Adventureland's Big Game Shooting Gallery

Here's a blast from the past. Disneyland had not one but two shooting galleries in the 60s through the early 80s. Really! No, Buzz Lightyear doesn't count...

In 1962, Adventureland added the Big Game Shooting Gallery, and it stayed in operation until the early 80s. The sounds of shots firing into the jungle were just a precursor to the action on the Jungle Cruise nearby.  Just a fun diversion, nothing more. But you'd never find one today- especially at Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Space Mountain Still Rocks the Galaxy

A mountain of an accomplishment! In fact, that is what Space Mountain represents. Imagineer John Hench did an absolutely first class piece of art in the 1960's to get the look of Walt Disney's dream just right. Walt had envisioned a space port for Disneyland where guests could blast off into the darkest regions of the galaxies. It wasn't until the 70s at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom that his dream would become a reality. Now, Disneyland saw its attraction come to life in 1977, but soon enough, it was found all over the world. For a very detailed look at this iconic attraction at every Disney park- and with a ton of concept art, go to this post- and enjoy the ride!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Rod Stewart's Soulbook Lacks

In spite of a few wonderful cuts, Rod Stewart's excursion in 60s Motown territory is a bust. Rod's vocals lack depth, the song choices are mostly uninspired, and the production lacks spark. Like his Songbook collections from the past, there are guest artists (including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson) aplenty to push things along. Unfortunately, they add nothing to the ride.


Highlights: My Cherie Amour, the Stevie Wonder ode to young love given a very warm harmonica treatment, as well as a wistful reading by Rod. The other bright spot is the closer. The Temptations' Just My Imagination. When it first came on, I exclaimed "This was what I was waiting for!" The arrangement mainly sticks to the original and the result is charming and soulful. Exactly what everything else on this disc is lacking.

(If you're looking for something similar but much better, check out Michael McDonald's discs like Soul Speak, Motown, and Motown 2. Stronger performances, better arrangements- just richer.)