16 Comments
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Steve Simon's avatar

60’s: White Light White Heat: Velvet Undergrounf.

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Noah Berlatsky's avatar

I picked w/ Nico instead I think!

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Steve Simon's avatar

White Light is much darker as were the 60’s. Sister Ray vs. “All you need is Love” ( Beatles). Launched a thousand punk bands.

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Peter Clayborne's avatar

This is so fascinating to see behind-the-scenes so to speak of this series! I like the criteria you've laid out, and I can tell you approach this with attention to detail and a respect for the art.

This is inspiring me to talk more about music in my own work, altho I don't think I could do what you're doing. If pressed for a best album list, I would insist on organizing mine by genre; I wouldn't know how to compare across genres tbh!

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Noah Berlatsky's avatar

hah; crossing genres is the fun part!

I need to get the 90s list together. I've got all the albums and most of the write ups...just sort of stuck on finishing it...

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Peter Clayborne's avatar

finishing is always the hardest part... i've been chipping away at an essay i started in October. who knows when it'll get published lol.

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Christina Ballard's avatar

I totally get and like your rationale. While I may not always agree with your assessment, I appreciate it.

I've enjoyed your tv/ movie reviews/synopses. Have you thought of doing a similar "best of" with movies?

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Christina Ballard's avatar

I went straight to the 70's and i am veey pleased you had Alien in there, and I agree with the rest.

I find the 80's lacking two- Children of the Corn. Scared the shit out of me and came back to haunt me when I lived in Nebraska for five years.

I assume thos folm os what gave me a creepy feeling of men who are "ginger." I know it is not rational, I know it is not right, but I get super creeper out. Certain men make me naseous and I track it to this film.

The second one was an HBO flick Countdowm to looking glass." I was young, my parents were not home much (Yea, I am GEN EX to the core). I was watching it and became so freaked out because I thought it was real. I thought there was a nuclear war starting. I ran to the neighbors.

Give me a slasher flick any day and I can get through it. Films made in the spirit of War of the Worlds will be the death of me.

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Christina Ballard's avatar

Horror only???

Yes, films would need to be genre specific, unlike the album lists.

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Noah Berlatsky's avatar

oh they don't *have* to be; just haven't done a non genre film list yet!

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Christina Ballard's avatar

I'll be here. Ready, waiting and critical!

I enjoy your takes on things, but I have to stand my ground.

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Christina Ballard's avatar

BTW -- I do not see many of these lists that celebrate Alien and Terminator. Both films with outstanding female leads. Made me feel like I could do anything. Representation does matter.

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Noah Berlatsky's avatar

Alien and Terminator are often highly praised...especially Alien I think; a lot of people think that's one of the greatest movies ever.

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Christina Ballard's avatar

I certainly do.

Cinematically for the time, light years ahead of other major female leads, not just action but also socio-political issues. Lots to unpack.

Terminator a bit less so. But thos is coming from someone whose smart speaker's name is Sky Net.

I rewatch the entire Terminator franchise once a year so all my devices know I am on to them 🤣

I really wish the Prometheus/Covenant prequels would have done better. I need that last connection to Alien.

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mermcoelho's avatar

I admire this project, and I have found lots of new-to-me music. Thank you!

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