TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

The world is mourning the loss of Brian Wilson, the heart of The Beach Boys and a defining force in American pop music, who passed away at the age of 82 . His family shared the news in a heartfelt statement, stating, “We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world,” acknowledging the deep connection fans have to Wilson’s legacy. While no cause of death has been officially released, it was revealed earlier this year that Wilson had been living with a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia. Wilson wasn’t just a bandleader; he was a musical visionary . Drawing inspiration from producer Phil Spector’s signature sound, Wilson famously set out to create a “teenage symphony to God.” That phrase captured his belief that pop music could transcend its commercial roots and tap into something sublime. His songs often reflected a bittersweet yearning, grounded in an idealized vision of youth, while also leaving space for the sadness and complexity he lived with privately. Behind his ...

May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month , a time dedicated to reflecting on the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of AANHPI communities across the United States. Nearly 50 years ago, this began as just a single week in May. Since then, it has evolved into a month-long celebration observed nationwide, featuring events and storytelling that both honor heritage and engage with the ongoing struggles faced by these communities. Today, AANHPI Heritage Month isn’t just about cuisine, traditions, or fashion, though those are essential parts of AANHPI culture. It’s also a time to acknowledge these communities by engaging in meaningful conversations about their grief, resilience, activism, and the pursuit of justice. The rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic only deepened the urgency for these conversations and reminded us why visibility and representation matter more than ever. One of the most powerful ways to highlig...

Here at Multicom, we are saddened by the news of Joe Don Baker's passing on May 7th, 2025 . Baker was an important figure in American film and a familiar face in many beloved titles in our collection. His family announced last week that he passed away at the age of 89. Joe Don Baker made a mark on Hollywood with his unmistakable Texan presence and his commanding presence. Whether playing lawmen, outlaws, or something in between, he brought an intensity to his roles that audiences never forgot...including making memorable appearances in multiple James Bond films. He rose to fame in the early 1970s with back-to-back hit performances: first, in Junior Bonner (1972) , directed by Sam Peckinpah, where he starred as the ambitious younger brother of Steve McQueen’s aging rodeo rider. Then, in Don Siegel’s Charley Varrick (1973), he turned heads as Molly, a mob enforcer who chillingly stalks Walter Matthau’s character.  But Baker’s lead role in Walking Tall (1973) catapulted him to th...