Scritti Politti - Cupid & Psyche 85

Cupid and Psyche refer to the Greek myth where the son of Venus (Cupid) is sent to make a beautiful girl (Psyche) fall in love with a hideous monster. The young god-ling cannot complete the task as he has fallen in love with the mortal himself.

In 1985, the British synth-pop group Scritti Politti put out there second album in reference to that tale - Cupid & Psyche 85. The original vinyl release had nine tracks, five of which were singles released in the UK. The later cassette and CD versions added four more tracks, three of which were alternate versions of earlier tracks on the record.

Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force - Planet Rock: the Album

Afrika Bambaataa is the on-air name of American DJ Kevin Donovan from South Bronx, New York. His style of break-beat deejaying was critical to the early development of the hip-hop music style of the 80’s. In 1986, Tommy Boy Records released Planet Rock: the Album, a collection of previously released old-school hip-hop singles.

Grease (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday.

Note: this blog post/review is dedicated to Jeff Conaway who played "Kenickie" in this film as well as starred in shows like Taxi and Babylon 5. The 60-year old actor died Friday morning 5/27/11 at Encino Tarzana Medical Center, where he had been hospitalized in a coma since 5/11/11. Jeff battled with drug addiction for many years, including to pain-killers which were needed to counter physical ailments from which he suffered. May his spirit rest in peace.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Today we took in the afternoon matinee of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment in the Disney film franchise.

Back on board is producer Jerry Bruckheimer and musical director Hans Zimmer, giving the film the visual and audio continuity from the earlier installments. Also on board are Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush and Kevin McNally, reprising their earlier roles of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Mr. Gibbs. Joining the cast are Penelope Cruz (Angelica) and Ian McShane (Blackbeard).

Barry Manilow - Tryin' To Get the Feeling

Welcome to another edition of Seventies Saturday.

In 1975, Barry Manilow released his third studio album Tryin’ to Get the Feeling. This record continued the popular momentum of his previous release, scoring him a top 10 album (it peaked at number 5). The record went on to be certified as triple platinum.

Comic Books of the Week (5/25/11)

Green Arrow #12 - okay, this issue was the actual close out the Brightest Day tie-in on the title. Loved the Prado/Reis cover and Neves art on this issue. Good stuff. The story was okay, given that GA was clearly only helping out the people while the major story ending of BD went on around him. But that is what GA is, really, a hero of the people. Looks like the book will be going back to a more urban feel now that the forest is gone. I'm looking forward to that.

Green Lantern #66 - part 7 of the big "War of the Green Lanterns" arc. I really like how Johns juggles all the players while moving the story along. Krona's true plan is revealed.

Green Lantern Corps #60 - part 8 - John and Kyle's mission to save Mogo goes terribly, tragically wrong. Bedard and Kirkham delivered the goods on this issue - no complaints at all. Nice.

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10 - part 9 (loved how we got three parts this week - that really helped keep the attention to the story high) - the purging of the Central Battery occurs with some great character bits all around. So glad I decided to pick up the parts in the titles like this one that I don't normally read.

Justice Society of America #51 - Dr. Fate and company venture to save the soul of Lightning, while Jay Garrick fights a different sort of battle (city bureaucracy). While I thought it was a good issue, I am getting a little turned off by this title. I'll hold out a little longer, until the "big changes" come in the Fall. I hear Jerry Ordway might be coming on to do the art (that will help, I think).

Elvis Costello - Blood & Chocolate

For his eleventh studio album Blood & Chocolate, released in the fall of 1986, Elvis Costello reunited with is usual backing band the Attractions and with producer Nick Lowe. While the album did well on the UK album charts (peaking at number 16), it failed to make it onto the US Billboard album charts.

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

This week, the polarizing American pop-artist Lady Gaga (born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) released her latest full-length studio album Born This Way. She performed the title track back in February of this at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Since then, the studio released a number of singles as well. Adding further to the promotion, the cast of Glee was able granted permission to perform the title track on a Spring 2011 episode with the same title.

Simply Red - Picture Book

In the fall of 1985, the British pop group made their debut with Picture Book. The record reached number 2 on the UK album charts, selling over 5 million copies. In the US, it went to number 16 on the Billboard album charts and sold over a million copies as well. Five of the tracks were released as singles, doing very well in the various markets.

New Order - Low-Life

Low-Life was the third studio album from the English rock band New Order, released on May 13th of 1985. It charted at number 94 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 70 in Australia, number 34 in the Netherlands, number 26 in Canada, number 20 in Sweden, number 11 in New Zealand, and number 7 in the UK. The record continues their change over from their earlier punk roots to a more dance-rock period. I am very familiar with this band - both from early non-album singles and later album tracks. I have not heard this entire album though, so this will be another first-time-listener review.

The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy

In November of 1985, a Scottish alternative band called the Jesus and Mary Chain made their recording debut with the album Psychocandy. This debut was a critical favorite, showing up on Q magazine’s 100 Greatest British Albums Ever (at number 88) and 40 Best Albums of the ‘80’s (at number 23), and on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time (at number 268). Not too shabby for a first time out of the gate.

Top Gun (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of “Soundtrack Sunday”.

In May of 1986, the newest film to star hot young actor Tom Cruise soared into theatres. Along with Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Tom Skerritt, we all soon learned what it was like to “…feel the need, the need for speed!” The film was a box office success, landing at the number one spot on its opening weekend. It would go on to becoming the highest grossing film of the year (earning over $350 million worldwide).

Comic Books of the Week (5/18/11)

Booster Gold #44 - Booster is the only mainline book that is crossing over with Flashpoint, which makes sense since he is a time traveller. This issue begins that arc. We get a little taste of the Flashpoint world, including the changes to Coast City and the government's secret weapon (no spoiler here!). Good stuff. It also marks the return of Dan Jurgens to the writing and pencilling on the book. I am very pleased for that!

Justice League of America #57 - "the Rise of Eclipso" storyline continues. There are nice references to what's going on in JSA as well as the Brightest Day event, but once again the issue's main focus is with Eclipso. The JLA seems to be guest stars in their own title. Hopefully Robinson can resolve that quickly. More kudos to Booth and Rapmund - their art on this issue is fantastic.

Legion of Super-Heroes #13 - the Legion of Super-Villains arc continues nicely. Paul Levitz is the master at juggling huge casts and allowing each character shown to have their moments. My only complaint is the issues go by so quickly. This is a book that could use extra pages each month. DC needs to dump those previews and fold those pages back into the main book for story.

Teen Titans #95 - continuing to enjoy Krul's arc here. It has a nice epic feel with a slow build and lots of character moments. That last page was surprising. "Behold, Rankor restored!" indeed. Not sure how this one is going to end but it will be a big fight.

KISS - Destroyer

Welcome to another edition of "Seventies Saturday".

In the spring of 1976, the American rock band KISS released its fourth studio album Destroyer. It was the second album by the group to reach the US top 20, and it was certified gold after just a month. The sales started to cool though as quickly as they had started, and the record dropped fast. The unexpected interest in one of the B-sides that radio stations had been playing re-sparked the sales. "Beth" was re-released as a single, giving the band their first top 10 song. Rolling Stone magazine, who initially panned the album in its first reviews, later ranked it number 496 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time list.

the Smiths - Meat Is Murder

Meat Is Murder was the second studio release from British alternative band the Smiths. This 1985 album (from February 11th of that year), produced by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, was the band's only number one charted UK album. And while its sales in the US were marginal (it only reached number 110 on the Billboard Album chart), it was a critical favorite. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 295 on its 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time list.

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love

On September 16th of 1985, English singer Kate Bush released her fifth studio album Hounds of Love. It would become her second number 1 album in her native UK, and one of her highest charting albums world-wide (it went to number 1 also in Ireland, number 2 in Germany, number 6 in Australia, number 7 in Canada, number 9 in France and Sweden, number 12 in Norway, number 17 in New Zealand, and number 30 in the United States).

The album is split - the first side contains more "accessible" pop songs, four of which were released as singles. The side shares the same name as the album.

the Pogues - Rum, Sodomy and the Lash

The title from the Pogues second studio album was taken from a quote from Winston Churchill. The cover of Rum, Sodomy and the Lash is based on "the Raft of Medusa" by French painter Théodore Géricault (1791-1924). The August 1985 launch for the record was done on the HMS Belfast, a former Royal Navy cruiser turned museum ship that is permanently moored in London on the River Thames. That's a lot of history tied into this Celtic folk-punk offering, but it makes sense. A number of the tracks are reinterpretations of traditional folk songs. Elvis Costello was the producer of this record.

Suzanne Vega - Suzanne Vega

In the early 80’s, Suzanne Vega was a working American folk-inspired singer/songwriter, performing in small venues in Greenwich Village, NYC. She got her big break when she was signed to A&M records. Her self-titled Suzanne Vega from 1985 was her first studio release.

The record was well-received by critics in the United States. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 80 in its Top 100 Albums of the 1980’s, and the album appears on the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list. At the time, the record barely broke the top 100 (stalling at number 91). It did much better in the UK and New Zealand, reaching number 11 and number 9 respectively.

Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen/Two Good Wheels

The English pop band Prefab Sprout released their second album in 1985 entitled Steve McQueen (in the US it was released as Two Good Wheels due to legal issues with the estate of the late actor Steve McQueen). In the UK, it reached number 21 on the album charts; in the US is only got to number 178 in the Billboard Album chart. The album was produced by Thomas Dolby.

I’ve never heard this album before. I’m only familiar with one of the tracks (“When Love Breaks Down”). But, since it shows up on the 1001 Albums list I thought I’d take a chance and give it a whirl. Plus, if Dolby was involved I am sure I'll enjoy it (since I'm such a huge fan of his work). So, this will be another first-time-listening review (all based on initial impressions).

Staying Alive (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of “Soundtrack Sunday”.

On July 15th of 1983, Paramount Pictures released Staying Alive, a sequel to the highly successful Saturday Night Fever from 1977. The film continued the story of Tony Manero (again played by John Travolta) who has moved to Manhattan to pursue a dream of dancing on Broadway. Yeah, I didn’t quite get that from the character from the first film either but…whatever. The film also stars the beautiful Cynthia Rhodes and the enchanting Finola Hughes, and it was directed by Sylvester Stallone.

Film Review: Thor (2011)

We just got back from seeing Thor in the theatres. And, for those concerned, this will be a spoiler-free review (I don't like ruining films for others).

Let me preface by saying that I never was a huge fan of Thor comics. Yes, I am very familiar with the character, his origin, his supporting cast, villains, etc. I got a lot of this from the cartoons in the 60's (taken directly from the comics - remember those Marvel 'toons? Classic.). I also got a lot from Thor's appearances in Avengers which I did love - I always felt he made for an interesting team member.

So, going into this movie I was not going to be a stickler on continuity. Granted, for super-hero movies I never am. I always feel these films need to stand on their own - that they take place in an alternate universe. That way they live and die on their own merits.

Given all that, I must say I enjoyed Thor quite a bit. I was impressed with the acting, the special effects, the plot. It all worked together to tell a good story - amid the backdrop of the bigger shared film continuity that the recent Marvel films have been doing. All the elements of the comics I would have expected were there - Thor's coming to Earth, Asgard, Odin, Loki, his allies, Jane Foster. They managed to fit all of this in, give a solid origin, tell a good story and do it all without getting boring or feeling rushed. I never once looked at my watch. I was thoroughly entertained!

Now, my only suggestion - if you want to save a little green, forgo the 3D. While the 3D doesn't hurt the film, I don't think it needed it. If I had the choice (which I didn't really - outvoted 1 to 2 in our household) I would have gone to see the 2D version and would have been perfectly satisfied.

Oh, and stay through the credits for the "final scene". It is small but revealing.

I definitely give this one a big "thumbs up" and recommend you see it on the big screen if you can. An action film like this one warrants seeing in the theatres.

Blondie - Parallel Lines

Welcome to another edition of “Seventies Saturday”.

September 23rd of 1978 saw the release of Parallel Lines, the third studio album from the American new wave band Blondie. While the album was a top-10 seller in the US (it peaked at number 6), it was over in the UK where the album would achieve its highest status - a number 1. Besides being one of the band’s best-selling albums (over 20 million copies sold worldwide), it was also a critical favorite as well. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 140 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

Comic Books of the Week (5/11/11) part 3

Last comic posting for the week - let's do the "timewarp" again!

John Byrne's Next Men #6 (#36) - Tony's story in the Civil War continues. I love how John Byrne portrays this strong African-American agent stuck in a time that would be very difficult for a woman of her race and intelligence. His attention to detail in this period is outstanding and his artwork is amazing as always. Is it any wonder he's one of my all-time favorite comic book creators? I really thank IDW for believing in his vision and storytelling abilities. I hope this book runs for a long time because it is like he's giving us this great novel that has plenty of time to unfold.

the Flash #12 - the "final issue" for the moment, this arc comes to a close as "the Road to Flashpoint" concludes. Zoom is back, Hot Pursuit makes a fatal miscalculation, and Bart and Barry work together. Where do we go from here? That's easy - Flashpoint! What happens to this book after that? Time will tell. Solid issue by Geoff Johns and guest artist Scott Kollins and regular artist Francis Manapul.

Flashpoint #1 (of 5) - and things change in an instant! Thanks to Zoom, Barry Allen wakes up in a world that is drastically different. I love how Geoff Johns portrays Barry's methods of figuring things out - very police detective like. The art by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope is solid, especially for such a wide-sweeping story. I love this reality's Batman - very grim and gritty. I love how Victor Stone is portrayed as well - a great character who doesn't get enough usage (good to see it here). The rest of the heroes (and I use this term loosely) of this world are intriguing as is the set-up of the war of the world between the armies of Aquaman and Wonder Woman. This series has a nice epic feel to it right out of the gate - and with all the tie-in minis to give us backstory it should allow us to explore this new playground nicely over the next couple months. Finally, fantastic revelation on the last page. I like it! Barry is going to need all the help he can get to put things right.

Comic Books of the Week (5/11/11) part 2

Part two of this week's big haul - team titles:

Birds of Prey #12 - Gail Simone starts us off on a new two-parter with Huntress off trying to get a new recruit for the team and the rest of the gals (and Hawk) infilitrating a mysterious business. Things go from bad to worst when the true power behind it is revealed - an old favorite from over in Secret Six. Jesus Saiz is the new artist on the book. I like his work a lot. I think if colorist Nei Ruffino had kicked up the color palletes just a tad it would have looked even better. Overall, solid issue.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #28 - sadly, the final issue of this series. I really enjoyed what Tony Bedard was trying to do each month. The cast had a nice mix of characters not being utilized elsewhere plus some great new ones. The book's run was heavy on battling Starro but it was an epic tale with some great high points. This issue wraps things up nicely as eighteen pages will allow. I would have liked to see Lobo and Smite take down Starro. Ah well. I do believe these characters and team will surface again. It is just a matter of time.

Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms

In 1985, the British rock band Dire Straits released their fifth studio album Brothers in Arms. The record was a commercial success for the band, spending ten weeks at number 1 on the UK Album Chart and nine weeks at number 1 on the US Billboard Album chart (with ninety-seven weeks total on the charts). It also went to number 1 in eight other countries and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide since its debut.

Comic Books of the Week (5/11/11) part 1

Another big haul this week so I'm breaking it up. Let's go "green" first:

Green Arrow #11 - this one came out two weeks ago but my shop got shorted. Got it finally yesterday. This is the final GA issue in the Brightest Day arc. The art by Neves and Cifuentes was very nice - this is a really good looking book. I am glad J.T. Krul kept the story mostly focused on Green Arrow (it is his book after all). But I felt it was all sort of cut short as it had to feed into the final issue of Brightest Day. I am interested to see where the book goes next issue.

Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #9 - also from two weeks ago, also delayed to our shop. Part six of the "War of the Green Lanterns" arc. I liked this issue a lot. Tomasi is moving the story along well. I liked how the rings seem to be effecting the guys a bit. The art by Pasarin was nice mostly through out. I like the double-page spread on 2 and 3. Enjoying this arc a lot as it has room to move (ten parts across three monthly titles).

Batman: the Brave and the Bold #7 - an early adventure of Batman teams him up with the golden-age Green Lantern (Alan Scott). Rich Burchett and Dan Davis really captured the feel just right. Always enjoy their work. Sholly Fisch penned a nice tale too - it fit well with the continuity of the cartoon. I also liked the return of the "upfront" mission (of sorts). I miss that aspect in the book. It is part of the show, it should be part of the book.

Tears For Fears - Songs From the Big Chair

In 1985, the synth-pop due Tears For Fears released their second and highest album to date - Songs From the Big Chair. The album peaked at number 2 in their native UK and number 1 on the US album charts. The title of the album comes from the 1976 television film Sybil, about a woman who suffers from a multiple personality disorder and only feels at ease while sitting in her analyst’s "big chair".

Echo and the Bunnymen - Ocean Rain

On May 8th of 1984, the British band Echo & the Bunnymen released their fourth studio album Ocean Rain. The band took a more rock sound approach to the music on this release.

a-ha - Hunting High and Low

A Norwegian new wave band called a-ha made quite a splash on the music scene with their 1985 debut album Hunting High and Low. The group had formed a few years earlier, but their big break came thanks to an innovative video for the song “Take on Me” that ran constantly on MTV.

The album, which was released on June 1st of 1985, went to number 17 in Italy, number 15 on the US Billboard Album chart, number 12 in Canada, number 10 in Germany and Switzerland, number 7 in France, number 2 in the UK, and number 1 in Austria, Norway, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Bruce Springsteen - Born In the U.S.A.

On June 4th of 1984, New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen released his seventh studio album Born in the U.S.A.. Backed by his E. Street Band, the Boss took a different direction from his previous release Nebraska; this new album contained songs of hope and were much more uptempo.

The record was a commercial success. It was the best-selling album of 1985 in the United States. It was also Springsteen’s most successful album ever: it produced seven Top 10 hits (tying Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Jane Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.

Hairspray (soundtrack, 2007)

Welcome to another edition of “Soundtrack Sunday”.

Back in June 2008, I had caught the 2007 film adaptation of the Broadway show Hairspray on cable and blogged my thoughts on the film. Today I want to do a specific focus on the songs from the soundtrack album.

ABBA - ABBA

Welcome to another edition of "Seventies Saturday".

ABBA had already been gaining worldwide success coming off their previous album Waterloo. In 1975, the pop quartet released their self-titled third album ABBA, which went to number one in many countries (their native Sweden, Norway, Zimbabwe, Poland and Australia). The United States was late to get on the bandwagon; the album only reached 174 on the Billboard 200 album charts.

Comic Books of the Week (5/4/11)

Adventure Comics #526 - sadly, Phil Jimenez is only doing the covers, but Geraldo Borges has stepped up to the art on the main feature and did a great job. Enjoyed the Legion Academy lead very much. This is a fine addition to the Legion mythos. The backup tale with Xs was alright - good to see the character back but was hoping for a bit more meat. Always good to see the Moys artwork.

JSA All-Stars #18 - man, that final issue for the series was painful. The storyline seemed very rushed as was the artwork. And the whole destruction of a 500-mile radius part of upstate NY (actually, that's most of the state if you do the math right) - yikes! What editor approved of that? It would have major ramifications on other books, but, of course, you know it won't. Poor decision and poor continuity. Sigh.

Secret Six #33 - Gail Simone and J. Calafiore are on fire, and know that was not a Hell reference. They continue to add depth to these villains. This is how to tell a great story. If you like your books with dark humor and a lot of edge, this is a comic you should be reading. Consistenly one of the best each month.

Tina Turner - Private Dancer

Sometimes the fifth time is a charm.

Tina Turner had been active in the music business for over 25 years; first as one half of a 60’s duo with then husband Ike Turner and later as a solo artist starting in 1974. It took ten years and one amazing album to make her a solo super-star. It was all due to her May 29th of 1984 release Private Dancer.

Devo - Freedom of Choice

People tend to consider this band from Akron, Ohio, as an 80’s band but Devo actually got their start in the late 70’s. When the new decade ushered in, they greeted it with their third studio album Freedom of Choice. With this May 1980 release, the band moved to a more obvious synth sound, though guitars were played a big part too. The record did fairly well on the Billboard album charts, peaking at number 22 with a total run of fifty-one weeks. It also hit number 75 in Canada, number 47 in the UK, number 9 in New Zealand and number 5 in Australia. It also contains one of the band’s most well-known songs.

Journey - Escape

Here is an album review, by request, from one of my faithful followers on Twitter. I always appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

On July 31st of 1981, the San Francisco based band Journey released their seventh studio album Escape which has become one of the biggest sellers of their career (second only to their greatest hits compilation). It went to number 59 in Germany, number 32 in the UK, number 26 in Japan, number 6 in Canada, and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It has been certified platinum many times over and features four hit singles as well as a couple album-oriented-rock radio staples. It was also the first album by the band with new keyboardist Jonathan Cain (who replaced Gregg Rolie who had left the band the prior year).

the Replacements - Let It Be

In 1984, the Minneapolis punk rock band the Replacements decided to change up their sound a little bit for their third studio album Let It Be. The lyrics became a little more genuine and the musical arrangements a bit more detailed. The end result record might not have been a big seller but it was a critical success. It appeared on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Albums of the 1980’s (at number 15) and 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time (at number 239). VH1 ranked it number 79 on their list of 100 Greatest Albums of Rock and Roll. Spin magazine put it at number 12 on their list of 25 Greatest Albums of All Time. It also appears on the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list.

The Style Council - Café Bleu

In 1983, former singer/guitarist for the Jam Paul Weller formed a new group with keyboardist Mick Talbot, drummer Steve White and vocalist Dee C. Lee. They also had studio performers on saxophone, trumpet and violin. Together they were known as the Style Council. Their debut album Café Bleu was released on March 23rd of 1984 and went to number 2 on their native UK charts. Over in the US, the album was renamed My Ever Changing Moods to capitalize on their hit single’s popularity.

Comic Books of the Week (4/27/11)

Brightest Day #24 (of 24) - the final issue where all things are answered, sort of. After last issues surprising reveal of Swamp Thing returning to the DCU proper, this issue completes the saga (for now) of the white lantern. It also opens up plotlines for upcoming Aquaman, Firestorm, and Hawkman series - plus the upcoming Search For Swamp Thing mini. I have to say that overall I enjoyed this mini, mostly because it really helped return so many great characters back into the spotlight - a spotlight that should continue in the next year. For that, this mini worked for me.

Justice League: Generation Lost #24 (of 24)- again, another final issue. This one sort of ended as I expected - as a lead-in to a new Justice League International series. But the overall story was long, drawn out, and in the end not quite so satisfying. In hindsight, this is probably one I could have skipped entirely and been perfectly fine with doing so. Ah well.

Justice Society of America #50 - the anniversary was a mixed bag. I loved the first 10 pages because of George Perez' art. The next six pages is sort of a prelude to the later part of the issue - kind of dull and the art by Freddie Williams II not so appealing (hard to follow Perez). The next 10 pages didn't give me anything new story-wise (seen it all before) and the Howard Chaykin art was pretty uneven. The final 20 pages read like a regular issue of the book - with Tom Derenick art which was good. The story deals with Jay Garrick becoming mayor of Monument Point, the return of Degaton, and a mystery involving Jessie Quick that will be the focus of future issues I am sure. So, overall, it was only 50% for me.

the Flash #11 - "the Road to Flashpoint" continues - with an intervention? Seriously? For a book about speedsters, this issue was sort of a drag. I get that there needed to be some interaction between Barry and his supporting cast (Iris, Jay, Wally and Bart) but this wasn't the best way to do it. I was bored. The only saving parts were the stuff with Hot Pursuit and the Reverse Flash.

Grease 2 (soundtrack)

Welcome to another edition of Soundtrack Sunday.

On June 11th of 1982, Grease 2, the not-so-famous sequel to the original film (which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John), rolled into theatres. Unlike Grease, this one didn't have any top ten hits. It didn't have any mega-star power (most of the cast were relative unknowns at the time or had only appeared in a few films prior - but some went on to do some amazing stuff). It wasn't based on a Broadway show. It is also a film that is very polarizing - people either absolutely love it or they completely hate it. Very little middle ground. I most definitely fall into the former camp.