Lev011's Journals

Review: Halloween 2 (remake) or Why Rob Zombie Won't Be Getting a Christmas Card From Me This Year

First off, let me get this out of the way. Halloween is my favorite horror movie of all time (including all of the horrible and not so horrible Halloween movies that followed). Michael Myers is definitely the horror figure that I find most intriguing in that to me the brilliance of this slasher, hacker horror movie character was his symbolism of pure evil. Sometimes, you don't need or you shouldn't have an explanation for a character like this. Sometimes, that's what makes a horror movie character so iconic and so unbelievably terrifying. You can't explain why or how; you don't know where or when; but bodies are dropping every time you turn around without rhyme or reason; and how horrifying is that? Is that what pure evil is? This is my impression of what John Carpenter did with the movie Halloween and all that followed; and the Michael Myers character he created was something so simplistic and so brutally evil without explanation that it worked in scaring the daylights out of you and thus made this a classic horror movie. So, when I learned that Rob Zombie was going to remake Halloween, I was skeptical but a little excited. After all, I was a big fan of Rob's earlier work with the gritty and gruesome House of 1000 Corpses and even more of a fan of his next film The Devil's Rejects which actually ranks up there as one of my all-time favorite horror movies with it's deep-fried, sticky, slimy spin. So, one of my newly favorite horror directors was going to remake my favorite horror movie of all time. Long story short, I was deeply disappointed with Rob's Halloween remake. So, then, why would I go to see Rob's next remake of Halloween 2? Wishful thinking? It's a good question that I'm still trying to figure out myself.

Saying that this remake was a valiant effort is probably the nicest thing I can say at this point. My biggest problem with remaking this movie has to do with the fact that the whole point of the film has been lost and abandoned. The only thing intact with regard to the original Halloween 2 film are the characters and even they've been bastardized. The whole idea of Michael being this mindless killing machine was tossed out in Rob's "reimaging" to try and tell us why Michael is the way he is and why he's doing what he's doing. To that I say, "knock it off," because when you go and try and spoon feed us the motives and motivations for Michael Myers, you lose the scariness and the horror of the original films and this character in particular. He's a mindless killing machine and that's scary. A dude who misses his mommy and dreams of her all in white with a pretty white horse is not so scary. These dream sequences in Rob's remake and the back story he wants to cram down our throats is like the filling in a Twinkie. I don't know what it is or why it's in there, but I know it's bad, and I shouldn't eat it, but I do, and now I'll probably get cancer. You see Rob, when you add all this "reimaged" filler, you give people cancer.

Let me just reiterate...the original character of Michael Myers is an emotionless, mindless, killing machine. He exists to destroy. He is hell bent on destroying his sister Laurie for whatever reason, plot be damned. There is no grey area with Michael and what his character represented. Evil is evil, end of story. That's why it's so scary. That's why Michael was scary. We don't need to have everything in the world explained to us. However, in Zombie's new vision for Michael in this remake, he chose to fill Michael with lots of emotion and to give him a face (the mask does come off in this film) which defeats the purpose and the original intent of the character of Michael in the original films. The outcome is that instead of the horrifying, faceless, and mindless killing machine in which humans are just perceived as things that all Michael needs to do is stab, slash, choke, or toss until they stop squirming around; now, Michael is a sad, little boy who is angry and misses his mom (and needs a good shave). Instead of being shocked and terrified of this character of Michael Myers, all I wanted to do after seeing this new vision of Michael is just give him a tub full of Prozac and a hug. How scary is that?

However, it's not just Michael Myers' character that is changed to completely take this remake in a whole different direction away from the original films, it's also the characters of Dr. Loomis and Laurie. When you have a character as evil as Michael, you need to have a character in the story that counterbalances this evil with good, right? Dr. Loomis tried to protect society from evil. He tried to shield the world from the fact that evil existed in a very tangible form in Michael Myers. He would risk his life to protect innocent people from ever crossing the path of Michael. But, he realized his shortcomings as a human being. He realized there was no way to be completely safe from evil, but he forged on trying to warn us of the impending doom Michael was about to unleash; and we, silly unfazed human beings that we are, looked at Dr. Loomis like he was a homeless guy on a street corner holding up a sign that boldly stated, "The End is Nigh," and thus the carnage ensued. The Dr. Loomis of this remake was a manipulative prick who was only focused on making money off the plights of those who perished at the hands of Michael Myers. Again, a serious shortcoming of the movie. You can't have a horror movie, especially a horror movie like Halloween with Michael Myers, without having some character who is the exact opposite of evil or else...how completely depressing. You in some ways by doing this actually make Michael turn out to be the victim and the most sympathetic character in the movie. I don't' want to have to feel sorry for the guy who just hacked up my best friend. I won't even go into how the character of Laurie was just turned into a whiny, partying punk rocker girl. I could spend hours and hours on that travesty alone.

So, here's my dilemma. As far as this remake is concerned, I hated it. Call me a fan girl if you want, but I know that (although redundant) remakes of classic horror movies can be done well with directors injecting their own spin on the story without losing the essence of the original. I was impressed (although not overly excited) about the remakes of horror movies like Last House On the Left and Dawn of the Dead and even the remaking of Ju-on (the Grudge) or Ringu (The Ring) which were not-too-shabby efforts. However, in remaking a horror classic, especially remaking a horror classic with such an iconic horror figure as Michael Myers, when you decide to completely and totally deviate from the original story and put your own crazy spin on the film, it almost seems like you want to make your own horror film but yet want to bank on bringing people into the theater by way of saying it's Halloween 2 with Michael Myers. I appreciate Rob's effort, but I think he tried too hard to concentrate on both a plot and the characterization and development of Michael Myers; and it just created this confusing, mish-mash of Rob's cartoon horror images and completely lost the whole idea of Michael Myers and the story in the process. You see because to me, Michael as the character is the plot of this story, and that story being that evil exists and it can't be stopped...even if you try to kill it with fire which Dr. Loomis tried to do in the original Halloween 2 movie. If Rob would have taken out the Halloween references, created his own maniacal killer and back-story, I think this would have been a cool horror movie which focused on how a homicidal maniac comes to be and the bizarre rationalizations that homicidal killer makes and his feelings. I know Rob's got a great horror movie in him again, and I'm waiting patiently for that movie to come; but until then, I may have to be disappointed once again with the fact that there will be a third remake next summer (different director) that happens to be in 3-D. Oh the humanity.

Verdict: If you've got nothing better to do on the weekend and don't mind wasting $11 (popcorn and drink not included) and 1-½ hours of your life, I guess you could go see this remake. However, we're in a recession I guess; so, you'd be better off just saving your money.

ZOMG...Manic Street Preachers

Yea, so I haven't been on much. Oh well. I haven't been the greatest Buzznet user, only commenting sporadically. I'm sincerely sorry for that : ( I mean to but then by the time I sit down at my computer with any kind of free time, I have to go off somewhere. I'm currently trying to live right now in two different places (long story).

HOWEVER, I am so excited I just wanted to share this. Okay, I get a link from the wonderfully amazing and lovely Chloe (chloetraisnel) through Twitter asking me if I'll be going to this upcoming concert. I click on the link, and lo and behold, the Manic Street Preachers are going to be here, in Minneapolis, in September. I figured they'd play a big venue like the Target Center or Roy Wilkins Auditorium...BUT NO...they're playing the Varsity Theater, which happens to be really dinky, teeny-tiny small, and adorably cute. Last summer at the beginning of August, I went there to see Solid Gold (local band...they're awesome...look them up on Myspace) and the Ting-Tings. I arrived at the venue late (of course because I had to stuff my face first...I can't be somewhere standing for more than 3 hours if I don't have a belly full of food...sorry), but I still managed to get thisclose to the stage.

This time, my game plan is different. I am arriving very early to the club, perhaps a few cocktails in the over sized stuffed lounge chairs they have at the side of the stage; and, I'm going to be front and center for this concert...that's a promise!

Just thought I'd share. I'm very, very excited to see MSP in concert and in such a small and intimate setting. The show is September 30, and I'm already plotting stuff : )

YAY!

Daily Music Dose - The Sisters of Mercy

With all the Daily Music Dose bands that I've chosen to do write-ups on, are you beginning to notice a recurring theme? Does that theme happen to do with moody men singing in off-kilter baritones wearing dark sunglasses in the evening singing about every depressing thing you can think of? Well, I happen to be a creature of habit, pretty much a one-trick pony, and I do not disappoint. So, without further adieu, let me tell you about a little band from the 80s called The Sisters of Mercy.

You see, I have a love-hate relationship with this band. Of course, I'll hook you up with an interesting selection of songs from this band's limited discographic history; but I tend to base how much I enjoy a band by how much the band actually believe in their own hype. I can appreciate a band that is passionate about a cause and actually puts their words into action. This is why, believe it or not, I actually have a bit of respect for Pete Wentz even though I happen not to like Fall Out Boy. You see, Pete I honestly believe is a humanitarian (in his own unique way)...from traveling to Uganda to raise awareness of the that country's problems to encouraging youth to Rock the Vote, Pete puts his words into action. However, Pete can also laugh at himself and take advantage of his "looks" so to speak to market himself and his band, and as an extra bonus of Pete's marketing skills, he inadvertently encourages young people to become interested in issues that he is interested in. Granted, you still want to encourage the youth to be able to think for themselves instead of copying what their favorite rock star does, but it's better than the youth supporting bands that oh, I don't know, have messages in their lyrics that insinuate that date rape is super awesome and cool like some bands I know. I mean, look at the enthusiasm Pete's eyeliner-wearing self encourages...

"...pete is gonna save the world becuz he is so hot. nobody will be able to resist his hotness. I want to save the world i can b with pete. I love eyeliner on guys. it make them look so macho..."

Yes, this is an actual comment to an article on Fall Out Boy that I found on the web. But, it's a start, right? But I digress; so, about my love-hate relationship with The Sisters of Mercy. It basically has to do with front man Andrew Eldritch. I enjoy Andrew, don't get me wrong, but he needs to really get over himself. Since the band's formation in 1980, they have had nine members leaving the band basically over the fact that Eldritch can be a huge douche-bag. I mean, I can't verify this statement with any actual proof, and maybe he's just a really talented and deep misunderstood poet...but, I kind of doubt it. My first clue would be that if you have so many of the conventions of your sound and image associated with "Gothic" elements, so to speak, and then so vehemently deny any associations with the Gothic subculture, I tend to think your full of shit. Even though your lyrics allude to carnal imagery, associations with the drug culture, and biting criticism of Republicans in the United States (yes, most notably both Bush former presidents), Christianity, etc., and you wear you sunglasses at night and dress all in black, I suppose it's okay for you to state, "I'm constantly confronted by representatives of popular culture who are far more goth than we, yet I have only to wear black socks to be stigmatized as the demon overlord." Well, okay, but it wouldn't have anything to do with you early in your career being accused of ripping off everything that is Joy Division, now does it?

But, my criticism aside, I still do love the sound of this band; and you cannot deny the influence The Sisters of Mercy have had on the second wave of goth rock that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s including the use of drum machines and the unique vocal stylings (and fashion, sorry Andrew). For example, with this first song alone entitled "Walk Away," I can think of at least three different bands of today that I would not be surprised were influenced by this melody, these vocals, and even the look.

Okay, so here's another nifty song..."Lucretia, My Reflection," because it's got a good beat and you can dance to it. Seriously, I got nothing. I just like this song. However, the video makes absolutely no sense to me; but nothing from the 1980s really makes much sense to me. Plus, the chick in the video (which they've used in pretty much all their videos, posters, flyers and what not) looks like Tim Curry in drag. OMG! If it was Tim Curry, I'd probably change my whole opinion of Andrew Eldritch.

Finally, I give you the song "Black Planet," because you can never have too many songs on your ipod telling you about how much this world sucks and your life sucks and people suck and how everything sucks and that you should probably just crawl in a hole and pray for a sweet, merciful ending...right? But, other than that, it's got a great beat and you can dance to it! Yea, after watching this video, now I know why Ian Astbury started wearing those gaucho-cowboy type hats...oh, I think Rob Zombie does too! Influence, I tell you...they haz it.

As I barely alluded to earlier, The Sisters of Mercy have very limited amount of albums released. Namely:

First and Last and Always released in 1985.
Floodland released in 1987. AND...
Vision Thing released in 1990.

The other two albums released were just compilation albums and therefore, in my opinion, don't count. Take a guess why The Sisters of Mercy haven't released any other albums since 1993 even though they still continue to tour and continue to treat audiences with new material on stage despite this "no new albums released since 1993?" Give up? A strike against their record company! Shocking! Even the band hasn't officially released any videos of their songs...so, maybe in his own way, Andrew is a man of his word sticking to his convictions and passions...And, I still do love them...I love the influence they've had on newer bands who have embraced the "dark culture," so to speak...I love that they're kind of creepy...I love that the drum machine is noted as a member of the band and is called Doktor Avalance...I love the Monkeemobile in the "Black Planet" video...AND I actually love that Andrew Eldritch is so weird.

So, yea, go ahead and give them a listen...it's not like you'll turn gothic or anything.

Just in case the videos don't show up, here's some links...

Lucretia, My Reflection
Black Planet
Walk Away

Daily Music Dose - Bauhaus

First of all, let's get the details out of the way:

Formed: 1978 in Northamptom (England people)
Members: Peter Murphy (vocals), Daniel Ash (guitar), Kevin Haskins (drums), David J (bass)
Sound: Dark and gloomy. Considered the first true gothic rock band.

Discography:

In the Flat Field (1980)
Mask (1981)
The Sky's Gone Out (1982)
Burning from the Inside (1983)
Go Away White (2008)

Thanks Wikipedia!

Anyway, instead of belaboring the origins of this band which anyone could probably just type into Google and find out on their own…how about I try to convince you to give them a listen beyond the 9-minute long "Bela Lugosi’s Dead" (which by the way was written only like a month after the band was formed).

First of all, yes, that song is amazing…perfect for Halloween, perfect for freaking your parents out when portraying your edginess, perfect for trying to convince someone your way cooler than you actually are (don’t take offense…I’m like that too). Throw that song on, and right away folks think you’re deep and complex; when in actuality, it’s the only song you know and you heard it while flipping through the channels on a Saturday night, because you once again had no plans for the evening. I actually heard that song for the first time while flipping through the channels on a Saturday night, because I once again had no plans for the evening. I happened to be watching the movie The Hunger with David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve and a very young Susan Sarandon. Then there was this song and this band and this caged Peter Murphy looking like a frothing, gothic emo-cat. See for yourself...

But, I wanted to like more than just this one song by them. After all, I had tons of people telling me what a cool band Bauhaus was. So, I listened; and although the band could be considered a more acquired taste, it was perfect music for those cold, damp, rainy nights when your heart is heavy and the moon is full. Translation=the music is very atmospheric. It’s heavily bass laden and synthed over sound with a lot of jangly guitars that alone would be cacophonous...but that jangly guitar with the synth, bass, and drums mash up just the perfect mixture of eerie, angsty mood music. It’s like a burrito. You don’t eat just a tortilla with onions and call it a burrito. No, alone, the onions and tortilla are less than appetizing; however, add beans and meat (or not if you’re vegan) and sauce and cheese to the onion and tortilla; and it, too, like the band Bauhaus, mashes up just the perfect mixture; and if it’s spicy enough, like Bauhaus as well, the burrito could make your heart hurt.

Among the more accessible tunes for a new listener of the band, you might want to try “Telegram Sam,” a remake of a T. Rex song believe it or not. Here, check out the video; and holy Dr. Frankenfurter, check out Mr. Peter Murphy!

Or, oh my god, Bauhaus’ remake of the David Bowie classic “Ziggy Stardust.” I hate to say this, but I totally love their version better than Bowie’s. I mean come on, even David Bowie said himself that Bauhaus played it the way it should be played. A rock star, god-like person destroyed by the fanaticism of his fans? Yes, Bauhaus--and Peter in particular--carry out a musical interpretation of those lyrics that just musically embody that tension and smug bravado with a hint of despair. Yes, people, look at the video...you must! Oh, and Peter plays caged em0-cat again. So awesome

So, my next song I'd like you to take a listen to is "She's In Parties". Let's play it and sit under the full moon drinking cocktails from coffee cups and contemplating life's cruelties....Just kidding. It's kind of one of those cool atmosphere songs that I like listening to, and again, check out the cool 80s video...Peter is so vampire man..

And what’s a great band without their songs against “the man,” although in this case it’s a rally cry and condemnation against the excesses of power, wealth, greed, etc., etc. Off their last (and probably final) album from just last year Go Away White, the song “Too Much 21st Century,” has such a groove rhythm to it, that I just like it, okay? You might too…give it a listen, yeah?

And as a side note…check out Peter Murphy’s solo stuff. The man is a genius and songs such as "Cuts You Up," or "Emergency Unit," are beautiful in my opinion…or it could be his voice. He’d probably sing the alphabet song to me, and it would shatter my little emo heart into a billion blood-red pieces, and I’d just burst into tears of pain and confusion and the weight of the world… Only not really …but those are beautiful songs.

SCREW EDWARD CULLEN...BELA LUGOSI'S DEAD...yea...

HIM - Daily Music Dose

I think it would be naive of me to believe that not many people on Buzznet know who the band HIM are. The HIM fan community alone boasts over 1000 members and many off-shoot fan groups with 300 or more members. Sure, not the level of activity in the fan forums as My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, or Panic at the Disco; but nonetheless, some of the most active and enthusiastic forum posters on the site. So, therein lies my dilemma. The purpose of the Daily Music Dose is to introduce members to a band they may not be familiar with. I can bet that most of you are familiar with the band HIM and already have formed your own opinion about the band. For example, a friend of mine refers to them as the Backstreet Boys of mall goths. Now, I don't know if he heard that somewhere or read it somewhere; but yeah, most of the people I know describe this band in not so favorable terms. I also noted the infamous Heartagram get a feature on the website "yourscenesucks.com." So, apparently, the "hot topic core" scenester in one way can be identified by their HIM necklace and are responsible for among other things the commercialization of your favorite band. Check it out right here. So, what do I do to convince you to give them a listen?

First of all, HIM are a band from Finland comprised of members:

Ville Valo
Mikko Lindstrom aka "Linde"
Mikko Paananen aka "Mige"
Janne Puurtinen aka "Burton"
Mika Karppinen aka "Gas"

Well, for one thing, I must admit that the band does have in my opinion a very distinct sound. Invariably, the band is quick to be put off as either gothic rock, gothic metal, alternative rock, hard rock, pop metal, etc. Ville Valo had at one point with his frustration in explaining the band's sound to journalists referred to their sound as "love metal." Admittedly, in interviews I've watched, I've seen Mr. Valo cringe a bit when the topic of describing love metal is brought up; but, I think it serves the purpose well in that their music is a bit hard to define and label.

Lyrically, as much as he would hate to admit it, Ville does follow a more gothic tendency. Romantic musings, dark themes, religious symbolism and mysticism; yes, lyrically, I would consider the band gothic. For example, a few of Ville's more romantically impassioned lyrics:

"Kill me. I begged and love said no."
"You had demons to kill...within you screaming, with a gun loaded with guilt...you opened their eyes..."
"If death is the answer..to love's mysteries...then bleed on my darling...to the sound of a dream."
"Let me never see the sun. Never see you smile. Let us be so dead and so gone. So far away from life."
Finding souls to feed...the night side of Eden...we see her struggling...for her love's last breath and walk off."

But, I think aside from the lyrical association with a more gothic tendency, that's where the similarities end. You could argue Ville's style of dress (and style of the low guttural vocals) is reminiscent of, say, Andrew Eldritch of the Sisters of Mercy (one of the first bands from the 1980s to be considered gothic rock); but, I do believe that Ville has his own unique style that fits his Finnish style of cold, dark, and (in Ville's own words) behind God's back.

But beyond that, the music itself I believe borrows from many different genres of music and gets its own Finnish stamp of uniqueness in the quality of the heaviness of the sound, the pop sensibilities, the guitar virtuosity, the ease of passage between hard and fast and slow and sensual, and the ability of Ville and company to have such melodic choruses which lend themselves well to audience participation. So, in essence, I believe that's where my interest lies with this band and their music. They are indeed a study in contrasts. From Ville's deep vocal register to his almost falsetto pitch; Linde's searing guitar solos complemented by Burton's music-box, church organ, concerto style of keyboarding; Mige's machine-gun style of bass playing; and Gas's frenzied percussion; it seems like it wouldn't fit, but it just does so good.

Now, let's address the white elephant in the room, shall we? First of all, I'd be lying if I didn't say personally that another reason for HIM being my absolute favorite band has to do with this...

The charismatic, charming, and wonderfully tongue-in-cheek Ville Valo. I have a huge, massive, fangirl, squeal-y crush on the guy. However, after watching millions of interviews with him as well as reading every single article on the band I can get my hands on, I also enjoy that he's a guy that loves music and loves doing what he does; a voracious reader who is a great friend and brother and son who appreciates with a sincere honesty the fans who love his music. Really, all of the members of the band HIM seem to have such an appreciation for the fans (last concert I was at, hours beforre the band were to go onstage, Mige came out from their tour bus and passed out Halloween candy to the fans standing in line). I tend to really like bands that despite their fame aren't dicks to their fans.

Also, try not to let the fact that Bam Margera is one of the band's biggest fangirls lessen your consideration for the band and their music. Look at it this way, Bam annoys the hell out of me. Just watch one episode of Viva La Bam or Bam's Unholy Union and tell me you just don't want to punch this guy in the neck. Ville tolerates him, and they happen to be very good friends; so, another wonderful characteristic of Ville...he has the patience of a saint.

I tend to favor their earlier material; however, for you newer listeners of the band, here are a few delicious musical selections if all you've been exposed to are their later albums either Dark Light or Venus Doom. These really are worth checking out.

"For You" off of the album Greatest Love Songs Vol. 666. Imagine if the 1992 movie Bram Stoker's Dracula had Gary Oldman singing a song to Winona Ryder. I think it might sound like this song.
Anything really off of the album Razorblade Romance, particularly "Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart," "Heaven Tonight," Resurrection," or my personal favorite HIM song "Sigillium Diaboli."
Feeling gothic-y romantic? Try out these songs which are some of the more tender outings of the band: "In Joy and Sorrow" or "Close to the Flame."
The whole album Love Metal.
And for you vampire lovers out there, a special track for you off of Dark Light, "Vampire Heart;" but, my personal favorite track off of Dark Light (which happens to be my least favorite HIM album) would have to be "Wings of a Butterfly." That intro hook is so addicting. And, I beg of you, please do not make fan videos featuring a billion pictures of RPattz (or anything Twilight-related) set to HIM's "Vampire Heart." I will personally hunt you down if I find out and throw dirt at you.
Venus Doom is a heavy, dark album close to HIM's earlier sound with a 10-minute magnum opus "Sleepwalking Past Hope," but my personal favorite and the creepiest I think Ville's ever been is "Bleed Well." Bitter much, Ville?

Disography (studio albums only):

Greatest Love Songs Vol. 666
Razorblade Romance
Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights
Love Metal
Dark Light
Venus Doom

Also 1 live album, 6 compilation albums, 4 video albums, and 23 music videos.

HIM Random Tidbits:

They are the only Finnish band to have had an album certified as gold in the United States.
Ville in the Finnish version of the movie Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa voices Moto Moto the hippopotamus.
Last I heard, Ville is still sober but still smokes.
Take everything Ville says with a grain of salt. He's horribly tongue-in-cheek most of the time, and most of his humor goes over the heads of most of his fans. My point...he probably doesn't have a MySpace page.
DILLIGAF
If I could say anything to Ville or the band, I'd apologize to Ville on behalf of the city of Minneapolis that of all the places in the United States, he happened to be robbed of his wallet and his cell phone here. Sorry about that : /

In Joy and Sorrow

Resurrection

Bury Me Deep Inside Your Heart

For You

Wings of a Butterfly

www.himfinland.net

The Lords of the New Church

It would have been marvelous to be around in a decade when great bands were just beginning. For example, children of the 1960s had the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In the 1970s, arena rock ruled the day, and concerts were an epic spectacle predominated by radio rock rulers such as Queen, Boston, Journey, and Aerosmith to name a few. However, as each decade is symbolic of a predominant musical style, each decade in music also spawns its angst-y, rebellious, unruly teen. In the 1970s, it was punk rock, a direct middle finger to corporate radio-friendly rock. And as the spirit of punk slowly faded and the rise of the video star gave way to 1980s British Nu Wave, that unruly teen reared its head one last time in the form of the post-punk apocalypse (for you youngsters, consider this the beginnings of Goth rock).

Crawling out from the sludge of the 1970s East Coast punk scene was Stiv Bators. A fan of Iggy Pop, Bators formed the beginnings of his first band The Dead Boys in 1975 in his home state of Ohio (although at the time, they were called Frankenstein). The conservative climate of Ohio frustrated Bators; and after taking up an offer by Johnny Thunders (ex of the New York Dolls) to visit New York, Bators fell in love with the scene and brought back his defunct band Frankenstein to New York, this time calling themselves The Dead Boys. After line-up changes, band break-ups, solo efforts, and the like, Bators grew tired of not being taken seriously in the music industry and wanted a little credibility. From his earlier work with the Dead Boys and touring with The Damned, Batorsâ�™ friendship with Brian James (ex-guitarist with the Damned) led to the formation of The Lords of the New Church in 1981. The band featured Dave Tregunna (ex-Sham 69) on bass, Brian James on guitar, and Nicky Turner (ex-The Barracudas) on drums. Itâ�™s difficult to explain a band like The Lords of the New Church. Unfortunately, I canâ�™t say that I discovered them during their time on the musical scene but actually had someone more informed in the more eclectic music of the 1980s MTV generation explain to me how Green Day was not punk and exposed me to some of the more raw and honest do-it-yourself spirit of real punk rock.

Although intrigued, I was more drawn to this post-apocalyptic, gloom-and-doom style of The Lords of the New Church (translated...I really dug all the leather and the epic mullets and the fact that the music had a darker, creepier feel to it). It was almost like exposing my ears to my own private little horror movie.

It was with The Lords of the New Church, that Bators finally earned some success in Europe and also in the US thanks to a little channel at the time called MTV and a little something called the video. The band brought together the creatures of the night and mixed in elements of glam rock, dark shock, booze, melody, and a horn section!

"Dance With Me" from the album Is Nothing Sacred? OMG, check out the cloud-chasing mullets and the leather and Stiv Bators doing voo-doo on your ass

Together, The Lords of the New Church released four studio albums including:
The Lords of the New Church (1982)
Is Nothing Sacred? (1983)
The Method to Our Madness (1984)
Psycho Sex (1987)

Two live albums including:
Live at the Spit (1988)
Second Coming (1988)

And four compilation albums:
Killer Lords (1985)
The Anthology (2000, released in France only)
The Lords Prayer I (2002)
The Lords Prayer II (2003)

Despite Stiv's quest to encompass a more respectable place in the music industry, you cannot mention The Lords of the New Church and Stiv Bators without at least a mention of Stiv's madman-on-a-mic stage persona. As mentioned, Stiv's admiration of Iggy Pop externalized itself in his stage performances, a manic mix of flailing arms, subconscious abandon, musical enrapture, and dangerous party stunts. For example, reportedly in a stage trick gone awry, Stiv accidentally hung himself on stage. He was pronounced clinically dead for several minutes but lived to carry on. This was how intense a Lords show featuring Stiv became.

But all good things must come to an end. In 1989, when Bators seriously injured his back, Brian James secretly began shopping around for a replacement lead singer for the band, even so much as wearing a T-shirt on stage with the newspaper ad for the replacement singer emblazoned across the front. It was at that point that Bators fired all of the remaining band members on stage that night, and the Lords were no more.

Just a short time later, in 1990, Stiv passed away at the age of 40. Apparently drunk, he was struck by a taxi while crossing a street in Paris. Frustrated by the wait to see a physician in the emergency room, Bators left the hospital that night and died in his sleep as a result of his accident (possibly from the concussion he suffered). Stiv died as he had lived...fast, flashy, impatient, and drunk...he did it his way; and the mark he and The Lords left on the future of music will never be forgotten (Markku, 2000).

A few of the best...select tracks from The Lords. Check 'em out...join the Church of the Lords

Open Your Eyes
Russian Roulette

Method to My Madness

Markku (2000). Retrieved February 22, 2009, from a website dedicated to the memory of Stiv Bators: www.stivbators.com

Da' Bich Deserved Da' Smackdown...REALLY?????

The worst comment to a story I've ever read....ever. I would tell this poster to go get hit by a car, but I'm kind of a nice person...at least one that doesn't justify a woman getting beat that "maybe she provoked him..." Ugh, forget it, GDIAF.

"Chris Brown did hit Rihanna, I know that for a fact, but just because
he hit her doesn't mean he's a horrible person. He is only a man people
keep jumping to conclusions about what happen. She may have provoked
him to hit her. She may have even hit him. Regardless of if ur a woman
or man you should not ask for something you arenâ�™t ready to receive.
That d esnâ�™t make up for his actions. No one shou ld hit anyone EVER!!!
He apologized and we s hould all stay out of their business. All we
hould do is pray that God does whatâ�™s best. The media has blown this
story out of propor tion. They have the fans thinking itâ�™s t errible
when it might just be bad. Heâ�™s bee n through thing and needs family as
well as p ofessional counseling. But he needs to be told that with
heart, not with people yelling at him. Besides what will he going to
jail solv ? It won't help him get better. It might only make it worse.
We as fans and humans nee d to support and love the both of them and m
ake them feel that our Lord will make every thing OK!!!!!"

from here

Peace out peeps! I should be back here more frequently soon as soon as I quit my part-time job...so soon, so soon, so soon

LOOK HERE...LOOK, LOOK....Valentine's Day Playlist!

So, here's a Valentine's Day playlist for you to peruse...it's dedicated to all the stalkers in da hizzay!
Go here click to have a listen, buzz it if ya' want. It's a contest and all, so, whatevs. ORRRRR...you could make your own playlist and enter the contest as well, yea? I think you win an ipod...sweet, huh?

So, off you go!

American Idol - What Have We Learned Today?

Itâ�™s baaaaaccckkkk. Yes, American Idol is back. When I start to feel guilty about watching it, I think to myself, â�œWell, I could be watching â�˜Rock of Love Bus,â�™ or â�˜Rock of Love Charm School;â� but I donâ�™t. So, even though you may judge me based on the fact that American Idol watching is what I do from January until May, realize that it could be worse. I could actually be watching a balding, has-been, 80â�™s hair-band, pseudo-rock star trying to pick his mate out of a bevy of â�œrode hard and put away wetâ� women. So there. Anyhow, itâ�™s odd that although Iâ�™m addicted to this enigma that is American Idol, I could not or would not listen to any of their canned ham songs. I can name most of the American Idols (Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Jordin, Taylor, David, and Carrie) but thatâ�™s about the extent of it. Maybe, I could possibly identify a song by Kelly Clarkson but, like I said, that would be about it. I think I could pick out a Chris Daughtry tune, but I honestly get him and Nickleback and Seether and Hinder and all those other â�œIâ�™m such an intense, bad boy, misunderstood but sensitiveâ� rocker-type dudes mixed up.

But anyway, I guess the most important part of my viewing pleasure has to do with the contestants who donâ�™t make it into the glorious final 12 (or as I like to refer to themâ�¦the dirty dozenâ�¦no, I donâ�™t refer to them as that actually. From this day forward, Iâ�™ll refer to the final 12 as â�œThe Eggs,â� because eggs come in a dozen. And, as each of the final 12 is eliminated, I could say â�œScrambled!â� OR, I could call them â�œThe Bakers,â� because, you know, â�œbakerâ�™s dozen;â� but a bakerâ�™s dozen is 13. So, that would be dumb. So, â�œThe Eggsâ� it is).

You think people would pick up tips, learn a little lesson and what not after this show being on for 8, count them 8, years; but I guess crazy is as crazy does; so, I still get to laugh at all the WTF moments even 8 years later. That is priceless, yoâ�™, let me tell you.

For example, hereâ�™s the scenario. You get a little promo piece of the next contestant. Lots of shots of them being wistful and walking through little Norman Rockwell looking towns or maybe even walking in a cornfield or staring out over acres of green, green grass. God, how fucking American is that? They talk about what a suck ass life theyâ�™ve had, talk about how this has always been their dream, and maybe do a little spastic dance for you. So, youâ�™re sucked in, right? You know a little bit about this person. Theyâ�™ve been working 6 jobs and saving money to pay for grandmaâ�™s hip surgery and winning would just mean the world to them and poor, busted down hip grandma. Then, they must cry. I donâ�™t buy your story if youâ�™re not blubbering like a cow at the end of it. Okay, now, hereâ�™s what makes okay TV absolutely greatâ�¦ letâ�™s crush their self-esteem (along with all their hopes and dreams) like a nasty-looking, foul, smelly bug that just crawled across your living room floor. They introduce themselves, exchange nice-y nice with the judges, talk about how nervous they are and â�œOh my god. Itâ�™s always been my dream to be an American Idol, to share my love of song with everyone, and just share my gift with the world.â�

Awww. how niceâ�¦.and then they open their mouth and the most abominable, accursed, god-awful caterwauling cacophony spews forthâ�¦and not quietly low-pitched but LOUD! (Do you ever notice that the people that canâ�™t sing or are just annoying in general are usually the loudest?) Sometimes, I say the exact same thing as Simon at the exact same moment he says it, â�œWhat the hell was that?â� Then, I have to get my â�œGreyâ�™s Anatomyâ� catch phrase going, â�œSeriously?â� Then, the belly laughing begins. To add to my amusement, if I happen to be watching with my sister, we may re-enact these auditions for each other. It provides us with endless hours of entertainment that is cheap and affordable and that the whole family can enjoy and participate in.

LESSON LEARNED: No matter how many times you state that â�œIt is my dream,â� it doesnâ�™t mean it will come true if your singing hurts mine and the rest of the worldâ�™s ear holes. Move on, stop wailing, and accept the very, very simple fact that you just canâ�™t sing. Itâ�™s not Simonâ�™s fault. Itâ�™s not the fault of the song you sang. YOU JUST CANâ�™T SING!

Get over it and move on (although not really because if there is a season 9 of American Idol, I need you people to laugh at). Itâ�™s not the end of the world. I tried my hand once at home repairs. It was my dream to be able to one day spruce up my house on my own all pretty like as they do on all the DIY channels I watch; but, after nearly causing an explosion in my basement, I realized that I just canâ�™t be handy. Iâ�™m okay with that. Iâ�™ve moved on. I bake now insteadâ�¦all is well.

FURTHER LESSON LEARNED: Watching other people in misery over having their dreams pummeled brought my family closer together. Itâ�™s fun to gather as one to mock the inadequacies of others. Good times

NEXT INSTALLMENT: If you canâ�™t sing, do you really think the accompanying little dance and/or skit for the judges is going to help much?

Who's To Judge?

Here's what I like:

Pictures that are random
Pictures of eyes
Pictures that are beautiful
Pictures that are beautifully ugly
Pictures of pets and animals
Pictures of kids having fun
Pictures of my favorite band or a cool band shot
Pictures that are art (meaning...yo, I'd totes hang that on my wall)
Pictures that make me LOL
Pictures that make me go orly?
Pictures that make me melancholy
Pictures of your stuffs
Pictures of you (hi!)
Pictures of places (OMG...Camden!!!!!)
Pictures of snow
Pictures of rain
Pictures of food (onomnomnom)
Pictures of lights and candles
Pictures of trees, flowers, and cloud pron

Basically, I'm a visual person. I can't tell you what's worthy and what is not. I can tell you what I like, however, and I'm pretty sure what I like and what you like is probably pretty different or the same or maybe half-way in between. So, why bother judging what someone else judged? Confuzzled? Yeah, me too. That's why I don't dwell on it...I just try to enjoy what I enjoy. And that's my Zen moment of the day....

Here's my mom's dog Sprout in a Christmas hat..

Now, I have to work...maybe, I can enjoy some of these pictures soon enough. Plus, blogs. I love reading blogs if they are halfway well-written and not just a public diary (meaning, I went to blah, blah, blah and we ate blah, blah, blah)...unless, of course, something epic happened. I've read a lot of blogs this week...haven't commented on them all yet but I will. And with that, today, I went to the pet store, and my sister is adopting a cat, and I whined about wanting this cute little black rat, and then I went to a craft sale and just bought cookies, and then I bought stir-fry Thai noodles with shrimp for lunch, and then I bought card stock to make my mom's Christmas cards...oh, and I took three whining dogs to the vet's office to have their nails clipped (see, not very interesting). So....have a nice weekend everyone!