Rare, OOP Blog

Netflix has implemented a Friend’s Page feature where you and your friends can share ratings and recommendations on the movies you’re renting. I’d really like to get in on this. I often have a hard time trying to pick out movies for my queue. If you have an account and would like to share the wealth of your movie-watching knowledge, let me know.

[via Slashdot] Google Groups lists its 20 Year Archive of Usenet Timeline featuring some interesting first-posts dating back to 1981. My favorites include First mention of MTV (’82), First mention of a compact disc (’82), First “Me too” post (’83), and First discussion about “New Coke” (’85).

largehearted boy had a link a few days ago to this band, Tungsten74, who have posted the theme music to the Nintendo classic Metroid. Looks like they’re planning to cover it. Anyway, it reminded me of this remix electronic/IDM artist Lexaunculpt did a few years ago, which may or may not be the track “Samus” on the Children of Mu compilation. I dunno—I haven’t heard that one.

+ One of my favorite records of 2004 was The Concretes’ self-titled debut album, so I decided to pick up their first full-length, Boyoubetterunow, a CD released on UP records which compiles two of their EPs. I somehow got it in my head that this record was out of print, an idea reaffirmed by this auction I found. Before considering a bid, I decided to do a little more research. I soon discovered that this “VERY RARE OOP CD” is available from Sub Pop for $10. The auction, starting at $29.99 and ending with a winning bid of $55.55, was a complete sham. This guy (let’s call him Hugh…Hugh Jashol) completely lied (whether he intentionally lied or not is beside the point). Scams on eBay??! Shocking, I know. I’m just saying this as a reminder: be careful and always research that shit. For my five minutes of extra Googling, I got a reasonably-priced copy in a timely manner and without the hassle of waiting for some goon to get off his ass and go to the post office.

January 10, 2005 | Filed Under Film, Music | Leave a Comment

The Snowman

“One winter morning a little boy named James wakes up to find that everything outside has turned snow-white. Overjoyed, James rushes downstairs and into the garden, where he begins to build a snowman. James sleeps fitfully, and at midnight he wakes up and decides to check on his snowman. He opens the back door… he can’t believe his eyes… The snowman has come to life! James finds himself face to face with a smiling snowman, who with a polite doff of his hat introduces himself and marks the beginning of magical friendship and marvelous adventure.”

I was introduced to The Snowman sometime last winter. My friend had a video of the wonderful animated film of the same name, which is based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs.

Though I have not yet read the book, the film is great in its own right. Drawn with colored pencils and featuring a highly effective rotoscoping technique for its beautiful flying scene, the movie contains no dialog. Save for a short introductory narration by David Bowie, the entire film is set to music. It’s an enchanting story and has quickly become a personal Christmas-time favorite.

Here, as a modest gift to anyone who may be reading this Christmas Eve, I present to you an excerpt of the film’s soundtrack, composed by Howard Blake, recorded from the original vinyl record. This is more or less the theme to the movie, a song entitled “Walking In the Air,” which plays during the aforementioned flying sequence. Hope you enjoy it. Best wishes to you and yours.

Download “Walking In the Air”