The treatment of animals aside (thank goodness that’s dwindling now) I like the aesthetic, artistry and spectacle of the Victorian circus. The 19th century saw the rise of family circuses in Europe, the UK and America, with traditional acts such as horse acts, trapeze, jugglers, clowns and tumblers taking centre stage. There have been countlessContinue reading “Running Away With The Circus”
Tag Archives: Lorna Irvine
Overlooked Classics: Hole- Pretty On The Inside
You love Nevermind. I love Nevermind. We all do. But let’s not overlook Hole’s ferocious debut studio album from 1991, Pretty On The Inside. The kinder whore aesthetic, as it had been unfortunately termed, suited the sound: ripped lace, torn tights and smudged makeup. The Slits, as far as I’m concerned, invented the look. CourtneyContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Hole- Pretty On The Inside”
Bill Bailey’s Kraftwerk Tribute
Since it’s the weekend,let’s get silly. Bill Bailey is one of my favourite ever comedians, a musical legend in his own right, and his tribute to Kraftwerk, one of his favourite bands of all time, takes a well known kids’ song out of context, and into his typically absurdist territory. “That’s what it’s all about”Continue reading “Bill Bailey’s Kraftwerk Tribute”
Why Bella Baxter Is More Than “Furious Jumping”
It’s been out on general release for a couple of months now, but the controversy surrounding Yorgos Lanthimos’ adaptation of Alasdair Gray ‘s Poor Things shows little sign of abating. It seems many people have missed the point. The preoccupation with the sex (or “furious jumping” as Emma Stone’s lead character Bella Baxter calls it)Continue reading “Why Bella Baxter Is More Than “Furious Jumping””
Album Review: Gossip- Real Power
Gossip ‘s return was announced with little fanfare, as the best surprises always are. But, while they’re always great to see live, this new studio album is something of a disappointment. Rick Rubin is on board as producer, which ironically may be the problem. It often sounds too glossy, as though sonically airbrushed. The moreContinue reading “Album Review: Gossip- Real Power”
Bad Cover Versions: Sleaford Mods- West End Girls
Not so much Pet Sho Boys as Chip Shop Boys, Sleaford Mods have done the inevitable – a cover of West End Girls. I say cover, it’s like karaoke. All the beauty and subtlety of the original has been bludgeoned by the lads, with this completely one note version. There’s just a sense of “whyContinue reading “Bad Cover Versions: Sleaford Mods- West End Girls”
From The Skinny Archive… Matthew Bourne ‘s Swan Lake In 3D
★★★★★ Review by Missy Lorelei | 27 Jun 2012 This ravishing production from Sadler’s Wells in London is at once contemporary and utterly timeless. Bourne’s re-telling of the classic ballet has more than a slight Freudian overtone to the narrative; the adult Prince (touchingly portrayed by Dominic North) has mother issues; is seduced by aContinue reading “From The Skinny Archive… Matthew Bourne ‘s Swan Lake In 3D”
Album Review: Corridor -Mimi
Mimi, named after lead singer Jonathan Robert’s cat, is Corridor’s fourth album. It’s effervescent, sometimes melancholic, sometimes hopeful, but always dynamic. The Montreal band sing in French, and draw from both European and American influences. It’s apparent on tracks like ‘Mon Argent’, which fizzles with Krautrock energy, before going all glitchy and dissonant. This isContinue reading “Album Review: Corridor -Mimi”
Lost In Music: Man 2 Man/Man Parrish- Male Stripper
The mid-eighties were horrible. I was used to getting groped by boys at school, and not the nice ones. Nice boys wouldn’t have objectified me anyway. It felt like images of naked/ semi-clad women were everywhere, from Duran Duran and heavy metal videos to Page 3, to every other comedy show on TV (Benny HillContinue reading “Lost In Music: Man 2 Man/Man Parrish- Male Stripper”
This Is My Walking Stick
Smart, isn’t she? Great colours. Her name is Sabrina, The Teenage Stick, and she’s been a constant companion to me for the last couple of years as I wobble through the city. In 2019, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hip, and have been referred for a hip replacement operation. It’s been a long,Continue reading “This Is My Walking Stick”
Hit The North 