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ritchieblackless · 4 years ago

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[Ranking Of Cozy music eras]

Well, as many of you know, Cozy did A LOT of things with many musicians and playing different styles. He appeared on at least 66 albums and counting another session work, some hidden works (Like Supertision and Ballroom Blitz) in total is nearly 90 things that he did! (that's why it took me so long, I had to listen to all again) but always one era will be better than other so... at the request of @thespiritofvexation (and I wanted to because is a excellent idea) here are the ranking of Cozy music eras.

Note: I'll try to be objective about this but also you'll get my opinion.

9. Whitesnake.

(As you can notice, Cozy's solo album is there. I put it because is in same era. I did this with all Cozy's solo albums 'cause the poor boy didn't have the time to make a proper solo career... he didn't like that very much anyway.)

Well first thing I'll highlight about this work... is the fact that his drumming is plain, so plain... for being Cozy Powell. You know, Blues rhythm, one bass drum and tomb with a little bit of cymbal... plain. But it's alright because the album needed that type of drumming (Not pun intended of course) I'm just saying that his drumming is so plain because the songs (Blues/Hard Rock) needed that, otherwise, it would have sounded a bit Rainbow-ish. Remember that Cozy was so versatile. He had a strong style but if the song needed the opposite of his style, he was going to do it.

Whitesnake era for me is not his best but LIVE. He on stage was another story. He was amazing.

Songs with Cozy's signature: Hungry For Love.

A side from Whitesnake we have his solo album which is one of his best works. Octopuss was a successful album. We have his mix between classical music and his drumming which is mind blowing. Hard Rock tracks like The Rattler, Formula One (Good one, Cozy) and Princetown and one ballad (Because he liked... a true sweetheart.) Dartmoore.

8. Michael Schenker Group.

His work here is what I like to call "Angry Drumming"

He didn't get along with Michael Schenker so they were fighting everytime. So all he did in this only album with MSG he did it angry... that's why is so good. He was "in mourning" trying to get over Rainbow so he had no better idea that making his drumming sound Rainbow-ish (I can relate) taking advantage of the situation that MSG was a heavy rock band. Not Rainbow, but still. There are a lot of Cozy's fills and Cozy's arrangements on the songs too more than Whitesnake.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Attack Of The Mad Axeman, But I Want More and Feeling Like A Good Thing (Live).

Now, a side from MSG we have his second solo album. Tilt have jazz-fusion songs like Cat Moves. A rock tracks too like The Blister and Hot Rock. And with some funky thing like The Right Side with another ballad (Because he is a sweetheart) Sunset. Tilt was an anti-commercial album with a nice success. Also, the album have two “Dark” songs which are Living In A Lie and Jekyll Hyde (Inspired of course in Mr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde... Cozy’s favourite book... such a nerdy.)

7. Brian May Band.

We know how important Cozy was for Brian May’s solo career and Brian himself... (But I’ll not going to talk about this now, because I’m focused only on his drumming.)

Basically Brian told him “Be yourself, I don’t need a type of drumming” So that is what you listen when you listen those three albums... a free, happy Cozy. So powerful as always and creative. Of course Cozy had to be powerful because he was trying to cheer Brian up (He is so sweet). Believe me when I say that this is his best work in his last days! Its amazing the heavy-hand that he still had. For moments you think that you are listening Rainbow by the power of his drumming and the songs are completely stunning.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Cyborg, The Guv’nor, Resurrection, Rollin’ Over.

Now, his solo album. The Drums Are Back was not a successful album with bad reviews saying that Cozy was recycling himself. I personally don’t think Cozy was recycling himself, I just think that he had his own way to do songs and make albums.In spite the bad critics and no success, the album was top ten in Japan.. HA! The Drums Are Back have really groovy songs like The Drums Are Back, Legend Of The Glass Mountain (He really never got over Rainbow..). Rock songs like The Rocket and Ride To Win. And three ballads (Because he is a sweet-... well you get it) Battle Hymn, Cryin’ and Somewhere In Time.

6. Peter Green Splinter Group.

This album is a proof of Cozy’s versatility and still young drumming.

He and Peter Green got along really well so their chemistry was reflected in the music and live performances (Unfortunately a very few with Cozy) Yeah, the whole album is basically blues, okay? But the thing is that Cozy, no matter how slow the blues was, he would let you know that was him playing the drums.And I need to say that: HE PLAYED BLACK MAGIC WOMAN WONDERFULLY... (just that, back to the point).

Peter didn't tell him how to play drums in Fleetwooc Mac’s songs, Cozy just did it and he did it fantastic. Also, his drumming sounded so young, so strong and with presence. Its mind blowing really because you don’t expect Cozy at the age of 50 playing strongly but he actually did. He did his drum roll thing with just one bass drum, he was still so noisy as always (I’m so sorry just this era puts me soft)

Songs with Cozy’s signature:Homework, Going Down.

And his solo-... oh... right... *Runs to bathroom to cry*

5. 80s Work.

Well, time to time (For not saying always) Cozy liked to participate in his friends’s albums when he had a little free time with the band that he was in at the time. I did this 80s work section here because I cant believe that amount of things that he did while he was playing in other bands (I mean, u r for real?)...I put the most popular ones but out there are a lot of unknown Cozy works in the 80s with several bands. I just felt that his 80s works deserved a position in the ranking. This is another proof of his versatility but, with a little of his style of course.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Tender Babes by Jon Lord, Night Games by Graham Bonnet, Slow Dancer by Rober Plant, Believe by Tom Galley (Phenomena) Shakey Ground by Bernie Marsden, Running from The Storm by Gary Moore and well.. ETC (and many many etcs)

4. Black Sabbath

This is when Cozy turns his “Beast Mode” on.

I don’t know why, maybe because he knew what Black Sabbath was (Tony: Join my emo band.... Cozy: okay) and what it needed..? because that is his normal drumming..? (I'm sure that is his normal drumming.) But he literally blows your mind in every- fucking *wheezes* song. The three Black Sabbath albums are filled with unexpected Cozy's fills (No matter how many times you've listened to those albums, he is unexpected.) His beat is very heavy and very exact too. He was a fan of Bill Ward so I'll be not surprised if he tried to get that heaviness! (I mean, Cozy has his own heaviness but what I'm saying is that maybe Cozy wanted to make a proper Black Sabbath sound)

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Headless Cross, The Call Of The Wild. Basically all TYR and talk about Forbidden is forbidden... (I’m joking. Is a good album too)

3.Jeff Beck/ RAK

Well, for start I put them together because when Jeff Beck Group disbanded, the following year he signed a contract with Micky Most and RAK. So, he was a secessionist, a well-known secessionist. He was in the circle for someone who needed a powerful-jazzy style. It’s like the 80s works really (omg Cozy get a grip). He was a really demanded drummer, everyone wanted him and he eventually worked with everyone. He had a very well-known beat by that time, you easily can tell was Cozy but he also had to be more open to the different styles that he was asked to play (Basically he can’t play like him all the time). He also had some discredited stuff, like Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet (It’s so obvious) and Superstition by Steve Wonder (I know, I know that it says Stevie played everything BUT NOT IN THIS CASE DON’T BELIEVE HIM. What you hear in the song is Cozy playing.) and more like some Suzi Quatro’s songs.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Ballroom Blitz, Superstition, Cosmic Wheels, Band Of The Salvation Army Band by Tony Ashton and Jon Lord.

Now his solo stuff: Here comes his baby, his household, his precious treasure, his (okay you get it) Dance With The Devil single. It’s a friendly instrumental which they did for a laugh but it became seriously successful... (Yes, they didn’t mean to do it but they did) Micky Most ask to Cozy if he wanted to be a single and Cozy said yes thinking that it was not going to be a big deal but *BUM* 1 Million of copies sold (Literally Cozy stayed at home two days laying looking at the ceiling because he can’t believe it) Of course they did the Dance with the devil part 2 which is Man In Black but it didn't work as well as the first one.They did Cozy Powell’s Hammer but it was kinda a fail too although the band had several tour dates.

This is when Cozy met his lost brother (okay no) This is when Cozy tried his best to play good jazz but instead came up this.. jazz fusion-rock-weird thing. So the thing here was: Jeff didn't know how to explain Cozy what the wanted him to play and Cozy was getting mad about it (Jeff: You can do ta.. tatada tss, ts ts ta da ta... Cozy: Honestly Jeff wtf?) so he did what he thought was better for the record and Ta-Da! Rough And Ready was born. Cozy’s drumming is a bit lighter and he uses a lot the cymbals for a swing-jazz rhythm.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Going Down, Ice Cream Cakes, Situation, Short Business.

2. Rainbow.

(Omg Martina are you fcking crazy????) Yes I didn’t put Rainbow in the first place...A new hope for Cozy (This sounds like Star Wars movie or something)

Okay, this is one of his best eras because he was all recovered of his disappointment in music business in 1975. He literally gave up with music (poor babe) until Ritchie called him (Ritchie: Join my emo band... Cozy: okay) . He was ready and decided to show that he wasn't a poor drummer... and he did.He played all his tricks, he was so unpredictable and powerful. He actually was lead drummer (I’m not sure if that exists) He didn't played with the bass like a normal rhythm section, he played with Ritchie. Cozy live with Rainbow was so unbelievable, like the unexpected fill in Catch The Rainbow, Man On The Silver Mountain... To be honest, the first Rainbow album sounds so plain without Cozy, it’s like.. something is missing (Basically Cozy changed the band). His beat is so heavy, strong and incredible.Also his 1812 Overture which is just mind blowing. He was a happy Cozy in Rainbow, that’s why he played so brilliantly (and he was Ritchie’s goal friend... what is better than that?) Cozy did an amazing job in Rainbow... (No words...)

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Stargazer, Run with the Wolf, Mistreated (Live), Lost In Hollywood, Eyes Of The World, Gates Of Babylon, Light In The Black, All Night Long and.. all.(Literally all)

Now, his first solo work: Basically he had nostalgia for Hammer and the press still had bad relationship with Cozy saying things like “He is just Dance With The Devil and nothing more” so Cozy want to make an album so fantastic to shut them up. He called to his friends and all was ready... but they needed a bassist so Cozy took his chance and asked Jack Bruce if he can play in his album (Cozy was such a Cream/Jack fanboy.. he was almost his male crush lol.) Fortunately for Cozy, Jack said yes and they recorded it. The album had a fantastic success, extremely high success. The album had fantastic songs like Theme One (Courtesy of George Martin), The Killer, El Sid, Heidi Goes To Town and one sweet ballad (Sweetheart) The Loner (Dedicated to Jeff Beck... That is actually very cute).

1. ELPowell

(ARE YOU JOKING?????) No, i’m not joking and i’ll tell you why. Also this is when Cozy became a prog nerd.

The only one reason that I chose ELPowell as best Cozy music era instead of Rainbow... it’s because he stepped out of his Comfort Zone. This is the REAL proof of Cozy’s versatility. He did amazing things in Rainbow yes but in the end was rock and roll... This is different, this is progressive rock (I don’t really care about Progressive people’s discussion about 80s progressive rock... I’m talking only about Cozy) and Cozy didn’t know a THING about progressive and he still did it amazing. Of course, he took what Carl did and he simplified it to carry it to what he can do... and he did it very well. He had to learn all the ELP’s songs studying them (That’s when he accidentally listened to all elp discography and some Genesis, Yes and well... he became a nerd) He started to experiment with new percussion instruments that Carl used before.. (Like those bells that you hit them with a little hammer... no? okay) He became a KONG BOY too. He literally learned a whole new drumming style but of course with his Cozy sound. Tarkus played by Cozy is amazing, and when he is doing the Congas in From The Beginning kills me every time (That tank tee and those muscles...) and those drum solos...(Damn) they are really something else. And this is the same case of Rainbow.. he was recovering from his disappointment in Whitesnake so he was so enthusiastic about playing with Keith and Greg.

Songs with Cozy’s signature: Touch and Go, The Score, Mars the Bringer of War.

THIS IS THE END... GOD this took me an eternity and I explained so much i’m so sorry this is not going to happen again. This is the first and the last time that I’ll make a large post! (For my own mental health) This is so large, I didn’t mean to, sorry! Nobody will read it to the end but I don’t care... and if you do thanks very much this costed me two nights <3 (And sorry if there are any grammar errors)

#goooooood #martina get a grip #large post #i did this? for real?#ill die #cozy powell #look what i have to do for you you bastard #i love cozy #Black Sabbath #whitesnake #rainbow #rainbow band #jeff beck group #jeff beck #michael schenker group #elpowell definitely is the best time for cozy #ELPowell #gary moore #and im so tired to tag more

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taeguboi · 5 years ago

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BTS as... Rockers

Ngl, I panicked a little when I checked on the masterlist because an older post about BTS as rock band members was labelled as this title and I’d already written this one for like 3 members already. There’s various genres I mention, some of which are also metal and pop but I thought a simple general title would be best here.

Anyways, my second post coming back recently. Hope you enjoy.

Mainly a classics man

Loves to analyse lyrics

and loves writing his own lyrics based on his current favourites

It’s like a form of literature to him

Loves to chill out to prog and psychedelic rock

Accidentally had the same music tastes as that weird geography teacher in school

Probably has a pet named after a member of a power / symphonic metal band

sorry I’m a bit of a Nightwish nerd and now I can just imagine him calling for his dog “Floor!” and everyone getting confused because they think he’s just shouting at the ground

this is the kind of genre he likes the most other than classic rock; that’s where the most literature references are. It’s poetry about poetry

Has a journal of art and lyrics quotes for when he’s super into a song

Could be mistaken for a geek in school

because to a juvenile ear, his taste in music might be challenging to listen to

like no one else had the patience aged 12 to listen to a 9 minute song or an instrumental track

and then even at 15/16, how many people your age would listen to Dark Side Of The Moon?

Guess he would say music is all about sitting back and listening and taking it in

Would love to be a songwriter for the right kind of singer

unfortunately though, he’s a bit of a loner

likes his own company too much

it’s probably the solitude that motivates him to write

too many more friends than he already has would be too much of a distraction

It’s not a sad situation though

music is what Namjoon loves the most

and “nothing else matters”

Oh yes, let’s have a bit of Metallica in there too

It’s not until he finishes school that he becomes more in touch with what people in the current world of rock and metal like

discovered “Rollin’” by Limp Bizkit like WAY too many years after it came out

“Have you heard this ace song man?”

“yep... in 2004 dude”

“oh”

But he’s no ashamed or anything, no

He’s proud to be a fan of the bands he likes

even if they aren’t to everyone’s tastes

“Well, sorry if this isn’t some 3 minute long four chord song repeating the same 5 words”

If they don’t appreciate it, their loss

Jin

The old ones are the best ones

Think 50s rock n’ roll; Little Richard, Elvis, and so on

mixed with guilty pleasures of songs about ‘my baby girl’

Loves themed music nights

Whilst of course his favourites are the 50s themed ones

he also loves showing up to 60s nights to flaunt the flower power

or 80s nights in a fun wig as some member of a hair metal band

all the styles are very fun

but on a daily basis, he’s basically dresses like a teddy boy

tight trousers with white socks peaking out

jacket - sometimes a suit jacket, sometimes denim

as you can imagine, when a lot of this stuff comes back in fashion...

“Well, I did it first...”

you know, in this era he means he did it first

Loves a good finger clicker song

Once considered doing a tribute act around pubs and clubs

but he couldn’t decide who he wanted to be

Probably should take a role in some live production of Grease

he’s seen it enough times

and he can sing

He reckons he could never do theatre for long though

his fantasies are with playing instruments to perform

talented keyboard player

starting to get the hang of guitar too

but he does get carried away whilst trying to learn guitar

because he wants to add on all the cool moves NOW

He’s got some bangers he created on the keyboard though

he didn’t really intend to create original songs

it just happened one day after a break up

and he listened to Heartbreak Hotel

too many times

he just sat at his keyboard

and made something that really felt special

and then the day after that, he made a more upbeat song

and the week after that, he has 4 full songs in total

Open mic nights become something he enjoys

a bit of a local celebrity

“Would you play my grandma’s 80th party? Pleeeease?”

and aww bless him, he plays all the throwback songs at care homes

all free of charge

slips in some of his original music too

“Ooh, I’m afraid I don’t remember that one dear, must be my brain”

“Oh, no no no” explains Jin “I made it myself”

Old dears just love him basically

but so do the girls his age

Whilst some think the whole 50s get up is a bit lame

some go wild for it

because he dons all his outfits so well

and his songs feel so true to the era they were inspired by

you gain a love for the 50s just from watching Jin

Talented boy, keeping the 50s alive

Suga

A lot say Yoongi has an acquired taste

an electronic element to rock or metal always makes it more interesting to him

loves industrial music - NIN for days

Linkin Park made most of his jams

cried for half a day at the news of Chester no longer being with us

Likes a bit of new wave, synthpop, all that

emo songs just help you through the bad times okay

Can equally enjoy a dub festival as much as a rock concert

some people think his taste is actually naff

but then they realise he also listens to the likes Foo Fighters or Sum 41

Plays like the same 30 songs on repeat

but his collection has so much more

He has some rock and blues for the road trip

he’s got your 70s singalongs for the party

Was briefly a DJ at a rock bar

got fired for not playing enough popular songs in his set

“wtf I thought this was a bar where people could appreciate this” huffs Yoongi

“yes but people want to sing to ‘down with the sickness’ or something, not ‘down in the park’!”

“stuff you then, I’ll take Gary somewhere else with me”

guilty pleasure: Kate Bush

A somewhat gothic sense of style

but not overwhelmingly gothic

He likes bandannas and black clothes

not always in black clothes though

sometimes the merch he wants just isn’t available in black

but no worries

as long as he can happily flaunt the music that makes him who he is

J-Hope

Can listen to any rock genre

give him something and he probably already loves it

So yeah, the band members are pretty cool and all that

but what Hoseok has more interest in the backstage roles

he’d love to manage a rock band

be a tour manager

guitar tech

Much knowledge is stored in that brain of his

and he wants to put it to good use

He starts out as a promoter and organiser for the rock bar in town

which he eventually lives above

His events are ace

he can pick out fresh talent that everyone on that scene can enjoy

His showcase nights are the place to be

everyone can agree, he’s got amazing taste

no one can disagree with him

He’s a one man show and still managed to pull it off

he’s the promoter, the sound guy, the tech on all the instruments

way more professional than most other local music events

He takes pride in his work

did I mention he’s so good, it becomes a full time job?

As time goes by, he listens to less and less older music

but that’s okay

he’s happy with the time it takes to listen to all the up and coming bands

in the moment is where you should live

and he can still appreciate a band’s influences should they initiate conversation

“man, this dude really knows his stuff”

“will you manage our next tour?”

“can you do sound at our next gig? our guy’s rubbish”

and that one is like right in front of their current sound guy

The future is bright for Hoseok

his love for rock music could really earn him a solid living

Jimin

Some say he’s a bit of a poser in his leather jacket

but he really does love his rock music

Sometimes a bit behind on modern rock bands or releases

Low key wishes he was born in the 50s / 60s

just so he could live in his favourite eras

his heart really lies with the classics

60s, 70s, 80s.

90s at a push

not the later 90s where grunge bands did pop

actually any movie made in that time makes him cringe

like he’s all up for good clean fun

but christ it’s like they were trying to go back to the 50s or something

not everything is ‘swell’ you know

Don’t get him wrong though

he does also like some 50s music

He may or may not have spent that one time acting like Elvis in the mirror

it really hyped him up before a night out though

it may or may not have become a thing before going out in the evenings to boost his confidence

His all time favourite bands have to be The Rolling Stones and AC/DC

and no, he couldn’t pick between the two, ever

Doesn’t really have a desire to be in a band

but sort of accidentally picks up the bass to help out a mate in a band

and sort of accidentally becomes a permanent member

It’s just a cover band

but it’s so much fun

Sometimes, you can have a really bad day

and then listening to 23 people singing “I Love Rock n Roll”

kind of lifts your mood

“Play Wonderwall!”

gets a bit annoying to him

kind of wants to hit that one guy around the head with his bass

but he holds back

Because being aggressive wouldn’t be very rock of him

and whilst he does like punk music

he’s definitely not a punk

Screw all that political rubbish

music should be to enjoy yourself with

stop worrying about the world for one minute and

let’s sing about whiskey and cigarettes and just living life

“What do you MEAN you don’t know any Def Leppard songs?”

“For crying out loud!”

He tries to understand that not everyone will listen what the music he likes

“but... like seriously, how can you not though?”

Probably likes all the underrated bands

Loves vinyl

definitely collects vinyls

Likes to shop at vintage stores to fulfil his obscure taste

People are like “you paid £60 just for that?”

but to Tae, it’s worth every penny

He likes the classics too

he can sing along in a rock bar to all the well known tunes

old or modern

and there may be loads in his vinyl collection barely anyone recognises

but there’s some more familiar faces too

there’s The Beatles, Guns n’ Roses, Foo Fighters, anything like that

it’s just only like 20% of his huge collection

Whilst his style is inspired by those he idolises...

he can never copy them

that would be an insult to them and his originality

Plays guitar and writes songs

never anything soppy though

actually fairly hesitant to pick up an acoustic guitar

always plays electric

and the songs he makes are about having a good time, life experiences

but not about love

He can listen to a couple of cheesy tracks

he just won’t make any

“Who the heck is John Otway, Tae?”

“Oh, you know, Wild Willy Barrat”

“Willy who?”

“Cor baby, that’s really free!”

“....”

“Headbutts! da da da da da... Headbuttttsssss”

I feel like rocker V loves anything that feels slightly random

probably make his own secret songs that sound silly to others

Probably has a band that never gigs

it’s him singing and playing guitar

and a bassist and drummer that aren’t really sure why they’re here

but they kind of like the unique stuff he does

and the band is almost purposely bad

“It’s the imperfections that really give a song character”

Jungkook

Modern rock and metal

low key emo

Tears Don’t Fall by BFMV on repeat aged 14, his first break up

Lives for festivals

like when he goes to work, that is what he is earning money for

well, that and bills and food

has a jar for each festival he wants to go to this year

Also loves a bit of melodic punk

like when that one Australian band are finally coming to his country

he HAS to go

help me I’m really sad because this is me and The Decline were supposed to be coming to the UK and then this pandemic happened and now I might never see them criii

Has a playlist for every aspect of life

every feeling, every colour, every occasion

songs that remind him of a time, ones where he can visualise a colour...

many people don’t get it

“how many playlists?”

“how can a song be a colour?”

it just is

like come on, listen to this Red Jumpsuit Apparatus song

and tell him this doesn’t remind you of gold

Could be a journalist

knows everything and anything about his favourite bands

AVENGED SEVENFOLD

because it’s the perfect mixture of everything he loves about music

vests because M.Shadows

So badly wants to be in a band

tries every instrument you could find in a typical rock band

loves the drums

gets stuck on guitar though in his first band

well, he was just desperate to go gigging

he left after a year and a bit though

got boring

forms his own band instead around him being on the drums

Lives for this band

it’s like a rock band but with political lyrics

and they can perform at most events

they just fit any bill

gigs are booked almost every weekend

road trip with the lads

they travel like 50 miles just to be paid in beer only

Dreams of big time collaborations

that will probably never happen and he knows that

but it’s nice to dream, right?

puts on his own gigs a few years down the line

of course his own band are always on the bill

everyone thinks his gigs are a hoot

He even manages to book some lesser known punk bands

but they are a massive deal to him

“God, I love live music!”

“Do you always wear a black shirt guk?”

“Hey, I’m a drummer! It’s hard work; a lot of sweat involved... I’m sure no one wants to see my wet pits whilst trying to enjoy the show”

and then that person wishes they never asked...

but he’s right

he knows that a good band is all about the hard graft and work

and he is always so thankful for the great rock bands that influence him

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greensparty · 6 years ago

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Stuff I’m Looking Forward to in September

I can’t believe it’s now September and back-to-school season! In addition to Labor Day (Sept. 3), Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 10), Patriot Day (Sept. 11 - not to be confused with Patriots Day), Yom Kippur (Sept. 19), Ashura (Sept. 20) and First Day of Fall (Sept. 22) here is what’s on my radar for Sept:

Movies:

Hal

A documentary about one of my favorite directors of the 70s Hal Ashby (1929-88) had me at Hal Ashby! Opens Sept. 7.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

I can’t say I’ve loved all of Eli Roth’s movies, but I always check out his movies and this one being his first PG-rated family fantasy could be a gamechanger for him. Opens Sept. 21.

Fahrenheit 11/9

The first Michael Moore documentary to be released during the Trump era is about, well, the Trump era. Opens Sept. 21.

Music:

Paul McCartney Egypt Station

https://paulmccartney.lnk.to/EgyptStation

Paul McCartney’s first studio album since his excellent 2013 album New drops Sept. 7! Count. Me. In.

Prince Piano and a Microphone 1983

https://www.amoeba.com/piano-a-microphone-1983-180-gram-vinyl-lp-prince/albums/4048959/?code=ACEEdoTeiUw&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI58zH1JSQ3QIVhZyzCh36ZQbYEAkYByABEgLFo_D_BwE

Since his passing in 2016, there have been a few compilation albums of Prince’s hits, but this is the first posthumous release of previously unreleased music. It was a cassette tape discovered at Paisley Park recorded in his home studio in 1983, including some early versions of songs. Sept. 21 release.

Dave Grohl Play vinyl release

https://shop.foofighters.com/collections/dave-grohl-play

In August, Dave Grohl released online his ambitious 23-minute epic in which he played all of the instruments. The vinyl release is Sept. 28.

Joe Strummer 001

https://www.joestrummer.com/en-us/limited-edition-super-deluxe-boxset/joe-strummer-001

As much as I love The Clash, punk legend Joe Strummer’s solo work is highly underrated. I can’t wait for this collection of his solo work, including rarities and unrelease tracks. Sept. 28 release.

Fake Holidays:

Art House Theater Day (Sept. 23 nationwide)

http://www.arthouseconvergence.org/arthouseday/

Any day that is all about celebrating your local art house theater and all of the fine indie films they play is a holiday worth celebrating! Hey - let’s celebrate the art house theater every day! Check out that cinemas are participating and check out a film there on Sept. 23!

Comedy:

Boston Comedy Festival (Sept. 11-15 Boston)

http://bostoncomedyfest.com/

This year’s annual celebration of comedy (stand up, competition, film) is happening around Boston from Sept. 11 to 15 and this year’s featured events include Emo Phillips, the premiere of the local film Sweeney Killing Sweeney with Steve Sweeney, and the Comedian of the Year award given this year to Gary Gulman and Jennifer Coolidge!

Concerts:

Pearl Jam (Sept. 2 and 4 @ Fenway Park, Boston)

https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/concerts/pearl-jam

Pearl Jam have a long history of playing in Massachusetts including some shows at Fenway Park in 2016. After seeing Foo Fighters at Fenway in July, I can’t wait to see the other great Seattle band of that era at Fenway Park. I last saw them in 2000, which means I’m looking forward to hearing many of their tunes they have put out since!

#hal #hal ashby #the house with a clock in its walls #eli roth #fahrenheit 11/9 #michael moore #paul mccartney #prince #Dave Grohl #Joe Strummer #art house theater day #boston comedy festival #Pearl Jam #stuff i'm looking forward to #film geek #music nerd #comedy

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totalrockfiend · 4 years ago

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5 Rock Albums I Can Get Behind Released in 2020...

Have I reached that “Get off my lawn!” stage of life?

At 46, I’m certainly no spring chicken. But I’m still a looooooong ways from retirement age.

Which is significant, because that’s the era in you life when you’ve got too little to do, and too much time to do it with. And thus banal trivialities, like errant lawn treading, reach DefCon 5 status and require an aggressive rebuke.

So, I guess I can assuage my fears on that front. Except, perhaps, went it comes to music. Because I’ve DEFINIATLEY lived long enough to reach the “I don’t really like any ‘new’ music” stage of life.

In other words, I’m continuedly amazed how much new music appears every year, and how little of it I actually appreciate.

This year, however, I’m please to report that five albums made the cut. That said, don’t get your hopes up...

Four the bands/artists have been in the game for 25 years or more (in some cases, MUCH more). Actually, only one entrant qualifies as “new.” And this outfit is punk rock “supergroup” of sorts. With a record that’s likely a one-off outing.

Thus, my 2020 of “best of” rundown (yes, I realize I’m running behind on this. The procrastination struggle is REAL!) includes very little of what could be legitimately be called “new music.”

Anyway, enough with the blather, let’s dive in...

Fake Names, Fake Names

Other than the fact that famed punk-hardcore-and-early-emo guitarist Brian Baker (one-time Minor Threat bassist, Dag Nasty founder and guitarist, and current Bad Religion lead guitarist) is member, I didn’t know much about this band. But as a uuuuuuuge Baker fan, I couldn’t resist and bought the record strictly based on the strength of his punk “street cred.”

The purchase, however, proved a winning gambit as the album TOTALLY RAWKS. Moreover, it turns out Dennis Lyxzén, best known as the scorched earth lead singer of Swedish punk legends, the Refused, also contributes his vocal stylings to the record.

And the result is a glorious album filled with amped up guitar rock boasting classic DC Hardcore overtones and a tasteful dash of ‘90s alt-rock that reminds of just how musically amazing both eras were in their respective primes.

Sugaregg, Bully

Really only a “band” in name, Bully is actually a vehicle for singer-guitarist-song writer, Alicia Bognanno. Feeling called to a life in music, native Minnesotan Bognanno convinced her less than enthused parents to underwrite her enrollment in a recording engineering program. Meanwhile, Bognanno parlayed her schooling into an excuse to start a band, relocate to Nashville, and live out her rock ‘n roll dreams. Which, after a couple of albums, a good amount of buzz, and loads of pear respect, appear to be coming true.

Supported by a revolving cast of musicians, Bognanno has released three albums, including her latest, Sugaregg, since launching the project in 2011. And at the risk of sounding cliched, Bully’s grungy, ragged tones sound very much at home on the outfits current label, one time grunge hit-makers and Seattle institution, Subpop.

Case in point, Sugaregg, like it’s two predecessors, is filled with noisy guitars and squalling vocals, delivered in Bognanno’s sandpaper growl, and tortured songs that detail no small measure of soul grinding pain.

Albeit rendered with irrepressibly catch hooks, like the ear worm I Don’t Know Where to Start. Meanwhile, I’ve been loving the record since it’s midyear release. And take a certain satisfaction knowing it could reasonably classified in the “newish music” category.

Father of All... Green Day

After nearly thirty years in the game, pop punk stalwarts Green Day are still at it. That said, they haven’t rested on their laurels, as their music has taken a few twists and turns of late. Shifts that have proven hit or miss for the band, especially of late.

Their three album compilation of a few years back -- Uno, Dose + Tres -- (which, personally, I loved) -- featured a decidedly power pop sound. Many fans, however, weren’t thrilled. And 2016′s Revolution Radio, with it’s more later Clash era, straight ahead rock sound, didn’t energize their core fan-base, either.

Well, Father of All... is likely to continue aggravating the Green Day faithful. To my ears, however, its sounds are heavenly.

With a kitchen sink of influences, Billy and the boys toss in a bunch more power pop; ‘70s Bowie-esque glam rock (even going so far as to lift some “vocal inspiration” from the Gary Glitter hit, Doctor Who, on the track Oh Yeah); a Chuck Berry guitar rave up on Stab You in The Heart; and the album’s. centerpiece, I Was a Teenage Teenager, which positively oozes classic New Wave vibes.

Ultimately, what makes the album such a delight (to me anyway) is Green Day’s irrepressible charm. It’s there in every groove. And if you drop the disc in the tray and hit play with an open mind, you’ll find it impossible to wipe the grin off your satisfied mug.

Blue Hearts, Bob Mould

Having attained Punk Godfather status, as the co-founder of Husker Du, and the man that brought melody to punk rock, Bob Mould could have coasted on his well-deserved reputation.

Meanwhile, having released 22 albums (including his work with Husker Du + Sugar) Mr. Mould’s relentless work ethic could rival James Brown for the title, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business.

Continuing down the hardworking path, Mould, and his Bob Mould Band eschewed their typical 2-3 year album cycle, releasing Blue Hearts barely a year after 2019′s Sunshine Rock.

No doubt a pandemic-influenced decision, with band’s normally relentless touring schedule toss out the window. But the results of this accelerate recording timetable are stunning, as Mould turns in perhaps his best album of the New Millennium.

With a bevy or roaring rockers and few choice ballads, Mould and band sound as vital and vivacious and driven as any Bob Mould back effort since his mid ‘90s outfit, Sugar.

Stand out track include American Crisis, a jittery rocker that speaks directly to the worldwide riots that erupted in wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. And the ballads Forecast Rain, Mould’s plea to reverse humanity’s planet destroying ways, and the album’s opener, the delightfully moody, Heart on My Sleeve.

Power Up, AC/DC

Given AC/DC is accused of “making the same album every time,” are there any surprises on the band’s 19th studio release?

You betcha! Chiefly that the band pulled together it’s (mostly) original lineup* and turned in their best album since 1990′s Razor’s Edge.

Positively dripping with that “classic” AC/DC sound, Power Up has all the hallmarks fans have come to know and love:

Drummer Phil Rudd’s uber-heavy behind the beat time-

Singer Brain Johnson’s nails on chalkboard wail

And of course, Angus Young’s comfortingly familiar guitar heroics

The ingredients are all there, and they sound as fresh, current, and powerful as when the group burst on the scene with their roaring 1975 debut, High Voltage. All of which makes Power Up a must-listen hard rock devotees!

*AC/DC has struggled through series of trying challenges over the past decade...

Co-founder, co-songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young left the band in 2014 overwhelmed by complications related to Alzheimer's and sadly died in 2017 at the age of 64.

Singer Brian Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd sat out the band’s last tour -- Johnson sidelined by a debilitating hearing issue, while Rudd was ensnared in a bizarre attempted murder for hire plot (which I still don’t fully grasp).

But rather than hang it up, which I advocated for at the time, the group soldiered on, and managed to put out yet another outstanding record. In other words, these old dogs might not have new tricks, but they can still impress with their classic moves.

Honorable Mention: Gigatron, Pearl Jam

Not sure if tacking on an “honorable mention” is cheating, but this is my blog, so I'll what I want, bub! Anyhoo, I haven’t actually heard all of Gigatron, the 11th studio album from Seattle Grunge stalwarts, Pearl Jam. Which is why I didn’t included it as a full fledged pick.

Dance of the Clairvoyants, the album’s lead single, however, piqued my interest when it dropped last spring. Stacked with sequenced synth lines and drum loops, the band is clearly still reaching for a new approach to augment the classicist rock sound the band has adopted over the past couple of decades.

Other stand out tunes, among the few I’ve heard, include Superblood Wolfmoon, (the album’s second sinlgle) and Take The Long Way, which both showcase Pearl Jam’s uncanny knack for merging a driving, ‘70s hard rock guitar dominant sound with a snarling punk attitude. Retrograde is another tasty ballad, in the now well-established vein of tasty Pearl Jam ballads.

Again, Gigatron only gets an honorable mentioned because I was neither motivated to buy nor listen to the whole thing. But it could be worthy of both. So maybe check it out?

What About You?

No doubt, you’re reading this list and saying to yourself: “what the fork is this guy’s problem? He totally l missed awesome record xyz!?”

And you’d be right. I did miss it. So enlighten me!

I’ll always in the mood to hear great rock + roll. Which perhaps proves I’ve yet to reach full-on “get off my lawn” status.

#totalrockfiend bully fakenames bobmould greenday eggsugar bluehearts fatherofall acdc powerup pearljam gigatron #sugaregg

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nikkidee · 7 years ago

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the secret of the world

A commission for Pedro, who speaks French in a sea of bad-fic loving English speakers.

A carefully hand crafted summary of The Secret World, translated into Japanese, then into Italian, then back into English. Enjoy.

The French Version is here.

Ok, so how is the secret of the world, for these pesky monsters a group of dumbasses you're trying to hit them with a stick to finish a world or maybe something and the center of the earth in an avalanche of dirt? So, it is some random person just swallowed a bee during sleep with so you can go to sleep in the dirt monster fist fucking, you get super powers. You perverted capitalism, participated in the stoners exaggerated or imperialism of self-righteousness, they are forced to say what they want, maybe you will pay as you have 3 whole dollar.

Not paid, your first job as an intern willing bee-based, is to go to the crappy town of New England is infested with zombies and zombie fish. The game is to roll long enough, so as not to be able to stop a name to drop in order to make sense of the old war between Wabanaki and Maya and the Viking I helped the Excalibur. Thus, the fish of zombies, dreamer when the drowning and the sword came to town again, citizens are trying to turn zombies Viking fish more fish, then, it is called into the sea, and died, after you have become a zombie, the total deaths impregnated and the zombie Viking has made them for the zombie fish. In addition, Loki, who end the world, anything so do not try sleeping there to stab the Rubik's cube in which what Gaia to keep the dream, but because it has a punch, he is total old girlfriend and stupid steals Excalibur, everyone does not see her boo HOO. OH the dreamer and I want to be to ensure that is located under the mountain, and the people is a mine has not, but I was still then someone was shot, then, the miners have been killed, it is a cluster full was still fucked. You have a story to the bird a pile of rocks, not only you can save the island, all of which is to die anyway very worried about going to go to Egypt.

So why are in fact, the Egyptian cult worship except perhaps the date of darkness at the center of the Earth was a bit 'named the wrong side of you there is the cult that is the sun. All the followers of the cult that's kind of do not have super-sorry for killing people, he wants to do it again, there is also a purple man to send the devil goo box in Tokyo, is a man of this sexy plums. Thus, in collaboration with plums and handsome dance, to kick off the train a man, what a save and London.

In addition, since the neat about this is, there are archaeologists of some of the gay.

So you killed her children and go near the cliff hell of the desert and turned them into immortal statues in order to keep the Black Pharaoh forever asleep, stole the Orochi shit from them and I now worship there are some old white man who could actually get their devil of a friend back. So, to help children around the large statue, then, the mummy was a punch to the penis, you must save a good job in Egypt.

The following must go to save the Transylvanian vampire. Dracula's wife Mara, there's a super-boring Cuckold conspiracy to fall for some of the whiny emo bitch named Callisto. Mara of the back that has an army of vampires attacking a small village of magical creatures secretly. You and I egg him if I scream to bet a point behind Dracula in order to battle with his ex-wife, it is that here, you have no meaning in this context.

In addition, there is a dirty ancient Romans and human wolves are fighting in both the vampire. In order to have the full report and its triangular shape and the castle suffering, its confirmation, there is a cost in the search for the most despised stealth mission throughout the game please enjoy your trip in Transylvania lesbian.

Orochi is also there, they kidnapped the girl, was in abundance death. Orochi died in interesting things, like gremlin forest, wolf fur, are as good as accurate idea, we used the girl is to drill a hole in the dirt of the pocket that seems. And, even die dirt. You really just it, because I think working on something that role, and the war of vampires, even a vampire, you have to cover a great deal of non-war.

In any case, this is not a new game, and I'm going to soon discover that behind Lilith of all, performs a push-up some nasty hip, then cut into our feet you. And you, everyone will go to Venice to study the bureaucratic hell of hate called the Venice of the parliament. Shocking, it is swollen and diplomat is incredibly damaged, have their dirty for a series of events related to waste and other secrets factions around the world are not supposed to be the story of two E 'was there was a little finger. But, also, gave a simulation in the cold computer to play the stall, I mean, leave in the form ready for release in Tokyo.

When you finally go to Tokyo, the location is sexy plums were destroyed in the dirt bomb that contributed sent to the subway. You can pull your sprint hidden or rhythm percent of all those who, on behalf of the ultra-annoying monster. As a teenager pushed the morning light boy was perverted in the dirt, even bombs, actually the snake to begin tearing a hole, he is like something human dreamer? Lilith, the reality of destroying the world and ripping a hole, since it can kill God, you are trying to restore the old. Dragon Stoner loser, but to get the leader of the hot new faction and one of the other, for you, because he who asked the cause of that bank robbery eccentric supermarket, this time, man. Really Kirsten Gary, there is probably the hell you want to fuck a woman Sonnac warriors and hook-up to a point.

Mr. Orochi is dissolved stuffed toy robots in human organs now, hang religious groups of the new era, they started to commit suicide pact for the children, 30-story tower is full of their different taste in their sexual relationship secret factory in the basement it is full is a monster in the dirt invasion and employees, are on the other hand, you have the same crappy life expectancy've done in the world.

If you climb the tower, a predominantly Lilith complained of a dirt around for shoes, we fight. Then, kill the angels. You get the wing.

The end.

#tsw #swl #secret world legends #spoilers #bad fic #my fic

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thisaintascenereviews · 8 years ago

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Album Review by Bradley Christensen Thursday – Full Collapse Record Label: Victory Release Date: April 10 2001

In every genre of music, mainly in the underground / indie scenes, you have bands / artists that are pretty huge. I’ve talked about this many years ago, but I’ve always thought that there were different levels of popularity. You have mainstream popularity, and that’s the highest you can go, but you have genre-wide popularity, as well as local popularity. Some bands are popular within the genre of music that they play, and you wouldn’t know who they were unless you keep a close eye (or ear) to the genre in question. A lot of bands, though, are popular locally, so they’re pretty obscure to most people. I’ve talked about a lot of different bands in the early to mid-00s emo / post-hardcore scene recently, and they’ve been all over the place when it comes to their popularity. I’ll be talking about some very underrated bands in the scene soon enough, ones that went under almost everyone’s radar (partially because they only released an album or two, as well as some EPs, but they didn’t make enough of an impact to be well-regarded in the scene), but today I wanted to focus on a band that’s been very, very impacting within the genre, yet they never quite broke out into the mainstream. That band is the New Jersey post-hardcore / emo / alt-rock band Thursday. Formed in 1997, twenty years ago, this band has always been a band that I’ve heard of, let alone heard great things about, but I never listened to them for myself. In particular, though, they were a major player in the early 00s post-hardcore / emo scene, ultimately helping to pioneer that style of music. I thought I’d listen to this band, especially after seeing their sophomore LP, 2001’s Full Collapse, since it was on Victory’s website.

This is the only album the band released with the label, but it’s also one of their biggest albums, as it’s the album that got them noticed. I figured this would be a good starting point, but I also picked up 2006’s A City By The Light Divided (funny story, too: I picked up 2003’s Wall All The Time from FYE’s website, but they sent me a copy of a Gary Allan album instead, but the album’s relatively decent), so I have another album of theirs to dive into at some point. Either way, though, how is this LP? For being my introduction to the band, and for being one of the bigger bands of that scene in the early 00s, this LP’s pretty good. I don’t think I love it, for some reasons I’ll get to in a second, but I do enjoy it a lot. This band reminds me a bit of Envy On The Coast, although the latter band came afterwards, but it’s just how they approach the genre. EOTC was a bit weirder, off the wall, and eccentric, which is exactly how this band is. They have a lot going on in their music, and I enjoy their sound quite a lot, but it’s kind of a double-edged sword. Their sound is very chaotic, weird, and off the wall, but EOTC had a lot of groovy and catchiness in their sound. This band doesn’t have that, ultimately making Full Collapse, well, collapse a bit under its own weight. This album is a bit more off the wall, though, and that’s a good thing, because it’s not generic, boring, or meandering. It’s a very interesting album, and I can respect that a lot, considering the scene they’re from. People that think post-hardcore / emo is nothing but whiny teenagers wearing black and going to Hot Topic will be sorely mistaken when they listen to this album.

I have to commend frontman Geoff Rickly, too, because he’s one good vocalist. I love his screams in particular, as well as how well he can transition from singing to screaming. I can’t say I enjoy his clean vocals a lot, but that’s because they’re the kind of “whiny” that I don’t like very much. He’s not awful, and he does get better on A City By The Light Divided, but he doesn’t sound too great here. That’s the only complaint I really have, minus how unfocused this album is, since there’s not a whole lot of catchiness or accessibility here. Well, this LP is definitely accessible, it’s not pretentious hipster garbage, but it’s not a good introduction for people just getting into this kind of music. You might not have the most easygoing experience, but it’s a good album for those into this sort of thing. I don’t know if I’d go as far to say that it’s a classic of the era, but the album’s solid stuff. Its sound is really nice, despite being a bit too all over the place, and Rickly’s harsh vocals are much better than his clean vocals, but the album itself is good, though. It’s their sophomore LP, though, and they were just gaining their footing, both in terms of their sound and the scene that they’re in. I’m happy that I listened to this, for sure, but my favorite of the two albums that I’ve listened to is 2006’s A City By The Light Divided. That one is a more interesting, as well as more accessible, since it is more of a cleaner alt-rock album, all the while featuring some of their post-hardcore sound. This LP is good, though, and it’s worth a listen. These guys are one of the bands credited with pioneering and popularizing post-hardcore / emo, even though they never got the mainstream recognition that other bands did.

#thursday #geoff rickly #full collapse #victory records #post-hardcore #rock #emo #punk #a city by the light divided

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portfoliow · 8 years ago

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Costume Design in Early Films: History, Icons, Transformation, and Magic (Part 1) by Paola C. Quintero

Costume serves several purposes: the most fundamental is development of narrative and character in film. The transformative power of costumes can create a personality, off and on- screen. Costume not only affects the actor’s career and performances, but also affects the audience through its influence in fashion.

Iconic stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and the costume designer Edith Head illustrate the significance of costume design in American cinema during the first half of the 20th century. Their careers and lives represent the commitment; discipline and excellence at changing their appearance or those of others. These women’s creative contributions during Hollywood’s golden age of cinema also influenced the fashion industry up until today.

“Fashion has also been influenced by the designers of cinema costume, especially in the early part of the twentieth century. And though the influence of television has been more general, the power of its images- spacemen in bodysuits, armies in battle fatigues, hippies, and even little-known African tribes- has helped to spread or even start a trend.”[1]

The clothes that an actor wears on-screen or off-screen can serve as great publicity for a designer, and therefore enhance his or her career. Edith Head, Paramount Pictures costume designer for 44 years, believed that “the [Academy] Awards are important because they are viewed by such a large audience. For a designer, a large audience is important” (Head, 115). During the early days of cinema, as movie theaters became more a more popular, films started to exert their influence over wider audiences. Cinema costume designers influence fashion (including accessories, hairstyles, jewelry, and shoes.)

Cinema itself is a means of escaping reality to enter a world of fantasy. Costumes help one achieve that transformation and escape. Audiences seek entertainment and it is fun to play pretend. If one identifies with a particular actor, one could try to express it by acquiring their look, as when hundreds girls dressed in Madonna’s “Desperately Seeking Susan[2]” look.

If one cannot afford it, they will have it made. When the film Pretty Woman[3] was released, my cousin asked her seamstress to make her a senior prom dress exactly like the vibrant red formal gown that Julia Roberts wore in the opera scene. Wearing that design to her 1992 senior prom made her feel like a beautiful and glamorous young woman. Graduating as Valedictorian of her class, with a handsome boyfriend, and with a full-tuition scholarship to one of the States’ top engineering schools my cousin’s choice for prom night dress did seem like a fairy tale ending.

After all, for years she had worked really hard with the goal of academic success. As if using a magic wand, the red dress transformed her that night from a brainy school-uniform-wearing teenager to glamorous-academic-diva.

In her autobiography Edith Head, who was nominated 35 times and won eight academy awards for Best Costume Design explains her theory on the magic that clothes can do for a woman:

“What a woman wears, I felt, sets the pace for what she says and does...What she wears conveys who she is. Carole in a Clara Bow dress would be one thing, in a Mae West dress, someone else, and in one of her own chic, sheath like suits she would be Carole Lombard”[4].

Ms. Head witnessed how Travis Banton[5], had transformed Carole Lombard from “salesgirl to a duchess, all in modern dress”[6] and this made her realize the important role of the designer to women. Edith Head was excited by the possibility to transform the look of women with modern fashion.

After working with Ms. Lombard, Edith realized that anyone could make a “pioneer woman costume” or a “trapeze artist or a clown”, but working with the development of a character through contemporary clothes was the real challenge and the designer found that exciting. Finally Ms. Head concludes that, “There was a magic power in clothes. They could develop a personality. I decided to stick with them.”[7]

As a very flamboyant language, fashion communicates because, “Clothes reveal our priorities, our aspirations, our liberalism or conservatism. They go a long way towards satisfying simple or complex emotional needs, and they can be used consciously or unconsciously to convey subtle or overt sexual messages. Clothes contribute color and shape to our environment and give form to our feelings.”[8] In the same way that the bird[9] of paradise flaunts its fanciful plumage to seduce a mate on the island of New Guinea, a person will wear a special outfit to impress a potential partner.

In other cases, fashion and style is worn to reinforce the wearer’s identity. People are most likely to dress as their peers. A common expression during youth, across many college campuses one can identify all sorts of subcultures by just looking at what people are wearing: the punk group, the rockabilly group, the emo group, the frat boy look, the corporate-business school look, the preppie look, the hippie style, the raver style, the surfer style, the Rasta, and the artsy style, among many others. For observant designers, the “ideological uniforms” that people wear in public can represent a source of inspiration for original and creative ideas for costume or fashion design.

In real life, clothes have the power to make or break and identity just as in movies the costumes will give depth to a character. Costumes are important in film because that is the first thing we will notice about the character even before they say a word. It gives us the first impression.

Costume design can reveal a great deal of information about the way a particular type of woman lived in a particular period in time. In The Perils of Pauline[10] -a popular early film series that began in 1914- actress Pearl White plays the lead character of Pauline. Pauline is an adventurous upper class woman who puts off marriage for one year in order to lead exciting adventures. Extroverted and more independent than most women of the time, Pauline gets what she wants, but usually gets herself (and others) into a lot of trouble. She is always saved by her fiancé at the end and her guardian always fails to destroy her, as his plan to keep her inheritance dictates.

At the turn of the 20th century women’s fashion was changing at great speed, along with the political, social, economic, and historical changes taking place in the world. The new fashion styles coincided with a growing American women’s movement. “During the lifetimes of [Elizabeth] Stanton[11] and [Susan B.] Anthony[12], women’s legal and property rights were enlarged, new employment options opened, and access to higher education improved.”[13]

In fashion, women were starting to free themselves from the corset and bustles prevalent before 1900 and from the extremely formal Edwardian silhouettes which where popular until around 1910.

One of the pioneers of this new freedom in clothes was Paul Poiret, the French designer who “in 1906...was responsible for loosening the formal silhouette of fashion and achieving a more relaxed shape by extending the corset to the hips and reducing the number of underclothes”[14].

The character of Pauline wears long skirts, sans crinolines [15] or bustles,[16]and with long sleeved blouses. The designs are generally shapeless, not tailored, nor fitting, not flattering, and the fabric is loose. Was she comfortable? Perhaps, yet as a woman of 1914 she still seemed somewhat constricted in her attire, especially when wearing the long-skirted outfit to play tennis. At other times Pauline wore small delicate shoes, hats with feathers, all in a very feminine style expected of her class (and era). No handbags are visible.

In the weekly episodes the audience would have also see Pauline in various exciting costumes: racecar driver (of a masculine style), Native American Indian pants with fringe and feathers, and a sailor. Her skirts are always very long, covering all the way down to her ankles. In general, Pauline’s costumes show a lot of modesty, no cleavage or flesh, yet they embody they adventurous spirit of a wealthy woman at the beginning of the 20th century.

[1]O’Hara Callan, 7

[2]Desperately Seeking Susan. Dir Susan Seidelman. Orion Pictures Corp. 1985.

[3]Pretty Woman. Dir. Gary Marshall. Touchstone Pictures, 1990. [4]Head, 62

[5]Travis Banton was chief designer at Paramount Pictures and one of the most important costume Designers of the 1930’s. When he left Paramount, Edith Head became chief of the Costume Department.

[6]Head, 61,62

[7]Head, 62

[8]O’Hara Callan, 7

[9]Holland, Jennifer S., “Feather’s of Seduction”, National Geographic July 2007: 82-101.

[10]The Perils of Pauline. dir. Louis J. Gasnier and Douglas MacKenzie, VHS, Pathe Freres, 1914.

[11]d.1902

[12]d.1906

[13]Schneir, x

[14]O’hara Callan, 202

[15]prevalent during the 1840’s, 1850’s, and 1860’s [16]prevalent during 1860’s and 1870’s

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