Sunday Screening

Sunday Screening: The Sweater (1980)

On Friday’s LeBrain Train we discussed the Top Animated Films of all time.  The National Film Board of Canada came in with “The Sweater”, a classic short about a young Habs fan who receives a dreaded Leafs jersey instead.  It’s beautiful to look it, wonderful to watch, and heartfelt.  It’s only 10 minutes long so please enjoy “The Sweater”.

Sunday Screening: A Drive to Kincardine / Max the Axe – “Scales of Justice”

From the infuriating city rat race to the open roads of the country, a beautiful drive is to be viewed here, all to the tune of the classic “Scales of Justice” by Max the Axe.

Sunday Screening: The Soviet national anthem as sung by Nikolai Volkoff

One of the greatest “heel” tag teams of all time were Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik.  It was the height of the Cold War, and what could be more antagonising than the Russian national anthem sung in the middle of Madison Square Gardens?  Only the Sheik declaring “Russia #1, Iran #1!” and spitting on the USA.  In reality Nikolai (Josip Hrvoje Peruzović) was from Yugoslavia and was known as a really nice guy.  By contrast, the Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) actually is from Iran and might be a little psychopathic!  Or it could all be an act, who knows?

Even though Nikolai’s anthem was designed to irritate, I actually like it.

In 1990 Nikolai switched sides, turned “face,” and was gifted an American flag by “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.  (Incidentally, Duggan and Sheik were once caught doing cocaine together, a tremendous scandal as they were supposed to be sworn enemies!)  Nikolai used “The Stars and Stripes Forever” as his entrance music when he turned “face”, waving his new American flag.

But I’ll always remember him as one of the greatest villains, singing that Russian national anthem as only he could!

Sunday Screening: Polychuck – “Beating Myself Down”

From his just released new EP Shadows Exposed, it’s Polychuck‘s fresh video for “Beating Myself Down“! He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist, and this very different but boppin’ track is right up my alley. The guitar solo at the end will knock you on your ass.  This is a catchy, upbeat but lyrically serious tune with relatable words.  Check out “Beating Myself Down” and don’t miss Polychuck when we have him on the LeBrain Train on July 31!

 

Sunday Screening: Interview No-Shows: Mean Gene Okerlund edition

Having recently joined the “interview no-show” club, let’s have a look at some other no-show related interviews. Things go off the rails when Mean Gene has to interview a missing Captain Lou Albano. He also has to confront Kamala the Ugandan Headhunter about some interviews he missed up in St. Louis.  Have a look at the WWF when things go off the rails!

 

Sunday Screening: Polychuck – “Exposure”

Thomas Polychuck is a hot new artist out of Montreal.  He’s a multi-instrumentalist with a “do it yourself” attitude.  He has a new EP out called Exposure, and Deke and I will be speaking to Thomas on the July 31 episode of the LeBrain Train.  Polychuck prides himself in his guitar shredding (since age 13!) and you can hear a bit of that on this track “Exposure”.

Let us know what you think of Polychuck and get your questions locked and loaded for our interview!

 

Sunday Chuckle Screening: Styx – “Love is the Ritual” (1990)

In 1990, Styx reunited — but without Tommy Shaw. Busy with Damn Yankees, Shaw would have to be replaced. And, let’s face it, it always seemed like most of the Styx friction was between Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung. Needing someone to fill Tommy’s “Shooz”, they recruited young singer/songwriter/guitarist Glen Burtnik.

The DeYoung/Young/Burtnik/Panozzo/Panozzo lineup produced one album, Edge of the Century. It was heralded by lead single “Love is the Ritual”, a decidedly un-Styx-like attempt to break into the 1990 rock market after a seven year absence.

You could mistake it for Winger. With Burtnik front and center, Styx take a back seat in their own music video. Dennis is rarely seen, only needed when there’s a “Hey!” backing vocal.  Glen fronts the band with microphone in hand — no guitar. If ever there was a music video built to appeal to the young while trying to hide the age or identity of the band, it is “Love is the Ritual”. The clip is padded out with shots of women and a Fabio-like dude. Truly an awful video, and an embarrassing attempt to grab the brass ring one more time.

Sunday Screening: Jacob Moon – “Come Talk to Me”

Yesterday’s guest on the LeBrain Train was Jacob Moon, the talented singer/songwriter who shot to YouTube fame with his incredible cover of “Subdivisions“.  Shot on the same rooftop, “Come Talk to Me” is another video worth checking out.  This Peter Gabriel cover shimmers with its own brilliance. Check out Moon’s innovative guitar technique here.  Please enjoy!