Midknight_Expression Ep11

This week’s video is the bio of my fifth album, The Cutting Room Floor. Containing its history, conception, format and of course a list of song titles.
This completes the list of albums that I have written, so far. I did boast that I have written over 60 songs in six albums.
I am aware that I said this is the release of my fifth album. However you may recall the premature release of, More Floor Less Cutting. Due to YouTube banning my music video, Scream for Cream. Click on the attached link below to view that song on Rumble.
Regardless, six albums, each one with its own individual concepts and theme. In order they are.
Somber Moon, my first album compiled mainly of my first original compositions. Including the first song I wrote at 16 titled, Spot Light. It has a very 60’s hippie feel to it.
Spells and Spirits, my second album contains information on the history, concept and theme. A continuation of my growth as a composer, as well as, personal spiritual growth.
Anger Management, my third album that lives up to its title. Its history, and conception regarding all my frustrations. Where I vent out and spit venomous versus. Crescendoing with its final track, Life Suck and so do Hooker's.
The Madman, an album created after I had a mental breakdown, I wrote an unpublished book. Then made a sound track to go along with the novel. This one differs from the preceding three albums because it is more of a musical. Operatic like in its format with an alternative tuning for the majority of its melodies.
The Cutting Room Floor, a smorgasbord of songs that did not make it on my first four albums. Showing my continued growth as a composer, and is this week's video release of its bio. See video link for full content.
More Floor Less Cutting, a bit of tongue and cheek with the title. It contained what originals were left at that time. It holds some of my most interesting creations. Including, Scream for Cream. The video that was band before it could be publicly published.

There may be a 7th album. Its working title is Dishonored, Disowned and Damned. Fuck my Life Became a Country Song. However we will focus on these six first. Click on the links below to see the full bio of each album.
This week's project, Whole, is on hold for the moment.

This week's review is Shogun, the book only. I am aware that there is a Shogun movie and newly released series. However I will just focus on the book at this time.

Shōgun is a 1975 historical novel by author James Clavell that chronicles the end of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) and the dawn of the Edo period (1603–1868). Loosely based on actual events and figures, Shōgun narrates how European interests and internal conflicts within Japan brought about the Shogunate restoration. See Wikipedia for more in-depth knowledge.

I personally love coulter, the world at our fingertips. The food, music, art, and of course it's literature
Shogun is technically a fantasy, however it has its roots in history. When the first British citizen John "Anjin" Blackthorne landed in Japan. The word Coulter shock comes to mind. In the sixteen hundreds two island kingdoms meet. Both are very different in values and identity.
One Britain, became expansionist, creating large sea fairing vessels. Sailing and navigating the globe on its quest of trade and economic dominance. At war with Spain and Portugal.
The other, Japan, became introverted. Restricting access through its borders and islands. Creating a complex cast system. At war with China and itself.
When the two meet there is the problem that both coulters are alien to the other.
Not only in appearance and language but also in social etiquette and life values. Some of the ones that stand out for me were.

In the 1600s most Europeans did not bathe. They were lice infested and brutal. They were not afraid to travel the seas for years. Transporting, exploring and pillaging their enemies. Death was a part of life, but they did fear it.
Some were well educated, others simple and brutish. Most were foul mouthed blasphemous murders in the name of God, King and County.
They were hypocritically sexually repressed sinners. Their main driving force was the gain of Proffitt and to outwit and defeat their enemies.

Japan's development became very regiment. They did have economics, but valued money differently. It was the job of the women to do all the finances for the family.
Honor and duty were praised above all else. Being perfect in action and etiquette. By acting a set way you could easily offend someone. Who would be honorbound to avenge an insult.
Death was a way of life for all its people. They did not have prisons until the 1500s. Death was the only verdict. It was quick for criminals and ritualistic for those who wished to die with dignity.
Every daily act is a ritual. Every moment is about maintaining perfection. To die and live like every moment is a perfect moment. Even the moments of suffering.

John "Anjin" Blackthorne, is used as a toy as he is drawn into a political revolution that could consume all of Japan for generations.
The interactions between Blackthorn and the other characters are well crafted. From his deaingsl with the hated Portugal Catholic priests.
To dealing with the diversity of Japanese characters From Yabu, Yoshi Toranaga, Lady Toda Mariko, and many more.
In the eyes of them Blackthorn becomes an educated and civilised barbarian. Funny in retrospect because he views them as heathens.
There are many barriers for both to overcome. From the difference in value over money vs honor. Sexual ideology, social behaviour. And views on life and death.
Blackthorn truly Gose, “native” to use a vulgar vernacular. He learns the value of hygiene. His adaptation of both Japanese and European values is extensive and yet flawed.
He dose earn the right to ware the tow Samurai swords and even accepts death as he is about to committing Se

ppuku
A ritual suicide. Only to be prevented from the act at the very last moment.
He becomes so emerged that he is disgusted by his crew when he's reunited with them. Viewing them and their barbaric was obscene. So much so that he can barely tolerate them.
In short James Cavell did a fantastic job with Shogun. I have collected all of his books in this series. I will do individual reviews as Midknight_Expressions Goes on.
The one big lesson I have learned from his books is that.
Everyone Hates.
Every coulter despises others and thinks that they are Superior to the others.
Every country, coulter, and person is racist. I mean “Racist” everyone. Including me, I truly love and hate all equally.

I am thankful that I grew up in a multi-cultural house and country. I have met true diversity and drink it up every day. There is good and bad in all of us, yes. There is intelligence and absolute stupidity in every coulter I have had the opportunity and privilege to converse with.
Oh beautiful humanity! So wonderfully idiotic and yet capable of such wonderful things. What will we do with ourselves? Can we overcome blind bigotry and hate, or shall we just kill ourselves and everyone along with it in blind hatred.
I fear that hate and ignorance is so easy that very few are willing to go the mile and become enlightened.
In the words of the wicked witch, “what the world. What a world. What a world.” Ah, I'm a melting pot.

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Your Sir David Evil Midknight.

P.S I welcome discussions on these or any other of my review. PM me to schedule a live debate.
2. Scream For Cream

Somber Moon

Spells and Spirits

Anger Management

The Madman,

The Cutting Room Floor

More Floor Less Cutting