January 31

Okay, how can I explain how important John Lydon is? He didn't invent punk music; you have to look at New York, and bands like the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Television... You can't say that he started the Sex Pistols; that was Malcolm McLaren, an aspiring Don Kirschner trying to round up his own Monkees.
No, what Johnny Rotten did was give punk its heart, its conscience. And I'm not talking about the political protesting that draws a straight line from the Clash to Live Aid to U2. Their voices owe a debt to Johnny Rotten. When punk was about to become another pose, he showed everyone what a man with a microphone can do to the world. The empowerment that his tenure in the Sex Pistols inspired reached beyond musical trends, inspiring the art and politics of an entire generation, and beyond.

He remained true to his philosophy, even as he traipsed and trampled through pop culture. Here's a track from his follow-up band, Public Image Limited:

January 30

Today's the birthday of Mark Eitzel, singer for American Music Club. Today's also a day I'm snowed in, so here's a clip to go with their song "Western Sky". Don't know why this makes me feel as comfy as tomato soup and grilled cheese, but it does...

January 29

Here's a blast from the pas: Ann Jillian. In the 80's, she resumed the tradition of Mae West and Judy Holliday, platinum blondes that were more than a pretty hair color. Matter of fact, one of her Emmy nominations was for playing Mae West. (She also was nominated for playing herself, in a TV-movie about her fight with breast cancer.) But her big break was the sitcom "It's A Living," which was one of the first TV shows to find a second life in the new syndication and cable markets.
These days, she's been retired for over a decade, doing motivational speaking and corporate gigs. But wouldn't it be great to see her in a touring production of Chicago? Watch this clip, and see what I mean:

January 28

I know there are people that need more attention than Sarah Maclachlan but I really like the song "Angel." I had no idea it was about the Smashing Pumpkins keyboardist Johnathan Melvoin. Since then, it's been the go-to song at too many funerals, sure, but it's still a touching tune. Heaven help me, I'm even excited that Liliths back; what's wrong with me?

January 27

Today's the birthday of Peter Laird, one of the two daddies of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He's the current curator of the brand (Eastman sold off his share at least a decade ago), and that's his full time job apparently; he doesn't even have other comics drawn besides.
I know, the only reason I'm posting this is so I can run a clip of the catchiest theme song of all time:

Yes, you heard right. This is the European version; apparently, there's no such thing as a good 'ninja' in Europe...

January 26

So if you're a comic book fan, you probably heard that Spiderman's getting a movie reboot, along with any Marvel character not already being produced by Marvel Films. Well, my favorite guy is still Superman, and he deserves a reboot of his own, something classic and less emo. This looks like a job for Michael O'Hearn. He's a four-time Mr Natural Universe title holder and the only guy to be an American Gladiator in both incarnations.
I'm not the only guy who thinks he's the man who can pull off the tights. Check out this fan film, a mock trailer for a movie called "World's Finest":

January 25

Call me Leroyski, 'cuz I'm still rushing to find a good net connection. Meanwhile, consider the wisdom of poet John Cooper Clarke, bard of the punk movement. Here's his rant, "Chickentown":