Reviews and Letters to the Editor These are record reviews as well as letters I've written to newspapers/magazines or posted on websites in the past. These letters are from the "past" which means that some of the beliefs once held in the "letters" may have changed, but even so, they beg sharing here. "Shitting Glitter's 'Free Alongside Ship' Record Review"
For a "Hodgepodge" of live Shitting Glitter pix, click HERE! Los
Angeles: February 2006 - Omigod! Where do I
begin with this record? Yes, I call it a
record cause so much of the songs remind me of my favorite sounds from the 80s and back
then, they made records. I can’t
completely alienate the CD and iPod crowd so rest assured that this near perfect release
from Amy, Devin and Brandon (otherwise known as Shitting Glitter) is very much planted
with both feet in the 21st century. First of all, before I begin my indepth study (I
like that word better than review) everyone needs to get over the name Shitting Glitter
and get to the music and their shamen like, fantastically frantic and gorgeously deranged
madness that is the storytelling magic of the uber-sexual, haunting, slutty and
intelligent psycho punk pop threesome! It’s
all a top notch affair and all with a heapin’ helpin’ of new wave thrown in just
for good measure. To me, this beginning took me to a fog drenched pier overlooking the ocean at night. Out of the fog I could hear the echoes of music but couldn’t see anything. Only when Devin’s synth grew into focus did a haunted, vintage yacht come out of the mist. Standing atop the evil ghost ship were the band…a macabre and motley bunch of undead misfits, complete with instruments and mics, sending their music out to win over the souls of the living. They won over my soul from the first note. “There’s something wrong with the monster.” Very much indeed…and I love it! The haunting and brooding ‘Mondo Di Corpo’
creeps into ‘The Curse’ which has remnants of B52’s, The Cure, X, Missing
Persons and Berlin strewn all about the place and amazingly, it’s all a cohesive
brand of genius. Just when you think
you’ve got the sound of Shitting Glitter down tight like an airtight coffin,
‘Ladyslipper’ comes along to turn you on your ass and continue on this most
fantastic voyage. Luscious hemispheres of
dreamland prevail. Sounds like Siouxsie, Lush
and Cocteau Twins come to mind in this gem of a song.
The dueling vocal stylings between Amy and Devin on ‘Ladyslipper’ are a
slice of pure heaven and were a drug I couldn’t refuse. “I’m Feelin’ Really Horny”
opens the six minute dance epic ‘Slut Buffet’ and it doesn‘t let up with
it‘s sexual delivery of delicious, slutty, magnetic energy both musically and
lyrically. ‘Guaranteed Used’ tells a provocative
and serious story of prejudice in the bowels of ‘Dichotomy’ is an amazing song where Amy
lets loose, Devin takes his key strokes to a new level and ‘Guerilla’ begins with some distortion
and looped guitar and Amy’s cough. Hilarious
and right on. The song begins sparse with ‘Incomparable White Six’. The first time I heard that title back on their
previous E.P., I thought it about a certain part of a male’s anatomy. This new, sparser version has to be my favorite
song on the album. The subtle and sexy mix of
Amy’s vocals, Devin’s keys and ‘High and Tight’ is one sensual song. Amy takes her voice down a notch or three for this
one with Devin backing her with a bit of vox and electric piano. ‘R So’ is about a registered sex offender and
it’s a rockin’ new wave-ish romp with Amy, ‘Static Cling’ begins with just Devin on
keys…Pure new wave but with bite. Then ‘The Amnesty Party’.
"CROMELIN CUTS THE SCISSOR SISTERS JAGGED!" Below is the "Pop Music Review" of Scissor Sisters by Richard Cromelin entitled "The Scissor Sisters Cut it Fine" and my response letter to the editor which I called, "Cromelin Cuts the Scissor Sisters Jagged!" Bottom line, he didn't know wrote a poor review, focusing more on surface, non-informed details. Too negative and unfair. "The Scissor Sisters cut it fine" By Richard Cromelin - Times Staff Writer It's not such a daring thing anymore for a pop performer to proclaim his or her gayness. But to the extent that gay music fans remain marginalized by the record business, the gesture still carries some weight and is usually welcomed by an audience whose world is rarely addressed by mainstream artists. The Scissor Sisters are the latest rock act to play that card, and the goodwill generated by its stance goes a long way toward explaining the appeal of its show on Tuesday at the Troubadour - a triumph of spirit and attitude over musical limitations. Of course, it doesn't explain why the New York band has become a mini-sensation in England. Maybe it's because of all the British pop figures the band recycles in its new, self-titled album - Elton John, David Bowie, Wham!, the Bee Gees, Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The group also got some early attention with an irreverent disco remake of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" from "The Wall" album. It's pretty slim and clearly derivative, with the fleeting appeal of a novelty record, but at the Troubadour the group wore down any reservations with its relentlessly engaging manner. Instead of campy flamboyance, the Scissor Sisters came on with pep-squad enthusiasm. Singer Jake Shears' bubbly good cheer was hard to resist. Singer Ana Matronic handled the more arch, gender-bender patter, while the three instrumentalists acted as deadpan foils. (The band plays the Avalon in Hollywood Sept. 29.) A high tolerance for chirping falsetto is advised, but it helped that the band was playing for a room of dancing fools. The show flew by at its fast tempos, but a couple of shifts to ballads were jarring and unconvincing. For an hour-long party, sometimes one dimension is all you need.
"Richard Cromelin cuts the Scissor Sisters jagged!" Richard Cromelin's pop music review of the Scissor Sisters Tuesday gig at the Troubadour was jagged, subjective, biased and fell largely off the mark. In his Thursday July 29, 2004 review in Calendar Weekend, Mr. Cromelin revealed his inner struggle with how to write the review by starting off in an offensive and undaring way by addressing the already tired cliché that the band and their fans are gay. Just to set the record "straight" for Mr. Cromelin, the band members are both gay and straight and while sexual orientation is important, there was absolutely no indication in Scissor Sisters Tuesday performance that they were anything other than sexual. Being a fan of their music, style and performance, I hope you don't find it shocking that I'm 100% heterosexual and the manner in which you chose to begin your review to be anything but witty and intelligent. If anything, you helped to marginalize and trivialize them. The Scissor Sisters aren't "playing that (gay) card" as you wrote, they've been dealt that hand by narrow minded journalists like yourself who it seems lack the artistic insight and sophistication to look beyond the card that in my opinion has been played too often by the media. When it comes down to it, you're to blame, NOT the Scissor Sisters. They are just as tired of the stereotype as I am. "A triumph of spirit and attitude over musical limitations" went along way to reveal your artistic, journalistic and musical limitations and taste as well and shows you probably haven't done your homework when it comes to listening to the CD, B-Sides and unreleased tracks floating around the Internet. If you had, you'd realize that for a new band, they've got immense and untapped potential and have already created songs of weight, power, beauty with inspiring elements of rock, pop and dance. The band is more than the "mini-sensation in England" that you wrote in your agenda-laden review. If having a Number #1 album several times over the last six months in the UK charts as well as three Top 20 singles is a "mini-sensation", I'd like to know what the definition of major would be. And, the reason you can't explain their popularity in England is because once again, you haven't done your homework. Let me school you...The reason for their popularity and success in England is due to many factors, some of which are: an amazing album full of pop rock song gems and done up with flawless production qualities, original & artistic music videos, a stylish and sexy band image, an endearing down to earth and friendly approachability, intelligent song-writing, superb management, a passionate record label, a more accepting public & media and a stellar live show! You wrote your "maybes" on why Scissor Sisters are popular in England by focusing on the sounds and retro musicians they've "recycled". While there is some validity to your "maybe" approach, the fact that they sound like so many other artists is a plus rather than a minus and if you'd delve deeper below the surface of Scissor Sisters, you'd realize they've got much more to offer than a mere "fleeting appeal" or "campy flamboyance". Your warning to readers that may attend a future concert by writing that "a high tolerance for chirping falsetto is advised" was disgustingly narrow minded, irrelevant and potentially off-putting. Having seen the band three times, I can guarantee that any "chirping falsettos" weren't noticed by me or anyone of worth. Again, if you'd explored below the surface of Scissor Sisters and listened to (and been a fan of) the record (which has been available on import for the last six months), you'd not have noticed any so called "chirping". When it came to the concert, I have to disagree that the ballads were "jarring and unconvincing." Again, listen to the CD more and you'll have a deeper appreciation for all things Scissor Sisters. Also, you may have thought your ending paragraph/tag line was cute and witty but I found it incredibly one-sided and sophomoric: "For an hour-long party, sometimes one dimension is all you need". That's the best you could come up with? It isn't even an accurate and honest description of what the Scissor Sisters concert experience is all about. If the Scissor Sisters experience either on record OR in concert were truly "one dimension" as you put it, I doubt very seriously that I would have been inspired enough to create the 9' by 4' acrylic on canvas painting of their name and logo (see attachment) that covered the back wall of their show at the Troubadour. From now on when I read a review you write, I'll always take it with a grain of salt because it's obvious you approach things in a subjective, biased and unfair manner.
MICHAEL JACKSON - "MY RESPONSE TO MARTIN BASHIR'S BIASED/NEGATIVE DOCUMENTARY & FOX NEWS CHANNEL'S SENSATIONALISM OF THE ISSUE." The following posting was written long before the current 2004 drama, accusations, and trial surrounding Michael Jackson. But, even with that said, I still believe what I wrote. As for the current "witch hunt" that has befallen Michael, I'll reserve my comments for a later date...Possibly with the writing of an essay or opinion piece. Subject: Entry to Michael Jackson Fan Club Time: Friday, February 7, 2003 at 07:18:48 Comments: I am new to the site and wanted to post a letter that I sent this Friday morning (2-7-03) to the show 'Fox & Friends' on FoxNews Channel regarding their comments on Michael Jackson's performance on the new documentary by British Journalist Martin Bashir. It COMPLETELY amazes me how UTTERLY WRONG and IGNORANT the press are regarding Michael. Most, if not all of the media are on the level of the tabloids when it comes to their negative and sensationalistic portrayal of Michael Jackson and they do it because they know that negative news sells more than positive news. They only do it for ratings and money and it is sickening to me. I so wish that I was given the opportunity to work for Michael and be one of his defenders, bodyguards, and outspoken spokespersons. I guarantee that after confronting several of the so called journalists on their programs in an intelligent and TRUTHFUL manner, that they would see Michael Jackson in a completely different and positive light. There aren't enough spokespeople for Michael who are unafraid to confront the sensation hungry press and speak the truth. It seems that the press needs things spelled out for them. I thought the documentary, while extremely biased was full of many glimpses into Michael and why he is who he is. I feel the media's utter focus on him and his life to the point of invasiveness has made it difficult for him to lead a normal life. Of course, the media, whether it's Martin Bashir or Fox News don't dare comment on the media being the problem. Shame on them. Without further ado, the letter: Fox & Friends- The hosts of Friday's telecast have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to last night's Michael Jackson documentary and are doing their ignorant best to sensationalize this issue into a three ring circus. Both hosts are doing their best to contort the facts and paint Mr. Jackson in the worst light and it disgusts me. The female host (I don't know her name) DIDN'T EVEN WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY, yet she is voicing the loudest, most misguided and inaccurate concerns. Her comment that if it was anybody other than Michael Jackson talking about his children that he'd be taken away in handcuffs was anything but "fair and balanced". Since she didn't watch the documentary, let me enlighten her to the fact that when Michael Jackson has children over to spend the night, many do NOT want to stay in the guest quarters but with or near Michael. Some of the children have even asked to stay in his room and then some have gone so far as to want to sleep in his bed. Now, the following is very important and you should read this closely: MICHAEL JACKSON SAID WHEN HE LETS THEM SLEEP IN HIS BED THAT HE SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR. Let me repeat that: MICHAEL JACKSON SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR. And, he only allows them to stay in his room if it is allowed by the parents. And, FoxNews co-host Brian Kilmeade was completely off the mark this morning. The children wear the masks "for no apparent reason". Did you not hear Michael Jackson explain in the documentary that he has them wear the masks to PROTECT their identity, not only from would be kidnappers but from THE MEDIA! Also, he did not jam the bottle into his baby's mouth, he was having trouble getting it into the baby's mouth due to the thin cloth over the child's face which was to protect the child's IDENTITY from the camera. Is that so difficult to understand Mr. Kilmeade? Also, Mr. Kilmeade, your comment about Michael Jackson being oblivious (and uncaring) when British journalist Martin Bashir brought up the fact that his child got poked in the eye when at the zoo is nonsense. Michael reacted as he did because his child did NOT get poked as Mr. Bashir ASSUMED. Also, Mr. Kilmeade, I doubt very seriously that his child would have gotten trampled or hurt if Mr. Bashir had not saved him at the park. I had JUST finished watching the documentary on Michael from videotape when I turned over to Fox & Friends and I was not only disgusted but appalled at the utter nonsense that was coming from the hosts' mouths. They obviously (or Brian as she did not watch the documentary) have no idea what they are talking about and are voicing their opinions through an extreme bias AGAINST Michael. It is not only wrong but saddening that the media are focusing on the negative aspects of Michael Jackson in this whole story. What makes it completely laughable to me is that the media have it ALL wrong and are sensationalizing everything about Michael for THEIR OWN GAIN. Shame on ALL of you. And, while I'm at it, shame on British journalist Martin Bashir. He was a horrible choice to do a documentary on Michael Jackson, focusing more on the sensationalistic issues in Jackson's life (created and hyped up by the media I might add) and not on really digging deep while at the same time possessing the childlike innocence and non-judgmental qualities that children possess. Understand this one thing, Michael Jackson loves children mainly because of the innocence and purity they bring to the world. Not only that, but they look at life in a more positive and non-judgmental way...unlike many adults and certainly unlike the hosts of this mornings Fox & Friends. A normal life isn't possible for Michael Jackson and if you had really watched the documentary in a "fair and balanced" way, you would have come to realize that Michael is the way he is today because of: 1/ the abuse as a child from his overly perfectionist father who would punish them if they didn't execute their routines perfectly. 2/ the harsh criticisms voiced to him by his father, including calling Michael's nose fat, that left a permanent psychological mark. 3/ the comment by the older woman fan who when coming upon the Jackson 5, commented negatively on Michael Jackson's acne problem and naturally changing look. 4/ the intense and never-ending pressures from paparazzi, media, and fans who for the most part have always been intrusive, obnoxious, and unrelenting in their pursuit of the next "picture", "autograph", or "hug". And, one more thing on British journalist Martin Bashir, he is a disgrace to his profession. He should NEVER had done the documentary without understanding Michael better. I'll be the first to say that BEFORE I saw this documentary, I was a bit biased AGAINST Michael but after watching...I mean REALLY WATCHING the documentary and LISTENING to what Michael said, I am completely FOR him. I must say though that I could have done a better job than Martin Bashir. He dropped the ball on this one and focused on the wrong things, thus misrepresenting Michael to an extent. I just read that Michael is filing a complaint over the documentary calling it "terrible" and that he was "unfairly treated". I completely agree and I hope Mr. Bashir gets into trouble because he is, in my opinion, a disgrace to his profession. To me, he was completely mismatched due to his obliviousness to how Michael Jackson could be the way he is. He should just count his lucky stars that he had the Princess Diana interview under his belt and on his resume. Otherwise, the gates of Neverland would NEVER have been open to him. On a final note, before you co-host a morning news program which is broadcast nationally and you bash Michael Jackson, please do yourself a favor so you don't look ignorant...WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY FIRST!!!!!!!! Unbelievable!! Disappointingly, Myles Leighton Gullette P.S. I hope the posting of this letter brings some positive energy regarding Michael. When it comes to children, Michael gets so much more from them than the closed off adults. I understand his dilemma. Growing up, at family reunions, even as an older teenager, I used to enjoy hanging with the kids. The adults used to always get on me, telling me I should stay with the adults. To me though, the adults were boring and just didn't look at things in the same open, honest, unjaded, and innocent way. I wanted to keep those qualities as I grew up because I didn't like how losing those qualities made the adults. Michael needs our love, positivity and beautiful energy. Even though I'm in my 30's, I still get criticized by adults in my life, whether family or some friends regarding the fact that I have still held onto what they call immature, naive and innocent outlook on things. Age is nothing but a number. We should all be more childlike. If we were, this would be a much better planet. Lord knows we could use a better planet. Stay strong Michael!
"NAPSTER UBER ALLES " This letter was in response to a story by Douglas Wolk which ran in 'The Met', a publication from the Dallas, Texas area. The story was called, "Napster Bites Back" with the added line, "According to Metallica and the music industry, Napster picks their pockets of profits. Douglas Wolk defends the online community that has hot-wired the hearts of music fans worldwide". 'The Met' printed the below letter.
Here’s the deal. With Metallica it’s not really about money, it’s about having control over where their music ends up. While I can respect that to a degree, I see the problem as this…(The names are gonna be changed to protect the innocent and my own ass). Let’s say I like the musician “Joe Blow” and he’s been around for 20 years making music. Well, I love “Joe Blow’s” extended dance tracks that were officially released by his label back in the ‘80s as well as all the other groups that he produced but because of self-centered reasons, the label let them all go “out of print.” That’s not “Joe’s” fault, but the greedy label. Now, I really want those out of print, officially released songs but when I go to the local kick-ass record place called “Bob’s” that carries all the “out of print” jams, he tries to rip me off by not putting prices on any of the records so that he can come up with any high price off the top of his head. I think “Bob” is doing more to rip off artists like Metallica and “Joe Blow” than Napster could ever do. At least Napster offers the songs up for free while “Bob” remains too proud of his merchandise and the “record labels” decide not even to make the officially released, extended versions or lesser know groups available. Metallica and Mr. Lars Ulrich need to get a life and realize that they aren’t going to be able to have control over the music and they will lose this battle. Especially when “Bob” and the labels are only in it for the profit, ripping the groups off of loads of well deserved money and leading the fans around with a dangling carrot. I refuse to be ripped off anymore! All hail Napster! Myles Gullette - Via E-mail Entertainment Weekly Singles Review by David Browne (from January 1996): GEORGE MICHAEL “Jesus to a Child” (Dreamworks) Critic to ‘90s video star: Fine, you’re still depressed over the injustices of life and multi-million dollar record deals. But, if your idea of a song about love’s rejuvenating powers is this dispirited, tortoise-paced ballad, which drags on for nearly seven minutes, there’s only one retort—bring back Andrew Ridgeley! C- My “Letter to the Editor” response: I happen to love the new “dispirited, tortoise-paced ballad, which drags on for nearly seven minutes” single “Jesus to a Child” by George Michael. In reviewing his new song, David Brown displayed an unnecessary and sophomoric amount of sarcasm, of which I didn’t appreciate. Clearly, Mr. Browne dislikes George Michael and his music, bringing his unprofessional attitude into his review. The unneeded remark he made that George Michael is “still depressed over the injustices of life and multi-million dollar record deals” was ignorant. How does Mr. Browne know how Mr. Michael feels. He doesn’t. If Mr. Browne knew so much about George Michael, he would know that Andrew Ridgeley didn’t contribute much, if any, to the songwriting in Wham. Mr. Michael did. So, the idiotic retort that he made – “bring back Andrew Ridgeley” and overall review proved once again that there still exists jealous and untalented critics who are “still depressed” that they could never become as successful as the musicians they critique. George Michael’s new song “dispirited”? Seems like David Browne is the one who is having trouble in that department. I don’t see him with a multi-million dollar deal. Jackass!
COVERAGE OF 'MACHINAL' INADEQUATE I wrote this letter to defend my Theater Department and the production of the play "Machinal". I got alot of kudos for standing up for things by fellow acting students as well as the director of the play. Dear Editor, As a cast member of SIUC's theater production of "Machinal", I was astounded and disappointed with what I saw in the DAILY EGYPTIAN. A review with a picture of The Stage Theater's production of "The Hollow" ("No Sleep at the Hollow," the Egyptian, Friday) took up almost a whole page, while "Machinal" was reduced to a small blurb in the "Entertainment in Brief" Carbondale section. Excuse me, but shouldn't it be the other way around? "The Hollow" is clearly a Carbondale production, while "Machinal" is a University production. It's difficult enough for the theater department to attract the student community to our productions without you creating unnecessary competition for our production. By concentrating on University productions such as "Machinal," the EGYPTIAN would not only bring much-needed attention to the theater department but also bring in revenue for the University, as well as keeping the high standards of SIUC's theater alive and well. That only helps all of us. Thank you EGYPTIAN. Another job well done. Myles Gullette - junior, theater/cinema and photography
"NAN VERNON...AN ANGELIC GODDESS!" I wrote this letter on a Nan Vernon message board. Normally, writing on message boards isn't my thing, but on this day, I made an exception. Tonight as I've been
working on my writing here in Hollywood, I went through my video collection for some
inspiration to watch and listen to as I worked. I pulled three tapes out: Laurie
Anderson, Kate Bush and Nan Vernon. It wasn't until I put in and watched Nan
Vernon's videos 'Motorcycle', 'Elvis Waits' and 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' that it
struck me how unbelievably beautiful and gifted she is...or was? The music biz has become so much of a "business" that record execs are becoming more musically illiterate with each passing year. Money is the name of the game, making for an incredibly bland music scene full of safe choices. There are exceptions to the rule and Nan Vernon is definitely one of them. Shame on Anxious Records and especially licensee Warner Music for not having the good taste and integrity to stand behind Nan Vernon's career and music for many more releases. In
a perfect world, the major labels would have the courage and insight to give Nan Vernon,
an "Angelic Goddess" of incredible and untapped potenial, the opportunity she
and the public so strongly deserves. I think the world has heard more than enough of
the Britney Spears and Christina Aguillera cookie cutter school of thought. It's
time to give a real and most deserving teacher a chance to school the world and her name
is Nan Vernon.
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