Pop Culture Podcast
Archive for October, 2011
Popspotting #147: “Suburgatory” & “Modern Family” (Oct. 18, 2011)
This week’s “TV Tuesday” brings our first takes on two more new fall shows: “Suburgatory” on ABC and “A Gifted Man” on CBS. One fares well, one does not. Then we update our reviews of “Free Agents,” “Pan Am,” and “Person of Interest,” for which Jen has already cast a replacement for Jim Caviezel.
Finally, prompted by our listeners, we dive into “Modern Family” as the third season of this family mockumentary series gets underway. How’d we like spending time with Claire and Phil, Gloria and Jay, and Cameron and Mitchell? Listen and find out. (Though we will say we’re even more charmed by their kids!)
For next week, we’ll focus on two of our favorite shows: “Fringe,” in the midst of its fourth season, and “Breaking Bad” and its unforgettable fourth season finale.
Popspotting #146: “Ides of March” (Oct. 17, 2011)
After a much-needed week off, we return to “Movie Monday” with “Ides of March.” With a spectacular leading cast and a setup made for the big screen, do we endorse and pledge our delegates to the ticket, or vote it down as mere Oscar bait? payeer مصر
“Ides of March” stars Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymore Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti, and Marisa Tomei. مواقع بث مباشر
Popspotting #145: “You Want It When?” (Oct. 7, 2011)
We kick off this feedback show with a call from Angela in Missouri, who was as happy to find us podcasting again as we were to have her back in the family. She shares some of her favorite Asian dishes, then on the entertainment front, suggests we take a look at “Being Human.” How does it compare to the original U. يورو 2023 مباريات K. series? Shelley in Oklahoma has an opinion on that. Then Geoff shares his love of “Band of Brothers,” with a vote of support from Faith in Tennessee.
Also today, more judgments on new fall TV shows, from “2 Broke Girls” to “Suburgatory” to “Prime Suspect.” We get schooled on Bollywood, and we get six app recommendations to help us get in shape.
Finally, we’d like to ask for your feedback on the Popspotting show schedule. (more…)
Popspotting #144: “Thundercats Berzerker” (Oct. 6, 2011)
We’ve been blessed to be able to showcase a number of our fellow podcasters in our Thursday “PopTalk & Trivia” shows, but today’s guest is a first. Rob Valois is not only behind three podcasts over at “The Geek Generation,” but he’s also the man behind the mask of “The Knight Angel Berzerker,” a professional wrestler for Northeast Championship Wrestling.
Rob joins us to share his love of the new “Thundercats,” “Warehouse 13” on SyFy, and (of course) “Doctor Who.” Then, unable to challenge his brawn, we instead challenge his brain with obscure trivia. What does a wrestler know about Michael Jackson? Listen to find out!
You can find Rob on Twitter at @TheKnightAngel or @GeekGeneration.
Popspotting #143: “Favorite Covers” (Oct. 5, 2011)
We return to music for this “Wildcard Wednesday” show. Taking inspiration from our friend and fellow old-school podcaster Brian Ibbott over at “Coverville” (included in our “top podcasts” show), we share five of our favorite cover songs.
Jen’s list:
- “Bizarre Love Triangle†by Frente (orig. New Order)
- “Wild Horses†by The Sundays (orig. Rolling Stones)
- “Hyperballad†by Twilight Singers (orig. Bjork)
- “Twist and Shout†by The Beatles (orig. The Top Notes)
- “I Feel For You†by Chaka Khan (orig. Prince)
Ryan’s list:
- “Baby Can I Hold You” by Ale’a (orig. Tracy Chapman)
- “Like Someone In Love” by Bjork (orig. Jimmy van Heusen)
- “Smooth Criminal†by Alien Ant Farm (orig. Michael Jackson)
- “Where is My Mind: by The Toadies (orig. Pixies)
- “Dear God†by Sarah McLachlan (orig. XTC)
These great takes on favorite songs by other favorite performers are just the tip of the iceberg, of course, and we’ll probably feature more great covers on a future music show. We’d love to hear about your favorite cover songs!
Popspotting #142: “Pan Am & NBC Comedies†(Oct. 4, 2011)
This week we tackle another batch of new fall shows, including “Pan Am” (starring Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner, Margot Robbie, Karine Vanasse, Mike Vogel and Michael Mosley, Sundays on ABC), “Terra Nova” (Mondays on FOX), “Person of Interest” (Thursdays on CBS), and “Up All Night” (starring Wil Arnett and Christina Applegate, Thursdays on NBC).
We also pay tribute to our favorite half-hour comedy sitcoms on NBC, including “The Office,” “Parks & Recreation,” and “Community.” Alas, no “30 Rock” until next year!
Popspotting #141: “Dumping Lloyd Dobler” (Oct. 3, 2011)
This “Movie Monday” brings another double feature, this week highlighting two of Jen’s favorite John Cusack films. Although he’s plays a teenager in one and a directionless twenty-something in the other, Cusack delivers memorable performances in both as men dealing with love and heartbreak.
“Say Anything” was released in 1989, and was written and directed by Cameron Crowe. We meet aspiring kickboxer Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), who romances valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye). This is Jen’s all-time favorite movie (although she’ll tell you it’s “The Godfather Part II” to save face), and one that we both have seen over a hundred times.
Released in 2000, “High Fidelity” is based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name (published in 1995). Directed by Stephen Frears, who’s only other notable credit is probably “Dangerous Liaisons” two years earlier), the film is a snapshot of a generation… or at least a generation of men. Cusack plays Rob, who gets dumped by yet another girlfriend, and decides to take a trip down memory lane to figure out what’s wrong with him.
The possibilities are endless for John Cusack features, and John Hughes films for that matter. Got a suggestion for a future film pairing? Speak up!