Chris Barton
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Writer, editor, fading ginger. Ex-@latimes and freelancer throwing around words on pop culture. Often clumsy. He/Him
Articles by Chris Barton
Shazam is 20 years old: history, trivia, and tips
It was 20 years ago today – Shazam, now an Apple subsidiary, first launched and changed how the world identifies tunes. Here’s a look back, including some obscure history. I guess one of my unpopular opinions – at least among music nerds – is that I love Shazam. I love it because I love finding music – obscure and obvious. I love it because I routinely dig through the playlist it makes and go and buy the music from the producers.
Conquering Lion (expanded, by Yabby You & The Prophets
Streaming + Download Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Purchasable with gift card £7 Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album 2 bonus tracks on this cd that don't make it onto the vinyl. Graphics and track breakdown by Diggory Kenrick. This is an expanded version of the original release Includes unlimited streaming of Conquering Lion (expanded via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Elizabeth Warren steals 'Saturday Night Live' cold open
Ever since the election of Donald Trump, the cold open of “Saturday Night Live” thrives on star power. Cameos from Alec Baldwin, Robert De Niro, the celebrity-shaped revolving door that is Joe Biden — all are built for the shape-shifting chaos of the current political climate. But for the last episode prior to a spring-forward time change, SNL seemed content to tuck in early with a fairly rote Fox News spoof. And then Elizabeth Warren showed up.
In Solo Works and Soundtracks, Colin Stetson Follows a Narrative
Interview, News, Colin Stetson By Chris Barton I Feb. 24, 2020 Baritone saxophonist Colin Stetson, who’s worked with acts like Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, Tom Waits and The National, has become a sought-after composer of film and video game music. (Photo: Jonathan Durand/colinstetson.com) Colin Stetson’s music is not for the faint of heart.
From the Beastie Boys to Michelle Obama, here’s your Grammys audiobook playlist
From the Beastie Boys to Michelle Obama, here’s your Grammys audiobook playlist The Grammys’ spoken word category belongs to audiobooks. The field of nominees has included different practitioners of the form since the 1980s ushered in the CD era.
From the Beastie Boys to Michelle Obama, here's your Grammys audiobook playlist
The Grammys' spoken word category belongs to audiobooks. The field of nominees has included different practitioners of the form since the 1980s ushered in the CD era. But the Recording Academy hasn't ventured far beyond the bookshelves for determining the winners since 1992, when it honored the audio recording of Ken Burns' PBS documentary "The Civil War." With sales of audiobooks approaching $1 billion in 2018, the format is booming.
From the Beastie Boys to Michelle Obama, here’s your Grammys audiobook playlist
The Grammys’ spoken word category belongs to audiobooks. The field of nominees has included different practitioners of the form since the 1980s ushered in the CD era. But the Recording Academy hasn’t ventured far beyond the bookshelves for determining the winners since 1992, when it honored the audio recording of Ken Burns’ PBS documentary “The Civil War.” With sales of audiobooks approaching $1 billion in 2018, the format is booming.
Ken Jennings keeps his cool to win 'Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time'
CHRIS BARTON LOS ANGELES TIMES January 15, 2020, 7:41AM Updated 15 minutes ago The "Follow This Story" feature will notify you when any articles related to this story are posted. When you follow a story, the next time a related article is published — it could be days, weeks or months — you'll receive an email informing you of the update. If you no longer want to follow a story, click the "Unfollow" link on that story. There's also an "Unfollow" link in every email notification we send you.
‘Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time’ went all in on comedy Thursday night, and Ken Jennings had the last laugh
The three decorated champions gathered for “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time” must possess encyclopedic knowledge along with the nerves of a poker player and a gunslinger’s buzzer-finger. But who would’ve guessed after the third meeting of these game show masters that, of all things, “Jeopardy!” has also got jokes?
Brad Rutter’s bad night, and what happened in ‘Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time’
Let’s say it together, viewers of Wednesday night’s installment of “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time”: Poor Brad. Sure, after just the second meeting of the top “Jeopardy!” champions, Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter, there are still a lot of questions to be answered — wait: scratch that, reverse it (more on “Willy Wonka” in a moment).
‘Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time’ goes all in on comedy, but Ken Jennings has the last laugh
The three decorated champions gathered for “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time” must possess encyclopedic knowledge along with the nerves of a poker player and a gunslinger’s buzzer-finger. But who would’ve guessed after the third meeting of these game show masters that, of all things, “Jeopardy!” has also got jokes?
Eddie Murphy returns to 'Saturday Night Live' with Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson and Gumby in tow
CHRIS BARTON LOS ANGELES TIMES December 23, 2019, 8:01AM Updated 1 hour ago The "Follow This Story" feature will notify you when any articles related to this story are posted. When you follow a story, the next time a related article is published — it could be days, weeks or months — you'll receive an email informing you of the update. If you no longer want to follow a story, click the "Unfollow" link on that story. There's also an "Unfollow" link in every email notification we send you.
5 of the best new music books to put under the tree | Produced by Advertising Publications
There are as many ways to approach an artist’s story as there are to compose a song. But music memoirs and biographies typically follow a template — the humble beginnings, the meteoric rise and the (possibly substance-related) fall, followed by a hard-won recovery with various star-studded encounters along the way. This fall, the latest crop of music biographies stands out in a crowded field for how well they find new wrinkles within that formula.
5 of the best new music books
There are as many ways to approach an artist’s story as there are to compose a song. But music memoirs and biographies typically follow a template – the humble beginnings, the meteoric rise and the (possibly substance-related) fall, followed by a hard-won recovery with various star-studded encounters along the way. The latest crop of music biographies stands out in a crowded field for how well they find new wrinkles within that formula.
Music bios should strike chord with Moorer, Prince, Elton fans
There are as many ways to approach an artist’s story as there are to compose a song. But music memoirs and biographies typically follow a template — the humble beginnings, the meteoric rise and the (possibly substance-related) fall, followed by a hard-won recovery with various star-studded encounters along the way. This fall, the latest crop of music biographies stands out in a crowded field for how well they find new wrinkles within that formula.
5 of the best new music books
5 of the best new music books There are as many ways to approach an artist's story as there are to compose a song. But music memoirs and biographies typically follow a template - the humble beginnings, the meteoric rise and the (possibly substance-related) fall, followed by a hard-won recovery with various star-studded encounters along the way. This fall, the latest crop of music biographies stands out in a crowded field for how well they find new wrinkles within that formula.
10 under-the-radar TV shows to scare you senseless this Halloween
Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times Published 1:33 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 2019 On Halloween, the TV viewer’s thoughts shift from the usual prestige drama to things that go bump in the night. While the likes of “The Walking Dead,” “American Horror Story,” “Castle Rock” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” are among the higher-profile offerings from TV’s ongoing love affair with horror, there are plenty more thrills to be found when you dig a little deeper.
10 under-the-radar TV shows to scare you senseless this Halloween
By Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times Wednesday Oct 30, 2019 at 12:41 PM On Halloween, the TV viewer's thoughts shift from the usual prestige drama to things that go bump in the night. While the likes of "The Walking Dead," "American Horror Story," "Castle Rock" and "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" are among the higher-profile offerings from TV's ongoing love affair with horror, there are plenty more thrills to be found when you dig a little deeper.
Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines a magical means to freedom
“The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates; One World (416 pages, $28) The best writers — the best storytellers, in particular — possess the enchanting, irresistible power to take the reader somewhere else. Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines the furthest reach of that power as a means to transcend borders and bondage in “The Water Dancer,” a spellbinding look at the impact of slavery that uses meticulously researched history and hard-won magic to further illuminate this nation’s original sin.
Review: Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines a magical means to freedom
"The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates; One World (416 pages, $28) ___ The best writers - the best storytellers, in particular - possess the enchanting, irresistible power to take the reader somewhere else. Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines the furthest reach of that power as a means to transcend borders and bondage in "The Water Dancer," a spellbinding look at the impact of slavery that uses meticulously researched history and hard-won magic to further illuminate this nation's original sin.
Review: Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines a magical means to freedom
"The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates; One World (416 pages, $28) ___ The best writers - the best storytellers, in particular - possess the enchanting, irresistible power to take the reader somewhere else. Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines the furthest reach of that power as a means to transcend borders and bondage in "The Water Dancer," a spellbinding look at the impact of slavery that uses meticulously researched history and hard-won magic to further illuminate this nation's original sin.
Review: Ta-Nehisi Coates imagines a magical means to freedom
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With New Ensemble Members, SFJAZZ Collective Builds a Bigger Tent
News, From the Magazine, SFJAZZ Collective, Etienne Charles, David Sánchez, Antonio Carlos Jobim By Chris Barton I Sep. 13, 2019 The SFJAZZ Collective has added two new members to its ensemble: vocalist Martin Luther McCoy and guitarist Adam Rogers. (Photo: Jay Blakesberg) Speaking by phone from his hometown of San Francisco, vocalist Martin Luther McCoy expressed excitement and a touch of nervousness about venturing into new artistic territory as a member of the SFJAZZ Collective.
‘Game of Thrones’ finale anxiety: Will the biggest show on TV blow its ending?
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, the queen who has been acting less and less like her old just self in Season 8 of "Game of Thrones." (HBO) “They wouldn’t, would they?” That’s a question that comes so easily while watching the twists of “Game of Thrones” unfold.
‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8, Episode 4: Is Daenerys right for the throne?
After last week’s dark and disorienting battle that imagined “The Walking Dead” marching to battle toward another network, it was worth questioning how much “Game of Thrones” had left.
‘Game of Thrones’ recap: With the war at hand, Arya claims a moment of humanity
For all the indicators of the passage of time that filled the second episode of the final season of “Game of Thrones” — a humbled Jaime Lannister, his brother Tyrion drinking with men by the fire instead of at the local brothel — it was seeing one of the youngest Stark children joining the series’ long line of sex scenes that colored the temples of anyone in the audience as much as on the show. But this coupling, on a few levels, was very different.
‘Game of Thrones’ recap: With the war at hand, Arya claims a moment of humanity
For all the indicators of the passage of time that filled the second episode of the final season of “Game of Thrones” — a humbled Jaime Lannister, his brother Tyrion drinking with men by the fire instead of at the local brothel — it was seeing one of the youngest Stark children joining the series’ long line of sex scenes that colored the temples of anyone in the audience as much as on the show. But this coupling, on a few levels, was very different.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
LOS ANGELES — On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on “Desperate Housewives,” the NBC sitcom “Abby’s” is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse.
After ‘Game of Thrones’: The odds on 7 shows vying to become TV’s next blockbuster
With “Game of Thrones” drawing to a close, streaming networks and cable outlets are racing to produce the next pop culture-defining blockbuster. Some echo the formula of the HBO series by drawing from existing fantasy or sci-fi novels while others draw from established franchises from the big screen. Details on most of these shows are scarce but they share a couple common traits.
After ‘Game of Thrones’: The odds on 7 shows vying to become TV’s next blockbuster
With “Game of Thrones” drawing to a close, streaming networks and cable outlets are racing to produce the next pop culture-defining blockbuster. Some echo the formula of the HBO series by drawing from existing fantasy or sci-fi novels while others draw from established franchises from the big screen. Details on most of these shows are scarce but they share a couple common traits.
After ‘Game of Thrones’: The odds on 7 shows vying to become TV’s next blockbuster
With “Game of Thrones” drawing to a close, streaming networks and cable outlets are racing to produce the next pop culture-defining blockbuster. Some echo the formula of the HBO series by drawing from existing fantasy or sci-fi novels while others draw from established franchises from the big screen. Details on most of these shows are scarce but they share a couple common traits.
After ‘Game of Thrones’: The odds on 7 shows vying to become TV’s next blockbuster
With “Game of Thrones” drawing to a close, streaming networks and cable outlets are racing to produce the next pop culture-defining blockbuster. Some echo the formula of the HBO series by drawing from existing fantasy or sci-fi novels while others draw from established franchises from the big screen. Details on most of these shows are scarce but they share a couple common traits.
Who will win the Iron Throne in ‘Game of Thrones’? The case for Tyrion, the survivor
He’s survived a death sentence from his own sister, a slash to the face while winning the Battle of Blackwater, and being sold into slavery after killing his father and fleeing the country. Are you going to bet against Tyrion Lannister now? Portrayed by maybe the show’s finest actor in Peter Dinklage, Tyrion’s wit, intellect and decadence offers a grounding note of realism to counter the myth-making of the show’s early seasons.
Who will win the Iron Throne in ‘Game of Thrones’? The case for Tyrion, the survivor
He’s survived a death sentence from his own sister, a slash to the face while winning the Battle of Blackwater, and being sold into slavery after killing his father and fleeing the country. Are you going to bet against Tyrion Lannister now? Portrayed by maybe the show’s finest actor in Peter Dinklage, Tyrion’s wit, intellect and decadence offers a grounding note of realism to counter the myth-making of the show’s early seasons.
Who will win the Iron Throne in ‘Game of Thrones’? The case for Tyrion, the survivor
He’s survived a death sentence from his own sister, a slash to the face while winning the Battle of Blackwater, and being sold into slavery after killing his father and fleeing the country. Are you going to bet against Tyrion Lannister now? Portrayed by maybe the show’s finest actor in Peter Dinklage, Tyrion’s wit, intellect and decadence offers a grounding note of realism to counter the myth-making of the show’s early seasons.
Who will win the Iron Throne in ‘Game of Thrones’? The case for Tyrion, the survivor
He’s survived a death sentence from his own sister, a slash to the face while winning the Battle of Blackwater, and being sold into slavery after killing his father and fleeing the country. Are you going to bet against Tyrion Lannister now? Portrayed by maybe the show’s finest actor in Peter Dinklage, Tyrion’s wit, intellect and decadence offers a grounding note of realism to counter the myth-making of the show’s early seasons.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on “Desperate Housewives,” the NBC sitcom “Abby’s” is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. “Stop,” groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
LOS ANGELES — On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on “Desperate Housewives,” the NBC sitcom “Abby’s” is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
LOS ANGELES — On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on “Desperate Housewives,” the NBC sitcom “Abby’s” is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on "Desperate Housewives," the NBC sitcom "Abby's" is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. "Stop," groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
LOS ANGELES — On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on “Desperate Housewives,” the NBC sitcom “Abby’s” is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on "Desperate Housewives," the NBC sitcom "Abby's" is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. "Stop," groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on "Desperate Housewives," the NBC sitcom "Abby's" is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. "Stop," groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on "Desperate Housewives," the NBC sitcom "Abby's" is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. "Stop," groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
‘Abby’s’ shakes up the typical sitcom setting by shooting in the great outdoors
On a chilly hilltop just footsteps away from the suburban idyll of what was once Wisteria Lane on "Desperate Housewives," the NBC sitcom "Abby's" is working into the night. Or, at least it would like to work, once a lone truck on one of the streets below stops its repeated beeping every time it shifts into reverse. "Stop," groans someone in the crew, watching as the truck continues executing what sounds like a 10-point turn in front of a production building on one of the streets below.
Kevin Hart latest to join Netflix’s stand-up boom with new special ‘Irresponsible’
Comic Kevin Hart is the latest stand-up comic to move to Netflix with Monday's announcement that the comic's latest special, "Irresponsible," will arrive on the streaming platform on April 2. Hart joins a stable of veteran comics to release specials exclusive to Netflix, including Dave Chappelle, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock and Adam Sandler.
Kevin Hart latest to join Netflix’s stand-up boom with new special ‘Irresponsible’
Comic Kevin Hart is the latest stand-up comic to move to Netflix with Monday's announcement that the comic's latest special, "Irresponsible," will arrive on the streaming platform on April 2. Hart joins a stable of veteran comics to release specials exclusive to Netflix, including Dave Chappelle, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock and Adam Sandler.
Adaptation of 'Y: The Last Man' ordered to series at FX
By Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times Tuesday Feb 5, 2019 at 12:00 PM Feb 5, 2019 at 12:01 PM FX announced a series order for the new drama "Y" — a television adaptation of the graphic novel "Y: The Last Man" — at the Television Critics Assn. presentation in Pasadena on Monday. Written by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, "Y: The Last Man" is set in a post-apocalyptic world where all men suddenly die except the title character, Yorick.
Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ series adaptation picked up by CBS All Access
Stephen King's "The Stand" is returning to TV, courtesy of the CBS All Access streaming service. The network confirmed the series order at the Winter Television Critics Assn. presentation in Pasadena, where CBS and its streaming counterpart are previewing some of its upcoming offerings for 2019. The limited series will be written and executive produced by Josh Boone ("The Fault in Our Stars") and Ben Cavell ("SEAL Team") with Boone also set to direct.
The three comedy names that broke ground in 2018: Hannah Gadsby, Drew Michael and Donald Trump
Monday January 21, 2019 01:22 PM Written by Chris Barton In 2018, there were three names that seemingly everyone in or around comedy had an opinion about: Hannah Gadsby, Drew Michael and Donald Trump. The president functioning as a key topic in comedy is far from new — in fact, a case could be made that our reality TV-forged president wouldn't have it any other way.
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