Beatles, The XFL, Spinal Tap and Giant Robots: Random Notes From The World Of Pop Culture
January 26, 2018 by Rudy Panucci The PopCulteer
January 26, 2018
There’s plenty going on in the world of Pop Culture, so we’re doing the short, random news format this week in the PopCulteer. How about we get right to it?
Beatles Marathon Concert
One week from today at The Capitol Theater in Charleston our local Beatles tribute band, Rubber Soul, under the direction of Mark Scarpelli, will undertake the task of performing over two hundred Beatles songs in a sprawling all-day concert that will start around Noon and last until after Midnight.
The band will accomplish this with a little help from their friends, which coincidentally is what they’re calling the show. Guest performers will step in for a song or five and help bring the music of The Beatles back to a live audience. Mrs. PopCulteer, Melanie Larch, is one of the guests and I was lucky enough to be allowed in to a rehearsal Wednesday night where Mel, Casey Litz from The Company Stores and Erin Martin got their first chance to work with the band. I’ll be posting video from that session this weekend here in PopCult.
Derek Smalls Solo Album
Derek Smalls of the band Spinal Tap, who bears an uncanny resemblence to comedian and actor Harry Shearer, is preparing to release his first solo album, and it can be pre-ordered now with lots of available bonuses.
For this one, we have to go to the PR:
Derek Smalls, formerly of the band, formerly known as Spinal Tap, is back! The bass force of the fabled heavy metal band announces his return to centre stage with the release of his first full length solo venture, his new album Smalls Change, Meditations on Ageing. The album will be released globally on April 13, 2018 on Twanky Records / BMG on Digital, CD and Vinyl.
Smalls Change is a poignant and oftentimes furious contemplation on ageing that explores the passing of time and all things loud. With styles that cross the gamut of musical bases, the album possesses the edgy rawness and Rock God sensibility that was always shared by Derek and his fellow former band members, Nigel Tufnel and David St. Hubbins and, is now all too evident in his solo work. The album also features some of the greatest talents of rock and roll music and beyond including Peter Frampton, Donald Fagen, Dweezil Zappa, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, Waddy Wachtel, Michael League, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Paul Shaffer, Steve Vai, Larry Carlton, Judith Owen, Jane Lynch and The Hungarian Studio Orchestra. Smalls Change is produced by C J Vanston.
If that doesn’t sell you on this project, then you know nothing of music. Check out the amazing assortment of special bundle deals and signed CDs and Vinyl HERE.
And you need more convincing, watch this…
Mazinger Z: Infinity In Barboursville
Fans of classic Anime should make plans to head to Barboursville next month for a special presentation of the new MAZINGER Z movie, show in Japanese with English subtitles. MAZINGER Z: INFINITY will receive a special two-day-only presentation at more than 450 theatres across the U.S. on Sunday, February 11 and Monday, February 12. Cinemark Huntington Mall 12 theater in Barboursville is one of those theaters, and they’ll be showing it a 12:55 PM on Sunday and 7 PM on Monday.
MAZINGER Z is one of Japan’s most revered sci-fi properties. The new film, which was produced by Toei Animation, takes place ten years after the conclusion of the famed Mazinger Z TV series.
The MAZINGER Z: INFINITY movie is based on the classic manga series by the immutable creator, Go Nagai. It follows our hero, Koji Kabuto, in an action-packed adventure where only he can choose his ultimate path! Ten years ago, the villainous scientist Dr. Hell led his wicked followers, known as the Underground Empire, in a struggle to destroy all of humanity. It was against these forces that the young hero Koji Kabuto fought, piloting the legendary super robot “Mazinger Z.” Koji’s victory stopped Dr. Hell’s evil plan and returned peace to the Earth.
Now Koji has left the pilot seat behind and become a scientist in his own right, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Yet an unexpected encounter deep under Mt. Fuji triggers an even greater threat to mankind than ever before and alters Koji’s destiny forever. With humanity’s fate in their hands, Koji and Mazinger Z face a choice between good…and evil.
“MAZINGER Z is one of Japan’s most celebrated sci-fi properties and is an instantly recognizable icon of the super robot genre,” says Masayuki Endo, Toei Animation Inc.’s President & CEO. “We are very pleased to work so closely with VIZ Media to bring this exciting new anime movie to fans across North America.”
“Fathom is thrilled to partner with VIZ Media to bring this well-loved franchise to cinema audiences across the U.S.” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “Our anime events continue to fill auditoriums with excited fans and we know MAZINGER Z: INFINITY will do the same.”
“MAZINGER Z is a groundbreaking property that has helped to define the super robot and mecha genres for over four decades,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “The new film is a fitting testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise as well as the iconic works of Go Nagai. We look forward announcing details on the theatrical premiere in the very near future.”
Yeah, guys. You had me at “super robot.”
Weekend Notes
This weekend the plan is for us to maintain our regular features here in PopCult, while possibly slipping in a video or three from Wednesday’s Rubber Soul rehearsals. We haven’t had time to check the video for quality yet, so if I screwed up, this may not happen, but I don’t often screw things like this up, so it’ll probably be worth your time to check back to see what I’ve posted.
With that, we wrap up this week’s PopCulteer.