Narcissistic people are under the spotlight, now more than ever, it seems. Dr Ramani Durvasala, an expert on the topic, has described it as “the second -hand smoke of mental health”, suggesting that even being within the general proximity of toxic people is bad for us. So why do we enjoy watching narcissistic people andContinue reading “Why Do We Enjoy Watching Narcissists?”
Category Archives: Lorna Irvine
Podcast Review: Young Again
It’s lovely to have Kirsty Young back on the radio again, after her recent battle with illnesses. She’s a wonderful interviewer, letting her guests speak, asking intelligent questions, and very witty. She also has a warm, honey tone to her voice. Her Radio 4 podcast Young Again, is fascinating, but of course, as with DesertContinue reading “Podcast Review: Young Again”
Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
This one divided critics and audiences alike. The fourth album from Goldfrapp is a perfect spring album, all twittering birds, green fields and sunlit idyll. It’s a deliberate left turn from their previous foray into the sexually-charged glam of Black Cherry and Supernature. The folktronica direction evokes Nick Drake playing guitar under an oak tree,Continue reading “Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree”
Film Review: I Am A Witch
On paper, this documentary from director Andrew Castruita is really exciting: a film which looks at modern day witchcraft and its practioners, aiming to get rid of preconceptions. But through failing to put it into a broader historical and cultural context, it is both maddeningly inconsequential and lacking in real insight. There are a fewContinue reading “Film Review: I Am A Witch”
Dance Review: Eidos/Rules To Live By
This wonderful double bill by dance artist Suzi Cunningham couldn’t be more perfect for this blog. Eidos was created by Cunningham in tribute to both the late,great Mark E Smith of The Fall, and Cunningham ‘s own grandmother, who like Cunningham herself exuded glamour and independence. Cunningham is like a shapeshifting sorceress. She is, variously,Continue reading “Dance Review: Eidos/Rules To Live By”
Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls
The blurb: THESE IMMORTAL SOULS ANNOUNCE LONG AWAITED REMASTERED REISSUES OF THEIR TWO STUDIO ALBUMS PLUS A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF NEWLY DISCOVERED LIVE RECORDINGS & RARITIES GET LOST (DON’T LIE!), I’M NEVER GONNA DIE AGAIN & EXTRA – OUT 12 APRIL 2024 ON MUTE LISTEN TO AN UNRELEASED COVER OF ALICE COOPER’S ‘LUNEY TUNE’ A long-awaited remastered reissue of These ImmortalContinue reading “Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls”
Dear Billy Is Back!
Gary McNair returns with his big hearted show celebrating the inimitable Billy Connolly, Dear Billy: A Love Letter to The Big Yin. Following on from its successful run last year, the show, which is a patchwork of stories McNair has collected from people all over Scotland, is back for another tour, including the Edinburgh Festival.Continue reading “Dear Billy Is Back!”
From The Skinny Archive: My Shrinking Life
My Shrinking Life @ Tron | Theatre Review | The Skinny ★★★★ Review by Lorna Irvine | 14 Nov 2012 Twelve years ago, celebrated Scottish actor Alison Peebles was diagnosed with the degenerative condition multiple sclerosis. This unsparing show for the National Theatre of Scotland deals through semi-autobiographical monologue, dance and physical theatre with Alison’s experiencesContinue reading “From The Skinny Archive: My Shrinking Life”
Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy
These days, bands can ride a tidal wave of hype, long before even their debut album hits Spotify. Taste makers are always clamouring for the next big thing. So it is with The Last Dinner Party. They’ve been everywhere over the last year. Unfortunately, they don’t feel like worthy recipients of such praise. This debutContinue reading “Album Review: The Last Dinner Party – Prelude To Ecstasy”
Album Review: Nadine Shah- Filthy Underneath
I wouldn’t mess with Nadine Shah. There’s a toughness to the Geordie singer songwriter, and a raw honesty in everything she does. She’s am outspoken advocate for feminism, fiercely anti-racist, and has spoken out for mental health awareness and artists receiving fair pay. So it’s hardly surprising that this, her fifth studio album, is anContinue reading “Album Review: Nadine Shah- Filthy Underneath”
Hit The North 