that rises above

Actor John Phillip Law passed away last Tuesday at the age of 70.

In honor of his memory, let us pay homage to his unparalleled cinematic legacy, specifically the trio of 1968 films that cemented his place of high esteem within my personal retrological pantheon...

Danger: Diabolik
Ennio Morricone - Deep Down (from the Danger: Diabolik OST, 1968)

Barbarella
Bob Crewe and Charles Fox - The Angel Is Love (from the Barbarella OST, 1968)

...and Skidoo.
Harry Nilsson - I Will Take You There (from the Skidoo OST, 1968)

Farewell, Mr. Law, and thank you. May a flight of blind space angels sing thee to thy rest.

"It's not unlike ancient dental equipment on Earth - not that you'd know anything about that!" - John Phillip Law (as Kalgan) in Space Mutiny, 1988

I know just where I stand

It's a new year, children, and so let us start 2008 on a properly groovy note.

To facilitate the cosmic process, I, bitterandrew guru-andrew, have assembled a modest playlist of mod-tastic treasures for your aural enjoyment. Drink deep and let the music set you free.

Alan Moorehouse - Beatcoma (from Let's Boogaloo!, Vol. 3, 2007) - This happening bit of vintage library music is the current frontrunner in the "music I would use for my personal theme when I become dictator of the world" stakes. If you want a picture of that future, imagine a pair of go-go boots doing the frug on a human face — forever.

The Beat Chics - Now I Know (from The Beat Scene, 1998) - An all-female outfit that were contemporaries of (and toured with) a slightly better-known Liverpool quartet with a similar name.

Ennio Morricone - Valmont's GoGo Pad (from the Danger: Diabolik OST, 1968) - I *heart* Danger: Diabolik, and Ennio Morricone's soundtrack for the film is a major factor behind that sentiment.

Camera Obscura - Happy New Year (from Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi, 2001) - This indie pop gem is the only contemporary track in today's featured selections, but it does have a decidedly retro tilt to it while being contextually appropriate, as well.