In the last year I discovered The Avett Brothers and consider them one of the best bands I have heard in quite sometime. Tuning into the Grammy Awards a few weeks ago we were looking forward to the set with Bob Dylan and The Avetts and were just as interested in our first exposure to Mumford and Sons.
When Amazon cooperated and had this album as a feature bargain album this past weekend and have listened to it several times.
It is wonderful. A sure similarity to The Avett Brothers in style is apparent but the voice of the lead singer actually reminds me on some notes of the lead singer of Blue October. It is clearly very interesting.
Songs such as Little Lion Man, The Cave, and Awake my Soul are clear and accessible. Most of the songs on the album use melodies and lyrics that are strong to make the point.
It is hard to describe. If you are looking for Top 40 music, rap music, or something to dance to you are in the wrong place.
If you want something special and that will never become stale this is it.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Jessica Lea Mayfield, Blue Skies Again
This single was free on Itunes this past week. I will be the first admit that I do not know if this is a relatively new singer of just one I have not been familiar with. I can say this.
This is a very nice single. I watched her on David Letterman last week and now in listening to this song a few times it is clear that she can sing.
Her voice is delicate and can sound fragile but at times belts. Off the top of my head I would think of a cross between Maria McKee, Lucinda Williams and Joni Mitchell. I am sure that being considered in that group would make Jessica Mayfield very happy.
Check her out.
This is a very nice single. I watched her on David Letterman last week and now in listening to this song a few times it is clear that she can sing.
Her voice is delicate and can sound fragile but at times belts. Off the top of my head I would think of a cross between Maria McKee, Lucinda Williams and Joni Mitchell. I am sure that being considered in that group would make Jessica Mayfield very happy.
Check her out.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Florence and The Machine, Lungs
Driving back home on the highway last night my wife and I were listening to one of my favorite playlists and having listened to Bruce, Skynyrd, The Stones, and such I realized my heart is in the seventies. That is true and remains so - no apologies will be forthcoming.
I do appreciate new music however. On Pandora the other day Slaid Cleaves came up on my playlist and I was very happy as I do enjoy his music, I hope to see both James McMurtry and Ray Lamontagne as they both come to Maine in the coming months.
After having listened to Bruno Mars recently today I listened to the new Florence and the Machine. My son had been listening to and singing Dog Days Are Over around the house so this is one of the first bands that my son has exposed me to.
When first listening this girl Florence's voice is immediately attention getting. Simply put she can belt it out.
Dog Days Are Over, Cosmic Love, My Boy Builds Coffins, and You've Got the Love are standouts. Of a different nature but standing out in a different way is Kiss With A Fist, a song whose title tells what the question might be.
Her music is hard to describe. It is not hit music but it had gained an audience. It is hard to know where she will end up as an artist, niche seems more likely, it is hard to picture her becoming a pop star. Stranger things have happened however.
Wherever Florence ends up however you would be wise to look for her and listen. This girl can wail.
I do appreciate new music however. On Pandora the other day Slaid Cleaves came up on my playlist and I was very happy as I do enjoy his music, I hope to see both James McMurtry and Ray Lamontagne as they both come to Maine in the coming months.
After having listened to Bruno Mars recently today I listened to the new Florence and the Machine. My son had been listening to and singing Dog Days Are Over around the house so this is one of the first bands that my son has exposed me to.
When first listening this girl Florence's voice is immediately attention getting. Simply put she can belt it out.
Dog Days Are Over, Cosmic Love, My Boy Builds Coffins, and You've Got the Love are standouts. Of a different nature but standing out in a different way is Kiss With A Fist, a song whose title tells what the question might be.
Her music is hard to describe. It is not hit music but it had gained an audience. It is hard to know where she will end up as an artist, niche seems more likely, it is hard to picture her becoming a pop star. Stranger things have happened however.
Wherever Florence ends up however you would be wise to look for her and listen. This girl can wail.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans
I have little exposure these days to top 40 music. My middle son is big into the rap music that permeates everywhere these days and my daughter has already gone through her Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus stage and now considers Taylor Swift as good as it gets.
I, as we listen to the 20 songs the hit radio station they listen to in the car, have heard some of the Bruno Mars songs. He seemed to me to be able to carry a tune. I saw him on Saturday Night Live this past fall and while not paying much attention he seemed like he could have some talent. Recently I read an article in Rolling Stone about him and it tells that he has been involved in show business for his whole life, even being a childhood Elvis impersonator.
So a friend of mine let me borrow this album and having listened to it today a couple times through I have to say that Bruno makes me feel like there may be hope for current music. This kid can really sing.
The single " Grenade " is so catchy that I have been annoying the kids singing the chorus all day. " Just the Way You Are" is nearly as infectious. Marry You and Talking to the Moon could soon be finding their way to a radio near you as well. Interestingly and of note to me are a couple of tracks, Runaway Baby and The Lazy Song which in addition to be as catchy are backed with a reggae beat. In most of the songs, certainly on Talking to the Moon one can hear a similarity to Micheal Jackson. His voice is strong and sweet. I do not know if he writes his own music, I do not know if he will progress or fade away but for right now Bruno Mars is at the top of his game.
I, as we listen to the 20 songs the hit radio station they listen to in the car, have heard some of the Bruno Mars songs. He seemed to me to be able to carry a tune. I saw him on Saturday Night Live this past fall and while not paying much attention he seemed like he could have some talent. Recently I read an article in Rolling Stone about him and it tells that he has been involved in show business for his whole life, even being a childhood Elvis impersonator.
So a friend of mine let me borrow this album and having listened to it today a couple times through I have to say that Bruno makes me feel like there may be hope for current music. This kid can really sing.
The single " Grenade " is so catchy that I have been annoying the kids singing the chorus all day. " Just the Way You Are" is nearly as infectious. Marry You and Talking to the Moon could soon be finding their way to a radio near you as well. Interestingly and of note to me are a couple of tracks, Runaway Baby and The Lazy Song which in addition to be as catchy are backed with a reggae beat. In most of the songs, certainly on Talking to the Moon one can hear a similarity to Micheal Jackson. His voice is strong and sweet. I do not know if he writes his own music, I do not know if he will progress or fade away but for right now Bruno Mars is at the top of his game.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Kings Speech
So one of our rare visits to the movies tonight my wife and I, childless except for our oldest, went to the movies to see The Kings Speech. The reviews have certainly been good and I have wanted to see the movie since it's release.
The movie tells us the story of Prince Albert who became King George VI after his brother abdicated. The story of that abdication could certainly be a movie of it's own. Prince Albert, The Duke of York, has a stammer. He has had it for his whole life that he can remember and had impeded him that length of time as well.
As his father, George the V, passes and his brother is forced to give up the throne he is forced into a role he did not desire or expect. Earlier having gone through countless methodologies to try to improve his speech his wife consults Lionel Logue, played by Geoffrey Rush, a very unconventional therapist who began to make progress with him. As the impending crisis with his brother King Edward worsens Logue pushing him offends his sense of dignity and the lessons end.
In the end when he becomes the King the lessons return, the relationship solidifies and " Bertie" becomes a strong King in a challenging time.
This is an excellent movie and should win the Oscar. I loved True Grit, perhaps even more than this and comparing them is not comparing apples and apples. However I think The Kings Speech will win.
The movie tells us the story of Prince Albert who became King George VI after his brother abdicated. The story of that abdication could certainly be a movie of it's own. Prince Albert, The Duke of York, has a stammer. He has had it for his whole life that he can remember and had impeded him that length of time as well.
As his father, George the V, passes and his brother is forced to give up the throne he is forced into a role he did not desire or expect. Earlier having gone through countless methodologies to try to improve his speech his wife consults Lionel Logue, played by Geoffrey Rush, a very unconventional therapist who began to make progress with him. As the impending crisis with his brother King Edward worsens Logue pushing him offends his sense of dignity and the lessons end.
In the end when he becomes the King the lessons return, the relationship solidifies and " Bertie" becomes a strong King in a challenging time.
This is an excellent movie and should win the Oscar. I loved True Grit, perhaps even more than this and comparing them is not comparing apples and apples. However I think The Kings Speech will win.
RED
A friend of my wife that this was a " great " movie so she got it from Netflix and we watched it last night. The movie was not a keeper. It was very close to being a movie that I stopped about 20 minutes in. As we had my wife's sister here and she and her son were watching the movie as well we did not.
The premise is that Bruce Willis a retired CIA agent who has been labeled RED or Retired, Extremely Dangerous. Assassins in great number come after Willis who of course escapes. Earlier in the movie we see that Willis has gained an attraction to a Customer Service Rep at his pension office, we see him ripping the checks up as he states his has not arrived.
Eventually his CSR friend, played by Mary Louise Parker becomes his unwilling accomplice, and later love interest. Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich play parts in Willis'a adventure. Freeman played his universal character these days it seems, patriarchal, aging, dying friend to all.
Malkovich however is in his element here. Playing a crazy conspiracy theorist he explodes in his role and if there were an award for over the top but right on performances in bad movies he would win.
He alone is worth sitting through much of the silliness of this movie.
The premise is that Bruce Willis a retired CIA agent who has been labeled RED or Retired, Extremely Dangerous. Assassins in great number come after Willis who of course escapes. Earlier in the movie we see that Willis has gained an attraction to a Customer Service Rep at his pension office, we see him ripping the checks up as he states his has not arrived.
Eventually his CSR friend, played by Mary Louise Parker becomes his unwilling accomplice, and later love interest. Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich play parts in Willis'a adventure. Freeman played his universal character these days it seems, patriarchal, aging, dying friend to all.
Malkovich however is in his element here. Playing a crazy conspiracy theorist he explodes in his role and if there were an award for over the top but right on performances in bad movies he would win.
He alone is worth sitting through much of the silliness of this movie.
The Collected Stories of William Faulkner
William Faulkner is not one of our easiest writers to appreciate. I was given a Faulkner book, Light in August I believe it was, to read in college as an assignment. I am sure I did not read it. I think Cliff helped me on that one. I think today kids use some free resource called perhaps " Sparknotes" to help them in similar situations.
However, my reading list shows I am going back and reading them all. I hope that Ms. Bruer appreciates it.
Faulkner is dense. Whereas Hemingway declares and makes clear Faulkner is shady and ambiguous. Many times in these collections of stories of Faulkner's you will read well into a story assuming an assumed fact from the narrator and then find your assumption was wrong and you will have to reinterpret the whole story based off this new information.
I will confess that some of these stories found me going back and rereading after this new information came to light. Faulkner is not easy.
Faulkner is however worthwhile. Some of the stories are so dense in dialect and fuzziness and first person versus second and third that they do not stand out for me. Perhaps the fact that much of my reading is done last at night is not the best time for them. Some of the stories however are to be treasured.
For me the stories The Tall Men, Two Soldiers and it's conclusion Shall Not Perish are three standouts which measure against anything I have read. Hair, Uncle Willy, The Brooch, Beyond, and There Was a Queen stand out.
I must confess the section of the stories called The Wilderness was told in such a dialect and improbable way that I still struggle to gain any pleasure from it.
Faulkner was not easy. He was however masterful in what he did. His work I assume because of it's depiction of the South in the times he wrote is not in anyway shape or from politically correct today. It does not have merit because of some of the implied racism of the speech and culture presented but it also does not not have merit because of these issues either. If that makes sense.
The recent censoring of Twain made sense in that some said that without he would not be taught at all. If that is the case so be it. Are we really so sensitive however that we cannot read history and fiction from a historical time period and appreciate it's merits without endorsing all of its views.
It is a subject that rankles. If you find Faulkner dense, written in a way you do not like and do not wish to wade in that is a legitimate thought and decision. Some of the easy criticism that is lodged his way due to how and what he wrote would make almost any authentic writing of a time period unable to be appreciated a century later were it to be the rule.
These stories are classics.
However, my reading list shows I am going back and reading them all. I hope that Ms. Bruer appreciates it.
Faulkner is dense. Whereas Hemingway declares and makes clear Faulkner is shady and ambiguous. Many times in these collections of stories of Faulkner's you will read well into a story assuming an assumed fact from the narrator and then find your assumption was wrong and you will have to reinterpret the whole story based off this new information.
I will confess that some of these stories found me going back and rereading after this new information came to light. Faulkner is not easy.
Faulkner is however worthwhile. Some of the stories are so dense in dialect and fuzziness and first person versus second and third that they do not stand out for me. Perhaps the fact that much of my reading is done last at night is not the best time for them. Some of the stories however are to be treasured.
For me the stories The Tall Men, Two Soldiers and it's conclusion Shall Not Perish are three standouts which measure against anything I have read. Hair, Uncle Willy, The Brooch, Beyond, and There Was a Queen stand out.
I must confess the section of the stories called The Wilderness was told in such a dialect and improbable way that I still struggle to gain any pleasure from it.
Faulkner was not easy. He was however masterful in what he did. His work I assume because of it's depiction of the South in the times he wrote is not in anyway shape or from politically correct today. It does not have merit because of some of the implied racism of the speech and culture presented but it also does not not have merit because of these issues either. If that makes sense.
The recent censoring of Twain made sense in that some said that without he would not be taught at all. If that is the case so be it. Are we really so sensitive however that we cannot read history and fiction from a historical time period and appreciate it's merits without endorsing all of its views.
It is a subject that rankles. If you find Faulkner dense, written in a way you do not like and do not wish to wade in that is a legitimate thought and decision. Some of the easy criticism that is lodged his way due to how and what he wrote would make almost any authentic writing of a time period unable to be appreciated a century later were it to be the rule.
These stories are classics.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris
Having finished this book last night at 2:30 in the morning after a bout of insomnia I can attest that the Edmund Morris three volume set on the life of Theodore Roosevelt might be the best I have read. Of course Dumas Malone's Jefferson set is not one I have tackled yet and Robert Car's LBJ set has not been finished. That set, too, is a wonder.
Truman and TR have long been my two favorite Presidents and this book did nothing to change that. Morris certainly took his time between volumes.
Teddy Roosevelt had a life of adventure long before he became President yet he was very young when thrust into the Presidency upon the death of McKinley by an assassin's bullet. In 1908 Roosevelt chose not to run for another term as President considering the 7 years he had served by the end of his elected term to be close enough to the two term limit that President's had traditionally self imposed on them.
Things changed when Roosevelt's handpicked successor William Howard Taft did not follow the course that T R thought he had defined.
This, the third book in the series tells the story of Roosevelt's life after the Presidency. His trip to Africa, his tour of Europe as the Leader of the World even after he had relinquished his Presidency. The election of 1912 brought the split and the formation of the progressive Bull Moose party. If Republicans had picked the right horse we would not have Woodrow Wilson as President and certainly would have been more prepared for World War I and perhaps involved earlier. The what if's of what this might have meant to History are intriguing. Perhaps the Bolshevik's would not have succeeded in Russia if the war had not become so desperate for them with America's earlier entry. We will never know.
The story of his trip to South America has been well documented in other books and was a story that could and has easily merited full volumes. Roosevelt was a factor in the election of 1916.
Much of the later book tells of his development of his children, their development, and eventual part in World War I.
Roosevelt disagreed with Wilson's approach to World War I both before and after the United States entering. It was an assumed fact that Roosevelt would be the Republican nomination for the Presidency in 1920. It did not happen as Roosevelt's health deteriorated quickly. It was, again, a great loss to the world.
I cannot be impartial. When reading biographies of people in history we know how they end. They die. The world moves on. Reading this book I did feel a sadness when he died, the same thing happened to me at the end of the Truman bio. No matter how great the LBJ biography series by Robert Caro is, and it is wonderful, I do not see myself having the same feeling when the fourth book is published and we come to the end of LBJ.
T R was a force of life. He was not perfect. He was a man. He was a leader of great ability. Most people and even most Presidents have nothing like the influence he had on this country. When Obama was elected the pundits spoke of perhaps a new FDR, with big business, The Supreme Court, and the Republicans all in the boat together perhaps what we really need is another T R.
Truman and TR have long been my two favorite Presidents and this book did nothing to change that. Morris certainly took his time between volumes.
Teddy Roosevelt had a life of adventure long before he became President yet he was very young when thrust into the Presidency upon the death of McKinley by an assassin's bullet. In 1908 Roosevelt chose not to run for another term as President considering the 7 years he had served by the end of his elected term to be close enough to the two term limit that President's had traditionally self imposed on them.
Things changed when Roosevelt's handpicked successor William Howard Taft did not follow the course that T R thought he had defined.
This, the third book in the series tells the story of Roosevelt's life after the Presidency. His trip to Africa, his tour of Europe as the Leader of the World even after he had relinquished his Presidency. The election of 1912 brought the split and the formation of the progressive Bull Moose party. If Republicans had picked the right horse we would not have Woodrow Wilson as President and certainly would have been more prepared for World War I and perhaps involved earlier. The what if's of what this might have meant to History are intriguing. Perhaps the Bolshevik's would not have succeeded in Russia if the war had not become so desperate for them with America's earlier entry. We will never know.
The story of his trip to South America has been well documented in other books and was a story that could and has easily merited full volumes. Roosevelt was a factor in the election of 1916.
Much of the later book tells of his development of his children, their development, and eventual part in World War I.
Roosevelt disagreed with Wilson's approach to World War I both before and after the United States entering. It was an assumed fact that Roosevelt would be the Republican nomination for the Presidency in 1920. It did not happen as Roosevelt's health deteriorated quickly. It was, again, a great loss to the world.
I cannot be impartial. When reading biographies of people in history we know how they end. They die. The world moves on. Reading this book I did feel a sadness when he died, the same thing happened to me at the end of the Truman bio. No matter how great the LBJ biography series by Robert Caro is, and it is wonderful, I do not see myself having the same feeling when the fourth book is published and we come to the end of LBJ.
T R was a force of life. He was not perfect. He was a man. He was a leader of great ability. Most people and even most Presidents have nothing like the influence he had on this country. When Obama was elected the pundits spoke of perhaps a new FDR, with big business, The Supreme Court, and the Republicans all in the boat together perhaps what we really need is another T R.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Survivor - The Season Starts Strong
Rarely do shows live up to expectations. You either love Survivor or you do not. I am not a big fan of reality but the one thing Survivor does correctly is develop personalities that you care about. Some you like, some you don't but you do develop an opinion.
Tonight Survivor started with 16 new players joined by Boston Rob and Russell two of the most popular and or at least notorious players in the history of the show.
The other contestants included Ashley a woman from Maine and a former federal agent that appears to be just a little bit off the rails.
One of the most interesting tribal councils I have seen featured an immunity idol being shown by accident and the same federal agent showing no ability to keep secrets.
Both Russell and Rob have already started spinning their webs. This should be interesting.
Tonight Survivor started with 16 new players joined by Boston Rob and Russell two of the most popular and or at least notorious players in the history of the show.
The other contestants included Ashley a woman from Maine and a former federal agent that appears to be just a little bit off the rails.
One of the most interesting tribal councils I have seen featured an immunity idol being shown by accident and the same federal agent showing no ability to keep secrets.
Both Russell and Rob have already started spinning their webs. This should be interesting.
True Compass by Edward M Kennedy
I am not a huge fan of autobiographies. While even a historian usually ends up with a slant to his writing as he develops an appreciation or in some cases dislike for his subject an autobiography rarely gets one as clear a picture.
This book was a gift and as I have read a few Ted Kennedy bios this was a book I wanted to read.
There are no great reveals in this book. Most of these stories we know and have heard many times. Told from Kennedy's point of view we are given not much more than we know.
All items are dealt with briefly. Chappequidick he is forthright in accepting blame and acknowledging that whatever he felt the family felt ten fold in the loss of their daughter. The seemingly countless tragedies he has experienced in his family are spoken of each in their own turn.
His relationships with Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush and of course Carter are enlightening. This book would really serve only as an index of what information you might want to look up more extensively were you truly interested in Ted Kennedy.
For example even the 1980 bid for the Presidency while addressed is given short shrift.
To be clear I embrace Ted Kennedy and his and his families legacy. For the most part I think they have been a strong force of good and to this day Bobby remains one of my heroes. But this book is not a good resource. To hear Ted's thoughts it is worthwhile and to pay homage to the man certainly.
But for one wanting a clearer picture there are better books out there such as a book published by the Boston Globe recently and a book published a few years ago called The Shadow President.
This book was a gift and as I have read a few Ted Kennedy bios this was a book I wanted to read.
There are no great reveals in this book. Most of these stories we know and have heard many times. Told from Kennedy's point of view we are given not much more than we know.
All items are dealt with briefly. Chappequidick he is forthright in accepting blame and acknowledging that whatever he felt the family felt ten fold in the loss of their daughter. The seemingly countless tragedies he has experienced in his family are spoken of each in their own turn.
His relationships with Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush and of course Carter are enlightening. This book would really serve only as an index of what information you might want to look up more extensively were you truly interested in Ted Kennedy.
For example even the 1980 bid for the Presidency while addressed is given short shrift.
To be clear I embrace Ted Kennedy and his and his families legacy. For the most part I think they have been a strong force of good and to this day Bobby remains one of my heroes. But this book is not a good resource. To hear Ted's thoughts it is worthwhile and to pay homage to the man certainly.
But for one wanting a clearer picture there are better books out there such as a book published by the Boston Globe recently and a book published a few years ago called The Shadow President.
Ghandi
In the last 10 years we have seen many very good biopics. Walk the Line and Ray telling the stories of Johnny Cash and Ray Charles are just two of those.
This movie, Ghandi, is a wonderful movie. It is, also, a great history lesson.
Ghandi was certainly not a figure that we learned about in school. Perhaps a passing reference but that was it. This man was incredible.
His influence on Martin Luther King is well known, and the fact is, that it worked.
My son was a little put off by the hunger strikes such as after independence when the Muslims and Hindus were on the verge of a civil war during the partition of India and the formation of Pakistan.
As India grows more and more into a power of the 21st century and Pakistan is one of the mote's in the United States eyes. So the history matters.
Ben Kingsley is wonderful in this movie. He won the Oscar and it was well deserved. Martin Sheen had a very good role in this movie. Candace Bergen also appears.
It is a bit over three hours but the story movies as did Ghandi's life. A very very good movie.
This movie, Ghandi, is a wonderful movie. It is, also, a great history lesson.
Ghandi was certainly not a figure that we learned about in school. Perhaps a passing reference but that was it. This man was incredible.
His influence on Martin Luther King is well known, and the fact is, that it worked.
My son was a little put off by the hunger strikes such as after independence when the Muslims and Hindus were on the verge of a civil war during the partition of India and the formation of Pakistan.
As India grows more and more into a power of the 21st century and Pakistan is one of the mote's in the United States eyes. So the history matters.
Ben Kingsley is wonderful in this movie. He won the Oscar and it was well deserved. Martin Sheen had a very good role in this movie. Candace Bergen also appears.
It is a bit over three hours but the story movies as did Ghandi's life. A very very good movie.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Few novels have had the long term cultural impact of this book. You can read Peanuts comic strips that tell of Charlie Brown having to read War and Peace over Christmas vacation and of course not getting it done. In the English culture something that is long, perhaps too long, is referred to as being like War and Peace.
So noting that my Kindle allows me free access to many of the classics last fall I started War and Peace.
I always read several books at once and so in doing so this was a book that took me more than three months to finish.
I did finish it tonight. I love Hemingway and he remains my favorite author. This book, however, is a treasure an absolute masterpiece.
I must confess that I did find the Second Epilogue something I did not read verbatim as it was long and lengthy and more of epistle on War, Power and the interpretation of History.
The book itself is full of characters that you come to know and slowly over the course of time. The book is a comment of War, a story of Napoleon and the Tsar but also of the families and large cast of characters.
The Rostov's and Bolkonski's are the main characters and along with Pierre are the characters that we most follow but the book takes us across the entire landscape of Russian life of the time.
I must confess earlier in reading The Great Upheaval and the sections as relate to Catherine the Great, and of course my fascination with the movie Doctor Zhivago as one of my three favorite movies of all time I think that the Russian story could easily be one of the most interesting histories to explore.
War and Peace solidifies that opinion and I look forward to exploring more.
The book is long. It takes a bit to get going. But once into the book the biggest feeling at the end is one of regret that it is not longer.
A masterpiece.
So noting that my Kindle allows me free access to many of the classics last fall I started War and Peace.
I always read several books at once and so in doing so this was a book that took me more than three months to finish.
I did finish it tonight. I love Hemingway and he remains my favorite author. This book, however, is a treasure an absolute masterpiece.
I must confess that I did find the Second Epilogue something I did not read verbatim as it was long and lengthy and more of epistle on War, Power and the interpretation of History.
The book itself is full of characters that you come to know and slowly over the course of time. The book is a comment of War, a story of Napoleon and the Tsar but also of the families and large cast of characters.
The Rostov's and Bolkonski's are the main characters and along with Pierre are the characters that we most follow but the book takes us across the entire landscape of Russian life of the time.
I must confess earlier in reading The Great Upheaval and the sections as relate to Catherine the Great, and of course my fascination with the movie Doctor Zhivago as one of my three favorite movies of all time I think that the Russian story could easily be one of the most interesting histories to explore.
War and Peace solidifies that opinion and I look forward to exploring more.
The book is long. It takes a bit to get going. But once into the book the biggest feeling at the end is one of regret that it is not longer.
A masterpiece.
What Paul Meant by Gary Wills
Continuing on my reading of these wonderful books by Gary Wills we explore Paul, perhaps the most controversial of the apostles.
Paul has been blamed for being an antisemetic and that this has created many of the problems including Hitler's genocide.
Reading Wills interpretation of Paul brings you a different conclusion. Wills feels that interpreters from Luther to Augustine misunderstood much of Paul's writing or those writings that have passed down and were altered themselves.
Mark and the Gospel of Mark come in for the harshest review by Wills as he believes that Mark was not telling the story of Paul but the story he wanted to tell of Paul and those are two different things.
Paul having been a Pharisee who persecuted the followers of Jesus until he himself was visited by the Messiah becomes a great prophet. Paul is very busy, trying to aid the followers from Judea to Rome.
The most telling conflict was between the brothers who would be the Jews who believed in Jesus as the messiah and those such as Paul who administered to the Gentiles. Paul wanted all to be one but the issues of unclean foods and circumcision became a constant sticking point.
Jesus himself had said that nothing was unclean unless man made it unclean. Unclean is what comes out of our mouths and hearts not the food we put in it.
In Wills most telling comment he states that Paul and Jesus had one overarching thing in common and that is that they were both killed by religion. Paul fought against much of the politics of religion just as Jesus did.
This is not an easy book. I read it in small doses and contemplated what I read. It is invaluable however and perhaps the best of the three books in this vein that Wills has wrote.
Paul has been blamed for being an antisemetic and that this has created many of the problems including Hitler's genocide.
Reading Wills interpretation of Paul brings you a different conclusion. Wills feels that interpreters from Luther to Augustine misunderstood much of Paul's writing or those writings that have passed down and were altered themselves.
Mark and the Gospel of Mark come in for the harshest review by Wills as he believes that Mark was not telling the story of Paul but the story he wanted to tell of Paul and those are two different things.
Paul having been a Pharisee who persecuted the followers of Jesus until he himself was visited by the Messiah becomes a great prophet. Paul is very busy, trying to aid the followers from Judea to Rome.
The most telling conflict was between the brothers who would be the Jews who believed in Jesus as the messiah and those such as Paul who administered to the Gentiles. Paul wanted all to be one but the issues of unclean foods and circumcision became a constant sticking point.
Jesus himself had said that nothing was unclean unless man made it unclean. Unclean is what comes out of our mouths and hearts not the food we put in it.
In Wills most telling comment he states that Paul and Jesus had one overarching thing in common and that is that they were both killed by religion. Paul fought against much of the politics of religion just as Jesus did.
This is not an easy book. I read it in small doses and contemplated what I read. It is invaluable however and perhaps the best of the three books in this vein that Wills has wrote.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
I have heard much about this book so was intrigued when I saw the movie was on TMC. I watched this and still am not sure what I think of it.
One thing I will say is that I was shocked by the ending. I guess I should have read the book, I did not foresee that ending.
The movie featured two separate plots that were only connected by the main characters relationship to both. A man named Singer, a deaf mute, played by Alan Arkin. It must be a challenge to play a role such as that and transmit feeling and emotion but Arkin does.
Cicely Tyson plays a unlikeable character in the movie and Percy Rodriguez her father an African American doctor torn between doing what he feels is right and what might be needed.
Stacy Keach has a memorable role which makes us remember that he was a fine actor before the Mickey Spillane stereotype he played on television.
Stealing the movie however in her movie debut was Sandra Locke later of Clint Eastwood movie fame. She plays a teenage girl whose room is rented out to Singer as her family struggles financially. Her struggles and angst and relationship with Singer are the centerpiece of the movie. She is remarkable in the role.
A good movie, an unsettling movie. Worth watching.
One thing I will say is that I was shocked by the ending. I guess I should have read the book, I did not foresee that ending.
The movie featured two separate plots that were only connected by the main characters relationship to both. A man named Singer, a deaf mute, played by Alan Arkin. It must be a challenge to play a role such as that and transmit feeling and emotion but Arkin does.
Cicely Tyson plays a unlikeable character in the movie and Percy Rodriguez her father an African American doctor torn between doing what he feels is right and what might be needed.
Stacy Keach has a memorable role which makes us remember that he was a fine actor before the Mickey Spillane stereotype he played on television.
Stealing the movie however in her movie debut was Sandra Locke later of Clint Eastwood movie fame. She plays a teenage girl whose room is rented out to Singer as her family struggles financially. Her struggles and angst and relationship with Singer are the centerpiece of the movie. She is remarkable in the role.
A good movie, an unsettling movie. Worth watching.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Let it Bleed by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have an invaluable catalog of great music. Somehow in our house with our worship of the Beatles, my son's infatuation with The Who, our Led Zeppelin like and my trippy Pink Floyd attachment it would seem that The Stones are overlooked. Perhaps they are. It is a mistake.
From 68 to 74 especially they made some amazing music. In my collection however this song is clearly the one most played. Not a single but a title track on a very popular album this is a stellar song. Mick snarls through the leaning ,bleeding and creaming that he says well all need someone for and the song is one that we all can sing well in the car all by ourselves.
Recently I picked up Love in Vain from the same album and this song too is of the same vein. Slow beat, Mick warbling and another song you can sing well. The Stones rocked and we all know that. They might well have been at their best however when they slowed it down such as on this song.
From 68 to 74 especially they made some amazing music. In my collection however this song is clearly the one most played. Not a single but a title track on a very popular album this is a stellar song. Mick snarls through the leaning ,bleeding and creaming that he says well all need someone for and the song is one that we all can sing well in the car all by ourselves.
Recently I picked up Love in Vain from the same album and this song too is of the same vein. Slow beat, Mick warbling and another song you can sing well. The Stones rocked and we all know that. They might well have been at their best however when they slowed it down such as on this song.
Another Side of Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan
I love Bob Dylan. He may well be the greatest lyricist that we have ever heard. I have about 500 of his songs in my collection so have most albums. Somehow this album was one that I did not have. Filling out a purchase from Amazon to qualify for free shipping this album was waiting patiently on my wish list, and ordered it was.
This album is great. Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde are as the two best Dylan albums but many are close behind. This one would be considered one of that group as well.
All I Really Want to Do, It Ain't Me Babe, and My Back Pages are stellar songs and part of the Dylan canon. Chimes of Freedom joins that list. I Shall Be Free No 10 and Motorpsycho Nitemare are both fun, well written songs that join the Dream Songs of that era in his singsongy story telling phase.
Ballad in Plain D and I Don't Believe You are also great songs. Dylan for me has become part of my speech. I cannot say I Don't Believe you without finishing it with she acts like we never met.
Dylan is a master. This album does nothing to disprove that. I love Bob Dylan.
This album is great. Blood on the Tracks and Blonde on Blonde are as the two best Dylan albums but many are close behind. This one would be considered one of that group as well.
All I Really Want to Do, It Ain't Me Babe, and My Back Pages are stellar songs and part of the Dylan canon. Chimes of Freedom joins that list. I Shall Be Free No 10 and Motorpsycho Nitemare are both fun, well written songs that join the Dream Songs of that era in his singsongy story telling phase.
Ballad in Plain D and I Don't Believe You are also great songs. Dylan for me has become part of my speech. I cannot say I Don't Believe you without finishing it with she acts like we never met.
Dylan is a master. This album does nothing to disprove that. I love Bob Dylan.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
For Whom the Bell Tolls - The Movie
Having read the book and reviewed it here the review of the movie will be much different. This movie from 1943 was up for nine Oscars with one win for supporting actress.
Ernest Hemingway handpicked Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman to play the American Robert Jordan and Maria a Spanish girl rescued by a band of fighters operating behind the facist lines in the Spanish Civil War.
Hemingway was reportedly not happy with the finished movie as he felt the politics of the movie were diminished. Of course for a mainstream movie that is true. However politics did invade the movie, most notably Robert Jordan's monologue about why he as an American was involved. He tells that the communists and those for the Republic are on one side against the facists, Nazi's, Germans and Italians and that Spain was a practice and proving ground for what might be coming later for all of Europe and America would have to fight then so he chose to fight now.
I consider myself a student of history but the Spanish Civil War is not an easy war to understand. To delve too far into the politics would have made the movie less easy to relate too and it was , with that cast, a commercial film.
As I watch Cooper in this, Friendly Persuasion, and High Noon I become more and more of a belief that he was a fine, underrated actor. I have enjoyed him in everything I see him in.
The characters in this book and thus movie are well drawn. Anselmo is a great character torn between the Republic he wants and not wanting to kill , Pablo is perhaps the most complex character Hemingway ever drew. Yes he is for himself but his twists and turns, his becoming a Capitalist with his horses and his brutal behavior when needed. Pilar who takes over the leadership of the group when Pablo loses his grip is well told as well.
Ingrid Bergman was captivating. Perhaps not a great fit for a Spanish girl she still filled the role well. She was beautiful and the chemistry between her and Cooper was apparent. Her smile was as radiant as you will ever see in a movie.
An underrated subplot is the tale of Sordo and his last stand.
This was one of the best books I have ever read. The movie is a good one too.
Both are highly rated by this reviewer.
Ernest Hemingway handpicked Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman to play the American Robert Jordan and Maria a Spanish girl rescued by a band of fighters operating behind the facist lines in the Spanish Civil War.
Hemingway was reportedly not happy with the finished movie as he felt the politics of the movie were diminished. Of course for a mainstream movie that is true. However politics did invade the movie, most notably Robert Jordan's monologue about why he as an American was involved. He tells that the communists and those for the Republic are on one side against the facists, Nazi's, Germans and Italians and that Spain was a practice and proving ground for what might be coming later for all of Europe and America would have to fight then so he chose to fight now.
I consider myself a student of history but the Spanish Civil War is not an easy war to understand. To delve too far into the politics would have made the movie less easy to relate too and it was , with that cast, a commercial film.
As I watch Cooper in this, Friendly Persuasion, and High Noon I become more and more of a belief that he was a fine, underrated actor. I have enjoyed him in everything I see him in.
The characters in this book and thus movie are well drawn. Anselmo is a great character torn between the Republic he wants and not wanting to kill , Pablo is perhaps the most complex character Hemingway ever drew. Yes he is for himself but his twists and turns, his becoming a Capitalist with his horses and his brutal behavior when needed. Pilar who takes over the leadership of the group when Pablo loses his grip is well told as well.
Ingrid Bergman was captivating. Perhaps not a great fit for a Spanish girl she still filled the role well. She was beautiful and the chemistry between her and Cooper was apparent. Her smile was as radiant as you will ever see in a movie.
An underrated subplot is the tale of Sordo and his last stand.
This was one of the best books I have ever read. The movie is a good one too.
Both are highly rated by this reviewer.
At Home by Bill Bryson
I purchased this book and very much looked forward to reading it. Bryson's earlier book A Short History of Nearly Everything has to be one of my favorite books of all time. I love the way he takes scientific theory and made it easier to understand in lay terms.
So reading this book which promised to tell the history of the home and things in it.
In short I was disappointed. Perhaps having the history of salt and pepper and such oddities is not the canvas to paint on that the universe and the creation thereof is.
The book was not terrible. There were several interesting factoids. The origin of many words and phrases such as Bakers Dozen, the history of spices salt and pepper and beyond as well as the history of bed and bedding. We learned much about bats, rats, mice and other vermin. Interestingly my wife did not appreciate hearing about these animals and the other bacteria and microscopic things that live on us as we lay in bed at night.
The book was interesting. Clearly the bar was too high. Still knowing what I know now I would not have bought this book.
Read A Short History of Nearly Everything. It is a wonderful book.
So reading this book which promised to tell the history of the home and things in it.
In short I was disappointed. Perhaps having the history of salt and pepper and such oddities is not the canvas to paint on that the universe and the creation thereof is.
The book was not terrible. There were several interesting factoids. The origin of many words and phrases such as Bakers Dozen, the history of spices salt and pepper and beyond as well as the history of bed and bedding. We learned much about bats, rats, mice and other vermin. Interestingly my wife did not appreciate hearing about these animals and the other bacteria and microscopic things that live on us as we lay in bed at night.
The book was interesting. Clearly the bar was too high. Still knowing what I know now I would not have bought this book.
Read A Short History of Nearly Everything. It is a wonderful book.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sam Cooke, Portrait of a Legend
One of the famous quotes in Rock and Roll is when Jon Landau heard Bruce Springsteen for the first time and said " I have heard the future of rock and roll and it's name is Bruce Springsteen.
This proved to be true. There is no bigger fan of Bruce Springsteen than me. I have seen him several times and own all of the music he has released. Every concert tour I will attempt to be there.
That said over the last few years I have developed a huge appreciation for the soul singers and Motown of the sixties. Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding are amazing. There music reaches me in ways nothing today can do.
My wife's sister has wide ranging and eclectic music tastes and she told me I needed to listen to Sam Cooke. I was not unfamiliar, having heard his music in Animal House approximately 1000 times.
This collection may be as close to perfection as you will ever hear. It is without a doubt the most uplifting collection of music in my 13000+ song collection in my itunes library.
From the gospel of Jesus Gave Me Water to Touch the Hem of his Garment to songs we all know from A Chang is Gonna Come, Having a Party, Twistin the Night Away. What a Wonderful World, Cupid and on and on it goes.
You could list every song on this album.
I read just recently that a survey of musicologists named Sam Cooke as the consensus favorite as the greatest singer of the 20th century. Of course that is a subjective vote, there are so many great singers across so many great genres. That said Sam Cooke gets my vote too.
This man's voice was as near perfection as you will ever hear.
This proved to be true. There is no bigger fan of Bruce Springsteen than me. I have seen him several times and own all of the music he has released. Every concert tour I will attempt to be there.
That said over the last few years I have developed a huge appreciation for the soul singers and Motown of the sixties. Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding are amazing. There music reaches me in ways nothing today can do.
My wife's sister has wide ranging and eclectic music tastes and she told me I needed to listen to Sam Cooke. I was not unfamiliar, having heard his music in Animal House approximately 1000 times.
This collection may be as close to perfection as you will ever hear. It is without a doubt the most uplifting collection of music in my 13000+ song collection in my itunes library.
From the gospel of Jesus Gave Me Water to Touch the Hem of his Garment to songs we all know from A Chang is Gonna Come, Having a Party, Twistin the Night Away. What a Wonderful World, Cupid and on and on it goes.
You could list every song on this album.
I read just recently that a survey of musicologists named Sam Cooke as the consensus favorite as the greatest singer of the 20th century. Of course that is a subjective vote, there are so many great singers across so many great genres. That said Sam Cooke gets my vote too.
This man's voice was as near perfection as you will ever hear.
Bob Marley & The Wailers- Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre , Pittsburgh, PA, Sept 23, 1980
In a way Bob Marley's music is something that is passed down the generations. Rarely will someone first hear of the music on the radio, do people still listen to the radio, instead it is usually something that someone turns you onto. I remember in high school around 1982 a friend of mine played me Three Little Birds. I wish I could say that I instantly recognized the beauty of the music. I did not. I was a country kid from small town Maine and thought it was weird.
Time however broadened my horizons and by the time I was in college in the mid eighties Bob Marley was a staple. I read somewhere that his album legend has been on the Billboard Catalog chart for over one thousand weeks. I do not doubt it, when I was in college it was an album everyone had.
My children in growing up have long known Bob Marley. Rightly so Three Little Birds was their first introduction but my son in particular has broadened his horizon greatly in the Bob Marley collection.
When I saw this concert was being released I was very interested. Advised this was his last recorded concert before his death, he had collapsed just days before but the show went on, I was interested to hear the show.
It is, in a word, flawless. Marley's voice sounded perfect, live or in the studio it was always the same voice. The show included all the songs one would expect such as No Woman No Cry, Exodus, Jamming, Get Up Stand Up and Redemption Song. Three Little Birds however is conspicuous in it's absence but we will forgive that . Other songs included are less known such as Running Away, The Heathen, Them Bellyfull, and Natural Mystic which sound fresh and clean and wonderful.
If you are like most Marley fans who have learned his music through Legend and perhaps Exodus you will not be disappointed in this collection but you will find many songs you might not be so familiar with. If you are a newbie this is a good place to start.
You cannot go wrong with this album. Turn down the lights, light one up ( if only in your mind ) and listen to the Master. While we might argue about Elvis or Little Richard being the King of Rock and Roll there is no doubt who is the beginning and end of all things Reggae. It is Bob Marley.
Time however broadened my horizons and by the time I was in college in the mid eighties Bob Marley was a staple. I read somewhere that his album legend has been on the Billboard Catalog chart for over one thousand weeks. I do not doubt it, when I was in college it was an album everyone had.
My children in growing up have long known Bob Marley. Rightly so Three Little Birds was their first introduction but my son in particular has broadened his horizon greatly in the Bob Marley collection.
When I saw this concert was being released I was very interested. Advised this was his last recorded concert before his death, he had collapsed just days before but the show went on, I was interested to hear the show.
It is, in a word, flawless. Marley's voice sounded perfect, live or in the studio it was always the same voice. The show included all the songs one would expect such as No Woman No Cry, Exodus, Jamming, Get Up Stand Up and Redemption Song. Three Little Birds however is conspicuous in it's absence but we will forgive that . Other songs included are less known such as Running Away, The Heathen, Them Bellyfull, and Natural Mystic which sound fresh and clean and wonderful.
If you are like most Marley fans who have learned his music through Legend and perhaps Exodus you will not be disappointed in this collection but you will find many songs you might not be so familiar with. If you are a newbie this is a good place to start.
You cannot go wrong with this album. Turn down the lights, light one up ( if only in your mind ) and listen to the Master. While we might argue about Elvis or Little Richard being the King of Rock and Roll there is no doubt who is the beginning and end of all things Reggae. It is Bob Marley.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Wild Bunch
This movie is complex. While watching it I changed my mind a couple of times about how I felt about it. In the first half hour I almost gave it the hook but as the movie progressed I did appreciate it.
The overarching theme of the beginning and the end of the movie is violence. Violence, violence. Some parts of the movie were quite special. The film shot, the picturesque was in some cases magnificent. The actors William Holden and Ernest Borgnine were perfect fits.
Holden who I did not have a great knowledge of as an actor was firm and resolute, with a measured approach. I guess one could say a man's man. Borgnine , understated in his role, but still as with all of his roles he played the part with just the right pitch.
In the end the characters trying to adjust to a modernizing world go out in a blaze of glory with a wink and a nod to each other. The unspoken decision to confront great odds and risk death for what becomes the final time is worth watching. To so callously roll the dice in so casual a way about one's life tells much about the characters and where they are in their lives.
I was on the fence with this movie but in the end I give this a well above average movie.
The overarching theme of the beginning and the end of the movie is violence. Violence, violence. Some parts of the movie were quite special. The film shot, the picturesque was in some cases magnificent. The actors William Holden and Ernest Borgnine were perfect fits.
Holden who I did not have a great knowledge of as an actor was firm and resolute, with a measured approach. I guess one could say a man's man. Borgnine , understated in his role, but still as with all of his roles he played the part with just the right pitch.
In the end the characters trying to adjust to a modernizing world go out in a blaze of glory with a wink and a nod to each other. The unspoken decision to confront great odds and risk death for what becomes the final time is worth watching. To so callously roll the dice in so casual a way about one's life tells much about the characters and where they are in their lives.
I was on the fence with this movie but in the end I give this a well above average movie.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Snows of Kilimanjaro
I love Enest Hemingway. I treasure his stories, I think he is perhaps the best author I have read. Certainly my favorite.
This story in particular is a great story. I remember once on a long car drive my wife read this story to me...kind of my own book on tape.
So I was looking forward to the movie. Gregory Peck stars. But the movie perhaps to flesh out the story is told in a backstory format. It does not translate well to the screen.
What makes a short story great does not always flesh out well on the screen. This movie is one that does not.
Another movie I cannot recommend.
This story in particular is a great story. I remember once on a long car drive my wife read this story to me...kind of my own book on tape.
So I was looking forward to the movie. Gregory Peck stars. But the movie perhaps to flesh out the story is told in a backstory format. It does not translate well to the screen.
What makes a short story great does not always flesh out well on the screen. This movie is one that does not.
Another movie I cannot recommend.
My Dog Skip
A quiet Sunday afternoon, cold outside, and my daughter picked this movie out for us to watch. Frankie Munoz plays a young Southern boy who is a bit odd, has few friends and is not a very happy fellow.
For his birthday he gets a dog. His father, Kevin Bacon, does Kevin Bacon ever play a bad part is a tactiturn traditional man who gives in and gets him a dog.
The dog changes his life. He makes friends, plays ball, gets involved with moonshiners, gets a girlfriend and in the end becomes a very successful student and writer.
The movie was cute, the family enjoyed it, the dog was cute and I did laugh at many points. I would recommend this movie.
For his birthday he gets a dog. His father, Kevin Bacon, does Kevin Bacon ever play a bad part is a tactiturn traditional man who gives in and gets him a dog.
The dog changes his life. He makes friends, plays ball, gets involved with moonshiners, gets a girlfriend and in the end becomes a very successful student and writer.
The movie was cute, the family enjoyed it, the dog was cute and I did laugh at many points. I would recommend this movie.
An Education
The wife picked this movie out on Netflix. Carey Mulligan playing a high school girl who ends up being seduced by an older man. This changes her dreams of going to Oxford. Her father, played by Alfred Molina, who had pictured her going to college to meet a future husband thinks that perhaps her meeting an older, mature, caretaking man is a great choice.
However the lover man is a fraud and what made him attractive soon turns to a falsity. He is married.
So after dropping out of school, not taking her exams for college she is in a mess. Fortunately there are opportunities for help in her future.
This movie was not great. Of course it just may be that it was not my personal cup of tea. But I would give this movie nothing more than an average rating.
However the lover man is a fraud and what made him attractive soon turns to a falsity. He is married.
So after dropping out of school, not taking her exams for college she is in a mess. Fortunately there are opportunities for help in her future.
This movie was not great. Of course it just may be that it was not my personal cup of tea. But I would give this movie nothing more than an average rating.
Pineapple Express
The streak is over. I always wondered about the reviews you would see where the reviewer talked about walking out it was so poor. As I review these movies I have clearly made a practice of watching movies I was interested in.
This movie was a stinker. I like stoner movies at times. I enjoyed Superbad to some extent, loved Dazed and Confused and remember Fast Times at Ridgemont High from the eighties with a smile.
James Franco in the first 30 minutes was funny. He is a good actor. Seth Rogan had a funny premise as a process server.
Soon it became apparent however that this movie could not hold water. It was stupid beyond merit.
Consider this movie poor - walked out.
This movie was a stinker. I like stoner movies at times. I enjoyed Superbad to some extent, loved Dazed and Confused and remember Fast Times at Ridgemont High from the eighties with a smile.
James Franco in the first 30 minutes was funny. He is a good actor. Seth Rogan had a funny premise as a process server.
Soon it became apparent however that this movie could not hold water. It was stupid beyond merit.
Consider this movie poor - walked out.
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