Gianmarco Cilli is a Philadelphia multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He has worked with National Eye and The Silver Ages. For The Feel Is Now, his first solo record in over a decade, Cilli collaborated with members of Dr Dog. The War On Drugs. Cilli answered a few questions about his solo record, which dropped last September.
Interview: Brother Starling And The Weight Of Change
The Weight of Change is the debut album for Brother Starling. The Philadelphia group's record is the true definition of Americana - using a blend of rock, folk, and even a little funk to bring out the emotional lyrics of singer Geremiah Giampa. Guitarist Mike Rusch, bass player Brian Fin, guitar/keyboardist Joe Ryan, drummer Tom... Continue Reading →
Interview: Scantron’s James Everhart On The EP Electric City
Scantron is an energetic garage rock band from Philadelphia helmed by former Low Cut Connie guitarist James Everhart. The group released their terrific EP Electric City in February and was named Artist To Watch by WMMR this April. Electric City channels Everhart's feelings about leaving Low Cut Connie and is available for streaming and download on their... Continue Reading →
Revisiting The Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon
Philadelphia's cinematic history is synonymous with Rocky, one of the best sports films ever made. The Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon is not a close second. Released in 1998, the made-for-TV movie does not exactly rival sports flicks from the same era like Little Giants or Angels In The Outfield. The movie stars Tony... Continue Reading →
Late Life: Documentary Rides Chien-Ming Wang’s Baseball Comeback
One of the toughest decisions every athlete makes is knowing when to hang up their cleats and call it a career. The baseball documentary Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story, covers the final stages of pitcher Chien-Ming Wang and his attempt to return to the big leagues. The film is an intimate look at the... Continue Reading →
The Disappearing Women Of Laura, Vertigo, and Gone Girl
This post contains spoilers of Laura, Vertigo, and Gone Girl. A coincidental weekend binge of three movies produced an unintended similarity: a woman who is presumed dead returns halfway through the film. The women of Laura, Vertigo, and Gone Girl have their distinct traits, but each serves a unique purpose that reflects the era in... Continue Reading →
Review: Netflix’s Spenser Confidential
Netflix’s Spenser Confidential is an intersection of two well-traveled subgenres: Boston crime and revenge. The film adaptation of the popular private detective is now in its third incarnation as an action flick. The 2020 movie reintroduces Spenser with some notable tweaks. Spenser Confidential stars Mark Wahlberg, Winston Duke, and Alan Arkin. Spenser is a former... Continue Reading →
Stevie Wonder’s Songs In The Key Of Life Encore
With social distancing putting a hold on live events, I am talking a walk down memory lane to reflect on the 10 most memorable concerts I have seen. This is not a list of the ten best shows, but rather the ones that have left the most indelible memories. Concerts are the act of artists... Continue Reading →
Movie Reviews: Midway (2019) And Midway (1976)
The trailer for Roland Emmerich’s 2019 film Midway presented a poorly construed treatment of World War II with hooky jingoism and disaster movie arcs. The film barely broke even in the box office, although it was vastly different from the 1976 movie Midway. That blockbuster was a top-grossing flick of its time, yet the substance... Continue Reading →
How To Support The Arts In Philly During COVID-19
According to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the arts scene in the City of Brotherly Love is more than just a weekend escape. $4.1 billion dollars in total economic impact, 55,000 full-time jobs, and $1.3 billion in household income are all tied directly to Philly's arts and culture institutions. During the Coronavirus shutdown, a countless... Continue Reading →