The Runaways

     I saw a great film recently about the 1970's all girl rock band The Runaways.  It featured the talents of Kristen Stewart in the role of Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie.  Up to this point, I haven't been much of a fan of Stewart, but she rocked as Jett.  The intensity and pent-up agression that one would possess to be a rocker, she played that with authority that I have never witnessed.  Fannning brought a sinful sexuality to the role that it would have Chris Hansen come running with film crew in tow.  She burned up the screen.  It has been said of her that she is a old soul.  This is major star with the whole universe to brighten.  There is no role to tough for her to handle. Let  the music speak for itself,  First up, this song was duplicate in the film, "Cherry Bomb."  The next comes from the same show.  It is them doing the classic Lou Reed tune "Rock and Roll."  The next comes from the The Old Grey Whistle Test. It is the song "Wasted."  This next number comes from the movie soundtrack.  The tune features Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart on vocals; it is them doing "California Paradise." 
     After the breakup of the band, Joan Jett went solo, and she put out her music on her own label after she was rejected by almost every major record label.  Her hunch paid off huge.  The song "I Love Rock and Roll" went to number #1 on the charts.  She also put out the song "Bad Reputation" to show that success hadn't gone to her head.  She will aways be a rocker.  Lita Ford, who played lead guitar with The Runaways, has had a great career of her own since leaving the band.  Here is a great example of a duet  that she did with Ozzy Osbourne called "Close My Eyes Forever."

Tuesday on Turner Classic Movies, they are celebrating the 100th birthday of Akira Kurosawa.  He is a legendary Japanese filmmaker.  They are dedicating the entire day to him.  If you like great film, this is a golden opportunity to check it out.  So in his honor, I offer this song.

Music for today:

Grateful Dead
December 8, 1973
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Duke University
Durham, NC
listen here