FLASH!!! AAAAaaaa!!! Savior of the Universe!!!
A love letter to a love letter, today on Mike's Music Morning
So, back in 1980, Dino de Laurentis released a love letter to the old 1930’s Flash Gordon serials. It’s seriously cheesy, but has some really strong points in its favor. First (before the music), let’s talk about the casting… You’ve got Max Von Sydow as Ming the Merciless, Brian Blessed as Vultan, James Bond… er… Timothy Dalton as Balin, Topol as Dr. Hans Zharkov, and a whole shopping list of other actors from stuff that you’ve seen. Here’s the IMDB page.
Now. Let’s talk about the music. The entire score and the theme song were done by Queen. Yes, that Queen. The one with the astrophyisicist for a guitar player.
#TrueStory: I actually found this CD at mall in Barcelona, Spain when I was on deployment back in the mid-90’s.
Let’s talk for a moment how he basically played a football game in the Emperor’s throne room. Take that, Luke Skywalker. This one’s worth a clip from the movie.
More tomorrow, music fans. Much to do today. I leave you with this. Alex Ross is one of my all-time favorite comic book artists, and someone who I (at least attempt) to emulate. He’s a big fan of this movie too, and did this:
Good morning from Western Wishes.
Kilgore
And don’t forget to check out our previous installments in this ongoing series of music recommendations and best-of debates:
Who Is Generation X's Greatest Black Musician? Here's My Vote
Generation X's Greatest Black Musician? Rihanna, In My Humble Opinion.
Why Rap & Country Are So Challenging and Why I Much Prefer Tupac Shakur to Will Smith
These 2 Hypnotic Sitar Albums Saved Me Last Night as the PTSD Demons Struck Back
Check out “Mike’s Music Morning,” borne from these debates:
How Many Licks Does it Take to Get to the Center of My Music Collection?
What music evokes an emotional response for you? What song really twangs your heartstrangs?
What Reminds You of Mardi Gras? For Me, it's Always Music and Food
Who Is Your Favorite Film Composer? Here are 6 of My Favorites
How Could I Have Forgotten Ennio Morricone's Greatness? My 7 Favorites from the Italian Master
What Are Your Favorite Covers? Here Are a Few Great Ones From Unexpected Places
How Do We Deserve People Like Dave Grohl??? Today, on a Very Special Episode of MMM...
If You Formed a Rock Supergroup From Anyone in History, Who's on the Roster?
Counting Down My 10 Favorite Songs from my Favorite Album of All Time, The White Album
The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown! Classical Music Challenge! Part One
Who Else Out There Loves Prince Rogers Nelson? (Requiascat in Pace) - A Tribute
Please Enjoy: Cat Stevens Made My Favorite Classic Song to Listen to In the Morning
Spring has Sprung! Part Deux of the Classical Music Challenge!
Try My Playlist of 10 Catchiest Tracks for Sweet '60s* ✨Vibes✨
Is This the Best Pop Music 'Hymn' of All Time? Is This Its Best Cover?
8 of the Most Fantastic Music Videos From One of My Favorite Filmmakers
Check Out 'Passion' - Peter Gabriel's Soundtrack to 'The Last Temptation of Christ'
Musical Eccentricity, Thy Name Is Kilgore: Check Out these Gems from Our Family's Playlist!