Lost Rockers: Broken Dreams and Crashed Careers

Lost Rockers:
Broken Dreams and Crashed Careers

By Steven Blush with Paul Rachman and Tony Mann

Hit songs, record deals, sexual adoration, private jets, stretch limos, and wealth: these are the trappings of musical success. But the pop stars living these seemingly glamorous lives are the exceptions in the music business and not the rule. Standing in the wings, just off stage and waiting, are those many talented and deserving musicians who just barley missed their big break.

Lost Rockers is about those musicians who at one point in time were on the verge of success but who never quite "made it." Some of them were so close they could taste it, and others never had a chance. To become a star you need: talent, charisma, dedication, intelligence, energy, intensity, and a helluva lot of luck. These are all pieces in the puzzle--and for these lost rockers, the stars just didn't align quite right. But the dawn of the 21st century offers these unknowns a chance for redemption. With new technologies offering easier ways of finding and listening to music, these artists might just be discovered anew by a generation of fans eager to mine the past in hopes of discovering something fresh.

Coinciding with the release of a documentary film of the same name by acclaimed writer/filmmaker Steven Blush, Lost Rockers offers a compelling narrative connecting the lives of different musicians and their strangely similar adventures in the entertainment industry. All of these almost-famous musicians have gripping backstories; they've also recorded some powerful music that you won't believe you've never heard. In our nation, it's all about second chances, so let's start diggin' in the crates at flea markets, garage sales, thrift shops, and swap meets, and uncover the lost secrets of America's rich musical heritage.

Steven Blush has written three books about rock music: American Hardcore (2001), .45 Dangerous Minds (2005), and American Hair Metal (2006). His journalism has run in publications including Spin, Details, Interview, Village Voice, and The Times Of London, and he is a contributing editor to Paper magazine. Blush got his start promoting punk shows in Washington, DC in the early 80s, and then moved to New York in 1986, where he published 52 issues of Seconds magazine through 1999. He worked as a New York nightclub DJ/promoter, noted for his early-90s sound designs for fashion designer Stephen Sprouse, and long-running "Röck Cändy" parties at Don Hill's (1999-2006). He also wrote and co-produced the documentary American Hardcore (Sony Pictures Classics, 2006). 

Paul Rachman rose from punk music videos for the Bad Brains and Gang Green to become a top music video director at Propaganda Films, where he made videos for Alice in Chains, Roger Waters, Pantera, Joan Jett, KISS, and Temple of the Dog. He then directed award-winning short films and made his feature film directorial debut in 2000 with Four Dogs Playing Poker starring Forrest Whittaker and Tim Curry. He also directed American Hardcore, and co-founded Slamdance Film Festival.

A Guide To Understanding The Light & Dark Sides Of The Force

A Guide To Understanding The Light & Dark Sides Of The Force

the nationally syndicated “Outer Limits of Inner Truth” (www.outerlimitsradio.com) radio show presented a show on “The Force” – a book written by the late, brilliant Metaphysical Visionary Stuart Wilde.

Understanding The Light & Dark Sides Of The Force http://www.outerlimitsradio.com/2015/12/12/force/

“The Force” By Stuart Wilde: http://www.amazon.com/Force-Stuart-Wilde/dp/1561701661/

The interview featured a rare interview with The Hooded Sage Khris Krepcik who worked hand-in-hand with Stuart for over 20 years. The Force is part of each and every thing in the physical plane. This includes our planet, the stars and galaxies, and the physical universe, as it stretches out in space, beyond our perceptions.  By its very nature, the Force is immortal and never-ending; because it is the inner light or ‘living-ness’ within all things, we call it universal.

“This outstanding piece of work from Stuart Wilde covers how we (everything that is) are all a manifestation of The Force energy. The Force may be called the Infinite, the Supreme, love, The Creator, etc. Each name though has certain connotations with it that may define it, and in doing so limit it. I like the term The Force in that it clearly refers to energy. Stuart talks about how the less spiritually evolved you may be, your energy is “vibrating” at a lower speed and thus attracts similar “lower energy”.” Writes Scott David Jenkins.

It’s just a law on how The Force (energy) works. Similarly, as you develop spiritually your energy begins to increase (vibrating at a faster speed) and you also attract like energy or a higher energy. There is no good or bad, it is all energy. All of this will raise your energy so you can continue growing and continue to experience a more enriching life on the physical plane. By its very nature the Force is immortal and never-ending.

About Stuart Wilde

Stuart Wilde (1946 – 2013) - As Author of over 20 books (translated into 27 languages and selling millions of copies) on Spirituality & Personal Development, Stuart Wilde is considered by many to be one of the greatest metaphysicians that ever lived. Many famous New Age, New Thought writers & teachers privately studied with him including Deepak Chopra & Dr. Wayne Dyer – www.stuartwilde.com

About Khris Krepcik

Khris Krepcik (www.thehoodedsage.com) is a world renowned etheric healer and metaphysical teacher with a lifetime of training in ancient wisdoms and mystic arts. He is considered to be down to earth, natural, and real — authentic and genuine. With over thirty years of experience in the extensive study of ancient teachings, altered states of consciousness, philosophies, shamanism, mysticism, and metaphysics, Krepcik has a rare perception and profound understanding of human consciousness and the human energy field. His profound understanding comes from direct experience and perception of the spirit worlds, the subtle etheric field, and the multidimensional nature of reality.

About the Outer Limits of Inner Truth

The Outer Limits of Inner Truth (www.outerlimitsradio.com) is a metaphysical / biographical program produced & hosted by Ryan McCormick. It premiered on February 2014 and within a few short months, was picked up for national syndication on Star Com Radio Networks and is now heard on over 30 AM stations nationwide.  OLIT has been featured on the Awakening Zone Radio Network, The Boston Globe, Radar Online, Media Bistro, The Sacramento Bee, Kansas City Star and several other media outlets.

OLIT (Outer Limits of Inner Truth) has featured several Exclusive interviews with individuals such as: IronE Singleton, Chung Fu, Diana Cooper, Marie Manucheri, Jim Rogers, Jeff Casper, Michael Harrison, and Reverend Sally Perry. The show has also profiled celebrities such as Oliver Stone, Howard Stern, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Mick Foley.

To learn more about The Outer Limits Of Inner Truth Radio Show please visit (www.outerlimitsradio.com). 

MAX'S KANSAS CITY'S 50th Anniversary | Velvet Underground - Lou Reed Benefit Tribute Concert (NYC)

Max's Kansas City is one of those unique places that defined an era. “It was the exact spot where Pop Art and Pop Life came together in the 60's," stated Andy Warhol and the center of the universe in the late 60's and 70's for all segments of the arts, a home away from home for Everybody who was Anybody, from Warhol and his Superstars to William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, Debbie Harry, Mick Jagger, Edie Sedgwick, Lou Reed, Abbie Hoffman, Truman Capote, Betsey Johnson and Robert Rauschenberg to name a few, and the launching site for emerging bands like the Velvet Underground after which pop culture would never be the same again. To commemorate Max's 50th Anniversary, The Max's Kansas City Project, established in 2001 by Yvonne R. Sewall, will recreate some of the magic with two special events in January and February to start the New Year with an infusion of electrifying energy: a tribute concert to the iconic Velvet Underground and Lou Reed on January 14, and a Meet & Greet the artists and photographers 50th Anniversary reunion party/exhibition/auction on February 11. The Max's Project embraces Mickey Ruskin's (the creator of Max's Kansas City and a staunch supporter of the arts) philosophy of helping artists in need by providing emergency relief and resources for individuals in the arts in crisis, and has in development FEARLESS YOUTH, a teen empowerment through the arts program featuring and interactive virtual club dedicated to supporting teens in developing their uniqueness through the creative arts with a focus on substance abuse and suicide prevention. The Velvet Underground/Lou Reed Tribute Concert will be a night to remember with an amazing line-up of talent with a Max's All Star Band featuring musicians from Lou Reed's various bands: Mike Rathke (guitar),Ellard-James "Moose" Boles (bass), and drummer to be announced. Other special talent includes Garland Jeffreys, Marshall Crenshaw, Lenny Kaye, Jenni Muldaur, Bebe Buell, Conner Kennedy, Donna Destri, Monica Behan, Richard Barone, Kimberly Hill (formerly a lead singer with the Black Eyed Peas), poetAnne Waldman and the "Cadillacs," a Lou Reed tribute band. More talent to be added and "Surprise Guests" can be anticipated, which was always a tradition at Max's. Perennial Max's 'master of ceremonies'Jimi LaLumia will emcee the show. Max's 50th Anniversary Meet & Greet the Artists and Photographers Reunion Party/Exhibition/Auctionwill take place at the Chelsea Hotel Gallery in partnership with The Chelsea Hotels and Paddle8, February 11th at 222 W 23rd Street 7:30-10pm, ticket price TBA. The exhibition includes selected artworks, rock photography, rock memorabilia and originally designed jewelry from their impeccable donated collection. A sampling of these artists includes Lawrence Weiner, Dan Christensen, Larry Bell, Ronnie Landfield, Larry Poons, Joseph Kosuth, Francine Tint, Barbara Thomas, Bob Gruen, Marcia Resnick, Paul Zone, Anton Perich, Dustin Pittman, Roberta Bayley and many more. Some of the collection can be viewed in the gallery on our website: www.maxskansascity.org

SLC PUNK! 2

A YOUNG PUNK’S ODYSSEY BEGINS IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL TO CULT HIT

 

PUNK’S DEAD: SLC PUNK 2

 

James Merendino Helmed Follow-Up Starring Ben Schnetzer, Hannah Marks, Colson “MGK” Baker, Sarah Clarke And Devon Sawa Arrives On DVD, Digital HD And Video On Demand March 8 From Cinedigm

 

Exclusively Available In Select Theaters February 11 through February 15 Via Tugg

 

Available For Early Digital Download On February 16

 

James Merendino returns to the wild world of Salt Lake City punk’s underground with his new feature Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2. Garnering a fan following, along with an Independent Spirit Award nomination, for his 1999 cult hit SLC Punk!, Merendino’s highly anticipated follow-up arrives on DVD, Digital HD and Video On Demand March 8 from Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM). Additionally, Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2 will also be available via early Digital Download February 16.   

 

Partially financed by a highly successful Indiegogo campaign, Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2 will be available exclusively February 11 through February 15 (and non-exclusively after that date) to audiences via Tugg screenings in theaters across the country.  Interested event hosts can visit www.tugg.com/titles/slc-punk-2 to request a Tugg screening for their community.  

 

Ben Schnetzer (Pride), Hannah Marks (The Amazing Spider-Man), rapper/musician Colson “Machine Gun Kelly” Baker (Beyond the Lights), and Sarah Clarke (Twilight, “Bosch”) star in this wildly entertaining exploration of anarchy in “SLC,” while original cast members Devon Sawa (Final Destination), Michael Goorjian (“Party of Five”), Adam Pascal (“Rent”) and James Duval (The Doom Generation), will reprise their roles from the original SLC Punk!. 

 

Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2 follows Ross (Schnetzer), the teenage love child of the late “Heroin Bob” (Goorjian) and Trish (Clarke), Penny (Marks) and Crash (Baker) on a rowdy road trip through the Utah hinterlands to see a huge punk show. During their odyssey, and with the help of a healthy dose of drugs, alcohol and punk music, Ross shreds his darkly Gothic outlook and embraces life. However, when his mother learns that he is in crisis, she recruits his “uncles,” Bob’s old SLC gang, to help find him. When all collide at the concert, they are forced to deal with their unresolved relationships with Bob.

 

“This is a movie made for the fans,” said Merendino. “It was through their funding the film was able to be completed, and now, with the help of Cinedigm, the story can continue.” He goes on to say “I am still a kid at heart which makes Punk’s Dead fresh, innovative and culturally relevant to a young audience. However I feel that I have grown up since SLC Punk!, so I approached the characters and story of Punk’s Dead with more maturity and honesty.”

 

Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2 was produced by Andrea Kreuzhage and co-producer Severine Ferrari, executively produced by John Bedell, with Branden Steineckert as co-executive producer.

 

View the official trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcUY8Jjr9kI

 

STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE LIMITED EDITION 2XLP VINYL SOUNDTRACK

STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE LIMITED EDITION 2XLP VINYL SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE FROM I AM SHARK FEATURING FIVE UNIQUE CHARACTER COLOR THEMES FIRST EVER VINYL PRESSINGS OF STAR WARS EPISODES II AND III SOUNDTRACKS COMING IN 2016

I Am Shark fulfils the sci-fi fantasies of Star Wars fanatics and vinyl lovers alike with the limited edition 2XLP gatefold vinyl repressing of the John Williams scored original soundtrack to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Recorded  by the London Symphony Orchestra and London Voices, the soundtrack is available in Darkside (180 Gram Black), as well as four other limited character coordinated color themes including Obi-Wan Kenobi (Translucent Blue), Qui-Gon Jinn (Green/Brown Marble), Darth Maul (Red/Gold Stripe on Black), and Hyperdrive (White Splatter on Black). I Am Shark will soon complete the soundtrack trilogy, following Episode I with the first ever vinyl pressings of the Star Wars Episodes II and III soundtracks. The Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones vinyl soundtrack will be released this coming January, 2016. Release date and preorder information to be announced in the coming weeks. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace soundtrack available via IAmShark.com Stream “Duel of the Fates” on SoundCloud “Williams is truly a master of Wagnerian-bombast and baroque composition, and when “Duel Of The Fates” kicks in, the Star Wars faithful can just sit there, listening and wishing that the theme was from a much better movie. The vinyl mastering on the release is also very good, and retains that certain warmth that you can’t get from the digital releases.” - A.V. Club Recorded at Abbey Road studios over the course of a week, starting on February 10, 1999, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars score Williams had composed in over 16 years. The scores of the following two films in the prequel trilogy would rely heavily upon tracking from this score, a decision that Williams and George Lucas had made early into production of the film. The original album was released on CD to accompany the film (May 4, 1999), and was certified Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in the UK. The limited edition vinyl release of Star Wars soundtracks marks I Am Shark’s emerging role as an independent label for Film, TV, and Video Game soundtracks. Future soundtracks from iconic pop culture and beloved indie releases will be announced in the coming months. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Track Listing: Star Wars Main Title and The Arrival at Naboo – 2:55 Duel of the Fates – 4:14 Anakin's Theme – 3:05 Jar Jar's Introduction and The Swim to Otoh Gunga – 5:07 The Sith Spacecraft and The Droid Battle – 2:37 The Trip to the Naboo Temple and The Audience with Boss Nass – 4:07 The Arrival at Tatooine and The Flag Parade – 4:04 He Is the Chosen One – 3:53 Anakin Defeats Sebulba – 4:24 Passage Through the Planet Core – 4:40 Watto's Deal and Kids at Play – 4:57 Panaka and the Queen's Protectors – 3:24 Queen Amidala and The Naboo Palace – 4:51 The Droid Invasion and The Appearance of Darth Maul – 5:14 Qui-Gon's Noble End – 3:48 The High Council Meeting and Qui-Gon's Funeral – 3:09 Augie's Great Municipal Band and End Credits – 9:37 Total Time: 74:23 Officially Licensed by Sony Music and Lucasfilm LTD.

Invasion U.S.A (1985)

I cant praise this film up enough. It stands up against Rambo or anything the like. No need for all the normal things that make a complete film to get in the way here. No character development , not much dialogue, just B-rrrrrrrrrrr-atttttttt. Machine guns!

The plot hits a little too close to home. Stereotypical terrorists invade the USA and kill some Cubans along the way.  No explanation needed. Scene after scene of terrorists attacking Americans while they are playing baseball, during Christmas, at church, you know? Doing shit Ameicans do!! Stay tuned for the bazookas!

Chuck Norris is there to keep them under control though. Norris is utterly emotionless, and unfazed by being absurdly outnumbered by the terrorists, or anything they do. He never looks worried, concerned, hassled or even out of breath. At one point he drives his Chevy straight towards a dozen terrorists firing bazookas (did I mention the bazookas?)

Norris kicks the bad guy through a plate glass window with his own bazooka. The end. BAZOOOOOOKAS!

Like a true heterosexual male, Norris completely ignores the only chick in the film and focuses more on his one liners. There's about four. 

Check out the trailer here:

New minimal HOME ALONE Posters! Awesome!

For 90’s kids everywhere, there wasn’t a braver soul than that of Kevin McCallister.

Sure; he did wish for his family’s disappearance – twice – but with a few paint cans, an iron and a large cheese pizza, McCallister successfully defended his house from the Wet Bandits. This holiday season, you don’t need to attach a cardboard cutout of Michael Jordan to a mechanical train if you want to rock around the Christmas tree. Click on the (FREE) posters below for printable versions.

Decorate accordingly as you celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic film with Costume Discounters!

A Mooster Merry Mix-Mas

Mooster Records released our first ever holiday compilation on November 30th on Bandcamp!

The release sees  13 tracks from our friends' bands spanning across North America such as The Connection, Mcrackins, Pool Party, The Robinsons, The Hairlips and more.

We are super happy to announce that this release will also see a Compact Disc format release sometime closer to Christmas! Please enjoy the tunes and pick up a copy in digital format now if you can, every little bit helps our tiny little label get along on its way!

We love each and every one of you!

(RIP ELI, We miss you buddy!)

Rap Tees!

Rap Tees:
A Collection of Hip Hop T-Shirts 1980-1999
By DJ Ross One
 

I'm a sucker for most collections. I have a pretty extensive baseball cap collection and was pretty excited to check out this book RAP TEES A COLLECTION OF HIP HOP T-SHIRTS 1980-1999. Here are the deets:

One of the world's foremost collectors of all things hip hop, DJ Ross One presents—for the first time ever—a much sought after collection of T-shirts in this lushly produced and detailed catalog showcasing over 500 of the genre's best. Rap Teesoutshines all other rap tee collections and will be the definitive reference for generations to come. Providing not only a valuable reference and style guide to these ultra-rare shirts,Rap Tees is also a unique chronology of the history of hip hop.     

Beginning with the earliest rap concert shirts from the Sugar Hill Gang and New York Fresh Fest, circa 1980-1984, and spanning the next two decades, Rap Tees includes rare shirst from a wide selection of the who's who of the business including: Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, Beastie Boys, Eric B and Rakim, Wu Tang Clan, Jay Z, Nas, EPMD, and many, many more. Rap Tees bookends the golden age of rap with unique street-corner memorial shirts commemorating the deaths of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. 

Unlike typical rock and roll shirts, hip hop tees were often made in extremely limited quantities. The elusive concert, promotional, and bootleg tees included in this book are nearly impossible to find on the open market. Only DJ Ross One could track down these gems for you in this one-of-a-kind book, making Rap Tees the consummate guide for these unique pieces of music history. 

Ross Schwartzman (aka DJ Ross One) is a world-remowned DJ and collector of all things hip hop. As a DJ, he lives between New York City and Miami, and he travels constantly to play the leading nightclubs in teh United States and abroad. He was recently signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation Management. A self-proclaimed "rap nerd," Ross has been collecting hip hop ephemera and memorabilia since he was 15, whether it's classic boomboxes, rare records, zines, early hip hop flyers, or t-shirts. His passion for collecting has led him to accumulate some of the coolest rap-related items in the world (in his humble opinion). 

A partial preview is available by clicking here: Rap Tees 

Goblin Live! 1977 in San Remo, Italy

MORE BLOG COMING SOON BUT UNTIL THEN CHECK OUT THE AMAZING GOBLIN LIVE FROM 1977!!!

31MoviesIn31Days: Movies 16-20

31 MOVIES IN 31 DAYS 

I'm not gonna make it, I'm not gonna make it, I'm not gonna make it, I'm gonna....I'm gonna, I'm not gonna make it, who am I kidding??? Just like before, rather than post a blurb/review for each film I am going to do these in sets of 5 or so(maybe). That will give you something lengthy to read each time and allow me the inevitable chore of getting behind.

#16 Circle (2015)

 From the same guys that brought you Cube and The Vault(Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione) we have a film that on the surface doesn't really seem like much but actually caught me by surprise. The theme here is 50 strangers are trapped in a single room and have to decide who lives and who dies. Initially, something is just killing people every 90 seconds or so and no one knows why, once they realise that they are the ones controlling the killings is where this one gets fun. Alliances are formed and rationales and prejudices essentially place each person on the chopping block. I'm not going to give away too much here because this is the kind of film that is nothing without the suspense and eventual ending. This film was highly recommended and definitely worth a viewing and eventhough I was a little put off by the ending, I found myself thinking about it days after, so I guess, it did it's job.

#17 WolfCop (2014)

Hooooooooooo-leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-it! WolfCop exceeded all expectations, which were pretty huge for a movie called WolfCop. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the plot here but this movie hits all the right spots. DrunkCop by Day and WolfCop by night, Lou Garou is the perfect bumbling cop but soon realizes that most of the bloody messes that are being made in his town are his doing after a couple liters of bourbon and some "Liquor Donuts"(probably the best fictitious establishment in any movie ever. I'm using a lot of hyperbole here and it is all well placed. This is another newer film that knows exactly what it is and exactly what it's got. A few amazing things about this movie are all the inside jokes. (I found most of these courtesy of IMDB: The main character's name, Lou Garou, is also the name of the werewolf located near the swamps in French folklore. Lougarou (also called Rougarou) is a common mythical creature in French Louisiana folktales. The label on all the whisky bottles actually say Jim Dandie's Old no. 2 Kentucky Whiskey, a shout out to Jack Daniels for some reason. There's a scene in front of an auto body repair shop called "Stiles Autobody". Stiles was Scott Howard's best friend in "Teen Wolf".

This hit me right where I needed to be hit, I am a huge fan of creature flicks and more specifically creature flicks with a sense of humor. The highlights in this were, of course, the transformation scenes, including at one point a giant inflating penis that eventually explodes into a bloody mess! AMAZING! There is also a pretty sexy and hilarious love making scene that you have to see to believe, not to mention countless one liners that were just killing me throughout the whole movie. Bring on WOLFCOP 2! Now!

#18 Return of The Evil Dead (1973)

Also known as Return of the Blind Dead.
 I came across this great movie while watching the ever amazing B-Movie TV Channel on Roku. Reading quick reviews about it, Nichole and I sleepily watched it and I loved it. Return of the Blind Dead has the reputation as one of the best horror films of the 70’s.
Five centuries ago, the Templars were captured by the local villagers. The Templars had their eyes burned out before being burned alive. Before dying, the leader of the Templars warned the villagers that they will one day get their revenge.
 This film takes place in  present day with the town prepping for a celebration of some sort. Jack is apparently the fireworks guy, he and the hottie in the film Vivian have a history between them that rekindles. There are countless scenes where Jack is about to get it on with Vivian and the dopey, "Hunchback of Notre Dame looking", Murdo interrupts to warn of the Templars, when all we really want to see is Vivian's "ancestors" under her shirt.
The next night, the townspeople are in the middle of their festivities. The Templars arise from their ruins. They invade the village and the people panic. The dopey mayor (Fernando Sanchez) and his men meet up with Jack and Vivian and some other people and they hide in a church(not creepy at all) and hold off the Templars. All they have to do is make it to morning, right? Well...that ain't happenin'!
 There are some excellent scenes of victims getting stabbed and slashed. The eye-burning scenes are pretty gnarly. While not as gory as Zombi or Return of th Living Dead, the use of suspense made up for it. The Templars themselves looked pretty great and were scary enough to keep me entertained.
 Unfortunately the scene where Vivian's boobies are set free is a pretty scuzzy semi-rape scene with one of the other guys (Frank?). This knuckle is is like, "hey there's only three or four of us left let me see if I can get some with the other guy's girl!" That ends up in his dumb death being impaled on a spear. Great job dumb-dick!
The end of the film was pretty ho-hum and obvious but paved way for the third film in the Blind Dead Trilogy and I'll report back on that one soon.

#19 Adjust Your Tracking (2013)

 Excellent documentary showing me what I may have become if I had become the person I wanted to be in high school. I have to admit I was a little envious of some of the dudes in this one. They all seem to be pretty in touch with the fact that what they are doing makes little to no sense but they just like doing it, so they do. Collecting VHS tapes isn't for everyone and some of these guys prove it. 

I was in sheer awe of some of the collections that these guys have and immediately began thinking back to what kinds of VHS I just recently got rid of. That Frankenhooker VHS with the talking case had to be worth something...

Noticeable in this film is the absence of females, was that a director's choice? or just the truth? A great watch nonetheless, showing what true passion looks like. My favorite character was probably the guy that decided to open a video store in his basement because his collection grew to be so large. I really appreciated how the store seem to be a time warp of sorts back to a better time, all the way down to the old Epson computer. That seems to sum up the motives of these guys very well, preservation. This documentary allowed me to see that the reason alot of these collectors are hoarding some of these VHS is out of the fear that some of the films they know are great, may never be seen again if VHS is terminated. I applaud their diligence!

#20 Hard Rock Zombies (1985)

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Stupid. "Hard Rock Zombies" is actually stupid-amazing, if that was a word. Before I go to far you need to know that I really have strange taste in movies and never really considered that until I thought back about some of these posts, the films in them and my wife's reaction to the things I love. At this point, if you are keeping up with my posts you already knew this but when I say "Hard Rock Zombies" is stupid-amazing, I mean it!!  Yes, there may be something wrong with me, but I love bad movies. The more times you see the crew in the shot the better. Meaning that, as far as terrible films go, this would get 5 stars across the board. Seriously, here's what we've got: Nazi Midgets, Awful Hair Metal Wannabes, Octogenarian Sex, Pedophilia, Atrocious dialogue, Special effects?! Yeah!
I watched in complete awe for 90 minutes as this masterpiece flew by. I immediately to watch it again but there's just no time. If you are a fan of ridiculous cinema, like me, you have got to own this. The sound is muddy, the music is fucking awful and at times it's impossible to understand the dialogue. It's everything that Sharknado or Grindhouse wants to be but just doesn't have... this is the real thing.I'm only ashamed that I didn't get to go into the movie store and pick out the VHS myself, that would've completed the entire experience.