Strange Frequency Soul Man

[twistedspike]

OK PK asked me to start a thread on this because it seems not many of us have seen it.

I'll give you a little background on how I obtained this prize. I was searching the net one day looking for the dreaded Wrecked dailies because it seems I must have missed them the first time round. Anyway I came across a site that sells copies of rare film and shows and lo and behold VH1s Strange Frequency was one of them.
I e-mailed a lovely man named Josh and after sorting out the cost he sent me a copy. It's an NTSC copy I'm not sure if he does PAL but the quality is amazing well worth it. It took quite a while getting here but it seems it got waylaid by Customs and Excise.
Josh says they probably stopped to watch it LOL.
If anyone wants the addy of Josh' website and more information pm me ;D

So onto the program....... I would at first liken it to a musical Tales of the Unexpected. It's only half hour long so don't think it really gives James a chance to get into the swing of things.
Even though he was his usual gorgeous self I have seen him acting alot better.
He plays a really coy and shy guitar tech. When you first see him on the screen the camera scans up his body from waist height and it is really a swoon worthy moment ( for us anyway )
You've probably seen the screen caps but he's got his grown out blonde hair very unruly at the beginning but gets smoothed back into shape later.

Roger Daltrey is really good as the devil and the lead guitarist who Mitch ( James' part ) envies really does well to make you hate him from the beginning.
James plays the rock guitarist really well and when he does the guitar duel type thing he shows us his sexy side with some cute smiles and sexy smirks.
He is again loves bitch in this and fancies the other lead guitarists g/friend.

Well I don't wanna say too much and give the whole program away.
I'm not very good at this so I hope this is ok and hasn't bored you to tears.
If you wanna ask me questions please do because I could probably make more sense that way ;D

[PokerKitten]

I think people have to realise that if they venture into a thread about one of James' past roles they are going to be spoiled for storyline and some detail if they haven't already seen it themselves. So tell us as much as you like, Twistie.

I was quite surprised when you said the show was just a 30 minuter. Hadn't been expecting that.

Thought we needed an illustration, and as I was over at the main site updating, anyway...

[Pixie]

Oooo-kay. Might have to see that one, then... that's a NICE photo... mmm...

Not that I'm shallow and only watch programmes for James, you understand

[twistedspike]

Yeah I was surprised it was only 30 mins and most of that is bleedin' adverts LOL.
To give Josh his due though the tape he gave me has 3 or 4 other episodes on and they all seem quite good. The only downside was that Charisma Carpenters ep wasn't one of them I would have liked to see that one.

[glow=red,2,300]Spoilers[/glow]

Ok so you don't mind being spoiled........the show starts with a teaser of Jimi Hendrix playing this tune on his guitar, but as he does he's playing so hard his fingers are bleeding and the blood is falling onto the sheet music writing new notes in blood as he plays. He carries on playing until he drops down dead it then shows you the sheet music but at the top of it is now the title The Jimi Hendrix Blues.

The scene then shifts to the present day while the titles run and our boys name appears on the screen which always makes us give out a cheer ;D
The camera then pans up black jeans, belt, tucked in black t-shirt with some kind of logo on it. Silver necklaces one of which is a cross and then James' face with a look of awe in his eyes as the lead guitarist of some band is playing a great guitar rift. Btw just gotta say the guitar playing in this show is really good. I don't think it's actually played by the actors, to be honest I don't think James is that good.

Then the lead singers g/f comes out and speaks to Mitch ( James' character Mitch Brand ) and shows us that he has quite a soft spot for the girl. We're then shown what an asshole the lead guitarist is by him shouting at his sound guys and then telling his girl that he told her to wait in the dressing room.
Mitch' job is to look after all the guitars and the asshole player shoves his guitar at Mitch and tells him it has a crack in it. As Mitch trys to explain the guitar player says that he should take less time macking on his g/f and do his job properly.

Is this too much info PK shall I carry on and tell the story.

[PokerKitten]

Personally, I say carry on, and just put a Spoilers warning like I did to your last post. I don't hold out much hope of seeing this unless a PAL version becomes available so I wanna know everything!

[Cyrus]

I think I've seen a small vid clip of a bit of the beginning... I always thought it was a 2hr movie for some reason... Don't know why I thought that...

[PokerKitten]

I think James' episode was actually the first episode of a short series.

But there was a sort of movie version where episode sized segments were put together. I suppose like The Twilight Zone movies, and such like. But no James in that

[SpikesToy]

I'd love to see this but again, the chances are slim unless like PK says, a PAL version comes out.

[twistedspike]

Sorry for keeping you waiting I was really gonna post this yesterday but it took me so friggin’ long to type it I was up till 2am LOL. I really can’t do short and this seems to have turned into a monster of gargantuan proportions.
PK if there is too much TMI or it is just too long and boring please feel free to delete, shorten whatever. ;D

So to continue the story [glow=red,2,300]SPOILERS[/glow]


Mitch takes the damaged guitar to a small music shop to see if it can be repaired. This is where Roger Daltrey comes into it. He plays the shop owner dressed as an aging hippy with long hair and bad teeth. He takes a look at the damaged guitar and says that it isn’t serious only a hairline crack purely cosmetic, like a battle scar. As Mitch puts the guitar away he spots a piece of sheet music on display in the glass counter and asks the owner what it is. The shop keeper tells Mitch that it’s a rare piece and begins the tale about the music being the last thing Jimi Hendrix wrote on the night he died and the police found it in his London flat lying by his cold body. He continues the story saying that he’s been told that if anyone should play the Hendrix blues it would conjure up the Devil himself Mitch says with a scoff “Give me a break” not believing a word of it.
The owner then changes his mind and tells Mitch that it’s only a fake really and goes on to explain why JH would never have written this piece. He shows Mitch a note at the end of the piece called a Coda meaning go back to the beginning and then shows him one at the beginning which means the song is an endless loop (I tell you this because it is significant at the end). But Mitch is enamoured with it and offers him $50 for it. The store owner accepts on a promise that when Mitch masters playing the Hendrix blues he comes back and plays it for him sometime. Mitch agrees.

Next time we see Mitch he is back on stage in the venue where we started. He plugs in the guitar and puts the sheet music down on the floor at the front of the stage. He stands above it and begins to play while reading the notes.

When he’s finished he puts his hand in the air in true Rock Star fashion shouting “Goodnight San Francisco”. Jason the bands lead guitarist then appears with his g/f and says “Funky tune”. Mitch turns quickly apologising saying he was only trying out the damaged guitar to see if the sound was ok. He tells him what the shop owner said about the battle scar and Jason snaps back at him saying “I’ll be the judge of that, now pack up these guitars before you break something else” They then leave the stage leaving Mitch alone once again to clear up.

Mitch suddenly jumps with a start as a man appears behind him asking for Jason. Mitch turns around saying that he’d just missed him. The man who is well dressed with short dark curly hair and glasses (this part also played by Roger Daltrey) apologises for startling him but said that he’d heard the guitar and thought it was Jason. Then realising it was Mitch playing, goes on to say how great he is and that the song was fantastic and when are they going to add it to the set list. Mitch replies humbly telling him he’s not part of the band and only a guitar tech. The man says “You’re kidding me” and goes on to say Mitch obviously doesn’t have the right management working for him. Mitch laughs and goes on to explain he doesn’t have ANY management at all working for him. “Seems our meeting is gratuitous” the man says and pulls a business card out of his pocket with a picture of the Coda note in red on it. “Simon Rathmore, Iscariot Talent”.

[twistedspike]

And more......[glow=red,2,300]SPOILERS[/glow]


The next scene is in a bar Mitch is sitting at a table with his arms crossed across his chest he’s now wearing a light blue bomber style jacket over his black tee. He wants to know what Simon wants from him he’s just a lowly guitar tech Simon goes on to mention artists he’s found before away from the beaten track like Kurt Cobain and Stevie Rayborn sp? Mitch tells him its Jason he wants and speaks animatedly about how good he is and how the crowd is spellbound when he strangles out a chord. Simon wants to know why Mitch licks Jason’s boots when he shouldn’t be fearing his dreams and desires. He then mentions Jason’s g/f saying that Mitch likes her and if he wanted she could be his. This makes Mitch more interested and Simon pulls out a folder telling Mitch that he is in a position to help him realise his potential and if he signs with Iscariot he will do anything in his power to make things happen for him. Mitch glances briefly at the contract and Simon says “I have faith in you Mitch; I just want you to have faith in me”. With that he passes Mitch a pen and he signs on the dotted line. “Guess we have a deal then” Mitch says “Indeed we do” Simon replies with a snicker. ( Will says I’ve gotta mention here that Mitch signs his name in exactly the same way James signs Marsters on his autographs again something only dedicated fans like us would notice LOL)

The next scene (which is our favourite) shows Mitch sitting on stage warming up a guitar ready for the evening’s performance he plays a cool guitar riff as the band members, Jason and his g/f walk out onto the stage. Mitch gets a round of applause as he takes the guitar off again apologising to Jason. Jason tells him to relax and challenges him to a play off, asking Mitch to show him what he’s got.

This is really cool as they play off of each other, and James shows us his rock god persona as he smirks giggles and flirts his way through the scene as only he knows how.

Jason doesn’t like how well Mitch is playing and flirting with his g/f, so when they finish he tells Mitch to re-string the guitars, and then get out because he’s fired. The band members and g/f all complain and say they’ll talk to him as he storms off the stage. As Mitch is re-stringing the guitars he complains to Simon that he needs this job. “ This small time thinking has to stop” says Simon “You have to believe in your talent” “What good is talent when nobody knows who you are” replies Mitch. “Rome wasn’t burned in a day, we just have to get you in front of an audience, showcase your talent”. “You’ll set the house ablaze”.

It then shows you the stage, crowd roaring, screaming, booing, throwing bottles at the stage. It pans backstage and the band is waiting for Jason he’s making them all wait. His g/f appears and apologises to Mitch for him getting the sack. He says he probably deserved it and says sorry if he embarrassed the girl. She says he didn’t and that she likes to hear him play. Jason then comes out and 3 drinks are brought for the band before they go on. They make a short toast, down the drink in one and as Jason returns his glass to the tray it smashes cutting into his palm. As everyone rushes to help him, the camera pans around and stops on Simon in the background grinning wickedly.

[PokerKitten]

Ooooh er, I smell trouble! I am enjoying this

[twistedspike]

And more......[glow=red,2,300]SPOILERS[/glow]

The manager of the club then appears wanting to know why the band hasn’t gone on yet. “Somebody better be on that stage in 1 min playing some very entertaining rock and roll for the kiddies, or else I’m gonna sue you all for breach” he snaps.
Jason is unable to play so his g/f says quickly “What about Mitch” the manager isn’t convinced he can do it saying he’s only a roadie. The g/f corrects him saying he’s a guitar tech and the band members all agree saying “The dude can rock and he knows all the songs”.

The manager then asks Mitch if he’ll do it and the g/f looks at him and says “Come on Mitch, You’ll set the house ablaze” repeating what Simon told Mitch earlier.
Mitch turns his head slowly with a look of horror on his face as he says to the g/f “What did you say?” “Do it for me” she says as she kisses him on the cheek.

He picks up the guitar and walks on the stage fulfilling his dreams and playing in front of a live audience. He continues to play as the other band members join him and they proceed to rock the house. At the end of the set Mitch jumps into the air striking a last chord.. He then puts up both arms as he soaks up the applause.
As he leaves the stage everyone is congratulating him on his performance the g/f gives him a big hug but he is pulled away by some awaiting bodyguards. As they lead him down some steps he turns back shouting out to the girl but other security guards are stopping anyone from following. He’s taken to a waiting limo which he is pushed into closely followed by Simon. He offers Mitch a glass of champagne and says “A toast to realising your potential”.

The screaming fans are now shouting and banging on the windows of the car. Mitch is excited saying “This is amazing, Simon this is amazing” as he looks around at the crowd smiling. “Attention of the masses is a very powerful thing” replies Simon as he sips his champagne. Just then the g/f appears in the crowd shouting Mitch and trying to get nearer the car. Mitch winds the window down to try and talk to her but gets mobbed by people scrabbling to get near him. “Holy Cow” Mitch says as he closes the window and Simon is telling him they love him and he should feel the power
“Simon I want her here” Mitch says as the g/f slips away into the crowd. “If you say so” and with this the girl is thrown forcefully against the window and she is clutching and struggling as she calls Mitch’ name. The girl cries for help as she is being squashed by the crowd. Mitch tries frantically to help her but can’t get the door open “Oh my God” he cries as the girl sinks lower and lower. “Lets not bring him into this” Simon quips. “Do something” Mitch says angrily as he turns toward Simon. “Stardom is hard on relationships Mitch, everyone knows that”.
Mitch looks at him in disgust “Who are you?” Simon turns and smiles and the penny seems to drop. With a shocked look on his face Mitch says “The Hendrix Blues, You’re really him” as he backs away into the seat. “Why is everyone always surprised it’s me, do you really think that you were doing all of this?”
Mitch scans the crowd then turns back angrily “This is over, I want out” Simon shakes his head “Ohhhhhh it doesn’t really work like that, I’ve fulfilled my side of the contract. I’ve given you talent, I’ve given you stardom and for a moment love, Now you can have all these things for the rest of your natural life or would you prefer if we settled your account now” Mitch’ eyes wide and breathing heavily replies “My soul” he then turns towards the door trying to get out the car. As he leaves he says “You won’t get my soul”. The scene closes with Simon sitting laughing in the car and the fans screaming after Mitch

[twistedspike]

And more.......[glow=red,2,300]SPOILERS[/glow]


We then see Mitch running up an alley and banging on the music shop door where he brought the sheet music “Open up” he shouts The door swings open to reveal the store owner. Mitch looks behind him as though he’s being followed and he steps into the shop. “What the hell do you want?” the shop owner asks him as Mitch starts pacing the shop. “It’s true the music is cursed, I played the song and HE came, he passes himself off as an A&R guy. I signed a contract” The man looks at Mitch puzzled “So what do you want from me?” “You sold me the cursed music” Mitch said as though it was the most obvious thing. “Sorry” the man said as he pointed to a sign that read ALL SALES ARE FINAL. “I don’t need a refund” Mitch snapped back in exasperation “I need help, he…he wants my soul”
“Oooooh now that’s heavy” the man replies “Here’s something I picked up, a Spiritual. I’m told it was written by Mother Theresa for the Pope”
“Will playing something holy reverse this” Mitch asked expectantly clutching at anything that might get him out of this.
“Well it’s worth a try, I’ve got it out back I’ll go and get it”. Mitch looks around the shop as the man wanders off into the back. He found a guitar he could use so he stripped of his jacket threw it onto the floor and proceeded to hook the guitar up to the amp ready for when the man came back. As he switched the guitar on he looked up in shock as Simon stood there in front of him wearing the same hippy clothes of the shop owner. “Just who do you think you’re dancing with” Simon asked with venom in his voice. “Some genie you can put back in the bottle” Mitch looked around confused at where the shop owner had gone not seeming to realise at first that they were one and the same person. “Oh you are a fun one” he said sarcastically “I’m told it was written by Mother Theresa for the Pope” he continues in the shop keeper’s voice. He started to laugh “You should have seen your face Mitch it was priceless” Mitch suddenly cottoned on to what was happening “You!! Set me up from the beginning, you suckered me into buying that music and signing that contract” Simon laughing more now said “I’m tearing up over here Mitch I’m having a great time and I like you. Lets go double or nothing” “What d’you mean?” Mitch asks unsure.
Simon sets a piece of sheet music down on the counter “You play this piece of music flawlessly to the last note and I’ll destroy our contract”
Mitch eyed the sheet suspiciously “You fail and I’ll take your soul tonight”.
Mitch knowing he hadn’t much choice said “Ok” and leaned over to turn on the amp.
“Flawlessly Now” Simon said with one last smirk.

Mitch sniffs loudly sucks in his cheeks and prepares to play, there wasn’t many notes on the sheet, only about a third of the page
The tune he played I can only describe as some kind of death march so if you can imagine that played on an electric guitar you’ll have some idea.
He starts to play but as he goes along, the strings on his guitar start breaking and they are cutting into his fingers.
As the blood flows from his hands it falls onto the paper and new notes are written in blood so he has to keep on playing. “Son of a bitch” Mitch curses as he realises what’s happening.
“Oh Mitch I do like you, you are so much fun. You are so easy, did you just fall of a truck” Simon gloats.
“I’ll just keep playing” was Mitch’ reply as the music got faster and faster
“That’s what Hendrix said” Simon threatened as a look of dread crept over Mitch’ face

[twistedspike]

Ok nearly there .......[glow=red,2,300]SPOILERS[/glow]

Mitch continues to play as Simon stands there laughing at him “Hey Mitch! You wanna play with the big boys you’ve gotta learn to pay”.
As Mitch comes to the last notes his blood stops dripping and he comes to the end of the tune. He turns to Simon a look of relief on his face and says “I did it, I beat you”.
As he says this though the camera pans down to his bloody hands and we watch as a drop of blood rolls down his fingers and drips onto the page making the Coda sign. Simon turns to Mitch and says “Do you recognise that Mitch, Return to Coda go back and start again”

Mitch shakily again sucks in his cheeks takes a deep breath and again starts to play.
Simon starts laughing manically now as a scream is heard and the sound of a body hitting the floor. It shows you the sheet music once again but this time the title of it is The Mitch Brand Blues.

The last shot is of Simon looking out of the shop window his voice saying “Wanna buy some sheet music cheap, I know a guy who’ll cut you a sweet deal” and then he turns on the open light outside the shop.

Roll end credits!!

Phew!! Twistie creeps away sheepishly Well I did warn you ;D

[PokerKitten]

“Here’s something I picked up, a Spiritual. I’m told it was written by Mother Theresa for the Pope”

ROTFLMFAO! Mitch is a bit dumb, really ;D It sounds like fun, if slightly hokey. Half an hour of hokey is okay though. And James got to meet RD and get a guitar out of it ;D

When I asked for the storyline I didn't expect all this, rofl!

[twistedspike]

Sorry I get carried away LMAO.

P said if I rewinded that tape one more time he was gonna throw it out the fuckin' window ;D

Wil was laughing at me said it took me 45 mins to type up 5 mins of screen time.

[Ditto]

Josh says they probably stopped to watch it LOL.

It's the outfit from this in that pic of James I fell head over heels in love with. Well, that pic was the clincher after I'd seen him with his head on fire in Gem of Amara lol.

Never looked back ::needs therapy::

I'd like a copy of this, haven't seen it. Could you give me the web site url please Twisty, so I can order a copy. ::Glares at customs, you've already seen it!::

[PokerKitten]

Squeeee! I have Twisted lurve! Or, love for Twistie, lol! Thank you, thank you thank you! Received this today and indeed playable ;D

James is so watchable, no matter how slight the material! Mitch let him show vulnerability, a bit of shyness, naivety, determination, the rock god... gah!

[azazel]

Would this be the video Strange frequency it is from a US site though.

Oh second one down btw

[PokerKitten]

NO! Stop!

Lol, actually his ep - which was the first of the series - is on the second DVD.