Chuddy Dolenz Thanksgiving

I was searching for an appropriately “thankful” song or theme for Thanksgiving this year, then it came it to me via an 80s cult film. Maybe this is a stretch, but stay with me…

I turned on the 1984 film “C.H.U.D.” which is about Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers living in the New York City underground sewer system. I saw a guy in one scene (an actor named Gene O’Neill) and thought he looked a lot like Micky Dolenz from The Monkees.

What do you think? In any event, I searched through Micky Dolenz’s solo recording catalog and found a version of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music”.

I’m not big into musicals, but I enjoyed listening to his take on this song. It’s a grateful/thankful song, right? Dolenz also has an album of all R.E.M. covers.

As for the movie, “C.H.U.D.” has a lot of familiar faces in it including a brief scene with John Goodman and Jay Thomas. Another of the actors is Daniel Stern who plays what I will call Skinny Sleeveless 1980s Dude. (Ralph Macchio rocked this phenomenon to much bigger success.) The film’s storyline involves nuclear waste and fighting off those cannibalistic humanoids, etc. It was directed by Douglas Cheek.

In conclusion, this movie made realize how thankful I am for my own world of movies, music, and turkey. Who knows what next year will bring?

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Rainy with a chance of Polka Dots

Do you think some musicians are more “cover-song-oriented” than others? I mean we obviously don’t think of someone like Tom Jones or even Elvis Presley as songwriters, but more as musical interpreters. With other musicians, some cover a good deal more non-original material than others. Case in point: Buddy Guy.

Buddy Guy is known as a blues guitarist, but his song selection opens up a whole other can of worms. From what I’ve seen, he’s recorded around 200 songs and only about 30 or so of those are originals. One interesting cover I’ve heard a few times is the John Hiatt-penned tune “Feels Like Rain.”

You can hear the unmistakable sound of Bonnie Raitt’s slide guitar on the tune. It’s a pretty mellow, patient song with some gospel elements. “Feels Like Rain” is also the name of the early 90s album by Buddy Guy, which I believe, contains nothing but cover songs.

Another gospel-ish tune covered by Buddy Guy has only been recorded a handful of times. “Change in the Weather” was written and originally released by John Fogerty for the late 80s album “Eye of the Zombie.” Guy’s version also features Travis Tritt on vocals.

Fogerty’s original version is a longer guitar workout. Guy’s interpretation of it is pretty interesting. I hear plenty of keyboard on it and the two lead vocalists as well. Guy has LOTS of other interesting covers out there so I may have to blog about those.

By the way, Fender makes a signature Buddy Guy Stratocaster guitar with the polka dot motif.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Beastly Conflict

I hadn’t heard of this film before I found it on the Tubi streaming network this weekend, but it’s an interesting one. The confusing part is it’s listed some places as “The Beast” and others as “The Beast of War.” In any event, the 1988 film was directed by Kevin Reynolds and was based on play called “Nanawatai” by William Mastrosimone. The basic plot involves an ongoing conflict between a Soviet tank crew and Afghan rebels. I checked out a few versions of Edwin Starr’s tune “War”, but found this video to be the most memorable.

“The Beast” stars a lot of familiar faces, but some are harder to recognize than others. A much thinner George Dzundza plays the tank commander while an almost unrecognizable Jason Patric is his compassionate foil and tank crew member. Another face I had a hard time placing was Cuban-born American actor Steven Bauer who is one of the Afghan rebels. Stephen Baldwin and Don Harvey round out the tank crew. (Harvey played Swede Risberg in the baseball film “Eight Men Out”).

The acting and the naturally dramatic setting are a big part of the film, but it also gets into themes of revenge vs. mercy and duty vs. survival. As a viewer, you’re forced to think about what you would do in the same circumstances. Wikipedia describes this one as a cult film. Apparently, no one else heard of this one when it was released.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

‘Tis Tart Season?

Halloween has come and gone and our clocks have “fallen back.” Thanksgiving is fast approaching and big box retailers are assaulting our senses with pre-Black Friday deals. That can only mean one thing… it’s Pop Tart season.

Perhaps it’s seasonal instinct or a general disdain for food preparation, but I always find myself craving the tasty, convenient breakfast treats during this time of year. Like most things in America, consumers now have an OVERWHELMING number of flavor choices. More in a moment. I couldn’t have told you who sang “Yummy Yummy Yummy” for a lifetime’s supply of Pop Tarts, but it was Ohio Express.

Before I share my favorite flavor(s), I think a quick review of the choices is warranted. Apparently, there were four original flavors, but now there are at least two dozen. I would consider the “frosted” Pop Tarts the traditional ones, but that’s me. You also have “unfrosted” ones as well. I suppose unfrosted is sort of like diet soda pop or low tar cigarettes. You know you’re being unhealthy, but now you feel better about it.

You have some flavors you might expect like Frosted: Cherry, Raspberry, and Blueberry. None of these do much for me. Frosted Strawberry is probably my second favorite overall flavor to date. In the chocolate category, there are multiple choices. Frosted Chocolate Fudge is very rich, but tasty. Then you have things like Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae and Frosted S’Mores. (I think the latter one is for when you go deer hunting.) There’s even a “Gone Nutty” Peanut Butter option which I would also describe as rich, but tasty. Here’s one to consider for food prep slackers like me: Frosted Pumpkin Pie. I haven’t tried it, but it sure seems quicker than spending your Thanksgiving holiday actually baking a real pie.

The most important recommendation I can make is this one: Brown Sugar Cinnamon. Apparently, it was one of the 4 original flavors. I also recommend a microwave setting of 33 seconds on power level “8”. Here’s a sorta-kinda related 80’s TV commercial for rock station KSHE 95 in St. Louis.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Mas Mendez Benzes

I, like most Americans, officially have Menendez Fever. “Girl, you know it’s true.” I watched the 9 part Netflix series and it is freaky. There’s Menudo, there’s Milli Vanilli, there’s a woman named “Judalon.” Then there are the female attorneys who represented the infamous Menendez Brothers. One of said attorneys had some seriously curly hair. Pop quiz:

Their curly headed attorney was best known for saying:

a. “Erik is the wind beneath my wings.”

b. “Nobody puts Lyle in a corner.”

c. “The sun will come out tomorrow. (That is, unless, you shoot me to death while I fall asleep watching TV in my home.)”

d. “Arf.”

Here are a couple of lawyer-legal-type songs for your enjoyment. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest.

Then there’s “A Legal Matter” by The Who.

I’m sorry…do I sound harsh? Theoretically, the Menendez Brothers could actually be released after spending over 30 years behind bars. Is their debt to society now considered “paid in full”? I don’t know.

The “bros” will need to generate some income if they get out. I really think the pair of limited edition Mercedes Menendez Benzes convertibles could be a great endorsement for them. The cars should come with a free subscription to three satellite radio stations. One would play only Menudo, one only Milli Vanilli, and maybe one could be remixes of both artists. The purchase should also include “do rags” with dreads a la Milli Vanilli so you can get the full-on experience.

Oh yeah, I neglected to mention that O.J. Simpson was apparently serving time in the L.A. County Jail during the same time as the Mendez Brothers. Apparently, they actually had some contact. Bizarre. The Netflix series “Monsters” mentions the district attorney’s office failed to convict Simpson and that might have made them come down even harder on Lyle and Erik. It’s difficult to say, but truth is definitely stranger than fiction.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Much Menudo about Menendez

If you haven’t seen the Netflix series “Monsters” and the documentary “The Menendez Brothers”, there are spoilers ahead and, by the way, the whole thing ain’t pretty. Where do I begin?

In 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were murdered via multiple shotgun blasts in their California home. Their sons, Erik and Lyle, were ultimately convicted of the murders, but not before some serious truth-is-stranger-than-fiction twists and turns. There were not only allegations of sexual abuse against Jose, but that Kitty knew about it as well. Not weird enough? Okay, how about this? The Menendez Brothers end up going to a ne’er do well therapist whose woman on the side is named “Judalon” and plays a role in their demise. Where did it all happen? Beverly Hills. Thank you, Weezer.

By the way, have you ever heard the name Judalon? The only think I can think of is her parents were superfans of “Babylon 5” and time travelled back to when she was born to name her after the sci-fi series.

Did you say you wanted more weirdness? Well, Jose Menendez is portrayed as a domineering power monger, not only at his home, but also in business. He apparently worked as an executive for RCA Records and was heavily involved with the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. Even weirder? Apparently, one of the members of the group accused Jose Menendez of sexual abuse as well. Ouch.

Another bizarre thing portrayed in “Monsters” is the Menendez Brothers listening to the all-time R & B kings of lip sync — Milli Vanilli. What’s worse is apparently some young people are starting to discover their “music.” That could be the cruelest example of history repeating itself that I’ve ever heard.

After being imprisoned for decades, there’s now talk of the Menendez Brothers being freed. What will they do to support themselves? Here’s my suggestion: Team up with Mercedes-Benz. They can offer two limited edition convertibles called The Menendez Benzes and appear in their sweaters during the commercials. Erik can drive one with the wind blowing through his hair and Lyle can buff the paint of the other one with his bald head — or maybe they can both don Milli Vanilli style dreads?

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Twangin’ in Outer Space

What film do actors Dennis Hopper, Stephen Dorff, Debi Mazar, and George Wendt have in common? That would be the 1986 Stuart Gordon film called “Space Truckers.” I don’t ever think I ever heard of it prior to today, but I watched it on the Tubi network. Hopper and Dorff, respectively, are veteran and greenhorn “space truckers” and they are both rivals for the affection of Mazar’s character. The opening song caught my ears. It’s “Highway Junkie” by Chris Knight.

Apparently, the song has also been recorded by the likes of Gary Allan and Randy Travis. I don’t think “Space Truckers” is a film for everyone, but it’s visually interesting. Dennis Hopper wears a futuristic civil war cap. There are spaceships, killer robots, the gothic beauty of Debi Mazar, and a neon color scheme. (I wonder if “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn was considered for the soundtrack?).

This one isn’t on the soundtrack, but I figured while I’m enjoying the whole twangy music thing I’ll include some Duane Eddy. Use your best D.J. voice to shout, “It’s a twang thang twin spin!”

The song is actually called “Twistin n Twangin.” There’s also at least one anti-gravity fistfight in the film, which is pretty creative.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Thrift Store Oasis

So there I was…minding my own business…thumbing through the men’s hanging shirts at Savers on 95th Street. Then I heard a WAILING, distorted electric guitar come through the store’s overhead speakers. The song had a sort of 50’s ballad vibe with a boogie rock intro and some odd harmony. I had no idea who it was, so I used the Shazam app and it indicated the song was “Some Might Say” by Oasis.

The song was on their 1995 BritPop-mega-smash-album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?“, but I can’t say I ever remember hearing it before today. Liam Gallagher sings the nasally lead vocal while his brother Noel plays lead guitar and harmonizes with him. Lyrically, it has some lines about sun vs. moon and heaven vs. hell. My favorite lyric is “The sink is full of fishes, she’s got dirty dishes on the brain.”

According to Wikipedia, the song was inspired by a song called “Fuzzy” by Grant Lee Buffalo. I’ll let you research that one so I can share the live version from Knebworth 1996.

I’ve heard plenty of things about The Beatles’ influence on Oasis, but the guitar in this one reminds me more of The Faces, The Rolling Stones, or any number of blues-influenced rock bands. I hear a definite poetry to the lyrics so I give the Brothers Gallagher credit for that. If you’re a superfan, there’s a demo version out there. “Some might say we will find a brighter day.”

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Happy Crowley-Ween?

Wanna have some real fun this October, kids? Well, let me tell you how. First, dust off your old Ozzy Osbourne vinyl LPs. Don’t worry, you won’t even have to play them backwards! See if you can find Ozzy’s solo debut album “Blizzard of Oz” (1980) or “Tribute” (1987) or even “The Essential Ozzy Osbourne” (2003). The song you’re looking for is NOT the dance sensation that’s sweeping the nation. It starts with some heavy organ sounds and it’s called “Mr. Crowley”.

The song is about an English dude named Aleister Crowley. I believe his other monikers were “The Wickedest Man in the World” and “The Great Beast 666”. I’d hate to face anyone with those nicknames in a boxing ring. Crowley lived during the years 1875 and 1947. He was definitely into The Occult and Black Magic. What else? I guess he was a bisexual mountaineer as well.

Crowley has some credibility in the rock n roll world, even if he didn’t play guitar. He was one of those folks on the cover of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” album. Also, Led Zeppelin’s guitar wizard Jimmy Page was into Crowley. Page bought Crowley’s home “Boleskin House”, which is near Loch Ness. Why didn’t Crowley just add “Loch Ness Monster” to his nicknames as well? I glanced at some YouTube videos about Crowley, Page, and Boleskin recently. The Led Zeppelin song “Since I’ve Been Loving You” appeared on those searches, too.

I don’t think the song has anything to do with Crowley per se, but it’s dark sounding minor blues so it seems appropriate. Also, a Crowley expression, “Do what thou wilt” was apparently inscribed on Led Zeppelin III vinyl if I’m not mistaken.

I don’t know if I’ve done justice to the essence of Mr. Crowley, but maybe I’m better off not knowing.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Dark Night, Devil’s Footprints

I’ve been thinking about what to post for Halloween this year and found an interesting intersection of music, film, and folklore. It all started when I decided to watch the 2014 film called “Dark Was the Night”, starring Kevin Durand and Lukas Haas. (Durand is the 6’6″ dude who’s been in films like “Mystery, Alaska” and the superb remake of “3:10 to Yuma.” Haas is best known for playing the Amish kid with the enormous ears in 1985’s “Witness.”)

The plot line reminds me of “Predator” — a mysterious creature starts picking off people and animals near a small village, but no one can locate it or figure it out. The interesting part to me is the film’s origin. In 1855, mysterious cloven hoof footprints appeared in the new fallen snow near south Devon, England. What’s even more mysterious is they went on for like 50 to 100 miles. Where was Robert Stack when you needed him?

Another interesting thing is the film’s title is taken from an old gospel blues tune by Blind Willie Johnson. Gov’t Mule released their take on the song “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” around 2017.

Slide guitar whiz and all around musician’s musician Ry Cooder also has a pretty wicked instrumental take on the tune.

No one seems to know who or what left the now infamous devil’s footprints, but theories include everything from hopping mice, to kangaroos, to a badger. Personally, I think the devil was just out looking for some great slide guitar music.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!