A restored, 4K, director’s cut of Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils is in theaters this week. The Devils, which stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave has been controversial since its release, owing to the fact that, in addition to scenes of torture and various atrocities, the film includes several depictions of 17th century nuns getting naughty, in some cases with a priest.
So what does that have to do with rock and roll? Well, aside from the fact that The Devils is a rather transgressive and taboo-breaking piece of art, the connection is that Ken Russell made two of the wildest, most bull-goose looney rock and roll movies of all time. If you have never seen them, both are worth a look.
The first is an adaptation of The Who’s rock opera Tommy, released in 1975. Because there are a number of supporting roles available in the narrative, Russell was able to cast (among others) Elton John, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner and Jack Nicholson. Not to mention Ann-Margret, who plays Tommy’s mother and is probably the only person nominated for a Best Actress Oscar based on a performance in which she cavorts in a sea of baked beans after it bursts forth from her television set.
And then there’s Lisztomania (also 1975), a biopic of sorts detailing the life of composer and rock star of his day, pianist Franz Liszt. The Who’s Roger Daltry plays Liszt and is joined in the cast by keyboard whiz Rick Wakeman as Thor, the god of thunder, and Ringo Starr as the Pope. As with Tommy, Russell includes a few elements that are bound to ruffle some feathers. Most memorable is a dream sequence in which Daltry is seen riding astride an enormous male member.
Say what you will about Russell’s oeuvre (and plenty has been said, believe me), that’s rock and roll!
Ticket Alert
Scottish DJ / producer / singer-songwriter Calvin Harris is booked at Toyota Center on Friday, April 23. Just in case you run into Harris when he’s in town, don’t address him as “Calvin,” as this is a nom de stage. In person, he prefers his legal name, Adam Wiles. “At the start of my career people were meeting me for the first time, and I let it slide,” the artist explains. “It was sort of a nickname.” Eventually, Harris – Wiles, that is – decided to make a stand. “I was like, I’m sorry this is ridiculous. You’re speaking to my alter ego”. C’mon son, get over it. You’re in show biz!
It was clear early on in the career of Drive-By Truckers that the band put an intriguing spin on things, as demonstrated by their records Gangstabilly, Pizza Deliverance and Alabama Ass Whuppin’. Critical acclaim followed, particularly with regard to the band’s 2001 double album Southern Rock Opera. Catch their unique stylings on Thursday, March 4, at the Heights Theater.
Papa Roach was considered one of the founders of the nu metal genre during the ‘90s, but at this point, the band has kind of soured on that tag. Lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix told The Pit, “I love being one of the forefathers of nu metal, that’s dope, but we’ve been able to outlive it and celebrate it at the same time.” Call their music what you will, it will reverberate through the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Sunday, June 13. And that, I suppose, is also dope.
And speaking of the ‘90s – and the Pavilion for that matter – Matchbox Twenty rolls into town on Friday, June 18, at the CWMP. For an added dose of 20th century nostalgia, Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers will open.
Concerts This Week
Don Omar is a big deal. The rapper / singer-songwriter / producer / actor (the Fast and Furious franchise) is known not only as the “King of Reggaeton” but also as the “King of Kings” (I mean, Jesus!). His royal bad self is currently in the midst of his “Last King” tour, which will make a stop at Toyota Center on Friday. Bow? Genuflect? Curtsey? I will check with Emily Post and get back to you on that one. Also of note: fellow Puerto Rican musician Young Miko brings her “Late Checkout” tour to Toyota Center on Saturday.
You can’t talk about the history of jazz in Houston without taking into account the influence of Dr. Robert Morgan. “Doc” Morgan served as Director of Jazz Studies at Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts from 1976 through 1999, nurturing the talent of hundreds of local musicians. Since 2013, the annual “DocFest” has celebrated Morgan’s contributions while spotlighting HSPVA alums and raising funds that support higher education for HSPVA graduates. This year’s concert is on Friday at the Hobby Center, featuring performances by drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave and bassist Scott Hardy. It will be a night of tremendous music, all for a good cause, and Doc is one of the coolest cats you will ever meet.
The Residents have been wigging out audiences for over 50 years now with multimedia shows that feature arresting soundscapes, striking visual components and wild-ass costumes (these are the folks who wear the eyeball and top hat masks). The art collective will perform its landmark 1979 album Eskimo on Saturday at the Orange Show. For more on the concert, check out this week’s Houston Press interview with Residents spokesman Homer Flynn. Buckle up, kids, it’s going to be wild.
Jonesing for some R and B or New Jack Swing? Look no further that Babyface’s concert on Saturday at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Babyface’s artistry is beyond impressive, but if you go by the numbers, his career has been staggering. According to his website, the “13-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and producer” has “produced and written 125 Top 10 hits, 45 number 1 R and B hits and 16 number 1 pop hits. Well, damn! ‘Cause Knowledge is Power: Babyface was given his nickname by none other that the funkiest of all bass players, Bootsy Collins.
After the Melvins formed in 1983, it took them a little while to find their groove. First they played Jimi Hendrix covers, then spent some time exploring uptempo punk music. But it all clicked when the Melvins heavied it up slowed it way down, in the process helping to define the genre of sludge metal. Check them out on Sunday at the House of Blues. More Knowledge, More Power: Lead vocalist and guitarist Buzz Osbourne has been the band’s sole constant member since 1983. Among the former Melvins is bassist Lori “Lorax” Black, a daughter of child movie star and diplomat Shirley Temple.
Like many artists these days, Teddy Swims first attracted attention by posting videos of his performances online. Unlike many artists these days, Swims parlayed his YouTube exposure into a diamond (10 million sales and streams) single, “Lose Control,” which established a record for the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 song with 112 weeks on the chart. Jump in the deep end with Teddy on Tuesday at Toyota Center.
