There’s something really heartening about the term bogan being used as a positive, finally. For too long, Australian and Kiwi working-class people, as with “chavs” in England and “neds” in Scotland, have been characterised as uncouth, stupid and a menace to society at large. Stereotypes persisted, of drinking, vandalism, prison tattoos and mullets, and notContinue reading “Big Bogan Energy!”
Category Archives: Humour
Howay,Daft Genius: Smoggie Queens Rules!
Series 1 of Smoggie Queens was brilliant: surreal, hilarious and touching. Focusing on a queer family in Middlesbrough, creator Phil Dunning, who also plays main character Dickie, crafted a loveable, silly bunch of misfits with recognisable quirks and – most importantly -a strong working -class sensibility. Series 1 set up the rivalry between Dickie andContinue reading “Howay,Daft Genius: Smoggie Queens Rules!”
Vintage Film Review: How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)
On the surface, the classic 1953 Hollywood comedy How To Marry A Millionaire directed by Jean Negulesco, is the usual sexist nonsense, very much of its time, focusing as the title suggests on three models each of whose sole purpose in life is to be an attractive gold digger, dedicating all their time to seekingContinue reading “Vintage Film Review: How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)”
The Tony Ferrino Musical: Silence Of The Lambs
Steve Coogan’s lesser-known character Tony Ferrino has been on my radar a lot lately, because of the Eurovision (Bulgaria won, incidentally.) Who could resist this stylish, moustachioed lothario; part Julio Iglesias, part Tom Jones, but all love stallion? This swingin’ number about a certain serial killer is possibly even better than Spinal Tap’s spirited paeanContinue reading “The Tony Ferrino Musical: Silence Of The Lambs”
Overlooked Classic: Fantomas- The Director’s Cut
Imagine your favourite film scores, chopped up and put into a blender. That’s basically the ethos of the brilliant second Fantomas album The Director’s Cut from 2001. It’s a millennium mashup like no other. Essentially a bonkers supergroup, comprising Faith No More’s Mike Patton, Buzz Osbourne from The Melvins, Slayer’s Dave Lombardo and Trevor DunnContinue reading “Overlooked Classic: Fantomas- The Director’s Cut”
Lost In Music : The Electric Knickers- You’ve Got Electric Knickers
*Mid-Atlantic Tony Blackburn twang* Coming in at number 1 with a bullet on the Hit Parade, it’s a glam rocker from those fabulous new kids, The Electric Knickers. It’s groovy, pop pickers. And doesn’t one of them remind you of a certain Quentin Smirhes? Lock up your daughters, your aunties, and various kitchen utensils, andContinue reading “Lost In Music : The Electric Knickers- You’ve Got Electric Knickers”
Goths v. Thomas The Tank Engine
An evergreen clip of some cyber goths rocking out to the ‘Thomas The Tank Engine ‘ theme tune is all I need today. They put the Choo Choo in tune. May your weekend be as frenetic and fun as this… Come on baby, do the gothomotion.
Book Review : Bob Mortimer – The Satsuma Complex
It’s undeniable that Bob Mortimer is approaching national treasure status in the UK. The Middlesbrough lad with two law degrees made his name as part of the absurdist double act Reeves and Mortimer alongside Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves. More recently , he’s found a more conventional fan base thanks to the panel show ‘WouldContinue reading “Book Review : Bob Mortimer – The Satsuma Complex”
“It’s Alright”… A public announcement from ‘The Day Today ‘
Who, prithee, can we count on in times like these? Who’ll be there in our hour of need, when all seems lost? Russell Brand is struggling to find appropriate pages of comforting verse in his bible; Trump is struggling in general, and the world remains as divided- and divisive – as ever. Let us turnContinue reading ““It’s Alright”… A public announcement from ‘The Day Today ‘”
Liberace Was “Feelin’ Groovy”
Flamboyant pianist Liberace was the epitome of Las Vegas: camp, flamboyant and always the most fabulous in the room. He was never subtle, or understated. But this clip is completely next level. Sometimes, mainstream culture, in a completely misguided way, attempts to capture the youth oriented zeitgeist, and in the mid -sixties, that’s exactly whatContinue reading “Liberace Was “Feelin’ Groovy””
Hit The North 