SPIDER-MAN'S STAN LEE TURNED OFF BY DARK?

****
THE WEB GOSSIP
****

Christina Perri

PERRI AND BAREILLES --- What are the odds that two of the breakout singers of the past year would both have songs that sound somewhat similar; even to the point of borrowing some of the same arrangements in their opening moments? Amazing, right? Sara Bareilles' “King Of Anything” and Christina Perri's “Mine” are the two main examples here. Both songs, eminently listenable and creatively fertile … but, oddly similar in structure. I think, it's just happenstance … nothing more. It's very much akin to Lady Antebellum's “Need You Now” which sounded more than a little similar to Alan Parson's “Eye In The Sky.” Hey, there are only 12 notes and 26 letters ... right? Strange? Definitely. The more we listened to Perri's debut CD Lovestrong, the more we realized we were listening to just one terrific songwriter and developing artist. She's from Philadelphia and first came to national prominence with her song “Jar Of Hearts,” which became a national breakout hit. It was also used in TV's So You Think You Can Dance, which gave it a wonderful boost … and, deservedly so. She's a writer, first and foremost, but we have to say her degree of creativity and insightfulness is just stunning. If you want introspection and revelation ... this album's for you! The ace production by studio-whiz Joe Chiccarelli is also superb.We also liked “Arms” and “The Lonely.” It's been a first class romp for new female artists these last few years; and, this one scores near the top.

****

Stan Lee

SPIDER MAN OPENS … REALLY!!! --- Well, Marvel-creator Stan Lee was a no-show at last night's Spider Man;Turn Off The Dark which finally and officially opened last night, and, I cannot believe that's a good thing. The reviews were not all that much better than when the play endured it's supposed opening several months back. One of the funniest moments of Sunday's TONY Awards was when Bono and The Edge essentially apologized to the theater community for the furor over the show. I loved it when The Edge said to Bono, "This humble thing really works for you!" OMG .. that moment spoke volumes! This whole episode reminds me of nothing more than when Paul Simon brought his Capeman to Broadway and basically alienated most of the community literally overnight, by bringing in is own people and own team. By the time he realized it ... and, corrected it; it was too late. The actually terrific show, with Reuben Blades and Marc Anthony crashed and burned. When it came back a few years ago at BAM, it was praised for it's brilliance and creativity. Hey ... it had it when it opened in 1998! I love the Broadway crowd ... but, there's a line you do not cross ... right?


****

Hugh Jackman

TONY TONY-- Sunday's 65th TONYS Awards have come and gone and the show itself provided yet again another interesting look behind the curtain at the machinations of the theater community. It's been more than a few years since the telecast was re-fashioned primarily as a musical variety show, and only secondarily as an awards ceremony. The decision was made by all parties involved; the American Theatre Wing, the Broadway League and CBS. Host (and, producer) Neil Patrick Harris was simply sensational; with a terrific opening number and a closing, a written-on-the-spot rap number, brilliantly encapsulating all of the winners. My God, if NPH doesn't host The Oscars soon … something is definitely wrong. His performance with previous-host Hugh Jackman was pretty spectacular too. That Jackman … pretty special, right? But, that said, the problem is trying to present Broadway on TV is a dicey situation. Everything is somewhat compressed and it just doesn't have the depth that is required and available on stage. Also, this year they saw fit to offer musical numbers from shows that weren't even in the running for an award, like Memphis and Spider Man; which I found odd, although, despite all the controversy over SM ...it definitely brought some much needed attention to the Great White Way in years! Also, a four-minute monologue by John Leguizamo from his play Ghetto Klown (which closes July 10) was rather bizarre and really not needed. It was great that favorites Sutton Foster and Norbert Leo Buntz were so honored. Btw: Norbert's performance from his Catch Me If You Can was one of the show's highlights. For some reason, the show just hasn't caught the traction it so richly deserves. Hopefully, after this performance, it will. All in all, it was a pretty good show. One of their best. **** BOOM BOOM --- Did you know that singer Freddy 'Boom Boom' Cannon (whose 1962 hit "Palisades Park" is used in the current X MEN/First Class movie) holds the record for the most number of appearances on the late-great TV show American Bandstand, hosted by Dick Clark? 110 times. Amazing!

****

Jon Bon Jovi

KNOCKOUT PANCREATIC CANCER ---To some, Franke & The Knockouts was the band led by the guy who would go on to win the Oscar as the lead writer of Dirty Dancing's theme song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." To others, it was that other New Jersey band that boasted Tico Torres as its drummer -- right before he joined Bon Jovi en route to super stardom. And then there are those who can't shake that pop-perfect Top 10 smash “Sweetheart” from their grey matter, even though they might not remember the artist behind that and several other Top 40 blue-eyed soul hits from the early 1980s. Regardless of why you remember Franke & The Knockouts -- and, why you should -- one thing resonates as clear as Franke Previte's indelibly soaring, soulful falsetto: More than a decade since their radio blue-eyed soul music was available anywhere, Franke & The Knockouts are back in a big way. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Sweetheart,” the band’s first hit record, Friday MusicFriday is releasing the newly re mastered ultimate hits collection, The Best Of Franke & The Knockouts: Sweetheart – Anniversary. Also, Previte is partnered with Lisa Swayze's Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for this project as well.


Photos By: Walter McBride/RD/Kirkland/Retna