I’m trying this out… a few ideas of music to listen in the current month. Suggestions might be based on things that are happening, the season, or just the mood I’m in. So let’s see. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t. Here goes.
A Halloween romp
I have a special fondness in a capella music, and VoicePlay is one of the best out there right now. With VoicePlay, you can expect amazing productions, costumes, make-up, props, the works. Bass singer Geoff Castellucci brings it even on his solo adventures. He brings some good creepy vibes to The Monster Mash while having an absolute blast. Enjoy!
Children of Dune: the best soundtrack you’ve never heard
It’s almost here!
I have been waiting for the new Dune movie practically since it was announced. I first read Dune in eighth grade, and I was blown away. It remains one of my favorite books, and as far as I am concerned probably the best science fiction novel in existence.
What inspired me to read Dune, you ask? Well, back in the day I was a die-hard fan of the Sci-Fi Channel (before it became Syfy… sigh). Sci-Fi used to up their game with mini-series, and the best one to this date is Children of Dune, which is based on the second and third books in the Dune Saga.
Yes, the network did produce a three-part series based on the original Dune, and yes, it is worth watching (for the Emperor’s outfits ALONE). Many of the cast were re-assembled for the sequel, which is 100x better than the original (and not even in the same time zone as the 1984 movie).
There are two reasons for this.
One, an AMAZING cast including Susan Sarandon and James McAvoy.
And two, a PHENOMENAL soundtrack. I mean it. Hands down, probably Bryan Tyler’s best work in my opinion.
You will probably recognize the first track; it’s been in a bunch of trailers, like Master and Commander and The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s that iconic. The bouncy Main Title (House Atreides), the sweet Leto and Ghanima, and the exquisitely haunting Inama Nushif are other highlights. So check it out.
tick, tick… BOOM!
Oh, Jonathan Larson. What a talent.
I fell in love with Rent in high school, but it wasn’t until many years later that I discovered his other major work, Tick, Tick… Boom. The theme of the musical, pursuing your dreams versus getting a stable life, really resonated with me while I was in grad school. Who am I kidding? It still resonates!
The original soundtrack is fantastic, with the cast of three being led by the talented Raul Esparza (who will always be my ADA). Check it out, memorize it, and then you will be ready for when the new movie premieres on Netflix in November.
Oh yes.
Lin-Manuel Miranda directs the new film starring Andrew Garfield (who knew he could sing?). I can’t wait to see what they’ve done with it!
That’s all I have for October. Maybe I’ll do this again next month. What do you think?