Les Nuits Des Amandiers - Cheikh Iman & Ahmed Fouad Negm/Mohamed Ali

Advantages: great selection of artists and classics
Disadvantages: one track a bit samey

...Ali Campbell's Running Free is a great mixture of songs featuring some equally as talented artists. What a brilliant CD to be given. "' Why this CD?'" I have been a big fan of UB40 since the age of 14yr and own some of their orginal albums on vinyl. For those too young to remember - those black things that came in 2 sizes 45" and 33" and when put onto a turn table played crackling, sorry cracking, sounds. I was given this Album by one of my daughters who (due to being weened on the greatest Reggae bands of all time) is also a big fan. We were both interested to see whether Ali's voice could be complimented by the featured artists as well as his fellow UB4O members. '"Technical stuff'" The CD has been produced & mixed by Ali, who also sings lead vocals on all tracks (plus much of the backing vocals) '"Featured Artists... Read review

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Advantages: Even more emotional and an excellent continuation of the story
Disadvantages: Darker than the first film

...So here's the concluding part of my Jean De Florette / Manon Des Sources review. I'm hoping you've read that one first; if not, go back and read it! This won't make sense unless you've read that one first, just as watching Manon Des Sources won't make much sense unless you've first watched Jean De Florette. They're two parts of the same story, and really, this is just the second part of the same review. Also, I have to warn you, it's virtually impossible to give any analysis of this film without revealing the major plot details of the first film, but I'll try my best not to ruin it. So, Manon Des Sources. Again, it's directed by Claude Berri, adapted from the novel by Marcel Pagnol, and stars Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil. This was released in the same year as the other, 1986, and this was also nominated for Best Foreign... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful, imposing and impressive medieval castle
Disadvantages: Slightly difficult to get to independently

...Krak des Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights) is the ultimate medieval castle and the dream of any child who ever played at knights and dragons or other games on the theme of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It is one of few places I have been that has exceeded the childhood fantasy and taken on an imagination of its own. Given its largely European appearance Krak des Chevaliers stands out somewhat in its location in south Syria near the town of Homs. The principal reason for this apparent anomaly is of course that the castle was primarily built by Order of the Knights of St John between 1142 and 1271 and is a classic crusader castle. There was a pre-existing structure on the site when the crusaders came through the region but this was hugely expanded upon due to the areas important position between Turkish towns and Beirut... Read review

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