THE RAT PACK REVIEW HITS NEW YORK CITY

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry.

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Robert Culp

ROBERT CULP R.I.P. --- We'd be remiss not to mention the passing of actor Robert Culp at 79. In a revolutionary casting coup at the time, he was paired with the not yet hugely famous comic Bill Cosby in the 1965 TV epic “I Spy,” as agent Kelly Robinson to Cosby’s Alexander Scott. Cosby told People magazine, “We were an integrated team. He had to teach me how to open a door properly.” Cosby won three Emmy's, Culp never won any. He also appeared in TV’s “The Greatest American Hero” in the 80's and “Everyone Loves Raymond.” He had Hugh Hefner as a best friend and came up with the motto for Hef’s infamous Grotto: “Gentlemen, gentleman, be of good cheer, for they are out there, and we are in here!” Culp also campaigned vigorously for civil rights, something that started in the 60's. Said his son Joseph, “He had a strong sense of what’s right.” Always dapper, chipper, and a very good actor, he will be missed.

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Kyle MacLachlan

TWIN PEAKS TWENTY --- Hard to believe, but 20 years ago, on April 8, 1990, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s "Twin Peaks" first appeared on TV. Not till “Lost” appeared, did a show in my opinion reach the watermark set by “Peaks.” Nearly 20 million viewers tuned into the pilot, directed by Lynch, and were immediately seduced and bewildered by the sprawling saga in the darks wood of Washington State. It was revealed along the years, that the title was indeed from those twin mountain peaks shown so ominously in the opening. It thrust Kyle MacLachlan, as Agent Cooper, into superstardom. Jeff Jensen in Entertainment Weekly makes an interesting point: “Overnight, a pop culture phenomenon and the modern ‘era’ of ‘watercooler’ TV were born.” Now, my office has never, ever had a water cooler, but I get it and agree. Co-creator Frost (now a novelist) says, “We had shot the entire first season before it aired and we were proud of it. But we weren't expecting the reaction we got. It was a whirlwind.” It also introduced actress Lara Flynn Boyle and David Duchovny (Agent Dennis), who appeared as a cross-dressing DEA agent. Also adds Jensen, “The show lasted just 30 episodes, and is best remembered for its creative audacity – and as a cautionary tale about how mystery-driven serials can both dazzle and frustrate.” Brilliant point. In fact, it makes setting an end date for “Lost” like a brilliant prophecy. When asked if it might ever continue, Frost said, “We talked about it a few years ago, but it didn't feel right. You don't want to end up looking like The Who at the Super Bowl. Sometimes it’s better to let things lie.” My favorite moments in the show: Anything with Russ Tamblyn (from “West Side Story”); the debut episode; positively compelling and awesome. And, Julee Cruise’s (“Rockin’ Back Inside My Heart”) episode with her brilliant music from the show, especially the episode where the ‘gentle giant’ (Carel Struycken) makes his appearance. Riveting TV!


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Joan Armatrading

SAINT JOAN --- In 1980, you couldn't get much hotter than singer/songwriter Joan Armatrading. The British-singer (born in St. Kitts) had just released her seminal album “Me, Myself,I” (produced by Blondie-producer Richard Gottehrer) and was on her way to superstardom across the globe. The album was to become her highest charting album ever, both in the U. K. and U.S. Her songs “Love and Affection” and “Cool Blue Stole My Heart” proving to be just irresistible gems. Armatrading, with her multi-rhythmic music and lush vocals really set the stage for later stars Tracey Chapman, Mandy Moore, Katy Perry, and Erykah Badu. Now, Eagle Rock has released a brilliant performance of hers from the 1980 German-music show Rockpalast, which features her and a stellar band, including drummer Richie Heyward on drums (from seminal rock band Little Feat) and guitarist Rick Hirsh, who’s fluid guitar work is exceptional throughout. Armatrading admitted that this show was one of the first for her newly christened band … but, it worked like magic. It was quite telling when they first showed her on the show, the camera panned passed a poster of the groups appearing on the bill, which included: The Ian Hunter Band (featuring Mick Ronson) and Z. Z. Top; my have things changed! You have to remember that the music of the early-80s was much more rock-influenced than these days, so it’s a nice trip back there. Regrettably, Armatrading’s career never hit those heights again and she went under the radar for quite a few years. Last year she surfaced again with an album entitled “This Charming Life,” and, though I've not heard the album in full, the first single, which I have heard (same title) is brilliant Joan.

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Vincent Pastore

SHORT HITS & MISSES: Just saw Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island” this weekend. Having not read the book, I had only heard that Marty had scored another smash. It certainly started off strong with another riveting performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, but then quickly evolved into an almost supernatural-movie. I didn’t care for it. Well done, but the ending, or endings, were very, very weird. The narrative flew was completely broken and even though I now see clues were dropped all over, I just lost my focus. Go see his “Cape Fear.” Better conceptualized and more enjoyable. And, DeNiro … terrific in that role ... Last year’s terrific song “Apologize” from One Republic was only the first inkling of the tremendous possibilities from the Colorado-based band, fronted by Ryan Tedder. Their early work was most notable in that it established the band as the most prominent unsigned act on MySpace, again a testament to that site’s magic. Their first album, out in 2007, was called “Dreaming Out Loud.” Their newest CD, “Waking Up” (Interscope) features the outstanding track “All The Right Moves.” Also rhythmically interesting is “Missing Person 1 & 2.” This group reminds one initially of The Fray, but features a depth that at once is captivating and moving. Tedder’s voice is just perfect, as evidence on the track “Secrets” and “Made For You.” After their debut single, they came right back on the charts with “Stop and Stare,” which drew them an even bigger audience. Great stuff … As we head into April, there are several events we’re most looking forward too: The Addams Family premiere on Broadway this Thursday; Vincent Pastore and Vincent Curatola’s “Rat Pack Revue” Monday, April 12 at The Gramercy Theatre in NYC; Sal Richard’s “book warming” reception at The Friars on April 15; a Clay Cole-super secret book signing party; and, Kelsey Grammer’s debut in “The Birdcage” on April 18. A true front-loaded month. Final thought – I know Tiger Woods is back on the green this week, but as I watched a report on today’s Today Show … I saw nefarious attorney Gloria Allred with almost everyone one being questioned, arrested, quizzed, or on trail. What is this woman’s story … actually she’s getting as much face time as Tiger is. Food for thought?
Photos By: Sara De Boer/RD/Leon/Derek Storm/Walter McBride/Retna