This episode, it’s all about the music…. but first:
We having a Blue Christmas… tree!!
Finally! Our bright (and I mean bright) blue Christmas tree arrived, and as promised, here are a few pix of the blinding tree that we took while watching the Holiday Classic, Videodrome.
Zappa
We went into this doc with high expectations, especially Elaine (a huge Zappa), and for the most part, it did not disappoint. We (especially Elaine) had a few complaints, but mostly they were “fan” complaints, like wanting to hear more of her favorite songs. We have had some great conversations with other fans in our family who are also members of our Facebook group. We highly recommend you join us.
What Are Travis and Elaine Watching – Chat Group.
You can watch Zappa VOD through Prime, Youtube, and Apple.
We recorded this episode on what would have been Frank’s 80th birthday (Dec. 21, 2020.) The Zappa Family Trust released an EP to celebrate. Enjoy!
Here are just a few of Elaine’s fav Zappa tunes!
Bee Gees: Mend A Broken Heart
We went into this doc, now playing on HBO MAX, with no expectations. We were pleasantly surprised. We learned a lot. The most illuminating segment involved the Disco Sucks movement. You may be surprised too. We were impressed and saddened, and inspired. There is a lot of good music in this one too.
It was fun to hear comments from contemporary artists, some of whom share the sibling band experience.
Some of Travis’s fav Bee Gees tunes!
Janis sings Bee Gees
And so do The Red Hot Chili Peppers
And finally…
We’re not the most traditional Holiday Movie watchers, as you can probably gather from our Videodrome tree trimming party (although Travis does have a soft spot for Ralphy.)
This year we are going to recommend you add Smoke to your holiday viewing list. Not only is it a tremendously overlooked film by Wayne Wang in its own right, but it also ends with one of the best Christmas stories ever. First, it’s told by Auggie (Harvey Keitel) to Paul (William Hurt), then we see it recreated, no dialogue under the end credits while Innocent When You Dream written and performed by Tom Waits plays.
Here are both.
A Holiday Gift!
The Beatles: Get Back, a documentary collaboration between the band and filmmaker Peter Jackson, went live on YouTube and Disney Plus on December 21! The film, originally scheduled for release in 2020, faced production delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ho Ho Ho
Have a wonderful holiday. We will probably take next week off unless we change our minds! Here, from happier, pandemic free times, is a Christmas pic of your humble podcasters. Good riddance to 2020!
Still looking for more great shows and movies to stream over the holidays check out our previous episodes!
If you want to support small businesses we recommend personalized gifts from Mike’s Mugs
And of course, Johnny!
