Hitting the High Notes: The Sequel!

Back in 2014, the Writer’s Bone crew compiled their favorite musical moments in film. After revisiting the post for our newsletter recently, we decided to stage a sequel. If you want to join the discussion, submit your favorite suggestions in the comments section, post them on our Facebook page, or tweet us @WritersBone.—Daniel Ford

“Dick Tracy”

Mike Nelson: Al Pacino’s finest performance (do not @ me) is laced with misogyny and misunderstanding, but not misguidance. The man knows a crappy dance routine when he sees one, and he exposes Madonna so much in this one scene that her next hit is “Ray of Light,” which, let’s be honest, is complete garbage with a nice brand name attached to it.

“The Commitments”

Daniel Ford: The Commitments give The Wonders a run for their money for best fictional rock band that flamed out too early.

“Top Gun”

Stephanie Schaefer: Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise at his finest. 

"Goodfellas"

Caitlin Malcuit: The three-minute tracking sequence in "Goodfellas" is one of the film's most dazzling moments, but the extra touch comes from the use of The Crystal's "Then He Kissed Me." As Henry takes Karen for a night out at the Copacabana nightclub, introducing her, and us, to the perks of organized crime, the girl group's sweetness heightens the rush of a mesmerizing first date.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”

Lindsey Wojcik: After the huge success of the revival of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" on Broadway, which I saw four times, I became a Hedhead and discovered this 2001 release—an adaptation of the stage book, written, directed and starring the original Hedwig, John Cameron Mitchell. The film has so many powerful and catchy songs, but "Origin of Love" is a gut-wrenching ditty based on a story from Plato's Symposium. It's songwriting at its finest—Stephen Trask is a master—and evokes all the feels about what it's like to love. 

“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”

Daniel: “What’re you doing?”

“Stealing your woman.”

“Take her.”

“TRON: Legacy”

Mike: Everyone has their motivation tactics at work. Coffee, going outside for some air, doing pushups at your desk (I have seen this happen, and I don’t think it’s that weird, and if you’ve ever seen my arms you know it’s not me), and probably the most common: music. The “TRON: Legacy” soundtrack is mine, and I then turn into Olivia Wilde during this Daft Punk cameo in the movie (meaning, I start absolutely dominating work, and then it fights back and permanently cripples me).

“The Wedding Singer”

Lindsey: "The Wedding Singer" and its soundtrack was the seed that sprouted my never-ending fascination with the culture of the 1980s, a decade in which I was only alive for nearly three years. "Grow Old With You" is one of two only original songs on the soundtrack and it's the sappiest. It perfectly encapsulates what most people are looking for in a partner—someone to share the milestones and monotonous parts of life with for the rest of days. The hilarity of the scene (I'm looking at you, Billy Idol!) does not take away from the sentiment, which is why I consider it of the most powerful musical moments in film.  

“Mulholland Drive”

Rob Masiello: Rumor has it that Rebekah Del Rio's thunderous performance of "Llorando" was recorded on the spot, without her knowledge and with virtually no editing before being worked into “Mulholland Drive.” How it fits into the film's larger narrative is worthy of a much longer analysis than appropriate for this feature. This Spanish cover of Roy Orbison's "Crying" will leave you shaking regardless of what language you speak.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze”

Mike: School is a waste of time. I learned everything I needed to get through childhood right here.

“Skyfall”

Matt DiVenere: Check out the reintroduction of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 in “Skyfall.” Seeing the car, hearing the trumpets...I immediately get goosebumps and smile. Such an iconic car and such an iconic moment.

“True Romance”

Dave Pezza: I've been holding on to this magical scene from a highly underrated Quentin Tarantino movie (he wrote the screenplay). It doesn't get much better than Tarantino dialogue in front of a Hans Zimmer score. So cool.

“Hudson Hawk”

Sean Tuohy: What a weird movie, but Bruce Willis can sing. Really, the man has a set of pipes. This scene is playful, fun, and weird, which sums up “Hudson Hawk.” Also, this captures Willis at his best: charming and a must-watch.

“Baby Driver”

Sean: “Baby Driver” is “La La Land” but with better characters and armed robbery. This clip sums up film perfectly.

“Back to the Future”

Hassel Velasco: Guys...Marvin Berry discovered his cousin's revolutionary sound back in 1955.

“Romeo & Juliet”

Lisa Carroll: I loved loved loved teaching Romeo And Juliet in freshman English, and after we finished reading the play we'd watch Baz's version and discuss the adaptation. The innocence and tension in this scene is so beautifully amplified by the sensuous nature of the song and her captivating voice. Totally swoon-worthy.

“Dreamgirls”

Lisa: Yes, I will take the Oscar, thank you.

“Ella Enchanted”

Lisa: My second favorite Queen song (after “Bohemian Rhapsody” in “Wayne's World”), and one of my favorite Cinderella adaptations.

“The Bodyguard”

Lisa: Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard” made Cosmopolitan's “50 Old Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch.”

It has the greatest soundtrack of all time and the worst acting of all time as proven in this clip.

“My Best Friend’s Wedding”

Daniel: If you’re a sappy romantic, you really can’t get better than this.

“La La Land”

Mike: “You know the most psychologically damaging event of your life? Let’s just run it back and see what life looks like if we skipped that part.” Everyone who had a hand in “La La Land” is a jerk and deserved to get bested by “Moonlight” for all the emotional damage you caused me. I’m sending you all of my future wife’s inevitable therapy bills.

The Boneyard Archives

Election 2016: Belinda Carlisle Song or U.S. Presidential Campaign Slogan?

By Gary Almeter

Of all the pundits, pollsters, prophets, and prognosticators lamenting the dearth of civility, the lack of substance, and the general erosion of intellect that has punctuated the 2016 election, the person for whose mellifluous musings America most yearns for remains Belinda Carlisle. And yet the former lead singer of the Go-Go’s remains noticeably and painfully absent from political discourse. It's like the world is about to end because Lex Luther is about to depress the detonators and everyone is wondering where Superman is because he, like Carlisle, has disappeared. 

Or has she?

It would seem the cheesy sound bites, the preoccupation with how men and women grab one another and where, and the self-aggrandizement of 2016 aren’t new cultural developments. Can you guess whether or not the following are Belinda Carlisle songs or U.S. Presidential Campaign slogans? Award yourself five Go-Go’s points for every correct answer, and award America next Tuesday by voting!

1. We Can Change

2. Change We Need

3. Tanned Rested and Ready

4. We Want the Same Thing

5. Not Just Peanuts

6. Mad About You

7. I Like Dick

8. Let Well Enough Alone

9. Heaven is A Place on Earth

10. There’s No Indispensable Man

11. Live Your Life Be Free

12. You’re Nothing Without Me

13. Don’t Swap Horses Midstream

14. Runaway Horses

15. It’s Morning Again in America

16. I Get Weak

17. Nobody Owns Me

18. Circle in the Sand

19. Whatever It Takes

20. Leave a Light On

21. A Chicken In Every Pot

22. Feel the Bern

23. I Feel the Magic

24. Lay Down Your Arms

25. Let Us Have Peace

26. Who is James K. Polk?

Answer Key

Belinda Carlisle Song:  1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24

U.S. Presidential Campaign Slogan: 2 (Barack Obama, 2008), 3 (Bobby Jindal, 2016), 5 (Jimmy Carter, 1976), 7 (Richard Nixon, 1960), 8 (William McKinley, 1900), 10 (Wendell Willkie, 1940), 13 (Franklin Roosevelt, 1944), 15 (Ronald Reagan, 1980), 21 (Herbert Hoover, 1928), 22 (Bernie Sanders, 2016), 25 (Ulysses S. Grant, 1868), 26 (Henry Clay, 1844)

Both:  17 (Donald Trump, 2016, and Belinda Carlisle, 1987)

The Boneyard Archives

Bruce Springsteen Plans 12-Hour Concert Event to Celebrate 67th Birthday

By Gary Almeter

In celebration of Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen’s 67th Birthday tomorrow!

Bruce Springsteen, in an effort to break the elusive 12-hour concert barrier, has prepared the following set list for his next show (date and location TBD, but likely the swamps of New Jersey).

1. “New York City Serenade” (with string section)

2. “Born in the U.S.A.”

3. “Incident on 57th Street”

4. “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)”

5. Bruce sings excerpts from Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude

6. “Glory Days”

7. “American Skin” (41 Shots)

 8. “The River” album in its entirety

9. “Badlands”

10. “Jungleland”

11. Bruce sing/reads excerpted chapters of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Ubervilles while a solitary violinist plays in the background to give the other band members time to rehydrate and urinate

12. “Tunnel of Love”

13. “Brilliant Disguise”

Encore 1 

14. “Streets of Philadelphia”

15. Bruce returns and sings excerpts from Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner to the tune of “Born to Run;” after, Bruce debuts a new song called “Born To Kite-Run”

16. “Born to Run”

17. “Hungry Heart”

18. Bruce sings Chapters 1-3 of Carson McCullers’s The Heart is a Lonely Hunter as a solitary trumpet player plays a sad melody; other band members permitted to go backstage to caffeinate and defecate

Encore II

19.  “Atlantic City”

20.  “The River” album in its entirety en Español

21.  “My Hometown”

22.  “Dancing in the Dark”

23.  Bruce and the E Street Band perform Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety

24.  “I’m On Fire”

Encore III

25.  “Thunder Road”/The Road by Cormac McCarthy medley

26.  “My City of Ruins”

27.  “The Rising”

28.  Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” in its entirety

29.  “Backstreets”

Encore IV

30.  Bruce sings chapters of Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking

31.  “She’s the One”

32.  “The River” album in Yiddish

33.  While Bruce rehydrates, several members of the E Street Band perform numbers from their new project, which is coming to Broadway in Spring 2018, “JonBenet: The Musical!”

34.  “Tunnel of Love”

35.  “Human Touch”

36.  Bruce and members of the E Street Band perform scenes from “Sophie’s Choice” set to Marvin Hamlisch’s original score

Encore V

37.  “Land of Hope and Dreams”

38.  Bruce sings portions of Night by Elie Wiesel

39.  “Because the Night”

Encore VI

40.  “The Ghost of Tom Joad”

41.  Bruce sings John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath while the E Street Band plays homemade Depression-era instruments

42.  “Pink Cadillac”

43.  “Radio Nowhere”

44.  Bruce sing/reads certain chapters of the novel Push: A Novel by Sapphire

45.  “The River” album in Latin

46.  “I’m Going Down”

Encore VII

47.  A delirious Bruce sings songs by Pet Shop Boys, including “West End Girls,” “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” and “What Have I Done to Deserve This?”

48.  Bruce sings the last chapter of Angela’s Ashes while a band member plays bagpipes

49.  “Born to Run” (acoustic)

50.  Bruce ends the show by drinking an entire keg of beer, and then he crowd surfs back to his New Jersey home

The Boneyard Archives

Why Do People Love The Bands/Musicians We Hate?

Photo courtesy of Rick Harris

Matt DiVenere: What popular band do you hate that people get mad at you for?

Sean Tuohy: None. I may not be the best for this because there is no band or group that I dislike. I really enjoy all music. In the few hours I've been at work, I've listened to classical, an EDM mix, country, and now some Stevie Ray Vaughn. Even the bands I don’t enjoy as much normally have a single song I enjoy to listen to. I used to hate Jon Bon Jovi. Not the band, the person. I really hated him.

Gary Almeter: I loathe reggae. I said this at lunch with colleagues once and everyone was all incredulous and all, "Whaaaaaaaat?" More succinctly, it is a fucking waste of everyone's time. I loathe its laid back offbeat rhythms and its casual evocations of general positivity and folksy folks relaxing on rustic beaches. I loathe Bob Marley. Unrelated, but sort of related, is that I also loathe Bob Marley's fat Irish cousin, Van Morrison. Furthermore, I loathe Bob Marley's margarita-swilling, parrot-wearing brother-in-law Jimmy Buffett. I also loathe Bob Marley's illegitimate stepson, Jack Johnson.

Rob Bates: He's not a band, and not even popular anymore, but I hate Billy Joel. I had to limit my friend's access to my Facebook posts because she objected to one particular rant. I'm usually so vociferous about it, no one wants to argue.

Daniel Ford: I hate Vampire Weekend. Why does everyone under 35 love that band? They suck. I hate their pretentious instruments, their weepy lyrics, and their uninspired hipster garb. Add Band of Horses to that list for similar reasons. Has this generation been so inundated with pop-crap that they can't recognize shitty music when they hear it? "Those lyrics are deep and dope, man." No, they aren't, they're bullshit. And as someone who shovels it on a regular basis, I know of what I speak. 

Matt: I knew this would be a popular topic.

I'm going full heel here, to use a wrestling term. I hate The Beatles.

I hate them. The most overrated band of all time. They're iconic because they walked across some street? I just don't get it.

I'd rather listen to Britney Spears' first album (minus the "hits”). I'd rather use the Oxford comma. I'd rather...you get it. I told my father-in-law this, and I thought he was going to revoke his acceptance of my marriage to his daughter. Still a very touchy subject. He also is mad at me that I think “Jurassic Park” is overrated, but that's another story for another time.

Daniel: I was looking forward to you making a compelling argument about this, but you had to go ahead and insult the Oxford comma. How dare you?

The Beatles changed the face of music. It was more than just pop and lyrics, everything they did was iconic. And not iconic in the form of Instagram posts or sub-tweets. Not to mention, their music, for the most part, is fun. How do you not get fired up listening to "Drive My Car" or "Twist and Shout?”

You're a monster, Matt. Your father-in-law is playing the long game on this one.

Dave Pezza: Not many like Vampire Weekend. In fact I am one of like two people who own all three of their albums. They are a rare band that mixes African beats, crisp melodies, and a purposefully cheerful tone. And Ezra Koeing's voice is amazingly sharp, that shit doesn't even waiver in concert. Lastly, their lyrics are ridiculously good, hard to decipher but good none-the-less, like a good poem. Vampire Weekend is what you get when English majors make music. No one said you had to like them, but your nay-saying speaks more about you than it does about those of us who like them.

But on to the first point, Billy Joel! Come on. When did all of the joy in your life so totally disappear that now Joel's soulful piano and uncannily high voice doesn't pluck at your heartstrings? I once had a girlfriend who hated Billy Joel. I guess it turns out all Billy Joel haters have a bottomless pit of jet black where their hearts should be.

Matt, you need to stop viewing the world from you hyper technological 2016 point-of-view. Imagine listening to the radio in the 1960s and amongst all the dross that passed for pop music, and then "Twist and Shout,” "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," or "A Day in the Life" comes on. These songs were so good people went insane. Brian Wilson allegedly went crazy when he heard “Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band.” So please, for the love of god, use your writer powers to empathize with a people who don't live in our jaded, overanalyzed, hypersensitive contemporary world.

Daniel: I've seen Vampire Weekend’s "African beats" live. I had to be roused from a near-coma. So your argument for liking this band revolves around "English majors making music," "hard to decipher," and "like a poem?" Sounds like a real hoot! I'd rather listen to Death Cab for Cutie's wrist-slitting music fused with Celine Dion's shrieking. 

I was a huge Billy Joel fan in high school. And then I kind of grew out of him. I didn't start hating him or anything, I just found different musicians to like more. I saw him at Fenway last summer and he was great. I can't hate a bald, sweaty fat guy still grinding it out on the road (and by grinding it out I mean stay in five-star hotels and showing off his young wife).

Gary: I don't hate him but I'm sort of tired of Bruce Springsteen. We get it, you're tired of seeing the poor and downtrodden get poorer and downtroddener amidst the smoke stacks and railroad tracks of the Midwestern city. But it's time to move the fuck on. 

Once at a poker game, the fellas were talking about who was the best songwriter of all time—Dylan, Springsteen, and Neil Young. I said, "I think you need to add Billy Joel to the conversation," and you would've thought I had gouged out their pancreases they were so offended. But I think he is part of that conversation.  

Rob: Vampire Weekend is like a Paul Simon rip off band, but they have some decent stuff. It is pleasant to listen to like latter-day Paul.

What kind of monster doesn't like the man behind such gems as,

He's talking to Davy who is still in the navy/You are only human you are supposed to make mistakes.

He writes for three year olds!

Also,

I learned that a man isn't just being macho.

If there is a more horrible lyric in rock, I have yet to hear it.

Daniel: Stephanie Schaefer agrees with Gary's Springsteen comments. Engagement now in the balance. (Just kidding *prepares couch *.)

My reaction to starting this thread:

Dave: 

Lindsey Wojcik: I'm chiming in just to send love to the “Arrested Development”/Will Arnett gif.

Lisa Carroll: I am not going to tell my husband about the Springsteen comments but I have seen "The Boss" six or seven times and the man is amazing live. I'm not going to tell my 15-year-old daughter about The Beatles comments but I will tell you that she and I were belting some Beatles in the car today and I love that she knew that "Hey Jude" had 1:45 of additional "na na na nanananas" left when she forwarded to the next song.

I hate Frank Zappa. I hate Neil Young. I hate Bob Dylan.

I hate that I don't know who Vampire Weekend is but I just Googled them and I have "Oxford Comma" playing in the background as I write this...

I love how passionate you all are and I love reading these crazy threads.

Hassel Velasco: I absolutely despise The Eagles. Yeah, we get it. It's a hotel and we can never leave. For fucks sake! If I had a dollar for every time I've skipped that song since the time I first listened to it, I'd be able to retire comfortably by 70. (I need a new accountant.)

If you don't like The Beatles, you probably don't like anything in general #justkidding #butreally. The Beatles continued to push the boundaries of the recording process by practically leading the transition from two-, to four-, to eight-track recording.

Nickelback is also terrible.

Matt: I'm very aware of all that The Beatles accomplished. They were revolutionary. But that doesn't mean I have to like them. David Ortiz is a legendary figure for Boston, but you won't see me praising him ever.

I'm more of a Rolling Stones fan. And Billy Joel. But my parents never listened to The Beatles growing up so I never did either. It's just not for me. Nothing to do with my age or my view on the world. I'm also more of a Huey Lewis and the News guy too. Saw them a few years ago on the Boston Waterfront...they still got it.

Another band I hate that might turn down the scalding heat of hatred pointed at me from this group: Dave Matthews Band. I just don't get it. A few of his songs are tolerable, but c’mon. I'm not a fan of those "jam bands" at all.

Gary: I too hate Dave Matthews Band. And jam bands in general. Like when are the fucking words going to start you smelly hairy fucks?

I would see Springsteen in concert but for the same reason I would go see Mount Rushmore or the La Brea Tar Pits: the experience has just sort of wended its way into the American psyche and so we feel like we should do it as some sort of duty. The whole Springsteen thing seems to be just an extended skirmish based on hyper-compressed humility and backhanded boasts.  

I also hate Sting.

Stephanie Schaefer: I may risk Daniel taking my ring back, but I have to agree with Lisa. Neil Young sounds like a whining/dying animal. I also only like one U2 song (“With our Without You,” obviously). I was actually upset that iTunes automatically gave me their new album for free (and I initially blamed Daniel for putting it in my music library).

How hasn't anyone mentioned Taylor Swift? I have way more songs of hers on my iPod than I'd like to admit. I'll admit that her songs are super catchy, but the lyrics all seem like they could be written by a fourth grader.

"Today was a fairytale/I wore a dress/You wore a dark grey t-shirt/You told me I was pretty/When I looked like a mess/Today was a fairytale."

Seriously!?

Adam Vitcavage: I don't hate them, but I've never gotten into Radiohead as much as my friends say I should. They're basically required listening to in my world, and I like them enough. But I never swam in the deep end of their discography. They're singles are catchy and I respect them. But there is so much out there to listen to. I'd rather give my heart completely to a small amount of bands than listen to everything out there for a few weeks until the next "must listen" to band comes out there.

I guess I don't really hate any bands. I just choose not to listen to a lot. Like reggae, metal, super twangy country, etc. The usual stuff pretentious and self-indulgent hipsters don't like. But don't worry, I'm seeking help and in a Hipsters Anonymous group.

Alex Tzelnic: I believe in the soul. I believe Adam Levine is a no-talent ass clown. I believe that Maroon 5 is one of the worst band names of all time, and that being a judge on “The Voice” so that you can engage in inane banter with Blake Shelton ruins any artistic "credibility" you have. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe that if I hear “Moves Like Jagger” one more time, I'll weep like Brian Wilson, but for the exact opposite reasons. I believe sleeve tattoos do not automatically make you a badass. And I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. Goodnight.

Hassel: 

Join the discussion! Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Boneyard Archives

Sunday Brunch: How a Sixties Soul-Eyed Kid Developed His Love of Music and the Week’s Top Posts

This post is brought to you by the 1960s.

By Daniel Ford

Starters

From The Zombies and The Rascals to Neil Young and Jethro Tull, my father developed a passion for the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s that the former soul band saxophonist instilled in his three sons.

I recently dropped the needle on our favorite albums and peppered him with questions about the origins of his love of music, the first album he ever bought, and all the bands he saw live at Providence College from 1969 to 1973.

First Round of Mimosas

Author Judy Chicurel talks to Writer’s Bone about her short story collection, If I Knew You Were Going to Be This Beautiful, I Never Would Have Let You Go, her writing process, and her future literary plans.

Author Judy Chicurel On How Everything Should Start With Your Writing

Jazz Interlude

There’s really not a bad version of this Duke Ellington’s “Black and Tan Fantasy,” however, there might not any better than this one featuring Louis Armstrong. His trumpet swings your face off. I strongly suggest getting a copy of the album, “The Great Summit: Complete Sessions,” in order to enjoy Sundays the way God intended.   

Book Lovers Double-Stuffed Omelet

Our November book recommendations include Amy Poehler’s Yes Please, We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas, and Jill Lepore’s The Secret History of Wonder Woman. Read the rest of our list and let us know what your favorites from the past month!

5 Books That Should Be On Your Radar: November 2014

And…

Five good crime novel with devilish men and fatal dames that fill the page with greed and murder!

5 Crime Novels That Will Keep You Warm This Winter

Second Round of Mimosas

Sean Tuohy may not know a lot about fashion, but he knows a thing or two about t-shirts! He recently sat down with fashion designer Melanie Andujar to talk about her t-shirt designs for Revision Apparel.

T-Shirt Chic: 9 Questions With Fashion Designer Melanie Andujar

Digestif

Dave Pezza and I went to see Bob Dylan live at the Providence Performing Arts Center last week. We finally recovered enough to write a Bob, Bourbon, and Books about our experience.

Bob, Bourbon, and Books: Simple Twist of Fate

Podcasts for Dessert

Dan Jurgens, comic book artist and writer, talks to Writer’s Bone about how he got his start, creating Doomsday and killing Superman, and his thoughts on today’s superhero movie craze.

Episode 50: Comic Book Artist and Writer Dan Jurgens

In Memoriam

For nearly 50 years director Mike Nichols brought inspired filmmaking to the screen. Here are some of our favorite films:

Remembering Director Mike Nichols

Next Week’s Menu

A conversation with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Tom Schulman. 

Sunday Brunch: Boston Historian Barbara Berenson and the Week’s Top Posts

What brunch may have looked like during the Civil War. 

By Daniel Ford

Starters

Local Boston historian Barbara Berenson talks to Daniel Ford about her book, Boston and the Civil War: Hub of the Second Revolution.

To learn more about Berenson and her work, visit her official website, www.civilwarboston.org.

First Round of Mimosas

Sean Tuohy talks to techno-thriller author Rick Chesler about his novels and why he wanted to be a writer.

Torturing the High Seas: 9 Questions With Techno-Thriller Author Rick Chesler

Country Music Interlude

In place of our typical jazz numbers, we have 10 country hits that are sure to send your creativity right to the honky-tonk!

10 Country Music Songs To Spark Your Creativity Y’All

The Newspapermen Eggs Benedict

Shirley and Henry meet Hal, public scumbag number one, at a midtown night club.

Chapter Eight: Midtown Suds

Second Round of Mimosas

An unedited rant by essayist Dave Pezza brought to you by port, Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska,” Bruce Dern, and a typewriter.

Hate Is A Strong Word

Support Our Troops

To celebrate Veteran’s Day, we compiled five military-related books you should add to your collection. I urge you to support organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Ron Capp’s Veteran Writing Project.

5 Books To Read On Veteran’s Day

Podcasts for Dessert

Actress Stephanie Andujar drops by Writer’s Bone to talk about her roles in “Orange Is The New Black” and “A Walk Among The Tombstones” and what you have to do to make it as an actress.

Next Week’s Menu

A podcast interview with comic book artist/writer Dan Jurgens, Sean Tuohy gets a taste of the fashion world from Melanie Andujar, and the latest installment of The Newspapermen!

Sunday Brunch: ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Revisited and the Week’s Top Posts

Picture by Daniel Ford

Writer’s Bone’s Sunday Brunch features fresh commentary or interviews, jazz recommendations, and a roundup of the week’s top posts. We encourage you to enjoy this post on a weekly basis with a mouthful of omelet and home fries, as well as an unhealthy amount of the aforementioned mimosas, Bloody Marys, or bellinis. Also, send us your brunch pictures and we'll feature them in upcoming posts! You can email them to admin@writersbone.com or tweet us at @WritersBone.

By Daniel Ford

Starters

Sean and I recently noticed that our discussion about the award-winning television series "Batman: The Animated Series," while watching the episode "Over the Edge," has generated nearly 4,000 views. We decided we would revisit the episodes ourselves by having it lead off our Sunday brunch post. For those of you who haven’t seen it, enjoy!

First Round of Mimosas

Musician Mark Whitaker, armed with a banjo and a voice as smooth as a single malt, talks to me about his early influences, the inspiration behind “Nowhere to Land,” and the art of songwriting.

Finding A Place to Land With Singer-Songwriter Mark Whitaker

Musical Interlude

It’s only fair that we let Mark Whitaker provide the soundtrack to our brunch.

Badass Writers of the Week Eggs Benedict

“Fury” writer/director David Ayer has made his stamp in Hollywood for writing gritty, character-driven movies that audiences can’t get enough of. His backstory earned him this past Friday’s Badass Writer of the Week.

Badass Writer of the Week: David Ayer

The One With the Second Round of Mimosas

“Friends” is one of those shows that simply never goes out of style. In preparation for the show’s Netflix debut, Stephanie Schaefer rounded up her favorite moments.

The One With My 10 Favorite ‘Friends’ Moments

Bonus Music Round

There were a lot of movies with great music released during the 1990s…or at least Sean Tuohy thinks there were. Out of all those film soundtracks that debuted during the post-heavy metal, pre-Justin Bieber days, three stand out for their use of original and compiled music. Get your week moving by listening to The Wonders (as well as those real artists on the soundtracks from “Reservoir Dogs” and “Mallrats!”

The Top 3 Movie Soundtracks of the 1990s

Podcasts for Dessert

An oldie, but a goodie. This is one of my favorite podcasts. Sean and I talk about how we go about building our worlds when we write. Hearing Sean passionately talk about his craft never fails to inspire me. Who inspires you to write?

Writers On Fire: How We Use Emotion To Build Our Worlds

Next Week’s Menu

Our podcast live from the Boston Book Festival, the next installment of The Newspapermen, and more!

The Top 3 Movie Soundtracks of the 1990s

By Sean Tuohy

There were a lot of movies with great music released during the 1990s…or at least I think there was. Out of all those film soundtracks that debuted during the post-heavy metal, pre-Justin Bieber days, three stand out for their use of original and compiled music.

Take a listen, remember the good ole days, and send us your 1990s favorites in the comments section or tweet us @WritersBone.

"That Thing You Do!" 

1996

Written and directed by America’s most beloved actor Tom Hanks, this little gem of a movie is charming, funny, and reminds us of a simpler time. “That Thing You Do” depicts the rise of a small town band from local talent shows to the big time after its catchy tune becomes a hit. The title song alone will get stuck in your head for days. You can't help but bob your head along with the upbeat tune. However, the soundtracks offers plenty of other songs from "The Wonders." all of which ooze 1960’s rock-pop.

"Little Wild One" and "Dance With Me Tonight" are two that will cause you to fall in love with this make-believe band. The album also mixes other songs classic to the time: jazz, Motown, and smooth club music.

"Reservoir Dogs"

1992

Movie nerd Quentin Tarantino is known for his blood-soaked, pop culture-laced films with great soundtracks. While it's true that "Jackie Brown" and "Pulp Fiction" have fantastic soundtracks, however, Reservoir Dogs

truly stands out. Maybe it’s the fact you have Steven Wright deadpanning as a K-Billy’s DJ in between each song, or that each song is so different from the last. No matter the reason, this album, quite simply is cool and awesome in its own way.

"Mallrats"

1995

This movie is soaked in 1990s, featuring bright colors, characters to smart for their own good, pop culture rants, and comic books aplenty. This movie is meant for teenage boys to watch and love. The soundtrack perfectly matches the playful, goofy, and overall honest moments of this flick.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.

Sunday Brunch: A Conversation With Essayist Dave Pezza and the Week’s Top Posts

Photo by Stephanie Schaefer

By Daniel Ford

Isn’t brunch fantastic?

Whenever I travel somewhere that doesn’t understand the tipsy, delicious magic that is brunch, I develop a deep sadness for the people that actually have to live there. Life isn’t worth living without unlimited mimosas, overpriced and pretentiously made Eggs Benedict, and, god willing, a live jazz band that would be right at home in The Newspapermen.

It’s in that spirit that I present to you Writer’s Bone version of brunch. This post will feature fresh commentary or interviews, jazz recommendations, and a roundup of the week’s top posts. We encourage you to enjoy this post on a weekly basis with a mouthful of omelet and home fries, as well as an unhealthy amount of the aforementioned mimosas, Bloody Marys, or Bellinis.

Photo by Cristina Cianci

Starters

Dave Pezza has been hard at work crafting his next essay. How do I know? I get texts like, “This blows” and “writing is hard.” In the meantime, he sat down to talk with me about his first essay, “In Defense of Analogue,” his writing process, and his favorite vinyl albums.

First Round of Mimosas

This is the jazz before the jazz.

I found out that Writer’s Bone contributor Hailey Reissman is actually friends with author Marie-Helene Bertino, who we interviewed this past Tuesday. Hailey also recommends checking out Bertino’s short story collection, Safe as Houses, in addition to her novel 2 A.M. at the Cat’s Pajamas.

The Cat’s Meow: 13 Questions With Author Marie-Helene Bertino

Jazz Interlude

Take five. You deserve it.

The Newspapermen Eggs Benedict 

Sean Tuohy brought The Newspapermen to another level this week with his script introducing us to Hal, a lowlife journalist who is at the edge of his rope. Sean knows noir like the back of his hand, so it was no surprise his entry enhanced the world we’ve created. He’s likely to write a future scene involving Shirley, which I’m hoping will involve our heroine engaging in more gunplay.

Chapter Five: Scum and Villainy

Second Round of Mimosas

Now that you’re feeling the champagne a little bit, maybe you’re in the mood to write a little bit. You can, we’ll save some dessert for you. Before you run off, check out these tips from some of our favorite authors.

Author Inspired: How Our Favorite Writers Combat Creative Lulls

Podcasts for Dessert

I guess popcorn is an odd choice for dessert, but when Sean Tuohy gets angry enough to denounce the popular movie treat, you can’t help but go with the flow. Sean and I also talk about books that deserve their own television shows, poorly written novels, and the glut of young adult novels and movies.

Next Week’s Menu

Podcasts with Comic Book Men’s Bryan Johnson and Broken Lizard’s Steve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan, more author interviews, Bob (or Bruce), Bourbon, and Books, and more writing inspiration.

Keep writing (and Sunday drinking)!

Once More With Feeling: The Best Soundtracks of All Time

Since so many of you enjoyed our recent discussion on our favorite musical moments in film, we decided to continue the series and focus on the best movie soundtracks of all time (Be sure to check out Lindsey Wojcik’s post “Soon Is Now: How ‘The Wedding Singer’ Soundtrack Made Me Fall in Love With the 1980s” before you dive into this one). Look for more music and movie magic in the near future. In the meantime, send us your own recommendations in the comments section, post them to our Facebook page, or tweet us @WritersBone.—Daniel Ford

The Big Chill

Daniel Ford: I wrote about “The Big Chill” soundtrack in our favorite musical moments in film post last week, but it is well worth writing more words about it. There’s not a bad song on this album and each tune is used expertly in the movie. From the gorgeously filmed opening sequence set to Marvin Gaye’s “Heard It Through the Grapevine” to the car ride scene featuring New York City’s own The Rascal’s “Good Lovin’,” the soundtrack anchors the hope found beneath the movie’s darker overtones. You also can’t go wrong with including Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale” on any “best of “ list. I didn’t see this movie until recently, but I’ve been aware of the soundtrack for at least a decade. It’s one of the rare instances that the soundtrack may outshine the film.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Dave Pezza: If you haven’t seen "Guardians of the Guardians" yet, you should check it out. It's a pretty good for a Marvel movie. In the movie, Chris Pratt’s character is abducted from Earth with nothing but the clothes on his back and his backpack. Within that backpack is a mix tape his mother, who dies at the beginning of the movie, made for him, featuring some tasty soft rock hits from the 1970s. The studio released an official soundtrack and then an alternate soundtrack with all of the songs on mix tape. This mix tape is mind-numbingly good and full of classics and hits that you forgot all about. It features classics like “I Want you Back” by The Jackson Five, “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, and “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede. Some surprising tracks, like “Come and Get You Love” by Redbone and “Fooled Around and Fell in love” by Elvin Bishop, are true old school soft jams, forgotten by all of us who grew up to oldies radio stations in the back seat of their grandfather’s car. This soundtrack is so good it reached the number one on Billboard 200, the first soundtrack entirely composed of previously released music to ever reach that peak. Pick this soundtrack up, you’ll be singing it for months…trust me.

Dirty Dancing

Stephanie Schaefer: Nobody puts baby in a corner. Period.

Apollo 13

Matt DiVenere: The thrilling drum beat. The familiar power of the brass. The crash of the cymbals. The smooth violin telling a story filled with fear, the unknown and, eventually, relief. The chorus adding an almost angel-like tone in times of desperation and near-tragedy. It’s a story unto itself without any need of words nor images. It speaks to a struggle, a near abandonment of hope and life itself. But just as you float into oblivion, hope returns with a faint trumpet and, ultimately, a crescendo that transcends all others. It is compelling, breathtaking, anxious, and beautiful all at once.

American Hustle

Sara Silvestri: Conversation I had with Daniel:

Daniel: What do you like about "American Hustle?"

Sara: The soundtrack. And everything else.

Daniel: Well okay then.

Purple Rain

Lisa Carroll: Despite the fact that the acting was crap (even to my high school freshman self), the music was dazzling and exciting, and Prince won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Highlights are "Jungle Love" by Morris Day and the Time, and Prince and the Revolution's "Baby I'm a Star," "I Would Die For You," "When Doves Cry" (which also made it's way onto Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack, which is also fantastic by the way and "I'm Kissing You" is just about the sexiest song ever), and of course "Purple Rain."

The Sandlot

Daniel: Men who say they aren't thinking about Wendy Peppercorn when they hear The Drifter's "This Magic Moment" are full of shit. While that tune is the real gem of this soundtrack, the album also includes three of the greatest dance/complete nonsense songs of all time: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Tequila" (I mean seriously, why does this song exist other than to be in this movie and why did parents think it was okay for their kids to listen to it?), and "Wipe Out." On their own, these songs are awful. Paired together with a nostalgic movie, they're gold.

There also isn't a more beautiful version of "America the Beautiful" than the one Ray Charles croons in this flick. "The Sandlot" features the perfect fusion of America, baseball, tobacco, dumb kids, and music.

Never Back Down

Rachel Tyner: Every single time I watch this movie, I want to go to the gym immediately.

The Bodyguard

Stephanie: Magical.

Footloose

Lisa: The tracks on this album are so good they made a musical out of it. I actually won a copy of this LP in middle school in 1984 as a prize for a school "Dress Up Day." The album itself had an image of Kevin Bacon's butt on it so that made it worth it right there. My personal faves are "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler. and of course. the title song by Kenny Loggins. The remake by Blake Shelton pales in comparison.

Saturday Night Fever

Lisa: The movie that defined the disco era. And made the three-piece white suit a Halloween staple.

Forrest Gump

Lisa: The two-album soundtrack to this epic story is brilliant. A musical journey from the 1950s ("Hound Dog") through the turbulent 1960s ("Fortunate Son," "Volunteers") and the peace movement ("Turn! Turn! Turn!" and "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine") with the added beauty of the "Forrest Gump Suite."

Dazed and Confused

Lindsey: Like "The Wedding Singer," this soundtrack is filled with tracks from an era I never experienced. My parents are classic rock fanatics, and this soundtrack reminds me of the heat waves I'd spend floating in my parents' pool, while my dad fixed cars in the garage with the classic rock radio station blaring. It screams summer. Alright, alright, alright. Take it easy.

Pitch Perfect

Lisa: The vocals and the songs they cover are acca-awesome. And Skylar Astin is my college-aged self's boyfriend.

Reservoir Dogs

Dave: Another amazing soundtrack! Quentin Tarantino, the master of cinematic cool, set the soundtrack bar horribly high for himself with his freshman film “Reservoir Dogs.” The soundtrack is modeled after a radio program heard various times throughout the movie, “K. Billy’s Super Sounds of the 70s.” Tarantino got comedian Steven Wright, known for his straight face and deadpan comedic styling, to provide the voice of DJ K. Billy. This killer group of songs provides some major hits in “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel (which accompanies cinematic history in the film) and “Hooked on a Feeling.” Tarantino also dug up some gems like “Little Green Bag” by the George Baker Selection and, a personal favorite, “Coconut” by Harry Nilsson. Hilarious sound bits from the movie are stuck in there too for you extended enjoyment. All in all, you get a well-polished soundtrack.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.

Hitting the High Notes: Our Favorite Musical Moments in Film

"Come on and twist a little closer, now/And let me know that you're mine"

Productivity plummeted yesterday afternoon in the Writer’s Bone office after I polled our crew for great music moments in movies. My email was flooded with suggestions and it was too hard to narrow the list down, so I decided to include everything. If you want to join the discussion, submit your favorite suggestions in the comments section, post them on our Facebook page, or tweet us @WritersBone.—Daniel Ford

“Singing in the Rain”

Daniel: What’s incredible is that Gene Kelly allegedly had an off-the-charts fever and his suit continued to shrink during the scene’s filming (which may or may not have been done in one take). He looks happier than anyone else in recorded history. True love makes you do some dopey things, but man, it also makes you feel exactly like a well-choreographed musical number.

“Walk the Line”

Daniel: “No darlin’.” This could have gone horribly wrong. Instead, June Carter gives Johnny Cash a “fresh answer” and the rest is music history.

“Almost Famous”

Stephanie Schaefer: Great song. Great movie. Great scene.

“500 Days of Summer”

Dave Pezza: If only all of our post-coital celebrations could be this good.

“Wayne’s World”

Lisa Carroll: This is my daughter Maggie's favorite song and we frequently replay this scene in my car.

“Grease”

Daniel: Why wasn’t my high school like this! Even the supporting babes were hot. I would have followed Olivia Newton John’s leather pants into hell itself.

“Back to the Future”

Daniel: Best lip-synching performance ever. One of the best parts of this scene is the guy who was knocked out snapping his fingers to the rhythm of the song while still on the floor. Also, Michael J. Fox’s wing tips.

“The Sweetest Thing”

Former 1950s movie star and Writer’s Bone newcomer Sara Silvestri: The best BJ singing scene I can think of.

“Big”

Stephanie: If this scene doesn't make you smile, you don't have a soul. Fun fact: The producer originally hired professional dancers for this, but Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia insisted on doing it themselves.

“The Karate Kid”

Cristina Cianci: Can't go wrong with Ralph Macchio and some soccer.

“Pretty in Pink”

Lindsey Wojcik: I would be born a year after this film was released. However, I still have a deep appreciation for John Hughes' films, which all include some kind of musical moment. This classic Otis Redding song, John Cryer's wardrobe, and the record store all make this John Hughes musical scene stand out to me the most.

“The Big Chill”

Daniel: Everyone in this movie is severely damaged. That’s what makes this scene so powerful. All of the characters forget about all that ails them and let loose to some classic Motown. However, Jeff Goldblum can’t help being creepy.

“Groundhog Day”

Lisa: My husband and I consider this "our song (there may or may not be video evidence of us singing this at karaoke) and sometimes my life feels exactly like this.

"Ferris Bueller’s Day Off"

Lindsey: This scene exemplifies the power of Bueller's charisma. From "Save Ferris" to "Twist and Shout," Bueller can perfectly manipulate situations in his favor—and it's so damn fun! John Hughes' Chicago agrees.

“Remember the Titans”

Lisa: Gets me every time.

“The Bad News Bears”

Everyone’s favorite Upper East Side comedian and Writer's Bone newcomer Rob Bates: One of my favorites. And I don't even give a damn about baseball.

“A Hard Day’s Night”

Daniel: Simply genius. The Beatles essentially made a movie that said,” Hey, look at how cool we are!” Everyone loved it. Because they were (and still are) that cool.

“Casablanca”

Daniel: What a bitch. Good lord. Ingrid Bergman sure knew how to torture a man. Sam has sheer terror in his eyes when she makes him play the song. And Bogey crumbles pretty much instantly. Have a heart woman!

“Say Anything”

Lindsey: Only Lloyd Dobler (played by the lovable John Cusak) could make standing outside of a girl's window holding a boombox not seem creepy. Tell me: Was there a teenage girl that did not want her crush to profess his undying love for her in similar fashion after seeing this scene?

“Jailhouse Rock”

Daniel: My grandfather and uncle watched every Elvis movie known to man many times over.

"Inner Space"

Daniel: I used to act this out in front of family members. It took me years to realize they probably weren't laughing with me.

“Frozen”

Stephanie: Who hasn't belted out "Let it Go" at some point in the last year?

"Way Out West"

Rob Bates: A golden oldie.

“Guys and Dolls” 

Sara: This should be Sinatra singing but I'll take Marlon Brando and some awesome man dancing any day.

The Boneyard Archives

Table of Contents: Smokey Robinson Can’t Stop Writing and Why Writers Need to Take Risks

Smokey Robinson

Table of Contents is a series that collects stories from around the Internet that will inspire you to keep writing and reading. To share writing news with us, leave a message in the comments section or tweet us @WritersBone. 

By Daniel Ford

Second That Emotion

According to an Associated Press feature, Smokey Robinson can’t stop writing.

"I write on the plane, on the bus, on the train, I write in the bathroom. I do have a bunch of songs that I'm very anxious to record."

This is great news for the rest of us. Don’t stop Smokey! Don’t ever stop!

The 74-year-old musician has an album coming out Aug. 19 called “ Smokey & Friends.” It features duets with the likes of Elton John, Steven Tyler, John Legend, and James Taylor.

Baseball Writer

With the Little League World Series in progress, Williamsport is constantly in the sports news. But it wasn’t a particular 12-year-old that caught my eye recently (with the exception of female fireballer Mo’ne Davis), but writer Austin Gisriel, who published a book on former Detroit Tigers pitcher Cletus Elwood “Boots” Poffenberger.

Gisriel was interviewed by Herald-Mail Media and one of his answers stood out to me:

"Sometimes, however, I have to force myself to forget about pulling weeds and cleaning up the garage and write."

He’s speaking literally, but how many times do us writers have to pull ourselves away from our self-imposed to-do lists in order to sit down and do what we love? What are some of the ways you pull yourself away from the weeds and sit down at the computer (you can answer in the comments section or tweet us @WritersBone)?

Check out Gisriel’s official website to learn more about the author and his work.

Risky Business

Ever have a family member, friend, or love interest get bent out of shape after reading about a character that might resembled them too closely?

That certainly was the case for author David Gordon, who talks about his ex-wife unfriending him on Facebook after reading his last novel, in his essay in The New York Times.

He speaks to a fear that we’ve mentioned quite a bit here at Writer’s Bone. Many writers don’t like sharing their work because they are afraid it won’t be liked or it might offend/insult a certain readership. Gordon reconciles this fear with this invaluable insight:

"Writing then, must feel risky in order to feel like life."

Yes. A million times yes.

Gordon also has a wise friend that gives him a hilariously sparkling piece of advice at the end of the essay. A must read.

Lauren Bacall, Writer 

Acting legend Lauren Bacall, who died Aug. 12 at the age of 89, may be best remembered for her roles in “To Have or Have Not” and “Key Largo,” but she was also a writer!

According The Los Angeles Times, she wrote three memoirs, By Myself, Now, and By Myself and Then Some, and said that writing was the “most complete experience” she’s ever had. She also wrote her first one in longhand on yellow legal pads!

I remember Bacall from her role in “My Fellow Americans” as the wife of former President Jack Lemmon. Her advice on swearing is the reason I curse as freely as I do.

Bears in Kilts

Author Vonnie Davis explains to USA Today how she started writing about Scottish bears.

Really, if you need more explanation than that to read the article, there is something seriously wrong with you.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.

Tunes and Loons: The Top 5 Musical Numbers From 'The Simpsons'

By Sean Tuohy

"The Simpsons" is filled with knee slapping and heartwarming moments, but the best moments for the yellow skinned family are the moments when they break into song and dance. In classic, over-the-top musical fashion, the show created toe tapping tunes that would get stuck in your head for days or years to come.

With an assist from my friend Michael Foley, I created a list of the top five musical numbers from "The Simpsons."

Please note: It is really hard to good quality video and audio for these songs, so I posted just the song with no video.

"See My Vest"

Oh, we see you there  Mr. Burns! Yes, the evil madman who runs the power planet is also a wannabe Broadway singer and dancer.

The Stonecutters

Who loves this song???! We do! When Homer joins secret group of power brokers they do what any power hungry song would do: break out in to song and dance.

"Monorail"

I don't have to explain.

"The Garbage Man Can"

He can do so much and there is no stopping him! When family man Homer runs for office, he soon bites off more than he can chew, which he explains to us in this triumphant number.

"We Put the Spring In Springfield"

Ah, you put the "ha" in my "hahaha" Springfield. This number explains how a new brothel is a good thing for the small all-American town.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.