Bryan Harwell's Blog (Archive)

Final Entry

2007-06-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

This is the last of the red hot postings. All new posts will be on my all-new blog. Just follow the link on the side of the page. T.T.F.N.

The Monkees "Extended Versions"?

2007-06-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

In collecting Monkees CD's, I've stumbled across a "live" compilation of their hits. It's a weird genre of compilation, as it strays from the original studio recordings.

So, here is my take on the whole thing.

A comparison:

1. Last Train To Clarksville
Time on Extended Versions is 3:07
Time on original LP "The Monkees" is 2:40

2. Daydream Believer
Time on Extended Versions is 3:21
Time on original LP "The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees" is 2:58

3. I'm A Believer
Time on Extended Versions is 3:05
Time on original LP "More Of The Monkees" is 2:41

4. Mary, Mary
Time on Extended Versions is 3:02
Time on original LP "More Of The Monkees" is 2:12

5. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
Time on Extended Versions is 2:52
Time on original LP "More Of The Monkees" is 2:25

6. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
Time on Extended Versions is 1:59
Time on original LP "More Of The Monkees" is 2:10

7. Can You Dig It
Time on Extended Versions is 2:15
Time on original LP "Head" is 3:19

8. Goin' Down
Time on Extended Versions is 2:58
Time on original Colgems single is 3:57

9. It's Nice To Be With You
Time on Extended Versions is 3:29
Time on original Colgems single is 2:51

10. No Time
Time on Extended Versions is 2:07
Time on original LP "Headquarters" is 2:09

But wait...track 10 was titled incorrectly. The correct title is "Long Title: Do I Have
To Do This all Over Again" which was on the LP "Head". So,

10. Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again
Time on Extended Versions is 2:07
Time on original LP "Head" is 2:37

Extended Versions? Hardly the case here. Only six of these are actually longer than the original versions. So it should be titled "60% Extended Versions - 40% Short Versions."

Don't buy this disc, unless you're a completist, like me.

Why can't they get this stuff right?

P.S. If you want a good Monkees Live CD, I suggest tracking down a copy of "The Complete U.S. Live Recordings." It's out of print, however I found a copy of it on ebay. It's awesome.

Sunburst Is Gone!!!

2007-04-29T15:54:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it. Yes, I've got the blues (hence, the font color). I can't believe that one of the absolute best sources of LP's, Tapes, CD's (all new and used) is now gone. I went to Huntsville yesterday, specifically to go there. And it wasn't there. It was just an empty building. There was no "moved to Church Street" or anything like that. It was just gone. I was upset, since I knew they had certain things I wanted. I almost always knew what type of stuff they kept in stock. It was one of my all time favorite record stores.

It was one that me and my dad used to frequent often. That was years ago, while he was still alive. I think you can understand why I'm upset. When my brother comes to town, we would always go there. Now, we can't.

I guess this is a sign of the times. The changing times, that is. Almost all of the used lp/tape/cd market has gone *online*. It's all on either ebay (for used stuff) or amazon (for new stuff).

The next time I feel like record shopping, I'm going to go and sit in front of my computer. So much for social commerce. :-(

My Favorite Show?

2007-03-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

I guess if I had to choose a favorite TV show it would have to be The Dukes Of Hazzard. I have all seven seasons on dvd. The show is great. Typical '80s action adventure, tinged with southern redneck and race car mentality. However, shows have their good and bad moments. The best episodes of Dukes are really good. The worst episodes can be very bad.

In season five, John Schnieder and Tom Wopat left the show over a contract dispute. They were replaced by Byron Cherry and Christopher Mayer. Schnieder and Wopat returned 18 episodes later. I had always thought that these (the Coy and Vance episodes) were not the best episodes. A couple of them were good, but they were sort of inferior. I figured that those were the worst episodes. Boy, was I wrong!!!

I got season seven of the show recently. Season seven has Bo and Luke and all the original characters. There are some of the best episodes in there. Like when Waylon Jennings comes to Hazzard. That was great. But the third to the last episode of the series is "A Strange Visitor To Hazzard." This is, hands down, the worst episode of the series. It's based on the premise that you can't have rednecks without having UFO sightings. I kinda feel sorry for guest star Felix Silla having to play an alien. He was definitely better playing Cousin Itt on the Addams Family. This episode is worse than any Coy and Vance episode. There's no question about that.

I guess when you have a big show, there's always gonna be a couple of "clunker" episodes. A two hundred dollar script will creep up in the best of shows. Just look out. Even some of your favorite shows will sometimes leave you with a "what were they thinking" motif.

I guess it's hard to write for television on a regular basis.

Thanks to the cast of The Dukes Of Hazzard for surviving this episode.

A Rogue's Gallery Of Fifth Beatles

2006-08-31T02:23:00.000-05:00

The following is a list of everyone who could be considered "The Fifth Beatle." Everyone agrees that Beatles numbers one through four are John, Paul, George and Ringo. Here is a list of the fifth Beatles.

STUART SUTCLIFFE - Stuart joined the group in early 1960 and left the group in early 1962. He died a few months later. His legacy as the original Beatles bassist definitely qualifies him. So does the fact that he was the first Beatle to get the famous Beatles' haircut.

PETE BEST - Pete joined the group shortly after Stuart did. He was fired from the band in late 1962, due to reasons unknown. To this day Pete still says that there was no specific reason given for his dismissal.

TONY SHERIDAN - Tony made recordings with the Beatles in 1961. The record was released as Tony Sheridan & The Beat Brothers. They were later released as The Beatles With Tony Sheridan. A definite double-billing. Apparently, Stuart did not perform at this session. So, technically, Tony was the fifth Beatle, following John, Paul, George and Pete.

BRIAN EPSTEIN - Brian was the guy who discovered and then went on to manage the Beatles. He helped them get a recording contract and helped clean up their "savage" image. He worked with the Beatles for years until his death in 1967.

ANDY WHITE - Andy White played drums on the first Beatles recording of "Love Me Do." He was hired by George Martin to take Pete's place in the studio. But the Beatles had hired Ringo by this time and brought him to the session to play. George Martin wouldn't allow it. He handed Ringo a tambourine and let Andy play the drums. Talk about being upstaged!

GEORGE MARTIN - George Martin and the four Beatles are responsible for making some of the greatest rock and roll records of all time. The Beatles worked with George in the studio on all of their albums. No one other than George Martin spent so much time with the Beatles and was not a member of the group.

JIMMY NICOL - Jimmy was called in to play drums for several concert dates while Ringo was sick. He may be the only non-Beatle to know what it's like to be on stage in front of the Beatlemania crowd in 1964. Just think of the stories he'll be able to tell his grandchildren.

FRANK IFIELD - In 1964, the Beatles released a record entitled "Jolly What! The Beatles With Frank Ifield On Stage." He may be the real true "secret" fifth Beatle. And really, who in the world is Frank Ifield, anyway?

NEIL ASPINALL - In 1995, when I watched the Beatles Anthology special, they kept having interviews with this guy I didn't know. It was Neil Aspinall, their road manager. You know, one of the fifth Beatles.

MAL EVANS - Mal was one of the Beatles' roadies and played the hammer on "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" in the movie "Let It Be." He died in an accidental shooting in 1976.

ALF BICKNELL - Another Beatles roadie and he was also their driver. Imagine the very interesting conversations he must have had with the Beatles: "Hey Alf," said John, "I think McDonald's is on the left up here, can we stop and get some burgers?" "Sure," said Alf. What can I say? It was Beatlemania.

KLAUS VOORMAN - Klaus was friends with the Beatles since their early days in Hamburg, Germany. He also designed the cover to the album "Revolver." I guess it wasn't good enough, so someone else designed their next album "Sgt. Pepper."

ERIC CLAPTON - Eric played guitar on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on the "White Album." Another double-billing, but he wasn't credited on the album. It must have been an oversight of George Harrison, who wrote the tune, to not credit Eric on the album. It must have also been an oversight of George's to end up divorcing his wife, since she started having an affair with Eric. Go figure.

YOKO ONO - Yoko started showing up at the Beatles' recording sessions with John, who was too hen-pecked to tell her to stay home and cook, clean, etc. The other Beatles didn't like this arrangement. Is it any coincidence that during the time that she was around in the studio that Ringo quit once, but came back. Followed by George quitting, also. He came back, but for a time, John wanted to hire Eric Clapton.

BILLY PRESTON - Billy played keyboards on the "Get Back" sessions, which ultimately became "Let It Be." The single "Get Back" was credited to The Beatles With Billy Preston. That's another equal billing. He was definitely a fifth Beatle.

Well, I guess that's all I can think of. If you know of any more "Fifth Beatles" please post them. I would like to know for sure how many Beatles there are. I may be one myself. Who knows?

The Ultimate Cure For Depression

2006-07-18T02:13:00.000-05:00

As life keeps getting more difficult, we all get depressed about something at least occaisionally. I know I do. Whether it's about lost love, revenge, or having to work everyday. Well, while this is not a solution to any of those problems (or any problem, for that matter), maybe it'll help you feel better. Don't dipute me, because this does work.

All you need are the following things: a box of chocolate candy, a copy of the Bible, a cd player, and a cd by Elvis Presley.

Step #1: Put on some comfortable clothes that you can lounge or relax in.

Step #2: Open the chocolate. You may also need Coca-Cola or milk. I wouldn't recommend alcohol in this case, since it destroys the effect of the other things.

Step #3: Open the Bible to Proverbs Chapter 1.

Step #4: Start the Elvis cd. You may also use a cassette, LP or 8-track; whatever technology you have available. Although I wouldn't recommend 45's, because you have to keep changing the records and this is supposed to be a relaxing experience. If you have a jukebox full of Elvis 45's, or a record changer and a stack of at least 10 Elvis singles, that would be fine.

Step #5: Start reading Proverbs while listening to Elvis and munching on the chocolate. The occaisional sip of Coke or Milk will help along the way.

Step #6: You should start feeling better.

Step #7: You can stop reading if you run out of chocolate or if the music is over. Or, better yet, if you fall asleep. If you fall asleep, you may wake up refreshed and definitely not depressed.

Step #8: Repeat steps 1-7 as necessary.

If people around you think you are crazy for doing this, then you can tell them: "at least I'm not depressed about it."

Then, tell them to try it, because even if you're not depressed, you'll still feel better.

The Three Main Tools In Life

2006-07-16T20:51:00.000-05:00

It seems that if I don't have three certain tools, I can't do anything. But I can do almost anything with Channel-Lock Pliers, a Cresent Wrench and a Screwdriver. I think I'll take one of each with me in my coffin when I die. (Then, if I'm buried alive, I'll have a way of escape.)

Channel-Lock Pliers: There is a make called Channel-Lock. But I also have a pair made by Sears Craftsman.

Cresent Wrench: Also known as an adjustable wrench, this tool can be almost any size wrench. And, while there is a make called Cresent, I also have this tool made by Sears Craftsman.

Screwdriver: There are many variations on this. The one I carry most of the time is a Stanley that is interchangeable (i.e. it has flat-head, phillips head, 5/16" hex and 1/4" hex). But, generally, a flat-head screwdriver is much more common than a phillips, although the phillips is a much better and sturdier screw.

Then, there is the small chisel argument. A good flat-head screwdriver, and a good pair of channel-lock pliers can be quickly transformed into a hammer and a chisel. Knowing these combinations can increase your territorial imperative. But, I digress.

The Horrors Of Record Collecting

2006-05-21T18:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right. There are bad things that can happen when collecting records. They can break, or get scratched. You know, accidentally, when moving to tonearm to the song you wanted to hear first. After that, I've finally decided to listen to the entire side of an album and just enjoy it when it plays the song I wanted to hear to begin with. After all, it's only a few minutes.

But then, there's the chronic effect... RINGWEAR!!! That's when the outside cover starts to mold itself to the vinyl within. Usually with an outside impression of the shape, then the cover starts turning white in the shape of a circle. Like it's wearing the cover in that shape. It's just awful.

Well, I say it's awful, but it can be the worst thing to ever happen. Oh sure, when my Aqualung album by Jethro Tull started wearing it bothered me. When my Head album by the Monkees started wearing, I replaced it. But today, I saw the early stages of ringwear. I've taken all precautions of putting plastic sleeves around all my records about 8 years ago. But it still seems to happen.

I've said all that to say this: my Tiffany album has a case of slight ringwear at the very top, just an inch away from her glowing red hair. After years of kissing her ever so gently, I still can't seem to keep the cover from wearing out. If it lasts 40 more years, I'll be okay anyway. But if this ringwear develops into something more serious, I'll need to call her up and ask her for a 12"x12" color glossy photograph. Or a date.

Saved By The Bell

2006-03-28T09:54:00.000-06:00

This was a great show. I was in high school when they were. It's almost like they were in my class. I never missed an episode. These shows made my Saturday mornings. After a while, it was the only show I watched on Saturday morning. Especially since the cartoons got more and more stupid. We really could use some more shows like this now. But you will never have another show quite like this. They proved that with Saved By The Bell: The New Class. It just can't work without Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack; Tiffani-Amber Thiessen as Kelly; Mario Lopez as Slater; Dustin Diamond as Screech; Elizabeth Berkley as Jessie; and Lark Voorhies as Lisa.

When I think of high school, this show always sticks in my mind. It defined growing up in the eighties. I could relate to Zack Morris. It's like we were on the same wavelength. I wish I could have gone to school at Bayside High.

There are four main versions of Saved By The Bell:
"Good Morning, Miss Bliss" - Which features the class in junior high, only lasted one season.
"Saved By The Bell" - Main show which lasted five seasons.
"Saved By The Bell: The College Years" - Excellent top-notch continuation of the main show, but only lasted one season. I believe it was because it didn't air on Saturday mornings.
"Saved By The Bell: The New Class" - Useless and stupid, but by some weird fluke had more than 7 seasons. Go figure.

And there were two movies: "Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style" and "Saved By The Bell: Wedding In Las Vegas."

Don't miss this show. Watch it when you can. It's very funny and very addictive.

Who's On First?

2006-03-01T00:18:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's the name of the routine that Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are most famous for. I know that they starred in several movies for Universal, as well as a comedy television series in the 1950's; but their biggest contribution is the original 30 minute radio broadcast "Baseball." The entire broadcast, in which the "Who's On First" routine is included, covers so much ground on so many levels. I still see references to it everywhere.

I wonder if Bud and Lou ever realised that they would be remembered for that episode. That has to be the funniest 30 minutes of broadcast radio ever. I don't think John Boy & Billy or Rick & Bubba ever stand a chance of coming close. Bud and Lou's brand of comedy transcends the ages and will forever be timeless. Why, it's as timeless as baseball itself.

So, hat's off to Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. May they rest in peace. I know that they'll be remembered for decades to come. They were two of the greatest comedians of all times. In movies, television, and, especially radio. They should be called the kings of talk radio. Original talk radio. The way it was meant to be to begin with.

Monkees Record Collecting Is Tough For Completists

2006-02-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

Okay. We realise that bootlegging and copying songs is illegal. But it's almost impossible to find every 45rpm single released by the Monkees (group or solo records). So, someone (probably Rhino Records) needs to reissue those singles, so we can all have legit copies. The first sign that someone may be on to this, are two new reissues: Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart (studio album) and Micky Dolenz "Plastic Symphony."

Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart released only two albums: a studio album and a live album. The live album came out on cd in 1996. The studio album was released last December. Finally, a legit release. Apparently, the other reissues that I've seen of it (but not bought) were bootlegs.

Micky Dolenz "Plastic Symphony" is an official cd reissue of Micky's first two solo singles as a CD EP. Now, they're starting off on the right foot. If they would release the rest of his singles as 4-song EP's then they would have something. This is the perfect time to do it, too. It'll be the Monkees 40th anniversary this September.

The following albums need to be reissued:
David Jones "David Jones" (Colpix Records)
Davy Jones "Davy Jones" (Bell Records)
Davy Jones "Live In Japan" (Japan Records)
Davy Jones "Hello Davy: Davy Jones Live" (Pioneer Records)
Davy Jones "Sings The Monkees And More" (Dome Records)
Davy Jones "Incredible" (Dome Records)
Davy Jones & Micky Dolenz "The Point" (MCA Records)

The following singles need to be reissued:
Michael Nesmith "Wanderin'" / "Well, Well" (Highness Records)
Mike, John & Bill "How Can You Kiss Me" / "Just A Little Love" (Omnibus Records)
Mike Nesmith "Just A Little Love" / "Curson Terrace" (Edan Records)
Michael Blessing "The New Recruit" / "A Journey With Michael Blessing" (Colpix Records)
Michael Blessing "Until It's Time For You To Go" / "What Seems To Be The Trouble Officer (Colpix Records)
David Jones "The Girl From Chelsea" (Colpix Records)
Davy Jones "Girl" (Bell Records)
Davy Jones "I'll Believe In You" (Bell Records)
Davy Jones "You're A Lady" / "You're A Lady" (MGM Records)
Davy Jones "Rubberene" / "Who Was It?" (MGM Records)
Davy Jones "You Don't Have To Be A Country Boy To Sing A Country Song" (Warner Bros. Records)
Davy Jones "It's Now" / "How Do You Know" (Japan Records)
Davy Jones "Dance, Gypsy" / "Can She Do It (Like She Dances)" (Japan Records)
Davy Jones "The Greatest Story Ever Told (Free)" (Hercules Promotions)
Micky Dolenz "Easy On You" / "Oh Someone" (MGM Records)
Micky Dolenz "A Lover's Prayer" / "Unattended In The Dungeon" (MGM Records)
Starship "Johnny B. Goode" / "It's Amazing To Me" (Lion Records)
Starship "Where Did All The Good Times Go" / "Monkees Medley" (Lion Records)
Micky Dolenz "Daybreak" / "Love War" (Romar Records)
Micky Dolenz "Buddy Holly Tribute" / "Ooh She's Young" (Romar Records)
Micky Dolenz "Alicia" / "Lovelight" (Chrysalis Records)
Micky Dolenz "To Be Or Not To Be" (Jam Records)
Micky Dolenz "Tomorrow" / "Fat Sam's Grand Slam" (A&M Records)
Peter Tork & The New Monks "Steppin' Stone" / "Higher And Higher" (Claude's Music Works)

And most importantly, Rhino needs to print up another 3,000 limited edition Monkees Headquarters Sessions box sets. I missed the first run, could they possibly have a second run? Maybe. Just maybe.

P.S. I didn't list anything that's already been on cd. I also didn't list single songs if they were already on the albums.

Who is Farmer Brown?

2006-01-26T16:25:00.000-06:00

I would like for somebody to tell me about this mysterious character called Farmer Brown. Every time I wear my overalls, people keep mistaking me for him. I'll walk in the room, in the store, in someone's house, etc. and they say "Hey Farmer Brown". Maybe he's the owner of Liberty Overalls Company. Now, that would make sense. Or maybe he invented overalls. I guess there's always the possibility that Farmer Brown made the overalls popular to begin with.

I wonder if people will call me Beatle John if I wore a Nehru Jacket...

They're Back And They're Better Than Ever!

2005-12-30T12:53:00.000-06:00

They are quite possibly the four best television shows of all time: The A-Team, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Knight Rider and Magnum, P.I. All four of these shows are coming out on dvd. I'm still in the process of buying them, but what I have seen so far is awesome. The Dukes of Hazzard is possibly the "Andy Griffith Show" of my generation. The small town life on the Duke farm. The only difference is that Andy and Barney have been replaced with Rosco and Enos, with Boss Hogg in charge of the county, thanks to typical Georgia politics. At least that's what Gy Waldron (producer of the show) said in his commentary.

Then, there's the A-Team. I just finished watching the pilot episode. It's awesome! The only downslide is Tim Dunigan was cast as Face in the pilot. He was replaced by Dirk Benedict in the second episode. Dirk is the better choice and a much better actor. Tim just didn't have good chemistry with Murdock (Dwight Shultz) when they split into two teams to foil the Mexican Bandits. But overall, great show. Can't wait to watch more.

These shows are head and shoulders above anything currently on television. Why can't they make good shows anymore? It seems that all they can do is movie remakes. Yes, there is a new movie based on The A-Team currently in production. We'll wait and see how it turns out. I haven't seen the new Dukes Of Hazzard movie yet, so I can't comment; except to say that it was hard enough for Christopher Mayer and Byron Cherry to replace Schneider and Wopat, much less anyone else.

Try to watch these shows when you can. You will find that, by comparison, what's currently on the big three in prime time is rubbish.

The Three Stooges...The way they should be.

2005-10-26T16:18:00.000-05:00

Why can't Columbia Pictures Cooperation get it right? They've just never issued the Three Stooges films the way the fans want them. They've tried mixing them up three episodes at a time on videocassette. They've tried grouping similar plots 5 episodes at a time on dvd. They've even tried (horrors!) colorizing the Three Stooges. That last one was the stupidest idea, yet. What the fans want is all 190 episodes on dvd in chronological order. How hard is that? I can answer that. Not very hard at all. It could be done in nine separate box sets. I know that Columbia has probably had low sales on the stooges. That's probably why there have not been any more issued in the last two years. The fans, like me, have the videocassettes and are not willing to buy dvd's until the following is done. This is a list of the way the Three Stooges should be on dvd:

The Three Stooges, Volume 1: Moe, Larry and Curley (episodes 1-25) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 2: Moe, Larry and Curley (episodes 26-50) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 3: Moe, Larry and Curley (episodes 51-74) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 4: Moe, Larry and Curley (episodes 75-97) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 5: Moe, Larry and Shemp (episodes 98-122) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 6: Moe, Larry and Shemp (episodes 123-148) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 7: Moe, Larry and Shemp (episodes 149-174) (4 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 8: Moe, Larry and Joe (episodes 175-190) (3 discs)
The Three Stooges, Volume 9: Moe, Larry and Curly-Joe (feature films: "Have Rocket, Will Travel"/"Snow White And The Three Stooges"/"Three Stooges Meet Hercules"/"Three Stooges In Orbit"/"Three Stooges Go Around The World In A Daze"/"The Outlaws Is Coming") (6 discs)
See, Columbia? That's what we want. If these came out over the next two years, I would buy every one of them. So would a lot of other Stooge fans. That is, under two conditions: The episodes are not edited; The episodes are not colorized. Get it through your thick skulls, people in charge!

Just For The Sake Of Argument

2005-10-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned dvd sets containing movies starring the Marx Brothers. However, I forgot to include a list of the movies. For those who don't know, here is a list of the Marx Brothers' movies. Each one is excellent top-notch comedy. Here is the list:
1. The Cocoanuts
2. Animal Crackers
3. Monkey Business
4. Horse Feathers
5. Duck Soup
6. A Night At The Opera
7. A Day At The Races
8. Room Service
9. At The Circus
10. Go West
11. The Big Store
12. A Night In Casablanca
13. Love Happy

One more thing: Don't miss "You Bet Your Life" tv series; starring Groucho Marx.

Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo

2005-10-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

The four Marx Brothers are available on dvd. All 13 movies are available, but there is a catch. You have to buy 3 items. The first five movies are in one box set called "The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection." The next seven movies are in a box set called "The Marx Brothers Collection." Their last movie, "Love Happy," is available only as a single dvd by itself. Their comedy is the best. All their movies are worth seeing anytime you have the chance. I always loved watching these late at night, back when AMC used to show them. This kind of humor just doesn't exist very much anymore. Everything now leans towards romantic-comedies. Will there ever be another Marx Brothers? Certainly not. But there could be more comedy teams. I know it would work. People still love this stuff. Even the Three Stooges still airs in reruns. Ensembles seem to be a thing of the past; even Friends is now off the air, except for reruns. We need more of that. Anyway, we can still see the old greats, if we know where to shop.

Coy And Vance?

2005-10-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right folks. Coy and Vance Duke will be on dvd this December as Season 5 of the Dukes Of Hazzard is released. As a brilliant marketing campaign, Warner Bros. did not put Coy or Vance on the cover. The front cover has Daisy Duke sitting on the hood of the General Lee. I kinda feel sorry for Christopher Mayer (Vance) and Byron Cherry (Coy). They were good actors. They were not John Schneider and Tom Wopat. That was the main problem. People generally don't want their favorite main characters replaced on a television series. But I'm glad they didn't cancel the show that early. And they did bring Bo and Luke back at the end of Season 5. I think someone should look up Mr. Mayer and Mr. Cherry. They were a good pairing of actors. If they starred in something else together, it just might work. Give them another chance. Until then, just enjoy Dukes Of Hazzard Season 5, when it comes out in December. Or catch them on CMT.

When You've Got Money...

2005-10-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

I watched the movie "Follow That Bird" yesterday with my kids. That was the second movie I ever went to see in a movie theater (the first was "E.T."), when I was five years old. The movie was better than I remembered it. Great storyline, with Big Bird fighting the system and being put in a foster home against his will. Great music, with Van Dyke Parks writing the songs and Waylon Jennings singing them. Great guest stars, with Lorraine Newman (voice only) and Chevy Chase, both of Saturday Night Live fame; John Candy, Joe Flaherty and Dave Thomas of SCTV fame. The movie has what it takes. More kids movies should be made like this. I guess we have to remember that Sesame Street: Children's Television Workshop has a lot of money from that franchise. They can make movies with great music, storylines and the best guest stars. If Disney would only take the hint.

The Court Jester

2005-10-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember the movie "The Court Jester"? I saw this on television the other day. It's still just as funny as it ever was. It stars Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone. It's a parody of all those swashbuckling movies like Robin Hood. I can't stop laughing when they poison one of the drinks. They tell him that it's either in the Chalice from the Palace or the Vessel with the Pessle. Or maybe it was the Flagon with the dragon. Anyway, check it out every chance you get. It's Danny Kaye's best movie. Even better than "The Inspector General."

Steam Engines

2005-10-05T17:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I think it's time to retrofit all our automobiles with steam engines. They require no gasoline, only water. They are highly explosive, but so is gasoline. As long as people would be willing to wait for 30 minutes to an hour for the boiler to warm up, it would be worth it. Some of the last of the cars made with steam engines could travel as fast a 60 mph. But that was in the late 1930's and early 1940's when steam engines were on the way out and gasoline was on the way in. I don't think an electric car is the answer. If it were, we would all have them by now. Steam engines could travel fast enough. It could work.

The Way I See It, Barry

2005-10-04T17:50:00.000-05:00

I think there is a current lack of avante-garde recordings in the cd stores. There is nothing pseudo-classical, either. I was listening to "Lumpy Gravy" cd by Frank Zappa today, and I realised that nobody is making anything like this anymore. Wake up you top 40 artists! Start making something artistic before we forget what music is. Or entertainment for that matter.

Ford Maverick

2005-10-03T18:15:00.000-05:00

Well, the new PT Cruiser has brought back lots of the older car styles. The old Mustang style is back. The Volkswagon Beetle is back. Why, there is even a new Dodge Charger, even if the style is different. So, why not the Maverick? I know the Maverick looks a lot like a Mustang, but still I wish they would bring it back at least in name. I always thought that was a cool name, Maverick. What do you drive? A Maverick. Say it with me, Maverick. Maverick.

P.S. Don't get me started on Comet or Pinto.

Country Music Does, But Pop Doesn't

2005-10-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

This deceptive title is actually referring to the music sounding monotonous. All new country sounds the same. The top 40 pop music doesn't all sound the same, it covers a wide spectrum of rock, pop, r&b, heavy metal, etc. I always thought that one day all country music would sound something like the Eagles or Lynyrd Skynyrd. Boy was I wrong. It all sounds like Alan Jackson, except worse. It's stupid. The song lyrics are all the same. I believe those petal steel guitars are loop tapes that Red Rhodes made in 1979 and just used over and over. Why can't they be more creative? Oh yeah, Johnny Cash tried that and they called him a rebel and ran him out of Nashville. And the Statler Brothers broke up. Despair.

Television Sucks.

2005-10-01T21:59:00.000-05:00

I can't find anything good on. What happened to the A-Team? Or the Dukes Of Hazzard? Or Knight Rider? We need more action shows and less stupid sitcoms. We need car crashes. We need talking cars. We need semi-automatic weapons on tv. Well, actually you can see those weapons if you watch the news. Maybe the news needs to go primetime. But only if the anchors are John Schneider, David Hasselhoff, Mr T. (sports) and Tom Sellick (weather).