Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s Episode Summary: January 1991 Pop Culture: Hats, Mermaids & Johnsons

Release Date: January 28, 2025
Hosts: Tara Ariano, Pamela Ribon, and David T. Cole

1. Setting the Scene: January 1991

The episode kicks off with Pam setting the historical backdrop of January 1991, highlighting the dominant Gulf War coverage on television and the underwhelming reception of The Godfather Part III. The hosts reflect on the cultural landscape of the time, emphasizing the disconnect between major media events and personal experiences.

Pam:
"It is January 1991. Nothing is on TV but Gulf War coverage. The Godfather Part III is a cinematic offering. Everyone refuses."
(00:47)

2. Nostalgia for the Past: Plymouth Roop and City Life

The hosts delve into the peculiarities of Plymouth Roop, a fictional town reportedly settled by the Bayflower settlers after Plymouth Rock. They humorously discuss the town's unconventional spelling and its impact on the residents' daily lives.

Pam:
"This place is reportedly the second place the Bayflower dropped off settlers after Plymouth Rock. Which is weird because it is at least 200 miles inland."
(01:59)

3. Music Spotlight: R.E.M. and New Kids on the Block

David brings attention to R.E.M.'s concert documentary tour film, lamenting its scarcity and high cost. The conversation shifts to the enduring legacy of R.E.M., juxtaposed with the hosts' fascination with the song "You Are."

Dave:
"How REM just kind of peaced out and said, you know what? Well, that was that."
(03:08)

The discussion also touches on New Kids on the Block, particularly focusing on their manager, Biscuit, and his brief musical endeavors.

Pam:
"Apparently there's this guy named Biscuit who had his own mini musical career."
(21:39)

4. Pop Culture Practices: CD Recycling and Postcards

The hosts reminisce about the pre-digital era practices of recycling CD cardboard boxes into postcards, reflecting on the environmental consciousness and the charm of physical correspondence.

Pam:
"Chop up the cardboard boxes your CDs come in to make postcards."
(04:48)

They humorously debate the practicality and nostalgia associated with sending postcards, highlighting the sentimental value of such practices.

Christina:
"When you're dead or you're incapacitated and your family doesn't care about you anymore, they send all your stuff to the Goodwill, including your postcards."
(06:32)

5. Celebrity Focus: Keanu Reeves

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Keanu Reeves, examining his career trajectory post-Point Break and My Own Private Idaho. The hosts commend his versatility and ongoing projects, including his roles in John Wick and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Pam:
"Keanu still doesn't have time to call. He's still busy being awesome."
(09:13)

They also humorously speculate about a statue of Keanu in Winnipeg, blending admiration with light-hearted banter.

Pam:
"If not, there should be a statue of him in Winnipeg doing John Wick moves."
(10:33)

6. Retro Gadgets: Seiko Instruments' Karaoke Set

David introduces the Caratoon from Seiko Instruments, a retro karaoke machine with a tape player and microphone. The hosts discuss its unique design and the humorous challenges of using it compared to modern smartphone apps.

Dave:
"It's one of those machines with a tape player and a microphone. I'm gonna get this for Christmas next year."
(11:48)

They critique the device's aesthetics and functionality, blending nostalgia with tech satire.

Christina:
"It's extremely blowjobby. And also, like the woman illustration they have here, she looks like she's about to competitively drink a beer."
(13:38)

7. Movie Reviews: The Field, Mermaids & Meet the Applegates

The hosts provide reviews of several movies from the era, offering both critiques and humorous takes.

• The Field by Ann El:
  "A stirring drama set in the Irish countryside... but it played in Toronto for a really long time."
  (26:04 - 27:39)

• Mermaids reviewed by Karen:
  "A mother-daughter movie with Michael Schoffling as the love interest, making Winona Ryder's character reconsider her vows."
  (27:59 - 29:25)

• Meet the Applegates:
  "An eco-comedy about arthropods fighting human destruction, ending up with a negative review despite an intriguing premise."
  (29:25 - 31:09)

8. Fashion and Accessories: Hats and Supermodels

A lively discussion ensues about the quirky fashion of the time, particularly focusing on the unconventional hats worn by supermodels and musicians.

Pam:
"Weirder hats, like the crushed velvet berets, are a red flag."
(19:31)

The hosts humorously imagine scenarios where such hats would be impractical or outlandish, blending pop culture references with creative storytelling.

9. Media Critique: McLean’s College Guidebook

Pam shares a personal anecdote about the inaccuracies found in McLean’s college guidebook, critiquing the lack of fact-checking and the impact of misleading information on prospective students.

Pam:
"They sent me a copy of it, and there's all these facts just made up completely wholesale."
(16:30)

The conversation underscores the importance of reliable media and the frustrations of encountering fabricated content.

10. Music Reviews and Criticism

The hosts venture into music reviews, critiquing the style and substance of contemporary critiques.

Christina:
"Record reviews are so pretentious. I take her point."
(33:10 - 34:24)

They express frustration with vague and flowery language often used in music journalism, advocating for more substantial and honest assessments.

11. Spotlight on Christopher Cerrone

The episode highlights Christopher Cerrone, known for his role as young Henry Hill in Goodfellas. The hosts discuss his early potential, subsequent career choices, and the challenges he faced post-Goodfellas.

Christina:
"He acted in a few other things, but he decided that acting was not for him."
(35:00 - 37:44)

They reflect on the pressures of early fame and the personal struggles that can follow, offering empathy and support for Cerrone's journey.

12. Final Shoutouts and Support

In the concluding segment, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with mutual aid organizations and support various social causes. They also promote their own platforms, including Patreon and Discord, inviting the community to join and support their ongoing projects.

Christina:
"If you have money or time, if you're local that you can give them to help the work they're doing, please do."
(38:22)

Dave:
"Support the prisoners who are firefighters on the front line. It is a controversial take on our incarcerated firemen."
(39:17)

The episode wraps up with playful banter and reminders for listeners to stay connected and participate in the community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pam on January 1991:
  "Nothing is on TV but Gulf War coverage."
  (00:47)

• Dave on R.E.M.:
  "How REM just kind of peaced out and said, you know what? Well, that was that."
  (03:08)

• Christina on Postcards:
  "When you're dead or you're incapacitated and your family doesn't care about you anymore, they send all your stuff to the Goodwill, including your postcards."
  (06:32)

• Pam on Keanu Reeves:
  "Keanu still doesn't have time to call. He's still busy being awesome."
  (09:13)

• Christina on Music Reviews:
  "Record reviews are so pretentious. I take her point."
  (33:10)

• Dave on Mutual Aid:
  "Support the prisoners who are firefighters on the front line."
  (39:17)

Conclusion

This episode of Listen To Sassy: Life In The 90s offers a rich tapestry of early '90s pop culture, blending nostalgic reflections with sharp critiques and humorous insights. From the intricacies of city life in Plymouth Roop to the evolving careers of iconic celebrities like Keanu Reeves, the hosts provide a comprehensive exploration of the era. Their discussions on music, movies, fashion, and media practices not only evoke fond memories but also encourage listeners to engage thoughtfully with the past and its lasting impact on the present.

Whether you're a Gen-X teen reminiscing about the golden days of Sassy magazine or a new listener curious about life in the '90s, this episode delivers an engaging and informative experience, complete with memorable quotes and a lively conversational flow.