Lawyer friend Tim paid a visit to the Pet Rock satellite office this past weekend hell-bent on Schlitz Malt Liquor commercials.
Turns out he had been reading a story earlier that day that said Pabst Brewing Co. is bringing back the popular 1970s beer and malt liquor in its original recipe and bottle design. It's just plain funny to think that you can now order a Schlitz at a bar or buy it in a supermarket instead of a thrift store.
So, we got to YouTubing on Saturday afternoon and determined this 1970s Schlitz Malt Liquor commercial to be the best of the bunch. It's got everything: awesomely bad '70s white-guy afros, satin jackets, awkward body language by the Average White Band, a pinball machine, tragic lyrics and . . . wait for it . . . a guy singing into a beer can.
The '80s and '90s All-Star Summer continues this Saturday when Rick Springfield plugs in his guitar and goes to work at the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay.
That's right, folks. It's a big ol' open space surrounded by trees and funky plants and Rick Springfield is going to be loving it with that body, I just know it.
Contrary to popular opinion, Springfield's greatest hits include more than "Jessie's Girl." However, "Jessie's Girl" is still "Jessie's Girl." And everytime I listen to it, I find another hilarious lyric. This week, it's "I've been funny, I've been cool with the lines."
For those of you not willing to fork over the $35 for a ticket or if you're not around the Island, Old School Tuesday proudly presents "Jessie's Girl" in full 1980s mono.
Old School Tuesday: 'Karate Kid' vs. 'First Blood'
Last week, lawyer friend Steve sent along this link: gethimabodybag.ytmnd.com. Fans of "The Karate Kid" will appreciate its singular function.
This past weekend, "First Blood" made the rounds on Spike TV. It is perhaps Stallone's best work in a non-"Rocky" environment. More importantly, it gave us Richard Crenna as Col. Samuel Trautman, one of the most underrated characters in 1980s movie history.
What are the odds that two separate incidents involving use the use of the word "body bag" in 1980s movies would show up within 48 hours of each other? Very slim, indeed, which is why I had no choice but to compare the two in Old School Tuesday.
It's such a tough debate. It's a very random word to use, especially in the early and mid-1980s when every show on television wasn't some version "Law & Order" or "CSI." Seriously, who else but a medical examiner or CSU worker would even think to say that word in a sentence on camera?
Of course, everyone knows and remembers "The Karate Kid" scene, where a gimpy-kneed Daniel La Russo (Lately, I've been wondering if it was an ACL tear or just a meniscus issue) guts out the win against nemesis Johnny Lawrence while Cobra Kai guy Tommy screams "Get him a body bag!" You can see that at the 28-second mark of the video below.
But Col. Trautman's usage requires a bit more background. He shows up to explain to the local Hope Sheriff Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy) that he should let John Rambo go peacefully instead of risking further death and destruction to his police force. The exchange is brilliant and begins at the 37-second mark of the clip below.
Trautman: "You want a war you can't win?"
Teasle: "Are you telling me that 200 of our men against your boy is a no-win situation for us?"
Trautman: "You send that many, don't forget one thing."
Teasle: "What?"
Trautman: "A good supply of body bags."
Before I started typing this, I wasn't sure which way I was going to vote when I posted the link to our poll. Now, after studying both clips, it's clear Col. Trautman wins this silly little debate.
Fueled by his shoutout last week for the fake tattoo Web site, Videographer friend Serra, a devoted Pet Rocker, passed along a link so impressive, we're dedicating an entire week of Pet Rock air time to it.
Yes, indeed, folks. TomCruise.com. The site is all about Tom Cruise, as one might expect by its name and URL. It's pretty much designed to reshape his image, under the guise of the 25th anniversary of Risky Business. Someone on his Web team even bought sponsored links on Google. Still, the site looks cool and it leads off with an impressive video montage on Tom Cruise hits edited by the Museum of the Moving Image.
And so, we here at Pet Rock proudly declare this to be Tom Cruise Week. All our regular features -- Old School Tuesday, Top 5 Thursday, YouTube Friday -- will focus on Tommy Boy, be it good or bad or indifferent. We may even sneak in a little Tom Cruise drinking game of sorts if you're not careful. Check out previous blog posts on Tom Cruise.
We'll begin with a double feature here on Old School Tuesday, so enjoy the festivities.
No one is really sure where I pulled this one out of, or more importantly, how. But seeing how school ends for all the kiddies this week, the song title fits.
So enjoy a little "School Days" from The Runaways, circa the late 1970s. And yes, that is indeed Joan Jett on lead vocals and Lita Ford banging away on the guitar. Do a little research and maybe even downloading and you'll learn that The Runaways were a very talented and influential band. It paved the way for Jett to start the Blackhearts, sell records out of her car in Long Beach and force the police to close down the streets outside the Malibu Beach Club when they played there once.
Last Friday, I got caught up in a big Color Me Badd session on YouTube. OK, so, yeah, I still own their CD and I know all the words. And yeah, DJ Reptile put me on blast at a recent wedding when DJ White Castle played "I Wanna Sex You Up," but, whatever.
After watching the 1992 AMA medley performance from CMB, there it was teasing me in the Related Videos box on YouTube: "Shanice - I Love Your Smile 1991 PV."
I heard it screaming "Click me! Click me! Click me!" So I did. And I hit replay about five times. Sure, I have problems but this is the type of bomb that Old School Tuesday thrives on, so enjoy the 1991 throwback. (I think they used to play this when DJ Reptile worked at Chess King.)
Every now and again, I am reminded why YouTube was invented. And it's for things such as what you'll find below in Old School Tuesday, submitted this week by CL.
If you've got ideas for future Old School Tuesday installments, email me.
When a random movie from the 1980s comes up in two different conversations on a Monday, I begin to wonder if the world is trying to influence my mind for Old School Tuesday.
After a few seconds, I stop wondering and scour YouTube for the clip. This week, it's "Midnight Madness," an '80s classic scavenger hunt movie set in L.A. It ruled Saturday mornings on HBO, usually preceded by or proceeded by "Star Wars." This was back when HBO had one channel and there was an actual cable box with buttons to push for each channel.
Yeah, it's that old, and it has a young Michael J. Fox. This clip, however, is one of the, um, uh, "musical numbers" from this classic. Enjoy Old School Tuesday.
Old School Tuesday: Wreckx-N-Effect, Ginuwine & Sisqo
Ever wondered what happened to the "rump shaker heroes" of the 1990s?
The earliest stars I remember were Wreckx-N-Effect and their multi-platinum hit single "Rump Shaker," which was produced by Teddy Riley way back in '92. I can still hear 'em: "All I wanna do is zooma-zoom-zoom-zoom in the boom-boom... just shake ya rump!" It's been rumored that Pharrell Williams wrote that verse instead of Teddy. Either way, it's one catchy song! And yes, I still shake my rump when I hear it!
The group was made up of Aqil Davidson, Brandon Mitchell, Markell Riley and Keith "K.C." Hanns. Sadly, Brandon was killed in a shooting, according to reports. The group came out with a record called "Rap's New Generation" in 1996, but Wreckx-N-Effect never achieved the success it once had with its first booty-shakin' single. What a tragedy!
Wanna shake ya rump? Check out this video by Wreckx-N-Effect ...
In 1996, Ginuwine teamed up with beatmaster Timbaland for "Pony," his first single from the album "Ginuwine ... The Bachelor." Ginuwine's smooth lyrics, sexy dance moves and swagger sent throngs of screaming women over the edge. I should know, my girlfriends and I were among the throngs screaming! Remember these risque lyrics? "I'm horny, let's do it ... ride it, my pony ..." Ahh, the memories ...
Ginuwine put out a few more albums, but none were as good as the first one. In 2002, it looked like his luck was turning around when P. Diddy/Sean Combs tapped him to sing on "I Need a Girl (Part II)," which is one of my personal faves. Shortly after, Ginuwine started his own label called Bag Entertainment and released the album "Back II Da Basics" in 2005, according to Wikipedia. Word is Ginuwine is working on a new album, called "The New Beginning," slated for release this year. Keep it sexy baby!
Watch Ginuwine move in this video clip ...
Sisqo came out with "Thong Song" off the "Unleash the Dragon" LP after leaving Dru Hill to go solo in '99. This single became a mega-hit and was the booty-shakin' anthem for Spring Breakers that year -- anyone remember MTV's Spring Break? -- and it was definitely the jam of the summer. Comedian Will Ferrell even gave a nod to the song's popularity by singing part of the lyrics to the "Thong Song" as Robert Goulet in a skit on "Saturday Night Live."
Sisqo's success has waned over the years, but he's tried to remain in the spotlight by appearing alongside the unpredictable Bobby Brown in "Gone Country," a reality show on the Country Music Televison channel.
Wanna relive the memories up close? Both Sisqo and Ginuwine can be seen live at the Millennium Theater in Brooklyn on May 17. You can enter to win tickets on Hot97's Web site or get more information on the Millennium Theater's Myspace page.
With all the chitter-chatter lately about teen sensations doing things some people deem inappropriate, it's time to take a look back at the days when teen matinee idols were looked at it through less judgmental eyes.
That's right, folks. We're talking all the way back in the early 1990s, when the Peach Pit was the only place people could eat, seemingly only eight students went to West Beverly High and Donna Martin graduates.
Ah yes, "Beverly Hills 90210," quite possibly the greatest teens growing up show and characters ever created for television. So, while the world unfairly hammers away at Miley Cyrus and touts new people to "replace" her as top teen queen, let Pet Rock take you back with this double feature. And we'll keep it in the Cyrus theme will musical numbers from "90210."
First off, we have Brenda Walsh impersonating Laverne from "Laverne and Shirley" and lip-synching "It's My Party" with backup dancers Kelly Taylor and Donna Martin.
The closing number is by my all-time favorite character in a "90210" mini-arc, Emily Valentine. Again, backup vocals provided by Kelly, Donna and Brenda.
You may now carry on about your day, and we both know you feel much better now after watching these videos.
Way back when we started Old School Tuesday, we said use photos, videos and stories dating back to the 1970s to help tell stories and have some fun in the world of pop culture.
Up to this point, it's been all videos, but this week, it's time to share a story.
Last Wednesday, after a hellish day of working in one county, then shooting video in one borough and editing it in another then coming back to a different county -- with audio issues in between, I needed a nice walk around town to destress.
One problem: I left my iPod at work. Damn!
So I dug up my Sony Walkman (yes, I still have it) and popped an old mix tape from my DJ days. No luck. Even with fresh batteries, it wouldn't play.
So I dug even deeper into the early 1990s and found my Discman, the one with the 35-second anti-skip technology. I still can't believe I have that. Fresh batteries and TLC's "CrazySexyCool" CD and we're good to go.
I creeped and chased waterfalls for a little bit. But while walking around town -- on flat ground, mind you -- it started to skip. I caught every fifth word of Left Eye's raps, Chilli's smooth hooks and T-Boz's sexy, raspy voice.
What the heck happened 35 seconds ago to cause this skip? Was there an earthquake that only my Discman could detect? Did I walk by an invisible construction site with pounding jackhammers?
God, discmans suck these days. Remember when we thought they were cool? When pushing a button to change songs was all we know? Now that is old school!
And it's all bad.
Usually we use Old School Tuesday as a nostalgic look back. Not this week. If the old expression is "the greatest thing since sliced bread," then I vote for the iPod to be next on that timeline. A few generations from now, we'll be hearing "the greatest thing since the iPod."
In the past few weeks, there have been way too many MC Hammer sightings in the pop culture world. Is it a coincidence, or am I just watching all the wrong shows and reading all the wrong things?
Either way, the subliminal marketing worked because it's Old School Tuesday and you can't touch this. Such a great song back then, such a great song now. The dance moves are still impressive. The clothes, eh, not so much,
Indeed, it's true: Flavor Flav has a new sitcom debuting this Wednesday, April 16, on MyNetworkTV / 9. (That's just regular channel 9 for those of us in the tri-state area).
As you keep that fact in your thoughts today, along with memories of Flav, Brigitte Nielsen, Hoops, New York and other moments from his reality show heyday, add one other thought to your brain.
Back in the day. Flavor Flav was a great hype man and an integral part of one of the three greatest rap groups of all time: Public Enemy.
So, Old School Tuesday salutes a time when Flav was on point, rap music was good and videos told stories.
P.S. You may or may not have to sit through a 20-second commercial before the clip. We apologize if you do, but it's an NBC thing and that's how they help pay the bills. But since you're already here wasting time instead of working, what's another 20 seconds, know what I'm saying?
With baseball beginning its season this week, I was all set to dig up a good clip for this week's installment of Old School Tuesday.
But last night, I watched Ric Flair's farewell ceremony on WWE Monday Night Raw, and, I won't lie here, I got a bit emotional.
Flair was the best wrestling persona of all-time (Sorry, Hulkamaniacs, but you know it's true.) He was stylin' and profilin' long before anyone else. "To be the man, you gotta beat the man," he always said. He was always the man.
Old School Tuesday salutes "the dirtiest player in the game" and the original member of NWA/WCW's Four Horseman with a few of his classic interviews and a special bonus clip from last night's RAW.
Ever since Writer friend Kimberley suggested we add Def Leppard's "Rocket" to our YouTube playlist last Friday, we've been on a huuuuuuuuge '80s pop rock music kick.
And no '80s pop rock music kick is complete without the Journey anthem "Don't Stop Believing."
I challenge all those enjoying Old School Tuesday today to not be in a better mood after watching this live performance. It's impossible. Just look at those '80s haircuts and tanktops!
I've been searching the Web for the past three weeks for an original Yo! MTV Raps T-shirt to wear on a future episode of my online show ExploreTV.
If anyone knows where to find one, send a link and I'll throw you the requisite shoutout. Here's a little motivation for you, as Old School Tuesday looks backs at the greatest show in MTV history.
After watching Iggy Pop absolutely murder the music of Madonna at Monday night's Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, we're left with no choice but to restore the glory to Madonna's name here in Old School Tuesday.
We'll begin with "Vogue," which as big a hit as it was when it came out, it's still a bit underrated in the conversation of Madonna's best songs. We'll follow that up with the video that solidified Madonna as a pop culture icon for all-time, "Like A Virgin."
Old School Tuesday: Magnificent Muraco and Mr. Fuji
Back in the day, Tuesday Night Titans was the pre-eminent wrestling program on television.
Back in the day, The Magnificent Muraco, later known as Don "The Rock" Muraco, was among the more charismatic bad guys in the WWF (that's what it was called back then before the World Wildlife Fund won its lawsuit).
So here on Old School Tuesday, join in my pro wrestling renaissance.
I don't even know where to begin here, except to say thanks to VH1 Classic for airing "Krush Groove" on Sunday afternoon.
That set me off on a crazy YouTube search for something special. And Lord, did I find it. In this week's edition of Old School Tuesday, watch and listen as The Fat Boys rap about eating hamburgers on SquareOne Television.
Every now and again, we all need a little Alex P. Keaton in our lives. And seeing how the economy is going deeper and deeper into the commode, maybe his mid-1980s financial acumen is just the sort of thing to lift us out of the expected recession.
Or maybe it's the just the sort of thing to lift us up for a few hours on Old School Tuesday.
It's Fashion Week here in New York, which means little more than a hassle for me at work.
However, it does give me the opportunity to reminisce about the day a few years back when I talked my way into blogging from Fashion Week and scored an interview with LL Cool J and called him the new cut creator. To this day, perhaps my greatest moment as a journalist.
That memory dug its way from my long-term memory cubby hole Monday morning, and ever since, I've been starvin' like Marvin for a Cool J song. That hunger pain caused me to forget Oreos and eat Cool J Cookies for Old School Tuesday.
Enjoy this week's selection from a time when rappers were talented, the beats were hot and the only thing that could outdo Kangols and gold chains were matching jumpsuits and awkward dance moves.
(If you've got suggestions for next week's edition of Old School Tuesday, post them in the comments.)
Nominations for the 2008 Academy Awards came out Tuesday morning. In keeping with that theme of award-winning film, Old School Tuesday digs deep into the archive for this cinematic masterpiece.
Yes, we know "Teen Wolf" didn't win an Oscar, but seriously, who's was on the committee that year? Someone call Ernst & Young, or whoever audits the voting.
And given the international nature of film these days, we dug up the Spanish dub version instead.
It's been two weeks and a day since I heard this '80s classic on the moving sidewalk heading into the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and I haven't stopped laughing.
Normally, I would walk along with the moving sidewalk, but when Rick Astley is pumping on public speakers, well, all we can do as humans is soak in the moment.
Once I gained my composure, I said aloud, "Hello, Old School Tuesday!" Voila! I can't wait to practice the one (and only one) dance move he does in this video. Once I nail it, I'm never gonna give it up. It could replace the guido fist pump. OK, well maybe not.
We dug mad deep into the brain archives for this week's edition of Old School Tuesday. And seeing how we missed last week (hey, it was New Year's Day, a day of vacation and recuperation), we're coming back hard again with this double feature.
Looking back on this film, I wonder what they were thinking then. Of course, I also wonder what Architect friend Aki is thinking now. Then again, this was also before "The Last Dragon" when Sho'Nuff was the baddest man in town, so all bets are off when it comes to categorizing this film.
Any way, enjoy the trip back to a time when The Warriors ruled the land. We'll begin with the trailer and follow it with the most memorable scene from the movie's denouement.
A little treat from back when the only way to settle street beefs was by outdancing the other gang.
Oh what a world it would be if this still were true. Sadly, watching Turbo, Ozone and Kelly out-break Electrorock is as close as we'll get these days. But I encourage you all to throw down some cardboard in your office on your lunch break, but on a really thin headband and challenge the boss to a danceoff.
Every Tuesday, we hop into our Delorean and see what happens. This week, it appears we stopped over in 1987 and caught up with Patrick Dempsey before he became Dr. McDreamy.
The long holiday weekend got me thinking. Most of the stories we tell and re-tell always start with "Remember when . . . ." And they're always the best stories.
I've got an old-school streak in me to begin with, and this observation solidified it. WIth Soulja Boy Monday being retired last week, I needed something new to keep up. Or maybe something old.
So here we go with the debut of Old School Tuesday. This is where we can go back in time with video clips, or photographs, or other assorted nostalgic what-nots. We'll deal with stuff from the 1970s and '80s, predominantly. Occasionaly, we'll foray into the early '90s, but absolutely nothing after 1994 is allowed.
So let's get it poppin' with a classic John Belushi "SNL" skit.
Way back when we started Old School Tuesday, we said use photos, videos and stories dating back to the 1970s to help tell stories and have some fun in the world of pop culture.