Daily Dirt: Prince Rogers Nelson…overrated?

If you’re a fan of Prince, David Bowie, Janet Jackson and a few others we may no longer be friends … welcome to today’s three thoughts in Vol. 172 of the Daily Dirt.

1. When we get through New Year’s weekend, that signals the end of holiday season, correct? Life can return to normal, correct? Not so fast, my friend. Did you forget about what January has in store? Here’s a hint:

Jan. 2: National Science Fiction Day: Quick, what is your all-time favorite science-fiction movie? Here’s three of mine from the early days, specifically pre-1970 (before we were bombarded by all of the “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” entries): 

“Island of Lost Souls” (1932): This film terrified me as a kid, and still gives me the creeps today. Bela Lugosi has a relatively small part as “The Sayer of the Law”. You wouldn’t know it was him unless you checked the credits closely.
“Planet of the Apes” (1968): The original — and the best — of all the “Apes” movies.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951): An incredibly underrated film starring Michael Rennie, and made on a $995,000 budget.

Also on Jan. 2: National Buffet Day: In a word, YES!

Jan. 4: National Spaghetti Day: With meatballs and meat sauce, please.

Jan. 21: National Squirrel Appreciation Day: Honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a squirrel?

Jan. 27: National Chocolate Cake Day: With lots of frosting, I presume. (Actually, National German Chocolate Cake Day would be even better.)

Jan. 30 National Croissant Day: I’ve always preferred a flaky croissant over the traditional roll. Both, however, are made better with butter.

2. I think the proliferation of days off due to the time of the year has allowed way too many people way too much time on Facebook. Here’s some of my findings from recent days:

• ” I am multi-talented. I can talk, annoy and irritate you all at the same time.” (I think you were at my house last week … )
• “Don’t get me wrong, I totally hear you. I just don’t care.” (Been there, heard that …)
• “The folks at Helena Avenue Bakery, in Santa Barbara, Calif., created this inspirational ‘breakfast situation’ know as ‘The Elvis”. Thick slice of banana bread, topped with peanut butter and drizzled with wildflower honey. Add banana slices and some crispy black pepper bacon. Holy-Get-In-My-Tummy, Batman!” (Yes, this is a real thing …)
• “The world is full of gifted underachievers. Don’t waste your gift.” (Actually, a very good point …)
• “Merry Christmas from The O’Brien Family! No one wanted to take a family picture so you just get me!” (Ahh yes, the almost-post holiday frustration is beginning to take hold …)

3. Most overrated rock musicians of the 1980s:

1. Prince: All flash, minimal substance.

(PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Good God, man! Of all of the ridiculous hot takes Steve has ever had, this might be the worst. Watch the video below and look at how all of these other guitar masters are in awe of Prince Rogers Nelson. Oh, and watch him just absolutely crush this George Harrison classic. JRG)

2. Hall and Oates: Every. Song. Sounded. The. Same.
3. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Ditto.
4. David Bowie: Showman? Yes. Singer? Not so much. (See Janet Jackson comment.)
5. Janet Jackson: Great stage presence, but musical talent? Nah.

Steve Fact O’ The Day

Steve’s official soft drink rankings of the year are: Gold medal: Mountain Dew, Silver medal: Classic Coca-Cola, Bronze medal: Coca Cola Zero Sugar (the black and red cans).

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News, although he now may be facing a suspension for taking a dump on the late Prince.