As my look at 1994: The Most Important Year of the Nineties continues, it’s time to take a look at the comic books. Joining me for this endeavor is Michael Bailey of Views from the Longbox (among other podcasts). In this two-parter, we’re going to talk about the comics industry of the 1990s, what the big releases were in 1994 as well as what our favorite books were that year.
You can listen here:
In this special episode, I take a break from my regular coverage of The ‘Nam to present the first film in an occasional series of Vietnam War movies, Platoon. Directed by Oliver Stone and winner of Best Picture for 1986, Platoon tells the story of Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) as he endures his tour in Vietnam. I give some backstory on the film, a summary, and review.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 20 direct link
Here is the trailer for the film (as featured in the episode):
Here’s the full poster:
And here is a picture of the poster that Scott Gardner of Two True Freaks sent my way (Thanks again, Scott!!!):
“Dear Mr. Vernon …” On March 24, 1984, five students sat through detention in the Shermer High School library. Now, I take a look at my favorite movie of all time, The Breakfast Club. I break down the movie’s plot and give my review, sharing what makes it so special.
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
In the episode, I mention a piece I wrote and posted last year about my changing feelings about Mr. Vernon. Here it is: Sympathy for Richard Vernon
The storyline involving Lt. Alarnick comes to an explosive end in “The Bombs Bursting …,” a story that sees bad times ahead for Rob and a crucial decision made by Clark. Brought to you by Doug Murray, Wayne Vansant, and Geof Isherwood. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue Ill be talking about the storys historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
Another issue, another month, another story. “Back in the Boonies,” issue #17 of The ‘Nam introduces us to two new characters and continues the growing tension between the men of the 23rd and Lieutenant Alarnick. Brought to you by Doug Murray, Wayne Vansant, and Geof Isherwood. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue Ill be talking about the storys historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
Do you have the time to listen to me whine? No? Well, do you have the time to listen to me talk about Green Day’s Dookie, which was released twenty years ago and is one of the most important albums I ever purchased? You do? Great! I’ll give some history on the album, go through it track by track and then explain exactly why, when I was 17 years old, this punk classic changed my life.
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
As a bonus, here is the CD cover …
Here is the orignal version of the CD’s back cover …
And here are links to articles and books mentioned the episode …
“Young, Loud, and Snotty” (1994 Spin article)
Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azzerad (Amazon.com)
The second year of The ‘Nam continues as two long-standing characters leave: Sarge on a chopper and Ramnarain via capture. And in the middle is Rob, trying to keep everything together. It’s “Good for the Goose” by Doug Murray, Wayne Vansant, and Geof Isherwood. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue Ill be talking about the storys historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
After taking a look at The Things They Carried, it’s time to return to The ‘Nam with issue #14, “Fatigue Duty.” We spend our first issue after Ed Marks’s departure getting to know some of the other boys of the 23rd courtesy of Doug Murray and Wayne VanSant. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue I’ll be talking about the story’s historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 15 direct link
Also, here is a link to The History Place, which is one of the resources I have been using for some of the historical notes in this episode: The History Place
Happy New Year and welcome to the first in a series of posts for this year, “1994: The Most Important Year of the Nineties.” All this year, I’m going to sit down and take a look at what was going on twenty years ago. That means movies, comics, music and all sorts of other stuff all this year! To kick off, it’s an “intro” episode where I talk a little bit about last year and also relate why I think 1994 is such an important year in the decade of the 1990s.
You can listen here:
After a year in The ‘Nam, I take a break to review and discuss Tim O’Brien’s 1990 novel, The Things They Carried, which is a seminal work in Vietnam War literature.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 14 direct link
Furthermore, here is a link to the New York Times article I reference at one point: “A Storyteller for the War That Won’t End”
And here is the YouTube video that I referenced in the episode, which is part of a series of interviews with O’Brien …
Pop Culture Affidavit 