272 of 1001 Movies: Do the Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee isn't an unknown name to most of us. With movies like this though it is easy to see why he has made a name for himself. The movie hits home on spots that most of us don't want to talk about with themes regarding violence and whether it's ever the right thing that still make it controversial today. The movie though is a piece of work that stands out though. It has bold colors, and if you watch the movie during the summer it is bound to capture perfectly the atmosphere of what you're living in as far as the tough heat.


Summary: Tensions are brewing in the neighborhood of Brooklyn and the old and new are clashing, and it is building racial tensions. As one guy gets mad that an Italian restaurant owner has only Italian guy's on his wall though many African Americans eat at his pizzeria, and actually they are his main customer. In an attempt to protest, he tries to get others on board, but all he can get to back him is Radio. Mookie works at the pizzeria, and is feeling the pull of working from his mother's son, and his sister to provide, but when the tension explodes it makes him pull cards.

441 of 1001 Albums: Dwight Yoakam's Buenes Noches From A Lonely Room

So if you grew up in the south as I did, then you probably were around a lot of country music. Maybe your parents left the radio station on it, or perhaps you even rode a bus to school that played it on the radio. It might have even just been your peers that listened to it, or well you were probably the fan yourself. I was a fan of country music in the style of Yoakam when I was a little kid. This is also the first album on the list so far where I heard country music like this.

History: Dwight Yoakam was already having hits with his music from the first two albums, but once again his third album, Buenes Noches From A Lonely Room would be number one on the Billboards once again. He even had country classic, Buck Owens, on the song "Streets of Bakersfield." The album would be a definite hit with fans of his music, and get some good critical feedback.

222 of 1001 Movies: The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, Her Lover (1989)

So strange yet quite good. This British movie is a mix of romance, crime, and drama. It's done in the most artsy way I've seen. Unlike many movies that shoot just for the art appeal and forget to have good characters and a plot, this one does have those things as well. Peter Greenaway explores how you can the atmosphere with strong color, and the pushed the envelope at the time with lots of nudity, and violence that would make you cringe. Plus, you have an unforgettable ending on top of that.

Summary: Albert is not only a restaurant owner, but a scary crime boss. He murders and tortures in the most barbaric of ways. His wife, Georgina, is tired of the abuse. When she meets a man, Michael, at her husband's restaurant who frequents often, they begin an affair.  Georgina believes it's best for them to continue the affair at the restaurant since her husband would never figure out that she would do that right when he is in the same place. Having an affair with a woman who's husband is the crime boss though can prove dangerous business.

200 of 1001 Movies: Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

Did it out do my current favorite Woody Allen movies Midnight in Paris? Not quite, though it gives it a high run for it's money in my opinion. I just preferred the fantasy vibe of the other. Crimes and Misdemeanors really did surprise me. I had heard it was one of the better reviewed one, and there is a reason. It's not only pondering of life and relationships, but also the characters own morality and faith. It's one of Woody Allen's more ambitious movie.

Summary: Judah's life is unraveling when his mistress,Dolores, is fed up with hiding their relationship and wants to reveal it to his wife, Miriam. She may have underestimated how far Judah is willing to go to stop their relationship from being revealed on top of the things she knows about his business. In another story that is occurring throughout the movie, Cliff finds his marriage to Wendy suffering. The situation is worsened by her arrogant brother who has hired him to help make a documentary about himself, which he insist is to help Cliff's career. Cliff does find a benefit to doing the documentary though, and that is his growing feelings for his coworker, Halley.

389 of 1001 Albums: Queen Latifah's All Hail The Queen

Before she was the famous actress, she was the famous rapper. Her debut album in 1989 was a strong start for her, and it proves she has the chops to keep up with others in her field that were male. The rhymes are catchy and the flow of the music works well, but for an hour long album it drones on a bit. If you're a fan of old school rap it works though, and honestly I do like the 80's and early 90's style of hip hop a bit better. The bass is beat and the instruments are quite lively.

History: This debut album of Queen Latifah merged the ideas of feminism and rap to create quite empowering tunes for women, and music that had a beat that anyone could enjoy. The single "Ladies First" would become a hip hop song classic from the album with it still garnering attention today. She topped charts, and got the attention of critics in a positive way.

374 of 1001 Albums: 808 State's Ninety

If you're looking for a band that exploded the house music scene then look no further than 808 State. While the genre originated in Chicago, this British band pioneered it in England. It's really difficult to describe what house music is outside of electronic though. It was my first run in with the band, and even the genre though.

History: This album was mainly a hit in the U.K. and topped the charts over seas on the Top 40 with "Pacific State". The U.S. had a slightly different release of the album with some song changes made. The reviews have been positive for the album, and the band is labeled with pioneering the genre further. The album is appropriately named ninety, and it was released the year before the 90's were to hit in 1989.