Film Review: The Public Image Is Rotten (2017)

Director Tarrbert Fiiller’s documentary on Public Image Ltd. is downbeat, insightful and strangely touching, poking at the open wounds involved when working alongside the inimitable John Lydon. With rare access to interviews with the imp himself, plus ex-band members like Keith Levene, Allan Dias and Martin Atkins, it’s more intimate and candid than your average,Continue reading “Film Review: The Public Image Is Rotten (2017)”

Album Review: SPELLING- Portrait Of My Heart

How you perceive this album will very much depend on your liking for eighties nostalgia. Still only in her thirties, Californian artist Chrystia ‘Tia’ Cabral mines the era, despite not having grown up then. Cabral has an incredible, beautifully soulful voice,and the production quality is undoubtedly high. However, tracks like ‘Alibi’ feel like the worstContinue reading “Album Review: SPELLING- Portrait Of My Heart”

Blossom, Dearie

Blossom bursting into life always symbolises hope for me. It’s nature awakening after her winter slumber. Right now, it’s blossom season in Japan, but since I can’t afford the plane ticket, I’ll simply make the most of this Scottish display. Look at that light. It’s perfect. The sky is paintbox blue today. It rained almostContinue reading “Blossom, Dearie”

Goodbye Glesga… For a bit.

Glasgow is a glorious city, full of contrasts: it’s the “Dear Green Place”; yet struggles with violence and gangland beefs. It’s modern, yet can be reactionary as hell. People can be wonderful, and I lived there over two decades. The buzz, bands, dance and theatre on my doorstep and the multiculturalism were glorious. However, theContinue reading “Goodbye Glesga… For a bit.”

Three Film Satires For the Second Trump Administration

President Donald J Trump’s second swing into politics has already seen deportations, trade wars and a complete lack of remorse for a plane and helicopter crash that could have been prevented. Then there is the farcical inauguration itself, with more than a tilt towards oligarchy: tech billionaires placed front and centre, right in front ofContinue reading “Three Film Satires For the Second Trump Administration”

So Long, Marianne

Marianne Faithfull has passed away, aged 78. She had long battled various health conditions, and was a battler right up until the end. They broke the mould when they made Marianne, a member of the Austrian aristocracy whose career was as complex as she was. Few singers can boast both a career in their teensContinue reading “So Long, Marianne”

Film Review: Since Yesterday- The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands

Carla J Easton and Blair Young’s film focuses on the best girl bands from Scotland, asking why they’re lesser known than their male counterparts, and why this is still happening in today’s music industry. Easton herself, ex- Teen Canteen and now a solo artist, narrates the film. It’s a heartfelt look at more obscure artistsContinue reading “Film Review: Since Yesterday- The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands”

TV Review: The Traitors US (SERIES 3)

“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes”, purrs the ever-iconic Alan Cumming, with that famously impish smirk. Good to see that theatre training be put to good use, the Shakespeare quotes coming thick and fast as the host sashays around Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. This is where he presides,Continue reading “TV Review: The Traitors US (SERIES 3)”