muse-ic82

It's coming...

2008-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

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

French & Saunders

2008-04-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

For Sarah (and anyone else who may be interested)

iPod: Rock Steady - Showbiz

2008-03-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

#109 - #117

2008-03-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Wow - it has been two months since I last posted my cinema viddies. Hectic life is leaving less and less time for me to update my blog, and to read others', but I refuse to let it go. Thanks to those who still read; my statistics don't appear to have gone down, despite the less-frequent posting, which isn't as I expected.

Anyway - I will endeavour a weekly post. Here we go...

#109: Sweeney Todd
I went to see this as a fan of Tim Burton's work; I loathe and detest musicals, so I wasn't really that excited to go and see it. It began and, from the very first second, had 'Burton' stamped all over it. I loved it. Very dark, very weird and very entertaining. Helena Bonham-Carter doesn't fail to disappoint and delivers another superb perfomance. Yes, it is a musical, but there was a fair amount of dialogue too, which was good. I really liked it.

#110: No Country For Old men
I think I was tired when I went to see this; I wasn't a fan of it at all. It has done well at the Oscars and my brother (with whom I usually agree 100% with his film critique) loved it. I just didn't feel it. I remember liking the part when he was hiding in the motel. That's about it. I do remember checking the time several times throughout. Mind, my mind was elsewhere that day - I should give it a second chance when it comes out on DVD.

#111: The Savages
Dysfunctional family. Love these kinda films. A father of two (now adults) requires hospice care and the story revolves around the three members of the family rediscovering their relationship. It had me laughing, but also contained very poigniant scenes. Very enjoyable.

#112: Juno
Another film that had me in stitches (and left me wanting a hamburger film); despite it being about a very serious theme. Lots of laughs, makes you think. Excellent.

#113: Cloverfield
This was the film that I was looking forward to the most. But, oh my life - I shut my eyes after about 20mins and didn't open them again until it had finished. Not because I was scared, but the steady-cam work was making me so sick. I am highly sensitive to motion sickness anyway, but I had never experienced it whilst sitting in a cinema seat! Storyline was ok, though was wrecked by it turning out to be some sort of alien.

#114: National Treasure 2
I loved the first of these films when it came out, so quickly went to see the sequel a couple of weekends ago when it was release. It didn't fail to disappoint. Good action/thriller (of a PG nature!) There was only one annoying/tedious scene, when the characters are balancing on some CGI-creation. But, put that aside, and it was good family entertainment. These films are probably the only PG movies I watch!

#115: Vantage Point
The concept of this movie is totally up my street: the same 18 minutes of movie played over and over again (the assassination of the US President), but each time you follow a different character's perspective. So, you don't get the full story until after you've viewed it for the sixth time. Very good and it rightfully deserves its place at the top of the UK's box office. It also stars Ripley (sorry, Sigourney Weaver), which always helps!

#116: Rambo (2008)
Very very violent. Highlights the plights of those who do not have basic human rights - I very much enjoyed it. Go Stallone! (And, for those wondering, it's better than last year's Rocky!)

#117: The Cottage
A UK film, born of the comedy/horror genre (in the same vein as Severed). Utter shit. Total crap - don't waste your money/life going to see this. Much overuse of the expletive 'cunt', so much to the point that it looses its affect. Crap.

Redboy

2008-03-08T16:34:00.000-08:00

Apologies to regular readers and subscribers for this post.

I used to post on melaniec.net quite a bit; the place has its fair share of twats; one such twat is a user called Redboy. He used to try to be quite controversial and rude about a lot of things. Yes, I'll be honest, he used to wind me up.

But, at the end of the day, the Internet is the Internet: you take it all with a pinch of salt. I sent him a PM saying water had passed under the bridge and we should try to get on without hating each other - he responded positively, and that was the end of that.

Some weeks back, an 'anonymous' user posted a comment on here saying I was fat and ugly (oooooh...I'm offended!); so I disabled anonymous comments; I quite like to see new blogs of people who visit here anyway.

Just 10 minutes ago "Redboy" posted a similar comment. I click his profile, which was set to private (bark/bite, perhaps?) So I log-in, to kick the comment, only to find the comment had been deleted by the auother (logged into the wrong account, Redboy?) and has been re-posted by "Moopy" (pseudonym, perhaps?) with the added insult "do you have no friends?"

I don't give a flying fuck what Redboy thinks of me; but I thought I'd post this to highlight the issue that the Internet seems to empower people to say things that they would never say face to face; often of a bullying nature (sometimes sexual; though, not from our beloved Redboy)

Anyway, I left the playground 10yrs ago, so am gonna stop here and allow Redboy to carry with his, presumably, rather boring lifestyle.

Catatonia 2008?

2008-02-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last year, I accurately predicted that the Spice Girls were about to reunite.

Tonight, I am predicting that, before the year is out, my all-time favourite band, Catatonia, will reunite.

This weekend I saw Cerys Matthews live in Monmouth & Newtown. Fantastic gigs. It was ace to finally see the gigs come to fruition, after they were postponed so she could go into the jungle last November. The Awyren tracks sounded fantastic live, particularly Trwy'r Drych (which I learned means 'Through A Glass'). We were treated to two encores and a few brand new songs. And, as always, she came and spoke to us afterwards.

Anyway - this time around, three Catatonia tracks were performed: Strange Glue, Dead From The Waist Down and Road Rage.

So...why my prediction of a reunion? Two reasons: firstly, she performed Road Rage, the holy grail of Catatonia songs. She has never performed it solo before, citing she didn't feel comfortable singing it as it was the band's song; secondly, she has three albums coming out this year:

Awyren part 2 (a Welsh language follow-up to last autumn's EP);
Turn It On Slow (a full length, English album)
"A top secret album that I can't talk about"

So...there's my prediction and reasoning. Time will tell!

Meanwhile, here is the setlist from the gigs; and a full-length video of Road Rage, enjoy...

Awyrennau
Y Corryn Ar Pry
Carolina
Open Roads
Morning Sunshine
Ruby
Trwy'r Drych
Weightless Again
Galway Shawl/Strange Glue

Caught In The Middle
Ocean
Louisiana
The Good In Goodbye
Chardonnay
Ar Lan Y Mor
Only A Fool
Whispering Jesus
Dead From The Waist Down
Secret Love
Arlington Way
Deio I Dywyn

Road Rage
Heron
Arglwydd Dyma Fi

I Know Where I'm Going
Take Courage

Cockahoop: 7
Misc: 6
New Songs: 4
Never Said Goodbye: 3
Awyren=Aeroplane: 3
Catatonia: 3