Covid-19 is a global experience that has resulted in millions turning to the television for entertainment, discovering new programs many of us would have never found had this “Stay Home” experience not happened.

Netflix is one of the most popular choices. Whereas the number two rated series Ozark is appealing to the masses to watch evil, the four Gospels produced by Brent Ryan Green is offering the Good News from Jesus in an accessible and very understandable form.  I have read the four Gospels many times, but have never identified the many similarities of the narratives until watching this production.

Whether you are a Christian or not, I highly recommend everyone watch these well-produced recreations of the four Gospel stories. Unlike every other production of the Bible stories that I have seen in my lifetime, Green presents the Gospel stories narrated word-for-word with visual support by recreating the scenes. The characters don’t speak. They just act out the scene.

However that visual support is extremely helpful! We are visual learners. When you watch each of the Gospel stories, you will see, and hear, the consistent story of Jesus life being told by four different writers. That consistency has great impact!  The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are so similar, the producer was able to use the same footage for most of the stories in each Gospel.

These four Gospel accounts are important and can truly change each viewer’s life for the better. Yet, the series on Netflix that is far more popular, currently the second most-watched production on the streaming service, is Ozark.

In 30 episodes, Ozark presents the story of a greatly challenged family from Naperville. One bad decision by forensic accountant Marty Bryd (Jason Bateman) results in him working with a Mexican drug cartel and the Kansas City mob, while fending off criminal and psychopathic hillbillies in the Ozark region of Missouri, and trying to avoid being arrested by the FBI.  You know, it’s the typical life of an accountant.

If you look on IMDB, the number one rated star in in the world is Julia Garner who plays an Ozark local, living in trailers with her two cousins and two uncles, while her father is off in jail. Julia Garner is an excellent young actress to be sure, portraying a foul-mouthed, violent 20-something with a record.

Her appeal is that her poor upbringing, father and circumstances created her nasty side. When Marty Byrde comes into her life, he gives her the opportunity to show her brains and talent and make a better life for herself. Better may not be accurate, because her managerial duties include running a strip joint and riverboat gambling casino, each of which is laundering drug cartel money. You know, it’s the typical life of a 20-something Ozark local.

The number two rated star on IMDB is Tom Pelphrey who plays Ben Davis, the brother of Marty’s wife, Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney).  Ben Davis is a bipolar substitute teacher and after losing his cool in the classroom, he throws all his students phones into a tree grinder, then beats the hell out of one of the workers who tries to stop him. So he ends up in the Ozarks with his sister and her “normal” American family. That’s where he meets Ruth and becomes her boyfriend, taking him right up to number two on IMDB.

Conversely, Selva Rasalingam plays Jesus in the four Gospel accounts and his IMDB rating is 40,127. The next highest is Mourad Zaoui who plays John the Baptist and comes in at 55,867. Perhaps the fact the Gospel stories were produced in 2014 and 2015 is responsible. But, don’t forget, the first shall come last and the last shall come first.

There is obviously a fascination watching evil. But there is also an opportunity to watch the truly good and actually help improve your life.  I hope you will accept my invitation to watch one, or all four of the Gospels, on Netflix.  Happy Easter!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beKdSB1mPqU

Happy Easter!

It’s one of the big holidays. Even a guy who doesn’t celebrate it, knows this. We start out headed to the church of your choice to celebrate the return of Jesus…and man could we use him now.

Then it’s time for a big family meal. Brunch sounds good, doesn’t it? Remember how the Barone’s from Everybody Loves Raymond did the big family Easter brunch?

“We should wallowing in a beautiful brunch of waffles and berries. And sausages of both link and patty.”

Sounds delish doesn’t it. Too bad it didn’t happen for the Barone’s that day because Debra and Marie were not talking to each other. It’s also not going to happen for most of this Easter because of social distancing due to the Coronavirus. No waffles. No berries. No sausages of either link or patty. No huge family meal.

The coronavirus has ruined Easter!

But then I heard an ad. It’s from a restaurant chain that you don’t normally associate with Easter. The Olive Garden wants to bring you your family Easter meal.

You can order platters of Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana or some of their other Italian specialties. The O.G. will even deliver it right to your front door! Plus, if you spend more than forty dollars, the delivery is FREE!!!!

Okay…I know all the bad things that you are saying about Olive Garden. Yeah, I know how it’s average at best Italian food. Yeah, I know your mother makes much better whatever. Yada, yada, yada and so on.

But I’ll admit this…I LIKE THE OLIVE GARDEN! Really! Seriously!

I like the breadsticks and salad. I love their pasta e faguli, especially on a cold winter day. I love their peach bellini ice tea that has a real peach inside the glass. Okay, maybe that peach comes from a can…maybe not…it’s still a peach. But, what I like the most is that my family used to go there on my oldest daughter’s birthday. It’s the memories that I like more than the food and there’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong at all!

And don’t tell anyone, but I’ve done a lot worse for Easter meals than Olive Garden. Yeah, you’re thinking that’s impossible, but one year we went to a buffet restaurant that you wouldn’t usually associate with good dining, much less Easter. Surprisingly, it was awesome. Excellent ham and roast beef and don’t get me started about the bread pudding….all you can eat bread pudding!

So if you can handle the buffet on Easter, why not the Garden?

Now I’m not advocating that you do this and I’m certainly not getting paid as a spokesperson for Olive Garden, although I am willing to offer my services for a fee. I’m just providing you with this important information!

So have a happy Easter. Enjoy your church service and family get together on Zoom. And if you do get Olive Garden for dinner, GET THE PASTA E FAGIOLI. You can dip your breadsticks in it….MMMMMM. It’ll make everything else taste better.

Related Post: Getting your moneys worth at the Olive Garden

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I’ve been spacing out the beers in the cellar. Trying to get to the hoppy ones while they’re still fresh, and bringing some high-alcohol oldies out of the lower shelves.

Most of the carry-out and virtual beer events have tended to get announced as late as the day of, so please do check back on occasion. I will update as much as I can.

Monday, April 13

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Tuesday, April 14

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Wednesday, April 15

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Thursday, April 16

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Thursday afternoon I’m getting ready to take an afternoon nap. It’s a daily activity while we are under quarantine conditions. Okay…I’m not fooling anyone…it’s a daily activity under normal conditions.

I got under the covers and decided to have some background music. I  found a classic rock station and started my rest period. There was music from The Who, Doobie Brothers, The Beatles, and I drifted off to sleep. I awoke about an hour later to a live version of “Light My Fire” by The Doors.

While listening to the song, I was wondering what the members of the band were up to so I started to Google. I knew Jim Morrison had died close to fifty years ago. Keyboardist Ray Manzarek died from cancer in 2013. I was checking up on drummer John Densmore, when I came across this article, written by music critic Mikal Woods, in the Los Angeles Times.

The gist of the piece is he hates The Doors, but is willing to give them another opportunity to change his mind while he’s under quarantined conditions.

My thoughts were this is a cool idea. I wonder if I have any bands like this? Could my mind be changed?

I really don’t have any musical artists that I would describe with the word hate.  I came up with three whose music does nothing for me and most people seem to like. Journey, Van Halen and Dave Mathews Band top my list.

You would think that Journey and Van Halen would be at the top of my play list. Journey was formed by two members of Santana, a band that I loved. Van Halen is extremely guitar-centric and so am I. You’d think that would be right in my wheelhouse of music. I just could never get into either of them. Their music leaves me cold. Whenever I hear it, I’m looking another station. I guess I’m just not belivin’ in either of them.

DMB is a little different. I’m not as familiar with their catalog as I am with the first two bands. Howwever, when I hear them, it leaves me blah. Don’t like em…don’t hate em…just a blah nothing. Music shouldn’t be like that. You hear a piece and you should feel something. Even if that something is disgust, at least you’re feeling. Better that than nothing at all.

I’m willing to do the challenge on these three bands, that Mikal Woods is doing with The Doors. I’m going to give them a chance to change my mind. Over the next three weeks, I’l be listening to their music. Each band gets a week. We’ll start with Journey because they’ve been around the longest. The next three Saturdays, I’ll report my findings. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?

I’m hoping at least one of these bands can change my opinion of them. If nothing else it’ll kill some time while being stuck inside the house. We’re all looking for that!

So….let’s get the party and the music started. I’m ready to “Jump” into this assignment. Might as well jump.

Related Post: Once were brothers:Robbie Robertson and The Band-A one sided look at music history

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Finally, both The Strokes and Local H have released their full-length albums. The New Abnormal and LIFERS, respectively, are both available on Spotify for your enjoyment.

Local H celebrated 30 years in the music industry, and the release of their 9th album LIFERS, by live-streaming a record release party from their rehearsal space in Chicago. The new songs they debuted sounded rich and powerful. Songwriter Scott Lucas wrote a concept album that was produced by local legend Steve Albini. Hard to believe this was the first time Lucas and Albini have worked together. Check out “Winter Western” and see if you can hear Juliana Hatfield singing?

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The Strokes chose Rick Ruban to produce The New Abnormal, their first release in seven years, and 6th album overall. I would say it works on about half the album, while the other half is slow to get off the ground, if at all. Not sure which party is responsible for the direction they’ve taken, but this one will definitely take some getting used to. Maybe that’s a good thing?

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Hey now, The Kooks release a new EP called Unshelved: Pt.1. Well, this is exciting!

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Butch Walker releases the second single from his upcoming rock opera, AMERICAN LOVE STORY (out May 8th) and “Gridlock,” might be better than it’s predecessor, “Pretty Crazy?” Yes, that is pretty crazy. I think this album is going to be great!?

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It’s so good to hear Damon singing on the new Gorillaz song, “Aries,” I miss his voice. JR JR releases another fun single called “The Way I Do,” and Rogue Wave returns with new music, “Aesop Rock.”

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Now I had no idea that rapper Aesop Rock had a new single out called “Rogue Wave?” Apparently, this is their answer.

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Washed Out’s “Too Late” is nice and lush, while Juliana Hatfield’s Police cover, “Truth Hits Everybody,” is too sparse and could stand to be a little more rich and layered.

Sinatra in his younger days? Yes, “The Nearness Of You” sounds pleasant as Frank gets remastered. Big B records a drinking song that will help you through this #ShelterInPlace.

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I’ll be damned if we didn’t wake up to an Active Child LP? WTF? I heard nothing about this ten-song drop called In Another Life.

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A nice surprise this week is the pretty and eloquent, “Love Song For The Haters,” from Fleece. The Dropkick Murphy’s release a banger called “Mick Jones Knicked My Pudding, ” which was also a treat. Pop and punk, what else do we need?

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A little jazz? Well, Henrik Janson’s “Chopin’s House,” is both classical and jazz, so meditate on this for a few minutes.

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Best Songs by the Solo Beatles, or Worst Theater Experiences. You Make the Choice.

I wrote about my favorite theater experiences long ago. But sometimes writing “Best Of” lists get boring. Sometimes I’ve got to let the other flag fly. Can I remember my 10 worst theater experiences? Here’s a shot at it. ((Confession: although most of these shows have played Broadway, we saw most as local productions.)

Ten Theater Take-Downs and Disappointments

10.  Spring Awakening. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. 2016. Based on an old German play. It should have stayed there!

9.  Big Fish. Nederlander Theatre. 2013. If I could have stayed awake it might have made more sense to me.

8.  The Merchant of Venice. Bank of America Theatre. 2011. Starring F. Murray Abraham, I was so looking forward to this. But the air-conditioning failed on an unusually hot early spring day, and we felt as if we were broiling under a Venetian sun in mid-summer.

7.  Godspell. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. 2014. We left at intermission. At least half the audience left before we did.

6.  The Pirate Queen. Cadillac Palace Theatre. 2006. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg wrote Les Misérables. We loved it. They wrote Miss Saigon. We tolerated it. They wrote The Pirate Queen. We detested it.

5. Next to Normal. Bank of America Theatre. 2011. On Broadway, Pulitzer Prizes and Tony Awards. For the Broadway in Chicago production., not even a Jeff Award.

4. Into the Woods. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. 2006. I know I am supposed to like Sondheim. I try. I really try.

3. In the Sick Bay of The Santa Maria. Goodman Theatre New Stages Festival. 2019. It was short, it was experimental. The tickets were free and still over-priced.

2. Chess. Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. 1990. Evita meets ABBA in this Tim Rice-Benny Andersson-Björn Ulvaeus mish-mash. My mother was babysitting for the kids and called us during intermission to tell us our son had a fever. We were overjoyed to have such a good reason to leave the theater.

1. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Belasco Theatre. 2010. Patti LuPone, Sheree Renee Scott, Laura Benanti, Brian Stokes Mitchell. Too many stars, too much of a hot-hot-mess.

Did you like some of these shows? Or maybe you have even worse theater memories. Tell me about it!

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Click here for the “Bests” in today’s double feature.

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Best Songs by the Solo Beatles, or Worst Theater Experiences. You Make the Choice.

Things come together; things come apart. The most infamous break-up in the music world was the end of the Beatles. I know that I can’t pick any one song as my favorite Beatle hit, but can I pick a bestie from each of John, Paul, George, and Ringo’s solo careers?

Let’s get the easiest one out of the way first. Mr. Starr has recorded a few numbers that have stayed with me. It Don’t Come Easy is a song that sends out a message in these trying times. Oh My My and No No Song are nice and whimsical. So is Bang on the Drum. What, you say? That isn’t Ringo, that’s Todd Rundgren? Well,  shouldn’t it be a Ringo tune?

What wins the Ringo Round-Up for me? Hands down, it’s Photograph, a warm-but-sad ode to a lost lover. George Harrison helped write and produce, but this is Ringo’s shining moment.

Speaking of George, what’s my favorite song from the guy who always seemed like the most morose Beatle? What is Life? Too questiony. Bangladesh? Too rooted in the 70s. My Sweet Lord? Bingo. Despite issues with the lyrics (too religious) and the melody (too much of a Chiffon’s rip-off,) I’ll always stop and listen when this comes up on my Pandora stream. Hallelujah, Hare Hare, Hare Krishna!

Then there is John. Yeah, most of you would vote for Imagine. Greatest song of all time and all that crap.  I’m sorry, it is just too preachy and solemn for me. Even in COVID-19 times. When I want to hear Lennon get in people’s faces, I’ll make my pick Instant Karma. It’s gonna get you! Gotta love the real John, the snarky John.

Paul. The longest solo career, the most hits. The basic question? Is the song solo if it was with Linda? Or if it was with Wings? Sure–any post-Beatle Paul is Solo Paul. So I could choose something from McCartney or from Ram but I am going to give my favorite nod to the title song from the Wings album Band on the Run. Honorable mentions go to Live and Let Die and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey. I’ve always wanted to know what a butter pie tastes like.

I’m sure you disagree with some, or likely all, of my choices. Send me your favorites and I’ll take another listen. Now is the time to share.

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For the “Worst” part of today’s double feature click here.

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