It's coming...

...and I'm rather looking forward to it:

French & Saunders

I guess that's it; I've been to see my favourite comedy duo perform, probably, for the final time.

Last August I reported that Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders were retiring from their 'French & Saunders' career; deciding it is time to work on other projects, bother together and apart.

I went to their farewell tour on Friday night in Birmingham. I was slightly sceptical, as the critics have given mixed reviews over the show. But, with the exception of a brief dip in the second half, I loved every minute of it. It was a complete mix of old classic sketches, together with brand new material. Many of their characters made an appearance:

• The two old 'extras' ladies;
• The two girls at the bus stop talking about sex;
• The dodgy farmers;
• The two horny old men;
• Absolutely Fabulous;
• The Vicar of Dibley;
• Catherine Zeta Douglas Spartacus Jones;
• Madonna.

I'm sad they're ending their sketch show work together; I sincerely hope that, one day, they may decide to do something with their sketch show again. They've given me many many laughs as I've grown up, and I will always be greatful for it. I'm super excited that there is now a complete boxset of all six series of French & Saunders.

For many years, they've tried to get Madonna on the show, but have never suceeded. Hence, she's been the source of many sketches. So, I leave you with this: Jennifer Saunders final Madonna tribute:

iPod: Sight & Sound - The Singles

Sight & Sound (Blondie)
This is the first of a somewhat Greatest Hits laden blog post! First up is Blondie; the iconic original NY punk band. Whether you are a fan or not, you have to admit that their music is legendary and defined a generation. All of the songs you would expect to be on here are on here. As is standard these days the package comes with two songs that were 'new' at time of release. My personal favourite favourite song is here: Maria. It reminds me of being at school and listening to it on walkman on the bus, after listening to the radio for hours just so I could record it! It's just a shame that, seemingly, no effort or passion has gone into this album - all you get is the cd and a dvd of the videos - no good sleeve notes or anything. Money money money...

Recommended Track: Heart of Glass
There is no competition for a song that sums-up Blondie and Debbie Harris better than this, in my opinion. You may, somehow, never have heard of Blondie in your life before - but you will instantly recognise this song. Love.


Silver Side Up (Nickleback)
I suspect that, like many, I bought this cd on the strength of the How You Remind Me single? I haven't listened to this album in years and, listening back to it now, I have no idea why I own it - it is nothing like my usual musical taste. In fact, it almost stands for everything I don't: that generic American singing voice. I hate it. I do, however, like the colours in the artwork. I don't really have much else to say about it.

Recommended Track: How You Remind Me
I can't really recommend anything else on this cd, as I don't particularly like it, not have I really listened to it since 2001! So, I suggest that if you like American radio-rock that you give this song a whirl; I'm sure you'll recognise it. It spawned a generation of imitations... Or, if you wanna try a catchy non-single track, try Woke Up This Morning.


Simply Deep (Kelly Rowland)
The debut solo cd from the over-shadowed member of Destiny's Child. It annoys me that Beyonce friggin Knowles got all the attention at the time. I think Kelly has more talent. Having said this, this is very much a 'first album'; whilst there are many good songs here, there is certainly room for improvement. The album opens with her Stole single; a beautiful catchy mid-tempo ballad, not dissimilar to her DC work. Before moving into that massive Nelly duet she did. There is more passion in this album than there ever was in any of the DC albums; and you can tell this just from the first track: you get the impression that Kelly sat down and thought about her lyrics - she cared. A beautiful first effort.

Recommended Track: Train On A Track
I can't remember if this was a single or not? It's a nice light-hearted up-tempo yet calm song. The acoustic guitar makes me like it -very subtle. Also shows off the purity of her voice.


The Singles (Basement Jaxx)
Dance music isn't really my thing; but I got this cd as Basement Jaxx were pretty much played in every club I ever went to as a student. So, it's more for nostalgic reasons. That said, it's really only the first half of the cd that I recognise - were all of these singles? Maybe it's because I started going off clubs in my 3rd/4th year, rather opting for bars instead, where you could talk and see each other! I guess this would be good for a party, but it's not the kinda cd I would listen to continuously.

Recommeded Track: Romeo
I almost picked out Where's Your Head At, but it just reminds me of the CBBC ads these days! So I've gone with Romeo, which reminds me the most of going out and drinking ridiculous quantities of ABVs and then falling over (why do people do it?!). Anyway, it is rather listenable and typical of what Basement Jaxx do.


The Singles (Prodigy)
Another cd that I bought for nostalgic value. A mate in school was into Prodigy in quite a big way and similarly, when I left and was working while at uni, a girl I worked with was also into them, so I guess I grewe up listening to their stuff by default! Nevertheless, it is dance music, not really my thing, but some of it is rather catchy. When they toured to support this cd in 2005, I tried to get tickets, but they had sold out...would have been interesting. Also they have the funniest song title ever: Smack My Bitch Up.

Recommended Track:Breathe
Certainly my favorite song by them. I loved the music and the effects. Quite possibly also their biggest commercial hit? Check it out.

The Power of 5

For Sarah (and anyone else who may be interested)

iPod: Rock Steady - Showbiz

Rock Steady (No Doubt)
Gwen Stefani's (infinitely better) homebase; No Doubt. Almost everybody I knew ownded Tragic Kingdom, but their follow-up didn't cut the mustard. This, however, in my humble opinion, is No Doubt's best album; and their last, to date (excluding the GH). This album sees the band 'selling out'(?), or, at the very least, experimenting with more radio-firendly tunes whilst retaining their ska-esque vibe. The results are of mixed qualities: some tracks are rather strong, whilst others are more forgettable. Yet, at the same time, I wouldn't class any song on here as a filler. If you own the album, you'll see what I mean (hopefully!) Anyway, I, for one, cannot wait for the next ND album which was originally mooted with a 2008 release. Watch this space...

Recommended Track: Making Out
This is my favourite track on the album, as well as my recommended track. To this day, I still cannot understand why it wasn't released as a single. Very catchy, excellent bass line and a hot rhythm: this tracks sums up the album - a fun cd with the heavy overtones of its predecessors left firmly behind them.


Saints & Sinners (All Saints)
At the time of its release, I was a massive Spice Girls fan and was hesistant to listen to any other girly pop music, for fear of becoming completely gay. LMAO. But, I heard the Pure Shores single, which was used on the soundtrack of The Beach, and had caught the girls late at night on an episode of Later... and I loved what they were doing. So, I bought the album on the way to uni one day and instantly fell in love with it. The sound, whilst relapsing at times, is certainly a more mature type of pop which you could have on in the background whilst trying to work (hey...I was at uni at the time). Some excellent production comes from Mr Orbit (check out I Feel You). I didn't think I'd like an All Saints album, but I did. Definitely their best.

Recommended Track: Whoopin' Over You
A very fun, party song. Not much else to say about it. I saw them do it on Later... and liked it immediately.


Scissor Sisters (Scissor Sisters)
I'm not really sure why I have this album; I'm not a fan - far from it. I quite dispise their songs and whole ethose. They get on my nerves. I do like Take Your Moma Out; but, it was only after I heard Texas do a live cover of it, and asked someone at the gig who that song was originally by that I found out it was the Scissor Sisters.

Recommended Track: A Message from Ms Matronic
Well, for me to recommend the track on the album that isn't even music puts it into perspective! This is quite funny and original for an album though.


Selma Songs (Bjork)
An unusual lil album from the Icelandic goddess; but hey, what's new? This is unusual in that it is a soundtrack to a movie (I'm not sure it even counts as an official album?) I find it quite difficult to listen to this one; though I haven't seen the movie, so it is taken out of context for me. The music isn't as dark & broody as some of her efforts and it isn't the hardest thing to listen to; she has made 'worse' stuff than this. As you would expect with a soundtrack, it is quite orchestral, and features others' vocals in places too.

Recommended Track: Cvalda
Some very interesting sounds here, that keep the track fairly upbeat and Bjork provides some rather random lyrics (again, maybe if I saw the film it would make more sense)


Showbiz (Muse)
The 1999 debut album from Muse (the band from which my screename derives). I actually didn't get this album until after I got Origin of Symmetry. However, I first cam across Muse after seeing them on TV and I went out to buy the Sunburn single, which acts as the opening track on this cd. On the whole, you can tell that Muse hadn't become accustomed their niche at the time of making this record. There are songs on here of a style that they are, probably, unlikely to record again. It's not perfect, in the sense that it doesn't sound like the same Muse of 2008, but it is a very very good album. A good mix of angst rock, pop rock and tender ballads. The band has changed since this time, and it is a great shame they often snub this album in their live shows (with the exception of Sunburn - which is fantastic - and the recently resurrected Unintended)

Recommended Track: Uno
I would big-up the two aforementioned songs ahead of this one, but I've selected this to give the album the most exposure as possible. A great song about a girl who could have "been number one" in a man's life, if she hadn't screwed things up. A great beat and fun.

Dusk

I was driving along in my car the other evening and I got a sudden sensation of 'classic'

The low natural light level, the colour in the sky and the contrast with artificial light from the cars and the street lights hit me.

I probably broke the law by taking this photo, but I wanted to capture it.

Shift Happens