Kyle Riabko's latest album, Richard Rodgers Reimagined, was inspired by a fan letter Rodgers had written to Burt Bacharach. No doubt, Riabko became privy to this letter while working on Close To You Bacharach Reimagined, a show Riabko garnered international acclaim for. Now, back in the United States, Ribako deftly explores another icon of American music, creatively reinterpreting Rodgers' classics through how own energetic poprock aesthetic.
- 11/27/2017
- by David Clarke
- BroadwayWorld.com
Ever wonder what a multi-grammy-winning, chart-topping musician likes to listen to? Wonder no more, as Taylor Swift just gave us a look inside her Spotify playlist.
Swift tweeted the list, titled "Songs Taylor Loves" and there is an eclectic and intriguing mix of big names and varying styles.
Rihanna appears twice on the list with her songs, "Close to You" and "Kiss It Better," off her 2016 album, Anti.
Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus made the cut as well, with "The Cure" and "Malibu," respectively. Other big names include Ariana Grande, Halsey, The Chainsmokers with Coldplay and Lana Del Rey.
Related: Taylor Swift Sends Cardi B Flowers to Congratulate Her on Billboard Success
Naturally, her friends appear on the list too. Selena Gomez, Haim and Ed Sheeran are all featured on the 70-song playlist.
And it appears Swift is still a little bit of a country girl at heart, with songs from Maren Morris and Dierks Bentley also popping...
Swift tweeted the list, titled "Songs Taylor Loves" and there is an eclectic and intriguing mix of big names and varying styles.
Rihanna appears twice on the list with her songs, "Close to You" and "Kiss It Better," off her 2016 album, Anti.
Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus made the cut as well, with "The Cure" and "Malibu," respectively. Other big names include Ariana Grande, Halsey, The Chainsmokers with Coldplay and Lana Del Rey.
Related: Taylor Swift Sends Cardi B Flowers to Congratulate Her on Billboard Success
Naturally, her friends appear on the list too. Selena Gomez, Haim and Ed Sheeran are all featured on the 70-song playlist.
And it appears Swift is still a little bit of a country girl at heart, with songs from Maren Morris and Dierks Bentley also popping...
- 9/29/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Move over Coachella, because Fyf Fest is coming for you.
The three-day music festival brought hip-hop’s biggest names to Los Angeles this past weekend, and it did not disappoint! From the music and comedy to the fashion and food, here are the major moments you missed.
1. Missy Elliott’s First U.S. Performance in 10 Years
The queen of hip hop, 46, headlined night one of the festival, in what festival organizers said was her only show this year. The artist, who had several outfit changes while on stage, came out dressed in a white bedazzled jacket and ripped white denim.
The three-day music festival brought hip-hop’s biggest names to Los Angeles this past weekend, and it did not disappoint! From the music and comedy to the fashion and food, here are the major moments you missed.
1. Missy Elliott’s First U.S. Performance in 10 Years
The queen of hip hop, 46, headlined night one of the festival, in what festival organizers said was her only show this year. The artist, who had several outfit changes while on stage, came out dressed in a white bedazzled jacket and ripped white denim.
- 7/24/2017
- by Hannah Kavy
- PEOPLE.com
The wait for a new project from Spike Jonze might be over sometime soon. The Oscar winner was spotted at Fyf Fest in Los Angeles over the weekend filming portions of Frank Ocean’s appearance.
The R&B singer performed covers of Carpenters’ “Close to You” (as done by Stevie Wonder) and the Jackson 5’s “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Brad Pitt appeared just off stage and was filmed miming a telephone conversation. The live shoot is the second time Jonze has appeared filming Frank Ocean this month. He was at the Lovebox festival in London two weekends ago.
Read More: Spike Jonze Had Margaret Qualley Dance Like a Tree During Kenzo Commercial Audition
Jonze has not announced any official new project in the works, but clearly him and Frank Ocean are cooking up something. Jonze got his start making music videos for the likes of Beastie Boys, Weezer, and Sonic Youth,...
The R&B singer performed covers of Carpenters’ “Close to You” (as done by Stevie Wonder) and the Jackson 5’s “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Brad Pitt appeared just off stage and was filmed miming a telephone conversation. The live shoot is the second time Jonze has appeared filming Frank Ocean this month. He was at the Lovebox festival in London two weekends ago.
Read More: Spike Jonze Had Margaret Qualley Dance Like a Tree During Kenzo Commercial Audition
Jonze has not announced any official new project in the works, but clearly him and Frank Ocean are cooking up something. Jonze got his start making music videos for the likes of Beastie Boys, Weezer, and Sonic Youth,...
- 7/24/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Surprise! Brad Pitt made a cameo during Frank Ocean's set at FYF Fest 2017 in Los Angeles Saturday. As the singer sang Stevie Wonder's cover medley of "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Close to You," a video of the actor listening to the performance on a phone was screened onstage. Pitt was seen recording his appearance in real time on a platform near the stage. "This is for our good friend," Ocean told the crowd. The videotaped cameo was captured on camera by scores of concertgoers. In an interview with GQ that was published in May, Pitt said, "I've been listening to a lot of Frank Ocean. I find this young man so special. Talk...
- 7/23/2017
- E! Online
Brad Pitt gave Frank Ocean fans a big surprise on Saturday night.
The 53-year-old actor made an amazing cameo during Ocean's set at Fyf Fest. During Ocean's performance of "Close To You," Pitt held up a phone to his ear and pretended to have a conversation.
Related: Brad Pitt Has Never Looked Hotter While Grabbing Iced Coffee in La
Pitt wasn't the only big name in attendance on Saturday -- director Spike Jonze apparently filmed the whole thing.
Related: Brad Pitt Hangs Out With Bradley Cooper and Tilda Swinton at the Glastonbury Festival
While Pitt and Ocean might seem like an unlikely pair, the actor has been a big fan of the singer for years. In fact, Pitt credited Ocean's music for inspiring him post-divorce.
"I find this young man so special," Pitt told GQ Style in May. "Talk about getting to the raw truth. He's painfully honest. He's very, very special...
The 53-year-old actor made an amazing cameo during Ocean's set at Fyf Fest. During Ocean's performance of "Close To You," Pitt held up a phone to his ear and pretended to have a conversation.
Related: Brad Pitt Has Never Looked Hotter While Grabbing Iced Coffee in La
Pitt wasn't the only big name in attendance on Saturday -- director Spike Jonze apparently filmed the whole thing.
Related: Brad Pitt Hangs Out With Bradley Cooper and Tilda Swinton at the Glastonbury Festival
While Pitt and Ocean might seem like an unlikely pair, the actor has been a big fan of the singer for years. In fact, Pitt credited Ocean's music for inspiring him post-divorce.
"I find this young man so special," Pitt told GQ Style in May. "Talk about getting to the raw truth. He's painfully honest. He's very, very special...
- 7/23/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Sometimes you merely ask for the moon and end up getting the stars. That's what happened to director John Asher, who saw Burt Bacharach on a plane and inquired about licensing the master's song "Close to You" for Po, a drama about a boy with autism and his newly widowed dad. The composer had a better idea. "The more I looked at the film, the more I kept getting drawn into it," says Bacharach. "I started to think, 'Maybe I'd like to score it for you.' "
The result was the Oscar winner's first score in 16 years, and a...
The result was the Oscar winner's first score in 16 years, and a...
- 11/25/2016
- by Chris Willman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kyle Riabko - star and creator of the hit West End show Close to You Bacharach Reimagined and the earlier acclaimed Off-Broadway version What's it All About Bacharach Reimagined - will bring his extraordinary Burt Bacharach arrangements to Joe's Pub at the Public for a solo concert and album launch on Monday, October 17 at 700 Pm and Tuesday, October 18 at 930 Pm. Get ready with a preview for the cast recording below...
- 9/23/2016
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Kyle Riabko - star and creator of the hit West End show Close to You Bacharach Reimagined and the earlier acclaimed Off-Broadway version What's it All About Bacharach Reimagined - will bring his extraordinary Burt Bacharach arrangements to Joe's Pub at the Public for a solo concert and album launch on Monday, October 17 at 700 Pm and Tuesday, October 18 at 930 Pm.
- 8/2/2016
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
After selling over 18 million singles since 2009, and his storied departure from Cash Money last year, Jay Sean is back on his home soil with his first single for Sony Music UK, with legendary Jamaican dancehall legend Sean Paul.
On February 5th, millions of Jay Sean fans across the globe will be treated to an up-tempo slice of summery urban pop with ‘Make My Love Go’ which samples the classic Us #1 Maxi Priest single ‘Close To You’.
‘Make My Love Go’ features an infectious beat and melody that is guaranteed to be ringing around clubs and beach bars all year. With Jay’s soulful voice and Sean Paul’s world famous toasting style, the track is the perfect way to brighten up the cold winter nights and start celebrating good times. The accompanying video, shot in La, revolves around the guys performing at a Block Party with plenty of good old dancehall vibes!
On February 5th, millions of Jay Sean fans across the globe will be treated to an up-tempo slice of summery urban pop with ‘Make My Love Go’ which samples the classic Us #1 Maxi Priest single ‘Close To You’.
‘Make My Love Go’ features an infectious beat and melody that is guaranteed to be ringing around clubs and beach bars all year. With Jay’s soulful voice and Sean Paul’s world famous toasting style, the track is the perfect way to brighten up the cold winter nights and start celebrating good times. The accompanying video, shot in La, revolves around the guys performing at a Block Party with plenty of good old dancehall vibes!
- 2/4/2016
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
When Angry Birds was released it quickly became not just a hugely popular way to waste time on your smart phone or tablet, but it morphed into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Sitcoms joked about it, there.s a Star Wars version, and the logo was slapped on any product you could possibly slap a logo on and sell. While it feels like it.s been on the way for forever, an Angry Birds movie is still on the way, and now you can check out the first trailer for yourself. Set to Michael Jackson.s "Bad" (and The Carpenters' "Close to You"), this Angry Birds trailer gives us our first look at how the game translates from your tiny phone to the giant screen at your local metroplex. More than plot or character or story, what you really get here is the sense of humor that they.re going for,...
- 9/23/2015
- cinemablend.com
Nineteen-year-old Justice Henry says hope is what gets him out of bed every morning.
"You always have to have hope," Henry of the Bronx, New York, tells People. "Even when it's hard to see it, you need to believe in it."
Henry is just one of 1,300 kids waiting to be adopted in New York City. Additionally, there are more than 700 kids on the verge of aging out of the foster care system.
"People say I'm unadoptable," says Henry. "But I disagree. It's never to late to have someone in your life who you can call family."
You Gotta BelieveNumerous stars...
"You always have to have hope," Henry of the Bronx, New York, tells People. "Even when it's hard to see it, you need to believe in it."
Henry is just one of 1,300 kids waiting to be adopted in New York City. Additionally, there are more than 700 kids on the verge of aging out of the foster care system.
"People say I'm unadoptable," says Henry. "But I disagree. It's never to late to have someone in your life who you can call family."
You Gotta BelieveNumerous stars...
- 6/30/2015
- by Caitlin Keating, @caitkeating
- People.com - TV Watch
Just like me, you long to be close to Karen Carpenter, the legendary vocalist who would've turned 65 today. Yes, that's right: It's only now that Karen Carpenter, who died 32 years ago, would've been a senior citizen. It's impossible to over-celebrate this woman's contributions to popular music. With her brother Richard and his brilliant arrangements, Karen Carpenter left a legacy of beautiful, palpably emotional music that felt both vulnerable and steely. Her delicate enunciation was a trademark, but the brutal resonance of her smooth alto was always her most beguiling quality. She's the rare singer who felt more emotional the more she was note-precise. A sterling and timeless talent. Let's revisit ten times she blew our minds. 1. The isolated vocals of "Close to You" will make you shiver. Yes, Whitney Houston's isolated vocals on "How Will I Know" are also a fabulous treat, but there is something about Karen Carpenter...
- 3/2/2015
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Mercedes Jones may or may not be the truth, but she sure as heck spoke it in this week’s installment of Glee. And we can sum up her testimony in a simple mathematical equation: Rachel Berry + Broadway = Endgame.
No disrespect to those who ship Klaine or Brittana or Samcedes or even Samchel (a mashup moniker that makes me a little queasy every time I type it). But as the show sails into the midway point of its sixth and final season, I’m most interested in seeing the original members of New Directions stay true to their career goals...
No disrespect to those who ship Klaine or Brittana or Samcedes or even Samchel (a mashup moniker that makes me a little queasy every time I type it). But as the show sails into the midway point of its sixth and final season, I’m most interested in seeing the original members of New Directions stay true to their career goals...
- 2/7/2015
- TVLine.com
Scared yet? You should be, bitches.
Scared yet? You should be, bitches.
For nearly five years, Pretty Little Liar's infamously evil tormentor, A, has haunted multiple Rosewood residents with their menacing texts and omnipotent warnings.
With Pll's 100th episode just around the corner, we can't think of a better way to celebrate the series' milestone moment then by taking a look back at A's 100 most bone-chilling threats, texts, and effed up gifts. (Honestly, it's a miracle the girls don’t have a permanent wing in Radley!)
Grab your favorite black hoodie and scroll down to relive the most manipulative messages A has ever sent to our pretty little characters. From a terrorizing game, to an insect-infested dinner, and a necklace only a dentist could love, find out where your favorite nightmare-inducing threats rank!
Watch: 'Pretty Little Liars': Freak Out Over the Series' Sexiest Moments
100. "It's A boy!" (A to Aria...
Scared yet? You should be, bitches.
For nearly five years, Pretty Little Liar's infamously evil tormentor, A, has haunted multiple Rosewood residents with their menacing texts and omnipotent warnings.
With Pll's 100th episode just around the corner, we can't think of a better way to celebrate the series' milestone moment then by taking a look back at A's 100 most bone-chilling threats, texts, and effed up gifts. (Honestly, it's a miracle the girls don’t have a permanent wing in Radley!)
Grab your favorite black hoodie and scroll down to relive the most manipulative messages A has ever sent to our pretty little characters. From a terrorizing game, to an insect-infested dinner, and a necklace only a dentist could love, find out where your favorite nightmare-inducing threats rank!
Watch: 'Pretty Little Liars': Freak Out Over the Series' Sexiest Moments
100. "It's A boy!" (A to Aria...
- 7/7/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
The Grammys are on Sunday, so let’s investigate its most bizarre category: Best New Artist. Both Christopher Cross and Esparanza Spalding have one. That’s real. And that’s why we’re counting down the ten best winners and the five worst losers. Because maybe we’ll learn something! That’s what I’ll go with.
10. Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee may not have had as gigantic a Billboard career following her Best New Artist win as some of the other stars here, but her debut album is such an assured, unpretentiously poetic, rich listening experience. “Chuck E.’s in Love” and “Young Blood” are whimsical and catchy while “Night Train” and “The Last Chance Texaco” are crackling, despairing portraits. She was also so rad, and that made her bohemian folksiness so much fresher than you’d expect.
9. Sade
If timelessness is a criterion for the music and musicians who win Best New Artist,...
10. Rickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee may not have had as gigantic a Billboard career following her Best New Artist win as some of the other stars here, but her debut album is such an assured, unpretentiously poetic, rich listening experience. “Chuck E.’s in Love” and “Young Blood” are whimsical and catchy while “Night Train” and “The Last Chance Texaco” are crackling, despairing portraits. She was also so rad, and that made her bohemian folksiness so much fresher than you’d expect.
9. Sade
If timelessness is a criterion for the music and musicians who win Best New Artist,...
- 1/22/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
During its five-season run (1976-1981), The Muppet Show delighted viewers with its slapstick humor, quirky puppet personalities, and wide array of guest performers, who got the rare opportunity to act, sing, and dance with an ensemble of fuzzy monsters. The show, along with the plethora of movies it spun off, succeed in the tricky task of appealing to both adults and children, and interest in the franchise has been reinvigorated since The Muppets, the first film in 12 years, was released in 2011.
While some of the humour and guest stars on TV program seem antiquated today, the film’s success shows that people still love Muppets.
Here are ten episodes that helped to catapult the Muppets franchise to success…
10. Season 1, Episode 2 (Connie Stevens and Bert & Ernie)
In the program’s early days, the Muppet Show struggled to book popular acts that were willing to get up on stage and interact with giant puppets,...
While some of the humour and guest stars on TV program seem antiquated today, the film’s success shows that people still love Muppets.
Here are ten episodes that helped to catapult the Muppets franchise to success…
10. Season 1, Episode 2 (Connie Stevens and Bert & Ernie)
In the program’s early days, the Muppet Show struggled to book popular acts that were willing to get up on stage and interact with giant puppets,...
- 5/25/2013
- by Sienna Golden Malik
- Obsessed with Film
New York — If either her husband or daughter is calling, Audra McDonald knows without looking at her phone.
That's because the five-time Tony Award winner has programed the ring tone for both to be The Carpenters' hit version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You."
"It's cute, right?" the 42-year-old actress-singer asks.
It is indeed.
For more revealing things about McDonald look no further than her new CD and televised concert. Both pull back the curtain on one of the most decorated women on Broadway.
The 12-song disc called "Go Back Home" includes classics like Stephen Sondheim's "The Glamorous Life," Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein II's "Edelweiss" and "First You Dream," from the John Kander and Fred Ebb show "Steel Pier."
It also highlights younger composers such as Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler ("Baltimore"), Adam Gwon ("I'll Be Here") and two songs by Michael John Lachiusa ("Virtue...
That's because the five-time Tony Award winner has programed the ring tone for both to be The Carpenters' hit version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You."
"It's cute, right?" the 42-year-old actress-singer asks.
It is indeed.
For more revealing things about McDonald look no further than her new CD and televised concert. Both pull back the curtain on one of the most decorated women on Broadway.
The 12-song disc called "Go Back Home" includes classics like Stephen Sondheim's "The Glamorous Life," Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein II's "Edelweiss" and "First You Dream," from the John Kander and Fred Ebb show "Steel Pier."
It also highlights younger composers such as Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler ("Baltimore"), Adam Gwon ("I'll Be Here") and two songs by Michael John Lachiusa ("Virtue...
- 5/20/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
“Either way, we’re gonna celebrate tonight.”
With six simple words, Kree Harrison summed up what most American Idol fans have been feeling for the last fortnight. I mean, seriously, once we got down to what Loleatta Holloway once referred to as “the reeeeeallll nitty gritty” of the competition — by which I mean a righteous Top 3 of Candice Glover, Kree and third-place finisher Angie Miller — how could you really be too upset about where the chips ended up falling?
Oh sure, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe stacked the Top 20 deck with powerhouse ladies and guys with questionable voter appeal in his...
With six simple words, Kree Harrison summed up what most American Idol fans have been feeling for the last fortnight. I mean, seriously, once we got down to what Loleatta Holloway once referred to as “the reeeeeallll nitty gritty” of the competition — by which I mean a righteous Top 3 of Candice Glover, Kree and third-place finisher Angie Miller — how could you really be too upset about where the chips ended up falling?
Oh sure, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe stacked the Top 20 deck with powerhouse ladies and guys with questionable voter appeal in his...
- 5/17/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Lazaro Arbos decided after Top 9 week on American Idol that he wasn’t going to let the judges’ critiques make him cry again — even if he had to adopt a dismissive attitude to stop any percolating waterworks.
The Season 12 sixth-place finisher stopped by Idology HQ for a candid, sometimes eyebrow-raising chat about his memorable audition to “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” his feelings about Mariah Carey praising his “courage” while failing to discuss his actual singing, and a couple of high-profile on-stage snafus (the botched lyrics in his Top 8 Week trio, and what he says was a very last-minute key change...
The Season 12 sixth-place finisher stopped by Idology HQ for a candid, sometimes eyebrow-raising chat about his memorable audition to “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” his feelings about Mariah Carey praising his “courage” while failing to discuss his actual singing, and a couple of high-profile on-stage snafus (the botched lyrics in his Top 8 Week trio, and what he says was a very last-minute key change...
- 4/18/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
‘American Idol’ has made television history again last week after contestant Lazaro Arbos was the last male contestant to be voted out of the top 10. His elimination made news, as it’s the first time in the reality competition’s 12-year run that the top five performers will be all women. Arbos was denied the judges’ save on Thursday night after singing ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You’ by Richard Chamberlain and ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams. Arbos generously took the time recently to participate in a press conference call to talk about his elimination from ‘American Idol.’ Among other things, the singer discussed how his love of performing and music [ Read More ]
The post Interview: Lazaro Arbos Talks About Competiting on American Idol appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Interview: Lazaro Arbos Talks About Competiting on American Idol appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/17/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Grimm, Mad Men, Cougar Town and Glee!
1 | Which Grimm storyline needs more caffeine: Juliette’s very slow-to-return memory or Rosalee and Monroe’s glacially paced romance?
2 | Nikita fans, on a scale of “Whoa” to “Omg! My Jaw Just Hit the Floor,” how would you rate Alex’s mutinous turn — and subsequent shooting of Ryan?
Photos | Nikita Season 3 Spoilers — Alex Is Betrayed by Her Division Mutineers
3 | How worried were you that Melissa McCarthy’s...
1 | Which Grimm storyline needs more caffeine: Juliette’s very slow-to-return memory or Rosalee and Monroe’s glacially paced romance?
2 | Nikita fans, on a scale of “Whoa” to “Omg! My Jaw Just Hit the Floor,” how would you rate Alex’s mutinous turn — and subsequent shooting of Ryan?
Photos | Nikita Season 3 Spoilers — Alex Is Betrayed by Her Division Mutineers
3 | How worried were you that Melissa McCarthy’s...
- 4/12/2013
- by Team TVLine
- TVLine.com
All is right in the world again -- Lazaro Arbos was finally eliminated from "American Idol."Am I being harsh? Perhaps. But given that the sole remaining male contestant was in the Top 3 last week despite mediocre performances, having him stay after his "worst performance" (Randy Jackson's words, not mine) would be a total travesty.Even Laz himself seemed resigned to his fate. The singer, who suffers from a severe stutter, seemed to laugh off mentor Jimmy Iovine's assessment of Wednesday night's performances."If I had to chart Lazaro this week, I'd put him 10th," Jimmy harshly opined. "There's only six people left," a voice camera said, to which Jimmy replied, "Yeah, I know." Ouch.Laz's cover of "Close To You" was so awful even gentle judge Mariah couldn't sugarcoat her critique. I have to give Lazaro props for overcoming his speech impediment and weeks of negative feedback,...
- 4/12/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Did American Idol make history on Thursday?
The top six contestants of season 12, who performed Wednesday night, included five women and one man, Lazaro Arbos.
Arbos, who has a stutter that seems to disappear when he sings, started off strong in the competition. But in recent weeks, the ice cream scooper from Naples, Fla., flubbed his lyrics and struggled to get positive feedback from judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson.
Meanwhile, the women – Kree Harrison, Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller and Janelle Arthur – were doing well, setting up a unique situation for the show: a possible all-female top five.
The top six contestants of season 12, who performed Wednesday night, included five women and one man, Lazaro Arbos.
Arbos, who has a stutter that seems to disappear when he sings, started off strong in the competition. But in recent weeks, the ice cream scooper from Naples, Fla., flubbed his lyrics and struggled to get positive feedback from judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson.
Meanwhile, the women – Kree Harrison, Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller and Janelle Arthur – were doing well, setting up a unique situation for the show: a possible all-female top five.
- 4/12/2013
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
Did American Idol make history on Thursday? The top six contestants of season 12, who performed Wednesday night, included five women and one man, Lazaro Arbos. Arbos, who has a stutter that seems to disappear when he sings, started off strong in the competition. But in recent weeks, the ice cream scooper from Naples, Fla., flubbed his lyrics and struggled to get positive feedback from judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson. Meanwhile, the women - Kree Harrison, Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller and Janelle Arthur - were doing well, setting up a unique situation for the...
- 4/12/2013
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
I thought I had it all figured out last week. I assumed that unless Lazaro Arbos went home, anybody left would receive the Judges' Save and be kept around. What I didn't count on was Lazaro finishing so high -- Top 3 and the producers probably know exactly how far up -- that the judges couldn't afford to keep Burnell Taylor for another week for fear of losing one of the five women in a double-elimination this week. Instead, Burnell went home and we were treated to Lazaro's cover of "Close To You," which stands as one of the worst performances...
- 4/11/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Look, maybe you and your stepson are right and American Idol has jumped the shark. I accept your wrongness/common sense. But if you tuned in last night to the Top 6's "Burt Bacharach/Songs You Wish You Wrote"-themed evening, you can't deny that it delivered everything that has ever mattered about American Idol, including vocal triumphs, ferocious attitude, the dismal failure of a teenage dandy, Randy Jackson's gift for thoughts, 17-year-olds being forced to perform the songs of Jackie DeShannon, and Ryan Seacrest's attempts at empathy. Every time he nervously puts his hand on Lazaro's shoulder, it's like a deleted scene from Speilberg's A.I. is upon us.
Then there's the other emotionally troubled member of the American Idol brain surgeon gallery: Mariah Carey. I've defended her long enough and still believe she delivers an iota's worth of real advice every 15 minutes or so, but man,...
Then there's the other emotionally troubled member of the American Idol brain surgeon gallery: Mariah Carey. I've defended her long enough and still believe she delivers an iota's worth of real advice every 15 minutes or so, but man,...
- 4/11/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Candice saved the best for last with her amazing performance on the April 10 episode of ‘American Idol’ — Mariah literally showered her in glitter. Has the winner been revealed? Watch her performance below!
The top six sang songs they wish they had written as Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson had mixed reviews throughout the night. So who will go home tomorrow? Tell us below.
The Top Six Sing Songs Written by Burt Bacharach
Angie Miller started off the night with “Anyone Who Had Heart.” “This one to me overall felt old fashioned,” Nicki said. Keith said it sounded like she wasn’t that passionate about the song.
Amber Holcolm (who likes to eat frozen shrimp…) sang “I Say A Little Prayer For You.” Nicki was screaming: “I am bowing down for you right now little girl! You are unbelievable! You are everything! You just became my favorite girl in this competition!
The top six sang songs they wish they had written as Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson had mixed reviews throughout the night. So who will go home tomorrow? Tell us below.
The Top Six Sing Songs Written by Burt Bacharach
Angie Miller started off the night with “Anyone Who Had Heart.” “This one to me overall felt old fashioned,” Nicki said. Keith said it sounded like she wasn’t that passionate about the song.
Amber Holcolm (who likes to eat frozen shrimp…) sang “I Say A Little Prayer For You.” Nicki was screaming: “I am bowing down for you right now little girl! You are unbelievable! You are everything! You just became my favorite girl in this competition!
- 4/11/2013
- by Dory Larrabee
- HollywoodLife
Last week, I (and the rest of America) was stunned to learn that "American Idol" finalist Lazaro Arbos was in the Top 3.This week, the sole remaining male contestant delivered a performance so bad that if he stays, the show has lost any shred of credibility it had remaining.Wednesday's theme was songs from the Burt Bacharach/Hal David songbook and songs the contestants had wished they had written.Lazaro picked "Close to You" -- a song made famous by The Carpenters. Lazaro's performance was so flat both energy- and pitch-wise, and he completely botched the key change. Of Laz's many bad performances, judge Randy Jackson called it "the worst," exclaiming "no no no no!" Even Mariah Carey, who's normally gentle with her critiques, said, "There can't be a key change and you stay in the old key." Watch it below, if you can bear:Fortunately, Candice Glover delivered a performance...
- 4/11/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Here we are fans -- maybe the most talented Top 5 "American Idol" has ever seen ... and Lazaro Arbos. Who is voting for him? Are they deaf? We honestly don't even know anymore.
Tonight's theme is Burt Bacharach/Hal David for round one and Songs the Contestants Wish They Had Written (which ... Ok). So for round one, we're definitely in for a lot of slow songs.
1. Angie Miller, "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
Good choice for her, though with Bacharach songs, we're disappointed she's not at the piano. And while she sounds really nice, vocally, we wish there was a little more emotion behind it, a little more oomph. She seems ... hmmm. She seems passionate about singing, but not necessarily the words behind the song? Does that make sense? Still a nice vocal.
Keith asks her not to rely on her good voice alone and wants more passion from her emotionally,...
Tonight's theme is Burt Bacharach/Hal David for round one and Songs the Contestants Wish They Had Written (which ... Ok). So for round one, we're definitely in for a lot of slow songs.
1. Angie Miller, "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
Good choice for her, though with Bacharach songs, we're disappointed she's not at the piano. And while she sounds really nice, vocally, we wish there was a little more emotion behind it, a little more oomph. She seems ... hmmm. She seems passionate about singing, but not necessarily the words behind the song? Does that make sense? Still a nice vocal.
Keith asks her not to rely on her good voice alone and wants more passion from her emotionally,...
- 4/11/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
With Sir Anthony Hopkins in the audience, American Idol's six remaining contestants took the stage to perform two songs – one from the catalogue of legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David and another one "they wish they had written."
The best performance of the night – and according to Randy Jackson, "one of the greatest performances in the history ... of American Idol" – came at the very end of the two-hour show.
Candice Glover, who first earned a standing ovation for her soulful take on "Don't Make Me Over," sang "Lovesong" by The Cure. The crowd exploded in a raucous uproar,...
The best performance of the night – and according to Randy Jackson, "one of the greatest performances in the history ... of American Idol" – came at the very end of the two-hour show.
Candice Glover, who first earned a standing ovation for her soulful take on "Don't Make Me Over," sang "Lovesong" by The Cure. The crowd exploded in a raucous uproar,...
- 4/11/2013
- by Jamie Bufalino
- People.com - TV Watch
With Sir Anthony Hopkins in the audience, American Idol's six remaining contestants took the stage to perform two songs - one from the catalogue of legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David and another one "they wish they had written." The best performance of the night - and according to Randy Jackson, "one of the greatest performances in the history ... of American Idol" - came at the very end of the two-hour show. Candice Glover, who first earned a standing ovation for her soulful take on "Don't Make Me Over," sang "Lovesong" by The Cure. The crowd exploded in a raucous uproar,...
- 4/11/2013
- by Jamie Bufalino
- PEOPLE.com
This just in: Mariah Carey is currently in the American Idol naughty corner (located somewhere between Keith Urban’s fitted t-shirt room and Nicki Minaj’s false-eyelash trunk).
Yes indeed, the “We Belong Together” singer mentioned in one of many verbose critiques tonight that she’d been “reprimanded by the powers that be” for failing to perform her duties as a judge (and presumably for doing little else besides offering empty platitudes and avoiding eye contact with the crazy cartoon character two chairs to her left). Said talking-to resulted in the debut of Mariah 2.0, a malfunctioning robot who spat out...
Yes indeed, the “We Belong Together” singer mentioned in one of many verbose critiques tonight that she’d been “reprimanded by the powers that be” for failing to perform her duties as a judge (and presumably for doing little else besides offering empty platitudes and avoiding eye contact with the crazy cartoon character two chairs to her left). Said talking-to resulted in the debut of Mariah 2.0, a malfunctioning robot who spat out...
- 4/11/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
And Candice Glover delivered one (maybe even two) of the absolute best!
Lazaro Arbos somehow landed in the Top 3 last week, but after two abysmal songburps from him tonight, can anyone vote for him with a straight face?
He’d miraculously memorized the words to the Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You,” but enunciated horribly, sang off-pitch, and couldn’t keep up with key changes. Randy Jackson, surprisingly not won over by Lazaro’s extremely loud jacket, suggested this had been the worst performance on Idol ever.
Robbie Williams’ “Angels” was slightly better, but the judges strained to find something to say.
Lazaro Arbos somehow landed in the Top 3 last week, but after two abysmal songburps from him tonight, can anyone vote for him with a straight face?
He’d miraculously memorized the words to the Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You,” but enunciated horribly, sang off-pitch, and couldn’t keep up with key changes. Randy Jackson, surprisingly not won over by Lazaro’s extremely loud jacket, suggested this had been the worst performance on Idol ever.
Robbie Williams’ “Angels” was slightly better, but the judges strained to find something to say.
- 4/11/2013
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
This week on "American Idol," the remaining Top 6 singers will have to perform two songs apiece. One of those songs will honor Burt Bacharach and Hal David, while the other fits the theme of "songs they wish they'd written." We have the full scoop on the song choices the audience will hear on Wednesday.
Kree Harrison
Song she wishes she wrote: "How to Make It Through the Night" by Kris Kristofferson
Bacharach/David song: "What the World Needs Now"
Angie Miller
Song she wishes she wrote: "Love Came Down" by Carrie Joad ****
Bacharach/David song: "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
Candice Glover
Song she wishes she wrote: "Love Song" by The Cure (Adele version)
Bacharach/David song: "Don't Make Me Over"
Lazaro Arbos
Song he wishes he wrote: "Angels" by Robbie Williams
Bacharach/David song: "They Long to Be Close to You"
Janelle Arthur
Song she wishes she wrote: "The...
Kree Harrison
Song she wishes she wrote: "How to Make It Through the Night" by Kris Kristofferson
Bacharach/David song: "What the World Needs Now"
Angie Miller
Song she wishes she wrote: "Love Came Down" by Carrie Joad ****
Bacharach/David song: "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
Candice Glover
Song she wishes she wrote: "Love Song" by The Cure (Adele version)
Bacharach/David song: "Don't Make Me Over"
Lazaro Arbos
Song he wishes he wrote: "Angels" by Robbie Williams
Bacharach/David song: "They Long to Be Close to You"
Janelle Arthur
Song she wishes she wrote: "The...
- 4/9/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Dionne Warwick is broke as hell ... like "Nic Cage" broke ... and owes more than $10 million in unpaid taxes, this according to the singer's rep. The "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" singer filed for bankruptcy in New Jersey claiming she only had $25k in assets ... but owes more than $10.2 million in taxes and fees to the IRS and the State of CA. Warwick's rep, Kevin Sasaki, says Dionne's financial disaster was caused by...
- 3/26/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[Source]
I always reflect on my friend Andrew's thoughts about Karen Carpenter when looking back at her catalog: "It just sucks that we can't spend $80 bucks to see her in Palm Springs right now." Karen Carpenter is not only a heavenly vocalist with almost eerie, yet totally serene timbre, she's a distinct mega-talent whose gift for confessional vulnerability is still unmatched. You want her vocal perfectionism to live on forever (which it does), but you want the sublime Karen there to keep delivering it herself. Ugh.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of Karen Carpenter's death at the age of 32, a tragedy that finally shed light on the under-discussed disease anorexia nervosa. To commemorate her sterling legacy, I figured we'd pick out some of Karen's most underrated moments.
1. Her vaudevillian drumming skills.
The girl remains mysteriously underrated among drummers, even though she could dazzle and amaze at a kit. Here she...
I always reflect on my friend Andrew's thoughts about Karen Carpenter when looking back at her catalog: "It just sucks that we can't spend $80 bucks to see her in Palm Springs right now." Karen Carpenter is not only a heavenly vocalist with almost eerie, yet totally serene timbre, she's a distinct mega-talent whose gift for confessional vulnerability is still unmatched. You want her vocal perfectionism to live on forever (which it does), but you want the sublime Karen there to keep delivering it herself. Ugh.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of Karen Carpenter's death at the age of 32, a tragedy that finally shed light on the under-discussed disease anorexia nervosa. To commemorate her sterling legacy, I figured we'd pick out some of Karen's most underrated moments.
1. Her vaudevillian drumming skills.
The girl remains mysteriously underrated among drummers, even though she could dazzle and amaze at a kit. Here she...
- 2/4/2013
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Gina Gershon's days as a showgirl ain't over -- because just last weekend, she took the stage at a pub in New Orleans ... and belted out some classic karaoke ... while under the influence of Everclear Jell-o shots.The "Showgirls" actress was at a place called Kajun's Pub on Friday when she grabbed the mic for an impromptu homage to The Carpenters -- singing "(They Long to Be) Close to You."Sources at the pub tell TMZ,...
- 1/17/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Hal David, the lyricist best known for working with Burt Bacharach on some of the most popular songs ever written, has died from complications of a stroke. He was 91. Bacharach and David were an incredibly successful team, yielding numerous Top 40 hits like “That’s What Friends Are For,” “Close To You,” and the Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-featured “Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head,” for which they won an Oscar. The duo met while each was working in New York's Brill Building, joining forces for their first big hit, “Magic Moments,” for Perry Como. In ...
- 9/4/2012
- avclub.com
Dionne Warwick has paid tribute to the late songwriter Hal David. David passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday (September 1) due to complications relating to a stroke. He and songwriting partner Burt Bacharach penned many of the biggest hits of the 1960s and 1970s, including 'Close to You', 'I Say a Little Prayer' and 'What's New Pussycat?'. Warwick - who sang Bacharach and David's 'Walk on By' - has praised the writer's influence and gentle nature in a statement to CNN. "I feel as if I have lost another family member, (more)...
- 9/3/2012
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Lyricist behind some of the greatest pop hits of the 20th century
By contrast with his songwriter partner Burt Bacharach, whose suavely youthful looks belonged in a 1960s Martini ad, the lyricist Hal David, who has died at the age of 91, resembled a president of a suburban Rotary Club: a conservative, suit-and-tie figure from an earlier generation, modest and unassuming in conversation. But it was David's words as much as Bacharach's melodies that captured an audience for such songs as Anyone Who Had a Heart, I Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By, (There's) Always Something There to Remind Me, Alfie, Trains and Boats and Planes, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head and Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Their period of greatest productivity, between 1962 and 1968, coincided with the heyday of their partnership with Dionne Warwick, the gospel-trained singer who gave voice to their finest collaborations.
By contrast with his songwriter partner Burt Bacharach, whose suavely youthful looks belonged in a 1960s Martini ad, the lyricist Hal David, who has died at the age of 91, resembled a president of a suburban Rotary Club: a conservative, suit-and-tie figure from an earlier generation, modest and unassuming in conversation. But it was David's words as much as Bacharach's melodies that captured an audience for such songs as Anyone Who Had a Heart, I Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By, (There's) Always Something There to Remind Me, Alfie, Trains and Boats and Planes, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head and Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Their period of greatest productivity, between 1962 and 1968, coincided with the heyday of their partnership with Dionne Warwick, the gospel-trained singer who gave voice to their finest collaborations.
- 9/2/2012
- by Richard Williams
- The Guardian - Film News
Hal David, the award-winning lyricist who partnered with Burt Bacharach to create hits like "(They Long to Be) Close to You," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and "I Say a Little Prayer," died Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 91. David (pictured at right above, along with Bacharach and singer Dionne Warwick) suffered a stroke and died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The son of Austrian immigrants, his career took off after "Magic Moments," sung by Perry Como, broke the top 10 in 1958. David then teamed up with Burt Bacharach for...
- 9/2/2012
- by Kasia Anderson
- The Wrap
Los Angeles — Hal David, the stylish, heartfelt lyricist who teamed with Burt Bacharach on dozens of timeless songs for movies, television and a variety of recording artists in the 1960s and beyond, has died. He was 91.
David died of complications from a stroke Saturday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to his wife Eunice David.
He had suffered a major stroke in March and was stricken again on Tuesday, she said.
"Even at the end, Hal always had a song in his head," Eunice David said. "He was always writing notes, or asking me to take a note down, so he wouldn't forget a lyric."
Bacharach and David were among the most successful teams in modern history, with top 40 hits including "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and "That's What Friends Are For." Although most associated with Dionne Warwick, their...
David died of complications from a stroke Saturday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to his wife Eunice David.
He had suffered a major stroke in March and was stricken again on Tuesday, she said.
"Even at the end, Hal always had a song in his head," Eunice David said. "He was always writing notes, or asking me to take a note down, so he wouldn't forget a lyric."
Bacharach and David were among the most successful teams in modern history, with top 40 hits including "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and "That's What Friends Are For." Although most associated with Dionne Warwick, their...
- 9/2/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Hal David, who partnered with Burt Bacharach to write some of the best-known songs in pop music, has died.
David, who won an Oscar and a Grammy for his work, died Saturday (Sept. 1) in Los Angeles, the New York Times reports. He was 91 years old.
David and Bacharach met at the famed Brill Building in New York in the late 1950s and collaborated on a number of enduring pop standards, with Bacharach composing the music and David writing the lyrics. The duo had a long relationship with singer Dionne Warwick, writing hits such as "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "A House Is Not a Home" and "I Say a Little Prayer" for her.
Pics: Notable deaths of 2012
Other Bacharach/David hits included "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (which won the Oscar for best original song for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"), "What...
David, who won an Oscar and a Grammy for his work, died Saturday (Sept. 1) in Los Angeles, the New York Times reports. He was 91 years old.
David and Bacharach met at the famed Brill Building in New York in the late 1950s and collaborated on a number of enduring pop standards, with Bacharach composing the music and David writing the lyrics. The duo had a long relationship with singer Dionne Warwick, writing hits such as "Walk on By," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "A House Is Not a Home" and "I Say a Little Prayer" for her.
Pics: Notable deaths of 2012
Other Bacharach/David hits included "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" (which won the Oscar for best original song for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"), "What...
- 9/2/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Hal David, Burt Bacharach's songwriting partner for dozens of Top 40 hits, has died age 91. David died of complications from a stroke this morning (September 1) in Los Angeles. The AP reports that Jim Stenblatt, spokesman for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, announced his death in a statement. David had been a longtime member and former president of Ascap. Along with Bacharach, David wrote a number of the classic songs of the 1960s and 1970s, including 'Close to You', 'That's What Friends Are For', 'What's New Pussycat?', 'Walk on By', and the (more)...
- 9/1/2012
- by By Paul Martinovic
- Digital Spy
Tags: The Real L WordThe Real L Word recapsIMDb
Welcome back to your weekly Real L Word recap, where I make you relive the train wreck you just experienced hours ago. The last two episodes followed the cast’s adventures at Dinah Shore weekend, a weekend of unholy pool parties that is all:
Kibbles and tits! Kibbles and tits!
And anyone sober was all:
Every Showtime subscriber last week made this face as well
So then to cope they were all:
Pretty much everyone in the cast groped or made out with one another, Cori got drunk, Lauren and Kiyomi smushed, Romi and Sara yelled at each other, and everyone – whether or not they had been drinking – ended up with a hangover.
This week, the cast is reintegrated into civilian life. Hooray! Episode 307 begins with Whitney and Sara speeding like homing pigeons to the matchmaking service that first brought them together in Season 1: Lax.
Welcome back to your weekly Real L Word recap, where I make you relive the train wreck you just experienced hours ago. The last two episodes followed the cast’s adventures at Dinah Shore weekend, a weekend of unholy pool parties that is all:
Kibbles and tits! Kibbles and tits!
And anyone sober was all:
Every Showtime subscriber last week made this face as well
So then to cope they were all:
Pretty much everyone in the cast groped or made out with one another, Cori got drunk, Lauren and Kiyomi smushed, Romi and Sara yelled at each other, and everyone – whether or not they had been drinking – ended up with a hangover.
This week, the cast is reintegrated into civilian life. Hooray! Episode 307 begins with Whitney and Sara speeding like homing pigeons to the matchmaking service that first brought them together in Season 1: Lax.
- 8/24/2012
- by gracechu
- AfterEllen.com
Washington — President Barack Obama is honoring the brainpower behind the unforgettable tunes "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "Close to You," and others recorded by artists spanning Dionne Warwick, the Carpenters, Alicia Keys and the cast of "Glee."
On Wednesday night, Obama will present the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. In the 1960s and beyond, their work produced some of the most popular music for movies, television and recording artists.
In return for all the memorable hits and love songs, the 83-year-old Bacharach said he would love to hear the president sing a few lines. The composer said he'll play piano for Obama any time if he wants to sing to the first lady.
"Nothing would make me happier because the guy can really sing," Bacharach told The Associated Press. "I heard him on YouTube sing `Walk On By,...
On Wednesday night, Obama will present the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. In the 1960s and beyond, their work produced some of the most popular music for movies, television and recording artists.
In return for all the memorable hits and love songs, the 83-year-old Bacharach said he would love to hear the president sing a few lines. The composer said he'll play piano for Obama any time if he wants to sing to the first lady.
"Nothing would make me happier because the guy can really sing," Bacharach told The Associated Press. "I heard him on YouTube sing `Walk On By,...
- 5/9/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
“Oh for crying out loud you gangly cretin, stop giving me things to find!” This is among the sentences you would have heard coming from my apartment during the last few days. The victim of my tirades: The Riddler. The source of my anguish: Arkham City.
As I sat there bleary eyed and hopped up on Dr Pepper at one in the morning, screaming at a character that clearly could not hear me, or at least had no interest in my torment, I had an epiphany. Perched just feet from my TV screen, close to full on spaz out, I reached the conclusion that some modern games are just too brilliant to merely play until campaign completion – gaming has become too demanding. You see, in the latter part of 2011, I was in the enviable position of having some extra DeNiros in my sky-rocket. Being a man-child in my late-20’s,...
As I sat there bleary eyed and hopped up on Dr Pepper at one in the morning, screaming at a character that clearly could not hear me, or at least had no interest in my torment, I had an epiphany. Perched just feet from my TV screen, close to full on spaz out, I reached the conclusion that some modern games are just too brilliant to merely play until campaign completion – gaming has become too demanding. You see, in the latter part of 2011, I was in the enviable position of having some extra DeNiros in my sky-rocket. Being a man-child in my late-20’s,...
- 3/19/2012
- by Brad Williams
- Obsessed with Film
Julia X 3D begins innocently enough with beautiful blonde Julia on a date with the handsome guy she’s met online (known only as “The Stranger”). Before we know it, The Stranger chains Julia in his van and she’s forced to watch him dispose of his previous victim before bringing her to his warehouse lair. So begins a night-long descent into madness as Julia escapes and The Stranger chases her into the woods, through his isolated house, the swamp, and an abandoned school before the tables turn in an unexpected manner.
Kevin Sorbo is a menacing delight as The Stranger, the nutcase who’s been luring girls from online chatrooms to their certain doom all to the tune of The Carpenters’ “Close to You” on his iPod. As the film goes on, the song becomes a dark comical foreshadowing to the carnage that Sorbo’s character is about to inflict: we hear the song,...
Kevin Sorbo is a menacing delight as The Stranger, the nutcase who’s been luring girls from online chatrooms to their certain doom all to the tune of The Carpenters’ “Close to You” on his iPod. As the film goes on, the song becomes a dark comical foreshadowing to the carnage that Sorbo’s character is about to inflict: we hear the song,...
- 10/20/2011
- by Adam Cray
- Killer Films
That's right, folks - I hope you haven't taken your daily potassium supplement yet because American Horror Story is back with more Bananas. In the second episode of FX's aggressively kooky horror show the action was a bit more focused (instead of 10 storylines we only had about 7) but it was no less intense than the Certified Batsh*t premiere. Plus, this week they added a new ingredient to the mix: Axe murder!
Yes, Ep 2 decided to do a little redecorating by splashing buckets of blood on the wainscoted walls of the Harmon House. Grab your paint chips and let's see if we can match it!
As with the premiere, we begin with a flashback - this time to 1968. I'm already loving the idea that we could bounce around to any time period and see what the house was up to - the possibilities are endless, really. It's like If These Walls Could Talk,...
Yes, Ep 2 decided to do a little redecorating by splashing buckets of blood on the wainscoted walls of the Harmon House. Grab your paint chips and let's see if we can match it!
As with the premiere, we begin with a flashback - this time to 1968. I'm already loving the idea that we could bounce around to any time period and see what the house was up to - the possibilities are endless, really. It's like If These Walls Could Talk,...
- 10/13/2011
- by Brian Juergens
- The Backlot
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