A Horror Movie Survival Primer

Have you ever been watching a horror film, and wanted to shout at the screen when a character does something supremely silly, like walking into that spooky, abandoned (and obviously haunted) house, picked up the cursed object they've been told to stay away from, or even (as Scream so aptly illustrated) answered the phone? Then you've got to check out Seth Grahame-Smith's skillfully written How To Survive A Horror Movie, a humorous look at all the best ways to stay alive if you're find out you're trapped in a scary movie. It's a fun look at all of the cliches, tropes and oft-repeated scenarios that are featured in many of the horror films that fans love, or love to hate.

Grahame-Smith knows his away around a horror tale, having penned the novels Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. He was also a producer on the big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's It, and wrote the screenplay for the Tim Burton version of the classic horror soap opera, Dark Shadows. This lovingly crafted guide to surviving the "Terrorverse" will bring a smile to the face of lovers of cinematic murder, dread and tales of unstoppable supernatural forces. You'll find out how to identify the type of slashers you might be dealing with, and how to handle killer cars, murderous dolls and zombie apocalypses.

How To Survive A Horror Movie is a tongue-in-cheek tome will educate you on how to recognize some of the most common threats in horror films. Learn about how to survive the killer consequences of that deadly hit and run you were involved in (and tried to cover up) last summer, or how to make it thru summer at the camp you're attending, which has played host to a machete-wielding killer in the past. Grahame-Smith is a lifelong fan of horror movies, and it shows. If you need to know "How To Survive A Night of Babysitting" or "How To Defeat A Killer Doll," then this not so deadly serious primer is the book for you.

I laughed out loud several times while reading this entertaining book during a recent vacation, and found myself flipping back to re-read some of the sections a second time. There are some nicely done illustrations throughout, and a handy guide to some of Grahame-Smith's favorite horror films, so that you can program a little festival of the movies he considers the best of the genre. I think you'll have a lot of fun reading How To Survive A Horror Movie. After all, this might be the only place you can find out "What To Do If Your Corn Has Children In It" and "How to Tell If You've Been Dead Since The Beginning of the Movie," so pick up a copy today. I promise it isn't a cursed book.

The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon: A Fabulous Album from The Anderson Council

The Anderson Council, those New Jersey purveyors of psychedelic flavored rock/pop, are back with The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, a spectacular new record, which just might be their best release yet. That’s high praise, considering their previous efforts, which include terrific albums such as Worlds Collide and Looking At The Stars, are top notch efforts in their own right. You can always count on an Anderson Council disc to deliver some of the best psychedelic rock and power pop inspired songs you’ll hear anywhere, and The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon delivers a dozen of them.

The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon kicks off with the fanciful “Tarot Toronto,” a guitar-driven number that, like many of the band’s songs, wears its 1960s influences proudly on its sleeve. That awesome opener is only the appetizer on a full menu of top notch tracks mixing psychedelia, pop and straight ahead rock. You’ll groove to tunes such as the sunshine pop of “Million Miles A Day,” the British rock infused “Times On Thames,” the sprightly “Messes Up My Mind,” and the modern rock sounds permeating “Sunday Afternoon.” There’s even a dash of country on the delightful “Untrained Eyes.”

Peter Horvath, the leader of The Anderson Council, co-wrote the songs on The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon with Michael Temkin and Dawn Eden Goldstein. Much of the songwriting work occurred over texts, emails and FaceTime during a three year period, from 2019 to 2021. The album also showcases the work of two new band members, drummer Scott Jones and guitarist Michael Potenza, who join lead vocalist/guitarist Horvath and bassist Simon Burke to form the group’s new lineup. The Anderson Council are outstanding musicians, and they all sound magnificent. The one and only Kurt Reil (of Grip Weeds fame) guest stars on percussion, keys and vocals, and helped Peter and the band with production on the record.

The album definitely showcases Horvath’s passion for late 1960’s pop and rock. If you love groups like The Beatles, The Zombies, The Creation and Pink Floyd, you’ll find much to enjoy on this record. As much as Horvath pays homage to these much beloved bands, he also puts his own unique spin on these songs, giving them a fresh and original sound. If there’s any justice in the music world these days, every song on The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon will be part of the soundtrack of your summer, or better yet, a permanent part of your personal playlist.

Check out the first single, the spiraling, energetic “Alone With You,” which is now available, as well as the rest of this fantastic album. The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon will be released May 19 on JEM Records. If you’re looking for a phantasmagorical set of songs that evokes the spirit of the late 1960s, with a touch of power pop and indie rock, then this disc is a must have. By the way, the band's moniker comes from the first names of blues artists Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Yep, the guys in Pink Floyd took the first names of those same artists to christen their band. You can check out the video for “Alone With You,” by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DMYw89-LHU, and for more on The Anderson Council, just head on over to https://www.jemrecordings.com/.

Marc Platt's Stellar "The Runaway Train"

I always look forward to checking out new music from Marc Platt, a talented singer-songwriter who's been writing and performing outstanding songs for many years now, both as a member of the power pop band The Real Impossibles, and as a solo artist, on albums like That Midlife Thing and The Golden Ticket. His latest release, The Runaway Train, is another top-notch collection of well-crafted folk-rock tunes, filled with an emotional resonance that hits you right in the center of your soul. That's certainly not true of most of what passes for pop/rock music these days, but Platt always wears his heart on his sleeve, and I mean that as a compliment.

Just take a listen to evocative tracks like the heartfelt "AM Radio," where he reminisces about listening to music in the car with his Mom, or the powerful "The Way It Goes" in which he examines the roads traveled in his (and our) lives, and perhaps laments the ones he (and we) haven't taken. Platt's insightful and sometimes heart-wrenching look at the ups and downs of love and relationships is a recurring theme in his music, and it's showcased on The Runaway Train via terrific songs like "The Score," "See You Again," and "Never Look Back."

The Runaway Train also includes another Platt trademark, some cool 1960s pop-infused tunes, including the title track and "Like a Time Bomb." Platt successfully captures the essence of the classic rock, pop and folk sound, while still giving the music his own personal spin. Other standouts on the album include the sardonic "Thoughts and Prayers," and the reflective "My Love Waits," and "The Way It Goes." One of my favorites on an a record filled with high points is the lovely "New Year's Bells," a tune that should be an instant addition to your holiday tunes playlist.

The instrumental work and production on the The Runaway Train (all superbly handled by Platt) is excellent, as usual. The album is another magnificent jewel in Marc Platt's ouevre. I urge you to check it out, and to take a deep dive into the rest of his discography. You can find the album at bandcamp by following this link: https://marcplatt.bandcamp.com/album/runaway-train. Platt also does some really fine work with his company Radio Candy, helping indie artists get their music out there and heard on internet radio. You can find out more about that by following this link: https://radiocandyradio.com/.

DeLisle's Back & Rocking With Cherie Currie!

I don't usually highlight the same artist two weeks in a row here at Eclectic Avenue, but it's also not very often these days that a performer releases two terrific singles within a short span of time. Unless, of course, that artist happens to be someone like the supremely talented Grey DeLisle, a versatile musician and voice actor who's been featured on The Simpsons as Martin Prince, and is also the long-time voice of Daphne in the Scooby Doo franchise, among her many roles in animated films and TV series. Her magnificent work as a musician and songwriter spans multiple genres and musical styles, including rock, country and children's music.

Last week, I raved about her down and dirty, bluesy number "I Can't Be Kind." Well, Ms. DeLisle recently issued another excellent single entitled "Forty-Somethin' Runaway," which features her sharing vocals with none other than Cherie Currie, a founding member of those celebrated 1970s rockers The Runaways. The song tells the story of a hard-livin' chick who's "headed eastbound in a stranger's car/leaving LA with a mix tape and a scar." While the "hitch-hikin life ain't going her way," this "Forty-Somethin' Runaway" may be down, but she certainly isn't out, as this badassl rock and roll tale illustrates, thanks to some cool lyrics and impressive work from DeLisle and Currie.

Their superb performances anchor the song. Their voices blend together perfectly, and there's some cool guitar and cowbell driven instrumental backing courtesy of producer Marvin Etzioni, who also worked on "I Can't Be Kind." If "Forty-Somethin' Runaway" and "I Can't Be Kind" are any indication, DeLisle's forthcoming album is going to be fantastic, and well worth the wait. In the meantime, head over to this talented and prolific artist's page on YouTube and check out some of her other work. And rock out to "Forty-Somethin' Runaway," by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoTFPNuMAHY.

DeLisle's Irresistible "I Can't Be Kind"

If you're looking for a low-key sort of woman to hang out with, steer clear of the lady in Grey DeLisle's superb new single, "I Can't Be Kind." Veteran musician and voice actor DeLisle offers a bluesy, raunchy and sensual performance on the song, defining herself as the kind of gal you probably shouldn't bring home to mama. She's so irresistible, you'll have a devil of a good time with her, but you just might regret it later!

Her full-throated, boisterous vocal on "I Can't Be Kind" recalls early Bonnie Raitt, with a touch of Janis Joplin and a dash of Etta James thrown into the mix. The multi-talented DeLisle is comfortable performing in a variety of genres, whether it be rock, country, rockabilly, or soul. Borrowed, her 2022 album of covers, is a testament to her versatility, featuring her versions of songs from Pink Floyd, Ray Charles and Nancy Sinatra, among others. Her recent cover of the classic "Help Me Make It Through The Night," performed with Eddie Clendening, is simply stunning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idChrJPhnt4.

"I Can't Be Kind," is a guitar-infused, rocking tune, featuring a rip-roaring, saucy vocal turn by the incredible Grey DeLisle. This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head, and having you adding it to your regular listening rotation, and your playlist of red hot blues tunes. Produced by Marvin Etzioni (of Lone Justice and Thee Holy Brothers), you can listen to the song by following the link below, and like the image above says, Play It Loud:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o8vyK0zAGo&list=OLAK5uy_lRdqSzzK57bBZwC7_XqxdOEvSSsjpGCcM.

Retro Movie: Wellman's "Safe In Hell"

Dorothy Mackaill holds court in Safe in Hell

Film noir tales aren't the only classic movies that dealt with sex, violence, murder, dark subject matter, and disreputable characters. Between 1927 and 1934, before the Hays Code enforced its censorship rules on the motion picture industry, Hollywood produced a number of films that have come to be known as "Pre-Code" movies, thanks to their frank (for the time) depiction of taboo subject matter. Night Nurse, Baby Face, Employee's Entrance and Scarface are some of the best known examples of this type of film, but one of the more intriguing Pre-Code melodramas is 1931's Safe in Hell, directed by William Wellman, who also helmed Wings, the original version of A Star Is Born and Beau Geste.

Safe in Hell, tells the story of Gilda Carlson, who ends up being accused of the murder of a man who led her into a life of crime and prostitution. Gilda's nice guy boyfriend,  a sailor named Carl, helps her stow away on a ship bound for a Caribbean island with no extradition laws. Gilda hides out on the island, but runs afoul of a group of disreputable men who are also hiding out there, all of whom want to get to know her, shall we say, a LOT better. But Gilda has vowed to stay true to Carl, who plans to rescue her when his tour of duty ends, so they can spend their lives together.

There are some twists and turns in the plot, and Gilda's past does catch up with her. Suddenly, it looks like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and perhaps there's a happy ending in the cards for Gilda and Carl after all. But the universe has other plans for our heroine. Safe in Hell concludes on a dark note, though there's also a sense of hope, as Gilda meets her fate knowing she's kept her promise to remain faithful to Carl. Her final choice also thwarts the plans of a lecherous villain who hoped to have his way with her. The ending of the film is almost noir-like. It's the kind of conclusion you could only see in the Pre-Code era of cinema, before the Hays Code "cleaned up" the movie industry.

Safe in Hell is a crackling tale, filled with snappy dialogue, liberally strewn with double entendres. Leading the cast is Dorothy Mackaill, who offers a bravura performance as Gilda. The cast also features Donald Cook, Charles Middleton, and Morgan Wallace. Nina Mae McKinney and Clarence Muse also appear in the film, and their roles are refreshingly free of the sterotypical portrayals of African American characters on screen at the time. The film was written by Joseph Jackson and Maude Fulton, based on a play by Houston Branch. The movie was recently restored, and is being shown on Turner Classic Movies this month. It's also been released on DVd and Blu-ray as part of the Warner Archive Collection. This atmospheric, dark tale is worth checking out for fans of Pre-Code cinema.

Nick Piunti's Power Pop Heartbeat

Nick Piunti is one of the most talented current practitioners of power pop fueled rock and roll. He and his band, The Complicated Men, enthralled listeners with their last two albums, Downtime and Heart Inside Your Head. Now Nick is back to dazzle power pop fans with his latest single, "Heart Stops Beating," which will be released on March 31. This marvelous song features undeniable hooks, jangly guitars and glorious vocals. It's a delicious slice of rocking power pop heaven that will get stuck in your head, have you singing along, and bopping around the room...and you won't mind one bit. 

"Heart Stops Beating," which predates Piunti's work with The Complicated Men, was originally recorded all the way back in 2015. That session featured Donny Brown on drums, Andy Reed on bass, and Ryan Allen on harmony vocals. Piunti wasn't completely satisfied with his vocal work on the track, which was first released on his album Beyond The Static. Fast forward to 2023: Piunti went back into the studio at Big Sky Recording, along with producer Geoff Michael. He recorded a new lead vocal, and also added some rhythm guitar and harmony vocals to the tune. Feeling the song now sounded much closer to what he originally intended, Piunti decided to release it as a single.

Piunti is a prolific artist, having released six albums in the last 9 years, as well as taking time out to participate in several tribute discs, including 2021's JEM Records Celebrates Brian Wilson. In addition to his stellar work in the rock and roll world, Piunti also owns and operates Sibley Gardens, an Italian steakhouse located in Trenton, Michigan. Three generations of his family help run the business, including his wife and three daughters. Piunti's daughter Megan also designs much of his album artwork, and he says his family is one of the inspirations for his songwriting.

While "Heart Stops Beating," might sound as if it could be a lost track from the heyday of power pop in the 1970s and 1980s, Piunti's top notch songwriting and performing skills make this terrific tune about a heartbreaker of a bad girl uniquely his own. It's a song that looks back while also managing to sound fresh and up to date. This is a fantastic tune that will captivate fans of masterfully crafted pop/rock. I really dig this song, and I can't wait to see what other new music we'll hear from Nick Piunti in the coming months. "Heart Stops Beating" will be released on JEM Records (and digital music outlets) on March 31.