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        The Official Newsletter of WWW.ARTISTINSANE.COM

 

 

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All Content © Mil Scott                                                                                                         www.artistinsane.com

Welcome To The November
                           Issue of Mil Mania!

Volume 2, Issue 10, November 2006

 

Music Mayhem    

As noted in the December 2005 edition of Mil Mania, I will continue to include news in every issue to keep readers up to date on the latest happenings with the three acts most prominently featured on www.artistinsane.com.  In addition,  for each issue I will also choose one additional artist — in some cases a new discovery I’ve recently made, in others an individual or group whose work I’ve long appreciated — to make a one-time appearance here.  And, of course, as with all aspects of Mil Mania, feel free to offer suggestions.

 

This month’s featured artist…

 

Counting Crows — I sup-
pose it’s funny how often I
struggle to find a “worthy”
artist to feature in this sec
tion and in the process
overlook the most obvious
choices.  Given I’ve loved
the expressive delivery of haunting poetry by Adam Duritz for well over a decade I’m surprised it took me so long to at last share this appreciation with Mil Mania readers.    And, upon first realizing it might be time to do just that, I pulled out their debut album, August and Everything After only days ago, to be immediately reminded that while some artists take a bit of time to evolve into the greatness for which they’re ultimately remembered, others emerge fully developed right out of the chute.  Counting Crows undoubtedly fall into the latter category.  “Round Here” the song track that kicks off this album not only sets the tone for a full and rich listening experience to follow, it also persists as one of my all-time favorite songs by any act.    The same can be said for “Colorblind”, a beautifully atmospheric piece from the soundtrack of a film released several years later, and which proved forgettable at best for everything except that one stunning musical interlude.   Beyond any doubt, this band can make a lasting impression.  For example, their VH1 Storytellers special back in 1997 proved my favorite in that series, and I still regret to this day not having slipped a tape in the VCR the night it aired.  Intelligent and engaging, the discussion by Duritz added an insightful new dimension to many already more than memorable songs. 

     For more information go to www.countingcrows.com.

           ……………………..

 

Third Eye Blind continues to keep a rather low profile as fans await further news of their next release.  As a fun divergence, however, (the band’s guitarist) Tony started a contest in which entrants could write lyrics and sing their own interpretation of an instrumental by him and (drummer) Brad.  To learn more about the recently chosen winner (and download the resulting finished song) visit the 3eb page at myspace.com now.

 

Brian Fitzpatrick posted a new blog on his own myspace page earlier this month...and has promised to post new songs there soon.  Stay tuned for both these and additional news regarding the upcoming 5th Brian Fitzpatrick release.

 

Michael McDermott recently played a two night residency at Schubas in Chicago to rave reviews.   Lest you were (like me, alas) unable to attend, you can view a couple video clips of songs from these shows made available by an audience member…

 

Fools’ Avenue

 

Tread Lightly, My Love

 

     Also, it has been announced that the new album is tentatively scheduled for a slightly later release date than originally anticipated, currently expected to hit stores in March or April 2007.  And, of course, Michael continues to present new, never before made available tunes via Monday Morning Musical Madness on myspace.com.    Go there now to check out this week’s songs, December tour info and more.

Ravings of a
Mad Woman

This column corresponds with the Mad Ra-vings On section of www.artistinsane.com, and is dedicated to selected reviews of movies, television and books… most of which are unlikely to represent “the latest” in any of these categories, but rather a  random selection that represents a new and/or noteworthy discovery to me.
            ………………………..

 

I’ve actually seen three movies since the last issue of Mil Mania was sent out.  As I really can’t say I felt very strongly about any of them, however, I’m not sure any deserve the entirety of this column.  With that in mind, I’ll just offer a brief bit of commentary on each...and hope fervently that something better comes along soon!

 

Prime — By far the worst of the three, this film suffered primarily from a great premise on which it failed to deliver...a 37 year old recent divorcee who unknowingly begins a romance with her likewise unknowing therapist’s 23 year old son.  Worse yet, that premise was revealed with perfect timing in the film itself, but given away via an inescapable barrage of TV ads before one ever had a chance to see it.  Even so,  had the subject matter been dealt with in a more original, against the odds manner, this picture might have worked despite itself.  Undoubtedly there are many enjoyable and touching moments, particularly between Rafi (Uma Thurman) and her therapist (Meryl Streep).  The outcome of the relationship itsel