sal

Tough question..... I'd have to say "Raging Bull". Has there ever been such a perfect combination of brilliant direction, flawless acting, deep thematic development, cinematography, sound, dialogue, editing, , and most of all.....raw emotional intensity, in a non-Best Picture Oscar winning American film before?

Assuming were talking only about the "Best Picture" Oscar, I would nominate the Scorsese classics "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", and "Goodfellas". Stanley Kubrick made a trio of amazing films with "Dr. Strangelove", "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "A Clockwork Orange", none which won anything. And 1994 produced "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Pulp Fiction", two of the best films of the 1990s. I think both were far superior to that year's winner "Forrest Gump".

minew, I was not aware of this! Thank you very much for the info. I'll try to check this one out.

Anyone else been spinning this one? I've gotten through the first two discs and must say that I'm extremely impressed. They chose some excellent live Ware for this release. Lots of intense, spiritual playing all over this stuff....he really sounds good. What a fantastic tenor. And the rhythm section, with the different drummers, are all over this stuff. I always liked Ware best with Suzie Ibarra, but hearing him here with Hamid Drake for the first time was really eye-opening. Hamid has been one of the top percussionists in jazz for a long time, but his versatility really shows here. It seems like there isn't anything he can't play. He and William Parker were born to play together. A trio outing with Fred Anderson would be a dream come true.

I do agree that the Oscars are usually more of a fashion show than a salute to the arts. And alot of it is just that Hollywood phoniness. But when it comes down to it, I love film. I love it nearly as much as I love music, and because of that, the Oscars will probably always be one of the few times each year that I turn on my TV to watch a TV show. I don't care about who is dating who and all the glamour and glitz. But I do care that Million Dollar Baby won its well deserved awards. And I am happy that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won the screenplay award. If you can see through the bullshit, good art is getting recognized. As I don't care about pop music or TV, I'll never watch the Grammy's or the Emmy's. But there were some really good films that came out this year, and it was nice to see them get some recognition. If jazz was as popular as film, and they had some razzle dazzle jazz awards ceremony, I'm sure most of us would be tuning in...even if it meant we had to sit through Joan Rivers asking Herbie Hancock about his tux.

Have a great one!

This is a fantastic film, and I agree that its Lynch's masterpiece. I didn't catch the twist (ie the first part being a dream and the second part being reality) until my third time watching it, but let me tell you that moment of discovery was a wonderful one! I've watched it probably 4 more times since then and its just gets better and better.

Wish I could've joined you guys....I take a music class every Sunday from 4:30-6 that kills any chances of my making it to a Sunday matinee. It would have been nice to have met all of you that I haven't met yet! I'm sure there will be other occasions in the near future. Speaking of Vonski....Chuck, I'm very much enjoying my new copy of "Serenade & Blues"!

Count me in as an admirer of this set. Its caused me to persue more of Randy's music.

Yeah, Shorter's new music with his quartet seems to really be walking that fine line between inside and outside.

I'd love to hear some board member feedback on his new one "In Flux". It seems to be getting really good reviews.

I've become quite an admirer of Stanko this past year. Something about his playing really affects me.....he's a very gifted musician. His two albums with the new band, "Soul of Things" and "Suspended Night" are both very nice. I also picked up an older one called "Leosia" that is beautiful. Really looking forward to seeing him here in Chicago next month.

After "Nice Guys" get "Fanfare for the Warriors". AEC is an addiction.

I voted for "Dialogue", but I was listening to this one on the way to work today....forgot what a great session this one is!!

Got around to picking this one up this past weekend, and I really enjoyed it. Will likely be one of the year's best.

Phil, I agree with you about the commute. I'm not looking to spend over an hour each way. The closer the better. I must admit that I'm quite intrigued by the idea of living in a more quiet, picturesque area. But the rent prices seem quite high out there as well!

Yep, I have the feeling I would have a lot of visitors! Hopefully, I'll be able to find some place that I can afford! What I need is for the dollar to gain some strength so I can afford the moving costs! I really appreciate everyone's feedback! Its very helpful and I'm already looking at maps and websites.

A question to narrow down my quieries ...... What would be some good "countryside" locations to investigate that would not be too far from the Hemel/Sunbury/London area? Is it possible to live in a quiet, somewhat scenic area that is somewhat affordable, yet still be within an hour or so from this area? Its not looking like I'm going to be able to afford living in central London.

I've heard a couple of his CD's, and wasn't all that impressed. But I won't write him off completely.....sometimes these things have a way of sneaking up on you.

Wow.....thank you for all the helpful responses! I didn't realize this, but it sounds like living in London is even more expensive than living in the middle of Chicago! There is no way I would be able to afford a 1000 pound/month apartment, especially if the exchange rates hover around where they are right now. Moving out to the countryside is definitely an option I would consider, especially if a reasonable commute to work is possible. Are these places still relatively accessible to central London? I guess that by living in the Chicago area for all of my 27 years on this planet, I've been spoiled by having access to the perks of the big city (music, food, museums, culture, etc.), and I really wouldn't want to live somewhere where getting to the city is too difficult or time consuming. But living in the countryside sounds very nice! I actually prefer it quiet. I didn't realize this was an option. tonym, to answer your question.....if I were to return to the States, the chances of me recovering my former lifestyle would be very good. I would be leaving the majority of my valuables here, and I have a small amount of money I inherited after my mother died that I would be able to use as a down payment on a condo or small house upon my return. However, if everything works out and I really enjoy it in England and Europe in general, I would not hesitate to buy some property after a year or two, ship all of my possessions over, and make my permanent home there. I am keeping all my options open. Its very exciting!

Up, to increase the chances of this thread being near the top by the time our friends across the pond begin to rise and shine. :rsmile:

I'm sorry it took me so long to drop in on this thread. I hope your wife starts feeling better, b3-er.

Hello, I work for a global company where I have a very good chance to possibly get a job in England, particularly the London area, next year. I've been contemplating the idea of moving to Europe for a few years now, and with the opportunity becoming more and more realistic, I need to start some information gathering. I guess what I'm really looking for are estimates on cost of living. I would likely be working in either Sunbury Upon Thames or Hemel Hempstead. If possible I would like to live somewhere in London, preferably in an area that has accessible public transportation to one or both of these locations. This is the preferred option, but not absolutely necessary, since I will have a car. I would be looking to rent an average sized 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. Do you know around how much it would cost to live in a decent neighborhood? Nothing fancy, but not a bad neighborhood either. I understand that London is somewhat pricey. If there are any good places just outside of London that I don't know about that you could recommend that might give me more for my money, I'm all ears! I'm completely unfamiliar with London and its infrastructure, so any pointers of the sort would be appreciated. Also, how are the income tax rates structured and such? Anything important that you think I should know about London before starting my job search early next year? If I am fortunate enough to get an interview, I plan on taking a week's worth of vacation to visit the city and the area before the interview, as I've never been there before. Living in the Chicago area I am used to high costs of living and big cities. I just was looking for any inside tips or pointers that only the insightful, intelligent folks of the Organissimo BB can provide!! Thank you in advance for anyone who can help me. If any non-residents of the area have anything to add, it would be greatly appreciated as well. Kind regards, Sal

So Bart is in juvie, and they are showing all the inmates an Itchy & Scratchy cartoon. At the start of the cartoon, Bart gives a sigh of relief, and says "Ahhhh.....cartoons! America's only original art form." He then pauses for a few seconds, looks at the kid next to him and says, "Well, I would count jazz, but it sucks."

deus62, just out of curiosity, did this affect the playability of the CDs?