Genesisteria! The Movie (DVD)
This 90-minute documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Albert Maysles chronicles British prog-rockers-turned-pop-stars Genesis on their 1981 Abacab tour and the accompanying fan frenzy which the rock press cleverly dubbed "Genesisteria." The film captures Genesis at their zenith, both as performers and cultural icons, and makes the strong case that the band were the 80's equivalent to the Beatles. Lead singer/drummer Phil Collins plays the sex symbol role to the hilt, whipping the screaming nubile masses into deafening heights of ecstasy with his provocative posturing and impromptu strip-teases. One amusing scene filmed prior to a performance in Houston captures an exchange between a local Sheriff deputy and the band's manager, who is warned that if Collins can't keep his clothes on the band will be arrested and charged with public indecency. The concert footage, which captures powerful performances of classics such as "No Reply At All", "Misunderstanding" and 'Turn It On Again" is intercut with scenes of young girls fainting and police restraining mobs of zealous fans from rushing the stage.
Officially-Licensed Stevie Nicks Shawl
For anyone looking to be the quintissential mystical diva - or at least look like one, Bella Donna Enterprises now offers officially-licensed Stevie Nicks shawls. Available in a variety of sizes and colors from Gold Dust to Gypsy Red, these shawls are made of a unique silk/cotton blend that's guaranteed not to snag or fray on microphone stands, crescent-moon pendants, or anything else it comes in contact with. Whether you're in leather or lace, this shawl is the perfect accessory.
Apple iGarage-Door-Opener
Apple's newest product offering, the iGarage-Door-Opener, comes hot off the heels of the release of the immensely-popular iPhone. Featuring a multi-touch display and easy-to-use software, control of all vital garage door functions is at your fingertips. Similar in appearance and functionality to its telephone counterpart, the iG.D.O. contains a 350MHz transmitter and is capable of downloading and storing up to 10GB of mp3 files. The advanced settings menu allows you to select various "operation tones" that will play while the door is in the process of opening and/or closing, and the bottom surface of the iG.D.O. even contains a heavy-duty titanium clip if for those who choose to mount it on a belt or sun visor. With a retail price in the neighborhood of $350, Apple quickly admits that the iG.D.O. isn't for everyone. However for those well-to-do people who have everything but a fashionable means of opening and closing their garage doors, this product will likely make the perfect Christmas gift.
Fisher-Price Tickle Me Meat Loaf
Possibly the most curious product release this Christmas season, Fisher-Price unveiled it's latest interactive animated toy creation, Tickle Me Meat Loaf in time for the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. The doll, modeled after rotund theatrical pop-singer Meat Loaf, stands approximately 15 inches tall and weighs 4 pounds, nearly 2 pounds heavier than it's Tickle Me Elmo counterpart. Although his facial features have been softened to enhance a sense of "cuddly-ness", Meat Loaf's trademark girth and long, unwashed hair have been preserved for authenticity. When kids press one of Meat Loaf's three designated tickle spots, the portly entertainer gyrates and seizures amid a barrage of grunts and guffaws. A fourth sensor, when activated, causes Meat Loaf to break into a brief rendition of "I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" or "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" before flopping onto his stomach and howling in laughter. While adults may appreciate the familiar antics of this 70's icon, it's hard to imagine children warming up to this slightly grotesque caricature.
Best Of Hee Haw: The John And Yoko Collection (DVD)
No strangers to network television appearances in the early 70's, John and Yoko were regular staples on such high profile gigs as the Mike Douglas show and the Dick Cavett show promoting their peace agenda and talking liberal politics with their amiable hosts. Less politically charged were their guest stints on the hillbilly variety hour, "Hee Haw" where the controversial duo hammed it up with Kornfield Kounty regulars Buck Owens, Roy Clark, Minnie Pearl and Grandpa Jones in a series of comedy sketches which exploited the pair's notoriety as counterculture "freaks". Most memorable are John (referred to throughout as "that Beatle fella") joining in for a hilarious rendition of "Pfft, You Were Gone" with Archie Campbell and trying unsuccessfully to organize a "Free John Sinclair" rally at Archie's barbershop only to be peppered with insensitive one-liners targeting his "funny accent" and "chinese-looking girlfriend". John's duet with Buck Owens on "Woman is the N***er of the World" raised a few eye-brows at the time and is now featured in a slightly edited version as a bonus feature.
bravenet.com