My Amazon DVD Reviews: "Kink Crusaders"

"This is my family, this is my tribe"
5 Out of 5 Stars

For those unfamiliar with International Mr. Leather, it as an annual event where literally thousands of Leatherfolk gather every May in Chicago. The centerpiece of the weekend is the International Mister Leather contest, in which men from around the world compete for the chance to promote the Leather Lifestyle (among other activities).

But it wasn't always like this. In a DVD that is destined to take a place next to the book "25 Years Of Champions," "Kink Crusaders" chronicles the humble beginnings of IML in 1979 (12 contestants from 6 states) to the extravagant pageant that it is today. In 2008, documentarian Mike Skiff traveled to Chicago for the chance to capture the 30th year of IML as it unfolded. So as you would expect, this is the kind of film that is laden with imagery of Homomasculinity at its hottest, with pictures, interviews and event clips documenting every year of International Mr. Leather. (Including a brief but explanatory clip as a postlude from IML 2010.)

But once again, I have to repeat. "Kink Crusaders" is much more than a tableaux of hot men in leather. Perspective comes from a rare "Mr Gold Coast Leather" film clip to ongoing interviews with contestants and commentary from Guy Baldwin, founder Chuck Renslow and others (including the odd interlopers who found themselves inside the hotel as the contest was occurring). Mike Skiff and a host of contributors have created a grand history of this culture of leather in this magnificent 90 minute documentary. But if the thought of all those concepts and heavy thinking intimidates you, fear not. There are contest videos, and did I fail to mention that the pictures are hot? If you missed that earlier on, forgive me. I reiterate; the men are HOT. Get "Kink Crusaders" now. It's going to look great on your widescreen.

     

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My Amazon Reviews: REO Speedwagon "The Essential 3.0 REO Speedwagon"

Oreo Speedcookies!
3 Out Of 5 Stars

REO Speedwagon was one of those American Bands that could have only happened in the 70's. A midwestern-boogie band with a hot live show, they built their rep in the heartland and got a record deal based on their rabid - if not widespread - following. Their first few albums were bland, unexceptional affairs, most notable for the mundanity of their songs and sound. Then, like so many acts from the "Frampton Comes Alive" era, their double live album expanded their audience outside their heartland base. Which also menat that the next album was make-it-or-break-it.

In 1978, that meant tightening up the sound, pushing (in and out and back in again) singer Kevin Cronin to the forefront, making guitarist Gary Richrath tighten up the solos, and writing a batch of songs that was more than bar-band-boogie jams. "You Can Tune a Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish" did all of that and gave the rock world one of the worst titular puns, plus REO's first major hit single with "Time for Me To Fly" and a rock radio staple with "Roll With The Changes." The album "Nine Lives" stayed the course with two songs on this set, and then came the blast.

"Hi Infidelity" became the group's high water mark in both sales and performance, putting REO into the leagues of Journey and Styx. Their first number one album, two top ten power ballads (including "Keep On Loving You" at number one) and platinum several times over, 6 of this album's 10 songs are on this set. One of them is the oddly girl-group sounding, "In Your Letter." "Good Trouble" slipped a bit; no singles, but three songs in this set, including concert fave "Keep The Fire Burning." However, one album later and "Wheels Are Turning" put the wheels back on the wagon. "Can't Fight This Feeling" went to number one and a million wedding receptions, while "I Do'Wanna Know" is probably my fave REO rocker (and makes an appearance on the bonus disc).

That was about it, as the ensuing albums began the diminishing returns, albeit with good songs and the power ballads like "In My Dreams." The good extras include a few odd-album cuts like "Just for You" and "Here With Me" from compilations and "Where You're Going" from the soundtrack to The Goonies movie. Now, as a three CD set, this is about all the REO you'll probably ever need. You get all the glory days singles and some of the better tunes from the waning days. But you're also hit with the realization that REO wasn't a very good band until "You Get What You Play For Live," which means you have to wallow through eleven 'meh' cuts on disc one before the good stuff kicks in.

Be that as it may, for your 80's nostalgia money, this is the REO set to get. If even this is too much, you can get "The Hits" or "The Ballads" collections (or even just "Hi Infidelity") for what you need.

   

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