Full Siege Entertainment Announces New Additions To Its Roster

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Full Siege Entertainment/O’Donnell Media Group

Full Siege Entertainment has added two more acts to its roster.

The independent record label announced this week the addition of Casket Robbery, out of Madison, Wisconsin to its roster, and Chicago-based quintet Ditchwater. They join up-and-coming metalcore outfit Killing The Messenger and prog/active rock band Paranova as just the latest additions to the label. A complete list of the band’s acts is expected to be announced soon. Tydus Simonini, Co-founder and artist manager of Full Siege Entertainment discussed the upcoming announcement saying that it has taken extensive time and thought in order to assemble a roster that would best represent the label. That is because of the sheer number of acts that are getting their names out there. “In the digital age, there’s just so many bands out there to discover,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of time and thought, and listening to a crazy amount of music to select the roster we have now. I think every band we have sticks out in their own way. And has the potential to grow into powerhouses in their respective genres. Its now our job to help them reach as many people as possible with their music both through digital and physical marketing, and live performances.”

Joe Barnes, Full Siege Entertainment co-founder and business manager expanded on Simonini’s comments saying, “Full Siege was created by a group of like-minded individuals to assist artists on their creative journeys. Our focus: To assist in artist development, plain and simple. Our main focus is to build a fanbase abroad and help artists succeed utilizing social media targeting, as well as assisting in setup of multiple streaming and digital sales platforms to push the artists to larger markets overseas.”

Both co-founders have said that many more artist announcements can be expected soon. More information on those announcements is available online now along with all of the latest Full Siege Entertainment news at:

Website: http://fullsiege.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fullsiege

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Fandango Celebrates ‘Bourne,’ ‘Bad Moms’ With Fun New Content

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Matt Damon. What hasn’t he done? He has played a brilliant mathematician. He has played a cowboy (of sorts). He has played a zookeeper. Heck, he’s even played a cop and so much more. So, in celebration of everything that he has done (and in celebration of his new movie Bourne) Fandango has offered up a fun look at everything that the Academy Award®-winning actor can and has done in his career. Audiences can check it out now online here.

And while Mother’s Day has come and gone some time ago, Fandango is also celebrating the release of the new raunchy comedy Bad Moms with a list of the top eight movies for a great mom’s night out. The list includes of course the new Ghostbusters reboot, Suicide Squad, Equity, and five other interesting titles. That list is available online now here.

More information on everything that Fandango has to offer movie-goers everywhere is available online now at:

Website: http://www.fandango.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fandango

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Fandango

ELEAGUE Crowns Its First Champions

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Turner/WME – IMG

ELEAGUE has crowned its very first champion.

The professional gaming league created by Turner and WME – IMG has crowned the champion of its inaugural season. Virtus.pro defeated Fnatic Saturday 16 – 10 (Cobble) and 16 – 8 (Mirage) at the league’s championship showdown. The match was aired live on TBS from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Audiences can see the final moments of the championship match online now here. More information on ELEAGUE is available online now at:

Website: http://e-league.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ELeagueGaming

Apollo Under Fire’s Self-Titled Debut Is One Of 2016’s Top New Independent Albums

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EMP Label Group

Dave Ellefson’s upstart record label EMP Label Group has been quite busy ever since its birth late in 2015. The label has already assembled a roster rich with heavy acts ready to reach the metal masses. Those acts include the likes of Cage9, Doll Skin, Green Death, Dead By Wednesday, and a handful of others. While the label has its fair share of heavy acts as part of its stable it also has some acts that are just as anxious to make it to the mainstream. They are Another Lost Year and Apollo Under Fire. Both bands have already released their latest respective records this summer. The latter released its new album Alien Architect just last month and the prior released its self-titled debut this past June. That record is perhaps the most standout of any of the records released by EMP Label Group so far this year. That is because it is by far the label’s most radio ready record hands down. Between its solid musical arrangements and its equally uplifting lyrical content this ten-song record proves to be one that will move listeners deeply from beginning to end. Being that it is so powerful, it ultimately proves to be one of 2016’s top new independent albums and one of EMP Label Group’s best offerings yet.

Apollo Under Fire’s self-title debut album is one of 2016’s top new independent albums hands down. It is also one of EMP Label Group’s best offerings yet. That is thanks to the combination of the album’s solid musical arrangements and its equally uplifting lyrical content. From one song to the next, the combination of those elements makes this record one that will put a smile on any listener’s face. That is something that the rock (and music) community needs now more than ever. The album’s opener and lead single ‘Gotta Believe’ is a prime example of how that combination gives this record such strength. The song’s musical arrangement instantly conjures thoughts of Creed with its modern power ballad approach. Love Creed or hate it, audiences on either side of the discussion should understand this comparison is meant only in an observational fashion. Guitarists Peter Klett (Candlebox, Lotus) and Jimmy Kwong have crafted a sound in this song that almost directly mirrors that crafted by Mark Tremonti in his days with Creed. To be more specific, its sound is akin to that of Creed’s ‘hit ballad ‘Higher.’ It isn’t a direct lifting. But the influence (intended or not) is there. And it does its own part in making the song so enjoyable. The song’s lyrical content does its own share to make the song enjoyable, too. That is because of the positive outlook on life offered up in that content. It is exhibited as front man Donald Carpenter (Eye Empire/Submersed) sings here, “Even though I live in daydreams/I don’t feel like holding on/But I gotta believe my days aren’t over/Gotta believe this sun will shine sometime/Gotta believe this rain will cleanse my pain/An stand before a brand new life.” This is just part of the hopeful vibe presented by Carpenter in the song’s lyrical content. He goes on to sing, “We must face this fear of failing/With the will to overcome/Many candles shining brightly/Though they all were lit from one/We’re mirrors in faceless crowds/Bound by the sound/Of our lives as they pass us by.” From here he and his band mates return to the song’s chorus, driving home that sense of determination and positive mindset once again. Some might call it sappy. But there are just as many people out there that need that positive reminder in their lives. Even this critic has needed such a reminder more than once in life. To that end, that positive lyrical message and the song’s equally moving musical arrangement make the song in whole a clear example of what makes Apollo Under Fire such a solid debut for the band. It is just one of the songs presented in this record that serves to exhibit that, too. ‘One Track Mind’ is another key example of what makes this record such a strong debut for AUF.

‘Gotta Believe’ is a key example of what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut album such a strong effort from the band. The song’s sweeping, Creed-esque musical arrangement couples with its equally uplifting lyrical content to make the song in whole a work that will put a smile on so many listeners’ faces. The positive vibes exhibited through that combination of music and lyrics makes this song one of the record’s best moments. It is only one of those great moments, too. ‘One Track Mind’ is another song that shows the strength of this new effort from the band. It stands out in part due to its musical arrangement. Much as with ‘Gotta Believe’ (and most of the songs presented in this record) this song’s musical arrangement also boasts a certain influence from Creed. That is obvious in the fact that its arrangement is also centered on that familiar modern day power ballad style presentation. On the good side it isn’t just a repeat of ‘Gotta Believe’ in that arena. It is, however just as big and epic as the arrangement presented in said song. What’s different is those big, epic moments are saved here for the song’s chorus. They are juxtaposed by a softer, more introspective sound presented in the song’s verses. Speaking of the verses they offer their own value to the song, too. Carpenter comes across here as singing from the vantage point of a figure who has changed quite a bit over time; someone that has gone from having that one-track mind to being more open to different viewpoints in life. This critic in particular interprets the song’s lyrical content as centering on someone who is looking back on who he once was versus who he is now. That is, again, just this critic’s own take on the song. Hopefully it isn’t completely off the mark. Regardless, it is clear through that interpretation and the song’s musical arrangement why this song is another important part of Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut. The deep thought presented in the song’s lyrical content couple with its equally powerful musical arrangement to make it really stand out as yet another of the album’s best moments. It is definitely not the last of those key moments either. ‘Weightless’ is one more example of what makes the album such a strong first effort from the band.

‘Gotta Believe’ and ‘One Track Mind’ are both key examples of what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut record such a strong effort from the up-an-coming quintet. That is due to the songs’ mix of powerful musical arrangements and their equally deep and moving lyrical content. One is a full-on uplifting piece that reminds people to try and maintain an optimistic outlook even as difficult as it might be to do. The other is more of a figure offering an introspective look at his past and present. It basically reminds people (at least in this critic’s interpretation) that if he can change, anyone can change. Cue the Rocky theme song. Yes, that really bad reference to Rocky IV was fully intended. While both songs offer their own insight and power they are not the only songs that stand out on this debut effort from Apollo Under Fire. ‘Weightless’ stands on its own merits, too. In regards to the song’s musical arrangement, it stands out because yet again that Creed influence is just as evident as ever. Yet in its defense it still maintains its own identity separate from those power ballads crafted by Creed. Keeping this in mind, the song’s lyrical content stands out even more as its main anchor. The song’s lyrical content serves as its main anchor because of just how much it boasts its own identity separate from the rest of the album’s offerings. This time out Carpenter sings about the power of a person’s love. Carpenter’s subject seems to be addressing a love interest here as he sings, “Can I stay/With this restless heart/Is it too damn cold living miles apart/Can I stay/These games I play/With my fragile heart/I always push away/From a caring thought/These games I play/These games I play/These walls I built come crashing down/I am free/Your love has embraced me now/I am free/It’s a love that can overwhelm…floating ten feet off the ground.” This is a feeling to which so many people can relate. Who hasn’t felt that overwhelming sense of happiness at finding that person whose love overpowers everything else? Carpenter’s subject continues on much in the same manner in the song’s second verse singing, “Well I have faith/In my changing heart/I have found the strength missing from the start/I have faith/I now have faith/These walls I built/Come crashing down/I am free/Your love has embraced me now/I am free/It’s a love that can overwhelm.” What is interesting, in hindsight is that Carpenter mentions as he returns to the song’s chorus something to the effect of being on his knees and finding happiness. So it leaves one to wonder if he is referencing not so much romantic love but spiritual love. It would definitely be interesting to learn if that is what was being referenced here. Regardless of spiritual or romantic, the positive message of strength from love is there. It makes the song stand out even more. Considering this, it joins with ‘Gotta Believe’ and ‘One Track Mind’ to show once more just what makes Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut record such a strong outing for the band. Any of the other songs not noted here that make up the rest of the album’s body could be cited just as easily when considering the album’s strengths. All things considered, Apollo Under Fire proves in the end to ultimately be one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It also proves to be (along with Alien Arnchitect, Another Lost Year’s new offering) yet another viable chance for EMP Label Group to gain some real mainstream notoriety.

Apollo Under Fire’s self-titled debut album is one of 2016’s top new independent albums. It is also one of EMP Label Group’s best chances at attaining real mainstream notoriety. Another Lost Year’s new album Alien Architect is the label’s other major chance at that notoriety. As is evidenced in all three of the songs noted here, the album’s powerful musical arrangements join with their equally uplifting lyrical content to put a smile on any listener’s face. The same can be said of any of the album’s other offerings, too. All things considered, this record proves to be a strong start for Apollo Under Fire, and with any luck just the start for the band. Apollo Under Fire is available now. It can be ordered online direct via the band’s official website. More information on the album is available now online along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.apolounderfireband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/apollounderfire

Twitter: http://twitter.com/apollounderfire

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation’ Is An Interesting Piece Of ‘TMNT’ History

Posted on July 31, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Saban

Thirty two years ago Mirage Studios first introduced American audiences to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The “heroes on the half shell” were created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. In the years since their creation, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo (and their rodent sensei Splinter) have gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon with various incarnations on both the silver screen and the small screen. Some have been hugely popular such as the original 1987 animated series (perhaps the franchise’s most successful incarnation) and the 1990 big screen adaptation of the comic book. That incarnation even spawned three sequels. Other incarnations have not been so successful, such as the 2014 big screen reboot and its new sequel Out of the Shadows. They are not the franchise’s only lesser installments. In 1997 Saban tried its hand at its own take on the everyone’s favorite reptile heroes in the form of Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. That incarnation ultimately proved to be a bust for the company. It only lasted one season and a total of twenty-eight episodes. Now thanks to Shout! Factory fans of this short-lived series can own it for themselves on DVD. That is because Shout! Factory released the series in its entirety early this past May. While the series was obviously one of the least successful of the TMNT franchise it still is a good addition to any hardcore TMNT fan’s collection. That is because it serves as a historical document of sorts showing everything that was done right and wrong with the series. In examining those pros and cons in whole audiences will agree that while it might not be the best of the TMNT franchise’s installments it also is not its worst. That (dis)honor still goes to Paramount and Nickelodeon’s 2014 big screen take on the turtles. Keeping that in mind, this installment proves once more to be a worthwhile addition to any TMNT fan’s collection if only for historical purposes.

Saban’s 1997 live-action take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is by no means the franchise’s best incarnation. In all fairness it is also not the franchise’s worst incarnation either. Keeping that in mind, it is a welcome (and important) addition to any TMNT fan’s collection. That is because it shows through its twenty-eight total episodes that Saban, with all of its successes, was not invincible at the time of the series’ run. That is not entirely the fault of the people at Saban, though. In examining for instance the timing of the series’ debut it had a lot working against it. The series was meant to follow the events of the franchise’s original cinematic trilogy. The problem is that that trilogy wrapped in 1993 with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. Saban’s live action series didn’t start until four years later in 1997, which was also only a year after the original animated series came to its own end. When the story lines presented in each are taken into consideration and the timing of their beginnings and endings, they worked wholly against Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. Had Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation come earlier—perhaps during the animated series’ run as an alternate universe series of sorts—then it might have had more of a fighting chance. But because of the timing of its debut and its plot line it is clear why it failed in the long run. That is just one important part of the show that should be noted in examining what the series in whole. the series’ writing, in the bigger picture of its presentation, played its own integral part in the series’ failure. The same can be said of the look and the feel of the series.

The timing of Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation’s debut is a big part of what might have made the series’ run so short. The timing of its release, when considered alongside the events of the franchises cinematic trilogy and its animated series, put a rather large nail in the series’ proverbial coffin. The series’ writing is just as problematic as the timing of its release. The series’ writers opened this series by introducing its key villain—Dragon Lord–early on. The problem is that he wasn’t the series’ only villain starting out. The writers incorporated Shredder into the story, too. However, they wasted very little time taking him out of the story, too. The way in which they wrote him out was rather anticlimactic to say the very least, too. It almost leaves one asking why he was even used in the overall story considering how little impact his elimination had on the series’ overall story. It could be argued that in so randomly eliminating Shredder, the writers were just throwing something out there just to see if it would work and make the series in whole anywhere near feasible. While the overall story did work, it still ended up being relatively lackluster at best. The same thing happened when the writers behind the TMNT animated series tried to keep that series going after the turtles eliminated Shredder. They introduced a new villain—an alien from another world—but it just didn’t work, which ultimately led to the series’ end in Season Ten. The same sort of mindset led to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III’s failure, too. With Shredder out of the way at the end of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II it was as if the writers were asking where to go from there. One can only assume that someone just said, “hey, let’s send them back in time on a quest and see how audiences react.” While the end result was entertaining in its own right, it is still obvious that the movie’s writers struggled to come up with something to keep the movie (and the franchise) going. This, again, goes back to the obvious practice of the writers behind Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. It is as if, again, the writers went into the series blindly and just threw in what they could as the series advanced.

The timing of Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation and its writing are both key elements that worked against the series in its short run on FOX Kids from 1997 – 1998. They are not the only elements that should be considered in examining what the series got right and what it got wrong. The look and the feel of the series are just as important to note as the timing of its run and its writing. The look of the series will be examined first. The costumes and the sets that were used in Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation are a stark contrast to those used by Saban’s Power Rangers franchise at the time. That series had come a long way in terms of its look from the days of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Some of the camp was still there in terms of its look. But that look had also clearly evolved to a point since those days, too. By comparison Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation took audiences back to the days of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers thanks to the campy look of its sets and costumes. No effort was made by the people at Saban to make this series look anything like the franchise’s original cinematic trilogy, which again this series was supposed to be linked. Even the look of Shredder’s outfit barely made him look menacing. He looked more like one of the then WWF’s costumed bad guys than any truly menacing villain. That is thanks to the design of his outfit. Even the look of the turtles was a complete change of pace from their look on the big screen and its previous small screen incarnation. This is again even with the series’ alleged connection to the franchise’s cinematic trilogy. The only part of the series that really bore any similarity (and that term is used very loosely here) to that trilogy is that of the turtles’ subway lair. It is obvious that whoever designed their lair for this series did in fact make a concerted effort to connect the two universes. Sadly it is about the only thing that actually connects the two universes in terms of the series’ look. The rest of the sets and costumes are more akin to the MMPR series than anything seen on the big screen or any other TMNT incarnations. By relation, the feel of the series is linked just as directly to MMPR as its look.

The look of Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is an undeniably important part of the series’ life span. That is because of how starkly it stands out from that of the rest of the offerings in the TMNT universes and even from that of Saban’s Power Rangers universes at the time. The series’ feel is just as important to note as its look. That is because its feel stands out just as starkly as its look. The feel includes the series’ cinematography and the acting. The cinematography throws back to the days of MMPR just as much as the costumes and sets that were used throughout this series. That is evident in the scene transitions, the angles used within given scenes, and even the speed of the shot changes within the scenes, too. The transitions from the general scenes to those of the dragons’ lair are key examples of that throwback look. MMPR used very similar transitions when its scenes transitioned from Angel Grove to Rita (and later Zedd’s) moon base. That is something that was gradually phased out as the Power Rangers franchise evolved over time. The acting on the part of both Shredder and Dragon Lord plays its own part in the series’ feel. The same can be said of those that brought Leo, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, and even Venus to life. The camp in their collective work gives the series a fun, cheesy feel that interestingly enough will keep audiences entertained because of that cheese factor. Again it is all a noticeable throwback to the days of MMPR. Again in comparing this to the feel presented in the likes of Power Rangers in Space, the current installment of Saban’s Power Rangers franchise at the time, it is a completely different feel. Good or bad is in the eye of the beholder. In all fairness it likely played its own part in the series’ downfall since few programs if any had that same campy feel at the time. So that probably hurt the series even more. Between that and the show’s equally campy look, it becomes even more evident why the series’ combined look and feel might have hurt the series more than it helped. That is especially considering the time at which the series was on television. Speaking of the time at which the series debuted, it plays its own part in the series’ problems. The writing behind the series plays its own part in the series, too. Each element plays its own part in the series’ short run. That goes without saying. All things considered it becomes wholly clear why Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is one of the least successful entries in the TMNT universe. But when it is compared to those other entries in it still is not the franchise’s worst installment. Keeping that in mind, it is still a welcome and important addition to any TMNT fan’s home collection if only for its historical value.

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is hardly the best offering in the TMNT universe. It is not the franchise’s worst offering, either. That (dis) honor belongs, to this day, to Paramount and Nickelodeon Studios’ 2016 big screen reboot of the original cinematic franchise. Given, this series had (and has) a lot working against it. But still in comparison to other offerings from the TMNT universe it could have been a lot worse. Considering all of this it is still a welcome addition to any true TMNT fan’s collection whether for entertainment or for historical value. It is available exclusively via Wal-Mart and can be ordered online via Wal-Mart at http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ninja-Turtles-The-Next-Mutation-The-Complete-Series/51301759. More information on this and other titles from Shout! Factory is available online now at:

Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShoutFactory

‘ATK: Season 16’ Is Yet Another Enjoyable Run From One Of TV’s Top Cooking Shows

Posted on July 30, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: PBS Distribution

Late last year Chris Kimball, host of PBS’ hit cooking show America’s Test Kitchen bid adieu to the show that he had helmed for so many years. Though, it was announced not long after that he would continue to host the show on the radio. Adding to that announcement, it was also recently revealed that he has his own new program titled Milk Street Kitchen that will premiere this fall on PBS stations nationwide. While fans wait for his return to television they can enjoy his final season on America’s Test Kitchen in the form of the recently released America’s Test Kitchen: Season 16. This latest installment of the standout series offers just as much to appreciate as was presented in the home releases of its previous seasons if not more beginning with its dishes. That will be discussed shortly. The extra segments included in the season are just as important to note of the set’s presentation as the meals that are made in each episode. The bonus printable recipes round out the season’s most important elements and bring everything full circle in this season. Each element is important in its own right. Collectively, they make this season of America’s Test Kitchen yet another enjoyable run for the show and a fond farewell for Kimball from a show that he helped build.

America’s Test Kitchen: Season 16 is yet another enjoyable run for a show that is one of television’s elite cooking programs. It is also a fond farewell for long-time host Chris Kimball. That is due in part to the dishes that are presented throughout the course of the program’s twenty-six episodes. There are dishes for singles, couples, and families alike. Regardless of where one falls into one of those categories, the dishes presented throughout this season can be made on a weeknight or a weekend. There are even meals made just for vegetarians including black bean burgers ad super greens soup with Lemon –tarragon cream. The weekend dishes include the likes of Ultimate charcoal-grilled steaks, sweet and tangy grilled country-style pork ribs, and roast rack of lamb. The easy, weeknight meals featured in this season include Sausage meatballs and spaghetti, tagliatelle with prosciutto and peas, and Japanese-style stir-fried noodles with beef among many others. There are even some really tasty desserts that could be made just as easily on a weeknight included in this season. The dishes are accompanied by Kimball’s familiar “cooking chemistry” lessons are there to help audiences understand the importance of what goes into making each dish. He explains once again the importance of each element and even the history of the meals and cooking methods. It gives each episode a richer presentation. Between the variety of meals and the educational material presented within each episode, the whole of the episodes becomes clearly key to the season’s presentation. That whole is just one of the key elements to consider in this season’s presentation. The companion segments that are featured throughout are just as pivotal to the season’s presentation as its episodes and their overall content.

The meals and material presented throughout each of Season 16’s episodes are important in their own right to the season’s new home presentation. Even as important as they are to the season’s presentation they are not its only collectively key portions of its presentation. The companion segments that once again come with the show are just as important to note as the meals and their educational information. The familiar taste test segments are there as are the kitchen equipment segments. But this season has seen an expansion of those segments. There is now a second equipment feature this season as well as a “Letters to the Editor” segment, too. One can only guess why the shows heads decided to expand the presence of its companion segments in this season. That is beside the point. The “Letters to the Editor” adds its own interest with its viewer questions. One viewer question asks whether a person should wait for a pot of coffee to finish brewing before pouring that first cup. Kimball’s response is a frank “yes.” He notes that the first cup of coffee that is poured from a fully brewed pot of coffee is eight times stronger than any other cup that is poured after. So that should give plenty of motivation (especially in a family) to be the one to get that first cup of joe. There are lots of other interesting letters presented in this new feature. Audiences will find their favorites for themselves when they purchase this season for themselves. The same applies to the extra gadget segments and the familiar taste testing segments, too. All in all, the companion segments that are featured in this season of ATK are just as important to its presentation as the meals and their educational information. When all of that is set side by side the bigger picture painted of Season 16 is one that shows just why Season 16 is yet another enjoyable run from one of television’s top cooking shows.

The meals that are presented throughout the 16^th season of ATK and their educational material, and the episodes’ companion segments are each important in their own way to the whole of its home release. Altogether they make Season 16 yet another enjoyable run from one of TV’s top cooking shows. They also make this season a fond farewell for host Chris Kimball. They are not the set’s only important elements. The bonus printable recipes that come with the season round out the season’s presentation, bringing the whole thing full circle. Just as with the series’ previous seasons this season also comes complete with printable recipes for each and every meal featured in this season. So those viewers who might be making their own personal cookbooks (whether from this series’ recipes, other recipes, or even a combination of sources) have plenty more options here from which to choose and develop those cookbooks even more. They are presented in easy to access .pdf files. There’s no having to download some app or anything else. Viewers just put the discs in their computers’ DVD drives (for those who still have computers with said drives) and they can instantly access those recipes. It is that easy. The recipes join with the season’s meals and information, and the episodes’ companion segments to complete the set’s viewing experience. That overall enjoyable viewing experience reveals the season’s home presentation to, once again, be yet another enjoyable run from a show that is one of television’s top cooking shows.

The 16^th season of PBS’ America’s Test Kitchen is one more enjoyable run from a series that is one of television’s top cooking shows. That is evident in large part through the meals that make up the main body of the season’s twenty-six episodes. The dishes are delectable and fitting for any night of the week. They are also fitting for singles, couples, and even families. The familiar educational information provided in each episode makes the episodes all the more enjoyable. The companion segments that come with each episode are just as familiar as that noted educational material. What’s important to note of those segments is that there are even more of them this season than in previous seasons. So audiences get even more extra information this season than ever before. The bonus printable recipes featured in this season round out its presentation and bring that presentation full circle. They allow cooks at home to build their own personal cookbooks even more and try their hand at the featured meals at their own leisure. Each element is important in its own right to the whole of America’s Test Kitchen in its 16^th season. All things considered they make America’s Test Kitchen: Season 16 yet another enjoyable run from one of television’s top cooking shows and an equally fond farewell for host Chris Kimball. It is available now and can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store. More information on Season 16 is available online along with all of the series’ latest news at:

Website: http://americastestkitchen.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/americastestkitchen

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TestKitchen

Another Lost Year Announces New Tour Dates

Posted on July 30, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: EM Label Group/Mirage M’Hal Records

Another Lost Year has added more dates to its current tour schedule.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based band announced this week that it has added six more dates to its current tour schedule. Those dates, in support of the band’s new album Alien Architect, run from Friday, August 5^th – Friday, August 19^th. After finishing that run the band will take some time off to rest and prepare for a tour with Death Division that launches Thursday, August 25^th in Sauget, IL. That tour schedule runs through Saturday, September 10^th in Yorkville, Illinois. ALY’s updated live schedule is noted below.

Another Lost Year Tour Dates:
Aug 5th – Fayetteville NC @ Drunk Horse Pub
Aug 12th – Algona, IA @ LoCO Fest w/ EVE6, Smile Empty Soul
Aug 13th – Varna, IL @ Lake WIldwood Pavillion
Aug 14th – Joliet, IL @ The Tree of Joliet
Aug 18th – Ironton, OH @ Rally On The River w/ Bobaflex
Aug 19th – Morgantown, WV @ Schmitts Saloon w/ Bobaflex

Dates w/ Death Division

Aug 25th – Sauget, IL @ Pop’s
Aug 26th – Keokuk, IA @ L-Tryn’s
Aug 27th – Clarksville, TN @ O’Connor’s
Aug 28th – Jackson, TN @ Empourium
Aug 30th – Tupelo, MS @ Goodtime Charlies
Sep 1st – Slidell, LA @ Corner Pub
Sep 2nd – San Leon, TX @ 18th St. Pier
Sep 3rd – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
Sep 7th – Omaha, NE @ Shamrocks
Sep 9th – Dubuque, IA @ Diamond Jo Casino
Sep 10th – Durand, IL @ Durand Biker Bash
Sep 10th – Yorkville, IL @ The Revival @ Hide A Way Lakes

More information on Another Lost Year’s tour schedule is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.whoisALY.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnotherLostYear

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Official_ALY

Brian Setzer Orchestra Announces Schedule For Annual “Christmas Rocks Tour”

Posted on July 28, 2016 by philspicks

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

America is currently in the grip of the dog days of summer. But don’t tell Brian Setzer. The veteran guitarist and performer announced this week the schedule for The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 13^th annual Christmas Rocks Tour.”

Setzer announced that this year’s edition of the group’s annual holiday tour will be presented by Sirius XM and will span a total of 32 cities beginning with a performance in Appleton, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 12^th. The band’s schedule also includes performances in Georgia, Virginia, Colorado, Oklahoma, and many other cities. The band’s full schedule is noted below.

Catch BSO’s 13^th Annual “Christmas Rocks! Tour” in the following cities:

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
Sat-Nov-12	Appleton, WI	Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Sun-Nov-13	Ames, IA	Stephens Auditorium
Tue-Nov-15	Saint Charles, IL	The Arcada Theatre
Wed-Nov-16	Kalamazoo, MI	State Theatre
Thu-Nov-17	Northfield, OH	Hard Rock Live
Sat-Nov-19	Mashantucket, CT	Foxwoods Casino- Grand Theatre
Sun-Nov-20	Easton, PA	State Theatre Center For The Arts
Mon-Nov-21	Red Bank, NJ	Count Basie Theatre
Wed-Nov-23	Buffalo, NY	Center For The Arts
Fri-Nov-25	Englewood, NJ	Bergen Performing Arts Center
Sat-Nov-26	Washington, DC	Warner Theatre
Sun-Nov-27	Westbury, NY	Theatre at Westbury
Tue-Nov-29	Montclair, NJ	Wellmont Theater
Fri-Dec-02	Newport News, VA	Ferguson Center For The Arts
Sat-Dec-03	Atlanta, GA	Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
Sun-Dec-04	Nashville, TN	Ryman Auditorium
Tue-Dec-06	Louisville, KY	Palace Theatre
Wed-Dec-07	Evansville, IN	Old National Events Plaza
Fri-Dec-09	Shawnee, OK	Firelake Arena
Sat-Dec-10	Tulsa, OK	Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sun-Dec-11	Thackerville, OK	WinStar World Casino
Tue-Dec-13	Denver, CO	Paramount Theatre
Thu-Dec-15	Phoenix, AZ	Celebrity Theatre
Fri-Dec-16	Temecula, CA	Pechanga Resort & Casino
Sat-Dec-17	Los Angeles, CA	Microsoft Theatre
Tue-Dec-20	Bakersfield, CA	Fox Theatre
Thu-Dec-22	Modesto, CA	Gallo Center For The Arts
Fri-Dec-23	Reno, NV	Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Sat-Dec-24	San Francisco, CA	Warfield Theatre
Mon-Dec-26	Seattle, WA	Paramount Theatre
Tue-Dec-27	Portland, OR	Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Thu-Dec-29	Santa Rosa, CA	Luther Burbank Center For The Arts

Fans can expect to hear a mix of music at every stop on the tour. Setzer said of the shows’ set list that it will include music from the band’s most recent holiday album, 2015’s Rockin’ Rudolph, three of the band’s best-selling holiday albums, and Setzer’s own solo catalogue. Tickets for this year’s holiday tour can be purchased online now here. More information on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s upcoming tour is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.briansetzer.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/briansetzerofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/briansetzer59

Reckless Kelly Announces New Album Release Date, Tour Schedule

Posted on July 28, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Missing Piece Group/Thirty Tigers

Reckless Kelly has a new album on the way.

The veteran country act announced this week that it will release its new album Sunset Motel this summer. The album is the band’s first since 2013’s Grammy® Award-winning album Long Night Moon and its ninth full-length studio recording. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band premiered the album’s lead single ‘How Can You Love Him (You Don’t Even Like Him)’ via Rolling Stone Country this week, and announced a series of live dates in support of the album. Pre-orders for Sunset Motel open July 29^th and will include a free, instant download of its new single. Rolling Stone Country writer Chris Parton said of the band’s new album, “Sunset Motel finds the band in familiar musical territory — bounding fearlessly between the sounds of jangling heartland rock and scrappy, hardscrabble country, with stories that refuse to dumb themselves down for mass appeal.”

The band’s upcoming tour in support of Sunset Motel is now officially under way. It will see the band spending the weekend in Lubbock, Texas before moving on to Reno, Nevada to start the new week and the new month. There are also dates in Colorado, South Dakota, and even North Carolina among many others included in the band’s roughly 14-week tour. The full schedule for the band’s tour is noted below.

Tour Dates:

7/29: The Office Grill and Sports Bar – Lubbock, TX

7/30: Private – Lubbock, TX

7/30: Cattle Barrons Ball at V-8 Ranch – Lubbock, TX

8/2: Cargo at Whitney Peak Hotel – Reno, NV*

8/4: OK Theatre – Enterprise, OR

8/5: Crocodile Cafe – Seattle, WA

8/6: The Nashville North – Post Falls, ID

8/7: Butte Depot – Butte, MT

8/11,12,13: Braun Brothers Reunion – Challis, ID

8/18: Emerson Cultural Ctr. Park – Bozeman, MT

8/19: Pub Station – Billings, MT

8/20: Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center – Deadwood, SD

8/21: Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO

9/2: Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE

9/3: South Dakota State Fair – Huron, SD

9/4: Silver Dome Ballroom – Neillsville, WI

9/7: Off Broadway – St. Louis, MO

9/8: Twisted Mule Saloon – Elk City, OK

9/9: Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX

9/10: Beyond the Pines Musicfest at Town Green Park – Spring, TX

9/17: Hardtails Bar & Grill – Georgetown, TX

9/23: Medicine Stone at Diamondhead Resort – Tahlequah, OK

9/24: Hutchinson Oil Patch Extravaganza at Crutch Ranch – Borger, TX

10/14: Hank’s Texas Grill – Mckinney, TX

10/21: City Winery – Atlanta, GA

10/22: Don Gibson Theater – Shelby, NC

10/23: The Harvester Performance Center – Rocky Mount, VA

10/24: World Cafe Live – Wilmington, DE

10/25: CIty Winery – New York, NY

10/26: Bull Run – Shirley, MA

10/27: F.M. Kirby Center – Wilkes-Barre, PA

10/28: The Hamilton – Washington, DC

10/29: Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD

11/4: Madison Theater – Covington, KY

11/5: City Winery – Nashville, TN

More information on Sunset Motel is available online now along with updates on Reckless Kelly’s upcoming tour, news and more at:

Website: http://www.recklesskelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reckless-Kelly-10164151827

Twitter: http://twitter.com/recklesskelly

Cage9 Joining Lacey Sturm For “Late Summer Tour” Dates

Posted on July 28, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: O’Donnell Media Group

Cage9 has announced its latest round of live dates.

The band announced this week that it will join former Flyleaf vocalist Lacey Sturm for a series of live dates in August. The two-week tour launches next Saturday, August 6^th in Akron, Ohio and runs through August 21^st in Dallas, Texas. The tour is largely made up of dates that will take Sturm and Cage9 throughout the Midwest. Cage9’s new tour schedule, which is noted below, is in support of its latest full-length studio recording Illuminator. It was released this past June via Dave Ellefsons EMP Label Group in the United States and via Triple Vision Entertainment in Japan. Illuminator is set to be released in Europe in August.

Lacey Sturm with Cage9 tour dates:

08/06/16 Akron OH – Musica
08/07/16 Lansing MI – The Loft
08/08/16 Cincinnati OH – Bogart’s
08/09/16 Battle Creek MI – The Music Factory
08/11/16 St. Louis MO – The Firebird
08/12/16 Berwyn IL – Wire
08/13/16 Cudahy WI – City Lounge
08/14/16 St. Paul MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
08/18/16 Omaha NE – Slowdown
08/19/16 Lawrence KS – Jackpot Music Hall
08/21/16 Dallas TX – The Prophet Bar

The “Late Summer Tour,” as it has been dubbed is not the first time that Cage9 first performed live with Sturm. The band performed with Sturm at her February 2016 CD release show at the famed Whisky-A-Go-Go in Los Angeles, California. Adding another degree to the proverbial game of six degrees, Cage9 front man and guitarist Evan Rodaniche produced Sturm’s new solo album Life Screams. More information on Cage9’s upcoming live dates is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.cage9.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cage9

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cage9

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Monthly Archives: July 2016

Full Siege Entertainment Announces New Additions To Its Roster

Fandango Celebrates ‘Bourne,’ ‘Bad Moms’ With Fun New Content

ELEAGUE Crowns Its First Champions

Apollo Under Fire’s Self-Titled Debut Is One Of 2016’s Top New Independent Albums

‘Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation’ Is An Interesting Piece Of ‘TMNT’ History

‘ATK: Season 16’ Is Yet Another Enjoyable Run From One Of TV’s Top Cooking Shows

Another Lost Year Announces New Tour Dates

Brian Setzer Orchestra Announces Schedule For Annual “Christmas Rocks Tour”

Reckless Kelly Announces New Album Release Date, Tour Schedule

Cage9 Joining Lacey Sturm For “Late Summer Tour” Dates