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 MOVIE REVIEW – KEEPING MUM DIRECTED BY: NIALL JOHNSON WRITTEN BY: NIALL JOHNSON AND RICHARD SUSSO STARRING: DAME MAGGIE SMITH, ROWAN ATKINSON AND KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS BY: JEZEBELL AAREN MAE A short review just to bring a surprisingly alternative movie to the notice of the majority who would not think to notice it without a nudge. Not a fan of U.K film I had to review this movie as not only is it a U.K movie that I like it is a really good movie and as I have found there are not many who have seen or even know about it. A dark comedy about family life set in a small Cornish town about a vicar, Atkinson, his bored wife, Thomas, their nymphomaniac daughter and bullied son. They all attempt to deal with their lives in their own way, Thomas by having an affair with her golfing instructor played by Patrick Swayze and Atkinson by attempting to add comedy to his sermons. Help comes in the form of Smith who plays Thomas’ long lost criminally insane mother who, as soon as she settles in, begins killing off the town’s residents whom she considers un-desirable. Which, both ironically and humourlessly brings the family back together easing into a nice, though comically sad ending which, oddly enough, is not due to the body count. This synopsis is short and does in no means clues ya’ll in to what really happens as if I were to elaborate further in this vein it would ruin the movie’s appeal. It is a subtle blend of a dark humour and irony managing to show murder in an honest, completely reasonable and innocent light, plus, if you think about it, how much fun would it be to see an old lady kill people with everything from a shovel to an iron? Most of the poignancies and seriousness come from Atkinson as he begins to realise things about life and his family. I really like this movie and recommend it for everything it is, including the dark and sinister set under warm fairytale sunshine in a wholesome setting - Ha, irony. |
 SEX PISTOLS - NEVERMIND THE BOLLOCKS
Right, let's get the main issues out of the way, shall we? Contrary to popular opinion, this is not an important album. It was more an important proof of concept. The punk scene was already well underway at the time this album was released. It wasn't the first punk album, neither did it have the first punk single - both of those accolades belong to The Damned. No, the only way this album was important was as proof that punk could indeed shift units. Which, if you ask me, fairly obviously defeats the entire object of the punk genre. Regardless, let's get down to tthe reviewing, shall we? So, I'm fairly certain you already know whether or not you like this album. Instead, you're just going to listen to my spin on things. Quite frankly, this is one of the most overrated albums in the lifespan of what we call rock. It's not very good, is it? Let's face it, the song writing is lacking, apart from the fantastic Bodies (and trust me, I never thought I'd ever be saying that about a Pistols track). The musicianship is, for lack of a better word, left wanting, with shoddy vocals, lackluster drumming and bland yet functional basswork - Excluding Anarchy in the UK, which original bassist Matlock played on. The guitar work is the only real saving grace on this album, featuring some fantastic rhythm and lead work from Steve Jones. Lyrically, the album is fairly terrible as well. Whilst I like the subject matters touched upon within the songs themselves, the lyrics generally do not do them justice. People, anybody who tries to rhyme "antichrist" with "anarchist" is not worthy of your praise. Just a note. I don't care if it rhymes, really. But don't try and make it rhyme when it quite clearly doesn't. Regarding the lack of musical talent in the band, please, spare me the typical "That was the point" perspective. The Sex Pistols proved that anyone can do it. They also showed why anyone shouldn't. They were mediocre at best. They even kicked out the genuinely musically talented member of the band to replace him with what was effectively a coathanger that recorded one song on the album. Sex Pistols only defining feature was the raw production on the album. This is something I can get behind. The harsh guitar tones with the driving bass sounds actually work together really well, especially with the rawness of the vocals over the top. This doesn't mean they were good vocals, just that the production worked with what it had. Overall, I have to be grateful for the Sex Pistols, as they allowed real, talented bands to get the mainstream exposure they deserved. If you want a defining punk album, go buy yourself The Clash and let's have done with it - a superior musical example in every way, shape and form. As an album, NMTB is an overrated relic from an age that had so much more to offer us. |
  KYOSHI I've been a fan of these guys for a fair few months now. A good little mash-up of ska and indie, with some fantastic hip-hop-esque delivery on the vocals. Being female-fronted, I've inevitably heard the comparisons to Lily Allen. To the people who make these comparisons, I merely have one thing to say - Do you actually listen to music? Whilst being a fan of Miss Allen, comparisons to her are completely unjustified. This band definately bring their own twist on the genre to the table, for which I am grateful. There are comparisons to be made to artists, of course, but why do such a thing when you can just listen and form your own opinion? The vocals are fantastic, switching between the more melodic vocals lines and the dirtier MC delivery with ease and never sounding forced. The guitar work is ace too, showing great little lead melody lines that, whilst hardly going to have Steve Vai quaking in his boots, are solid and work perfectly within the songs themselves. The bass finds a sweet little groove and works within it, while the drums drive the songs along nicely. All in all though, I can write about this band all I like, but all the writing in the world is not going to do them justice, so just give them a listen and catch them live if you can - It's a show well worth seeing, with energy and charisma - something lacking from a lot a bands these days who just get up, play and fuck off home. http://www.myspace.com/kyoshimusic - Check out the tunes here and keep 'em peeled for updated gig listings! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 DOUG STANHOPE - COMEDIAN AND RATIONAL THINKER
I'm going to go right ahead and guess that you probably haven't heard of Doug Stanhope. It's OK, a lot of people haven't and that's probably down to his reputation as a drunken rambling madman. Which is understandable, given the subject matter and it's delivery. But dive deeper. Go on. It's worth it. Underneath that crazy, maniacal persona is a man who is genuinely logical. He has some outstanding viewpoints that, whilst controversial, at least make a little sense. No subject is too out there. He has opinions on things from war to rape, abortion to transvestites and terorrism. His show is probably not for all people and I can almost guarentee that you'll be offended by something. Right now I'm listening to him defend child pornography. Definately not the typical stand up routine - not even the run of the mill "offensive" comedy acts would really approach the subject, let alone defend it. And this is where Doug really stands out. He's not a typical comedian at all. He's anything but, in fact. There are no real jokes, just anecdotes and opinions, drowned in self deprecation. A lot of people will probably turn him off the moment he approaches a subject they're touchy about and get all pissy and offended. These people are missing out on one of the best talents out there at the moment - Comparisons are made with Bill Hicks quite frequently, but I don't really see it. If anything, Doug probably outshines him in a lot of areas. So, go on, go pick up a CD. Or go look him up on youtube. Get offended, get insulted and genuinely love it. Because this man is funny. You will be offended, but ignore it and carry on. He's worth it. |
 TURBULENT SOUNDSCAPE & REVENGE NEWS
Turbulent Soundscape are still going strong with Fright Nite in Staines every weds, currently held at Niche, with drinks deals from 8 til 10 and still free entry. The nite features 2 rooms, one with everything Rock n Metal, plus a few surprises, the other floor hosts Indie, Power Pop, Ska, 60’s etc etc :) Then there’s our monthly nite in Bournemouth, Equilibrium at the Sound Circus, the 3rd Friday each month, we can now announce the nite will include live bands to, so the musicians out there might even get on the bill!!! If you get a few hours to fill, check out our website – www.turbulentsoundscape.com, if you head to the archive section, there is literally thousands of photos from our clubs over the years, so there is a good chance you might be on there :) On to Revenge – we’re back on the last Sat in September, bringing back the same 3 rooms - Main Room – Industrial, Techno, Alternative, 80’s, Electro Room 2 – Guitar driven wonders, with a Rock n Metal twist Room 3 – Rock n Roll, 50’s, Rockabilly, Ska and Punk The big announcement – in September – we have a very special guest Dj – Ian Fford, New York’s original Albion/Bat Cave Dj, the one time main man at the legendary venue, The Bank, currently putting together Revenge in NYC and resident Dj at Splash, New York’s biggest Gay Club!! Plenty of good times ahead, so we hope to see you at the bar, on the dancefloor and outside smoking!! :) |
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 Dj Rex catches up with one time underground singing legend St Eve, currently performing Sex Crimes and Marrying people to themselves! A.K.A. Gabrielle
Tell me about the journey you took to become, St Eve, then to move on to being a VJ, to then find yourself doing the Sex Crimes Cabaret and somewhere along the way managed to come up with the idea of marrying people to themselves But then it was too grueling to not make enough of a living from it and be creative full time, so I reinvented myself again through video and filmmaking, and I got a well-paying gig as a VJ, which was fun, an instructive. Professional performing and filmmaking skills allowed me to make "Sex Crimes Cabaret", a multi-media show about sex laws and the inevitable human reaction. "Til Death Do You Part - Marry Yourself" is a one-on-one performance art piece that encompasses dark humor and a genuine love for people's quirks. I developed it originally for Birmingham (England's) FIERCE! Festival and never did it there but did manage to bring it to the Spill Festival in London, The New Orleans art biennial, Figment Festival in NY, and now private clients, and so on. So, how do you marry people to themselves, what is the process
What music are you listening to right now? Apart from your own.. in fact, the St Eve project was a while ago, do you ever drag it out for a listen??
Do you like to sing in the shower?
What genre of music did you consider your work as St Eve to be and who would you say are your major influences were?
Ok, confession time - what’s the most embarrassing single or album you own?? everyone has at least one or two!! :)
What and where would your dream performance be, whether that's with a St Eve reform, or a Broadway or West End show, or somehow managing to combine them all?? Tell us some of the highlight gigs/shows and venues you have performed? Where are your upcoming shows?
What have been your best and worst on stage moment?? Best: Well rehearsed and getting it all right with the band at CBGB - not overthinking, and feeling the music..
What music can someone expect to hear in your new shows?? What made you pick those songs??
Back in the St Eve days did you ever play any covers and if you did, what made you choose that particular track to cover? Has their been any links between the songs from St Eve and the music in your new Sex Crimes Cabaret??
Did you write your own song in St Eve or did you have people you collaborated with? Same question for the Sex Crimes Cabaret?? Is it totally your brainchild, or do you have co writers?? Can you tell the readers what they will expect to get from your Sex Crimes Cabaret??? Same question for the marry people to themselves project, what will people gain from doing this??? What are your rehearsals for the Sex Crimes Cabaret generally like?
What has been your biggest challenge as a performer?
What's your ultimate direction as a performer? Are you seeking massive fame and fortune, or an artistic impact, good times, or something else??
What advice do you have for people who want to get into show business or music? How can fans-to-be gain access to your music, or have a sneak preview of your shows? Do you have a website with sample show clips and St Eve tunes, or do they just need to come and experience the show or track down some CDs??
Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for giving you support over the years?? Ok, some silly questions - On line or real shops??
What is your biggest weakness?
What are your biggest strengths?
What is the one, single food that you would never give up?
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
<Have you ever gone cow-tipping?
What should your catchphrase/life's motto be?
What do you dream about?
Have you ever gambled at a casino?
Favorite TV show
Strangest thing a fan has ever said to you
What scares you the most and why?
What do you do in your free time?
Do you like chocolate?
Do you scream on roller coasters?
Do you like rainy days or snowy winter, summer days or spring time?
What makes you bored?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Any last words? |
 Click here for Essex club listings LONDON! Click here for London club listings SURREY & BERKS! Click here for Surrey/Berkshire club listings  Mon 24 Aug White Belt Yellow Tag + The Chemists Cavern Club, Exeter Wed 26 Aug The Offspring Manchester Academy Thu 27 Aug Deftones + Rival Schools HMV Forum, London Sun 30 Aug Get Loaded In The Park Clapham Common, London Sat 12 Sep The Futureheads + Sharks + Strangeways + Volume Zero The Canteen Media and Arts Centre, Barrow-in-Furness Thu 17 Sep Massive Attack O2 Academy Brixton, London | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Band: WEEP Album: Never Ever Label: Projekt Release date: 2008 Reviewed by: Kim Kosnar When I first put this CD on, my first impression was that the recording quality was absolutely terrible. I was shocked that guys with all the resources that they have could put out a CD that sounds like this. However, by the time I got through the first song I realized that it wasn’t poor recording quality; it was a back to basics kind of style that we just aren’t used to in the darkwave scene. All of the recordings we hear are so slick and loud and polished that when we do hear something with a much more organic quality it is shocking in its simplicity. Weep describes themselves as a Shoegazer Gothic Rock band and it harkens back to the old days of Sisters of Mercy, The Cure and even a little Switchblade Symphony thrown in for good measure. It is gothic rock music at it’s finest and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Never Ever starts strong with Lay Down and Drown. I absolutely love this song; it is the epitome of why I love gothic music in the first place. The guitars have this mournful, wailing quality to them; and the lines aren’t particularly complicated but it grabs you immediately. The keyboards have almost a frantic anxiety to them and compliment the mournful quality of the guitars perfectly. Once the vocals start the mood of the song is already set; and the lyrics do not disappoint. They express the disillusion of growing older and realizing that life is not what you first thought it was going to be. It’s a song full of casual self-doubt and a reluctant perseverance to continue to try to live a life without quiet desperation. “The Hole” is an up-tempo reminder of the 80’s era Cure before Robert Smith became affectionately known as Fat Bob. “Ever Shy” is another great catchy song with a chorus that just makes you want to get up and dance shamelessly alone in your living room with your cats. Never Ever only has 8 songs on it, which I think technically makes it an EP or maybe just a really short album. Either way, Weep has gone for quality over quantity on this record and it is a very refreshing change from the homogenized, cookie cutter industrial aggrotek that is gaining popularity lately. |
Band: Puscifer Album: V is for Vagina Release date: 2007 Reviewed by Kimiko I admit, when I first picked up this CD I was a bit biased. I pretty much love everything that Maynard James Keenen touches. He is just one of those guys that I have always respected. He makes music that he likes and is passionate about, and doesn’t really care if it sells a million records or just one. He does what he does and makes no apologies. So you pretty much know the entire vibe of the album from the title alone. “V is for Vagina” is the debut album from Puscifer and it is completely different from anything that Maynard has done before. Maynard has described Puscifer as a pseudonym for his solo work, and wanted to create something that he could connect to people not through the lyrics, but just through the music and the groove. I believe he has certainly done that. The difficult task is to pigeonhole Puscifer into a genre. It’s a mix of trip-hop, blues, some country twang, a bit of the sultry seduction of Leonard Cohen and an underlying tribal rhythm that comes together in a brilliant display of audio sexuality. It’s like Maynard realized that he was a sexual being and manifested it all through Puscifer. The album starts off with “Queen B”, which utilizes Maynard’s deep rumbling baritone to create the bassline, and uses many vocal effects to enhance the raw sexuality of the song. I also like it because it is an anthem for all of us ‘well endowed girls’ that we can be beautiful too. My personal favorite on the album is “Momma Sed”. It’s a simple song musically, but powerful. The lyrics are some of the most meaningful of the entire album and they have a sadness to them that is full of regret and disappointment. Not regret and disappointment in the son receiving the message, but the fact that the message has to be said at all. It is reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and has the same kind of simplistic beauty to it. Overall the entire album is very strong. The only weak point is “Sour Grapes” which is also the longest song on the album. It makes a point about religion and Jesus, which is one of Maynard’s favorite topics of discussion in his music, but in my opinion it goes on for too long. However, one weak song makes for a pretty great album and the quality of the rest of “V for Vagina” more than makes up for it. |
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 AUNTIE ALICE SAYS...
This horny little f*cker has a fetish for feet. I think that's cool. Having my feet massaged and licked, toes sucked, are all great turn ons for me. He was chatting about not getting enough hot sex from the mrs - they have been together for about ten years and the spark seems to be dwindling... I did my best to let him know that this was no real problem and it may just be he needs to light the fire of passion with some romance when he said he had a very delicate question for me. Intrigued I waited while he composed himself to ask the question 'Do women like anal sex?' Quickly I replied that of course they do... but why did he need to ask? He had been told that women think that anal sex is a big NO NO.. so I explained that its not something you can just dive in and and just penetrate without some gentle training.... Anal sex needs a bit of planning, so talking to each other might be a good start. I suggested that during foreplay he should use his fingers to gently probe the rim of her anus and then, using a little lube, use a dildo to penetrate the anus while still playing with the clit....( of course !!) He said he had never done this before and was not sure how his lady would like it... I said to just remember that it may take a little while to exercise the anus for full penetration to be fully enjoyed....mmm Anyway if you really want to have a great anal sex session get your lady to have a nice bath and use a very sexy dildo douche to - a) tease her gently and b) cleanse the anus... its best for you both - and no nasty moments.... (unless thats your fetish of course...) if you do this she will be relaxed, horny and ready for further play time... lots of lube, and dildo action will help towards the moment when full penetration will happen... and yes she will squeal - with sheer delight... !!! By the way, for your information there is a spot inside the anus that corresponds with the G spot in the pussy and, if you can double penetrate her with your love stick and a dildo ( better still TWO love sticks...mmm) she will squeal and squirt and love every moment... make sure the windows are closed - the nieghbours are out - or the neighbours are with you...mmm thats better So are we happy?? yes?? I'm sure this guy will get back to me soon and let me know how things went with his lady... but if you have any questions about sex please feel free to ask Aunty Alice... i only bite on request...lol xx | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
