Cinematic Sounds Abound: Soundtracks, essential MST3K

Whether you enjoy listening to soundtracks for a favorite film or watching a cult TV show that combined a love for all things pop culture, there are a score of recommended new titles available now.

DVD Title: Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: MST3K, Cinematic Titanic

Tell me more: Likely the final collection of new episodes from the original run of Mystery Science Theater 3000 that ended after 10 seasons in 1999, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX delivers intelligent wit and laughs at every turn. The box set includes the final three available episodes previously unreleased by Shout! Factory ("Girls Town," "The Amazing Transparent Man" and "Diabolik"); throughout the series, musical references and songs were among the key elements of the television series. For example, on a single episode here, references or sung bits linked to Pink Floyd, Gregg Allman, David Cassidy, the Troggs' "Wild Thing," the Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari" and The Beatles help enhance the B-movie viewing. One of the extras, "Showdown in Eden Prairie: The Final Experiment" takes an in-depth look at the production of the final episode ("Diabolik") of the series' original run, including interviews with the cast and key production members. Another must-see extra is titled "The Last Dance" and it includes raw behind-the-scenes video footage taken on the set during the production of "Diabolik." Of course, the cult show has returned with creator Joel Hodgson and a new cast; new episodes began airing on Netflix in 2017 and another season of episodes are being produced now. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Artist: Composer John Williams

Title: The Post: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Sony Classical)

Tell me more: Although composer John Williams is best known for his signature music for franchise winning "Star Wars," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jaws," "Jurassic Park" and "Harry Potter" films, his music seldom fails to impress no matter the genre. Just listen to the 85-year-old master's work on The Post: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which includes the beautifully tense "The Presses Roll," disquieting "Nixon's Order," jazzy piano-anchored "The Oak Room, 1971" and alluring "Mother and Daughter" to appreciate the nuanced and stylish handiwork of Williams. The 12-page booklet that accompanies the soundtrack includes a short overview on Williams' approach and strength in scoring for "The Post," as well as a number of photos from the film and a listing of the many talented members of the orchestra who performed under the baton of Williams. Information: SonyClassical.com.

Artist: Carter Burwell

Title: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)

Tell me more: A strong blend of instrumental music composed by Carter Burwell and artful mix of songs delivered by the celebrated likes of Monsters Of Folk, folk singer Joan Baez and Motown's The Four Tops make for an eclectic listen across the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The winner of the Best Motion Picture - Drama at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" is enhanced by Burwell's wonderfully evocative music. The Americana-styled "Mildred Goes To War," lovely keyboard-adorned "The Deer" and the foreboding "A Cough of Blood, A Dark Drive" are among Burwell's affecting compositions heard here. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Miklos Rozsa (composer); City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus

Title: Ben-Hur: World Premiere Digital Recording of the Complete Film Score (Tadlow Music)

Tell me more: The 1959 film "Ben-Hur" stands as one of Hollywood's greatest-ever films but the Academy Award winner's complete 157-minute score has only recently been released via a world premiere digital recording performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus, and conducted by Nic Raine. The ambitious score was originally composed by Miklós Rózsa and ultimately proved to be the longest original score composed and recorded for any film of the 20th century. The new "World Premiere Digital Recording of the Complete Film Score" is an important and crucial release. Information: tadlowmusic.com.

Artists: Composer Thomas Pierson; singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson

Title: Deluxe Edition: Music from the Motion Picture Popeye (Varèse Sarabande Records)

Tell me more: This writer somehow missed the essential, expanded edition reissue of the soundtrack for the 1980 film Popeye  when it was released in September 2017. The good news is that no matter when listeners discover this fantastic soundtrack, they will not be disappointed. The first disc of this 2-CD title features original music and songs from the film, while the second disc includes demo versions written by noted singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Two of those songs ("Everybody's Got To Eat" and "I'd Rather Be Me") presented on that second disc were never released prior to this special edition. Fans of the film's stars (Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall, Ray Walston) will enjoy the famed actors featured in the musical selections. formation: VareseSarabande.com.

Artists: Iggy Pop, the Isley Brothers, New Order, more
Title: Gold - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: With the Golden Globe-nominated original title song from groundbreaking Iggy Pop leading off the disc, the Gold soundtrack mines similar territory for a sonic journey that enhances the Matthew McConaughey-starring 2017 film; the lineup of cuts also works perfectly as a stand-alone collection of great songs. The rousing little-heard rocker "Ron Klaus Wrecked His House" (from Big Dipper), a cover of David Byrne's "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" performed by Kishi Bashi and inviting gems from New Order ("Temptation"), Joy Division ("Atmosphere") and Television ("1880 Or So") are among memorable songs on the set. Of special note is the Isley Brothers' take on the 1970 classic Eric Burdon / War collaboration "Spill the Wine." VareseSarabande.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Holiday Gift Guide: a wide range of terrific releases

There is truly something for every music lover on your holiday list this season. From enticing hardcover fully-illustrated books focusing on AC/DC and David Bowie to essential new audio and/or visual collections featuring Jeff Lynne's ELO, Neil Young, Alvin Lee and more, there is a wealth of riches now available online or at your favorite brick and mortar store. And don't let the season's greatest new holiday music title (featuring the Minus 5) escape your attention too.

Title: CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: Featuring nine DVDs filled with 127 live performances and a bonus DVD with historic interviews, the CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 is must-see viewing for fans of classic and contemporary country music. There are dozens of wonderful and historic performances, including Glen Campbell's poignant "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (1968) and a duet featuring Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge singing "Me and Bobby McGee" (1974) to Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam joining forces on "Act Naturally" and more recent nuggets like Miranda Lambert's beautiful "More Like Her" (in 2008) and the min-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away" teaming Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. Fans of Americana, roots and rock will also find treasures on the collection, including appearances by Sheryl Crow (joining forces with Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn for a 2010 performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter"), Dire Straits singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler (playing "Go Rest High On That Mountain" with Ricky Skaggs) and Grace Potter joining Kenny Chesney for a take on "You and Tequila." Information: TimeLife.com.

Artist: Jeff Lynne's ELO
Title: Wembley or Bust (Columbia)
Tell me more: The full-fledged resurgence of Jeff Lynne is on display courtesy of Wembley or Bust. Available as a Blu-ray+2CD or DVD+2CD package, the title features Jeff Lynne's ELO's full-length concert captured at Wembley Stadium in London on June 24, 2017. To say this concert film is visually-stunning and an audiophile's dream only begins to tell the story. Directed by Paul Dugdale, the film blends artful shots of Lynne and his 12-member group along with entertaining shots of the audience to provide an experience that really takes the viewer to the show. And the setlist is stellar, taking in all of ELO's best-known hits as well as deeper cuts. Whether the ensemble is turning Wembley into a gigantic dance floor with the infectious "All Over the World," "Livin' Thing," or "Xanadu," rocking the stadium with "10538 Overture" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" or sweeping them away with "Mr. Blue Sky," "Wembley or Bust" provides a fantastic ride. Information: JeffLynnesELO.com.

Title: Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts (Bear Family Records)
Tell me more: When American troubadour Woody Guthrie passed away in 1967 at the age of 55, he left a profound legacy and many of the most prominent artists influenced by the singer-songwriter (including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and son Arlo Guthrie) soon joined forces for a pair of tribute concerts. "Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts" is a lavish boxed set that not only features pristine recordings of both full-length concerts (a Jan. 20, 1968 Carnegie Hall date and a subsequent Sept. 12, 1970 Hollywood Bowl event), but two hardcover books featuring liner notes; a Guthrie biography, original concert reviews, photographs and other great extras are all here as well. In all, there are approximately three hours of concert recordings, including versions of many of Guthrie's best-known songs (including "So Long, It's Been Good To Know You," "This Land Is Your Land," "Oklahoma Hills" and "This Train Is Bound for Glory"). Bonus tracks include interviews with Collins, Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Country Joe McDonald, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Pete Seeger. Information: bear-family.com.

Artist: The Minus 5
Title: Dear December (Yep Roc Records)
Tell me more: Dear December is the best new holiday-minded album of 2017. Filled with original and instantly-memorable songs celebrating the holiday season (both Christmas and Hanukkah), the Minus 5 tap into the Yuletide spirit big time with '60s-minded British rock stylings ("New Christmas Hymn," the baroque pop of "When Christmas Hurts You This Way") and wistful introspective ballads (notably "The Fourth Noel" featuring guest Colin Meloy of the Decemberists). Mike Mills (R.E.M.) sings lead vocals on the pretty "Festival of Lights (Hanukkah Song)," while the equally glorious "I See Angels" features the lead vocals of Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie fame). As if the wonderful songs and illustrious cast of greats that also features R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and M. Ward (of She & Him) wasn't enough to purchase this new title, proceeds from the sale of Dear December help defray the medical costs for Minus 5 leader Scott McCaughey who is recovering from a recent stroke. Information: http://www.yeproc.com/.

Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Title: The Visitor (Reprise)
Tell me more: At 72, Neil Young remains one of rock's most defiant, relevant and interesting artists; that is especially true listening to the aptly-titled The Visitor. Long after the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer might have settled into the nostalgia route he continues to write and record challenging songs. On his latest collaboration with Promise of the Real (the band featuring Willie Nelson's sons Lukas and Micah Nelson), the Canadian native addresses his love of America even as he questions America's future a year into President Trump's presidency. On "Already Great" he notes "Already great/You're already great/You're the promise land/You're the helping hand." Taken as a whole, Young's dedication to saving the world's natural beauty ("Fly By Night Deal," "Stand Tall" "Forever") and social protest (the lovely "Children of Destiny") are themes he has been exploring for most of his life. And as long as the songs are as powerful and memorable as those displayed on his 39th album, keep 'em coming. Information: NeilYoung.com.

Artist: Alvin Lee & Co.
Title: Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 (Rainman Records)
Tell me more: While singer-songwriter/guitar great Alvin Lee died at the age of 68 in 2013, it didn't mark the end of commercial releases expanding his legacy. A fantastic concert featuring Alvin Lee & Co. recorded more than 40 years ago has just been released. Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 features Lee's fiery and groundbreaking lead guitar work, but also showcases an expanded direction following his departure from Ten Years After. Sure there are blues-rock tracks here ("Got to Keep Moving," "Let's Get Back"), but those British blues are frequently adorned with gospel vocals, soul, jazz and R&B. The beautiful baroque folk ballad "All Life's Trials," an authentic reading of the 1930s blues classic "Baby Please Don't Go" and rocking lead guitar-anchored "I'm Writing You a Letter" are among the lovely surprises here. Fans of Lee will want to get this two-disc treasure. Information: rainman-records.com.

Book Title: Bowie: The Illustrated Story
Author: Pat Gilbert
Edition: Hardcover, 224 pages
Tell me more: Although it has almost been two years since rock icon David Bowie passed away at the age of 69, the artist's legacy looms as large as ever. Now, the newly-published volume Bowie: The Illustrated Story chronicles Bowie's incredible life via insightful details and countless images of Bowie spanning from his 1950s childhood to the various periods of his professional career as recording artist and actor. There are promo shots of a very young Bowie, as well as photos of him on stage, painting, at press events, working in the recording studio and posing with friends. Information: QuartoKnows.com.

Book Title: AC/DC: Album By Album
Author: Martin Popoff
Edition: Hardcover, 256 pages
Tell me more: While the future of AC/DC is in doubt, there is little argument when it comes to the band's profound and lasting influence as one of rock's most important and successful hard rock proponents. In AC/DC: Album By Album, author Martin Popoff is joined by more than a dozen guest experts as they chronicle all 16 of AC/DC's albums in lively detail, providing plenty of insight into the band's discography. Of particular interest were details about how Malcolm and Angus Young came up with their guitar tones, and their respective role in the band. There are, of course, artwork of various releases; but the images of the band in the early Bon Scott era and subsequent Brian Johnson span add weight to the title. Information: QuartoKnows.com.



Review by Robert Kinsler

“Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX” available on DVD November 21, 2017 from Shout! Factory

Big news for all of us MST3K fans; Shout! Factory has just announced that the upcoming release of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX will almost certainly (okay, probably definitely, maybe unquestionably) be the final collection of never-before-released episodes from the initial run of the groundbreaking series. Read on...

Mystery Science Theater 3000:Vol. XXXIX

Four DVD Box Set Features Previously Unreleased Episodes

                                      Girls Town, The Amazing Transparent Man, and Diabolik,  

              and a disc of unreleased host segments, Satellite Dishes

            Available on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from Shout! Factory

And in the end, the laughs you take are equal to the jokes they make. On November 21, 2017, Shout! Factory will release the almost certainly, probably definitely, maybe unquestionably final collection of never-before-released classic episodes of our favorite cowtown puppet show, Mystery Science Theater 3000.

The slings and arrows of outrageous licenses have resulted in only three episodes, so Vol. XXXIX also includes Satellite Dishes, a disc featuring the host segments of all the remaining unreleased episodes. The collection also includes a bevy of bonus features, including Chuck Love and the Anatomy of a Theme, Beyond Transparency, a new featurette about The Amazing Transparent Man, Showdown In Eden Prairie: Their Final Experiment, The Last Dance, a documentary special that  chronicles the final days shooting the last episode of the original run ofMST3K, Diabolik, Behind the Scream: Daniel Griffith on Ballyhoo, mini posters from artist Steve Vance, and theatrical trailers. But final has a way of not being final, and one need only turn to Netflix to appreciate that. So take one plausibly last ride of the classic series with our heroes on the Satellite of Love, and keep circulating the tapes!

Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com. The first 1,500 fans who order directly from Shout! Factory will also receive the exclusive bonus disc The Complete Poopie, a collection of MST3K bloopers and outtakes.

MGM’s 1959 film Girls Town is not a feminist follow up to MGM’s 1938 Boys Town, though to be fair, both are set in towns.  B-movie siren Mamie Van Doren stars as a juvenile delinquent trying to survive in the eponymous nun-run reform school after she is wrongly accused of murder. It’s a feast of drag races, catfights, sexy dresses and Mel Tormé, who turns in a Blue Velvet Fog performance as the blackmailing troublemaker. The oddly child-of-star studded cast includes the offspring of Charlie Chaplin, Robert Mitchum and Harold Lloyd. Paul Anka makes his feature debut, and this may be one of his regrets that does bear mentioning. Fortunately for us, those very juvenile delinquents aboard the SoL upgrade a B movie into A+ television and reform us all. 

In The Amazing Transparent Man, an ex-military sociopath plans to raise an army of invisible soldiers, but first he needs to perfect his captive scientist’s invisibilizing device by stealing necessary nuclear materials from a government vault. He engineers the prison break of a notorious thief, leveraging his wanted status to force him to do the heist. This amazing transparent tax shelter provides no dearth of fodder for Mike, Tom and Crow, who see right through the film to the riffs that ultimately make it a joy to behold.  

The celebrated Italian filmmaker Mario Bava must have needed his bathroom redone. In the 1968 spy spoof Diabolik, he takes John Philip Law into his own hands and delivers an exploitation schlock-fest replete with super-criminals, underground lairs, and gadgets that would have Q scratching his head. It’s supposed to be a comedy, but it only turns into one after Mike and the bots riff it good. This film was, of course, the last one Mike and the bots were forced to endure. We thank them for their service!

Satellite Dishes

The best laid plans of mice and licensees often go astray. Despite best efforts to include the remaining unreleased episodes, the hard truth is that they may never see the legitimate light of day. So here is the next best thing: all their host segments. What these delectable dishes from the Satellite of Love lack in riffs, they make up for in irreverent, silly and delightfully nerdy sketch comedy. It's the best we can do, so we are doing it!

Includes:
Ep #201 Rocketship X-M

Ep #213 Godzilla Vs. The Sea Monster
Ep #309 The Amazing Colossal Man

Ep #311 It Conquered the World

Ep #416 Fire Maidens from Outer Space

Ep #418 The Eye Creatures

Ep #807 Terror from the Year 5000

Ep #809 I Was A Teenage Werewolf

Ep #905 The Deadly Bees

Ep #906 The Space Children

Ep #913 Quest of the Delta Knights

MST3K: Volume XXXIX Bonus Features

·         Chuck Love and the Anatomy of a Theme

·         Beyond Transparency--new featurette about The Amazing Transparent Man

·         Showdown In Eden Prairie: Their Final Experiment

·         The Last Dance-- a documentary special that  chronicles the final days shooting the last episode of the original run of MST3K, Diabolik.

·         Behind the Scream: Daniel Griffith on Ballyhoo

·         Theatrical Trailers

·         Four Exclusive Mini-Posters by artist Steve Vance

About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s entertainment offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials. In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast entertainment distribution network which delivers culturally relevant programming, movie and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America and across multiple platforms. Shout! Factory owns and operates Shout! Factory Productions, Scream Factory, Shout! Factory Kids, Shout! Factory Films, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Timeless Media Group and Shout! Factory TV. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Cult Icons Collide: 'RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’ thrills; returns on Thursday, Aug. 24

‘RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’

WHO: Fathom Events, RiffTrax.com^® and BBC Worldwide North America
 

WHEN: Thursday, August 17

NEXT: Thursday, August 24; 7:30 p.m. local time      
 

WHERE: Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

The recent high-profile, successful return of Mystery Science Theater 3000 - better known as MST3K – is no surprise. When the original series ended in 1999 after more than a decade of thrilling television audiences, three of the key members of the original groundbreaking series carried on the brash brand of "riffing" (where they humorously comment on movies with well-timed digs and asides that are usually more entertaining than the films themselves) via the developing ability for audiences to stream video and complete downloads at home.

RiffTrax has been so successful, that the celebrated RiffTrax team featuring Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett has been featured in a series of more than two dozen special movie theater screenings .

Most recently, the trio are featured in "RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors" that was shown in movie theaters across North America last night (Aug. 17, 2017), and returns for a repeat performance to movie houses across the continent at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.

From left, Bill Corbett, Michael J. Nelson and
Kevin Murphy behind-the-scenes at the Belcourt
Theater in Nashville, Tennessee on Aug. 17, 2017.

Yours truly was at the screening last night, and this was truly an entertainment experience that is the perfect blend of sci-fi heaven and smart comedy that was established during MST3K's initial run. With the cooperation of BBC, RiffTrax is able to riff throughout a theaterical showing of a special 1983 episode produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the enduring British sci-fi series "Doctor Who." The full-length episode is beloved by fans of the BBC series, but that doesn't mean Nelson, Murphy and Corbett can't get in plenty of their witty commentary in during the screening. In fact, you wouldn't have to be familiar with RiffTrax or Doctor Who to enjoy this experience.

I didn't take detailed notes during the screening; it was dark and I was having far too much fun laughing (and I am thankfully not one of those idiots who turn on their cell phone when I am in a darkened theater...). But any screening where the far-flung likes of "Dark Shadows," "Buddy Holly," the Cleveland Browns' struggles (the team hasn't had a winning season since 2007), Christopher Lee, The Three Stooges, "Downton Abbey" and even Neville Chamberlain fit nicely into the comedic arc is a good reason to catch this in theaters next Thursday (Aug. 24, 2017).

Oh, and arrive early. For the 30 minutes preceeding the film there were funny title cards blending more of the intelligent RiffTrax humor amidst a mixtape featuring songs from not only the RiffTrax cast, but "Weird Al" Yankovic and They Might Be Giants. 

Robert Kinsler

'Doctor Who' to get RiffTrax Live treatment on August 17, with repeated showing on August 24

I know where I'll be on Thursday night, August 17th! I am a long-time fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and the RiffTrax, and I couldn't be more excited by this news. I have caught several of the other screened RiffTrax Live events and they are fantastic...Robert Kinsler

Beloved British Sci-Fi Show Gets the Full RiffTrax Treatment as ‘RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors’ Hits Big

Screens Nationwide for Two Nights This August

 

WHAT: Moviegoers should get ready to “exterminate” their boredom as the men of RiffTrax (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, of MST3K fame) take on one of the most thrilling Doctor Who adventures ever, “The Five Doctors.” Originally released in celebration of the British television series’ 20^th anniversary in 1983, this special feature-length episode is set to get the full riff treatment live in cinemas nationwide with “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors.”
 

Someone is taking the Doctor's past selves out of time and space, placing them in a vast wilderness – a battle arena with a sinister tower at its center. As the various incarnations of the Doctor join forces, they learn they are in the Death Zone on their home world of Gallifrey, fighting Daleks, Cybermen, Yeti – and a devious Time Lord Traitor who is using the Doctor and his companions to discover the ancient secrets of Rassilon, the first and most powerful ruler of Gallifrey.

 

WHO: Fathom Events, RiffTrax.com^® and BBC Worldwide North America
 

WHEN: Thursday, August 17; 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and tape-delayed to 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT
Thursday, August 24; 7:30 p.m. local time      
 

WHERE: Tickets for “RiffTrax Live: Doctor Who – The Five Doctors” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

New Releases: MST3K, John Lee Hooker, Derrick Anderson

MSTies, blues lovers and power pop devotees will all find something to love via a trio of epic new titles available now.

Title: Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXVIII (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: RiffTrax, Cinematic Titantic, Mystery Science Theater 3000
Tell me more: Make no mistake, Mystery Science Theater 3000 is back. The cult series that ran for 10 years (first at a UHF station in Minneapolis, before moving to Comedy Central and finally the Sci-Fi Channel) is returning with 14 new episodes to Netflix beginning April 14. The great news is before catching the new revival starring Jonah Ray, Patton Oswalt and Felicia Day, new and long-time fans of the series (better known as "MSTies") can pick up Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXVIII, a box set featuring four episodes hosted by Mike Nelson and originally aired in the late 1990s. While the overall theme of the show involves poking fun at some of the worst movies of all time, the wide range of references will delight everyone including music fans. Take "Track of the Moon Beast," one of the four compelling clunkers featured on the new set. There are no fewer than two dozen musical references ranging from the Eagles and Jim Morrison to Nine Inch Nails, Elvis Costello and the Beatles; there is even a great bit of David Bowie's "Fame" sung to enhance the film (which features special effects by legendary Rick Baker). Other titles include "Invasion USA," "Colossus and the Headhunters" and "High School Big Shot." How kind of MST3K to save (and salvage) these cinematic duds from obscurity. A special note: the first 1,500 fans who order directly from ShoutFactory.com will receive an exclusive bonus disc, MST3K: Play MSTie For Me Triple Decker, which gathers 39 of the finest MST3K musical moments onto a single disc. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Artist: John Lee Hooker
Title: Whiskey & Wimmen: John Lee Hooker's Finest (Vee-Jay Records / Concord Bicycle Music)
You might like if you enjoy: John Lee Hooker, Will Moore
Tell me more: Although John Lee Hooker died in June 2001, the bluesman's legacy looms large. With 2017 marking what would have been the influential Mississippi native's 100th birthday, a top-tier celebration featuring 16 of his beloved tracks has been collected on Whiskey & Wimmen: John Lee Hooker's Finest. A casual listener might mistake the so-called "King of the Boogie" as having played a simple style of blues. But discerning listeners will hear Hooker's masterful touch as a storyteller and dynamic guitar player able to add emotional punch in the service of an original style that fused Delta and Chicago styles together into something special and all his own. The classic "Boom Boom," joyful "Dimples," and speedy shuffle-styled "Big Legs, Tight Skirt" are among the timeless songs featured on the winning set. Information: bicyclemusic.com or johnleehooker.com.

Artist: Derrick Anderson
Title: A World Of My Own (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet, the Bangles, Robby Rist
Tell me more: As a member of the Andersons from 1995-2004, and more recently serving as bassist with the Bangles since 2008, Derrick Anderson has a long history of performing melodic rock and power pop. On his outstanding new solo debut album A World Of My Own, the talented singer-songwriter proves his talent vastly outdistances that of a mere supporting player. His 13-track album is bona fide triumph, and the fact that so many famed musical greats join him is icing on the sonic cake. Matthew Sweet provides some sharp Beatles-inspired guitar work on the buoyant "Happiness," while Kim Shattuck (of the Muffs) and Bangles members Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson and Debbi Peterson provide stellar firepower elsewhere. This writer's favorite offering is "Waiting For You," which teams Anderson with the four members of New Jersey's Smithereens; the results are glorious with the moody rocker fully capturing the melancholy-adorned melodic style of the Smithereens. Elsewhere, Anderson's own stamp carries the day, as evidenced by the driving melodic rocker "Phyllis & Sharon" and rollicking "Checking Out" (featuring some great drumming from Robbie Rist). Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

'Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume Two' available on DVD May 24th, 2016 from Shout! Factory

Whew, with Coachella coming up I've been busy writing my annual festival preview. So this media release slipped through the countless cracks in my inbox. But going into the weekend, very good news for all of us "MSTies" out here!

Mystery Science Theater 3000:

Volume Two

Fan-Favorite Collection is Back in Print May 24^th, 2016

from Shout! Factory

It's Mystery Science Theater 3000, America's only television show that makes fun of really bad B-movies from the comfort of a spaceship floating above Earth. On May 24, 2016, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume Two is back in print and better than ever!  In addition to the episodes Cave Dwellers, Pod People, Angels Revenge and the Shorts Collection Volume 1, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume Two also includes the MST Hour wraps for Cave Dwellers and Pod People. Fans can pre-order their copies now by visiting ShoutFactory.com

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume Two brings us Cave Dwellers, in which an evil overlord seeking knowledge of a powerful weapon imprisons a wise man, and Ator the barbarian and his pals come to the rescue;  Pod People,  the tale of a little boy, his pet alien Trumpy, and the alien mother who will stop at nothing to reclaim her son;  Angels Revenge, the story of seven beauties who form a paramilitary vigilante squad to shut down a gang that is selling drugs to teens; and Shorts Collection Volume 1, featuring The Home Economics Story, Junior Rodeo Daredevils, Body Care & Grooming, Cheating, A Date With Your Family, Why Study Industrial Arts? and Chicken of Tomorrow.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume II Bonus Feature

·         MST Hour Wraps for Cave Dwellers and Pod People

About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s entertainment offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials. Shout’s audio division boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast digital distribution network which delivers video and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America.  Shout! Factory also owns and operates Shout! Factory TV, Scream Factory, Westchester Films, Timeless Media Group, Biograph Records, Majordomo Records, HighTone Records and Video Time Machine. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com