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Hello all. I wanted to describe a weird thing happening to a close friend of mine. He has moved to a house 2-3 months ago, 3 blocks near my house. Every once in a while ( every 2 days approx. or maybe more - my friend doesn't stay all the time in his house), a red SMART passes by the street and its driver listens to his cd player in the highest volume possible with opened windows, the musical theme of Halloween! this goes on for 2-3 months that my friend is in this house. He has put this in facebook, and another person that lived some time ago near there, said he heard it too.. Yesterday, while we were talking in the telephone, i heard it too, and he said that was the 2nd time it was passing by that day. What do you think? the driver just loves this piece so much?? and he must have been playing it non-stop. I mean it mustn't be a coincidence that he hears it only when he passes by that neighbourhood. Spooky, isn't it? [media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLPnk9-6MM

to tell you the truth, now that I think of it, I would like to be there, and If I see him, to ask him about that theme and that i was wondering why he likes it so much. I hope you won't find me afterwards with a Knife stuck in my throat!

A clip from the recording session of Abel's new score - Escape from Tomorrow (looks like another indie film; the music sounds stunning though) http:// vimeo.com/47905033 (delete space in link)

Hi all... Resurrecting this thread to post a new item. A while back I had sent a copy of that original Air Force newspaper article to JW's agent - I'd worked with his agent a while back regarding some permissions for arranging/recording. I had assumed that because I put it out on the internet a few years ago that it had made its way to him somehow, but I guess not. Anyway, I also referenced the "You Are Welcome" film and asked if it was his first actual film score, or if there had been anything previous. Yesterday I received a letter at work (unusual, since I never get mail here at the office), and it was actually from John Williams. There's nothing really super-personal in it, so I thought I would share. Here's a scan. Fun stuff! -JM

I barely listen to any music at all lately other than what I hear on the car radio on the way to work. 99% of it is the worst of the worst and absolutely at an all time low, but there is still the odd gem which manages to stand out and which isn't over produced to within an inch of its life. I'd say on average I like up to three new pop songs a year. Maybe four or five if it's been an unusually good year. Bear in mind you have about ten years on me and so whilst you probably hate dance music I on the other hand enjoy it very much. Titanium was a fantastic release this year in that regard. I did a lot of clubbing and amphetamines in my twenties, so I'll probably always listen out for good dance music, but even that is nowhere near as good as it used to be. Rihanna shouldn't so quick to knock the unique quality in her voice seeing as it has made her rich and loved by boys and girls. It's precisely that seductive timbre in her vocal which I find appealing, it turns me on at a very base level. It's sexy to me. I'm not ashamed of that at all, god no; I embrace it. It also shouldn't be taken lightly that she's apparently surrounded herself with strong melodists. Her songs just have good tunes, which is key to grabbing my attention in the twenty minutes I have to listen. Moving on from Rihanna, this was another quality record this year: And speaking of Titanium, I've just stumbled upon this alternate acoustic version: Incredibly sweet voice and seriously strong melody? Modern pop music isn't all bad, not really.

If a person thinks JW is the best he or she are certainly entitled to their opinion, but just as long as they mention every other American composer as Williams' equal even though they might not feel so just to be safe and bland and equal in their opinions? Because this is just what it is, an opinion. Once again I would love to see the scale against which we can measure all these composers and determine their precise greatness, in an unbiased accurate scientifically quantifiable way, which would settle these disputes forever.It is true that some people become larger than life personalities in the history of art or the world itself, undisputedly made famous or popular by their works and personas and are added to the official canons of our culture. But this does not say that every person around the world would always measure everything they like or experience in arts against the canon or some historical backdrop of the evolution of that art and sound or how influential or significant this composer or singer or painter has been in grander scheme of things. If you consider someone's album or music or even body of work the best, then I am completely happy to say, you are entitled to do so. I do not think it takes away from anything or diminishes the art nor other composers in anyway, it is just an opinion of one man. Yes it may be short sighted, yes it may be rash and yes it may be impulsive and does not consider the whole or put this person or work in perspective but it is just as valid as any other opinion. In Williams' case his influence on so many levels is undeniable, his shadow looming large, as he has become through his works and public persona a certain kind of embodiment of film music of America and in general to larger audiences. His financial (critics would gnash their teeth at this point as art should be struggling at the edge of penury or high art done under prestigious clout of high profile commissions and art grants) success is also undeniable, his music connected with top grossing movie franchises. His artistic success, in the form of collaborations with most major orchestras in the US and with many abroad and his relationships with artists of every type also denotes a certain influence and skill and appreciation of his craft and person. His influence on film music and inspiration he has given to a whole host of younger colleagues and musicians is obvious and significant. The integration of his music into the everyday life of American people in the form of music for national celebrations, Olympics and even nightly news certainly continuing strong and his scores many times instill almost patriotic pride in US. The public recognition of Williams music throughout the world and the frequency with which it is performed (both film and concert works) also speak for his significance and universal recognition. I wouldn't for one second think it odd if someone thinks him to be the best American composer. Is this an universal truth is another matter.

What about movies that run their entire length before the title card appears? Does that make the whole movie a prologue...to then go home? I think I remember The Dark Knight not having a title card until the movie was over.