I'll Tell You Who Belongs In the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - by Colin Gawel

Nineteen acts have been nominated to be inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame in 2018. Fans can vote for five acts they feel deserve the nod by clicking here. I'll go ahead and save you the trouble and tell you who gets the thumbs up and thumbs down. I know there is the popular misconception that arguments for and against the rock hall are purely subjective. I concede this is the case for everybody on the planet except for one person. Me. My opinion is strictly objective. 

I think reasonable people can agree that being a member of Why Isn't Cheap Trick in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? gives me added insight compared to just a "regular" music fan.  I know what you are thinking, "Why does Colin waste his time sharing his thoughts with us bloggees when he could just as easily send a text to Jann Wenner telling him who should be in the rock hall?" 

That's a tough question, but a fair one. The simple truth is that while it is true I am over qualified to write this article and share it with you nice folks, I am no elitist. Rock n roll is music for the people so it would be selfish of me to keep my insights to myself. Possibly even cruel. So on that note, let's boogie!

No Brainers: Judas Priest and Radiohead. Metal has been under-represented and along with Iron Maiden, nothing has held up better over time than Priest. As for RH, they are the REM of their generation. I was a bigger fan of The Bends though everybody lost their shit over OK Computer. Also of note is that the rock hall induction has become a televised HBO concert so they need some actual fans to fill an arena. Having these two bands on the bill would be a good start. I have three votes left.

 I can appreciate what Link Wray, Nina Simone, Kate Bush and Sister Rosetta Sharp have contributed to the rock and roll cause, but they don't deserve a vote here. The rock hall needs to slide them in some back door the way Baseball does with their veterans committee. I still have three votes left and 13 bands to choose from. 

Good bands, but not Hall of Fame worthy:

Eurythmics - Nice videos sure, but the band barely toured. Without MTV would they even exist? I do love the song Why by Annie Lennox, though.

J. Geils Band - I know, I know, everybody on the West side of Columbus loves J. Geils. Yes, they were a very, very good bar band who broke through the mainstream with Freeze Frame. But, very good is not HOF worthy. Bonus points for the bouncing ball lyrics on the Love Stinks video and the fact you could rub one out to Centerfold on MTV in middle school if you didn't have time to wait around for a Madonna video. 

Dire Straits - I could be won over by the case for Mark Knopfler. Now, that guy has had a career. Dire Straights, Notting Hillbillies, Princess Bride, all that cool shit with Emmylou Harris. But just Dire Straits? They may get the money for nuthin' and chicks for free, but no rock hall for you.

Moody Blues - Naw 

I have three votes left and nine bands to choose from. 

The Zombies - I wanted to get on board with these guys but they only put out two records in their hey day. If you only put out two records, one better be call Appetite for Destruction. Thumbs down.  (editor's note: Two records in their heyday? Not even close, Colin, not even close, but don't get me started.) (My note back to Ricki C. Right now I'm staring at The Zombies discography and they have a release in 1965, one in 1968 and not another until 1991 - Colin) 

The Cars - Speaking of amazing debut records, The Cars may be the best in history. How many other bands arrived on the scene fully formed? Off the top of my head.......

AC/DC - Jailbreak     Guns n Roses - Appetite    Tracy Chapman   Maybe Ramones?

and The Cars. Problem is, they sort of ran out of steam soon after and sunk into self-parody with the Mutt Lange produced Hello Again bumble bee video stuff.  Ugh. Lots to like here and I want to root for Elliot Easton but The Cars don't quite deserve it. Though they will probably get inducted to help fill seats in the ceremony. Thumbs Down. 

Rage Against the Machine - Damn, I've come around to these guys and that concert in England is jaw dropping but if Rage is going to get in I suppose it's only fair the MC5 get in first. Thumbs down.

MC5 - Ok, Ricki and Big $ love this band and they score huge points for Kick Out the Jams and having their manager get busted twice for selling weed to the same undercover agent. My knock against the 5 for all their swag is how many great songs do they really have? Ah, hell, who needs great songs when you can just scream KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHERFUCKERS! The MC5 have waited long enough. Thumbs up. 

Two votes left for five bands. 

Rufus featuring Shaka Kahn? What the hell is that? No.

Bon Jovi - As I wrote in a separate piece, the only argument for Bon Jovi is their huge record sales during the late 80's. Upon closer examination during the same period Whitesnake was selling six million records and even Stryper went platinum. Bon Jovi are the Sammy Sosa of rock n roll. Inflated numbers masking their awfulness. They are a better version of KISS during the Crazy Nights era. Does that deserve to be immortalized? Ten thumbs down. 

Two votes for three bands

The Meters - When in doubt go with a band from New Orleans. Somebody is going to have to get people dancing at the induction ceremony after Radiohead performs. These guys can lay it down. Beat out J. Geils for my vote. Thumbs up. 

Two Votes - Two Bands

Hmm....this comes down to a difference of styles. I know people love Depeche Mode and that Personal Jesus song was pretty bad-ass but.....

LL Cool J stood next to Rick Rubin at the very beginning of the NYC hip hop scene. Run DMC, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy soon followed. I've never bought that stupid veiled racist bullshit that rap isn't rock. Crank up Mama Said Knock You Out next to Ace of Spades and let's call it a draw. 

Thumbs up to LL Cool Jay. Depeche Mode has to wait another year.

So the 2018 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees are:

Judas Priest - Radiohead - The MC5  - The Meters - LL Cool J

Colin Gawel plays in Watershed and the League Bowlers. He founded Pencilstorm just so he could write about stuff like this while ignoring customers at Colin's Coffee. 

Review: Mock and Roll Premiere at Gateway Film Center - by Pete Vogel

 

“We are the best damn Black Owls parody band in the land!” shouts Bun, the drummer for Liberty Mean, a band of hapless Millenials from Columbus, OH.

This line pretty much sums up ‘Mock and Roll’ in a nutshell.  The movie begs as many questions as it answers and it spoke to me on many levels at its Columbus premiere at Gateway Theater this past Sunday: It took a few pages from the theatre of the absurd, sprinkled it with a dash of comic tomfoolery and marinated it in pure goofiness.

Mock and Roll is a mockumentary film about the band Liberty Mean, a four-piece unit of clueless Millenials—comprised of Robin, Tom, Rick and Bun (do you get the joke yet?)—who parody another local band, The Black Owls, for a tiny crowd of followers at various dive bars around Columbus.  The band is basically using their minimal fame to cobble together a documentary that Robin’s brother—Sully—is filming for the band’s archives.  

[Again, this begs more questions than answers, such as: 1.) Why would a local band parody another local band; and 2.) Why would anyone DOCUMENT a local band parodying another local band?]

Such is the theme of ‘Mock and Roll.’  In the spirit of ‘Spinal Tap,’ ‘Best of Show,’ ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ and ‘Fargo’—‘Mock and Roll’ follows the life of the band, who come up with insane ideas on how to expand their audience (and revenue).  At first it was parodying bigger acts—such as Foghat and Cheap Trick—but those never got off the ground.  Then they decided to parody their favorite local band, The Black Owls (read: minimal fan base), and rewrite lyrics to the band’s tunes.  

Like most bands, Liberty Mean (who get their name from a lyric from The Black Owls) want to expand their fan base by playing to larger audiences, so they come up with the crazy notion that they should attend South by Southwest (SWSW), the largest music festival in the US.  They have no plan other than to attend the event in Texas: they aren’t booked for the event and have no contacts there.  But they feel they have to go, as if Austin was Mecca and all other details would miraculously fall into place.

The band makes several failed attempts to raise money for the cause: their crowd-funding page (managed by the guitarist’s girlfriend) only raises $27.50, and their gigs pay slightly more than that.  They decide to lend their bodies (and minds) to science in an attempt to raise quick cash, but the ensuing acid trips administered by a local quack only have negative effects on the band (especially Bun).  Bun has a bad trip, quits the band, and considers a solo career (“I can sing too!” he bellows).  After a brief hiatus, Bun rejoins the band and comes up with a third plan: his cousin needs help delivering art, so he talks the band into taking on these shady courier jobs.

This is where the movie takes a page out of ‘Fargo’—but you’ll have to check out the movie to see what I’m talking about!  

The writer and producer, Mark Stewart, says he has no political or social message to convey to his audience, but after sitting in the theater for two hours I came away with plenty.  The first message conveyed to me was the fact that many Millenials use ‘magical thinking’ in pursuit of their artistic dreams.  I’ve seen this many times in my career: I’m a professional musician/instructor and have worked with dozens of Millenials.  They think that technology alone will make it possible for them to attain their goals in five easy steps.  Many think they can write/record/produce an album, put it on Spotify and become instant millionaires without ever leaving home.  Or they could show up at open mic, play a couple tunes, and hundreds of people will buy their EPs.  Or this: Go to SXSW, play a venue on Sixth St. and get discovered by the next Phil Spector (true story).  

Liberty Mean has plenty of these ideas, yet none are given proper reflection by its band members.  All of them are consumed with one thing: THIS idea will make us money!  Yet they somehow forget to learn the lessons from their decisions and ultimately pay the price.  Very Seinfeldian in that regard.

There are too many absurd moments to reflect on all of them, but I think my favorite is when the band meets a couple of future fans that are curious about the band.  They tell them all about their parody act.  “I’ve never heard of them,” says one female fan, when asked about the Black Owls.  “Well, they’re from Ohio,” says Rick in response.  Another absurd moment was when the band finally reached the conclusion that they won’t be able to make the trip to Austin due to limited funds to buy plane tickets.  [Hint: struggling bands don’t FLY—they rent vans!]  The absurdity is endless, and those who like pure silliness will find plenty in this film.

Without intent, Mark Stewart has something profound to say about the DIY movement and Millenials, but I’m sure those messages simply seeped through the movie unintentionally.  As a musician—and colleague to many Millenials—it spoke volumes to me.  Even the casual music—or mockumentary—fan will find this film a treat; it is definitely worth checking out.  There’s a profound morality tale built into the absurdist notion of these clueless characters.           

Of particular note, it was great to see a local filmmaker pay homage to Columbus in so many ways.  As a proud native, I was happy to see so many familiar places—and faces—scattered throughout the film.  I’m sure audiences throughout the country might appreciate the satire even more than its homegrown ones—it’s definitely making some noise outside of I-270.  

If you like music, comedy, satire and goofiness then this is definitely the movie for you.  It’s winning awards at all the film festivals and is planning on premiering at many more in 2018—definitely take in this flick and enjoy the ride.

Congratulations to Mark Stewart on a wonderful movie and a wonderful homage to a great music town: Columbus, Ohio.  And congratulations to local band The Black Owls, whose music is peppered throughout the film.  It’s always a treat to see kudos granted to local artists.  And it’s a rare treat to see filmmakers making their debuts in their sixth decade—pursuing art is pursuing the fountain of youth.  I am reminded of Glen Hansard’s two-word comment after winning the Grammy for Best Song from the indie movie ‘Once.’  He simply said: “Make art.”

Make art, indeed.  Make it.  Make it.  

Pete Vogel is a musician and filmaker who happens to write for Pencilstorm too. Learn more at Petevogel.com .

Remembering Malcolm Young - by Scott Carr

Remembering Malcolm Young ( January 6, 1953 – November 18, 2017 )

If you follow my ramblings on Pencil Storm you already know I am a huge Kiss and Alice Cooper fan. I am also a big fan of the thunder from down under known as AC/DC. It is with great sadness that my first writing about the Aussie rockers comes with the passing of rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young.

Generally when people talk about AC/DC they are quick to mention the zany antics of lead guitarist Angus Young, younger brother of Malcolm. The praises thrown at Angus are very well placed but often overshadow the importance of his big brother. Even Angus himself often spoke of the important role Malcolm played in the band.  

Check out this excerpt from a Guitar World Magazine where Angus gives some insight about his brother...

"ANGUS YOUNG: Malcolm's really underrated. He makes the band sound so full, and I couldn't ask for a better rhythm player. Sometimes I look at Malcolm while he's playing, and I'm completely awestruck by the sheer power of it. He's doing something much more unique than what I do—with that raw, natural sound of his.

People like Malcolm, Steve Cropper, Chuck Berry and Keith Richards—they're all doing something better than the rest of us. I can't deny that Eric Clapton's and Eddie Van Halen's lead stuff has influenced a stack of people, but for me it's the rhythm thing that's way more impressive and important to a band. Malcolm is a big inspiration to me; he keeps me on my feet.

Even when I'm tired from running around the stage for two hours, I'll look back at what he's doing and it gives me that boot up the backside I sometimes need. [laughs] Also, he can always tell me if I'm playing well or if I'm not. Mal's a very tough critic, and I know that if I can please him, I can please the world.

A lot of people say, "AC/DC—that's the band with the little guy who runs around in school shorts!" But I wouldn't be able to do what I do without Malcolm and the other guys pumping out the rhythm. They make me look good. Mal is really a great all-around guitarist. I know it says "rhythm guitar" on the album jacket, but if he sits down to play a solo, he can do it better than me. Not a lot of people have picked up on this, but in the early days he used to play lead. But then he said to me, "No, you take the solos. I'll just bang away back here." And what's more, he actually plays rhythms. He just doesn't make a noise; he works them out, and he knows when not to play".

AC/DC was/is Malcolm's band. It was his idea and he was the man with the plan. He started AC/DC with Angus because he felt like there was no real rock 'n roll out there. With that he set out to fix things and for the next 40+ years he continued on the path to bring rock 'n roll to the people. Singer Brian Johnson recently commented that Malcolm gave rock 'n roll "a fist".

I guess it's fitting that I attended my first AC/DC concert with my older brother. We saw them on the Powerage tour in 1978 with Cheap Trick opening. That concert still stands as one of my all time favorite concerts ever.....a game-changer.  I was still in grade school and my brother was six years ahead of me but he always let his little brother tag along to all the cool concerts even though his peers would rag him pretty hard.  My brother played guitar and was in a band, so he was an early inspiration on my future musical endeavors. 

Nothing can really take the place of that brotherly connection, so reading what Angus said about Malcolm really hits home.

My first AC/DC show

Angus with Malcolm's 1963 Gretch guitar known as "The Beast".

Hearing AC/DC in 1978 was a real eye-opener. I had never heard anything like it. The guitar riffs were so big and crunchy and every song was instantly catchy and stuck in my brain. After hearing Powerage for the first time I began seeking out the bands back catalog that included several albums that I had no idea existed. Along with the records the band had released in the US, there were other records that were only released in Australia. I had to have them all, which took some time.

The release of Highway To Hell in 1979 took the band to whole new level and the band really started breaking worldwide. I got to see them again on this tour and I would say they had become my second favorite band just behind Kiss but if I'm being totally honest I probably played Highway To Hell way more than I did Kiss' Dynasty in 1979 and I love Dynasty.

Sadly in the dawn of the new decade while working on their follow up to Highway To Hell singer Bon Scott unexpectedly passed away. I was devastated at this news. I was even more devastated when it was announced that the band planned to continue on with a new singer, because I figured no one could replace Bon. 

Back In Black was released on July 25th, 1980 with new singer Brain Johnson at the helm and the next chapter for AC/DC had started. At first listen I did not like hearing a new voice in the band but those big crunchy guitar riffs from Malcolm and Angus seemed to make it work. I guess it was then that I realized how important those guitars were to the sound of AC/DC. I did miss Bon and my interest in the band would drift with each record but the sound that the Young brothers created was undeniable and uniquely their own.

Malcolm will be missed and there will never be another quite like him but he has left behind forty years of big crunchy guitar riffs that will continue to shake foundations worldwide.

RIP Mal

Malcolm Young tribute in Melbourne Australia 

Check out some of my favorite lesser known AC/DC songs below......

Scott Carr is a guitarist who plays in the Columbus, OH  bands Radio Tramps and Returning April. Scott is also an avid collector of vinyl records and works at Lost Weekend Records. So...if you are looking for Scott....you'll either find him in a dimly lit bar playing his guitar or in a record store digging for the holy grail.

Music from Australia and New Zealand in the year 1974: AC/DC's promo-video for the debut single 'Can I Sit Next To You Girl' (July, 1974). Note: Before watching this video, do keep in mind that it was Malcom and Angus's idea to get the band to dress up in glam outfits.

Music video by AC/DC performing Show Business. (C) 1976 J. Albert & Son (Pty.) Ltd.

Little Lover Saw you in the front row Moving to the beat Just movin' and groovin' Killed me when I saw The wet patch on your seat Was it Coca Cola?

You Ain't Got A Hold On Me You can roll me round your finger You can roll me if I'm blind You can roll me tally ho ho I'm the easy rollin' kind But don't think I'm facin' down hill 'Cause soon you'll see You'll lose your grip and slip

I can tell by the look in your eye I can tell by the way you sigh That you know I've been thinking of you And you know what I want to do Oh Jean, Oh Jean Oh Jean, Oh Jean When you smile I see stars in the sky

Song "R.I.P. (Rock In Peace) New Version" from the "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Australia Only)" album. AC/DC : * BON SCOTT † - Vocals * Angus Young - Lead Guitar * Malcolm Young - Rhythm Guitar * Mark Evans - Bass Guitar * Phil Rudd - Drums

Song "Ain't No Fun (Waiting 'Round To Be A Millionaire)" from the "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Australia Only)" album.

Song "Overdose" from the "Let There Be Rock (Australia Only)" album. AC/DC : * BON SCOTT † - Vocals * Angus Young - Lead Guitar * Malcolm Young - Rhythm Guitar * Mark Evans - Bass Guitar * Phil Rudd - Drums

Music video by AC/DC performing Touch Too Much. (C) 1980 J. Albert & Son (Pty.) Ltd.

Who's Behind Center Against the Badgers? Baver Answers Colin's Questions

Colin: Do the Buckeyes beat Michigan without Haskins subbing in for the injured Barrett?

Baver: Yes, but what a performance by Dwayne Haskins. Everyone always knew that he had a cannon that JT lacked, but who knew Haskins would play with the poise he did in that kind of game. It also helps when the Buckeye coaches suddenly remember that they have big-time tailbacks after JT goes down. So many similarities to 2014, it’s scary.

Colin: Speaking of the QB’s, who plays against the Badgers? JT had surgery Sunday and Urban tells us he will play Saturday? Really?

Baver: I know; I am not buying it either. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be minor, but Urban seems to be begging people to believe that JT will be behind center Saturday night. As of 48 hours before the B10 title game, I am expecting it to be Dwayne Haskins running the show. We shall see; I could be wrong.

Colin: In other news, JT is first team all Big Ten again. Ho-hum. Thoughts on who were honored (or not) by the media and coaches...

Baver: JT deserved it, no doubt. And it appears that about 80 guys from the Badgers were chosen, and most deserved it. I’m told that this is the first year since 1989 that OSU didn’t have an LB selected 1st or 2nd tm. The Bucks didn’t have any LBs picked 3rd tm either. Honestly? No Buckeye ‘backer deserved it. Guess the Bucks are missing Raekwon and former LB coach Luke Fickell more than I thought they would. Current LB coach Bill Davis’ seat is warming.

Colin: Seems like Bucky Badger vs Buckeyes in a dome is a bad match for them but people said the same thing about Sparty versus OSU a couple years back and they pulled the upset. What do you see happening in this game?

Baver: I realize Wisconsin hasn’t played anybody, but all they can do is beat up on the teams they have on their schedule, and that they’ve done. The Badgers lead the nation in multiple defensive stats, and they pound the ball with Jonathan Taylor, behind an O-line where only the center is shorter than 6’6”, with no linemen weighing less than 315 lbs.

If it’s JT behind center, he needs to have some success through the air. If it’s Haskins, he’s going to have to avoid INTs. With Haskins’ big arm, he has no fear of throwing into coverage, and that’s a double-edged sword. Regardless of who the Bucks go with, the OSU coaches have to trust their tailbacks. It’s a crime that they have kept a leash on Dobbins. Wisconsin is not going to make many mistakes and they are going to test the Buckeye linebackers in the short passing game.

I think the Buckeyes are the safer bet (to win), but I think it’s a toss up. I’ve got it Ohio State 31 Wisconsin 27, but little would surprise me in this one. The 5½ pt spread is a bit high, especially if OSU is without JT. I think Ohio State can win or lose this game with either QB.

Colin: Let's say the Buckeyes win the game convincingly; do you, in your heart think this squad deserves a spot in the playoff?

Baver: Not sure it’s fair to look at Ohio St (by themselves) and ask, “Are they deserving?” If Oklahoma and Ohio St win, then I’d probably give the nod to Bama for the 4th slot, despite the Tide’s lack of quality wins, and them not having a conference title. If TCU beats Oklahoma and Ohio St beats Wisconsin, then yes, I think Ohio St would be more deserving than the other school in consideration.

Colin: Related, Alabama has a really weak resume and the SEC has 5 head coaching positions to replace. Is this really the year to have two teams from the same conference?

Baver: Again, I think the real question is….is someone else more deserving? But if the SEC is part of the debate, I see Sagarin has the SEC West as the top division in CFB again this year....like any other year.

Colin: How do you see the major games playing out this weekend and who makes the big dance when the dust settles?

Baver: I think Georgia wins the rematch against Auburn. I see TCU playing much better in their rematch with Oklahoma, but coming up just short. It’s tough to beat good teams twice, so I think OU and Auburn are in for battles. I like Clemson to advance, but like the Canes to cover the 9½. So against the spread, I like the dogs in those title gms. If OSU and OU win, then it’s a toss-up with Ohio St and Bama for the 4th playoff spot. Clemson, Oklahoma, Georgia and Bama are my playoff picks.

Colin: Bonus question: Do you feel four teams is the right amount for the college football playoff or what do you think would be a better system? I'll give my answer: I like four. The regular season really matters which is more than what other sports can say. 

Baver: I am with you; love the 4-team format and the fact that every Saturday means something. I dread the day they expand to 8 teams, and you and I both know that day will come.

Mock and Roll: An Interview with Filmmaker Mark Stewart - by Pete Vogel

“Mock and Roll” will have their Columbus Premiere at Gateway Film Center on Sunday, November 26th at 2pm.  Tickets are $10.  You can get them online at gatewayfilmcenter.org.

Mark Stewart is not your typical filmmaker.

He did not attend film school.  He did not travel the world.  He did not starve.  He did not struggle making movies for other people before he embarked on his own project.  

Mark’s journey is a little different than most filmmakers: his career was actually spent in human resources, where he worked for various companies for 34 years before retiring early to pursue his creative ambitions.  

“I retired from Alliance Data after working there for 14 years,” he said.  At 57 he quit his day job to partake in a new journey: marrying his two greatest passions—music and movies—into an original film project.  After researching his options—and talking to dozens of people about the process—he began work on his idea.  At 61 he’s shopping his first film: a mockumentary called “Mock and Roll” which will make its Columbus premiere this coming weekend at Gateway Film Center.

One would think a retired Human Resources professional would consider other pursuits, such as buying a summer cottage, traveling the world or refinancing his house.  But Mark had other plans: to write and produce a movie that would be financed from his own retirement!  

“I’ve always been a fan of music since I was a teenager,” said Stewart, a native of Millersburg, OH.  “I saw my first concert in 1973 at Massillon Stadium.”  It was an eclectic bill: Dr. Hook, New York Dolls and Mott the Hoople.  He was hooked instantly.  Stewart came to OSU in 1975 and followed Ohio bands (The Muffs, The Godz, Michael Stanley Band) and national acts (Montrose, Foghat, Black Oak Arkansas).  In fact, both Michael Stanley and Roger Earl (drummer from Foghat) made cameos in the movie.

“Mock and Roll” is a coming-of-age story about a local band called Liberty Mean, a four-piece unit comprised of hapless millenials who are well intentioned but clueless.  Liberty Mean parodies another local act—The Black Owls—whereby they steal The Black Owls’ music but rewrite the lyrics for their own purposes.  The lead singer, Robin, (played by New Albany native Molly Bhanja) sings the tunes and her backing band Rick (Chris Wolfe), Tom (Pakob Jarernpone) and Bun (Andrew Yackel) accompany her.  The band has a crazy idea: they want to attend South-by-Southwest (SXSW), a music festival that takes place every spring in Austin, TX.  They have no idea what to do once they get there, but that’s beside the point: every up-and-coming band needs to attend SXSW, because that’s what bands do.  They set up a crowd-funding page to raise funds from friends and family, but have no idea what to do once they reach their destination.  They haven’t been booked by SWSW and don’t know anybody in Texas who can assist them.  They only know one thing: We’re a band, and bands go to SXSW.  

“The movie is a marriage between ‘This is Spinal Tap’ and ‘Best in Show,’” Stewart says.  He has no political or social statement to make.  He has no agenda to share, no secret message to uncover about music, millenials and the DIY movement.  He just loves to laugh and he loves music.  

Stewart teamed up with fellow writer/filmmaker Ben Bacharach-White, who’s based out of Washington, DC.  “We basically collaborated on the idea, and out came this concept,” he said.  Bacharach-White is essentially the “other half” of the braintrust: he’s the film’s co-writer, director and editor.  “I’m lucky to be working with such an accomplished artist,” said Stewart.  

With the help of Bacharach-White, Leah Wharton, Tony Deemer and Jason Tostevin, this first-time filmmaker was able to glean experience from his team of polished veterans.  “I’m like a sieve—I just collected information from those who had the experience.  It’s been a lot of fun and a tremendous learning experience.”

Stewart financed the movie by himself.  “I accumulated some stock from my years working in HR, so I used my own money to finance the movie.”  He worked with a variety of talent, using interns, professional actors, extras, cinematographers and producers from across the country.  Folks from Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Granville, Columbus, Cincinnati and Akron participated in the project.  

Stewart has always wanted to make a movie about music; he’s been listening to local bands his entire life.  He particularly enjoys The Methmatics, Zoo Trippin’ and newcomers Lily and the Weeds.  But his favorite local band is none other than Columbus icons Watershed.

“My daughter brought their album home years ago and I fell in love with it,” he said.  “I love Joe’s book—I love Colin.  I just love Watershed’s music.”

So far the mockumentary has made some serious noise.  They’ve already been premiered at Orlando Film Festival, Oklahoma’s Eyecatcher International Film Festival (where they won Best Original Score), and Austin’s Revolution Film Festival (where they received six nominations: Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Editor and Best Movie Poster).  They also won Best Feature at Cincinnati’s Inside the Loop Film Festival earlier this fall.  They plan on hitting other festivals in 2018.

Mark is taking all this in stride.  “Our hope is to shop it around to all the film festivals where we think our movie is a good fit, then hope for distribution down the road.”  He knows it’s a long shot, but everything is a long shot in the arts these days.  He doesn’t seem fazed by the road ahead. “We are submitting to a number of other film festivals and are hopeful that our success thus far continues with additional official selections.”

  Pete Vogel is a professional musician, filmmaker and Pencilstorm contributor. Click here to read his excellent reviews of The Rolling Stones and The Who    

Trailer for the award-winning Mock & Roll named Best Feature at the Inside The Loop Film Festival. Also nominated for 9 other awards at festivals ranging from Austin Revolution, EyeCatcher International, to Orlando including Best Comedy, Actor, Actress, Director, Editing, Feature and Original Score.

Baver with Thoughts on The Game and Terry Glenn

Colin: Terry Glenn….has there or will there ever be another WR who came out of nowhere to explode the way he did at Ohio State in 1995?

Baver: No and no. The guy was a joy to watch. I was sitting in A Deck for the Notre Dame game, pretty close to where Glenn caught the 10-yard pass that he turned into an 82-yd TD. That was the loudest I can ever remember Ohio Stadium. Horrible news about his death. 43 years old - too young to die, and he had overcome so much in his life. Rest in peace, Terry Glenn.

Colin: UM has had a Browns-esque revolving door at QB for the past decade. How can a major school with such strong history at that position been unable to find an All Big Ten quality starter?

Baver: I don’t know exactly, but some of it is probably due to simple bad luck. I mean, 11 Michigan players were taken in the most recent NFL draft, a UM program record. So they are recruiting and developing talent “overall”, no doubt. The recruiting rankings would tell you that they are landing QBs you would expect a school like Michigan to land. So with QBs, maybe they just missed on their scouting, aren’t developing them, or both. Peters did look like he was coming along before his injury last Saturday.

Colin: Will the Buckeyes be able to move the ball consistently in the hostile Big House environment? 

Baver: If the OSU offense does move it consistently, Michigan almost can’t win the game without Ohio State committing a handful of turnovers. The emergence of Mike Weber the past two weeks has to be causing Michigan DC Don Brown some heartburn this week. I don’t think the Bucks will score 48 pts on Michigan like they did on Sparty, but I think they score north of 30, which will put a lot of pressure on a shaky Wolverine offense. The Buckeyes will have to be conscience of #7’s whereabouts on the UM defense at all times. That would be Khalake Hudson, who replaced Jabrill Peppers at that Viper spot. Hudson leads the Big Ten in tackles for losses and has better #’s than Peppers in basically every defensive stat.

Colin: Speaking of that, where does the Big House rank among toughest places to play in the Big Ten?

Baver: I’ve been to four OSU-Michigan games up there (’85, ’97, ’99 & ’01) and three games in Happy Valley (’05, ’14 & ’16). This is shameful of me to admit, but I have never been to a game in Madison. It’s much crazier and louder in Beaver Stadium than the Big House. Beaver Stadium traps in the sound, where it seems to escape more in the Big House. Michigan Stadium seemed much more intimidating when Michigan owned Ohio State in the 80’s and 90’s. But now the tables have turned, and it doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore, does it?

Colin: The Michigan O has struggled all season. How many points would be a good day for them against the silver bullets?

Baver: Looking at the spread and over/under, Vegas projects a Buckeye win in the ballpark of 31-19. If Michigan can find a way to score 24+ points in a 60-minute regulation game, then I think things will be interesting. If Iowa can score 55 on Ohio State, then it’s certainly possibly for UM’s struggling offense to score 24+.

Colin: Final thoughts and prediction?

Baver: John O’Korn is probably going to get the call for Michigan at QB, and I don’t think that’s a good thing for UM. If Brandon Peters was truly knocked out cold against Wisconsin, I don’t think there is any chance he plays tomorrow. In today’s day and age, you just don’t take chances with guys coming off of concussions. Could we see Wilton Speight? Maybe. It probably doesn’t matter, as Michigan QB’s have combined to throw 8 TD’s on the season. To put that into perspective, Johnnie Dixon has 17 catches for Ohio State this yr….8 of those 17 catches have gone for TD’s.

Michigan’s best hope on offense is with their ground game, with the running-back-by-committee trio of Karan Higdon, Chris Evans, and Ty Isaac. That’s been a solid threesome that has combined for 2,016 yds, 5.9 ypc, and 18 TDs on the ground this season.

I think Michigan’s defense, which is strong on the line, at LB and in the secondary, gives them a fighting chance in this game. If they can fluster JT then this is a game that may go down to the wire.

In the end, I think Michigan’s offensive woes likely lead to yet another loss to their bitter rivals. I like Ohio State 34-16.

Bob Ufer's memorable call of the 1973 Michigan-Ohio State pre-game where Ohio State coach Woody Hayes urged his Buckeyes to try and tear down the "GO BLUE M Club Supports You" banner.