YouTuber ,Mikolaj.Birek, nailed it with this 90’s version of the “Game of Thrones” intro.
REVIEW: ‘Captain America: Civil War’ delivers on all fronts
The battle lines are drawn, the Avengers divided, and the winner is anyone who has been a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. ‘Captain America: Civil War’ hits theaters this week with comic book-consuming masses still reeling from a recent superhero duel on the big screen that underwhelmed by most observations. The Marvel Cinematic Universe collides here on a grand scale with an ethical split between two separate factions of Avenger heroes led by the Captain(Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) who both feel they are on the right side with a motivated villain making moves in the shadows. If that doesn’t feel like there is enough to make this pressure cooker boil over, the United Nations is involved to let you know this is not a cartoon.
Captain America back is back in the field with a new crew of heroes when an mission in an African city goes tragically wrong, and prompts an overall of of their operations in a UN-drafted sanction. Iron Man motivated by the death of his parents and innocent people hurt near the floating city mayhem in the third act of ‘Age of Ultron’ feels turning the team under government oversight is a must. While Cap passionately feels it will limit what the team can do if they are told when and where they can spring in to fight evil. Weave into all this internal drama, the most wanted man in the world is Captain America’s unfrozen super soldier pal from Brooklyn: Bucky Barnes a.k.a ‘the Winter Solider’.
‘Civil War’ delivers on the idea of division among these beloved heroes with hard consequences for the sides chosen by each of the “enhanced humans”. The comparison that hits here tonally is this Marvel’s ‘Empire Strikes Back’ except this time, there is not just a proverbial ‘Empire’ to bring the doom down on the good guys but a triple threat of good vs evil vs good. That is some mature elements especially for film that many expect to be just a popcorn blockbuster fluff. Topple on some gut-wrenching reveals and misfortunes, that give the fanboy feels you first felt when you found out who Luke Skywalker’s father was, but don’t worry a little guy in an Iron Man mask will be able to keep up.
The main fight between Captain Steve Rogers and Tony Stark gets more bitter, the rift grows with globe trekking geo-political escalation, and delivers a deep emotional sting in the eventual showdown. That is the meat on the plate of ‘CW’ but the side dish of the other players is not without their own rich flavor in Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), the Vision (Paul Bettany), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansen), and the newly introduced Black Panther (Chadwhick Boseman). Some of these secondary characters deliver big eye-popping surprises like Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and the new Spider-Man (Tom Holland) in a energetic fight scene in an airport. This elaborate sequence is so devious in that once you think it’s wrapping up, it finds another thumped to rev up and create a moment that matches the heights of first ‘Avengers’ adventure in 2012.
So just breathe a sigh of relief if you are coming into this expecting the letdown that a lot of DC fans experienced in March with ‘Batman v Superaman: Dawn of Justice’. Despite Captain America and Iron Man ravaging one another in a spark-flying blast of grit and convictions, when the dust settles (NO SPOILER) the winner is: the viewer! –@kevkellam
Prince’s ‘Vault’ Of Unreleased Music – Should It Ever Be Released?
(from nme.com)
There has, since Prince’s death, been much discussion of a rumoured ‘vault’ of unreleased music at his Paisley Park home and studio in Minnesota. There are currently reports that the vault has been drilled open, because Prince had the only key. (READ MORE HERE)
I feel this may have been Prince’s plan this whole time. It’s like his musical savings account. Now that he’s gone I feel as though he would want us to experience is vaulted audio treasures. There’s probably enough music in his vault to last a lifetime. I hope they release it all but over time. Maybe we could have Prince Day and each year we all wear ALL purple and drink purple drinks and eat purple cake and as a gift we get 10 songs from the vault. Also I’m wondering about the clothes. Did he hoard everything? Will his sister get it all? Or will most of it just be donated to Goodwill?? If so I’m going thrift shopping near Paisley Park!! I’m not sure what would be more thrilling?? Having an article of clothing from Prince’s closet that I could never wear because it would never fit or knowing I bought it for $5-$20!! Purple Bargains YA’LL!!! – @marconibologna
‘Star Wars’ Museum looking for locations outside Chicago
It looks like Chicago will may not be celebrating May the Forth without a bittersweet smirk directed toward our beautiful Museum Campus area.
‘In a land far far away’ is where ‘Star Wars’ creator George Lucas and officials associated with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts may take their long-planned institution, amid a federal lawsuit with the organization Friends of the Park based on a report today by the Chicago Tribune. The area where the Lucas Museum group has been attempting acquire for development would fall in a parking lot right off Lake Michigan in between the McCormick Place and Solider Field. The massive facility with massive pop culture collection would also add more green space to the area, and be a compliment for those attending events at conventions and sports as well those visiting the near by Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and First Merit Bank Pavillon. In a hearing held Tuesday, the Friends of Park maintained that area is within the public trust and they will oppose any future developments in the area. The City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District pulled out of the legal process connected to the original site that has been contested in the case.
“This process has been co-opted and hijacked by a small special interest group.” said Melody Hobson, the chief financial executive behind the proposed project and wife of George Lucas. Hobson made clear that the Lucas Museum would be “seriously pursuing locations outside of Chicago.” Though she did not directly say whether or not the Lucas Museum would officially leave, Hobson stated if it does that Friends of the Park would responsible for it. She also added that nearly $2 billion dollars to the local economy with jobs and revenue.
No matter who you think to blame here, it’s really sad that some city that is not as wonderful as Chicago is going to get the Millennium Falcon spaceship and all the treasures of LucasFilm. In this 2013 interview with CBS News, Lucas showed off some of his massive and elaborate collection of art and movie treasures that would hypothetically be a part of this museum.
-Kevin
When Your Internet Goes Out, This Smart Plug Resets Your Router Until It Works Again
(from gizmodo.com)
When your internet goes out, resetting your wi-fi router and cable modem often seems to fix the problem. Instead of getting up from the couch to fiddle with power cords, why not let a tiny outlet adapter power cycle your hardware for you? (READ MORE HERE)
I don’t think this would be a good device for me. I already get frustrated enough when I have slow internet and have to reset my router on my own. I know I know we are so impatient now right? I mean these internet signals have to go to space and back and we get frustrated the second something doesn’t happen instantly on our WiFi. Okay yes we’re all insane with power and sense of entitlement we get it. That being said, I would hate to have something auto resetting my router just because it sensed my internet was slow. I have learned to live with my slow and inconsistent internet speed the way it is and this device would only remind me of my failure. – @marconibologna
Netflix in May: What’s coming & What’s leaving
What can you can expect to binge on Netflix this month? There is a full listing of what is being add and what is being dropped. The highlight of the month for comedy fans is on May 20th is upcoming Netflix original series of ‘Lady Dynamite’ which profiles one of America’s funniest comedians Maria Bamford in a scripted battles with dysfunction and mental health. Also catch a comedy special under the Kevin Hart banner featuring Chicago’s own Lil’ Rel which is available now.
As for blockbusters and feature length films, one of the highlights is the 90s kids transported to a 50’s black and white TV sitcom world ‘Pleasantville’. This is one of the all time best lost of innocence stories in films with memorable performances from Reese Witherspoon, William H. Macy, Jeff Daniels, and a pre-Spider Man Toby McGuire.
And if you’re a sucker for the memorable 80’s teen movies of John Hughes, Sixteen Candles is available now. Que it in your mind as one of those “If You Haven’t Seen It, Watch It Now” films that plays well on repeats because you can relate to thes ’emo’ characters despite the hairspray, outfits, and other time stamps from the era. If you have ever had a crush on someone, watch Molly Ringwald in this try to make it with Jake Ryan with all of these hilarious distractions around her. – Kevin
Available May 1
- A Study in Sherlock (2016)
- Admiral (2015)
- Ava’s Possessions (2015)
- Bring It On (2000)
- Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006)
- Easy Living: Seasons 1-3
- El Crítico (2013)
- FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue (1998)
- Finger of God (2007)
- Gary Gulman: It’s About Time (2016)
- Great Expectations (1998)
- I Am Road Comic (2014)
- Jesus Town, USA (2014)
- Just Friends (2005)
- Kevin Hart Presents Keith Robinson: Back of The Bus Funny (2015)
- Kevin Hart Presents Lil Rel: RELevent (2015)
- Kevin Hart Presents: Plastic Cup Boyz (2015)
- LoliRock: Season 1 (2014)
- My Last Day Without You (2011)
- The Nutty Professor (1996)
- Off the Map (2013)
- Palm Trees in the Snow (2015)
- Pleasantville (1998)
- Shark Lake (2015)
- She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (2014)
- Sixteen Candles (1984)
- Sugar Coated (2015)
- Terra (2015)
- Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)
- To Catch a Thief (1955)
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin’ Down a Dream (2007)
- Who’s Driving Doug (2016)
Available May 2
- The Replacements (2000)
Available May 3
- Submerged (2015)
Available May 4
- The Keeping Room (2015)
- Shanghai Knights (2003)
Available May 5
- Fourth Man Out (2015)
- Marseille – Netflix original
Available May 6
- Ali Wong: Baby Cobra – Netflix original
- Baby Daddy: Season 5
- Grace and Frankie: Season 2 – Netflix original
- Young & Hungry: Season 3
Available May 8
- The Chosen Ones (2015)
Available May 9
- A Stand Up Guy (2015)
Available May 10
- Eisenstein in Guanajuato (2015)
Available May 11
- Chelsea – Netflix original
- Goosebumps (2015)
- They Look Like People (2015)
Available May 12
- Bleeding Heart (2015)
Available May 15
- We Are Still Here (2015)
- Yo Soy la Salsa (2014)
Available May 17
- American Dad!: Season 10
- Kindergarten Cop 2 (2016)
- Slasher: Season 1 (2016)
Available May 18
- A Girl Like Her (2015)
Available May 19
- Benders: Season 1 (2015)
Available May 20
- Lady Dynamite: Season 1 – Netflix original
Available May 22
- David and Goliath (2015)
- The Letters (2014)
- The Ouija Experiment 2: Theatre of Death (2015)
Available May 23
- Electricity (2014)
Available May 26
- Graceland: Season 3
- The Last Man on the Moon (2016)
Available May 27
- Bloodline: Season 2 – Netflix original
- Chef’s Table: Season 2, Part 1 – Netflix original
- The Do-Over (2016) – Netflix original
- Mako Mermaids: Season 4 – Netflix original
Available May 28
- Hell on Wheels: Season 5
Leaving May 1
- The Animatrix (2003)
- Anna Karenina (1948)
- Author! Author! (1982)
- Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
- Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
- Broadway Idiot (2013)
- Bus Stop (1956)
- Election (1999)
- The Good Life (2012)
- Holiday Engagement (2011)
- Kiss of Death (1995)
- Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
- Mona Lisa Is Missing (2012)
- Ralphie May: Austin-tatious (2008)
- Terms And Conditions May Apply (2013)
- That’s What I Am (2011)
- Thérèse (2012)
- Truth or Die (2012)
- Young & Handsome: An Evening with Jeff Garlin (2008)
Leaving May 2
- Slightly Single in L.A. (2012)
Leaving May 3
- JFK: The Smoking Gun (2013)
Leaving May 4
- Stealing Harvard (2002)
Leaving May 6
- Finding Normal (2013)
Leaving May 7
- JFK: A President Betrayed (2013)
Leaving May 9
- Cheerful Weather for the Wedding (2012)
- Cracks (2009)
- Tears of the Sun (2003)
Leaving May 10
- The Score (2001)
Leaving May 12
- The Ladykillers (2004)
Leaving May 13
- Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy? (2013)
Leaving May 14
- The Master of Disguise (2002)
- Offender (2012)
Leaving May 15
- A Pope For Everyone (2013)
- Bratz: BFF: Best Friends Forever (2007)
- The Greatest Places: IMAX (1999)
- In Her Skin (2009)
- Inhale (2010)
- The Quest: Season 1 (2014)
- Search for the Great Sharks: IMAX (1995)
- Tiger Eyes (2012)
Leaving May 16
- Blade Runner: Theatrical Cut (1982)
- The Last Tycoon (2012)
Leaving May 19
- Peep World (2010)
Leaving May 21
- Struck by Lightning (2012)
Leaving May 22
- Ida (2013)
- Stand Off (2012)
Leaving May 23
- Black Hawk Down (2001)
Leaving May 27
- Escape from Tomorrow (2013)
- Run & Jump (2013)
- Vanishing of the Bees (2009)
Leaving May 28
- Barfi! (2012)
Leaving May 29
- These Birds Walk (2013)
Leaving May 31
- Clerks (1994)
New Radiohead!
I give you, Burn The Witch
This band has mastered the art of combining cheer and haunt in perfect harmony. I cannot wait to see them at Lollapalooza!!!
If you still need 4 day passes, go HERE
<3 @laurenoneil
Local H Does Prince
Last Tuesday evening you may have seen this pop in your twitter feed:
No? Me either 🙁 Thankfully there is the internet. A full review, setlist and pictures courtesy of Teresa Burke of Moments In Sound HERE
In addition to some Local H gems, the band threw in Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Lorde and four Prince covers.
In this video posted by Dewey Cole, Herb of Liar’s Club takes the lead on Nothing Compares 2 U and then Scott Lucas capitulates directly into Purple Rain.
Enjoy 13 glorious minutes of a whiskey fueled Chicago style tribute to Prince.
P.S. there is a curse word or two
<3 @laurenoneil
“Space Jam 2” is Happening
Looks like LeBron James is the newest member of the Tune Squad. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Justin Lin is set to direct and working on a script that has LeBron James as the NBA star that gets sucked into the Looney Toons world. Gotta admit, I’m not a LeBron fan, but he was pretty good in the movie “Trainwreck.”
Can we at least get another theme song from Quad City DJ’s?
I’m sure Michale Jordan has no problem with Lebron taking over the role, but it just seems like the perfect time for a Sad Jordan.
New Red Hot Chili Peppers This Week
We’re about to get our first taste of new Red Hot Chili Peppers. Anthony Kiedis said the band is “in the home stretch” of the project and if you can believe Twitter we’ll hear the first track off the album on Thursday.
If you already follow @ChiliPeppers on Twitter you may have seen the above Tweet and you know the name of the track is “Dark Necessities.” Now the only question is how many times they’ll mention California in the song?
Consequence of Sound has more on the new RHCP track HERE. We’ll see them for Lollaplooza on Saturday 7/30. Score your 4-day passes in AREA 101!
Stone Temple Pilots denies that Scott Stapp is their new singer
Let’s just breathe a sigh of relief. There were numerous reports floating around today that Scott Stapp who sang with Creed, would become the new singer for Stone Temple Pilots after the departure of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and the passing of former STP singer Scott Weiland in December. The band has gotten ahead of the rumor mill, to confirm that is not true with a post from their official Twitter.
The talk of Stapp in STP started with a broadcasted interview this morning, where he heavily hinted at joining the legendary alternative band but stayed short of saying it out loud. So to be clear, Stapp never said he was going to join STP at all but responded he “could neither deny or confirm it.” The response online in comments sections at numerous sites was clear, STP fans did not want to see this happen and they were pretty mad at the idea possibly becoming a reality.
A representative for Scott Stapp told Consequences of Sound the following “Right now Scott is busy on his solo tour. His next project will be announced in June.” Well good luck on that, hopefully everyone comes out of this confusion in a better place.
STP recently held auditions for a new singer to join the band but has made no announcement of a new singer.
Chicago woman sues Starbucks for $5 million over amount of ice in cold drinks
(from redeyechicago.com)
A Chicago woman is suing Starbucks for more than $5 million for allegedly underfilling its iced coffee, tea and blended drinks. Plaintiff Stacy Pincus argues in the lawsuit, filed last week in federal court in Chicago, that the amount of ice Starbucks uses in its drinks means customers get less of the actual beverage. (READ MORE HERE)
Another frivolous lawsuit? Yeah I think so. I don’t understand anyone who complains about a place yet they go there daily. Maybe it’s time to get your coffee somewhere else. Also, if you just ask them for less ice they’ll accommodate. Their baristas can remember the most detailed orders with what seems like zero hesitation. I don’t think asking for a little less ice is going to throw ’em. For me the only thing they seem to get wrong with regularity is my name on my cup. I mean how hard is it to get Bolognius Francine Marconi right?? JK, love you SB!! – @marconibologna
Hot Doug’s Is Back (Again), With A Summer Hot Dog Festival
(from chicagoist.com)
Doug Sohn, Hot Doug’s namesake Doug, has had trouble retiring. He technically retired in October of 2014, but like the Jay-Z of encased meats, he keeps coming back—selling hot dogs at Wrigley Field, and at a one-day-only January pop-up, and now… at the second annual Dog Dayz of Summer, a hot dog festival. (READ MORE HERE)
ANYTHING that brings Hot Doug’s out of “retirement” is ok with me. He seems like a great guy and if you’ve heard him as a guest on Brian and Lou you know he’s not so bad at radio either. IS THERE ANYTHING HOT DOUG CAN’T DO!!?? …That’s not a challenge unless it involves me getting a fastpass to Hot Doug’s deliciousness. – @marconibologna (on air weeknights 7-12)
Travis Barker Checks In
With Lauren to talk new Blink 182, working with Matt Skiba and John Feldmann, his feelings on Tom DeLonge, coming to Chicago, and more…
Queued Up #174
1. Band Of Horses – Casual Party
2. Blaqk Audio – Anointed
3. Wild Belle – Throw Down Your Guns (local)
4. Nothing But Thieves – Wake Up Call (Queued Up Artist Showcase – 5/4)
5. The Wind & The Wave – Grand Canyon
6. Weezer – King Of The World
7. Finish Ticket – Color
8. The Last Shadow Puppet – Aviation
9. Hot Hot Heat – Kid Who Stayed In The Picture
10. Jack Garratt – Worry
11. Atlas Genius – Stockholm
12. Bleached – Wednesday Night Melody
13. Max Frost – President
14. Panic! At The Disco – Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time
1. Young The Giant – Something To Believe In
2. New Beat Fund – No Type
3. Meg Myers – Motel
4. Beware Of Darkness – Dope
5. Dreamers – Drugs
6. Mumford & Sons and Baaba Maal – There Will Be Time
7. Coleman Hell – Fireproof
8. Holy White Hounds – Switchblade (Queued Up Artist Showcase – 5/4)
9. Coldplay – Up & Up
10. Mutemath – Used To
11. Local Natives – Past Lives
12. Cage The Elephant – Trouble
13. Barns Courtney – Fire
14. DJ Shadow w/ Run The Jewels – Nobody Speak
5.1.16 – Alt_Backspace
1. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin – Grey Cell Green
2. Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Watching The Detectives
3. The Pretenders – Message Of Love
4. Prince – Sometimes It Snows In April
5. The Smiths – Bigmouth Strikes Again
6. The Divinyls – I Touch Myself
7. The Posies – Dream All Day
8. Echo & The Bunnymen – Bring On The Dancing Horses
9. Ash – Girl From Mars
10. Sugar – If I Can’t Change Your Mind
11. Stabbing Westward – Save Yourself
12. The Cure – Pictures Of You
13. Live – Pain Lies On The Riverside
1. Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth
2. Ramones – Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
3. XTC – Senses Working Overtime
4. Radiohead – (Nice Dream)
5. A Flock Of Seagulls – I Ran (So Far Away)
6. James – Sit Down
7. R.E.M. – Fall On Me
8. Billy Idol – White Wedding
9. Nada Surf – Popular
10. Psychedelic Furs – Pretty In Pink
11. Blondie – Rapture
12. Oasis – Rock N Roll Star
Radiohead Bails on the Internet
Having trouble finding Radiohead on the web lately? Well, you’re not going to find them. They’re going off the grid. Facebook, Twitter even their website are all gone. Radiohead.com is now a blank page.
Twitter looks like a ghost town…
Facebook, too…
Why the digital dump? Maybe it’s some sort of promotional move. Maybe it’s because the band is very against streaming music and they are trying to make a point. Or, maybe it’s for some reason that only the band knows. Either way, they gone. At least for now.
Good news is they haven’t deleted their headlining spot on Friday, 7/29 at Lollapalooza. Click HERE for a shot to score 4-day passes.
Anchor Fired for Prince-Themed Sports
An anchor for Fox in Nashville tried to be clever with a tribute to Prince during sports and it got him fired. It was completely lame but seems like a stretch to fire the guy over this…
Again, super lame, but should he be canned over it?
Hide the Gatorade Coolers, the Cubs are Back in Pittsburgh
The Cubs are back in Pittsburgh tonight for the first times since the 2015 Wild Card game. The same game Pirates infielder, Sean Rodriguez threw down with a defenseless Gatorade cooler.
It’s not every day you literally catch the wheels coming off on camera.
“We Know Where You Live”: Radiohead is getting scary to promote new album
Radiohead have been known to be reclusive and secretive throughout their run as alternative icons, so it’s not out of character that the band has apparently been behind a scary and weird promotional campaign in the UK this week. Fans received embossed grey leaflets in the mail with the cryptic phrases ““Sing the song of sixpence, burn the witch,” and “We know where you live.” RH’s mouse head logo is stamped in the corner to make this only a little less than terrifying. The internet detectives are on the case on Reddit, more on that here. One of biggest theories behind this flyer points to German folklore with “Witches Night”, which falls on April 30th or May 1st, depending on that year’s specific calendar. This has some thinking the band will do a pop-up release of their new album this weekend.
Radiohead headlines Day 2 of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on July 30th. – Kevin
