Streaming/Film Review: “Boys From County Hell”

  • BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL
  • Starring:  Jack Rowan, Fra Fee, Louisa Harland
  • Directed by:  Chris Baugh
  • Rated:  Unrated
  • Running time:  1 hr 30 mins
  • Shudder


“You gonna tell us to ‘Stay off the moors’?”

“This is Ireland, lad… there aren’t any moors.”


Eugene (Jack Rowan) and  William (Fra Fee) have been busy spending their days surviving unwanted construction work, racking up hearty pub tabs and swindling cash and beer from tourists at the grave site of Abhartach – a legendary Irish vampire who may have inspired Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula novel. After wrangling a duo of cash-rich Canadian Dracula-enthusiasts, Eugene alerts them to the local disdain for the infamous fictional character… insisting the pub from which they just departed ‘The Stoker’ is only named so to monetize the fact that Stoker pillaged their town and stole their local legend and reaped the fame and fortune.


     The undead are inadvertently invited to join the drinking festivities once again when the boys’ construction crew accidentally disrupts Abhartach’s grave and  a monstrous infection starts to spread through town, leaving the locals to face and overnight battle with the ORIGINAL legends. 

“Boys From County Hell” is a perfect cocktail of horror and comedy from start to finish.  A brief visit to sleepy, small-town Ireland where you’ll immediately want to open a tab and grab a pint with our misguided heroes even if their call to action means fighting vampires. Horror enthusiasts will immediately feel American Werewolf in London’s  Slaughtered Lamb vibes from  County Hell’s tourist-tailored watering hole but make no mistake, vampires are back and doing something entirely new and bringing a disarming level of gnarly gore out to play. These aren’t vampires that sparkle or seduce — these vamps are nightmare fuel and this film is simply delightful.


     A reminder to research the origins of monster legends: lest you find yourself fleeing bloodsuckers armed with dangerous misinformation.  “This is important shit to know.”


     “Boys From County Hell” will stream exclusively to Shudder on April 22nd in the US and Canada, as well as via the Shudder offering within the AMC+ bundle where available.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Streaming Tagged With: boys, county, review, streamingfilm

PUBLIC ENEMY RELEASE “PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER WON” FT. BEASTIE BOYS’ MIKE D, AD-ROCK AND RUN DMC

WATCH LYRIC VIDEO FEATURING CLASSIC DEF JAM-ERA FOOTAGE HERE

‘WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN THE GRID GOES DOWN?’New Album Out Now via Def Jam Recordings

“a well-timed return to the center of the industry” – Rolling Stone

“In the hour of need, Public Enemy returns to fight the power once more.” – Billboard

“this group has continued to make such politically and potent work after more than 30 years together” – NPR Music

“the group’s message remains potent decades on” – Vulture

P.E. ANNOUNCE SUPPORT OF ELECTION SUPER CENTER’S “MAKE HISTORY HERE” INITIATIVE Bringing Safe, Socially-Distanced Voting to Sports Arenas Across the Country

Public Enemy just released the latest visual from their widely acclaimed new album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?. “Public Enemy Number Won” features Beastie Boys’ Mike D and Ad-Rock along with Run DMC, and the new lyric video features classic Def Jam-era footage of the artists and more. Watch the lyric video for “Public Enemy Number Won” here: https://youtu.be/GIa-8GxnllA.

Public Enemy also announced their support of Election Super Centers “Make History Here” initiative. The non-partisan group has been working with local election authorities and more than 70 NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL and MLS arenas and teams as well as prominent artists and athletes, to let communities know their local venues are open as polling locations, ensuring access to safe, socially-distanced voting at sports arenas across the country. For more info and voting locations here, visit: https://makehistoryhere.org.

“With less than a week to go before election day, we’re seeing record breaking early voting numbers across the country, and this effort is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encourage voters to make their voices heard at their favorite sporting venues,” notes Chuck D. “Every American deserves access to a ballot, and every vote counts.”

What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? marked the group’s historic return to Def Jam Recordings and includes guest appearances by Nas, YG, Rapsody, DJ Premier, Black Thought, Questlove, Cypress Hill, Run-DMC, Ice-T, PMD, George Clinton, Daddy-O, Jahi, The Impossebulls, Mark Jenkins, S1Ws Pop Diesel and James Bomb and Mike D and Ad-Rock of Beastie Boys. Listen to the full album HERE.

Previous singles from the album include “Fight the Power: Remix 2020,” a powerful reimagining of their classic track featuring Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, YG, Jahi and Questlove and riveted audiences at the2020 BET Awards; “State of the Union (STFU)” which holds nothing back as it calls out Donald Trump and his destructive reign, produced by DJ Premier; and single “Grid” featuring Cypress Hill and George Clinton–“a love letter to hip-hop’s golden era (and the classic Def Jam roster’s role in it), full of withering political analysis, blistering boom-bap and rap-rock productions (Vulture).”

Public Enemy performed “Grid” along with Cypress Hill on CBS’s special live broadcast of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, September 29th, immediately following the first presidential debate.

Watch the video HERE and the performance HERE. 

Public Enemy have proven that rebellion is more than the sound of a musical genre, the culture of a social class, or the color of a skin; it is an unmovable, unmistakable state of mind and heart. PE is hellbent on creating change where it is needed most. Determined to give voice to those who have long been ignored, unafraid to question institutional injustices, and intent on challenging any and all obstacles to social justice, Public Enemy have resisted with unprecedented intensity and eloquence.

Their classic albums are the soundtrack to hip-hop’s rise as a form of social and political commentary. 1988’s It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back was, and still is, one of the most important records ever made, with Rolling Stone recently naming it the #15 Greatest Album of All Time and The New York Times added it to their list of “25 Most Significant Albums of the Last Century.”Fear of a Black Planet–also named on the Rolling Stone list–features PE anthems including the original version of “Fight The Power,” “911 Is a Joke” and “Welcome To The Terrordome.” 

As America faces a fresh rebellion against racial division and social inequality, it is no surprise that the world looks to hip-hop’s original champions of change to continue the fight alongside them. What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? is available now atwww.publicenemy.com, along with exclusive Public Enemy merchandise.

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Film Review: “Bad Boys for Life”

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
Starring:  Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Joe Pantoliano
Directed by: Adil and Billal
Rated:  R
Running time:  2 hrs 3 mins
Sony Pictures

Riggs and Murtaugh.  Carter and Lee.  Tango and Cash. 

The law enforcement teams above are some of the most beloved in film history.  Another powerhouse was the team of Miami-based cops named Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.  Starting with 1995’s “Bad Boys” and continuing with the 2003 sequel “Bad Boys 2,” the two blazed their way across the screen with flashy cars and blazing guns.  It’s been awhile, but Lowrexy (Smith) and Burnett (Lawrence) are back…and it’s a welcome return.

It’s an ordinary day at the women’s prison.  In the laundry, the inmates do their best to fold and stack.  However, one inmate (Kate del Castillo) is motionless, staring off as if she was in a trance.  When she’s approached she suddenly springs to life.  The carnage that follows is horrific.

Meanwhile, in Miami, Detectives Lowery and Burnett are speeding through the streets in Lowery’s Porsche.  Their destination:  the local hospital, where Burnett’s daughter is about to give birth.  The new grandchild causes Burnett to rethink his future and soon he informs Lowery and their captain (the always great Joe Pantoliano) that he is going to retire.  But when you’re a “bad boy” do you ever really retire?

Moving at an almost breakneck speed, “Bad Boys for Life” plays on screen like a live action version of “Grand Theft Auto.”  The pace is fast, yet the plot never feels rushed.  Smith and Lawrence have great chemistry together and their playful banter feels natural.  They are assisted by strong supporting turns from Paola Nunez and rapper DJ Khaled, who does well in a small role.  And for fans of the original, keep your eyes open for a cameo from “Bad Boys” director Michael Bay. If you wanted a movie poster or or canvas print American Sign Letters can do it for you.  

The production values are outstanding, with all of the light and color of Miami on display.  And I don’t know what cops in Miami make but Lowery seems quite comfortable in his penthouse pad and speedy Porsche.  All in all, a fine return to the screen for Lowrey and Burnett.  Now whatcha’ gonna do ‘til they come back for you?

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: bad, boys, film, life, review

Win a “Bad Boys for Life” Prize Package

Media Mikes has teamed with their friends at Sony Pictures to give (5) random readers the chance to win a prize package for their latest film, “Bad Boys for Life,” starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

The prize package consists of the following:

  • Fanny pack
  • Poster
  • Cell phone ring holder

All you have to do is let us know in the comments below what screen duo you’d like to see get back together. Batman and Robin? Riggs and Murtaugh? Bill and Ted? Actually, that one is happening! (5) random entries will be chosen on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. CST and those winners will be notified by email. Good luck!

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Win Passes to the Kansas City Premiere of “Bad Boys for Life”

Media Mikes has teamed up with the friends at Sony Pictures to give (25) readers and a guest the chance to be among the first to see the new film “Bad Boys for Life” in Kansas City.

The film, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, will be screened on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the AMC Olathe 28 Theatre in Olathe, Kansas. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

If you want to attend, just click HERE to register for the screening. (25) random winners will be selected from all that registered and will receive a pass for (2) to attend the screening. You have until 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 11 to register for the passes. Winners will be randomly selected at that time and notified. Good luck!

  • BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.
  • AMC Olathe 28 Theatre – Olathe, Kansas

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Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: bad, boys, city, kansas, life, passes, ...

Enter to Win a Blu-ray of “Good Boys”

Good Boys is available on Digital 10/29 and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD 11/12!

To celebrate the release of Universal Pictures’ “The Hustle” on Blu-ray, Media Mikes would like to our fans a chance to win a digital download of this season. If you want to win this great prize, please leave a comment with your favorite party movie. This giveaway will remain open until November 15th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Universal City, California, September 17, 2019 – How bad can a sixth grader’s day really get? From creative masterminds Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Superbad, Pineapple Express and Sausage Party) comes the new hit comedy Good Boys, available on Digital October 29, 2019, as well as Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on November 12, 2019. Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes as the biggest original comedy opening of the year, the movie is making audiences laugh out loud with its perfect mix of side-splitting adult humor and oblivious-yet-loveable trio of grade-school friends. Described as “a highly original coming-of-age tale,” (Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune), Good Boys is loaded with outrageous unrated exclusive bonus content including a never-before-seen alternate ending and deleted and extended scenes as well as featurettes with the cast and crew, treating audiences to some gut-busting behind-the-scenes moments.

After being invited to his first kissing party, 12-year-old Max (Jacob Tremblay; Room) is panicking because he doesn’t know how to kiss. Eager for some pointers, Max and his best friends Thor (Brady Noon, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire) and Lucas (Keith L. Williams, Fox’s The Last Man On Earth) decide to use Max’s dad’s drone – which Max is forbidden to touch – to spy on a teenage couple making out next door. But when things go ridiculously wrong, the drone is destroyed. Desperate to replace it before Max’s dad (Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth) gets home, the boys skip school and set off on an odyssey of epically bad decisions involving some accidentally stolen drugs, frat-house paintball, and running from both the cops and two terrifying teenage girls (Molly Gordon; Life of the Party and Midori Francis; Ocean’s Eight).

From Point Grey producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the writers of Superbad, Pineapple Express and Sausage Party, and James Weaver (Neighbors), Good Boys is co-written and produced by Lee Eisenberg and co-written and directed by Gene Stupnitsky (NBC’s The Office).

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, boys, enter, good, win

BEASTIE BOYS LIMITED ANNIVERSARY EDITION COLORED VINYL TO BE RELEASED ON OCTOBER 4TH

Paul’s Boutique, Ill Communication + Root Down EP and 
To The 5 Boroughs

On October 4, 2019, a series of limited edition colored vinyl will be released to mark the anniversaries of Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique (30th anniversary), Ill Communication (25th anniversary), including the Root Down EP, and To The 5 Boroughs (15th anniversary). All versions are pressed on 180gram vinyl and can be pre-ordered here.

Paul’s Boutique 30th Anniversary (2LP Violet Colored Vinyl):
To mark the 30th anniversary of Beastie Boys’ 1989 landmark second album, Paul’s Boutique will be released as a 2LP set pressed on standard black vinyl as well as limited edition violet colored vinyl. 

Recorded in Los Angeles with a sample-based Dust Brothers production, Paul’s Boutique marked a giant creative leap forward for Adrock, Mike D and MCA. Ranking high on critic’s lists including Pitchfork’s “Top 100 Albums of the 1980s,” Time Magazine’s “100 Greatest Albums of All TIME” and Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” Paul’s Boutique went on to sell over 2 million albums. 

Ill Communication 25th Anniversary (2LP Silver Metallic Colored Vinyl) + Root Down EP (Orange, Red, Blue, Green Colored Vinyl):
Beastie Boys’ multi-platinum selling album Ill Communication will be released as a limited edition, 2LP set pressed on silver-metallic colored vinyl. There will also be multiple limited edition vinyl pressings of Root Down EP, available as orange, red, blue and green, that will be randomly distributed and sold separately.

Released in 1994, Beastie Boys’ fourth studio album Ill Communication debuted at No. 1 and was an unstoppable force, pervading every aspect of pop culture. 

Its charge to the top of the charts was led by “Sabotage” and its legendary Spike Jonze/Nathanial Hornblower ’70s TV police drama tribute, as Rolling Stone dubbed Ill Communication 1994’s “soundtrack for summer.” Crowds and critics alike were floored by highlights “Sure Shot,” “Root Down” and “Get It Together,” as Vibe—in the magazine’s first cover story on a white artist–hailed Beastie Boys as “perhaps the most consistently innovative musicians to emerge out of hip hop.” It was a claim that Ill Communication has justified for years to come, and 25 years later Ill Communication’s impact has resonated with generation after generation.

Shortly after, Beastie Boy’s released the Root Down EP featuring the original album version of “Root Down” off Ill Communication, plus several remix versions. Also included are seven live tracks from their 1995 European winter tour.

To The 5 Boroughs 15th Anniversary (2LP Blue Colored Vinyl):
Beastie Boys’ self-produced dedication to their home state of New York, To The 5 Boroughs, celebrates its 15th anniversary with a 2LP, limited edition blue vinyl pressing. 

Released in 2004, the platinum selling To The 5 Boroughs hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Top Rap Albums, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Current Albums, Rap Album Sales and Top Album Sales charts. The album features a steady mix of deep pop culture references in tracks such as “Shazam!” and “Ch-Check It Out,” as well as more serious social and political issues with “Right Right Now Now,” “It Takes Time To Build” and “An Open Letter To NYC.” Rolling Stone stated “To The 5 Boroughs is an exciting, astonishing balancing act: fast, funny and sobering,” while Pitchfork proclaimed, “the album’s easy air speaks to veteran, nothing-to-lose attitude of both the city and the group.”

Paul’s Boutique (2LP)

A1          To All The Girls   
A2          Shake Your Rump             
A3          Johnny Ryall       
A4          Egg Man              
B1          High Plains Drifter            
B2          The Sounds Of Science   
B3          3-Minute Rule    
B4          Hey Ladies          
C1          5-Piece Chicken Dinner   
C2          Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun           
C3          Car Thief              
C4          What Comes Around       
C5          Shadrach             
D1          Ask For Janice    
B-Boy Bouillabaisse         
D2a        59 Chystie Street              
D2b        Get On The Mic 
D2c        Stop That Train  
D2d        A Year And A Day             
D2e        Hello Brooklyn   
D2f         Dropping Names              
D2g        Lay It On Me       
D2h        Mike On The Mic             
D2i         A. W. O. L  

Ill Communication (2LP)

A1       Sure Shot        
A2       Tough Guy      
A3       B-Boys Makin’ With The Freak Freak
A4       Bobo On The Corner   
A5       Root Down      
B1        Sabotage         
B2        Get It Together            
B3        Sabrosa          
B4        The Update      
B5        Futterman’s Rule         
C1        Alright Hear This         
C2        Eugene’s Lament         
C3        Flute Loop       
C4        Do It     
C5        Ricky’s Theme 
D1        Heart Attack Man        
D2        The Scoop       
D3        Shambala        
D4        Bodhisattva Vow        
D5        Transitions       

Root Down EP (Vinyl)


A1       Root Down (Free Zone Mix)   
A2       Time To Get Ill  
A3       Heart Attack Man        
A4       The Maestro    
A5       Sabrosa          
A6       Root Down (PP Balloon Mix)   
B1        Root Down (LP)          
B2        Flute Loop       
B3        Time For Livin’ 
B4        Something’s Got To Give


Root Down EP CD

  1. Root Down (Free Zone Mix)        
  2. Root Down (LP)   
  3. Root Down (PP Balloon Mix)        
  4. Time To Get Ill       
  5. Heart Attack Man 
  6. The Maestro         
  7. Sabrosa   
  8. Flute Loop
  9. Time For Livin’      
  10. Something’s Got To Give

To The 5 Boroughs (2LP)

A1       Ch-Check It Out           
A2       Right Right Now Now  
A3       3 The Hard Way          
A4       It Takes Time To Build  
B1        Rhyme The Rhyme Well          
B2        Triple Trouble  
B3        Hey Fuck You 
B4        Oh Word?        
C1        That’s It That’s All        
C2        All Lifestyles   
C3        Shazam!          
C4        An Open Letter To NYC          
D1        Crawlspace    
D2        The Brouhaha 
D3        We Got The      

 

Related Content

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 4th, anniversary, beastie, boys, colored, edition, ...

BEASTIE BOYS: ILL COMMUNICATION TURNS 25 TODAY

STILL ILL Mini-Doc Live at https://youtu.be/pp_2E2K9_L4

Debuting at #1 upon its May 1994 release, Beastie Boys’ fourth album was an unstoppable force, pervading every aspect of pop culture. Its charge to the top of the charts was led by “Sabotage” and its legendary Spike Jonze/Nathanial Hornblower ’70s TV police drama tribute, as ROLLING STONE dubbed Ill Communication 1994’s “soundtrack for summer.” Crowds and critics alike were floored by highlights “Sure Shot,” “Root Down” and “Get It Together,” as a VIBE (RIP)—in the magazine’s first cover story on a white artist–hailed Beastie Boys as “perhaps the most consistently innovative musicians to emerge out of hip hop.” It was a claim that Ill Communication has justified for years to come, and 25 years later Ill Communication’s impact has resounded with generation after generation.

For more on the anniversary visit Amazon Music’s dedicated Beastie Boys Page: https://www.amazon.com/beastieboys

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 25, beastie, boys, communication, today, turns, ...

Ace Frehley Releases New Music Video for “Rockin With the Boys”. New Solo Album Due 10/19

ACE FREHLEY RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “ROCKIN’ WITH THE BOYS” VIA BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
ALL NEW SOLO LP, SPACEMAN, DUE THIS FRIDAY
NYC POP UP STORE ANNOUNCED FOR STREET DATE

FREHLEY TO APPEAR ON GOOD DAY NY

2018 TOUR DATES ON SALE NOW
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW

Watch “Rockin With the Boys” here

Founding KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame member ACE FREHLEY has released the music video for “Rockin’ With The Boys.” Filmed live in Detroit Rock City, this is the first music video we’ve seen from The Spaceman since he released the video for “Fire and Water.”

That video featured KISS frontman Paul Stanley and was off of Origins, Vol. 1, released in 2016. The video was done by veteran director Justin Reich.

This is the second song Frehley has released this year, from his forthcoming all-new Spaceman album, due October 19, 2018, via Entertainment One (eOne). Frehley previously released the track “Bronx Boy” in April.

Spaceman, Frehley’s eighth solo LP, features nine new original tracks, plus a cover of Eddie Money’s “I Wanna Go Back,” a ripping power pop makeover of the original.

Ace Frehley will be appearing on GOOD DAY NY/WNYW Fox 5 tomorrow, October 16, 2018, at 9 AM EDT, performing his new single, “Rockin’ With The Boys” in its entirety.

Additionally, an Ace Frehley “Spaceman” pop up store powered by Looney Tunes is planned for Friday, October 19 at the Sam Ash Music store, located at 333 W 34th St. in New York City. Ace will be appearing from 5-7PM EDT signing copies of his new album.

Spaceman LPs and CDs will be available to purchase as well as the limited edition Orange Vinyl only currently available at indie store locations in the U.S.

“No need to worry, I’ll be home soon, ’cause I’m rockin’ with the boys,” Frehley sings on “Rockin’ With the Boys,” which tells the tale of life on the road. Ace says he wrote the original version of the song back in KISS’s heyday in the ’70s. Both “Rockin With The Boys” and “Bronx Boy” are available on all streaming platforms today, and are iTunes instant grat tracks for fans who preorder the album.

In addition to Ace’s distinctive guitar sound on each track, Ace played bass on all of the songs on Spaceman except for two. The listener might recognize the mighty dinosaur growl of a bass tone belonging to Gene Simmons on the album opener, “Without You I’m Nothing,” which Gene also co-wrote, and “Your Wish Is My Command.” Both songs were recorded at Frehley’s home studio in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Ace’s reconnection with Simmons and fellow KISS vocalist-guitarist Paul Stanley (who joined Ace on a cover of Free’s “Fire and Water” for 2016’s covers LP Origins, Vol. 1) might be chalked up to the fact that Frehley has been sober for more than a decade (he celebrates 12 years of sobriety in September). Ace’s clean living no doubt has a lot to do with his productive streak, which began with the release of his top 20 Anomaly album in 2009.
Spaceman (a title suggested by Simmons, himself) serves as the first collection of all new Frehley-penned material since 2014’s Space Invader, which debuted at #9 on the Top 200 Chart. The LP scored the highest charting position of any former or current KISS band member ever and marked Frehley’s first return to the Top 10 since KISS’s 1998 Psycho Circus reunion album.

Space Invader received praise from critics. Rolling Stone wrote, “Gene Simmons has claimed Ace Frehley doesn’t deserve to wear Kiss’ Kabuki clown paint, but the former Spaceman’s first solo LP in five years says otherwise,” while Associated Press hailed, “…the original Kiss lead guitarist has recorded his best solo album since his groundbreaking self-titled album in 1978.”

Widely known as the original “Space Ace” and founding guitarist for 16 cumulative years (over 2 tenures) of the multi-platinum selling rock band KISS, Frehley is demonstrably the most popular original member. In addition to having the best-selling solo album career (vintage or current) among the original foursome, Frehley’s self-titled Ace Frehley, released in 1978, went on to sell over one million copies, producing the only Top 40 single, “New York Groove,” from any of the legendary KISS solo albums (peaking at #13).

Upcoming 2018 Dates
Oct 27, 2018 – Oct 28, 2018 – Las Vegas, NV, KISS Mini Golf
Oct 31, 2018 – Nov. 5, 2018 – Miami to Key West and Nassau, KISS Kruise VIII
November 7, 2018- Pensacola, FL, Pensacola Saenger Theatre
November 9, 2018- Clearwater, FL, Capital Theatre
November 10, 2018- Melbourne, FL, King Center for the Performing Arts
November 11, 2018- Miramar, FL, Miramar Ampitheatre

Track Listing
1. Without You I’m Nothing
2. Rockin’ With the Boys
3. Your Wish Is My Command
4. Bronx Boy
5. Pursuit Of Rock and Roll
6. I Wanna Go Back
7. Mission To Mars
8. Off My Back
9. Quantum Flux

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: 1019, ace, album, boys, due, frehley, ...

Ace Frehley Releases New Track, “Rockin’ With The Boys” New Album, “Spaceman”, Due In October

ACE FREHLEY RELEASES NEW
TRACK, “ROCKIN’ WITH THE BOYS”
ALL NEW SOLO LP, SPACEMAN, DUE OCTOBER 19, 2018

Photo Credit: Jay Gilbert

2018 TOUR DATES ON SALE NOW
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW

Listen to “Rockin’ With The Boys” Here

Founding KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame member ACE FREHLEY has released a new song today called “Rockin’ With The Boys.” This is the second song Frehley has released this year, from his forthcoming all-new Spaceman album, due October 19, 2018, via Entertainment One (eOne). Frehley previously released the track “Bronx Boy” in April.

Spaceman, Frehley’s eighth solo LP, features nine new original tracks including a cover of Eddie Money’s “I Wanna Go Back,” a ripping power pop makeover of the original.

“No need to worry, I’ll be home soon, ’cause I’m rockin’ with the boys,” Frehley sings on “Rockin’ With the Boys,” which tells the tales of life on the road. Ace says he wrote the original version of the song back in KISS’s heyday in the ’70s. Both “Rockin With The Boys” and “Bronx Boys” are available on all streaming platforms today, and are iTunes instant grat tracks for fans who preorder the album.

In addition to Ace’s distinctive guitar sound on each track, Ace played bass on all of the songs on Spaceman except for two. The listener might recognize the mighty dinosaur growl of a bass tone belonging to Gene Simmons on the album opener, “Without You I’m Nothing,” which Gene also co-wrote, and “Your Wish Is My Command.” Both songs were recorded at Frehley’s home studio in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Ace’s reconnection with Simmons and fellow KISS vocalist-guitarist Paul Stanley (who joined Ace on a cover of Free’s “Fire and Water” for 2016’s covers LP Origins, Vol. 1) might be chalked up to the fact that Frehley has been sober for more than a decade (he celebrates 12 years of sobriety in September). Ace’s clean living no doubt has a lot to do with his productive streak, which began with the release of his top 20 Anomaly album in 2009.
Spaceman (a title suggested by Simmons, himself) serves as the first collection of all new Frehley-penned material since 2014’s Space Invader, which debuted at #9 on the Top 200 Chart. The LP scored the highest charting position of any former or current KISS band member ever and marked Frehley’s first return to the Top 10 since KISS’s 1998 Psycho Circus reunion album.

Widely known as the original “Space Ace” and founding guitarist for 16 cumulative years (over 2 tenures) of the multi-platinum selling rock band KISS, Frehley is demonstrably the most popular original member. In addition to having the best-selling solo album career (vintage or current) among the original foursome, Frehley’s self-titled Ace Frehley, released in 1978, went on to sell over one million copies, producing the only Top 40 single, “New York Groove,” from any of the legendary KISS solo albums (peaking at #13).

Tour Dates
Aug 9, 2018 – Solana Beach, CA, Belly Up Tavern
Aug 10, 2018 – Las Vegas, NV, The Pearl at the Palms Casino
Aug 12, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA, The Greek Theater
Aug 17, 2018 – New Hope, MN, New Hope Cinema Grill – An Evening with Ace Frehley
Aug 18, 2018 – Detroit, MI, Hart Plaza, Motor City Music Festival
Aug 28, 2018 – Adelaide, SA, Australia, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Aug 30, 2018 – Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Margaret Court Arena
Aug 31, 2018 – Sydney, NSW, Australia, Enmore Theatre
Sep 1, 2018 – Brisbane, QLD, Australia, The Tivoli
Sep 3, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 4, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 5, 2018 – Tokyo, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Sep 6, 2018 – Osaka, Japan, Billboard Live (2 Shows)
Oct 31, 2018 – Nov. 5, 2018 – Miami to Key West and Nassau, KISS Kruise VIII
November 9, 2018 – Clearwater, FL, Capitol Theatre
November 10, 2018 – Melbourne, FL, King Center for the Performing Arts
November 11, 2018 – Miramar, FL, Miramar Amphitheatre

“Spaceman” Track Listing
1. Without You I’m Nothing
2. Rockin’ With the Boys
3. Your Wish Is My Command
4. Bronx Boy
5. Pursuit Of Rock and Roll
6. I Wanna Go Back
7. Mission To Mars
8. Off My Back
9. Quantum Flux

Pre Order “Spaceman” Here

 

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Book Review: “Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements”

“Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements”
Author: Bob Mehr
Publisher: Da Capo Press

Hardcover: 520 pages w/ 32 pages of black and white photographs

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Trouble Boys” is the first definitive biography of one of the last great rock ‘n’ rolls bands of the twentieth century: The Replacements. With the participation of the group’s key members including reclusive singer-songwriter Paul Westerberg and bassist Tommy Stinson- Author Bob Mehr is able to tell the real story. Additionally based on interviews conducted with family, friends, managers and musical colleagues, Mehr paints a deeply intimate portrait of the band. Far more than a conventional band bio, “Trouble Boys” is heartbreakingly tragic, frequently comic and ultimately a triumphant tale.

Right away I was interested in picking up this book and learning more about a band I was fairly late to discover in my music listening exploits. The Replacements were always a band I saw cited as an influence of some of my favorite artists however I had limited knowledge of the actual group aside from guitarist Paul Westerberg. As a cautionary mention before I go too far do yourself a favor and brush up on your Replacements knowledge prior to diving into this book’s immense 520 pages. Time and time again the author sites numerous names, events and locations both big and small all throughout the book and with limited knowledge of the bands career the reader can easily become lost. At several points during my reading I found myself having to go back over sections to find where the book was at as the story of just the band and its members is easily lost amidst miniscule details that were explained in far more detail than they probably needed to be leaving me to seriously question the books editing.

What “Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements” lacks in being clear and concise makes up for the shortcoming in content as I stated before the book is very detailed. The addition of 32 pages of photos was also a very cool addition. Hardcore Replacements fans will already have this book on their radar but more casual listeners may also want to take notice as this book will be a welcome addition to any music fans reading library.

 

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books Tagged With: book, boys, replacements, review, story, trouble, ...

The Blind Boys of Alabama’s Jimmy Carter talks about new album “Talkin’ Christmas!” and the band’s 70th Anniversary

Jimmy Carter is one of The Blind Boys of Alabama, the five-time Grammy Award winning gospel group. This year marks the band’s 70th Anniversary together and Jimmy is a founding member and has been there since the beginning. The band has collaborated with musicians like Ben Harper, Tom Waits and has performed for numerous Presidents over the year. Jimmy took out some time to chat wiht Media Mikes about their new album “Talkin’ Christmas!” and about the band’s 70th anniversary.

Mike Gencarelli: “Talkin’ Christmas!” is your second Christmas album after 2003’s “Go Tell it On the Mountain”; how did this come about and teaming up with Taj Mahal?
Jimmy Carter: Taj Mahal has been fans of The Blind Boys for a long time and we have been a fan of his as well. When we approached him, he was ready and eager to do it! Then we all got together went into the studio and did our thing [laughs].

MG: I listen to a lot of Christmas albums and if you are lucky an artist includes one new song in their album. You guys have given us seven brand-new holiday songs – six of which you written yourselves with this new album; what made you decide to that this route?
JC: That’s right. It is mostly all original stuff on this album. We all got together and wrote some great songs. I think that is what makes it a good album. The first Christmas that we did was mostly traditional songs but this one we wanted the material to be new. I hope it goes over good. We are trying to remind people what Christmas really is about. Christmas had gotten very commercial, so we are trying to put Christ back into Christmas.

MG: Since this is a holiday themed album, I am curious when was it recorded?
JC: We recorded this one in March, if I remember correctly. With the songs that we had it put us in the Christmas mood. So it wasn’t hard at all to record after the holidays and ended up being quite fun.

MG: 2014 is your 70th anniversary of The Blind Boys of Alabama, what is it like to be performing together all these years?
JC: It still feels good. Every year you get a little older but when you still enjoy and love what you do it keeps you going. Everyone is still in pretty good shape, so I foresee us being around for at least a little bit longer [laughs].

MG: If you were asked to pick the first highlight that comes to your head over the many years together, what would that be?
JC: A few come up actually. We had the privilege to singing to three Presidents. Even got to meet former President Jimmy Carter twice [laughs]. That was really cool. Then we got our first Grammy in 2002 and that was an amazing moment. Those are the two that come up the top of my head right now.

MG: You have teamed up with songwriters such as Ben Harper, Eric Clapton and Prince in the past; any more team ups planned next?
JC: I especially enjoyed working with Ben Harper. He is a great writer, a great singer and a great musician. He brought a lot to the table man. I really enjoyed working with him. I think Ben wants to do something else with us. We have to sit down and talk about it but I think he is ready…so we will see.

MG: Any tour dates planned for this album this Fall?
JC: Yes! We are going to start our Christmas tour on November 28th. We are starting that Friday night in Fredrick, MD and we will end up December 23rd in San Diego, CA.

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Blu-ray Review “Jersey Boys”

Actors: John Lloyd Young, Christopher Walken, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Vincent Piazza
Directors: Clint Eastwood
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: November 11, 2014
Running Time: 134 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love the music of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons?! Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, “Jersey Boys” gets the big screen treatment from llegendaryactor/director and Oscar winner Clint Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Unforgiven”). “Jersey Boys” features some great music and is quite the inspiring drama. Normally not a huge Eastwood fan but he did a great job on converting this stage play works to a feature. I have seen this on Broadway twice and I was a little hesitate in the film but it is very entertaining…oh and that music!

Official Premise: “Jersey Boys” tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more.

The film stars John Lloyd Young, who reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen (“Madam Secretary”) plays as Bob Gaudio, writer of the group’s biggest hits. Newcomer Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”) star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Also perfectly cast in the role of mobster Gyp DeCarlo is Oscar® winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”), who does some great dancing and singing.

“Jersey Boys” is being released as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD = Ultraviolet Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer gives the film a lot of scope and takes it off the stage and into the real world. I liked this transition and I thought it was very well done. The music is key for a film like this, obviously. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5,1 delivers a great balance between the songs and the dialogue. You can’t help but belt along with these wonderful classics.

The special features are ok but I would have honestly expected more. There are three featurettes included. “From Broadway To The Big Screen” is obviously focuses on the journey of this film from the stages of Broadway to the big silver screen. “Too Good To Be True” is a feature with cast/crew interviews. Lastly ‘Oh, What A Night’ To Remember” talks about the legacy of The Four Season’s music over the years. I would have loved to see some commentary tracks and more focus on the music.

Own “Jersey Boys” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD on November 11th

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, boys, jersey, review

The Big-Screen Version of the Smash Broadway Hit “Jersey Boys” Arrives onto Blu-rayô combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on November 11 From Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Blu-ray and Digital HD include bonus content featuring interviews with Clint Eastwood and the cast!

Burbank, CA, September 2, 2014 – Based on the Tony Award-winning musical, “Jersey Boys” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on November 11 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Directed by Oscar® winner Clint Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Unforgiven”), “Jersey Boys” is an inspiring drama featuring The Four Seasons’ songs that influenced a generation.

“Jersey Boys” stars John Lloyd Young, who reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits. Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Oscar® winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”) stars as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

Clint Eastwood directed “Jersey Boys” from a screenplay and musical book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, song music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. “Jersey Boys” is produced by Clint Eastwood, Graham King and Robert Lorenz, along executive producers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tim Moore, Tim Headington, James Packer and Brett Ratner.

“Jersey Boys” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Jersey Boys” in Digital HD via purchase from digital retailers.

 

SYNOPSIS

“Jersey Boys” tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more.

These classic hits are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which has been running on Broadway for more than eight years and has also enjoyed successful tours around the globe.

 

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Jersey Boys” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

  • From Broadway To The Big Screen
  • Too Good To Be True
  • “Oh, What A Night” To Remember

“Jersey Boys” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

  • “Oh, What A Night” To Remember

 

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

“Jersey Boys” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. “Jersey Boys” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Target Ticket, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

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