Bob Marley and The Wailers, "Legend", Released May 1984
Marley is probably the only reggae artist most people know, with the possible exception being Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh (part of The Wailers playing on this album). He made reggae music accessible and popular for generations of listeners that perhaps didn't even realize Jamaica had its own distinct form of music. I'd certainly heard of Marley before I heard this album but I was introduced to his music through the song "I Shot the Sheriff", by Eric Clapton. Once I heard that song was a Marley cover, I definitely wanted to hear the original and so began my interest in Bob Marley and his music.
His songs are message driven but don't come across as preachy or sanctimonious because the music is so catchy, melodic and mostly peaceful in nature. He's pushing his message and beliefs (both moral and religious) forward in such a beautiful way. In Jamaica, the people revered him. But the government certainly feared his popularity and his messages of solidarity and empowerment. The establishment feared that he would lead an uprising and overthrow a less-than-moral government.
There was an attempted assassination on his life where he suffered minor bullet wound injuries to his chest and arm. Nonetheless, just two days later he performed a free concert meant to promote peace and unity and told the crowd, "The people who are trying to make this world worse aren't taking a day off. How can I?" Certainly a message of note in today's world, regardless of which side you fall. He seemingly lived with little fear, knowing that his music could have effect change both in Jamaica and around the world. If it meant his life, he was willing to offer it to move the Jamaican/African people forward in their struggle. Surviving the attempt on his life made him even more beloved in Jamaica but perhaps a bigger target for future attempts. On the advice of his managers and family, he took an extended vacation to England and ended up living there for two years. This is where many of his biggest hits were produced, including many of the tracks on this album.
In the years ahead, he would be diagnosed with malignant melanoma (skin cancer), but would continue to work to spread his message of peace and unity. Sadly, the treatments he received did not eradicate the cancer and it spread to his lungs and brain. He died in a Miami hospital as he was making his way back to his beloved Jamaica. According to his son Ziggy, his dying words were "Money can't buy life." What a beautiful legacy of music, influence and courage he left. Check out this album, you won't be disappointed.
Additional information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_(Bob_Marley_and_the_Wailers_album)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvNlAZ3xqwI (Trailer for the movie, "Marley", the movie is great)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-5yg7C5o4Q (Live in concert)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2035116/ (I watched this several years ago. Great doc showing several of his kids attempting to put together a concert in South Africa to honor and celebrate the legacy of their father)
A Clockwork Orange, released February 1972
Kubrick was a director that took chances and did things other "mainstream" directors might not, but to me it doesn't come across as gratuitous or pornographic. The scenes serve the purpose of the story so I certainly think they should be included and shown in all their brutality. Movies can be either an escape from reality or a forceful showing of the brutal realities of life. I can appreciate both. The second half of the movie isn't quite as graphic, unless you consider the scene where Alex (played by Malcolm McDowell) has his eyes forcefully held open as he goes through a new prisoner reform technique called "Ludovico". I've seen several Kubrick movies (Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining) so I was prepared for the violence and sadistic nature of the film.
The movie was Oscar nominated for Best Director (Kubrick), Best Film Editing (Bill Butler), Best Picture (Kubrick), & Best Adapted Screenplay (Kubrick) but won none of the awards that year.
Overall, I guess I liked the movie, although I don't think I'd put it in my personal Top 50 list. The acting is very good and Malcolm McDowell is very believable as the main character Alex. It certainly set him up as a capable actor and set a foundation for a fairly successful career in Hollywood. The supporting cast is also very good. For some reason I can never spot a bad acting performance in films that feature nearly all English actors. The British must send the best of the best to Hollywood because they're all good, at least in this movie. I also liked the music of the film which features Beethoven symphonies as a central part of the plot.
I wouldn't recommend the movie for the casual movie watcher. I think the darker themes will turn many people off. But it's worth a watch to see a Kubrick film that many (including the people that put together the AFI Top 50 List) consider one of his very best.
More information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange_(film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kubrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPRzm8ibDQ8 (original trailer which does a good job selling it's oddness)
Next week #45
The Band, "The Band"
A Streetcar Named Desire
No comments:
Post a Comment