Longhorn Reviews

Brás, bexiga e barra funda / António de Alcântara Machado ; organização e introdução, João Valentino Alfredo.

[Longhorn Review] Brás, bexiga e barra funda / António de Alcântara Machado ; organização e introdução, João Valentino Alfredo.

Material Type: All, Books — Posted on February 5, 2013, 4:14 am

By:

This edition of Brás, Bexiga e Barra Funda (1927), a short stories book includes 286 footnotes for interpretation of old slangs, historical references, translation from Italian of many original passages and a 35-page critical study.

Reviewer: João Valentino Alfredo

Semigroups : an introduction to the structure theory / P.A. Grillet.

[Longhorn Review] Semigroups : an introduction to the structure theory / P.A. Grillet.

Material Type: All, Books — Tags: semigroups; — Posted on June 6, 2012, 9:12 am

By:

At the top of p.1 he states that "there are no other axioms" than associativity; at the bottom he states that "groups are semigroups" even though they have two other axioms. This type of terminology makes monoids be semigroups, and groups be monoids, and all of them be groupoids. This is like a physician identitying him- or herself as a highschool graduate, or Gen. McArthur as a graduate of West Point.

On page 4 line 13 he states "the reader will make sure that ...", and on page 5 line 2 from the bottom he states "the reader will happily verity that ..." - very, very peculiar verbiage for a math book which should be teaching not just listing tasks for "the reader".

On page 33, the term 'regular' is stated but its definition is hidden in the following Lemma - a peculiar mixture of definition and implications.

Reviewer: Retired Prof.

semigroups;

Wired [sound recording] / Jeff Beck.

[Longhorn Review] Wired [sound recording] / Jeff Beck.

Material Type: All, Music — Posted on April 25, 2012, 7:43 pm

By: Jeff Beck

"Wired" is simply one of the best slabs of wax in the fusion genre. The 1976 follow-up to Jeff's equally brilliant LP "Blow By Blow" (1975), "Wired" is the loudest, funkiest and altogether most sizzling of Beck's four fusion records in the 70's. Beck's tone is slinky and his phrasing fiery, as he trades licks with Jan Hammer and Max Middleton, two of the great keyboardists of the fusion-era. Beck's stunning interpretation of Mingus's gorgeous "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" remains a career high-water mark for the illustrious guitar wizard. However, Beck's playing was so consistently seminal throughout the 70's that his influence is hard to overstate...and "Wired" is an album that launched a thousand licks.

Reviewer: Mark

Truth [sound recording] / Robben Ford.

[Longhorn Review] Truth [sound recording] / Robben Ford.

Material Type: All, Music — Posted on April 25, 2012, 7:21 pm

By: Robben Ford

Robben Ford has rightly earned the deep respect of his peers through his deft, lyrical phrasing and incredible tone. "Truth" is a fine collection of mature and elegant jazz tinged blues, in the grand tradition of B.B. King, to whom Ford pays tribute in "Riley B. King". Mr. Ford's playing is deceptively complex. As a vocalist, Ford is less exciting but quite competent. His tunes, although rarely magical, are always good.

Reviewer: Mark

Their Eyes Were Watching God

[Longhorn Review] Their Eyes Were Watching God

Material Type: All, Books — Posted on February 13, 2012, 3:16 pm

By: Zoran Neale Hurston

I first read this book when I was 16 years old and have been in love with it ever since. The rollacoster of love that the main character, Janie goes through in the novel is tremendous but the love that she gets to share with Tea Cake is spectacular. This book should definitley be added to the list of love and romance for all ages! After you read it, you will never think about love the same again.

Reviewer: Carlotta

I'm your man [sound recording] Leonard Cohen.

[Longhorn Review] I'm your man [sound recording] Leonard Cohen.

Material Type: All, Music — Tags: romantic, staff pick, valentine's day recommendation — Posted on February 10, 2012, 3:43 pm

By: Leonard Cohen

I think the most seductive--mood creating songs for anytime but Valentine’s Day specifically are without a doubt Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" from the album of the same title followed by his "Dance Me to the End of Love," found on Various Positions.

Reviewer: Susan Ardis

Brokeback Mountain [videorecording] / Focus Features and River Road Entertainment ; directed by Ang Lee ; screenplay by Larry McMurtry

[Longhorn Review] Brokeback Mountain [videorecording] / Focus Features and River Road Entertainment ; directed by Ang Lee ; screenplay by Larry McMurtry

Material Type: All, Movies — Tags: romantic, staff pick, valentine's day recommendation — Posted on February 10, 2012, 3:42 pm

By: Ang Lee

This masterful adaptation by Ang Lee of the Annie Proulx short story is a landmark in the cinematic depiction of love between men. Two impoverished ranch hands in 1963 Wyoming meet while sharing work and initiate an intimate relationship that informs the rest of their lives. An unlikely love transcends the circumstances of a repressive, homophobic society, even as the characters' lives are ruined by the societal hatred surrounding them. A beautiful, unforgettable cinematic achievement.

Reviewer: Barry Moore

Rebecca / Daphne du Maurier.

[Longhorn Review] Rebecca / Daphne du Maurier.

Material Type: All, Books — Tags: romantic, staff pick — Posted on February 10, 2012, 3:39 pm

By: Daphne du Maurier

“Last Night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” So begins du Maurier’s 1938 romantic novel, Rebecca. The line also begins the Alfred Hitchcock film version, which was named Best Picture for 1940. This work is usually described as Gothic fiction, but as really good Gothic fiction. Critics credit du Maurier’s storytelling skills. Romantics-at-heart should expect to find a good read (or a film of note) in the surprising adventures of the second Mrs. de Winter.

Reviewer: Larayne Dallas

Rock 'n' roll party [sound recording] : honoring Les Paul / Jeff Beck.

[Longhorn Review] Rock 'n' roll party [sound recording] : honoring Les Paul / Jeff Beck.

Material Type: All, Music — Tags: falstaffpicks — Posted on February 7, 2012, 4:32 pm

By: Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck is a legend and for good reason…he is one of the few true innovators of the electric guitar. His touch and tone are always breathtaking, and his phrasing is inimitable. Beck’s tribute to the music of Les Paul and Mary Ford is much more than a waltz through some of the duo’s finest work, it is an historical account of Beck’s formative years. Scottish diva Imelda May shines throughout the concert, turning in consistently fabulous performances including an intoxicating version of the Shangri-Las classic “Walking in the Sand”. 72 yr. old Gary U.S. Bonds absolutely brings the roof down with a crackling rendition of his 1960 hit “New Orleans”. Brian Setzer’s walk on performance of the Eddie Cochran classic “Twenty Flight Rock” is just awesome! However, throughout the recording the star is Beck’s powerful yet understated playing, filled with elegance and passion for his own Rockabilly roots.

Reviewer: Longhorn Reviewer