Welcome to our Thursday Music Feature! This week Dave and Susan were supposed to be talking about their top albums of 2020, but Dave apparently made up his own rules!
Be sure to let us know what YOUR favorite albums were this year in the comments. Also don't forget to add your party songs to the Muser Music Post HERE! Dave's Top Albums
When I was presented with this task of making my Top 10 Albums of the Year, I knew right away I had to do it my way. And of course, that means making my rules because that’s always more fun!
So, I bent a few rules, just a little bit. :) You know - Dave is very lucky he isn't entering a giveaway with this post as I do like my rules! But as this is just a feature, and he and Susan did all the work, I guess I can let it pass .... this time! Melanie
Anthrax - Persistence of Time
OK, this maybe a little of a cheat. Originally released in 1990, this is a 30th Anniversary edition released this year with bonus tracks and a live DVD but it’s one of their best, the music still holds up.
Def Leppard - London to Vegas
Two full concerts in one! One is the complete Hysteria record performed in its entirety, pretty awesome stuff and the other from their Vegas residency.
Metallica - S&M2.
Yes, I'm repeating myself since you probably read the article before but I love the blend of the symphony with a rock band it came out great.
In This Moment - Mother.
Amazing record. Guest vocals by Lizzy Hale and Taylor Momsen on a cover of "We Will Rock You". I love that the 3 of them worked together but I do wish it was on an original song instead of a cover.
Amaranthe - Manifest.
Blending a male and a female vocalist with different styles and tempos. "Viral" and "Boom" need to be checked out.
Queen and Adam Lambert - Live Around the World
Admittedly, I'm not the biggest Queen fan but the performances here, collected from several live shows leadoff off their talent and how well Adam fits in the band.
As a bonus, a few new songs from CDs coming out soon but will surely make next year’s list.
Butcher Babies - Bottom of the Bottle. Met them a few times after shows. They have been evolving over the years and progressing. A few sample clips sound great. This first single is a departure for them but is amazing.
Escape the Fate - Chemical Warfare, coming in February but 3 new songs hit this year-- "Walk On", "Invincible" featuring Lindsey Stirling, and "Christmas Song". If these are any indication, this next record will be phenomenal. Within Temptation - Entertain You. No release date for this one yet but this video is electric! Surely a sign they that have been working on something special for next year! The Pretty Reckless - Death by Rock n Roll. Been waiting for this record for a while too. Taylor and the gang change style a little with each record as they grow but this first single is great. I am impatiently waiting to hear more.
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries, breaking the rules, and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
Susan's Top Albums
2020 was an epic year for music, with albums released from rock royalty to the new artists breathing new life into the genre! The old and new collide in my list below, all released in 2020
(with one little cheat right at the end!) Melanie - UGH Susan! You are as bad as Dave!
Marilyn Manson – We are Chaos
This is, hands down, for me, Manson's best album and I know that's a bold statement but the album backs it up and them some. Some tracks like We Are Chaos and Paint You With My Love surprised me as its essentially a ballad...as much of a ballad that you would expect from Manson and I loved the little change in sound. Notable tracks: Red, Black and Blue, We Are Chaos, Halfway and One Step Forward, Infinite Darkness, Keep my head Together and Broken Needle
Notable tracks: Simmer, Leave it Alone, Creepin', Dead Horse, Why We Ever, Sugar on the Rim and Watch me While I bloom
Nothing but Thieves- Moral Panic
I loved this album so much that I write a blog post after it's release (You can check it outhere) Moral Panic is one of those rare albums, like with most NBT albums, that is an album you can listen to from start to finish without skipping, You delve right in with Unperson, a song that speaks to anyone struggling to find their identity, and how society wants you to be a carbon copy of those around you. The first song released off the album, Is Everybody going crazy?, gave you a feel for how the album was going to be...then, among the guitar heavy songs, you get the reprieve of Real Love Song and Impossible, which could absolutely be an alternative wedding song. Notable tracks: Unperson, Moral Panic, Phobia, Can you afford to be an Individual? and Before we Drift Away
Pvris – Use me (deluxe version as well)
Lynn Gunn from Pvris has this hauntingly beautiful voice that can do from sweet to rock chick in a split second. I've been a fan of Pvris since day one, ALOT of her songs show up on my playlists over and over again. Use Me is an angst filled album that makes you want to bop your head and sing the lyrics out loud. This is also one of those rare albums where you can listen from start to finish without skipping a song. As you can see below, narrowing down a few notable songs was hard! Notable tracks: Gimmie a Minute, Stay Gold, Good to be Alive, Old Wounds, Loveless, January Rain, Use Me Ft.070 Shake, Wish you well and Thank you ft Raye
The Hunna – I’d Rather Die Than To Let You In
The Hunna are a band that I would have listened to over the years, some songs finding their way onto book playlists, but I never truly appreciated their sound until this year, with the release of the newest album. I always tend to fall in love with a singer voice and Ryan Potter has a unique edge to his to voice that drew me in from the start. Notable tracks: I wanna Know, Young & Faded, Dark Times, If this is love ft Phem, and I'd rather die than let you in
Yungblud – Weird!
I've been a fan of Yungblud for a long time, with his ability to blend rock with pop and basically sing whatever the hell he wants. Weird! is essentially an album about accepting yourself, finding your tribe, owning who you are and not giving a f**k about others opinions. Notable tracks: Teresa. Mars, Superdeadfriends, god save me. but don't drown me out, love song and its quiet in Beverly hills
ACDC- PWR UP!
After 47 years and 17 albums, ACDC have firmly made their mark on music. Never a band for straying from what they are good at, the new album was a nod to Malcolm Young, who passed away in 2017. The sound of ACDC is unmistakable, from the very first chord, you just know that you can get stuck in and Power Up is one of those albums to listen to on a road trip. Most of the members of ACDC might be in their sixties and seventies, but Power Up proves that age is just a number and you can still get your rock on! Notable tracks: Shot in the dark, Kick You When You're down, Wild Reputation and Code Red
And reasons to be excited for music in 2021...
After hearing 25 from The Pretty Reckless, like Dave, I'm excited for the new album and the new You me at six album Suckapunch....But we will also get new Foo Fighters and I for one, am flipping excited!!!!
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork, Ireland and when she’s not torturing her readers with heart-wrenching plot twists or killer cliffhangers, she’s probably getting some new book related ink, binging her latest TV or music obsession, or with her nose in a book. She is a proud founding Member of the Muser VIPers and is responsible for Melanie not breaking the Website on an almost daily basis!
You can check out all her books on Amazon HERE All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article areAmazon Affiliate Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!) Win It Wednesday - Willy Wonka Feature by Dave Christy and Jennifer Rhodes Cleere & Giveaway!12/29/2020 
Welcome to our Win It Wednesday Feature! This week it's all about Willy Wonka with a double feature from Dave Christy and Jennifer Rhodes Cleere, taking a look at both movie versions! Don't forget to read all the way down to see details on how to enter the giveaway to win the Willy Wonka Prize Pack!
1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by Dave
Gene Wilder leads the cast in this wonderful classic movie. Eccentric recluse Willy Wonka is opening his chocolate factory to 5 lucky winners who find the golden tickets hidden in candy bar wrappers.
Charlie Bucket is our lead and the last to find the golden ticket.
He joins: Veruca Salt, spoiled rich girl who is used to getting what she wants, Mike Teavee, who is more interested in the tv than anything around him, Augustus Gloop, who is eating everything in sight, and Violet Beauregarde, who just doesn't to listen to what she is told.
Each of their faults eventually leads to trouble and their demise, eliminating them from the ultimate prize.
The film features classic musical performances, including "Candy Man" by Sammy Davis Jr, "Pure Imagination", and "I Want it Now". Another feature in the movie are the Oompa Loompa songs after each of the kids exits, teaching us the lessons of what not to do and how not to act.
When they decided to remake the movie, they went in the opposite direction. They didn't even make it a musical. And they added a backstory. I'll let Jenn elaborate a little on that version.
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
2005 Charlie and the Factory by Jennifer
This is a tale of how not being greedy can get you far, and yes, I’m talking about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Charlie comes from a poor family who barely gets by, but they get through it together. He also dreams about touring the chocolate factory and meeting the famous Willy Wonka. He gets his chance when, by luck he ends up finding a golden ticket and entering this amazing factory.
Now the other kids you meet that also won golden tickets are the total opposite of Charlie. You see that as the movie goes on. Don’t worry, they end up each learning a lesson that’s really needed for each child, and Charlie ends up being the last one standing and winning that very special and coveted prize at the end.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is very different from the original movie, and there’s more story added, also the cast was amazing. If you like the original, definitely check this one out as well, because as they say two are definitely better than one.
Jennifer Rhodes Cleere met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
And Now For The Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Will Wonka Prize Pack featuring both movies discussed on DVD sent in by Jennnifer Rhodes Cleere, and some things from the Melanie's Muses Prize collection -including a notebook, pen, and Melanie's Muses M&M's) For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling Us What Your Favorite Candy Is! The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments. Other comments about the article are very welcome but only entrants with the qulifying comments will go in the hat! What you ask for will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question! Winner will be announced during the Live show on January 10th 2021 (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 11th. Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
Dave -
"Watch Doctor Who" they said. "It'll be fun" they said. However, they did not tell me to have a box of tissues nearby, so there have been a few episodes where I ended up with a tear-soaked sleeve. Yes, I willfully admit the show has made me cry.
Everyone starts their journey with the Doctor at different times. Some start at random episodes. Some start with a particular Doctor. There have 13 so far. 14 if you count the War Doctor that was introduced later in the timeline. Being a completist, I felt I should start with Season 1, Episode 1 of the reboot. I chose that because a lot of the earlier classic episodes from the 1960's are missing and I felt I had a better chance of liking the current era than if I started with the classics. From the moments on screen and the word "RUN!", I was drawn in and there was no turning back. I have since went back and watched everything from the classic run of 1963-1989. The story of Doctor Who is a long one, going back almost 60 years since the first airing meaning has a legion of die-hard fans. One thing is for sure, I can always count on a reaction when I am in public with a Doctor Who t-shirt on. Whether it’s just a nod or a smile from another fan wearing a Doctor Who shirt or sometimes it just strikes up a random conversation on the bus. Comic Cons are also a great place to interact with fans. You can be waiting in line to meet one of the actors and start talking to the fans around you because you know have that similar interest or you can ask them if they have seen any Doctor Who related stuff around. My first time attending NYCC, I spotted a fan and asked if they knew where Jenna Coleman's table was. The NYCC a couple years was ago was a great way introduce the 13th Doctor. I got to watch a panel and the world premiere of the new episode and first-time seeing Jodie Whittaker in action in a roomful of about a 1000 fans !
Jenn -
Doctor who. What can I say or where to begin? Well, I’ll just start from the beginning. When I was younger, to me Doctor Who was something stupid and I never understood why people actually liked it. Well now I do and that’s all thanks to Mels. I remember first watching them online through my computer. This was before Netflix or HBO Max. I also remember asking Mels what happens next, and her just telling me to keep watching. Have you noticed that about her, if you are lucky enough to be her friend you will hear that A LOT! So I did.
I ended up falling for the Doctor and his/her companions. Especially the companions because they’re the ones that actually made you feel like you are with the Doctor on this journey. That TARDIS and the beautiful sound it makes will forever be etched in my memory and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing because it’s not. The Doctor is someone in my opinion who we should all strive to be like, because even with his/her enemies the Doctor doesn’t want to harm them, unless given no choice which that often ends up being the case. If you haven’t joined the Doctor in the TARDIS, I think you should. You will not regret it and it will be the ride of your life.
Mels -
Oh where to start! The Whoverse is just so incredibly large, I think it can be daunting for many people. I have been a Whovian since I was a child and the show was airing with Tom Baker (4th Doctor) on the BBC.
Going through many reincarnations, some better than others, a failed movie reboot in 1996 (which broke up the gap between 1989 and 2005), and a complete overhaul in 2005 with the 9th Doctor hitting the screens, Doctor Who has a huge fan base which has only continued to grow. For the most part new people watch from the 2005 “New Season 1”, (Like Dave and Jenn) but there are several great jumping in points. Personally I always recommend “Blink” (New Season 3 – Episode 10) which features the 10th Doctor (David Tennant), but unlike other episodes is told from the perspective of someone not familiar with the show. This is actually how I hooked Greg - and then he went back and watched from the 9th Doctor's introduction. (Trailer below) Other great jumping in points are the beginning of the new Season 5 which introduces us to the 11th Doctor (Matt Smith), a new Showrunner (Steven Moffat) and no continuing companions, and then finally the beginning of Season 11 which introduces us to the 13th Doctor (Jodi Whitaker) and another new Showrunner (Chris Chibnull), and again all new companions meaning that the story starts completely fresh. Dave has already mentioned the Whovian Fandom. We are vast and many, and yes if you see one in public there will probably be some acknowledgment. That being said, I find that online the fandom (especially long term fans going back to "Original Who" can be quite Toxic and judgy. They are by far one of the most toxic online fandoms I have seen, but don't let that put you off. The Whovian Musers, as with all Muser Shows, are fabulous and supportive. (I will actually be doing a vlog about the Whovian Toxic Fandom in the near future so watch for that!) The other video below is from about 3 years ago, when there were just rumors of the possibility we could have a "Female Doctor", but my thoughts really haven't changed. I think Jodi and the crew are fabulous, and i know my heart will break a little, as it always does, when they leave. Doctor Who has always been a #MustWatch for me – but I love to see all the new Whovians popping up – maybe it could be your next fandom!
The New Doctor Who Episode Will Air New Years Day! Doctor Who Is Currently Available in the US on BBC America and HBO Max.
Welcome to our Win It Wednesday Feature! This week it's all about The Wizard Of Oz from Jennifer Rhodes Cleere! Don't forget to read all the way down to see details on how to enter the giveaway to win the Oz Prize Pack!
Jenn -
Let’s go on another trip to another place beyond anything you could think of.
This classic famous movie started out as a book, actually a whole series of books, although many people only know this one, and yes, I’m talking about "The Wizard of Oz".
Dorothy and Toto are swept away by a tornado to a magical land called Oz. When Dorothy first arrives, she lands in Munchkin Land and ends up accidentally destroying the Wicked Witch of the East, much to all the munchkins delight, and also gets her the prized ruby red slippers from Glenda, much to the Wicked Witch of the West’s disappointment.
In the end, Dorothy realizes she had the magic to get home all along by clicking her ruby slippers together and saying that now famous line. There’s are a lot of amazing messages in this movie, but the one I take away the most, is that no matter how far you roam, There’s no place like home!
Jennifer Rhodes Cleere met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
And Now For The Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Oz" Prize Pack featuring the Illustrated Wizard of Oz Paperback Book and the Original Wizard of Oz DVD sent in by Jennnifer Rhodes Cleere, A Paperback copy of Oz Reimagined and some things from the Melanie's Muses Prize collection -including Susan Harris Swag (Because Wicked Game (Sanguine Crown Book 3 is coming - And that has a "Wicked" Theme) For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling Us What You Would Ask The Wizard For! The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments. Other comments about the article are very welcome but only entrants with the qulifying comments will go in the hat! What you ask for will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question! Winner will be announced during the Live show on January 3rd 2021 (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 4th. Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
When you think about classic Christmas movies this is the one that always comes to my mind, and that’s a Christmas story. This movie is very popular and plays on the tbs channel every Christmas for twenty-four hours straight!
This movie is about a boy and his journey to get a red rider BB gun for Christmas, and all the different shenanigans he’ll go through, like trying to outsmart his mom, writing a "what he wants" essay for school, and even asking Santa for one.
Plus, there's the leg lamp, and yes, I mean that lamp. If you’ve seen this movie then you know what I’m talking about because that thing is everywhere especially around Christmas time.
Does Ralphie end up getting what he wants for Christmas? Well, I’m sure you’ve seen this classic at least once, but if not then you just have to watch and find out!
2020 might have been a year none of us ever expected, where our lives hit a roadblock and the world stood still for far too long.
However, we have to pay tribute to the books, the tv, the art, and especially the music that made 2020 more bearable. 
2020 saw the return of the Foo Fighters with Shame, Shame- that included an epic video that spawned from a dream that Dave Grohl had since he was a child. It was unlike any Foo's song that came before it, and I loved it.
We saw epic albums, (which will be discussed in a joint article with Dave) from some of my fave artists, like Ozzy Osbourne, Pvris, Bring me the Horizon. Yungblud, Nothing but Thieves, ACDC & Marilyn Manson. It was also a year of discovery for me, finding some new artists to listen to during the year: Grandson, Des Rocs, Inhaler, NOISY, Ayron Jones, Nothing,Nowhere People have been saying for the last few years that Rock was dead, but this year has seen a resurgence to the genre, a blend of old and new, redefined with an eclectic sound that is exciting, invigorating and makes me excited for when the time comes to step inside a music venue to bear witness to live music again. 
My 2020 Fave Songs were all released in 2020- I may have cheated a little and included Brainstorm by Artic Monkeys, but it's the live version and it was released in 2020.
Here are some of my fave songs of 2020:
Foo Fighters - Shame Shame Ozzy Osbourne - Goodbye Hayley Williams - Simmer Bring Me The Horizon – Teardrops Nothing But Thieves – Phobia grandson – Identity All Time Low - Monsters (feat. blackbear) Billie Eilish - No Time To Die Des Rocs - This is Our Life PVRIS - Thank You (feat. RAYE)
You can check out my full Fave songs of 2020 list below.
Have a listen and let me know of you found any songs that you liked, found a new artist that you didn't know before, or let me know of any new music in 2020 that got you through the year of infinite hell that was 2020.
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork, Ireland and when she’s not torturing her readers with heart-wrenching plot twists or killer cliffhangers, she’s probably getting some new book related ink, binging her latest TV or music obsession, or with her nose in a book. She is a proud founding Member of the Muser VIPers and is responsible for Melanie not breaking the Website on an almost daily basis! You can check out all her books on Amazon HERE All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article areAmazon Affiliate Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!) 
Welcome to our Win It Wednesday Feature! This week it's all about The Grinch from Jennifer Rhodes Cleere! Don't forget to read all the way down to see details on how to enter the giveaway to win the Grinch Prize Pack!
Jenn -
Have you ever felt just not in the Christmas spirit mood? I know I have. I've never been called this character, but I sure have felt like him. Yes I’m talking about the Grinch and how he came to steal Christmas, or so he thought.
This movie originated as a children’s book by the amazing Dr. Seuss and then later became movies. There are several versions including the very well-known cartoon, but I want to talk about now is Jim Carrey’s "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
I think so far that is my favorite take on it and the one with the most story. The Grinch is from the town of Whoville where all The Whos live, but he’s a little different from the way he looks, to the way he acts. He also hates Christmas and The Whos who seem to love it. One year he decides to get rid of Christmas by stealing all their decorations, food and gifts. The thing that happens though is that everyone realizes, those aren’t the things that make Christmas but rather it is how you spend it, and with who, like your family and friends.
When the Grinch sees the change in The Whos down below, he starts to realize what truly matters. This makes his heart grow and he learns to love. Now I’m sure you heard of this story in one way or another, but it is always worth looking again, because in the end it has a spectacular message.
Jennifer Rhodes Cleere met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
And Now Your Chance To Win A Grinch Themed Prize Pack!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Grinch" Prize Pack featuring the Dr Seuss Book, and the Jim Carrey version DVD, sent in by Jennnifer Rhodes Cleere and some things from the Melanie's Muses Prize collection -including Susan Harris Swag (Because She Is A Self Confessed Grinch lol), Poop Emoji sticker, and some Chandler Stickers (because he hates Thanksgiving - and that's close enough!) For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling Us either #TeamChristmas or #TeamGrinch The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments. Other comments about the article are very welcome but only entrants with the qulifying comments will go in the hat! Team choice will not be a factor. Winner will be announced during the Live show on December 27th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 28th). Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
So How Many Will You Be Watching?
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies" How To Watch - If it says Free with Prime Membership and you don't have one - you can try it free for 30 days bly clicking the banner! All prices / links correct at the time of posting. All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article areAmazon Affiliate Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
Melanie's Muses is pleased to welcome Jennifer Bollnow with a guest spotlight feature about Tori Amos for today's Music Feature! Be sure to let us know what you think of her article in the comments below!
Jennifer Bollnow -
,Have you ever heard a song or singer that just voices everything you are feeling? Mine, for over 25 years, has been Tori Amos. She has a unique skill to make a piano and her voice sound more powerful than a full band. She can be vulnerable or aggressive, She can rock a ballad or sweetly sing a lullaby. Heck she could sing the phone book and I would listen!
Born in North Carolina, Tori started playing piano as soon as she could stand, and began composing her own pieces at age 3. She is a classically trained pianist. She received a scholarship to the Peabody Institute age of 5 but was kicked out 6 years later for not playing school approved music. Besides being a musical genius she has chromesthesia where she can see the notes as moving colorful, lights, and shapes. At 13 she played in piano bars and gay bars with her father, and Methodist preacher, as her chaperon. She had a short lived pop group, Y Kant Tori Read but their album flopped and she went solo. Her debut solo album (and still my favorite after all these years) is Little Earthquakes. Tori sings about religion, sex, feminism, sexual assault, politics and more. She not only makes playing the piano sexy but she can play 2 pianos at the same time or play piano along with a harpsichord keyboard or organ.
Tori has released 15 albums since Little Earthquakes, some of which are just her and a piano, some with a full band and others with an orchestra. Her daughter has even recorded a few songs with her. She has adapted the book Light Princess into a musical which won awards in England. Tori is close friends with author Neil Gaiman (he is even her daughter’s godfather) and you can find easter eggs of each other's work in their own writing. She even did a song on the soundtrack of the series Good Omens, called A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square. She has received a total of 8 Grammy nominations and 5 MTV VMA nominations.
Tori’s most recent album was released on December 4th in vinyl or digital download. She recorded the songs for Christmastide at home during quarantine for Covid 19.
CHRISTMASTIDE 1. Christmastide 2. Circle of Seasons 3. Holly 4. Better Angels “With Christmastide, it was important to be positive and to try and lift people’s spirits. It’s a time of year that should be joyful with family and friends but also can sadly be a very lonely place for some. Many families will be unable to be together this year because of the pandemic as well as many that are also dealing with the aftermath of a long and bitter US election. I hope these songs contained in this beautiful package can be a small treat to help along the way.” from ToriAmos.com
Jennifer Bollnow is a TVaholic with no possibility or desire to rehab. She met Melanie when they worked together on the former Voice of TV website. She especially loves sci-fi, fantasy, Christmas movies and anything with Patrick Swayze. She loves helping people find their new favorite series. Her current obsessions is Outlander. This is her second guest article for Melanie's Muses!
Welcome to our Win It Wednesday Feature! This week it's all about National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with Jenn and Dave Tag Teaming it in a double feature! Don't forget to read all the way down to see Melanie's little note - and of course details on how to enter the giveaway to win the Christmas Prize Pack!
Jenn -
This is the time of year that Christmas movies start appearing on our tv screen. I like the occasional Christmas movie, but not really into them like Mels, well except for this one and I’m sure you’ve all heard of it - Christmas vacation!
It has it all and come on who doesn’t love the Griswold family? This family does it all and all with a crazy doting father who just wants to have the perfect Christmas! The movie starts with the family going out into the middle of nowhere and getting their family Christmas tree. Not only that but he has invited the rest of his family to his house for the holidays and that’s when chaos begins.
You might feel bad for Clark, but trust me you’ll also be laughing A LOT, especially when cousin Eddie enters the scene. Clark has never really been to happy to see him, because he’s definitely the black sheep of their family. If by some Christmas Miracle you haven’t by chance seen this you need to check it out now, trust me once you do. It will definitely be added to your must watch list each year. It even made Mels top 10 Must Watch for 2020!
Jennifer Rhodes Cleere met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
Dave -
I've been following the misadventures of the Griswolds for many years now. Even back in the 80's, I saw most of these movies in the theaters starting with European Vacation. So needless to say when National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation hit theaters in 1989, I was there opening weekend. It is a yearly tradition for a lot of my friends with many classic lines that get repeated with bursts of laughter.
I don’t watch many traditional Christmas movies, I go for the more oddball stuff, but this incredible cast makes this a must watch. Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki were in the early days of their career but had no trouble joining the cast and holding their own against Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo and the show-stealing Julia Louis-Dreyfus!
With so many wonderful moments, I can’t really say that much about it except that if you haven't seen it by now, where the hell have you been?
Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
Melanie -
Thanks guys - that was great!
For those that have followed the page, or have seen my video, you know that this is a MUST WATCH every year in this house! Check out what I have to say on my Top 10 Must Watch Christmas Movies 2020 - and be sure to watch for it popping up on my Magical Movies List too!
And Now Your Chance To Win A Christmas Themed Prize Pack!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Christmas Feature" Prize Pack featuring the original National Lampoons Christmas Vacation DVD, sent in by Jennnifer Rhodes Cleere and some things from the Melanie's Muses Prize collection -including a Santa Hat, Christmas Headband, Christmas Hair tie, Christmas Poop Emoji, some Snowflake Window Clings, and 2 hanging snowflakes like the ones seen during our live shows, and stickers! For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling Us If You Love Lots Of Christmas Lights! The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments. Winner will be announced during the Live show on December 20th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 21st). Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
|
RSS Feed