Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 229

   

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 229
Release Date: June 1982

Highlights

  • First appearance of NYPD officer, Gus
  • Third appearance of Madame Web
  • Madame Web calls Peter Parker and informs him that she foresees her life is in danger, and Spider-Man is the only one who can protect her
  • Reference is made to The Amazing Spider-Man 210, 216, 227, Fantastic Four 241, and Avengers 219
  • Betty Brant Leeds returns
  • As Spider-Man swings towards Battery Park to meet up with the unknown danger, he speculates at the damages he sees on the way, causing him to ponder if the danger is Sub-Mariner, or the Hulk
  • Spider-Man sees Juggernaut, but having never met or fought him before has no clue who he is
  • Spider-Man attempts a sneak attack, only to bounce off Juggernaut's back, sending him flying back really far - Juggernaut doesn't even react
  • Spider-Man fires a webbing net to stop Juggernaut in his path - it doesn't work - The Juggernaut keeps walking until he tears the buildings apart that the webbing is secured to
  • Spider-Man jumps on Juggernaut, and futilely tries to wrestle him down, Juggernaut slams him through a building, all while continuing on his path to Madame Webb
  • Madame Web attempts to locate the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men, but discovers they aren't around
  • Even the bullets from the shooting police, and barrage of heavy weapons fire from the special forces don't stop the Juggernaut
  • Jolts of electricity also fail to stop Juggernaut
  • When Juggernaut realizes that Madame Web can't be taken off her life support chair, he simply leaves - Unfortunately, he's already yanked her out of it and sent her into convulsions as a result
  • Spider-Man gives Madame Webb CPR until the paramedics arrive
  • In a cliffhanger ending, Spider-Man vows to stop Juggernaut, even if it means his death
Low Points
  • None
Oddities
  • Juggernaut is on a yacht with Black Tom, who tells them they're fifteen minutes until docking - Juggernaut jumps off the boat, and says he'll meet him there by walking across the bottom of the ocean - Cause you know, walking is faster than a boat
Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)

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Retro Spins: Adam Ant - Strip


Following a successful appearance on Motown 25, Adam Ant released his second solo album, Strip, in November 1983. Accounting for his prior releases with Adam And The Ants, it would be his fifth outing. While it produced the number five hit, Puss 'N Boots, overall, the album was poorly received by critics.

It's possible that this was a result of Ant shifting music styles, producing a more pop rock oriented album, very different from his prior punk work. Sounds like nothing but a pro to me, but hey, I'm not necessarily a punk fan.

There are some noteworthy collaborations on Strip very much so worth talking about. The first would be the inclusion of Phil Collins on drums for Strip, and Puss 'N Boots. Collins also aided in producing, and enlisted Hugh Padgham to assist with the production and engineering of those sessions. It was possibly also because of Collins prior year work with her that (the uncredited) Anni-Frid Lyngstad, of ABBA fame, also performs the female spoken part on Strip.

Man, the bar just keeps getting raised higher and higher for Strip. Let's jump in and see if it can meet my unreasonable expectations.

Playing through it, it's definitely a stripped down (no pun intended) version of Adam Ant. Gone are the techniques and signature sound that he was known for. In its place is a very pop friendly set of songs, some better than others, but none necessarily terrible.

Standout tracks for me were Strip, Baby Let Me Scream At You, Puss 'N Boots, Play Boy, and Amazon. They're far from his strongest work that I've heard in prior albums, and I can certainly see the downward spiral playing out in front of me.

The abandonment of the style that made Adam Ant who Adam Ant was somewhat servers as a detriment here. It's like when you play a Def Leppard album, or any other band who's sound you've become familiar with. When you play that album, it's because you want to hear that familiarity. Take that away, and you end up with Queen's Hot Space, I.E. the opposite spectrum. Again, Strip isn't a bad album, but that lack of familiarity hinders it.

As I mentioned above, Strip was not well received, and this continued a trend of declining sales for Ant. It would be his last to receive any type of certification, reaching only silver status. Down, but not out, he would return to the studio to release the single, Apollo 9, which reached number thirteen in September 1984. The track would go on to be utilized on his forthcoming album, 1985's Vive Le Rock, and the album titled single being chosen by him to perform at Live Aid. The latter is a story unto itself, but one you'll need to come back for tomorrow to read about.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 22, 1981
 
THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 22, 1987


Comics Corner: The Amazing Spider-Man 228

   

Title: The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue Number: 228
Release Date: May 1982

Highlights

  • First appearance of Murderer by Spider, and Norman Junque
  • First appearance, and death, of Adlai Schmidt
  • First appearance of the Montana apartment buildings location
  • Whenever the murderous spiders are on the prowl, it sends Spider-Man into a violent frenzy
  • Murderer by Spider creates a device that dampens Spider-Man's spidey sense, and then tries to kill him
Low Points
  • None
Oddities
  • Spider-Man is racing against time to save a woman dying in his arms, and the cops are shooting at him?


Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)



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Retro Spins: Adam Ant - Friend Or Foe


I've already talked about Adam And The Ant's Prince Charming. However, for the sake of continuing where we left off yesterday, we need to go through that period of time.

Signing with CBS Records for their second album, and the re-release of their first through the label brought Adam And The Ants continued chart success. As the band returned to the studio, they would set to work on what would become their breakthrough album, Prince Charming. This all began with the single, Stand And Deliver, which was followed by the popular music video which was featured in steady rotation on MTV. This single became the bands first number one in the UK, and remained in that spot for five consecutive weeks. This was followed by the second single, Prince Charming, which also reached number one.

Upon the albums release, the band embarked on several tours, which ended in January 1982. Their continued success was bolstered by continuous re-release of prior material, and several awards. These included, British Album of the Year for Kings of the Wild Frontier at the BRIT Awards, and Songwriter of the Year Award for Stand and Deliver at the 27th Ivor Novello Awards. They were further nominated for Best British Group and twice in the Best British Single category for Prince Charming and Stand and Deliver. They were also nominated for Best New Artist at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards in 1982.

Despite all these accolades, Ant himself grew tired of the band, feeling that while on stage it wasn't a group effort. He ultimately ended up disbanding them, but retaining Marco Pirroni as a writing collaborator and guitarist. Drummer, Chris Merrick, also briefly stayed with Ant, recording and producing the single, Goody Two Shoes, before departing.

Ant released Friend Or Foe in 1982, led by the aforementioned single, which reached number one. This was followed by the album title single, which peaked at number nine. While he would recruit a new band, and head out on the road for touring, a knee injury would force him to postpone several dates. During this downtime, he would begin work with Pirroni on his next solo venture.

However, before we get to that point, we need to first pause and actually listen to Friend Or Foe.

As I started it up, I was immediately met by the familiar sound of Adam Ant which I have come to know. It's the style that began with the single, Stand And Deliver, and became his staple. I really can't explain it, but Ant fans will know what I mean. You know when you're hearing an Adam Ant song.

I really enjoyed my listening session, and grabbed a ton of "new" tunes for my shuffle list. These included, Friend Or Foe, Something Girls, Place In The Country, Goody Two Shoes, and Crackpot History And The Right To Lie. This is the Adam Ant that I want, and if I may skip a head several decades, is what brought me back in 2013 for Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter.

With that said, I will admit that the cover of The Doors, Hello I Love You, was a pretty poor rendition. It's probably the weakest link on the entire album, and frankly, not necessary, considering he was well established as an artist.

Overall, Friend Or Foe was enjoyable. Not all the tracks were bangers, but, as you can see from above, there was a healthy dose of them. This excites me to jump into his 1983 follow-up, Strip.

As for Ant himself, after recovering from his knee injury, he made an appearance on Motown 25. Here, he sand a cover of The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go. The performance was bolstered by Diana Ross crashing the stage to briefly dance with him. Following this, he resumed his US tour, completing it in May 1983.

We have to pause there, and save the continued story for next time.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 21, 1982

 

Comics Corner: Marvel Team-Up 119

   

Title: Marvel Team-Up
Issue Number: 119
Release Date: July 1982

Highlights

  • First appearance and death of Sadie Bass
  • First appearance of Beatrice Bass, Bernie, Manuel, and Vinnie
  • Reference is made to The Defenders 94, 104, 109, and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man 68
  • Gargoyle, AKA Isaac Christian gives Spider-Man a brief synopsis of his origin
  • Sadie lets Gargoyle walk her home after he and Spider-Man saver her from some punks in the park, and then invites him in for tea
  • Nathan Lubensky has left Aunt May a letter, and disappeared from the old folks home
  • Gargoyle takes Sadie and her daughter Beatrice out for a flight through the air as he tries to help them see eye to eye
  • Aunt May finds Nathan, and with a little help from Spider-Man (from the shadows) defeats the same group of punks from earlier
  • Sadie dies later that night from natural causes with Gargoyle and Beatrice by her side
Low Points
  • None
Oddities
  • None
Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)



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Retro Spins: Adam And The Ants - Kings Of The Wild Frontier


I made the decision one day to purchase every 80's album from Adam (and the) Ant(s), and while this was one made based on me liking a few tracks here and there, my overall listening experience with 1981's Prince Charming, wasn't what I hoped it would be. Since then, Ant-Man's been sitting on the shelf untouched, with me not really looking forward to the day that would come when I decided I needed to get through the rest of them. You know, today...

Stuart Leslie Goddard, or Adam Ant, as he is more commonly known as, formed The Ants in 1977. This occurred after meeting with Lester Square (guitaris), Andy Warren (bassist), and Paul Flanagan (drummer) at the Roxy Club, coincidentally on a night where Siouxsie and the Banshees were performing a gig. A month later, Square would depart, and be replaced by Mark Ryan.

It would be this iteration of The Ants that would perform gigs, typically taking up support slots around London. Later that year, Dave "Barbe" Barbarossa replaced Flanagan, and this new line-up recorded the tracks, Plastic Surgery, and Beat My Guest. However, difficulties with management towards the end of the year would result in Ryan being fired, and replaced by Johnny Bivouac.

The band would often tour with Siouxsie and the Banshees, but remained disliked by much of the British music press for their fetishistic lyrics and imagery. While this didn't work for the squares, The Ants garnered much love from punk fanzines, which gave them more favorable coverage. This helped them to build up a strong cult following, but didn't aid them well in finding a label until signed in 1978 by Decca Records.

After a series of Peel Session demos and gigs early in the year, Manager Joran (AKA Pamela Rooke) left The Ants in the summer of 1978, and the day after, Bivouac also departed. He was replaced by Matthew Ashman. This was followed by further Peel Sessions, and the band departing for a tour of continental Europe.

Decca released their first single, Young Parisians, in November 1978. However, when it failed to garner any attention, they scrapped plans to release an additional single. Undeterred, The Ants embarked on their Young Parisians Tour of the UK in January of 1979. In between all of this, they continued recording sessions with Decca, as well as a third series of Peel Sessions.

The band would then sign with independent label Do It Records, and re-record their prior single, Zerox, then embarked on the Zerox Tour around Britain in support, culminating in a sell-out show at London Lyceum on August 5th. The led to them setting to work on the recordings which would become their official debut, Dirk Wears White Sox. However, shortly after its recording, Ashman and Warren were fired by Adam. Though Ashman would rejoin, Warren would be replaced by Leigh Gorman.

Dirk Wears White Sox was released in November of 1979, peaking at number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart. With new manager Malcolm McLaren, and a sell out show at Electric Ballroom, all seemed to be falling in place for the now titled band, Adam And The Ants. This, though, would not last. In a sleezy move, McLaren persuaded Ashman, Gorman, and Barbarossa to leave Adam and the Ants and form Bow Wow Wow, which was fronted by Annabella Lwin. McLaren then dropped Ant as a client.

Slapped in the face, betrayed, but not down and out, Adam would recruit Marco Pirroni (guitar), Kevin Mooney (bass guitar), and drummers Terry Lee Miall and Chris "Merrick" Hughes. Pirroni would become a significant member, contributing to the writing with Ant. Further, these new members would bring to the band a new style of music, and an adoption of make-up, and an overall revised look. This was all overseen by new manager, Falcon Stuart. The end result was signing to CBS Records, re-releasing their debut album, and 1980's Kings Of The Wild Frontier, where we now pause to actually get into this day's Retro Spins (whew...long intro).

Knowing what I now know about Adam And The Ants from previously listening to Prince Charming, it was a little easier on my brain. I was prepared for the synonymous sound, and prepared for all the chanting and quirkiness. This came in spades.

While at first I dreaded hearing thirteen songs, the end result was a somewhat decent album. No, Adam Ant isn't my favorite artist of all time. However, I did dig Dog Eat Dog, Antmusic, Ant Invasion, and the over the top, Jolly Roger. Only Adam Ant could get away with the latter. But, it just only goes to show how anything was fair game in the 80's.

Ironically, for as long as the intro was, that's pretty much all I have to say about the album itself. It was okay, with a couple hidden gems. Not a bad re-start for Adam And The Ants.

If you recall yesterday's post, I posed a question to myself of how many albums I had left to actually make my way through. Well, because I'm nuts like that, I went ahead and crunched the numbers. Pending my spreadsheet of albums I own is actually up to date / correct, it would be the following:

780 out of 1,305 studio albums (which may include multiple format duplicates)
193 out of 252 soundtrack albums (which may include multiple format duplicates)
25 out of 25 live albums
4 out of 9 EP albums
2 out of 2 remix albums
101 out of 101 compilation albums (maybe - some may be compilations of prior eras)
6 out of 9 singles
6 out of 8 comedy albums
12 out of 12 Christmas albums (maybe - some may be compilations of prior eras)
5 out of 5 Broadway albums
5 out of 5 audio books

Now, with all that said, there are albums mixed in those numbers that I have already heard, but not necessarily done a Retro Spins on. As such, those counts will come down. Still, that's a lot. Just based on those, it's 1,139 (okay 1,138, as those numbers didn't account for today's Retro Spin - George Lucas reference for the win!). Even if I did one album a day, it would take over three years to complete.

Now keep in mind that "new" albums keep coming into my collection more than they should, and that these totals also don't include anything prior to, or after, the 80's albums I own. Yeesh. I guess there may very well be such a thing as owning more music than you can listen to in a lifetime.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 20, 1983
 
THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 20, 1988


Comics Corner: The Defenders 109

   

Title: The Defenders
Issue Number: 109
Release Date: July 1982

Highlights

  • Reference is made to The Defenders 4, 94, 95, 100, 105, 107, Mighty Thor 296, 311, Marvel Team-Up 112, and "current issues of Doctor Strange"
  • Valkyrie and Enchantress begin a battle to the death
  • The soul of Enchantress gets sucked into the Globe of Souls
  • Hellcat doesn't think she likes the real Valkyrie versus when Barbara Norris inhabited her body
  • Valkyrie confronts Odin, demanding answers for why he stripped her of her godly powers, and never came looking for her when she disappeared
  • Hulk, Namor, and Son of Satan are transported somewhere that concerns them greatly in a cliffhanging interlude
  • Doctor Strange departs on his own to go find them
  • Gargoyle and Spider-Man head off together, and a blurb tells you to catch up with them in Marvel Team-Up 119
  • Dolly convinces Hellcat to go out on her own and look for her dad
  • Nighthawk returns from the dead, and in an all new costume
  • It's not going to get me reading The Defenders, but there's a lot that happened in this story that I can see would excite fans of the series
Low Points
  • The text, in all its Asgardian manner, is difficult to read
Oddities
  • Reference is made to an issue 206, but not specifically in what title
Rating (based on a 1 through 5 Stans grading system)



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Retro Spins: Mötley Crüe - Girls, Girls, Girls


So, here we are, my last day of Mötley Crüe. For those of you keeping up, I made a push over these past three days to get through their remaining 80's albums. I originally listened to their 1981 debut, Too Fast For Love, and final album of the 80's, 1989's Dr. Feelgood. Then yesterday and the day before, made my way through 1983's Shout At The Devil, and 1985's Theatre Of Pain. That leaves me with just 1987's Girls, Girls, Girls. Off we go then.

Firing it up, I was greeted by a song I had forgotten from Crüe, Wild Side. I love discovering forgotten songs. More importantly, I love adding them to my shuffle so they won't be forgotten again. This was followed by the title track, and frankly, set the bar rather high for Girls, Girls, Girls (the album).

At this point I was hoping it would be a return to Shout At The Devil, wherein tracks were repeatedly good, if not just okay, versus Theatre Of Pain, which wasn't bad, also not necessarily good, but kind of forgettable. I believe the kids these days would call that, "meh".

Sumthin' For Nuthin' (terrible spelling), and You're All I Need, were the only other two stand out tracks from the album. The rest, was pretty much relegated to background noise. I suppose at this point, it may have been Mötley Crüe fatigue from listening to three albums back to back to back in a two and a half hour timespan. Regardless, this one too was relegated to the, "just okay" pile.

This wraps up my journey through Mötley Crüe. It wasn't one I would say I hated. However, I also wouldn't profess that it blew me away. Crüe has their hits, they also have their share of deep cuts, but they're not going to be  my favorite band from the 80's. Not by a longshot. They are, though, a band I'm glad to have in my collection. They're a staple of the era, and like I said, they have good tunes, here and there.

What I'm particularly happy about is the progress I've been making through my albums in 2025. This has been a long time coming to actually put in the time to listen to what I actually own, versus just continuing to jump around the thousands of songs I know and love. Though there have been hits and misses, it's still been an overall enjoyable experience to simply have the time to sit and listen to music. I'm looking forward to the next four and a half months of further listening sessions, and if nothing else, crossing off another 120+ albums on my checklist. I should crunch the numbers and see how many more I actually need to get through. I"m sure a lot.

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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
August 19, 1989

 

Occoquan - A Quiet Place Away From Stress


In a continuation of birthday related outings, we found ourselves headed out the following day to Occoquan, Virginia. It's a quiet place, nestled just along the river of the same name. An area where time has slowed down, and though an area where many a tourist flock to, remains relatively stress free.








Spend some time on the water, walk the docks, or take a stroll through town, either on foot or in a rented golf cart, to visit the specialty shops, or enjoy some unique dining experiences. What you won't find here are chain restaurants, or your run of the mill stores you can find on the corner of most towns and cities.



The houses are equally unique, and most belong to very well-maintained associations. These homes along this strip typically start around a million dollars.




While we didn't go into every shop, there were a handful that piqued our interest. First up was a hidden gem toy store named Toynado. It's so small and hidden that you could literally walk right past it without noticing, like we almost did.










The next shop of particular interest was one dedicated solely to puzzles, called Puzzle Palooza.
















In hindsight, I wish I would have taken a few more photos of the various stores we went into. Not necessarily because we bought anything, but rather because of how unique they were. Many places were selling antiques, homemade chocolates and art related pieces, and other such tchotchkes that you just won't find in your average store.

Truthfully, we didn't even necessarily come up to wander around the town. That was actually just a nice bit of bonus. Instead, we came because we wanted to try a little hidden gem called The Secret Garden.


Much like many of the places there, it's a unique dining experience tucked away down an alley, but with an amazingly relaxing view. I mean, how can you be stressed out when this is the view from your table?



The menu isn't too extensive, but what it does offer is fresh made, and really delicious.



For my entree, I got the steak and cheese, and we shared an appetizer of their hummus platter, and then also their artichoke dip. We crushed the hummus, and I was well into my sandwich before I remember to take photos. Oops.



We then tossed the remaining bread to the birds and watched them zip around and eat.


All and all, it was a great time. I'd actually like to come back closer to Christmas and see how the town is all decorated for the holidays. I'm sure that's an amazing treat.

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