The Rite: Faith, Religion & The Nature of Evil

The Rite (2011) directed by Mikael Hafstrom seems to be a story about demonic possession and a typical horror film in the “exorcist” genre. But there’s more going on beneath the surface of this interesting drama.  Colin O’Donoghue stars as Michael Kovak, a young Catholic who works as a mortician in his father’s business. He feels something is missing in his life (and his faith), so he enters the seminary. He doesn’t find the answers he’s seeking as he studies for the priesthood. After his ordination, he writes a letter of resignation to his superior, stating his intent to leave the priesthood.

But Father Matthew (nicely played by Toby Jones) talks him out of leaving; he feels Michael is truly called to be a priest. He asks that Michael consider going to Rome and taking a course on exorcism before making his final decision. The church is making an effort to train more exorcists, as incidences of alleged demonic possession are on the rise. Michael agrees and heads to Rome. He takes the class, taught by a Father Xavier, who, seeing the conflict within Michael, sends him to speak with his friend Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), a renowned exorcist. He wants Michael to see there is real evil in the world.

Father Lucas has Michael sit in on an exorcism he performs (in a chilling scene), and even though Michael still has his doubts about the veracity of what he sees, he continues to visit with Father Lucas, until his faith is tested in ways he doesn’t expect. Hopkins, as usual, is excellent as the priest/exorcist, who has some belief issues of his own. Alice Braga is solid in a supporting role as a reporter who is also taking the class, and becomes involved with Michael’s search for faith & redemption. Rutger Hauer shines in a small role as Michael’s father.

When The Rite came out in winter 2011, it was marketed & sold as a horror film, playing up the more supernatural elements of the story, But this is really a film about faith, belief & redemption; though it does have horror-themed elements, they’re not played for the sensational, and are an integral part of the story. That’s not to say there aren’t some scary scenes here for fans of the genre; but this is a solid, well-acted (especially by Hopkins) film, that tells a thoughtful story about faith, redemption & how our own doubts can open the door to our darker natures. The movie is based on the book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio, which tells the real life story of Father Gary Thomas, the model for the Michael Kovak character. It’s worth a look, whether you’re looking for a scary rental for Halloween, or a nicely done film about the nature of faith.

Seattle's Pearl Jam At "20"

Brief thoughts on a recent documentary celebrating Pearl Jam's 20th Anniversary:

Pearl Jam Twenty – This absorbing story of the Seattle-based rockers traces the history of the band from its beginnings in the roots of the grunge scene to its’ multiplatinum success in the 90s and beyond. It's directed by Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire), a former rock journalist, who wrote for Rolling Stone in his younger days. The movie gets to the heart of the band’s creative process, and their desire to keep making meaningful music and stay true to their alternative roots while becoming successful. It's a fascinating study of the band.

There’s a treasure trove of performance clips from the group’s beginnings through the present day, as well as incisive interviews with the band’s members, and fellow Seattle rocker Chris Cornell. The movie doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, including the death of grunge icon Kurt Cobain in 1994, and the group’s boycott of, and court battle against, concert promoters Ticketmaster. But ultimately, this is a story of a band that enjoys making music together, and continues to find themselves creatively energized by one another. Pearl Jam Twenty was originally shown on PBS’ American Masters, and it is also available DVD & Blu-Ray. Here's a link to the film's trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEm5gwxRaKU.

From R.E.M. to Prince and Beyond...Another Playlist from the Eclectic Avenue Jukebox

As fall begins, here's another random "baker's dozen" playlist to plug into your music device of choice:

1. Call Me Rose by Bruce Cockburn. A quirky, satirical tune from the Canadian folk rocker, about Richard Nixon being reincarnated as.....a girl from the projects?! Great lyrics and nice guitar work from Cockburn on this excellent song, which is featured on his 2011 release, Small Source of Comfort.

2. She Walks In So Many Ways by The Jayhawks from Mockingbird Time. The original lineup of the band returns for their first album since 1995, and they haven't lost their knack for making tuneful country-flavored rock.

3. What You Don't Know About The Girl by Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. from Solid State Warrior. Manning was a member of the late, lamented band Jellyfish. On this cut from Manning's 2006 solo album, it sounds like the Partridge Family sent Laurie on a double date with Roger, fellow rocker Matthew Sweet & Karen Carpenter, and they came up with this cool, retro style song.

4. Near Wild Heaven by R.E.M. After 31 years, the seminal Georgia based alterna-rockers recently announced they're calling it quits.  Here's a fantastic song from their classic 1991 album, Out of Time. Thanks for all the music, guys. You'll be missed.

5. Crazy Water by Was (Not Was) from Boo! The soul/funk/rap/rockers groove out on this old fashioned r&b shouter, with vocals by "Sweet Pea" Atkinson. Check out some of their other fine albums, including Born To Laugh At Tornadoes (1983) or What Up, Dog? (1988).

6. Sittin' Pretty by Brendan Benson. Perhaps best known as a member of Jack White's side project The Raconteurs, Benson rocks on this offbeat number from his 1996 debut, One Mississippi.

7. Crimson & Clover by Prince from LOtUS FLOW3R. Prince covers Tommy James & The Shondells, and puts his own stamp on this classic song.

8. It Doesn't Matter by The Orange Humble Band from Assorted Creams. A power pop gem from this group, featuring Ken Stringfellow of The Posies, Daryl Mather of The Someloves and famed indie rock producer Mitch Easter. The whole album is excellent and worth a listen, especially if you're a fan of the power pop genre.

9.  You & Your Sister by Chris Bell from I Am The Cosmos. From the late Big Star member's posthumous solo release: a beautiful, emotional, gentle love song. Sadly, we lost Chris in 1978, and this album wasn't released until 1992.

10.  Knowing Me, Knowing You by The Wondermints from The Wonderful World of The Wondermints. This group, best known for backing Brian Wilson on a couple of albums and tours, gives the Abba classic a rock edge on this cool cover.

11.  That's The Way God Planned It by Billy Preston from That's The Way God Planned It. A gospel influenced tune from Preston, who played with everyone from The Beatles & The Rolling Stones to Ray Charles, and had a successful solo career of his own, with hits like "Will It Go Round in Circles."

12. I Can't Be Without You by Lenny Kravitz. A lover's plea that builds in intensity & emotion as the song goes on; from Lenny's latest album, Black & White In America.

13. Something To Fall Back On by Todd Rundgren. From the 1985 album A Cappella; a unique release from Todd, as every sound on the album was the product of the artist's voice, via some overdubs and sampling. A great song from a talented artist who doesn't always get the respect he deserves.

Bruce Cockburn: Songs & Stories at FTC

Bruce Cockburn, a highly-regarded Canadian folk rocker & singer-songwriter, has been making great music since his first album was released in 1970. He’s well known for his emotional lyrics, covering subject matter from the spiritual & emotional to the political. His songs have been covered by a diverse group of artists including Barenaked Ladies, Judy Collins, Jimmy Buffett and Ani DiFranco, and his fans include Jackson Browne & Emmylou Harris. Thursday night he made a stop in CT at The Fairfield Theatre Company on his Solo Acoustic tour. It was a magnetic, emotional performance of songs such as Last Night of The World, Child of The Wind, and Lovers in a Dangerous Time.

Cockburn also featured a sampling of tunes from his latest album Small Source of Comfort, including “Call Me Rose,” about Richard Nixon reincarnated as a girl in the projects. He has a loyal, passionate legion of fans. There was a spirited audience sing along on “Wondering Where the Lions Are,” his only US top 40 hit. Cockburn is also a great guitarist; he performed some excellent instrumental pieces during the show.

He told some stories about the origins of the songs performed during the evening. Cockburn is well known for his political & humanitarian activism. Bruce was visiting Afghanistan when the bodies of two Canadian servicemen killed in action were sent home. The artist was present when the plane returning their bodies took off, and said it was a very moving experience, so he was inspired to write the touching, elegiac “Each One Lost.”

Even if you don’t know much about the man & his music, if you appreciate excellent lyrics, emotional performances and some fantastic guitar work, I suggest you head out to see Bruce on this tour, and check out some of his music on CD. The collection Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere: Singles 1979-2002, is a great starting point, as is the aforementioned, excellent new album, Small Source of Comfort.

An additional note: The wonderful thing about seeing artists perform at these smaller performance spaces is that you're often given the opportunity to meet them after the concert, which doesn't generally happen at the larger venues. Bruce very kindly took time out to meet fans & sign CDs after the show. He was a friendly guy, and very appreciative of his fans. A nice way to end a wonderful evening of music.

The Fab Faux: Live At The Klein

The music of The Beatles continues to inspire us more than forty years after their break up in 1970. There are many tribute bands that perform the songs of the group, but one of the best is The Fab Faux, a group of diverse musicians who have worked with many of the top names in the music industry. Founded in 1998 by Will Lee, longtime bassist for The Late Show with David Letterman’s house band, the group is dedicated to giving amazing performances of The Beatles’ music, playing many songs the group never got to perform on stage during their existence, as they essentially ceased performing live in 1966.  The Fab Faux has performed all over the world, with artists as diverse as Joan Osborne, Trey Anastasio (Phish), and Denny Laine (Wings). They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2008 with a sold out show at Radio City Music Hall.

On Saturday, September 10, the group appeared at The Klein Auditorium in Bridgeport, CT. The concert was simply fantastic. This is no mere “cover band.” These talented musicians play these songs because they love them, and want to share that love with the audience.  Their passion for this music shines through every note. Energetic performances of songs like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Strawberry Fields Forever, Day Tripper and A Hard Day’s Night” were part of the first set, which spanned The Beatles’ entire catalog. Accompanied by the talented Hogshead Horns and Creme Tangerine Strings, the band had the crowd cheering and singing along throughout the night. Many of these songs are part of our musical DNA, and you can't help but enjoy yourself (or recall some musically charged memories of your own) when you hear them.

After a brief intermission, the group returned to play the classic album Abbey Road in its entirety, and in sequence.  It was a knockout performance. The artistry, sheer talent & enthusiasm of this band shone through as they tore into such classics as “Come Together, Something & Here Comes The Sun” and the complex medley that climaxes the original album. All of the members trade off on vocals (and sometimes instruments), making for an eclectic, entertaining evening. I could write kudos and accolades about every performance, every solo, and every vocal, but I’d be going on & on for pages. The encore consisted of “And Your Bird Can Sing” and “All You Need Is Love,” (a dedication by the band to those we lost on 9/11, and a call for peace in the world), and it was a fitting climax to a wonderful evening. If you weren’t a fan when you entered The Klein, you certainly left as one. If you are a fan of The Beatles’ music, and enjoy seeing a wonderful evening of great music, I heartily recommend checking out this group. The Fab Faux carries on the legacy of the greatest band of all time in excellent fashion.

Note: To learn more about the band, or see a schedule of performances, I suggest visiting their website at: http://www.thefabfaux.com/. There are also a number of links to their performances on You Tube, including this one, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRnrbOcjyZY. The photos above are not intended to infringe on any copyright.

The Triumph of a Rock & Roll Survivor

The first thing you notice (or hear) is the voice. Floating out into the audience, on songs like “Baby, I Love You.” It may have deepened a bit over the years, but it still sounds wonderful. Then, you hear Ronnie Spector’s story, in her own words, and you appreciate her journey & perseverance on a whole new level. On Friday, September 9, the audience was treated to a heartfelt, emotional performance, as Ronnie Spector brought her one-woman show Beyond The Beehive to The Kate in Old Saybrook.

Ronnie tells her life story in words, pictures & songs, accompanied by an excellent backing group. We hear about her younger days growing up as Veronica Bennett, a multiracial child in New York; her father was Irish and her mother was Cherokee Indian and African-American. Ronnie’s lifelong love of music leads her to form a group with her sister Estelle and their cousin Nedra Talley.  Later known as The Ronettes, the group performs around New York City, including gigs as dancers & backup singers at the famed Peppermint Lounge.

Once Phil Spector enters her life, The Ronettes find fame with classic hits like “Be My Baby” and tour England with The Beatles & The Rolling Stones. Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound” style production combined with Ronnie's wonderful voice, leads to many chart successes for the group. And Phil Spector has hits with other acts, including The Crystals & The Righteous Brothers. But there was a dark side to Spector’s personality, and his possessiveness of Ronnie (they married in 1968), lead to her becoming a virtual prisoner in his mansion. Barred from performing or even leaving the house, and subject to mental & physical abuse, she finally left Spector in 1973. But he would still cast a dark cloud over her life in years to come, as she relates during the show.

Ronnie details the highs & lows of her life with frankness, humor & a touch of sadness. The stories are amazing; encounters with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and a young Sonny & Cher (who also worked for Phil Spector), among others. Ronnie’s voice & style inspired a generation of rockers, and many of them wrote songs for her, and produced sessions for her, including Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Joey Ramone & Billy Joel. As she makes her long climb back to the top, you can’t help but be inspired by her story.

Along with the stories, words & pictures are the songs: “The Best Part of Breakin’ Up, Walking in the Rain, I Can Hear Music, Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” and of course “Be My Baby.” Powerful, expressive performances of songs that everyone in the rock & roll generation remembers.  And Ronnie’s story isn’t over. It’s a story of triumph over adversity and the things life can throw at you. Beyond The Beehive isn’t just a show: It’s the testament of a true rock & roll survivor.  It’s well worth seeing, and if the show (or Ronnie doing a regular concert appearance) comes to your area, you owe to yourself to check out this amazing woman; she’s a true legend, and an unforgettable performer.

Note: Ronnie’s latest album “Last of The Rock Stars,” was released in 2009, and features guest appearances by Keith Richards, members of The Raconteurs and Patti Smith, and it’s also worth checking out. Full disclosure: This reviewer got to meet her (briefly) and she's a warm, genuine person who really cares about her fans.

Another Random Playlist...

As we hit the mid-point in the first full week of September, here's another "Baker's Dozen" playlist from the Eclectic Avenue iTunes jukebox...

1.         Galveston by Glen Campbell from All The Best. The soaring production and Campbell’s plaintive vocals imbue Jimmy Webb’s lyrics with pathos, as the song tells the story of a soldier who is thinking of his love while he’s away at war. The recent announcement that Campbell is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, (and releasing one last album and doing one more tour) adds an extra level of poignancy to his music.

2.         September Gurls by The Bangles from Different Light. The group who brought us “Walk Like An Egyptian” faithfully cover Alex Chilton’s classic from his days with Big Star. Bassist Michael Steele admirably handles the lead vocals on this one.

3.         I Hope That Something Better Comes Along by Matt Nathanson. Folk rocker Nathanson covers this tune from 1979's The Muppet Movie on the new The Green Album tribute disc, which has a host of alternative rockers covering Muppet songs from their films and the classic TV show.

4.         Say Goodbye to Hollywood by Ronnie Spector (with the E Street Band). Produced by E Street’s Little Steven, girl group icon Spector takes Billy Joel’s song and makes it her own. (Reportedly, Joel actually wrote the song with Ronnie in mind). Originally released as a single, it can be found as a bonus track on the album Dangerous.

5.         One Night Stand by Lemon from Changing Into Me. Lemon brings back 80s style soul with this stylish tune, which has a retro sound but combines it with a modern sensibility.

6.         Love’s A Mystery (I Don’t Understand) from Remote Control by The Tubes. The Tubes (and producer Todd Rundgren) combine forces on this ballad and mix The Tubes’ sound with a dash of Rundgren’s side project, Utopia. Great song from an underrated album.

7.         Somehow by Joss Stone. British soul singer Stone brings a tough, funky feel to this track from her new disc LP1, produced by former Eurythmic Dave Stewart. Both artists are also working with Mick Jagger on his side project, Superheavy.

8.         Mamacita by The Grass Roots from Anthology 1965-75. Also recorded by Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & The Raiders, this poppy, Latin infused song was the last chart hit for the late Rob Grill’s band. One of those songs that gets stuck in your head after you hear it.

9.         It’s All Too Much by Journey from Look Into the Future. The pre-Steve Perry, Gregg Rolie fronted version of the band takes on this Beatles tune from Yellow Submarine.

10.       Collide by Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow from Born Free. The duo follow up their earlier ballad Picture with a country-tinged paen to broken hearts & last chances at love.

11.      Jealous Again by The Black Crowes. The Crowes do a solid acoustic version of their earlier hit from the recent “unplugged” style disc Croweology.

12.      Someone Like You by Adele from 21. Beautiful, heartbreaking ballad from her album, 21. The singer recently performed an amazing live version of this song on the MTV Music Awards. Perhaps the best song on an outstanding album.

13.      No Anchovies, Please by The J. Geils Band. Quirky & funny spoken word track from the Love Stinks album.