rage recommends by bill biss
HEAR THIS:
WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT Elton John “Sad songs, they say so much.” (Not this time, though) For Sir Elton John’s 33rd album, the perennial rock star keeps it joyful, upbeat and positive in the ten selec- tions with all lyrics by Bernie Taupin. John’s signature piano playing strikes a fresh chord of vamp and circumstance to fire up the songs presented. It’s been almost a decade since his touring band has recorded with him in the studio and the sounds are revved up for rapt listening attention on all accounts. Available February 5.
WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE Wynonna & The Big Noise Gritty, rebellious and fired-up,Wynonna Judd & The Big Noisewill have the likes of Carrie Underwood’s music… being compared to a light snack of country lite. The spitfire redhead is bringing back the backwoods blend of blues and country with a powerful surge of “Judd-ness.” One of the first singles, “Ain’t No Thing” tips its hat to the strength of this spirit with a solid back-up of talented musicians creating the sizzle. Available February 12.
DIG IN DEEP Bonnie Raitt Full of emotional depth and discovery of feelings rising to the surface, Bonnie Raitt turns to her new batch of original songs and her secret and diverse passion for interpreting some rock cuts forDig In Deep. Reflection of personal loss tinged with regret and realism is presented on “The Ones We Couldn’t Be” and her cover of “Need You Tonight” by INXS has a knock-out effect as she brings the song to a whole other level. Available February 26.
WATCH THIS:
HOW TO WIN AT CHECKERS(EVERY TIME) An openly gay man who works as a male escort is doing his best to support his aunt and younger brother in Thailand. As the draft into the army looms over the character of “Ek” (Thira Chutikul) he attempts to dodge the draft and his younger brother turns to crime to help. Told through the narration of the younger brother “Oat,” Josh Kim’s feature film directorial debut takes an intimate look at acceptance and family in a corrupt environment offering a study in contrasting
ideals.Available February 2.
GRANDMA With a comedic wisdom of the highest degree, Lily Tomlin takes her talents to task in the story of three generations of women coming to terms with a grand- daughter deciding to get an abortion. This triad of emotional relevance takes place over a 24-hour period and Tomlin excels in her characterization of the eldest, Elle Reid. An outstanding cast presents a realistic mix of generational dialogue written by Paul Weitz who also directed and
produced.Grandma delivers a sympathetic and utterly natural scenario.
Available February 9.
MOTOWN TO OFF THE WALL It’s hard now to think of Michael Jackson as anything less than a musical superstar. Yet, in Spike Lee’s new documentary, Lee unveils the transition of Michael from a member of The Jackson 5 to his first solo album Off the Wall. Captivating and strictly about his creation of music forOff the Wall; it’s clear to see Jackson’s dedication, perfection to detail and drive revealed. Included are many new interviews from those inspired by the magic of “The King of Pop.”
MICHAEL JACKSON’S JOURNEY FROM Available February 26.
READ THIS:
MARCUS AURELIUS IN LOVE Marcus Aurelius and Marcus Cornelius Fronto/ Translated by Amy Richlin Love letters from 139 CE? Not only that but between a scholar and a student! This amazing find of historical and sexual antiquity is documented inMarcus Aurelius in Love, now in paperback. The teacher was none other than a future emperor Marcus Aurelius and the student would go to become one of the finest Roman orators; another Marcus, Marcus Cornelius Fronto. “Ah, when in Rome,” or otherwise, a revelatory discovery of same-sex attraction between Marcus and Marcus. Available February 8.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES Joel Grey For an actor, sometimes the hardest role to understand is the identity discovered within. As an adult, Joel Grey was drawn sexually to both men and women. He understood the stigma of homosexuality and found love in a 24-year marriage to a woman. When that union ended, his life as a gay man continued. His story showcases not only a brilliant career in both theatre and film but an utterly personal look at Grey’s sexual conflicts. Available February 16.
SOUL SERENADE: RHYTHM, BLUES & COMING OF AGE THROUGH VINYL
Rashod Ollison Rashod Ollison shares his life story and how his love for music… specifically, the soul and R&B of past decades was a source of solace as he discovered his sexuality as a gay teen. Ollison lived in the rural Arkansas of the 1980s. His formative years were marked by a distant father, the divorce of his parents and the pull of “what was right” vs. the wild ways. Rashod’s descriptive and enticing biography presents a soulful and engagingly compelling look at life.
Available now.
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RAGE monthly | FEBRUARY 2016
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