Today's Tune: "Dr. Phibes" By Angel Witch

Hugh Griffith as the Rabbi in 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971)

Born on this day in 1912, Welsh film, television and stage actor Hugh Griffith (May 30, 1912 – May 14, 1980) was born. His acting career flourished soon after he served in the army during World War II, which happened just as he was getting started.

Early on, Griffith did very well trodding the boards in both England and the United States. Those stage roles earned him award nominations, while putting him alongside another famous Welsh actor, Richard Burton, and American actor Anthony Perkins.

He also shared the silver screen with many celebrated actors, once he started doing films in the late 1940s. Griffith would work in movies ('Ben-Hur', 'Oliver!', 'Start The Revolution Without Me') released up until the year before his death, at 67 years old. He appeared in a few hit television shows (Quatermass II, Clochemerle, 'Grand Slam') as well.

This 'Today's Tune' was selected based on a pair of horror films Griffith made with master of the macabre, Vincent Price. Price stars as Dr. Anton Phibes, a murderous madman bent on revenge, in both 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971) and it's sequel, 'Dr. Phibes Rises Again' (1972). In the first film, Hugh Griffith plays the Rabbi that knows all about the Egyptian themed curses all the terrifying deaths seem to be related to. In the follow up movie, Griffith portrays Harry Ambrose, while Price's re-awakened Dr. Phibes continues to kill.

Angel Witch, my favorite cult NWOBHM band, originally released the instrumental track "Dr. Phibes" on the 'Loser' EP (Extended Play Single - B-Side). Since then, it has been included on multiple re-issues of 'Angel Witch' (1980), the band's gothic masterpiece and first full studio album.

Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Original Studio Recording



Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Live in Athens, Greece Nov. 15, 2009

"The Raven" - Read By Vincent Price And Christopher Walken

The first publication of "The Raven", including credit given to it's American author Edgar Allan Poe, was in the January 29, 1845 edition of The Evening Mirror (New York, NY - USA). "The Raven" is a narrative poem, which involves a lover lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore.

Below, you'll find two videos with readings of the famous and mysterious poem. Though these talented American actors have somewhat differing styles in their performances, both Vincent Price and Christopher Walken kept the creepy atmos percolating throughout.

Vincent Price - "The Raven"



Christopher Walken - "The Raven"

Alice Cooper's "Along Came A Spider" Bites USA July 29th

Alice Cooper is returning to his dark side on July 29th (USA) with a new album called 'Along Came A Spider' . This new album brings back the horror movie sounds that made us love him in the 1970's and 1980's. Real music and intelligent lyrics, twisted though they might be, are all over this release. As famous DJ Dr. Johnny Fever would say ... "Nice 'n Weird".

Alice is currently doing some European dates on his '2008 Psycho Drama Tour', with some North American stops between July 31st and October 31st. Sadly, none in the Hershey, PA / Baltimore, MD / Washington, DC area. So, no decapitations or hangings on any local stages around here. Hopefully his macabre theatre will be back here soon. As the horror movie master Vincent Price said in the 1975 'Welcome To My Nightmare' (link = TV special version) song "The Black Widow", ... "She is Delicious!"

If you're unsure about buying this latest spider/killer themed CD or tickets for the concert (if he comes to your area), don't fret. You can check out the entire 11 song album on the player provided at the Alice Cooper MySpace. Some video, ads, etc. are available at AliceCooper.com and at Alice's YouTube channel. Go on, get bitten now!

'Along Came A Spider' Album Trailer 1

'Along Came A Spider' Album Trailer 2

'Along Came A Spider' Album Trailer 3
(a.k.a. 'Psycho' Version)