Book Review: Sweet Dreams - The Story of the New Romantics

Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics provides an in-depth look at a decade-long period of the music and cultural scenes of Britain. Author Dylan Jones zooms in on the period from 1975 to 1985 and the second invasion of British music. This study goes from the heyday of punk to the peak of new-wave, through the birth of MTV and the culmination of Live-Aid.

Written in a style reminiscent of a documentary script, Jones presents the reader with an eye-witness account of this period by those who were key to it. Through interviews, the reader hears from the likes of David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Adam Ant, Martin Fry, Malcolm McLaren, Sade, the members of bands like Culture Club, Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, Heaven 17, Spandau Ballet, and so many more.

For someone like me who is a music-nerd that came of age during this particular decade, this book is a fascinating read. Even if you think you know a lot about these artists and their albums, I can guarantee you will find a number of interesting nuggets of trivia within these pages. It might even inspire you to revisit some of your favorite music from this period.

ABC - The Lexicon of Love II

Last week (May 27th) marked the release of The Lexicon of Love II, the ninth studio album from ABC (now consisting of singer/songwriter Martin Fry and orchestrator Anne Dudley). And if the name and album cover design (down to the graphical layout, the use of lyrical poetry beneath the title, etc.) evokes memories of the band's 1982 debut album The Lexicon of Love, then that arrow has not gone wide from the mark.

ABC - How to Be a...Zillionaire! (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of How to Be a...Zillionaire!, the third studio album from ABC. The album spent forty-one weeks on the US Billboard Album chart, peaking at number 30.

For the full review of this favorite of mine from 1985, click here.

For more from ABC, click here.

ABC - Beauty Stab (30th anniversary)

This month marks the thirtieth anniversary of Beauty Stab, the second studio album from ABC. Back in late 1983 and early 1984, the album charted at number 69 on the US Billboard Album chart, number 58 in Australia, number 50 in Germany, number 42 in New Zealand, number 36 in Canada, number 34 in Japan, number 32 in Sweden, number 29 in the Netherlands, number 22 in Finland, and number 12 in the UK.

For my full review, please click here.

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 2)

Last week, the people of Storybrooke adjusted to finding out the truth behind the Evil Queen's plot. Some sought revenge in the form of a deadly wraith. When the creature was banished, it pulled Emma along with it. Mary Margaret followed with the pair ending up in what remains of the Fairytale Land. Now they are in the presence of Mulan and Princess Aurora who are looking for answers.

Last night, season 2 continued with an episode entitled "We Are Both".

TV: Once Upon A Time (season 2, ep. 1)

Back in May, we left Storybrooke, Maine, in a state where the curse was broken and magic was returning to the land.

Last night, season 2 picked up right where season 1 left off with an episode entitled "Broken".

Remembering Michael Jackson

Today (August 29th) would have been the 54th birthday of the late Michael Jackson. His considered by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time. He got his start as a performer in the late 1960's as part of a singing group with his older brothers in Gary, Indiana. Once the brothers were signed to the Motown Record label, their careers skyrocketed.

Whether you are a devout fan or thought his personal life was a bit on the crazy side, there is no denying the music he made over the years will be remembered for decades to come.

ABC - The Lexicon of Love (30th anniversary)

Today, June 25th, also marks the 30th anniversary of the debut album by British pop band ABC. The Lexicon of Love was an early 80's classic.

For my review of this album, please click here.

This is one of my favorite albums from 1982 and to celebrate I plan to cue it up on my iPod to enjoy it once more.

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 22, season 1 finale)

This week was the finale for the first season of Once Upon A Time, and boy was it a rollercoaster ride of an episode!

The title is "A Land Without Magic". The previews summary stated the following: Regina forges an alliance with Emma in order to save Henry's life which leads Emma to believe in the Curse. Meanwhile, the events surrounding Prince Charming's escape from the Evil Queen and his reunion with Snow White are revealed.

Let's dive right into the action...

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 21)

When Emma was faced with the truth about being the savior on last week's Once Upon A Time her response was to grab Henry and make tracks as far away from Storybrooke as possible.

This week the episode is entitled "An Apple Red as Blood". Henry must try to convince his birth mother to continue the quest, however Regina has devised a master plan that will force Emma to leave forever. On the Fairytale side, we learn the details of how Snow White rescued Prince Charming and her plan to enlist aid to defeat the Evil Queen once and for all.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 20)

Things got hotter last week on Once Upon A Time with Mr. Gold pointing all the evidence of Kathryn's disappearance to Regina, August attempting to control Gold through deception, and Emma making a stand against Regina.

This week the episode is entitled "The Stranger". In the land of Fairytales, we learn details about Geppetto and how he wants to save his son Pinocchio along with Snow White's daughter.

In Storybrooke, August promises to help Emma defeat Regina and gain custody of Henry while Regina schemes to seduce David.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 19)

It has been three weeks but Once Upon A Time was back this weekend with an all-new episode. Last time, we learned why Regina was so bitter and how she came to hate Snow White. Also, the episode ended with the surpise revelation that the thought-murdered Kathryn was indeed very much alive.

This week the episode is entitled "The Return". In the land of Fairytales, we learn more of Rumpelstiltskin's back story and how his son Baelfire tries to make his father human once more..

In Storybrooke, Mr. Gold attempts to uncover August's true identity, David tries to reconcile with Mary Margaret, and Emma contronts Regina about her involvement in the disappearance of Kathryn.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 18)

Once Upon A Time threw us some twists and turns at the end of last week's episode. Why did Mr. Gold leave Mary Margaret the key to get out of the cell? Why is he working with Mayor Regina? Is Emma starting to believe in Henry's book after meeting Jefferson, the mad hatter? This week's episode is entitled "Stable Boy".

In the land of Fairytales, we finally get to find out why Regina hates Snow White so, and how that factors into Regina's relationship with her mother Cora.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret's must face District Attorney Albert Spencer while Emma looks at the investigation from another angle.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 17)

Once Upon A Time continued to move all the story lines along well last week. This week's episode is entitled "Hat Trick".

In the land of Fairytales, we learn the story of the Mad Hatter and how he has been charged with a secret mission by Queen Regina to steal a prize from the ruling regent of Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts.

In Storybrooke, Emma searches for Mary Margaret who has gone missing from the jail cell at the end of the last episode. However, she gets sidetracked when she herself is kidnapped by a man with an obsession for hats and questionable sanity.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 16)

Last week I was very impressed with Once Upon A Time as we learned the true history about Red Riding Hood. And it ended with some interesting speculations in the investigation of missing Kathryn.

Tonight's episode, "Heart of Darkness", continues with that later storyline as Emma is forced to arrest Mary Margaret as a suspect in Kathyrn's murder. The young teacher turns to Mr. Gold to represent her as her attorney.

In the land of Fairytales, Prince Charming continues his search for Snow White whose memory is now clouded, thanks to drinking Rumpelstiltskin's potion. Snow is on a mission to assassinate the Evil Queen.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 15)

While the rest of the shows typically take March off after February sweeps, Once Upon A Time was back again this week with an all-new episode. This week's episode is entitled "Red Handed".

In the land of Fairytales, it finally time for us to learn the backstory of Red Riding Hood. This young woman yearns to get away from her grandmother to find her own true love, but that goal is blocked by the bloodthirsty wolf who is threatening her village.

In Storybrooke, Ruby is tired of being stuck working at the diner for Granny. Sheriff Emma tries to help her out by making Ruby her assistant. Meanwhile, David is questioned about Kathyrn's disappearance.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we? **warning: some big plot twists this week so if you plan to watch it, do so before you read the following**

ABC - How to Be a...Zillionaire!

Happy fifty-fourth birthday today (March 9th) to singer/songwriter Martin Fry.

After their smash selling debut The Lexicon of Love in 1982 and the follow up Beauty Stab in 1983 (click here and here respectively for my reviews of those two), ABC released their third album How to Be a…Zillionaire! in October of 1985. The album went to number 36 in Canada, number 28 in the UK and number 30 on the US Billboard Album chart.

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 14)

I really dislike these two week breaks between episodes of Once Upon A Time. I am so glad it looks like we're slated for five new ones in a row starting with this week.

This week's episode is entitled "Dreamy".

In the land of Fairytales, we learn more about the Seven Dwarves and Grumpy's forbidden romance with the lovely yet clumsy fairy Nova.

In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret and town troublemaker Leroy work together to help some nuns sell candles for the Miner's Day Festival. Sheriff Emma meanwhile investigates Kathryn's disappearance after the car accident.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 13)

Ratings were down for Once Upon A Time last Sunday (I suspect due to the Grammy Amwards running at the same time). A shame as "Skin Deep" was a solid episode.

This week's episode is entitled "What Happened to Frederick". In Storybrooke, David finally acts to end his loveless marriage to Kathryn by revealing his secret relationship with Mary Margaret. In the land of fairy tales, Prince Charming's search for Snow White includes a dangerous task by Abigail to recover something precious that was lost to her.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?

TV: Once Upon A Time (ep. 12)

This week's episode of Once Upon A Time was entitled "Skin Deep", written by Jane Espenson of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.

A burglar has robbed Mr. Gold's house, and sheriff Emma is concerned that the businessman will attempt to seek vigilante justice. Meanwhile, Mary Margaret plans a Valentine's Day night out for the girls with Ruby and Ashley.

In the land of Fairytales, we learn the story of Belle which includes a fateful deal with Rumpelstiltskin.

Let's get to the episode breakdown, shall we?