1986
Noah’s Barks pages covering things relating to the year 1986.
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Castle in the Sky
Though its two lead characters are the blankest of slates, ‘Castle in the Sky’ is a whimsical romp that inspired many classic JRPGs. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. (read more)
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Big Trouble in Little China
Anyone else sick of the nerd brigade wanting to believe a ridiculous action movie couldn’t be better crafted than any third-rate drama? Big Trouble in Little China is a riot; a stupid movie that’s brilliantly directed. Notice how the opening scene plays up American Kurt Russell as a hero while he’s shown to be more… (read more)
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Kraftwerk – “Electric Cafe” (1986)
1986. “Don’t You Want Me” came out in 1981, and it’s one of the greatest synth pop songs of all time. Certainly better than any of Kraftwerk’s. “I Ran (So Far Away)” was 1982. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” was 1983. You get the idea. The idea is I don’t like Kraftwerk. I don’t… (read more)
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Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
This oft-maligned sequel to ‘Zeta Gundam’ is known for its tonal whiplash complete with frequent slapstick comedy. Is ‘Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ’ better than people give it credit for? (Includes ‘Gundam Frag.’) (read more)
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Dancouga: Requiem for Victims
After a premature end to the TV series, Ashi Productions gives ‘Dancouga’ a more proper conclusion with ‘Requiem for Victims.’ (read more)
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Armored Trooper Votoms: The Big Battle
This one-off OVA was released two years after the TV series’ conclusion. Chronologically taking place before the series conclusion with no impact on its continuity, is it worth your time? (read more)
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Blue Velvet
Blue Velvet is the purest distillation of David Lynch‘s talent as a director/writer. Everything he’s made, while often great, has his ideas clash. In Blue Velvet his oddities perfectly complement each other: the uncanny valley’s wandering dream world mirroring the idyllic American town people want to believe in that doesn’t exist, and the dark reality… (read more)
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Madonna – “True Blue” (1986)
Madonna’s weakest ’80s synth pop album. Too heavy on slower, low-to-midtempo ballad material. Madonna’s greatest hooks were merciless and could make you shake effortlessly. However, some of these smoother keyboard melodies can get a bit atmospheric at times, such as in “Live to Tell,” which gives True Blue its own, unique identity. Along with this… (read more)
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Big Black – “Sound of Impact”
There’s actually two versions of the Sound of Impact live album. Though the second one—which is the album rereleased a year later—is barely documented anywhere, it seems. The rerelease is the same album except Steve Albini‘s banter is separated into their own tracks, making it 18 tracks instead of the original 15. Also, all the… (read more)
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Wipers – “Land of the Lost” (1986)
Despite its mild reception, Land of the Lost is a good album. It doesn’t have the cohesiveness or distinct identity that the previous three Wipers albums had, such as Is This Real?‘s punk-inspired new wave, Youth of America‘s perfect bridge of punk rock and post-punk, or even Over the Edge‘s raw energy and killer riffs,… (read more)