“Sling Blade” (1996)
Billy Bob Thornton delivers the performance of a lifetime in “Sling Blade,” an underrated drama which he also wrote and directed.
“South of the Border” Album Review
Charlie Parker’s 1952 LP, “South of the Border,” is an entertaining combo of scorching saxophone and fiery Afro-Cuban rhythms.
“Mystery of the Wax Museum” (1933)
Directed by Michael Curtiz and featuring early Technicolor imagery, “Mystery of the Wax Museum” is largely overshadowed by the later and much better “House of Wax” adaptation.
“St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985)
Starring the Brat Pack in all their insufferable glory, “St. Elmo’s Fire” is one of the dumbest and most dated movies the 1980s has to offer.
“Genius of Modern Music (Volume Two)” – Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk’s 1952 “Genius of Modern Music (Volume Two)” LP is one of the decade’s most consistent bebop albums.
“Cocktail” (1988)
Starring a young, naive Tom Cruise in a storyline that makes no sense, “Cocktail” is one of the worst movies of the 1980s.
“Ritual of the Savage” – Les Baxter
Les Baxter’s 1951 exotica album, “Ritual of the Savage,” is sophisticated easy listening music that is both cheesy and catchy.
“Satchmo at Pasadena” – Louis Armstrong
Released in 1951, “Satchmo at Pasadena” is a terrific and underrated live album from Louis Armstrong and his All Stars.
“Genius of Modern Music (Volume One)” – Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk’s “Genius of Modern Music (Volume One)” collection contains some of the most iconic jazz songs of all time.
“Mary Lou Williams” (1951) – Mary Lou Williams
The self-titled 1951 LP of pianist Mary Lou Williams is a tremendous example of her singular, impressionistic, bebop style.
“The Wicker Man” (1973)
The original 1973 “The Wicker Man” film is a creepy, period-accurate account of British folk horror come to life.
“Nursery Days” – Woody Guthrie
Even when he’s singing nonsense children’s song, as he is on his 1951 album, “Nursery Days,” Woody Guthrie crafts compelling folk music.