Terry’s Bionic Genius Christmas Picks

CDsMiles Davis: The Complete Birth of the Cool
This two-disc set contains the original studio recording, plus recordings from the original live sets that led to the album being produced. Hear the genius of Miles as he develops the musical ideas in front of a live audience, then turns them into studio gold. One of the great all-time jazz recordings by one of the best ever. Don’t buy individual MP3s–get the whole recording, and listen to it all at once, in order, as intended.

David Bowie: Heathen and Reality
These are Bowie’s two most recent releases {as of 2005}. Everything on these discs is better than anything that actually made it to the radio the past couple of years.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou soundtrack
A great soundtrack featuring some music by David Bowie, and several Bowie songs translated into Portuguese and sung by Seu Jorge.

The Remains of Tom Lehrer {BOX SET}
The complete collection of Tom Lehrer–this stuff is so funny you’ll have to take a break between discs to catch your breath. It’s all here–from Be Prepared to The Hunting Song to Poisoning Pigeons in the Park. A genius who should be better known.

DVDs

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

If you’re a fan of Bill Murray, and you haven’t seen this movie, shame on you! Wes Anderson puts together a real quirky classic involving Angelica Houston, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson and Cate Blanchett, and a great soundtrack. Not for kids.

Curb Your Enthusiasm season 4
Larry David is at his makes-you-squirm best in the fourth season of his HBO sitcom. Watching Larry is like watching a train wreck–you don’t want to watch what’s about to happen, but you can’t look away. Plus, it’s hilarious. Not for kids-language.

Fawlty Towers complete series
Is there any question that John Cleese is one of the funniest people ever? There were only two seasons of this BBC show, co-written by Cleese and his then-wife {Indiana native} Connie Booth, and co-starring the great British comic actress Prunella Scales. Cleese tears through this set, bigger than life. He accomplishes a rare feat–he makes you intensely dislike his character, but he also makes you want to watch him. This set is worth the money just to see Cleese’s Better-than-Three-Stooges eye pokes and frying pan hits with porter Manual.

Last of the Summer Wine {1995}
This is one of only a few seasons of the longest-running sitcom in history. Starting on the BBC in 1974, Last of the Summer Wine is still going today. Three retirees enjoy life and cause trouble in their small Yorkshire hometown. Extremely funny, but very subtle and gentle humor.

Books

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
This is a great book because of the great amount of historical information Vowell fits into a small book. Some people might take issue with her politics, but not with her research and insight into the three U.S. Presidents killed between 1865 {Lincoln} to 1901 {McKinley}.

Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human by Harold Bloom
I’m recommending this for people who always wanted to read Shakespeare but are afraid they can’t figure it out. Bloom devotes one chapter to each Shakespeare play, exploring the characters and settings. Read a chapter then read the play it’s about. A great helper for those of us who want to become more familiar with the bard but are intellectually intimidated.