Missing - Everything But The Girl

 

I step off the train

I'm walking down your street again

Past you door

I guess you don't live there anymore

Happy Halloween! For today's post let's dive into a fear that we all have to face and conquer. The passage of time and getting OLDEEEEER! Just yesterday I was watching the original Scream and realized it was 30 years old! I still consider it "newer" horror. Speaking of 30 years ago, that's about the time the pic above was taken. This was snapped in my high school girlfriend's bedroom. If anyone is looking to be a 90's dude for Halloween, here's your blueprint. I've got my Beastie Boys black tee, big jeans and a "just in case" vintage flannel wrapped around my waist. I'm also sporting some sort of necklace that I don't really remember. Was it a shark's tooth? Although I was probably trying to act cool, that smirk wasn't a put on. I had braces at the time, so it's hard to find a pic of me with that dental torture device anywhere on film. 

Today's song picks take me back to those 90's days. I worked as a stock boy in the shoe department of Sears. (Well, technically I was a member of the Merchandise Support Team) I would show up and have a specific amount of boxes to go through and place the shoes in their appropriate place. I was pretty much solo but I had the company of an old beat up AM/FM radio. I'd always be playing music and if it was Sunday, I'd have the extra bonus of hearing Casey Kasem's top 40 front to back. This song was frequently on the countdown at the time. My wife smirk's when this one ends up on my playlists but I truly love it and I suppose it takes me back to my simple stock room days and mall employee discounts to great dining establishments such as La Pizzeria. In case you were curious, I eventually got promoted to working the floor so if you bought women's shoes or steel toe boots at Sears in the mid to late 90's I may've tried to upsell you extra shoelaces or convince you to apply for a Credit Card. Commission sales baby!

The second track goes back to my sweet wardrobe in the above pic. I was a huge Beastie's fan since elementary school when we would trade around the Licensed to Ill tape and blast on our Walkmen. From that point on heading to the music store on a new Beastie release day was a must. I only say the B Boys perform live once. It was back in 94 at Lollapalooza in Charles Town, WV. I went with a buddy who shared the same music/culture taste with me and his older sister since we were too young to drive. Once the Beastie Boys jumped on stage, the energy was so electric the crowd in front of me looked like a swelling ocean. Before I knew it, the wave came towards me and my feet were fully off the ground as I swayed left to right. Truly terrifying! I eventually made it towards the back and enjoyed the rest of the show from a comfortable distance. Despite almost getting crushed to death it was an awesome show!

For today's movies let's revisit one from the early 80's based off a Ray Bradberry novel. I recall watching this Halloween week in elementary school in the library. We even had a popcorn machine! (School in the 80's were a little more lax in what we were exposed to I suppose) We even watched the Challenger Space shuttle take off live. When things unfortunately went as they did, I remember the teacher quickly jumping up and throwing The Karate Kid in the VHS player. (Don't worry, everything's fine!) 

In this one the circus comes to town and offers people whatever they desire. Some want beauty, some want love and some want youth. Only problem is you have to sign your soul away which usually doesn't work out as planned. This one stars Jason Robards's (aka Cool's grandpa in Parenthood) and Jonathan Pryce (aka Rebecca's fiancé in Cheers)

Next up is a bit of wild card. It doesn't have to do with the topic, but it's just a fun movie that may have been overlooked. If you're into a tight 90 minute suspense and have a dark sense of humor, this one's for you. I'd stick with the 80's version and not the remake. Terry O'Quinn is spectacular as the new stepfather who just wants his family to be the best they can be. Unfortunately his expectations are a tad too high. It's a bit like a Lifetime thriller but with more blood. Happy Halloween!

Jimmy James - Beastie Boys

Bass from the back of my car feels soothin'

Eight bazookas is what I'm using

I'm Mike D, and it's been proven

I love it when I see the party people just movin'

Something Wicked This Way Comes - Trailer

 

The Stepfather - Trailer

 

I Will Possess Your Heart - Death Cab For Cutie

There are days when outside your window

I see my reflection as I slowly pass

And I long for this mirrored perspective

When we'll be lovers, lovers at last

All You Need is Love, Love the One You're With, Love Will Keep Us Together, Love is Everywhere, Beware! 

When things work out and align love is a magical force. Two people meet and somehow figure out a way to not only coexist but actually enjoy each others company. Despite different upbringings, tastes, beliefs and habits. If all goes to plan, the couple can take the strengths of each other, adapt some of those better qualities into themselves while also remaining independent and self sufficient. Sounds easy right? Of course not! There's a reason why the divorce rate is close to 45%. Most of the time love can be messy. Someone likes someone more than the other. Someone changes and doesn't find connection with their partner. Sometimes people are assholes. Sometimes you had a partner that really got into the swing music revival in the late 90's! Like most, I've been on all ends of these sceneries. All can be quite challenging (well not the swing music of the 90's, but I did flirt with ska music during that time. Hey, nobody's perfect!)

While the first three songs are great and what we all want, since it's the spooky season let’s dive into the theme of the last tune written by Mr. Tweedy. While we all hope to have a Hallmark love affair often times things go sideways. To help us cope, Hollywood and songwriters put a magnifying glass on these everyday people issues which sometimes makes us feel better about our lives. We're all a bit crazy but hey, at least we’re not THAT crazy!

Since it's been a bit (wow a year) here's three songs to add to your spooky playlist, and three movies that deal with relationships gone wrong.  This first title from Death Cab for Cutie should be self explanatory. I included the album version with the 4 plus minute instrumental intro (as a Cure fan I applaud a long opening) As the music builds I feel it projects the narrators building anger and frustration about his object of desire. There's a radio edit if that's not your jam. I originally saw this video on MTV when this album came out. I know they kind of broke out earlier with some tunes featured in the OC, but I was a little older when that show came out. I'm more fluent in 90210 with a minor in Dawson's Creek.

As for the second song, I may be misinterpreting, but it does give me the "trapped in a well, it puts the lotion on its skin" vibe. I saw Cigarettes After Sex open for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds years back and became an instant fan. Great album to spin on a rainy afternoon. Not all of the songs are about locking up loved ones.

Lastly, I threw in a War on Drugs song about moving on, heartache, and taking the healthier approach to loss. (aka, not locking up a loved one in a well) Working through all the things, cocooning a bit and then hopefully reemerging as a better version of oneself. That screenplay perhaps would be a better late 90's early 2000's indie flick and a rather dull thriller. It's all about balance people. (Side note, if you are going through some things I recommend their 2017 A Deeper Understanding album by the band for some cheap therapy)

As for the three movies, let's stick to the themes of the first two songs. Up first, a young Clint Eastwood is a radio DJ in Santa Barbara and ends up sleeping with one of his fans. While he thought it was more of a casual fling, she thought differently...and she's not too pleased with his decision.

Next up is a trashy film (I mean that as a compliment) from the late 90's starring Mark Walhberg when he was still more Marky than Mark. The good girl falls for the bad boy and well, he turns out to be bad. I remember anticipation for this film coming out and a bunch of us going opening night when I was in high school. It's 90's a-fuck also staring future America's Sweetheart and book club guru, Reese Witherspoon as well as my childhood crush, (Samanta!) Alyssa Milano as the rebellious best friend. Also features multiple songs by Bush. Great movie to watch with a group. Nicole 4 Eva...IYKYK.

Lastly, sometimes new friends can be creepy too! Having roommates can be terrifying (I had one in college that would throw his chicken skins on the carpet?!) but at least he didn't start wearing my clothes, get the same haircut as me or kill my dog..spoiler alert)

Happy Halloween season everyone. I plan on posting more spooky suggestions over the coming week.

Opera House - Cigarettes After Sex

 I've got a love for you I just can't escape

All of my love for you cuts me like barbed wire

Harmonia's Dream (Live) The War On Drugs

Summer comes and rain gets in

It's like lookin' through the glass on the other side

I'm not trying to make you wait