by Sam Juliano
Moving toward the middle of July we continue to see more and more unmasked people in all places, though the Delta Varient remains an existing danger in various regions around the country and world. Wishing all our friends and readers a nice summer, and some pleasurable down-time.
I will continue to post reviews from Allan’s unpublished book at the rate of two to three per week.
This past week J.D. Lafrance published a splendid review of Stripes.
I have now written 30,000 words of my second novel, Irish Jesus in Fairview. I am projecting a September completion (65,000 words expected for the total) and then the matter of publishing a second book after the first, which is still being attended to by an artist and editor. The latter sent me the completed first half this week, and he performed superlatively. The novel continues the narrative of Paradise Atop the Hudson, which ended in 1971 (now covering 1972 to 1978) and of course carries on with the same characters, but several new ones appear and are significantly incorporated. Likewise, new places are added.
Summer of Soul is a visceral, kinetic and oft-electrifying blast from the past. This extraordinary work incorporates Motown, Gospel, soul and funk into a music festival documentary featuring Mahalia Jackson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Staple Singers, the Fifth Dimension, Sly and the Family Stone, Steve Wonder, the Edwin Hawkins Singers and much more, culled from forty hours of footage that was stored away for decades. The film heightens the importance fo these performers in defining a time and a culture. 5 of 5. Highest rating.
F9 is popcorn fodder, which I count as mostly forgettable.
Summer of Soul *****
F9 ** 1/2
Sammy, I am really looking forward to your books, both for the content AND for the ability to leave them out on my coffee table and smugly point to (my) name when visitors visit. Thank you for the tip on “Summer of Soul” – it sounds like the music from “our” generation, which was, if I may be so bold, simply the best era of music ever!
Hahaha I love your comment here my friend! But be rest assured your talent stays on its own! I am sure you will love Summer of Soul, and would love to hear your report after you get to it. Stay safe my friend! Always thrilled hearing from you, dear namesake!
Exciting news Sam with your second book– Irish Jesus in Fairview! We look forward to updates with your progress!
Thank you so much Jim (and Valerie!!) As of yesterday afternoon I am over 37,000 words, so things are moving along quite nicely!! Your generosity and support has been astounding!
Ooee, night of joy. Mavis and “Pops” Staples on the big screen. That sound of screeching tires would be me racing to the multiplex.
Blissed out for 193 minutes watching these two bundles of movie TNT.
The Gang’s All Here (Busby Berkeley, 1943). Possibly the most fun you’ll ever have at the movies. Obviously, Freud would’ve had a field day with this one. A+
Viva Las Vegas (George Sidney, 1964). Did the Nevada Commission on Tourism write the script? Ann-Margret and Elvis have chemistry to burn, and the film now stands as a time capsule, a nostalgic look back at Vegas before corporatization and late capitalism turned the city into an R-rated Disneyland. Elvis’s infectious theme song has been stuck in my head for days now. A-
I think this is my second favorite George Sidney film after “Kiss Me Kate.”
Mark, be rest assured I am with you all the way on “The Gang’s All Here.” Barrels of fun and an extravaganza of the highest order. Ha, yes Fraud would surely had had a ball with it! “Viva Las Vegas” is of course one of the very best of the Elvis films, and well deserves your trenchant tribute here! A time capsule indeed! I too am smitten with that theme song! I think I agree with how you rate it too among George Sidney films! As always thank you so much, always a joy to read your creative and eclectic reflections!
RIP Biz “Pickin’ Boogers” Markie.
R.I.P.