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Film 27 – Jesus Christ Superstar
This film is great. I love musicals, and this one has a particular 1970’s twist which makes it funny as well. It follows the basic Jesus story, from him coming into Jerusalem until his crucifixion, and has some great songs, especially those involving the disciples. As in all musicals, there is a “famous” song, in this case “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”, which is luckily not as overplayed as some other musical songs (Memory, argh!) so its still good. “Gethsemene” is amazing, also I really like “Heaven on their Minds” This film benefits (in my opinion, as I like to be amused!) from some extra 70s additions – the whole cast gets off a coach at the beginning, the Pharisees climb on some scaffolding, there are tanks and machine guns in the middle of the desert – and King Herod and his swimming pool is just great. Plus the big song and dance number at the end – Judas in a tasselled white catsuit thingy is…interesting!
I’ve seen the stage version twice, and that was great too, but I do like the film as it has more songs, and presents the story in a very engaging way. Although the best Jesus I’ve seen was in an amateur production at Watford Palace Theatre – during “Gethsemene” it almost looked like he was really crying, it was amazing.
So, for this film, I recommend it to anyone who likes musicals, and anyone open minded about religion, especially if they are Christian. 8 / 10
Book Thirty Nine – Riders on the Storm by John Densmore
This is a book about the Doors, written by their drummer. It explains how they came together as a band, how they recorded their albums and of course talks about Jim Morrison, his personality, his drug and alcohol abuse and his death. Its good as you know this is from someone who was actually there, and suffered through Morrison’s destructive behaviour. Its not all about him, there is a lot about Densmore’s life at the same time, his relationships with his family and things like that, but it also provides a really good and interesting account of how they decided on their sound, recorded their songs, and basically made it as a band. I always think books about bands by the band members are best, as its from an insiders account, and I think this is a good example of one. Recommended for anyone who is a fan of the Doors, or just generally music, as it does also touch on the music scene at the same time that the Doors were first around. 8 / 10
I’m just about to start “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac, I’ve read good things about it so I hope its good.
Oh and I bought tickets to see the March Violets today, woo! :D I can’t wait to see them again, especially as when I saw them in 2007 they said that was their only gig! And I will definitely buy a tshirt this time – I really regret not getting one last time.
Other good news...well good for me, not so much for other people...is that XP8 are playing at Slimelight on 15th May! I was planning to go anyway as there are some goth bands playing before Slimelight and the ticket gives free entry, so that’s a nice added bonus. They were meant to be playing in Sheffield that night, so that’s a bit rubbish about that gig being cancelled though – it seems like the Corporation have done that a few times. Although to be honest I don’t really mind, the less times we have to go to the Corporation the better really, as although it’s a good place for bands, its atrocious to get to and from!
This film is great. I love musicals, and this one has a particular 1970’s twist which makes it funny as well. It follows the basic Jesus story, from him coming into Jerusalem until his crucifixion, and has some great songs, especially those involving the disciples. As in all musicals, there is a “famous” song, in this case “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”, which is luckily not as overplayed as some other musical songs (Memory, argh!) so its still good. “Gethsemene” is amazing, also I really like “Heaven on their Minds” This film benefits (in my opinion, as I like to be amused!) from some extra 70s additions – the whole cast gets off a coach at the beginning, the Pharisees climb on some scaffolding, there are tanks and machine guns in the middle of the desert – and King Herod and his swimming pool is just great. Plus the big song and dance number at the end – Judas in a tasselled white catsuit thingy is…interesting!
I’ve seen the stage version twice, and that was great too, but I do like the film as it has more songs, and presents the story in a very engaging way. Although the best Jesus I’ve seen was in an amateur production at Watford Palace Theatre – during “Gethsemene” it almost looked like he was really crying, it was amazing.
So, for this film, I recommend it to anyone who likes musicals, and anyone open minded about religion, especially if they are Christian. 8 / 10
Book Thirty Nine – Riders on the Storm by John Densmore
This is a book about the Doors, written by their drummer. It explains how they came together as a band, how they recorded their albums and of course talks about Jim Morrison, his personality, his drug and alcohol abuse and his death. Its good as you know this is from someone who was actually there, and suffered through Morrison’s destructive behaviour. Its not all about him, there is a lot about Densmore’s life at the same time, his relationships with his family and things like that, but it also provides a really good and interesting account of how they decided on their sound, recorded their songs, and basically made it as a band. I always think books about bands by the band members are best, as its from an insiders account, and I think this is a good example of one. Recommended for anyone who is a fan of the Doors, or just generally music, as it does also touch on the music scene at the same time that the Doors were first around. 8 / 10
I’m just about to start “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac, I’ve read good things about it so I hope its good.
Oh and I bought tickets to see the March Violets today, woo! :D I can’t wait to see them again, especially as when I saw them in 2007 they said that was their only gig! And I will definitely buy a tshirt this time – I really regret not getting one last time.
Other good news...well good for me, not so much for other people...is that XP8 are playing at Slimelight on 15th May! I was planning to go anyway as there are some goth bands playing before Slimelight and the ticket gives free entry, so that’s a nice added bonus. They were meant to be playing in Sheffield that night, so that’s a bit rubbish about that gig being cancelled though – it seems like the Corporation have done that a few times. Although to be honest I don’t really mind, the less times we have to go to the Corporation the better really, as although it’s a good place for bands, its atrocious to get to and from!