Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 38
April 7, 2024
Spaceside
Just finished reading "Spaceside" by Michael Mammy, published by Harper Voyager.
Taking a chance on a novel by a new author is always a hit and/or miss affair since it's a 50/50 chance that you might not like the book you've purchased - and returns can be a hassle because you have a limited window of opportunity to return the book on Amazon.
I'm glad I took a chance on Mammy's first novel "Planetside" which introduced Colonel Carl Butler who was asked to look into the disappearance of a missing soldier. Butler's discovery of human soldiers augmented with Cappan biotechnology led to his decision to destroy Cappa.
In "Spaceside" Butler is not adjusting well to his forced retirement He is not adjusting very well at all. He's working for a corporation but he's not happy with his job. His wife divorced him because of the fallout from his actions at Cappa. He drinks way too much. He suffers night terrors and flashbacks, and he's in therapy. But his guilt over the Cappans has become debilitating. Then he starts to see Cappans. He doesn't know if it's reality or hallucinations.
About this time he's drawn into a mystery pertaining to a rival corporation. His CEO asks him to look into it in order to protect his own company. The CEO's self-interest, not Carl's. And that's when Carl starts to come back to the land of the living. The mystery takes some ominous turns, and he doesn't know who to trust.
Ganos, Butler's reliable computer-geek systems analyst who has never met a system she couldn't hack, is also back.
And as the mystery unravels before Butler he may find himself once again committing an act of planetary destruction as a means of atonement for the genocide he was responsible for on Cappa.
Mammy has been compared to the late Jerry Pournelle, and there are some stylistic elements that Mammy uses that are similiar to Pournelle's beloved Janasaries series of military science fiction.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Spaceside-Plan...
Taking a chance on a novel by a new author is always a hit and/or miss affair since it's a 50/50 chance that you might not like the book you've purchased - and returns can be a hassle because you have a limited window of opportunity to return the book on Amazon.
I'm glad I took a chance on Mammy's first novel "Planetside" which introduced Colonel Carl Butler who was asked to look into the disappearance of a missing soldier. Butler's discovery of human soldiers augmented with Cappan biotechnology led to his decision to destroy Cappa.
In "Spaceside" Butler is not adjusting well to his forced retirement He is not adjusting very well at all. He's working for a corporation but he's not happy with his job. His wife divorced him because of the fallout from his actions at Cappa. He drinks way too much. He suffers night terrors and flashbacks, and he's in therapy. But his guilt over the Cappans has become debilitating. Then he starts to see Cappans. He doesn't know if it's reality or hallucinations.
About this time he's drawn into a mystery pertaining to a rival corporation. His CEO asks him to look into it in order to protect his own company. The CEO's self-interest, not Carl's. And that's when Carl starts to come back to the land of the living. The mystery takes some ominous turns, and he doesn't know who to trust.
Ganos, Butler's reliable computer-geek systems analyst who has never met a system she couldn't hack, is also back.
And as the mystery unravels before Butler he may find himself once again committing an act of planetary destruction as a means of atonement for the genocide he was responsible for on Cappa.
Mammy has been compared to the late Jerry Pournelle, and there are some stylistic elements that Mammy uses that are similiar to Pournelle's beloved Janasaries series of military science fiction.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Spaceside-Plan...
Bioluminescence
Just finished listening to "Bioluminescence" by Divine Matrix, released by A.D. Music.
Divine Matrix is the pseudonym of electronic musician and producer, Steve Barnes, who is a veteran of the dance music scene and has worked under many different guises and names over the years.
While "Bioluminescence" isn’t a sequencer based album, it still harks back to the early days of electronic space music.
My favorite tracks on this CD are "Strange Creatures," "Waitomo Caves," "Fireflies," "Photophore," "Fungi," and "Moon Jellies.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/d...
Divine Matrix is the pseudonym of electronic musician and producer, Steve Barnes, who is a veteran of the dance music scene and has worked under many different guises and names over the years.
While "Bioluminescence" isn’t a sequencer based album, it still harks back to the early days of electronic space music.
My favorite tracks on this CD are "Strange Creatures," "Waitomo Caves," "Fireflies," "Photophore," "Fungi," and "Moon Jellies.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/d...
A Quiet Day
Just finished listening to "A Quiet Day" by Ashok Prema, released by A.D. Music.
Prema has been playing Electronic Music since the mid 1980’s, and has a style similar to Tangerine Dream.
My favorite tracks on this CD are "Abyss," "Bluebells In The Mist," "Frogs In the Grass," "The Journey Home,' and "The Runner."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/a...
Prema has been playing Electronic Music since the mid 1980’s, and has a style similar to Tangerine Dream.
My favorite tracks on this CD are "Abyss," "Bluebells In The Mist," "Frogs In the Grass," "The Journey Home,' and "The Runner."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/a...
Fading Light
Just finished listening to "Fading Light" by DreamerProject, released by A.D. Music.
"Fading Light" is the latest release from DreamerProject, who is Norwegian artist Kjetil Ingebrigtsen and the various guest musicians he invites to participate in each CD. In "Fading Light," Ingebrigtsen invited Richard Bjørklund – Spektralized and David Wright to play on the CD with him.
DreamerProject has a gift for melody and atmosphere, a mixture of ‘moody’ and ‘innocent’ that tug at the emotions though hauntingly beautiful themes and delicate rhythms and sequences. The music is dreamy with great depth and should find favour with fans of traditional electronic, new age and chill-out music alike.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Ocean Glimmer," "Hymne," "Ambient Light," "Soundscapes," and "Fading Light."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/d...
"Fading Light" is the latest release from DreamerProject, who is Norwegian artist Kjetil Ingebrigtsen and the various guest musicians he invites to participate in each CD. In "Fading Light," Ingebrigtsen invited Richard Bjørklund – Spektralized and David Wright to play on the CD with him.
DreamerProject has a gift for melody and atmosphere, a mixture of ‘moody’ and ‘innocent’ that tug at the emotions though hauntingly beautiful themes and delicate rhythms and sequences. The music is dreamy with great depth and should find favour with fans of traditional electronic, new age and chill-out music alike.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Ocean Glimmer," "Hymne," "Ambient Light," "Soundscapes," and "Fading Light."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/d...
13 Ghosts
Just finished watching the original "13 Ghosts" released by Columbia Pictures.
William Castle was an unappreciated genius who was never fully appreciated by his peers during his lifetime - though he finally did gain some mainstream acknowledgement for producing the movie adaptation of "Rosemary's Baby" late in his career.
Castle was perhaps the fist movie producer that combined traditional horror with intentional elements of humor - which was novel for American audiences.
Castle innately understood that movies were a "sideshow" escape and that audiences wanted thrills, gasps of horrors, and laughs, and he presented himself as a combination between Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock.
What makes some of his movies interesting is that they included a "gimmick." In this case, a ghost viewer was given to original audiences, and in the intro and outro of the movie Castle provides instructions on when to use the viewer - which in this instance didn't really enhance the viewing experience.
"13 Ghosts" was filmed in back and white, but the sequences in where each of the 13 ghosts appear are filmed with a pale blue filter - giving some color to this black and white movie and the ghosts are in vivid red.
Also of interest is Margaret Hamilton, who appears as the housekeeper, who may or may not be a witch. And it's pretty neat to see clean cut Martin Milner play a sleazeball lawyer who will go as far as to attempt to murder a child to get his way.
"13 Ghosts" does provide some biting social commentary on low wages and increasing living expenses, which are still as current today, as they were back then.
So when Cyrus learns that his ghost collecting uncle has died, he also learns that he is the sole beneficiary of his late uncle's estate - but there is a catch, he and his family must live in the house - murderous ghosts and all - and if they sell it, they will loose what little they have.
A great old school horror movie.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/13-Ghosts-Mart...
William Castle was an unappreciated genius who was never fully appreciated by his peers during his lifetime - though he finally did gain some mainstream acknowledgement for producing the movie adaptation of "Rosemary's Baby" late in his career.
Castle was perhaps the fist movie producer that combined traditional horror with intentional elements of humor - which was novel for American audiences.
Castle innately understood that movies were a "sideshow" escape and that audiences wanted thrills, gasps of horrors, and laughs, and he presented himself as a combination between Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock.
What makes some of his movies interesting is that they included a "gimmick." In this case, a ghost viewer was given to original audiences, and in the intro and outro of the movie Castle provides instructions on when to use the viewer - which in this instance didn't really enhance the viewing experience.
"13 Ghosts" was filmed in back and white, but the sequences in where each of the 13 ghosts appear are filmed with a pale blue filter - giving some color to this black and white movie and the ghosts are in vivid red.
Also of interest is Margaret Hamilton, who appears as the housekeeper, who may or may not be a witch. And it's pretty neat to see clean cut Martin Milner play a sleazeball lawyer who will go as far as to attempt to murder a child to get his way.
"13 Ghosts" does provide some biting social commentary on low wages and increasing living expenses, which are still as current today, as they were back then.
So when Cyrus learns that his ghost collecting uncle has died, he also learns that he is the sole beneficiary of his late uncle's estate - but there is a catch, he and his family must live in the house - murderous ghosts and all - and if they sell it, they will loose what little they have.
A great old school horror movie.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/13-Ghosts-Mart...
Solar Crisis
Stopped watching "Solar Crisis" released by Trimark Pictures.
"Solar Crisis" was a movie that I've heard about for several decades and I've been on the fence about actually seeing in despite the universal praise of the special effects - which are oddly hit and miss.
Based on the novel by Takeshi Kawata, "Solar Crisis" does share an interesting film pedigree with the original "Godzilla" movie - both are Japanese movies that additional scenes filmed after the movies initial release in Japan, but that's where the resemblance ends because at least in "Godzilla" the scenes where effortlessly incorporated into the original movie and made sense. Not so much in "Solar Crisis."
The story is rather simple: A huge solar flare is predicted to fry the Earth. Astronauts aboard the spaceship Helios must go to the Sun to drop an anti-matter bomb equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (Freddy) and a Japanese pilot (as a back up if the Artificial Intelligence fail) at the right time so the flare will point somewhere else.
I'm going to assume that Earth survived, but despite having a big name cast of reliable actors like Charlton Heston and Jack Palance, who feel like they are phoning in their performances, it's plodding and has way, way too much in the way of explanations.
And a few brief seconds of impressive special effects is not worth enduring.
Not Recommended!
Zero Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Crisis-T...
"Solar Crisis" was a movie that I've heard about for several decades and I've been on the fence about actually seeing in despite the universal praise of the special effects - which are oddly hit and miss.
Based on the novel by Takeshi Kawata, "Solar Crisis" does share an interesting film pedigree with the original "Godzilla" movie - both are Japanese movies that additional scenes filmed after the movies initial release in Japan, but that's where the resemblance ends because at least in "Godzilla" the scenes where effortlessly incorporated into the original movie and made sense. Not so much in "Solar Crisis."
The story is rather simple: A huge solar flare is predicted to fry the Earth. Astronauts aboard the spaceship Helios must go to the Sun to drop an anti-matter bomb equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (Freddy) and a Japanese pilot (as a back up if the Artificial Intelligence fail) at the right time so the flare will point somewhere else.
I'm going to assume that Earth survived, but despite having a big name cast of reliable actors like Charlton Heston and Jack Palance, who feel like they are phoning in their performances, it's plodding and has way, way too much in the way of explanations.
And a few brief seconds of impressive special effects is not worth enduring.
Not Recommended!
Zero Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Crisis-T...
March 30, 2024
Rhythm Of The Ancients 2
Just finished listening to the "Rhythm Of The Ancients 2" by Medywn Goodall, released by his label, Medwyn Goodall Music.
Goodall started MG Music back in 2003 and his This label which specializes in New Age music. I believe he has released over 80 New Age CDs.
Goodall pioneered the concept of sequels to New Age Music CDs. He released the first "Rhythm Of The Ancients" CD back in 2002, a year before he started his label.
To create the tracks on this CD, he used Charango, Ukulele, Guitars, Pan Flutes, drums and percussion, Keyboards, and bass.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Among Ancient Ruins," "Pathfinding," "Follow The Drum," "Sunlight and Shadows," and "Three Ways To Heaven.
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://medwyngoodall.com/medwyn-goodall
Goodall started MG Music back in 2003 and his This label which specializes in New Age music. I believe he has released over 80 New Age CDs.
Goodall pioneered the concept of sequels to New Age Music CDs. He released the first "Rhythm Of The Ancients" CD back in 2002, a year before he started his label.
To create the tracks on this CD, he used Charango, Ukulele, Guitars, Pan Flutes, drums and percussion, Keyboards, and bass.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Among Ancient Ruins," "Pathfinding," "Follow The Drum," "Sunlight and Shadows," and "Three Ways To Heaven.
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://medwyngoodall.com/medwyn-goodall
Harmonic Resonance
Just finished listening to "Harmonic Resonance" by Wychazel, released by Medwyn Goodall Music.
Wychazel is the recording and production alias used by Chris Green, who once was part of the New Age group Runestone. His music is highly atmospheric, transporting the listener through vivid soundscapes inspired by the power of ancient sites, ancient cultures and natural landscapes. His unique sound incorporates unusual, authentic and sacred instruments.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: Ajan," "Manipura," "Svadhisthana," "Anahata," and "Vishuddha."
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://medwyngoodall.com/wychazel
Wychazel is the recording and production alias used by Chris Green, who once was part of the New Age group Runestone. His music is highly atmospheric, transporting the listener through vivid soundscapes inspired by the power of ancient sites, ancient cultures and natural landscapes. His unique sound incorporates unusual, authentic and sacred instruments.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: Ajan," "Manipura," "Svadhisthana," "Anahata," and "Vishuddha."
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://medwyngoodall.com/wychazel
The Ambient Forest
Just finished listening to "The Ambient Forest" by Andy Rogers, released by Medwyn Goodall Music.
Rogers was inspired by the ancient woodlands of The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and the beautiful nature reserves of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales for his latest CD, which incorporates the natural sounds of the forest interact seamlessly with chilled piano, keyboards, and strings.
May favorite tracks on this CD are: "In The Deep Woods," "Where The Robin Sings," "Waterfall," "The Ambient Forest," Woodland Stream," and "The Green Man Awakes."
https://medwyngoodall.com/andy-rogers
Rogers was inspired by the ancient woodlands of The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire and the beautiful nature reserves of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales for his latest CD, which incorporates the natural sounds of the forest interact seamlessly with chilled piano, keyboards, and strings.
May favorite tracks on this CD are: "In The Deep Woods," "Where The Robin Sings," "Waterfall," "The Ambient Forest," Woodland Stream," and "The Green Man Awakes."
https://medwyngoodall.com/andy-rogers
Murder Road
Just finished reading "Murder Road" by Simone St. James, released by Berkley.
"Murder Road" is perhaps the best modern Gothic novel the Simone St. James has written to date with it's twisty turns of murder, buried secrets, and family revelations in the best of the Gothic tradition of Mom's favorite authors Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, and yes, even Andre Norton.
Newly married April and Eddie are lost on a backwoods road late at night. They are headed to a cheap resort for a few days for a quick honeymoon before they head back to their jobs and to start building their lives together. They notice a young woman walking all alone at night and stop to offer her a ride, where April learns the young woman's name, Rhonda Jean, and discovers that she is bleeding badly. Taking the woman to the nearest town and to the hospital, April and Eddie discover that they are the chief suspects in the woman's death and are detained. To protect themselves and clear their names, they decide to conduct their own investigation and soon come face-to-face with the ghost who is haunting the Atticus Line road near Coldlake for her own deadly purposes.
A great Gothic read!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Road-Si...
"Murder Road" is perhaps the best modern Gothic novel the Simone St. James has written to date with it's twisty turns of murder, buried secrets, and family revelations in the best of the Gothic tradition of Mom's favorite authors Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, and yes, even Andre Norton.
Newly married April and Eddie are lost on a backwoods road late at night. They are headed to a cheap resort for a few days for a quick honeymoon before they head back to their jobs and to start building their lives together. They notice a young woman walking all alone at night and stop to offer her a ride, where April learns the young woman's name, Rhonda Jean, and discovers that she is bleeding badly. Taking the woman to the nearest town and to the hospital, April and Eddie discover that they are the chief suspects in the woman's death and are detained. To protect themselves and clear their names, they decide to conduct their own investigation and soon come face-to-face with the ghost who is haunting the Atticus Line road near Coldlake for her own deadly purposes.
A great Gothic read!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Road-Si...
