Every now and then, you run across something amazing on the web.
Today I'm linking to a 3-minute video clip taken from a Canadian/BBC mocumentary called 'The Great Martian War, 1913-1917.' It's a film that takes the HG Wells classic 'War of the Worlds' and moves it to World War 1.
The images are grim but stunning. Set just before the actual war broke out, Germany joins the Allies, and everyone comes together to stave off the merciless Martian war machines.
The effects are beautiful. If you've got three minutes to spare, please give this a watch.
Thanks, Mr. Wells, for the books.
HG Wells, courtesy of Wikipedia, of course.
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds
No mention of derivative works based on War of the Worlds would be complete without praise for the 1978 album Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds.
I cannot begin to estimate the number of times I replayed both discs. Richard Burton narrates while the music is performed by a massive orchestra. The style retains its Edwardian roots, but there are hints of prog-rock there. If I had to choose one work to take to a deserted island this might well be it.
Despite being released in 1978, it's still popular today. You can stream it, you can buy it, you can get it pretty much anywhere music is sold. If you've never heard this, give it a try. You won't be sorry.
I just stumbled across good news while writing this blog -- there is a NEW version available now, with Liam Neeson as the narrator! The music has also been remastered, and additional sounds effects have been added. I clicked the order button before I finished reading the description. That is the power of this work.
Here's a link to the new version, for my friends who are also fans:
Jeff Wayne's War of the World New Version
I can't stream this -- my home internet service is composed of two elderly hamsters and a roll of aluminum foil -- but I will be hearing it soon!
OTHER FANTASY AND SF MUSICAL WORKS
A few of my other favorite fantasy/horror/SF musical works are these:
1) Tales of Mystery and Imagination, the Alan Parsons Project
2) I Robot, The Alan Parsons Project
3) The Mission, Styx
4) Anything by Abney Park (a steampunk band)
If you've never heard any Abney Park, well, let me introduce you. Here's one of my favorites, 'The Casbah.'
Here's another one, 'Airship Pirates.'
And why not a third, which is my favorite of all -- 'Tribal Nomad.'
Finally, there's 'I'm Fine,' performed by the brilliant Whitney Avalon. Based on the Rick and Morty cartoon series. Rick is the most intelligent being in the multiverse -- but he's also an alcoholic sociopath who maintains a strained relationship with his daughter Beth. You don't have to be a fan of the show to like the song, although it's full of in-jokes and references.
Hope you enjoyed them! If you have any favorite fantasy/SF/horror bands or albums, please share them in the comments. I'm always looking for something new.
