16 Comments
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Steve Simon's avatar

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

Noah Berlatsky's avatar

I picked w/ Nico instead I think!

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.

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!

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...

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.

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?

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.

Christina Ballard's avatar

Horror only???

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

Noah Berlatsky's avatar

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

mermcoelho's avatar

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