#my favorite era (with 1967)

[elvispresley]

John Lennon looking down at his piano in the Imagine music video (1971)

#so peaceful #my favorite era (with 1967) #john lennon #1970s #music video #classic rock #edit

[queenofcoquette]

girlblogger questions ୭ 🧷 ✧ ˚. ᵎᵎ ����

tysm for the tag @klerh111!!! i love ur blog sm and this is such a cute idea :))

favorite song at the moment

run to me- bee gee's

strange magic- electric light orchestra

silk and honey- honey ltd

obsession at the moment

my crush!!!

the virgin suicides soundtracks

analyzing films (this sounds more technical than it is- really i analyze like the same 5 movies i like over and over again in my head)

star wars (but the prequel era star wars becuz its my fav era)

ap psychology (fav class)

thinking about the summer (i want to fly myself to see my grandparents)

obscure psychedelic music from the late '60s

water polo

celebrity crush

hayden christensen!!!!! my fav of all time

leif garrett (when he was around my age)

bob dylan (but only from the years of 1964-1967 tbh)

favorite food and drink

lemonade & strawberry lemonade

the braised beef casarecce at brio or the vegtable pasta w chicken that my mom makes me

place where i would like to live

new york city for college, then maybe a nice place in california or upstate new york after that

style

coquette meets late 60s-70s

i love bell bottoms, floral tank tops, mini skirts, etc.

sharon tate is my biggest style inspo and also the lisbon sisters a little. i love looking at random pics of ppl from the 70s and take inspiration from that

hobby

sewing

writing

reading

water polo

favorite girlbloggers:

@lovesickbrat @dark-nymph3t @mother-marilynn @prettieinpink @being-addie @paulmccartneysflower

anyone else who wants to do it if u follow me than you can just tag me becuz i love getting to talk to u guys!!

#queenofcoquette

[cantsayidont]

There are some things in DC's voluminous back catalog that they ought to properly reprint because they're good — gems of past eras. However, there are also some things they ought to properly reprint because they're delightfully stupid, like the Superman/Batman team-ups from WORLD'S FINEST COMICS. DC has actually reprinted all the stories from the '50s, through about 1961, but a lot of the '60s material has only been reprinted in the B&W SHOWCASE PRESENTS books, which is a shame.

The WORLD'S FINEST team-ups went through several distinct phases. Superman, Batman, and Robin had shared the covers of WORLD'S FINEST COMICS since 1941, but it wasn't until 1954 that shrinking page counts obliged them to actually share the lead feature. The '50s stories are pretty good of their time, with some lovely Dick Sprang art, and the presence of Superman meant the drift into science fiction was less jarring than in the contemporary Batman books. In 1964, editorial control of WORLD'S FINEST passed to Mort Weisinger and it became a Weisinger-era Superman book that happened to have Batman and Robin in it. Starting in 1967, though, things started to get stranger and stranger as Weisinger's stable of sci-fi veterans like Edmond Hamilton and Otto Binder gave way to Bob Kanigher, Cary Bates, and Bob Haney, who turned out some exceedingly weird material. Stories like the two-parter about Superman having died and willed his super-organs to various people (#189–190) aren't quite as ghoulish as the covers suggest, but their inexplicable weirdness is emblematic of the period.

For a little while in the early '70s, DC evicted Batman from the series, making WORLD'S FINEST a general-issue Superman team-up book. (DC reprinted those issues in trade paperback in 2020.) This apparently wasn't a big commercial success, but rather than immediately returning to the expected Superman/Batman format, WORLD'S FINEST began to feature the Super-Sons, the teenage sons of Superman and Batman in a hazily defined parallel reality — written by Bob Haney, whose stories consistently evoke the sensation of mild concussion. The "real" Superman and Batman also returned, although they had to alternate with their hypothetical future sons, appearing roughly every other issue through 1976. From 1976 to 1982, WORLD'S FINEST once again became an oversize anthology book, with a Superman/Batman main feature backed by a variety of other characters like Green Arrow and Hawkman. The stories in that period are not quite as ludicrous as the late '60s (although if you see Bob Haney's name in the credits, you know you're in for a wild ride), but even the soberer installments are consistently very silly, full of nonsense like Kryptonian lycanthropy and the return of some especially ridiculous older villains like the Gorilla Boss of Gotham City and Doctor Double-X.

It wasn't until issue #285 that Superman and Batman again had the book all to themselves. The late period dials back the zaniness and has mostly uninspired plots, but writers Doug Moench and David Anthony Kraft compensate with some eyebrow-raising and apparently deliberate "Superbat" ship-bait; my personal favorite is Kraft's "No Rest for Heroes!" (a short story in the back of WORLD'S FINEST #302), where Superman and Batman go to a dive bar in the middle of nowhere to talk about their relationship and Batman ends up throwing a knife at someone.

Very little of this stuff is actually good by any normal standard — although the 1964–1967 period is no more or less weird than any other Weisinger Silver Age Superman stories — and the artwork is only occasionally better than passable. However, it's so stupid and so ridiculous that it's consistently fun, in a way DC doesn't really do anymore, at least not on purpose. Assembling all the Superman/Batman stories (leaving the Super-Sons to their own TPB), omitting the various backup strips, and giving it decent color reproduction would make for a nice package, and the presence of Superman and Batman would make it more commercially viable than some of DC's more artistically worthy back catalog material. Low-hanging fruit, if you ask me.

#comics #world's finest comics #curt swan #neal adams #murphy anderson #superman #batman #robin #jimmy olsen #mort weisinger #cary bates #robert kanigher #bob haney #david anthony kraft #doug moench #superbat

[charlottan]

every book i read at least a good chunk of in 2023 ranked under the cut grin😁

1. American Gods (2001)  by Neil Gaiman (currently reading) - simply a terrific book. Neil Gaiman at what I believe to be his best. Classic novel

2. Dhalgren (1975) by Samuel R. Delaney (currently reading) - monolithic 70s postmodern book that touches on issues of gender and race. very very good

3. Shantaram (2003) by Gregory David Roberts (currently reading) - very loveable and long book about the true story of an Australian man, arrested on heroin charges, who escapes prison to India and gets involved in arms trading. I'm only on like page 70 out of 900 but I'm deeply in love.

4. Going Postal (2004) by Terry Pratchett (currently reading) - discworld’s postal service! Plenty of hijinks. excellent book

5. Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller (currently reading) - classic anti war satire, what can you say. Still ridiculously funny, the humor really doesnt age at all. it’s very screwball in a way that holds up. Such a joy to read

6. Sirens of Titan (1959) by Kurt Vonnegut - beautiful book, definitely my favorite of the three Vonnys that i finished this year. you can feel his love, as always

7. Cloud Cuckoo Land (2021) by Anthony Doerr- Charming book that spans multiple characters and time periods, all concerned with an ancient codex that symbolizes a sense of faith. I don't really remember this one much but I know I had a lot of fun reading it. Would recommend to anybody

8. Hell’s Angels (1967) by Hunter S. Thompson (currently reading) - very interesting book about, of course, the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club. Thompson becomes a fly on the wall, giving the reader a very, very, perhaps almost too close look at the bikers’ ways and rituals. Very good book if you’re into that sort of thing

9. Infinite Jest (1996) by David Foster Wallace (currently reading)- not much to say about the old Jest. classic annoying book. i read a good chunk this year :thumbsup:

10. Bag of Bones (1998) by Stephen King - average 90s era King. still just as gripping as his 70s and 80s work but with a more comfortable writing style i think. pretty good

11. Detransition, Baby (2021) by Torrey Peters (currently reading) - not much to say about this one really. Its pretty good so far though, pretty classic transfem lit

12. The Dead Zone (1979) by Stephen King - this book had a terrifically gripping second act but then it kindof goes off in a different direction in act 3. Or rather, it feels like act 3 could have been its own decent short story, with the first two acts together being their own novel.

13. Equal Rites (1987) by Terry Pratchett - transmasc king. Girl wants to be a wizard instead of a witch, average discworld novel, nothing memorable but still pretty good

14. Galapagos (1985) by Kurt Vonnegut - Ok vonny book. It definitely had some strong Vonny moments but overall felt a little Different from the rest of his stuff. But maybe in a good way

15. Deadeye Dick (1982) by Kurt Vonnegut - middling vonnegut novel. It was ok. But an ok kurt vonnegut book is still a really good book

16. On the Road (1957) by Jack Kerouac - classic beat novel. pretty good if you're into slice of life 1940s/50s stuff, which you probably arent, but if you are and you haven’t checked this out, go for it!

17. Nevada (2013) by Imogen Binnie - Decent, however it felt very bare bones in a way that, for instance, Detransition, Baby makes up for.

18. The Rum Diary (1998) by Hunter S. Thompson - To be honest I don’t remember this one At All but i know i read it in like 3 days so its gotta be good. Still cant put it too high in the ranking though sorry hunter

19. And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks (1945) by Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs - first ever book written by either of them, and it’s ok. It’s supposed to be a murder mystery but the murder doesnt happen until like the last 20 pages so idk

20. The Colour of Magic (1983) by Terry Pratchett - first discworld. Not that memorable but i wouldnt say it was bad either

21. 1Q84 (2009) by Haruki Murakami (dropped) - I really wanted to like this one. And i did, *mostly*. However, Murakami has this writing style that is obsessively technical and formal and makes for incredibly unnatural monologues, for one thing. This is just a personal preference though; I know it's very acclaimed. I'm honestly sad I couldn't make it past the writing style to enjoy it at least enough to make it through.

22. The Road (2006) by Cormac McCarthy (dropped) - too edgy

#book talk

[glowing-gold]

Go read my current works on Ao3, if u feel so inclined!

a brief interruption, a slight malfunction - 12k, John/Paul smut. My first co-authored fic w @magzthemad! They fuck after the rooftop concert. Some of my most favorite sex I’ve ever written. Full of emotion.

Writing Letters (On My Wall) - 89k. Complete. John/Paul, long format slow burn. Paul writes to John anonymously because they’re not speaking. Ends with 20k of smut.

Cold Turkey - 8k, John/Paul, smut, John is withdrawing from heroin and begs Paul to fuck him. Explicit.

A Toot and a Snore- 25k, John/Paul, angst and smut, lost weekend era fix it fic. Explicit.

For Auld Lang Synd- 50k, John/Paul, 9 chapters, 1967-68 pepper era first time fic. Slow burn to smutty payoff. Explicit.

A Silent Question- 49k, John/Paul, 5 chapters, 1963 first time fic. Smut throughout. Explicit.

#the beatles #paul mccartney #john lennon #mclennon #george harrison #ringo starr #beatles fanfiction #Beatles fanfic #mclennon fanfiction #McLennon fanfic #ao3fic #ao3 #Beatles ao3 #McLennon ao3

[dat2ndaccount97]

If it weren't for the fact that it literally says "Twist & Turn" on her sack dress and the bow, you'd have no idea she's supposed to be inspired by 1967 Twist N' Turn Barbie. No Bangs, instead of a mesh top it's a solid white sack dress. and the trim on her fit is red not orange. I know in some photos the orange on the original TNT fit can look a little more red, like the stock photos form the My favorite Barbie Repro Version. But even then it's not this deep of a red.

Look I LOVE Twist N Turn/Mod Era Barbie, it's one of my fave eras of barbie, and i'm totally down for a doll inspired by said era even if it's a playline doll with almost no budget. Playline fashionistas can come out looking really cute (the base doll here I actually quite like). But I just think they botched the execution on her.

#TNT Barbie #Twist N Turn Barbie #Barbie #Barbie 65th anniversary #Barbie Fashionistas #Mod Barbie #Twist N Turn inspired barbie #barbie doll

[brainwormcity]

I’ve reached up to 1967 in my Ineffable Eras project and I’m planning to post the rest all at once but I’ve been dying to share Edinburgh. It’s my favorite I’ve done so far.

#good omens #crowley #aziraphale #ineffable husbands #aziracrow #good omens 2 #aziraphale x crowley #good omens fanart #good omens fan art #good omens edinburgh #michael sheen #david tennant #ineffable eras project

[vintagerpg]

This is the first edition of Philip K. Dick’s The Zap Gun (1967), from Pyramid Books. That’s a Jack Gaughan cover. I kind of love how his work almost never seems to entirely mesh with the novel he’s fronting. All these jesters running around.

Anyway, The Zap Gun. I don’t really know how to summarize it. The cold war has given way into this weird agreement where the US and the Soviets pretend to keep making weapons, but they actually don’t work. Culture has turned them into fashion items, though, so there is a big market for new ones, which are designed by comic book artists. The main character is one of these, and is depressed because none of his weapons work. All of this becomes a problem when aliens invade and humanity lacks functioning weaponry to use in their defense. As ever for Dick, it is a swirling, trippy sort of novel and is in the era of my favorite of Dick’s more conventional SF novels, Ubik, Maze of Death and Galactic Pot-Healer. If you can ever call Dick conventional.

#RPG #TTRPG #Tabletop RPG #roleplaying game #D&D #Dungeons & Dragons #Philip K Dick #Zap Gun #Jack Gaughan

[beedlemania]

what are your favorite songs from each of the Monkees albums? ^_^

WAHH this is a tough question but here we go!

The Monkees (1966) - Okay I may have over listened to this album because it was the first Monkees album I heard in full but imma say Papa Genes Blues and Sweet Young Thing. When I first watched the Monkees Mike was my favourite (I wanted to BE Davy but Mike was my fav then) so I have a soft spot for these songs. Also the guitar in Sweet Young Thing sounds kinda like the uillean pipe to me so… bias.

More of The Monkees (1967) - Your Auntie Grizelda is like tied for my fav Monkees song so obviously gotta say that. Then maybe When Love Comes Knockin, Laugh, and of course, I’m A Believer. This is possibly my fav monkees album though so tough choices.

Headquarters (1967) - Another tough picking but imma go with Randy Scouse Git (one of the first ways I heard about the Monkees), No Time (it’s fun what can I say) and Shades of Gray because it’s a pretty duet.

Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. (1967) - Okay this album has like no skips so wahh. I would say all of them but that’s CHEATING so Salesman, Cuddly Toy and Don’t Call On Me.

The Birds, The Bees & the Monkees (1968) - I underestimated how hard this would be. Daydream Believer, Writing Wrongs, Magnolia Simms, Valleri

Head (1968) - Long Title (Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?), Can You Dig It? (But Peters version because the voice thing he does. I don’t think I ever listen to Micky’s version except when watching the film), Daddy’s Song, Ditty Diego and Circle Sky (the version where he does the grunt thing at the start? Don’t get me started @.@). I think that’s nearly all the song songs off the album so whoops

Instant Replay (1969) - Through the Looking Glass, I Wont Be The Same Without Her, and Tear Drop City!! And You and I … for obvious reasons <3

The Monkees Present (1969) - Listen to the Band, Mommy and Daddy (Alternate Version, slay Micky), and Oklahoma Backroom Dancer (every time I shuffle music it plays this.. I can’t escape)

Changes (1970) - The final two, wah. 99 Pounds, that songs addictive. And Do It In The Name of Love and Midnight Train (it’s fun!)

Pool It! (1987) - Peters so fit in this era and that’s all I think about when I think of this album. Anyway, Heart and Soul, Gettin In annnd Every Step of the Way

Justus (1996) - I wont lie, I’m not sure if I’ve listened to this album in full whoops but Admiral Mike, and I Believe You (idk if that’s controversial or not)

Good Times! (2016) - The only Monkees album cd I own <3 You Bring the Summer, She Makes Me Laugh, Me & Magdalena

Oops I forgot Missing Links! Gonna put all of them together and say Nine Times Blue, Tear the Top Right Off my Head (all time fav) and My Share of The Sidewalk!

Okay I think I rambled a bit, my apologies. But thank you for asking!! :3

I’d also like to hear everyone else’s favs!

#the monkees #asks

[theolivebranchreview]

Grooving Across Time

by Jake Gilmore (read more of his work here)

The song “Oogum Boogum” by Brenton Wood is a vibrant and infectious track that captures the essence of the late 1960s soul and pop scene with an irresistible charm. Released in 1967, this song immediately sets itself apart with its catchy chorus, playful lyrics, and Wood’s distinctive vocal style, which is both smooth and expressive. The track is imbued with a sense of joy and flirtation, making it an enduring favorite for listeners seeking a musical time capsule back to an era of exuberance and stylistic innovation.

At the heart of “Oogum Boogum” is Brenton Wood’s masterful delivery, which combines elements of soul, R&B, and pop in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. His voice, with its unique timbre, carries the song’s lighthearted lyrics with an effortless charisma that invites listeners to sing along. The song’s opening lines, “You got me doing the oogum boogum now,” set the tone for a track that’s all about the dizzying effects of love and attraction, encapsulated in a phrase that’s as whimsical as the emotions it seeks to describe.

Musically, the arrangement of “Oogum Boogum” is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the era. The upbeat tempo, driven by a compelling blend of organ, brass, and rhythm section, creates a backdrop that’s both playful and engaging. This sonic landscape not only showcases Wood’s vocal prowess but also highlights the skill of the musicians and producers behind the track. The organ, in particular, adds a layer of richness to the song, providing a groovy counterpoint to Wood’s vocals that’s impossible to resist.

Lyrically, “Oogum Boogum” is a delightful romp through the themes of love and attraction, with Wood painting vivid pictures of the emotions and physical reactions sparked by the object of his affection. The lyrics are simple yet effective, capturing the universal experience of being captivated by someone’s presence. This simplicity is a strength, allowing the song to transcend its era and remain relatable to listeners across generations.

For those of us who grew up raiding our parents’ CD collections, discovering tracks like “Oogum Boogum” was a rite of passage. It was on a dusty boombox in my childhood home that I first encountered Brenton Wood’s infectious energy, and it became an instant favorite. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus made it a staple on my playlists, especially on sunny days when the only appropriate soundtrack was one that matched the brightness of the outdoors.

“Oogum Boogum” also stands out for its cultural impact, capturing a moment in music history when genres were blending and artists were experimenting with new sounds. In this context, Brenton Wood emerges not just as a singer but as an innovator, whose contributions to the soul and pop genres are encapsulated in this unforgettable track. His ability to convey the exhilaration of love and attraction in such a playful and engaging manner is a testament to his talent as a songwriter and performer.

In the pantheon of 1960s music, “Oogum Boogum” by Brenton Wood is a gem that continues to shine brightly. Its blend of catchy lyrics, vibrant musical arrangement, and Wood’s charismatic vocal delivery make it a timeless classic. For those discovering it today, the song offers a joyful escape into a musical era characterized by exploration and expression. For those of us who have known it for years, it remains a cherished reminder of the power of music to capture the essence of human emotion in a few simple verses and a catchy chorus. “Oogum Boogum” is not just a song; it’s a celebration of love, joy, and the infectious spirit of the 1960s soul and pop scene.

Beyond its immediate charm, “Oogum Boogum” serves as a bridge connecting the listener to a vibrant period in music history, where experimentation with rhythm, lyrics, and melody flourished. The song embodies the spirit of the ’60s, a time when music was an integral part of cultural shifts and the expression of freedom and love. Brenton Wood, with his eclectic style, managed to encapsulate this spirit in a track that, decades later, still feels fresh and exciting. The song’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless is a testament to its genius.

The influence of “Oogum Boogum” extends beyond its initial release, inspiring artists across genres to capture the same infectious joy and soul in their music. It’s a reminder of the power of a catchy hook and a melody that can make listeners dance spontaneously. This track, with its blend of soul, R&B, and pop elements, showcases the transformative power of music to cross boundaries and bring people together. It’s a celebration of the joy of love, conveyed through Wood’s playful articulation and the song’s vibrant arrangement.

Reflecting on personal experiences, “Oogum Boogum” has always been a beacon of positivity. Whether it was playing in the background during family gatherings or being the soundtrack to impromptu dance sessions in the living room, the song has a way of lifting spirits and bringing smiles. Its universal appeal lies in its simplicity and the genuine emotion it conveys, making it a song that can be shared across generations, from those who lived through the ’60s to younger audiences discovering it for the first time.

In the broader landscape of music history, “Oogum Boogum” stands as an emblem of an era marked by innovation and the breaking down of musical barriers. Brenton Wood’s contribution to this landscape cannot be overstated. His ability to blend different musical styles into a cohesive and captivating track demonstrates his understanding of the power of music as a tool for expression and connection. This song, among his others, lays the groundwork for future artists to explore and innovate within their genres.

In an age where music is more accessible than ever, “Oogum Boogum” remains a cherished discovery for those venturing into the rich archives of the past. It serves as a vibrant reminder of the joy and excitement that music can bring into our lives, transcending time and genre to touch the hearts of listeners. The song is a testament to Brenton Wood’s enduring legacy as an artist who captured the essence of an era while creating a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

“Oogum Boogum” by Brenton Wood is more than just a song from the late ’60s; it’s a musical treasure that continues to enchant and inspire. Its joyful melody, coupled with Wood’s charismatic delivery and the song’s playful lyrics, create an atmosphere of unbridled joy and nostalgia. For those who have grown up with it, the song is a fond memory; for new listeners, it’s a delightful discovery. Either way, “Oogum Boogum” remains a vibrant celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of music to connect us to our past, present, and each other.

#music #music review #music recs #media critique #aspiring writer #theolivebranchreview

[kafkaguy]

ethan. i chose whatever music asks you haven’t done yet.

hi kieren im kind of obsessed with u. there are a lot that i havent done but some of them i cant be bothered to answer/genuinely cannot answer or the answer is just no so here's the ones i like <3

Do you listen to more oldies or more current stuff? A mix of both but leaning more to oldies, the majority of my favourite songs and artists are either from the 60s & 70s era, or the 90s & 00s era <3 

Would you wear a t-shirt of a band you're not into? Probably not, even if the design is cool i only wear band tshirts if i care abt the band. But if someone gave me an artist tshirt as a gift, i’d wear it AND listen to the artist it depicts 👍

Is there an artist or song that you like, despite being of a genre you don't usually like? I like all genres i don't discriminate. i’m bisexual 

A song or album from the 50s or earlier: this compilation album of old japanese pop 1950-1951… discovered through mash playlists

A song or album from the 60s: 1-800-are-you-experienced by jimi hendrix 1967 :) 

A song or album from the 70s: Born to run by BRUCIE 1975 raaaagghhhhhh 

A song or album from the 80s: King of rock by run-dmc 1985 💪💥

A song or album from the 90s Call the doctor by sleater-kinney 1996

A song or album from the 2000s: Cheap pop for the elite by kore. ydro., 2006

 A song or album from the 2010s: TRANSANGELIC EXODUS BY EZRA FURMAN 2018. GOAT

Do you and your partner/best friend share a special song? One you’d call “our song”? unfortunately for my boyfriend and i it is the predatory wasp of the palisades is out to get us by sufjan stevens which is indicative of how normal we both are 

Do you play any instruments? I’ve been “learning” the bass for about 2 years but havent made much progress but i can do basic riffs and improvise a little 

Who’s your favorite fictional band or artist? Marceline The Vampire 

When was the last time you cried when listening to a song, if ever? I couldn’t tell you the last time a song made me properly cry but i sort of cried listening to come on in yesterday because i was having a category 5 peter tork moment 

Your favorite artist from your city/state/country? At the moment its marina spanou and based on her lyrics i think she is literally from the same area of athens as me <3

A song you like in a language you don’t speak:

A song you like with lyrics in two or more languages:

songs that are symbolic of a time when i was literally and without exaggeration in the trenches. korean & english

Do you enjoy musicals? If so, what’s your favorite? Top 5: fiddler on the roof, jesus christ superstar, newsies, les miserables, hadestown.

Have you watched any musician’s biopics? Do you have a favorite? I’M NOT THERE DIRECTED BY TODD HAYNES MY NUMBER 1 ☝️ even if i am not the biggest bob dylan girl out there i fucking love that movie so much 

Do you listen to music when it's raining or do you stop to hear the sound of the rain? Im answerin this question cos i like it. If its raining really hard i take out my headphones and turn my music up so i can hear it out loud blended with the sound of the rain <3

Do you prefer live recordings or studio recordings? LIVE RECORDINGS ARE MY BEST FRIENDS. I dont know if i prefer them but theres something so comcorting and beautiful of hearing live stuff so yeah <3

Okay these were the questions i cared about. thank you i love you . heheheheh

#YAAYYYY MUSIC :) #kip 🕸️ #📬

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Chevy Impala

It sounds like Armageddon.

There it is, with a glint of chrome and the dusty black paint of an old road warrior. It’s 18 feet of badass – a 1967 Chevy Impala hardtop powered by a 502-cubic-inch big-block, slammed down on a built Hotchkiss performance suspension. The V8 rumbles like a bowling ball stuck in an industrial dryer and there’s a guy at the wheel with a grin so big the top of his head might come off. He stomps the throttle, the big-block howls and the Impala lunges forward. It’s the best job in the world.

So, I just found out that the Impala hero car from Supernatural (Baby) has a rediculously enormous engine in it. So, for some context, the largest engine available for similar era Challengers and Chargers (my personal favorite classic cars, if you haven’t noticed) is the great Mopar 440 big block. Meaning it moves around 440 cubic inches of air. Well this Impala has the Chevy 502 Big Block… 502 cubic inches… Jesus.

For more context, a 2013 Camaro SS (my current daily driver) has a 378 cubic inch V8 and produces 426 horsepower. The Impala, with it’s monstorous 502 cubic inch V8, makes 461 horsepower … For a 60s car, that’s an enormous flex. Sure it’s a sedan and drives like a boat but this car is the definition of muscle. It is INTIMIDATION made manifest. It doesn’t glide through the air with majesty and grace. It punches the air into submission.

I once heard “Aerodynamics is for people who can’t build engines” and I think this Impala agrees.

#chevy impala #impala #supernatural aesthetic #the winchester brothers #winchesters #chevrolet #Chevy

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (June 25-July 8, 2023)

I picked a bad time to skip a week lol

Ultraman Blazar, the 35th entry in the Ultra Series, has made the scene. Episode 1 throws us right into a battle between humanity and a space monster. Blazar's the pushy type, all but forcing Gento to transform, but he doesn't speak Japanese—just yowls. For now, that makes him the show's central mystery. The show's defense team, SKaRD, won't actually form until the next episode, at which point we should have a better sense of it. But I'm intrigued so far.

Free streaming TV service Pluto TV has added a Godzilla channel. It boasts, or should soon boast, all of the Japanese Godzilla films minus King Kong vs. Godzilla and Shin Godzilla, plus Rodan, all the Mothra movies, The War of the Gargantuas, Godzilla (1998), and Godzilla: The Series. A Blu-ray.com user has composed a detailed rundown of the versions of the films used—short version, nothing we haven't seen before apart from a few small changes.

I got to see Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken before its official June 30 release date thanks to Regal's Monday Mystery Movie series. I guess I didn't retain much memory of the trailer, because it surprised me how early in the film the title character first grew into a kaiju. I can't give it an especially enthusiastic recommendation—comparisons to Luca and Turning Red are inevitable and don't flatter Ruby at all. But I get a kick out of seeing kaiju in such alien territory as a hyperactive animated kids' movie, and they continue to show off their flexibility as metaphors (Ruby is plainly neurodivergent). 7 outta 10.

Nimona dropped on Netflix the same day, and that's one anyone reading this column should sprint to watch. It saves its kaiju for the third act, and I've held off on posting much about that part of the story yet, but trust me, Ishiro Honda would be proud.

After years of lackluster Gorgo home video releases, Vinegar Syndrome seems poised to finally do it right in 4K Ultra HD. (If you're like me and don't have a way to watch such discs yet, don't worry, it comes with a Blu-ray.) New scan, new audio commentary, special features both new and old, and a killer cover. For those unfamiliar with the company, note that this release is "only available on [the Vinegar Syndrome] website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them."

Every episode of Chibi Godzilla Raids Again is now subtitled, a fine excuse to get acquainted with one of the Reiwa era's biggest surprises. No stakes, no budget, just a bunch of Toho's biggest stars acting like a bunch of fools.

There's always more Godzilla toy news than this column can hope to cover, but a few highlights:

Bandai's ever-expanding Movie Monster Series will release Gamera 1965, Gyaos 1967, and Battra larva later this month. The defunct Daiei Kaiju Series last offered a Showa Gamera in 2006, and never covered any of his foes from that era; here's hoping Gyaos is the first of many.

Hiya Toys now has the license to produce figures from the Toho Godzilla films, not just the Monsterverse.

Super7 will be selling ReAction figures of Godzilla chomping some helpless people on a subway train at San Diego Comic Con. They just get it (and hopefully the many of us who aren't going will have some way of getting it that doesn't involve scalpers).

The new unit in Godzilla Battle Line is Monster X/Keizer Ghidorah. The former evolves into the latter after his first death. Keizer is a heavy hitter with a twist: he regains 20% of his health with every defeated foe. Great against swarms, but you don't see too many of those these days.

Believe it or not (many are still in denial), but Pacific Rim turns 10 on Wednesday. Thankfully, per this Tweet from director Guillermo del Toro, the effective start of the Kaiju Renaissance (and one of my all-time favorite films) won't go unrecognized on its first big anniversary. I'm guessing a cast reunion?

More translations from Noah Oskow await on Toho Kingdom, these a collection of synopses of early versions of Godzilla vs. Mothra, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, and Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla from the Toho DVDs. Much of this has been translated in greater detail already, but the later drafts are interesting.

#kaiju week in review #godzilla #ultraman blazar #gorgo #pacific rim #ruby gillman teenage kraken #kaiju

[your-resident-boat-person]

What’s ur favorite boat. I want a picture of the boat too.

My favorite is the RMS Olympic. She may look like her younger sister RMS Titanic, but with a keen eye, you can tell them apart. She's my favorite for a couple reasons. First of all, I like her exterior. I like the proportions of her funnels, and her hull shape. I also like the relatively square superstructure at the bow. Her interiors are also an excellent example of the edwardian era decor. I MIGHT prefer the Mauretanias interiors a bit more, but the Olympic wins overall because of her exterior and career. Oceanliner Designs has a 3 part series on her career I would recommend because it's too much to get into here, but one of my favorite stories involves her time as HMS Olympic during World War 1. She was serving as a troop ship and she was being targeted by a German U-Boat. She actually managed to swing herself around and ram the U-Boat, sinking it in the process. She also survived a torpedo strike on a separate U-Boat encounter (it was a dud). While Olympic is my favorite, I have a list of my top 19 ocean liners. The only things that remain consistent is that Olympic is always #1, and the Mauretania, Queen Mary, and SS United States all always occupy the top 4 (although the positions change.) Also, I have a 1 ship per class rule, so among the Olympic, Titanic, and Brittainic, I had to only pick 1.

#1) RMS Olympic (1911)

#2) RMS Queen Mary (1935)

#3) SS United States (1951)

#4) RMS Mauritania (1907)

#5) RMS Oceanic (1899) 

#6) RMS Aquitania (1914)

#7) RMS Adriatic (1907)

#8) RMS Majestic (1889)

#9) RMS Carmania (1905)

#10) SS Bremen (1938)

#11) MV Georgic (1931)

#12) SS Nieuw Amsterdam (1937)

#13) RMS Umbria (1884)

#14) City of Paris (1888)

#15) SS Conte di Savoia (1932)

#16) SS Andrea Doria (1953)

#17) SS Atlantic (1871)

#18) Queen Elizabeth 2 (1967)

#19) RMS Queen Mary 2 (2004)

#ocean liners #ocean liner #rms olympic #titanic #rms titanic #world war 1

[jhsharman]

The prehistory of the Archies

The Memorial Day Special -- a tad more involved than my Christmas and New Years Special.

So in 1963 Archie, Jughead, Moose, and Reggie had a whirlwind rise and fall as the band The Beetles. Though it was only a dream, it re-taught Archie the lesson on the high price of fame that he had learned some years' prior when he dreamt he was a Frankie Avalon clone, and the lesson Jughead learned before that when was Elvis.

Despite that harsh slide, the pull of music and the overwhelming power of Beatle-mania kept him enthralled so he was apparently still tried his hands with the probably sue-able The Beets.

Reggie was headlining his own group in 1966 along along with a shaggy bown haired boy and original Beetle Moose, and though Archie had been a part of Reggie's Rockers, Archie cut out once he was shown some overly aggressive female fan behavior.

But the three -- Reggie, Moose, and shaggy brown hair kid, The were still together as "Reggie's Rocking Rockers" in 1967.

Though at this point Archie had gotten Jughead and Dilton together to form their own not named competing band, a big hit at Harold's Teen Club before inadvertently sabotaging their way to victory at the Battle of the Bands against Reggie's Rocking Rockers. To be sure I am not sure what a rock contest victory judged by Mr. Weatherbee is worth -- The Pinheads were never going to get a fair shake from the Hill Valley judges -- but they considered it something.

1968 and Archie is dabbling with a band with Juggead, but also taking up solo gigs -- not a goid sign for nascent band dynamics.

Reggie's Rockers imploded, leaving him to a bitter anguish and jealousy --

Yet, Reggie ended up in the band -- replacing the rotating third and sometimes fourth anonymous members. They were not yet able to settle on a name, but Archie's Archers was the clear favorite. And even as they were always on the hunt for the big chance, working any available connections -- most obviously Mr. Lodge --

which was an exercise in desperate stubbornness --

They got themselves one record executive hearing at least, and one clear rejection --

and had to have been getting the sense of their greenness and limitations --

And pulling their way out of a bad Beatles imitation, Archie spearheaded an era of experiments -- experimental nature, bringing in unusual instruments for rock as they sought to find their own more industrial sound.

Indeed, even after finally settling on their permanent name of The Archies, and despite a lot of aural dead ends, Archie's musical experimentation continued.

Needing a fuller sound, perhaps with Reggie's familiarity from when be was a part of his bands, they brought Moose in for a couple tries in 1967 and 1968

But it did not last. And while initially showing a decided bias against female rock musicians --

-- with the Gallant Gals appearance in the Riverdale Music scene possibly inspiring Veronica to form her own group --

-- Veronica and The Groovers quickly evolving into the more stream-lined set The Veronicas -- made up of Veronica, Betty, and a never set third member --

-- and despite Reggie's snide comments on and low regard for The Veronicas, as too the opinions expressed by members of that group toward the music of The Archies --

The Archies soon found the need for a female vocalist, and so poached Betty out of the band -- spelling the end for The Veronicas.

The record is a little hazy on how Veronica ended up in the band. But once there it was set -- the three member Archies expanded to five members. Except for some instances where for plot purposes when they needed to jettison Jughead or Reggie. As too a hefty backlog of stories written when there were three members. Otherwise --

As with the dynamics of any band, Creative Differences and fights reared their head behind the scenes. But this too marks for creative energy.

After much struggle, and missing a shot to get on Johnny Carson -- the band was able to once more lean on Mr. Lodge's connections -- wearing him down through incessant pleading -- to get a hearing with Don Kirshner ...

And from there it went. To the top of the charts in 1969. Where Archie and his group would learn again the high price of fame, as sitting at the top of the Riverdale Music scene they found that rival musical acts would stop at nothing to elbow their way past them. Freek and Weirdo. B.G. and the Scurvys. The Three Tones. Joker's Wild. Cabaret singer Jezebel. Ruthless in their jostling against their prime competition.

Not to mention having their eyes open and naivete shattered when experiencing the deeds of their unscrupulous business associates.

As for the cast-aways of earlier formations of the band, Dilton and Moose and a shaggy haired kid had an unsuccessful band named The Diltons.

And though Moose was not able to deal with the rejection and quickly dropped out of the music business, Dillton kept at it -- through a couple failures

moved on through his scientific theory and approach in engineering music,

until after much fine-tuning, he finally hit gold, and was able to hire some musicians to fill out a successful prog rock project.

No clue on what became of the third member of the group, or of the various members of Archie, Reggie, and Veronica's earlier band attempts.

#Archie Comics #The Archies #Archie Andrews #Betty Cooper #Veronica Lodge #Jughead #Reggie Mantle #The Veronicas #Moose Mason #Archie's Archers #Reggie's Rockers #Samm Schwartz #Bob Montana #Dan Decarlo #Bill Vigoda #Al Hartley #Harry Lucey #Bob Bolling #Stan Golberg #Dan Decarlo Jr #1963 #1966 #1967 #1969 #1968 #1970 #1971 #1982 #2002 #Rex W Lindsey

[thislovintime]

Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith in the studio for Headquarters, 1967. Photos by Michael Ochs Archives (?).

“The harpsichord [on ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’] was something I wanted to do because I am partly a classicist. Bach was my favorite composer, and harpsichords were my thing. I remember I had the general idea for the harpsichord solo for a while. When Mike was in my dressing room, I was noodling around with it, and I hit that discord on the down beat at the end of the solo — I hadn’t meant to do that. I said, ‘What was that?’ Mike said, ‘I heard it!’ That was great — we were tickled to death to have this funny note on the record.” - Peter Tork, Headquarters 1995 liner notes

“[‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere‘ is] one of Mike’s better ones of the era. I remember the harpsichord solo. I was playing around with it. I had the general idea for it for a while, and then Mike was in my dressing room and I played him what I had for it. I was noodling around with it. Then we hit that thing at the end where it hits the discord on the downbeat, and the end of the solo, and I hadn’t meant to do that. I said, ‘What was that?’ Mike said, ‘I heard it, I heard I!’ So, that was great. We were tickled to death to have this funny note. It disappeared in the record. Young kids hearing a note that excites them! You know, the harpsichord did not work terribly well in pop music. It was just something that I wanted to do because I am partly a classicist. I love the classical stuff. It was really just that this is an instrument I want to play on a record. I want to hear how it sounds. I just want to put it on a record. I believe in the old stuff. Bach was already, by that time, my favorite composer, so harpsichords were the thing. I had one on the TV show with Julie Newmar; they mounted it on a bicycle.” - The Monkees Day By Day

Alternate version of “The Girl I Knew Somewhere,” with Michael on lead vocals, plus Peter (also on harpsichord), Micky, and Davy on backing vocals: here; the mono single mix: here.

#Peter Tork #Michael Nesmith #Tork quotes #60s Tork #1960s #The Monkees #Monkees #Headquarters #<3 #1967 #Peter and Michael #can you queue it