Category Archives: Performers

Dance Routine Du Jour

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: A brilliant routine, filmed in 1930, from Earl “Snakehips” Tucker, a regular at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom and Cotton Club: So much to enjoy here in addition to Tucker’s legendary hyperflexible spine and exaggerated hip circles: The way he’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Music, Performers, Philosophy and Religion, Sex | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Open Wide

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: Why are so many young women these days going around with their mouths wide open in an expression that seems to be half shock-of-amazement, half giant-smile? I have few memories of this particular expression playing much of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Performers, Photography, Sex, Trends, Women men and fashion | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Blues Guys I Like More than Robert Johnson

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: Lonnie Johnson T-Bone Walker Blind Willie McTell Son House I could name others. Don’t get me wrong — Johnson is great. Still, I think music writers have gone a little overboard in praising him. Many seem … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Lawyer Man” (1933)

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: I enjoyed this Pre-Code film directed by William Dieterle starring William Powell as Anton Adam, a lawyer who is “just a small time mouse trying to be a big time rat.” Tired of defending nobodies on the Lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sydney Symphony Orchestra: “Elektra”

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Possibly the key thing to know about Richard Strauss’ Elektra is that this opera is LOUD. Delightfully, magnificently loud. How loud? Well, most Mozart operas are scored for 50-60 orchestra members, most Verdi calls for 70-80, and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ike, Tina, and the Ikettes

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: In the recent documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” which is pretty good, one of the interviewees claims that sexy female backup singers are tools of The Man because they cater to hetero male interests. This person is … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers, Sex | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

“300: Rise of an Empire”

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: I went to see 300: Rise of an Empire the other day, because it’s the only movie playing right now that seems important enough to get me out of the house. Everything else can wait for … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

“OSS 117: Lost In Rio”

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: This second in the “OSS 117” series of spy spoofs is so glancing in its approach that its surreality sneaks up on you. Certain bits — a riverbank interlude involving the spit-roasting of a rubber crocodile, a hippie beach … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Tango Du Jour

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Rumor has it that Libertad Lamarque (1908-2000) left her native Argentina to work in Mexico, after an on-set dispute with fellow actress Eva Duarte grew into a feud. After Duarte married  autocrat-to-be Juan Perón, the feud became … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Movies, Music, Performers | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Quote Du Jour: Virginia Postrel on Glamour

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: For theatrical grace, the audience must not know, or must be willing to overlook, the effort behind the effortlessness. Sprezzatura is an illusion. Even in the naturally gifted, it requires cultivation. “She’s disciplined,” said Humphrey Bogart of Audrey … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Performers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments