“Hallelujah: A Journey, A Song” – Review

First, let me say, I love the music of Leonard Cohen. And that said, I feel the movie did not do his career justice. The title of the movie was “Hallelujah: A Journey, A Song” but it could have done a lot more “journey” and a little less “song” … well THAT song.

Yes, it’s an epic song. Yes, many musicians covered it. But did we have to spend two hours hearing EVERY SINGLE VERSION of “Hallelujah”? From legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley to acts on “The Voice” and “American Idol” … if you ever, in your lifetime as a musician, performed “Hallelujah” you were probably in this movie.

This type of film makes no sense. I’m a huge Queen fan, but I would not want to watch a film that’s almost three hours long hearing every band imaginable covering “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s just wrong.

Leonard Cohen was a great talent and influenced many artists, but he did have a ton of work to explore. One of my favorite Leonard Cohen songs is “So Long Marianne” and that was excluded. So was “Tower of Song” and anything else you can think of by Leonard Cohen, except “Hallelujah.”

In between all these versions of “Hallelujah” you got a documentary filled with “holes” which is a journalist term for “unanswered questions.” We learn a little bit about Cohen’s background and journey as a musician, and his vast body of work, and who he collaborated with, and how he toured right up until the end, making several albums right before his death. We also get a glimpse of his spiritual life and his quest. But it doesn’t dive too deep.

When you think of indie movies such as this, you must think of the audience. An audience who would go see such a film is not the average Joe who only knows “the hits” (like those who would go see the biopic movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”) A person who would see this film is someone who has a bit more depth to them than the masses.

The best parts of the movie were the snippets of interviews conducted by Rolling Stone magazine music journalist,  Larry “Ratso” Sloman; personal stories shared by Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, John Cale, and photographer Dominique Issermann, who spent some time romantically with Cohen. And there are some clips of Cohen himself talking. It’s all too short though, a mere tease.

When my husband and I walked out of the theatre, we heard an elderly gentleman complaining to his wife that the movie could have been edited by at least 15 minutes. In my opinion, the entire movie EXCEPT for 15 minutes should have been edited, and then you’d have a pretty cool You Tube documentary short.

I’ve Googled “documentaries about Leonard Cohen” and there are other official films and You Tube documentaries which I plan to check out. One movie looks especially good, “Words of Love” about the relationship between Cohen and Marianne, the girl he wrote the song about.

True fans and music lovers always go the extra mile to explore what is out there. We don’t take anything at face value. And I certainly won’t take dozens of remakes of “Hallelujah” sitting down, as I did this afternoon in the movie theatre. No, I’m going the extra mile to explore more Cohen, because he’s an artist that deserves a fan who would like to know more.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Billie Eilish – Prudential Center Newark, NJ

Photo by Mistretta

Last night was a concert dream come true! I took my husband to see Billie Eilish at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. I waited two years for this show! Back in 2020 it was canceled because we just entered the pandemic. It was a few months prior that I learned of her music. My husband was then working a night shift and Billie Eilish’s music helped me get through the sad, lonely nights.

Now we made it to the show and it was fantastic, including warm-up act, Dora Jar.

I am truly Happier Than Ever!

I’ll let the music speak for itself, via some really cool videos I found on You Tube of the show:

I couldn’t find any footage yet of Dora Jar’s performance from last night, so here’s an official video to support her :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ-e2iRewhU

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 28 – What is On My Music Playlist? EVERYTHING!!

In front of Queen + Adam Lambert Tour Bus

Music? Did someone say music? I live music and even have a 45-rpm spindle tattooed on my forearm.

This is my favorite topic, and I will not shut up about it. In fact, I’m a music snob, so do not challenge me, I will win any music argument.

I have a vast collection of CDs and albums in the thousands. I was a music journalist most of my life, and interviewed many of my favorite artists. Or I just met them either by chance (easy when you work and hang out in NYC) or at a record signing/book signing. I go see live acts at least once a month, much more in the summer time because you have the outdoor shows.

All my free time is spent listening to music. I can’t even brush my teeth without music on. That said, everything is on my playlist. I like a variety of music from all genres, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but here’s just a taste of what is in my collection: Queen, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, Cher, Sonny & Cher, Serge Gainsbourg, Ella Fitzgerald, Sierra Ferrell, Lou Christie, The Monkees, ABBA, Gary Numan, David Bowie, The Stranglers, The Sex Pistols, Neurotic Outsiders, Iggy Pop (solo stuff trumps The Stooges, don’t argue), HIM, Mission U.K., Ben Kweller, Amy Winehouse, The Smithereens, Hanoi Rocks, Japan, David Sylvian, Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Daniel Ash, Mick Karn, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Blondie, The B52s, Boomtown Rats, Jim Carroll, early KISS, early Aerosmith, Keith Richards solo, The Stones, Redd Kross, Cocteau Twins, Alabama Shakes, Charles Bradley, The Pixies, The Movies, Jonathan Richman, Culture Club, Coyote Shivers, D-Generation, Dead Boys, Joe Jackson…to name a few. This was all off the top of my head, but I’m probably missing quite a bit that I really love, I’m sure.

Also, if anyone wants to talk to me about music – I don’t do “greatest hits.” If you tell me you like a band and I ask, “What is your favorite album by them?” and you say, “Greatest Hits,” please, do not talk to me about music, ever. I’m a character out of the movie “High Fidelity” and I will shame you for not exploring a band’s history if you say you love them.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

David Jones Fell To Earth

David Jones Fell to Earth

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta (copyright 2021)

David Jones fell to earth

Ch-ch-ch changed to Bowie for the fans

Ground control to Major Tom

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

I am the DJ, I am what I play

We could be heroes, just for one day

Like the Elephant Man and Aladdin Sane

Blue, blue, electric blue

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues

Oh my TVC15

That star man really blew our minds.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

RIP Mick Rock

Mick Rock, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Lenny Kaye, 2000

RIP Mick Rock – LEGENDARY rock photographer, (David Bowie, Queen, Miley Cyrus).

I interviewed him twice during my writing career, for New York’s Westsider newspaper, but in this photo it was just a fun party at CBGB’s gallery, late 1990s or possibly 2000.

What a great guy! He asked me to get high, but I don’t smoke pot. Now I wish I did.

I first became aware of Mick Rock when I was 12 or 13. He photographed album covers for my favorite band, Queen. But he’s been known for photographing so many legends, as far back as Syd Barrett.

His work with Queen was dark and mysterious. But Rock seemed to be a huge fan of color too. A favorite of mine is the magenta/turquoise theme from Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll” album cover. His use of color has always been genius, with colors that pop out and grab you.

It’s always sad to see an icon from your youth pass away. In this day and age, 72 is not that old.

Did Mick Rock’s work inspire you? Share your stories in the comments section below.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City, NJ

NJ Musicians, promoting one of my favs, Debbie Harry

My husband and I recently stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City. It was so cool I had to give them a big shout out via a blog.

First of all, I’d like to point out that my husband and I are diehard music fans, not “Greatest Hits” types, nor music streaming types. We like to have the actual albums/CDs/tapes. (And I’ve been that way since I was a kid. I wonder how many people had Cher’s “The Way of Love” single who know the flip side “Don’t Put It On Me” was just as great? I was always about both the A-sides and the B-sides.

That said, I went expecting nothing more than a fab time with my husband. We’re a great couple who make our own fun. As we were making our way to our room (we got lost–this place is huge!) I heard Blondie music. The song “X-Offender” which was not a big hit. I was shocked, and immediately got silly and started singing. Followed by that I heard Interpol and Generation X. Bands you don’t hear too often.

I’ve been to the Hard Rock in NYC and Atlanta, and have seen so much rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, but what got me the most excited was a letter Buddy Holly wrote to his family while he was on the road, before he hit it big.

Here, you can also see Elvis’ Rolls Royce, Joan Jett’s hand-written lyrics to “Bad Reputation,” costumes worn on stage from rock and pop stars including Ann and Nancy Wilson, Prince, The Beatles, and Cher, to name a few. There’s also guitars, footwear, and other artifacts. Not to mention lots of shopping. (A side note, the Hard Rock clothing and jewelry line is incredible. Shirts/sweaters/hoodies are form-fitting, cozy, and durable. Jewelry is also well-made).

In the Cafe itself, the food was good. The only issue I had was they were playing more sports videos than music videos. It is the Hard Rock Cafe, right? But that didn’t stop my husband and I from having fun.

There’s also a pool and spa. The room we had offered a super view of the city and water. But most impressive about the room is that they use soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion from a company that doesn’t test on animals! I always bring my own stuff because I’m a cruelty-free supporter, so imagine how thrilled I was to see that!

The Hard Rock Hotel took great precautions due to Covid19. As you entered, your temperature was shown on a screen. There are social distancing Beatles “records” painted on the floor situated 6 feet apart. People stood on them while they waited on lines for restaurants and cafes.

Stores were careful too. You weren’t able to try stuff on, which made clothes shopping impossible. That was the only drawback.

I’m sure people want to know about gambling. I’m not a fan. Not for any moral reason, it just doesn’t amuse me. But, yes, gambling was in full swing.

The hotel staff was the best ever. They truly give the high hospitality. Everyone was so friendly and efficient. Service dogs are allowed inside the hotel and casino.

I highly recommend Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City.

For more information, visit: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique

Dance the Night Away

Fun times with my late friend Vinnie, 1982

A few days ago I heard Eddie Van Halen died.

I was not a big Van Halen fan. But when a musician is that huge a hit or two is bound to be backdrop music for whatever is going on in your life at the time of their massive success. So, of course it hits you. Even though I never saw them in concert and never owned a Van Halen record, I have a memorable story to share.

Earlier this year a very dear friend of mine died suddenly of a heart attack, at age 56. My friend Vinnie, who I have known since I was a teenager and absolutely adored.

The stories of Vinnie can go on and on and on. He had a kind heart and a wicked sense of humor. He was the type of person who could say anything and the way he presented it, it would just make you almost die laughing. He had that power about him. And was oh so humble about it. He was the kind of friend everyone wanted to be around. Anyone who knew him was a better person because of him.

As soon as I heard Eddie Van Halen died, once again Vinnie was on my mind. During the early 1980s, Vinnie and I were both into the dance club music of the time — The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, Culture Club, Haysi Fantayzee … you get the picture.

So what does this have to do with Eddie Van Halen?

When the song “Jump” came out, Vinnie was raving about it. He was always the first to get on the bandwagon of new music. He played the song for me and it was a “wow” for me too. We were not die-hard Van Halen fans, but that was a song we could get into.

There was a bar in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, called Aldo’s Hideaway. Vin and I were regulars there. The owner’s uncle, Pete, was a bartender there and he loved us. He told us many times we were his favorite customers. If I went to Aldo’s alone and Pete looked out the window and saw my Monte Carlo pulling into the driveway, he’d have my drink ready for me at the bar — a White Russian.

One Christmas, Vinnie and I gave Pete a Christmas card and we drank for free all night. The memories we made at Aldo’s were grand ones. Especially the “Jump” night.

On our way to Aldo’s one Saturday evening, Vinnie was playing a cassette tape he made. It was songs we grooved on, by artists we were fans of — Johnny Thunders, Aerosmith … and now that new Van Halen song, “Jump.” It was a great mix.

Saturday night at Aldo’s there was a DJ named Brian. He was very much into David Bowie and Japan; two of my favorites. That’s why Saturday nights at Aldo’s were a win.

This particular evening, we arrived at Aldo’s and ordered drinks. Pete was concerned because a crowd was on the dance floor, more people were coming in the door, and Brian had not yet showed up to DJ. The place was filling up and there wasn’t any music.

“What about that great tape you have in the car?” I asked Vinnie.

“Oh, do you want me to get that?” he asked both Pete and me, as if my say had any clout. It wasn’t hard to twist Pete’s arm; he thought we were great and trusted our judgement. He said, “Sure.”

Now, for those who aren’t familiar with music of the late 1970s or early 1980s, I have to tell you, the hard rock sounds of Aerosmith and Van Halen were nothing like David Bowie, Japan, Psychedelic Furs, and other ambient dance music Brian played. So, obviously, that mix was NOT the type of music Brian played. In fact, you would NEVER hear Aerosmith or Van Halen at Aldo’s. Never, ever, ever!

Nevertheless, people were enjoying the music, and dancing! “They’re digging it,” Vinnie said, and then smiled.

By the time “Jump” came on, Brian showed up. He looked flustered, obviously concerned about what was playing on the DJ mixing board at Aldo’s. His Saturday night reputation of playing austere art rock was now tarnished.

A drop of sweat ran down Brian’s forehead as he jolted towards the dance floor. He got to the DJ booth. He looked out of breath and slightly agitated. “Jump” was still playing. It would be unprofessional to cut the song off mid-way. Plus, people were dancing and enjoying it.

Vin and I sat observing. We felt like little children who got away with something bad. We looked at each other and smirked. A Van Halen song at Aldo’s — and on a Saturday night no less. It was hilarious.

When “Jump” ended, our party was over.

I do not remember the next song Brian played after “Jump.” Most likely something by Depeche Mode or Medium Medium; who knows.

But Vin and I were easy to please music fans. We didn’t care. It was fun while it lasted. Vin went up to the DJ booth to retrieve his tape. Then we hit the dance floor, and danced the night away. Well, until our young appetites kicked in and we decided to leave and hit a diner.

Rest in peace, Vinnie. You are so very missed.

And rest in peace, Eddie Van Halen.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique

Happy Birthday MTV!

Maryanne with original MTV V-Jay, Mark Goodman, 2018

MTV premiered on television on August 1, 1981. It launched with the spoken words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll” followed by the video for the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. The cable channel was initially available only to homes in parts of New Jersey.

I was thrilled to be part of history that summer. I had just graduated high school and remember watching. To this day I LOVE the song “Video Killed the Radio Star.”

Back then there were only a handful of videos and you’d watch the same ones over and over. Yet it was thrilling to see your favorite songs accompanied by the artist’s vision.

I was honored to meet original VJ Mark Goodman back in 2018. Such a nice guy and still handsome! (pictured above)

MTV may not be as magical as it was in the beginning, but we have memories that still hold strong in our heart. Let the music live on!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique

Happy National Nude Day!

Love Cats by Krystianna Mercury

Today is National Nude Day! But you don’t have to take your clothes off to have a good time. You can live vicariously through my characters in my fictitious, erotic book, Love Cats. The second edition was recently published by Pink Flamingo Media. Just click here to order: Love Cats

Love Cats is the story of Janey Peyton, a spoiled rich girl who meets Beck, a working class guy. It’s the 1980s and they connect mainly on music, but there’s also a strong sexual chemistry. Beck works hard to make a life for himself, and Janey mistakes his hard work for neglect. She goes out on a sexual rampage with both men and women. Broken hearted Beck could only take so much and finally dumps her.

While they are broken up, a kitten shows up on Janey’s doorstep. Learn how a kitten helps Janey change her evil ways, and learn that what she had with Beck was real.

Do you plan on celebrating National Nude Day?! Do tell!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Social Distancing, First Outdoor Concert of the Summer!

Do you see the social distancing circle in white paint? 

Last night was exciting. It was the first outdoor concert my husband and attended since COVID19. I don’t keep up with the news (it’s too depressing), but last I’ve heard is that New Jersey, USA is doing good. We now have outdoor dining and outdoor concerts — with social distancing. We are in Phase 2 of Covid; hopefully moving to Phase 3 soon. I truly believe our Gov. Murphy is doing a great job, especially with the two-week quarantine for those who have visited other states and countries. Why not? NJ has worked so hard to get to this point; why should we be punished because other states are careless?

Woodbridge Township is offering a concert series all summer long, on the lawn of their high school. Mondays are Golden Oldies; Tuesdays are Tribute Bands; Wednesdays are indie acts; Thursdays are local bands; and Sundays are country bands.

Since many of the acts are from out of state, they will most likely cancel because they don’t want to quarantine for two weeks. You can’t blame them; they need to earn a living. But according to the Township, they will replace those bands with others, so it’s still a music win!

Though humid, it was still a lovely summer evening. It stays light late and it’s romantic watching the sun go down while listening to great music.

Last night the concert was Best of The Eagles. They were a great tribute band and so on the money. Such a vast collection of music, much of which sends chills up your spine, like my favorite, “Best of My Love.”

They also had a bar garden; and treats like popcorn and ice cream. It was especially lovely seeing so many senior citizens coming out, wearing their masks, and having a great time. Dancing was not permitted because it would bring strangers too close together. Everyone obeyed. It was truly a scene I was proud to be part of — a small piece of history, and people coming together during trying times.

For more information on Woodbridge Township and their concerts, visit: Woodbridge

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats