‘Made in England’ is a fascinating new documentary, hosted by Martin Scorsese, about the films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, particularly those released under the Archers label. Their films were unique, innovative and influential. They made films they wanted to make, rather than under studio instructions, so took risks with little regard to box office success. The result was a group of brilliant, unforgettable films, including ‘The Red Shoes’, ‘Black Narcissus’, ‘The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp’, ‘A Canterbury Tale’ and ‘A Matter of Life and Death’. Turns out that Scorsese worked for a number of years with Michael Powell and got to know him well. Any Powell & Pressburger fans in The Afterword? Have you yet seen ‘Made in England’?
Jazz for Beginners
There’s a growing interest in jazz these days from younger listeners. I’m writing a book currently along the lines of ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Jazz’ and one of the sections is around which 25 albums might one recommend to someone who is starting a jazz collection? Knowing that the Massive is both knowledgeable and loves a challenge, I’m throwing this question out to you all for views and to see if we can put together a rough list to help answer this question. All views welcome!
Laurel & Hardy with Daft Punk
Irresistible!
http://youtu.be/FTJhsVeiCFU
The Jokes Thread
You’ve missed it haven’t you? You know you want to. We’ll start with an old favourite:
The Death of Quasimodo
After Quasimodo’s death, the bishop of the Cathedral of Notre Dame sent word throughout the streets of Paris that a new bellringer was needed. The bishop decided that he would conduct the interviews personally and went up into the belfry to begin the screening process.
After observing several applicants demonstrate their skills, he had decided to call it a day. Just then, an armless man approached him and announced that he was there to apply for the bellringer’s job. The bishop was incredulous.
“You have no arms!”
“No matter,” said the man. “Observe!”
And he began striking the bells with his face, producing a beautiful melody on the carillon. The bishop listened in astonishment; convinced he had finally found a replacement for Quasimodo. But suddenly, rushing forward to strike a bell, the armless man tripped and plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death in the street below. The stunned bishop rushed to his side. When he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the fallen figure, drawn by the beautiful music they had heard only moments » Continue Reading.
The Dark Side Of The Edge
The debate goes on. We can’t leave it alone. It keeps bubbling up to the surface no matter what we do to keep it down. So this is it. The ultimate discussion on this persistent topic. Which band has been the most influential: Yes, or Pink Floyd?
