Top Fives

An SNL Top 5

December 11, 2010

Lately, the only good reason to watch Saturday Night Live is a great host/musical guest combination. In my humble opinion, the show has never really recovered since losing Tina Fey as head writer and the talent that surrounded her during that era. This being the case, the last 7 years or so have left us with only 1 or 2 watchable episodes per season.

Tonight however, just so happens to be one of those episodes as it features Paul Rudd as host and Paul McCartney as musical guest.  I’ve always thought Paul Rudd was hysterical, going back to his Clueless and Overnight Delivery days. I’m happy to see him used pretty frequently now in a variety of roles. And Paul McCartney is….well, he’s Paul frickin’ McCartney–it just doesn’t get much better than that.

Getting down to business, this got me thinking, what were the BEST host/musical combos of all time? This was a very difficult list to come up with. SNL has limped it’s way to 35 seasons and over 700 episodes. Figuring out my favorite 5 involved some very lengthy internal deliberation but here ya go:

2 quick notes-I based this list on the overall stature or body of work of the guests; not on the quality of that particular episode or performance. Also, the earlier episodes were a slightly different format–often having multiple musical guests.

5) Chevy Chase and Robbie Robertson (from The Band) AND Bruce Hornsby and the Range

-Rarely do you see Bruce Hornsby getting much publicity at all; very underrated musician. Pair that with Robbie Robertson and that’s a dynamite musical guest. As far as Chase goes, say what you will about the trajectory of his career, he’s always been funny on SNL, whether hosting or starring.

4) Steve Carrell and Kanye West

-Carrell is one of the funniest people in the last 5-7 years, period. Movies, The Office, the Daily Show: all gold. West is an obnoxious, pompous douche but his music is interesting. Anyone that gets me listening to rap/hiphop is probably either doing it really well or really “white”. Either way, I’m always entertained.

3) Eric Idle and Joe Cocker

-One of the funniest comedians of all time and one of the most memorable male vocalists of all time. I’d watch a new episode with these two as host and guest every week.

2) Jerry Seinfeld and David Bowie

-Jerry’s never been much of an ‘actor’ per se, but as a comedian and writer he’s one of the best and most important ever. On the same episode you stick one of the more talented and innovative musicians of the last generation? It’s almost not fair…what could be a better combo than that?

1) Johnny Cash and Elton John

-I know, it sounds like 2 musical guests, right? In fact, Cash hosted during season 7 while Sir Elton performed. This is a pick from the heart…how do you go against the man in black? Especially with Elton belting out ‘Tiny Dancer’ during intermissions…

…

Just misseds: Carrie Fisher/Blues Brothers, Tim Curry/Meatloaf, Alec Baldwin/Coldplay, Chris Farley/The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Ellen Paige/Wilco, Sam Kinison/Lou Reed

A couple of instances where one half of the duo was really cool and unique while the other was totally lame: Pam Anderson (cool)/Rollins Band (awful), Tom Arnold (awful)/TuPac(cool), The Rock (awful)/ACDC (cool)

And finally, a few ‘What the hell were they thinking?s’: Delta Burke/Chris Isaak, Steven Segal/Michael Bolton, Ralph Nader/George Benson, Mr. T AND Hulk Hogan/The Commodores

A complete list can be found here:

Should you choose to research to disagree with me, comment below.

—————————–

Thanksgiving Top 5

December 4, 2010

Whew! It’s been quite the whirlwind few weeks for your favorite blog contributor, but as the semester winds down and more work gets filed into the “done” pile, I should get back on track for keeping up with posts.

Anywho, down to business: I had a fun idea to diverge a bit from the typical music/politics theme of the site and include some thoughts on what is probably the best holiday of the year, Thanksgiving. As Jim Gaffigan puts it, “the tradition is we over eat”.Couldn’t have said it better myself.  However, what are our favorite things to eat too much of? Everyone loves turkey and everyone has their own special, slightly different way of preparing it–but it’s sort of a given isn’t it? Rarely do I hear people getting excited for the turkey. Rather, I hear stories about grandma’s sweet potato chips, Uncle Bill’s brie wheel or cousin Cheryl’s pumpkin cheese cake. So then, what are the best Thanksgiving side dishes, trimmings and desserts?

Here’s my take. Keep in mind, this list is even more subjective than a typical Top 5. My Aunt’s cranberry sauce isn’t anything your Mom’s–so HER sauce might be part of your perfect meal, but my Aunt’s isn’t part of mine.

5. Dinner rolls

I know it sounds basic but a great roll, either home made or from a local bakery can make or break Thanksgiving. Warm, fresh baked bread makes the house smell even better, tastes great on it’s own and is perfect for scooping what’s left after clearing your plate. Also, added bonus, great basics for the turkey sandwich leftovers for the next week.

4. Beers, ales and lagers.

Something about fall turning to winter, before we really hit heavy snow, just makes me crave beer. Sometimes the night before’s festivities leave many of us feeling a little turned off by the thought of more alcohol, but it never stops me from enjoying a few choice selections before and during dinner. A few personal favs this time of year? Sam Adams-winter lager, Beck’s and Dundee Honey Brown.

3. Pastries: cannoli’s, cream puffs, macaroons, napoleans.

All great. Personally, I don’t love the ‘traditional’ Thanksgiving desserts. Pumpkin pie just doesn’t do it for me the way these sweets do.

2. Green beans almondine

Many ways to prepare green beans, but this is my favorite. Easy to do, great taste and doesn’t “over think it”

1. Mashed potatoes

Keep them simple-potatoes, butter, milk. What else do you need? Just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them.

…

Anyway, other thoughts? Disagreements? Recipes even? Comment awayyyy….

…

—————–

Top 5 Songs to Hear in the Shower

November 12, 2010

So, after a lengthy and frequently bitter negotiation process, Sam and I have reached an agreement for me to contribute to ‘Appetite For Mutually Assured Destruction’ on a semi-regular basis.  As per blog policy, details of the agreement will be kept private, but a good way to think about my relationship to the site would be to consider Batman’s relationship to the Justice League: only part time, but it really couldn’t exist without him.

As Sam mentioned in my introduction, politics and music are two big interests of mine and since they are also the stated ‘topics’ of this blog, I will be keeping most posts in these arenas. However, I also have pretty strong interests in philosophy, comic books, movies, TV and sports. Don’t be surprised to catch a post on any of these things, at any given time.

All that being said, as the ‘Top Five‘ heading suggests, the core of my contribution will be ‘Top Five’ lists every Friday. In part an homage` to High Fidelity and to a lesser extent David Letterman, ‘Top Fives’ are a great way to get yourself thinking about what you really like, hear and judge what other people like, and generate some healthy debate.

From "Reel Movie News"

There are a lot of different criteria one can use to evaluate and make these lists–all of which we’ll get into as we go on, but for now, let’s just jump right in with list #1 and get the discussion going. Hopefully we’ll get a few comments and I’ll jump back in and offer the logic behind my list.

Top Five Songs to Hear in the Shower

5) Twist and Shout-The Beatles

4) Rosalita-Bruce Springsteen

3) Home Again-Carole King

2) Days Like This-Van Morrison

1) Surrender-Cheap Trick

Just misseds: I Can’t Help Myself-The Four Tops, Sundown-Gordon Lightfoot, Trouble-Ray LaMontagne