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	Haxan (Witchcraft Through the Ages) - Criterion Collection
	"WHEN I LOOK OUR MY WINDOW, WHAT DO YOU THINK I SEE?"	2009-06-05
Häxan is an excellent 1922 silent film that depicted the practice of religion and witchcraft during the Middle Ages. In this movie, superstitious characters created unrest in what were once peaceful, European dwellings. Whenever plagues spread throughout communities or lustful temptations occurred within the clergy of a synagogue, a scapegoat would have to shoulder the blame for society's ills. The alleged perpetrator could be identified and found guilty on the basis of physical appearance. If the individual were deformed, then he/she could be deemed as the devil in the flesh; if, on the other hand, the defendant was an attractive woman whose beauty was captivating, then chances were, she would be branded a witch who enticed the sexual imaginings of many a young man. With an effective cast who could act out the paranoid mindset that was swelling and spreading, Häxan had and still has the ability to lead viewers into witnessing some darker realms of humanity that were under the guise of spirituality. The emotion of fear, in conjunction with superstitions regarding a village's misfortunes, would prevail throughout this movie. As it would often fall in line with the edicts of those in power, namely the clerics, and as it would secure the standings of those already at the top, fear, as it would be experienced among laypersons and lower-ranking pastorates, overruled logic. It can be argued that Häxan was a creative exposition to the adage that wrong people in power, if given the opportunity, will try to control the minds of others by keeping them poor, blind, scared and stupid. Häxan is based on a premise that a collective mindset built upon rumor, superstition and hate is highly dangerous. Though this movie is nearly ninety years old, Häxan does have its fascinating, visual effects that were perhaps way ahead of their time. Portions of the movie depicted those deemed as the outsiders, that is to say, the pagans or devil worshippers who performed rituals that consisted of costumes, masks, and fire altars with some similarities to the pagan festivities in the 1973 movie, The Wicker Man. And it is within these ceremonial scenes that the stunning, technical aspects of the film arise. The viewer is transported right away into a different dimension, where it is not clear if it is supposed to be an outer, spiritual world that exists or the enactment of what was in the mind's eye of the superstitious. Nonetheless, the presence of ghostlike figures and demons helped to create as stunning a heaven-or-hell dilemma as what one could possibly hope for from this film. The trick photography for enhancing the awesome spectral appearances leaves little doubt that ten years later, Carl Theodor Dreyer's use of ectoplasmic imagery in his 1932 film, Vampyr, was inspired by the viewing of Häxan. All in all, this classic is, to say the least, a quintessential two-for-one. It is a perfect docudrama in the history of human behavior, and it is the perfect expositor of the genius of Benjamin Christensen, the movie's writer and director.
	John Lennon - Imagine
	"I ENIGMA"	2009-06-03
Though Imagine is not credited as John Lennon's first post-Beatles album, it is, in my opinion, the first such album that showcases the real John Lennon, the songwriter fans came to know and love and who could create those memorable tunes, with or without Paul McCartney. Released in 1971, Imagine reveals a man whose moderated temperament allowed him to articulate his emotions, good and bad, through singing the verses of his trademark, visionary poetry. From start to finish, every expression and nuance was accompanied by perfectly in synch music that was made possible by Lennon himself and other talented artists that included the likes of former Beatles bandmates, the great George Harrison and the unforgettable Ringo Starr. I know that there are those who still rave about the Plastic Ono Band from the year before and think that this is Lennon's best solo work. I respect their opinions, but I find Imagine to be the ideal continuation of where he left off with his memorable Give Peace a Chance! All in all, thanks for the memories, Mr. Lennon. I wish you were here, and yet, I often think and feel that, in some way, you gladly still are.
	The Rolling Stones, Rolling Stones - Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass)
	"PERFECT GARDEN VARIETY IN 1960'S POP AND ROCK"	2009-05-30
The 2002 remaster of Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) is a vast sonic improvement over the 1986 issuance. The sound quality is clearer without quite so much tape hiss, a common problem with transferring early analog recordings onto digital formats. So far as the content goes, things start off with the Stones' trademark U.S. number-one hit (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, which ranks right up there with Stairway to Heaven and Like a Rolling Stone as among the greatest rock-and-roll songs of all time. In between are the wistful As Tears Go By, the resolute It's All Over Now, the defiant Heart of Stone, and the bluesy Good Times Bad Times. Also contained are the favorites 19th Nervous Breakdown and what many consider to be the Stones' proclamation of supreme status as the greatest rock-n-roll band in Get Off of My Cloud, the only other U.S. number-one hit in the set. At the very end is the musically soft but lyrically harsh Play with Fire, which perfectly amalgamates the hard and soft sides of the 1960's Rolling Stones and, perhaps, the decade itself. Overall, Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) is a very strong compilation with a perfect arrangement that should not be tampered with. While one might receive more songs for the buck with Hot Rocks or Forty Licks, the sequencing is, IMHO, not quite so strong in terms of where the individual songs, collectively, manage to embody a perfect whole. In other words, more, even if the added contents are perfect (and might actually be in another setting), can ironically amount to less (The only other release I can think of right now with this very same conundrum is Elvis Presley's Back in Memphis). And speaking of contents, there is one noteworthy change that has been made for this updated recording, other than the improved sound. When released on CD in 1986 Big Hits contained Time Is On My Side with an organ introduction. Since then, it now contains that song with the guitar at the start, and that is the version that was and still is played on American radio stations. After receiving a most refined, technological advancement with the sound of the classic Stones figuratively face-lifted yet more well-preserved, Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) receives a more secure than ever Five stars.
	Elton John - Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
	"THE QUINTESSENTIAL ALBUM THAT MAKES ONE MISS THE 70'S"	2009-05-28
Released between the progressive Honky Chateau and the all-time classic double-LP, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, is the often overlooked and underrated Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. This landmark release encapsules what would be Elton's very first Top 5 singles, including the #2 Daniel and what would be Reggie Dwight's first chart-topper, namely the unforgettable Crocodile Rock. Besides being a disc that contained what were then Elton's biggest hits, it included some interesting tunes that received their share of airplay on FM radio, including Teacher, I Need You, Elderberry Wine, and High Flying Bird. These songs were intertwined with other tracks that would shed light on an Elton John who was carefree when necessary and yet was somber in the same respect. I would not say that Don't Shoot Me... is Elton's very best, but if any particular work of art ever showcased an Elton John who seemed to let loose and enjoy life after having heavy burdens lifted, then that was it. Arguably, the energy emanated ideally reflects what many fondly remember about 1973. Not only was that when Don't Shoot Me... was released, but it was also a time when, for millions, several days, months, and years of perpetual worry and stress over domestic and international affairs, including wartime combat, were finally coming to a close. Again, Don't Shoot Me.. is probably the release that perfectly highlighted Elton's lighthearted and serious sides, with the first part serving as a continuation of the humor nicely put forth in Honky Chateau and the second part, which would pave the way for pensive songs that would come to summarize the first phase of Elton's career and thus complete the first volume of his greatest hits, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
	Elo - Face the Music
	"A TRUE ROCKESTRA MASTERPIECE"	2009-05-27
Out of all the releases by ELO that I have listened to, Face the Music has to be my favorite. An explosive, energetic Fire on High is a perfect instrumental to kick off what turns out to be an ideal assortment of tunes. The guitar work and orchestrations are so much in synch that I wonder if it inspired Paul McCartney's Rockestra Theme, which would be released on Wings' Back to the Egg LP some four years later. From start to finish, Face the Music is comprised of numbers that are well-transitioned, thus making the whole disc perfectly intact. Included are the top 10 hit, Evil Woman, and a lovely, brief, Fantasia-like prelude that is immediately followed by the beautiful, immortal FM classic, Strange Magic. Also quite noteworthy is the evenly-tempoed Waterfall, which ideally segues to Evil Woman. Nightrider is quite upbeat and reminds me of All Over the World, which would appear in ELO's half of the 1980 Xanadu soundtrack. Interestingly enough, perhaps as one of Jeff Lynne's tributes to the Beatles' Revolver-era productions, a tape loop is included right before Down Home Town. When played backwards, it reads, "It's the mighty waterfall. It's the mighty waterfall." Throughout, the genius of Jeff Lynne and his fellow performers is dominant. At the very end is the pefectly grandiose, but not bombastic, One Summer Dream to close this 1975 symphonic deal, which would turn out, perhaps, as a feat that ELO, since then, has not quite come to equal, much less surpass. Great job, Jeff and gang!
	Jethro Tull - M.U.: The Best of Jethro Tull
	"Excellent Assortment; Sound Quality Lacking on Aqualung Songs, However"	2009-05-26
M.U.:The Best of Jethro Tull is a compilation I purchased after obtaining the remastered version of Aqualung, as well as the 24K gold version of Original Masters. I was happy with the latter two items, but I wanted more of the J.T. catalogue that these particular releases did not contain, including the studio version of the pre-Aqualung songs Teacher, Fat Man, Rainbow Blues, and Nothing Is Easy. While I am happy to now have access to these four songs, let me issue a word of advice. If you are primarily interested in the songs from the Aqualung album and are concerned about the sound quality, especially the title track, then purchase a different CD. The "tinny" sound that J.T. front man, Ian Anderson, has lamented for decades regarding those particular tunes is quite apparent in M.U. As for the other tracks, everything is A-OK, especially if you prefer the edited versions of Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play. All in all, this is an adequate sampler of the early Jethro Tull. But it pales in comparison to the aforementioned Original Masters and remastered Aqualung as a CD you want to listen to, especially if you are on the road.
	Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Boulevard
	"EAT ANOTHER PEACH ;)"	2008-12-24
Just as Songs in the Key of Life is perhaps, several years after the fact, a monumental classic that Stevie Wonder has not yet been able to equal in his subsequent recordings, the same can be said for 461 Ocean Boulevard relative to the latter forthcomings of none other than the immortal blues guitarist, Mr. Eric Clapton. Released in 1974, 461 Ocean Boulevard was an unparalleled landmark album in its own right. Thanks to the inclusion of the number one hit cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff", it is possibly the primary catalyst to the never-before-witnessed international stage of multiplatinum-selling reggae artists, the first and most famous being Mr. Marley himself. Also, it is arguably the release that not only recharged but also supercharged a career that, with a future in doubt as a result of prior drug addictions and band dissolutions, especially Derek and the Dominos, would turn out to be prolific and enduring. Other tracks include the great introduction, "Motherless Children", with Clapton's trademark guitar work as well as the top 40 "Willie and the Hand Jive". Also contained is the staple "Let It Grow". Throughout the release is the presence of a backing vocalist who would attain stardom some three years later with the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack release. Who is this person? It is none other than Yvonne Elliman, who would have her only number one hit with the Bee Gees' "If I Can't Have You". In sum, questions likely had arisen prior to 1974 as to whether there would even be several Clapton projects ahead, what with the untimely deaths of close friends and fellow guitar greats, Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman. Fortunately, Clapton is still around. Though his works from the mid-1970s onward, from an artistic standpoint, might not quite match the masterpiece that is 461 Ocean Boulevard, his decisions to kick the drug habits and to maintain his legacy as a performer who continues to inspire present and future artists are personal triumphs that are far more important than any one particular work of art.
	The Wages of Fear - Criterion Collection
	"PERHAPS THE GRITTIEST MOMENTS IN THE CRITERION COLLECTION"	2008-12-24
The Wages of Fear is perhaps the mother of all the Criterion movies that have been able to create a white-knuckle viewing audience. The story centers on a geographic region in South America, where oil company investors are exploiting the needs of the economically disadvantaged, which apparently make up a majority of the local population. Many are looking for work, and when opportunity arises, they are essentially faced with the question: Just how badly do you want a job and the potential monetary rewards attached? So what is this offer that comes about? Well, let's say that there are two parts. One is easy, and the other is hard, with the higher degree of intensity applied to the latter. Now let's observe the breakdown. The easy part is the money, which is a relatively paltry, but highly coveted, amount of two thousand dollars. Though this was a large sum back in the 1950's, it is diminutive by comparison to the perils regarding the hard part, which is the task itself. And just what is this insurmountable challenge? It is to meet one specific demand of an American oil company: transport two trucks full of nitroglycerin to a well fire by riding across 300 miles of neglected infrastructure on equipment that is every bit as dilapidated. Now are there any other questions?? As for how cognizant the keys players are, there might not be a soul present who knows the exact chemical nomenclature of nitroglycerin, itself, but they very well know its toxicity in the hauling process. If you spill it or agitate it, then BOOM! YOU'RE DEAD!! As the movie progresses, there are four brave souls who have either the bravery or the insanity, or both, to undergo such a Russian roulette task. With each passing scene, sweaty brows, near nervous breakdowns, and infightings come to the surface. Aware of the continuous and continual, perils that these men are facing or could potentially encounter, the movie watcher can easily get clammy. In fact, one might be reminded of a particular event from years past that left him or her at the seat's edge. For me, I could only think of the coverage of Robbie Knievel's motorcycle jump over the Grand Canyon, which, in itself, was no joy ride. So if you think that life and work are difficult, then The Wages of Fear just might shed a positive light on your circumstances in a way that a mere feel-good pill cannot. And for those who have been looking for a good scare after viewing a string of not-so-horror films, this motion picture will come closer to whetting your appetite. The cinematography and acting are great. Truly, Henri-Georges Clouzot was a filmmaking master in his own right.
	The Wages of Fear - Criterion Collection (Restored Edition)
	"PERHAPS THE GRITTIEST MOMENTS IN THE CRITERION COLLECTION"	2008-12-24
The Wages of Fear is perhaps the mother of all the Criterion movies that have been able to create a white-knuckle viewing audience. The story centers on a geographic region in South America, where oil company investors are exploiting the needs of the economically disadvantaged, which apparently make up a majority of the local population. Many are looking for work, and when opportunity arises, they are essentially faced with the question: Just how badly do you want a job and the potential monetary rewards attached? So what is this offer that comes about? Well, let's say that there are two parts. One is easy, and the other is hard, with the higher degree of intensity applied to the latter. Now let's observe the breakdown. The easy part is the money, which is a relatively paltry, but highly coveted, amount of two thousand dollars. Though this was a large sum back in the 1950's, it is diminutive by comparison to the perils regarding the hard part, which is the task itself. And just what is this insurmountable challenge? It is to meet one specific demand of an American oil company: transport two trucks full of nitroglycerin to a well fire by riding across 300 miles of neglected infrastructure on equipment that is every bit as dilapidated. Now are there any other questions?? As for how cognizant the keys players are, there might not be a soul present who knows the exact chemical nomenclature of nitroglycerin, itself, but they very well know its toxicity in the hauling process. If you spill it or agitate it, then BOOM! YOU'RE DEAD!! As the movie progresses, there are four brave souls who have either the bravery or the insanity, or both, to undergo such a Russian roulette task. With each passing scene, sweaty brows, near nervous breakdowns, and infightings come to the surface. Aware of the continuous and continual, perils that these men are facing or could potentially encounter, the movie watcher can easily get clammy. In fact, one might be reminded of a particular event from years past that left him or her at the seat's edge. For me, I could only think of the coverage of Robbie Knievel's motorcycle jump over the Grand Canyon, which, in itself, was no joy ride. So if you think that life and work are difficult, then The Wages of Fear just might shed a positive light on your circumstances in a way that a mere feel-good pill cannot. And for those who have been looking for a good scare after viewing a string of not-so-horror films, this motion picture will come closer to whetting your appetite. The cinematography and acting are great. Truly, Henri-Georges Clouzot was a filmmaking master in his own right.
	Elvis Presley - Memories: The '68 Comeback Special
	"SHAZAM?! CAPTAIN MARVEL, JR?! NO, IT'S ELVIS!!"	2008-12-18
Any version of the 1968 Comeback Special is essential. I am not a dyed-in-the-wool Elvis fan, but I must say that the set does have some of the most electrifying unplugged sessions in the history of rock music. Tiger Man, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, and That's All Right are just unbeatable. Memories and If I Can Dream are "second to none". The gospel medley Where Could I Go But To the Lord/Up Above My Head/Saved is inspirational and top notch. There is nothing new to say about this release, but it is a necessary reaffirmation that this particular work of Elvis is a must have, as well as the 1969 Memphis sessions that would enable Mr. Presley to reclaim his throne. Long live The King!
	Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick
	"HYMN #44: A SONG FROM THE GOOD"	2008-07-02
I have often been intrigued by the multitalented Jethro Tull since the seventies. Thick as a Brick is a nice package for the listener who wants a change of pace from the tiring pop music and the typical, overplayed, classic rock that are so often geared to specific age groups or audiences. This should be on many a magazine's list of 100 Greatest Albums of All Time. Even attempts at cultural and musical format crossovers by many have not impressed me. What UK acts such as Donovan and The Beatles did for the 1960s, Jethro Tull did for the 1970s. Just as the prominence of the violin in the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby and the use of the harmonized guitar riffs with the harpsichord in Donovan's Sunshine Superman were groundbreaking, Ian Anderson's perpetual transition from flute to trumpet to saxophone to acoustic guitar was no less musically original. Released in 1972, Thick as a Brick is regarded as Jethro Tull's definitive progressive rock album. Like the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper with its printed song lyrics and Dylan's Blonde on Blonde in the never-before-released packaging of two discs of exclusively new material, Thick as a Brick has its own distinctive first: a full length LP with a continuous song on both sides. Lavishly produced for its time, Thick as a Brick was supported by a tour with a stage production that was every bit as lavish and represented what possibly might have been the pinnacle of Tull's popularity, a time when the group was also raking in the sales of the now-immortalized, U.S. certified triple platinum album from the year before, namely Aqualung.
	Lennon Legend - The Very Best of John Lennon
	"(WITH THIS) THERE'S NO PROBLEM, ONLY SOLUTIONS"	2008-06-19
This is a great DVD featuring the solo efforts of John Lennon, who was the first half of the creative force of the greatest pop and rock group of all time, The Beatles. The videos are good, and the music is great. The essence of Lennon is well encapsulated in this release. The sound quality is superb, especially in either Dolby or DTS 5.1. Each track sounds better now than when it was dominating the airwaves, especially when FM radio was a novelty. Great care and mastering of this newly packaged arrangement are prevalent from start to finish. In sum, Lennon Legend-The Very Best of John Lennon is a reintroduction of the talented artistry of the former Beatle to longtime, perhaps even erstwhile, fans who will likely develop a whole new appreciation of an entertainer whose life was cut way too short. The music contained is a testament of such great quality showmanship and philosophical depth that Lennon, over a quarter century after his demise, is winning and inspiring generations of new fans. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Lennon.
	Lennon Legend - The Very Best of John Lennon (Jewel Case)
	"(WITH THIS) THERE'S NO PROBLEM, ONLY SOLUTIONS"	2008-06-19
This is a great DVD featuring the solo efforts of John Lennon, who was the first half of the creative force of the greatest pop and rock group of all time, The Beatles. The videos are good, and the music is great. The essence of Lennon is well encapsulated in this release. The sound quality is superb, especially in either Dolby or DTS 5.1. Each track sounds better now than when it was dominating the airwaves, especially when FM radio was a novelty. Great care and mastering of this newly packaged arrangement are prevalent from start to finish. In sum, Lennon Legend-The Very Best of John Lennon is a reintroduction of the talented artistry of the former Beatle to longtime, perhaps even erstwhile, fans who will likely develop a whole new appreciation of an entertainer whose life was cut way too short. The music contained is a testament of such great quality showmanship and philosophical depth that Lennon, over a quarter century after his demise, is winning and inspiring generations of new fans. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Lennon.
	Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf/Spaceship Earth
	"A MOST DIFFERENT KIND OF BREAD"	2008-01-20
Sugarloaf/Spaceship Earth is an excellent work of art and is quite a bargain for those wanting to build his or her classic rock music collection. Included in the set is the Top 10 hit "Green-Eyed Lady" and the Top 40 "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You". One might argue that Sugarloaf's music was progressive rock before the term itself was in the vernacular of many an album critic. Sugarloaf, upon the release of these two albums, added a new dimension in the coordination of combining guitar with organ and synthesizer. The group Sugarloaf will go down in the annals of pop and rock music as the group that released "Green-Eyed Lady", and that, in itself, is something to be proud of. It has an eerie, haunting melody along the lines of Donovan's "Season of the Witch". This CD has the extended version of this song, which, in my opinion, is a better listen than the 45 RPM version. The lesser-known tracks in this compilation are noteworthy and amount to substantially more than the typical throwaway fillers. "Medley: Bach Doors Man/Chest Fever", "The Train Kept A-Rollin' (Stroll On)" and "Music Box" portray a group that can convert music that might have been designed for little more than a mere garage band to that which has some music fans comparing Sugarloaf with famous acts that include Jethro Tull, Badfinger and Pink Floyd and the relatively obscure ones that include Blues Image and Van der Graaf Generator.
	The Doobie Brothers - Doobie Brothers - Greatest Hits
	"LISTNIN FOR THE HAPPY SOUNDS AND I GOT TO LET THEM FLY"	2008-01-05
The Doobie Brothers' Greatest Hits is arguably the best greatest hits compilation ever assembled and released by a 1970s rock band. Indeed, it is a most enjoyable listen. It has the early hits, "Listen to the Music", "Jesus Is Just Alright", and the chart-topping "Black Water", all of which were equipped with top-notch guitar work and the harmonizing vocals which, for so long, characterized the Doobies. Tracks 1-9 are what I call the radio airplay essences of the Phase I, or Album Rock Oriented, period of this great band, which put out the classic LPs "Toulouse Street" and "The Captain and Me". For a good portion of the remaining set from Track 10 on, we have Phase II, or the Pop, Rock and Soul period, which was comprised of the commercially successful records of the Michael McDonald era. In the set are "Takin' It to the Streets", "Minute by Minute", and the signature hit "What a Fool Believes". Amalgamating together the various genres and styles, regardless of how heterogeneous they were, the Doobie Brothers never failed to create a sound or to transcend one. All in all, for those who want a perfect Doobie Brothers sampler without delving into the boxed sets or anything that is outside that frequently played on the classic rock radio stations, this is it.
	Marvel (First Impressions)
	"GREAT BOOK THAT NEEDED JIM STERANKO'S INPUT"	2008-01-01
Marvel Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics is a well-presented but incomplete volume that I would highly recommend for those interested in the history of pulp fiction and comic books, especially Marvel Comics. It is a brilliant summary of a large portion of the genres, formats, and marketing strategies of Marvel Comics, which dates back to the 1930s and 1940s. Even a reader who is not particularly a comics fan will likely find this book fascinating and enlightening. To me, this publication is a decent effort to document the history and development of the superhero fantasy. Introduced in this publication are highlighted stories and photographed covers of the various pulp fiction magazines, including Marvel Tales, The Spider, Weird Tales, etc., all of which were prevalent in American dime stores and contained various tales about time travel, unlimited atomic energy, ghosts, and alien invaders. Though these fantasies were popular, the pulp novel editors, most notably Martin Goodman, eventually needed to find a way to publish their stories at a pace in sync with an accelerating, thus increasingly demanding, society that was producing faster machines, trains, planes, and automobiles. Thus was developed and introduced by Goodman, along with illustrator, Bill Everett, what would be the very first issue of Marvel Comics, which has its cover photographed in miniaturized form as displayed in this book. So according to the following pages, the cornerstone of Marvel Comics was laid, and there was to be no turning back. In Five Fabulous Decades, each page is glossy and contains several photographs in color of the various aforementioned pulp fiction works along with the very early issues that would lead to an expanding Marvel Universe. It is also stated that contrary to what many comic book history writers have informed their respective readers, the creation of the comic book itself did not immediately replace and eradicate the pulp fiction magazine, because pulps continued to be printed well into 1955. All in all, Marvel did a good chapter-by-chapter sequence, bringing forth names of the great contributors to the comic book universe. Some very poignant moments are presented, especially in the 1950s when the comic book medium comes under scrutiny for presenting violent images. Outrage, according to the book, was so loudly expressed by individuals who alleged the comic book industry was corrupting America's youth that matters were taken before the Federal government and ultimately, Congressional hearings were being held so as to determine the link between comic books and juvenile delinquency. It is then stated that, as a result, the reputation of the comic book industry was maligned and left many editors, publishers, and illustrators without work. Following this crisis passage is a long-winded narrative of the Marvel Comics resurgence in popularity in 1961 that would spawn the creation of heroes such as The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Spider-Man, as well as the return of old favorites, such as Ka-Zar, Captain America, and The Sub-Mariner. From then on are trivial profiles of the central Marvel characters and how each inspired the creation of TV shows, movies, toys, as well as the creation of superhero groups. All in all, this is a very good book to own. My only complaint is that the second half focuses more on marketing strategies revolved around the superheroes than on the impact that the superheroes' stories had on their readers. What started out as a potentially perfect rendition of one facet of comic book history got lost in the shuffle with the commercialization of Marvel Entertainment, which is still fascinating in itself. As a recommendation, for those who are genuinely interested in the history of comic books as a whole, and not just Marvel, please try and find copies of both volumes of The Steranko History of Comics by none other than the great Jim Steranko!
	Batman Chronicles - Volume I
	"HOW COULD THIS BE PRICED SO LOW?? NO COMPLAINTS!!"	2007-12-31
It has become a trademark of DC Comics to hesitate from reprinting back issues of Detective Comics and Batman, especially at an affordable price. So in consequence, I had yet to find a more recent, bound collection of the formerly golden and silver age stories than Batman from the Thirties to the Seventies, which has not been reprinted in thirty years. Though it is an excellent, chronological, historical classic of the heroic Batman, perhaps the best collection of Batman reprints in one volume for a very long time, Batman from the Thirties to the Seventies left me wanting for more Batman reprints from the 1939 and early 1940s Detective and Batman issues. Unfortunately, this great source had only a handful of these issues that also happened to be far between. So when I went to a Borders bookstore and ran across The Batman Chronicles, Volume I, it was like a dream finally come true, which it was. The very first of the Batman classics reprinted at an affordable price. I also liked the layout and the format, both of which convinced me to make this purchase. So for those, like me, who loved reading the earliest Batman stories that were available, I am most glad to say that DC has published The Batman Chronicles, EVERY BATMAN ISSUE IN EXACT CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, and EVERY PAGE IS IN COLOR! Heck, I would have settled for B&W, just as they are in my Marvel Essentials collections!!
	George Harrison - Cloud Nine [Bonus Tracks]
	"THE BALLAD OF SIR FRANKIE CRISP, JR. (LET ME ROLL IT, TOO)"	2007-12-30
Cloud Nine is a great release from George Harrison, who, in 1987, was seeking to re-establish himself as an artist. With essentially a newfound focus to propel his solo career at the top as he did seventeen years prior with All Things Must Pass, Harrison enlisted the services of Jeff Lynne of ELO fame as the co-producer for this project. Alongside Harrison's guitar were to be the key instrumental contributions of Eric Clapton, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright, and Jim Keltner, among others. The songs are timeless, and the instrumentations are very nicely arranged. In this collection, the tracks are representative of the various phases Harrison was artistically going through since his early Beatle days. Fish on the Sand, Cloud Nine, and the number one hit, Got My Mind Set on You, an obscure early 60s Rudy Clark song that Harrison actually wanted to record as a Beatle, comprise material reminiscent of those pre-Sergeant Pepper days. When We Was Fab and Breath Away from Heaven are interesting tracks, blending together the sitar sound that was often Harrison's trademark since late 1966 with traces of the ELO-type production that was of none other than Jeff Lynne. For those who were hoping for a bit of the All Things Must Pass sound from Cloud Nine, That's What It Takes, the second track, has a mid-tempo, bluesy sound with excellent Clapton guitar added and thus parallels the All Things Must Pass tunes I'd Have You Anytime and Beware of Darkness. Just for Today, lyrically and musically, is a poignant song that has a ring of both resolve and finality to it in the style of the All Things Must Pass title track. In retrospect, I say that, roughly twenty years after its chart success, Cloud Nine was a return to basics release with a contemporary sound that would provide a touch of retrospection, which I think brought to life the strengths of this masterpiece without having it stuck in any particular decade. In this twenty-first century, it sounds just as fresh and new as it ever did. A sad note: Cloud Nine would end up being the very last solo work that George Harrison would issue during his lifetime. But what a way to summarize the career of so talented a performer who, in 2003, would be ranked #21 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Looking at the catalogue of his works,one can definitely agree that George Harrison was a one-of-a-kind performer who was anything but a one-trick pony. Once again, thanks for the memories, George.
	Selected Short Stories of William Faulkner (Modern Library)
	"GREAT SET OF CLASSICS"	2007-12-30
This is a great set of classics that I intend to read again. It is from this prolific novelist that we have a countering view that the American good ol' days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the South, were actually not so desirable after all. It is by reflecting upon this perspective that I found "A Rose for Emily", "Barn Burning" and "Dry September" to be the most memorable stories. These particular three had a sequence of developments that focused and reflected upon ugly truths that were hidden behind public veneers of "Southern niceties". In essence, the outcomes were essentially America's fictional and somewhat factual answer to the rampant pornography throughout England during what was regarded as the pristine Victorian Era. Also, Faulkner had an uncanny way of depicting how societies with unwritten rules of proper mannerisms would be unraveled thanks to a bullying, uncouth citizen or family. His writing style was that of using actions and events that set the transition from what each person was like at the surface to what he or she was really like all along and how those around him or her would be affected in the aftermath. If you are interested in stories about how a person, individually, might have either gotten along or contrasted with the norms and tones of an immediate culture, especially in rural America, Faulkner is the ideal author. And again, this is an excellent collection for those who want to start reading Faulkner. A slight word of warning: some of you might find it shocking that there were troubles and prejudices that set parts of America on edge, especially if most of your exposure to U.S. History has been largely sanitized. As a recommendation, if you enjoy the stories but find some of the terms unfamiliar or the endings ambiguous, I suggest purchasing William Faulkner A to Z as a reading companion.
	George Harrison, George Harrison - All Things Must Pass [BOXED EDITION]
	"ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME"	2007-12-29
In 1970, twenty-seven-year-old singer/songwriter George Harrison had, for a few years, heaped quite an assortment of songs he never got to record or release as a member of The Beatles, which had broken up only a few months prior. George pondered how life was going to be or how it was to continue after having been one of the Fab Four for so long. Upon resolve, he was going to make excellent use of those songs which never made it to vinyl and was thus going to come out in full force as a solo artist. To carry out his mission, he enlisted the services of producer Phil Spector and hauled in the ranks of several renowned musicians, including Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. George Harrison was to start a project that was going to show the world that there was more to him than just the Quiet Beatle who was, in a creativity context, subordinated notches below the Lennon/McCartney duo. The fruit of his efforts would be a landmark album by the name of All Things Must Pass. Thanks to the volume of music that would be contained, it would have a unique, marketing distinction of its own: while Dylan's Blonde on Blonde is officially recorded in the annals as the first ever double-LP, Harrison's new work entered the stores as the first triple-disc collection comprised only of previously unreleased material. Back then, and even in retrospect, one can agree that Harrison's option to issue his first solo material in this fashion was, to say the least, a very bold move. Fortunately, for him and the music world, it was to be a successful decision that would make Mr. Harrison a chart-topper in the singles and album categories. Among the tunes that would help bring All Things Must Pass to the forefront and generate massive sales are the top 10 hits, the double-A single My Sweet Lord/Isn't It a Pity, which spent 4 weeks at #1 and was the first chart-topping single from a former Beatle, and What Is Life. Included in the set are the Bob Dylan contributions, I'd Have You Anytime and If Not for You. To music fans, there are so many reasons that point to the success of All Things Must Pass, but there is a tie that binds them all. It is, simply put, a most enjoyable, though sometimes poignant, set of tracks that, altogether, touch the soul to the degree that even Bob Geldof unequivocally calls it the greatest album ever released by a former Beatle. Indeed, it has some very uplifting tunes, which, IMHO, comprise the very best portions, including the electric Wah-Wah, the Wagnerian Let It Down, the wistful Run of the Mill, which is followed by the bluesy and symphonic Beware of Darkness. Apple Scruffs, The Art of Dying, and Awaiting on You All cannot be denied, nor can the title track itself. Subsequent to the main body of this masterpiece are what might be regarded as the equivalent of B-side recordings that nonetheless serve a purpose. This middle set provides a smooth segue to the final portions, which are instrumental recordings that have been identified and immortalized as The Apple Jam. Beginning with Plug Me In and concluding with Out of the Blue, The Apple Jam was a free-for-all for George Harrison and his band mates to let it rip and ride to the end. Containing the picture of the distinguished, long-haired George Harrison alongside some garden gnomes on the front cover, All Things Must Pass, visually interesting and sonically appealing, was recorded at number 437 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 500 greatest albums of all time and is certified as the best selling album by a former Beatle. In fact, it outsold the first solo offerings of John Lennon (Plastic Ono Band) and Paul McCartney (McCartney) combined. No small feat, to say the very least! Thanks for the great memories, George.
	Willie Nelson - The Essential Willie Nelson
	"THE TAO...ERR...WOW OF WILLIE"	2007-12-28
This 41-track collection is another remarkable capsule of one of the most prolific entertainers in country and pop music. The arrangers over @ Columbia faced an insurmountable task of summarizing nearly 40 years of albums and productions that would adequately showcase the multifaceted talent of Willie Nelson. After rising to the challenge, they succeeded with an excellent Essential assortment. By chronologically sequencing the recordings, both studio and live, that were regarded as essential in the development of Nelson the immortalized, country music outlaw, the producers were able to reveal the many personalities and vocal arrangements that made Willie a wonderful, all-around entertainer. Among the tunes are Crazy, Georgia on My Mind, Blue Skies, and Pancho & Lefty. Many co-performers alongside Willie also appear; among them are Leon Russell, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, and, strangely enough, Aerosmith. For those who are primarily interested in only the FM radio hits, the collection has: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (US Pop #21), Good Hearted Woman (US Pop #25), Georgia on My Mind (US Pop #84), Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys (US Pop #42), My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (US Pop #44), On the Road Again (US Pop #20), Always on My Mind (US Pop #5), and To All the Girls I've Loved Before (w/Julio Iglesias)(US Pop #5) This is a very nice collection that spans over four decades of country music. The once-Red Headed Stranger has taken on many forms with his music, and thanks to him, we have several different forms of Country genre. Country folk? Check. Country gospel? Check. Outlaw country? Check,check. For those who want to build a Country music collection, if you need to determine just what style and/or era will be to your liking, then this is a definite must-have, for it will answer many of your questions.
	George Harrison, George Harrison - All Things Must Pass [DIGI-PAK EDITION]
	"ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME"	2007-12-28
In 1970, twenty-seven-year-old singer/songwriter George Harrison had, for a few years, heaped quite an assortment of songs he never got to record or release as a member of The Beatles, which had broken up only a few months prior. George pondered how life was going to be or how it was to continue after having been one of the Fab Four for so long. Upon resolve, he was going to make excellent use of those songs which never made it to vinyl and was thus going to come out in full force as a solo artist. To carry out his mission, he enlisted the services of producer Phil Spector and hauled in the ranks of several renowned musicians, including Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. George Harrison was to start a project that was going to show the world that there was more to him than just the Quiet Beatle who was, in a creativity context, subordinated notches below the Lennon/McCartney duo. The fruit of his efforts would be a landmark album by the name of All Things Must Pass. Thanks to the volume of music that would be contained, it would have a unique, marketing distinction of its own: while Dylan's Blonde on Blonde is officially recorded in the annals as the first ever double-LP, Harrison's new work entered the stores as the first triple-disc collection comprised only of previously unreleased material. Back then, and even in retrospect, one can agree that Harrison's option to issue his first solo material in this fashion was, to say the least, a very bold move. Fortunately, for him and the music world, it was to be a successful decision that would make Mr. Harrison a chart-topper in the singles and album categories. Among the tunes that would help bring All Things Must Pass to the forefront and generate massive sales are the top 10 hits, the double-A single My Sweet Lord/Isn't It a Pity, which spent 4 weeks at #1 and was the first chart-topping single from a former Beatle, and What Is Life. Included in the set are the Bob Dylan contributions, I'd Have You Anytime and If Not for You. To music fans, there are so many reasons that point to the success of All Things Must Pass, but there is a tie that binds them all. It is, simply put, a most enjoyable, though sometimes poignant, set of tracks that, altogether, touch the soul to the degree that even Bob Geldof unequivocally calls it the greatest album ever released by a former Beatle. Indeed, it has some very uplifting tunes, which, IMHO, comprise the very best portions, including the electric Wah-Wah, the Wagnerian Let It Down, the wistful Run of the Mill, which is followed by the bluesy and symphonic Beware of Darkness. Apple Scruffs, The Art of Dying, and Awaiting on You All cannot be denied, nor can the title track itself. Subsequent to the main body of this masterpiece are what might be regarded as the equivalent of B-side recordings that nonetheless serve a purpose. This middle set provides a smooth segue to the final portions, which are instrumental recordings that have been identified and immortalized as The Apple Jam. Beginning with Plug Me In and concluding with Out of the Blue, The Apple Jam was a free-for-all for George Harrison and his band mates to let it rip and ride to the end. Containing the picture of the distinguished, long-haired George Harrison alongside some garden gnomes on the front cover, All Things Must Pass, visually interesting and sonically appealing, was recorded at number 437 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 500 greatest albums of all time and is certified as the best selling album by a former Beatle. In fact, it outsold the first solo offerings of John Lennon (Plastic Ono Band) and Paul McCartney (McCartney) combined. No small feat, to say the very least! Thanks for the great memories, George.
	Steely Dan - A Decade Of Steely Dan
	"ALMOST ESSENTIAL STEELY DAN"	2007-12-26
At least 12 tracks are most apt in this collection. Almost all of the landmark tunes are present. You have the early hits Do It Again and Reeling in the Years, as well as the Adult Contemporary standards F.M., Peg and Hey Nineteen. They are excellent, for they comprise some of Steely Dan's most essential moments. I will give the content of A Decade of Steely Dan 4 ½ stars instead of the unequivocal 5. Why? Because Bodhisattva and East St. Louis Toodle are throwaway tracks and do not suitably reflect the artistry of the highly talented Fagen/Becker duo. The title track from the Aja album and Dirty Work, instead, would make this a most complete disc.
	Dusty Springfield - Dusty In Memphis [Remaster]
	"ELI'S COMING BUT......TIMMY'S PUNISHED"	2007-12-25
Dusty in Memphis is upheld as one of the best albums from 1969. In this classic, the stunning vocals of a mature yet still youthful Dusty are there but with a different backing. No longer is there the Wall of Sound type recording as had been done in prior releases. Apparently, Dusty was so frequently compared with the artists under Phil Spector that she must have felt compelled to take a new direction with her artistry. After all, just as Janis Joplin was regarded as the "white woman who could sing the blues", Dusty was revered as the "white woman who could sing the soul". And like Elvis, Dusty went to Memphis, where she was to attempt a new phase in her career in a city where musicians' styles crossed racial boundary lines. The result of her efforts would be this masterpiece. In her eyes and in her vocals, Dusty was energetic and passionate, and her music is and will always be unique and special. As for this particular recording, the energy and passion are there, and the songs can be listened to from various perspectives and angles. Regardless of whether you are happy or sad, Dusty in Memphis seems apt for the present moment. Just as Back in Memphis is arguably Elvis' easiest-listening album, Dusty in Memphis is perhaps the same kind of result for Ms. Springfield. In both albums, one cannot help but to relax and peacefully enjoy the material. Perhaps it was just that Memphis sound, for the vocals accompanied the sitar, guitar and orchestral arrangements with a quite superb effect. Included in the set are the top 10 Son of a Preacher Man, which has been immortalized as Rolling Stone Magazine's 240th greatest rock and roll song of all time, and the top 40 The Windmills of Your Mind. As the years go by, listeners will likely wonder how the lackluster record sales did not come close to reflecting the quality and polished treatment of this studio album. Now presented as a CD with 14 bonus tracks along with the original 11, Dusty in Memphis is now more than ever a worthwhile listen. It has been over eight years since Dusty's departure, but her works, including Dusty in Memphis, were outstanding and prolific enough to earn a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Long live Dusty!
	M-AUDIO Transit High Resolution Mobile Audio Upgrade
	"GREAT PRODUCT FOR THOSE USING MD"	2007-12-22
The M-AUDIO Transit USB device is probably one of the best things to ever happen to those still using Minidisc recorders, including myself, while trying to avoid the temptation to purchase the iPod or Zune. With this device, I have been able to access and record from I-Tunes, Windows Media Player, and Real Player. Though I have to record in "real time" as opposed to quickly burning or "dragging and dropping", it is still nice to be able to access more than one particular source for my Minidisc recorder with the Transit USB. I can understand any comments made regarding the occasional "popping sounds" during recording and playback. For me, this did sometimes occur when I was using Windows XP. Since then, I have downloaded the Beta Driver for Windows Vista into my new computer equipped with the Windows Vista software, and none of the mentioned problem has occurred again. I will admit that loading up the software and having the M-Audio device configured into my computers is not so easy as 1-2-3. How I wish it was; in fact, I ended up learning a lot more about a computer's control panel, especially with the audio device and video game controller sections. All in all, this is a great item once you have the initial setup squared away; and again, this one of the best products for those who have Minidisc recorders in specific or recorders of the non-iPod variety in general.
	Stupid White Men ...and Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!
	"IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID PART II"	2007-12-22
Upon the release of Stupid White Men, Michael Moore has arguably established himself as the answer of moderates and liberals to the likes of corporate America. Though many are outraged about the allegations of this book, it is not so apparent that Moore's critics and opponents have answered the indictments in this publication with strong, highly reasonable, clearly expressed responses. From what I see and hear on most of the news shows, the only discussions from pundits center around using false diatribes and trying with no success to portray Moore as an anti-patriot. They just cannot seem to effectively deconstruct the perceived merits and flaws of this works, whether in print or on film. I do agree that this book might be somewhat slanted, but the so-called extenuating circumstances that critics have tried to espouse in defense of the State of the Union hold very little weight. And who are these critics? Again, Moore's opponents. Don't get me wrong. There are annoyances from the leftist view, but when you have those espousing their venom under the guise of news talk radio, leaving little room, if any, for other points of view, perhaps for those other opinions to receive any undivided, uninterrupted attention this book had to come out. Our nation is divided. Plus, it does not help when it is so apparent that those in power seek to elevate their status, regardless of whether it is at the expense of America's working classes. And if they took the time to read this book, then they might conclude deep down inside that Moore has managed to hold a mirror that reflects their greedy, prideful arrogance.
	Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
	"KIND OF HAPPY WITH KIND OF BLUE"	2007-12-22
Kind of Blue is arguably the best jazz album of all time. Some might say that it is the greatest album of all time, period, though I would not go quite that far. Nevertheless, I will prize this release as my very first Dualdisc DVD. The sound quality in this format is quite superb. Through my DVD player, I played the CD (Side 1) version of Kind of Blue and compared it with the Dualdisc 5.1 (Side 2) version. It turns out that they are both enjoyable; however, the 5.1 does add that nice dimension to Davis' cool, trumpet-blowing jazz. If you ever take the time to listen, you will be delighted by the advanced resolution in the sound quality and how the instrumentations are simultaneously separated and reverberated throughout the six channels. In terms of awesome sound quality, Kind of Blue never sounded so good. Again, if you prefer the 5.1 mix, you can listen to side 2, or if you are a self-proclaimed purist who prefers not having audio tampered in the least bit, then stay on Side 1. All in all, think of it as 2 for the price of 1. Regardless of the format, this Miles Davis classic is a must have!
	SONY HMD1G Hi-MD 1GB media (single) MiniDisc
	"SO MANY BIG THINGS WITH THIS ONE LITTLE ITEM"	2007-12-21
I use my Sony MZ-NHF800 Hi-MD Minidisc Walkman to record audio onto this item. With technology that has been created regarding MP3s and WAV files and the like, there is so much that you can now do with HI-MD recording onto 1 GB discs! When using the adequate gear, including the 1 GB minidisk, one can gain access to files, ranging from I-Tunes to Rhapsody to Windows Media Player. For those who have thought of giving up on MD, I say, "Don't do it! Especially the HI-MD!" There are ways you can now reproduce your CDs without that seemingly incompatible, obsolete ATRAC/SONIC STAGE software! There are companies that have come out with driver updates and products that have made this 1 GB minidisk recording compatible with Windows Vista. In effect, I continue to find ways to record onto the 1 GB MD and always look forward to the next developments as they arise.
	Janis Joplin - Janis Joplin - Greatest Hits
	"NOT COMPLETE BUT ENCAPSULATES THE RADIO AIRPLAY TUNES"	2007-12-21
An excellent collection, Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits features the radio tunes immortalized by the "white woman who could sing the blues", Janis Joplin. Included are the tracks Piece of My Heart, Mercedes Benz, Summertime, and the excellent Me and Bobby McGee, which would be Janis' only #1 hit and was, sadly enough, posthumously recorded as such. In this disc, Joplin's unique vocals are enough to convince one that Janis was and is a one-of-a-kind performer who cannot be equaled or imitated. To this day, no one has filmed an adequate biopic of Janis Joplin as played by someone else. In fact, that "played by someone else" will probably never occur since no one possessing similarities to what were Janis' physical traits has the matching dynamic voice. If you like this disc and want more of Janis, I suggest that you purchase Cheap Thrills (the album with the Robert Crumb-like comic book art on the cover) and Pearl, her very last release. Altogether, they will make a more complete collection than The Essential Janis Joplin, which, itself, consists of a very nice Janis repertoire. In one sense, Janis is no longer with us, and yet, considering the magnitude of her accomplishments in those brief 27 years, Janis will always be with us with a spirit that will live on!
	The White Stripes, White Stripes - White Blood Cells
	"AN ELEPHANT A LITTLE LOW ON IRON"	2007-12-19
White Stripes' early attempt with White Blood Cells is a decent release that undermines their potential, which would come to surface in the followup, Elephant. At best, White Blood Cells highlights the work of a band trying to recreate a sound already put out by Foo Fighters, only to somewhat miss being in their element. A serious effort to produce a masterpiece just did not seem to be there. The songs, individually, sounded good, especially with Jack White's energetic vocals. Compared with Elephant, however, White Blood Cells reflects a mere garage band type project. The instrumentation was there, but artistic direction seemed lacking. The creative humor and gothic pensiveness did not consistently blend together. Don't get me wrong. This is a good CD, but I don't think that it will stick with very many for five years after the first listen. Elephant, on the other hand, has that magnetic appeal to it. But hey! If White Blood Cells is what it took to lay the groundwork for outstanding future releases along the lines of another Elephant, then great!!