The Subtle Terrors of "The Remaking"

I was really impressed by Clay McLeod Chapman's novel Ghost Eaters, which I reviewed recently on this blog. I dove right into his earlier work, The Remaking, and it's pretty fantastic as well. The Remaking tells the story of Ella Louise Ford, and her daughter Jessica, who are burned as witches in a small Virginia town in the early 20th century. In the 1970s, a low-budget horror movie based on their story is filmed at the actual location where they were put to death. Strange things happen, and Amber Pendleton, the young actress playing the daughter, has a horrifying experience that scars her for years afterward. The film becomes a cult classic, and the terrifying events that occurred during its production only add to its legend.

Years later, in the 1990s, a hotshot young director wants to remake the film in the modern era, and he tries to convince Amber to play the mother this time around. Amber reluctantly agrees, as she's been haunted by her earlier experience. She hasn't been able to maintain an acting career, due to her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Amber makes money by appearing at horror conventions and signing photos for fans of the original movie. But what Amber and the rest of the cast and crew don't know is that the spirits of Ella Louise and Jessica aren't done with their ghostly vengeance, and their need to put their spirits at rest once and for all.

The Remaking is a very meta-infused novel, and if you're a horror fan, you'll enjoy all the self-referential nods to classic horror film franchises, and the knowing references to the tropes of the genre. It's a well-developed tale of how stories can gain a life of their own across the generations, and that things beyond our understanding really do exist. McLeod Chapman's insightful portrayal of Amber, and her haunted existence, is central to the success of the novel. There are some truly terrifying sequences that will make your hair stand on end. Many of the most frightening moments in the novel are of the subtle variety, but that doesn't make them any less horrifying.

If you're a fan of the works of Stephen King and Peter Straub, and a true horror film aficionado, who enjoys meta-inspired works like The Blair Witch Project and Scream, than you'll find a lot to enjoy while reading The Remaking. McLeod Chapman is an innately talented author who knows how to tell an unsettling, eerie and atmospheric tale of terror. Along with Ghost Eaters, the other novel of Chapman's that I've recently read and reviewed, I highly recommend The Remaking to dedicated readers of expertly written tales of the supernatural. The Remaking is currently available in paperback. And please remember: "these woods whisper."

"Ghost Eaters" is a Haunting, Frightening Tale

What if you could reunite with the spirits of the people you've lost? Clay McLeod Chapman's eerie, terrifying novel Ghost Eaters imagines that this is possible through the use of a drug called Ghost, which allows you to see the ghosts of departed friends and family members, and interact with them. The problem is that this connection isn't quite what you bargained for, as madness and obsession are the result of using Ghost. This highly addictive drug turns its users into haunted versions of their former selves, converting them into hollowed out shells, aching for their next fix, who feel a strong need to remain connected with the spirit world.

The novel's main character, Erin, is part of a group of friends who met in college. Silas, the charismatic leader of their group, has always depended on Erin to help him when he runs into trouble, including his run-ins with the law. Their relationship is complicated, to say the least. When Silas dies of an apparent drug overdose, Tobias, another member of their circle, offers Erin a hit of a drug called Ghost, which allows you to be "haunted" by the ghosts of those you've lost, and connect with them from the other side. Erin is hoping to gain some closure, but her use of the drug leads her into a spiral of addiction, terror, and a series of frightening encounters with the spirit world (and other users of Ghost) that just might drive her mad.

There are a series of unsettling and disturbing sequences throughout the novel, and McLeod Chapman amps up the horror content as the story moves forward. You'll definitely want to keep the lights on while you read this one. Erin is a fascinating character, and her quest to reconcile her personal demons, while surviving her battles with the very real ones that Ghost conjures up, will keep you turning the pages. Just when you think the story has gotten as dark as it can get, McLeod Chapman comes up with yet another intense set-piece that will chill you to the bone.

As the novel draws to its dark, uncanny conclusion, you'll find there are no easy answers or neat resolutions for Erin, or the other haunted people featured in Ghost Eaters. This is one of the best horror novels I've read in recent months. The interesting and well-drawn characters, combined with a stark and powerful tale of addiction, infused with strong elements of horror and the supernatural, make for a compelling journey. This is the first work by McLeod Chapman that I've read, and I'm now working my way through his earlier novel, The Remaking, so a review of that will follow. Ghost Eaters is now available in paperback.

Retro TV Movie: Pray For The Wildcats

Robert Reed, Marjoe Gortner & William Shatner

The 1970s was definitely the golden age of the made for television movie, and many of these telefilms showcased all-star casts. One prime example is 1974's Pray For The Wildcats, which stars Andy Griffith, William Shatner and Robert Reed, and also features Angie Dickinson in a supporting role. That's right, Sheriff Andy Taylor, Captain Kirk, Mike Brady and "Police Woman" Pepper Anderson all in the same movie! Pray For The Wildcats tells the story of business executive Sam Farragut (Griffith), who cajoles three advertising agency employees (played by Shatner, Reed and 1970s B-movie star Marjoe Gortner) into joining him for a fateful motorcyle trip into the California desert.

Farragut is egotistical, manipulative and a borderline socipath. He leads the other three men on a nightmarish journey that will change their lives forever. The three men are dealing with issues in their personal lives. Warren Summerfield (Shatner) is about to be fired by the agency, and is considering suicide. Paul Mcllvain (Reed) is having trouble in his marriage, and Terry Maxon (Gortner) has just found out his girlfriend is pregnant, and they'll need to figure out what to do about the baby. The trio is at a crossroads, and Farragut's macho posturing is exactly what they don't want in their lives. However, they need him as a client for their company, and agree to go on the trip with him.

During the desert ride, things take a deadly turn after the group visits a cantina, and only Summerfield is willing to challenge Farragut regarding his bad behavior. Will the maniacal executive push the suicidal Summerfield (quite literally) over the edge? Pray For The Wildcats features a scenery chewing turn from Griffith as Farragut. At the time, he was still best known to TV audiences for his portrayal of the kindly Sheriff Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, but following this film, he was cast in several other villainous roles, including that of a a murderous hunter in another telefilm, 1974's Savages, co-starring Sam Bottoms. It shouldn't be surprising that Griffith wanted to stretch his acting muscles a bit, as he'd given a chilling performance in the 1957 Elia Kazan film A Face In The Crowd.

William Shatner, Robert Reed and Marjoe Gortner are all solid in this entertaining film. Shatner dials back his usual Shatner-isms a bit, and it's fun to see Reed in a role other than Mike Brady. The cast also includes Lorraine Gary (best known as Chief Brody's wife Ellen in Jaws), the late Janet Margolin (who co-starred with John Saxon in the Gene Roddenberry telefilm Planet Earth) and Robert Burton, who appeared in the Dan Curtis classic Trilogy of Terror. Pray For The Wildcats was written by Jack Turley and directed by Robert Michael Lewis. The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray, and can also be found on YouTube. If you're looking to see several actors best known for iconic television roles ride dirt bikes around the California desert, wax philosophic, and deal with a homicidal Andy Griffith, then check out Pray For The Wildcats.

The Weeklings Inspired Take on "I'm On Fire"

The Weeklings are a terrific New Jersey based band who are well-known for their sterling interpretations and re-imaginings of the music of The Beatles. The group also creates fantastic original power pop music in the spirit of their British Invasion heroes. Their album 3 is one of the best power pop records of the last decade. They released a video for their marvelous rendition of The Fab Four's “I’ve Just Seen A Face” earlier this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGlfZ6up7NI. 

The band’s latest single (on JEM Records) is a superb re-invention of a memorable Bruce Springsteen song. “I’m On Fire,” a classic track from the album Born in the USA, rose to number 6 on the charts in 1985. The Weeklings take this brooding, intense number and re-imagine it as an all out rockabilly rave up. Yes, you read that right. The band reworks “I’m On Fire” into an old school rocker, complete with James Burton-esque guitar and vocals that recall early rock and roll heroes like Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. This splendiferous, electrifying revamp of a much revered tune from The Boss is one of the most electrifying covers I've heard in a very long time.

The Weeklings "I'm On Fire" is a brilliant version of an iconic song that takes it in an entirely different, but tremendously exciting and compelling direction. I think it’ll get stuck in your head, and you’ll find yourself wondering why no one's ever thought of this idea before. Kudos to Glen Burtnik, aka Lefty Weekling, on bass and vocals, Bob Burger, aka Zeek Weekling, on rhythm guitar and vocals, John Merjave, aka Rocky Weekling on lead guitar and vocals, and Joe Bellia, aka Smokestack Weekling, on drums and vocals, for making this left field (but truly inspired) cover of "I'm On Fire" work so well. Check out the video for for the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO43E2LFc8o.
 

A High Energy "Rattled Humming Heart"

When I reviewed Red Letter Glow, the debut album from The Midnight Callers back in 2020, I waxed rhapsodically about the band, their well-crafted songs, and their fantastic sound, a perfect fusion of classic rock and power pop, featuring a touch of punk. The band is back with their sophomore release, Rattled Humming Heart, which will be released June 23rd on JEM Records. I’m here to tell you that Red Letter Glow was no fluke. Rattled Humming Heart is one of the best rock and roll records I’ve heard this year.

“New York Tramp,” the album’s opening salvo, explodes with a hard-driving guitar and drum attack, amplified with some terrific vocals, wrapped up in a song that will remind you of vintage Cheap Trick. Rattled Humming Heart is positively drenched in the sounds of classic rock and power pop, with a bit of glam added to the mix. If you’re a fan of T-Rex, The Raspberries, Badfinger, Big Star, Queen, Dwight Twilley and Tom Petty, you’ll find tunes such as “Closer” and “Without Ya” absolutely hitting your sweet spot. Songs like “Step!” and “Baby Let Me Be” will warm the hearts of power pop fans everywhere, and have them quickly reaching for the replay button.

The Midnight Callers also know how to rock out, as evidenced by the boisterous “What Goes Around,” and the high-energy “Little Runaround.” In addition to the classic rock influences which permeate this must-have release, there’s a modern rock vibe on songs like “Girl On The Run” and “Colors," which has a bit of an Alarm-like feel to it. It’s hard to pick favorites on an album filled with such splendid tunes, but I really dig the synergy of wonderful lyrics, vocals and instrumental work on “The Plan,” and the acoustic-laced “Maggie,” a pair of love songs that have a lot of heart, and amply display the versatility of this outstanding band.

The group may wear their influences on their sleeves, but they’re not a copycat act. Their passion for creating extraordinary music is evident throughout Rattled Humming Heart, illustrated by their top-notch playing, as well as their superb songwriting skills. The band’s stellar lineup consists of Chris Paine on rhythm guitar and vocals, Marley Myrianthopoulos on bass and vocals, Martin Stubbs on lead guitar and vocals, and Julien Budrino on drums and vocals. The album was produced and mixed by the uber-talented Kurt Reil (of Grip Weeds fame), who did a phenomenal job working with the band, helping them craft a disc that’s even better than their impressive debut.

The Midnight Callers aren’t jaded rockers going through the motions, they’re excellent musicians at the peak of their powers, both as players and songwriters. This band is clearly dedicated to crafting first class rock and roll. Rattled Humming Heart fulfills the promise of Red Letter Glow, and shows us that the best is yet to come from these New York City based rockers. For more on The Midnight Callers and Rattled Humming Heart, head over to JEM Records: https://www.jemrecordings.com/.

A Spectrum of "Periodic Boyfriends"

Drew Pisarra is a well-regarded author who has written about the emotional and erotic aspects of queer love in works such as the powerful poetry cycle Infinity Standing Up (2019), and the engaging and affecting short story collection You’re Pretty Gay (2021). His latest work is Periodic Boyfriends, a collection of witty, insightful and passionate examinations of his romantic adventures. Many of us, queer or straight, have likely jotted down some memories regarding our past fling and flirtations, but I’m sure most of us haven’t done so in the form of sonnets. We certainly haven’t organized and titled them after the entries in the periodic table of elements, as Pisarra cleverly does in this new collection.

The eloquent and masterfully constructed sonnets in Periodic Boyfriends will by turns bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and perhaps inspire memories of your own adventures in the dating (or hook-up) arena. Pisarra openly shares the desires and emotions which he felt during (and after) these couplings, and offers some reflective musings on his encounters. These poems are witty, sardonic, romantic, and imbued with a strong sense of the passion he felt during these experiences. The cleverly constructed poems in this collection are deeply infused with trenchant observations about his partners, and sharply sketched details about the location of the trysts.

Pisarra is an innately talented writer, and pulls no punches in these ingenious sonnets, which are tinged with a humor, ardor,  a sense of (occasional) regret, and some perceptive ruminations on love, lust and the white-hot combustibility of sexual attraction. It’s no simple feat to make this format work so well, but Pisarra succeeds admirably, and I think you’ll find yourself regularly re-visiting these well-crafted poems. Some of my favorites include “Krypton,” “Thallium” and “Nihonium,” but the entire spectrum of Periodic Boyfriends is worthy of exploration.

In addition to his masterful poetry and short fiction, Pisarra has penned several excellent plays, and written and performed some acclaimed one-man shows, including Singularly Grotesque and The Gospel According to Saint Genet. I highly recommend checking out Periodic Boyfriends, which is available from Capturing Fire Press, as well as seeking out his other work.

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.