Monthly Online Shenanigans & Shameless Self Promotion

Ok, so it's that time once again when I post various online appearances, writings, and other general items of interest to provide you with plenty of insight, update you on my goings on, and help improve my personal SEO.

First, as always, you can check out my personal site....in an effort to drive some freelance/full-time work, I've added a professional services page as well as reformatted my professional portfolio. Plus, if you haven't noticed, I've also sorted the top links and included my Amazon Author page. Hopefully, this should give me a little bit more of a boost. 

(Plus, if you order my books, either order from Amazon or directly from Pro Se Productions, Space Buggy Press, or Airship 27 Productions - not only do I get royalties, but you also avoid engaging in digital piracy. I can also hook you up if you want to review any of my work)

It's been years since I've pestered Mike Sterling of Progressive Ruin (at least, it seems like years), so I'm really grateful he commented on several of my 2016 Comics Predictions.

I honestly don't remember if I linked to this previously, but a Black Bat fan posted a page from a story I wrote (but unlikely to be published). No worries: I'm hoping to rewrite the story and get it out somehow. 

And now, a post for pal Roger via Chicago Now's One Cause At A Time - it was part of a group effort on writing around the same topic. It's also a potent reminder that ten years ago, I moved back to Chicago from St. Louis. 

That's it for now....I'd better start planning for the next few weeks. Those Leverage posts ain't gonna write themselves....

As Mike Sterling Would Say, "Blogging About Blogging Is A Sin"

As you've probably guessed, I have made several changes to the blog. In fact, one of them is that (gasp) I've actually been blogging much more consistently. Not at the levels of Mike Sterling, my personal favorite comics blogger...but I'm getting there.

Part of it is that, well, part of my job search has involved working on SEO and, well, making sure that when potential employers Google me, they learn more about my current online shenanigans and less about the kind of shenanigans I was into about 20 years ago.

Unflattering, admittedly, but
still funny nonetheless.

So you'll see, if you look to your right, I've started using some of the newer features that Blogger is rolling out - more specifically, now I can create subpages to the blog. I have gone ahead and have not just expanded the "About Me" section, but have also created a separate page for my PR and disclosure policy. I've been getting quite a few inquiries about doing PR; however, many of them are the basic press release and zip file; hopefully, making it clear that I'll follow the rules and creating a special Contact Me form via Google Docs should help make it much easier for me to be contacted, and more importantly - to contact people back.

I've also been - and need to be - more up front about my affiliate relationships. (See the PR & disclosure link above). There are a few ads and graphics around the site - nothing too blatant. Please feel free to click and order (or, if you click the PayPal link, make a small donation) - mostly, it's to defray domain/podcasting/other costs associated with running the blog.

Mike Sterling. With Power Rings.

(Speaking of which, next week's Zone 4 will be recorded at  Champion City Comic Con in Springfield, Ohio, and since I'll be here in Chicago, I obviously won't be part of the cast. But give it a listen  - I think you'll dig it. Also, check out the new Zone 4 web comic as well).

That's it, and until next time, I will continue to give you the kind of quality content you expect, and don't forget that Mission: Red is only a week and a half away. Order your tickets now!

Your Untraditional (But Totally Seasonal) Mandatory Holiday Viewing

Wall-e
Originally uploaded by JoshFJoseph

Admittedly, I don't get a lump in my throat when I view movies - in fact, I hate "cute"-ness and mawkishness. So when I have an emotional reaction...that means that a movie is really engaging me on an emotional level. Most movies don't do that.

But perhaps it was because of Mom's recent health scare (trust me, there are volumes to be said...but not publicly), or maybe I was just feeling a bit out of it. After seeing Mom home and making sure she was all right, I went home and watched the long delayed viewing of Disney/Pixar's Wall-E
.

And several times, I came quite close to losing it. (As Mike Sterling would say, "Darn you, Wall-E! Darn you to heck!")

This is, quite honestly, Pixar's masterpiece from design to writing to execution. In short, this is one of those films you should see at least once in your lifetime.

Throughout the film, the visual look in terms of "production design" is astounding (the only quibble is with some human characters in the second act of the film, but it's rationalized by thinking they were meant to look like cartoons). The first part - which takes place primarily in silence - shows us a devastated future earth, with a sole sanitary robot (who has a love of Hello, Dolly!) trudging his way along, with only a futuristic cockroach as company.

That is, until a spaceship lands....and that's when the film really kicks off.

Without spoiling the plot, there are some real twists and turns, even if you think you see them coming. There are also some extremely beautiful moments in which the animation seems to bely its computer-created nature. It's the kind of film you want to immerse yourself in, and at no point does it feel overlong. And some moments (I won't go into them here) are genuinely thrilling and heartbreaking at the same time.

lthough it was cited as being a spoof of "rampant commercialism", it's much more than that - it's a movie about untraditional love and romance. About taking chances and rediscovering what really has value in life. It's about being unique and willing to stand apart, and how that can only serve as an asset.

It's also about the love story between two robots. And second chances. And about the important things in life.

Although originally released in the summer of 2008, there's enough themes associated with Christmas to make it ideal viewing. Do yourself and favor and do so.

This movie nearly drove me to tears. In a good way. And very few movies can actually do that.

See this. Now.

Happy Seventh Blogiversary, Mike!

WWC - Mike Sterling is Drooling Over This Photo
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

I would like to say "Happy blogiversary" to Mike "Progressive Ruin" Sterling, who is still the greatest comics blogger in the multiverse.

Please enjoy some cake in his honor.

Oh, and Mike - can you write more posts about Swamp Thing? I've noticed you've gone a little light on that content recently....

Do Your Parents Know You're Ramones?

Last night, I wanted to do something that commemorated the spirit of America in light of 9/11...but also wanted to watch something that would help me get in a more community-minded frame of mind in preparation for Chicago COUNTS. So I put on a move that I think speaks to a smart, community minded spirit.

That movie, dear readers, is Rock 'N' Roll High School

Yes, I'm serious, why do you ask?

Admittedly, my love for the Ramones is almost as deep and unrelenting as Mike Sterling's love of Swamp Thing. There's something about the simplicity (both musically and lyrically) of songs that hits me in a pleasurable place - it's not rational nor totally emotionally, but somehow, it seems to fit.

Yes, the movie takes its cue from old 1950's/1960's era teen movies, that warned of the danger of rock and roll and how it was corrupting innocent teenagers. Yes, this is a movie with a definite late 70s/early 80s vibe, but there's something about the conflict - a more conservative principal taking on a rebellious young student who basks in her love of rock'n'roll - that resonates with me, especially in these times.

(No, I'm not comparing Mary Woronov to Sarah Palin. Nor am I suggesting that Roger Corman was making a sophisticated piece of political satire. Just that this movie seems to hit a much more rebellious nerve, especially considering the last fifteen minutes of the film. And I honestly believe that this movie contains the greatest performances that both Clint Howard and Timothy Van Pattern ever gave on film).

But there's also a nice vibe that goes against the traditional "high-school-as-variety-of-cliques" idea - that somehow, jocks, nerds, punk rockers, and other students could be united against a restrictive authority, an authority that doesn't listen, and that in the end...sometimes, in order to create something anew, you have to let go of something old.

Plus, this movie also contains a guy in a large mouse suit. And the Ramones.

So my suggestion for next year - the 10th anniversary of 9/11 - we have a national showing of Rock 'N' Roll High School. I think it can bring our country together.

Hey, ho, let's go, indeed.

Happy New Year! (And 2009 In This Blog's History).

Right now, am recovering from a very cool pajama New Year's Eve party, where there was drinking, flirting, and the wearing of pajamas.

Every year - and I can't remember who started this, I think it might have been Greg Burgas of the now-retired Delenda Est Carthago - I go through the blog, randomly select one entry per month, and post it. It's a great way to review the year, and plus - it's great for tweeting and making sure people can get a quick-and-dirty intro to the blog. (It also avoids the now cliche "the year we made contact" meme that 's going round.

Are you ready? Then let's go!

January - "In the end, it's about a man who defiantly declares his existence, who takes on the establishment, who asserts his identity...and finds freedom in that. Who helps us all realize that we should not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered... Our lives are our own."

February - "Can't really blame Mr. Bacardi for this one - after all, he was just a messenger via Twitter.

March - It's as if, to use a then-current metaphor, they were the Nirvana of sketch comedy - thrust headlong into notoriety, and the only thing they could do was make jokes about it. And the culture around them".

April - "...quite frankly, only on television are mishaps 'wacky'"

May - "Or, you've eaten too many Little Debbie's snack cakes, and the preservatives are starting to kick in."

June - "Although I speak very little Polish, I now have a greater appreciation for the b-movie."

July - So, yes, you can keep your Joss Whedons....for me, David Simon is the guy"

August - But the last page? If it doesn't break your heart (in a good way), you lack one"

September - "this was one of my glad-I-did-before-I-got-too-old moments"

October - having people who care enough about the city to give back their time and efforts says much more about our character than sponsoring the Olympic games ever could"

November - "There's nothing that even comes close to the power of this great man, except perhaps this: MIKE STERLING. WITH POWER RINGS."

December - Reading all this, I first have to say....I kind of liked the picture idea when Janet Jackson did it for that Rolling Stone cover."

Have a happy, safe, and fruitful 2010. The fun is only just beginning.

5 Things To Know About BRIAN BLESSED

Like fellow comics blogger Rich, I strongly admire and revere the myth, the legend the force of nature known as BRIAN BLESSED.

But, you're thinking, why should I elevate BRIAN BLESSED to the pantheon of pop culture icons?

(And by the way, as a rule, you must always speak of BRIAN BLESSED in all capital letters and boldface font wherever possible. He is that impressive)

Taking my cue from another, better blog, here are five things you need to know about BRIAN BLESSED:

1. His professional career is wide-ranging: examine his entry in IMDB. Any actor who can work in Shakespeare, Doctor Who and Blake's 7 deserves the accolades. But quite frankly, let's focus on why we worship him so:
2. BRIAN BLESSED pretty much stole the Flash Gordon movie single-handedly: Having recently re-watched the moviey, I began to realize...I had only heard of one other name in the cast. And I had forgotten completely that Timothy Dalton was in this movie. Brian Blessed simply dominates the movie with two key scenes.
3. If Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, & Edgar Wright really loved us, they would cast BRIAN BLESSED in their next movie: OK, they've had Timothy Dalton, and Edward Woodward - BRIAN BLESSED just oozes British pop culture. He's big, bold, and friends with Patrick Stewart (meaning - he eats punks like William Shatner for breakfast) And he's no pushover, either, in fact:
4. BRIAN BLESSED takes guff from no one, and is full of flannel - just watch these YouTube clips from a documentary about I, Claudius. Then, go Netflix or purchase I, Claudius
5. BRIAN BLESSED is to acting what Queen was to rock music: Yes, I did type that out loud. For him there is no over the top...because there is no top for BRIAN BLESSED. Or Queen. Just watch this previously linked-to sequence and tell me you disagree.
   

But don't take my word for it - this Thanksgiving holiday, give yourself the gift of BRIAN BLESSED. There's nothing that even comes close to the power of this great man, except perhaps this:


MIKE STERLING. WITH POWER RINGS.

(Image taken from Mr. Sterling's blog without his permission. If you want it pulled from my blog, Mike, just say the word).

1,200 Posts Down the Road!

That's right - this very blog has made it's 1,200th post (of course, since this blog hit post 1,000 a year ago, that only means I've been slacking). But in that spirit, here are some things you can look forward to seeing on this very blog:

• September's "Record You Should Own"
  
• Another very special "One Web Day" podcast
• An online surprise birthday for pal Chuck with cake and pony rides and all sorts of wonderful good things
• A review of a Marx Brothers play. Put on in this decade.
• I watched Trial of A Time Lord - and I'll tell you if you have to!
  
• A special September TV Party on Comic Related; and
  
• A nice countdown-to-Halloween event (which you can vote on - just check the upper right corner for the poll).

Here's to more online shenanigans! But first, blame Sterling for this rip on my favorite podcast:

5 Reasons I Hated "Justice League: Cry for Justice"

Normally, I don't like blogging about bad comics - in fact, I tend to avoid doing it. I mean, who wants to read me - or anyone - vent about bad comics. (OK, maybe they want to read Chris Sims' dissection, because he's so darn good at it).

But I'm breaking tradition - and performing a public service - to bring you this dissection of Justice League: Cry for Justice, taking my cue from another, better blog.

Here are five reasons you should avoid this book like the plague:

1. James Robinson can do better - I loved his Starman, and his Superman work is starting to grow on me...but here, every one of his characters (including Mikaal Thomas) acts in a very non-heroic way. It's almost as if Robinson is parodying his own writing. Let me put it this way - I was reading the trade collection of All-Star Batman & Robin, and compared to this issue, ASBAR is a paragon of restraint, meaning that I owe Mike Sterling a huge apology.
2. The art is...well, ugly. I'm sorry, but the painted art does not work. It's just as overwrought as the writing. It was almost painful to look at....and although I'm trying to be fair, this book just didn't work on an art level.
   
3. Characters don't act heroic -This is the kind of behavior I would expect in a comic from the 90's - Green Lantern claiming that the League needs to be proactive (which has been the premise of many a DC comic in the past)....the Atom threatening torture by shrinking down and messing around with a guy's brain....even Congorilla, whom you might expect to be a little out-of-character (given his long history) seems out of place here. These aren't heroes - they're petulant adolescents.
   
4. This book has the whiff of editorial influence - given the fact that, well, the last writer of Justice League left under admittedly questionable circumstances (admittedly, of his own making)- and with Robinson named the new League scribe....makes one wonder....
5. The whole premise of proactive heroes is rather self-defeating - The get-the-bad-guys-before-they-get-us premise...well, if we use superheroes as policemen/firemen analogues, both policemen and firemen engage in prevention not by force, but by education. So, in other words, "cry for justice" means that they're going to go to supervillians and be warm and fuzzy? Or go into troubled communities to avoid new supervillains from happening?

Granted, I may be taking this too seriously - and in all honesty, maybe its fannish burnout - but this is one comic where not only can I not recommend it, but feel obligated to turn people away.

And no, I won't be buying issue two, why do you ask?

Happy Birthday, Mike Sterling

Of course, I had to be a dick on his blog, but I want to take some time to wish a happy birthday to Mike Sterling of Progressive Ruin.

In many ways, he is responsible for me being a blogger - no, it doesn't involve chloroform, tequila, and a frantic road trip to Vegas....but he helped me appreciate the genius of Swamp Thing. His ability to talk about comics in such a casual, no-nonsense, and completely likeable way...well, my original comments still stand.

Happy birthday, Mike! Here are some clips from one of your favorite shows because, well, I care.

One of these days, dude, I'm heading to Ralph's, and I'll offer a dollar for ABSOLUTE NEW FRONTIER.

A Post for Mike Sterling

Since Mike mentioned this show in his Watchmen review, I thought it best to share a few clips from this little piece of television genius.

EDIT - Today, March 13th, is Mike's birthday. Please help him celebrate by heading to his blog and saying hello (Actually, no it isn't, but still visit his site anyway)

(And for those of you reading at home, Mike is the Rorschach to my Night Owl...or is it Night Owl to my Rorschach? I always get those confused)

Blame Mike Sterling

(It's all Sterling's fault)

Open Letter to Mike Sterling

Dear Mike,

I love you dearly - you're like the kid brother who gets bullied mercilessly by me and my friends. The one I never had growing up.

Anyway, all I have to say is....the Nairobi Trio.



Contemplate *This*, Pal!

P.S. You know that if the Internet were around in the 1950s, this Ernie Kovacs clip would have been so viral.

P.P.S. You young 'uns on the Internet please feel free to turn this into a meme. The Internet's serious business, you know.

Happy Birthday, Mike Sterling!

Dear Mike,

First, congratulations on celebrating your 39th birthday - having recently celebrated my fourth consecutive 39th birthday, I truly understand the challenges of someone your age. It's only the beginning of bigger and brighter things in one's life. However, I not only wanted to pay public tribute, but to give you a gift, of sorts.

Knowing your astute love of comics - and politics - I thought I would post some pictures of a candidate who is running for public office. Recently, his staff made their way to the Windy City, and I was fortunate enough to take some pictures. I think he has a slight Nick Naylor-esque quality, and know you would appreciate seeing these pictures.

And by the way, I agree to the terms you set forth in a possible podcast as suggested by Mr. Lefty Brown, since the comics blogosphere could use a good laugh. I suggest, as a title, we call it "The Thrilla in Vanilla"

Thanks again, and keep up the good work on the blog!

Your pal,

Gordon

A Meme For Mike Sterling

Please see this for an explanation.

P.S. to Mike - I stand behind my opinion of Voyager as a kids' show. Even with Seven of Nine.

Fanboy Entitlement Writ Large

(First, a reminder - today's the last day to submit your questions for me to podcast, as outlined here. Feel free to leave your questions in today's comments, and I'll have the cast up this weekend. See how easy that is?)

---

Recently, pal Mike had performed a casual sampling of his readers to find out what they wanted more of in comics, and what they wanted less of. (My answers can be found here). Although I stand by my answers, I did want to make some casual observations, most notably about how the Big Two seem to be operating.

I've always been a fan of creators who worry less about how the market will accept their work, and more about pleasing themselves. It reflects Joel Hodgson's philosophy about MST3K - rather than worry about who will get the joke, just know that the right people will get the joke. However, increasingly it seems as if the Big Two aren't even willing to reflect its creators...or, as many (such as myself) suggest, are pandering to 40 year old fanboys. In short, the two companies seem to be - creatively, at least - reflecting the issues and concerns of its two senior editors.

First, Mr. Quesada has been outspoken about various aspects of Marvel characters - in short, how Spider-Man works better as a single man, how Captain America is out of touch with the times, and basically can't see how having women chained up and covered on goo might not be appropriate for young readers. (And before you knock me with the I'm-taking-this-too-seriously, take the costumes out, and review the picture as a normal picture - if I had posted that kind of picture, the outrage would be palpable). Plus, Marvel has been trying to move towards being more of a "multimedia" company, ranging from movies to games with comics as a secondary source.

And of course, there's Dan DiDio - luckily, DC slightly lumbers ahead with some unique titles (including, but not limited to, Manhunter and Birds of Prey), but creatively, it's starting to move back to 1965. It all started with Green Lantern: Rebirth, in my opinion (someone please explain this one to me), but creatively, DC has been looking back, and not even revamping its characters well. For example - consider Jason Todd: originally killed by a toll free call (actually, if the urban legend is correct, a guy who had a really good autodialer) was brought back in Infinite Crisis, and is angry at Batman. No, not because Todd was left for dead...but because Batman would never kill the Joker.

If that doesn't seem like a Mary Sue for Judd Winnick, I don't know what does...

But anyway, that may explain the recent trend for one-massive-crossover-after-another: rather than give these characters a chance to live and breathe, the emphasis is on making sure that things are constantly in a state of turmoil. What Stan Lee (I believe) once promoted as the illusion of change is now becoming a Jerry Bruckheimer/Michael Bay nightmare.

OK, I'm being a bit needlessly cruel and cynical - personally, the way that I've found to fight bad comics is to not read them. I've been fortunate enough over the past year to prune my reading list, and to not buy anything just because it's there. (I stuck with 52 over a year - does DC really expect me to shell out for another yearly book...just because?) Until there's some creativity in comics (and the fact that there are other companies with other, different types of comics makes me willing to hold out hope), I'm afraid that one reader will be lost due to editorial mandates.

Boy, I know how to bring a place down, don't I?

Father's Day Bits

sterlinglol
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

I have to admit, my mood hasn't been the most pleasant the past two weeks...mostly because June 5th would have been my father's birthday.

Hard to believe it's a year since he's passed, but in that spirit, I offer you - the reader - some random tidbits collected from the blogosphere.

• Like Tom and Kevin, I am hopping on the LOL Cats bandwagon. In fact, the picture on this post is a gift for Mike - go ahead and use freely, pal.
• There's still time to ask me the questions you would like me to podcast. Lefty and Roger were more than brave...and remember: it's open. Nothing off limits. You ask, I gotta answer.
  
• I probably should be more outraged at the "reveal" in New Avengers # 31 and/or the infamous Mary Jane zombie cover...but right now, it's just too difficult. At this point, it seems that Marvel doesn't even seem to care...which is sad. I'm not surprised, which makes me seem even more bitter and cynical. [Please note: I am not claiming that this cover is not offensive....only that, given Marvel's track record so far, it should not be surprising]
  
• I would probably also make an appropriately snarky comment about DC, with canceling Flash at issue 13 and possibly bringing back Barry Allen...but when Ragnell posts news like this, a small - but fleeting - feeling of hope burns in my heart. Thanks!
• (Well, to be honest, so did Birds of Prey # 107).
  
• RAB recently memed me to provide eight facts about myself....so I'll lazily link back to this post and add that, thanks to working at a treatment center, I won an autographed picture of Bill and Lois Wilson. Yes, that Bill and Lois.
• Although I think there's a noble goal involved, this is just nutty.
• Current guilty pleasure: The Next Big Thing. It's like American Idol on acid...although, quite honestly, I watch mostly due to my obsession around one person.
  

Thanks for reading, and always remember - a woodchuck could not chuck that much wood if a woodchuck could chuck wood.

Memorial Day Video Madness

Unfortunately, I've been stricken with a weird sore throat - hopefully, it's not strep, but it's meant that I've had to relax this weekend. (Plus, it means I'm going to have to redo June's Record You Should Own podcast, since I sound like my voice is breaking).

Anyway, here are some You Tube-y treats, since I'm planning some real posts later this week.

First, the stereotypical Memorial Day remembrance:

Next, it's not a mashup - it's Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze singing the Sex Pistols:

Finally, for Mike and Tom, because I care - the sublime beauty of "Heat Vision and Jack"

EDIT RIP, Charles Nelson Reilly.

5 Reasons I'm Glad I Bought Comics This Week

Since I'm straining to think of something substantial to write, here are five reasons why I'm glad I bought comics this week:

1. Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil - I was never really a big Captain Marvel fan; however, Jeff Smith has convinced me. It's nice, angst-free, and quite frankly...I think Jeff Smith should be doing a regular Shazam book. Some clever touches, and it's nice to know that the Big Red Cheese enjoys hot dogs. Plus, it has secret messages that you can decode here.
2. This Post By Mike Sterling - all I can say in response, using a secret code, is ZOO SZRO GSV XOLHVG KZHGIB
3. Justice Society: Volume 2 - Completing the 70's All-Star/Adventure run, I have to admit, this appeals to the Golden Age fanboy in me. However, the touches I really liked were not only a burgeoning Power Girl/Huntress friendship, but that unlike modern portrays, the Huntress doesn't seem to be as...er, "top heavy". (I'm trying to keep this PG), folks. Plus, the writing seems to be a mixture of old fashioned 30s melodrama (as pointed out by the I Read Comics podcast) and 70's burgeoning feminism. Both volumes are well worth your time.
   
4. All-New Atom # 8 - I have to admit, I had my doubts, but this is one of the few Brave New World reboots that actually exceeds the hype. Personally, I know Gail Simone intends to do a "hunt for Ray Palmer" around issue 12...but please, Ms. Simone, take your time. I like Ryan Choi- he has a great sense of humor, and is a relief from the usual angst-ridden heroes, and has done what very few characters have: make me want to learn more about him. In an age where some fans have temper tantrums over the return of old favorites (Hal Jordan, anyone?), I would like for Ryan to stay awhile. (Plus, this issue has Supermobiles versus Batplanes, with a Krypto-driven dogsled. How cool is that?)
5. Billy Hazelnuts - Mix a little Windsor McKay, Jules Verne, give the story a wonderful, almost dreamlike quality, and unconventional protagonists (a young girl who's a whiz at science; a young boy who wants to woo her, and an imp made from suet and waste with hazelnuts for eyes), and you have a very enjoyable read. If you're looking for a little something out-of-the-blue, why not pick this up and give it a try? You'll thank me for it later.
   

And as an added bonus, this belated Christmas video:

A Strange Religion Without Any God

After viewing So Wrong, They're Right, I can honestly no longer make fun of Mike Sterling for his love of Swamp Thing.

Oh, sure, I can make fun of him for posting certain things on his blog, or even because he is a big cheater pants, but his love of Swamp Thing...it's genuine. If someone wanted to do a documentary about it, it would be heartfelt. It would try to capture the allure. Mike does that on his blog. So Wrong, They're Right simply doesn't.

I expected this movie - which is a documentary about 8 track tape collectors done by fanzine writers - to, at the very least, contain some glimmer as to why 8 track collectors love an outdated, unused musical format. Unfortunately, there's a slight "we're-hipper-than-you" tone to the movie, ranging from a woman who claims she was kicked out of Goodwill for life (for essentially breaking and entering) to entrepreneurs who are basically into it for the money (and admit it). It wants to take a stab at railing against the "digital culture" and fails miserably.

However, a writer from Stereophile magazine makes one point - that 8 track tape collecting is an inexpensive way to become acclimated to a wide variety of music - but it seems lost amongst the hipper-than-thou presentations.

It was after watching this film that I put in Tosy & Cosh's Burn THIS, Pal! Mix. Admittedly, it took me a couple of passes to listen to it in full - not because the disc itself is bad, but because it contained a variety of genres that I am not used to. Once it clicked it, I got it, and found myself liking this disc. There was a joy in hearing something that I never heard before.

However, the makers of So Wrong, They're Right never capture that joy.