Roadrunner Records came under a lot of fire when Canadian rock band Nickelback was first signed to what was a purely metal label before that signing. Since that time, Roadrunner has also signed the likes of Theory of a Deadman, Thornley, Doubledrive, and other even less known bands that go against what Roadrunner has been known for during its existence. That being the case, when Black Stone Cherry was signed to the label and released its debut album in 2006, the band was just another step in Roadrunner’s ultimate goal of broadening its horizons and marketability.

Black Stone Cherry’s debut was a straight forward rock album that sounded like so many other southern/sludge rock bands. It was a catchy record, but nothing new. Now, two years later, the band returns with an album that shows not so much growth, but an attempt to find the band’s identity among an ocean of similar rock bands. That search has led the band to try and balance the familiar hard rock sound of its debut with a more emotional side. That separation is evident in songs like: “Things my Father Said”, “The Key”, and “Peace is Free.“ These songs are just a small cross section of the overall album. But they give a good indication of how much the band is still struggling to find its own musical identity. “The Key” sounds, in itself, like an odd mixture of Soil and Sevendust. Perhaps both bands are influences to the members of BSC.

Lyrically, the songs on this album tend to vary. There are songs about lost love in “Sunrise”, “You”, and “Please Come In.“ The album opener, “Blind Man” seems more of a social statement. The other songs are left up to listeners to interpret for themselves. Despite that, they help serve as minor parts of a whole enjoyable album.

‘Folklore and Superstition’ is an overall enjoyable album. It’s evident that the band is still feeling its way through things, and trying to find its own identity in the current musical landscape. That has led to a lot of experimentation with differnt sounds. That, in turn, has made for an album that is anything but a sophomore slump. Nonetheless, fans should remember that this is only the band’s second full length studio release. Therefore, fans can only wait and see if the band becomes one of the elite that breaks the much laigned third album curse. In the meantime, the band’s fans will have an impressive record to tide them over in their wait.

Time Life has finally released Maxwell Smart and everyone at Control from its evil clutches. Longtime fans of this standout comedy finally can actually go out and buy the first season of Get Smart, rather than having to order it by phone from Time Life. This box set couldn’t have been released at a better time. SAG still has yet to come to terms on a deal with studios, leaving the potential for an actors’ strike wide open. And not even Nickelodeon runs this show on its Nick at Night lineup,as it did so many years ago. So now, fans who have waited decades for the return of Maxwell Smart, Agent 99, Chief and all the rest at Control can rejoice.

Season 1 of Get Smart has a lot going for it. Perhaps the best place to start is with the outermost layer of the 4-disc set—the packaging—and work inwards. The packaging is much better for DVD racks. It is the same size as any regular single disc DVD, unlike most other multi-disc sets. This saves a lot of space on any DVD rack. The space is saved by placing a pair of “plates” inside the box, allowing for all four discs to be placed separate from each other inside. Placing the discs separate from one another is another plus in itself. Packaging them in such fashion prevents any possibility of the discs scratching each other during removal or replacement. This is not the first time that this has been done with packaging for a box set. But it may be a potential future for packaging of muti-disc box sets. It was most recently done with the release of Tiny Toon Adventures—Season 1: Volume 1. That box set, too, saves a lot of space because of the exact same packaging format.

The packaging of the DVD’s is not the only interesting economical factor. When consumers look inside the box, they will note an episode guide/informational piece in the sleeve. This is the same with any release. But also noted is the lack of episode summaries. More and more companies are doing this. One recent example of that is with USA network’s release of Psych to box set. The people at HBO video have made up for that by including an episode summary by Agent 99 herself, Barbara Feldon, in the episode selection section of each disc. Doing this cuts down on the amount of stuff cluttering the box itself. It also lets viewers get to hear from Agent 99, all these years after the show’s end.

Now, on to the final aspect of this wonderful sitcom. Whether it is the nonstop jokes or the cool gadgets, America’s first favorite spy and his friends at Control make for constant laughs, and even a little bit of intrigue. Get Smart is a detective show, afterall. So those who haven’t seen it in decades will find themselves trying to figure out the mystery in each episode. The chemistry between Max, Agent 99, Chief, and their supporting cast, is what makes for all the laughs. Even Feldon herself points out the instant chemistry between herself and co-star Don Adams on the very first episode of the show. She points it out in the episode summary for the pilot. Both Brooks, and show co-creator Buck Henry point this out, too, in the commentary for the pilot episode.

There is so much that could be said for Get Smart. It was a show before its time. Sadly, shows of that caliber are always cut before their time, too. And this show was no exception. But now, thanks to the people at HBO Video, new and old fans can enjoy what is one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

All you parents and Garfield fans out there, pay attention.  This one’s for you. 

20th Century Fox recently released its second cg-based Garfield movie in as many years, earlier this month.  And much like last year’s movie, this one may leave some audiences wondering what happened to the good old days of Garfield? Apparently, Jim Davis and the people at his company felt the only way to keep Garfield recent was to bring America’s favorite tubby tabby into the computer age.  Even the voices are different.  They are the same voices from the previous CG movie.  But they are not the same voices that became so well known in the days of Garfield and Friends.  Oh well. With the changing of time, comes the inevitable changing of the guard.

The negative thoughts aside, ‘Garfield’s Fun Fest’ is at least a good family movie.  It teaches a good message.  The message is one of being true to one’s self.  Freddy The Frog (voiced by the famed Tim Conway) tells Garfield that he is funny not because of the funny water, but because he is funny.  He, and other creatures that Garfield and Odie meet on their journey, try to teach Garfield lessons so that he can bring his funny back out, and win the annual Fun Fest, and in turn his love, Arlene.  This message can easily be related to kids, just in a different way.  Kids can be taught that if they want people to like them, they should just be themselves.  It doesn’t have to be in terms of comedy.  It can be as simple as trying to make friends, and learn to get along with people in general.  So to that extent, there is a positive to this movie.

On a side note, fans of Futurama may recognize Tim Conway’s voice right away in Freddy Frog.  Conway did some voice work for Matt Groening on that show.  And the voice of Arlene is obviously not that of Saturday Night Live alum Victoria Jackson.  Those who remember the old days of Garfield and Friends will remember Jackson did the voice of Arlene in the old cartoon series.  Even younger audiences might manage to make a connection in Nermal’s voice.  The person who does the voice of Nermal in these new Garfield CG movies also does the voice of Chester McBadBat in the hit Nickelodeon cartoon, The Fairly OddParents.  And of course, Garfield is no longer done by Lorenzo Music, which is sad. 

Another item to note on this dvd is that there are far fewer special features to make up for what many will consider a lackluster outing.  This time around, the only special features are a pair of DVD-Rom games.  The “Destination Fun Fest” game is a little difficult to grasp.  Garfield and Odie are on the glider that audiences will remember from the movie.  And they have to collect bottles of the Funny Water.  Along the way, players have to avoid trees, birds, and a certain squirrel.  The problem with this game is that the only control is an up key.  Players have to keep the glider in the air.  There is no backwards and forwards or even down.  To go down, players have to just let the glider begin to fall.  It makes gameplay slightly difficult.  The other game, “Tango Toss”, is a little better.  Players have to make Garfield toss Arlene so that they can pick up roses, while doing the tango.  All the while, players have to avoid eggs, lettuce, and tomtoes being thrown from the audience.  Control in this game is easier, making the game more enjoyable.

Overall, long time fans of the classic Garfield and Friends may still find the new Garfield difficult to stomach.  However, a lot of those same longtime fans may be parents by now.  So perhaps using this movie, and the previous Garfield movie will help to introduce their kids to Garfield.  In turn, when those kids get older, those same parents can eventually introduce their kids to the real Garfield.  Until then, parents and kids alike will have to deal with the new generation of Garfield.

Most people who know me know that I’m a metal head.  I won’t deny that by any means.  My brothers converted me to a metal head when I was young.  But those who truly know me know that I’m more than just a metal head.  I’m a music lover first and foremost.  And my first true musical love is jazz.  Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved Miles Davis’s landmark album, ‘Kind of Blue.‘  And John Coletrane is by far my favorite jazz musician of all time.  As I’ve gotten older, though, my musical horizons have broadened.  In my senior year of high school, I discovered the Yellowjackets.  I even had the honor of performing for and being critiqued by them when they came to ECU for a jazz festival there.  That was when they were touring in support of their album, ‘Club Nocturne.‘  The band has put out a handful of releases since then.  The last release was in 2005’s, ‘Altered States’ on its current label, Heads-Up International. Between then and now, the band has offered its fans a live CD/DVD release in ‘25’ and even a holiday album to tide them over. Now, after much anticipation, the band has given its fans an enjoyable new release, full of great songs in ‘Lifecycle.‘

This album could not have come at a better time. It is an album that is perfect for a warm day. A person could open some windows, let in the warm breeze, turn on this wonderful record, and simply relax. It is even great for summertime social gatherings. A person could invite some friends over, and have the record on in the background to help set a laid back mood.

‘Lifecycle’ is yet another outstanding mark in the career of this band. The only real downsides to this album come from the somewhat melancholy song, “Dreams Go”, and the equally contemplative “Measure of a Man.“ These two pieces are sadly out of place on an album full of great “happier” songs. They simply do not fit in with the rest of the album. On the positive side, though, the addition of guest musician, Mike Stern adds another wonderful level to the album. Far too often, guitars are used in jazz, and ruin otherwise worthwhile records. But every now and then, as in this release, a guitar’s addition to the band makes the songs complete. Stern does not try to stand out from one song to the next. Rather, he merely accompanies the band, adding his own element to the overall being of each song.

Another surprise in this record comes in “Claire’s Closet.“ It is a great song. But it is not your typical jazz. It sounds more like something that belongs in a movie soundtrack about some family living out on a farm. That is thanks to the addition of both a clarinet, and a bass clarinet to the mix. Yes, the Yellowjackets have gone out and done something different on yet another album again. That is what makes this band so enjoyable, and has for so many years. The band has made an effort to reinvent itself from one record to the next, giving fans something new every time.

That reinvention is the key to what will keep the Yellowjackets among the elite of jazz musicians, and musicians in general for decades to come. Jazz, as a genre may go in different directions in the decades to come, but regardless, albums such as this new one from the Yellowjackets will remain as examples of everything that is right with jazz. Perhaps one day it will be used to teach a whole new generation of musicians the joy of music, and of jazz.

This summer has been one of the biggest when it comes to movies.  It has especially been a big summer for Marvel and DC Comics, and their studios.  Fresh off the heels of the Writers’ Strike that temporarily crippled the entertainment industry, Marvel and DC managed to release a trio of movies based on their comic book characters.  While Marvel struck gold with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, DC Comics was the big winner with the long awaited sequel to Christopher Nolan’s hit, Batman Begins.  Expectations were extremely high for this movie, especially after the untimely death of Heath Ledger just before the movie finished filming.  Thanks to curiosity over Ledger’s role, and the immense build up to the film, The Dark Knight has become one of the most successful movies since Titanic.  All the hype over the movie is fully justified too, as the movie more than lived up to expectations.  And it is no doubt that when it is pulled from theaters and sent to DVD, it will set new records for sales in that arena as well.  For the time being, though, I present to everyone out there my personal thoughts on what is one of the best comic books turned movies in a long time.

Christopher Nolan has done it again.  In a summer full of not-so-blockbuster movies, Nolan, his writers, and cast have given audiences a movie that will go down in history as not only THE summer blockbuster of 2008, but as one of the greatest movies in the first decade of the 21st century.

The Dark Knight has been touted in ads, as an action movie.  It is definitely this.  But it is also a deeply psychological thriller.  Heath Ledger’s portrayal as The Joker is amazing to say the least.  Ledger took Jack Nicholson’s Joker, and stepped him up ten-fold.  Ledger made this joker one of the most sociopathic villains that any movie has ever seen.  I should note here that because of this, a lot of parents have complained about how dark the movie is.  The fact of the matter is that the MPAA puts ratings in place for a reason.  Sometimes the ratings aren’t entirely fair on movie makers.  But when a movie receives a PG-13 rating, that means it is not advisable for children under 13 years old to view it, even with a parent or guardian.  So to that extent, parents have no room to complain.  On the other hand, Hollywood and toy manufacturers are as much to blame, as they have been marketing toys to kids that are linked to the movie.  It goes without saying that such marketing strategies are intended solely to get kids to buy the toys and want to see the movie.  So to that extent, parents can complain about that connection, but not about how dark and psychological this movie is.

Now, with that sidebar out of the way, what do you say we get back to the movie itself?  The work done to create Harvey Dent’s alter ego, Two-Face, was outstanding.  At first audiences are teased, and made to wonder if his new persona would be revealed.  Much to fans’ delight, Nolan does come through and introduce what will become Two Face in the next movie in the Batman franchise.

There are more than enough twists and turns to make any fanboy happy. But the fact of the matter is that there are perhaps too many twists and turns.  There are so many that the movie tends to feel longer than its two-and-a-half hour runtime.  The runtime aside, The Dark Knight is still by far one of the best action/thriller movies to come along in a long time.  It is one that even fans of general actions movies will enjoy, even if they are not fans of the comic book universe.

Hello to everyone out there.  This is my first time doing anything of this caliber at WNCT.  It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to do this.  Hopefully, through my blogs, I’ll be able to add a little something to help you enjoy WNCT.com even more, and keep you coming back, too.  In the process, maybe I’ll be able to spread the word about all the great events that we here in Eastern Carolina get to enjoy every year.  That being said, I’d like to start this journey off with a discussion about something that is both near and dear to me.  That something is the theater.  Before my family moved to North Carolina almost twenty years—next year will be twenty years—I had never had any interest at all in theater.  Maybe that was because I was only nine years old when I moved here with my family.  It wasn’t long after we moved here that I had the opportunity to see my very first play at ECU. 

My very first experience with theater was at the performance of West Side Story.  Before I saw this play, I had no care at all to see a play.  I admit I even complained a little bit as I walked in with my parents and my brothers.  But the performance put on by the cast and crew of ECU’s school of theater was enough that when I walked out of the theater that night, I was ready to see my next play.  My next play was one that I got to see again this summer.  That play was Arsenic and Old Lace.  It had been years since I first saw that play at ECU.  But it was the very play that made me fall in love with theater.  Since my first time seeing that play, I have made it a point to try and attend ECU’s Loessin Summer Theater every year.  This year was no different, as I and my girlfriend had the joy of getting season tickets to this season of summer theater.  And yet again, Arsenic and Old Lace was by far the best of this summer’s trio of shows. 

It sounds like I’m doing an advertisement for the ECU School of Theater, and for the Loessin Summer Theater.  And maybe I am doing just that to an extent.  My point of this discussion is that growing up in Eastern Carolina, I was one of those people that complained there was nothing to do in Eastern Carolina.  In the years since, I have heard so many people within my generation complain that there’s nothing to do around Greenville and Eastern Carolina.  They could not be more wrong.  I have actually grown to enjoy living in this area.  And I have found that there is so much to do in this area.  Not the least of which is the Loessin Summer Theater.  If that’s not your cup of tea, there are always plenty of concerts at ECU, or the S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series (SRAPAS).  And not every performance requires paid admission either.  There is a bevy of free performances at ECU.  Whether you are more into music or theater, there is always something to do.

ECU isn’t the only outlet for fun, family outings.  There is so much more to do around the area.  Much of it is free and family friendly, too.  In the current economy, that should make anyone more inclined to find out about them.  But that is a discussion for another time.  Perhaps after next weekend’s annual Winterville Watermelon Festival, I’ll be able to provide more proof of all there is to do in Eastern Carolina.  The Watermelon Festival is, by the way, partially sponsored by WNCT-TV 9.  So you may very well see some of us out there next weekend.  I already can say that I’ll be there to enjoy the music, rides, and especially some of that watermelon.  Until then, have fun out there, and stay safe.