Michael Gorman

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I recall being totally absorbed with this series when it was first broadcast as a T.V production. The scope of the examination of music as a uniquely 'human' development was audacious, and impressive. One section caught my imagination, this was the 'Music of the Spheres' and the 'scale' which the solar system represents in Pythagorean terms, this is distinctly 'Bluesy', and I remember thinking, 'Of course'! Recommended for people who love music, and love Yehudi's unique musical approaches. I purchased the book, and this gave me the time to really consider the content of this remarkable, and wonderful survey of music.

I recall watching the first episodes of 7 UP back in 1964 when I was only six years old! I am one year younger than the crew, so I have kept up with their story, I was enthralled with the concept behind this series, a glimpse into Britain's future! I always recall imagining what I would be like in the year 2000, when I would turn 42, well came and went, it found me returning to my native land as a computer expert, working to help businesses with the dreaded 'Y2K' bug, at the age of 42 I had become an IT engineer, so really I fulfilled my destiny of being a 'modern man', from that distant perspective of 1964, life can be very strange.

I recall first listening to this album back in 1973/4 and being impressed by the original quality of the songs, sure there is a 'Country' tinge to them, and that pedal steel from Ben Keith adds that melancholic, aching country soul to many of the album's playlist but this is not your average Nashville offering, Neil Young defies category in many ways, he is like a Shaman of rock mysticism, Harvest represents one of the most significant cultural landmarks of 'Boomer' musical culture, I will love it forever, to think it is now 50 years old just blows my mind.

Helen Mirren, and Donald Sutherland deliver stunning performances, the topic is not one that will appeal to the casual movie buff, it is very human, very real; it is laced with ironic humour, and acerbic observations of life. I will say that this film may surprise you, it will certainly make your eyes water involuntarily, like when you chop Onions. You could dismiss this as being yet another dreary boomer conclusion saga, but you would be wrong, this is brilliant, the two featured actors deliver something truly remarkable, a genuine example of the deep mysteries of the acting craft, and life itself.

I found the first 2 seasons compelling, and remarkable, here we have an imaginative, well thought out story with lots of variety and depth, including mystical time travel. Season 3 was OK up to the meeting of Jamie and Claire, but it began to falter. I was disillusioned by the end of Season 3, I wanted more Scotland. I don't like to criticize such a good cast, they are all splendid actors, but the content let them down after season 3, and they can only work with what is written.