Random Stuff

If you did not get a chance to watch No Direction Home on PBS last week - don't despair - The DVD has been released and we should have it on our shelves in a few weeks. The soundtrack has also been released and should be available next week. This film, directed by Martin Scorsese, chronicles the early years of Bob Dylan's career. Featuring never seen before performance footage and interviews with Dylan and others, Scorsese captures not only Dylan's emergence as a musical icon, but of a country on the verge of major changes. Part 1 focuses on Dylan's musical influences and of the passing of the torch from the "beat" generation to the "hippie" movement. Part 2 shows how Dylan stays true to his own vision, despite enormous pressure from the press and his fans.
No one makes concert movies like Scorsese. The Last Waltz and his more recent PBS Special on the Blues are prime examples. No Direction Home offers even more. Don't miss it.

I just heard the soundtrack to the recently released movie, Everything is Illuminated. It is very different, to say the least. Along with lovely traditional Russian Gypsy melodies come some hard rockin gypsy punk rock tunes from the groups: Gogol Bordello, Csokolom, Leningrad, and Tin Hat Trio. I can't wait to see the movie!
Check out some of these groups - you probably won't understand a word - but you won't stop moving. We own the latest CD from Gogol Bordello and I will be looking for releases from the other groups.

I also listened to Back Against the Wall.
Billy Sherwood produced this replication of Pink Floyd's The Wall, that features many talented musicians paying homage to Pink Floyd. Among the players are former Yes members, Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman; Keith Emerson of ELP; Steve Morse,guitarist extraordinaire from The Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, and Kansas; Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull; and Tony Levin, bassist from King Crimson.
Why bother replicate this classic when the original still packs quite a wallop?- you might ask. I suspect that that this one is purely for the musicians - an opportunity to play songs from one of rock's masterpieces in the spirit of the original. This is an exercise in craftsmanship rather than originality. Having not listened to Pink Floyd in quite a while, I found this album very enjoyable. Why bother comparing them?- I might ask. Sit back and enjoy!!