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THE WEB GOSSIP
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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Scarlett Johansson
LES MIS MYSTERY -- With names such as Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Evan Rachel Wood all in the running to essay Eponine, in the forthcoming Tom Hooper-directed big-screen version of Les Miserables, the role seems destined to be a goldmine for whoever is chosen. We love Swift, but clearly if she is chosen, it'll turn into one big tween-event. Michele is a wild card choice too, but her Glee-cred could detract from the brilliant story line. Johansson on the other hand, would certainly bring a welcomed dramatic edge to the event, but we think Wood is the wise choice. According to reports, each actress knocked their audition out of the park. Whoever is chosen will join a star-studded cast, including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne and Geoffrey Rush.****
Barry SonnenfeldMUNSTER YOU SAY -- NBC’s forthcoming re-boot of the 1960’s comedy The Munsters is a go and will be directed and executive produced by Superman Returns-helmer Bryan Singer (remember how well that did?). The whole re-imagining has been done by Bryan Fuller who did the terrific showing Pushing Daisies. The Munsters calls for striking visuals mixed with all the classic-characters from the show. But, don't forget, Daisies was also helmed by visionary-director Barry Sonnenfeld, who earned an Emmy for his work and really did an outstanding job. In fact, some would argue that it looked so much better than it read. This will be one to watch for sure! To tell you the truth, after the re-boots of Charlie’s Angels and Hawaii Five-O – one that worked and one that didn't, I don't know whether I would have picked The Munsters. What’s next? Bewitched and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.?
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Meryl StreepTHE CRITICS HAVE SPOKEN -- Interesting choices at this week’s New York Film Critics Circle. Best Film: The Artist; Best Actress: Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady; other winners include Jessica Chastain; Albert Brooks; and Brad Pitt. Moneyball won Best Screenplay and Tree of Life won Best Cinematography. Our choices would echo these, but, we also absolutely loved Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris.
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Dell XPS Is A DudDELL A DUD -- We treated ourselves to a brand new Dell XPS desktop two weeks back and have spent since, up to three-hours-plus on the phone with their so-called tech advisers. Transferred to out-sourced persons in India, it was downright frustrating. Hard to hear and even-harder to understand. I almost hung-up several times, but fortunately my last call, the other day, to a nice man named Aidan, proved successful. Just seems to be, in these maddening times, something more is desired and deserved. Am I a Dell-dude ... not right now.
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Aerosmith's Steven TylerDEVITO PASSES -- Don Devito, the longtime Columbia Records exec who was Bob Dylan’s most significant producer during the ‘70s, passed away earlier this week after a long and hard fight with prostate cancer. He did four albums with Dylan, including Desire, the Hard Rain and Live at Budokan live albums and Street Legal – one of our all-time favorites. He was also in charge for his Bootleg Series-Vol. 1-3; the 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration; Greatest Hits. Vol. 5 and The Best of Bob Dylan. In 2000, he produced Dylan’s “Things Have Changed,” which won the Oscar in 2001 for Best Song. He also produced albums for Aerosmith and Billy Joel. Rest easy Don...
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CHICAGO ON CALL -- Monday night we attended the Musicians On Call event at B.B. King’s featuring the legendary group Chicago. Believe it or not, we had never seen the band before; even though I well recall playing many of their records when I was in college (!!!). Songs like “Beginnings” and “Colour My World” were progressive rock staples back then; but, I had some apprehensions about seeing them all these years later. Truth be told; many of these so-called legacy acts somewhat disappoint in concert … playing their hits by the numbers and certainly not rising to the live occasion at all. Chicago played a stunningly good show that touched successfully on all their hits and demonstrated that, even though there are just four of the original members left; their legacy is as pristine as ever and each musician played terrifically well. On a personal note: hearing all those original songs again … and, with a renewed vigor, was monumentally inspiring. The legendary group which began life as the Chicago Transit Authority was an anomaly right from the start; what band back then, had horns? (actually, the only other band that comes to mind were the Ides of March who’s big hit was the great song "Vehicle"). Chicago’s musical preparation was surprisingly intricate and that was one of the first things I noticed and appreciated about the band back then: how thought-out everything was. Surely, “Beginnings” was a tremendous song; both lyrically and musically. Hearing it again last night made me realize all over again … how really superb it is. Robert Lamm, one of the original members, was as good as ever. He is without a doubt the backbone of the group and even though he performed mostly on keyboards, his rhythmic guitar work on “Beginnings” was just terrific. I met him, for the first time, right before the show and afterwards realized I should have commented on his first self-titled solo album in 1974 (Skinny Boy). My memory is that it was just excellent. In addition to “Beginnings,” Lamm also wrote “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Dialogue,” and “25 or 6 to 4” … surely among the group’s more complex and provocative songs. The trio of horn/woodwind players (all the original members as well): Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Walter Parazaider were just outstanding. It’s funny, usually with bands that do employ horns, the players are staggered somewhere to the left or right of the stage; with these three, they're front and center, gesticulating with their hands and horns, and although it’s a shock at first … it gets real pleasing, real fast. These three, who obviously have eaten, breathed and lived Chicago for years, are the true heart and soul of the band; especially Pankow, who was all over stage. The original-members, now, dare I say in their late-middle age, were just terrific; my hat’s off to them. But, I guess working with stellar musicians and performing great material is the trick. Lamm mentioned the group's new Xmas album (O Christmas Three), which is surprisingly vibrant, was produced in fine fashion to legendary knob-twirler Phil Ramone. They performed several numbers from it ("My Favorite Things" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas"), but not before Lamm hyped the fact,"that these days, bands have web-sites ... not labels." Funny stuff ... and, right on the mark. “Street Player,” “Hard Habit,” “Old Days,” “Call On Me,” Hard To Say,” and a surprisingly vibrant re-tread of the old Spencer Davis hit "I’m A Man” (featuring a great Chris Wood-inspired flute solo from Parazaider) was superb. As I said, the band was just excellent, guitarist Keith Howland and keyboardist Lou Pardini perfectly re-created ex-member Peter Cetera’s vocals. It was all terrifically impressive. Also, drummer Tris Imboden and percussionist Drew Hester just brilliant. Here’s to Chicago … one of he best concerts I've seen this year! We saw our friendTom Cuddy who helped organize the event; PR-pasha David Salidor; and, Alissa Pollack, and Tom Poleman. Visit www.chicagotheband.com.
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CHICAGO ON CALL -- Monday night we attended the Musicians On Call event at B.B. King’s featuring the legendary group Chicago. Believe it or not, we had never seen the band before; even though I well recall playing many of their records when I was in college (!!!). Songs like “Beginnings” and “Colour My World” were progressive rock staples back then; but, I had some apprehensions about seeing them all these years later. Truth be told; many of these so-called legacy acts somewhat disappoint in concert … playing their hits by the numbers and certainly not rising to the live occasion at all. Chicago played a stunningly good show that touched successfully on all their hits and demonstrated that, even though there are just four of the original members left; their legacy is as pristine as ever and each musician played terrifically well. On a personal note: hearing all those original songs again … and, with a renewed vigor, was monumentally inspiring. The legendary group which began life as the Chicago Transit Authority was an anomaly right from the start; what band back then, had horns? (actually, the only other band that comes to mind were the Ides of March who’s big hit was the great song "Vehicle"). Chicago’s musical preparation was surprisingly intricate and that was one of the first things I noticed and appreciated about the band back then: how thought-out everything was. Surely, “Beginnings” was a tremendous song; both lyrically and musically. Hearing it again last night made me realize all over again … how really superb it is. Robert Lamm, one of the original members, was as good as ever. He is without a doubt the backbone of the group and even though he performed mostly on keyboards, his rhythmic guitar work on “Beginnings” was just terrific. I met him, for the first time, right before the show and afterwards realized I should have commented on his first self-titled solo album in 1974 (Skinny Boy). My memory is that it was just excellent. In addition to “Beginnings,” Lamm also wrote “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Dialogue,” and “25 or 6 to 4” … surely among the group’s more complex and provocative songs. The trio of horn/woodwind players (all the original members as well): Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, and Walter Parazaider were just outstanding. It’s funny, usually with bands that do employ horns, the players are staggered somewhere to the left or right of the stage; with these three, they're front and center, gesticulating with their hands and horns, and although it’s a shock at first … it gets real pleasing, real fast. These three, who obviously have eaten, breathed and lived Chicago for years, are the true heart and soul of the band; especially Pankow, who was all over stage. The original-members, now, dare I say in their late-middle age, were just terrific; my hat’s off to them. But, I guess working with stellar musicians and performing great material is the trick. Lamm mentioned the group's new Xmas album (O Christmas Three), which is surprisingly vibrant, was produced in fine fashion to legendary knob-twirler Phil Ramone. They performed several numbers from it ("My Favorite Things" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas"), but not before Lamm hyped the fact,"that these days, bands have web-sites ... not labels." Funny stuff ... and, right on the mark. “Street Player,” “Hard Habit,” “Old Days,” “Call On Me,” Hard To Say,” and a surprisingly vibrant re-tread of the old Spencer Davis hit "I’m A Man” (featuring a great Chris Wood-inspired flute solo from Parazaider) was superb. As I said, the band was just excellent, guitarist Keith Howland and keyboardist Lou Pardini perfectly re-created ex-member Peter Cetera’s vocals. It was all terrifically impressive. Also, drummer Tris Imboden and percussionist Drew Hester just brilliant. Here’s to Chicago … one of he best concerts I've seen this year! We saw our friendTom Cuddy who helped organize the event; PR-pasha David Salidor; and, Alissa Pollack, and Tom Poleman. Visit www.chicagotheband.com.
