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The Biggs Book of Organ Music
Book
A top-selling organ music book. Edited and arranged by E. Power Biggs (1906-1977). Includes a...
AC
A Composer's Guide to Game Music
Book
Music in video games is often a sophisticated, complex composition that serves to engage the player,...
Songs in Motion: Rhythm and Meter in the German Lied
Book
Scholars, critics, and performers alike have long been fascinated by the distinctive blend of music...
Rat Scabies recommended Drum Spectacular by Kenny Clare & Ronnie Stephenson in Music (curated)
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
At its best a celebration of life, people, and all they have to offer - which also acts as one of countless reminders why Lauryn Hill is such a force to be reckoned with. At its worst - I confess - rather dull, and when it makes you begrudgingly want to admit that charity-stealing P.O.S. Wyclef Jean is actually one hell of a talented musical artist (that piano rendition of "If I Was President" is so great it's actually chilling). Not what I expected, seems to be content with just being chill rather than being the powerhouse of fun and emotion it could have been - and that's okay - still has some good musical numbers, funny moments, and a whole truckload of talent as well as some essential and incredibly timely words of wisdom that are just as potent (if not, maybe even moreso) today than they ever were in the 21st century. Has a certain calm energy about it that feels like a nice warm stroll along your hometown, but that's all it ever really feels like. Obviously the words, ideas, lives, enjoyment, talent, and music are important, relevant, and absolutely crucial 100%. But I can't mistake powerful presences/material for the memorable and amazing execution this wasn't really given. Make no mistake, I still definitely dig it and the feelings expressed throughout I will not soon forget - but as a film watch it sort of treads water. Though I can't dislike any film which features a live Kanye rendition of "Jesus Walks".
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Murder in the Bowery in Books
Apr 11, 2022 (Updated Apr 11, 2022)
Death of a Newsie
Frank Malloy thinks his latest client has offered him a chance for a case with a happy ending. Will Bert is trying to reconnect with his younger brother, Freddie, after they were separated when both of them were sent west on an orphan train. Almost as soon as Frank starts his investigation, he finds questions about Will’s story. Then he finds Freddie, only to have him run away and then turn up dead hours later. Can Frank figure out what is really happening?
Freddie is a newsie, and this book takes place during the newsies’ strike of 1899, made famous by the Disney musical. This book is more historically accurate than the musical, however. Still, I found that part of the setup fun, and the historical details about what their lives were really like was interesting. It is quickly clear that the motive for Freddie’s murder lies outside of his life as a newsie, however. In fact, this book turns pretty dark with some adult discussions. This series is more serious and does dip into those waters every few books. They are handled delicately, but know that in mind going into the story. Even though I figured out parts of the plot early, I didn’t have the killer pegged until we reached the end. The supporting players are all here and are all fun to spend time with. And yes, Sarah does still play a large part in the story as always. Fans will be glad to catch up with their friends in this book.
Freddie is a newsie, and this book takes place during the newsies’ strike of 1899, made famous by the Disney musical. This book is more historically accurate than the musical, however. Still, I found that part of the setup fun, and the historical details about what their lives were really like was interesting. It is quickly clear that the motive for Freddie’s murder lies outside of his life as a newsie, however. In fact, this book turns pretty dark with some adult discussions. This series is more serious and does dip into those waters every few books. They are handled delicately, but know that in mind going into the story. Even though I figured out parts of the plot early, I didn’t have the killer pegged until we reached the end. The supporting players are all here and are all fun to spend time with. And yes, Sarah does still play a large part in the story as always. Fans will be glad to catch up with their friends in this book.
Awix (3310 KP) rated West Side Story (1961) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018
Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins' toweringly brilliant musical should be ring-fenced for eternity, regardless of what Steven Spielberg thinks. Racial tension and gang violence is rife on New York's west side, but when co-founder of the Jets Tony (Beymer) falls in love with Maria (Wood), sister of the leader of the Sharks, can this bring about peace and understanding between the two street gangs? (Probably not.)
Appealing leads and some soaringly beautiful love songs, but also whip-smart humour and social commentary in many of the other numbers, all superbly directed and choreographed. The darkening of the story into genuine tragedy is masterfully done. One of those transcendentally great films, especially on the big screen; the reason that we have a 10 on the scale.
Appealing leads and some soaringly beautiful love songs, but also whip-smart humour and social commentary in many of the other numbers, all superbly directed and choreographed. The darkening of the story into genuine tragedy is masterfully done. One of those transcendentally great films, especially on the big screen; the reason that we have a 10 on the scale.
Jcadden76 (64 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Jun 10, 2018
The Music (4 more)
The sets
The costumes
The Cast
Hugh Jackman... duh
Good music and a good story though it is not really Barnum...
Really enjoyed The Greatest Showman. Hugh Jackman is always entertaining and throws himself fully into every role. He has a great voice and he and Zac Efron were terrific on the screen together.
While the music was very good, I don't know that it jumps to the tops of my Spotify playlist but I will be listening through it another few times and I will probably like it more.
It is not the historic Barnum. That is a good thing. He was a horrible individual. That would be a different musical.
While the music was very good, I don't know that it jumps to the tops of my Spotify playlist but I will be listening through it another few times and I will probably like it more.
It is not the historic Barnum. That is a good thing. He was a horrible individual. That would be a different musical.
Beatriz (138 KP) rated The Phantom of the Opera (2005) in Movies
Nov 28, 2018
Stunning music (1 more)
Great actors
The Phantom Of The Opera
This film is one of the classics.
Phantom Of The Opera is a musical, the songs were composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a very knows British composer that has written a lot of other songs to other very famous musicals (ex: Cats and Evita).
The film takes place is Opera Popullaire and it starts when Christine (the main character), a ballerina, replaces Carlotta, the opera main star and becomes famous due to her signing classes with her mysterious teacher, The Phantom. In the meanwhile she founds her childhood old love and they fall in love again leaving The Phantom heart broken. It’s a romance triangle.
Its dramatic. Emotional. And very worth the watch.
Phantom Of The Opera is a musical, the songs were composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a very knows British composer that has written a lot of other songs to other very famous musicals (ex: Cats and Evita).
The film takes place is Opera Popullaire and it starts when Christine (the main character), a ballerina, replaces Carlotta, the opera main star and becomes famous due to her signing classes with her mysterious teacher, The Phantom. In the meanwhile she founds her childhood old love and they fall in love again leaving The Phantom heart broken. It’s a romance triangle.
Its dramatic. Emotional. And very worth the watch.