Sunday, September 29, 2013

Everything you need to know about The Incredible Hulk, Season One

The Incredible Hulk was a television series that was based on the popular Marvel comics character, The Hulk, and aired on CBS from 1978-1982.  After a writers strike ended, the show was abruptly cancelled, despite good ratings and a loyal following.  I loved this show as a kid, and was thrilled to receive the complete series on DVD from my sister and niece a few years back for my birthday.  I wolfed through that box set in like 3 months, and I've started watching them again recently.  Here is a quick review of all 12 season one episodes ...




(1) The Incredible Hulk

The two hour pilot that started it all.  11 months after losing his wife in a car accident, Dr David Banner exposes himself to an overdose of gamma radiation, in an attempt to find the inner strength he lacked on the night of the accident, only to discover that he transforms into a powerful creature in moments of extreme rage.  Dr Banner and his colleague, Dr Elaine Marks, begin research to reverse the effect, and her life is taken in a lab fire, caused accidentally by a newspaper reporter looking for information about the creature.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Trying to change the tire on the car
Dreaming while being evaluated by Dr Marks
During the fire that took Dr Marks' life

My take

Great episode.  It sets the tone for what to expect for the rest of the series.  Richard Kiel (the giant from Happy Gilmore) was originally supposed to play the Hulk, but despite his height, didn't have the physique desired for the role.  He can be seen very briefly as the Hulk, looking up at a tree, but shortly after filming that scene, was replaced by Lou Ferrigno.   5 stars.


(2)  Death in the Family

Another two hour episode.  After helping a young girl (Julie) who passed out, David takes a job a farm hand, only to find out that the girl's stepmother and her doctor are trying to kill her to inherit her father's estate.  This is Gerald McRaney's first of four appearances on the show, this time around as antagonist Denny Kayle, a lackey of the young girl's stepmother.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Bullied by Denny and Co.
Attacked by a paranoid Julie
While in quicksand

My take

Another solid episode.  McRaney was great, as he is in future appearances.  5 stars.


(3) The Final Round

A young boxer (Rocky) saves David from muggers, and is offered a job in his gym.  Soon, David comes to realize that Mr Sariego, Rocky's boss, is a big time drug dealer.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked by muggers
While tied up in a cage above the ring

My take

Not the best episode.  I mean, there were 82 of them, so they can't all be great.  3 stars.




(4) The Beast Within

David takes a job as a janitor at a zoo in an attempt to meet a scientist that specializes in genetic research.  He soon realizes that the zoo officials are involved in a South American diamond smuggling sting.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked by an ape while locked in a cage
While tied to a beam, just before being injected with poison

My take

I liked this one a lot.  Good chemistry between Bixby and that gal from Benson.  4 stars.


(5) Of Guilt, Models and Murder

Shortly after a transformation, David realizes he's at the scene of a murder.  Unsure if he committed it, he starts to put pieces together and learns the true culprit.  Loni Anderson plays the antagonist, Sheila.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked by a pitbull
While trapped in a car that is being prepared to be crushed

My take

Forgettable episode.  The worst of season 1 by far.  2 stars.


(6) Terror in Times Square

David takes a job in an arcade, the owner is being blackmailed, and he uncovers a murder plot.

The "Hulk-Outs"

After being chased and beaten
In a taxi cab that won't move

My take

Not great, but not too bad.  3 stars.


(7) 747

Trouble finds David on a flight to Chicago to see a doctor about his condition.  A pilot and a flight attendant conspire to steal Egyptian artifacts, and when there is no one left to fly the plane, it's up to David to land the plane.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Locked in an airplane safe
While trying to land the plane

My take

One of my favorites as a kid, and I still love it today.  One of the better "Hulk-Outs" of all time, when David was trying to land the plane.  You can tell he's trying his best not to transform, and they do a great job extending this for dramatic purposes.   5 stars.



(8) The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas

David takes a job at a casino, and a reporter investigates mob activity at the casino.  After the reporter is injured by the mob, he asks David to deliver his information to his friend, Jack McGee, who is the same reporter that accidentally started the fire that took Dr Marks life, and has been chasing the creature ever since.

The "Hulk-Outs"

Attacked by mob boss in casino
While being buried alive

My take

Not a great episode.  3 stars.


(9) Never Give a Trucker an Even Break

The woman that picks David up while hitchhiking also has a plan to take back the tank truck that was stolen from her father.

The "Hulk-Outs"

While on a pay phone
After crashing a car

My take

The episode feels more like an episode of Dukes of Hazzard.  After his first "Hulk-Out", David says, "I really have to buy shirts that stretch."  The episode ends with a country version of "The Lonely Man" playing in the background.  3 stars.


(10) Life and Death

While hitchhiking to a hospital to meet a doctor about an experimentation, David befriends a pregnant woman, and soon realizes that the doctor he's meeting is also selling babies on the black market.

The "Hulk-Outs"

While being injected with morphine
After falling down the stairs

My take

I kind of like this one, but I think it could have been better.  I was close to giving this 4 stars, but will go with 3 stars.


(11) Earthquakes Happen

David impersonates a plant safety expert in an attempt to access gamma radiation equipment, but his plan is thrown off by suspicious plant personnel and a massive earthquake.

The "Hulk-Outs"

During earthquake
During steam explosion

My take

Very well written, the first episode that David takes on a persona other than "David".  4 stars.


(12) The Waterfront Story

David takes a job as a bartender, and he and his new boss soon find themselves in the middle of a dock worker's union dispute

The "Hulk-Outs"

While helping dock workers being attacked
Beaten up at the bar
While locked in a crate

My take

Good chemistry between David and the owner of the bar.  A good way to end the season.  4 stars.



Thursday, September 26, 2013

newgazzi Vol 08

I've been saying this for eight months.  I only feature songs I love on newgazzi.  I spend as much time as I need to in order to bring you 15 songs that I think are great.  But I have to be honest.  It took a lot longer to get to these 15 songs than usual.  That's not a knock on any of these songs.  It's a knock on the other 400 or so that I listened to while finding these 15.  In the end, this may go down as one of my favorite playlists.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Wild Child, Denison Witmer, Islands and The Greencards all had recorded new material, and I wasn't even aware that Macca was releasing new music (his first album of original material in 6 years).    This month, I discovered Magic Man, In the Valley Below, Dawn of Midi and Tedeschi Trucks Band, and can't wait to see what they all do next.  Amason's EP is probably my favorite recording of the last few months, and therefore, got the Anna Vogelzang / The Franklin Electric double treatment of TWO tracks on the playlist.  Thank you to Denison Witmer, In the Valley Below and Dawn of Midi for your kind words about newgazzi, and keep doing great things in music!  The waiting is over .... here it is !

01.  "Crazy Bird" by Wild Child (from the LP The Runaround)
02.  "New" by Paul McCartney (from the LP New)
03.  "Texas" by Magic Man (from the EP You Are Here)
04.  "Parachutes" by Amason (from the EP Amason)
05.  "Peaches" by In the Valley Below (from the EP Peaches)
06.  "Wave Forms" by Islands (from the LP Ski Mask)
07.  "Keep Moving Brother, Keep Moving Sister" by Denison Witmer (from the LP Denison Witmer)
08.  "Dysnomia" by Dawn of Midi (from the LP Dysnomia)
09.  "Red Light" by Eddie Murphy & Snoop Lion (single)
10.  "Summer Painter" by Bill Callahan (from the LP Dream River)
11.  "Black, Black Water" by The Greencards (from the LP Sweetheart of the Sun)
12.  "Went to War" by Amason (from the EP Amason)
13.  "Demon to Lean On" by Wavves (from the LP Afraid of Heights)
14.  "What Goes Boom" by Pixies (from the EP EP1)
15.  "Part of Me" by Tedeschi Trucks Band (from the LP Made Up Mind)







Twitter Gold: Sept 26

I don't want to live in a world without The Onion.
















Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Twitter Gold: Sept 25

Paper cut, perhaps?






This is a really funny idea.






Somewhere in Wisconsin, Gary Schwingle is making a waiver wire move ...






Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Twitter Gold: Sept 24

It's sad to think I put more time and thought into not playing Montee Ball on my fantasy team than the Broncos did to decide who would carry the ball on the goal line last night ...






A sign, buddy?  How the hell old are you ??








Monday, September 23, 2013

Twitter Gold: Sept 23


This is sad, considering the odds of this happening any given Sunday are 1 in 8 ....





Is there anything worse than realizing that you're out of your favorite cereal?  And don't say, "childhood cancer", you know what I mean ...






My favorite twitter account ...






Sunday, September 22, 2013

The final newgazzi track for September belongs to ....

Tedeschi Trucks Band !  The song is called "Part of Me", and this is stripped down performance by the entire band.  The video features a little bit of touch football, too!  Check back on Friday to hear newgazzi Vol 8, in its entirety !

Introducing ... Dawn of Midi !!

I'm torn.  I very much want you to hear this music, but listening to just one track from the album Dysnomia, from Dawn of Midi is a bit of a disservice.  This album is incredible, from start to finish.  It's an instrumental record, featuring Amino Belyamani on piano, Aakaash Israni on bass and Qasim Naqvi on drums.  I discovered this record a few weeks back, and just can't enough.  Here's the title track, and I implore you to check out there bandcamp page to hear the entire album.   And check back to hear newgazzi Vol 8 on Friday, September 27th, featuring Dawn of Midi and many other great artists !

Bandcamp Page for Dawn of Midi's Dysnomia





Saturday, September 21, 2013

Todd Kemper enjoys Wavves

My buddy Todd has been raving over an album by a band called Wavves.  The album is called Afraid of Heights, and he's already calling it the album of the year.  I've heard it a few times, and while I'm not ready to put it on the same pedestal that Mr Kemper has, the song "Demon to Lean On" is catchy enough to brand the newgazzi stamp of approval on it.  So here it is !

Friday, September 20, 2013

Ladies and Gentelemen ... Islands !!

Nicholas Thornburn is responsible for one of my all time favorite albums, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone by The Unicorns.  Shortly after that record came out, the band disbanded, never to be heard from again.  Since then, Thornburn's musical focus has been on his current band, Islands.  Their record, Arm's Way, was one of my favorites of 2008.  Islands are back with a new record called Ski Mask.  Today's newgazzi track is called "Wave Forms".  Check back a week from today to hear newgazzi Vol 8 in its entirety .

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Introducing ... Wild Child !!

Timing is everything.  When I woke up this morning, I got an email from NoiseTrade that said Wild Child was giving their first album away for free!  Always a nice email to get!  It's a good way to make new fans.  One problem.  I'm already a HUGE fan.  "Pillow Talk", the first album released by Wild Child, came out in the fall of 2011, and I sampled it on iTunes and bought it right after it came out.  But, guess what, newgazzi fans?  The download also includes a track from their latest album, "The Runaround", which comes out next month.  The song is called "Crazy Bird", and is crazy good.  Check back on Friday, September 27th to see where "Crazy Bird" lands on newgazzi Vol 8 !!




If you want to get your mitts on a copy of "Pillow Talk", look no further ... but this is too good to be giving away, so tip kindly !!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

It's National Cheeseburger Day

Too early for a cheeseburger??

Introducing ... Bill Callahan !!

Ever since I heard the song "Eid Ma Clack Shaw" on the May 2009 Paste Samper, Bill Callahan has been a favorite of mine.  His album "Apocalypse" is one of my favorites from 2011, and his work with Smog over the years is worth checking out.  I recommened "Supper" or "Knock Knock".  Callahan released a new album yesterday called "Dream River", and I definitely recommend giving this man your disposable income.  He has one of the most unique voices in music today.  Today's newgazzi track is called "Summer Painter".

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Introducing ... In the Valley Below !!

There is a lot of great music being released today.  I'm very excited to purchase the new release from Elvis Costello and The Roots.  It looks like Island have a new record out.  But the recording I've spent the most time with thus far this morning is an EP called "Peaches" by a band called In the Valley Below.  I did not catch their performance on Letterman in late August, but through the magic of the world wide interwebs, here it is .... performing the song "Peaches".  And to all my Chicago friends, if you don't have plans on the 7th of October, they will be playing at the Metro.  And check back on Friday, Sept 27 to see where "Peaches" ends up on newgazzi Vol 8.




Monday, September 16, 2013

Introducing ... Magic Man !!

I'm gonna be honest.  Music sounds better when you go 3-0 in fantasy sports during the weekend.  Either way, I'd like to introduce a band called Magic Man to you.  Their EP, "You Are Here" was released earlier this month, and it is sonic bliss, and today's newgazzi track is called "Texas".



And they have a pretty cool website, too ...  Official Website of Magic Man Music

Check back on Friday, September 27th to hear the final sequencing of newgazzi Vol 8, featuring Magic Man, Denison Witmer, Amason, The Greencards, Eddie Murphy, Pixies, some guy named Paul (McCartney), and many others ...

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Introducing ... Amason !!

No, not the internet wholesaler.  That's Amazon.  This is Amason.  I discovered their EP a few weeks back on iTunes, and I'm telling you, all five songs are great.  So great, that they are indeed getting the Anna Vogelzang and The Franklin Electric treatment this month.  You know what that means!  This band is being featured TWICE this month.

First, here is the video for track 4 of their EP.  The song is called "Went to War"



The second song is called "Parachutes", and it's track 3 of that same EP.  I cannot find any audio for it, but you can sample 90 seconds of it at iTunes.  It will be well worth your time.

Check back on Friday, September 27th for the sequencing of newgazzi Vol 8, featuring Pixies, Paul McCartney, Eddie Murphy, Denison Witmer, The Greencards, Amason and much more !

Friday, September 13, 2013

Introducing ... The Greencards !!

I believe it was Ray Charles who once said, "There are only two kinds of music as far as I'm concerned: good and bad.  He was right.  I don't really enjoy putting labels on music, myself.  I either enjoy it or I don't.  And I've been telling people since February that I'm not a critic.  I don't write about music that I don't enjoy or doesn't move me.

The Greencards ... this is good music.  No, I'm wrong.  It's great music.  They've been around since 2003, and have just released their sixth album, "Sweetheart of the Sun".  Their sound can be described as bluegrass, Americana .... again, I don't like putting labels on it, because that can sometimes prevent someone from giving a certain band the time of day.  If you're a fan of the music that I've helped to promote and give exposure to, you'll have to trust me when I say that The Greencards are the real deal. Take some time to listen to some of their stuff on iTunes.  Just like I did yesterday, I'm going to share today's newgazzi track of the day, which is called "Black, Black Water", and an acoustic version of a song I fell in love with 4 years ago, called "Fascination".   If you like what you hear, I recommend purchasing the new record, and if you live in one of the cities they are visiting, check them out!

Upcoming Tour Stops for The Greencards




















Thursday, September 12, 2013

Introducing ... Denison Witmer !!

There's nothing I like more than sharing the music of an artist I love on newgazzi, and having people who may not be familiar with the artist tell me they have instantly become fans, based on what I've shared with them.  It happened with Emily Forst.  It happened with Anna Vogelzang.  It happened with Dietrich Gosser.  And today, I believe that will happen after you listen to the music of Denison Witmer.

Back in 2007, I started subscribing to Paste Magazine, and couldn't wait to receive my free sampler each month.  I made a hobby of taking the 20-22 song sampler, and creating my own 12 song playlist from those songs.  I still have those playlists saved in iTunes.  I even went back to 2002, and purchased the older issues, and created playlists based on those tracks (because I am a completist).  Yesterday morning, I was reading on the porch, and started to play one of the samplers from 2008.  Now, I've heard these songs featured on these samplers dozens of times (some of them hundreds), but there was a song that made me put the book down, walk over to the mac and say, "Who is this, I've always liked this song, and I think it's time to hear more from him"  The song was called Life Before Aesthetics, and the gentlemen's name is Denison Witmer. 


So, I decided to see what Mr Witmer has been up to, and it turns out, he released a new album earlier this year.  So I took a few minutes to sample the entire album on iTunes, and quickly realized that I had been missing out.  The album is great, and now, I can't wait to dive into his previous recordings.  


The song I want to share with you is called "Keep Moving Brother, Keep Moving Sister".  I didn't know this at the time, but as I'm prepping this column (I call them columns to make myself feel more important), I've come to realize that Mr Witmer is offering a free download of this song on his website.  I've also been made aware that paste.com was the website that premiered the video for the song.

Here is the link to his website ...Official Dension Witmer Website

Here is the video for "Keep Moving Brother, Keep Moving Sister" ...


And as a bonus, I'd like to share with you the song that made me want to know more about this incredible musician ...  here is a live performance of "Life Before Aesthetics", performed at Beachland Tavern in Cleveland on Sept 11, 2009.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

"New"gazzi

Today's newgazzi track is a new song, and it's called "New".  How appropriate!  The artist is someone you may have heard of ... his name is James Paul McCartney.  Pixies, Eddie Murphy, McCartney ... my little mom and pop playlist is slowly becoming Walmart !

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sorry Indie Artists, Eddie Murphy is Here

The newgazzi playlist knows no boundaries.  We play pop, rock, jazz, blues, country, singer-songwriter, folk, local artists, and yes, occasionally, multi millionaire comedians not necessarily known for their music.  See Steve Martin in newgazzi Vol 5.  

I felt nostalgic watching The Arsenio Hall Show last night.  The set look almost identical to the one he used from 1989-1994.  Arsenio is very engaging, and I can see myself tuning in, especially with no Fallon in Milwaukee (damn you Time Warner Cable and/or WTMJ ... get your shit together, SNL premieres in three weeks).  His musical guest was Snoop Dogg and/or Lion.  He talked about recording with Eddie Murphy. I wasn't sure until later in the interview if they were kidding or not.  Well, I listened to their song this morning, and I really like it.  Don't worry, NoiseTrade enthusiasts, there is plenty of room left on this playlist.  There are some great albums coming out this month, but I used a lot of the lead singles in previous volumes of newgazzi, so I'm still looking for some great new stuff!  Enjoy "Red Light" from Eddie Murpahy and Calvin Braodus Jr.


Monday, September 9, 2013

The Real Mr 3,000

With all due respect to the late Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, the real Mr 3000 in Milwaukee is, and always will be Robin Yount.  21 years ago today, a 16 year old kid took a break from his job as a soft pretzel vendor at County Stadium to witness Yount single off Jose Mesa for base hit #3000.  With tears running down my face, I turned around to give high-fives to Tim Van Vooren and John Anderson.  Still the greatest in-person moment from my life as a Brewers fan.  The Braun grand slam vs Pittsburgh in Sept of 2008 is a close 2nd, but I think this will always be #1.







A little Pixies never hurt nobody

Never mind my double negative, there's no time for that.  Instead, won't you enjoy today's newgazzi track of the day.  It comes from Pixies, or as some people call them "The Pixies".  I didn't become a fan until Dan Lozoff introduced me to them about 10 years ago, and didn't realize until shortly thereafter that Kurt Cobain was a huge fan of theirs.  The song I'm featuring is called "What Goes Boom" and can be heard on their new release, "EP1".  All four songs are great, but this is the one I like the most ...

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

John, Lydia, Huw, Rudi and Joey's Excellent Adventure

Six months ago, I decided to create a monthly playlist of new music.  I called it newgazzi.  Within about six weeks, my daily readership went up about 480%, so I decided to change the name of the blog from "The Litmus Configuration" to "newgazzi", because that is what people were coming back for.  Who would have thought that I would end up driving one of the bands I helped promote from Chicago to Cleveland.  They are The Melodic ... Huw, Lydia, Rudi, and John.  We spent 8 hours in my Kia Rondo, I fed them trail mix, pretzels, grapes and diet snapple, we listened to great music, I high-fived Huw or Rudi when their song came on the newgazzi playlist they were featured in, and our adventure culminated at Johnny's Little Bar for burgers and wings.  Here are a few photos of our day together, and the video for their single, "On My Way", which was featured on newgazzi Vol 7 at the end of August.  Check out their On My Way EP on iTunes, and look for their full length album, "Effra Parade" in stores on November 5th !!