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Rockin' All Over the World

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PreS-Gr 3—Wisconsin-based singer/song writer Billy Grisack (aka Mr. Billy) recorded 10 rock songs for his latest offering, a social studies/world-themed album. Standouts include a riddle song ("Where in the World Am I?"), a call-response of greetings in many languages ("Say Hello Around the World"), and the contemplative "One World, Many Stories." Adding texture to the collection is the bluesy number, "States and Capitals of the U.S.A.," a list of state capitals recited alphabetically by state. While most are catchy original tunes, Mr. Billy also includes a cover of two classic rock numbers, simplified to suit his musical style: Men at Work's "Down Under" and The Beatles' "Back in the U.S.S.R." Liberal use of reverb and echo add depth to his vocals throughout the production. While social studies teachers may find something to supplement their lesson plans, fans may feel a bit short-changed with only ten songs.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH
In this beautiful, heartrending, yet horrifying film, North Koreans tell their stories of imprisonment, sexual slavery, torture, murder, and escape to China or South Korea during the nearly 50-year regime of Kim Il Sung (1912—94). The interviews are illustrated through the interspersion of dance sequences, archival news footage, and drawings. Particularly interesting are the North Korean propaganda films celebrating Kim Il Sung as God and showing in the face of mass starvation happy workers, elaborate military displays, and the creation of a new flower in 1988 in honor of the 46th birthday of Kim's son and successor, Kim Jong Il. A valuable time line traces 20th-century events in Korea. Bonus features include previously unreleased footage of camp refugees. This mesmerizing film displays excellent production values and is highly recommended for Asia collections.—Kitty Chen Dean, formerly with Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, NY
Reviewed by Kitty Chen Dean , Aug 01, 2011

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