The glass bottom boat of the cultural press
Throngs of faithful old-school arena rockers squeezed into their faded vintage Judas Priest and Iron Maiden T’s and partied once again like it was 1989 at the Tampa stop of the Scorpions “farewell” tour. Chris Long was, of course, among them.
Despite a few technical malfunctions, So-Cal pop/rock combo Rooney wowed Orlando fans with a powerful live set, which is more than Chris Long can say about the warm up bands.
Founding frontman Brent Scallions returns to the road with a re-vamped “Re-Fueled” line-up.
Displaying obvious old-school influences, Michigan’s own Pop Evil proves that the true cock-rock spirit of rock and roll is alive and well. Christopher Long reads the medical chart.
Author, critic, and self-confessed “drooling fanatic” Steve Almond’s latest rock and roll offering has a little something for fans and “fanatics” everywhere. Christopher Long shares the adoration.
Does that sound like the Beatles to you? Author Kristofer Engelhardt delivers an updated version of his exhaustive 1998 guide, detailing the individual Beatles’ musical contributions to other artists’ recordings.
Pop music’s modern-day messiah, Butch Walker delivered a headliner performance despite his opening act billing.
The Greatest Love Songs of All Time (Arista / Sony Music). Review by Christopher Long.
Literally dancing with bells on, legendary songwriter Jonathan Richman delighted Orlando fans with an acoustic show that felt more like a poetry reading than a typical night at The Social.
Despite the frigid outdoor temperature, Gainesville’s Sister Hazel delivered a set that was red hot.
Strangers in the Night (Concord). Review by Christopher Long.
Photographer Phil Griffin captures one of rock’s best-loved bands in this behind-the-scenes Bon Jovi must-have.
The Element of Freedom (J Records). Review by Christopher Long.
For Your Entertainment (RCA Music Group). Review by Christopher Long.
The Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer delivers a mesmerizing rare solo performance to her faithful Orlando flock… even Neil Gaiman showed up!
Orlando, Florida’s Megaphone wraps up an amazing year with a high energy hometown show.
Have Guitar, Will Travel (Roman Records). Review by Christopher Long.
Aerosmith’s legendary co-founder, Joe Perry , delivered a set of gutsy, hard driving rock at Orlando’s House of Blues.
Author Charles R. Cross delivers a unique and detailed account of Led Zeppelin’s recording history – one platinum-selling record at a time.
Murder by Pride (Big 3 Records). Review by Christopher Long.
Look to the East, Look to the West (Merge Records). Review by Bob Pomeroy.
Christopher Lee presides over sex and torture in Jess Franco’s exploitation gem, Night of the Blood Monster now in 4K!
An idyllic campground filled with interesting people faces destruction in Happy Campers, part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
An American success story of rum and sex and hula dancing. The Donn of Tiki was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
An all-animal department store caters to the high-end clientele in this superb Japanese cartoon. The Concierge was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
John Cleese is this year’s celebrity at the Florida Film Festival, and Monty Python’s Holy Grail its featured film. This event was part of the 2024 Florida Film Festival, an Oscar®-qualifying festival now in its 33rd year.
Today’s Smmoth Jazz Roundup is a collection of short reviews of easy-to-listen-to jazz.
