Music to Make Horror Movies By: Japanese CARCRASH

Published September 1, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

JC TS

In the late ‘80s there wasn’t a more significant way to spend a weekend night in Chicago than dancing at Medusa’s nightclub. Spiraling into the witching hour as techno and new wave tunes throbbed seemed as close to an alternative heaven as any wayward, creative youth could get. Interestingly enough, Japanese CARCRASH, a band based in Southeast Texas, makes music that radiates with the black lashed urban mythology of those times.

Rise of the MACRO-VIXEN, inspired by the beautiful and strong heroines of the Russ Meyer films, seems particularly fit for gothic thrashing in some long lost, three storied warehouse building.

More information on JCC’s retro fused style is available at https://www.facebook.com/Japanese-Carcrash-179246925425149/ and https://japanesecarcrash.bandcamp.com (where you can purchase 1978, the excellent release that contains MACRO-VIXEN.)

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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YouTube, Sybil, God’s Gun and Shock Cinema!

Published August 30, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Sybil Gods Gun photo

YouTube has become a treasure trove for the cinema enthusiast. Full genre movies abound for free viewing on the service. This gift gives genre devotees an avenue to discover how certain entertainers have bypassed boundaries – working in the worlds of horror, European exploitation and comedy (among many others) throughout different phases of their careers.

The recent discovery of God’s Gun, a unique Italian-Israeli western featuring an eclectic cast (Lee Van Cleef, Sybil Danning, Jack Palance, and Leif Garrett) is proof of this theory. All of these performers have worked in a number of categories. Danning, in particular, has worked in everything from Giallo projects (The Red Queen Kills Seven Times) to thrillers (Bluebeard, Nightkill) to big budget comedy (How to Beat the High Cost of Living) and action adventure franchises (The Three Musketeers, The Concorde…Airport ‘79). Nicely, I was lucky enough to have this eclectic performer share remembrances of her cinema adventures with me in an invaluable interview in this past winter’s edition of Shock Cinema magazine (http://shockcinemamagazine.com/ ). Anyone interested in what it was like to create in a world where Michael and Ilya Salkind hosted huge cast parties and also revels in discovering what it was like to manage life on faraway locations with ever dwindling funds will truly appreciate the celluloid memories that Danning shares in this seven and a half page feature. Back issues can be purchased at http://shockcinemamagazine.com/backissues.html.

Her website is always active at http://www.sybildanning,net, as well…and until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Dagger Cast with Bev Rage!

Published August 30, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

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Hold onto yer wigs!!! Dagger Cast has turned into DRAG-GER CAST!!! Our latest episode features Bev Rage (AKA Josh J. Coles) who, along with her amazing band The Drinks, is truly showing the world what it means to be a potent glitter punk waitress! Bev truly brings the sunny mayhem here while also talking, seriously, about how she sees the drag community fitting into the world of horror in light of the country’s current hate filled climate! You can dive into the mascara strewn mosh pit at https://soundcloud.com/daggercast.

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We’ve also added an exciting new addition to the show. As there’s nothing I love more than a classic cinema diva in an old school gothic horror piece, producer Jared Olson and co-host Lindsey Charles are allowing me to indulge my devotion to these grand femmes in a new Dagger Cast segment called Dr. Diva! In the first attempt, I get to sing the praises of the glorious writer-director-actress Ida Lupino and her stunning work in 1941’s atmospheric chiller Ladies in Retirement!

Enjoy!!! …and until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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You can also show Dagger Cast some loving at https://www.facebook.com/daggercast/ and Bev Rage and The Drinks are also always serving up something thirst quenching at https://www.facebook.com/BevRageandtheDrinks/.

Cowardly Scarecrow Announces Cabaret

Published August 27, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

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The Chicago theater community has, as a friend likes to say, “Huge News!!!” Cowardly Scarecrow Productions has recently announced its fall production of Cabaret, beginning on October 5^th, 2019. Renowned for their long running production of Musical of the Living Dead, this version of the Kander & Ebb classic is sure to be filled with this production house’s finely tuned sense of the gothic. No macabre essence of this piece is sure to go unexplored here.

This version is also armed with the undeniable talents of Caitlin Jackson (above), this site’s choice as the Midwest’s premium diva of the silver tongued boards! Jackson, who was recently nominated for a Jeff Award for her skillful performance of Cheryl in (last year’s hysterically fun, progressive version of) Evil Dead: The Musical, is sure to create a Sally Bowles for the memory books!

Cowardly Scarecrow Benefit Picture

Local enthusiasts can help CSP achieve their ultimate creative intentions by attending a benefit for them on August 31^st: https://www.facebook.com/events/2426383007409353/.

Others, meanwhile, can hum charmingly off key versions of Tomorrow Belongs to Me while checking out the show’s growth at https://www.cowardlyscarecrow.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/CSTCINC/.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Review: Terror in the Scream

Published August 27, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Terror in the Scream

Begun as a project to promote his excellent New Wave-Synth Pop project Japanese Carcrash, Casey LeBeau’s debut film Terror in the Scream, clocks in at around 42 minutes. Despite some production difficulties (which curtailed the original plotline), this project ultimately provides a moody, musically embossed narrative about a masked killer haunting a small town.

Indeed, LeBeau captures that mysterious quality of unease that occurs in a secluded area when violence unexpectedly erupts. Quiet conversations between lovers, here a lesbian couple trying to navigate disapproving family members, and film loving friends are tinged with hopelessness as peace seems forever shattered without any sensible explanation. British scream queen Eileen Daly (Razor Blade Smile, Witchcraft X: Mistress of the Craft, Kannibal) adds a magnificently haunting narration that adds to the mystery here and the appearance of Lilith (Jessica Koons) is another beautifully random occurrence that adds to this effort’s unknowing milieu.

Naturally, the loving preponderance of music here gives everything a back room of the punk bar video-esque quality…and the beautiful vocals of Julie Worland from Rockbitch give the project some premium glow, as well. Nicely, the soundtrack is available for purchase at: https://japanesecarcrash.bandcamp.com/album/terror-in-the-scream-soundtrack. Meanwhile, more information on TITS is available at https://www.facebook.com/terrorinthescream/.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Music to Make Horror Movies By: Jane Wiedlin

Published August 25, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Known as one of the most dynamic musicians to emerge from the punk scene, long term Go-Go’s rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin has also had a much appreciated cult film career. Her appearances as actress include fun bits in Clue, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

Horror geeks, meanwhile, definitely got a vibrant case of ear worm after hearing her song Blue Kiss, from her debut solo album, used in the party scene of Fred Dekker’s cult horror classic Night of the Creeps.

Wiedlin, a bisexual animal activist, atheist and self confirmed “Reverend Sister Go-Go” keeps those experiencing life on a similar, ultra-cool wavelength in tune with her activities at http://janewiedlin.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/janewiedlin/.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Review: Straight Edge Kegger

Published August 20, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

Too much of a good thing can be deadly. Just ask me after I’ve eaten too many of those chocolate frosted cake donuts from the corner 7-11. Meanwhile, writer-director Jason Zink explores how honorable intentions can turn eviseratingly militant in his survivalist horror effort Straight Edge Kegger.

Here, our hero Brad (Cory Kays) has started to grow tired of the violent antics of James (Julio Alexander), his straight edge brother in arms. While once James had protected the streets and defended the innocent, he now uses his leadership to violently squash anyone behaving in a way that he doesn’t like. Thus, Brad falls under the influence of a happy go lucky party hound named Sean (Sean Jones). When James discovers that Brad is attending a house rave with his newfound companion, he and his crew set out to punish their former associate with maniacal precision. Locking down the home, they soon are brutally killing off the formerly blissful drunk and drugged revelers. It is up to Brad, who understands James’ mindset, Sean and Maybe (Evey Reidy), a girl that Brad has developed a crush on, to find a way to defeat the unrepentant slaughterers before they join the other unfortunate victims of James’ murderous rage.

Nicely, akin to Chris Moore and his 2018 savagely fun effort Triggered, Zink skillfully exposes how being too extremist in one’s views is never a good thing, no matter the intentions. Ultimately, James, magnetically played by Alexander, and his throng remind one of our current political leaders whom have established a social landscape where aggressive behavior is encouraged against anyone falling outside of the straight, white norm.

As with many genre exercises, one does have to let go of disbelief a bit as James and his crew make their way steadily through both punk rock celebrants and law enforcement officials with ease. But the gore is swift and vicious and executed with a sense of glee. The performances, particularly those of Kays and Alexander, are also solid, making this low budget offering both a thrilling exploitation ride and a potentially powerful think piece, as well.

More information on Straight Edge Kegger is available at https://www.facebook.com/StraightEdgeKegger/.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Music to Make Horror Movies By: Dietz and Schwartz

Published August 18, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

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Composed for the 1931 Broadway show The Bandwagon, Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz’s classic tune Dancing in the Dark has found its way into many films, including a self titled offering in 1949 starring William Powell. Of course, many of these movies feature the song with an emphasis on its classic, moody jazz tones – much like this live version by the irreplaceable Sarah Vaughan.

The gloomier implications of its title, though, have helped this distinguished number find a home in a number of horror projects including 1988’s Twice Dead and 1995’s Lord of Illusions. Nicely, the version in the latter film was dominated, ominously, by avant garde singing sensation Diamanda Galas.

Meanwhile, Dietz and Schwartz, whose other well known compositions include That’s Entertainment and I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans, are given a nice career overview at https://masterworksbroadway.com/artist/howard-dietz-and-arthur-schwartz/.

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Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Duo

Music to Make Horror Movies By: Tina B

Published August 11, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

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One of the most talented ladies of dance and pop music in the’80s, the magnetic Tina B should have had a much bigger career than she was allowed. Her hit Honey to the Bee showed her off to great advantage…

She also gave horror fans a sonic tease by co-writing Wake Up Call, performed by Ian Hunter on the soundtrack for the cult classic The Wraith.

Thankfully, this talented mistress o’ tune is ripe for discovery and still hitting the online airwaves at www.tinab.tv/.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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Tina B cover

Deb, Creepozoids and Hope!

Published August 10, 2019 by biggayhorrorfan

It’s hard to find the gratitude sometimes, right?!? Money worries, career concerns, the state of the world, seasonal depressions… But you grab what you can when you can and sometimes the littlest things can turn you around.

My friend Deborah Dutch was visiting this past weekend. As we chatted and prepped for our evening adventures, I noticed my copy of the recently released Creepozoids soundtrack on vinyl. I asked her to pose with it…and, suddenly, life seemed kind of cool again.

As an overview, I was lucky enough to interview horror queen Linnea Quigley for the liner notes for this Terror Visions product. The fact that Deb is often associated with her, having appeared as an actress in such projects as Hard to Die, Sorority Girls and the Creature from Hell and others, made this photo pairing seem like electric kismet. (Deb and Linnea actually even appear together in a scene in the cult slasher film Graduation Day!) This simple photo op made me realize how cool my life is. I have some amazingly creative friends and have been able to work on interesting projects. I’m also sure I’m not the only one in this position. I have a hopeful feeling that any person reading this right now can say the same about their life.

So, here’s to the vibrant connections that make our existences special!

Meanwhile, if you have exploitation soundtrack fever, Terror Vision is always uncovering amazing, rare celluloid tunes. http://www.terror-vision.com/.

Deb is also creating her own projects on the spectacular, as well. https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodwarrioress/

Until the next time, cherish your life (and those amazing people in it) and SWEET love & pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

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