Embrace the Nerd.

I remember the day I realized I wasn't going to be "with it" forever. It was a shock to my then hard wired system. I must have slept through the shift in culture. It was the day I realized high performance, 4-banger, small vehicles overtook the 60's muscle cars as "cool."

The trend probably started in NY or LA but "The Fast and the Furious" made it mainstream in all corners of the U.S. Approximately 6 months after the movie came out, every poser from Erie, PA to Twin Falls, IA installed glass packs on a Subaru. The year was 2001.

We are experiencing something similar today, and this time I'm loving it. Nerds have taken over pop culture. I identify with this trend a hell of a lot more than tiny, uncomfortable automobiles.

I admittedly spent a great deal of my teenage years trying to be a "cool kid." For me the outlet was music. I looked the part of a heavy metal guy when it was cool to be one. I talked the talk, and it was as genuine as anything I have ever been since. Looking back, I was nerding out on music. I still do.

I've always had nerd quality in me. From comic books to Star Wars, it's been there. For that reason, today is a great time to be me.

A quick story: In fifth grade at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, I was forcibly not "with it". My Grandpap (RIP and bless his heart) did not care, nor have time for, a 10 year old's idea of cool. I had big glasses, old man fashion and a buzz cut in an age of long hair and patched up jean jackets. The year was 1985.

One morning before school, a classmate called me a nerd. At that time, "nerd" was a big insult. It meant "outcast," and had the insinuation of plastic pocket protectors in a one pocket short sleeved button up. I was horrified.  

I was tall for my age and all knee caps and elbows. I must have looked like a red faced Muppet with smoke coming out of my ears that day. I lost what little cool

I had, and pushed the kid against a wall for the insult. It was the equivalent of Sky-net becoming self aware in my young life. I vowed not to be perceived as a nerd again!!!!! (Maybe it was my Tara moment?)

Fast forward 30 years. I find myself surrounded by comic book entertainment, video game geekism, sub-genre music trends and computer culture galore. It's a world I never could have imagined in my nerdiest dreams, and I'm happy to be in it. Today, the smart kids really do win. Thank God for that, because if  "cool" meant every man, woman and child wore saggy jeans, white t-shirts and flat brimmed ball caps, there would be no hope for us as a society. There are many names for that style of dress, "cool" does not come to mind.

I'm 40, so being cool is not a priority. At this stage, working to fit into someones definition of "cool" is stupid. I remember the pressure of it though, and do not envy anyone trying too hard to achieve it. It must be exhausting. For any adult struggling to make a life, being smart is the better option.

Tonight, I am watching "Gotham." Tomorrow I will listen to the "Nerdist" podcast. I am actively reading a book about the effects WWI had on Paris, and I'm seriously considering writing a blog detailing my take on the current acting gigs of the former cast from "Battlestar Galactica" (2004, of course). I've been tucking a little money away for a new Orient Blue Mako (because I just can't bring myself to pull the trigger on an Omega Planet Ocean Automatic). When asked what my favorite color is, I say "clear," and I mean it.

I may be nerdy in my interests, but that's how I dissect and reassemble the various forms of distraction put in front of me. I have friends that make me look like a December afternoon in comparison. 

"Nerd" used to mean "smart." It carried a negative undertone because the smart kids were less likely to be socially accepted and almost never in the "it" crowd. I like the idea of smart people being the "it" crowd. I'm sure that may not be the case in every situation, but I am absolutely positive the smart kids enable themselves to live cooler in the long run.

Traditional "nerds" can be very clicky. They argue. Nerds are cruel to less informed individuals about the topic of their obsession. It's typically not about what you know. It's what they know which matters (to them). Try to avoid a nerd fight. It's pointless.

Embracing my inner nerd is important for me to stay humble. "Geeking out" keeps my mind occupied in ways I see fit. I then type away about the topic I'm into that day. It's good therapy for me. 

The world is nerding out along side me with Star Wars coming next month. It will be a record breaking opening weekend. Cosplay and Kenner galore. Until then, we all fill our cups with Bond, Marvel and whatever Netflix binge catches the collective fancy. It's great to be a nerd today. Embrace it!

Nago

Trapped in a box? Oh well.

Blame Gwen and Blake for the inspiration (I want to punch myself in the face for even knowing anything about them today). Somehow they led me to the downward spiral that is my thought process, and a few keystrokes later... Walla!

"Chain, keep us together"

In the personal lives of the authors of Fleetwood Mac's opus, the words define unity through adversity. "The Chain" was a therapeutic exercise given two power couples invested actively separating during its composure.

Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham's well documented break-up during the sessions for "Rumors" adds to the legend of the band. The less discussed divorce of John and Christine McVie (and Christine's affair with the lighting director) during the same period had to be equally traumatic. Imagine the tension in that room. Wowza.

The pain which forged "Rumors" helped the LP sell over 40 million copies worldwide.

Unitatem per Ardua.

No Doubt also comes to mind when I think about relationship breakups within a band. Gwen and Tony Kanal worked out their break-up of a 7 year relationship while penning the LP "Tragic Kingdom." "Don't Speak," the most personal note from Gwen to Tony, spend 16 weeks at #1 on the billboard charts. 

Gwen's little FU to her ex-boyfriend propelled the album to over 16 million units sold worldwide.

Breaking up is hard to do. The above examples are two bands surviving through the pain of loss, somehow working alongside the source of their heartache to achieve greater heights.

I've written my own sad songs during times of heartache. Although not iconic in any way, when I listen back I can feel exactly what I was feeling at the time. Dark days and loss captured in song. I wonder if the megastars still feel pain in their art of yesterday?

Two years ago, I penned the following from my own pain. It's still hard to listen to.

I find difficulty believing every emo breakup song I hear today. So much of it feels uniform. I'm not discrediting anyone's personal journey or how they choose to portray it. I just question most of today's music as "by design" versus "inspired." If your entire sound is laid out before you for the entirety of your career, when do you write a song like "The Chain?"

Fleetwood Mac was a British Blues band years before they developed into the band brave enough to write and release "Rumors." From there, they launched into another stratosphere.

No Doubt started as a SoCal Ska band. "Tragic Kingdom" is far from it. It took years for them to break the Ska mold, but it took a break-up to make them superstars.

One last thing:

All musicians have a "go-to" when they grab an instrument. My "go-to" on bass is "The Chain." The iconic line has been called the best rock bass riff of all time. Given the genre I call home (metal), I disagree, but I can not deny its awesomeness.

Taken out of context of the song, it doesn't sound like much. 10 notes, some repeated. Big deal, right?  Yet, in the framework given, the timing, the feel and the placement makes it iconic. It's moody, and for me it's John McVie's middle finger to his ex-wife.

I love the grove of the line, and I hope to rip it off someday. I'll try to change it just enough to get away with it. Maybe I'll throw some pain in there for good measure.

That is all.

Nago

Danzig and the price of greatness.

It's safe to say Mr. Glenn Danzig has adapted to the digital age poorly. A once infallible Punk/Metal God turned human (via troll humor and pop shots). Phone pics of Glenn carrying cat litter from the store to his car sprout endless meme fodder and represents how loving his fan base can be.

It's still odd to see an icon in a real world situation. In his prime, Glenn had an element of danger and an aura of evil. The humbling of Danzig's image should not be taken lightly. Glenn Danzig carved out a career on his terms. He was a risk taker and should be celebrated for his drive and courage, not run down as a washed up cock rocker.

Glenn is not the muscle bound 30 year old seen taunting the metal landscape. He is 60, and does not hide it well. An image makeover at this stage is probably not even worth it. Today we get an older version of what we expect. Mr. Danzig will not change, even if he is dangerously close to becoming a parody. The trolls of the world like to pick on Danzig. It's normal to pick on leaders, it's flattery even if it's annoying.

In no way should Danzig be a punch line. He is truly an icon. 11 years ago, Glenn was famously knocked out by a fat guy from some no talent band (who didn't deserve to be on the same bill) over a stage time dispute. The incident was filmed and posted. Today, it has over 3 million views on YouTube.

The punch was a not a well timed blow from a professional fighter. It was a lucky, wild ass swing. 10 years later, the bastard that threw the punch has tried to make a career out of his brush with greatness. He wrote a book about it. His shit band tried to record a bunch of hate songs celebrating his slobbery. All of it is very pathetic. The video is not worth re-posting here.

Glenn has tried to blow it off and make excuses. He is not obligated to say a single word about it. Anyone who has seen the video can draw the same conclusion. It's a "who cares wins" moment. Unfortunately, neither side can escape it. In the case of the fat guy, it's his defining moment in life. How sad for him...

Danzig has more legendary cred than most rockers. He invented a genre (horror punk), founded two infamous underground bands (Misfits and Samhain) and made his own name infamous (Danzig). His music influenced countless artists.

I'm definitely biased. Misfits were great because of Glenn. His early songwriting was brilliant. His ability to change his style still blows my mind. Regardless of what he was working on, it was damn good and different from project to project.

Let's explore how different for a second:

Misfits:

Legendary, influential and campy. Misfits easily catch the ear.
"She" is a simple love song. The "short but sweet" nature of "She" speaks for itself. The song is a glimpse of future vocal prowess as well.

 

 

Samhain:
A less friendly version of his first band. Darker, more evil. Danzig was in a developmental stage. A very good friend of mine loves this band, and opened my eyes to them on a larger scale. It's still my least favorite part of Danzig's career, but I can appreciate it as growth in an artist's life.

 

Glenn Danzig and the Power and Fury Orchestra:

Pulled together for the "Less Than Zero" soundtrack, Glenn embraces his inner Elvis/Jim Morrison for this one-off.

 

Danzig:
If you are fan of the genre, Danzig needs no introduction.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear "How the Gods Kill" featured in an episode of "The Following" recently. A great payday for Danzig, I'm sure. It's not his most popular (Mother), but a dark reminder of his greatness.

 

 

Black Aria:
Danzig goes classical. The LP debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Chart in 1992.

 

Songwriter Cred:

According to legend, Glenn wrote the song "13" for Johnny Cash in 10 minutes. Jon heard it and knew it was perfect. Glen has also written for Roy Orbison.

 

 

Glenn has also dabbled in Industrial music during his life.

Glenn founded "Verotic," a graphic novel company that deals in horror themed adult storytelling.  

Respect is deserved. To be unafraid and work to achieve greatness is how we all should live life.

Nago 

 

Meanwhile....

Over the last month or so, Batman has ruled my many sources of digital media. The resurgence of the Caped Crusader to my radar started with a borrowed DVD of the animated "The Dark Knight Returns Part 1" from a Candlewood Suites lobby.

I found myself enjoying the elder Batman storyline. Given that it is penned by Frank Miller lends some cred to the animation. Miller's treatment of Batman is dark (read The Killing Joke). He understood that the Batman should be less campy, yet retain the Gothic undertone, only with a bit of danger for good measure.

I believe Tim Burton understood this as well, but Tim can't fart without an element of cheese staining a canvas. I enjoy his 1989 Michael Keaton "Batman" Movie, but idea of a masked vigilante dressed like a Bat is goofy enough without any assistance from an over creative, macabre director/producer. Even though the only Burton directed Batman was perfect for the time, his film spawned a franchise dangerously mirroring the dumbness of the 1980's Superman movie flops. The over saturation left a black eye to a character that didn't need one. 

Adam West's 1966-68 treatment did a great job of deeming Batman stupid for over 20 years. The Batman comic book was close to cancellation by the mid 1980's. Every non-comic version of the Batman in between West and Keaton was animated for the Saturday morning crowd and not a far stretch from West's legacy.

I've never gave the 1990's WB animated Batman much time, but I did like the idea of darker imagery mixed with hints of 1930's nostalgia. Mark Hamill voicing the Joker in the series didn't escape me either, but as an adult I don't invest much time into animated cartoons geared toward kids. 

2005 brought the character into the modern movie age. Christopher Nolan gave the Batman a much needed kick in the ass with "Batman Begins." Gone were the millionaire villains with nonsense gadgets, world domination aspirations and bottomless pools of henchmen. Replaced by gritty mob back stories and (gulp) less cheesy ninjas, who are hell bent on the destruction of Gotham and Gotham alone. 

2008's second installment of the Trilogy showed how damn good a superhero movie could be. "The Dark Knight" is one of the best movies of the entire superhero genre. The third movie wraps it all together and ended the series on a high note. Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan saved the character and set the cinematic tone for the foreseeable future.

Today, Batman is everywhere. I've been following the TV series "Gotham." Which is set somewhere around 15 (or so) years before Bruce Wayne first dawns a cape. I was skeptical, but I found myself getting invested quickly. I especially like Robin Lord Taylor's Penguin, who is really the runaway star of the series. The show is written around Jim Gordon, letting a young Bruce Wayne take a supporting character role. It's good fun.

Of course 2016 will bring us the first ever Superman V Batman cinematic treatment. The animated version of the DC characters have addressed the animosity between the two before, basically capitalizing on the Boy scout Superman intervening in the Vigilante Batman's affairs. Drama ensues, but there is always a mutual respect under the surface. Perhaps the reason why Superman doesn't just pummel Batman? For the Man of Steel's squeaky clean annoyance, it's an opportunity to finally tarnish the character on the big screen. Yay.

DC is taking a page from the Marvel Universe, starting a buildup to a Justice League movie down the road. Suicide Squad is set to release next year. Wonder Woman is in the works, and the stage is set for a decades long dance of anticipation.

The characters thought up almost 80 years ago still having relevance today shows how timeless they are. It's modern day mythology in a way. The acceptance of constantly revamping the story lines for whatever the "current audience" wants is key to the survival of the fantasy universe.

We should all be cautious about the relevance. Any misstep, regardless of good intentions, could spiral the whole ball of wax into obscurity. Trends change and our coveted heroes change with them (not always for the good). It is safe to say that in our current culture we are over saturated with superhero movies in general. We are one bad movie away from calling "Bullshit" at the box office. 

Based on the chart above, with an average price of $12 per admission + another $10 in popcorn, I'm spending $700 on dumb movies if I see them all (I won't) over the next 4 years. 

Marvel is dangerously approaching "Nerds Only" territory with complicated storylines leading up to something big regarding "Infinity Stones." That's right average movie fan, the entirety of the whole Marvel thing is an intertwined nerd sub-plot disguised as individual Hollywood blockbusters! Nerds rule!

Everything is cyclical. When masked people with super powers stop making money for Hollywood, it's all over. Today, for every "Guardians of the Galaxy" thrill ride, there is an antithesis "Green Lantern" piece of dung. 

Hollywood is constantly pulling fast ones on the world assuming we consumers have short term memory loss. Some of which has to do with production rights. Wonder why Spider-Man got re-vamped before DVD's of Tobey McGuires character were in a bargain bin? Marvel sold the rights to Spider-Man movies way back in 1985. Sony ended up with them. Sony calls the shots. 

Spider-Man movies have grossed almost 4 billion between 5 movies in 13 years. Why would Sony give it up? They won't. What they did do is give Marvel the ability to use Spidey. Marvel splits the profits and Sony retains the rights. Spidey will get a cameo in an upcoming Captain America movie to kick the whole partnership off.

Worse than that, another Spider-Man revamp is in the works. Spider-Man ushered super hero movies into the 2000's and may kill it with confusion less than 20 years later. My head hurts thinking about another Spider-Man, but I am curious to see if it can be pulled off, again.

DC is taking a slower pace cinematically. This approach should keep them relevant for some time. In a world completely over saturated with "A" list superstars playing "B" list comic book heroes, an occasional Batman movie is very welcomed. The 2016 Ben Affleck Batman could be awesome, we will have to wait to see. In the meantime I'm looking forward to Monday night episodes of Gotham. I may even start "Flash" on CW.

There is no void in the genre. Choose the best for you and enjoy the ride. It's entertainment after all.

Nago.