Picks of the Week - July 3 - 9, 2000
Robert Conquest - Reflections On A Ravaged Century
There are no prizes for guessing which century this refers to. Mr Conquest is that rare combination, a scholar and a man of great moral courage. This book could go a long way towards ensuring that what happened in the last century does NOT happen in this one.
Beethoven: Ninth Symphony - Karajan BPO
The music needs no introduction. This is the version we have, and the best we have heard, even if it is an older (1977) recording. The slow movement, in particular, is superb.
Bill Evans - Sunday At The Village Vanguard
One of the great live piano trio jazz recordings. This particular trio - Bill Evans/Scott LaFaro/Paul Motian - set the standard for all who followed them. The glasses clinking in the background simply add to the atmosphere.
Paul Simon - Graceland
This album was a bolt from the blue from Simon, and it hit the target dead center. The next time you hear a song as infectious as
"You Can Call Me Al", let us know about it.
Lawrence Of Arabia
Directed by David Lean and starring Peter O Toole, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn et al. Now this IS an epic. For cinematography, acting, storyline, locations, whatever you want to choose, this film has few if any equals. The only drawback is that it is, quintessentially, a "big screen" movie.
