Film : The Seventh Seal Album : Jean Sibelius mix

The Seventh Seal is a 1957 film that was directed by famed director Ingmar Bergman. The film is set in Black Death ridden Sweden. The lead role is played by a young Max von Sydow (better known by american audiences for his role as the head priest in The Exorcist). In the film all of the actors and actresses speak their naive Swedish language, so expect to be reading subtitles throughout the films duration. This has to be one of my favorite films of all time. A knight is trying to make it home, but he has to try to beat Death at a chess game if he wants to live his full life. The plot is that simple, yet so captivating. When I first saw this I just expected to become bored within the first five minutes, but alas the first meeting of Death and the Knight kept me interested all the way to the end. Now this isn't a happy movie by any means, due to the bleak and pessimistic atmosphere. The film also questions the existence of god on a few occasions. The man who plays Death also did a spectacular job. He actually and sounded like he could be the personification of Death. My favorite character is a man named Jons. He is the Knight's squire. He has several funny lines and is the most optimistic of all the characters in the movie. This is definitely a movie to watch during the winter when you are all by yourself. It may not have a bunch of special effects (keep in mind this was released in 1957) but the story and characters more than make up for that. This is one of the best movies of all time and any true movie buff wouldn't want to miss this one.



Jean Sibelius is a Finnish composer who live from December 8, 1865 to September 20, 1957. His is known for his symphonies, though he isn't taught in many music history classes. I think he would fit with The Seventh Seal because some of his works have that tragic sound that would fit perfectly with the film's atmosphere. My personal favorite is "The Swan of Tuonela." The song has a saddened tone to it that I think would perfectly match the way the Knight feels in The Seventh Seal.
Songs
The Swan of Tuonela
Finlandia
Violin Concerto in D Minor 
Valse triste

Film : Macbeth Album : Within the Realm of a Dying Sun

Macbeth is a film that was directed by Roman Polanski and it was released in 1971. The film does an excellent job at presenting Shakespeare's play on a camera, whereas it's usually portrayed on a stage. The film does have plenty of violence and sexuality, so if you find these things to be a little too much for you then you shouldn't watch it. There is one particular scene that I wasn't expecting the director to show, which I won't reveal but lets just say it involves a little boy. The setting one the movie was also a high point, with the movie being filmed in Northern Wales. U.K. The main castle was also rather interesting, but it could have looked a wee bit better. The actors and actresses are another high point, which Jon Finch's role of Macbeth being the best of the bunch. He does a good job showing the tragical aspect of the Macbeth character. For those that love Shakespeare and have been wanting to see this particular play on film, you definitely shouldn't miss out on this one.

Within the Realm of a Dying Sun was recorded by the band Dead Can Dance and it was released in the year 1987. If you had to pinpoint a genre to the album it would have to either be world music or classical. Some of the songs have a Gothic tinge to them as well. The album itself is split up into two parts, each part being dominated by one of the two vocalists. The first part is dominated by Brendan Perry and the second part by Lisa Gerrard. The two best tracks from the album are Xavier and Cantara. The music has a tragic tone to it, which fits perfectly with the tragic tone of Macbeth. Lisa also uses her dramatic mezzo-soprano vocals on this album, but the only downside to them is that its rather difficult to understand what she's saying. In a decade where every woman wanted to either sound like Madonna or Joan Jett, it is rather refreshing to hear something different come from a woman. Brendan's voice is also a high point, not being too strong in the mix but not being too soft. A very good album if you want to see classical like music being played by a band from the 80's.

Film : Amadeus Album : Soundtrack to Amadeus

The film Amadeus was directed by Milos Foreman and it was released in the year 1984. The film goes over the conflict between the two composers Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The film is very interesting if you're a person who enjoys watching biographies or if you're a person who likes to watch musical films. The film was also a big critical success, having received 40 different awards. Both F. Murray Abrahma and Tom Hulce, Salieri and Mozart respctively, do a fine job with the roles they are given. The film does have a lot of references to God as shown through Salieri's jealousy of Mozart's skills as a composer. There's a small chance that if one were to watch this that they may want to do a little background check on the composers featured in the film. Plus if you love classical music then you get to enjoy both worlds.

The soundtrack to the film Amadeus mainly consists of material composed by Mozart. If you have ever listened to Mozart then you should know what to expect from this. For those of you that are not privy to Mozart's work then all you need to know is that his music is basically uptempo classical music. A particular favorite of mine is Mozart's first movement of his Piano Concerto in D Minor. Now there are songs on here that were composed by Salieri, Giuseppi Giordani, and Giovanni Pergolesi. So out of 30 tracks, 27 of them are by Mozart. This is a great collection of Mozart's work, plus it's easy to find.

Film : History Of the World, Part I Album : Ace of Spades

History of the World was released in the year 1981 and it was directed and written by Mel Brooks. The film takes it's viewers through several major events that happened from the beginning of time to the French Revolution, though with a comedic twist. This has to be Mel Brooks' best work ever. The jokes are perfect. The historical events that are made fun of were the best ones to choose, with my favorite being the French Revolution. The film also has a big song and dance section which is quite hilarious if you're Catholic. There are a few raunchy moments in the film but it's nothing too severe. This film is definitely funnier than most modern comedies.

Ace of Spades is a hard rock album by Motorhead that was released in the year 1980. Most people recognize this as Motorhead's most well known album. It also contains their most successful song " Ace of Spades." This album has some interesting themes, like underage sex, alcohol, bar games, etc., which is why I thought it would be good to include this with History of the World, Part I. The movie has some scenes which show some of the same themes as the album. Ace of Spades is inspirational as well, influencing nearly all of the famous speed & thrash metal bands such as Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. There aren't any slow, ballady songs on here either, which should be greatly appreciated. A good party album that more people should be listening to. If I had to describe Motorhead on this album then I would describe them as a much faster AC/DC. If that doesn't peak your interest a little then I don't know what will.

Film : The Thing Album : Halloween mix

The Thing was released in the year 1982 and it was directed by John Carpenter. It is classified as a science fiction horror film. This is perfect for Halloween night, though due to the icy atmosphere you could also watch it during the winter. The film's most notable star is Kurt Russel. There's aliens, blood, and good atmosphere. The film's main attraction isn't its storyline. The main attraction is without a doubt the special effects. Now keep in mind this is a horror movie so the special effects aren't necessarily going to be "pretty." With that in mind if you have a weak stomach then definitely do not watch this film. Some of the alien transformations in the movie are quite disgusting, which is saying something when I can handle looking at mangled bodies. The film's atmosphere is also rather pessimistic, so don't go watching this and expect any type of happy ending. But if all of these things are not a problem for you then this movie is definitely good for at a Halloween viewing.

The Halloween mix is a playlist of music that I think would be good to play in order to sett up a creepy mood. Most of the songs are electro - industrial songs from the 1980's. There are a few gothic songs as well.The only odd track is D.O.A. by Bloodrock as it is an old rock track. The creepy thing about the track is the organs found in it. I was somewhat limited in what I could choose based on the fact that I didn't want to go past the year 1989. It isn't a very long playlist either.
The Playlist :
1.Skinny Puppy - Fritter (Stella's Home) (probably the creepiest of them all)
2.Skinny Puppy - The Choke
3. The Klinik - Vietnam
4. Throbbing Gristle - Hamburger Lady
5. The Cure - Pornography
6. The Cure - The Final Sound
7. Bloodrock - D.O.A.

Film : The Matrix Album : Mezzanine

The Matrix is a science fiction action film that was released in 1999. The film has notable stars such as Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishburne. The film mixes various philosophical theories with science fiction action, which makes for an interesting film. An easy philosophical idea is that of Plato's cave, which is about a group of men who have to stay in a cave (the life pods in the film) and watch shadows move on a wall in front of them. They believe that this is reality (like what the people inside of the matrix see). The philosopher is a man who can break free and go outside of the cave to actually experience  reality ( the people waking up from the matrix program and seeing a destroyed world). It is also famous for its action sequences, which has been parodied by numerous comedies. There is some blood here and there but it isn't too overly graphic. There is also a bit of language, though it also isn't anything severe. This is a very good film for those who like science fiction, action, and philosophy.

The album Mezzanine by Massive Attack was released in 1998. The album is considered a seminal Trip Hop album by most listeners of the genre. Mezzanine is also relatively well known in the mainstream, with songs having appeared in The Matrix, commercials for Assassin's Creed, and their song Teardrop being the opening theme for the TV show House. This album was ahead of its time in that it laid the blueprint for the Dupstep movement that has appeared.The songs all have strong yet soothing basslines throughout with various keyboards and synths making their sounds. The band also takes use of sampling, for instance the band sampled "10:15 Saturday Night" by The Cure in the song "Man Next Door." There is occasional rapping but it only happens in maybe 2 or 3 songs. The rest employ the female singing of Elizabeth Fraser, the singing of 3-D, and the regga style of Horace Andy. The album is also one of the firsts to use the MP3 format. This is a very good futuristic chillout album.

Film : Boyz N The Hood Album : Straight Outta Compton

The film Boyz N The Hood was released in 1991. The film is about a group of friends that try to live their lives in the ghetto, each taking a different path. The film stars notable actors such as Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Laurence Fishburne. The film itself is definitely a tragic drama with bits of comedy sprouting up here and there. It does a good job at realistically viewing the ghetto and the "gangsta" lifestyle. The film has earned numerous awards and for good reason. Its a very good and thoughtful story. I don't want to reveal any of the details as certain ones are crucial. It is definitely recommended for those interested in African American culture in the early 1990's.

The album Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. was released in 1988. The album is considered one of the biggest influences of the gangsta rap genre. The music itself is very sample-heavy. The album is littered with good ole fashion profanity and with songs about sex, violence, and social injustice. The album is much more 'hardcore" than the rap that is around today. Rappers Ice Cube, Ren, Easy-E, and Dr. Dre can easily rap with the best rappers. Their style is much more aggressive than the rappers of today. This album is a must have if you would like to see where gangsta rap originally started.