Well, dear readers, it’s the day before the night before Christmas. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, it’s the day before the night before Christmas and we’re finally having a close encounter of the Christmas kind. Ironically, I am listening to the soundtrack of Close Encounters of the Third Kind as I write these here notes. Of course, I had the original vinyl release and the CD release of that. Then I had the expanded version, which is what I’m listening to now, having not listened to it since the day I bought it and listened to it. Well, I am here to tell you that it’s one of the greats, brilliant music by a composer who truly understands the relationship between music and film and what that relationship is supposed to achieve. In this case, we have a score that is edgy, suspenseful, dissonant at times, and then, when the time comes, soaring, powerful, and stunningly beautiful and inspirational. I first saw the film at a screening at the Academy. No one in that invited audience had any idea what the film was about, including yours truly and truly yours. As a point of interest, seated behind me at this screening was someone named George Lucas who, after the lights came up, turned to whoever he was with and proclaimed the film a masterpiece – and I agreed with him 100%. Only later, when Mr. Spielberg took his perfect film and lessened it by filming a new ending and putting back scenes into a film that played perfectly and beautifully without them, did I begin to question what I’d seen at that screening. But finally when I saw the original version again when the Blu-ray came out, it completely validated what I’d thought at that screening – it was the masterpiece I remembered. I don’t need a “special edition” or a “definitive edition” – the movie as originally released was brilliant and that’s what I want. I leave all other expansions to everyone who enjoys them. But what a score. This expanded version was done from the original scoring masters in 20-bit whatever. Frankly, it doesn’t sound as good as I’d like it to, but maybe this is the sound and there’s certainly nothing wrong with it and it does sound good – I just wonder if there’s more to be done. I don’t have the original release anymore, but a year ago that release was issued as an SACD by Mobile Fidelity and I’ve got that on its way to me and I’ll be very curious to hear what it sounds like compared to this expanded release.
Yesterday was a close encounter of the nice little day kind. I got eight-and-a-half hours of sleep, which was lovelier than lovely. Once up, I did the usual morning things – printed out a few orders, answered e-mails and did a little work on the computer. Then I had to mosey on over to the local Thai place for a lunch with Nick Redman and Mike Matessino. It was, as always, a lot of fun, with amusing conversation throughout. Best of all, a potential new project for Kritzerland was discussed, so keep all digits crossed and hopefully it can happen. I had my usual stuff – a Thai salad and cashew chicken, all great. That was about a two-hour affair and then I went and picked up a couple of packages and came home.
Once home, I uploaded the two CDs that had arrived and listened to them – very good stuff – a little mono Sibelius (the tone poems), and some Copland, Barber, and Ives, which was very enjoyable. I got a screener, too, called The Edge of Seventeen, but am saving it for the weekend, and Nick gave me the latest Twilight Time releases, which I can’t wait to dive into. Then I decided I was in a film music kind of mood so I began uploading a few things – Close Encounters, ET, Psycho (the Herrmann re-recording), and a few others. I also had a computer freeze, which has been happening once or twice a week, so I contacted Apple, got a senior technician on the phone and we did a few things. We set something up so that should it happen again I can suss out what’s causing it and get back to him. Also, we repaired permissions and he’s hoping that may have fixed it.
Then it was time to sup with an old friend of mine who I’ve known for over fifty years (yikes). We went to Jerry’s. I was still full from lunch and didn’t want much – I opted for a half sandwich/cup of soup things – half a ham sandwich and a cup of tomato bisque. Even then it was more than I needed, but I finished it. It was a fun dinner. After, I went directly to Gelson’s and got everything I needed for the Annual Christmas Eve Do, so I’m all set and don’t have to do any last-minute shopping stuff. Once home, I cleaned everything that needed cleaning and the home environment is now fit for company. I also listened to music, including the now playing Close Encounters.
Today, I have to be up early for she of the Evil Eye is coming a day early to do her thing and I’ll have to leave until noon o’clock. I’ll go have a breakfast meal. Once home, I have a very short work session with a young person, then I’ll hopefully pick up some packages, and then I can just relax, perhaps watch a motion picture, and then in the evening I will slice and dice the garlic, onions, and mushrooms for the spaghetti sauce, and I’ll make the big ol’ batch of tuna pasta salad. As I did last year, I’m making double what I used to make because it’s become such a favorite.
Tomorrow is the Annual Christmas Eve Do. At around one I’ll begin the spaghetti sauce, which then simmers right up until the partay. I’m hoping for a nice turnout – as always, I never know who will show up until they show up. I will, of course, have a full report and some photographs. Sunday is Christmas – the usual Cissy Wechter Christmas partay isn’t happening this year, so I’m hoping the Darling Daughter will pay her usual visit and we can shoot the breeze and eat and have FUN.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, have a breakfast meal, have a work session, hopefully pick up packages, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your CD player and your DVD/Blu and Ray player? I’ll start – CD, you already know. DVD, a couple of screeners to watch. Blu-ray, the new batch of Twilight Time releases. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy we’re finally having close encounters of the Christmas kind.