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.