Top 15 Worst Pop/Indie Songs of 20Fifteen

2015. Wow.
This year was a great year for music, and I was happy to be there bask in the glory. There were many songs that I really enjoyed throughout some of the genres: Pop. R&B, Hip-Hop, Indie, even Country that I just couldn't stop playing on repeat. And all of these songs are many examples of a more progressive shift into much more great and enjoyable sounds and concept, and made this year really memorable.

Yet at the same time, there were songs that came out this that were memorable for being the absolute opposite. They managed not only to become huge both online and/or on the radio, they also managed to drive me up the wall. With the usual suspects being lazy, uninspired or straight-up lazier copy-cat production; terrible, ear-drum splitting vocals; unimpressive, pathetic compositions; and how popular these song have gotten in social media era public eye.
So I felt it's duty to listen to these songs and choose the ones that are the absolute worst. And of course, riff on them in my way.
So join me, Andrew Duvall Pollard, present to you my choices for the Top Fifteen Worst Pop Songs of 2015.

And yes, 15. This year, I decided to supersize the list because there were more terrible songs to choose from to throw in (and also because this year ended in the number 15), and despite the harder time writing these lists and picking my choices, it was still a good idea and hopefully this will make a better payoff.

Also, of course, this list is my opinion. It's not truly personal; just my thoughts and likeness towards music in general. If you like these songs, that's fine; I won't judge you. I'm just here to give my thoughts on the lowest of this year in music.

So, folks (once again), let's do this!

Top 15 Worst Hip-Hop/R&B Songs of 20Fifteen

As if this year wasn't remembered.
I will say that this year was slightly better than last year. These songs didn't piss me off as much as the abominations I spewed hatred on but they're terrible enough on their own accords to get the Anger Andrew treatment, too.
Also, we now have  Vine to thank for helping shitty, talent-less, uninteresting and truly lyrically vile dreck songs (like what you'll see here) get more popularity power and staying power on the charts than they truly deserved. And because of that, I guess I'm as pissed off as I was last year.

This is my list of the Top Fifteen Worst Hip-Hop/R&B Songs of 2015.

This year, I've supersized this list to include five more slots to choose my picks and voice my opinions on them. And boy, was it deserved. While this year was pretty good in music in general, there still were songs that really grind my gears in some places. Whether it be disgustingly smug and obnoxious artists, horrifyingly asinine, beyond-sophomoric and/or stupid verses, mind-shredding abysmal, way-over-subpar and irritating vocals, or all of them together, this tear has somehow gotten slightly over last year in the horrible meter.

So...let's do this.

SNL Review: Ep. 8--Chris Hemsworth & Chance the Rapper

(Before I begin, I want to apologize for releasing this and the next SNL Review later than I should have. I wasn't in a state to post or even write anything at that time, and I felt bad about doing so, so my apologies. And now...)
WILL FUCKING FARRELL!!!!!!!

I’m sorry, lemme compose myself.
The CO is all about George W. Bush riffing on the bunch of clowns fighting the fake fire in the big top Carniv--uhh, Republican Presidential race.

It was great to see Farrell return to Studio 8H, and as one of his most impersonations. He didn’t miss a beat, ripping into the candidates in his own Dubya humor, and it was brutally glorious. From the moment he walked on stage to a huge applause (which I loved; the gasps from audience members really gave me goosebumps) to saying the catchphrase, this
Also, that nice little mention of The Fugees’ classic “Ready or Not” as his campaign song was awesome. (I wouldn’t mind anyone using it; it just fits that way.)
This is the best, sharpest, and most brilliant CO of the season so far. Which is ironic, because no current cast members appeared in it.

Fave Lines:: ALL OF THEM. But some highlights
“The field of Republicans out there is so messed up, that it makes me figure that you miss me, doesn’t it?”
“Dr. Ben Carson. I can barely hear him when he talks.”
“If you’re injured on the job, please call Rubio & Cruz!”
“When I’m in a bad mood, I just picture his big, fat, orange Oompa Loompa face that I just pissed my pants.” “It’s like saying ‘Let’s keep the Leprechauns out’”
“Jeb. Oh boy. Poor Jeb. You gotta admit, it’s a pretty good plot twist that I turned out to be the smart one.” “I don’t like the taste of broccoli. But it doesn't get any tastier if you call it ‘Broccoli!’.”
“They want someone who’s cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.”
--
In his second monologue, Chris Hemsworth mentions how he’s gotten more at home since his last gig NINE MONTHS AGO (really; do they love him, because that’s surprising to bring someone back for Round 2 not even an entire year after the first.)

This wasn’t that funny at the start. He might feel at home (like an asshole at that), but I didn’t feel at home watching this. It did get funnier when he reaches backstage--here are a few of my favorites: when he rudely hangs up a call Kate McKinnon made (to Hillary Clinton), his harsh pass of an apple to a scared-as-shit Beck Bennett, and especially him coming close to “playfully” rumble with Leslie Jones--and her close to rumbling for real (“You touch me, and I’ll beat yo’ ass, Chris”), and when he knocks papers off the hands of Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost. He picks them up...only to have them knocked off again by his co-hort Michael Che.
All-in-all, this was a pretty good monologue (it was way more entertaining than his last Mono, so I’ll give it that).
--
The Sketch After is from Fox News’ On the Record, where host Greta van Susteren (Kate McKinnon) talks with the three best known Republican Presidential candidates not named Donald Trump--Sen. Marco Rubio (Taran Killam), Gov. Chris Christie (Bobby Moynihan) and Dr. Ben Carson (Jay Pharoah)--with their thoughts on Trump’s recent proposal of banning Muslims from the US and his shenanigans throughout the campaign season. They say nothing.

Ehh. This was a pretty funny sketch. Everyone did great performances here, but the writing behind it wasn’t belly-laugh-ish. I still enjoyed it though, simply.
Also, Hemsworth doesn’t appear here.
--
This Pre-Tape was a scary one. Trust me. I’m not squeamish toward blood, but the quick cuts at Polaski’s injury had me nauseas for a few seconds.
Police Sergeant Polaski is one of the best in the Department. But after a horrible shot to the abdomen, he tries to continue his life...and his refusal to take care of his injury decreases his love of taking down bad guys...and his life.

This was hilarious and enjoyable. And although I came close to puking a few times, I really enjoyed it--especially the increasingly stranger back-and-forths between Hemsie and the still underutilized Sasheer Zamata’s characters.
--
Brother 2 Brother Too: Wrestling Meet
“Oh, brothers!” ”Oh, Gods.”
You know, I didn’t like this sketch the first time, and I still don’t like it now. And thanks to Episode 2, I like it even less.
In this showing, Matty and Marky are into academic trouble again. This time Matty doesn’t want to do a wrestling meet, so (surprise, surprise) Marky takes his place. You can guess things don’t go well...again.

This was a creepy one.
I know this is a gym, and sometimes guys feel okay talking about and comparing their bodies physiques and shit. And I know this is parodying Disney Channel shows. But...it’s not funny. Hell, I got more enjoyment from the tattoo on Taran’s chest. (which is nice.)
There was a chuckle-worthy part where the coach keeps on comparing Marky and Matty’s physiques, and then when they do the “disappearing trick”. Also, I snickered when Hemsie slipped into the door when he entered the gym set. That’s it. This skit was shit.
--
This next sketch is really odd, but I’ll give it props for funny and not being “Brother 2 Brother”.
At a Christmas party, a couple (Cecily and Hemsie) entertains their guests with some classic Christmas songs, but the party goes a little south when they play a song that isn’t very receptive.

I’ll say this a better sketch. the first watch wasn’t fine for me because I still reeled from The “Oh, Brothers” Show. But I kinda enjoyed it with rewatches.
I really enjoyed Cecily’s singing (sounds great for Broadway), and the reactions to said song from everyone else. Also, it would’ve been a little better if they still didn’t know about it; would’ve been funnier. Also, the dangerous drive in the snow was really funny.

Also, unintentional glitches and gags.
-First, a lamp’s light goes out before “Dan” (Taran)’s hand even reaches the switch.
-this little failed camera angle switch (When “Dan” says “What’s happening?!”)
-and, Hemsie was hamming up his pretend-piano-playing, and it clearly showed. In fact, looked less like he was playing it; it looked like he was fucking it. It’s actually cute.

So yeah, I liked this.
--
At a brunch date, some girlfriends are talking about some of the favorite movies that that have hot men in them. One of them keeps talking about Chris Hemsworth and his titular role in Thor. Because she IS Chris Hemsworth.

I couldn't see this plot from a mile away. I can see it from TWO miles away. It was very funny, though (especially the moment when female Hemsie was revealed and when “she” said “Am I right, bitches?”). The only thing that dragged this on was the fact that “Claire’s” friends are too slow to catch on to the fact their “friend” is Hemsworth. Only a couple sessions of them questioning “her” would’ve been enough, but no, three was great for this.
Other than that, this skit was very good.

Fave Line:
“Am I right, bitches?” and
“Ehh, Liam is gross! I heard he was breastfed until he was four.” -Hemsworth
“No! This is bad, and you’re weird now.” -One friend/Aidy
-
I don’t know what this was about.

This wasn’t very funny. But at least Rudnitsky gets some screentime, and it did good enough to keep it from getting truly detestable (that dance is nice)--good for him. Also, I enjoyed seeing someone swing on a rope in the studio. And it has a nice setup. Yeah.
Fave Lines: “I’m Mark, and I keep things fun”
--
I really didn’t like this one either, but it was better to me.
A group of male dancers entertain the ladies at a strip club. Unfortunately, these guys are supposed to be dancing for the GUYS...at a GAY bar.

There wasn’t much for me to love. I did find the comments from the female customers pretty funny, but that’s all.
I assume my writing here was more funnier than the sketch itself. If so, good. This wasn’t funny...at all. I bet even the audience had a hard time laughing at this, too. I mean they could, if they weren’t laughing like hyenas in the other sketches too. (I honestly believe either they genuinely found it funny and I didn’t, or there’s a laugh cue card somewhere in the Studio)

--


I’m gonna guess that a majority of you guys don’t know who Chance the Rapper is.
Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in. Chance the Rapper...is a rapper. There you have it.
Sorry, I kid. He’s a rapper from Chicago who’s actually really good. From the few songs I’ve heard of him this year, he’s quite the lyricist. He has a weird demeanor when he spits and has some really quirky rhymes, but those quirky rhymes are really witty dope. If anything, he sounds like better Lil Wayne than Lil Wayne (at least post-Tha Carter III). Trust me, listen to his guest verses on Justin Bieber’s “Confident” and Action Bronson’s “Baby Blue”, and you’ll leave enjoying him and laughing. That tities line and the lines makes me chuckle every time.

So his performance on SNL had to take his career to the next level. And he killed it.
His presence was a true sight to behold. I enjoyed every second of it.

“Somewhere in Paradise” is a really good song, with witty lyrics and a just-as-quirky performance from Chance. And although I was surprised by Jeremih making a guest appearance singing the chorus, he wasn’t half bad. It kicks up to a fun and exciting modern-day gospel or matching band-like vibe thanks to fellow special guests The Social Experiment. As soon as it started, I knew I would love this one, and I did. While this was a great LIVE performance, It’s just not as great recorded; Jeremih sounds frickin’ terrible, the beat sounds like one you could make on GarageBand, and Chance sounds more creepy and high than quirky and weird; really distressing, even with a rather nice short appearance from R. Kelly. But I’ll say that this live performance here is miles better.

The second song, “Sunday Candy”, is just a joy to watch/listen.
It’s about his grandmother, who is a strong Christian woman who loves his grandson as much as Church, as he loves her, and he tells of her life in his goofy/witty lyricism.
I loved this one. It’s a beautiful dedication to the woman in his life who works hard in her life and gives him joyous, memory-filled weekends when he visits her. Hearing this warms my heart, and give a lovely message: Love and appreciate your grandma, because she loves and appreciates you for what you do in life.

The Social Experiment are a fantastic band, and they did a spectacular job with Chance, making these songs, already great on their own, FANTASTIC. Everyone here did a fantastic job with their positions: Loud, brash horns and amazingly powerful guitars and beautifully voiced background singers enhancing the songs and made them spectacular experiences.
They’re certainly a band to check out.

I love this performance and even though I never gave him a chance until “Baby Blue”, I will say that this rapper is one I think will go down as of the best rappers of the 2010s so far. Please go check out his music; he’s that damn good. His mixtapes #10Day and Acid Rap, and his album Surf with The Social Experiment are available wherever digital files and/or physical copies are sold.
--
Time for an Update:
Part 1:

Part 2:

Jost and Che killed with the bit on Donald Trump’s comments on an immigration ban, proving that after a truly terrible start, they actually have committed themselves to trying harder and it worked.
-

Kate McKinnon stopped by the desk as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, giving her “reaction” to Time magazine naming her Person of the Year for 2015. Pretty much, this segment was so hilarious. Her responses to the painting of her in the cover

(which I also think looks creepy and a little haunting) were sharply sidesplitting.
(“This is like a pile of oatmeal with two blueberries for eyes.”)
Her reaction to Donald Trump calling its choice of her as PotY were also very funny.
“I guess he prefers our earlier stuff.”
I think this was one of the best segments of the entire season. All of Kate/Merkel’s lines were brilliant satire, and gives her yet another memorable performance for this season.
-
Leslie Jones made yet another return, giving her thoughts on the nominations of this year’s Golden Globe Awards. She’s pissed that Breaking Bad isn’t nominated...despite the fact that it ended 2 years ago.

This was also a very funny segment. While her one-liners weren’t as sharply written as the Angela Merkel segment, they were still very funny in the usual “Leslie Jones yelling like a rabid dog in heat about random things” spirit.
“You better get yo ass in the room and juggle them balls, bitch!”
“All I need if an emotional white boy. You wanna be my Jesse, Jost?”

All-in-all, this was a very strong edition this week. A lot of satire hit and hit hard, especially during their shared slam on Trump’s racism. We need more Colin and Michael working together. The chemistry (yeah, I said that) and performances are way more stronger than we ever thought and has taken the segment from the weakest part of SNL (good or bad episode) to one of the strongest. I’d never thought these two guys would make Update enjoyable and actually funny again, but they did it. It obviously took a year or so, but yeah..

Best Bits:
Well, all of them.
Especially their debate on whether or not Trump is a racist.

Really, their being together--it works that way. Just sayin’.


Best Sketches:
Debra’s Time
On the Record
Brunch

Worst Sketches:
Brother 2 Brother Too
Pirate Ship

Best Pre-Tape:
Both
Time to Bleed
and
Star Wars: TFA Commercial
(would’ve added Aron’s List, but that was a repeat, and I already did the last time, so no seconds.)

Wraparound:
This episode was really mixed. The jokes were really weak in some places and strong in others, at least in my reception. But the performances really make them at least palpable.
Chris Hemsworth actually got better than last time. His acting in his first episode was pretty weak, even for a first time. Here, I can actually see he’s gotten an improvement. And it even looks like he’s enjoying himself, too. And I did enjoy that too. The first time, admittedly, I wasn’t enjoying this episode a lot because of the fact that Hemsie and the writing sucked the last time. But here, the writing has vastly improved, and
The cast did great alongside him. Especially Cecily Strong, who gave the most memorable performances in the “Debra’s Time” sketch (She can really using, too), and Kate McK, especially in On the Record and Update.

I admit, I honestly hated it when I watched it live, but it genuinely grew on me after repeated watches. So now kinda really liked it. It's not great (and I was surprised when a lot of commenters on AV Club thought so), but it's not horrible either , especially compared to his first time hosting. I'd watch this again, but maybe occasionally.

But this episode I'd binge-watch (if that was possible).

If Tracy Morgan was the host we were waiting for when SNL returned for Season 41, then these two are the next ones. Yep, ONES. Coming up soon, I present my review of the 41st Christmas episode of SNL, hosted by two of the best female members of the SNL family ever--Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Seeing Fey return to Studio 8H during Morgan's episode was a super-sweet treat, so her host (along with Poehler) was like the whole smorgasbord of candy. And making the episode even more awesome is the one and only Bruce Springsteen and his iconic E Street Band. I certainly couldn't wait for him to perform any of his/their songs, especially their rendition of "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", so this was extra special.

I apologize in advance for releasing this reviews late, for reasons I cannot explain, so thank you for your patience in reading these at the end of this year.
Thank you all and good night.

Special Seasonal Short/Long Music Review: The Worst Christmas Songs of All Time (...in Andrew's Eyes)

Well, hello, everyone. And Merry Christmas Eve to you all. And since my Jewish readers have already observed, Happy Belated Hanukkah. And to those of you celebrating soon, Happy Kwanzaa as well.

As you all know, it's the holiday season, and that means decorating the house and tree, buying gifts for loved ones, watching the snow fall, drinking hot chocolate and reminiscing about the past year. It's also the time of year where radio stations across the country suspend regular music schedules to play holiday novelty songs to feed the hunger of everyone listening ad nauseam. But in the sea of songs geared to the one holiday probably everyone loves, there are recordings that we as a nation can definitely do without. These songs contain aggravating music, shockingly incorrect or really dumb lines, irritating performances and/or other reasons to change the station or avoid on the streaming sites. And I thought it was a perfect time to show my thoughts on songs like this. More appropriately, show you my picks for the lowest of the low, the crappiest of the crappy, the worst of the worst. But as merry as possible.

Here are my choices of the Worst Christmas Songs of All Time. ...In My Eyes.

SNL Review: Ep. 7 -- Ryan Gosling & Leon Bridges

Who's the guy who's mesmerized and captivated film audiences for decades?
Who's the guy who's looks have never wavered since his late teens?
Who's the guy who everyone swoon as a fresh-faced cutie-pie since he was a member of the Mickey Mouse Club in 90s, rubbing shoulders with all the other members, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Agulera, Keri Russel and JC Chavez, and apparently no one will ever make you forget this?
And who is also on SNL this week?



That's right! Leon Bridges.



Welcome to the Review of Episode 7, where I give my thoughts on this, straight-up, the second-best episode of the season so far. Let's get started.

This week's CO is fucking hilarious. Putting it out there.

Taran Killam continues to kill...am...as Trump.
The impersonation, voice and humor is still on point. And the fact that it's still political season and there's still gonna be more of him to go around, makes me even happier.
Plus, I can't get enough of that face.
It brings me joy.
And the writing is just brilliant. It's like the writers' room has it out Trump and can get their creative juices flowing just from their hatred of him, and can make an awesome sketch.
Which they did. It really shows.
Also, shout out to Cecily Strong as Melania, bringing in just as many laughs. She can make a great Melania parody: mouthy, somewhat-ditzy and almost useful. Just a much effort into thuis perfect skit from her as there was from TKill.
All in all, this was a great CO, just as great as--if not better than--their last one from the Season Premiere, and I can't wait for the next time our favorite one-two punching bag of a couple makes their appearance.


All right, I kid. The host this week is Ryan Gosling.
After the open, he performed his first Monologue. It wasn't much; just him discussing his return to his home of New York, when a plant (Cecily, who has to be very fast in the dressing room) interjects that he's actually from Canada.
This wasn't very funny, and seemed like something that should've stayed at Dress Rehearsal.
It's like someone listening to a history buff discuss something, and they react less like "Oh wow, I didn't know that! Fascinating." and more like "Uhh, okay, cool. I guess."

Fortunately, it went uphill from there when fucking MIKE MYERS makes a cameo
"Mike Myers. Where did you come?"
"I live backstage."
and waxes philosophical about the wonders of the holiday season in the Great White North.

This Mono was one I kinda enjoyed. The reasons Myers stated were really funny, the appearance of Bonom Denej was enjoyable, and Gosling's apology for hiding his homegrown roots--in the Canadian tongue--Soary (You know, like those cartoons on TV that say it in the way you cringe from and wonder as to why they say it that way...and by Michael J. Fox in Family Ties?) was hilarious. And I really enjoyed their proud Canadian song, even if the parts where two forced the "ou" sounds in the words for laughs were annoying.
Pretty good continuation here.
--
The Pre-Tape After is something else. It's an ad for a new dating service app called Settl, geared towards women wanting to have an okay.

--
This right here is the FUNNIEST sketch this week. and this season. And maybe even this decade.
So funny, even the host and cast members couldn't make it without cracking up.
It'a about three people (Gosling, Cecily & Kate McKinnon) who talk to special agents of the NSA (Bobby Moynihan & Aidy Bryant) about an alien abduction they encountered. Just watch.

This was fucking hilarious.
This skit was all Kate McKinnon. She came in confident, she played her character like it was easy, and got everyone watching splitting their sides. My God, she was brilliant! While the stories of her abduction are supposed to be scary yet funny, her performance of her character brought it way over the top to straight-up absurdity. It make this immediately the best.
It's clear that the entire cast couldn't keep a straight face, especially Gosling and Bryant, but that made it even better. If anything, it's surprising that they kept it together throughout the duration of the sketch in the first place. Most times they break all the way, and the audience applauds more than once. This here's more nuance, and I give the cast props for it.
Again, this was fucking hilarious and the FUNNIEST sketch this week.

Fave Lines:
Pretty much all of Kate's lines.
--
"Santa Baby"
Doug and Gina are one couple you do not want to talk with if you mention Santa Claus.
No, really, get the fuck out of there when they start talking.

Seriously, their enthusiasm of meeting Ol' St. Nick, especially from Doug, is scary hilarious. (More like scary and hilarious.) What made the sketch off-the-wall was Gosling as an complete fucking psycho at the party. His creepy excitement was so side-splitting, I got scared for my life from this, and I'm a dimension away. Their dance on the table was also hilarious, especially taking from the other party-goers' reactions. And when the host (Beck Bennett) comes down crying dressed as Santa, fearing for his life, I couldn't stop.
One user on YouTube commented so perfectly: "This might be the most well acted and well shot skit/digital short ever made. I love it."
I love it too. Everyone gave great performances--especially from Gosling, the cinematography was amazing--even too amazing at times, and the writing was awesome--it's like I'm watching a scene from a movie. In fact another user also summed it up: ""The Purge" meets Christmas".
This is the best filmed Pre-Tape of this season so far. It's just brilliant.
Oh and at the end, the real Santa's a lucky bastard to leave out the way he did.

From the look on his face, you can tell he's like, "Ho Ho Ho-oh fuck no. I'm getting outta here."
--
In the next sketch, some teenage girls are at the party of Taylor one of their own. And if they thought Tayor's dad was the embarrassing one, then they certainly forgot about Melanie.

Wow, another great one! Just like Kate Mc's stern alien abductor in "Close Encounter", the skit was dominated by one woman. This time Baby Aidy was the star, and she commanded (well, obviously, not as well as Kate, because no one broke here this time). Sure, she was creepy, but she made the creepiness work, especially when she tries to come on very strong to Mr. Dillham. That table crash was also funny.

Oh and halfway through the sketch, Mr. Dillham called Melanie "Morgan" a few times, when it's clearly not Morgan; it clearly was said a few times previously. And even if her name really was Morgan, that does explain why she doesn't many friends or self esteem in the "Girlfriends Talk Show" sketch. And why Kyra is there, too.
Also, some people have saw some similarities to "Ew!" from The Tonight Show, especially in the set.
I'd like to say here, that I don't care.
This sketch was cringing, but still funny.

Fave Lines: All from Melanie
"What in the fat hell are you talking about?"
...
"My dad was born in 1936?"
...
"What nooo, my mom's a bitch!"
...
"Oh yeah, I'm freakin' wet."
Ew.
--
At a bar in his hometown of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, Ryan Gosling is being interviewed by a reporter for GQ (Cecily Strong). But some guy he used to go to high school with (Kyle Mooney) comes back into his life to torment him again.

Wow, Trevor's voice is irritating. No wonder Gosling didn't want anything to do with him. But the corny voice seemed to make everyone borderline break.

I did really enjoy Gosling's singing and dance, and Trevor's tries to be better than Ryan were hilarious, but to me this sketch was really weak.
--
If you watched the Nespresso commercial featuring George Clooney, Danny Devito that was released recently, then you can enjoy this SNL spoof.

I'm sorry, when I meant by "you can enjoy", I meant "you can enjoy this if you're into people overreacting about some shit before getting one thing."
Seriously, I laughed at first (especially when Devito got tailored--his height looks hilarious!), but then as it continued, it ngot less funny. I get that he's wondering why he's not immediately getting coffee, but just doing some sophisticated crap to look and act sophisticated with George Clooney. But the schtick wore thin as it continued. Then the spit take made no sense. You don't guzzle coffee like that. This sketch was clearly the weakest of the Pre-Tapes this week.
--
Ahh...it can't be SNL in December without a sketch mocking the network's latest live musical special, now would it? This time, it's The Wiz (specifically a scene cut from production), in which our unknowingly fearsome foursome finally meet the Wiz herself...and run into a surprise visitor.

This sketch was a strange one, but it was super funny, too.
The Strange:
First: I really don't know how there can be deleted scene from a live television production if it was possible, but the network recorded rehearsed scenes for promos, so it makes sense and I'll give the producers a pass.
Second: an iPad? I never knew Emerald City was this progressive with personal computers.
Third: if Dorothy never knew what the iPad is, how the hell does she know what the Whip, the Dab and the Nae Nae are? I'll just assume that Kansas in the Wiz Universe (at least in-sketch) is in 2015.
"It's 2015, and we can "

Fourth: The (White) Scarecrow (or any of the other characters) never rode a train in The Wizard of Oz, so that makes no sense.
But I'll give them a pass for twisting both Oz stories around for this sketch...which was funny.

Speaking of pass, the jokes were hilarious:
about The White Scarecrow not fitting in in East Oz, the reactions from everyone else, .
Plus, for some reason, I found the tall Leslie Jones in the Wiz role amusing. It's as if height was the perfect requirement for the role. (BTW, Queen Latifah was tall in Wiz Live!, so this was more amusing to me.)

Plus, Gosling's performance of White Scarecrow, reminiscent of Ray Bolger's iconic role,
was simply amazing; the song and dance he did of "If I Only Had a Brain" really put a smile on my face. and it was refreshing to see Michael Che again appear in a sketch away from Weekend Update, appearing this time as Black Scarecrow. He also did a very good job, along with Jay Pharaoh as the Tin Man and Kenan Thompson as Cowardly Lion. These three were great here, keeping the performances of the three actors of the real thing.

This sketch wasn't hilarious, or the best sketch of the week, but I still really enjoyed it.

Favorite Lines:
"Your hair is wild and wonderful...and your hair--" -White Scarecrow
"DON'T." -Dorothy
-
"[...] Yeah, I have no idea what those words are." -WS
-
"...we did a lot of dancing." -Tin Man
"Yeah, 3 hours worth. Minus about 150 commercials!" -Lion
This is the best joke of them all.
--
The final sketch is one I'm not comfortable with...at least with the characters in it.
You may remember the Elves from the sketch spoofing the story "The Shoemaker and the Elves", where for making the rounds for him, the Shoemaker has to do disgusting sex acts for them (like spank them and fart on them).

--

Goddamn, this guy is so fucking talented.

This guy is this week's Musical Guest, Leon Bridges.
He is a relatively new artist, but in my eyes, I've never heard of him before (even with his appearance on the American Music Awards a few weeks ago). So if anything, I was excited for him to appear on SNL this year, more because of the fact that he's a new artist who needs the spotlight. If it wasn't for being announced as a musical guest, it would've been a damn shame for me...because he's so damn talented.
His classic soul sound and words should make him a star. And apparently if you heard of him for the first time without knowing him, you would've thought you were actually listening to someone like Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles and . Yep, it's that retraux (faux retro, or throwback).
So I listened to his debut album Coming Home, and damn, it's like a love letter to classic soul, and brilliantly well-put together. Leon's vocals are perfection; rough as brick, yet smooth as silk. He certainly has the pipes to sing music like this. And as someone who loves and appreciates listening to classic R&B and soul (I have an older sister who jams to it on the radio 24/7), I can say this is an awesome record. It left me a good wreck.

And he's just a great live. Here's his performances of
"Smooth Saillin'"

and "River", where the background singers should get huge mention from their great voices.

These performances were fantastic. The live sound was spectacular; the live band did very awesome, and Leon himself was just spectacular. His voice is just as great live as it was recorded. I'm so in love with these performances, I just want to spend a week watching just that and nothing.
So after listening to him and watching these performances, I'm certainly a fan. I needed someone like him to listen to this year, and now that I have I can make music in 2015 more than tolerable. Thank you, Leon Bridges, for restoring my faith in music.
Leon Bridges' debut album Coming Home is available now. Please buy this--illegaly download if you have to; even if you don't love and appreciate true-blue classic R&B/soul, this is perfect for you. I guarantee you, it's worth listening to.

--

Time for an Update:
Part 1:

Part 2:

After a few super weak jokes at the start trying to bold (seriously, I could barely laugh--apparently, so did the Audience), Jost and Che got stronger doing a joint bit discussing the recent crop of mass terrorism shootings in the US and the priority being not to combat them, but de-funding Planned Parenthood. That was a bold sketch done right, and yet another example of Colin and Michael being much better at the desk when doing a joke together.

Other bright spots this include:
Glamour Magazine reporter Jill Davenport (CecStrong), who would've been talking about the best gadgets the ladies could buy for their men this holiday season, but is too busy coming on thick to Colin. Cecily does the flight, Valley Girl-type woman very well, and made me laugh a lot, if not cringe a lot too. It also make me think.
Leslie Jones has appeared on Update like 10 times, and came on strong like cereal on milk; nothing happened.
This chick is here once, and already had Jost's blazer. I feel like this is a funny comparison, don't you think?

Best Bits:
Ben Carson in Jordan
Kobe Bryant Retiring
Mouse Mingle
""
Kylie Jenner Kontroversy

Solid advice.

Posted by Saturday Night Live on Monday, December 7, 2015

--
How Was the CO?
Unlike Trump himself in the next election, this one wins my vote.

Best Sketches:
Close Encounter (for sure)
The Wiz
honorable mention:
Birthday Party

Best Pre-Tape:
"Santa Baby" (FOR SURE) "GO!! GET!! SANTAAA!!!"

Worst Sketches:
Hometown Bar
All of them were enjoyable to watch and had more than one moment to laugh at.
This did have a good laugh or two, but this was just crap.

Wraparound:
WOW, Ryan Gosling was a damn good host. His performance and range was just perfect.
He played a Midwestern(?) dude after an alien abduction sweetly, a nut-ass doof still believing in Santa brilliantly, an embarrassed teen's dad great, and The SCARECROW amazingly (would make Ray Bolger proud) among others. He really had that talent to do anything the SNL crew can throw at him and do so well. I really enjoyed his performance as host, and I think he should come back next season.
He's never regularly done comedy before then, but he should do more after this episode.
Also, the cast was amazing this time around, but the more noticeable standouts were Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant. It's clear that whatever sketches they were in and had the most lines they commanded them well. They
Also noticeable, some cast members either appeared in less sketches or didn't appear at all.
Starting with the King of the Ring himself, Taran Killam, who starred in only one live sketch (the Donald & Melania Trump sketch) appearing in two pre-taped ones, and it was extremely telling. Leslie Jones also did one sketch (She was in "The Wiz") and one pre-tape, while Sasheer did two ("Birthday Party" and "Wiz"). (Not as telling)
I assume they had places to be as of late, and had to downsize to fit their schedules. Honestly, it felt really weird and...borderline uncomfortable too. I guess it makes me kinda miss him taking the show every week. Nah! I do enjoy him a lot here, but not in every sketch.
Meanwhile, sophomorer Pete Davidson and newcomer Jon Rudnitsky were nowhere to be seen.
Probably they didn't have much to write for them this week. Good; Rudnitsky hasn't prove much yet (and probably because of his ""), and Pete Dave is funny, but reaching the heights of other cast members.
I guess with the members shown here, things are more tight and free-flowing; no putting some members over others, just some of the cast we know getting equal or slightly equal time, and making really nice jokes.

ConcluSLoN:
This episode was hilarious, almost through and though.
I really enjoyed the humor, whether bizarre, gross, or tame, this episode delivered on the humor, and I think this is an episode to watch again if you loved it. I loved it, and I think this is the second-best episode of the season so far. While Episode 5--hosted by Elizabeth Banks--was a great episode itself, this one squeaked past it to get the silver. This is one best to enjoy over and over, and not just for Ryan Gosling's looks.

Next week--wow. Didn't this guy last host nine months ago?? And wasn't that episode really crappy to me??
Anyway, Chris Hemsworth returns to Studio 8H to host episode 8, with music from Chance the Rapper (aka a really good rapper with a corny rap name). Review Monday, See you then!

A Special Seasonal Surprise Review: North Pole Down (Penn Zero)

Ho-ho-hi, everyone.

I’m Andrew, and I welcome you to the first of many special Surprise Reviews from Maroon Mondays during the Holiday Season. How special? I’m reviewing Christmas episodes of your favorite cartoons. It’s just like the regular Special Reviews, only more...festive.

The first Review is from Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero (which at this point is probably me just kissing up to the co-creators, the cast and the crew for my love to this show). The episode is not only the first Christmas special, but is also the first of the series, which makes it instantly cool because of how unique that is.
It’s rare that a television series of any kind, let alone an animated series, would begin with an episode that takes place during the Christmas season. But this one did, and it’s a great one.
This episode packs a lot of action, comedy and drama (for lack of not knowing a better term) where you probably don't expect from most action shows. But it's definitely worth watching.

It's "North Pole Down".

THE MISSION:
This episode features a mission Penn thought was the last thing he would ever want, especially considering the circumstances surrounding him: He is Ol’ Saint Nick himself. Along with Sashi as his head elf and Boone as his main reindeer, he has to do--exactly what we all know Santa does.
Meanwhile, in the distance, a group of gingerbread people.

THE PLOT:
It’s truly genius. Despite Penn’s want to skip Christmas without his parents--and over-eagerness to do literally anything else at the time, the plot has him portray Santa Claus to save Christmas FOR ALL THE OTHER KIDS in the world. But after time with his elves, a betrayal by what he thought was a sudden ally, and a sweet talk with his friends while imprisoned, he does have a change of heart and finishes the mission. But there are moments in between that makes you understand why this mission is the worst thing for him.

THE MOMENTS:
This special has many great moments that’ll either make you laugh or cry. Or both.

Let’s start with the moments that make you cry. These are the heartbreaking moments.
For starters, the scene that drives the entire plot: The reveal that Penn’s parents can’t join their son for Christmas. It’s truly harrowing to see our Part-Time Hero break down this way, but it really does tug at your heartstrings, especially if you’ve been in a situation where either or both of your parents can’t be home for the holiday. I can understand.

Then there’s scene where Penn gets tricked by The Snowman.
See, Penn had to have his messed-up MUHU (a device that makes visual contact with friends and family under the proviso as Part-Time Hero) fixed. So a guy called The Snowman comes out during an attack from Rippen’s sugar-plumy army, and says that he knows a way to get out of headquarters safely, just so Penn would have a way to fix it. But as it turns out, he was a mook for Rippen. This puts him, his friends and his workers deep in danger.
Ouch. Right in the gut, through the back.

Then, later on: Penn is in even more turmoil. While finally having the Christmas quota on par for the year, he’s forced into a dilemma by Rippen--ruin Christmas for many kids around the world to talk with his mom and dad, or save it while also giving up contact with them. He does make the latter choice fortunately, but it really hits you right in the heart when you realize that Penn won’t have to talk to his parents on Christmas Eve (or even Day...). It really hurts.
And it’s amazing.

Seriously, everyone involved put so much effort and if these moments won’t make you cry, you have no soul.

I loved the heartbreaking-turned-heartwarming moment: Our Part-Time Hero has to spend Christmas without his parents. And we even see the family still apart on the Day itself.
But the message is wonderfully made clear. Even if your family can’t be together for Christmas, doesn’t mean your family isn’t always there. You’ll always have others with you during the special day: Your friends. (And the family that actually visited during the holidays)

--

Just because this episode had tear-jerking and heartwarming moments, doesn’t mean it didn’t have funny moments either. So let’s discuss some. Here are my favorite moments that made me laugh from “North Pole Down”.

Right out of the gate, the episode (and the series) began with a day in work for our Part-Time Heroes and Villains: at a canyon trying to find a powerful sword. But it took a few tries.
What makes it work for me is the timing of the reveal of the sword decoys and Penn’s ham-iness from taking out the third decoy. I truly get a kick out of that. Also, this:

My Gosh, sidesplitting.
Also, I would’ve make a joke about this, but it seems too late now for it to be relevant…
because the guy’s not a guy anymore.
-
At the start, after the first mission, Sashi, another display of how insanely badass she is, cuts off the head of a fake display reindeer on Penn’s roof. She thought it was it the real thing. And you can feel her confusion. That was scary funny.
I repeat: she’s insanely badass, but at that point, one of those words needed to be bolded.
-
His Uncle Buck and Aunt Rose's Pigeon Egg Diorama

-
Larry’s sweater

--
These Exchanges:
Phyllis? I need a favor. _
“You cannot find date to prom? Don't worry. I will try to find dress.” -Phyllis
“No! No. No. Sorry for yelling. That is literally my nightmare.” _ -Penn
-
“If you don't get the sleigh launched before then [gasps] Christmas will be canceled.” -Sashi
“Christmas canceled?!” -Boone
"Hey, hey, hey. Hey."
[Boone hyperventilating]
“Breathe into the Santa hat, Boone. Breathe.
There you go, nice and easy.
Okay, I'm gonna pet you now, but not in a weird way.” -Penn
-

-
The scenes of Gingerbread Larry eating himself

(come on, if you were made that way, you’d kinda do the same)

[chomps]
“Larry, stop that. People are staring.” -Rippen
“I can't help it, I have so many flavors.
Mmm. [...] Mmm! I'm delicious.” -Larry
“Well, then just quietly eat your arm, okay?” -Rippen
“Yes, sir!” -Larry
--

But, not to be finished, this review can't be such without mentioning the awesome moments of the episode.
And there were a lot. And when I'm speaking of this show, it lives, eats, breathes and sleeps awesome. It could even sleep with awesome, but this is a mostly kids show, so I won't go further with that.
These are the moments of awesome.

-Their first mission, beating Rippen and Larry to return the powerful sword.

-Penn giving up his fixed MUHU (and contact with his parents) to save Christmas, despite earlier.

Coordination, determination, Teamwork and fist-bumping.

So yeah, this special is fantastic and brilliant on many fronts: it’s funny, it’s distressing, it’s uplifting, and it’s a perfect piece for the holiday season. And it’s a perfect way to start a television series. If my first review of the series (Defending the Earth & Number 1, Number 2) didn’t prove how much I love this series, then this (admittedly smaller) review will.

I'm so glad this episode was made, and is a perfect Christmas special to watch for the holiday season.