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 MOVIE REVIEW – LA REINE MARGOT (THE QUEEN MARGOT) DIRECTED BY: PATRICE CHEREAU (1994) WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRE DUMAS PERE (Novel) DANIELE THOMPSON AND PATRICE CHEREAU (Scenario And Adaptation) STARRING: ISABELLE ADJANI AND VINCENT PEREZ BY: JEZEBELL AAREN MAE Visually stunning with no special effects, C.G.I, major stunts or wire gags, La Rein Margot is a masterpiece of French cinema. France August 24, 1574 a time in history that war raged between Catholics and Protestants alike, known in history as the Massacre of St. Bartholomew it tells the story of the princess Margot de Valois who, in order to secure peace is forced by her mother, and power behind the Catholic throne, La Reine Catherine de Médicis, to marry her Protestant cousin Henri de Navarre. What was meant to be a union of peace became a bloody massacre of faith. Caught up in it all is the unfortunate La Mole who upon a chance meeting with Margot falls in love with her, a passionate love that of course, can only end in misery.  The movie opens with a very short scene featuring La Mole with the soul purpose of introducing the number and whereabouts of all the visiting Protestants, a somewhat surplus scene as there is a written introduction to the story before it begins. However, after this the story launches into its self beginning near the end of the wedding and straight away you are introduced to both Margot and Navarre giving an idea of the tense political climate that is the movies base. In true stereotypical French style the following scene, in the guise of the wedding party, is filled with political intrigue and the talk of sex and war - it is also where the plan of the story is laid out. When, again we are acquainted with La Mole it is with Margot, once the scene and the characters are established she leaves the confines of the chateau and walks the streets of Paris further enhancing the strength of the character. The movie leads with vivacious contrasting color which bleeds depth and meaning a trait which is not lost through out movie, but which is never so glorious as when the lovers are together. Then, with excellent timing and form, as in most French historical dramas, the violence ensues as Catholic and Protestant rage battle in both the chateau and surrounding streets unleashing restless slaughter and tireless brutality for political gain in the name of religion. For me the violent scenes are beautiful, not because of any religious or political view but purely because of the movement, scenery, color, imagery and soundtrack - a compelling and reaching violently romantic array of strings. Post turmoil the royal family intact and victorious compel Navarre to conform and keeps Margot a prisoner in her own home, La Mole, un-able to forget Margot, travels to Amsterdam where the Protestant up-rising is gaining strength. Margot equally enthralled by La Mole is engulfed by longing and uncertainty, her only refuge is the treachery, murder, rivalry and under handed dealings of her mother, Catherine, all masked in laughter and debauchery. Meanwhile La Mole returns to Paris in search for Margot where, thanks to the help of her friend and lady in waiting they are reunited. Post passion the aforementioned three discuss what they know to be afoot amongst the players around them and plan to what they can, but ironically as too are the King and his mother. Though the massacre be over violence and rage fail to cease and continues alongside what is thought every day activities, such as the French love to do chaser au sangulier or to hunt wild boar, an event that turns bloody and changes the rules of the game. Navarre and the sickly king become closer evoking jealousy in the king’s youngest brother and un-settles the queen who proposes that her youngest son accompany Navarre when he returns to his home, a right that by marriage and request belongs to Margot. Out of gratitude the now dying king releases Navarre but denies him Margot so, once reunited with his home vows he will not forget about her and so sends La Mole to recover her a, valiant venture that concludes abruptly and violently. Again the love that bleeds and splinters from this story knows no bounds will continue to reach onto you gripping and seizing your heart muscle with alarm and confusion. Even the un-emotional of us will not fail to experience the tension, for the love be not only romantic but fraternal and that of true friendship. The twists and turns of love, war and religion will catch you at every turn and each reason of whichever scene you are watching allowing you to take away what you will from the masterpiece that is and will forever be La Rein Margot. |
 Agonize
     According to their web site, the line up of Agonoize is – Chris L : Vocals Mike Johnson : Programmation Oliver Senger : Programmation I can’t help thinking things would’ve been even better with a full line up, instead of the 2/3rds that were there that nite!! So, the gig is hurtling towards it’s end and this might have been just a 2 man band, but they totally filled the stage at the garage with plenty of presence and did manage to put on an actual show, i would happily give this a 7 out of 10, the only thing that could've put that score up would have been the introduction of some more live instruments, but in all honesty they weren't missed that much.
PICS COURTESY OF NICK VON FICTION |
 LACUNA COIL
31/07/2009 - HMV Forum 4/5 The lead up to the annual Kerrang! Awards ceremony, usually sees a series of gigs with a “Kerrang! Week of Rock”. With the likes of Buckcherry, DragonForce and YouMeSix all playing earlier in the week, this year’s choices weren’t too bad, given that the magazine is now basically a glorified Smash Hits for the younger alternative generation. 
First up were London band The Defiled, with their “heavy” 80s metal and suitably flamboyant attire. Described by Kerrang! as “an explosive mangle of Manson stagecraft and middle finger metal”, their set was met with some initial reservation. Drowned out by the appalling state of the sound system at the Forum, they were barely audible beyond an incomprehensible collection of sounds and screaming droning repeatedly from the speakers. Onstage, they were more visually appealing with an entertaining stage presence. Prancing around, headbanging, raised solos and the sheer number of expletives thrown to the audience were all too conventionally rock n roll to be taken seriously. Yes we expect that, but we want more. They certainly had style but lacked substance to back up their self assured presence on stage – especially when all they ‘screamed’ of was mediocrity. The audience wondered whether or not their keyboardist was actually a functioning member of the band or had the “Bez” role, running across the stage bashing his keyboard sporadically whilst also climbing up the stage props, not once did we hear what he played. It spent more time vertical than horizontal (unlike Russell Brand...). Next up were Swedish pop metallers Dead by April. Their deliberate epic riffs and an attempt at a layered sound were a little too emo for my liking – and a majority of the audiences too. Their sound was a stereotypical set up of whiny vocals, big guitars, riffs and synths. Likeable enough but it wasn’t exactly awe-inspiring.  Slipknot side project Dirty Little Rabbits pulled out at the last minute, replaced by the Cancer Bats. As interesting as it would have been to hear them, the Cancer Bats pulled off a feat winning the audience almost immediately. As with all bands playing this evening, they all visually looked the part – great hairdos, ripped clothes etc etc. They were entertaining to watch and the music wasn’t bad – but they weren’t spectacular. Another band with too much hype, only noteworthy this evening because they offered something more than the other support bands. Given that over the last fourteen years, Lacuna Coil have released a fair few albums and had their style repeatedly copied, their latest album Shallow Life was disappointingly similar to their contemporaries’ copies. So then, I anticipated this gig with some trepidation – somewhat needlessly as they were far from disappointing. Ok, so their support bands were nowhere near an indication of what was to come – unsurprising given that they were handpicked especially for the occasion by Kerrang! Magazine. It was pretty much a shameless message of what they think we ought to be listening to and how ‘in’ they are rather than focusing on the quality of the music. Their set began with a mirage of images and videos sporadically projected onto a white curtain, with the phrase “I Will Not Live a Shallow Life” appearing across the screen. The band enters the stage to brilliant red flashing lights and launch straight into Survive. It wasn’t difficult to see why Lacuna Coil have such a massive following with a wide variety of fans. They are spell binding live fusing melodic metal, growling male vocals alongside a powerfully haunting voice. All three combined compliment each other, with their whole set sounding heavier and more aggressive than captured on record. Cristina Scabia is an enigmatic front woman, engaging with the audience whilst immersing herself in their music. At times, the male vocals sometimes felt unnecessary (especially on the tracks where he barely sings) but tracks such as Daylight Dancer, Swamped, Fragile and Spellbound took on a life of their own. Final track Our Song, their most popular hit to date was thumpingly heavy ending the gig on a euphoric high. Lacuna Coil prove that in age of copycats, they still have what it takes to set them apart from the mundane hum drum of the crowd. Photos courtesy of Fusiontx | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Jason Rouse
You're probably going to notice a theme running along here when I write about comedians. Most of them tend to be sick, twisted perverts. Essentially, my kind of people. To me, there isn't a subject that I consider too far or too much to joke about. Much to the chagrin of many people. Don't worry, I'll wait here whilst you go and look up the meaning of "chagrin"
Are we all back in the room? Good. Then I'll continue. 
This months comedian in the spotlight is, admittedly, someone who I've not actually heard much of. But what I have heard has made quite the impression on me. It's pure, balls out offensive comedy. Nothing quite so clever as Doug Stanhope or Bill Hicks, with their twisted views on society revealing a logic not often seen but so frequently needed. No, Jason Rouse is essentially shock humour. He's also canadian, but we won't hold that against him for the sake of this review as he's tried to atone for that sin by moving to London. There are no clever subtleties to be had here. Just filthy, hideous observations and graphic imagery that, quite frankly, you probably don't want to hear whilst you're eating. The open tin of mushroom soup gag is probably more than most people will take. In fact, he's certainly not for everyone. Don't get me wrong, I can see that some people aren't going to like this. And I certainly wouldn't recommend this to people like I did Doug Stanhope, because there is no real substance to this guy. But sometimes, isn't that what we really need? I just want some cheap easy laughs, not even particularly witty. But it's all so over the top that you can't help but laugh as you're gagging. His delivery is so childlike and enjoyable as well. It's a very strange image when you're watching a comedian go into great detail about something that I thought only I would dare talk about in public with a massive grin and a sing-song tone of voice without a care in the world. It's nice that such subjects can be treated like the jokes that they are. "I may be going to hell, but fuck it, it's warm and I'll know people there." |
 TURBULENT SOUNDSCAPE & REVENGE NEWS
Turbulent Soundscape (DJ Rex) Fright Nite is moving again … The story is this – someone offered a large sum of money to green king, the brewery who owns the place, to buy the phoenix and of course they said yes, we were told this news on tuesday and it's shutting on friday, we're currently looking for somewhere to move everything to and if we can do that by next thurs then everything will just carry on, but i'm sure there's somewhere that will host us! The sad news is, it is being turned into a high end posh eatery :( really gutted after all that work! Watch this space, something will be happening :) BUT weds, wont go away – watch our Facebook group () Then there’s our monthly nite in Bournemouth, Equilibrium at the Sound Circus, this month on the 27th of nov, featuring Panic Cell and Maniacal Edge!!! pics form my recent trips to Tel Aviv and Athens are to be found here Don’t forget, we might have your picture in our archive section, head to www.turbulentsoundscape.com On to Revenge (DJ Rex) Revenge will return at some stage in London, but for now we're making plans for the Italian version of the club, news will be here when we have it!! www.revengepromotions.com And nowwww, Schism (Tom Wavre) Get your costumes sorted and your drinking boots on, Schism Halloween Schism is almost here. Being on Friday November 6th you can't claim it clashes with any other halloween party, and if the last couple of years are anything to go by, this one is gonna be HUGE. The last two Hallowen Schisms have been (at the time) the busiest nights in our history. Start the party early with our pre-Schism venue - Chameleon. Yup, I said Chameleon, we've set it up so that Rock at Remix will move to Chameleon on Schism days. The rest of the month it will stay at Remix. So get down to Chameleon (free entry), get some cheap drinks down you while listening to some schism warm up tunes, then head over to Quake for the main event. Schism New Years Eve tickets should be going on sale in November, keep an eye on our facebook site for more info on this and updates like drinks deals for Chameleon. Visit www.clubschism.com or our facebook to get all pics, event info and other news as it happens. |
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OFFSPRING - O2 Brixton Academy
25/08/2009 4.9/5 The Offspring rock. Period. No ifs, no buts and definitely no maybes. They quite simply rock. Their recent gig at London’s Brixton Academy was proof of their triumphant return. It may have been 25 years later since they first formed, but they are still going strong with anthemic, fist in the air thumping pop-punk. Yes, they are ageing somewhat, but that didn’t deter them in the quest for putting on an awesome show as they did at the Brixton Academy.
The Offspring are a fantastic live band. With hardly any need for on stage theatricals, (which one perhaps might have expected in the band’s earlier days) the focus was solely on the music. They stormed through a fast paced set of their greatest hits, including The Kids Aren’t Alright, Why Don’t You Get a Job, Pretty Fly (For A White Guy), Hit That amongst many many more. Seriously, they did not disappoint playing pretty much EVERY greatest hit. The Offspring were on fine form – the decades have not changed the energy and passion with which they perform. The audience was a varied mish mash of teenage emos, punks, scenesters (notable because of their self assured strutting round the venue) and devoted Offspring fans all united in what was truly a spectacular night. The highlight would have to be Dexter Holland’s stripped down solo version of Gone Away sung lonesome on a piano. It showed how an already established band can take on new directions and evolve. That said, I was personally slightly disappointed they didn’t perform this with the whole band (it being one of my favourite Offspring songs). As heartfelt as it sounded, it lacked the layered intensity of all the instruments playing together pounding with desperation. Still, it was a great version. With almost 5,000 people crammed together in the Academy, the atmosphere in the crowd was electric, with sporadic mosh pits appearing in different areas and lots of singing along, jumping and air fisting at any available opportunity. The music was fantastic made even better by the jovial and carnival-like atmosphere in the audience resulting in one of the most fun and memorable gigs I’ve ever been to. By the time they reached the encore, the entire venue was jumping whilst screaming “la la la la la” to final song Self Esteem. Do The Offspring still have it? Give it to me baby! … Of course they do!! |
 XPQ-21  |
 Click here for Essex club listings LONDON! Click here for London club listings SURREY & BERKS! Click here for Surrey/Berkshire club listings  Wed 21 Oct Death Disco: The Patio Set + Blackchords Notting Hill Arts Club, London Wed 21 Delays The Borderline, London Wed 21 Oct Fightstar Cambridge Corn Exchange Wed 21 Oct Franz Ferdinand O2 Academy Bournemouth Wed 21 Oct Funeral for a Friend Fat Sams Night Club, Dundee Wed 21 Oct Kasabian HMV Forum, London Wed 21 Oct Los Campesinos! Kasbah, Coventry Wed 21 Oct Nine Black Alps Barfly, Cardiff Wed 21 Oct Passion Pit The Leadmill, Sheffield Thu 22 Oct Fightstar Lemon Grove, Exeter Thu 22 Oct Funeral for a Friend + The Xcerts The Warehouse, Aberdeen Thu 22 Oct The Paddingtons + The Twist The Doghouse, Dundee Thu 22 Oct The Twilight Sad The Cockpit, Leeds Thu 22 Therapy? The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth Fri 23 Oct An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump + Teeth of the Sea + Black Manila Beach Parade + Dreamboats Catch, London Fri 23 Oct Ash Fat Sams Night Club, Dundee Wed 28 Oct Dananananaykroyd Audio, Brighton Fri 30 Oct 2009-10-30 Cerys Matthews Ludlow Assembly Rooms Fri 30 Oct Live Music at Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester Fri 30 Oct Passion Pit Bristol University Students Union: Anson Rooms and Ar2 Bristol University Union Fri 30 Oct Reverend and The Makers HMV Picture House, Edinburgh Fri 30 Oct Rockaoke Punk, London | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Band: 16 Volt Album: American Porn Songs Label: Metropolis .jpg) At the first listen of “American Porn Songs” from 16 Volt it immediately brings you back to the early 90s era of the whole ‘pop industrial’ movement. I was reminded of the days of Gravity Kills, Filter and Helmet. Honestly, this entire album is a welcome harkening back to the early melodic days of industrial before the aggrotek revolution and the wave of Combichrist copycats that have come onto the scene lately. The first song “Alkali” is a very strong track that gets your attention and doesn’t let go. The tracks that follow “Alkali” are a bit formulaic, but not enough that the listener would find it annoying to listen to. The songs are all heavy, with driving guitars and catchy synthesizer lines throughout. It’s a change from the last 16 volt album, “FullBlackHabit,” but not such a dramatic change that you wouldn’t recognize it for a 16 Volt album. “It all Turns Bad” has some excellent vocal harmonies to it that give it a very creepy feeling that is almost unnerving towards the end. “Blackbird” has a very distinct Prick meets Alice in Chains feel to it. The chorus almost makes it into a good old fashioned rock song rather than piercing industrial or metal. This one and “Alkali” are the two standout tracks in the album for me. “You Want Somebody to Hate” is another great song that makes you want to jump up, break your furniture and scream it at every person who has pissed you off. It’s a great song to get out some pent up frustration to. It is rumored that Eric Powell will be changing the name of this album at the last minute before it is released. He named it very early on in the writing process and as the album has taken shape has expressed regret about the title of the album. We will have to see what the actual title of the album is when released on September 8. All and all this is an excellent addition to the 16 Volt discography and is a very enjoyable album to listen to. Eric Powell does not disappoint and doesn’t seem like he has run out of tricks in the audio arsenal. |
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 This is the Voice of Australia … and introduction to the wealth of music and culture that the Australian scene has to offer. Each month I will be writing about what’s new, what’s up-and-coming and what’s hot right now. Enjoy! Miss Black  Art Angelique Houtkamp, the Dutch tattoo artist will be visiting Australia to launch her new book ‘Tattoo Mystique’ at the Outré Gallery in Sydney and Melbourne. Go to www.outregallery.com for your chance to meet Angelique and preview her works that are for sale. The hardcover edition of ‘Real Women’ by Adelaide photographer Brent Leideritz is selling fast. To get your hands on one of the last copies visit www.realwomen.net.au/book. You can also purchase prints from the exhibition. Akina has released the fourth book in her series of sell out releases, ‘Poems for Piotr’. The elegantly hand-crafted book is accompanied by a music album, and is available from www.akina.com.au. Bands The eagerly awaited ‘God Module’ will be arriving on Australian shores in the first weekend of October. They will be playing in Sydney and Melbourne, and at Chrome in Canberra. MySpace Marilyn Manson is touring Australia between October 5-17. Tickets can be bought through Ticketek or Ticketmaster, www.premier.ticketek.com.au, www.ticketmaster.com.au Following the well-received release of the debut EP by SHIV-R last month, they will be supporting God Module for the Melbourne show. www.shiv-r.com Fashion Zombie-loving Sydney fashion designer Emily de Verinne has launched her Baroque & Roll website. Emily designed for Wheels & Dollbaby before going solo with fabulous, kooky and very seductive ladies wear and accessories. She will be releasing her new ‘Love you like Voodoo’ collection at the ‘Under The Blue Moon’ Lunamorph Fashion Parade at the Factory Theatre on October 31st. www.baroque-and-roll.com Recently opened Brisbane store Voodoo Lulu has just got in some steampunk wear. If you love steampunk or cats, you will adore their latest fashion shoots. www.voodoolulu.net  Self-taught designer Fleur from Beserk Clothing is about to release her seventh collection inspired by anime, skulls, medical fetish and horror. www.beserkclothing.com Gallery Serpentine is releasing a more extensive men’s range during the month of October. They will also showing their new collection of steampunk attire, which includes hand-painted corsets at the ‘Under The Blue Moon’ Lunamorph Fashion Parade at the Factory Theatre on October 31st. www.galleryserpentine.com.au Melbourne fashion studio Purpur is now stocking stores around Australia. www.purpurfashion.com Events The annual weekend of alternative culture is on again this year in Enmore, Sydney starting October 30th. It starts off with ‘Theatre of Blood’ at the Newtown Theatre on Friday night, the following day is the market day, then festivities will continue with the All Hallows Eve Ball at the Factory Theatre. The ‘Lunarmorph’ Fashion Parade will be part of the ball. For more information visit underthebluemoon.org.au The Black Market is going to be held on Sunday October 8th by the banks of Merri Creek in Northcote, Melbourne. Shop for pretty much everything while enjoying live music, food and beverages. For more information email Tarley at tarleyp@hotmail.com. After a massive success in Sydney last month, ‘The Gangster’s Ball’ is arriving in Brisbane on October 17th. It is a full themed night featuring the best names in Australian and international burlesque, cabaret and swing dancing. Go to www.thegangstersball.com.au for more information. Sick and tired of old school reunions? The Corner Hotel in Richmond, Melbourne will be playing host to the ‘80’s Punk/Alternative Reunion’ on October 3. If you want to catch up with old friend from the 80s, this will be the place to be. Email jillrw@gmail.com for more information. Clubs Sydney’s industrial and EBM club ‘Die Maschine’ will be celebrating its 6th birthday on Saturday October 10. www.diemaschine.technetium.net.au After a hugely successful relaunch last month, ‘Shallow Nation’ is now running every third Friday of the month at the Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst, Sydney. They will be playing electro, industrial, EBM and electroclash. www.shallownation.net Canberra’s dark cabaret club ‘Le Chat Noir’ will be held in Canberra on Thursday October 23rd. It will include live music, burlesque, DJs and fashion from swing to steampunk and everything in between. Email lechatnoir@gmail.com for more information. Just when you thought Chrome in Canberra couldn’t get any better, on October 3rd they will be having Seattle band ‘God Module’ playing live. www.clubchrome.com.au Cabaret Nocturne in Melbourne will be running on October 16th, and running every third week of the month. www.cabaretnocturne.net Melbourne’s weekly Saturday night club, DV8 has 2-3 floors with bands, metal, alternative and goth/retro. MySpace |
 ‘Enemies of Reality’ – Nevermore, Released 2003 Album Cover Review - Sarah Clow  I thought I would do this cover next, another one taken form my A to Z but another that I really admire. I don’t necessarily find this cover beautiful, but I do find it to be iconic. I just find it to be an awesome piece of art. Travis Smith, the man behind Seempieces and who has designed a few of Nevermore’s album covers, also designed the ‘Enemies of Reality’ cover art. I was lucky enough to receive emails form Travis, regarding the album art, he was kind enough to tell me that although there was not much of a story to the artwork, it was however, something that was thought up towards the end of the making of the album. It was loosely based on the lyrical content. Warrel Dane - vocalist of Nevermore, provided a few specified suggestions for the final design, these included the horns. ‘Dead Heart In A Dead World’ – Nevermore, Released 2000 
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 AUNTIE ALICE SAYS... Once upon a time... the princess knew she could have the prince any day - and the happy ever after bit too - but this princess wanted more !! Ever since she knew how it felt to put her pretty little fingers on her clit and make herself wriggle and giggle she knew one prince would never be enough... She lay on the beach listening to the waves crashing onto the sandy shore, the sun beating a fiery blaze on her skin a gentle breeze blowing across her erect nipples and between her legs... The prince was pretty cool about her fantasies and thought that he would deliver her dream as she lay there on the beach... He lay next to her and kissed her cheek, she murmered sweet noises of approval as he gently squeezed and pinched her left nipple with his left hand his right hand on her hair as he leaned on his right arm... She felt his hand gently twisting her hair, his lips kissing her face and his other hand pinching her left nipple, she felt herself wriggle with familiarity and a warm wet feeling begin in her pussy. Then she felt her right nipple being squeezed as her prince leaned over to kiss her fully on the mouth... mmm how did he do that? she wondered as another hand held her right hand and kissed it before placing it on a very smooth hard penis.. this was not the familiar penis of her prince but slightly longer she thought - just as she caught hold of this penis and began to gently move her hand up and down the shaft another penis was placed in her other hand and again not one that was familiar to her... The prince smiled as the two good-looking guys took pleasure from the princess's hands - his princess was smiling too but she did not open her eyes and he kissed her again... as he lifted her up onto her knees she did not hesitate to open her mouth and take his penis deep into her throat with more vigour as her hands were still busy with the other two penises her mouth had to work that bit harder to ensure a good grip... She was so happy and turned on by this attention she knew her prince was making her dreams come true and realised that another guy had arrived and was licking her wet clit and fingering her pussy making her wriggle and squeal with delight.. when she thought she might not ever come down from the orgasm the guy slid up to kiss her belly and quickly penetrated her fast and hard with the biggest penis she had ever felt.... and if this was not enough he began to squeeze her buttocks and lift her up to take her again and again The prince still enjoying the blowjob from his princess and the delight of her orgasmic squeals poured baby oil down her back till it trickled between her buttocks as the guy below began to finger her anus, ensuring it was wet and slippy as another guy took his place and put his penis into her anus.... Oh heaven thought the princess... FIVE at one time... now they all must CUM at the same time.... please CUM CUM she screamed!! And they did.... in her mouth, in her hands, in her pussy and her anus.... What joy... how was your day at the beach ???? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 MOVIE REVIEW – Let the Right One In DIRECTED BY: Tomas Alfredson WRITTEN BY: John Ajvide Lindqvist (novel) John Ajvide Lindqvist (screenplay) RUNTIME: 115 min COUNTRY: Sweden BY: Erika Krasickaite So I’m sure everyone has heard that everyone with the remotest access to the 21st Century technology has heard by now what a great film this is, but since I think it’s so very great – so good, in fact, I caught it twice at the cinema – that I should reiterate this one more.  And the reasons are abundant and diverse. Firstly, its different from the generic tacky-vampire-in-cheap-Victorian-attire-sculking-around-East-European-castles kind of films that are so populous these days, and indeed from the over-stylized but thoroughly insulting Hollywood fare (no, I don’t care how hot Kate Beckinsale looks in rubber, those films are manifest rubbish!). This coming of age tale is set in a cold and snowed under Sweden of 1980s, a welcome and original departure point, with the story told against the backdrop of copious snow, and not a haunted castle in sight! Without giving too much away, the plot is as such – Eli, a mysterious new girl moves in next door to a shy bullied Oskar, and an unlikely warm friendship ensues. What makes this tale so delicious is that, unlike a Hollywood trite that would spoon-feed its audience; this film leaves room for a lot of ambiguity – who is Hakan? Is he Eli’s helper and father figure, or was he her lover? Indeed, who is Eli? There is very little said about her background, and tantalisingly so. How old is she? A momentary nude shot of her even begs questions as to whether she is a girl. The payoff is, however, in the original and intricately conveyed story, and a rather, ahem, satisfying ending. The two leads are perfectly played by the child cast, and it is evident that the story hangs together so well due to the efforts of John Ajvide Lindqvist, whose 2004 novel the film is based on and who also wrote the screenplay. All I can add is that at this point nothing remains but to impatiently await at the door as my DVD copy arrives, and hope that I don’t read the novel too fast once I get my hands on it! And I can’t help but to urge everyone in the strongest possible terms to do the same, as I hear terrible rumours of an imminent US remake. Argh! |
 THE CLASH - LONDON CALLING
London Calling is album number 3 by English punk rock legends The Clash, released 14 December 1979, on CBS Records in the UK and in January 1980 on Epic in the United States.
So - How does this album qualify for this section?? How was it an influence on the world of today??
If you actually need to wonder about the previous questions, then you should go to your music collection and either destroy the lot, or take it to the local charity/thrift store, because you have no real right to own any music.
London Calling marked a turning point, not just in The Clash's musical style, but led to a whole new world of music, the blending up random elements, including ska with pop, soul with rockabilly, reggae with punk and so on. Does mixing all these styles up pull the album out of the genre of punk?? No of course not and anyone who thinks it does has really missed the point of the whole punk movement, the Clash really did what they wanted and didn’t care if those listening liked it or not, I’m personally glad a lot of people did, London Calling was one of the finest f**k you’s the original punk years ever saw.
The album's subject matter was spot on as well, including unemployment, racial conflict, drug abuse, and the responsibilities of adulthood, these subjects caught the imagination of a disillusioned UK suffering at the hands of the 70s labour government, whilst trying to drag themselves out of one of the worst depressions in history. In spite of the time they were living in and the subject matter of the lyrics, the Clash seemed to deliver a positive message and in exchange the world rewarded them with positive reviews everywhere, the album was even ranked at number eight on Rolling Stone' list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003. London Calling was a top ten album in the UK, and its lead single "London Calling" was a top twenty single. It has sold over two million copies worldwide, and was certified platinum in the United States.
Does the number of sales make it none punk, do musicians have to starve to death in order to be “really punk”?? Of course not, it just simply means a lot of people liked what they created.
Paul Simonon, the band's bassist, pulled together this album “Revolution Rock” for legendary label Trojan Records in early 2005. The compilation includes not only songs that helped the band form its sound, but original versions of songs that the Clash aka Last Angry Band covered. A lot of them worthy of this section in their own right.
The album's track list is:
So, who have the Clash influenced with this album?? Well, with a line up consisting of some of the greatest minds ever to raise out of the era that kick started Punk, you can imagine this is a long list, but before we talk about that, let’s take a moment to remember who the 4 geniuses who created this work of art - Well, I wont keep you much longer, on to the bands who sight the Clash in their influences –
We all know the Clash's influence can be heard in American political punk bands such as Rancid, Anti-Flag, Bad Religion and NOFX, in fact California's Rancid, in particular, are known as "incurable Clash zealots, but did you notice their influence on the political hard rock of early Manic Street Preachers??
Bono described The Clash as "the greatest rock band” he claimed “They wrote the rule book for U2”
The Clash's involvement with Jamaican music and production styles has inspired similar cross-cultural efforts by bands such as Bad Brains, Massive Attack, Sublime and No Doubt.
Bands identified with the garage rock revival of the late 1990s and 2000s such as Sweden's The Hives, Australia's The Vines and America's The White Stripes and The Strokes evidence The Clash's influence.
Among the many latter-day British acts identified as having been inspired by The Clash are Babyshambles, The Futureheads, The Charlatans and The Arctic Monkeys.
The list could just go on and on, but their influence means they really will live forever.
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 Waiting for Godot
Author/Playwright: Samuel Beckett Cast: Ian McKellen , Patrick Stewart Running time: 2 Hrs 40 Mins Location: Haymarket Theatre by Erica Krasickaite
I suppose that given the written, acting and producing talent involved in bringing this play to London, the audience would not expect anything short of an excellent production. And they would not be disappointed. The play hits every note, just the way it had done when it was first unleashed onto the London theatre land over 50 years ago. 
The central premise of the play senters on the theme of waiting and time. The idea of putting a nigh on three hour play about the passage of time might be in itself a daunting one to the audience, but the mastery of the performers and the production ensures that is remains an entertaining, distressing and comical in turn. The opening scene greets us with two men, Estragon and Vladimir, sitting by the ruins of a house, seemingly homeless, hopelessly waiting for the mysterious Godot. Time passes, one can notice the change of days, weeks and seasons by the state of the solitary tree that is to be found in the surroundings, and the men carry on talking, joking and waiting. The unmistakable themes of depression and suicide can also be indentified, from one poignant scene where one of the men has a moment of recognition of the pointlessness of their endeavour and attempts to hang himself from the aforementioned tree. The truly uncomfortable and even downright disturbing moments are, however, the prolonged scenes when the two men meat Pozzo and his slave Lucky. What ensues is a truly distressing depiction of servitude, the humiliation entailed alongside the class, rank and hierarchical divide of the British society, as well as the erosion of self-identity and expression that is entailed therein. In short, this is a powerful production that is helped along by effective use of lighting and minimal set, consisting mostly of one tree that is symbolic of some many themes of the play. If you have not been fortunate enough to catch this production, I urge you to check for future ones; it is, after all, one that had been voted "the most significant English language play of the 20th century" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
