Grease is the Word. This was Not.

Proof positive that some ideas on paper look good but should never be acted upon. In the music world in 1978, putting together a movie with Peter Frampton, the Bee Gees, and a whole slew of pop music stars to celebrate work of the Beatles doesn't sound so bad. Toss in soundtrack that includes one of the best tracks ever cut by Earth, Wind, and Fire and you're sure to have a smash, right? Wrong. 

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - the movie and the album- were a creative flop and garnered little financial success. Grease was the word due to the chemistry of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. But this was a mistake on too many levels, artwork aside.

It was all a crazy move- but it is absolutely nothing compared to the actions and reactions to the presidential election and what currently is happening in Washington D.C. and our country. Lord, help us!

Pieces of Olivia's Legacy

Quite a stunning piece of eye candy, isn't it? Throughout each season of her life, Olivia Newton-John was always presented by her label in the most fetching of ways even if some photographs or music didn't always stand the test of time. The song itself is an 80's tune: frantic, lively, and ultimately a lot of fun but not one that is timeless. 

While out for a visit back home, my wife directed me to a large stack of vinyl as we were helping my recently widowed mother-in-law clean up/ clear out some belongings. These singles stood out to me (as did a copy of the Carpenters "Live at the Palladium" disc.) Which of her six children had such similar musical tastes? Hmmm.

As for The Best of Me, superstar producer David Foster set his sights on being an artist and more than a successful man behind the scenes. His voice on this 1986 release is adequate but not much more. Regardless, Olivia is as lovely as ever and the song ever more timeless. Certainly it will reflect a legacy of popularity and excellence. The song itself made the rounds as Kenny Rogers covered it as well. 

No, I didn't bring any of the finds home as my luggage was limited. But it got me to thinking, what will my kids take from my large collection of music and Disney memorabilia when I pass away? Some of it really is quite valuable as evidenced by what things sell for on e-bay. My legacy should be more than the things I enjoyed. What will yours be?

Re-Introducing The Wiz' Elijah Kelley

Prediction time for The Wiz: Although the entire cast is extremely talented, and I totally love the jazz tinged albums by Queen Latifah, let me say here and now that the breakout star will be Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow.  It's been a long battle, though.

Who can forget his unbelievable performance in the hilarious film Hairspray? Unfortunately most people seemed to be stuck on John Travolta's drag queen performance, Nikki  Blonsky's debut, or Michelle Pfeiffer's icy beauty queen, but it was Elijah who deserved to be noticed. 

Michael or Elijah? Or both?

If anyone can take on the iconic role by Michael Jackson and give it a different but powerful spin, Elijah can. Watch tonight's show and then come back and watch the video. I think you'll be impressed. Just ease on down the road. 

Olivia Newton-John Top Ten

Olivia Newton-John, the All-American Girl (Aussie woman) with a long and prosperous musical career, has just released her new duet video with John Travolta: I Think You Might Like It.  Hoping to capitalize on the immortal success of You're the One That I Want from Grease, the two gather together once more for a benefit Christmas album, This Christmas. 

It's a pretty harmless piece of fluff- with a wonderful car- but it got me thinking about how Olivia has had some incredible successes along the way. So, I'd like to present my Top Ten favorite Olivia songs. Your mileage may vary. In no particular order:

"Deeper Than A River" (1992): Though long past her hit making days, this country tinged ballad had all the right elements- and it had me looking once again at a vocalist I'd mostly forgotten.

"I Can't Help It" (1980): Duet with the late Andy Gibb.  It's the perfect match of breathy vocals from both and a delicate but simply effective arrangement. A piece of perfect late night ear candy. Made my long evening drives on a delivery route all the more enjoyable.

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" (1978): The Grease solo smash- still love it to this day. You just have to not like music to not appreciate the retro coolness of this record.

"Dancin'" (1980): This 40's meets 80's blend with punk rockers The Tubes shocked me upon first watch at the movies (Xanadu). But I loved it immediately. Layers and layers of Olivia vocals with a swinging beat and big band style. Guilty perfection. Who could ask for more! (Well, maybe a full version of the song with The Tubes edited out?!?)

"Summertime" (2004): From the Indigo-Women of Song project. I had wrongly thought we needed to leave the basement register vocals to Karen Carpenter. I was wrong. Olivia hits bottom in a good way, and the end result is a perfectly respectable take on an American classic.

"Make A Move On Me" (1981): From the Physical album. The keyboard works hard against a spunky and convincing Olivia begging for something better to do- "Won't you spare me all the charms, and take me in your arms." This song had men everywhere getting in line to take her up on the offer.

"Dancin' Round and Round" (1978): From the first album post-Grease, Olivia threw in this gentle country cut. All around a Totally Hot album.

"Lovers" (1975): To some, this was a toss away song and album. Yet this quiet tale of the effects of love lost was quite mature in the midst of songs about puppies, brotherly devotion, and summer love.

"The Way You Look Tonight" (1989): After the failed attempt at cashing in once too many times on the nice-girl-gone-bad image (Soul Kiss), Olivia returned to a nice girl as a new mommy. The home project brought her one of her most beautiful albums, Warm and Tender. Nice, very nice.

"You're the One That I Want" (1978): I couldn't help it. It's pure fun, pure magic- and who can resist singing along with the chorus?  C'mon. You know you want to.

Oh-livia!

Always loved this pic of Olivia Newton-John. It reminds me of the fresh-faced young woman with the sweet singing voice and when she spoke, the charming Australian accent. Back then, there was no need for trendiness or a revision of persona. Her voice and the songs she sang carried it all quite successfully, thank you very much.  And then there was Grease with John Travolta, and nothing would ever be the same.

Hairsprayed

Caught bits and pieces of this movie the other night. Laughed my tail off at most of the film and was amazed at the mass of talent found on the screen. The list of stars reads like a Who's Who of Disney Channel stars from the recent past with a sprinkling of mega stars from 20 years ago. John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, James Marsden, and extremely talented newcomer Nikki Blonsky. (And why isn't Elijah Kelley a big star by now?)

The music rocks in an innocent and appropriate early 60's kind of way. Hairspray has a storyline that helps the viewers remember the strides made for racial equality in the past forty years. Snappy dialogue, stunning visuals, good acting, especially from Michelle Pfieffer playing the beautiful and villainous Velma Von Tussle. Good stuff. Almost perfect.

While I appreciate the breaking of stereotypes so central to the film's message, writers Leslie Dixon and John Waters with director Adam Shankman wrongly reinforce one while they break one: Allison Janney's character Prudy Pringleton is a bigoted, abusive woman who adheres to a version of Christian belief that paints a broad ugly stroke across an entire sea of people. With no comparison to others who share her commitment to God and the Bible in a healthy, loving, and normal way. Wrong move.

If the same negative stereotypes were applied to other characters in the film, there would be outcries from the public. What if every single black character was portrayed speaking in a poor, broken, Southern English dialect? All white characters couldn't dance? All gay men portrayed in drag, femininely parading down the streets of the town? Imagine the anger.

Prejudice and stereotypes are ugly in all forms, aren't they?