DEJA RE-VU
Pop Culture Classics’ Recommended CDs, DVDs and Books
By Paul Freeman


DVDs

"THE BODY SNATCHER"
Need corpses to sell? Digging up bodies is so much work. Why not create fresh cadavers by engaging in a bit of murder? As the trailer for 1945's "The Body Snatcher" touts, "The Hero of Horror, Boris Karloff... Joins Forces with "The Master of Menace, Bela Lugosi... In the Unholiest Partnership This Side of the Grave!"

This horror classic is now available on Blu-ray from Scream Factory, utilizing a 4K scan of the original camera negative. So the artistically shot, atmospheric black-and-white images have never looked better... which means the action has never been more thrilling or chilling.

Set in the 1800s, the film depicts a doctor (Henry Daniell), whose sense of self-importance overrules any ethical considerations. If he's going to teach dissection to his classes, he'll need a steady supply of dead bodies. Demand is greater than supply. Karloff is more than willing to take up the slack. Russell Wade, portraying a medical student, is the only one displaying a conscience.

Though the class system has relegated Karloff to the dregs of society, his tone indicates that he feels a strange superiority to Daniell. It makes the characters' shadowy relationship fascinating. Karloff gives a tremendous, hugely satisfying performance in this film. One can't help but guiltily take pleasure in his every line or act, no matter how heinous.

Produced by Val Lewton ("Cat People," I Walked With a Zombie) and directed by Robert Wise,"The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Haunting"), the film uses a plot adapted from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. So this is suspense at an elite level, carefully crafted and elegantly executed. The film remains dark, disturbing and gripping.

Like the picture quality of the Blu-ray, the DTS-HD audio is quite impressive. Fans of the film will also delight in the bonus features, including a new piece, "You'll Never Get Over Me: Resurrecting 'The Body Snatcher.'" You also get the documentary "Shadows In the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy" and an audio commentary that includes Robert Wise. Also on the disc are the theatrical trailer and a still gallery.

"DEATH IS A NUMBER"
"Death Is a Number..." and the number is nine. In this 1951 British film, a man, Alan Robert (Terence Alexander, who played Hungerford in the "Bergerac" TV series), tells the tale of a dear friend, a racer who died in a flaming car crash on a wet track. But numerology -- and an ancient curse -- may really have been the culprits.

Within the letters in the racer's name, his birthdate and other relevant details, that nasty numeral nine -- passionate, destructive, fiery -- keeps popping up. And then there's the history involved, featuring a witch who, centuries ago, was burned at the stake. So she placed a curse on the ninth-generation (there's that foreboding number again!) ancestor of those who struck the match. And thus the racer was doomed from birth. As our narrator says, "The greatest truths in the world are the most incredible... and those we cannot prove."

The movie is now available on DVD courtesy of MVD Visual/Juno Selects. With little discernible budget, much of the tale is told through narration and stock footage. But the film does hold the viewer's interest through its 50-minute running time. The witch storyline will appeal to supernatural buffs and auto enthusiasts will relish snippets of the era's racing excitement.

"TORMENT"
MVD Visual/Juno Selects has also made available another British thriller from the era, 1950's "Torment," also known as "Paper Gallows." In this one, Dermot Walsh and John Bentley star as brothers who both write murder mystery novels. One is dapper, lighthearted, self-assured and commercially successful. The other is neurotic, intense and obsessed with being viewed as a truly great, artistic author.

They are both smitten with the secretary they share (Rona Anderson). As the siblings work on their latest creations, strange and disturbing things start happening. And there may have been a real slaying. But the body has disappeared. If answers aren't uncovered quickly, other dire events are inevitable.

At 65 minutes and benefitting from three strong lead performances, the beguiling B-film is terrifically taut. That's thanks to John Guillerman, who wrote and directed, maximizing suspense, as well as characterizations. Guillerman went on to direct such major 70s films as "Death on the Nile," "King Kong Lives" and "Towering Inferno." His skill is evident in the tension-filled little picture "Torment."

"PENNY POINTS TO PARADISE"/"LET'S GO CRAZY"
Juno Selects/MVD Visual offers a different sort of DVD treat with this new release. 1951's "Penny Points to Paradise" marked the feature film debut of "The Goon Show" stars Harry Secombe, Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers. There's a slim plot, but a wealth of great comedy bits in this one. Harry plays a man who has won a fortune on the football pools. He and his pal Spike decide to vacation at their favorite tacky seaside boarding house. Sellers plays two characters they encounter -- a duplicitous, veddy British old major and a young, obnoxious, won't-take-no-for-an answer American salesman.

The film relies heavily on sight gags, many of which would have been at home in classic silents. And there's no hesitation to rely on old standbys, such as spit takes and sped-up action. But it's the "Goon" personalities who make the picture consistently fun to watch. A lengthy scene involving a stage hypnotist provides plenty of comic fodder. There's also ample amusement in the climactic chase through Madame Toussaud's Waxworks.

There's more madcap merriment with a short, "Let's Get Crazy," which is also on the disc. Set in a nightclub, it presents a vivacious variety show with vocal performances and a couple of eye-catching dance numbers. But the real attraction is Peter Sellers, who plays numerous colorful characters, including a waiter who shaves a dining patron and a haughty middle-aged woman. He even does a quite good impersonation of Groucho Marx. The comedy sketches were written by Sellers and Spike Milligan.

CDs

THE CHRIS WHITE EXPERIENCE (VOLUME ONE)
Yes, we're familiar with Chris White's brilliant contributions to the innovative and influential band The Zombies. The bassist/vocalist recently joined them for their long overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He co-produced The Zombies' classic "Odessey and Oracle" album and wrote half of its songs. When the band originally dissolved, back in 1967, White was far from finished with his musical creativity. He co-wrote the Argent smash "Hold Your Head Up."

But there's so much of White's genius that we haven't been able to experience. That's changing with a new release, on Sunfish Records, "The Chris White Experience (Volume One)." The album offers 13 terrific numbers, unreleased recordings spanning 1976-2015. Many outstanding vocalists are featured.

The collection opens with a 1983 song that sounds like it should have been a huge hit, "Why Can't You Lie to Me." It benefits from a beautifully breathy vocal by Zombies lead singer Colin Blunstone. It's pretty, yet powerful pop, with an R&B flair, buoyed by an irresistible chorus and bridge.

That's followed by an electrifying vocal on the potent "Power Over Me," featuring Stevie Lange, who was part of the band Hocus, with her husband Mutt Lange, who went on to become one of the most successful record producers in the world. Stevie's intense, soulful singing maximizes White's dynamic composition.

"I'm Coming Home" is a flat-out rocker with some bluesy undertones. With former Argent band members playing on the 1979 track, it, too, sounds like a hit. "When My Boat Comes In," a lovely tune, reunites Zombies White, Blunstone and Rod Argent. Its vocal harmonies are truly glorious.

Among the other top tracks are 2015's recording of "A Trick of Starlight" with some more sublime harmonies; 1985's infectious dance tune "My Love Tonight;" 1982's "Something I Heard" with Irish rocker Francie Conway; 1983's "She Makes Me Feel" with singer Steve Gould of the UK band Rare Bird; "Taking The Wings From Butterflies," again featuring Blunstone; and the righteously rhythmic "Like a Shotgun" with a vibrant vocal from Maggie Ryder, best known as a backing singer for Eurythmics and Queen.

The album's closer, 2014's "I Danced The Dance," has all the majesty of an Andrew Lloyd Webber showstopper. A spirituality permeates this track. Again there are sumptuous harmonies, this time supporting a magnificent lead vocal by Irish singer Bianca Kinane.

Some of these tracks were demos. Many have never been heard before. Each is a treasure. These diverse recordings display White's immense talents as a writer, co-writer and producer. Let's hope more volumes of his previously unheard work are released in the near future.

QUIANA LYNELL - "A LITTLE LOVE"
The heavenly voice of Quiana Lynell will send chills up your spine. She can sing with supreme serenity, soaring spirituality or scintillating sass. That makes her debut album, " A Little Love," (Concord Jazz), a must-hear, brimming with R&B/jazz gems. Exploring numerous styles and eras, Lynell can take songs associated with anyone from George Gershwin to Irma Thomas to Duke Ellington to Nina Simone to Chaka Khan and make them her own. She imbues everything she sings with authenticity and insightfulness.

Lynell's nuanced performance on Donny Hathaway's soulful, bluesy "Tryin' Times" makes that one of the standout tracks. Her interpretation of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil's classic "Just A LIttle Lovin' (Early in the Mornin') is undeniably alluring. She sings the beautiful ballad "What Is Love?" with understanding and sensitivity. Lynell pours just the right amount of attitude into "Hip Shakin' Mama."

Other highlights include "They All Laughed," "We Are," "Move Me No Mountain," "You Hit The Spot" and a medley -- "Come Sunday / I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)." The last track, "Sing Out, March On" is a rousing number that fully demonstrates Lynell's strength and energy. Throughout, her technique is flawless, but it's the honest emotion she delivers that gives the recordings their magic.

Born in Texas and having achieved recognition in New Orleans, Lynell is ready to spread her wings. The project was mentored by Grammy winner Terence Blanchard, so an amazing band backs Lynell here. But it's her intuitive, intelligent, incandescent vocals that make this album so special.

HARPDOG BROWN - "FOR LOVE & MONEY"
Bluesman Harpdog Brown may hail from British Columbia, but the vocalist/harmonica player's heart is rooted in New Orleans. His new album is a riotous romp that bustles with jump blues, Sonny Williamson-style harp and torrid horns. Brown demonstrates a Louis Jordan-type verve that's hard to resist.

He puts his impressive imprint on Jesse Mae Robinson's "Blue Light Boogie," Wynonie Harris' "Buzzard Luck" and Memphis Slim's "The Comeback." The originals hold their own with the vintage material. Brown's own "Reefer Lovin' Woman" is a smokin' hot number. Among the other exhilarating tracks are "Stiff," "Vicious Vodka," "I'll Make It Up to You," "One Step Forward," "Thinkin' and Drinkin'" and the title track -- "For Love and Money." Brown sounds just as genuine when he slows things down for the gentle "Sasha's Lullaby."

"PEARL HARBOR AND THE EXPLOSIONS"
Catch the explosive 80s wave! Blixa Sounds has issued on CD the 1980 self-titled album by San Francisco-based New Wave band "Pearl Harbor and the Explosions." It's well worth rediscovering in this extended, remastered version. Originally a Warner Bros. Records release, the album features strong hooks and harmonies, riveting rock riffs, fiery funk, dance dynamism and a bit of edge. Some of that welcome edge comes courtesy of the young female vocalist, Pearl Harbor (formerly Pearl E. Gates). She eventually moved to England, married The Clash's Paul Simonon and enjoyed a solo career in punk.

The grabbing tracks on "Pearl Harbor and the Explosions" include "Drivin'," "You Got It (Release It)," "Shut Up and Dance" and "The Big One." "Up and Over" and "Don't Come Back" have a rockabilly sensibility. In addition to the original album's nine songs, there are seven bonus tracks here, including live material, a 1979 radio spot, a non-LP B-side and indie singles. The band wasn't around long, but Pearl Harbor and the Explosions did make an impact.

Patrice Jégou - "If it ain't love"
She was a pro figure skater and an opera singer, but Canada's Patrice Jégou seems to have found her true home in jazz. Her exceptionally expressive voice, combined with a great song selection and sensational arrangements, makes for a winning album. Jégou's touching, tender vocal on "Losing You" is memorable. She packs plenty of positivity and vivacity into the Pointer Sisters' hit, "Yes We Can, Can." "Lover Come Back to Me" swings with an irresistible energy. It's a wonderment in terms of voices entwining in fresh-sounding, entertaining ways.

Among the other top tracks are "Estate (Summer)," "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," "Please Send Me Someone to Love," "Im So Glad I'm Standing Here Today" and "It Might Be You." Guests include Táta Vega, Take 6, Larry Koonse, Mark Kibble, Alvin Chea, Javier Almaráz and The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

Let's give Jégou a gold medal, because this album is the musical equivalent of the triple axel -- an amazing feat!

BOOKS

DON'T STOP BELIEVIN: A MEMOIR
By Olivia Newton-John [Gallery Books]
Incredible, inspirational and diverse -- those words could certainly describe Olivia Newton-John's career. But they're even more applicable to her remarkable life, which she engagingly documents in her entertaining, informative and moving new memoir. It's title, "Don't Stop Believin'" was taken from one of her many memorable hits.

It's an appropriate choice, because Olivia's belief system, as well as her astonishing resilience and determination, has helped her meet the most daunting of challenges through the years. But another of her hits, "Magic," would have been equally apt, as there's a magical quality that emanates from this woman. She exudes positivity and appreciation for life.

Her story is often wonderfully humorous, but sometimes heartbreaking. Olivia takes the readers through triumphs and tribulations, popularity and pain, adventures and agony, glory and grief. The book is written in a disarming, conversational tone. Like her stage presence, it is genuine, unaffected and winning.

She talks about her roots, including her German-Jewish grandfather, a Nobel Prize-winning, scientific genius and close friend of Albert Einstein, who fled the horrors of Hitler. Olivia details her childhood in England and Australia and the trauma she felt when her parents divorced. She talks glowingly of her mother's remarkable inner strength, which Olivia obviously inherited.

We learn of the struggling, yet fun days of Olivia trying to break into the London music scene of the 60s in a duo with lifelong pal Pat Carroll. Newton-John's captivating voice and delightful presence eventually brought her superstardom, including four Grammys, more than 100 million albums sold and performances in such illustrious settings as the Vatican and the Olympics.

Olivia talks in depth about her participation in the iconic movie musical "Grease" and her lasting friendship with John Travolta. She also delves into "Xanadu" and touches briefly on lesser known acting excursions.

There are passages about her business ventures, such as the Koala Blue shops and the enticing Gaia Retreat and Spa.

Olivia's adventurous spirit and devotion to activism has taken her across the globe. The book goes into impactful trips to such destinations as Africa, Russia, Peru and China, where she walked the Great Wall to raise funds.

Newton-John has worked tirelessly for such causes as animal rights, the environment and health. She writes unflinchingly about her own health issues, particularly her bouts with cancer. She presents details about her pride and joy, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne.

Olivia writes adoringly of her other pride and joy, her daughter Chloe, as well as the soulmate she found later in life, her husband John Easterling, who is involved in alternative healing. She doesn't shy away from earlier relationships, including the marriage that ended in divorce or the fiancé who mysteriously disappeared.

She lavishes praise and gratitude on all who helped her along the way and doesn't stoop to making negative comments on others who might deserve a barb or two. Olivia's unpretentious spirituality and kindness ensure that she will always focus on the optimistic side of things, finding silver linings in the darkest clouds.

Olivia's life and career have gone through many phases, many ups and downs. But the courageous Newton-John welcomes change and relishes living in the moment. Her experiences offer lessons for all of us. Embrace both the laughter and the tears, as Olivia does. After reading her uplifting, charming memoir, all we can say is, Olivia, we honestly love you.