Music, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Standards

Sometimes you’re just in the mood to listen to the classics, to those crooners who make you swoon. You know the ones I’m talking about. But in case you forgot here is a reminder. Find this playlist of Spotify here. Ain’t That A Kick In The Head- Dean Martin Cheek to Cheek- Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga I’ve Got The World On A String- Frank Sinatra Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)- Frank Sinatra, Count Basie It Had To Be You- Harry Connick, Jr. I Put A Spell On You- Nina Simone It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It…

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Television, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Western Television Series

The western is a staple of the American entertainment industry and has been filling dime novels and radio plays since long before there were televisions but like most worthwhile things the great westerns have stories that are timeless. Here are some of my favorite westerns for you to check out. Longmire- In modern-day Wyoming, one sheriff has a lot of territory to cover and a precarious relationship with the nearby Native American community and its shiny new casino. Justified- Another modern western about an old-school lawman. Big hats and gunfights aplenty for this series about a U.S Marshall who gets…

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Comics, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Flash Comics

The Fastest Man Alive may be known for his quickness but you’re going to want to take your time and enjoy these classic stories about the Scarlet Speedster. Here are some of my favorite Flash stories for you to speed your way through. The Trial of the Flash- This two-year arc sees Barry Aleen on trial for the murder of the evil speedster Zoom. It’s an emotional gauntlet full of twists and turns that will have you trying to figure out what’s going on all the way to the last panel The Return of Barry Allen- Barry Allen is back…

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Books, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Alternate History Novels

One of the questions we love to ask ourselves is “What if?”, well in fiction we have the luxury of answering that question anyway we like. Here are some of the cleverest answers I’ve come across in the genre of Alternative History. The Plot Against America– Charles Lindbergh defeats FDR in the 1940 presidential election leading to a rise of antisemitism across the country. What’s chilling is how much this fictional work echoes what we see in America today. The Man in the High Castle– The Axis powers win WWII with Japan and Germany dividing up the defeated United States.…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Dark Fantasy Films

Dark Fantasy doesn’t have a strict definition, it’s one of those know it when you see it genres. But I think you’ll agree with me that these ten films qualify. And they are perfect for late-night viewing when you don’t want to go full horror.   Pan’s Labyrinth– a modern fairytale but not the polished Disney kind, the old school Brother’s Grimm kind. Absolutely mesmerizing. Coraline– Based on the Novella from Neil Gaiman. This story follows a girl who finds a doorway to a parallel world that is seemingly far better than her own. As is typically the case, this…

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Music, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Fictional Bands

Ever see a band in a movie and wish they get together and put out an album for real? Me too. Unfortunately, I can’t help you on that front; but I have gathered together a few tracks from some of my favorite fictional bands for you to listen to. You can find this playlist on Spotify here. Opening: I Can’t Turn You Loose- The Blues Brothers, Joe Gastwirt Everybody Needs Somebody to Love- The Blues Brothers Soul Man- The Blues Brothers Gimme Some Lovin’- The Blues Brothers Chain of Fools- The Commitments In The Midnight Hour- The Commitments Take Me…

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Television, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Horror Series

Horror is a difficult genre to get right on television. The conventions of the genre don’t really lend themselves to long-form storytelling. Which makes it all the more impressive when a series gets it right. Here are ten horror shows that are sure to give you chills. The Haunting of Hill House- This single-season horror story is a slow burn, but that’s what makes it so tense. This series takes a deep dive into its characters’ states of mind and really stands out as a psychological drama as it does a horror story. American Horror Story- This anthology series uses…

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Books, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Spy Novels

Everybody loves a good spy story. They tend to have a little bit of everything mystery, suspense, political intrigue, action; they’re like the Neapolitan ice cream of fiction. Personally, I love the spy craft and the intellectual duels with an unseen enemy. Here are ten great spy novels that you can binge through while lounging on your favorite chair. Patriot Games– This is not the first Jack Ryan book Tom Clancy wrote but it is chronologically first in the main sequence of books (not including spinoffs or prequels from other authors). The story is great. Good action and intrigue while…

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Film, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Martial Arts Films

If you’re like me during this lockdown, there are times when you think to yourself “Boy, I really wish I could stop thinking for a little while.” Martial Arts movies are perfect for those occasions; just simple, uncomplicated plots stuffed full of action and choreography. Here are some of my favorites. Drunken Master- Jackie Chan fights better when he’s plastered is the best story pitch in the history of cinema and you will never convince me otherwise. IP Man- A biographical film about the Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee. It’s awesome. Hero- The story is unnecessarily complicated but…

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Music, The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse

The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Steampunk Rock

Do you wear goggles, gloves, and a top hat? Do you use steam to power everyday household appliances? Do you still call them airships? If you answered yes to any of these questions this might be the playlist for you. You can find it on Spotify here. Building Steam- Abney Park Dark Carnivale- Frenchy and the Punk The Surgeon’s Widow- Escape the Clouds The Death of the Cog- The Cog is Dead Doing It For The Whigs- The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing The Industrial Revolution (And How It Ruined My Life)- Aurelio Voltaire Steampunk Revolution- Abney…

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