Well, dear readers, we have finished comping the Sandy vocals. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, we have finished comping the Sandy vocals. My engineer and I could not be happier with the results, which, I have to say, are pretty magical. As the only songwriter on this little album (save for my co-writer on one song, someone named Richard M. Sherman), I am just thrilled with the way Sandy sings these songs – charming, funny, touching, romantic – the whole gamut, dammit. And my engineer told me he can’t get some of the songs out of his head, so that’s a good thing – I think. So, now I finesse the mixes on Wednesday night, and Lanny finesses my finesses on Thursday night and we’re done with that part. Then it’s on to the packaging. I’ve already written my part of the liner notes, so that’s done. Anyway, it was a fun night of comping and I’m really glad that part of it is over.
Prior to that I’d had a GREAT night’s beauty sleep, ten hours of beauty sleep, which I really needed. After that, I answered a slew of e-mails, did some work on the computer, had too many telephonic calls, and then went and had some lunch – chicken tenders and some tap tap tapioca pudding. After that, I picked up a package, then came back home. I did more work on the computer, and started writing the commentary for the Kritzerland show, and then I sat on my couch like so much fish.
Yesterday, I finished watching 3 Days to Kill, a rather silly movie with Kevin Costner. The story and screenplay are by Luc Besson and I kind of enjoy his stuff no matter how silly. But he didn’t direct this, someone named McG did. Frankly, I don’t ever care to see a movie directed by someone with a name like McG. It’s just a little too precious for the likes of me. Mr. Costner is fine, as is the rest of the cast, save for someone named Amber Heard – not really her fault, as the role is ridiculous, but she’s just not good. There is not a frame of this film you haven’t seen in other movies, just one cliché after another, but it moves along quickly and I didn’t shut it off, so while that’s not much of a recommendation, if you like this sort of thing it’s on Netflix.
I then watched the 40th anniversary Blu and Ray of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. I tell the story of my first viewing of this film in my first memoir. I thought it was one of the vilest films ever and I just hated every frame of it. But given its now-classic status, several folks have suggested I watch it again. So, first of all, seeing it forty years ago in a theatrical print was not exactly a visual feast. The film was shot in 16mm and then blown up to 35mm and the release prints looked awful. That was the first thing I noticed whilst watching the Blu-ray – the image quality is miles better because this transfer was taken from the original 16mm negative. So, one can appreciate the cinematography more now than then. It’s a very low budget film – someone suggested the film looked like it was directed by the Manson family, and forty years ago I thought that was pretty apt. Watching it now, for a low budget film and for what it is, it’s actually competently directed by Tobe Hooper. That the film was influential on horror films that followed is not in question. That the film has a huge cult following is not in question. The fact that it made a lot of money (compared to its miniscule budget) is not in question. But, for me, it remains a vile film in terms of its story and the way the story is told. There’s no way this subject matter isn’t vile, sorry. But the big difference is what a difference forty years makes. What was horrifically violent back then is pretty tame by today’s standards, much like Psycho is tame to any generation that watched it post-1970. But context is everything – this was strong stuff back in the day. I didn’t hate it with every fiber of my being this time around. I could appreciate the effort and the fact that the director and cinematographer were actually trying to make a good film. The transfer has excellent color, and, as I said, is miles better than the release prints were. If it’s your cup of tea, then this Blu-ray is probably for you.
After that, I went to finish the vocal comps, then came home, had a couple more telephonic conversations and that was that.
Today, I have a bunch of writing to do, both liner notes and commentary, I’ll eat something light but amusing, I’ll hopefully pick up some packages, and I’ll relax.
Tomorrow I have a work session for the Kritzerland show, and then it’s on to Westlake Audio to finesse the mixes, during which we shall most definitely be eating Astroburger. Thursday Lanny joins us and he will give us his thoughts and we’ll do the final finessing. Friday night is the Ray Courts Celebrity show and that continues all day Saturday. Then I’m seeing a play on Saturday night. Not sure what’s happening on Sunday but hope it’s not much of anything.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, write, eat, hopefully pick up some packages and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What is or was the most disturbing motion picture you’ve ever seen? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy that the vocal comps are finished and sounding quite wonderful.