hootie & the Blowfish Oh, Holy Night! – Jewel Christmastime – Smashing Pumpkins Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – U2 The Birth of Christ – Boyz II Men Song for a Winter’s Night – Sarah McLachlan Jingle Bells – The Brian Setzer Orchestra Let It Snow – Boyz II Men Silent Night – Boyz II Men Christmas Song – Dave Matthews Band
These are the (relatively) new Christmas songs that will hopefully find their rightful place in the canon of Christmas classics (gotta love alliteration). I call it “Very Special Music” because a good portion of these songs were made for the Very Special Christmas compilations. Only the best tracks made it to this list, my favorite being Blues Traveler’s Christmas, as mentioned above. Yes, I know Band Aid did Do They Know It’s Christmas?, but I can’t find that track online and I do dig BNL’s live version. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra track is my favorite performance of Carol of the Bells. Hootie does a nice job with The Christmas Song, as does Jewel with Oh, Holy Night! The Smashing Pumpkins, not at the top of mind when it comes to Christmas tunes, pulls off a really nice, original track. And yeah, I like Boyz II Men’s Christmas Interpretations. We all have our guilty pleasures…
Saturday Night Live The Chanukah Song – Adam Sandler Christmastime is Here – Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan
SNL comes strong with two solid comedic holiday songs, both of which are better seen, rather than heard. I laugh every time I see Tracy Morgan dancing in place, for no good reason. You Tube that Shiznit.
I Can’t Believe This Song Exists, But I’m So Glad That It Does Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby
OUTSTANDING duet of two disparate musical legends. I didn’t know this even existed until finding it while DJing back in the late 90s. I guess they performed this live on some Christmas special in the 70s only a week or so before Bing passed away. Amazing how great it sounds. If you can find the copy with the introduction from the Christmas special, you’re in for a kitchy treat. Bowie: “Are you the new butler?” Bing: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been the new anything…” But seriously, the song is really really good.
That’s about it. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some lost classic from your youth, so drop a comment or two and let me know what I missed. Or even what song you think shouldn’t be on my list.
Anyway, I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. Be well.
Peace on Earth to Everyone, and Abundance to Everyone You’re With…
So unless you were under a rock this weekend (or just heavily focused on the Cleveland Indians defeating the evil empire), you heard that USC was upset by the 40+ point underdog Stanford Fighting Trees (or whatever they’re called). What you probably didn’t know, was that the game was only broadcast on digital cable station “Versus,” formerly known as the Outdoor Life Network. (Once they started showing hockey, I guess they had to change the name. Not that anyone watches hockey, but I digress…)
So listen to how badly these announcers mess up the call at the end of the game. Before you watch, let me remind you that Stanford is the team with the ball and the team that scores the touchdown. Oh, and also it’s helpful to remember that the touchdown tied the game at 23, while the extra point put the Trees up by one, giving them the win.
When the play-by-play guy has his head up his ass, you’d think the color man would know what was going on. Or at least the score of the game. Guess not.
Quote of the Year: “Jim Harbaugh, if you’re asking, is going to go for the tie right here, he’s holding up…obviously…they’re tied right now…he’s going to go for the extra point…”
JD and The Diesel are partners in a weekly NFL office pool. Ever wonder how these Boy Wonders have been able to pick 4 out of every 10 games right so far this season? Me neither.
What follows is a peak at the thought processes of two armchair quarterbacks (and Turkey Bowl stars) in the form of an Instant Messenger conversation.
I warn you now, it’s essentially gibberish. And I won’t even get started on the syntax…
As always, all picks are for entertainment purposes only (whatever the hell that means). Go Browns!
JD (9:54:07 AM): lets rock this catbox one more time
The Diesel (9:54:19 AM): shizzle
JD (9:56:52 AM): cowboys seem to be the obvious pick for the suicide
The Diesel (9:56:54 AM): did you get the email?
JD (9:57:18 AM): yeah
The Diesel (9:57:54 AM): thoughts? comments?
JD (9:57:56 AM): im not all about picking a road team for the suicide
JD (9:58:11 AM): but I’d probably take Houston if i was
JD (9:58:27 AM): or Pittsburgh
The Diesel (10:01:00 AM): the big lines are cowboys and chargers
The Diesel (10:01:02 AM): both at home
JD (10:01:23 AM): no chance i’m picking the chargers to beat anybody
JD (10:01:37 AM): actually
JD (10:01:41 AM): let’s go with them
JD (10:01:44 AM): i hate the cowboys
The Diesel (10:02:28 AM): i felt the same about the chargers
The Diesel (10:02:34 AM): except it’s the chiefs
The Diesel (10:02:46 AM): and they’re awful
The Diesel (10:03:07 AM): i also hate the cowboys, but i’m willing to overlook that to win some money
The Diesel (10:03:39 AM): the ravens are only team i refuse to use in any way, be it gambling, fantasy football, or acknowledging their existence
JD (10:03:47 AM): chargers it is
The Diesel (10:03:51 AM): everyone else is fair game if it puts coin in my pocket…
JD (10:03:56 AM): LT scores 2 and his back up scores 2
JD (10:04:11 AM): (b/c i started him in fantasy this week)
The Diesel (10:04:31 AM): i don’t get it…
JD (10:04:32 AM): ok here’s the picks
The Diesel (10:04:32 AM): what?
JD (10:04:37 AM): michael turner
JD (10:04:39 AM): LT’s back up
The Diesel (10:04:45 AM): LT’s backup?
The Diesel (10:04:49 AM): gotcha
JD (10:04:55 AM): is one of my fantasy football starters in the money league this week
JD (10:05:03 AM): so he’ll score 2 times against the miserable chiefs
JD (10:05:04 AM): i hope
The Diesel (10:05:05 AM): i’ve got to start brian russell this week, SJ’s backup
JD (10:05:08 AM): i’m 0-3 in that league
The Diesel (10:05:17 AM): brian leonard
The Diesel (10:05:21 AM): not russell, sorry
The Diesel (10:05:30 AM): ouch
JD (10:05:34 AM): i was gonna say
JD (10:05:38 AM): when did he move from safety?
The Diesel (10:05:51 AM): “excuse my friend, he’s a little slow…”
JD (10:06:19 AM): ok here’s my picks
JD (10:06:23 AM): lets do this one more time
JD (10:06:26 AM): the hell with a coin
The Diesel (10:06:26 AM): no coin flip?
JD (10:06:28 AM): thats no fun
The Diesel (10:06:39 AM): i’m pissy about our performance, though
JD (10:06:40 AM): plus the first couple weeks have been an anomaly
The Diesel (10:06:49 AM): they always are…
JD (10:06:52 AM): whatever, remember last year when i got incredibly good at the end
JD (10:07:01 AM): i am traditionally a slow starter
JD (10:07:07 AM): now lets do this
The Diesel (10:07:12 AM): okay, let’s do it
JD (10:07:14 AM): browns + 4.5
The Diesel (10:07:20 AM): obviously
The Diesel (10:07:28 AM): i think we’ll win this one
JD (10:07:31 AM): TB + 2.5 @ CAR
JD (10:07:46 AM): what do you think
The Diesel (10:08:41 AM): Panthers. i like the home team.
JD (10:08:48 AM): ditto
JD (10:09:13 AM): Det +3.5 at home against the bears and new starting qb brian griese
JD (10:09:26 AM): I hate everything about Detroit and the Bears have a good defense
The Diesel (10:09:40 AM): but the bears also have SIX defensive starters hurt
JD (10:09:54 AM): but dallas smoked them
The Diesel (10:10:00 AM): for maybe the first time ever, smart money could be on detroit
JD (10:10:02 AM): i still think they rebound
JD (10:10:10 AM): pick who you want
JD (10:10:19 AM): i see the bears playing good in the first start from griese
The Diesel (10:10:19 AM): let’s go to the coin…
JD (10:10:27 AM): you got one on you?
The Diesel (10:10:30 AM): Bears
The Diesel (10:10:41 AM): i’m prepared
The Diesel (10:10:52 AM): It’s New Hampshire “Live Free or Die”
The Diesel (10:10:55 AM): Hard
JD (10:11:25 AM): haha
JD (10:11:40 AM): remember my titans covering against the colts premonition was right too
JD (10:11:41 AM): if it helps
The Diesel (10:11:47 AM): that is true
The Diesel (10:12:07 AM): so will the cowboys beat the rams by 13.5?
JD (10:12:21 AM): no steven jackson?
JD (10:12:37 AM): i go yes
The Diesel (10:12:51 AM): sure
The Diesel (10:13:02 AM): plus they’re at home
JD (10:13:06 AM): right
The Diesel (10:13:16 AM): packs/viks
The Diesel (10:13:20 AM): will the magic continue?
JD (10:13:23 AM): yeah
JD (10:13:49 AM): actually i don’t know
JD (10:13:54 AM): what’s the tarvaris jackson status
The Diesel (10:14:06 AM): he sucks
JD (10:14:12 AM): pack wins
The Diesel (10:14:23 AM): i’m cool wit dat
JD (10:14:31 AM): texans pick apart the falcons in schaub’s return
The Diesel (10:15:02 AM): yup
JD (10:15:15 AM): broncos beat the spread
JD (10:15:25 AM): shanahan’s a good coach that will establish the run and kill clock
The Diesel (10:15:26 AM): i agree
JD (10:15:31 AM): they’ll lose, but keep it interesting
The Diesel (10:15:48 AM): denver it is
The Diesel (10:16:23 AM): raiders getting 4.5 on the road against miami
JD (10:16:31 AM): and I like the Dolphins at home
The Diesel (10:16:46 AM): btw i also have a raiders logo on my computer desktop right now
The Diesel (10:16:53 AM): never lose a bet to your company’s IT guy
JD (10:17:02 AM): u think raiders?
The Diesel (10:17:07 AM): hell no
The Diesel (10:17:12 AM): go fins!
The Diesel (10:17:23 AM): or is it phins?
JD (10:17:33 AM): it’s who cares
The Diesel (10:17:39 AM): yes. yes it is.
The Diesel (10:18:04 AM): jets -3.5 against the Bills at home
JD (10:18:49 AM): jets give up a ton of points, coming out party for marshawn lynch and lee evans
JD (10:18:55 AM): i like the bills
JD (10:19:06 AM): upset special
The Diesel (10:19:26 AM): i think both teams stink, but i’ll go with the bills
JD (10:20:13 AM): giants at home with momentum getting points against the eagles>
The Diesel (10:20:14 AM): eagles-3.5@giants
JD (10:20:14 AM): ?
The Diesel (10:20:21 AM): hmmm
The Diesel (10:20:32 AM): what’d the giants do last week?
JD (10:21:25 AM): beat the redskins
The Diesel (10:21:41 AM): and eli has stopped sucking?
JD (10:21:48 AM): remember the browns put up 50+ then got destroyed by the raiders d
JD (10:21:52 AM): shut down, not destroyed
JD (10:21:54 AM): well both
The Diesel (10:22:09 AM): the browns have been a terrible 1st quarter team
The Diesel (10:22:25 AM): also, mcnabb and curtis are on my fantasy team
JD (10:22:31 AM): ok go eagles
The Diesel (10:22:39 AM): but let’s go new york football giants at home
JD (10:22:52 AM): ok
JD (10:23:11 AM): steelers to cover
JD (10:23:39 AM): well
JD (10:23:48 AM): the cardinals are 1-2, all in 3 point games
JD (10:23:55 AM): including at home against baltimore
The Diesel (10:24:46 AM): i’m also intrigued by their whole dual qb thing…
JD (10:24:54 AM): yeah
The Diesel (10:24:58 AM): let’s go cards with the points
JD (10:25:00 AM): ok
The Diesel (10:25:05 AM): not confident about it, but what the hell…
The Diesel (10:25:15 AM): it’s always fun to root against pittsburgh
JD (10:25:17 AM): sd covers 123
JD (10:25:17 AM): 12
JD (10:25:20 AM): yes it is
The Diesel (10:25:24 AM): chiefs are awful
The Diesel (10:25:36 AM): we did decide on SD as our suicide pick, yes?
JD (10:25:40 AM): seattle at sf by a field goal
JD (10:25:42 AM): yes
JD (10:25:48 AM): on sunday night
JD (10:25:57 AM): sf looked awful last week
The Diesel (10:26:16 AM): works for me. sea it is
JD (10:26:46 AM): pats cover 8 on the road?
The Diesel (10:26:49 AM): now the intriguing pick…
The Diesel (10:27:02 AM): this is a landmine
The Diesel (10:27:21 AM): the vegas over/under is currently 53, so it’s not going to be a low scoring game
JD (10:27:27 AM): nope
The Diesel (10:27:35 AM): the pats have to win by a touchdown plus
JD (10:27:41 AM): but the pats score 38 every game
JD (10:27:45 AM): which leaves cinci with 15
The Diesel (10:28:05 AM): okay, let’s ride the backs of the cheaters… pats -7.5
JD (10:28:09 AM): ok
JD (10:28:19 AM): email those to me if you could
JD (10:28:26 AM): as they are my lbs picks too
The Diesel (10:28:27 AM): yup
The Diesel (10:28:39 AM): i think we should post this IM on the blog
JD (10:28:43 AM): thanks
The Diesel (10:28:43 AM): it could be funny
JD (10:28:51 AM): ok good plan
JD (10:28:58 AM): wrote article # 2 for jcu yesterday
The Diesel (10:29:01 AM): can you do it, since I can’t from work?
JD (10:29:08 AM): its our version of tip of the cap, wag of the finer
JD (10:29:09 AM): finger
The Diesel (10:29:11 AM): make sure our IMs and names aren’t included
JD (10:29:33 AM): ok
The Diesel (10:29:33 AM): and make sure the games are listed with point spreads, so people know what we’re talking about
JD (10:29:46 AM): yeah i dont have time before having to go to ec
JD (10:29:50 AM): but i’ll do it when i get back
JD (10:29:59 AM): when im dying from running with these mf’ers
The Diesel (10:30:01 AM): cool. i can edit when i get home if need be, too
JD (10:30:04 AM): ok
The Diesel (10:30:11 AM): enjoy ec
JD (10:30:13 AM): hey by the way, set up a blog name for our roommate [JB]
The Diesel (10:30:14 AM): i gots to work
JD (10:30:16 AM): call him jb
The Diesel (10:30:22 AM): sure
JD (10:30:23 AM): thanks
The Diesel (10:30:27 AM): send me his email address
JD (10:30:30 AM): also real quick, about the article yesterday
The Diesel (10:30:44 AM): email that to me, if you will
JD (10:30:48 AM): our tip… wag…
JD (10:30:54 AM): we decided on HIGH FIVE, FAUX FIVE
JD (10:31:02 AM): and we did it about first dates
JD (10:31:06 AM): i’ll post it to the blog if you want too
The Diesel (10:31:11 AM): nice
The Diesel (10:31:14 AM): go for it
JD (10:31:18 AM): so it’s gonna be recurring
The Diesel (10:31:27 AM): exxxxcellent
JD (10:31:36 AM): FAUX five!
JD (10:31:41 AM): love it, so funny
The Diesel (10:31:50 AM): ridiculous
The Diesel (10:31:56 AM): i’m pretty happy with these picks
The Diesel (10:31:58 AM): strangely
JD (10:31:59 AM): me too
JD (10:32:00 AM): i know
JD (10:32:09 AM): maybe b/c we took a second to do them
The Diesel (10:32:11 AM): we need gas money for vegas, baby!
JD (10:32:16 AM): vegas baby, vegas
The Diesel (10:32:30 AM): it’ll be here before you know it
The Diesel (10:32:52 AM): oh, as usual, i’m just using the vegas o/u for our total points tie breaker
JD (10:33:04 AM): did u see i beat tommy boy [in fantasy football this week], btw
The Diesel (10:33:33 AM): how’d that happen?
JD (10:33:59 AM): by one point when they adjusted
JD (10:34:00 AM): i don’t know
JD (10:34:10 AM): i think they gave romo one more point
JD (10:34:27 AM): ok im out
JD (10:34:30 AM): see ya
The Diesel (10:34:52 AM): l8r
Laughed my ass of upon seeing this on Sunday. Neil Patrick Harris was not at all subtle while checking out Hayden Panatierhot18yearoldchick’s rack while presenting an Emmy. This either proves that even gay men appreciate a nice set of ta-tas, or that Doogie just thought that that dress went very well with those shoes…
Thank You, FOX, for not censoring this moment during the west coast feed with that weird high angle shot like you did with the “fucking,” “holy shit,” and “goddamn” moments.
Just kidding, folks… This show most definitely went out with a whimper. At least Spielberg took time out from shooting Indy 4 to show up. Sorta. But we’ll get to that later…
Sorry, but I just had to post one more time about this show that nobody watched. It mercifully ended last night with my two friends, Adam and Sam (whom I mentioned in an earlier post), coming in 3rd and 4th place, respectively. Bummer they didn’t win (Tommy Boy and I did our part burning up the phones and interweb with votes), but it probably shouldn’t matter too much. I haven’t spoken to either of them yet, but I’d assume that some doors will have been opened just by being on the show and doing so well.
Yes, the show was an epic failure, at least ratings-wise. Okay, it was pretty much a creative failure as well, but it seems like that can at least be partially attributed to the ratings. Fox saw that it had a dog on its hands early on and went all Mike Vick on it (too soon?), obviously trimming expenses as much as possible. This was pretty obvious when they not only magically reduced the number of contestants from 24 to 18 (sans on-air explanation), but then also aired the contestants’ submission films, which the filmmakers had paid for themselves. Then, upon getting to the final 3 filmmakers, they don’t give them money to make a final film! (Mad props (do the kids still say that?) to Adam for subtly pointing that out multiple times during part 1 of the finale). They simply padded the last two episodes with filler and films that had already been shown. It was pretty ridiculous.
It’s really a shame, because I know for a fact that two of contestants (Sam and Adam, obviously) are very talented and have put a crazy amount of time and effort into filmmaking. I can only assume the rest of the contestants are similarly committed, but none of them were given the opportunity to truly showcase what they can do. The show needed to give them more than 2 minutes (especially when you get to the top 10) and to pair them up with real writers. Maybe give every director the same script to shoot. Then “America” would have much better criterion upon which to judge who can truly direct the “best.”
It’s possible that all of these things were supposed to come to pass on the show, but we’ll never know. Fox and the producers were far too ambitious in the beginning, expecting an American Idol-sized audience and starting right up with one of their patented filler audition shows. It didn’t work and it alienated the audience right from the start. They were seemingly forced to make changes on the fly and the show ultimately became unbearable to watch (except for when the host, Adrianna Costa, wore a low cut dress, which was quite often. Thanks, Adrianna. It was much appreciated).
Despite all this, Spielberg did make an appearance. I was under the assumption that he was in Hawaii shooting the new Indiana Jones movie, but I guess it’s possible that he flew all the way back just for the finale… (I said it’s possible, okay? Stop laughing). Ol’ Stevie did not actually come to the studio for the show, but instead, the winner was immediately ushered from the studio in a limousine to the gates of Dreamworks to meet him. So here’s my question: When was this part actually shot? The finale was supposedly “live.” However, Will was supposed to get to from the studio to Dreamworks in the span of a single commercial break, which, as anyone who has ever driven ANYWHERE in Los Angeles knows, is utterly impossible. Not to mention the fact that the limo ride and meeting was edited like crazy. So my question is, when did they actually shoot the Spielberg meeting? Did they shoot it the night before with all 3 final contestants? I guess I’ll find out the next time I talk to Adam or Sam…
And that meeting between Spielberg and Will Bigham, the winner? Awkward doesn’t really describe it. Let’s just hope Will wasn’t welcomed to Dreamworks with a nice severance package and a note to clean out his desk.
Well, I’ve already wasted too much time writing about a show I would have stopped watching months ago had I not had friends on it.
I’m out (like a minority contestant on On the Lot)…
“When I was your age, television was called books…” –Grandpa (Peter Falk, you know, the guy who played Columbo) in “The Princess Bride”
I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the other night. I am sad. Not because of anything that happens in the book (though there are many somber moments), but because the saga is over. There will be no more Harry Potter books. For you haters out there (and I know you’re out there), this will come as a welcome relief. But I say you missed out.
After the last movie comes out in a few years, Harry Potter as pop culture phenomenon will cease to exist in the present tense. It will be like, as Jerry Seinfeld lamented at the end of Seinfeld, a yellowed photograph in the bottom of a drawer. A moment. A memory. Captured in time.
And then those of you whom have not read the books can continue on your merry way, oblivious to the fact that you have missed out on the first (only?) major worldwide cultural event of the century. And, more importantly, on a damn good story.
I’m still processing the final book and I’ll have more thoughts in a few days. But for those of you that only know Harry Potter through the movies, or not at all, I strongly encourage you to start reading the books. You won’t be disappointed.
