The Best of the South by SouthWest Music Festival
March 31, 2008 by Romy
Don’t Mess With Texas –- Once a year people from all over the globe gather in Austin, TX to check out the best of new music and film, not to mention Austin’s incredible Indie scene. Maybe you’re thinking – Austin, why would the cowboy state hold one of the most prestigious Indie music fests in the world? Location, Location, Location! It’s smack dab in the middle of the country and Austin has always been a hotbed for all things cool (University of Texas at Austin grads include Indie movie marvel Wes Anderson).
This year’s 11th edition of SXSW saw over 1500 bands performing – and with that many bands the challenge is deciding who to see or how to clone yourself so that you can go to all the shows. Nevertheless here are some of the bands we were particularly impressed with this year:
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular CD
- Official Band Website
The Slits - Cut
- Official Band Website
NOFX - They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live
- Official Band Website
Digitalism - Idealism
- Official Band Website
The Kills - No Wow
- Official Band Website
Simian Mobile Disco - Attack Decay Sustain Release
- Official Band Website
Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
- Official Band Website
Learn more about SXSW:
- South By Southwest Official Website
2008: The End of an Odyssey
March 31, 2008 by Romy
In 1968 a short story by the name of “The Sentinel” was adapted for film thus adorning the world with the Kubrick classic “2001: A Space Odyssey”, and with that, Arthur C. Clarke had achieved his greatest fame.
Clarke who passed away this week of heart failure and respiratory complications at the age of 90, inspired millions of readers with his vivid descriptions of space shuttles and super computers. A farmer’s son and a Somerset native, Clarke served in the Royal Air Force during WWII all the while foreseeing the concept of communication satellites. When asked why he never patented the idea he replied that he never thought it would be achieved in his lifetime.
With a 10 year marriage ending in divorce in 1964 and no children to speak of, Clarke remained a student and visionary of the world. Serving on the board of directors for the National Space Society, pursuing scuba diving interests in Sri Lanka and writing more than 100 fiction and non-fiction books he ultimately gave science fiction a human and practical face.
A visionary forever etched in history, survived by his zest for life, exceptional sense of humor and virtually immeasurable talents. Quoted saying “I have had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer, and space promoter. Of all these, I would like to be remembered as a writer”, and with that Sir Arthur C Clarke will be missed and honored till the end of time.
Selected Works:
Arthur C. Clarke - 2001: A Space Odyssey
Arthur C. Clarke - Firstborn
Arthur C. Clarke - Collected Stories
Anthony Minghella: 1954-2008
March 31, 2008 by Romy
Cinematic renaissance man Anthony Minghella (who credits include writing, directing and producing some of the most critically successful films of the past 20 years) died of complications following surgery this week at the age of 54. Best known for the hugely successful film adaptation of author Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient, which won nine Oscars in 1997, including Best Picture and Best Director for Minghella, who also adapted the screenplay.
Although he directed just six feature films in his career, Minghella took care with of his projects, writing each of them and producing countless others, including recent George Clooney film, Michael Clayton.
Out of respect for his creativity and cinematic talents, Tower.com would like to share a selection of our favorite Anthony Minghella films:
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Anthony Minghella - Director
Breaking and Entering
Anthony Minghella - Director
Iris
Anthony Minghella - Producer
The Quiet American
Anthony Minghella - Producer
Tower Video Spotlight: Yoga for the Rest of Us!
March 28, 2008 by Romy
Teaching yoga, meditation and guided relaxation for over 35 years, Peggy Cappy has proved herself to be somewhat of a pioneer prophet for the ever popular yoga world.
Cappy’s travels have taken her to India, the heartland of Yoga, and provided her with the opportunity to learn from master yoga instructors, giving her the opportunity to share masterful knowledge with the public.
Making yoga a possibility for adults of all ages with her video series “Yoga for the Rest of Us” Peggy Cappy has given her class of 70 somethings the opportunity to find the energy and flexibility they never dreamed possible at their age.
Armed with an arsenal of DVDs, books, and CDs; Cappy is taking the world by storm offering something that hasn’t been offered to the public in quite such a way.
Renew Your Energy with the Entire Collection:
Back Care Basics DVD
Yoga for the Rest of Us & More DVD
More Yoga for the Rest of Us - Yoga for Everybody DVD
Yoga for the Rest of Us DVD
Yoga for All of Us: A Modified Series of Traditional Poses for any Age and Ability Book
Great Films and Even Greater Soundtracks!
March 28, 2008 by Romy
There has been a rush (an August rush?) of really amazing musicals within the last few months, unconventional and quirky films such as Once and Across the Universe that surprised audiences and box office charts alike. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a musical fan or not, it is almost impossible not to be impressed by this new cinematic trend’s ability to inspire and evoke the musical spirit in even the most die-hard action fan!
In the spirit of these great films (and even greater soundtracks), Tower.com has compiled our list of the top ten most amazing film soundtracks of all time. We hope you enjoy!
1. The Beatles - A Hard Day’s Night
This is a little conventional but how could we NOT agree with every other critic in the world that this soundtrack, the first album of all-original material recorded by the Beatles, is quite possibly the greatest soundtrack ever!
2. American Graffiti - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Not just a great soundtrack but one of the most comprehensive retrospective collections available on music of the 1950s!
3. West Side Story - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Electrifying on stage and screen and one of the most beloved musicals ever created - this film is just as exciting in superb remastered stereo!
4. Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain
Granted, the film itself may not have been the greatest ever made, but there is no denying the importance of this soundtrack, one of the top selling albums of all time!
5. The Harder They Come - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
This was the album that introduced and defined Reggae music to an entire generation of American listeners!
6. Pulp Fiction - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
One could pretty much select any Tarantino soundtrack for this list, although perhaps no one has more resonance than this era-defining collection!
7. The Graduate - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Not only does it contain some of the greatest songs by Simon & Garfunkel, but this soundtrack marked one of the first and most successful film scores composed by a contemporary pop act. Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson!
8. Requiem for a Dream - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
A real underdog, this haunting and mildly terrifying score composed by Clint Mansell and performed by the Kronos Quartet had as much to do with the effectiveness of this film as did Ellen Burstyn’s Academy Award nominated performance.
9. O Brother, Where Art Thou - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
One of the key soundtracks to pick up the coveted Grammy “Album of the Year” award back in 2002, this mix of country gospel, blues and roots music introduced many new listeners to the sounds of the true “deep” South.
10. Dirty Dancing - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Guilty pleasures always chart favorably - and there is no denying the nostalgic pleasure that one feels when you “have the time of your life” with this best-selling soundtrack!
