MUSIC OF 2026, #10: DEMOB HAPPY
click the links below to view/listen . . . .
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Video: CROSS, SEASON TWO
CROSS, SEASON TWO on Amazon Prime: It took a little longer to get fully engaged with the story compared to Season One. However, this is more complex, timely, and gets better as it moves foward. A noticeable change in both scriptures and directors for each episode made things feel a bit choppy and vague until it all meshes together in the final episodes.
There is a female revolutionary with a grudge against those elite executives and government offices who she feels are responsible for the death of her mother. With the help of a male assistant, she takes them out in methodical fashion and eludes law enforcement. In order to protect the high-minded corporate executive at the top of the chain, Alex Cross is assigned to work alongside FBI agents to identify and track down the assassins.
Definitely worth viewing, and I'm hoping this is popular enough to merit another season or more. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Watch the trailer here: CROSS, Season Two
Video: THE WITCHER, SEASON THREE
THE WITCHER, SEASON THREE on Netflix: If you enjoy fantasy escapism but don't want to get into the complexities of GAME OF THRONES, then this should please your appetite. As the series has progressed it also has added more characters and evolved into a recurring theme that raises the stakes higher and makes viewers (at least this one) more involved and worried for the central players. I'm slowly catching up to this series, and will be moving on to Season Four. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Watch the official trailer here: The Witcher, Season Three
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Music of 2026: TEMPLES
Music of 2026, #9: TEMPLES
biography from the All Music website . . . . .
British neo-psychedelic band Temples combine a trippily retro approach with classic pop craftsmanship, though they aren't afraid to stretch the fuzzy boundaries of their chosen sound. The group debuted a core style of chiming guitars, tight harmonies, and an easygoing T. Rex-inspired boogie on 2014's Sun Structures, an album that gained the band a following that expanded beyond neo-psych circles. Nonetheless, Temples found themselves at the forefront of a miniature psychedelic revival, along with fellow travelers King Gizzard and Tame Impala. Their guiding principles stayed firmly intact, even when exploring synth-heavy territory as they do on 2017's Volcano, or giving their sound a sonic glow up courtesy of a Dave Fridmann mix on 20223's Exotico.
Listen to the 2026 single at the link below . . . .
Music of 2026, #8: ALTIN GUN
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . . . . .
Altın Gün (meaning Golden Day in Turkish[1]also a pun to Altın Günü (Gold day) a traditional social gathering day) is a Dutch-Turkish psychedelic rock, also known as Anatolian rock, band from Amsterdam. It was founded by bassist Jasper Verhulst in 2016 when he posted an ad on Facebook looking for Turkish musicians.[1][2][3][4] Their style has been described as "psychedelic" with a "dirty blend of funk rhythms, wah-wah guitars and analogue organs".[5] Altın Gün also performs psychedelic rock covers of Turkish folk music.[1] The band's vocalist Erdinç Ecevit Yıldız is of Turkish origin while the other four members are Dutch.[1]
Click the links to hear the songs and watch video . . . . .
Altin Gun - Zuluf Dokulmus Yuze
Book Review: BEAUTIFUL, ONCE by MIA DALIA
BEAUTIFUL, ONCE by Mia Dalia (Crystal Lake Publishing, release date March 20, 2026) Kindle edition, 232 pages.n ASIN # B0GQ412C8N
The publisher's synopsis . . . . .
When a controversial tech billionaire retreats from society, he constructs a private island designed to be the ultimate controlled experiment: a hand-selected population, sustainable systems, and a flawless model for humanity’s future. A paradise engineered to perfection.
But perfection breeds boredom.
Seeking recognition—and perhaps validation—he sends a message into the cosmos, broadcasting The Island’s triumph to the universe. All hell breaks loose when something replies. Within hours, the community fractures. Neighbors turn on neighbors. A savage, insatiable hunger spreads. Civilization unravels. Told through three gripping perspectives—the billionaire’s loyal assistant, an island mechanic, and a visiting investigative reporter—Beautiful, Once explores survival, psychological collapse, unchecked ambition, and the terrifying consequences of playing god.
When paradise falls, who gets to live?
My FOUR-STAR Review . . . . .
This novel prompted me to recall the ages-old adage: "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch." However, it's more like one bad decision made by the founder of a small but admirable utopian society.
The characterization in this novel is so strong that it drives the narrative and makes everything work. Without it, I know I would be indifferent about the outcomes. With it, I empathized with all of these characters and really worried for them. Then, when everything starts to fall apart in a really short period of time, I felt the pain that they experienced.
There's an ensemble cast here. What I appreciate is that each chapter is told from the point-of-view of three different characters. Each has a different stake in the startling incidents on the island, expertly told from their individual perspectives: Martha, the assistant administrator of the island; Jacob, the fix-it maintenance man; and Arden, the investigative reporter interviewing the island founder.
But the most interesting character of all is island founder Ronan Bard, whose point of view we learn from the other three characters. I have mixed feelings about him. He comes across as a friend to all, but something about him makes me suspicious. Still, it would be great to have a wealthy elite character who's actually a nice and benevolent guy.
HIs speech at a TED Talk could make a believer out of me. I can't argue with anything he says here, and found myself nodding my head many times:
"Our country has failed us. Our politicians have failed us. The American Dream is dead. The media and the pundits are distracting us with fake news and meaningless trivialities to keep us from seeing the truth. The standard of living in the U.S. is lower than in any other first-world country. Pick an important topic: life expectancy, gender and pay equality, voting rights, education, crime, homelessness. This country is failing in every single way.
The golden promise of it has been eroded, revealing nothing but gilt. Instead of learning from our history, we find ways to bury it. Instead of speaking about what matters, we obsess over TikTok. We don't know the faces and platforms of our leaders, but we spend hours watching social media celebrities doing and talking about nothing.
As a society, we have become dumber and more complacent, and we have been encouraged to do that at every turn by the powers that be. Stupid people are the easiest to lead. We play video games and shop, while the world gets lit on fire, while it slips beneath the waves, while it becomes increasingly uglier and more hostile.
We waste our lives working jobs we hate toward an uncertain retirement. We cycle through meaningless diversions while our freedoms are slowly stripped away from us. We are sleepwalking.
Well, I'm here to say, wake up. Look around. Walk away. There is another path."
Ronan, sign me up!
Just found another reason to really like Ronan: His comments to a questioning reporter: "The only way for a society to stay happy is through staying small. The threads of cohesiveness stretch and tear. Time and again we see this happen, in the news, in history lessons, and yet most continue to ignore it. . . . . .
Time and again, the happiest countries elected are some of the smallest on Earth. Iceland, Finland. Places where people have forged a strong national character based on shared values. Where they feel supported by their government. Where a true democracy is practiced. Time and again, on the other hand, some of the largest countries in the world fall to autocratic rule. These places experience large levels of unhappiness among its people, which results in making tragic political choices."
He's preaching to the choir now, and his observations are spot on as regards current events.
As much as I like Ronan, he is still a billionaire / elite class - - so I was looking for some chinks in the armor. Those get revealed in the novel's final acts. Also, there's a hint that Ronan's position as regards immigration may have been restrictive, but that is not explored any further.
I like the description here, regarding investigative reporter Arden: "Her thought processes were bifurcating, then splitting further; the tributaries carrying them miles away from the origin source."
The novel touches upon many themes, including end-of-the-world apocalypse (but confined to the island), alien visitation, and zombie infestation. But the root of this book is more about utopian dreams, idealization, hubris/vanity, and has an underlying message - which can be left to the reader's imagination to determine. For me, I finished the book with the impression that while dreams can take a long time and careful consideration to build upon, a nightmare can tear it down quickly.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Video: NUREMBERG trailer
NUREMBERG on Netflix:
The Synopsis from the ROTTEN TOMATOES website . . . .
Reviewers say 'Nuremberg' features a gripping narrative, exceptional performances by Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, and dives deeply into historical themes. The film is admired for its intricate depiction of the Nuremberg Trials and its character dynamics. It faces some criticism for historical inaccuracies and pacing problems. Some feel it oversimplifies complex events and characters. Overall, it is regarded as a significant and stimulating historical drama.
A powerful film, more relevant today than ever. The director interspersed the trial with quick flashes of black-and-white film from the actual Nuremberg trials. When the prosecution made their case against Herman Goring the film showing the atrocities of the concentration camps was the same film as shown during the trials, and very disturbing. An incredible performance by Russell Crowe as Herman Goring and Rami Malek as psychiatrist Douglas Kelly. Michael Shannon does a great job portraying the prosecution Justice Robert H Jackson who was out of his league against the persuasive Goring. A real piece of historical fiction, in my opinion, that was done properly. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS.
VIDEO: ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER trailer
One Battle After Another trailer
I rank this a close second to SINNERS, my pick for best picture of 2025. Both films are worth watching several times.
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER follows Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) a former protester/revolutionary who was a bomb maker in the 1970's and has been hiding since then, full of paranoia and drugs/alcohol. His lover, fellow rebellion leader Perfidy (Teyana Taylor), becomes pregnant and ends up leaving Bob to care for the baby. She was being pursued in a strange, offbeat way by Colonel Steve Lockjaw (Sean Penn) who had a fascination for her and is now searching for her daughter.
In present day, Bob ends up losing his daughter and the final third of the movie is his relentless search and rescue mission. Plenty of action, great set pieces, and supporting roles - especially Benicio Del Toro as Sensei Sergio.
Sean Penn earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and the movie won several awards, including Best Picture. At times the performances seemed a bit over-the-top to me, almost a caricature of the character, especially from Penn and Taylor. Some viewers regard the film as comedy/satire, but I believe it is more serious and just portrays quirky situations.
Major themes of the film are choices and their consequences, especially as personal values change with time, responsibility and family. FIVE STARS.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Book Review: OFF SEASON by Jack Ketchum
OFF SEASON by Jack Ketchum (47 North, October 2013) First published January 1980. Dead River series #1 of 3. Paperback, 308 pages. ISBN #9781477840528 / 1477840524
Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .
September. A beautiful New York editor retreats to a lonely cabin on a hill in the quiet Maine beach town of Dead River—off season—awaiting her sister and friends. Nearby, a savage human family with a taste for flesh lurks in the darkening woods, watching, waiting for the moon to rise and night to fall...
And before too many hours pass, five civilized, sophisticated people and one tired old country sheriff will learn just how primitive we all are beneath the surface...and that there are no limits at all to the will to survive.
My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
After reading this, I completely understand why Jack Ketchum has the reputation he does (which he earned). This ground-breaking novel, originally published in 1980, certainly qualifies him for a seat among the pioneers of extreme horror. Intense is just a mild description of what awaits here.
The edition I read was the author's uncut, uncensored version including an afterword where Ketchum details the various re-writes he agreed to and the attempt of his editor to censor much of the story. Also included is "Winter Child", a chilling short story that fits nicely into the trilogy of novels about these cannibalistic, primitive dwellers off the Maine coastline. It was originally written as an interlude within She Wakes, his supernatural novel.
This novel is not for the squeamish, as it vividly details the most extreme scenes of cruelty, bodily abuse, mutilation, and murder. Intense past #11 on the dial. Brutal. Merciless. Just . . so . . .nasty.
As I read the book, I got the feeling that Ketchum did not really care for any of his characters and wondered if he would spare any of them.
Off Season reminded me of the original black-and-white Night Of the Living Dead film in two particular scenes, one near the middle of the book and one at the ending. Two frightening and disturbing moments.
Aside from the extreme horror of this novel, the worst kind being human versus human (more horrific than monsters), I marvel at Ketchum's writing style - - a main course in how to write clear and concise suspense and violence. Many images will linger.
Monday, March 9, 2026
Music of 2026, #7: ROYAL RATBAGS
Hailing from the land down under, ROYAL RATBAGS add to the blooming punk rock scene in Australia. While they have been compared to The Cramps, Idles, and others - - they remind me most of the sound of Devo, especially the vocals . . . . . .
Bio
Royal Ratbags is a compelling curation of feminine force, featuring Alexandra (vocals), Gemma (bass), Barclay (drums), Nic (guitar) and Grace (guitar). Based in the Northern Rivers, the all-female new-wave punk rock band arrived as a newly born “dirty charm” to the Aussie music underground — an electrifying wall of sound driven by charisma, grit and a shared love of musical mischief.
Royal Ratbags - Supermarket Woman
Book Review: WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Grady Hendrix
WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS by Grady Hendrix (Berkley Books, January 2025) Hardcover, 482 pages. ISBN # 9780594548981 / 0593548981
Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . .
Goodreads Choice Award Winner for Readers' Favorite Horror (2025)
There’s power in a book…
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.
Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid…and it’s usually paid in blood.
In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).
My FIVE-STAR Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .
As a high school student in the late 1960's, I was familiar with the secretive and protective homes for unwed mothers. I recall several female classmates who just withdrew from school for undisclosed reasons. An attempt was usually made back then to cover up for pregnant teens and if asked, mention an illness (mononucleosis) or moving away for various reasons (caring for an ill relative, etc). After the legality of abortion and changing attitudes brought on the end of these often badly managed homes I had completely forgotten about them. Credit to Hendrix for detailing a part of American History.
I am a fan of Grady Hendrix and I will read whatever he decides to put out. There are certain things I can expect to find in a Hendrix novel:
1) The writing style. It may alter a bit from story to story but there is always a certain flow and ease to his writing that makes me comfortable reading it, often despite the situations. I can't quite put my finger on it. I just like the way he writes.
2) Imagination. Hendrix often takes familiar tropes and puts an inventive spin on them that makes me think about them in a different way. I don't recall previously reading witchcraft spells like the ones in this novel. Hendrix also hints at a backdrop/story for witches that goes back centuries and is carried forward by a small inner circle.
3) Characterization. A strong point of Hendrix. He's able to describe and demonstrate each character's uniqueness and defining traits without exposition or pause within the story, and has an ability to make readers see them and understand them as they are. Even the pregnant teenage girls in this novel seem authentic.
4) Humor Often, the underlying humor makes some of the more horrific situations a little more palatable.
Two things occurred during my reading of WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS that led me to elevate my rating to Five Stars.
1) Hendrix actually wrote a novel that is nearly devoid of humor but still managed to engage me. There's nothing funny about the situations in this novel, and to his credit Hendrix does not diminish their impact with comedy. There is a dash of humor in some of the spells that the girls cast, but the humor is ironic in nature. There's really no "ha, ha" moments in this book.
2) As I read this, I wondered how Hendrix could assume that he understood the female characters, specifically the pregnant teens, in this novel and depict the pain and anxiety of childbirth in such a believable fashion. How could anyone not personally experiencing the birth of their own child turn around and describe it and the emotions/pain/trauma the mother is going through? But, I was convinced he understood.
This is, in my opinion, the most heartfelt and personal of Hendrix novels and a step forward for him. The author's notes in the afterword reveal how personal the situations were to him as well as how he carefully researched and sought advice.
Of course this novel will not please everyone. Hendrix does have his detractors, although they should read this novel all the way through before deciding they don't care for his writing.
i remain impressed. I won't go as far to brand this my favorite Hendrix novel, but I will say it is the most powerful and thought-provoking.
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