Post 100, 2018

It's the very middle of 2018 and what, I'm up to 100 posts already? Well actually between both blogs I'm up around 272 total posts, Flashing off the Record, if your keen on the best music around.

So let's look at highlights for 2018, so far.

TV, it's been a huge start to to 2018 with the 2017-2018 US TV season finishing last month, there were some epic finales and some epic fails. I have done countless posts on new shows, returning shows and shows I binge to the bitter end, like 13 Reasons Why season 2.

2018 has seen the axe fall on a number of shows, some however like Brooklyn Nine-Nine were cancelled for a day before swapping networks, oh TV execs. I really enjoyed NBC's Rise on Stan here in Australia, it was a musical drama, with well lot's of teenage drama, it was like 13 Reasons Why, without the body count and the rape scenes.

Rise might have been cancelled by NBC however they kept my long running crime series The Blacklist alive for a sixth mid season filler series as well as Blindspot which will have a massive plot change in 2018-2019.

NBC cancelled 8 shows at the end of the season, and will gain 10 new shows for the new season.

ABC are having a rough time in the US, losing 13 shows at the end of the season, including the highly controversial Roseanne. But gaining The Conners a less racist spin off. They will gain a new 11 shows however.

CBS I have little to no interest in, so no comment, The CW is one of my personal favourites and say farewell to three shows (two of which only started this season) and gain 5 shows and now having a programming period on Sunday nights.

FOX are in trouble, they have no big shows except Ryan Murphy's latest hit and surprise of the season, 9-1-1.

Empire and Star continued to be popular musical series, whilst Gotham will finally wrap up with a fifth season and Batman reveal at the end of the season.

Fox will only unveil four new shows in September/October.

They are losing eight shows, some to Netflix or NBC.

Now to music, other than Vance Joy, the albums have been less than exceptional in 2018. We have had an amazing array of singles and EP's and mix tapes and everything in between, but the album is proving challenging, so much so Kanye is reducing an album to 7 tracks.

Even between two heavyweights The Carters (AKA Jay Z plus Beyonce) can only muster up 9 songs, together!

That said there have been some brilliant singles, so Aussie success stories like Amy Shark being a force to reckon with, with that big song I Said Hi. Well done Amy. Credit due where credit is deserved.

Vance Joy continues to grow his big fanbase and artists like Childish Gambino, Drake, Kanye and Jay Z and Beyonce continue to flex their artist muscle with huge productions behind their music videos along with some powerful messages coming through lyrically and visually.

Movies in 2018 have been interesting, I just got out of Adrift (review coming Monday) and I think I am at a stage with comic book films, that I need a break. Sorry Ant Man and the Wasp, it's not you it's actually me.

I was underwhelmed by Jurassic World, Fallen whatever, Deadpool 2 was just more of Deadpool without the shock factor of the first film and Swinging Safari could be one of the worst Australian movies of all time.

That said Unsane, Hereditary and The Florida Project all made me love film and the movies just that little bit more.

Well that's it for Post 100 of 2018, since 2017 I have crapped on about movies, films, TV, social shit and more. But for now it's farewell until tomorrow when we look into the career of Jorja Smith for a Mini Sunday Profile.

Which is new and I hope you are enjoying because my Sunday Spotlights on Flashing off the Record are choc o block right now, tomorrow Florence and the Machine will be featured.

The Break with Michelle Wolf

This show is finding it's feet now, YAY. After her brilliant White House Correspondence Dinner Roast/set, Wolf is now weekly on Netflix, with a little show called The Break with Michelle Wolf.

We are five episodes in and I thought I would share with you some of the highlights.

I love her, I love her HBO Nice Lady standup special, which when down I just watch the scene about period farts. Yes sometimes we all just want to lay down on the ground and fart.

So let's stop the words and start the LOL's. Language Warning....

Queen of the South x Shooter return for Third Seasons

Double review for two returning (USA) Summer hits, one airs on Netflix week to week in Australia, one is delayed in Australia on Netflix.

Both airing on the USA Network in the States alongside Mr Robot, Colony, Suits and recently renewed The Sinner.

Queen of the South and Shooter are both action/dramas with family at it's core and along with action packed solid episodes.

Ryan Phillippe and Omar Epps lead the way in Shooter whilst in Queen of the South it's a more female affair with Alice Braga and Veronica Falcon seducing their way through cartels and US offiicals.

Summer TV in the USA is usually a lot less serious however the cable stations have pounced on this and delivered some solid Summer offerings, like these two series. Streaming giants Hulu and Netflix continue to deliver throughout the year, with Hulu currently giving us the most powerful season of Handmaid's Tale yet.

Shooter ended abruptly last season with 8 episodes as Phillipe had broken his leg, apparently this season will make up for the shortfall this season and deliver a big 13 episodes.

Queen of the South is generally 13 episodes and it's off to a cat and mouse worldwide chase with Teresa Mendoza on the run from Camila and her thugs.

With all the drama at the border and guns in the USA, these shows both pack a punch, I am excited they are both back and ready to keep me warm throughout these horrid cool months.

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Ruel

At 15 (almost 16) years old young UK born, now Sydneysider Ruel has had a great start in the tough music game.

Ruel's debut EP Ready was released last week and already Dazed & Confused has been a big hit on Triple J.

After a couple of highly praised cover song performances, a performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and now an EP of his own out there now. Ruel is on a mission. Check him out on 7:30 below and some choice (original cuts, no covers here, they are all on YouTube with a shit tonne of views) tracks below.

Could Ruel be up for an ARIA in 2018? For my full large, full scale, MASSIVE Sunday Spotlight on the Carters (aka Jay Z vs Beyonce) head to Flashing off the Record.

Movie Matinee Madness - Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

It feels like a lifetime since the 2015 reboot to the Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. Now three years later Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has landed.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return to a lava filled island, much like Hawaii in real life.

Of course all things get a bit pear shaped pretty fast after a rather dull start, however once we hit the island and Raptor Blue is on the run it picks up.



Blue is an interesting creature, tamed by Pratt, however still a pure killing machine. I loved the return to the Jurassic Park franchise back in 2015, it was 14 years after Jurassic Park III which by memory was not that great and after the original film the franchise was slowing down. Financially the 2015 reboot smashed the initial three films ass so we will see where this wraps up, however after Avengers, Deadpool 2 and Oceans 8 are film goers sick of throwing their cash around at the cinema?

I enjoyed this, it was great, a little long at over two hours, but all the same the effects, the destruction of the island and the dino's dying 3.5 Stars.

Wentworth Season 6.

So episode one has just aired, it's fresh, it was all sorts of amazing, but there was still some unanswered questions. Not only that we are presented with some fresh new inmates.



Now it will feel like a long wait until episode 2 of this season, that said we have waited almost a year for episode one of this season since season 6 left our screens on June 19, 2017.

This season will again comprise of 12 episodes, a few new inmates and the mystery of is The Freak buried alive or well and truly dead?

Franky is on the run and Vera is under the pump inside, her leadership is seriously in trouble, under threat and Jake Stewart is mucking up big time.

I loved episode one last night, despite watching it on catch up and staying up too late in the pouring rain, but honestly this is Australia's best drama right now, it's addictive and so well done.

As we await Sonia's return and possible showdown with Liz, it's still Boomer with some amazing one liners and her foul mouth that keep me hanging on every word.

Not sure where is left to go to for Kaz Proctor, her reign as Top Dog may end in season six? Thank god we already know a seventh season will air in 2019 and production is already on the way.

Wentworth, get on board again, Foxtel or Foxtel Now, right now, get on it!

Movie Matinee Madness - Upgrade

Leigh Whannell is now officially an Australian film legend, kicking off his Saw series originally and now bringing us the thriller Upgrade. Warning the trailer below is action packed, violent and slightly full on. As well it's not really the best representation of the film and it's overall story.

Upgrade is based in the near distant future and until I was a bit into the film I didn't know how futuristic it would actually be, it is actually super futuristic all for under a $5 million budget!



Logan Marshall-Green is the leading man and does a mighty fine job in this revenge film sci-fi outing.

It's a lot like Death Wish with Bruce Willis last year with a husband going rogue, however this film adds drones and a smart police lady.

It's a fun 95 minute rollercoaster ride, you actually like the hero however his mother played by Linda Cropper (an Australian sadly) is terrible, her role is easily the weakest link. That said it is an easy piece of escapism.

3 Stars if you feel or need an Upgrade.

Claws Season 2.

When Claws commenced in June 2017 I was late to the camp party, once I was in, I was hooked. Now in it's second ten episode season the show is back and with a Russian twist.

With a lot of laughs, a bit of drama and a bit of gang related violence this show crosses a few genres and appears to be a hit on the million (active) subscriber plus Stan in Australia. In the USA it screens on TNT alongside Animal Kingdom (an Australian movie reboot, screening weekly in Australia on Netflix) and the home of the upcoming final season of The Last Ship.

Claws has an all star cast including the fantastic leading lady Niecy Nash, who has some scene stealing lines, Carrie Preston formerly of True Blood fame and Karrueche Tran who is honestly so good looking even I might turn straight for Ms Tran.

Claws is the type of show one can have on, in the background and still get stuff done. And who isn't busy in 2018 and needs to get shit done!


Claws is streaming now on Stan and I believe episode two is going to be available to stream late this afternoon, how exciting!

Finally in the US, Sunday nights are premium as fuck again, you want drama THE AFFAIR (it's back tonight), camp dance POSE (apparently Foxtel will start screening it now three weeks after it started in the USA), Sci-Fi WESTWORLD is really punching above it's weight this season and camp-crime-drama CLAWS, it's got y'all covered. And finally not quite hitting the mark is the brilliant Michelle Wolf, for all your comedy needs. Locally in Australia there is also the movie to TV Mystery Road on the up for sale ABC.

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Khalid

Khlaid has become a household name after just one record, but a tonne of successful features.

We all loved Young, Dumb & Broke, Location, his vocals all over Marshmello's Silence and he slays on his verse on Lorde's remix of Homemade Dynamite.

So this Sunday let's enjoy his debut record American Teen from last year and some key collaborations.

Out on the Shelves... Yesterday

So on Flashing off the Record, I have been pumping out Kanye, Pusha T and Kid Cudi posts, now Kanye's fourth record out of five has been released to the world. Nas's record Nasir his 11th studio record continues Kanye's Summer of awesome jams.

So whilst I saw three films last weekend and plan on checking out Upgrade tomorrow, let's take a break from the films and I promise I will bring some US TV action soon. But for now here is some of yesterday's key releases. Tomorrow a feature a this young man, Khalid.

Khalid has released only one album, yet has been featured on a number of singles, remixes across multiple musical genres. I will give you the low down tomorrow.

For now, here are this weeks key releases. Starting with a local debut album from Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, the album is out now and called Hope Downs.

After years of singles and a couple of killer EP's, Sydney duo Cosmo's Midnight have also released their debut album, as featured on Triple J this week and it will be next week's feature record all week long on Flashing off the Record.

Canadian group Chromeo have also released a new record!

King Princess has finally released the EP, featuring the beautiful 1950, it's called Make My Bed and streaming now!

Along with a fuck tonne of singles coming out yesterday, former Triple J legend Nina Las Vegas dropped this ditty featuring Swick. Also yesterday new tunes from Rudimental, Nao, Vic Mensa and an EP from Ruel also landed.

Movie Matinee Madness - Gringo

After the June Long Weekend I was excited to have gotten off to the cinema, not once, not twice but three times. You may have already seen two reviews, so here is my third, Gringo.

Directed by Australian Nash Edgerton and starring his brother Joel, Gringo could be mistaken as an Australian film, except it's based in Chicago, distributed by Amazon and stars a brilliant foul mouthed Charilze Theron.

Supported by Amanda Seyfriend and starring as a mighty fine, amazing lead David Oyelowo as the non nice guy who might or might not finish last.

I enjoyed this film a lot, it hasn't had great reviews, it has had a huge box office but it's one of those smaller films that really packs a punch and hot damn it was a fun drug filled ride.

Thandie Newtown fresh from Westworld and Star Wars also stars alongside 9-1-1's Kenneth Choi who has an outstanding scene with Theron.

Theron actually steals most scenes she is in, and is one of the best things about Gringo. I give this an American/Mexican relationship star rating of 3.5 Stars.

Good work Edgerton boys, solid.

Pose | Season One, Episode One

Pose is the latest in a long list of Ryan Murphy & Brad Falchuk TV series. American Horror Story returns soon, who knows about Fued or American Crime Story, 9-1-1 was the biggest and most successful series of 2017-2018. FOX must be so happy with Murphy 9-1-1 was an old format but had characters with heart. It became a ratings smash and easily earned a second season and will become the jewel in the crown of their 2018-2019 schedule.

Pose on the other-hand rated less than a million viewers on sister station FX but honestly this song was bold, original and a fab, fun over an hour ride. The music, the dancing, the costumes, the subject matter and Evan Peters returning as one of Murphy's favourite go to actors.

Ryan Murphy has now been signed to Netflix for a cool $300 million, could you imagine that much cash?

So we are here to talk about episode one, season one, so heres a look...



The cast is huge, but not too big.... James Van Der Beek, Kate Mara and Evan Peters join a big bunch of newcomers and over 50 transgender characters throughout the season.

The show is bold, full of colour and a breath of fresh air. In a world full of cop and medical dramas (there is a place for these, AKA 9-1-1 as above) this is something different, something fierce and something totally Ryan Murphy over the top.

I am instantly hooked and it takes Sunday nights (in the USA) back to the premium night of drama content. Thank God Claws is actually back as well.

Movie Matinee Madness - Solo: A Star Wars Story

Donald Glover, YASS! I never knew Woody Harrelson had such a big role in this film and from time to time you do see a younger Harrison Ford when Alden Ehrenreich is on the screen as Solo.

Origin stories have been done a million times before, for superheros and comic books but Star Wars is only just going there and to be honest I liked this.

It hasn't been the biggest Star Wars film at the box office (doesn't help it is against The Avengers plus Deadpool 2)

I lost it for the last Star Wars story Rogue One, I rated it my favourite film of 2016 and actually saw it twice.



I honestly can not see myself seeing this twice as I am still unsure if I am seeing Gringo today to make it a triple film long weekend.

Donald Glover is on a roll, This is America is easily on of the biggest songs of 2018, Atlanta on FX has just been renewed for a third season after a hugely successful second season and he shines as Lando Calrissian.

Lando is the standout (alongside early days Chewy) and hopefully he could get a spin off, or like Wikipedia says a sequel to this story? It doesn't feel finished and it looks like a set up to an early Solo era.

We have till wait till 2020 for a Boba Fett film (which honestly I cannot wait for) and Christmas 2019 for the conclusion of the latest trilogy. So really there is more Star Wars around the corner, just a little way off.

Until then go on support Solo, it's not as perfect as Rogue One, but it's more fun and I see where they are going with this. 4 Stars for taking me back to my childhood mid June Long Weekender.....

Movie Matinee Madness - Hereditary

Get a second pair of undies ready, because believe the hype Hereditary is going to scare y'all the shit outta ya!



I enjoyed this film but mostly for Toni Collette, as a long term fan this is honestly one of the most challenging roles the Aussie has played.

Brilliant performance and some seriously big moments.

A lot of people in my packed June Long Weekend 4pm session hated it, laughed or just plain sat on their phones, however I was engaged, on the edge of my seat and it took me back to Get Out.

The tension is built well, the trailer spoilt some bits for me but one for me (in a car) has stayed with me many hours after the film. No spoilers but some serious shit goes down in this film.

The horror genre is packed with remakes (hello Michael Meyers and Jamie Lee coming back in October), torture porn and haunted houses. This film felt a little different, a creepy dead grandmother, a freaky daughter, an on edge mother and Aunt Lydia! Yes Ann Dowd continues to shock viewers long after you binge as much Handmaids Tale as possible in a long weekend.

I enjoyed this a lot, it was a solid film, Toni is a dream, the cast is great overall and all of this demonic behaviour shot in Utah, hot damn.

For fans of horror, sit back and enjoy! 4 Stars.

Out on the Shelves... Today

Since I am busy featuring Lily Allen's album from tomorrow and The Presets plus charts and fun shit from now, here is my usual segment Out on the Shelves (usually this means digital stores, like iTunes or streaming) for all the new Friday Music. So here goes, for more on Flashing on the Record, click here or there....

So Lily Allen is my Long Weekend Feature release, it's the Queens Birthday weekend, so why not celebrate a musical queen, Ms Lily Allen, here is a choice cut from this record, it's called No Shame.

The Bamboos are back, get yo funk on this Long Weekend, YASS, Not like Yass where the Queer Eye boys went to..

Laura Jean also dropped a new record today.

Lykke Li has delivered a beautiful record, it's sexy, it's a bit RnB, I like it, good on you Lykke, good on you!

Sounding a little like Sia, this is Jorja Smith, it's super chill!

Willaris K has dropped a debut EP, and it's well HUGE!

Go Sam Bee, Pure FIRE back!!

Sam's back, no week off after the Feckless comment had the whole world talking about the late night host.

Here is her cold open, good job Sam, stand your ground and you DID get people talking about immigration. If it takes calling someone a C%&t, well so be it.

Flashing off the Record - FEATURE album BTS

The Presets are BACK! And it's my feature record all this week (well until Friday, a long weekend special is incoming) on Flashing off the Record. For the music videos behind the album and more features plus Sunday's recent spotlight on the fab Lykki Li, head HERE.

For now, let's check out what happened behind the scenes on the FAB new single Downtown Shutdown. Unfortunately The Presets were surprised with Kanye's new record dropping, but I have a feeling they may still get a top 5 chart position, fingers crossed.

More TV reviews and being a long weekend, I may even check out a film or two, coming soon....

Movie Matinee Madness - Avengers: Infinity War

After Deadpool 2 last weekend, it was time for a more PG, family friendly Marvel affair, the problem is we have been here 18 times before.

Since 2008's Iron Man, we have been to the cinema so many times before with Marvel films. This one however left unfinished, we had an idea the Infinity War was a two part affair but they dropped part one from the title.

The film ends rather abruptly despite dragging on for almost 150 minutes! Yes this film was WAY too long, jams way too many characters in, and unlike previous Avengers films joining Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye and several smaller roles we get even more characters to try and care about.



At least Black Panther and the Wakanda mob are back. Also joining the rollercoaster ride is Dr Strange, the new Spiderman and the Guardians of the Galaxy crew.

Josh Brolin, fresh from Deadpool 2 also plays the bad guy (again) here in this latest Marvel film. The film has already scored over a billion dollars at the box office and I am a very latecomer to the Infinity War.

That said I did enjoy the Black Panther/Wakanda moments, I have never really loved the Guardians of the Galaxy, I am Groot thing, but there is something about Chris Pratt, maybe because he is the saving grace behind the Jurassic Park resurrection.

I am not going to lie this was not my favourite Marvel film, it was way too long, some of the characters are wasted in this bloated cast and maybe when I see the conclusion (second part) it might make me reflect on this film and like it more.

The Avengers is a massive money spinner, I get it but really Marvel lets do something fresh and surprise the audience next time.

Ant-Man arrives next month, so come on guys, shock me.

The Avengers it's long (like this review) and I'll pass it with 2.5 Stars.

(Mini) Sunday Spotlight: Nicole Millar

Hailing from my hometown Sydney (it's a love/hate relationship for me, how about you Nicole?) Nicole Millar has finally released her debut album.

Following two EP's Excuse Me is finally in store and streaming now!

Following featuring on tracks from Peking Duk (massive single High), Cosmo's Midnight, Golden Features and more. Her tracks Tremble and Signals showed me she was a force to reckon with, Blindfolded and Gimme a Break from this album showed the world, she is a pop sensation.

Tremble, Signals, Blindfolded and Gimme a Break all feature along with a guest spot from MUKI.

Let's have a listen and pop party with the below cuts from Nicole's fabulous career to date.

Animal Kingdom Season 3.

Why have I never reviewed this show before? Two seasons in (both on Netflix in Australia) and now comes the third season on US cable network TNT. The network that was brave enough to give us three seasons of the Dallas reboot and currently screening Claws.

So after watching the first episode I am happy to say again this show returns to Netflix weekly (hooray) this time with Denis Leary joining the cast.



Spoiler ALERT warning, one character departs at the start of the season and Smurf is still in the slammer.

I enjoy this show, I saw the Australian movie it's based on twice once in Sydney and once in Adelaide because in Adelaide there was nothing to do on weekends other than seeing movies twice.

The season opener returned with a higher viewership than the season two opener and virtually equalled it's first ever episode.

I have to say it's always refreshing to see a gritty drama when all the "regular season" shows take their Summer breaks. I never knew the movie opened the story up for a long running series, but hey the creative team have done it.

Animal Kingdom features Finn Quinn, J the youngest relative in the crime family who is getting way more handsome as he grows up. And every episode they happen to get him naked or at a minimum shirtless.

As the trailer suggests we are in for an action packed third season and I for one, can't wait!