Ideal, written by Graham Duff, was an odd little sitcom. It focused on Moz, a drug dealer in Manchester, played by comedian Johnny Vegas. A lifelong Fall fan, Duff got lead vocalist and legendary curmudgeon Mark E Smith to appear in a vision as an unlikely Christ like figure, muttering expletives as only be could,Continue reading “That Time MES Played A Christlike Vision…”
Tag Archives: Lorna Irvine
Neo-Soul in 2023
Something glorious is going on in music right now. Soul and funk is back in a big way. It’s never really gone away, but the likes of Cleo Sol (main picture) Say She She, Gabriels and Black Pumas have soundtracked this year with soul and funk -infused tunes that are evocative of the greats: thinkContinue reading “Neo-Soul in 2023”
Film Review: Arena- Cindy Sherman #Untitled
Claire Beaven’s film for Arena, which focuses on one of American contemporary art’s true trailblazers, photographer and film maker Cindy Sherman, is absolutely fascinating. Because Sherman still remains camera -shy when not in one of her (in)famous disguises, there are older, rare interviews interwoven into the film, and a nice updated voiceover from Sherman (withContinue reading “Film Review: Arena- Cindy Sherman #Untitled”
Lost In Music: The Rutles
Where would we be without them, the Prefab Four? Just four cheeky lads from Rutland who changed our culture, they were ” of no fixed hairstyle”, but full of ambition and creativity., but far more importantly, “their trousers”… Funny too, how their music and image changed, following “the pleasant effects of tea”… “I’d like toContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Rutles”
Lost In Music: Screaming Lord Sutch- Jack The Ripper
Here’s a ghoulish garage rock classic to make you shake yr bones. Ivy and Lux were fans, so was Nick Cave and Jack White, and The Horrors have included it in their club nights,so you know it’s a winner. David Edward Sutch aka Screaming Lord Sutch, was doing the shock rock thing long before AliceContinue reading “Lost In Music: Screaming Lord Sutch- Jack The Ripper”
Album Review: Problem Patterns- Blouse Club
It’s nice that there are young bands who still have a lot to say. Feminist punk band Problem Patterns release their debut album Blouse Club today, and it’s politically engaged without ever losing its sense of humour or effervescent fizz. ‘Advertising Services’ takes on the ubiquity and inescapable nature of advertising and corporate sponsorship… Where’sContinue reading “Album Review: Problem Patterns- Blouse Club”
Vintage Films: Cat People
For Samhain, forget Freddy, Jason or The Human Centipede. I’m going vintage all the way. Jacques Tourneur’s 1942 classic for RKO, Cat People, is still a stylish, strange little gem. Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon) is a Serbian illustrator who believes she’s descended from panthers, as she turns into a cat when she’s sexually aroused. ThisContinue reading “Vintage Films: Cat People”
Album Review: Hilary Woods- Acts Of Light
Irish artist and composer Hilary Woods makes uncompromising, experimental music. This new album is beautiful and challenging, entrenched in past, present and future worlds. From drones to elegiac strings, field recordings and choral sections it’s restless and stately. The film accompanying ‘When The Bough Has Broken’ is comprised of old reels depicting life in DublinContinue reading “Album Review: Hilary Woods- Acts Of Light”
Album Review: Mint Field-Aprender a Ser
The new album from Mexican duo Mint Field , is evocative of 4AD big hitters like Cocteau Twins and His Name Is Alive, but with their own unique spin on the template. It’s gauzy, dreamlike and a little disconcerting, as the best Dream pop always is. Estrella del Sol’s vocals caress, while remaining unsettling. SheContinue reading “Album Review: Mint Field-Aprender a Ser”
Favourite Cover Versions: The Fall – There’s A Ghost In My My House
I was just a young ‘un when this came out, but it sealed my life-long love of The Fall. The original, by R Dean Taylor, is an undisputed Northern Soul classic, perfect for those headspinning routines in Wigan on speed at 2 am (such is my understanding of the scene). The Fall had even referencedContinue reading “Favourite Cover Versions: The Fall – There’s A Ghost In My My House”
Hit The North 