But that never stopped me from pumping quarters into it. Now, 38 years later, I can see what happens when Ace doesn’t eat it three moves in …
Sorry, Not Sorry
For the uninitiated, Music from “The Elder” was KISS’s greatest misstep in a long career with more than a few. After 1980’s Unmasked bombed (they didn’t even tour behind it!), the band decided it was time to get back to basics, working again with the producer who had given them their most successful album, Destroyer. Instead, Bob Ezrin’s cocaine habit talked Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley into a concept album to rival Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
This is hilarious for many reasons, but especially funny when you consider that 99.998% of previous KISS songs were about partying and getting laid. Even Ace Frehley, the crazy, off-the-rails alcoholic in the band, knew this was a terrible idea. It was conceived as a soundtrack to a movie that didn’t exist! Here’s the story, courtesy of Wikipedia …
The basic plot of “The Elder” involves the recruitment and training of a young hero (The Boy) by the Council of Elders who belong to the Order of the Rose, a mysterious group dedicated to combating evil. The Boy is guided by an elderly caretaker named Morpheus. The album’s lyrics describe the boy’s feelings during his journey and training, as he overcomes his early doubts to become confident and self-assured. The only spoken dialogue is at the end of the last track, “I”. During the passage, Morpheus proclaims to the Elders that The Boy is ready to undertake his odyssey.
How could this be anything but a cocaine album?
I Laughed
Friendly reminder that the PREDATOR end credits go with any '80s sitcom theme song. pic.twitter.com/QfDFlXdqoG
— Alejandro Villarreal (@alamofilmguy) March 9, 2021
Sorry.
Sandinista Turns 40
Self-indulgent mess? Misunderstood masterpiece? I usually have an opinion on matters musical, but it’s now been forty years and I’m still not sure what to make of this album. Which may be the point. Or not.
Just Watch
Terrifying.
Know Your Memes
If you haven’t watched I Think You Should Leave you should. I had to rewatch this because hot dog guy is becoming a meme. And that’s what really matters these days.
The Dead Mall Series
Welcome to my latest YouTube obsession.
Starts weird, but stay with it.
Gimme Some Money
The streaming event this week is a fundraiser, perhaps to unseat Johnny Rotten.
Derek Smalls is on record as being “not really into politics”, but apparently the worm has turned.
As long as I get more of Nigel’s compelling theories.
Friday Comfort Food
Just needed some Social D.
As you were.
The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise
When I was a senior in high school, we would cut study hall some afternoons and sneak over to my friend’s house to watch DEVO videos on VHS.
This one is a classic.