Rat Year

The Dark Corner Podcast celebrates Rat Year. Mainly, we talk about Chinese New Year. That is, January 25th, 2020 issues in the Year of the Metal Rat. As such, we cover the fable of the Chinese Zodiac. Also, we talk about the behavior and biology rats. However, we also have reviews, news, and a Dark Track of the episode.

Reviews

First, we finish The Mandalorian and compare their creed to what we know about Boba and Jango Fett. Also, we experience the massive crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths. We wonder at how these television shows for the CW manager to link to the cinematic universe and the DC streaming platform.

Also, we visit space with reviews of The Rise of Skywalker and The Expanse. We admire one for how it explores the prejudices humanity carries into new horizons. However, the other disappoints in just how safe it plays out its narrative, making no fresh or bold statements of worth.

Similarly, we enjoy V Wars for its politics as well. We love the latest season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. however, we are disappointed by Midge’s choices. Finally, The Witcher blows us away with its superior sword fighting scenes and complex, time-jumping narrative.

News

Brandi announces her new podcasting endeavor, Head Canon. Mainly, Brandi plans to record her stream of consciousness thoughts about pop culture. Honestly, she will most likely talk about Star Trek.

The Dark Track

Israel’s Lovegrenade performs Rats Nibble at the Moon from their self titled album. Fortunately, you can download Lovegrenade for free from their bandcamp page. Lovegrenade creates jangly, lo-fi garage rock reminiscent of the 1960s.

Year of the Rat

We tell the story of how the clever rat came to be the first of the twelve celestial animals. moreover, we explain how the rat came to be hated by cats. Primarily, we list traits associated with those born in a year of the rat. That is, we describe those born in 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020. Furthermore, we describe the traits of actual rats and compare the two.

Shoutouts

I shout out @Trekkygeek on twitter. Meanwhile, Brandi shouts out Liam and Nick, her co-hosts for The Edge. The Edge podcast discusses episodes of Star Trek: Discovery.

Westerns

Westerns feature as the topic of discussion in this episode of The Dark Corner podcast. Mainly, Dave speaks about westerns he has seen while ticking off common tropes. For example, he touches upon the lone gunslinger and his trusted steed. Furthermore, Dave shares a bit of news and offers a dark track of the episode.

News

First, Brandi goes to Nashville for a training excursion. As such, she enjoys a meal while listening to a live blues band. Also, she walks many steps. Additionally, a neighbor’s cat pastors Nobi kitty. Meanwhile, your hosts catch up on several TV shows and play a lot of Fallout 76.

The Dark Track

Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys perform Dead Cowboys from the Soft Time Traveler album. The band hails Boston and create a bluesy sort of steampunk.

Tropes in Westerns

Dave lists various westerns while ticking off common tropes of the genre. For instance, he talks about the lone cowboy. Mostly, this manifests as the wandering gunslinger such as the man with no name. However, there examples include the sole surviving soldier.

Meanwhile, the Native American holds position as another common trope. Dave addresses the struggles for representation of the various tribes. For instance, he illustrates how early depictions told a false narrative of the wild savage.

Additionally, a cowboy’s horse presents another trope. Typically, a cowboy’s horse arrives with but a single whistle. Meanwhile, the horse may offer the cowboy his only companionship in the untamed wilderness.

Clearly, revenge presents yet another trope. Often, retribution forms the cowboy’s mission statement. However, a gun for hire may seek revenge on another’s behalf.

Furthermore, a western may involve a beautiful woman with a tragic past. For instance, Westworld centers around such a character. Herein, Dave talks about the struggles of women in the Wild West and frequent pitfalls in the depictions of women.

Moreover, a story may center around the sheriff. Often, the sheriff represents law in a lawless land. However, in the case of Unforgiven, the sheriff fills the role of the villain.

Finally, shootouts present the action set piece in your standard western. Rarely does such a film not include a duel or full on gunfight. Therefore, Dave lists a few examples of each.

Just Another New Years Eve

The Dark Corner Podcast presents Just Another New Years Eve. That is, we introduce the first installment of D20 Punks. Finally, Dave’s idea of a new Dungeons & Dragons campaign reaches fruition. Herein, your typical fantasy archetypes adventure in a 1970s era New York City. That is, we record an actual play, tabletop role-playing game podcast episode.

Characters

Meet Bruiser, a half-orc fighter with a criminal background. Bruiser works as a low level gangster for the Kilgore family. Also, meet Valerie, a human barbarian and folk hero. Valerie survived the great wilderness outside the city. Finally, meet Scout, a wood elf ranger and bounty hunter. Together they team up on an urgent quest.

Setting

Our adventurers begin in Hell’s Kitchen. For instance, they visit a nightclub, a warehouse and a bodega. Additionally, they hold a meeting at CBGB in the East Village. Finally, our team goes to the Upper East Side to receive their payment.

Story

As New Years Eve approaches, a rare creature escapes captivity. Moreover, our adventurers must track down this pesky beast and return it alive. Meanwhile, they deal with the path of destruction. For instance, they save an old dwarf from certain disaster.

The Adventure Zone

Should this podcast appeal to you, you may be interested in The Adventure Zone. That is, three brothers play tabletop role-playing games with their dad. Also, you can read their early adventures in graphic novel form. Furthermore, The Adventure Zone offers some of the best collaborative storytelling you may ever hear.

The Dark Track

The Dollyrots perform a cover of The Pogue’s Fairytale of New York. This song appears on A Dollyrots Christmas Mini-Album. The Los Angeles based Dollyrots creates punchy pop punk music. Moreover, you can download this punk Christmas album for free on Bandbcamp.

The Holiday Calendar

The Holiday Calendar breaks a number of the tropes of your average Christmas movie. Therefore, The Dark Corner Podcast records a commentary. For instance, it offers a diverse cast. Also, music not in the public domain plays throughout. Additionally, no beloved landmark falls under threat of a big city investor. Moreover, The film suggests no dead parents or spouses. On top of that, not one cookie gets baked. However, they do come from Florida. First, though, Brandi reads a transcript of a bot forced to watch a number of similar Christmas films. However, The Holiday Calendar adheres to a few tropes. For instance, the calendar produces supposed Christmas magic. Moreover, our leading lady gets advice from a wise elder. Also, several instances of slapstick abound. Additionally, we see a Santa Clause, adorable children dance, and the romantic leads have a falling out.

Reaction

Primarily, Brandi enjoys The Holiday Calendar for its cast. Mostly, this has to do with Star Trek Discovery’s Ethan Peck. However, she points out several characters and scenes unnecessary to the story. For instance, she finds the comic relief, Fernando, to act as though in an entirely different movie. Also, she notices how the movie forces any conflict. Meanwhile, Dave sees no spark between the lead actors. Also, the sheer amount of Christmas spirit overwhelms him by about halfway through. For instance, he groans at the sight of a candy cane.

The Dark Track

We play out with a select song. That is, Sam Rosenthal performs The Sky and the Calendar from the album, Tanzmusik. Sam Rosenthal founded the band, Black Tape for a Blue Girl. Also, he owns the Projekt record label. Projekt signs dark cabaret, shoegaze and gothic bands. However, The Sky and the Calendar features the analogue keyboard sound of 1985. You can find Tanzmusik on Bandcamp.

Christmas Hallmarks

Christmas Hallmarks includes those tropes associated with made for TV Christmas movies. For instance, Christmas Hallmarks are tropes associated with the typical Hallmark movie. That is, The Dark Corner addresses those tropes. However, Brandi mentions movies that break those tropes. Furthermore, Brandi and Dave offer news and other reviews. Additionally, Dave presents the Dark Track. Also, we play a promo for a fellow podcast. Finally, we end with some shout outs.

News

Brandi and Dave exchange gifts. That is, Brandi gets Dave a Playstation 4. Furthermore, we discuss playing Fallout 76 together. Meanwhile, Brandi receives an Apple Watch. Also, she does what it tells her. That is, she gets up to move about.

Reviews

We review a number of films. For instance, we watch Frozen II. Speaking of sequels, we also see Jumanji: The Next Level. Furthermore, we see Knives Out. In television, we talk about The Mandalorian and the Crisis of Infinite Earths.

The Dark Track

Felice LaZae performs No Sleep On Christmas. Felice sings blues, rock and soul. Also, you may know her as the model on the cover of The Killers’ Sam’s Town album.

The Feminine Critique

Emily Intravia and Christine Makepeace cohost The Feminine Critique. Mostly, this podcast reviews two films from a feminist perspective. However, during the Holidays, Emily reviews made for TV Christmas movies. That is, she releases bonus episodes called Stocking Stuffers.

Christmas Hallmarks

In The Point, Brandi reviews a number of Hallmark Christmas movies. Together, she and Dave point out the common tropes. That is, they reference bland leading actors, workaholic women in need of a lesson, and the magic of Christmas. Also, we point out those films that break the tropes. For instance, we point out leading actors of color. Also, we celebrate when a child actor gives a good performance. Furthermore, we mention when a movie uses Christmas music that is not in the public domain.

Shout Outs

Finally, we give thanks to some friends. First, Dave shouts out Raytch Aytch on Twitter. Also, Brandi shouts out Bruce Gibson, her cohost on Live from the Edge, the live Star Trek: Discovery podcast on trek.fm.

Giving Thanks

The Dark Corner is giving thanks to the many artists that contributed music to the podcast. That is, DJ Evil Dave presents ten tracks from former Dark Track musicians. For instance, Dave pulls items from his library going back to the InsideOutcast days. Meanwhile, Dave mentions how he connected with the various artists. Furthermore, DJ Evil Dave lists the songs before and after the playlist.

News

We miss Thanksgiving due to inclement weather. However, Dave cooks similar meals for two. Furthermore, Dave shovels a ton of snow. Also, Dave responds unexpectedly to an ASMR commercial for Coke-a-Cola. Also, the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, D20 Punks, moves forward.

The Playlist

We begin with fellow podcasters. First, VK Lynne performs Mess Like You from Whiskey and Water. VK currently performs with The Spider Accomplice. Also, we present Margins by The Raudive from Ghost Box. Thee Raudive perform British post punk.

Additionally, we feature music discovered online. First, Jordan Reyne performs the Keening Song from The Ironman. Jordan Reyne performs dark, Celtic rock. Also, we present Still by All My Faith Lost…from the album, Decade. All My Faith Lost…performs gothic, ethereal music.

Furthermore, we present music promoted through The Department of Evil. First, You Shriek performs Daggers from Somewhere Between (Heaven & Sorrow) HD. You Shriek creates layered dark wave. Also, we offer All Right (CC Version) by Dragonfly Lingo. Dragonfly Lingo creates music concrete. Additionally, Ien Oblique remixes Reason to Live by Cellmod from Adevolve: Re-Evolved. Cellmod performs intelligent Dance Music.

Also, we present 12 Steps to Relapse by VtG from Dance Floor Game. VTG creates danceable electronic music. Finally, SinnerAngelo performs She Fell Apart (09 Rework) from The Original SiNNeR Angelo 2009 Demo. the Orinigal SiNNeR Angelo primarily performs as a house DJ. He has remixed songs for professional musicians.

Storytelling

Storytelling features as the topic for National Novel Writing Month. That is, the Dark Corner Podcast looks at different parts of storytelling. For example, we discuss character and plot as well as setting and theme. Also, we watch the first two episodes of The Mandalorian. Additionally, we admire the portrayal of the tarot in Titans.

News and Reviews

First, Dave laments buffering issues on Amazon Music. However, Brandi suggests a possible solution. Also, we subscribe to Disney+. Therefore, we watch the first two episodes of The Mandalorian. Meanwhile, Dave picks up on inspiration from Lone Wolf and Cub. Also, Brandi falls in love with baby Yoda.

Additionally, we admire the portrayal of the tarot in a recent episode of Titans. That is, we respect the accuracy in describing The Tower, The Moon and The Hanged Man. However, we still find fault in having only trump cards appear in a reading.

The Dark Track

Ending the Vicious Cycle performs 1000 Words from the EP, Ghosts. EVC is an old school goth band from Dallas, Texas. Meanwhile, they perform in Victorian dress. Also, 1000 words presents the writing process in the form of a song.

Storytelling

For NaNoWriMo, we talk about storytelling. That is, we address each aspect of storytelling as parts of a living organism. For instance, the characters present the heart of a story. Meanwhile, plot forms the bones upon which to build. Additionally, the setting provides the skin and the theme represents the brain. Furthermore, we address conflict, rising action, and resolution. Also, we explain the role of the antagonist. However, we look at diversity and style as well. Mainly, we apply a basic framework to telling a story. First, we introduce a weird thing. Second, we compel the character to deal with the weird thing. Third, we have the character either accept or overcome the weird thing.

Shout Outs

Finally, Dave shouts out David Haylett. Meanwhile, Brandi acknowledges Christopher D. Littlefield.

Bass Guitar Redux

In this episode of The Dark Corner Podcast, DJ Evil Dave foregoes news and reviews to redux the bass guitar episode. That is, he returns to playing the bass guitar. Unfortunately, Dave had not properly tuned his guitar the first time. Therefore, he presents the basics of bass playing in this updated version of the episode.

Bass Playing

First, Dave briefly covers the classification and history of the bass guitar. That is, her describes what distinguishes a bass from other guitars. Also, he recounts the invention of the bass guitar.

Furthermore, Dave lists reasons for his attraction to playing the bass. For instance, he likes the simplicity of the bass compared to other guitars. Additionally, he likes the sound and feel of the bass. Also, Dave lists the qualities of his bass amplifier and his Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV.

Mainly, Dave illustrates the basics of bass playing. For instance, he covers standard and custom tuning. Also, he shows the difference between open strings and fretted notes. Moreover, he gives examples of enhanced, muted, and ghost notes. On top of that, he demonstrates slides, hammer-ons and hammer-offs.

Additionally, Dave explains the importance of tempo and rhythm. He plays short, rapid notes for a sense of urgency. Also, he plays long, sustained notes that provide a sultry atmosphere. Moreover, he plays ascending and descending notes.

To illustrate other modes of playing bass, Dave plays around with distortion and with Drop D tuning. Furthermore, he gives examples of each technique by playing popular songs. for instance, he plays bass riffs by Led Zeppelin, Garbage and Cypress Hill.

The Dark Track

British post punk band, Siiiii, perform Over off their Ancient compilation album. Interestingly, this Sheffield band features the drummer of Pulp. However, as the band garnered interest in the press, they never made a record deal.

Brave and Dandi Do Halloween

The Dark Corner Podcast presents Brave and Dandi Do Halloween. That is, Brandi and Dave perform improv comedy. For instance, your hosts create long form scenes based on audience suggestions at The Ogden Comedy Loft. Also, Dave briefly describes the two other shows performed that night.

The Dark Track

Electro Fear performs Halloween. The track appears on the most recent compilation released by Side-line Magazine. That is, Side-line promotes and reviews electro-industrial music. Also, you can download Face the Beat: Session 5 on Bandcamp. Electro Fear combines dark electronic music with old school horror themes.

Brave and Dandi Do Halloween

For our first scene, two goths drink beer in a cemetery. Also, they discuss bitterness and self hatred. Additionally, they espouse the merits of fetish gear. That is, the appreciate a latex nurse outfit.

Secondly, a boring couple laments the fact that a slasher will not murder them. Meanwhile, they go down the rabbit hole of horror movies. For instance, they list what monsters would or would not kill them.

Thirdly, a paranormal expert appears on a talk show. However, the host proves less than accommodating. Meanwhile, a stagehand causes problems offstage.

Finally, a mad scientist and his assistant transition to homeopathy. However, their evil schemes leave much to be desired. For instance, what use is a village without any people living in it?

Housekeeping

Dave wraps up by announcing a brief hiatus in November. Also, he suggests releasing previous episodes. That is, he ventures uploading episodes in several ongoing series. For example, he may release episodes regarding the zodiac or the tarot.

House on Haunted Hill Commentary

The House on Haunted Hill Commentary stands as the Dark Corner Podcast‘s next Halloween episode. That is, we speak at length about this public domain film. For instance, we offer insight and trivia. However, we riff as well. Additionally, we present news and reviews. Also, Dj Evil Dave presents a dark track of the episode.

News and Reviews

First, we see Alien on the big screen. Specifically, we describe seeing it at the cinema for its 40th anniversary. For instance, we talk about the sound design and the atmosphere of this haunted house in space movie. Also, we speak on the merits of the cast and direction. Additionally, we watch All Elite Wrestling. Precisely, we talk about what sets it apart from other wrestling programs.

The Dark Track

DJ Evil Dave presents the Dark Track. That is, Miserylab performs Appeal to Fears. Miserylab features Porl King of Rosetta Stone. Primarily, Porl founded Miserylab so he could present more political music. As such, Appeal to Fears showcases political lyrics against traditionally dark wave music.

How Did This Get Made

Next, we promote a fellow podcast. That is, How Did This Get Made discusses bad movies, often in front of a live audience. Hosts, Paul, Jason and June provide their comedic talents to interrogating infamously bad films.

House on Haunted Hill Commentary

Finally, we talk over this classic William Castle film starring Vincent Price. For example, we indicate when the actors break the fourth wall. Also, we appreciate the performances and highlight when the script shines. However, we also point out its flaws. For instance, we point out implausible moments. Meanwhile, we poke holes in what is a pretty elaborate scheme. Mostly, we enjoy this campy murder plot that inspired the haunted house attractions we see today.