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Last Man Standing: Movies With Titles Referencing Rock Album or Song Titles/Musicians While Not Really Having Anything to Do With the Point of Reference

Jul 022009

An example of what I’m talking about is Pretty in Pink. Although the movie uses a new version of the Psychedelic Furs song, the movie’s not really based on the song, is it? I think it was just a coincidence that a hip, new song was sitting there that could tie into the marketing of Molly Ringwald while the movie was in production.

On the other hand, Alice’s Restaurant is an adaptation of the song, so that one wouldn’t count. Same goes for movies “adapted from” entire albums, like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Tommy.

Got me?

Finally, movies with titles that were picked up for use in rock songs after the release of the movie, such as Thunder Road, are not elligible. The possibly coincidental or at least not essential rock reference of the movie title must follow the release of the song. I hope that’s clear enough to get us going on this difficult task. Don’t worry, I think I’m holding the answer that will make me Last Man Standing!

Battle Royale: On Canada Day, Rock Town Hall Asks, “Who is the most Canadian of Canadian rock ‘n rollers?”

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Jul 012009

To Townsman Northvan and other Townspeople north of the border, we wish you a happy Canada Day! Americans have long had a hard time figuring out who’s Canadian in the entertainment world and other walks of life. Along these lines, I’d like to know the answer to the following question: Who is the most Canadian of Canadian rock ‘n rollers?
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Hipper Than Thou: Be the First to Champion an Obscure Artist

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Jul 012009

Here’s your chance, Rock Town Hall, to champion a totally obscure artist with a degree of hipster pedigree: Cruella De Ville and their Roy Wood-produced single “I’ll Do the Talking.”

No one’s asking you to really have to like this song, but like a true barrel-scraping hipster, you need to make a case for why its an overlooked gem of epic proportions. What modern-day bands have been heavily influenced by this band – or will say they have been after reading your testimony? I mean, see if you can spin this as the greatest obscuro find, like, EVER, or at least until next Tuesday, whichever comes first.

In case you need a little more evidence of the band’s genius, check out this next clip:
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Bullshit On: The New York Dolls

Posted by sammymaudlin

Jun 302009

It’s a provocative statement. I know. Fact is I like about 1/2 of that first album. But I’m calling Bullshit On The New York Dolls‘ legendary status.

Let’s face it. The Dolls were a product of a place and time and heavy shtick. And ya know what, I dig the shtick but when all is said and done, the music is moderately interesting at best.

Rolling Stone called “Personality Crisis” the 267th best rock song of all time. Really?! Granted this was 2006 and doesn’t include anything the Raconteurs did but…

K-Mart Stones in drag, man. And yeah that’s cool but c’mon, legendary? Bullshit.

Here’s the greatest thing The Dolls ever did:

I’m not talking about the album, I’m talking about the image on the cover. I maintain that without this cover, The New York Dolls would not have attained legendary status. And though this doesn’t have the balls, it did come 2-3 year before.

What say you?

Great Backsides

Posted by Oats

Jun 302009

I’m listening to Neil Finn‘s first solo album, Try Whistling This, right now. There are fine songs spread all across the disc, but the last five songs are especially strong, and flow especially well together. Can you name other albums save most or all of the strongest songs for the end?

(Incidentally, I believe Neil Finn is one of the best songwriters around, and I will fight you on this.)

All-Star Jam

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Jun 262009

“I wrote it before I met her, but it’s Kate’s song.”

Those of you who voted for Kate in the Who’s Your Angel poll may want to grab another Townsperson’s hand and let the healing begin!

Sleater-Kinney…But For That Voice

Posted by cdm

Jun 232009

Sleater-Kinney came up on the iPod today, and once again I had the same internal conflict that arises every time I hear them. I love the guitar playing, the songs, the drumming, the arrangements, the production, the guitar tones, and the overall sound. Plus, I love rooting for an underdog so a three-chick rock band with no bassist holding their own in a dude-heavy genre appeals to me. But I just can’t seem to make my peace with that voice.

On the old RTH, I recall someone suggesting that the reason some of us couldn’t handle the voice was because we were uncomfortable with strong women or some such nonsense. But I don’t think that’s the case. The voice sounds like Geddy Lee’s shrill younger sister to me. And I can’t stand his voice either.

I’m not giving up on them just yet because the good is really good, and I’m hoping this is one of those acquired taste things. But I’m not optimistic that I will be able to get over the hump on this.

Does anybody else have a band/artist that is otherwise perfect for them, but for a huge and possibly deal-breaking flaw?

As an aside, there’s also a great Last Man Standing here: Intra-band hook ups. Hell, Grace Slick could keep that going for weeks. SK would have been my trump card.

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