Greetings,
The Bee Gees happen to be one of my favorite groups of all time, though I know a stigma tends to be attached to them. As if I care. So, I have decided to do one of my Top Ten lists for you. Specifically, my Top Ten favorite Bee Gees albums. I know what some of you must be thinking and, to answer your question, yes, they did things other than Saturday Night Fever. Let me enlighten you all.
Before I officially begin, may I give honorable mention to Their Greatest Hits record from 2001. It might as well have been a new album since, in addition to their classics, they remade many of the songs they wrote for other artists. Amazing. Now let's get down to business.
#10. Odessa - This is one that is probably the most unknown to non-fans on this list. The music was pretty good, but I mostly like it because I like drama. The songs "Lamplight" and "First of May" remind us of the rivalry that erupted between Robin and Barry. Yes, they had a major falling out. What was all that drama about? What wasn't it about? Ego, women, money. All the usual stuff that makes groups fall apart. At least, they didn't stay apart. And by the way, I think "Lamplight" was a much better song than "First of May", so I guess . . . Team Robin?
#9. Children of the World - Here's where the disco thing began to creep in. I mean, they did have a song on here that included the word "Boogie". Nuff said. Plus, "You Should Be Dancing" was originally on this album. Hard to believe it wasn't written just for Saturday Night Fever. And don't even get me started on the song "Love So Right". It's so good I can't even get into it right now.
#8. Spirits Having Flown - This is what I call the last hurrah (so original!) This was the last successful album before everyone decided that, whether or not the Bee Gees actually sucked, they sucked. But with a song like "Too Much Heaven" on it, who cares what the fools of the world think. I am, however, still trying to figure out what "Love You Inside Out" means exactly. I have theories. And none of them are appropriate.
#7. Bee Gees 1st - There is always something special about the first album of a legendary group. No exception here. Even if it is actually their THIRD studio album. Must you toy with us, boys. Technically, though, it is the first of their albums to be released internationally, so, whatever. And we've got fantastic songs like "To Love Somebody", "Holiday", "New York Mining Disaster 1941", and one of my personal favorites, "In My Own Time". What else do we need?
#6. One - This was the first album they released after their younger brother Andy passed away. This is no more poignant than on the song "Wish You Were Here". It's a tearjerker. This album has some really strong songs, like "Bodyguard", "Ordinary Lives" and the title track. Also, on the edition I own, it also contains the song "You Win Again", which is another of my favorites. Still, aside from the technical aspect of the music, thinking of the emotions behind it has to make everyone give them a lot of credit. It is definitely one of the high points in their career.
#5. Idea - I include this one because it includes my favorite song "I Started a Joke". Not only my favorite Bee Gees' song, but my favorite song period. That one song is reason enough for me to put in on this list. Not the only reason, of course. I mean, I'm seriously digging that title track.
#4. This Is Where I Came In - As wonderful as this album is, it is now also bittersweet. This is the last album with Maurice, which ultimately makes it the last Bee Gees album ever. So, listen, enjoy, cry, but most of all, remember. I could go on and on about a lot of the songs here, like "Deja Vu", "Embrace", "Sacred Trust", but the one that really stands out is "Man In the Middle", which was sung by Maurice and has a title that describes what he has always been perfectly. Even he said so.
#3. Main Course - This is the album that changed everything. It was the first time we got the falsetto, which, of course, became their signature. Thanks, Arif Mardin. And I suppose thanks to Eric Clapton, too, since, rumor has it, he told them to do some work in Miami. They did, because if Eric Clapton tells you to do something you do it. Apparently. Anyway, the songs are memorable and wonderful and some of the best ever composed. I mean, come on. You get "Jive Talkin'", "Nights on Broadway", and another one of my favorites, "Country Lanes". It's fantastic.
#2. Size Isn't Everything - Often referred to as their strongest post-Saturday Night Fever work, this collection is beyond amazing. The vocals, the melodies, it all comes together so beautifully. Songs like "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Above and Beyond", and "Heart Like Mine" are my personal best on this album. But, as a whole, it's near perfect. I am literally stunned that this one is not considered as legendary as the Bee Gees themselves.
#1. Still Waters - This one is special to me. This is the one that hooked me in to this group and never let me go. The fact that it came out in 1997, though, proves that I was a late bloomer when it came to these guys. We all make mistakes. I don't even need to mention any particular songs here, because I love every single one of them. Some more than others, obviously, but everything here is stellar. There's no other way around it. This is my number one.
So there it is, kids, my list. Look it over, find the music, love the music. You won't regret it.
Love and Full Moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Whole Wide World - Movie Review
Greetings,
There are quite a few actors who I enjoy. But a chosen few can be called my favorites. One of them is.Vincent D'Onofrio. And he also happens to be one of my favorite people in reality. Considering all of that, it seemed only right to review of one of his movies, the best one of them in my opinion. It's called The Whole Wide World.
Yes, I know. Most people have never even heard of it, much less seen it. That is very sad, because it's amazing. But now that I think of it, many amazing movies have been unseen by the masses. We'll get to as many of those as possible, eventually. Moving on.
This movie is about a writer named Robert Howard, the author behind the Conan the Barbarian and so on stories. Of course, it does explore his writing, and it is does so in a very fascinating way. The main plot, though, concerns his relationship with a young woman named Novalyne Price, a teacher and aspiring writer who fits into the norm of society but is intrigued by the "out of the box" thinking of this pulp writer. D'Onofrio plays Howard, while Price is portrayed by Renee Zelwegger in one of her first roles. I believe this movie was made just before she got super famous with Jerry Maguire. Hmm? From Vincent D'Onofrio to Tom Cruise? Hope she had a parachute. Look, I'm not saying that one is a higher caliber of actor than the other, though I do believe that; I'm saying that one is much taller than the other. That's the joke. I'm not good at this, am I? Let's press on.
Now, despite the fact that this man wrote the Conan stories, this film is nothing like the movies that spawned from them. This is a gentle, subtle, beautiful piece of art filled with some of the best performances I have ever seen from any of the actors here. That includes our two amazing leads, but also the late, great Harve Presnell, another actor that many of the young folks probably don't know about, but they should. And may I mention Ann Wedgeworth who played Robert's ailing mother. She was heartbreaking and brilliant, which may be my favorite acting combination
If you choose to watch this movie, you will find many great moments. However, if I must choose a favorite scene, few things are more enjoyable than seeing a little, tiny Renee in a shouting match with Vinnie D and having her be the one with whom you don't want to mess. I guess tough things can come in small packages. But besides that, there are many quiet and emotional parts where we see deeply into this complex, powerful and very real relationship. Even when they argue or take some cheap shots at each other, you can still feel the love.
The most incredible thing about this film is Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Robert Howard, and not only because he is pretty much always a wonderful actor. I have seen him play other real people, Abbie Hoffman for one, but that is, in a way, easy. Or easier. Let me explain. Most of us know that man, his mannerisms, how he talked. D'Onofrio managed to grab the essence of who he was and become Abbie Hoffman. Robert Howard, on the other hand? Who knows what he sounded like or acted like? I personally have never seen any old film of him talking or anything. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. All I know of him is that he existed, and I'm thinking some people don't even know that much. And yet, when I saw the performance, I thought, 'Wow, he really reminds me of that guy' What?! I didn't know what Robert Howard was like, but it goes beyond what you can see or even what you know. You watch him act as this real life man and you can feel inside of yourself that he did capture him. It's undeniable and truly an amazing experience.
So, go on ahead and watch The Whole Wide World. I know that sounds like a command, but it is merely a suggestion. A good suggestion. If you want to see great actors at their very best, you will not be disappointed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
There are quite a few actors who I enjoy. But a chosen few can be called my favorites. One of them is.Vincent D'Onofrio. And he also happens to be one of my favorite people in reality. Considering all of that, it seemed only right to review of one of his movies, the best one of them in my opinion. It's called The Whole Wide World.
Yes, I know. Most people have never even heard of it, much less seen it. That is very sad, because it's amazing. But now that I think of it, many amazing movies have been unseen by the masses. We'll get to as many of those as possible, eventually. Moving on.
This movie is about a writer named Robert Howard, the author behind the Conan the Barbarian and so on stories. Of course, it does explore his writing, and it is does so in a very fascinating way. The main plot, though, concerns his relationship with a young woman named Novalyne Price, a teacher and aspiring writer who fits into the norm of society but is intrigued by the "out of the box" thinking of this pulp writer. D'Onofrio plays Howard, while Price is portrayed by Renee Zelwegger in one of her first roles. I believe this movie was made just before she got super famous with Jerry Maguire. Hmm? From Vincent D'Onofrio to Tom Cruise? Hope she had a parachute. Look, I'm not saying that one is a higher caliber of actor than the other, though I do believe that; I'm saying that one is much taller than the other. That's the joke. I'm not good at this, am I? Let's press on.
Now, despite the fact that this man wrote the Conan stories, this film is nothing like the movies that spawned from them. This is a gentle, subtle, beautiful piece of art filled with some of the best performances I have ever seen from any of the actors here. That includes our two amazing leads, but also the late, great Harve Presnell, another actor that many of the young folks probably don't know about, but they should. And may I mention Ann Wedgeworth who played Robert's ailing mother. She was heartbreaking and brilliant, which may be my favorite acting combination
If you choose to watch this movie, you will find many great moments. However, if I must choose a favorite scene, few things are more enjoyable than seeing a little, tiny Renee in a shouting match with Vinnie D and having her be the one with whom you don't want to mess. I guess tough things can come in small packages. But besides that, there are many quiet and emotional parts where we see deeply into this complex, powerful and very real relationship. Even when they argue or take some cheap shots at each other, you can still feel the love.
The most incredible thing about this film is Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Robert Howard, and not only because he is pretty much always a wonderful actor. I have seen him play other real people, Abbie Hoffman for one, but that is, in a way, easy. Or easier. Let me explain. Most of us know that man, his mannerisms, how he talked. D'Onofrio managed to grab the essence of who he was and become Abbie Hoffman. Robert Howard, on the other hand? Who knows what he sounded like or acted like? I personally have never seen any old film of him talking or anything. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. All I know of him is that he existed, and I'm thinking some people don't even know that much. And yet, when I saw the performance, I thought, 'Wow, he really reminds me of that guy' What?! I didn't know what Robert Howard was like, but it goes beyond what you can see or even what you know. You watch him act as this real life man and you can feel inside of yourself that he did capture him. It's undeniable and truly an amazing experience.
So, go on ahead and watch The Whole Wide World. I know that sounds like a command, but it is merely a suggestion. A good suggestion. If you want to see great actors at their very best, you will not be disappointed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Welcome!
Greetings,
Hello! And welcome to my world!
I thought I would do a little post just to say something about myself as an introduction. So here we go.
I'm an artist, a writer, specifically, and every pure, real artist holds the truth as a priceless treasure above all else. Every lie is just another flaw put into that diamond, until it reverts back to coal. Then, you have to start all over again, if you even can. That seems like a good enough reason for me. Plus, I don't think God likes it all that much, and on His bad side is one place I never want to be.
Now, you may be wondering exactly what this blog will about. Well, ground-breakingly enough, it will be about what I think, what I believe and whatever opinions I am permitted to have. And I have an opinion on everything from people to places to entertainment to life in general. But I will mostly be focused on entertainment. So, expect a lot of talk about that and a lot of reviews of movies, music, books and whatnot. In fact, that's most likely where I'll start.
In closing for this first and very short post, I hope you all enjoy what I have to write on here. I don't know how often I will do this or when I'll even really start, as we never know what life may throw at us, getting in the way of our plans. But this blog exists now and eventually things will officially begin.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Hello! And welcome to my world!
I thought I would do a little post just to say something about myself as an introduction. So here we go.
I'm an artist, a writer, specifically, and every pure, real artist holds the truth as a priceless treasure above all else. Every lie is just another flaw put into that diamond, until it reverts back to coal. Then, you have to start all over again, if you even can. That seems like a good enough reason for me. Plus, I don't think God likes it all that much, and on His bad side is one place I never want to be.
Now, you may be wondering exactly what this blog will about. Well, ground-breakingly enough, it will be about what I think, what I believe and whatever opinions I am permitted to have. And I have an opinion on everything from people to places to entertainment to life in general. But I will mostly be focused on entertainment. So, expect a lot of talk about that and a lot of reviews of movies, music, books and whatnot. In fact, that's most likely where I'll start.
In closing for this first and very short post, I hope you all enjoy what I have to write on here. I don't know how often I will do this or when I'll even really start, as we never know what life may throw at us, getting in the way of our plans. But this blog exists now and eventually things will officially begin.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)