Retro A to Z Challenge: F – Foo Fighters 1997 (and Captain America II Review)

Foo Fighters – The Colour and the Shape – 1997

It wasn’t their first, but this was their breakout album and established the band as a legitimate force. The songs are very catchy and include some of my favorites – Everlong, Monkey Wrench, and My Hero. The music videos also revealed the band’s humorous side!

1997 fun facts –
*Cost of a house - $124,100.
*Scotland voted to create own Parliament after 290 years union with England
*Woolworths closed its last store after a hundred years of operation
*Microsoft became the most valuable company at 261 billion
*Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released

Movies released –
Men in Black
Titanic
The Lost World
The Fifth Element

Music released –
Faith No More – Album of the Year
Deftones – Around the Fur
Catherine Wheel - Adam & Eve
Big Wreck – In Loving Memory

Games released –
Fallout
Need for Speed II

And why is 1997 special?
It was the year after Shannon Lawrence got married, which was a good year despite the fact they were working all the time and yet broke because she was close to extended family for the first time since she was a child.

Shannon is a writer living in Rockies of Colorado. She’s also an excellent photographer and shares the scenery and wildlife of her area on her blog. If you’re looking for places accepting submissions or contests, Shannon always has a great list. Shannon is stability in all things, especially friendship, and you can always count on her. You can find her at The Warrior Muse.

Ninja News

Book 8 of Hart Johnson’s Shot in the Light Serial is out - Belly of the Beast.

GB Miller just released Broken Promises.

Movie Review

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The best Avengers film since The Avengers!
It’s practically impossible to discuss the story without spoilers. Let’s just say this film is a MAJOR game-changer. You don’t want to miss it.
The film is also equal parts espionage-thriller and superhero story. It’s definitely more serious than the first one. (Although Black Widow has some really funny lines.)
Captain America comes off as a butt-kicking hero from start to finish. The supporting cast is also awesome as their characters – Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Falcon. (The latter is an excellent addition, complimenting the Captain well, plus the wings are amazing.) The Winter Soldier is a total badass. However, he’s not the key point of the film.
The filmmakers have found their stride with action sequences, and of course the effects are top notch.
There's even a nod to Pulp Fiction.
And stay for the end of credit scenes. Yes, there are TWO! One after the first set of credits then another after all the credits.
Did I mention this film is a game-changer?
Highly recommended!!!

Anyone else a Foo Fighter fan? Following Shannon? Reading Hart’s series? Who else saw Captain America? (Am I right? You can’t really tell anyone the story?) And what do you remember about 1997…?