The Explorers Club Shines with "Wattage"

Remember listening to your AM radio in the 1960s and 1970s, when just the twist of a dial could land you on a great pop, rock or soul tune? Then you need to check out Wattage, the latest release from The Explorers Club. The band was founded in 2005 by singer-songwriter Jason Brewer, and features a rotating group of supremely talented musicians on each of their excellent records. The group has released terrific retro-styled pop albums such as 2012's Grand Hotel, and 2016's Together. If you're a fan of bands like The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Burt Bacharach, Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Turtles, the you'll really dig The Explorers Club. In 2020, the group issued a pair of outstanding albums, the self-titled The Explorers Club, which includes a dozen stunning baroque pop originals such as "Ruby" and "One Drop Of Rain," as well as To Sing and Be Born Again, a collection of covers of songs by bands like The Lovin' Spoonful and The Zombies.

Wattage is a marvelous record, featuring eight terrific cover versions of songs by The Rascals, The Four Tops and Little Anthony and The Imperials. The concept for the album is that you're listening to a broadcast on a vintage radio station, complete with song intros and commercials. It's a clever idea that will have you thinking about listening to your local radio station on your transistor radio in your backyard, or driving around with the windows down and blasting your car's radio back in the day. But the idea wouldn't work if there weren't some great tunes on the album, and there are some excellent songs on Wattage. Things kick off with the sunshine soul/pop tune "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," featuring a fantastic performance by Las Vegas based singer Lannie Counts, who also provides vocals for covers of Brenton Wood's "Gimme Little Sign" and The Four Tops classic "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever."

The album also includes top-notch versions of Little Anthony and The Imperials "Hurt So Bad," performed by Jeff Celentano, a veteran performer who has been a member of The Beach Boys tribute band Good Vibrations, and a wonderful cover of the Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions hit "I'm So Proud," featuring vocals by Ryan Williams. Jason Brewer himself takes on lead vocal duties for "Tragedy" a song originally released by Thomas Wayne and The Delons. Brewer provides us with a touching, powerful performance. The wonderful production on the album by Brewer and the backing work by the usual assortment of talented musicians adds to the record's rich atmosphere and overall success.

Wattage, like the rest of The Explorers Club's catalog, is recommended listening if you're a fan of 1960s pop, rock and soul. Jason Brewer and company have provided us with another enjoyable album full of splendid music, deeply steeped in good vibes. The track list is a marvelous combination of classics and lesser known but equally amazing and memorable songs. Wattage is currently streaming online, and a CD and vinyl release is forthcoming. Here's a link to a very cool retro-styled promo video for the album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWcMUsIWeLA, as well as a link for ordering info on the record: https://wattage.theexplorersclub.com.

Grey DeLisle's Haunting "Valentine"

For many of us, Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate the love in their lives. For others, it's a time to remember loves that are lost, or wistfully recall the ones that were never meant to be, or perhaps didn't get a chance to flower. There are just as many songs about heartbreak as there are about the joy of love, and few are more wistful than "Valentine," written by Murry Hammond, and originally recorded by his band the Old 97's. There's a beautiful new cover of the song by Grey DeLisle, which is now available as a single on Regional Records.

Grey DeLisle is a wonderful singer and songwriter who has released several acclaimed albums, including Iron Flowers. She's a veteran voice actor and performer whose work has been featured in series such as The Simpsons and The Fairly Odd Parents. DeLisle is also the long-time voice of Daphne in the Scooby Doo franchise, and has portrayed a variety of characters in the DC Animated Universe. Her cover of "Valentine" is a rich, emotionally resonant version of this memorable song, and you can absolutely feel the heartache in her compelling and passionate vocals. It's a stunning performance that will remain with you long after you hear it, and have you reaching for the replay button multiple times.

In addition to Grey's powerful vocals, the single features Murry Hammond on acoustic guitar, and the amazing pedal steel work of Greg Leisz. "Valentine" was produced by Marvin Etzioni, of Lone Justice fame, who's a founder of Regional Records. The song is part of Borrowed, a forthcoming covers album from DeLisle. You can check out the song, and purchase the single, by following this link: https://redonred-greydelisle.bandcamp.com/track/valentine, and you can also listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s04saIeR_A4. "Valentine" is haunting, beautiful, and a terrific showcase for the enchanting and magnetic work of Grey DeLisle.

Retro Film Noir: Tangled in "The Web"

Vincent Price was a wonderful actor who had a long career in movies, television and on stage. He's beloved by fans for his many appearances in horror films like Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe cycle, the original version of The Fly, and The Tingler. The talented actor also appeared in comedies, romantic dramas, period films, and thrillers. During the 1940s and 1950s, he appeared in several noir films, including the memorable Laura (1944) and Leave Her To Heaven (1945). One of the most entertaining of the films noir that Price starred in was The Web, which was originally released in 1947.

The movie tells the story of Bob Regan, who crosses paths with Andrew Colby, the owner of Colby Enterprises. Regan meets Colby while trying to collect on a small claims case. Colby is impressed by Regan's style, and hires him to be his bodyguard. It seems that Leopold Kroner, a former associate of Colby's, has just gotten out of prison for embezzling money from Colby's company. Colby's worried that Kroner may try to exact revenge on Colby for having helped send him to prison. Regan ends up shooting Kroner when he appears to be threatening Colby with a gun. A friend of Regan's on the police force, Lieutenant Damico, investigates the killing. Damico isn't so sure things are what they seem, and thinks that there's more to the story.

 

Regan becomes suspicious as well. He and Colby's secretary, Noel, start to look into Colby and Kroner's past dealings, and suddenly things don't seem to add up. While they try to piece together what really happened, Colby is setting a plan in motion that will land Regan and Noel in hot water. The clever and resourceful Colby is one step ahead of both the police, and Regan. Will Regan and Noel figure out what Colby is up to? Will Damico arrest Regan for Kroner's murder? Everything comes to a head on an eventful night at Colby's house, where all the twists and turns of what Colby is up to are revealed.

The Web is a fast-moving thriller, well-directed by Michael Gordon, who made films in a number of genres, but may be best known for his work with Doris Day on Pillow Talk (1959) and Move Over, Darling (1963). The moody cinematography for The Web is by Irving Glassberg, who also worked on the noirs Larceny (1948) and The Price of Fear (1956). The film features some excellent dialogue, courtesy of writers William Bowers and Bertrand Millhauser, whose screenplay is based on a story by Harry Kurnitz. 

The cast is superb. Edmond O' Brien (The Killers) is solid as Regan, who gets misled by the scheming Colby, marvelously played by Vincent Price. He gives a wonderful performance, fully embodying Colby with the style, wit and energy of those "villains you love to hate." Speaking of wit, the crackling dialogue and excellent chemistry between O'Brien as Regan, and noir veteran Ella Raines (Phantom Lady, The Suspect) as Noel is one of the highlights of the film. William Bendix is very good as the sharp and intuitive Lieutenant Damico. Character actor John Abbott, a familiar face from his many roles in film and television, appears as Charles Murdock, Colby's right hand man.

The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray and is often screened on cable channels such as Turner Classic Movies. If you're looking for an enjoyable, twisty noir featuring Vincent Price at the top of his villainous game, look no further than The Web, which features a score by Hollywood stalwart Hans J. Salter. This is a fine example of the kind of well-crafted classic studio film "they don't make anymore." Here's a look at the trailer for The Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcE8ESlRJDU.

The Protege: A Solid, Old School Thriller

Maggie Q is The Protege

There's something about a well-acted, solidly directed thriller that's very appealing in today's overcrowded cinematic and home video marketplace, where action films are a dime a dozen, and sifting through them all to find the good ones is often a thankless task. The Protege, which was released last year to little fanfare and so-so reviews, is actually well worth checking out. The film, directed by Martin Campbell, who also helmed Goldeneye (1995) and Casino Royale (2006), is an entertaining tale about a top-notch assassin named Anna, who works as a contract killer. Anna was rescued as a child by Moody, a veteran hit man who raised her and trained her to be the best in the business. Anna and Moody take on difficult and high-paying assignments, but only accept contracts on those targets they feel deserve to die.

When Moody is killed, and an unsuccessful attempt is made on Anna's life, she tries to find out who wanted her and her mentor dead. The trail leads to someone from Moody's past, and as Anna investigates, she crosses paths with Michael Rembrandt, a skilled assassin who plays a cat and mouse game with her. He seems to be working for whoever is behind Moody's death, and the botched attack on her. While they're essentially enemies, there are some powerful romantic sparks flying between Anna and Michael. As she gets closer to the truth behind what's going on, Anna may have to choose between her feelings for Michael, and getting revenge for Moody's death. But there's more to the story than Anna bargained for, and the truth could change her life forever.

The Protege is an engaging thriller, and features a terrific cast including Maggie Q as Anna, Samuel L. Jackson as Moody, and Michael Keaton as Michael Rembrandt. Robert Patrick of Terminator 2: Judgement Day and The X-Files, is also featured in a supporting role as an old friend of Moody and Anna's. Maggie Q, best known for her roles in TV series like Nikita and Designated Survivor and films such as Mission: Impossible III and Live Free or Die Hard, is excellent as Anna, and she has great chemistry with both Jackson and Keaton. Samuel L. Jackson is his usual entertaining self, and Michael Keaton is fantastic in his role. His fight scenes with Maggie Q's Anna are well-choreographed and brutal. They may be on opposite sides, but their attraction is undeniable, and you can feel the romantic energy and sexual tension between these two characters.

The film may have some familiar plot elements, but it's an absorbing espionage tale, written by Richard Wenk, who also scripted the Denzel Washington version of The Equalizer, and the Jason Statham thriller The Mechanic. The Protege is smoothly directed by Martin Campbell, a veteran of the Bond films mentioned above, as well as other highly-regarded thrillers like The Mask of Zorro. The film is a fast-paced, colorful, and diverting popcorn thriller, with some excellent cinematography by David Tattersall. The movie is worth seeing, and will definitely satisfy fans of well-crafted, old school action films. The Protege is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and for online streaming. Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wujj1QTk5kY.

The Dark World of "Nightmare Alley"

Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper

William Lindsay Gresham’s novel Nightmare Alley is a story that has intrigued and enthralled readers ever since it was published in 1946. The atmospheric tale of carnival hustlers, phony mediums, grifters and devious femme fatales was inspired by Gresham’s conversations with a former carnival worker he met while both men served with the Loyalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Gresham was fascinated by the dark, seedy world of carnivals and sideshows and the men and women who worked at them. One of the readers that was captivated by the book was actor Tyrone Power, who, at the time, was at the height of his popularity as a romantic leading man in Hollywood, thanks to films like The Mark of Zorro and Blood and Sand.

Power wanted to star in a movie adaptation of Nightmare Alley, but 20th Century Fox studio chief Daryl Zanuck tried to dissuade the actor from making the film. Zanuck felt it would hurt Power’s status as a swashbuckling hero, despite the fact that the actor had just appeared in a change of pace role in a well-received version of The Razor’s Edge, based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Zanuck ultimately relented, and the film version of Nightmare Alley was released in 1947. Directed by Edmund Golding (who had also helmed The Razor’s Edge) the movie starred Power, Joan Blondell, Helen Walker and Ian Keith. While the film wasn’t a success upon its original release, this bleak and tragic tale, charting the rise and fall of carnival hustler Stanton Carlisle, is now regarded as a true classic of film noir, despite its studio imposed, somewhat “happy” ending.

Another person who loved the original novel and film was Ron Perlman. The actor introduced the book and the 1947 movie to his friend and frequent director/collaborator, Guillermo Del Toro. Del Toro felt an instant kinship and attraction to the story, and decided to put together a new adaptation of the novel, which would hew closer to the original book’s darker, downbeat ending. The project was in development for quite some time, but eventually the new version of Nightmare Alley, starring Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe and of course, Ron Perlman, was released late last year. Directed by Del Toro and co-written with his wife Kim Morgan, it’s a beautifully filmed and acted, deeply mesmerizing story. This version of Nightmare Alley may be in color, but there’s no doubt that this is truly a film noir.

Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a drifter with a mysterious past who ends up working at a seedy, somewhat low-rent carnival. Carlisle is crafty and manipulative. He’s not above using his good looks and charisma to get what he wants, part of which is the secret code used by the carnival’s mentalist act, Pete and Zeena. The duo were once top tier performers, but have since fallen on hard times. Carlisle also has eyes for Molly Cahill, one of the other members of the carnival troupe. He convinces Molly to run off with him, and using the code he’s “acquired” from Pete and Zeena, Stan reinvents himself as “The Great Stanton,” a spiritiualist/mentalist, who gives readings and performs at high profile nightclubs, assisted by Molly. This puts him in the orbit of Dr. Lilith Ritter, a psychologist who just might be more crafty and ambitious than Stan. When the two join forces to use his “psychic” powers to bilk Lilith’s clients, it’s an alliance that will have devastating consequences for Stan, especially since he’s still haunted by some of the less than righteous choices he’s made in the past.

Del Toro’s version of Nightmare Alley is an ambitious and well-crafted work, combining his talent for eye-catching visuals with the terrific performances of a top-tier cast, led by Cooper as Stan, whose sense of pride blinds him to the dangers around him. This will lead to an epic downfall, causing him to sink much further down than he ever thought possible. Or was it his destiny all along? As an actor, Cooper has never been afraid to explore the darker side of his characters, and he’s excellent in the role. He’s matched by a masterful ensemble featuring Toni Collette, David Straithairn, Richard Jenkins, Ron Perlman and Cate Blanchett as Lilith, who turns in an amazing performance that is the very embodiment of the classic femme fatale. The film’s visual splendor is provided by Del Toro and his production crew, who have done a spectacular job of world-building. It’s no surprise that Del Toro feels very much at home presenting the world of the carnival as a family unit, and a shelter for the misfits who perform there. The carnival’s seedy yet comforting milieu is contrasted by the foreboding design of the “real’ world, such as the hard-edged look and coolly cynical color scheme of Lilith Ritter’s office.

Nightmare Alley is a stunning achievement. I think it will take multiple viewings to truly breathe in all of the nuances in the excellent performances of the cast, the superlative direction by Del Toro, and the breathtaking design work on display in the film. The movie is certainly based on the original novel and (to some degree) the 1947 film version, but the richly textured story also features some original thematic touches that are inspired by the unique vision of Guillermo Del Toro. You can really see the connections between all three versions of this dark, very noir tale. Nightmare Alley is currently finishing up its run in theaters, and home video and streaming dates for the movie should be announced soon. This is one of the best films in Del Toro’s already impressive body of work, and is definitely worth checking out. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5FGCv17i1E.=

Monogroove Shines on "Into The Sun"

Monogroove, the talented West Coast power pop trio who dazzled us with their 2020 album There’s Something Here, is back with another terrific disc, entitled Into The Sun. On their latest release, the band delivers another must-listen record, featuring an eclectic mix of pop, rock, psychedelia, punk, folk, and even girl group inspired songs, which are steeped in the musical history of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Into The Sun kicks off with “What I See In You,” a fantastic tune that has echoes of the indie rock sound of the 1980s. “What I See In You” is followed by an outstanding cover of The Rolling Stones track “Stupid Girl” which steeps the song in a British Invasion/Beatles-esque vibe.

Other highlights on Into The Sun include the 1970s flavored “Walk In The Park,” the edgy power-punk romp “Suzie Tuna,” the groovy, girl group-esque “Hold Onto Me” and the psychedelic-tinged “Times Out,” which sounds like a lost track from the much loved 1960s rock compilation Nuggets. The atmospheric “Times Out,” is a prime candidate for “Coolest Song In The World” status on the Sirius XM show Little Steven’s Underground Garage. In fact, just about any of the songs on this excellent record are deserving of multiple spins on that channel/show. Are you listening, Stevie?

Into The Sun also features some fine ballads which showcase the ethereal vocals of guitarist Rin Lennon. “I’ll Remember You” and “Darlin” are heartfelt songs that benefit from Lennon’s rich, emotional delivery, which is also showcased on the lovely “I Only Know” and the guitar-infused “Here I Stand.” Throughout the album, Lennon’s excellent work on guitar is matched by the fluid bass of Woody Cross and the masterful drumming of Kenny Cratty. The band’s sheer joy at playing together shines through on every track on the record. Just listen to their tight interplay on the rocked out “Me In You” and the 1970s pop styled “Even Try.”

Into The Sun is a phenomenal record, which should enthrall dyed in the wool music fans who dig 1960s, 70s and 80s pop/rock, and love bands like The Beatles, The Who, Big Star and The Raspberries. Monogroove not only celebrates the sound of the groups that inspired them, they brilliantly put their own spin on these beloved rock and roll genres. The album is a must listen for those who like their rock and roll played with heart, passion, and soul. For more on Monogroove's music, and to check out the tracks from Into The Sun, and their previous releases, head over to the group’s bandcamp page at: https://monogroove.bandcamp.com, and watch the video for "What I See In You," by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adzzIp-uGCo.

A JEM Records Christmas with The Weeklings and Lisa Mychols & Super 8

Have you finished that last minute shopping yet? Are the decorations up? Then it's time to sit back and queue up some classic Christmas music: maybe you'll kick things off with A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector? Or perhaps one of the Very Special Christmas compilations, or maybe even Bruce Springsteen's version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town?" If you need some new rock and roll Christmas music to listen to, look no further than a pair of delightful new holiday singles from a pair of artists on JEM Records. The Weeklings, the Beatles-inspired, power pop infused quartet, who recently released a superb album, The Weeklings Live! have issued a new holiday song entitled "Christmas Day." Written by Glen Burtnik and Bob Burger, aka Lefty and Zeek Weekling, the song follows in the tradition of their previous Christmas releases, such as "Gonna Be Christmas," which was featured in an episode of the CW series, Supergirl. The Bob Dylan inspired "Christmas Day" combines the witty stylings and ironic tone of "Subterranean Homesick Blues" with the festive spirit of the holidays. It's a unique and inspired tune, a rockin' holiday song, and it sounds fantastic. Check out the video for "Christmas Day" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2vAhRYN42A. Lisa Mychols and Super 8, who like The Weeklings, recently contributed a song to the excellent tribute album JEM Records Celebrates Brian Wilson, offer up a wonderful new holiday tune entitled "A Very Merry Christmas." The single features an absolutely gorgeous vocal performance from Mychols, and sterling work from Super 8, aka British musician and songwriter Paul "Trip" Ryan. It's a marvelous song that absolutely radiates joy and positive vibes. Mychols & Super 8 are both longtime veterans of the indie pop/rock music scene, and the talented duo is working on a new album that will be released on JEM Records in 2022. I'm really looking forward to hearing that record. "A Very Merry Christmas" is an ebullient gem of a song, produced by JEM Records head honcho Marty Scott, and it's very much in the style of the classic Phil Spector Wall of Sound. If there's any justice in the world, it'll become a rock and roll holiday standard! "A Very Merry Christmas" was just named a Coolest Song In The World on Little Steven's Underground Garage radio show on Sirius XM. Here's a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SPF-ryzuUM. Both "Christmas Day" by The Weeklings and "A Very Merry Christmas" by Lisa Mychols & Super 8 are available now from JEM Records.