ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, January 3, 2015
East Oregonian
Page 3C
Johnny Vinyl’s top 10 albums of 2014
T
AP photo
A computer screen shows
Sony Pictures’ film “The In-
terview,” available for rental
on YouTube Movies.
Interview’
changes
the game
By LINDSEY BAHR
AP Film Writer
LOS ANGELES — Sony
appears to have a win-win with
“The Interview.” Not only did
the studio score a moral victo-
face of hacker threats, the movie
made at least $15 million from
more than 2 million digital rent-
days.
On Friday, it seemed unlike-
ly we’d ever know if the simul-
taneous — or “day and date”
— strategy paid off. Now, it’s
tempting to suggest this may be
the start of a brave new world
of distribution. Add in the $2.8
million from “The Interview’s”
limited theatrical release and
things aren’t looking so bleak
for the Seth Rogen-James Fran-
co R-rated comedy.
But the story is far from over
and many are divided about its
outcome. For some, the impres-
sive video-on-demand perfor-
mance of “The Interview” is an
anomaly. For others, it signals a
revolution.
“It’s a huge number and it’s one
that is probably making the other
studios salivate,” said Jeff Bock,
-
hibitor Relations. “Now there is
something to put on the bulletin
-
nitely a viable option.”’
But one might also post on
the bulletin board that it’s stan-
dard industry practice not to
why the public only hears about
them when they’re good. For
instance, 2011’s “Bridesmaids,”
which had already been released
theatrically, made $24 million
from VOD in four months, al-
lowing Universal to declare it
the most popular VOD release
of all time. But how many VOD
bombs have there been?
Also, if Sony hadn’t been
pushed to the center of a national
conversation, it could have easi-
ly made $20 million to $25 mil-
lion on opening weekend — not
unlike “Pineapple Express,” a
similarly raunchy R-rated com-
edy starring Rogen and Franco.
This would have come far clos-
er than VOD did to paying off
“The Interview’s” $40 million
production budget and roughly
$10 million marketing cost.
have prospered with a simulta-
neous theatrical and VOD re-
lease have been the ones with
the smaller budgets, destined for
independent theater chains.
For example, J.C. Chandor’s
Wall Street thriller “Margin
Call,” a $3.5 million movie that
Lionsgate and Roadside Attrac-
tions acquired for $1 million,
was released in theaters and on
demand in the fall of 2011 and
picked up around $5.4 million
from theatrical and another $5
million from VOD. Magnolia,
IFC and Radius-TWC have all
had similar success stories.
On the other hand, the major
studios haven’t had the option to
even test day-and-date strategies
because it would jeopardize the
90-day release window required
by big exhibitor chains. In 2011,
Universal tried to release their
Ben Stiller comedy “Tower
three weeks after its theatrical
opening, but theater owners
balked and chains like Cine-
mark threatened to cancel their
showings. Universal ended up
scrapping the plan.
Sony, meanwhile, only start-
ed pursuing digital options after
the major theater chains dropped
to blow up theaters.
In addition, many exception-
al conditions factored into “The
became an unlikely event mov-
ie, and seeing “The Interview”
was akin to asserting one’s free-
dom of speech.
his past year was not a great year for
music.
Although it was out there, one just
had to exert a bit more effort
in seeking out quality audio
entertainment. Post rock seems
to offer the most hope for the
future.
That said, here are my 10
tion. Production by Dave Fridmann, the madman
behind monumental recordings by Flaming Lips
and Mercury Rev, adds a whole new dimension
to their sound.
3. The New Pornographers: “Brill Bruis-
ers”
The New Pornographers are one happy bunch
if their new release “Brill Bruisers” is any indi-
cation. Named after the famed building in New
York where the likes of Neil Diamond, Carole
King and Leiber & Stoller wrote the hits that
made 1960s popular music. You’ll be humming
and singing along by the second or third listen.
Repeat listens will become required.
2014:
10. Opeth: “Pale Commu-
nication”
It’s beginning to get very
Johnny
Vinyl
Comment
Porcupine Tree from Opeth.
Steve Wilson’s hands are all over both these
days. Depending on what camp you’re in, this is
either really good or really bad. For those death
metal purists, the pummeling guitars and vocals
from the crypt are long gone. This is truly pro-
gressive music and a pleasure to listen to.
Album graphic
Peter Frampton’s “Hummingbird In A Box”
is Johnny Vinyl’s top pick for 2014.
record in his various bands. This year’s release
from his instrumental free-jazz group, “Macro-
9. Jack White: “Lazaretto”
All of his off-stage behaviors aside, Jack
White can rock the socks off most people. “Laz-
aretto” is a great rock and roll album with a full
rock mode. There’s no one quite like Nels Cline.
the nod for what he’s done for the comeback of
vinyl. “Lazaretto” vinyl edition has a hologram
on the ending outer groove on side one; side one
begins in the center and moves to the outer edge
of the disc; there are songs under the labels on
either side. All this under $25.
drone/doom groove he mined prior to the almost
decade-long hiatus. This time around there are
vocals on half of the songs supplied by Mark
Lanegan and Rabia Shaheen Qazi of Rose
Windows. The drone element is there, but it’s
surrounded by so much more this time around.
8. Black Keys: “True Blue”
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have
for years. Giving the duo groove a rest, these
and Patrick let it all hang out. And who knew
Auerbach could solo that well?
7. The Nels Cline Singers: “Macroscope”
Nels Cline is one of the most innovative gui-
-
rations are both mind-boggling and inspired. In
2004, he joined Jeff Tweedy’s Wilco. Much to
everyone’s musical pleasure, Nels continues to
6. Earth: “Primitive & Deadly”
5. Boris: “Noise”
These folks from Japan certainly have the
western concept of sarcasm down pat. On this,
these noise-merchants’ 19th release, they are
relatively noise-free. Yes, there is the trademark
beautiful-brutality that Boris does so well.
4. Spoon: “They Want My Soul”
This southern band has been releasing great
music since the mid-’90s and few people know
calling card. Great tunes with clever instrumenta-
2. SWANS: “To Be Kind”
The reunion that no one ever thought would
happen, continues. “To Be Kind,” like 2012’s
monumental “The Seer” before it, is a 2-hour
plus, three LP release that does all of the things
that SWANS do best. The 30-plus minute songs,
pummeling guitars, primitive chants, industrial
noise and tribal drums are present and accounted
for. The only thing keeping it from the top spot
— it’s still no match for “The Seer.”
1. Peter Frampton: “Hummingbird in a
Box”
Peter Frampton is one of the most versatile
and under-appreciated guitarists on the planet.
In 2006, Frampton released “Fingerprints,” his
2007 Grammy for that category. This resulted in
Frampton being approached by the Cincinnati
Ballet to write several songs for them, which led
guitar music released anywhere recently, this
is among the best guitar-based music of Peter
Frampton’s career. The song “Friendly Fire” ri-
solo. The production quality is impeccable. The
only drag about this release is that it’s merely
an EP at 28 minutes. It will leave you wanting
more.
Johnny Vinyl is a music connoisseur. His
column, Ride the Vibe, focuses on entertainment.
Contact him in c/o tmalgesini@eastoregonian.
com
WHAT TO DO
Festivals
ZooLights
•Nov. 28-Jan. 4
•Sunday-Thursdays,
5-9
p.m.; Friday-Saturdays, 5-9:30
p.m.
•Oregon Zoo, Portland
www.oregonzoo.org
$10/adults, $9/seniors, $7/
ages 3-11. The Oregon Zoo
winter festival features more
than a million LED lights. The
ZooLights train returns, offering
visitors a ride through a nev-
er-before-seen light experience.
Art
First Saturday Spin-In
•Saturday, Jan. 3, noon-4
p.m.
•Pendleton Center for the
Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Fiber obsessed folks can
drop in and bring a project to
work on. Coffee, tea and work
space provided.
“All Things Bright and
Beautiful”
•Thursday, Jan 8; 4:30-6:30
p.m., opening reception
•Betty Feves Memorial Gal-
lery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden
Ave., Pendleton.
Free. Gallery hours are Mon-
day-Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. or by appointment by call-
ing 541-278-5952. The exhibit
runs through Feb. 19.
Art of War: The Historical
Impact of Posters 1939-
1945
•Monday - Saturdays, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
•Tamástslikt Cultural Insti-
tute, near Wildhorse Resort &
Casino.
www.tamastslikt.org
$10/adults, $9/senior cit-
izens, $6/youths, free/5 and
under or $25/family of four. Jim
Givan of Yakima began collect-
ing war posters even before
his lifelong career in the Marine
Corps. Runs through Jan. 10.
Heritage Station Museum
•Tuesday-Saturdays,
10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
•108 S.W. Frazer Ave.,
Pendleton
www.heritagestationmuse-
um.org
$5/adults, $2/student, $4/se-
niors, $10/family.
•Hamley Saloon, 8 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
Beat Frequency
•Friday, Jan. 16; Saturday,
Jan. 17, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No
cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar at
Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off
Highway 331, Mission.
Retro Ed
•Saturday, Jan. 17; 9 p.m. to
midnight. 21-and-over. No cover
•Hamley Saloon, 8 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
Music
Night life
Tyler Brooks
Wednesday Night Live!
•Saturday, Jan. 3; 9 p.m. to
midnight. 21-and-over. No cover
•Hamley Saloon, 8 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
Robbie Walden Band
•Saturday, Jan. 3, 9 p.m. to 1
a.m. No cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar at
Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off
Highway 331, Mission
Jared Pennington
•Friday, Jan. 9; 9 p.m. to mid-
night. 21-and-over. No cover
•Hamley Saloon, 8 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
Pop Rocks
•Friday, Jan. 9; Saturday,
Jan. 10, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No
cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar at
Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off
Highway 331, Mission.
Dan Faller
•Saturday, Jan. 10; 9 p.m. to
midnight. 21-and-over. No cover
•Hamley Saloon, 8 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
Dakota Brown Band
•Friday, Jan. 16; 9 p.m. to
midnight. 21-and-over. No cover
es.
Wine tasting
•Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
•Sno Road Winery, 111 W.
Main St., Echo.
Open Mic
•First/third Friday each
month, 8 p.m. to midnight
•The Packard Tavern, 118
S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton
www.facebook.com/groups/
pendletonopenmic
Karaoke
•Fridays 8 p.m. (9 p.m. if
game on)
•Riverside Sports Bar, 1501
Sixth St., Umatilla
DJ and dancing
•Wednesdays, 8 p.m.
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild-
horse Resort & Casino, off High-
way 331, Mission.
•Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
Party
•Jan. 7: Karaoke
•Jan. 14: TBA
Digital Karaoke
•Thursdays and Saturdays,
8 p.m.
•The Pheasant, 149 E. Main
St., Hermiston
Wildhorse Thursday
Night Football Party
•Thursdays, 5-9 p.m.
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild-
horse Casino & Resort, off High-
way 331, Mission.
Power 99.1 on hand to help
hand out prizes. Also, enter for
a chance to win Seahawks tick-
ets.
Mac’s Trivia Night
•Thursdays, 8 p.m. No cover
•Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400
S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton
21 and older. Teams of 2-8
compete in trivia contest with
other teams. Live host and priz-
•Fridays, 8 p.m.
•The Pheasant, 149 E. Main
St., Hermiston
Theater, stage &
film
Dancing with Hermiston
Stars
•Saturday, Jan. 10; 6:30 p.m.
•Hermiston High School,
600 S. Fist St.
www.desertartscouncil.com
$35/adults,
$20/students;
tickets purchased in advance
are $5 less. Six community
members work with professional
dancers with the Utah Ballroom
Dance Company and will com-
pete with money going to the
charity of each dancer’s choice.
“Girl’s Night: The Musi-
cal”
•Friday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m.
•Toyota Center, Kennewick
www.ticketmaster.com
$37-$59.50. This touching
and hilarious musical takes
audiences on a journey into
the lives of a group of female
friends. Laugh, cry and even
sing and dance in the aisles to
some the most popular songs of
the ’80s and ’90s!
“Memphis The Musical”
•Tuesday, Feb. 3, 8p.m.
•Toyota Center, Kennewick
www.ticketmaster.com
$47-$67. From the under-
ground dance clubs of 1950s
Memphis comes a musical that
bursts off the stage with explo-
sive dancing, irresistible songs
and a thrilling tale of fame and
forbidden love.
Hot tickets
•”Mama Mia.” Thursday,
March 19, Toyota Center, Ken-
newick. Reserved seats on sale
Jan. 23 ($59.50-$82) via www.
ticketmaster.com.
•So You Think You Can
Dance-Live Season 11 Tour.
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, Toyo-
ta Center, Kennewick. Reserved
seats ($50-$65) via www.ticket-
master.com.
•Sasquatch Music Festival.
Memorial Day weekend, Gorge
Amphitheater, George, Wash.
Reserved seats ($325 and up
for 4-day pass) via www.livena-
tion.com.
•Foo Fighters. Saturday,
Sept. 12, Gorge Amphitheater,
George, Wash. Reserved seats
($45-$75) via www.livenation.
com.
———
Want to get your event list-
ed in our calendar? Send in-
formation to tmalgesini @eas-
toregonian.com, or c/o Tammy
Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street,
Hermiston, OR, 97838.
With digital forces at the gate, down year for Hollywood
-
wood’s 2014 may well go down as
be Act One in a drama of coming
digital disruption.
tallied at the end of Wednesday, the
-
lion, a 5.2 percent drop from the re-
cord $10.9 billion of 2013. In and of
-
lywood to fret about. The industry
still cleared $10 billion in revenue,
the year was widely viewed as a
cyclical in-between to bigger years,
and a number of major releases that
would have moved the needle were
postponed (most notably “Furious
7,” following Paul Walker’s death,
and Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur”).
But there were also signs that
pointed to long-term trouble for the
movie business. A Nielsen study
found movie attendance for Amer-
icans ages 12-24 dropped a wor-
months of the year, compared to
overall number of tickets sold — a
meaningful statistic since it’s not
impacted by rising ticket prices
— slid to about 1.26 billion. That
means that fewer people went to
the movies in 2014 than they have
in the last two decades.
The crunch was felt most by ex-
hibitors in North American, where
country’s top two chains, Regal
Cinemas and AMC Theatres. To
add salt in the wound, the chains
were cast as the villains in the fall-
out of “The Interview” when Sony
Pictures CEO Michael Lynton
-
rary cancellation.
of hits (“Guardians of the Galaxy,”
“The Lego Movie,” “Gone Girl”)
and misses (“Transcendence,” “The
Ways to Die in the West”), business
for the studios was steady, if less
spectacular.
Meanwhile, though, the forces
of change seemed to be gathering.
-
stein Co. to release a “Crouching
with Adam Sandler for a series of
Rogen’s North Korea farce “The
four days) proved that the studios
are eager to test the traditional the-
atrical window, even if it means up-
setting the exhibitors.
Theaters have begun adapting
new techniques to lure more avid
movie-going. This fall, AMC and
MoviePass began offering monthly
subscription packages in a hand-
ful of cities — a kind of Spoti-
fy-for-movies.
Much of the movie business is
now about franchise making, and
a number of potentially lucrative
ones were spawned in 2014. There
are already plans for a trio of sub-
sequent “Lego” movies, and more
is on tap for “Guardians” and “Big
2014, only one was wholly origi-
nal: Christopher Nolan’s space ad-
venture “Interstellar.”
Disney continues to lead the
way in the franchise department,
thanks to its massive partnerships
Next year, “The Avengers: Age of
Ultron” and “Star Wars: The Force
Awakens” are virtually assured to
net billions. They join a heavy-hit-
ting 2015 lineup that includes “Ju-
Games” and new “Terminator” and
“Mission Impossible” installments.
“The movies next year look par-
ticularly strong and should deliver
says Paul Dergarabedian, senior
media analyst for Rentrak. “We’ll
be happy when we close the books
on 2014 and open them on 2015.”
Dergarabedian is most cheered
to see the studios “walking the walk
of the 52-week-a-year business
model.” Warner Bros. has been
one of the studios pushing to open
big movies outside of standard
blockbuster dates, like springtime’s
“Lego.” It has also dated its 2016
“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of
Top grossing films
of 2014
1. “Guardians of the Galaxy,”
$332.9 million.
2. “The Hunger Games:
Mockingjay, Part 1,” $308.9
million.
3. “Captain America: The
Winter Soldier,” $259.8
million.
4. “The Lego Movie,” $257.8
million.
5. “Transformers: Age of Ex-
tinction,” $245.4 million.
6. “Maleficent,” $241.4
million.
7. “X-Men: Days of Future
Past,” $233.9 million.
8. “Dawn of the Planet of the
Apes,” $208.6 million.
9. “The Amazing Spider-Man
2,” $202.9 million.
10. “Big Hero 6,” $201.5
million.
Justice” for March.
But Warner Bros., often the
market-share leader, fell behind
both 20th Century Fox and Disney
Battle of the Five Armies,” several
of its releases sputtered, including
“Blended” and “Winter’s Tale.”
CEO Kevin Tsujihara announced
layoffs in September.