Ah, the year-end "Top 10" list, an annual freebie post for lazy writers and bloggers everywhere. Below are links to the the Nugatorium posts with the highest traffic numbers from 2008.
While a number are just basically links to other posts, I'm proud to say the top four (including #1, with more traffic than all the other posts combined) were originals. Granted, three of the four were "Top 1os," another crafty blogger traffic trick, but hits are hits. So relive the glory that was The Nugatorium's inaugural year. And Happy New Year to all six of you who will read this.
Want more evidence of just how much the world has changed? Imagine trying to explain this image (including the politics and technology behind it) to someone who had just awoken from a coma after 20 years.
When you think of TV from the 70s, you naturally remember the big, popular shows, like "All In The Family" or "The Rockford Files." But of course for every show that became a classic, there were probably 10 that flopped and were forgotten. Or at least they were until the magic of YouTube.
Take, for example "Baffled." This 1973 show starring Leonard Nimoy is perfectly titled, since, to judge by the opening credits shown below, it's completely baffling. It's mostly Leonard driving around in strange vehicles and running in slo-mo. Still, it does have a seriously kickin' soundtrack.
I was away over the weekend, so instead of the 1 millionth person to post this, I'm now the 10 millionth. But since I'm often posting things for my own amusement anyway (and I mean that literally, nothing like seeing "zero" visits), I figured it was worth a post.
I especially appreciate the inclusion of so many old school covers in addition to the young fellas with the droopy drawers.
Imagine if Fabio and Celine Dion had a baby, with George Michael as the godfather. Then imagine that demon spawn grew up dreaming of creating the ultimate music video. One with knights and castles, pirates and dragons, vampire vixens and lots and lots of explosions. And imagine he finally got to do it. With about a tenth of the budget he really needed. That will give you some idea of the awesomeness that is "Shine On Me" by Chris Dane Owens.
I'm having a hard time believing this is real and not some parody/viral. But I want to believe. Now, without further ado ... The Crusade Begins!
As the five of you who read my blog know (okay, it's really more like three), I have an intense loathing of Toyota's "Saved By Zero" commercial, particularly the Fixx knockoff version of the song they use.
While I've been joined in my distaste by thousands if not millions of others, it turns out the commercial won't just make you a little ill, it will actually kill you.
Welcome to the tepidly anticipated Top 5 of the Top 15 80s High School Movies (that didn't involve John Hughes). After counting down 15-6 in Part 1, we're ready for the cream of the 80s secondary school movie crop. 5. Say Anything (1989) The next time you watch (or at least see an commercial for) some version of "mixed martial arts"/cagefighting/"extreme fighting," think how close Lloyd Dobler was with his "kickboxing, sport of the future" prediction. To think we all laughed. And then we got a little verklempt as Lloyd hoisted his stereo ...
4. Footloose (1984) Loosely based on a true story about a small town in rural Oklahoma, Kevin Bacon dances his way into the hearts of Lori Singer and an entire town.
A few other facts I learned during my extensive research (okay, I looked on Wikipedia): the aforementioned Madonna auditioned for Lori Singer's part. And this was an early role for Sara Jessica Parker. From a small town girl named "Rusty" to a neurotic writer looking for "love" in Manhattan. Quite a journey.
Alas, I was saddened to learn that in 2010 we'll see a "Footloose" remake featuring the director (Kenny Ortega) and star (Zac Efron) of "High School Musical." Sigh.
Here are the original crazy kids dancing up a storm at their much-anticipated prom ...
3. Back to the Future (1985) I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that when I first heard the plot for "Back to the Future," I thought it would be terrible, something to do with the oedipal issues I think. Of course I was wrong, and BTF went on to become 1985's #1 movie, spawning two inferior though entertaining sequels. Though BTF2 and 3 did feature the delightful Elisabeth Shue, always a plus in my book (though not enough to get "Adventures In Babysitting" included in this list).
Enjoy the trailer for the complete series' DVDs, then make like a tree ... and get out of here.
2. Risky Business (1983) Tom Cruise is back for his third appearance. Given that he was a huge star and "high school age" (somewhat broadly defined) during the early 80s, that shouldn't be too surprising. And should you have forgotten his iconic 80s "Old Time Rock n' Roll" scene, you can relive it as part of a new ad campaign for the newest version of Guitar Hero. And while inauthentic, I will watch Heidi Klum over Tom Cruise 10 times out of 10. But maybe that's just me. You can catch Tom in all his sweat-socked, lip-synching glory as part of this trailer ...
1. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) Dude, we're at numero uno! Saying Jeff Spicoli is one of the most memorable movie characters of not just the 80s, but all time is no overstatement. His quotes alone ("There's no birthday party for me here!") would put this movie on the list. But you also got Hamilton, Damone, Mr. Hand, and the red bikini-ed bliss that was Phoebe Cates.
A few years ago, I was part of a TV commercial shoot at Van Nuys High, one of the locations for Fast Times, and I felt as though I was walking on hallowed 80s ground. I just should have been walking in black and white checked Vans.
Now let's celebrate with some Spicoli, played by none other than the first Mr. Madonna (Warning: some gnarly language).
Welcome to the Subjectiville Cineplex! Any time you do one these lists, it's always a matter of personal opinion--much like 95% of the content on the Web. By first narrowing it down to "high school movies," i.e., movies that either take place in high school and/or whose main characters are high school age., I figured I wouldn't have to get into the "best" movies of the decade. So you won't find "Raging Bull" or "The Killing Fields" here, fine films though they may have been. And we're also not talking the decade's "biggest" movies, so no "Die Hard" or "Beverly Hills Cop" or "Indiana Jones" either. And sadly, no "Breakin'" (though "Breakin' 2: Electric Bugaloo" was definitely in the running).
Why no John Hughes? Well, it wouldn't be fair to the other movies. Dude had that decade locked up. Of course there is the triumvirate: "Sixteen Candles," "Breakfast Club," and "Pretty In Pink" ... but then you also have "Weird Science" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." That's to say nothing of the "non high school" movies like "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,""She's Having A Baby," and "Uncle Buck."
Oh yeah, I've also made this "Top 10" list into a "Top 15." That "Top 10" thing is just to please the gods of Google SEO. So grab your $8 popcorn and $9 Coke and let's get going ...
15. Vision Quest (1985) Starting off with a coming of age movie about a high school wrestler in Spokane is a little obscure, I'll grant you. But this one gets extra 80s points for not just having a couple of Madonna songs in it ("Crazy For You" and "Gambler"), but actually having a young Madonna perform those songs in the movie (hard as it may be for our younger readers to believe, she didn't always look like an emaciated goblin). Beyond Madonna, it also featured Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, and Forrest Whittaker. Mr. Modine also wins the prize as oldest actor to portray a high school kid in a movie on this list, as he was 26.
And here they (or most of them) are:
14. Valley Girl (1983) While only featuring one "star," Nicolas Cage (who in 1983 actually wasn't, in fact this was his second movie, his first appears further up this list), this is another movie I'm giving 80s bonus points to, for tapping into the "Valley Girl" fad of the early 80s. Moon Unit Zappa anyone? Fer sure, fer sure.
13. Heathers (1989) This black comedy didn't really have an 80s sensibility (hey, it's Arbitrary Definitions Day, send someone a card!), but it squeaked in to the tail end of the decade, and it did star 80s staples Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and a pre-90210 Shannen Doherty. Plus, though a box office failure when it debuted, it did become a bit of a cult classic, and Entertainment Weekly placed it at #5 on their "50 Best High School Movies" list (the aforementioned "Breakfast Club" was #1).
Here are the crazy young kids (Ms. Ryder and Mr. Slater) meeting for the first time (warning: some "R" language) ...
12. Can't Buy Me Love (1987) Long, long before he was turning women into puddles of desire as Dr. McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey played a very nerdy high school schmo who had to resort to extortion to date a cheerleader. But it really was sweeter than that sounds. It also features a classic "slow clap" scene, part of this informative montage. You'll also want to checkout the full trailer ...
11. The Lost Boys (1987) As I write this, teenage girls across the nation are positively giddy with anticipation for the first "Twilight" movie. But of course it won't be the first teen vampire movie. Actually, I'm not sure "The Lost Boys" was either, but I don't feel like doing the research, so let's say it is.
It starred a pre-24 Keifer Sutherland, Jami Gerz (Rowrrrr!), Jason Patric, and, even more frightening than the movie itself, that two-headed scourge of the 80s, the Coreys (Haim and Feldman).
10. All The Right Moves (1983) When you look at Tom Cruise now, its a bit hard to imagine him as Stefen Djordjovic, a feisty high school football player from a rundown steel town in Western Pennsylvania. But Tom managed to pull it off 25 years (!) ago. Leah Thompson was the girl that loved him, and Craig T. Nelson was the hard-nosed coach in a ridiculous hat who didn't like Tom's attitude one bit. Actually, I suppose it was Stefen's attitude he didn't like. But having met a number of people from Western PA, I can't imagine he would have cared much for Mr. Cruise either.
Let's take a trip back in time to the grimy glory of Ampipe ...
9. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) Some would certainly argue that the good natured, dim witted Ted Logan was the role Keanu Reeves was born to play. Some would also argue that Ted and Bill's characters owe a lot to one Jeff Spicoli, a noted surfer/stoner from earlier in the decade (foreshadowing alert!).
I invite you to watch this most excellent trailer and party on, dude.
8. Dead Poets Society (1989) This is more like a "80s Hoity-Toity Prep School" movie, but I suppose the kids were high-school age (at least in the movie), so it qualifies. And it is a fine film, with Robin Williams in full wacky/wise mode. Along with Mr. Williams and Ethan Hawke, the film also starred Robert Sean Leonard Scott in what was definitely the peak of his career, at least until he appeared on House, MD.
Here's Mork learnin' the fellas about "carpe diem," which, as you likely know, means "seize the diem."
7. The Outsiders (1983) This movie is probably known for its incredible cast: Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio, and C. Thomas Howell. All greasers brought together by Francis Ford Coppola to fight those nasty "socs" (as in "socials").
Here are many of them talking a bit about the movie many years later, most of whom are wearing bizarre mike/headset thingees. I'm guessing it was for a commentary track for the re-release of the DVD. Tom Cruise was apparently off somewhere being nuts.
6. The Karate Kid (1984) Right after he made "The Outsiders," Ralph Macchio rolled into the junkyard/dojo of Mr. Miyagi. I can't say why I love this movie so much, but it likely has to do with Elisabeth Shue, in her first major movie role. And who can forget "Wax on, wax off"? Or "Sweep the leg!"
As an aside, I was driving to a film shoot at a golf course in Encino, outside Los Angeles, and I said to the other people I was driving with: "Hey, remember how in The Karate Kid Ali was from Encino, and all her friends looked down on Daniel because he was from Reseda?" Of course, as happens to me quite often, they just looked at me like I was insane.
Anyway, here's the climactic final battle between Daniel-san and the Cobra Kai thug played by the legendary Billy Zabka.
I definitely remember the "Hinterland Who's Who" films from my days as a young lad growing up on the hinterlands of the Canadian prairies. Though I don't seem to remember this particular episode ...
Warning: the video features a couple of bad words and "adult themes" (plus of course the scenes of arachnid drug use).
Uh-oh. General Zod is unhappy with Tuesday's election results. And now Earth shall pay. Unless Obama names Zod to a cabinet post. Or at least an ambassadorship.
Not sure how I missed this one from a couple of years ago, but pretty cool. And funny. And not creepy, which is a refreshing change for the clown genre.
Just in time for Halloween, this may be the most frightening thing that I have ever seen. Forget Skynet becoming self-aware and launching preemptive nuclear strikes, this is the robot that must be destroyed––BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
I may be constitutionally prohibited from voting in next week's election (and not because I'm a felon ... as far as you know), but fortunately this is exactly the kind of initiative that transcends nationality, color, and creed.
Sure, the Internet is responsible for billions of dollars in e-commerce. It also allows the near instantaneous dissemination of important news and critical knowledge. Big deal.
You know the DARPA uber-nerds who invented the Internet back in the day would be even more excited about this: Robocop on a unicorn. One man's ... obsession? Fantasy? Cultural commentary?
The title of this article is actually 8 Most Over-used Samples In Hip Hop History, but given that most of the tracks are "old school," you don't hear them over and over again these days like you did back in the day. It's a good overview of the most popular samples, and shows that it wasn't all James Brown (though there was a whole lot of The Hardest Working Man In Show Business).
This piece also reminded me how much I used to like De La Soul. Remember?
Let's just dispense with all that pesky voting business and decide the next presidential election by who's most jiggy. If only the Founding Fathers had been a little more krunk. And just think what could have been ... doesn't "President Swayze" have a nice ring to it?
Some nice motion-tracking work here. And a bit of PG-13 language and "adult themes."
According to an article in Wired, it turns out this Bee Gees classic's 103 beats per minute is almost spot on the right number of chest compressions per minute for effective CPR.
Ironically, another song that also contains the appropriate rhythm is Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker."
When you create a show about advertising like "Mad Men," you have to expect that people who actually work in advertising are going to be paying close attention. In some cases, very, very close attention. To things like typefaces and other design-related items.
Personally, being involved in the writing side of things, I'm not quite as obsessive–or as knowledgeable about such things. I can't even remember the difference between a "font" and a "typeface." But I still found this early-Sixties recreation scorecard interesting.
"Saved By Zero" isn't the greatest song from the 80s (I'm partial to "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order myself), but it's a decent pop song. And given that I haven't seen The Fixx at the top of any charts recently, getting the rights to the original couldn't have been that pricey for a company that sold over $200 BILLION worth of cars and other knicknacks last year. But no, instead you have this travesty ...
Cool spot from Nike. As you would expect given the client, content, "actors," director (David Fincher), and virtually unlimited budget (at least to those of us working at mere mortal agencies).
Okay, now I'm really stretching "flashback." Or, rather, contracting it. This isn't even a year old. But it's late, I'm tired, and I still need to pack for a nine-day trip.
My exhaustion and accompanying lack of judgment is likely also why I'm linking to Michael Bay's Twitter feed, with the warning that it contains R-rated language. Including that one that starts with an "f" and isn't "fudge." But it's very, very funny and full of explosions. Including the recent: "I did my part for the earth today by blowing up a Prius."
This "Album Atlas" is a cool way to see exactly where various album covers were photographed. It's just one of the many entertaining uses of Google Maps beyond using Street View to try and catch a glimpse of your ex-girlfriend outside her house. Um, or so I've heard. It's not like I would be at all interested in exactly whose blue BMW is parked behind a certain someone's Jetta in that certain someone's driveway or anything. Nope, not me.
At any rate, there are well over a hundred albums and map locations so far. You can even add your own. Just use your best judgment. You may find it hard to believe, but most people won't care where they shot Rob and Fab for the cover of "Girl You Know It's True."
... as in A-B-S! Oh, yeah, I'm clever. Anyway, forget Taibo, spinning, and pilates. This is the next fitness craze that will be sweeping the nation. Go ahead and laugh. No, I mean it. In fact, I bet you can't not laugh.
Yes, I suppose this hand-drawn basement decoration is impressive, done only in Sharpies and Magic Markers. But I think the artist was doing it for the fumes. Also, as the artist is an associate general counsel for a major corporation, a husband, and father of two kids, I can't help but think he might have spent a little too much time down in the basement. Though he is from Kentucky, so maybe this is the modern day equivalent of whittlin'. I kid, I kid, Bluegrass State! Please don't shoot me like you would some revenooer.
By the way, the artist works for Lexmark. I calculated it out, and to do all this art with one of their crappy printers would cost you $2,284,748 in ink cartridges.
Apparently at least some of Microsoft's "I'm A PC" campaign, created to counter the "I'm A Mac" campaign, was actually created on a Mac.
This is great for a couple of reasons. One: dedicated Mac users like me enjoy pretty much any opportunity to dis PCs. And second, it's another whoopsie for ad agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, who most people in the ad world also enjoy pretty much any opportunity to dis (while secretly wishing they worked there). The awkward Seinfeld/Gates spots (hey, let's humanize Bill Gates by ... making him do the robot!) that have already been canned being another example.
Apparently back in the day, Charles Bronson's evenings consist of hanging out at a piano bar, driving home very fast in a big sedan, grabbing a pipe, removing his shirt, and then dousing himself with some kind of what I assume is a scented talcum powder.
I kept waiting for some winsome lass to show up, but no. It must all just be part of Chuck's "me time."
If you think of your time in the bathroom as peaceful respite in an otherwise hectic day, you'll love the Fish 'n Flush toilet. To quote their website: "A whimsical potty that turns your toilet into a nautical wonderland."
Personally, I'm not sure I want all those little aquatic eyes watching me. Kind of creepy. Especially if you had one of those little deep sea diver guys in there.
Say what you will about the nastiness of today's political campaigns, at least they don't involve bloodshed. At least until now ...
Kung-Fu Election is pretty much what it sounds like. Instead of debating the finer points of foreign policy or health care reform, the candidates fight to the death.
It isn't quite up to date, so unfortunately you can't have Sarah Palin fight Joe Biden. Of course, whatever your political leanings, I think we all know who'd win that fight. Certainly who would be better armed at any rate.
So enjoy, but be warned, this type of campaigning is a bloody, bloody business.
It's hard to believe that it's been more than eight years since Christopher Walken uttered the now famous admonishment: "More cowbell!" on Saturday Night Live. Given its longevity, fancier culture watchers than I would likely call that a "meme."
Well now thanks to MoreCowbell.dj, you can cowbellify any mp3, and add commentary from legendary music producer Bruce Dickinson.
Here's how AC-DC's "Back In Black" sounds with 32% more cowbell (and 24% more Walken):
I really had no reason to write this post other than to use that headline. But if you want to pick up a pair of these fun fur flip flops, feel free. Okay, they're actually shearling-lined, but that's like sheep fur, right?
It's the 1980s again here at the Nugatorium, with Part 2 of "Top 10 80s Bands," featuring bands five through one. You can check out the first half of the countdown in Part I (10-6).
That post also has the whole long, drawn out explanation of what I considered when deciding who made the list. Suffice it to say it's not a list for the most influential bands, or the most critically acclaimed, or even most popular (though they often are that as well), but just the bands that I associate most with the eighties. So, yes, I suppose it's overly personal, like a whole lot of the other "content" you'll find around the Internets.
Anyway, let's get to it ... 5. Simple Minds
Biggest Songs: Don't You Forget About Me, Sanctify Yourself, Alive and Kicking, All The Things She Said, Somewhere In Summertime
Did someone mention John Hughes? Once again, one of his movies (in this case "The Breakfast Club") led to a band's biggest hit. For a lot of people who were in their teens back then, the decade's defining moment is likely a toss-up between hearing Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me" while watching "The Breakfast Club" or listening to OMD's "If You Leave" during "Pretty In Pink."
Despite it being their biggest hit, the band always dismissed the song, likely because they didn't write it. It was written specifically for The Breakfast Club by the unlikely duo of producer Keith Forsey (who won an Oscar for "What A Feeling" from Flashdance) and Steve Schiff, guitarist for Nina Hagen's band. Simple Minds recorded it at the urging of their label, and only after it had been turned down by both Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol.
4. Pet Shop Boys
Biggest Songs: West End Girls, Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money), It's A Sin, What Have I Done To Deserve This, Always On My Mind, Domino Dancing
While "West End Girls" was Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's only number one hit (in the U.S.), they followed it up with a number of jaunty electronic hits throughout the eighties. While you could argue that was their peak (except in certain clubs known for their colorful flags), they've continued to put out albums every year or two ever since. In fact they've sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
The video for "West End Girls" isn't terribly compelling. Mostly just the Boys walking and standing around London (including, one assumes, the West End). Though Chris does make something that could very loosely be defined as a dance move about 2:30. See if you can catch it.
3. Depeche Mode
Biggest Songs: Just Can't Get Enough, People Are People, Strangelove, Behind The Wheel, Personal Jesus
To be honest, I've really never liked these guys. But it's hard to argue with over 72 million albums sold, and over 30 Top 20 singles (in the UK, granted). Though a strike against them (at least for this list) is that even though they'll always be associated with the eighties in my mind, three of their biggest albums actually came out in nineties (Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion, Ultra).
Here they are doing some kind of naval-based Stomp routine in the video for "People Are People."
2. Duran Duran
Biggest Songs: Girls On Film, Hungry Like The Wolf, Rio, The Reflex, The Wild Boys, A View To A Kill, Notorious
I suppose many people would consider Duran Duran "pop," and they certainly were popular throughout much of the eighties, with nine top ten hits in the U.S. (plus another couple in the nineties). In fact, they'd look at Depeche Mode's 72 million records and say: "Nice start." DD has currently sold somewhere north of 100 million.
As further evidence of just how big they became, one summer during the late eighties, an ex-girlfriend of mine asked a teenage girl what she'd learned during a week at a church camp. She responded: "That I shouldn't pray to Duran Duran."
The mortals known as Duran Duran were also known for their elaborate, high-concept videos, a dramatic change from the many "band on stage" videos that were the norm at the time. In 1982, they were receiving almost no radio airplay. Then MTV put this video into heavy rotation, and the rest is eighties rock n' roll history ...
1. New Order
Biggest Songs: Temptation, Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle, True Faith, Touched By The Hand of God
You'll likely recall my warning earlier about this being a personal list, and I guess this could be considered Exhibit A. New Order didn't have any where near the success of Duran Duran or Depeche Mode (or even Tears For Fears for that matter). And while certainly very influential, I don't really have any justification for putting them at number one other than when I hear them, it puts me back in my dorm room at college, cranking Substance (their greatest hits compilation from '87) on what we then very politically incorrectly called a "ghetto blaster." And yes, there's a very good chance I was wearing a skinny leather tie at the time.
I'll leave you with the potentially seizure-inducing video for my favorite New Order single and favorite eighties song of all time. You could say every time I hear it, I feel shot right through with a bolt of blue.
James, James, James. Judging by this picture, heavy metal is officially dead. Where to begin ... the plaid shorts, the flip flops, and, perhaps most troubling, the Armani shopping bag. Unless that thing has Giorgio's head in it, it doesn't belong in the hands of a man (now formerly) known as a Lord of Metal. No doubt after spending some time at the adjacent Prada boutique, Metallica's frontman stopped by Starbucks for a soy Pumpkin Spice Frappucino.
So, I come across a big spread ad for this year's Emmy Awards. It's a huge collage of TV stars past and present (over 400 it turns out). I think, cool, I know one guy who'll definitely be in there. So I start to look ...
There's the Fonz! Rockford and Magnum, nice! George Clooney of course (though I'd like to have seen him in his Facts of Life mullet) ... Dana Delaney: rrowwrr! Looking ... looking ... Six Million Dollar Man ... couple of Muppets ... McDreamy, or McSweaty, or whichever one Patrick Dempsey is ... looking ... Huh. That's odd. Looking ... there's the Beav ... okay ...
WHY DON'T I SEE SONNY FRIGGIN' CROCKETT?
Are you kidding me? How can you overlook Miami Vice? The show considered one of the most influential of all time (as noted here among other places). Winner of four Emmys and two Grammys. Show with the greatest roster of guest stars ever (as I've mentioned one or four times before). WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS OUTRAGE?
Now, I realize that even in a double truck ad, they can't fit in everyone. And I realize they have to weight it a little more heavily towards recent shows (but do we really need all two and half of the Two And A Half Men?) But let's review some of the "stars" that did make the cut ...
All three of the knuckleheads from Full House? Really? Okay, I get Michael J. Fox. But Meredith Baxter Birney? Every one of the main characters from Friends and Sex and the City? I guess. But ALL of the leads from Wings? Seriously?
Do we really need to see everyone who ever set foot on the set of E.R. and L.A. Law? They had to go to black and white to find a picture of Stuart and Anne for crying out loud!
And the ultimate insult: Tony Danza. Not from Taxi, which would be somewhat defensible, but from Who's The Boss! Yes, WHO'S THE BOSS! That must be a dagger in poor Don Johnson's heart.
I can live without Philip Michael Thomas, though they were obviously stretching to get some diversity in there. I mean, Hawk from Spenser for Hire? In fact, looking at the ad, maybe the NAACP has case when they complain about the lack of "people of color" in primetime (unless you count the decidedly yellow Simpsons).
I can only hope that I somehow missed him. So I'll keep searching for Sonny's fashionably stubbled visage. Maybe he's hidden behind Homey the Clown or Hasselhoff. Hasselhoff! It's enough to make you weep.
Given the decidedly lowbrow nature of that last post (the only way that it could have been worse is if the midgets had hit someone in the groin with a medicine ball), I feel as though I need to raise the level of discourse here at The Nugatorium. And what better way to do that and still get a few laughs than with something from McSweeney's?
This script for "Without A Trace" as penned by Jean-Paul Sarte has a very Python-esque feel to it. And even if you're somewhat limited in your knowledge of existentialist philosophy (I'm more of a Empiricism man myself), you'll still likely find it funny.
Ahh, the 80s. The hair. The Reagans. And, of course, the music.
For me, the quintessential music of the eighties came from the new wave/modern rock/college radio-type bands. Of course there was a lot of hair metal and rap going on, as well as an obscure little album called "Thriller," but none of that evokes the era nearly as well for me. Also, I typically think of bands that favored the "electronic" as being the sound of that decade.
As far as my criteria for this list, I only wanted to include bands that had at least a few "hits" (in some cases, somewhat loosely defined), so no one-hit wonders (sorry "Split Enz" - and yes, I know they also did "Six Months In A Leaky Boat"), and no XTC, or Sonic Youth, or Bronski Beat, or Kajagoogoo, or ... well, you get the idea.
The bands also must have had their real heyday in the eighties––and then not much else. So given R.E.M. and U2's ongoing success, they don't qualify. The Cure had too many early nineties hits to make the list. And at the other end, Squeeze was too big in the late-seventies. I'm also putting The Clash in that category, as half their studio albums were recorded in the seventies.
There are also a couple of bands who did have their biggest years in the eighties, but in my mind have kind of "transcended" that one decade. So no Talking Heads, no Police.
If you disagree, your comments are welcome, and in fact encouraged. Or, as always, click on the link at the upper right that says "Create Blog" and make your own list.
With all that out of the way, grab your skinny tie and cropped jacket and let's take a look at the first five bands ...
10. Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark
Biggest Songs: If You Leave, Joan of Arc, So In Love, Forever Live and Die
OMD will always hold a special place in my eighties heart as they were the first "new wave"-type band I was introduced to as a freshman in college (along with Alphaville). Like three other bands on this list, they gain increased "eightiesness" by having a song featured in a John Hughes movie, in this case "Pretty In Pink." "Tesla Girls" also made it into "Weird Science," but though that film was written and directed by Hughes, it's not part of the Pretty In Pink/Sixteen Candles/Breakfast Club true-eighties-starring-Molly Ringwald-triumverate. But back to Pretty in Pink ...
9. Thompson Twins
Biggest Songs: Hold Me Now, Doctor! Doctor!, Lay Your Hands On Me
As anyone with a knowledge of eighties music (or the ability to type "wikipedia") knows, there were no twins, nor anyone named "Thompson" in Thompson Twins. They were named after a pair of detectives in the Tintin comics. The Twins are another band with a Hughes-movie song, "If You Were Here" in "Sixteen Candles." But why don't we pause a few minutes, so that you can hold me now ...
8. Tears For Fears
Biggest Songs: Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Shout, Head Over Heals, Mad World, Sowing The Seeds of Love
Tears For Fears is one of those bands that you initially remember only a couple of songs for, then when you look at their discography, you recognize more and more titles. I for one had completely forgotten about "Mad World," which came out a couple of years before their huge "Songs From The Big Chair" album of 1984. In fact, all told (including post-eighties albums), they've sold over 22 million albums. Of course, most of those were sold back in the days before young punks could just download music without all that filthy lucre changing hands.
Even though "Shout" may be the first song that comes to mind for most people, I've always preferred their other, more upbeat number one hit ...
6. The Go-Gos
Biggest Songs: We Got The Beat, Our Lips Are Sealed, Vacation, Head Over Heels
The Go-Gos have a different sound than the other bands on this list, and also hold a couple of other distinctions. First, they're the only American band. And second, the only ladies (other than Alannah Currie from Thompson Twins). Belinda Carlisle and the gals were in fact quite influential in new wave. And they were also ground-breakers as the first all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments–and make it to the top of the Billboard charts.
I wanted to use the video for "We Got The Beat," but the black pantyhose/white pumps combo Belinda was sporting was really throwing me off. So here's "Our Lips Are Sealed" instead.
6. Psychedelic Furs
Biggest Songs: Pretty In Pink, Love My Way, Heaven, Heartbreak Beat
The Furs actually first recorded "Pretty In Pink" back in 1981, and it served as inspiration for the title of the John Hughes-penned movie. So extra points for that, even if an OMD song (see above) ended up being the bigger hit from that soundtrack.
I personally prefer "Heartbreak Beat" to "Pretty In Pink," but since this video–featuring footage of Andie, Blane, and Duckie–really helps you relive that glorious decade, Pink it is ...
His assignment: a secret mission for the United States government. His only weapon: himself.
Hopefully this Olympics' gymnastics stars will exercise better judgment in their post-competition careers than former champion Kurt Thomas. A world champion, Kurt was denied his chance to go for the gold after those nasty Russians decided to take a drive through Afghanistan and the USA boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics (apparently the Russkies learned their lesson, and this time they invaded during the games).
A few years later, someone apparently thought: "You know what would be cool? A movie with ninjas ... and pommel horses!" Check out the trailer. Keep in mind, the purpose of a trailer is to make you really want to see a movie. Which for me sort of makes this an "anti-trailer."
Okay, this is almost as bad as linking to "Star Wars Kids" or "Evolution of Dance" and calling it a "post." But it's Friday, I'm tired, and my brain well not work is.
Laughing in the face of storm warnings and basic intelligence, Kevin Kearney of Ft. Lauderdale decided it would be a totally rad idea to kite surf during Tropical Storm Fay. And now, surprising no one other than himself, he's in the hospital in critical condition. While I wish him a complete recovery, I also hope that he isn't allowed to breed.
Apparently Mr. Kearney has forgotten the end of "Point Break," where surfer/philosopher Bodhi, also foolishly challenging Mother Nature's fury, surfs into a typhoon and perishes. Or did he ...
Well, I certainly don't remember this dire possibility receiving even a mention up in NBC's all-sunshine and-rainbows Olympics coverage: that the Beijing Olympics are, in fact, a trap.
Though to the surprise of no sane person the recently reported Sasquatch corpse turned out to be a hoax, there is another, uplifting Bigfoot story out there.
Watching Larry King is no end of fun. At the very least, he qualifies as "addled" and at times reaches the level of pure wombat crazy. But they still pay him millions to make brilliant observations like this.
A few years ago, Randy Constan gained online notoriety for his love of Peter Pan. Or, more specifically, his love of dressing up like Peter Pan. Pretty much all the time. Except of course when he was dressing up like Little Lord Fauntleroy, "The Blue Prince," "Bunny Boi," or "The Purple Pixie."
He's still at it. And now he's engaged and has a Tinkerbell to share his, er, hobby. And yes, Tinkerbell is a woman, not a "tinkerbell" like Mr. Roper used to mean when he'd see Jack and pretend like he was ringing a bell with a limp wrist.
Comedian Greg Johnson ran across America. Starkers. While the video shows him running in a number of places across America, he sure doesn't look like a guy who ran 2400+ miles. So "across America" may not be completely accurate. And, in case you were worried, they do blur out his naughty bits (more or less).
Thanks to modern technology, you don't even need the Cliffs notes to cram for your test on "The Great Dane." Checkout Hamlet (Facebook News Feed Edition) from McSweeney's.
Now I can't wait to see the Twitter version of Macbeth. Via YesButNoButYes
For kids during the seventies (you know, that decade before most of you were born), there was nothing like getting the latest "Wacky Packages" stickers and slapping them on any available surface. Each one was a silly and/or sick parody of a real product, like "Heidz Retchup," or "Blisterine Monster Wash."
Now there's a book celebrating their glory years. It's doubtful we'll see their like again, as today giving kids a "Slopps Boozeball All Bum" sticker (with the instruction to "Stick 'em on a wino") would be frowned upon.
Another amusingly themed photo collection, this time showing various souvenirs in place of the actual thing/place they're meant to represent. No real purpose. Much like 99.3% of the rest of the Internet.
I'm probably about 15 years too old to really like this song, but while I've been accused of being mature, so I'm going with it. Though my advanced age is likely why I'm not sure if Natalie Portman's Shaved Head are hipsters, mocking hipsters, or (my guess) both.
Besides, who wouldn't like a band with a name like that? Below is their potentially seizure-inducing video for "Sophisticated Side Ponytail." There are some allusions to "mature themes," though its tamer than your average episode of "Gossip Girl." Or so I imagine. I've never actually watched it. Too mature.
"Viral Video Film School" is an entertaining and irreverant series of short videos hosted by the seemingly at-least-slightly stoned Brett Erlich. They deal with various Internet video related phenomena, including this insightful look at bears and the people who videotape them.
With just under three months until election day, I was wondering where JibJab's big election season production number was at. And here it finally is in all it's animated satiric glory.
As with most JibJab politically themed videos, there's plenty to offend supporters of both candidates. Which really is as it should be.
Unless you're planning to shave around your goatee while skydiving or during an earthquake, you really shouldn't be buying the GoateeSaver.
I've worn a goatee for a couple of years now (much like blogging, I was about five years behind the trend), and I've really never had a problem shaving around it. Plus, they claim this hunk of overpriced plastic will give you the "perfect goatee." But a goatee shouldn't be "perfect." Start down that road, and pretty soon you'll be plucking your eyebrows and waxing your chest.
And finally, I'm just enough of a geek to have this image come to mind when I see that hunk of plastic on the dude's face.
While I like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens as much as the next guy, bumping around online I've found a few of my other favorite things. On the off chance someone out there will enjoy them as much as I do, I thought I'd share. So enjoy.
Ah, the year-end "Top 10" list, an annual freebie post for lazy writers and bloggers everywhere. Below are links to the the Nugatorium posts with the highest traffic numbers from 2008.
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