Since 2001 Universal has released 7 movies that take place in the "Fast and Furious" universe. Starting with what can now be considered a "humble" entry the series has turned into one of Universal's biggest franchises. And with the series' latest Furious 7 taking in $143 million in the US box office over the weekend it shows no signs of stopping. To mark the occasion I've decided to share my ranking of the films. Lists like these are always subjective and I'll preface mine by saying that my order doesn't necessarily indicate which film I think is the "best" of the series; it's more the order I'd watch them in if I was grabbing one off of my movie shelf to watch.
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Monday, April 06, 2015
Thursday, January 08, 2015
An Early Ramones Playlist
Yesterday I wrote a piece about the Ramones shaped around the idea of judging a band's newer work against what they've done in the past. "New" in this sense was historical as the music I was writing about was upwards of 35 years old.
After writing and posting the piece I thought it would be fun to go back and make a playlist of Ramones' songs pulled from the 5 albums that inspired the article. I tried to create a good balance of songs from each release. I only included 2 songs from their sophomore release, Leave Home, but included a total of 7 songs from 1977 (they released their 2nd and 3rd album this year) so I feel the list is still a good representation of where they were musically.
As an added bonus I've included a link to a live performance of each song*.
After writing and posting the piece I thought it would be fun to go back and make a playlist of Ramones' songs pulled from the 5 albums that inspired the article. I tried to create a good balance of songs from each release. I only included 2 songs from their sophomore release, Leave Home, but included a total of 7 songs from 1977 (they released their 2nd and 3rd album this year) so I feel the list is still a good representation of where they were musically.
As an added bonus I've included a link to a live performance of each song*.
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| With drummer Marky Ramone - 2014 |
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
KISS!
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| With my brother Keith and KISS - 2012 |
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| With original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley - 2011 |
1. "100,000 Years" - From the album KISS (1974)
2. "Goin' Blind" - From the album Hotter than Hell (1974)
3. "She" - From the album Dressed to Kill (1975)
4. "Detroit Rock City" - From the album Destroyer (1976)
5. "I Want You" - From the album Rock and Roll Over (1976)
6. "I Stole Your Love" - From the album Love Gun (1977)
7. "Sure Know Something" - From the album Dynasty (1979)
8. "She's So European"* - From the album Unmasked (1980)
9. "Under the Rose" - From the album Music From the Elder (1981)
10. "Creatures of the Night" - From the album Creatures of the Night (1982)
11. "Exciter" - From the album Lick it Up (1983)
12. "Thrills in the Night" - From the album Animalize (1984)
13. "Who Wants to Be Lonely" - From the album Asylum (1985)
14. "Crazy Crazy Nights" - From the album Crazy Nights (1987)
15. "Hide Your Heart" - From the album Hot in the Shade (1989)
16. "Domino" - From the album Revenge (1982)
17. "Childhood's End" - From the album Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997)
18. "Psycho Circus" - From the album Psycho Circus (1998)
19. "Modern Day Delilah" - From the album Sonic Boom (2009)
20. "Freak" - From the album Monster (2012)
Playlist on Spotify
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| Craig at KISS By Monster Mini Golf, Las Vegas - 2013 |
* I probably like "Is That You?" more but that was not written by a member of the band and I wanted to include songs that feature at least 1 band member as songwriter.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Las Vegas Highlights - 2013
I recently got back from a trip to Las Vegas. I've been going there on vacation on an almost annual basis since 2006 (I missed going in 2007 and 2012 for those keeping score). The one thing that I enjoy most about the city is the fact that it is ever changing and that there are a lot of things to do that don't involve gambling in one of the many casinos on and off the strip. I've assembled a list of the five favorite places that I visited on my most recent trip.
For our first two stops we'll head to the strip and Harrah's Casino.
5 - KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers
There are dozens of places on the strip to get a good burger but KGB is my favorite. "Rock 'N Roll" Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon opened KGB at Harrah's in 2010. Offering five different buns (or a bed of lettuce) and an assortment of toppings you can build your own or choose from a handful of signature burgers. Sides include Sweet Onion Rings and French Fries, but I'd recommend the Tater Tots or Sweet Potato Tots. They also offer shakes and martinis and various cocktails and beers so you'll have no problem finding a refreshing beverage to accompany your meal. Also, don't forget to start things off with an order of the Mac and Cheese Sticks.
4 - The Big Elvis Show
Not far from KGB in Harrah's Piano Bar is The Big Elvis Show. Held multiple times daily the show features Pete Vallee performing a wide selection of Elvis' material. No two shows are ever quite the same and offer great repeat value. In addition, Pete is easily accessible after the show for fan interaction. Add in the fact that it is a free show (there is a 2 drink minimum at most tables but there is plenty of room to stand) and you've got little reason to not go see this great show.
3 - Monster Min Golf Presents KISS
Located off strip across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Paradise Road, Monster Mini Golf is much more than just a place to play mini golf. The interior lobby area acts as a KISS museum, displaying stage worn gear, all sorts of memorabilia from the band's 40 year career and even Eric Carr's 1981 Porsche (a gift from KISS for Christmas 1980). A fan could spent an hour or more checking every thing out before moving on. There is also a small section devoted to souvenirs for purchase, the "Hotter than Hell" Wedding Chapel that can be rented out for weddings, a VIP area for parties and of course the mini golf. The 18 hole KISS-themed course (a giant platform heeled boot, a giant Les Paul style guitar, and several nice surprises.) is challenging and lends itself to repeat visits. When done you can even get your photograph in your favorite band member's boots for a $5 fee.
2 - The Neon Museum
Located on the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard the Neon Museum is a "non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving,
studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational,
historic and cultural enrichment." The visitors center alone is worth the trip: it's the actual lobby from the now defunct La Concha Motel! Inside the Visitors Center you'll find an assortment of items for purchase. They have shirts, books, key chains and much more. My favorites include individual neon sign magnets that you can spell out your name with and a poster recreation of the 1966, 1/4 scale reproduction of an original hand-made drawing of the Stardust sign that is stored in the Neon Museum collection.
The main attraction though is the hour long guided tour of the Neon Boneyard. Tours are offered during the day for $18 and at night for $25. "Reservations are highly recommended but not required... A very limited number
of walk-in tickets are available and can only be purchased at the museum
day of and in person." The tour features out of service signs from decades past as well as a handful of restored signs that shine in their full glory at night. In addition to the signs you'll also learn a bit about the history of Las Vegas and the casinos and businesses that featured the signs on display.
1 - West Wind Drive-In
Located on West Carey Avenue in North Las Vegas the West Wind offers six screens of first run movies as well as a full concession stand. Most movies play as part of a double feature with select movies running on their own. The drive-in experience is pure Americana and for someone like me who has to venture pretty far (and stay out pretty late) to go to one back home, the West Wind is a real treat.
For our first two stops we'll head to the strip and Harrah's Casino.
5 - KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers
There are dozens of places on the strip to get a good burger but KGB is my favorite. "Rock 'N Roll" Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon opened KGB at Harrah's in 2010. Offering five different buns (or a bed of lettuce) and an assortment of toppings you can build your own or choose from a handful of signature burgers. Sides include Sweet Onion Rings and French Fries, but I'd recommend the Tater Tots or Sweet Potato Tots. They also offer shakes and martinis and various cocktails and beers so you'll have no problem finding a refreshing beverage to accompany your meal. Also, don't forget to start things off with an order of the Mac and Cheese Sticks.
4 - The Big Elvis Show
Not far from KGB in Harrah's Piano Bar is The Big Elvis Show. Held multiple times daily the show features Pete Vallee performing a wide selection of Elvis' material. No two shows are ever quite the same and offer great repeat value. In addition, Pete is easily accessible after the show for fan interaction. Add in the fact that it is a free show (there is a 2 drink minimum at most tables but there is plenty of room to stand) and you've got little reason to not go see this great show.
3 - Monster Min Golf Presents KISS
The main attraction though is the hour long guided tour of the Neon Boneyard. Tours are offered during the day for $18 and at night for $25. "Reservations are highly recommended but not required... A very limited number
of walk-in tickets are available and can only be purchased at the museum
day of and in person." The tour features out of service signs from decades past as well as a handful of restored signs that shine in their full glory at night. In addition to the signs you'll also learn a bit about the history of Las Vegas and the casinos and businesses that featured the signs on display.1 - West Wind Drive-In
Located on West Carey Avenue in North Las Vegas the West Wind offers six screens of first run movies as well as a full concession stand. Most movies play as part of a double feature with select movies running on their own. The drive-in experience is pure Americana and for someone like me who has to venture pretty far (and stay out pretty late) to go to one back home, the West Wind is a real treat.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Jorney to "13": Numbers 11-13
In anticipation of Black Sabbath's new release "13" I will spotlight 13 key tracks from the 8 studio albums that the band recorded and released with Ozzy Osbourne between 1970 and
1978.
Numbers 8-10
From Sabotage
11. "Symptom of the Universe"
Featuring an in your face riff, a great Ozzy vocal, and a spacey, acoustic break, "Symptom of the Universe" is another wonderful showcase of how much range the band possessed.
From Technical Ecstacy (1976)
12. "All Moving Parts Stand Still"
Past their creative peek with Ozzy, Black Sabbath still produced some good music. "All Moving Parts Stand Still" might sound a little dated but the song has a great feel.
From Never Say Die! (1978)
13. "Never Say Die"
Ozzy's swan song. "Never Say Die" finds the band in straight rock territory. The song has a nice, uptempo pace with uplifting lyrics that match the music perfectly. Ozzy has talked Never Say Die! down, but the title cut is nothing to be ashamed of.
Numbers 8-10
From Sabotage 11. "Symptom of the Universe"
Featuring an in your face riff, a great Ozzy vocal, and a spacey, acoustic break, "Symptom of the Universe" is another wonderful showcase of how much range the band possessed.
12. "All Moving Parts Stand Still"
Past their creative peek with Ozzy, Black Sabbath still produced some good music. "All Moving Parts Stand Still" might sound a little dated but the song has a great feel.
From Never Say Die! (1978)
13. "Never Say Die"
Ozzy's swan song. "Never Say Die" finds the band in straight rock territory. The song has a nice, uptempo pace with uplifting lyrics that match the music perfectly. Ozzy has talked Never Say Die! down, but the title cut is nothing to be ashamed of.
Journey to "13": Numbers 8-10
In anticipation of Black Sabbath's new release "13" I will spotlight 13 key tracks from the 8 studio albums that the band recorded and released with Ozzy Osbourne between 1970 and
1978.
Numbers 4-7
From Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
8. "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"
If every band has a Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in their discography then Sabbath Bloody Sabbath would be Black Sabbath's.
The title track opens the album and it rolls at the listener with a dense, pummeling riff. The chorus brings some light, jazzy playing and the post-solo section doesn't sound like it would be out of place on a 1990's Grunge record.
In addition to all of the wonderful musical things going on the song also features one of Ozzy's best vocal deliveries ever. He seems to be dangerously close to the end of his range but never loses it. It's a great performance that any singer would be proud of.
9. "Spiral Architect"
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the most progressive sounding of the original 8 Sabbath albums and
"Spiral Architect" is the perfect way to close it.
Starting with an acoustic intro the song launches into a bombastic progression. Ozzy works at the top of his range again and delivers a real emotive vocal. By the time the strings show up the song has taken the listener on quite an exciting sonic journey.
From Sabotage (1975)
10. "Hole in the Sky"
"Hole in the Sky" finds the band in "groove" mode as they deliver a nice swinging riff. Iommi delivers some dizzying fills, while Ward and Butler hold down the bottom.
Numbers 4-7
8. "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"
If every band has a Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in their discography then Sabbath Bloody Sabbath would be Black Sabbath's.
The title track opens the album and it rolls at the listener with a dense, pummeling riff. The chorus brings some light, jazzy playing and the post-solo section doesn't sound like it would be out of place on a 1990's Grunge record.
In addition to all of the wonderful musical things going on the song also features one of Ozzy's best vocal deliveries ever. He seems to be dangerously close to the end of his range but never loses it. It's a great performance that any singer would be proud of.
9. "Spiral Architect"
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is the most progressive sounding of the original 8 Sabbath albums and
"Spiral Architect" is the perfect way to close it.
Starting with an acoustic intro the song launches into a bombastic progression. Ozzy works at the top of his range again and delivers a real emotive vocal. By the time the strings show up the song has taken the listener on quite an exciting sonic journey.
10. "Hole in the Sky"
"Hole in the Sky" finds the band in "groove" mode as they deliver a nice swinging riff. Iommi delivers some dizzying fills, while Ward and Butler hold down the bottom.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Journey to "13": Numbers 4-7
In anticipation of Black Sabbath's new release "13" I will spotlight 13 key tracks from the 8 studio albums that the band recorded and released with Ozzy Osbourne between 1970 and
1978.
Numbers 1-3
From Master of Reality (1971)
4. "After Forever"
If nothing else "After Forever" puts to rest any idea that Black Sabbath was a "satanic" band. It contains a pro-religious message that could actually come across as pandering.
The opening of the song depends on both Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler playing complementary parts to create a very memorable riff. The appearance of a synthesizer part played by Tommy Iommi is also of note.
5. "Children of the Grave"
One of the heaviest up-tempo songs from the Ozzy-era, "Children of the Grave" is a longtime staple of the live set. Containing several cool sections, I think it's best to just include my favorite version of the song. Live at the California Jam in 1974.
From Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (1972)
6. "Supernaut"
Another incredibly memorable riff from another great up-tempo song. Bill Wards percussion work and Tony Iommi's trill-heavy solo are two of the highlights.
7. "Snowblind"
Not the first Black Sabbath song to focus on drug use, "Snowblind" puts cocaine in the spotlight. It features a nice mid-tempo riff with some excellent Bill Ward drumming throughout.
Numbers 1-3
From Master of Reality (1971) 4. "After Forever"
If nothing else "After Forever" puts to rest any idea that Black Sabbath was a "satanic" band. It contains a pro-religious message that could actually come across as pandering.
The opening of the song depends on both Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler playing complementary parts to create a very memorable riff. The appearance of a synthesizer part played by Tommy Iommi is also of note.
5. "Children of the Grave"
One of the heaviest up-tempo songs from the Ozzy-era, "Children of the Grave" is a longtime staple of the live set. Containing several cool sections, I think it's best to just include my favorite version of the song. Live at the California Jam in 1974.
6. "Supernaut"
Another incredibly memorable riff from another great up-tempo song. Bill Wards percussion work and Tony Iommi's trill-heavy solo are two of the highlights.
7. "Snowblind"
Not the first Black Sabbath song to focus on drug use, "Snowblind" puts cocaine in the spotlight. It features a nice mid-tempo riff with some excellent Bill Ward drumming throughout.
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Journey to "13": Numbers 1-3
In anticipation of Black Sabbath's new release "13" I will spotlight 13 key tracks from the 8 studio albums that the band recorded and released with Ozzy Osbourne between 1970 and
1978.
From Black Sabbath (1970):
1. "Black Sabbath"
With its opening bed of rain and thunder followed by a heavy diabolus in musica riff, "Black Sabbath" is the moment that heavy metal music was born.
Featuring lyrics about encountering a not-quite human "figure in black, several peaks and valleys, and an excellent fast paced climax, the song is the sonic equivalent of a horror movie.
2. "The Wizard"
A hypnotic riff from Ozzy's blues harp starts things off before the band join with an uptempo, blues-tinged riff. The bluesy, groove-filled aspect of Black Sabbath is often over looked. In addition to serving up heavy riffs the band was really able to fall into loose, blues based feels and "The Wizard" is a perfect showcase for both aspects of the band's sound.
From Paranoid (1970):
3. "Electric Funeral"
A heavy wah-tinged riff is the focal point of "Electric Funeral". Drummer Bill Ward works with the riff, providing an unconventional beat that showcases why he is so important to the band's early sound.
The latter part of the song with quick Tony Iommi chord changes that lead to bluesy-riffing is another perfect example of Sabbath's unique sound.
From Black Sabbath (1970): 1. "Black Sabbath"
With its opening bed of rain and thunder followed by a heavy diabolus in musica riff, "Black Sabbath" is the moment that heavy metal music was born.
Featuring lyrics about encountering a not-quite human "figure in black, several peaks and valleys, and an excellent fast paced climax, the song is the sonic equivalent of a horror movie.
2. "The Wizard"
A hypnotic riff from Ozzy's blues harp starts things off before the band join with an uptempo, blues-tinged riff. The bluesy, groove-filled aspect of Black Sabbath is often over looked. In addition to serving up heavy riffs the band was really able to fall into loose, blues based feels and "The Wizard" is a perfect showcase for both aspects of the band's sound.
3. "Electric Funeral"
A heavy wah-tinged riff is the focal point of "Electric Funeral". Drummer Bill Ward works with the riff, providing an unconventional beat that showcases why he is so important to the band's early sound.
The latter part of the song with quick Tony Iommi chord changes that lead to bluesy-riffing is another perfect example of Sabbath's unique sound.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Exploring the Rules of Hell - Journey's End
Back in March I started to listen to all of the music that Black Sabbath recorded with singer Ronnie James Dio. Collected as The Rules of Hell and 45 tracks in total, it covered three studio albums, a live album, and a career retrospective*. Before March I was an Ozzy Osbourne era loyalist. Many weeks later I am very pleased to say that that's no longer the case.I feel silly for ignoring this music for so long, but I'm happy that I finally opened myself up to it. Not only did I add some excellent Black Sabbath music to my collection, but I also gained a greater appreciation for what an amazing singer Ronnie James Dio was.
Now that my journey is complete I've compiled a 13 song playlist that includes my favorite tracks from The Rules of Hell.
1 - "Neon Knights" (Heaven and Hell)
2- "Children of the Sea" (Heaven and Hell)
3- "Heaven and Hell" (Heaven and Hell)
4- "Lonely is the Word" (Heaven and Hell)
5- "Turn Up the Night" (Mob Rules)
6- "The Sign of the Southern Cross" (Mob Rules)
7- "The Mob Rules" (Mob Rules)
8- "Over and Over" (Mob Rules)
9- "Children of the Grave" (Live Evil)
10- "Computer God" (Dehumanizer)
11- "Master of Insanity" (Dehumanzier)
12- "Time Machine" (Dehumanizer)
13- "Shadow of the Wind" (The Dio Years)
Playlist on Spotify
*The three new songs included on The Dio Years are only included in the digital download version.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Bond: Ranked
In honor of the recently released Casino Royale I’ve ranked all 21 of the EON Productions produced James Bond films.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Not So Super Moments in Superman Cinema
So today marks the release of the long awaited Superman Returns.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
You are What You Dig
Inspired by some of my favorite bloggers' recent lists I've decided to share my top ten favorite CDs.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
25 Reasons to go see The Weather Man
Number 2: Nic Cage calls the guy who played Grama in Rounders a dildo.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
50 Reasons to go see Wedding Crashers
Number 12: "The proper girl in the hat just eye-fucked the shit out of me."
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Monday, February 28, 2005
Friday, December 31, 2004
Not Another Year End List or: My Favorite Movies of 1970
10: Where's Poppa: Two words: George Segal. The fact that he never made a buddy movie with William Shatner back in the day breaks my heart.
Monday, December 27, 2004
A Random List of Things That I Want to do Before I Die
See The Rolling Stones live in concert, own a Corvette, win a hand of poker with a Royal Flush, bungee jump, share a cab with a celebrity, walk on the Moon, eat my weight in fried shrimp, play Match Game with Richard Dawson, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly, run for Mayor of Carmel, California, have sex to a N.E.R.D. record, play Twister with Jenny McCarthy, be bitten by a radioactive spider, make a time machine out of a DeLorean, ride through bat country in a Big Red Shark, grow a "real" mustache, share a meatball sub with the guy who played the Big Ragoo, have a Jack Tripper-style dating dilemma, compete in the Gumball 3000, win a Razzie Award, grab the bull by the horns, ice skate up hill, and sell a car to Brad Benson.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Wanna See Something Really Scary?
Just in time for Halloween, a list of my all-time favorite horror flicks. So dim the lights, cue the scary music, and don't look (tension inducing pause) behind you!
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