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The CHIRP Blog
Kyle writesThe 92nd Annual Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees in Review
by Kyle Sanders
Boy, 2019 sure was something, huh? Amidst all the talk of impeachment hearings, climate in crisis, and continual hints at a crumbling society, we still had the movies to help us cope through it all.
And what a year for films! While Disney continued it dominance with Marvel comic adaptations and live-action remakes of animated classics, there were filmmakers out there producing motion pictures that were less mind-numbing "theme park rides" (sorry, Mr. Scorsese!) and more so cerebral cinema.
Well, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has seen 'em all, and given us their nominees for the best of 2019. Here are the nine films up for Best Picture of the Year...
1917 (The War Epic)
While it's been done before, it's still a pretty impressive effect to see a film that appears captured all in one take. Director Sam Mendes went this route for this World War I film about two British soldiers tasked with delivering a message to the Second Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment.
The two must maneuver through German trenches and avoid attacks from the enemy in order to insure the battalion calls off a planned attack against the Germans, who are plotting an ambush that could cost the lives of 1,600 British men.
The one-take gimmick works well at building tension, as there is a sense of timely dread the more this based-on-a-true-story unfolds. Skillfully directed by Mendes, 1917 surprised many by winning Best Drama at this year's Golden Globes, and it's possible it could do the same thing at this year's Oscars.
Eddie writesTake Two: “(Simply) the Best” (Bonnie Tyler Vs. Tina Turner Vs. Noah Reid)
by Eddie Sayago
For this entry of Take Two, we look at a popular song from three decades ago that has become immensely popular thanks to a hit TV show, which has lead to memes and GIFs. To this writer’s surprise, it turns out that Tina Turner’s “The Best” is actually a cover itself...
The Original: Bonnie Tyler "(Simply) The Best" (1988)
Fun fact: Tina Turner's version is actually a cover. The O.G. of this stellar song goes to Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" is featured on her 1988 album Hide Your Heart, which was produced by Desmond Child (who had a very busy year, working with everyone from Joan Jett and Bon Jovi to Cher and Michael Bolton.) Tyler's recording was a Top Ten hit...in Norway. Hide Your Heart failed to chart on the Billboard charts.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writes@CHIRPRadio (Week of February 3)
EVENTS
- Friday, February 7: CHIRP Radio welcomes Waltzer (wth Special Guests) to Sleeping Village
NEW MEDIA
- Mick Reed talks with Miguel from Teenage Bottlerocket
- First Time: First Choice with Cate Brecht
- Cash for Kids is Giving More Than Music
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesCHIRP Radio and Smashed Plastic Celebrate Their Anniversaries on February 1st
This Saturday, February 1st, is a major anniversary happening at Sleeping Village. This year CHIRP Radio is turning 10, and our great friends at Smashed Plastic are turning 1. So we’re throwing a party!
The beer, cider, and coffee will be flowing from the Sleeping Village taps, and there will be music aplenty with live sets from SuperKnova, Space Gators, and The Dyes, as well as DJ sets from CHIRP Radio and Smashed Plastic DJs.
Sleeping Village is located at 3734 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. This is a 21+ event. The good times start at 8:30pm. Click here to buy advance tickets. See you there!
SKaiser writesGiving More Than Music
Cash for Kids--Chicago's only Johnny Cash Festival, is an annual fundraiser held at the Irish-American Heritage Center in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Last Saturday, the space between two stages filled with kids of all ages to hear Scott "S.A." Anderson, Chicago SaddleTramps, The Dark Passengers, Dry County Line, Hodie Snitch, Iron Horse, Kelsey & Owen, John Kimler, Maybe April, South Side Jake, Hayden Thompson, Torri and Marshall, The Waco Brothers with Jon Langford, plus Wild Erp & The Free For Alls.
Who do you know that is giving of their time and talents for the betterment of others? Here's another one: the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands will be held live at Subterranean on Thursday, February 13th. The event is being presented by Rebuiling Together Metro Chicago.
Five bands will battle it out in 30-minute sets with one audience-selected winner at the end of the show. The evening's festivities will benefit Rebuilidng Chicago's mission to preserve and revitalize Chicago communities. According to their mission statement, "in the spirit of volunteerism and community partnership, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago improves the homes and neighborhoods of people in need so they may continue to live in warmth, safety and comfort."
CHIRP Radio is interested in hearing from you! Tell us about who is inspiring you through their good works. Email skaiser@chirpradio.org with details of community events and fundraisers in your neighborhood.
Iron Horse performs for the Cash for Kids fundraiser on Saturday, January 25th, 2020. (Aaron DaCorte: Guitar and Vocals, Carl DaCorte: Upright Bass and Vocals, Richard Klootwyk: Drums)
Photo credit: Jacob Veldhuizen