Times are hard right now. Weather’s horrible, war rages across the globe, civil rights are being eroded, climate change becomes increasingly apparent on a daily basis. Our leaders aren’t helping, putting profit before people. Democracy is important, but so too, is resistance to the forces of oppression. At times like this, it’s hard not toContinue reading “LCD Soundsystem Meets Leigh Bowery…”
Category Archives: Lorna Irvine
Lost In Music: The Cramps- Smell Of Female (Live At The Peppermint Lounge)
Feral, camp and outrageous, The Cramps‘ live album from 1983, was apparently tweaked a little (seemingly the audience screams were from a ‘bigger’ band) but still sounds fresh and vital. It’s definitely more playful than menacing. The line-up is Interior, Rorschach, Kid Congo Powers and Nick Knox. Classic line-up as far as I’m concerned. ‘YouContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Cramps- Smell Of Female (Live At The Peppermint Lounge)”
Overlooked Classics: Cat’s Eyes
Here’s something I think about a lot: female and male call and response always sounds sexy in music. Whether it’s Nancy and Lee, Marvin and Tammi, or MBV’s Kevin and Bilinda, there’s something that suggests simmering intimacy and eroticism. So it is with the debut eponymous album from 2011, Cat’s Eyes. Rachel Zeffira and FarisContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Cat’s Eyes”
Gossip Are Back!!!
The inimitable queer indie pop trio Gossip have returned after an eleven year hiatus. Their forthcoming album, Real Power, out next Spring, sees them team up again with legendary producer Rick Rubin. Lead single ‘Crazy Again ‘ is a sweet soul electro pop tune, with Beth Ditto singing in her highest, softest voice, but thereContinue reading “Gossip Are Back!!!”
The Future’s Here Today: Baby Lame
Described by her creator Chris Weller as a “punk -horror-drag superstar”, the award winning Baby Lame is one of the finest drag queens out there. Having wowed/freaked out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival last year with her Final Baby Girl show, she continues to stomp over cliches in her candy floss shock wig, beard, clownContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Baby Lame”
The Joy of Black Books
The real anti -Friends With its Tom Waits style theme tune, Surrealist lunacy and cast of three who were like a late nineties, UK based version of Jules et Jim, Black Books remains one of my favourite TV shows of all time. Written by Dylan Moran alongside Graham Linehan, it was cut from a differentContinue reading “The Joy of Black Books”
Film Review: Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’ Roll
As befits the legendary, lare pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’Roll is a wild ride.James House’s documentary for Arena is conventional in its linear structure- but Richard Penniman’s life was anything but. Born in Macon, Georgia in 1932, Penniman was moved by gospel singers he’d heard inContinue reading “Film Review: Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’ Roll”
The Future’s Here Today: Siblings
They take their influence from classic singer-songwriters like Leonard Cohen and are also inspired by folk and jazz, but I can also hear the tender side of PJ Harvey and a little shimmery shoegazing in this new EP, In Heaven, from Siblings. Based in South London, their majestic sound is underpinned by introspective lyrics andContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Siblings”
TV Review: Louis Theroux Interviews… Pete Doherty
“You’re looking at a sick man”, grins Pete Doherty, troubled co- founder of English indie band The Libertines. And it’s hard to disagree. His struggles with addiction have been legend in the UK, often overshadowing his music career. The British tabloids went wild during the band’s late nineties heyday, documenting heroin use, his relationship withContinue reading “TV Review: Louis Theroux Interviews… Pete Doherty”
Overlooked Classics: Blancanieves
This film is so masterful, and I’m concerned people have forgotten about it just over a decade later, or never seen it. Still, it endures. It’s absolutely unique and beautiful. Pablo Berger ‘s Goya winning flamenco spin on Snow White, Blancanieves, is a fairy tale like no other. It’s silent film, fable and anti-war metaphorContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Blancanieves”
Hit The North 