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John Barrowman at Comic Con 2014

Posted in Comic Con, Music, News, Television on August 18, 2014| Leave a Comment »

John Barrowman at Comic Con 2014 (Photo By: Rueben)

John Barrowman at Comic Con 2014 (Photo By: Rueben)

Actor-singer John Barrowman is a fan favorite at Comic Con (not that dissimilar to the regard that fans have for actor Nathan Fillion); and Saturday afternoon of the 4-day event last month found a legend of his fans hitting up one of the ballrooms in the nearby Bayfront Hilton Hotel to hear him regal them with stories.

The energetic actor was on fire that afternoon, answering question after question by his adoring fans, sharing interesting stories about his many TV and stage roles as well as some of his favorite things. The following is just a sample of the things he shared:

• He hopes that fans will get to see Captain Jack again despite the fact that he was told “Torchwood is dead”; he would also love to see Captain Jack return to the world of Doctor Who, but he has “not been asked to come back”;

• He would love to appear in the stage play Hedwig and the Angry Inch, but he just doesn’t have time right now, but he does have his “eye on other musicals in the future”;

• He knew he would be back on Arrow because it’s “hard to kill Malcolm Merlyn”, joking that he is “the Lex Luthor of that world” and he revealed that it was actually his husband Scott’s idea of Malcolm being Thea’s dad;

• When he read the script of Arrow, he “loved it’ and he shared that the third season will open in the limo with Malcolm and Thea (just where the second season left off); and that they were to start filming on August 6;

• He is very proud of the “Hollow Earth” books he has published with his sister Carole and he would love to see those stories adapted to the screen someday;

• He shared that his favorite comic book character to play if he had the chance would be either Captain America, Robin (from Batman and Robin) or “truth be told” Wonder Woman;

• While the play “Anything Goes” changed his life, he doesn’t like to pick a favorite musical, but he did say that Cole Porter has been a big influence in his life;

• He did, however, pick a favorite Doctor when asked, sharing that David Tennant is his favorite and he also made the choice when asked that he would “kill 9, marry 10 and shag 11” [he also joked that he wouldn’t want to make these choices except he was asked];

• He shared that there will be some kind of “fan thing” coming up with the Arrow cast, but he could not elaborate what that would be; and,

• The entire audience recorded a “Happy Birthday” message to his nephew who was celebrating his special day overseas, making John a very happy man.

All too soon the panel came to an end after having a great experience with the song and dance man who will be seen as a series regular on Arrow starting this fall when the show returns for its third season on The CW starting on October 8 at 8/7c.

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Name That Song: Star-Crossed Music

Posted in Music, News, Television, Video on March 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Star CrossedFor anyone who watched the pilot episode of the new CW drama Star-Crossed, you may have been curious about the featured song that was used in the final scene where Roman (lead actor Matt Lanter) saves the life of Julia (series regular Malese Jow), the best friend of Emery (lead actress Aimee Teegarden), the girl who saved his life on arrival day when the Atrians crash-landed on Earth.

The song “Aquarius” is actually a remake of the classic hit “The Age of Aquarius” by the 1960’s band The 5th Dimension.

If you are anything like me, that song has been haunting me (in a good way) since the pilot – which I actually got to screen last summer – and thanks to the folks over at TV Line, we now know the name of the duo who sings it. They are called Digital Daggers, a Los Angeles based duo, consisting of vocalist Andrea Wasse and multi-instrumentalist and producer Jason “Space” Smith.

You can listen to the song here, which is the “official lyric video” for the song.

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BREAKING NEWS: Veronica Mars Movie Soundtrack and Original Score

Posted in Breaking News, Geekdom, Movies, Music, News, Television on February 7, 2014| Leave a Comment »

The following comes straight from Rob Thomas, Veronica Mars series creator and writer-director of the much-anticipated box office film (copied verbatim):

Music has always been an essential part of Veronica Mars. Over the years, I’ve heard from a lot of fans who still listen to the soundtrack from the television series, telling me that Veronica Mars introduced them to Tegan & Sara, Mike Doughty, The Faders, Something Happens, Cotton Mather and more. As someone who loves music, it feels good to introduce more people to musicians I enjoy.

Music has always been important to me. While I was working on the film script last spring, there were a handful of songs that I kept listening to. Some of those songs were even mentioned in the script to describe the emotional tone I wanted for certain scenes. And when I met with Kasey Truman, our music supervisor, that playlist was the first thing we discussed.

Now that we’re almost done with the final sound mix, I’m excited to confirm that many of those songs will be on the official soundtrack album, which I’ve just learned will be available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon starting next week. And for those of you who also loved Josh Kramon’s score for the original series, and were disappointed that it was never released for sale, even more good news:

WaterTower Music will release not one, but two Veronica Mars albums in March:

The OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK will be available on March 4.
The OFFICIAL FILM SCORE will be available on March 14.

And I’ve got the cover art to prove it:

VM Score

Our movie has a soundtrack AND a score, both from WaterTower records!

You’ll be pleased to know that, yes, The Dandy Warhols are back.

I was also going to tell you that the official soundtrack will include tracks from Mr. Twin Sister, Sufjan Stevens, and Emperor X, among others. But then I found out that I’m allowed to share the entire track list with you:

We Used To Be Friends (Alejandro Escovedo)
Go Captain and Pinlighter (Emperor X)
Holding My Breath (Mr. Twin Sister)
All Around and Away We Go (Mr. Twin Sister)
Criminal (ZZ Ward – ft. Freddie Gibbs)
Chicago (Sufjan Stevens)
Stick Up (Max)
Never Give In (Mackintosh Braun)
Prosthetic Love (Typhoon)
You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Lou Rawls)
Second Chances (Gregory Alan Isakov)
We Used To Be Friends (The Dandy Warhols)
Mug Shot (Max) *bonus track – on digital album only.

For those who have been asking, one of the tracks – Stick Up, by Max – is the same song featured in the last 30 seconds of our official trailer. And yes, you’ll also hear it in the movie.

Mark those calendars for the soundtrack and original score release dates and make sure to see Veronica Mars at your local theatre on March 14.

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Year-End Round-Up: Condolences for 2013

Posted in Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »

The following industry personalities (listed in alphabetical order) passed away in 2013 and heartfelt condolences are extended to their families, friends and fans:

Chrissy Amphlett (Lead Singer of Band Divinyls)
Allan Arbus (Actor – M*A*S*H)

Conrad Bain (Actor – Diff’rent Strokes)
Karen Black (Actress – Five Easy Pieces)
Henry Bromell (Veteran TV Writer-Producer)
Eileen Brennan (Legendary Actress – Private Benjamin)
Marc Breaux (Legendary Choreographer of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music)
Dr. Joyce Brothers (Renowned Psychologist)

Mary Carver (Actress, Simon & Simon)
Scott Carpenter (Second American Astronaut to Orbit Earth)
Van Cliburn (Acclaimed Classical Pianist)
Tom Clancy (Best-Selling Author)
Joe Conley (Actor – Ike Godsey on The Waltons)
Jeanne Cooper (Daytime TV Grand Dame [and mother of actor Corbin Bernsen]

Diane Disney Miller (Philanthropist and daughter of late Walt Disney
Deanna Durbin (1930’s and 1940’s child star)

Roger Ebert (Movie Critic)
David R. Ellis (Director)

Dennis Farina (Actor – Get Shorty)
Bonnie Franklin (Actress – One Day at a Time)
Joan Fontaine (Legendary, Oscar-winning Actress)
Steve Forrest (Actor – S.W.A.T.)
Stuart Freeborn (Stars Wars Makeup Artist)
Annette Funicello (Actress-Singer – Original Mouseketeer on Mickey Mouse Club)

James Gandolfini (Actor – The Sopranos)
Gary David Goldberg (Creator of TV Series Family Ties)
Eydie Gorme (Singer and TV Performer)
Richard Griffiths (Actor – Harry Potter Franchise)

Ray Harryhausen (Special Effects Master0
Julie Harris (Legendary Actress – Knots Landing and East of Eden)
Richie Havens (Famed Folk Singer)
Jane Henson (Co-Creator of The Muppets)
Huell Howser (PBS Host in Southern California)

Dean Jeffries (Legendary Custom Car Maker)
George Jones (Legendary Country Singer)

Lisa Robin Kelly (Actress – That 70’s Show)
John Kerr (Stage and Screen Actor – South Pacific and Tea and Sympathy)
Ed Koch (Former New York City Mayor)
C. Everett Koop (Former Surgeon General)

Ed Lauter (Legendary Character Actor)
Elmore Leonard (Legendary Novelist and Screenwriter)

Nelson Mandela (Legendary South African Leader)
Ray Manzarek (Keyboard Player for The Doors)
Mindy McCready (Country Singer)
Cory Montheith (Actor-Singer – Glee)

Peter O’Toole (Legendary Actor)

Patti Page (Legendary Singer)
Margaret Pellegrini (Actress – The Wizard of Oz, one of the last surviving Munchkins)
Pauline Phillips (Creator of “Dear Abby”)
Reg Presley (Singer – “Wild Thing”)
Ray Price (Country Music Legend)

Lou Reed (Legendary Musician)

Robin Sachs (Actor – Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
August Schellenberg (Native American Actor – Free Willy)
Jean Stapleton (Legendary Actress – All in the Family)
Pat Summerall (NFL Broadcaster)

Margaret Thatcher (Former British Prime Minister)
Lee Thompson Young (Actor – Rizzoli & Isles)

Marcia Wallace (Actress, The Bob Newhart Show and Edna Krabappel on The Simpsons)
Paul Walker (Actor, Fast and Furious Franchise)
Esther Williams (Swimming Champion Turned Actress)
Jonathan Winters (Legendary Comedian)

NOTE: This list, in no way, covers all the industry talent who passed away this year. Again, condolences are extended to one and all.

Out of respect, please take a moment of silence.

TOMORROW: Ratings

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Year-End Round-Up: Awards of 2013

Posted in Awards, Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Every year there are lots of awards shows, some important, some just fun and numerous just silly or nonsensical, but the following list is just some of the top winners over the course of the year:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (January)

Favorite Movie Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Favorite Movie Actor: Robert Downey Jr.
Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games
Favorite Action Movie Star: Chris Hemsworth
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress: Emma Watson
Favorite Dramatic Movie: Perks of Being a Wallflower
Favorite Cable TV Comedy: Awkward.
Favorite Dramatic TV Actor: Nathan Fillion
Favorite Cable TV Drama: Leverage
Favorite New TV Drama: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite TV Crime Drama: Castle
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show: Supernatural
Favorite Male Artist: Jason Mraz
Favorite Band: Maroon 5

CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS (January)

Best Picture: Argo
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln
Best Actress: Jessica Chastain – Zero Dark Thirty
Best Supporting Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables
Best Young Actor/Actress: Quvenzhane Wallis – Beasts of the Southern Wild
Best Director: Ben Affleck – Argo
Best Animated Feature: Wreck-It Ralph
Best Actor in an Action Movie: Daniel Craig – Skyfall
Best Actress in an Action Movie: Jennifer Lawrence – The Hunger Games
Best Comedy: Silver Linings Playbook
Best Actor in a Comedy: Bradley Cooper – Silver Linings Playbook
Best Actress in a Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook
Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie: Looper
Best Song: “Skyfall” – performed by Adele/written by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS (January):

Motion Picture, Drama: Argo
Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: Les Misérables
Actor in Motion Picture, Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Actress in Motion Picture, Drama: Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Actor in Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables
Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Animated Feature Film: Brave
TV Series, Drama: Homeland
TV Movie or Miniseries: Game Change
Actor in a TV Series, Drama: Damian Lewis, Homeland
Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland
Actor in a TV Series, Comedy: Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys
Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Julianne Moore, Game Change
Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Ed Harris, Game Change
Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD (January)

Male Actor, Lead: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Female Actor, Lead: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Male Actor, Supporting: Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
Female Actor, Supporting: Anne Hathaway, Les Misérables
Ensemble Cast: Argo
Male Actor, TV Movie or Miniseries: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys
Female Actor, TV Movie or Miniseries: Julianne Moore, Game Change
Male Actor, Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Ensemble Cast, Drama: Downton Abbey
Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble: Game of Thrones
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Van Dyke

GRAMMY AWARDS (January)

Record of the Year: “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra
Album of the Year: Babel, Mumford & Sons
Song of the Year: “We Are Young,” fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
Best New Artist: fun.
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra
Best Pop Vocal Album: Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
Best Rock Performance: Lonely Boy, The Black Keys
Best Rock Song: “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys
Best Rock Album: El Camino, The Black Keys
Best Alternative Music Album: Making Mirrors, Gotye
Best Country Solo Performance: “Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Best Country Song: “Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Best Country Album: Uncaged, Zac Brown Band

ACADEMY AWARDS (February)

Best Motion Picture: Argo
Achievement in Directing: Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Anne Hathaway, Les Misérables
Original Score: Life of Pi, Mychael Danna
Best Animated Feature Film: Brave

PEABODY AWARDS (March)

Southland (TNT)
Switched at Birth (ABC Family)
Game Change (HBO)
Doctor Who (BBC America)

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS (May)

Top Hot 100 Song: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra
Top Hot 100 Artist: Maroon 5
Top Rock Artist: fun.
Top Rock Song: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra
Top Pop Album: Adele, 21
Top Rock Album: Mumford & Sons, Babel

CRITICS’ CHOICE TV AWARDS (June)

Drama Series: Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad
Actor in a Drama Series: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Actress in a Drama Series: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Michael Cudlitz, Southland
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Monica Potter, Parenthood
Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake

SATURN AWARDS (June)

Best Network Television Series: Revolution
Best Youth-Oriented Series on Television: Teen Wolf
Best Actor on Television: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Kevin Bacon (The Following) – tie
Best Actress on Television: Anna Torv (Fringe)
Best Guest Star on Television: Yvonne Strahovski (Dexter)

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD AWARDS (August)

Crossover of the Year: Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars
Actor of the Year: Kit Harington, Game of Thrones
Breakthrough Performance, Male: Liam James, The Way, Way Back
Breakthrough Performance, Female: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Superstar of Tomorrow, Female: AnnaSophia Robb, The Carrie Diaries

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCATION AWARDS (August)

Individual Achievement in Drama: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Individual Achievement in Comedy: Louis C.K., Louie
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: Bunheads, ABC Family
Outstanding New Program: The Americans, FX
Outstanding Achievement in Drama: Game of Thrones

TEEN CHOICE AWARDS (August)

Choice Movie Action: Iron Man 3″
Choice Movie Actor Action: Robert Downey, Jr., Iron Man 3
Choice Movie Actress Action: Anne Hathaway, The Dark Knight Rises
Choice Movie Drama: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Choice Movie Actor Drama: Logan Lerman, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Choice Movie Actress Drama: Emma Watson, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Choice Movie Comedy: Pitch Perfect
Choice Movie Actor Comedy: Skylar Astin, Pitch Perfect
Choice Movie Actress Comedy: Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect
Choice TV Show Drama: Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Actor Drama Ian Harding, “Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Actress Drama Troian Bellisario: Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Show Fantasy/Sci-Fi: The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Show Action: NCIS: Los Angeles
Choice TV Actor Action: LL Cool J, NCIS: Los Angeles
Choice TV Actress Action: Lucy Liu, Elementary
Choice TV Villain: Janel Parrish, Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Breakout Show: The Fosters
Choice R&B Artist: Bruno Mars
Choice Rock Group: Paramore
Choice Country Group: Lady Antebellum
Choice Rock Song: “Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons

IMAGEN AWARDS (August)

Best Primetime Television Program: Castle
Best Actor/Television: Jon Huertas, Castle
Best Actress/Television: Monica Raymund, Chicago Fire
Best Supporting Actor/Television: Carlos Gómez, The Glades
Best Supporting Actress/Television: Constance Marie, Switched at Birth

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (August)

Best Male Video: Bruno Mars, “Locked Out of Heaven”
Best Collaboration: P!nk feat. Nate Ruess, “Just Give Me a Reason”
Best Rock Video: Thirty Seconds to Mars, “Up in the Air”

EMMY AWARDS (September)

Best Drama: Breaking Bad
Lead Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland
Supporting Actor, Drama: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire
Supporting Actress, Drama: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad
Guest Actress, Drama: Carrie Preston, The Good Wife
Guest Actor, Drama: Dan Bucatinsky, Scandal
Lead Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Linney, The Big C: Hereafter
Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Ellen Burstyn, Political Animals

COUNTRY MUSIC AWADS (November)

Musical Event of the Year: “Highway Don’t Care”, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
Music Video of the Year: “Highway Don’t Care”, Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
Single of the Year: “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line
New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves
Album of the Year: Blake Shelton, “Based on a True Story”
Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (November)

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Single of the Year: Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly – “Cruise”
New Artist of the Year: Ariana Grande
Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock: Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock: Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist – Country: Luke Bryan
Favorite Female Artist – Country: Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Country: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Album – Country: Taylor Swift – Red
Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock: Imagine Dragons
Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary: Maroon 5
Favorite Artist – Latin Music: Marc Anthony
Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational: Matthew West
Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM): Avicii
Top Soundtrack: Pitch Perfect

Let’s send out a hearty congratulations to all of these winners (and the countless others who won awards) over the course of 2013. Are any of your favorites included above? Was there an actress, actor or entertainer who you thought should have received some type of award for their work in television, movies or music who isn’t listed above? Please share your thoughts.

TOMORROW: Condolences

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Year-End Round-Up: Music Moments in 2013

Posted in Music, Year End Round Up on December 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Music is an important aspect of all our lives, whether it is in your favorite TV series, playing on your car or office radio or more specifically on iTunes, Pandora or your iPod and/or phone or the latest box office film you have been anxiously waiting to see. Music, obviously, comes in many different formats: pop, hip hop, rap, metal, country, classic rock, inspirational, R&B, Latin, dance and much more.

Among some of the special music moments from this past year on television and at the box office are as follows:

Most Played Single of the Year – “Royal” by Lorde

Worst Performer of the Year (Hands Down Pathetic!) – Miley Cyrus

Best New Import – Avicii (from Sweden)

Best Overall Singer – P!nk

Actors Rocking on Stage and on the Big Screen – Zachary Levi (First Date) and Kristen Bell (Frozen)

Best New Artist [TIE] – Ariana Grande and Lorde

Best Country Band – Florida Georgia Line

Best Male Country Singer (TIE) – Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan

Top Rock Song – “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons

Best Duet – “Just Give Me a Reason” by P!nk and Nate Ruess

Best Rock Band – Thirty Seconds to Mars

Catchy-est Hit Single (TIE) – “I Love It” by Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX and “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood

Movie That Featured the Best New Songs – Frozen

Best Male Singer – Bruno Mars

Most Overhyped Performers (Three-Way TIE) – Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga

Can They Just Go Away Now (TIE) – One Direction and Justin Bieber

The One Song I Will Immediately Turn Off the Second I Hear It – “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke

Best New Band (Even Though They’ve Been Around Since 2010) – Fitz and the Tantrums

Most Consistent Performers – Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood

Most Moving Single – “Brave” by Sara Bareilles

Best Song Used in a TV Promo – “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy

Worst Viral Song and Video – “What Does the Fox Say” by Ylvis

Here’s the video to prove it!

Best Viral Group (Who Won Big on TV) – Pentatonix

Here’s just one of their videos to prove it: Wizard of Ahhhs with Todrick Hall

And, just to drive the point home about how talented Pentatonix is, here is another great video of them with violin virtuoso Lindsey Stirling doing the 2013 hit song “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons:

Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling

Lastly, the following isn’t really music related, but it is a great short film by Rainfall Films that proves a Wonder Woman movie can be made; now let’s see the powers that be move forward with the damn thing already, ok?

Wonder Woman

What artists moved you the most this year? Which ones disappointed you or just made you cringe? What song could you listen to over and over again? Please share your thoughts and comments on the best and worst of the music world this year.

TOMORROW: Awards

PS: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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Year-End Round Up: Condolences for 2012

Posted in Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

The following industry personalities (listed in alphabetical order) passed away in 2012 and heartfelt condolences are extended to their families, friends and fans:

Ian Abercrombie (Legendary British Actor)
Neil Armstrong (Astronaut)

Fontella Bass (Legendary Singer)
Maeve Binchy (Irish Author)
Lucille Bliss (Voice of Smurfette)
Ernest Borgnine (Legendary Actor)
Ray Bradbury (Legendary Author)
Peter Breck (Actor)
Helen Gurley Brown (Cosmopolitan Editor)
Dave Brubeck (Legendary Jazz Pianist and Composer)

Dick Clark (TV Host)
Gary Collins (Actor and TV Host)
Don Cornelius (TV Show, Soul Train)

Richard Dawson (Actor)
Phyllis Diller (Legendary Comedian)
Michael Clarke Duncan (Actor)
Charles Durning (Legendary Character Actor)

Nora Ephron (Director and Writer)
Chad Everett (Actor)

James Farentino (Actor)

Ben Gazzara (Actor)
Robin Gibb (Singer)
Andy Griffith (Legendary Actor)

Larry Hagman (Legendary Actor)
Marvin Hamlisch (Oscar-winning Composer)
Robert Hegyes (Actor, Welcome Back Kotter)
Sherman Hemsley (Actor, The Jeffersons)
Celeste Holm (Legendary Actress)
Whitney Houston (Singer-Actress)

Etta James (Legendary Singer)
Davy Jones (Singer-Actor)
Kathryn Joosten (Character Actress)

Alex Karras (Football Great-Actor)
Jack Klugman (Legendary Actor)

George Lindsay (Actor, The Andy Griffith Show)

Russell Means (Oglala Sioux Activist)
Nolan Miller (Fashion Designer)

Jerry Nelson (Voice of Sesame Street Characters)

Michael O’Hare (Actor)
Lupe Ontiveros (Latino Actress)

Ron Palillo (Actor, Welcome Back Kotter)
Joe Paterno (Disgraced Football Coach)

Deborah Raffin (Actress)
Sally Ride (Former Astronaut)
Jenni Rivera (Latin Singer and TV Star)
Ann Rutherford (Legendary Actress)

Vidal Sassoon (World-Renowned Hair Stylist)
Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf (Military Leader)
Tony Scott (Film Director)
Earl Scruggs (Blue Grass Artist)
Maurice Sendak (Children’s Book Author and Illustrator)
Ravi Shankar (Legendary Sitar Player and Father of Singer Norah Jones)
Robert Sherman (Songwriter)
Donna Summer (Singer)

Gore Vidal (Author)

Mike Wallace (Legendary Newscaster)
Doc Watson (Folk Musician)
Andy Williams (Legendary Singer)
William Windom (Legendary Actor)

Richard Zanuck (Legendary Producer)

NOTE: This list, in no way, covers all the industry talent who passed away this year. Again, condolences are extended to one and all.

Out of respect, please take a moment of silence before proceeding to the next section.

TOMORROW: Ratings

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Year-End Round Up: Awards for 2012

Posted in Awards, Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 26, 2012| 2 Comments »

Just like every other year, a lot of awards are given out this year with some very interesting and some very expected winners. And, while the following isn’t the full list of award winners for the past year (as that would be far TOO long) these are the highlights:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (January):

Favorite TV Drama Actress: Nina Dobrev
Favorite TV Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
Favorite Movie Star Under 25: Chloe Grace Moretz
Favorite Book Adaptation: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Favorite Cable TV Drama: Pretty Little Liars
Favorite TV Drama Actor: Nathan Fillion
Favorite TV Crime Drama: Castle
Favorite New TV Drama: Person of Interest
Favorite Movie Actor: Johnny Depp
Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Supernatural
Favorite Action Movie Star: Hugh Jackman
Favorite Comedic Movie Actress: Emma Stone
Favorite Country Artist: Taylor Swift

CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS (January):

Best Picture: The Artist
Best Actress: Viola Davis, The Help
Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The Help
Best Young Actor/Actress: Thomas Horn, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Best Acting Ensemble: The cast of The Help
Best Animated Feature: Rango
Best Song: “Life’s a Happy Song” from The Muppets
Best Costume Design: The Artist
Best Makeup: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Best Score: The Artist

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS (January):

Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: The Artist
Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Jean DuJardin, The Artist
Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Octavia Spencer, The Help
Director: Martin Scorsese, Hugo
TV Series, Drama: Homeland
TV Series, Comedy: Modern Family
TV Movie or Miniseries: Downton Abbey
Actress in a TV Series, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland
Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Idris Elba, Luther
Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD (January):

Male Actor, Supporting: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Stunt Ensemble, Motion Picture: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Male Actor, Drama Series: Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Female Actor, Drama Series: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Ensemble, Drama: Boardwalk Empire
Stunt Ensemble, Television Series: Game of Thrones

GRAMMY AWARDS (February):

Album of the Year: 21, Adele
Record of the Year: Rolling in the Deep, Adele
Country Album: Own the Night, Lady Antebellum
Song of the Year: Rolling in the Deep, Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
Rock Performance: Walk, Foo Fighters
R&B Performance: Is This Love, Corinne Bailey Rae
Country Solo Performance: Mean, Taylor Swift
Country Song: Mean, Taylor Swift
Rock Song: Walk, Foo Fighters
Rock Album: Wasting Light, Foo Fighters
Song Written for Visual Media: “I See the Light” (From Tangled)

BAFTA AWARDS (British Awards) (February):

Best Film: The Artist
Leading Actor: Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Leading Actress: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Adapted Screenplay: Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy, Bridget O’ Connor & Peter Straughan
Outstanding British Film: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Production Design: Hugo
Special Visual Effects: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2
Makeup & Hair: The Iron Lady

ACADEMY AWARDS (February)

Best Picture: The Artist
Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Actress in a Supporting Role: Octavia Spencer, The Help
Actor in a Supporting Role: Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Original Screenplay: Midnight in Paris, Written by Woody Allen
Animated Feature Film: Rango
Film Editing: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

RAZZIE AWARDS (February):

Worst Picture: Jack and Jill
Worst Actor: Adam Sandler, Jack and Jill and Just Go With It
Worst Actress: Adam Sander (as “Jill”), Jack and Jill
Worst Screen Ensemble: The entire cast of Jack and Jill

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS (April):

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift
Male Vocalist: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: Four The Record – Miranda Lambert
Single Record of the Year: Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson
Song of the Year: Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band

NEW NOW NEXT AWARDS (April):

Next Mega Star: Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games
Cause Your Hot: Naya Rivera, Glee
TV You Betta Watch: GCB
Best New Indulgence: Revenge
Superfan Site Award: http://www.vampire-diaries.net
Next Must-See Movie: The Avengers

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS (May):

Artist: Adele
Female Artist: Adele
Billboard 200 Artist: Adele
Hot 100 Artist: Adele
Digital Songs Artist: Adele
Radio Songs Artist: Adele
Digital Media Artist: Adele
Pop Artist: Adele
Country Artist: Lady Antebellum
Rock Artist: Coldplay
Alternative Artist: Coldplay

MTV MUSIC AWARDS (June):

Movie of the Year: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Best Female Performance: Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games
Best Male Performance: Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger Games
Best Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and the entire cast of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

CMT MUSIC AWARDS (June):

Video of the Year: Good Girl, Carrie Underwood
Male Video of the Year: I Don’t Want This Night to End, Luke Bryan
Female Video of the Year: Over You, Miranda Lambert
Group Video of the Year: We Owned the Night, Lady Antebellum
Collaborative Video of the Year: Remind Me, Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood
CMT Performance of the Year: Tattoos on This Town, Jason Aldean

TONY AWARDS (June):

Best Musical: Once
Best Play: Clybourne Park
Best Performance by an Actress, Musical: Audra McDonald, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
Best Revival of a Musical: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
Best Revival of a Play: Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman
Best Original Score: Newsies (Music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Jack Feldman)
Best Performance by an Actor, Play: Christian Borle (Peter and the Starcatcher)
Isabelle Stevenson Award: Bernadette Peters

TEEN CHOICE AWARDS (July):

Choice Movie Actress: Action Zoe Saldana, Colombiana
Choice Movie Sci-Fi/Fantasy: The Hunger Games
Choice Movie Actress Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games
Choice Movie Drama: The Lucky One
Choice Movie Actress Drama: Emma Stone, The Help
Choice TV Show Drama: Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Actor Drama: Ian Harding, Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Actress Drama: Lucy Hale, Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Show Fantasy/Sci-Fi: The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Actress Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Nina Dobrev, The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Actress Action: Linda Hunt, NCIS: Los Angeles
Choice Summer TV Show: Teen Wolf
Choice Summer TV Star Female: Troian Bellisario, Pretty Little Liars
Choice Summer TV Star Male: Tyler Posey, Teen Wolf
Choice TV Villain: Janel Parrish, Pretty Little Liars
Choice TV Female Scene Stealer: Candice Accola, The Vampire Dairies
Choice TV Male Scene Stealer: Michael Trevino, The Vampire Diaries

SATURN AWARDS (July)

Best Science Fiction Film: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Best Fantasy Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2
Best Horror/Thriller Film: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Best Action/Adventure Film: Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol
Best Supporting Actor: Andy Serkis (Rise of the Planet of the Apes)
Best Supporting Actress: Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau)
Best Music: Michael Giacchino (Super 8)
Best Costume: Alexandra Byrne (Thor)
Best Animated Film: Puss in Boots
Best Network Television Series: Fringe (Fox)
Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series: Breaking Bad (AMC)
Best Youth-Oriented Television Series: Teen Wolf (MTV)
Best Actress on Television: Anna Torv (Fringe)
Best Supporting Actress on Television: Michelle Forbes (The Killing)
Best Guest Star on Television: Tom Skerritt (Leverage)

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARDS (July):

Individual Achievement in Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: Switched at Birth
Outstanding New Program: Homeland
Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: Downton Abbey
Outstanding Achievement in Drama: Breaking Bad
Program of the Year: Game of Thrones

EMMY AWARDS (September)

Drama Series: Homeland
Actress, Drama Series: Claire Danes, Homeland
Actor, Drama Series: Damian Lewis, Homeland
Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Miniseries or Movie: Game Change
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Julianne Moore, Game Change
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Costner, Hatfields & McCoys
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Tom Berenger, Hatfields & McCoys,
Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Danny Strong, Game Change

CMA AWARDS (November):

Entertainer of the Year: Blake Shelton
Album of the Year: Chief, Eric Church
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
Song of the Year: Over You, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert
Musical Event of the Year: Feel Like a Rock Star, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
New Artist of the Year: Hunter Hayes

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (November):

Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group: Maroon 5
Favorite Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Male Artist: Luke Bryan
Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Country Album: Blown Away, Carrie Underwood
Favorite Alternative Rock Music Artist: Linkin Park
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele
New Artist of the Year: Carly Rae Jepsen

Congratulations to all of these winners (and the countless others who won awards) over the course of 2012. Are any of your favorites included above? Was there an actress, actor or entertainer who you thought should have received some type of award for their work in television, movies or music who isn’t listed above? Please share your thoughts.

TOMORROW: Condolences

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Year-End Round Up: Music Moments in 2012

Posted in Music, Video, Year End Round Up on December 25, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Music is an important aspect of all our lives, whether it is in your favorite TV series, playing on your car or office radio or more specifically on iTunes, Pandora or your iPod and/or phone or the latest box office film you have been anxiously waiting to see. Music, obviously, comes in many different formats: pop, hip hop, rap, metal, country, classic rock, inspirational, R&B, Latin, dance and much more.

Among some of the special music moments from this past year on television and at the box office are as follows:

Best Musical Performance in a TV series – Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen and Jonathan Jackson on Nashville

Most Played Single of the Year – “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Ray Jepsen

Best Worldwide Singer – Adele

Best and Worst of Viral Music – “Gangnam Style” by Psy, the Korean rapper

Best Remake of a Hit Single – “Share It Maybe” by Cookie Monster (remake of “Call Me Maybe”)

Best Single of the Year – “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Goyte

The Teens Are Just Crazy for Them But the Rest of the World Just Does Not Get Them – One Direction

That Took Long Enough – “Lights” by Ellie Goulding (it took about a year for this single to make it onto the Billboard charts after its released in England)

Best Female Country Singer – Miranda Lambert

Most Haunting Rock Song – “Seven Devils” by Florence + the Machine

NOTE:  This show was used in the season finale of Revenge in May 2012 and in the Beautiful Creatures movie trailer.

Best Single of the Year – “Anna Sun” by Walk the Moon

Best Single from a Feature Film – “Skyfall” by Adele

Rising Music Star – ZZ Ward

From Street Performing to the Big Leagues – Andy Grammer

NOTE:  Andy went from performing at the Santa Monica (California) Promenade (an outdoor mall) to the Billboard charts.

Best New Band (TIE) – fun. and The Lumineers

Top Male Country Artist – Hunter Hayes

Best New Imports – Mumford & Sons (who are from the U.K.)

Youngsters on the Rise – Maisy and Lennon Stella, who made waves online and now star as the daughters of Rayna James on the TV series Nashville

Best Rock Band – The Black Keys

Most Moving Performance in a Musical Based Film – Anne Hathaway in Les Miserables

Worst Live Performances by Someone Who Should Have Known Better – Madonna

Best Country Band – Lady Antebellum

Best Single with a TV Influence – “Distance” by Christina Perri

“Distance” by Christina Perri

Catchiest Tune and Craziest Video – “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Train

“50 Ways to Say Goodbye” by Train

The Video May Not Make Sense, But This Girl is Just Amazingly Talented (and the hot bodies don’t hurt either, right?) – “Try” by Pink

“Try” by Pink

What artists moved you the most this year? Which ones disappointed you or just made you cringe? What song could you listen to over and over again? Please share your thoughts and comments on the best and worst of the music world this year.

TOMORROW: Awards

And, most of all, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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Soundtrack for TV Series Nashville to be Released

Posted in Holidays, Music, News, Shopping, Television on November 14, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Big Machine Records will release the soundtrack for the new ABC hit drama Nashville on December 11, featuring new music from the cast, which includes Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio.

In conjunction with the label’s exclusive music partnership with ABC Studios, Big Machine Records released the first official single, “Telescope,” to country radio a mere three weeks ago. Sung by Hayden Panettiere (aka Juliette Barnes), the debut single is already Top 40-and-rising and has contributed nearly 50,000 to the total sales.

Award-winning producers T Bone Burnett, Dann Huff and Michael Knox have worked together to showcase the original content on both the show and soundtrack, respectively.

Here is the list of songs that will be featured on the soundtrack:

1. “Buried Under” Performed by Connie Britton/ Written by Chris Destefano, Natalie Hemby
2. “If I Didn’t Know Better” Performed by Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen / Written by Arum Rae, John Paul White
3. “Undermine” Performed by Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten / Written by Trent Dabbs, Kacey Musgraves
4. “Sideshow” Performed by Charles Esten / Written by Aaron Scherz, Brad Tursi
5. “Wrong Song” Performed by Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere / Written by Marv Green, Sonya Isaacs, Jimmy Yeary
6. “No One Will Ever Love You” Performed by Connie Britton, Charles Esten / Written by Steve McEwan, John Paul White
7. “Twist Of Barbwire” Performed by Jonathan Jackson / Written by Elvis Costello
8. “Love Like Mine” Performed by Hayden Panettiere / Written by Kelly Archer, Emily Shackleton, Justin Weaver
9. “Telescope” Performed by Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella / Written by Cary Barlowe, Hillary Lindsay
10. “When The Right One Comes Along” Performed by Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio / Written by Georgia Middleman, Justin Davis, Sarah Zimmermann
11. “Telescope (Radio Mix)” Performed by Hayden Panettiere / Written by Cary Barlowe, Hillary Lindsay

Since the soundtrack will be released on December 11, it’ll make a great stocking stuffer so add it to your Christmas shopping list.

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