These Days: Monday, June 3rd, 2019
Elton John And Dennis Potter: I liked “Rocket Man” a whole lot, though it failed to get tp the essence of Elton John, it was a visual treat that resurrected one of the greatest screenwriters, TV writers, and, simply, visionaries of all time: the late Dennis Potter. From “Blue Remembered Hills” through “Pennies Of Heaven” to “The Singing Detective,” Potter developed a vision of film art that broke through every wall and every gate. When Elton John the child breaks out of his home and onto the streets to sing “The Bitch Is Back” what you are seeing is Dennis Potter. Without the musical numbers, “Rocketman” is below standard issue rock bio (who knew Elton was a bottom?), with it the jukebox movie jumps out at us and holds us. Grade: B+
Death: Roger Hirson (he wrote the book for “Pippin,” Bill Buckner,” Roky Erickson,” and my Creem Editor Bill Holdship’s mom.
Governors Ball: This year I took to writing specific reviews over specific overviews, more capsule than usual of course, more the 250 – 500 word review than the 750 – 1200 I tend to do. But it worked out great. As for Sunday’s botched cancellation, I was wiped out anyway and planned to go late for Noname and SZA more than anything, so, so what for me. We got a refund.
Grades for the acts I did see:
Jessie Reyez – A-
The Internet – B-
Mitski – B+
Mo – B
Blood Orange – B-
Brockhampton – A-
Lil Wayne – B
Sunflower Bean – B
Clairo – C+
Ravyn Lenae – C+
King Princess – B
The 1975 – B+
So, not bad for $200 and while some weren’t full sets that I caught, six were.
Upcoming Concerts: Max’s on Saturday, and two new adds: Bikini Kill and Death Cab For Cuties. Week of June 17th? Ariana Grande at MSG, followed the next day by Billie Eilish at Radio City… I know.
Oldies: I STILL haven’t gotten to Curtis Mayfield’s Roots… this week I promise
Newbies: I tell you Gov Ball killed my timing, still haven’t even started new singles and new albums…
POTUS In THe UK: Destroying Western Civilization one tariff at a time…
Bret Easton Ellis On POTUS: The problem isn’t just a question of style, of Trump The Disrupter, it is the dismantling of environmental laws, the destruction of well fought LGBTQ rights, the dismantling of Roe V Wade, the gerrymandering of districts, the appointment of conservative judges. Bret is gay, dude, they are coming for you as well. Oh, and the fuckface raising my taxes.
