Our Favorite Movies: Universal Monster Movies with Alex Beene (Pt. 2)

In part one of our talk with early film aficionado Alex Beene, we covered the early history of Universal Monster Movies; the first shared universe of film. This episode, we dive further into the later history of the film franchise, some of the influential film heroes like makeup artist Jack Pierce and how being a little rough around the edges ended up establishing the most iconic images of the moving picture.

Our guest Alex Beene is an author, educator and has served as an underwriter on a number of silent and early sound film restorations for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

Follow Filmography Club on Instagram @filmography_club_podcast.

Music by Uncle Skeleton

221: The 2020 Halloween Spooktacular

A Halloween playlist is a bit of a tradition around We Own This Town; exhibited by Volume 96 from 2017, Volume 119 from 2018, Volume 168 from 2019 and now, Volume 221. Each set is designed to set a mood, a feeling we double-down on by minimizing talking during the set. This year we start off a bit lighthearted and descend further into darkness as we progress.

We stress this every episode but given the lack of talking here let me remind you once again, click through on the links below to hear more from these artists. These tracks are, more often than not, taken from phenomenal albums of work. Treat this episode as a bag of treats that leads you to an even more fulfilling morsel.

Check the playlist links below for more music and follow and Charlie Whitten, PETTY, Shaboi, Poly, *repeat repeat, Smart Objects, Boo Dudes, Terry the Horror Clown, sugar sk*_*lls, hellvalleyskytrees, Bad Luck Mattress, ace quaalude, Oginalli and Black Bra for updates direct from the artists.

You may enjoy the Music Only version over here if you feel so inclined.

Follow us or submit your music:
Facebook: /weownthistown
Twitter: @weownthistown
Instagram: @weownthistown

Charlie Whitten
“I’m Waiting”

Petty
“Silent Hill”

Shaboi
“Undead Headcheck”

Poly
“Black Cat”

Repeat Repeat
“Paranoid”

Smart Objects
“White Under Blacklight”

Boo Dudes
“Bats in the Belfry”

Terry The Horror Clown
“The Circus Came 2 Town”

sugar sk*_*lls
“Simple Possession”

Malco
“El Santos Obsidian”

Hellvalleyskytrees
“Skeleton”

Bad Luck Mattress
“Doom of the Damned”

Ace Quaalude
“Casketmilk”

Oginalli
“Pendulum”

Black Bra
“Wave Goodbye”

“Main Theme” by Upright T-Rex Music

The Kernal – “U Do U” (Official Video)

My introduction to The Kernal came with the release of the most recent single “U Do U,” primarily through the cover art depicting a man in purple robes and a fedora floating in space above a sea of adoring photoshopped fans. To behold such an image was more than enough to pique my interest but I had no idea what pandora’s box of intrigue was actually being opened.

Unbeknownst to me, The Kernal had previously released multiple albums dating as far back as 2011. He contains a wealth of Nashville history within his orbit that blurs the line between real person and put-on persona. His father played in the Opry and handed down a solid red Nudie style suit that The Kernal adorns when performing; a bit of flash to accompany his blend of jangly twang.

Going down the rabbit hole of Kernal mythology is an afternoon well spent; particularly for the context that it lends to the aforementioned new single. The Venn Diagram describing this music seems to have always contained a myriad of overlaps but “U Do U” is ushering in new shades of exploration. While Classic Country is the bedrock from which The Kernal was built, he’s evolving and exploring territories that sound more akin to 70s Southern Rock without the baggage of Southern Pride or anywhere near as much focus on searing guitars. “U Do U” has a swinging beat, swirling guitars and refried gospel organ resulting in something utterly familiar and entirely unique.

The accompanying official video (directed by Joshua Shoemaker) manages to provide a layered narrative to the track while still maintaining the carefree, breezy and “hey man, I’m just having a good time” vibe of the song. On one viewing you could see a silly inflated outfit paired with some nonsense footage shot around the neighborhood. On another viewing you may see an allegory about an outsider trying to fit in, or on another viewing see a story about the compassions kids have over adults.

One thing is for sure, The Kernal contains multitudes and “U Do U” is opening up another door to explore. I look forward to stepping on through.

Don’t Gussy Up Your Grits

Matt reports back on his Heart‘s experience, Michael lends some insight into getting Hawker’s Asian Street Fair To Go and both of them weigh in on the brilliant genius – not to mention delicious – offerings of Coneheads.

Bonus: Matt pontificates on the future of live music brought to you animatronics.

If you have suggestions for spots to check out, please reach out to @thisisthaplace on Twitter or Instagram.

Intro Music by Uncle Skeleton, Outro Music by Jay Leo Phillips.

Partake in the Spirit of DRKMTTR

We are, obviously, huge fans of the DIY-inspired venue DRKMTTR – not just for the artists that they support but also for their community outreach efforts like Nashville Free Store that they have spearheaded. Music venues have been hit incredibly hard during the quarantine as they can not have in-person events but DRKMTTR continues to innovate and double-down on their core values, despite not having their core connection to their audience.

As an alternative to in-person events, Live streams have become the clearest option for creating a space for musicians to play and be viewable by an audience at the safest of distances (virtually). DRKMTTR has partnered with Hayley Williams, Cold Lunch Recordings, Y.E.A.H. and Queen Ave Collective to create “a variety show to benefit local efforts for a better world” called Spirit of Drkmttr.

These two events are streamed over on the Queen Ave Collective Twitch account and take place on Oct 22nd and Oct 29th. While the first has already occurred (you can still get a chance to see it by becoming a Patreon), you still have time to tune in on Oct 29th for a stream that includes raffles, magic, drag, films, comedy and, of course, live music from beloved bands.

Impromptu Globe Trot

Kathryn Edwards takes us on an impromptu international dig through her Bandcamp faves and obsessions. It’s the fattest globe trot you’ll ever have with artists from Greece, London, Australia, Brazil and points in between.

Queen Ave Collective Spirit of DRKMTTR livestream. Be sure to tune in Oct 29th for the second edition.

Many thanks to the DRKMTTR Patreon supporters for helping to keep DRKMTTR and the Nashville Free Store a reality.

Cover Image: Es

Follow DRKMTTR
Instagram: @drkmttrcollective
Facebook: /drkmttrcollective
Official Site: drkmttrcollective.com
Nashville Free Store: @nashvillefreestore

Stuck
“Invisible Wall”

Tears For The Dying
“Lost Girls”

Futuro
“Mandamentos”

Public Eye
“The Duet”

Shopping
“Time Wasted”

Exposure
“Erase”

Alien Nose Job
“Air Raid on N.T.”

The World
“You’re Goin Down”

Bacchae
“Older I Get”

The Yeasties
“Fall & Rewind”

Es
“Kingdom Come”

Peeling
“Rattlesnake”

Diat
“Toonie”

Chain Cvlt
“Noise & Regret”

Our Favorite Movies: Universal Monster Movies with Alex Beene

In 1931, Universal Studios established cinema’s first shared universe by releasing the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man and Creature from the Black Lagoon. The careers of Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr. (among many others) were established during this impressively influential period spanning multiple decades.

To discuss this treasure trove of films, we’re joined by Alex Beene; an author, educator, and early film aficionado. He’s served as an underwriter on a number of silent and early sound film restorations for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and has had a fascination with Universal Horror films since he was five-years-old.

Join us for part one of a two part discussion on the history of these films, compelling insights into their production and a surprise bid for the Perfect Film out of the set.

Follow Filmography Club on Instagram @filmography_club_podcast.

Music by Uncle Skeleton

220: A Lifetime of Spelling Things Weird on the Internet

A larger-than-average episode jam packed with a ton of local music. Lots of great new tracks were left on the cutting room floor for now but it’s the best problem to have; far too much music to fit into one episode.

As a general Public Service Announcement; please remember to vote! In Tennessee, early voting has begun and you’ve got until Oct 29th to get your early vote in. If you’re having trouble figuring out who to vote for locally, download the free ballot guide at pleasevotenashville.org.

Furthermore, if you’re reading this before Oct 20th, 2020; tune in on Tues, Oct 20th to the Musicians for Marquita Bradshaw telethon. I believe it will be streaming over on the Third Man YouTube channel. Read more about that here.

Be sure to click through on the releases below for more music and follow and The Kernal, Spencer Cullum’s Coin Collection, Ron Obasi, Anchor Thieves, Yon Ort, Sweet Poison, Becca Mancari, Kaby, DE3RA, Qualls, Veinmelter and I Could Live In Hope for updates direct from the artists.

Follow us or submit your music:
Facebook: /weownthistown
Twitter: @weownthistown
Instagram: @weownthistown

The Kernal
“U Do U”

Spencer Cullums Coin Collection
“Jack of Fools”

Ron Obasi
“Tribe Talk”

Anchor Thieves
“Cyclopede”

Yon Ort
“Don’t Delay”

Sweet Poison
“New Energy” + New Energy EP

Becca Mancari
“Lonely Boy Shura Remix”

Kaby
“Freak”

DE3RA
“One Armed Man”

Qualls
“Dolla and a Grip”

Veinmelter
“All the Waves”

USAPSA
“I Could Live in Hope”

“Main Theme” by Upright T-Rex Music

Cover image: Qualls.

Cider Season Finale Pt. 2: C. Haston Cider & Jessica Backhus

To close out an epic season 2, Mike sits down with Liquid Gold contributor Jessica Backhus of Delaney Oyster House to discuss cider cocktails, pairing cider with food, the differences of Spanish cider culture and California style sangria. Then we head to Southeastern Tennessee farm country and talk to Chris Haston of C Haston Cider, a new operation making dry, English-style cider and Perry from apples and pears located on his farm.

Finally, Kenneth Dedmon brings a raucous Booze News, covering everything from bobbing for apples, making wine entirely in the dark, and cheating science with Derek Jeter. Possibly included: a fake commercial for Glenn Danzig’s Blood Sausage.


Order Lost Spring: How We Cocktailed Through Crisis on Amazon.

Hear the companion playlist over on Spotify.

Music by Upright T-Rex Music.
Logo by Jess Machen

Spook Trek: Happy Halloween!

BOO! Time for Pumpkin Spiced everything, warm Bajoran sweaters, and Star Trek Halloween viewings! Larissa and Lauren each nominate an episode to see if they deliver spooky Trek vibes. First up is Larissa’s nostalgic pick, TNG’s “Night Terrors”, known for its iconic scene of Crusher surrounded by a room of seemingly reanimated corpses and- unfortunately- many moments of Troi flying through a green mist asking “WHERE ARE YOOOOUUUUUU?”. Next is Lauren’s blind viewing of ENT’s “Impulse”, selected for the simple promise of Vulcan Zombies. Will they be frightened for all the right reasons? Join them and find out!

Subscribe to catch all the new episodes and follow @intothewormhole.podcast on Instagram for more!

Cocktails & Questions with Candidates: Bob Freeman (TN State House District 56)

Cocktails & Questions with Candidates is a series from the Tennessee Democratic Party where we talk with candidates across the State of Tennessee to find out who they are, what they stand for and how we can help them win.

This episode we’re joined by Representative Bob Freeman, Democratic candidate for TN State House in District 56. We chat with Bob about his lifelong history in TN, his vision for how environmental concerns can fuel the economy and how he reaches across the aisle to get things done.

For more on Bob Freeman and his campaign, visit his official site:
http://votebobfreeman.com

These conversations are taken from our Facebook Live events that broadcast every Thursday at 4pm CT.

Watch us live at facebook.com/tndem

Hosted by Mary Mancini
Produced by Emily Cupples and TNDP
Distributed by We Own This Town

These conversations are taken from our Facebook Live events that broadcast every Thursday at 4pm CT. Watch us live at facebook.com/tndem.

Hosted by Mary Mancini
Produced by Emily Cupples and TNDP

Jason and Kelly Face the Music Supervisor (Pt. 1)

Jason and Kelly sit down with for an epic-sized interview with Jonathan Leahy, the Music Supervisor for Bill & Ted Face the Music, to discuss the film, score, soundtrack, and more.