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DEJA RE-VU
"INCUBUS" Now all Stevens needed was a lead actor. He was able to entice pre-"StarTrek" William Shatner to get on board. Despite Shatner's charisma, a black-and-white film in Esperanto did not seem like a commercially viable project to distributors. The film languished in obscurity and, for years, was actually considered lost. A print was discovered in the Cinémathèque Française collection. It was restored and released on DVD in 2001. Le Chat Qui Fume uncovered a high quality 35mm print and Arrow has just released a 4K UHD Blu-ray of the film. Considering the film's rough history, the picture and sound are impressive. Viewers can enjoy the scenic Northern California locations, including Big Sur, shot by legendary cinematographer Conrad Hall, who went on to win three Academy Awards. Hall's camera operator was William Fraker, who had five Best Cinematography Oscar nominations in his future. The movie's plot involves a wounded soldier (Shatner) who stumbles into an isolated village where they have waters that heal, as well as impart subtle beauty. But beware the succubi. These seductresses have a mission to lure men into eternal damnation. But will one of these demonic creatures find Shatner too irresistible to send him to hell? Stevens' direction makes "Incubus" an artful, eerie, distinctive horror movie. And Shatner, even when spouting Esperanto, is always entertaining. "Incubus" is an intriguing oddity well worth discovering. And the Arrow release offers a number of informative extras, such as three audio commentaries, including one with Shatner. There are also featurettes on the Esperanto language and an interview session with Hall, Fraker and producer Anthony Taylor. You can also watch the film with an isolated score track, so you can fully appreciate the spooky music composed by Dominic Frontiere ("The Outer Limits," "The Fugitive," "The Rat Patrol").
"MONSTER FROM THE OCEAN FLOOR" The slim plot involves Julie, an American artist vacationing at a seaside Mexican village. She spots the monster, a local legend, a giant, one-eyed amoeba. It looks like a squid with an ophthalmological problem. She teams with Steve, a skeptical marine biologist who zips around the ocean in his one-man sub. They attempt to end the threat of the deadly creature. Your all-star cast includes Anne Kimbell, Stuart Wade and Dick Pinner (And no, that's not his porn name). The most recognizable face here is that of Corman favorite Jonathan Haze as ill-fated diver Joe. This is the screen debut of the actor who would go on to claim cult status with "Little Shop of Horrors." The monster is perfectly laughable, but fortunately, has little screen time. The movie spends most of its time on inane dialogue, but tries to build to a more action-filled, undersea climax. The Film Masters special edition really polishes up this relic, newly scanned in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative. Bonus features include audio commentary, the original theatrical trailer, the new documentaries "Bob Baker: From Monsters to Marionettes" and "Roger Corman: Becoming a B-Movie Maker," and more.
"INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS" In this rousing World War II thriller, released theatrically in 2009, the filmmaker gives us history the way it should have happened. The tale revolves around a gang of soldiers far dirtier than the Dirty Dozen. Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) is assigned to assemble a unit of Jewish-American solders (including Eli Roth and B.J. Novak), dubbed the "Basterds," to sneak into France and damage German morale by gruesomely killing Nazi troops. The Germans are preparing to unveil a propaganda film about a Nazi sniper. It's to be held at a cinema that happens to be run by a young woman (Mélanie Laurent), who escaped, when her family was slaughtered by the SS led by Hans Landa (Christoph Walz, who won an Oscar for this supporting performance). The screening will be attended by Nazi bigwigs, including Landa. But our heroes, the Basterds, plan to add some unexpected fireworks to the premiere. Tarantino brings his uniquely brash style to the WWII adventure genre. The movie is an exhilaratingly violent ride. Arrow offers a ton of bonus features include extended scenes, alternate scenes, audio commentary, the German sniper propaganda film "Nation's Pride," plus interviews with Fred Raskin, actor Omar Doom and special make-up effects supervisor Greg Nicotero. There are also archival extras, including featurettes, an interview with Rod Taylor and a roundtable with Tarantino and Pitt.
STEVEN WILSON - "HOME INVASION" For the Royal Albert Hall concert, Wilson draws on work he did with his band Porcupine Tree, such as "Sound of Muzak" and "Lazarus." He performs material from his solo albums, as well. He serves up a large chunk of his then current fifth solo release, "To The Bone," including "The Same Asylum As Before" and "Detonation." Incorporating art-rock and prog-rock flavors into his creations, he fashions songs that display originality and daring. The new 4K edition's DTS HD 5.1 mix magnificently captures all of the sound's splendor. Wilson's songs tend to be complex, yet accessible. Within a few measures, he can segue from hard-hitting, gargantuan rock to gentle, sensitive, exploratory passages. His music can be incredibly immersive. He can be quite the showman. Bollywood dancers glide out for "Permanating" and add swirling motions and colors. Wilson isn't afraid to share the spotlight, as beguiling Israeli singer Ninet Tayeb joins him for several songs. She can display the beauty of her voice on numbers like "Pariah," then intensify with fiery fierceness on "People Who Eat Darkness." The direction and editing are first-rate, imaginative and effective. Visual effects enhance the moods of the music. There are even animated snippets.The 4K really brings out both the spectacular and intimate aspects of the evening. As bonuses on the 4K release, you can enjoy an interview with Wilson, plus a trio of songs filmed during the Royal Albert Hall rehearsal.
DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES - "REFLECTIONS" 1968's "Reflections" continues The Supremes' transition from impossibly fun and catchy girl group tunes to more elaborate, sophisticated Holland-Dozier-Holland productions designed to elevate Diana Ross to solo superstardom. In addition to the hit title track, the album contains middling singles "In and Out of Love" and "Forever Came Today." You'll hear a couple of Smokey Robinson songs, as well as Supremed-up covers of the Bacharach/David classic, "What The World Needs Now is Love," the stimulating ballad "Love (Makes Me Do Foolish Things)," popularized by Martha and the Vandellas, and Bobbie Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe." There are some remaining harmonies by the recently dumped Florence Ballard, as well as those by Mary Wilson and new member Cindy Birdsong, formerly of The Bluebelles. But it's Ross who's front and center, as the trio's altered name indicates. Smokey Robinson's "Pure Smokey" is pure magic, from the opening grooves to the final beat. This 1974 album was his second solo effort after years fronting The Miracles. Some of the songs here were co-writes with Miracle mate Marv Tarplin. In the hands of the master, Smokey, melodies, lyrics and rhythms are mesmerizing, as are his ethereal vocals. Good luck trying not to dance to the opener, "Her Turn to Live." Emotions flow, as in "The Love Between Me and My Kids." "Asleep on My Love" is one of the beauties here. Other highlights include "Just Passing Through," "Fulfill Your Need" and the funked-up single, "Virgin Man." Smokey delivers soul at its velvety best. Get purified. Gladys Knight and her Pips get down to the "Nitty Gritty" on their 1969 album. Producer Norman Whitfield gets all the edge and energy possible out of the group. Gladys takes care of business on the title track, a restyled version of the old Shirley Ellis smash. She wrings all of the drama out of the Ashford/Simpson song, "Didn't You Know (You'd Have to Cry Sometime)," puts plenty of urgency into that duo's "Keep An Eye" and delivers terrific renditions of "Cloud Nine" and "I'm Losing You." Knight herself wrote two strong numbers -- "Runnin' Out" and "The Stranger." And her vibrant voice is in top form throughout. These three vinyl releases offer a mountain of Motown magic!
GENE CLARK & CARLA OLSON - "SO REBELLIOUS A LOVER" The CD contains eight bonus tracks, including two never before appearing on compact disc. The limited edition blue vinyl comes with a bonus 45. The pairing deftly combined their country, folk and rock influences to create an album that was, itself, hugely influential. Their sound is timeless. Clark's indelible, warm and wounded voice blends thrillingly with Olson's impassioned vocals. The album begins stirringly with "The Drifter," which Olson had co-written with two of her Textone bandmates. Next up is the hauntingly gorgeous Clark ballad "Gypsy Rider," one of the finest compositions. Vivid imagery and penetrating vocals lift his "Del Gato" to great heights. There's a spirited rendition of John Fogarty's "Almost Saturday Night." The lilting Flying Burrito Brothers song "I'm Your Toy (Hot Burrito #1)," is one of the songs on which they're joined by Clark's Byrd buddy Chris Hillman on mandolin. Clark and Olson deliver a fragile and affecting version of the traditional tune, "Fair and Tender Ladies." Their poignant harmonies stand out on "Why Did You Leave Me Today?" Their voices also shine on Joe South's "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home." Another unforgettable track is the duo's superb cover of Woody Guthrie's "Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)." The song remains jarringly relevant. The gems among the bonus tracks include Clark's "Day for Night" and "Lover's Turnaround," as well as Olson's powerful "Number One Is To Survive." This album represents Americana music at its zenith. Clark's extraordinary solo records tended garner rave reviews, but little commercial success. This record seemed destined to bring him renewed attention. Sadly, he passed just a few years later. We can only wish Clark and Olson had done other albums together. "So Rebellious A Lover" is one to cherish.
JUDY WEXLER - "NO WONDER" A seductively undulating, yet profoundly poignant and haunting version of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love" stands out, as do Wexler's interpretations of Michel Legrand's "Summer Knows," lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, and the Nacio Herb Brown/Gus Kahn standard, "You Stepped Out of a Dream." Things get steamy on Henry Mancini's "Slow Hot Wind," lyrics by Norman Gimbel. "The Night We Called It a Day," originally recorded by Frank Sinatra in the early 40s, is a gentle gem in Wexler's understanding hands. The music for that one was written by Matt Dennis, lyrics by Tom Adair. Brilliant arrangements, primarily by pianist Jeff Colella, and the inspired backing from a splendid collection of musicians, complement Wexler's exciting explorations. Whether the moment is swinging or tender, they team up to capture exactly the right tone. The illustrious lineup, in addition to Colella features Danny Janklow (alto/tenor sax, flute/alto flute), Bob Sheppard (soprano sax, clarinet), Jay Jennings (trumpet, flugelhorn), Larry Koonse (electric/acoustic guitar), Gabe Davis (bass) and Steve Hass (drums). An extraordinary vocalist, Wexler approaches each song with both intelligence and a sense of adventure. She finds colors and shadings the songwriters may not even have imagined, opening up new musical vistas for the listeners. She is indeed a wonderment.
BIANCA ROSSINI - "I'VE BEEN ALONE" Rossini displays a sensitive voice imbued with power and sincerity. She knows how to tell a story and convey genuine emotion. The beautiful ballads, "I've Been Alone" and "I Have Waited Like a Fool," open the album, capturing listeners' hearts. "Cry Cry Cry" is a dramatic, driving declaration that will grab you from its opening notes. Other top tracks include "Do You Remember," "Early Morning," "Wake Up" and "Greatest Love." Every number offers its own charms. This new album, "I've Been Alone," proves to be moving, meaningful and marvelous. Rossini shows both fortitude and vulnerability. Whether she's singing about yearning or heartbreak, Rossini is unwaveringly convincing. The production and instrumentation perfectly complement her expressive voice. You won't feel alone, when you relate to the universally appealing songs of Bianca Rossini.
DION: ROCK AND ROLL PHILOSOPHER With the Belmonts, Dion racked up doo-wop hits in the 50s. He went on to have solo rock 'n' roll smashes with songs like "The Wanderer" and "Runaround Sue." He continually reinvented himself, moving to folk and blues, recording the iconic "Abraham, Martin and John." Later he poured himself into Christian music. For someone so accustomed to rebirth, it should come as no surprise that he was born again, embracing the lightning-like moment when he found God. Having found himself mired in addiction, with help, he managed to lift himself out of it. Through these pages, he plucks meaningful incidents from all phases of his experience to share. This handsome book, brimming with hundreds of remarkable photos, explores Dion's remembrances and beliefs on music, life and spirituality. The singer's career has brought him to into contact with countless legends, including Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Steve Van Zandt and Buddy Holly. In fact, Dion was part of that winter tour that resulted in the plane crash deaths of Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Havens. Eric Clapton contributed the book's prologue and Paul Simon the foreword. The book also touches on his warm relationship with his co-author, Jablin, a recovery and performance coach who appears aglow with admiration for the singer-songwriter. Jablin has enjoyed a mentee-mentor bond with him. More touching is Dion's description of the beautiful romantic relationship he has been sharing with Susan, his wife of 62 years. The volume contains many fun elements, such as a list of important things Dion learned from others, primarily a host of well known musical artists. There are also lists of the albums that had the most impact on Dion, as well as his favorite songs, movies, books and female vocalists. Dion has demonstrated to Jablin how to live a positive life. All readers can benefit from the teachings of the rock and roll philosopher. Living right has obviously worked for Dion. In his mid-80s, he's still making great music, writing vital songs. And that voice, miraculously, is as vibrant and emotionally potent as it was in the 1950s. This is a coffee table book of rare depth. It tells the incredible story of Dion's life, a compelling tale of rock and redemption. He has already influenced innumerable musicians over the years. With this new work, his sphere of influence should widen dramatically. Email Paul Freeman at paul@popcultureclassics.com |
