A lovelorn, sad-eyed angel, Damiel, played by Bruno Ganz, longs to be mortal. Marian (Solveig Dommartin) a trapeze artist in a small circus could be the answer. Wim Wenders’ masterpiece owes a little to Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life as it’s almost an inversion of the story, but it owes more to the rebuilding ofContinue reading “The Enduring Appeal of Wings Of Desire”
Category Archives: Music
Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra
Wladziu Valentino Liberace, known as Lee to friends , was simply one name only- Liberace: the consumate showman, charming comic, and world- renowned pianist, dripping in furs and diamonds. He was also a narcissist. Steven Soderbergh directs Michael Douglas in the lead role, with Matt Damon (“MATT… DAAAMON!”) supporting as Scotty Thorson. It’s a brilliantContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra”
The Future’s Here Today: Say She She
Now this is something potentially incredible. A female -led seven piece band from Brooklyn, Say She She fuse the sass of Luscious Jackson with the rhythms of ESG and the ethereal fluttering harmonies of Cocteau Twins. Three amazing singers- Nya Gazelle Brown, Priya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham- make up said harmonies, and the restContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Say She She”
Album Review: Tess Parks- And Those Who Were Seen Dancing
This is a strange one. Tess Parks, the Canadian singer- songwriter who recently collaborated with Anton Newcombe from Brian Jonestown Massacre, is clearly steeped in retro influences, most notably the Paisley Underground and post- PU outfits like Mazzy Star, as well as the original bands who influenced them like The Seeds and West Coast PopContinue reading “Album Review: Tess Parks- And Those Who Were Seen Dancing”
Album Review: Hatchie- Giving The World Away
Harriette Pilbeam is the singer- songwriter behind Hatchie. This new release is effervescent dream pop, confident sounding, featherlight but with a little bittersweetness. ‘Lights On’ and ‘The Key’ have Cocteau Twins in the shimmering, chiming sound, while 80s and 90s jukebox favourites like Depeche Mode, New Order and St Etienne loom large, in the bigContinue reading “Album Review: Hatchie- Giving The World Away”
Just Step Sideways: My Bloody Valentine – Isn’t Anything
Isn’t Anything is a game changer. My Bloody Valentine had started out as a kind of pale Cramps type, floundering in attempts at slinky garage. It was when vocalist Dave Conway left, replaced by Bilinda Butcher, that things really started to happen. There had always been a swooning, dreamy quality to tracks like Strawberry Wine,Continue reading “Just Step Sideways: My Bloody Valentine – Isn’t Anything”
EP Review: Eydis Evensen- Frost
Inspired by the unique landscape of her homeland, Icelandic composer/ musician Eydis Evensen has created effortless beauty here with new EP Frost . Minimalist but effective, her elliptical piano playing spirals around strings, creating an eerie soundtrack to the famous mountains, geysers and hills. Tracks like the swooning Svartnaetti and Dawn Is Near have anContinue reading “EP Review: Eydis Evensen- Frost”
Album Review: Erasers- Constant Connection
There’s definitely a trend at the moment for indie bands to emulate post-punk bands. I can hear traces of The Raincoats, Wire and Fatal Microbes in current popular bands like Dry Cleaning, Yard Act and Life. So it goes with the incredibly minimalist Erasers. The duo from Perth in Australia, comprised of Rebecca Orchard andContinue reading “Album Review: Erasers- Constant Connection”
Just Step Sideways: Dee Dee Ramone’s Hip Hop Career
How many drugs are too many drugs? Well, many people may not know this, but lovable goofball Dee Dee Ramone, bass player for the legendary NY punks, had a brief side project as Dee Dee King in 1989. In a deleted scene from the Ramones biopic End Of The Century directed by Michael Gramagia andContinue reading “Just Step Sideways: Dee Dee Ramone’s Hip Hop Career”
Album Review: Horace Andy-Midnight Rocker
Adrian Sherwood is a legendary producer, and Horace Andy a legendary reggae singer, so it makes sense for them to team up again. But don’t call it a comeback, he’s never really been away. The shivery sweet vibrato is pushed to the fore here, with reworkings and new tracks alike. Opener This Must Be HellContinue reading “Album Review: Horace Andy-Midnight Rocker”
Hit The North 