At just under two minutes long, this may be more of an album (mixtape) interlude than an actual song. Either way it serves as one of Erykah Badu’s best. I’ll Call U Back, the busy party prepper says to someone on the phone over a lush soundscape produced by Zach Witness. If there’s a flaw, it’s that the beeps go on a bit too long at the end.
my rating : 5 of 5
2015
This Southern Comfort Egg Nog isn’t just a major improvement over the original (Traditional) version, it also ranks among the best beverages I ever tasted. The infusion of Vanilla Spice consumed cold with a mouthful of graham crackers; forget the whiskey and “cinnamon stick”; makes for a drinking experience that is truly delectable.
my rating : 5 of 5
This isn’t just the best song from Paul Simon’s Capeman play and companion album, it’s one of the best he’s ever made. It’s sang mostly from the perspective of character (Saint) Lazarus; Simon also covers the roles of Sal and a “border patrol” officer while guest Sara Ramirez plays Wahzinak; and the vocals are wonderful.
That goes for both the melodies and the lyrics, apparently co-authored by poet Derek Walcott. “He can’t leave his fears behind; he recalls each fatal thrust,” one line goes in reference to Salvador Agron, who was convicted as a youth for killing two peers with a knife; “Screams carried by the wind; phantom figures in the dust.”
my rating : 5 of 5
1997
Singer Gwen Dickey doesn’t have a broken heart. She has an empty one. There’s “just a vacancy” in the place her Love used to Live. He, or she, apparently left her for another; “another home” that is.
The residential metaphors don’t sound as silly as they should over such a soulful groove. Subtle snares aren’t introduced until verse two. This is quiet storm music. Thank goodness for those gutters.
my rating : 5 of 5
1978
This song; about going to, and having fun at, a lavish nightclub; represents each member of Lucy Pearl at their best. That means Raphael Saadiq and Dawn Robinson, over one of Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s sleekest beats, have rarely, if ever, sounded better.
They both have nice singing voices, but it’s the melodies that sell it, especially during the verses. If not for Robinson’s background vocals during the chorus, they’d easily upstage it and throw everything off balance. Not that the drinks aren’t doing that already.
There are no red cups in this establishment. That’s Cristal or Dom Pérignon in those glasses. Everyone’s feeling a little tipsy and a little frisky as they shake their bodies; Robinson’s being one of the most attractive among them; on the packed Dance floor.
my rating : 5 of 5
2000
“They’re great,” Tony The Tiger says with a growl. It’s one of the few product slogans I actually agree with. Eating a bowl of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes in cold milk is one of the sweetest experiences the cereal world has to offer.
If there’s a flaw, it’s that the flakes, which taste better crunchy, start to get soggy after coming in contact with the milk. The fix is to pour a small bowl, add milk, eat fast and repeat until your stomach and taste buds are at odds.
my rating : 5 of 5
This is the music playing as Pretty Woman Julia Roberts (Vivian) discovers Richard Gere (Edward) sitting asleep on the bed. She kisses him, which leads not just to sex but the metaphorical making of “love”. It’s a nice scene and a good movie. The song is even better.
It, a homestyle orchestral ballad composed by James Newton Howard, in fact deserves a more timeless presentation. The visuals of director Garry Marshall and cinematographer Charles Minsky will become dated, but this beautiful; forget Pretty; music will remain exquisite.
my rating : 5 of 5
1990
The best way to enjoy this treat, released to Publix stores as a Limited Edition during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, is to melt it down in a bowl so that you’re left with creamy lumps of Ice Cream in a pool of thick yummy Eggnog. Flavored with a hint of rum, this Publix Premium is a delectable dessert I wish were available all year round.
my rating : 5 of 5
The carton says Grade A and they got that right. Even if the A stands for Astounding or Astonishing, it’s a fitting exaggeration. This Eggnog is thick and creamy. It also tastes delicious. Drink it ice cold with Publix Cinnamon Graham Snack Crackers in your mouth for the full experience.
my rating : 5 of 5
James Cameron’s Avatar is comparable to his Terminator movies in that a so-so science fiction flick is followed by a sequel that totally blows it out of the ocean. The Way Of Water at the start seems underwhelming, too much like a visual and narrative rehash of its predecessor, until you’re spirited away to a new world and the brilliant title concept comes into play.
The gist is simple. Several years have passed. “The sky people”, led by a resurrected and vengeful Colonel Quaritch, have returned to Pandora. The Sully family; Jack and Neytiri now have three kids of their own and two they’ve adopted; are therefore forced to leave the Omatikaya in order to keep them safe from harm, which eventually endangers their new Metkayina friends.
Everything about this Avatar is better than the original. It’s an aquatic, ultimately Titanic, adventure. The characterization is especially improved. Jack and Neytiri are actually likable here and their daughters, along with their son’s potential girlfriend Tsireya, provide plenty moments of cuteness. It’s a tulkun (whale) named Payakan though who’ll steal your heart.
my rating : 5 of 5
2022
Pizza is my favorite food, especially when it’s served fresh from the oven, and Little Caesars is no exception. Pepperoni is the only topping I need; it strikes a near perfect balance with the cheese; and this, their signature pie, is indeed a Classic.
That’s partly thanks to special spices they put in the sauce, which give the flavor its signature zing. The texture varies from soft to crispy depending on how long it’s been cooked, but I prefer mine soft so that the crust tastes like Crazy Bread.
my rating : 5 of 5
I’d shrink her height down several inches; she’s five-nine and I prefer short girls; but Ella-Rae Smith is otherwise just my type. Slim frame, light skin, cute face; it’s all right. That latter bit is enhanced by a pair of gorgeous turquoise eyes I could get lost in.
It’s a shame she, like most girls, chooses to wear fakeup rather than display her natural beauty. Legs, arms, even unpolished fingers I’ll take when I can get. Her bra size is probably the smallest cup, but A, as far as my tastes (thirsts) go, stands for Amazing.
my rating : 5 of 5
2022
