Movie Review: Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour (2023)

Title: Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Music
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

Experience the breathtaking Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift.

Trailer

REVIEW:

So....I didn't get to go to the actual concert (damn) but this really was the next best and cheaper option!

I am so excited they did this for people who couldn't afford or just simply couldn't get their hands on the tickets. Now, the movie did cut like 5 or so songs. I'm sure for the "full experience" they will include it on the DVD. Marketing bebe!! *cough* I'll be buying it *cough*

This was so much fun and what a wild experience. A lot of people were dancing and singing and clapping and cheering. Loudest movie experience I have ever had and I loved every second. And noooo, I didn't get out of my seat to dance but I did a lot of singing and clapping and seat dancing.

Tay Tay knows how to put on a show FOR sure. A couple of my friends were able to snag tickets to the show and they said Taylor Live is a sight to behold. Seeing this movie I can def see it. She is great with the crowds and she can SING. As far as I could tell no lip-singing. On top of that, she can play SOOOO many instruments. Taylor is popular for a reason. 

I am sad there was one song that I absolutely adore that was cut from the movie, but I'm glad my top two songs were featured.

I'm going to be honest here....and you can't judge me.....when my number one fave song 'Love Story' came on....tears started streaming down my face. I can't explain why, but damn. I had liked her first album, but 'Love Story' was the song that had me go "Well....that's someone I can listen to for life." I remember daydreaming to that song and hoping I would have my own love story one day. 

All-in-all, I can't wait for this to go on DVD. I would bet any money they will include all the songs as a way to get you to buy it. And trust me....I will buy it. I'm a sucker. I've had my ups and downs with this singer and I have questioned her sincerity in her personal life, BUT I have ALWAYS enjoyed her music. Anyone can connect with it. THIS concert will make you feel all the feelings. She can put on one hell of a show. 5 stars from me.

Instead of the 5 stamp...enjoy this pic of me posing with the poster and the mini-poster they gave us. 

Album Review: Mush by Saturday by Chance

It's been four years since my last review of an album! Spinning Naru has had a change of name of even a new drummer. They are now called Saturday by Chance! 




Artist: Saturday By Chance
Album: Mush
Release Date: April 11, 2020
Links: https://www.facebook.com/saturdaybychance/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtQ6TobxzkHjKc4J9OasSog
https://audiomack.com/ssaturdaybychance/album/mush?fbclid=IwAR13kwtOctyqh-WyH7WCmJ0SyKR54q9dzwiQ45J11SEp-f7LfubeoC_Uptg


1) Mush
I wasn't a fan of this one at first. Nope. Not sure why, but after a couple of listens it did get under my skin and I found myself humming along. It's catchy and a pretty good opener to the album!

2) Hated
It was my favorite song of the album, but another song stole my lil heart. This one is amazing to listen to when you have had a bad day and just want to scream! Lovvveee this one so much. 

3) Blow
Love this one! This is for sure an opener song at a venue! I think this would be a crow-pleaser. It gets you up and wanting to head-bang. 

4) Take Me Home
The intro of the song is badass. It's so cool! I feel like the singing was a little muffled at points. Not sure if that was intentional? But overall, I really liked this one even with the muffled bits. OOO and that ending. Makes me giggle and smile. Such a cute way to end it

5) Nasty Nibbler
I'll admit that I was worried about this song when I read the song title. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. What is a nasty nibbler??? haha. But my worries were for naught. I enjoyed this song. This would for sure get people up and dancing! I know I always tap my foot along while listening. 

6) Nuke Skittle Party
This song title made me giggle, but the song is pretty badass. I feel like it is one of the most unique of all the songs. It really had a different feel for me. They took a risk, I feel, and it worked out. Awesome song indeed!

7) Lip
This is my FAVORITE 100%. Hated had been my favorite of the album, but this came outta nowhere and stole my heart. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. It speaks to me for some reason? I love blasting this when I listen. It really has to be listened to loud! 

8) Nothing Ever Happens Here (In This Place)
Not my favorite of the album. It's pretty good, but I do feel like something was missing for me to love it. I can't really pinpoint what was missing for me. So, yes, it was just okay for me overall. 

9) Ultraviolet
This one is pretty mellow compared to the others. I like that. More instrumental here which is nice to see/hear. Some lyrics and singing (of course), but it worked. This one had a lot of feeling, so it's a nice change-up. 

10) Justify
A good way to end the album. It felt like a mush of all the other songs (ha - see what I did there ;D). It felt like a conclusion to the other songs as a whole. If that makes any sense? This song felt right being the ending song, but then it wasn't FINAL. There seems to be more that can be done. An open ending if you will! Am I making sense or am I just rambling like I do? But yessssssss,  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ending of this song when you can hear the band members chat and guitarist's baby cooing. It melts my lil heart. It's good and there was a nice range for the entire band - instrumental and vocally. You can't help but OOOO along with them. I would say this is probably my 3rd favorite of the entire album.  

OVERALL
This album was MUCH better than the other one. I had very little issues. The mixing was done a million times better. They took more risks with some songs, but then with others stayed in their wheelhouse. It was a nice balance. There is something for everyone here. I enjoyed the placement of all the songs. It seemed to really fit together nicely. I highly recommend this album. They are very grunge with a sprinkle of metal, but it's a fun album and the band is fun. All the members are a hoot. I'll give this 5 stars overall!!!! Yesss 5!!!

Movie Review: A Star Is Born (1976)

Film Title: A Star is Born

Length:   2h 19min
Released:   1976
Genre:   Drama, Music, Romance 
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Watched at a friend's house

SUMMARY:
A has-been rock star falls in love with a young, up-and-coming songstress.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
Watched this forever ago and I couldn't remember much from it. I didn't really care for it back then, but I was a teen and teens don't care much about anything. My friend is watching all the movie renditions and she started this so I sat down to join her. 

This follows Esther and John. John is on a dark path of burning out because if his drinking and drugs. Esther is an up-comer that he sees a talent and love in her. They get together and he helps her shine as his career goes down the drain. 

I remembered bits and pieces of this film as we were going through, but I totally forgot how cheesy this was. Sooooo 70s/80s! There was one scene that had us simply laughing into tears and it was meant to be so intimate and so romantic, but my goodness sooooo cheesy. There was another scene that was just so awkward that I wanted to look away but I couldn't. Someone needed to be edit this and refilm it and change the scene.

I did like Esther and John BUT I wanted more back-story. We didn't get anything. I think Esther said she had been married before? But that was about it. We just jumped into this world and characters and we didn't get to KNOW the characters. So some of the actions and feelings didn't connect with me. WHY was John falling apart? WHY did he have an addiction? Did he always have it and it just escalated? We just needed more as the audience to feel connected for them. I wanted them to be happy and for John to find his way, but it felt hollow to me. 

The ending. OOO my heart. Barbra Streisand can for sure act. She really gave it her all. I wasn't 100% keen on the song at the end when it turned to rock, BUT I get it because John was a rocker. Sooo it makes sense to blend their styles there. 

Overall, not bad. It was for sure a 70s/80s indie film. SO campy. SO cheesy. Be prepared like I was. I wasn't shocked at the awkward scenes. I like the modern version better with Gaga though. This needed more back-story for our couple in order for me to really connect. But I shall give this 3 stars. Good for what it is. :) 

Saturday Movie Night: A Star is Born (2018)

Happy 2019! 

We'll be discussing 'A Star is Born'


Blodeuedd is in red and I am in black.

Title: A Star is Born
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance 
Running Time: 2 hr & 16 mins
Rating: R
Released: 2018

A musician helps a young singer find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.

TRAILER:



DISCUSSION: 

I went to watch this one and afterwards and sent Carole a message asking if she had seen it, and if not then she had to see it!

Yesss, I had been curious about it, but after what you told me I had no choice but to check it out. I dragged BF with me and he even liked it.

I do think BF would have liked it too since there was lots of music, now he have to watch it on his own! ;) I am sure we would have seen it anyway, but MIL wanted to go with me so I went with her.

I did like the music. I was a little unsure at the beginning. I like musicals and all that...but I felt like it was going to be cheesy (the first couple were), but I ended up enjoying it and tapping my foot along with the music.

Those riffs at the beginning and end, damn, they struck a cord on my soul. There was a lot of foot tapping going on. Truly awesome music, except for that which she does in the middle and end. That was meh.

I liked the song Jack wrote, but I prefer him singing it over her. I love the Gaga and she is an amazing singer, but the ending song would have been better if he just sung it. Just to give more of an emotional impact. Like if he recorded it for her and for her alone.

Oh yes she is amazing and when she sings her song with him, damn, they are great! But that last song of his, yes I would have wanted him to sing it too. I felt that that one did not have as much an impact on me. And that was the one that should have moved you the most.

I think if he sang it instead of her, I think it would’ve. That last couple lines he did sing made me cry. Ooooo Jackson. I loved him. Ally was okay too, but I really loved Jackson.

I adored Jackson! I went all I want to read a romance about a rockstar...minus the alcohol abuse and drug abuse and you know all the neg stuff ;)

Which I bet it is hard to find one without some of that stuff. Rockstars tend to be rough ones to date lol.

That’s sad :/ And omg this movie, ugh I sat there with tears streaming down my face. I noticed the corner of my eye how the stranger next to me was crying. I am pretty sure a lot of those there cried.

I cried too. I could see a couple tears on BF’s face too. I was worried this was going to be an overly happy romance movie. But it does showcase real issues especially in the Music world. There was a lot of love and happiness between the two, but there was also a lot of sadness. Like addiction and jealousy and so forth. I was upset that Ally did become more HipHop over the country of what made her famous. She sold out.

I felt that too. She became sugar pop. I do not know if we were supposed to be all oh he is just jealous. No, I felt he was right. He wanted her to be as he had seen her, and it was glorious. But she wanted stardom and this was the road she was given. So I felt with him and thought she sold out too. I liked her much more as she was first. But hey if it made her happy.

And yes it shows the real stuff and the darkness. That made it so good. It was just that great of a movie. Truly amazing work that moved me,

I think there was a touch of jealousy after he was told they just wanted him to play the guitar and not sing and then she won. I think that caused him to spiral out of country. He was losing it all. His stage, his voice, his hearing, and the wife he knew. Poor guy. He had so many issues. The actor did an amazing job. I think it helped because the actor used to be an alcoholic eons ago so he was able to portray that well.

Who wouldn’t be jelly then. Poor guy. Cooper did a great job with him, I was impressed. He made me feel so much. Ack, how it hurt.

I know. If I let myself think about it too much I get sad. Gaga did awesome too. I haven’t seen any of her previous acting gigs so I pleasantly surprised at how well she did. She was so awkward at the beginning and it was cute.

She was great too, and what a voice :D I am glad they picked her. She was perfect for the role. I loved all that nose stuff ;D

Me too! The nose bits were hilarious. It showed them being a real couple. He teases her but always ends up loving her nose. It was adorable. It hurt my little heart who cute they were.

They were perfect for each other! Yes this movie broke my heart and I demand that everyone go and watch it! I am sure it will be out on DVD any day soon too.

Or Netflix. I do want to rewatch it even though I know I will cry again and again. It was that good. The music, the acting...fantastic.

Yes maybe I will watch it with BF again and see if it can make me cry again. I think not, but we will see!Anything else you want to add?

Girl. You know that ONE scene will make you at least tear up. ;) It was just so sad and I wanted to scream and throw stuff at the screen. BF was so distressed too! Buuut I don’t think I have anything else. I do not want to give away any spoilers...mmm….I loved the drag queens. I wanted that manager dude to get hit by a truck. What a JERK!!!!!!

The manager needs to diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie!

And yes I might cry again, I want to see it again! There you go, everyone, listen now, go see it. I promise you that you will love it.

Yessss it worth the watch!!!!!!

The end

Movie Review: Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Film Title: Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Length: 2h 14min 
Released: 2 November 2018 (USA)
Genre: Biography , Drama , Music 
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Watched in theaters


SUMMARY:
A chronicle of the years leading up to Queen's legendary appearance at the Live Aid (1985) concert.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

Another film I have been anxious to see. When I heard the announcement that they were making this film I have been chewing my nails excited to see it. I actually watched this twice. Once with some friends and then the second time I went with my parents.

Since I was little I was in awe of Queen. My dad raised me right. Beatles and Queen are musical gods. I have lived my life with this belief. 

The cast for this was amazing and they all did amazing. They all deserve awards especially the man who played Freddie. I think Freddie would be proud of this performance both in acting, singing, and dancing.

I learned a lot from this film, but I was entertained the entire time. There wasn't a dull moment. There was comedy, joy, and utter sadness. Ooooo Freddie. Such a tragic thing, but he left us with amazing music. My biggest regret is never being able to hear this man live perform with the boys. 

Some inaccuracies and some creative changes as per normal. But they were minimal and it did help move the story along and it didn't take away anything from the story or entertainment. What I found even more entertaining was the attention to detail especially with the last scene at the concert. If you watch a compare/contrast, the actors and creators did well with being on point. I must applaud that. 

I'm also really glad they didn't completely focus on Freddie's sickness. Yes, this is an important thing, but in the spirit of Freddie and his gang they didn't let this stop them from making music or living their lives. 

In the end, this was for sure the best movie of the year so far. The story, the characters, the music, everything was amazing. I have zero complaints. This film deserves awards. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. This is a must-see film for anyone who likes music. 

Music Album Review: The Great Big Nothing by Spinning Naru

It's been so long since I've shared some good music on here! Now it is time blow off the dust of this old meme and revise it.

This is a special occasion! What? Why? I personally was asked by a new band to review their first album, 'The Great Big Nothing'. I'll go through each song and review them. I'll also give a rating between 1-5.


Artist: Spinning Naru
Album: The Great Big Nothing
Release Year: 2016
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Spinning-Naru-991729710894739/
https://soundcloud.com/user-854441523 http://www.audiomack.com/artist/spinning-naru https://spinningnaru.bandcamp.com/ https://twitter.com/Spinning_Naru










1) As You Wish
I loved the little sound bit at the beginning, because it really is clever and funny. This song really reminds me of the movie "The Princess Bride" grunge-style. If they ever made a modern movie, this song should be the theme-song. My two favorite parts of the song would be the lyrics and the harmonica part. The beginning (after the sound bit) was a little rough, but it surely did pull together nicely. Overall, not a bad way to start the album. I personally would have started with the next song coming up. I shall stamp this with 3.

2) Get Up
The beginning is awesome. I think this should have been the song to open the album with. A good song to jump up and down and yell out the lyrics. This was a fun one with an upbeat tempo. Not sure what else to say for this, so I'll give this a 4.

3) Anchors
Love, love, love the guitar and bass part at the beginning! Best part of the song. I love the meaning behind the lyrics. It all tied in together nicely. There was a quiet part that I feel should have been a little louder, but that could have been a recording thing since they self-recorded. I wasn't too crazy about the part at about 3 mins where the vocals drift into a round thing (whatever the term is for when one person sings and then another one joins in). I'm not sure what its called, but I feel like it was not really in sync correctly. I'll give this one a 3.

4) Idiot 
MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!! SO GOOD! Deep and sad and gives you the feel. We all have a part of us that hate's ourselves and this defiantly plays off of that self-hate we all feel here and there. There is a clean version and one with swear words. I, of course, prefer the one with swear words ;) But yes....if you were to listen to ONE song from this album, I would recommend this one for sure. Out of five, this is getting a solid 5.

5) If It All Goes Wrong
Eh. It's okay. Not my favorite. Nothing really wrong with the song that I can pinpoint...I just connect with it. A 2 for this one. 

6) Lilith
My 2nd favorite! Very grungy and Nirvana-feeling. I'm a huge Nirvana fan, so this is right up my alley. The vocals are a little scratchy, but it oddly works for this song and this tempo. Maybe they did it on purpose? The beginning instrumental is the best and then it is followed with some great lyrics. This shall get a 4. 

7) Words in My Dictionary
The first two minutes are really good, but I feel it drifts off for a bit and then gets good again. I feel like their is a blank space in the middle. Maybe its just me? The ending is funny and makes me smile. It really is original and worth listening to after the rest of the song. I love when bands put in little sound bits of themselves. I'll give this a 3.

8) Thank You
*Claps* *claps* 
Love the clapping parts! This would be my third favorite! It has a nice tempo and the lyrics are fun. Anyone can really relate to this song. It reminds me of the fun I had in my youth. Ah. Memories. Very fun! I'll give this a 4. 

9) Dandy Man
Yayy another sound bit at the beginning! I really wanted to love this song, because I love the reference. But it fell short for me. I think the tempo was off and I wasn't crazy about the instrumental or lyrics. A 2 for this one. The reference and the beginning give it a bonus star. 

10) Blue Duck Academy
A very long song...which I was worried about because it is a hit or miss when a band does a song that is over the typical 2-4 minutes. However, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it in the end. It is a strange song for sure, but it's pretty catchy and pleasing to the ear. At first I wasn't crazy about the speaking parts...but they grew on me. This will get a 4. 

OVERALL
I've listened to this album a few times and I will listen to this again and again. It was such an honor to be asked to review this album and the songs these boys made themselves. They are a good mix of Nirvana and Weezer with a sprinkle of Pink Floyd. A couple of the songs were meh, but the vast majority were awesome. The cover is cool and I feel like it captures the feeling of the album. I like the back of the cover too (I'll share it below). After looking at all the songs, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Late Music Monday: Odies Edition #5

Gah. I totally forgot to post this yesterday. I got held over at work and when I came home Boyfriend and I had to do some phone errands, because we're moving at the end of this week. All is set....we just got to move our crap now. hahaha. I'm super excited!!!! Buuut super stressed!!!! Hope all of your weeks are going smoothly so far. 

This song has been super true lately. lmao:

Music Monday: Oldies Edition #4

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a good weekend. I sort of did...but I was busy all weekend. Sighs. What can you do? Buuuut it was nice having the weekend off for once. Normally I work weekends, but I got it off. Yayy! Are you guys ready for some music to cheer up the Monday blues?

The first video is a request from miss B. I may not be a Whovian (or whatever they call the fans of Dr. Who), but a few of my friends so I can appreciate it. I also think the actor who plays the tenth doctor is hot. lol Enjoy:

That's all I got for you this week. :) Any requests, leave it in the comments below. 

Music Monday: Oldies Edition #3

Happy Monday everyone! How is everyone doing? I'm so tired. I've been working a lot these last few days. I'm working 7 days in a row. Uuuuuugh. I have today and tomorrow and then I have Wednesday off and then I work Thursday. HOWEVER, I'm getting Friday and Saturday off. Thank goodness! Well...lets have some oldies to brighten up the day.

The first video is in honor of Motley Crue! They are retiring! I SHALL MISS YOU!

That's all I have for you this week! Any requests? Comment below!

Late Music Monday: Oldies Edition #2

Happy late Monday you guys. Got caught up cleaning the apartment and then realized it was nearly 7pm. >__< But yes...today seemed to fly by. A good thing because I had to work, but I feel like I really didn't even enjoy the day. Odd how some days are like that. 

ANYWAYS! This is the second to the Oldies Edition. Been listening to a lot of oldies over the last couple of weeks, so why not share some of my favorites with you. 

No one can get away with talking about the Oldies without mentioning Queen. A classic and beloved band.

The first song was the first song to pop on my Oldies Station on Pandora, so it seems fitting:

Okay...the last one isn't technically labeled an "Oldie" yet, but it was randomly on the radio the other day and so I wanted to share it. I remember it was my favorite song as a kiddie for a while. haha. Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Oldies. Who's your favorite band/singer or song from the good ol' times?