DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: 'THANK YOU, GOODNIGHT - THE BON JOVI STORY' Miniseries

4/5

Blaze Of Story.

4 Episodes. Starring: Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald & Phil X. Director: Gotham Chopra. On: Hulu & Disney +.

"It's like Babe Ruth said", a young Los Angeles Laker and NBA great Kobe Bryant told an interviewer. "You swing big, and you miss big." Jon Bon Jovi, recovering from vocal surgery, is watching Tiger Woods play. The great golfer is attempting a comeback after his own trip from the brink and back surgery. Trying to master his game before hanging his hat with his clubs and green jackets. He doesn't quite make it to the cup. Like a ballplayer with an Achilles heel, or a rocker without a voice.

It's 40 years to 'Forever' and the 'Legendary' Bon Jovi is staring down the barrel of his career as he stands at the intersection of a black and white New York City street with his band's jacket on his back. Will they tour again, that's the Shakespeare. Living on more than a prayer. Well, we all know now, that hell for leather yes is the answer for Bon Jovi's forthcoming tour. But will it always be the same? Or will this be a farewell tour that goes out in a blaze of glory. Because that's the question in the new Hulu and Disney + four part miniseries documentary that feels like the Chicago Bulls' 'Last Dance' for Bon Jovi. Watching the 'Elvis' movie, wondering whether this is his Las Vegas residency. It's now or never, as they release their latest, and one of their greatest albums in the sweet sixteenth of 'Forever'. Will they be able to keep it together and keep the faith? Or will this be the swansong across the nation and watching world when Bon Jovi finally says, 'Thank You, Goodnight'?

This Bon Jovi documentary stars, of course, Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Hugh McDonald and Phil X. Not to mention some special guests we simply won't spoil in testimonial and tribute to this Hall of Fame act. Just like a fellow Jersey boy who came up from the Meadowlands to bloom across stadiums across the world like it was the boardwalk (too much...you got it already, didn't you?). These four...formidable and compelling chapters of 'The Bon Jovi' story are directed by Gotham Chopra, a director more known for movies like 'The Love Guru' and 'Bulletproof Monk'. But before you say, erm, just watch and rock. Besides, the coolest name ever in Gotham, executive produced top doc's like 'The Game That Changed Everything: Yankees vs. Red Sox '04 ALCS', 'Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey', 'Goliath' (a Showtime special about the big basketball great, Wilt Chamberlain), 'Searching For Shohei: An Interview Special', and Tom Brady's 'Man In The Arena'. The sport analogies are sound. And you best believe they translate from the play book to the song one in Jon's back pocket.

From the salad days when every strand of Jon Bon's hair demanded its own curling iron, to going grey, yet wise and weary now, this show documents it all. Behind the scenes personal photos, videos, archive footage and found demos and finished songs from the cutting room floor that will complete the next anthology for the record. Bon Jovi are facing off with their own impermanence, all as they look for the immortality that comes with writing the next great American song. It's their life (BWAH, BWAH), and they're still living it to the full. Without the excess of drink and drugs. Even if divorce came their way as Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora ended their Lennon and McCartney, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid like perfect partnership. The band still rides, dead or alive, on a steel horse. What more could you want? Jon is just glad he's still full of "piss and vinegar" at 60. The type that comes with a trusty old coat as a pillow. Even if that blonde that gave him nightmares is on a lost highway. Life isn't all a bed of roses, but when it gets bad, this is the medicine, band and story to lay your hands on. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Last Dance', 'If These Walls Could Sing', 'McCartney 3,2,1'.

REVIEW: MAYA HAWKE - CHAOS ANGEL

4/5

Chaos Theory.

Once upon a time...in Ethan Hake and Uma Thurman's Hollywood, Maya Hawke claimed it was nepotism that got her the gig on Quentin Tarantino's aforementioned movie. Playing one of the Manson fan clan who couldn't go through with the killing (we even loved her as a potential murderer). Yet the scene-stealing 'Stranger Things' star, who is now doing the same thing in 'Inside Out 2' is an accomplished artist in her own right. In more than one game, as she marks up the digits on the whiteboard. The 'Asteroid City' and 'Maestro' star has even sung with her father for the 'Spirit' of a 'We Don't Run' Willie Nelson cover that blazes.

Yet it's her own musical diary that you'll want to read, as the 'Chaos Angel' gave us her third studio album (already) this May, following the Hawke-eyed beautiful bow of 'Blush' and 'Moss'. Gathering even more, like a rolling stone, this may be Maya's moment in more ways than one. Showing that if it isn't neck-and-neck, like the talents of her family, she may just be a singer first, and a massive movie-star second. This half-hour Mom + Pop record from the daughter of Thurman will have you all dancing like Uma and Travolta. Especially with the big-three singles for this third go-round. One that you must hear now, before you'll end up 'Missing Out'. The light of a 'Dark' tunnel-vision radio record playing highlight tuned in. And the latest, greatest 'Hang In There', that is anything but a lame cat poster, which is still kind of sweet.

Christian Lee Hutson produced this subtly prolific set that showcases singing and songwriting talent at its terrific best and brightest for the next generation of amazing artists. From Taylor Swift, to Maggie Rogers, Maya Hawke is right there with one of the most accomplished albums of the calendar. Moving with even more maturity in sound and assurity that is profound. Evoking Joni with album artwork that reaches out to the likes of Nancy Sinatra, this is Hawke's best yet. As this top then begins with the cool 'Black Ice' and ends with the epic titular track. Nepotism theory? 'Wrong Again' with this angelic chaos and 'Better' tracks that sing, "Oh, don't be that way/Everything is gonna be okay/I meant not now, not never/I can make you feel better in the morning", 'Okay'?

Fearing the 'Dark', Maya visited a doctor because of her anxiety induced insomnia. His orders were to get OK with dying (hell of a bedside manner). She got busy with living, instead. And 'Promise' you can hear it as she sings, "Holding in a cry/You called it cinematic/And took a picture with your eyes/Golden hour leaves were falling/I love you as you are/I understood the story/But I was all wrong for the part." Her life may be a movie, but her love isn't, and this songwriting is the closest you get to her holding stage, and all her grace. Notes come from the back pocket songbook of all this chaos. Hey, what's the 'Big Idea' you might ask this legend in the making of two fields. "You can make plans for the aftermath/Or try to make your favorite person laugh/You know exactly where you're going/Your to-do list is an epic poem." Mesmerizing muses for you and yours. Born in the city of, this is nothing short of angelic. Love in times of chaos. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Dark', 'Better', 'Hang In There'.

REVIEW: THE DECEMBERISTS - AS IT EVER WAS, SO IT WILL BE AGAIN

4/5

A Long December.

It's been a long December, like the number of times the Counting Crows sing with 'The Bear' (Season 3 coming soon, peeps! And I've just started the whole thing, Chris), but the whimsical nature of The Decemberists are back 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again'. The brand-new album coming from the fall favourites, albeit in the June heights of the Summer season, of the forests of Portlandia, Oregon, USA. Running with the beautiful 'Beau Is Afraid' like album aesthetic for the trees. Not to mention their best since 'The Hazards Of Love'.

Spearheaded by the singles 'Oh No!' and 'Burial Ground' featuring the great James Mercer, it's been a slow six years since 'I'll Be Your Girl' was the latest in 2018. A pandemic and a panic have happened since they've been Kelly Clarkson, but Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, and John Moen are back where they belong, like being the soundtrack to an anthropology shop. This ninth wonder of historical events and folklore is brought to a bold and beautiful conclusion, with their new classic 'Joan In The Garden'. As the band, famous for their audience participated, epic encores that turn their live shows into re-enactments Shakespeare in the park would be proud of, take almost twenty minutes to give France's Joan of Arc her flowers. And what a bountiful bouquet of guitars and melodies that will take you on a trip with the depths the likes of a Yellow Submarine couldn't descend too. 

'America Made Me' is the real statement amongst all the animals as The Decemberists (always remember the "the" with respect to the other "Decemberists") sing, "America made me/America saved me from myself/And all these wishers-well/America parade me/I dare you to lull me to my knees/And give me something sweet/Maybe something that will get me back to sleep." This may not be the same America that Razorlight chased, but it's still beautiful, after all this time. Just like this band, the Grammy winners with one of the best rock records of the year. 

"Early in the evening, when the working is through/And the fields all in furrows, and there ain’t much to do", 'The Reapers' still come, mind you. Yet The Decemberists are ready for them and all that may come their way over the water. In matrimony with a 'Long White Veil' like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' for the most heartbreaking thing you'll hear all year. "I married her, I carried her/On the very same day I buried her/In the cemetery plot by her mother/Though she nevеr gave a thought to her mother/But shе looked so pale In that long white veil," Meloy mourns in a moving lament laced with bitter regret that might not just be his own. This is the kind of ode that leaves lumps and no dry eyes, in a house that lies if it tells you love and life are easy things to deal with. No wonder, December's very own get back to telling you someone else's story with 'William Fitzwilliam'.

'Don't Go To The Woods', warns the RIP City band. But how can you not, when all of this is so City of Roses beautiful. In the PDX, you know Portland people will yearn for 'The Black Maria'. And the flannel throwback days when at least love songs were as easy as saying 'All I Want Is You' after the 1,2,3. "Don't want run-on phrases/Your dull and moneyed phases/Drinks and downers/With out-of-towners/Drag me to your altar/When my footing falters/All I want is/ All I want is you/All I want is/All I want is you." You know this is going to be the next wedding song for those who escaped the sings of love hazards when the getting was good.

'Born To The Morning' rises with even more beauty, like a Beck 'Cycle' in 'Morning View', but it's not all heartbreak and hurt that yearns and learns, even if this band that keep pushing this epic envelope are 'Never Satisfied'. There's a penny for your thoughts and sweet nothings on 'Tell Me What's On Your Mind' that speaks, "Hey, so great to see you again/Blown in on a wayward wind/Oh how the years have bent and bound our lives/It's been such a lonely time/But know that I'm on your side/It's always a calm to confide our minds/But I don't want to bring you down/How can I bring you around/Back on to solid ground." And it really is great to see Decemberists (The) like waiting all year for that Christmas cheer. Restrained folk and all encompassing pop on the artwork of one of double album's best, like the 'Mellon Collie' of smashed pumpkins that will always remain in our 'Infinite Sadness'. Just as that was, real records will be once again. Evermore. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Oh No!', 'America Made Me', 'Joan In The Garden'.

REVIEW: EELS - EELS TIME!

4/5

Slippery When Wet 

In the same New Music Friday that sees Bon Jovi celebrate 40 years 'Forever' and The Game releasing an EP called 'Time', the Eels are back with 'EELS TIME!' And what a time, just a week before this writer is literally heading to 'Susan's House' for a surprise. Although, I've already said too much. No matter. Nobody reads these reviews anyway. New 'Novocaine For The Soul' is here, before I splutter out even more. Mark Oliver Everett may look like Boris The Animal from 'Men In Black III' in those goggles, and with that beard, but it's just E, actually. That must be his brother. That must be his brother...right?!

Like Jon Bon Jovi recovering from vocal surgery, Mark Oliver is back with a vengeance after recovering from life-saving heart surgery. Cherishing 'Time' like the Eels on the lead single that tells us, "Time, it's all about time now/Tick-tock I rock, but then I look at the clock/Knock-knock, who's there?/Well, I don't dare open the door/Time, there was nothing but time then/Click-clack riding down the tracks/Never worried about coming back/Any place looked good to me/Why not stop and see what's there?/Time, there isn't much time now/What's the fear, well, I like it here/With the ones I love so near/Maybe there's just some way/Dear God, I can stay." And it's important that we included every word for you to read, just like taken as read, you should value every moment of time in this rich life. Just like E. All across 12 tracks for over a half-hour of life-affirming power from the 'Beautiful Freak's' of 1996 with their fifteenth album (Bon Jovi just released their sweet sixteenth in 40 years), and their first since 2022's 'Extreme Witchcraft' from the trip-hop, alternative indie rockers.

E Records' classic concept, recorded in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, or 'The Deconstruction' of 2019, saw studio sessions in Los Feliz and Angeles, and Dublin, Ireland. The eclectic Eels, plug in guest features from Koool G Murder ('I Can't Believe It's True'), The Chet ('We Won't See Her Like Again'), Tyson Ritter ('Goldy', 'Haunted Hero', 'If I'm Gonna Go Anywhere', 'Lay With The Lambs', 'On The Bridge'), and Sean Coleman (the 'Let's Be Lucky' leaving ode, also with Ritter) to spark. But it's when they get real alone and sombre that they shock you to the core. Even though the grief of lost lives and unrequited love has been their calling card like a song in their back pocket for years. Yet it's the yearning and learning lyrics of "Love, what else is there, but love?/What else is there?/Oh, hey/I can let it fester/Just grand gestures/And kind of slow", on the standout 'If I'm Gonna Go Anywhere' that really resonate with hope like nothing else in this day and age does or will.

Barefoot kicking it, back on stage in a purple reign with flowers, this is E and the Eels electric time again like when 'Susan's House' visited the billboards on the regular. A secret, 'Sweet Smile' like Semisonic, with no closing time, will sing to you in your sleep, with words of wonder from the fellow 90s nostalgia darlings like, "Sweet smile is a resting face/She's alright, whatever the case/Walking carefree down the street/Taking steps, to her own beat." Sean Coleman also produced the lament of 'And Your Run' which takes love and hearts on the rocks with a twist, to new lime sharp extremes. "My dear, I feel so torn up inside/There's something I really need/But when I tell you how I really feel/You just look at me/And you run/Some days I have to ask myself why/I wanna put myself through/And other days, I answer myself/"'Cause I don't have any choice"/And I run/And I run," Oliver marks in his songbook with a sober heart. But it doesn't all depart. With hope anew like the fellow slippery when wet rockers, the Eels charge up life's dice on the swansong of 'Let's Be Lucky' (that's paused on my phone's Spotify for that daily inspiration) that promises...no vows more. "Stomp and cheer/Well, I'm still here/And you're not gonna see me/Throw away a day like this." Let's be lucky indeed. Because, that's life. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Time', 'If I'm Gonna Go Anywhere', 'Let's Be Lucky'.

REVIEW: BON JOVI - FOREVER

3/5

Forever On A Prayer.

Sweet sixteenth. Bon Jovi (whoa, oh) are more than halfway there. There being 'Forever' with their brand-new album, that again puts these New Jersey boys in 'Legendary' company with the Garden State likes of those who were 'Born To Run'. Like Springsteen, who these legends took to the stage with recently, these icons have been in the game longer than LeBron James (who frontman Jon Bon Jovi recently gave it up for on Facebook whilst reading his brilliant biography by Jeff Benedict). From 'Livin' On A Prayer' to never going out in a 'Blaze Of Glory', this is Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood rock and roll at its primetime finest. Even if it took me years to realize what a "steel horse" actually was, much to an ex-girlfriend's amusement.

My best friend back home is going to let me have it for this. He hates 'em, but you've got to love this band who've been with us since they looked like the late, great Tina Turner from afar. And they 'Always' will be, like the classic performance of that powerhouse ballad for Top of the Pops in front of Canada's Niagara Falls, which is always at the top of my YouTube playlist, like his New Jersey game show 'OHHHH!' with Bill Hader on Saturday Night Live ("it says here, you work two no-show construction jobs"). They have may have lost greats, like departing, legendary guitarist Richie Sambora, but they're still here 40 years strong to make you feel old yet. The Hulu documentary miniseries 'Thank You, Goodnight' on Disney Plus serving as living proof for this Bon Jovi story. Now, Jon Bon stands in the middle of a New York City street, as classic as black and white, the name of his band of brothers studded into his denim jacket as the grey hair still flows.

The Jersey boys are back...and they've still got it. Continuing their Train like run of their more inspirational, soaring work since 'Superman Tonight' that you've seen on such albums as, 'What About Now', 'Burning Bridges' and 'This House Is Not For Sale'. Carrying on their steady as she goes output that still keeps the faith, even in times that are slippery when wet. Sure, it's clichéd and corny, but so are Tom Cruise movies. But in this American dream realized, that didn't mean making maverick a top gun was a mission impossible. And this heaven to leather band knows that when it comes to nostalgia in celebrated anniversaries, it's best to just let the good times roll. As they do on the second single 'Living Proof', asking, "Does the sun still shine on a dead-end street?/Will a rose still grow out of broken concrete?/Is there anything left for a sinner like me?" This Island Record, recorded from California's Los Angeles, to the country of Nashville, features beautiful ballads like 'Kiss The Bride' and 'I Wrote You A Song' for your first dance, if 'Always' isn't available. They even brought the 'It's My Life' vocoder sound (BWAH, BWAH) for 'Living Proof'.

'We Made It Look Easy' they declare. And in this day and age where everybody and their mother brags (not mine, but she should, she's the greatest), this band can lay claim to that. Especially after four decades and numbers like 'Waves' and 'Seeds' that still flow and catch you with their hooks that grow in your mind like earworms. The bands first album since 2022 (aptly named '2022' too) and Jon Bon Jovi's vocal surgery is brilliant. Free and feeling good, JBJ hasn't lost a step, like when Janie took her love to town for his solo work, like Christmas with Cindy Crawford. Or a note for that matter. You can hear it from 'The People's House' to the 'Walls Of Jericho'. On this open road, after the long and riding parts, he's 'Living In Paradise', like he was the day he picked up '(His) First Guitar' and a curling iron (hey, JB, I'm just jealous it's still all there). Singing, "Got my hands around her neck, aw/But it's done with respect, aw/I've had a few, but no other/Has the love of my mother." Concept songwriting at it's finest. Aw! But for all the bonus tracks and demos, it's the slow closer of a 'Hollow Man' like Kevin Bacon that's a classic. "How does it work when the words don't come?/It's like pullin' the trigger on an empty gun/You can't makе it rain starin' at the sun/So you work at your work, until the work gets donе." Forever and ever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Legendary', 'Kiss The Bride', 'I Wrote You A Song'.