It wasn’t a good idea to start this album with samples from Purple Rain because they only remind listeners how much better Prince’s music used to be. That’s not to say this new album is bad; the OX song, June and Fallinlove2nite are worthy additions to his Hit list; just that it pales in comparison. That’s despite a consistently “fun”ky soundscape from producer Joshua Welton.
my rating : 3 of 5
2015
Morris Day concludes his supposed final album like Billy Joel concluded his; with a song about it being the end. The metaphor of that title song has him in a club, at the bar, as it’s about to close for what’s left of the night. The Time frontman takes the opportunity to say thanks, and goodbye, to his longtime fans.
Last Call, the setting of which conflicts with the “morning” song before it, is probably the best cut here, but nothing jams like Babylove. The album, which features a surprising amount of guest rappers, stays Funkin; Girls will like dancing to these beats; but leaves much to be desired in the way of vocal melody.
my rating : 3 of 5
2022
This fight is closer than I thought it would be. I was concerned, as an Anderson Silva fan, that Jake Paul would knock him out à la the Tyron Woodley rematch, so a decision loss in a competitive bout is somewhat of a moral victory.
Silva has his moments, but it’s his lack of activity (offense) overall; he doesn’t really start fighting until the second round; that costs him the bout. Paul is busier and lands more punches, including a big knockdown near the end.
my rating : 3 of 5
2022
![Beach Cliff Sardines [ In Soybean Oil With Hot Green Chilies ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/115727.jpg)
The Green Chilies come in bits, so they aren’t as Hot or distracting as you might anticipate. Still they’re a superfluous addition to what is ultimately a decent side dish. I prefer water; what base could be more appropriate for Sardines; but one benefit of the Soybean Oil is how it seems to tenderize the texture of the fish.
my rating : 3 of 5
Aljamain Sterling earned himself a lot of detractors after faking a concussion and winning the Bantamweight belt via DQ. The stupid dance he does here after another questionable victory; we eventually learn TJ Dillashaw took this fight with a shoulder injury; does him no favors.
Not that Dillashaw isn’t to blame. “I completely blew my shoulder out at the end of April”, he reveals in his post fight interview, “It probably dislocated a good twenty times in training camp”. Why he wouldn’t simply postpone the bout till he has a better chance at a victory is beyond me.
my rating : 3 of 5
2022
The title concept suggests a whole album of electro house music, which would’ve been a cool surprise after her departure into folk, but it seems Taylor Swift is still lost in the woods. Midnights is more synthy than her last two releases for sure; it would’ve been a fitting follow-up to Lover; but her music is still meandering.
There is, however, a song here that easily stands among Swift’s best. Vigilante Shit, which almost sounds aesthetically out of place compared to the rest of the set, is a hit. The vocals, the theme of which has to do with fashion and revenge, are slick and sinister. The beat; minimalist music; is a banger. Don’t sleep on it.
my rating : 3 of 5
2022
Halloween, the actual holiday, Ends every first of November. The movie franchise might never. Disregard the title of this latest entry and the conclusion of its plot, which seems to display the fate of Michael Myers; Haddonfield’s Bogeyman; at the hands of Laurie Strode; the arch nemesis he first encountered in 1978. Lest we forget she chopped his head off 20 Years Later only for him to be Resurrected.
This is supposed to be their story. Instead we’re introduced to a guy named Corey who, after being involved in a tragic killing of his own, befriends Michael and falls for Laurie’s granddaughter. If that sounds like a silly plot device, it is and his character is the worst thing about the movie, which gets downright corny at times. The best parts are still the kills. Look and listen for the tongue on the turntable.
my rating : 3 of 5
2022
If you listen to this album; Roland Gift’s solo debut; expecting the aesthetic equivalent of the long-awaited third Fine Young Cannibals project, you’re in for a disappointment. “The voice” is here; it’s a joy to hear that gay falsetto after all these years; but the songs aren’t up to par.
A Girl Like You and Lady DJ evoke vintage FYC; the only thing missing is Gift fully utilizing his signature ad-libs during their peaks; and Looking For A Friend is a melodic highlight, but the set is merely decent on the whole. The worst thing about it is the lazy 1980s-throwback self title.
my rating : 3 of 5
2002
Marie Callender’s original and seemingly discontinued Swedish Meatballs meal was a favorite of mine. This Bowl version looks the same, but she must’ve changed the recipe or something. The taste is bland in comparison. The Meatballs are (still) good, but the pasta and sour cream sauce are, despite the name, rather unsavory. Perhaps she ran out of seasoning.
my rating : 3 of 5
![Beach Cliff Sardines [ In Mustard Sauce ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/114661.jpg)
There’s fraud going on at Beach Cliff. Some tins of these Sardines have “sardines” listed as the main ingredient, but others say “sprats”. It’s a distinction that, though misleading, probably won’t make a difference to most people given the similarity in flavor. They’re “smothered” In Mustard Sauce the Cliffsmen promote as “marvelous” as if the taste of mustard or sardines could come anywhere close.
my rating : 3 of 5
The best song here is the main one; Christmas All Over The World; a hymn good enough to be a holiday standard. That’s thanks mostly to the chorus, which is both cute and enchanting. The next best is Happy Holidays To You; the only song without the word Christmas in the title. The others, one of which has New Edition covering The Jackson Five, are nothing to write home about.
my rating : 3 of 5
1985
“Formulated with Arm And Hammer baking soda,” the description reads, “this Body Wash gently nourishes and cleanses your baby.” That may be true; the best thing about it is that it’s also fragrance-free; but it barely lathers, at least on my grown-up ass. That’s a major problem because you have to use about twice the amount you normally would to bathe.
my rating : 3 of 5