I’m currently enraptured by the sweet singing of Alison Krauss. She has a voice like warm, filtered honey.
Don’t let the any county/bluegrass tag put you off, Alison does a range of material, including a slowed-down version of Baby, Now That I�ve Found You. The soul hit is reborn as a mournful and sensitive piece of longing. By the way, I love Bluegrass, so no slight intended.’,'I first heard her on The Rough Guide to Bluegrass compilation CD � an excellent introduction to this most American of music. Here she performs Every Time You Say Goodbye with her band; Alison Krauss & Union Station. It reminded me of the first time I heard Say You Love Me from Phantom. Hooked from the first bar.
The same compilation CD also had the Stanley Brothers. A bit more searching found that Alison had done a duet with Ralph Stanley; Pretty Little Miss. Their voices are very different and yet it works quite well.
Alison plays the fiddle and viola, to cap off a great mix of talent and emotion. Well worth tracking down.
note: a bit hard to buy Alison Krauss CDs in Melbourne. Gaslight Records have a few, JB HiFi also have some.
This “two disc special edition” of what most critics regard as the Best Movie of All Time, is a must. Orson Welles was the Peter Jackson of his time. Now that will get me into trouble…’,'Made in 1941, the movie has both a complex story - supposedly based on the life story of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst - as well as ground breaking on-screen techniques.
Dozens of books have been written about this masterpiece. This DVD does it justice. Two full length commentaries provide insightful and interesting listening. Alas Orson Welles died some years ago; his company on commentary track 3 would have been amazing.
Disk Two has a two hour documentary “The Battle Over Citizen Kane.” This details the clash between Welles and Hearst et al. Hearst, umm, wasn’t happy with the movie and tried everything to get it stopped. Even this 1994 documentary was nominated for an Oscar!
Only twice before, in 30 years of going to the movies, has it happened whilst
I was there. The first was during Indiana Jones, when he was faced
with that sword-wielding opponent. Indy seems gone for all money as he is
unarmed. Suddenly he whips out a gun and bang, he shoots the enemy and wins.
The audience spontaneously applauds. Mid-film.
Last night, during a preview of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, it happened again.
Peter Jackson is a cyberweaver. Sure he sets a new benchmark for brilliant
CGI visual effects, but they are interwoven with emotional and involving human
elements. The effects themselves are jaw dropping, but they add to the mix,
rather than dominate. It is CGI in context.
Continue reading “Return of the King”
My latest pet interest is the history of the Williamstown Racecourse.
Now just a small pile of ruins and one palm tree, it was once Melbourne’s 3rd major track.
“Once” means about 1902. But - even then - the track was over 30 years old. It boasted fine lawns, beautiful gardens and a large grandstand.
Today, it’s 99.8% vanished 
The ruins are off Racecourse Road, Williamstown right near where the Ford crosses the creek. Melways Map 55 C-8.
You can easily see the lone Palm Tree. I think the rubble pile - between the Tree and the Ford - was the Grandstand. It has a few steps visible.
I’ve only just started this project and the people at the local Williamstown Museum have been very helpful. I’ve found at least three books that mention the Racecourse too. More will appear as I discover it…
If you know anything or can point me in the direction of some good resources, please click on the Comments link. That would be great!
