Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 40
March 10, 2024
Monty Python's Flying Circus - The Complete Series 1-4
Just finished watching "Monty Python's Flying Circus - The Complete Series 1-4," released by Universal.
This was the first time that I actually watched the entire run of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" from start of the very first episode that originally aired on the BBC back in 1969 to the very last episode that aired back in 1974.
I do recall watching the first two seasons when they aired late night on the PBS station back in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, but they had been edited to leave out the partial female frontal nudity and gay scenes where it was implied that there was naked men in bed with each other, along with other gay references. Remember, this was the late 1970s and early 1980s and American standards were quite different from British standards back then.
This is an unedited collection, so I was pleasantly surprised at some of the sequences because they made better sense than when I first viewed them.
The fourth season, which consists of just six episodes, is not the greatest. I think they were trying out longer format sketches in preparation for the various Monty Python movies that were released, though "The Golden Age of Ballooning" is perhaps the best full length episode from this season.
My personal favorite is still "The Spanish Inquisition."
While the BBC did put more money into the show and the quality of the production values improved dramatically in Season 3, including the animations done by Terry Gilman, the last two seasons were more misses than hits with the various sketches. Monty Python did help pave the way for modern classic absurdist comedy, it also marked the last hurrah of Comedy's Golden Age where anything was on the table and fair game.
Strongly Recommended as a comedy classic.
Four Stars because the last two seasons are just not as good as the first two seasons of the show.
https://www.amazon.com/Monty-Pythons-...
This was the first time that I actually watched the entire run of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" from start of the very first episode that originally aired on the BBC back in 1969 to the very last episode that aired back in 1974.
I do recall watching the first two seasons when they aired late night on the PBS station back in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, but they had been edited to leave out the partial female frontal nudity and gay scenes where it was implied that there was naked men in bed with each other, along with other gay references. Remember, this was the late 1970s and early 1980s and American standards were quite different from British standards back then.
This is an unedited collection, so I was pleasantly surprised at some of the sequences because they made better sense than when I first viewed them.
The fourth season, which consists of just six episodes, is not the greatest. I think they were trying out longer format sketches in preparation for the various Monty Python movies that were released, though "The Golden Age of Ballooning" is perhaps the best full length episode from this season.
My personal favorite is still "The Spanish Inquisition."
While the BBC did put more money into the show and the quality of the production values improved dramatically in Season 3, including the animations done by Terry Gilman, the last two seasons were more misses than hits with the various sketches. Monty Python did help pave the way for modern classic absurdist comedy, it also marked the last hurrah of Comedy's Golden Age where anything was on the table and fair game.
Strongly Recommended as a comedy classic.
Four Stars because the last two seasons are just not as good as the first two seasons of the show.
https://www.amazon.com/Monty-Pythons-...
Water & Starlight
Just finished listening to "Water & Starlight" by Wendy Grondzil, released by Medwyn Goodall Music.
Grondzil is a relatively new artist with Medwyn Goodall Music with her previous release on the label being back in 2008, "Only The Moment," which is no longer in print. She previously independently self-released two albums.
She used uses a digital piano, synthesizer, and her computer to create world beats with electronic, acoustic, orchestral and choral touches, along with incorporating choral music, Gregorian chant, string ensembles, electric guitar, and voices from around the world.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Expanse," "Lost," "Benediction," "Water and Starlight," "Samadhi," and "Bhakthi."
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://medwyngoodall.com/wendy-grondzil
Grondzil is a relatively new artist with Medwyn Goodall Music with her previous release on the label being back in 2008, "Only The Moment," which is no longer in print. She previously independently self-released two albums.
She used uses a digital piano, synthesizer, and her computer to create world beats with electronic, acoustic, orchestral and choral touches, along with incorporating choral music, Gregorian chant, string ensembles, electric guitar, and voices from around the world.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Expanse," "Lost," "Benediction," "Water and Starlight," "Samadhi," and "Bhakthi."
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://medwyngoodall.com/wendy-grondzil
A Quiet Mind
Just finished listening to "A Quiet Mind" by Paul Sills, released by Medwyn Goodall Music.
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media outlets know, I am always forthcoming whenever I am friends with an artist, writer, musician, actor, ect.....
While Paul Sills and I are fiends here on Facebook and share some mutual friends, I have never met Paul in person, though I think we like each other posts from time-to-time. Why mention this? Well, the one time I forgot to mention a connection years ago, somebody - who, I'll be honest here, I blocked a long, long time ago so I wouldn't have to deal with him anymore- raised high holy hell and accused me to being given review material and getting paid for my reviews.
If I have reviewed it, I bought an actual physical copy of it. On the few rare occasions when I receive a review copy, I will mention that I received a copy for review.
I do reviews for fun only. I don't get paid for them.
Sills is one of Medwyn Goodall's Music more prolific artists and he embraces and encompasses may musical styles, of which his latest release, "A Quiet Mind" is indicative of.
Taking a step back from everyday life is the theme of "A Quiet Mind." My favorite tracks on this CD are: "The Old Bookshelf," "Watercolour Garden," "Secret Hallways," "The Reading Corner," and "Sunday Solace."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://medwyngoodall.com/paul-sills
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media outlets know, I am always forthcoming whenever I am friends with an artist, writer, musician, actor, ect.....
While Paul Sills and I are fiends here on Facebook and share some mutual friends, I have never met Paul in person, though I think we like each other posts from time-to-time. Why mention this? Well, the one time I forgot to mention a connection years ago, somebody - who, I'll be honest here, I blocked a long, long time ago so I wouldn't have to deal with him anymore- raised high holy hell and accused me to being given review material and getting paid for my reviews.
If I have reviewed it, I bought an actual physical copy of it. On the few rare occasions when I receive a review copy, I will mention that I received a copy for review.
I do reviews for fun only. I don't get paid for them.
Sills is one of Medwyn Goodall's Music more prolific artists and he embraces and encompasses may musical styles, of which his latest release, "A Quiet Mind" is indicative of.
Taking a step back from everyday life is the theme of "A Quiet Mind." My favorite tracks on this CD are: "The Old Bookshelf," "Watercolour Garden," "Secret Hallways," "The Reading Corner," and "Sunday Solace."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://medwyngoodall.com/paul-sills
March 7, 2024
A Brighter Dawn
Just finished listening to "A Brighter Down" by Wychazel, released by Medwyn Goodall Music.
Wychazel is the recording and production alias used by Chris Green, who was once part of the New Age duo Runestone.
Green used influences from both western and eastern cultures to create his latest album. He used Bamboo Flutes, Asian Percussion, Tibetan Bowls, Hang Drum, Vocal Chants, Synths & Samples and atmospheric effects to create the six tracks on this CD.
My favorite tracks are: "Tomorrow's Dream," "The Gift of Life," "The Voice Inside," and "In Search of Self."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://medwyngoodall.com/wychazel
Wychazel is the recording and production alias used by Chris Green, who was once part of the New Age duo Runestone.
Green used influences from both western and eastern cultures to create his latest album. He used Bamboo Flutes, Asian Percussion, Tibetan Bowls, Hang Drum, Vocal Chants, Synths & Samples and atmospheric effects to create the six tracks on this CD.
My favorite tracks are: "Tomorrow's Dream," "The Gift of Life," "The Voice Inside," and "In Search of Self."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://medwyngoodall.com/wychazel
The Secret History Of Bigfoot - Field Notes On A North American Monster
Just finished reading "The Secret History Of Bigfoot - Field Notes On A North American Monster" by John O'Connor, published by Sourcebooks.
John O'Connor hates former President Donald J. Trump - make NO mistake about it. Pity, because he could have written an insightful book about belief and obsession crypto-zoologists in their decades long search for conclusive evidence for the existence of Big Foot. O'Connor does a excellent job recounting the still ongoing search for the Ivory Bill Woodpecker, yet he suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome, and goes on and on about President Trump.
Here's a hint for O'Connor, President Trump isn't Big Foot. I could see on paragraph on how belief can sway an individual's thoughts on the existence of a conspiracy, but not multiple pages on why Trump is Satan incarnate on Earth.
Not Recommended. O'Connor should have remained focused on Big Foot.
Zero Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History...
John O'Connor hates former President Donald J. Trump - make NO mistake about it. Pity, because he could have written an insightful book about belief and obsession crypto-zoologists in their decades long search for conclusive evidence for the existence of Big Foot. O'Connor does a excellent job recounting the still ongoing search for the Ivory Bill Woodpecker, yet he suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome, and goes on and on about President Trump.
Here's a hint for O'Connor, President Trump isn't Big Foot. I could see on paragraph on how belief can sway an individual's thoughts on the existence of a conspiracy, but not multiple pages on why Trump is Satan incarnate on Earth.
Not Recommended. O'Connor should have remained focused on Big Foot.
Zero Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History...
March 3, 2024
Seven Stones
Just finished listening to "Seven Stones" by Nigel Shaw, released by Seventh Wave Music back in 1993.
"Seven Stones" owes its existence to Shaw traveling to the United States back in 1992 to find his first Native American wooden flute and began his quest to master sacred First Nation instruments and create music honoring tribal customs and beliefs.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Dreaming," "Gateway," "Hearth," and "Altar."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
"Seven Stones" owes its existence to Shaw traveling to the United States back in 1992 to find his first Native American wooden flute and began his quest to master sacred First Nation instruments and create music honoring tribal customs and beliefs.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Dreaming," "Gateway," "Hearth," and "Altar."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
The Seventh Wave
Just finished listening to "The Seventh Wave" by Niel Shaw, released by Seventh Wave Music back in 1991.
Incorporating whalesong and seagull calls that he recorded during his travels along the English Coastline, Shaw has created two tracks, "Light" and "Deep" that also uses bells, flutes, strings, and classical guitar for two continuous movements.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
Incorporating whalesong and seagull calls that he recorded during his travels along the English Coastline, Shaw has created two tracks, "Light" and "Deep" that also uses bells, flutes, strings, and classical guitar for two continuous movements.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
Flow
Just finished listening to "Flow" by Nigel Shaw, released by Seventh Wave Music back in 2017.
Shaw blends authentic natural sounds from the stream at Lower Merripit Farm along with Oak whistles, Yew, Walnut, Birch, Ash, Cedar, and Hawthorn flutes, Walnut and Oak drown flutes, piano, bowls, bells, wind chimes, bowed acoustic guitar, dulcimer cello, and keyboards to the three tracks in this CD, which include: "Flow," "Reflection," and "Cascade."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
Shaw blends authentic natural sounds from the stream at Lower Merripit Farm along with Oak whistles, Yew, Walnut, Birch, Ash, Cedar, and Hawthorn flutes, Walnut and Oak drown flutes, piano, bowls, bells, wind chimes, bowed acoustic guitar, dulcimer cello, and keyboards to the three tracks in this CD, which include: "Flow," "Reflection," and "Cascade."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
The Lone Tree
Just finished listening to "The Lone Tree" by Nigel Shaw, released by Seventh Wave Music.
Years ago I stumbled upon Nigel Shaw's and Carolyn Hillyer's Seventh Wave Music by happenstance and I decided to give one of the music CDs a try and I ordered "Echoes Of The Ancient Forest," and enjoyed it yet I didn't order more of their CDs because, well, my paycheck only goes so far so it's been about 20 years before I ordered more of their CDs after deciding to treat myself with a small part of my tax return this year - the majority going to my new roof. [Aren't you glad Zack that your and Jeff's inheritance is growing by leaps and bounds.]
To create the four tracks on this CD, Shaw used cedar, rosewood, and banyan flutes, along with bells and keyboards which he used to create a sense of an ancient, sacred land. I greatly enjoyed each of the four tracks: "Voice Of The Well," "Bird Spirit Land," "Fire In The Night," and "The Lone Tree."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
Years ago I stumbled upon Nigel Shaw's and Carolyn Hillyer's Seventh Wave Music by happenstance and I decided to give one of the music CDs a try and I ordered "Echoes Of The Ancient Forest," and enjoyed it yet I didn't order more of their CDs because, well, my paycheck only goes so far so it's been about 20 years before I ordered more of their CDs after deciding to treat myself with a small part of my tax return this year - the majority going to my new roof. [Aren't you glad Zack that your and Jeff's inheritance is growing by leaps and bounds.]
To create the four tracks on this CD, Shaw used cedar, rosewood, and banyan flutes, along with bells and keyboards which he used to create a sense of an ancient, sacred land. I greatly enjoyed each of the four tracks: "Voice Of The Well," "Bird Spirit Land," "Fire In The Night," and "The Lone Tree."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk/pr...
Heartsong
Just finished reading "Heartsong" by T.J. Klune, published by TOR Books.
Now one to the things that I suspect, among many, that caused by teachers at Stone Street Elementary School, Brewster Junior High School, and Camp Lejeune High School during the 1960s and 1970s at Camp Lejeune is that I didn't read just one fixed genre of fiction and non-fiction. I read science fiction, fantasy, horror. folk tales, mystery, adventure, and a variety of non-fiction topics. I also didn't follow, and still don't, follow popular trends to be in with the cool crowd. I didn't read "Lord Of The Rings" for the longest time because it was "all the craze" among my peers back then. I don't fit into any kind of cookie-cutter mold, and I suspect a good many people don't either. Likewise, I'm not afraid to read a book that is a mismash of different genres.
Which is ironic because I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, so I knew how to act like the "cool, popular kid" but I choose not to in school. Think of me as the Preppy Goth high school kid who choose not to fit in and still chooses not to fit in when I can. [I do have a useless Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gothic Literature after all.]
I enjoyed reading T.J. Klune's previous novels, so when TOR Books started releasing his previously published Green Creek quartet of novels in hard cover, I decided to give "Wolfsong" - the first novel in the quartet a chance and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed his werewolf family saga.
And family is once again the core essential of "Heartsong" where Robbie Fontaine discovers that he was once a part of the Bennett Family/Pack and that was abducted and had his memories wiped away by the deranged witch Robert Livingstone. "Heartstong" is Robbie's struggle and journey back towards recovering his family and who he once was and can yet still be to those who love him.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Heartsong-Gree...
Now one to the things that I suspect, among many, that caused by teachers at Stone Street Elementary School, Brewster Junior High School, and Camp Lejeune High School during the 1960s and 1970s at Camp Lejeune is that I didn't read just one fixed genre of fiction and non-fiction. I read science fiction, fantasy, horror. folk tales, mystery, adventure, and a variety of non-fiction topics. I also didn't follow, and still don't, follow popular trends to be in with the cool crowd. I didn't read "Lord Of The Rings" for the longest time because it was "all the craze" among my peers back then. I don't fit into any kind of cookie-cutter mold, and I suspect a good many people don't either. Likewise, I'm not afraid to read a book that is a mismash of different genres.
Which is ironic because I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, so I knew how to act like the "cool, popular kid" but I choose not to in school. Think of me as the Preppy Goth high school kid who choose not to fit in and still chooses not to fit in when I can. [I do have a useless Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gothic Literature after all.]
I enjoyed reading T.J. Klune's previous novels, so when TOR Books started releasing his previously published Green Creek quartet of novels in hard cover, I decided to give "Wolfsong" - the first novel in the quartet a chance and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed his werewolf family saga.
And family is once again the core essential of "Heartsong" where Robbie Fontaine discovers that he was once a part of the Bennett Family/Pack and that was abducted and had his memories wiped away by the deranged witch Robert Livingstone. "Heartstong" is Robbie's struggle and journey back towards recovering his family and who he once was and can yet still be to those who love him.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Heartsong-Gree...
