An English Technicolour

Sonic Rising - Live at The Dublin Castle (gig review)

2012-02-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

Oxford based Sonic Rising played at The Dublin Castle to a busy Friday night crowd. Many were there to support the band who were performing live for only the second time. It was loud, it was guitar driven and audience members grooved to a mid-paced zombie march. Beneath the blurry sound of amped up guitars, vintage organ and a thumping rhythm section could be heard a vocal swamping its way around a melody.

On stage, it was a solid performance. Every instrument was played to good sonic effect and there was a reasonable balance between parts. Although the band lacked confidence together, there were signs of better things to come. It was a good second gig.

Sonic Rising create a colossal sound of whale like proportions. If they build on their live performance skills and focus on enjoying themselves they will improve. It will be interesting to follow the band's development over time.

http://www.facebook.com/sonicrising

Sean Taylor: Love Against Death (album review)

2012-02-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

Sean Taylor's fifth album – twelve tracks of aptly balanced groovy blues and acoustic folk - has been produced to a very high standard. In the arrangements we hear rhythmic electric blues shuffles with interlocked drums and bass, alternatively tuned acoustic guitar, and supplementary textures from the organ and the violin. At the centre of the sound is always the Kilburn based artist's seasoned skills as a guitar player, his tastefully executed vocal and his cultivated respect for those who have had an influence on his art.

Lyrically, the work pays homage to the Beat Generation Poets of the 1950's and the Romantic Poets of the late 18^th Century. Set against the backdrop of the Occupy London protest and the London riots, Love Against Death is furthermore an attack on the systems and interventions of Western Democracy. These two sides of Taylor's writing are complemented by his choice of cover songs; an Irish song about a love affair and an American song about a coal miner.

I highly recommend this recording to anyone with an interest in guitar playing, politically and romantically engaged poetry and expertly produced musical arrangements. It is a serious statement of intent with a cold exterior and a warm heart. If it were in a pub it would be sitting at the bar soberly drunk on brandy. It would on no account be seen sipping a cocktail in an expensive hotel.

http://www.seantaylorsongs.com/

Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2011

2012-01-19T07:15:00.001-08:00

Another free exhibition is currently showing at The National Theatre. On display are many exceptional photographs that celebrate the beauty of the British Countryside. Alongside each picture are plaques, these include information on where the photo was taken and a short story written by the photographer. The Landscape Photographer of the Year 2011 Exhibition has now been extended until February the 19th.

National Theatre Website

FRONTLINE: A Year of Jounalism and Conflict

2012-01-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

Currently showing at Somerset House, Embankment Gallery; FRONTLINE is an interactive exhibition that uses Sky News photage and ipad technology to talk about three major news stories of 2011 involving conflict: the protests in Syria, the overthrowing of government in Lybia and the riots in London. Highlights include a thought provoking, eight minute piece focussing on the graphic images of Colonal Gaddafi's death. The story is innovatively presented using several variously sized television screens displayed in a darkened room, a stimulating method that had visitors captivated. With free entry, an option to access extra material via smart phone and the creative use of ipads; both Somerset House and Sky News have built a very modern, enjoyable gallery experience.

Duke Nukem - Classic Game Review Android Phone Conversion

2011-11-29T09:38:00.001-08:00

Duke Nukem 3D is a classic first person shooter which improved upon its predecessors Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. It was original created in 1996 by a games company 3D Realms and has remained a classic ever since. Fans of the old game will be flocking to download the Android conversion but first let us reminisce about the original Dukem Nukem 3D (I can feel the nostalgia seeping from my grey cells).

For its time, the game's lighting was graphically advanced. There were cool features such as the ability to turn on light switches which enhanced realism. We could blast a hole in the wall using a RPG, look up to shoot a baddie coming in from the sky and even activate a jet pack to gain access to secret places.

Then there was the character Duke Nukem's wry sense of humour giving the game a unique feel. Every time gamers used the toilet (that must have been a gaming first), gave money to a scantily dressed dancing girl or shot a 'Pig Cop' we would be rewarded by one Duke's well timed quips. Indeed, fans of the game have incorporated phrases such as "Much better!" (as a way of expressing joy after relieving one's self) into the English idiom.

The environment created is one of violence, chauvinism and general malevolence toward anything that moves. Duke Nukem is a two dimensional character trapped inside a three dimensional world. A one man killing machine on a mission to save the world, a chain gun totting invincible thug with enough ammo to "Rip em' a new one!" He is fun, dangerous and offers gamers great escapism. Duke's extreme appetite for bloodiness and sexually wrong attitude to woman is tasteless but somehow darkly appealing because it is presented to us in the context of a cartoon world. The fantasy world of computer gaming.

To review the Android version I used a Samsung Galaxy S2. The smartphone coped exceptionally well graphically, far improving on my original experiences of playing the game on a 1990s Pentium powered PC. I found the touch screen control method to be intuitive (once I had mastered the technique of using both the index finger of the left hand and the middle finger of the right hand) and the action of pressing the screen to shoot was enjoyable.

To conclude, I am grateful for this latest addition to my app collection which represented exceptional value at only 65p. Fans of the old game will simply love brandishing a shotgun down memory lane, saving the world once again. For those not predisposed to classic first person shooter, Duke Nukem for Android is an excellent place to begin the adventure.

Take a look at "Duke Nukem 3D"

Midnight In Paris: Film Review

2011-11-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

It was a quiet Sunday showing at the end of the film's run, chocolate raisins and good company. Before I saw this film, I had a vague idea of what someone means when they say they have seen a Woody Allen film and have often used the phrase 'doing a Woody Allen' to describe a nervous twitter I sometimes sprout during awkward social occasions. However, before coming out of the cinema into a neon lit Camden street, I never knew how brilliant this guys writing truly is.

The first character you will encounter is beautiful, sublime, modern Paris in technicolor glory carefully montaged with delicate photographic verve. Next you will laugh along as strong dialogue based scenes are performed with perfect timing combined with well paced interruptions. Each member of the cast has been perfectly placed, especially Michael Sheen who's character Paul you simply love to hate and comedy specialist Owen Wilson who plays the lovable lead role of Gil. The supporting cast including Carla Bruni are equally strong which gives the film masses of depth.

If you have read my reviews of Inception and Avatar, you will have guessed that I like a bit of a non present day vibe in my highly rated, must see cinema going experiences. If you have ever happened to read my review of Bright Star, you will gather that I also like a small pinch of literature in my film soup. Okay, so we're not blasting off to space to travel to a multivariate, transcendental blue world or having deeply emotional inner battles of the artistic kind. What the film manages to do is use its fantastical elements and literary references for kicks, for lightness, for entertainment. And you know what, this sort of thing can make you feel good.

Why are all the performance top notch? Why is all of the photography spot on? Why is the plot delicately echoed with musical precision? It's the Woody effect, it must be - time to go on Amazon and by an entire box set to keep me occupied during the wee small hours. I love this film, it's my personal favourite of 2011 so far. Excellent!

Inception : Film Review

2010-07-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Essentially there is good reason to compare this film with The Matrix (1999). Inception is another philosophical, psychological exploration of the subconscious mind. A film that is able to explore deep questions about the nature of reality utilising the creative freedom of the science-fiction genre. It is slickly put together and uses innovative special effects.

Cobb (the film's central character) is expertly played by Leonardo DiCaprio who has proven throughout his career that he is worth the ticket price (even Titanic was okay). DiCaprio manages to balance seamlessly intense facial expressions with fast paced action. Frighteningly emotional scenes - for example when Cobb must confront his estranged wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) - are nicely balanced alongside the beautifully multi-layered, action-packed, spy-movie-esque shoot outs and gravity defying puzzle solving.

The audience are barely given room to breathe as the action zooms easily from snow and river to hotel room and warehouse. What we are presented with is a dream world where time is less linear than it is in the real world. A subconsciously constructed version of reality where memory, emotion and desire create an unpredictable world. This is the world that we the audience has to navigate, Cobb's eyes are our guide. All of this is superbly constructed by director Christopher Nolan.

If you enjoy action, sci-fi or adventure - go see this film. If you enjoy slick modern directing - go see this film. If you enjoy philosophising about the nature of reality - go see this film. And do not wait for the DVD, these scenes must been scene on a big screen. Go and see this film.

Reflections (i)

2010-05-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Before I begin let me stress that being involved in music education is a fascinating, rewarding, enjoyable job. Yet, I have two passions which are in conflict: teaching and performing music. On the one hand I run a successful teaching business, on the other I manage an unsuccessful career as a musician.

What I enjoy about being a guitar teacher is seeing the results of my work directly and being rewarded both spiritually and financially for my work. This is in contrast to my career as a performing musician where the rewards are less clearly defined. If music is a party, it is a party with too many guests and not enough cake.

'I played the Camden Crawl, I got a free t-shirt.'

So what can we do as musicians to make the experience of playing live an enjoyable, rewarding experience. First of all, we need to stop resenting success. Being envious of others achievements will only make us unattractive. Secondly, we need to stop seeing it as a competitive fight. Thirdly, we need to create good listening environments where our music will be allowed to shine.

The tendency amongst us to complain about bad sound, blame the promoter, bitch about about other artists needs to go. Complaining, blaming and bitching will create a negative atmosphere. It's time to be optimistic again, let's create a positive room.

There is a potential underground network of music lovers. I used to run an acoustic night called Folkatron. Musicians would sing magical, lovely songs to a magical, lovely audience. People would club together in support of artists and even pay to get in the door.

I remember some of the great, truly independent acts we had down. Innovative guitar players, highly creative songwriters who were self-producing albums with integral artistic merit. Lone warriors attempting to balance an unrewarding career with social responsibility. The decadence swept across the room.

'It was a good party without enough cake to go round. So we got drunk instead.'

And how do I feel today about performing? Well I'm beginning to come round, to feel positive again, to think that live music is something I want to be a part of. I've learned to let success go, I've decided to bake my own cake, I've stopped getting drunk. I feel good again, I feel like singing.

Iron Man 2: Film Review

2010-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous Kick Ass: Film Review the enormous advance in computer generated imagery has led to an increased accumulation of super hero recreations. Producers have seized the opportunity to animate comic books and therefore tap into an established fan-base. Iron Man 2 in the latest in a long line of films that say more about marketing than they do about film.

From the AC / DC soundtrack (classic tracks presented in surround sound) to the full spectrum of Iron Man toys, t-shirts and mugs - this film is a well deployed money making machine. There are some impressively shot action scenes, some okay two-dimensional acting and some average jokes. It is like this film has been created by a focus group, it is designed not to offend - anyone.

Before entering screen 1 at the Camden Town Odeon I purchase a small soft drink from a member of the cinema's friendly staff. After leaving the theatre I couldn't stop thinking that Iron Man 2 is like a sweet, fizzy 7up - it is refreshing but only in a sickly, inoffensive, predictable way.

Kick Ass: Film Review

2010-04-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

If you're after a light-hearted, good humoured, fun cinema outing this is the film for you. Kick Ass is an intelligently written, superbly cast, action-packed adventure with an excellent soundtrack to boot! One to see with friends.

In recent years there have been many comic book conversion super-hero films. Spiderman 4, X-Men 4, The Fantastic 4 - the list is overwhelming in size. Smooth transitions from illustration to film have been helped by Twenty-First Century special effects and computer generated imagery. Kick Ass pokes fun at the films / graphic novels that inspired it.

Throughout the film the screenplay references other texts. For example, Batman is humorously referred to as a super-hero who has no powers; John Wu films are a simile for how the bad-guys are beaten up. These post-post modern ironic comparisons are reinforced by the Batman style costume of Big Daddy and the John Wu style cinematography during the warehouse fight scene. The constant use of irony creates a multi-faceted relationship between the film and the audience. This is why the film is funny.

Another feature that sticks out is the use of believable violence to create bathos. At one point a case of mistaken identity leads to a children's entertainer getting his head violently kicked in. Mark Strong is amusingly cast as an evil crime lord because he knows how to look serious whilst funny things are happening to his character. Nicolas Cage is also great, his comic timing is spot on. Another thing that is well timed is the film's slickly modern soundtrack.

If it is sincere human emotion you are after - do not see this film. However, if you're looking for something entertaining with lots of laughs then I highly recommend this one. Go see it in the cinema with friends; it will be much worse at home on DVD.

Google Earth

2010-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

This evening I've flown from Primrose Hill to the Apollo 14 landing site, found a picture of a shoe shop in Sydney and seen the location of my mum's primary school from space. Google Earth is free to download from http://earth.google.co.uk/, easy to use and full of fun for all the family - enjoy!

A couple of interesting sites...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Earth

http://www.gearthblog.com/

Clash of the Titans (2010): Film Review

2010-04-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

I'm picturing myself listening to Taylor Swift in preparation for a guitar lesson. I think to myself that's a nice melody, that's a nice accompanying banjo, that chorus has a nice chord change. Watching the remake of Clash of the Tiatns is a bit like listening to Taylor Swift. Average popular culture.

This is such a shame as the original Clash of the Titans (1981) was a charming, superbly edited version of a classic morality tale. It was given added charm by its use of super imposed model work. It included a superb, deeply integrated screenplay that explored beneath the surface of Greek mythology. It was an example of great, powerfully visual storytelling backed up by well delivered aural storytelling. My advice to any one who is considering going to see the remake is to buy the original film on DVD instead.

Perhaps it is the woolen acting of Sam Worthington that demotes the remake. He seems to be awkwardly cast as demi-god somehow lacking the gravitas required by the role. Or could it be the expensive yet never quite engrossing use of computer generated images where it is found lacking. No it can't be that! - just look at that badly animated Medusa [above 3:26]. No I think the film suffers by being too short; the result is that the story looses its epic qualities.

Imagine The Lord of the Rings being told in one easily digestible, whole saleable, easily marketable one-hour-thirty-six minute bite sized movie; if Peter Jackson had either chosen or been pressurised into squeezing the very juice out the trilogy. What you would end up with would in many ways resemble this nice, easy to watch, average film.

However, Liam Neeson does play a brilliant, almost sympathetic Zeus. It must not have been easy to live up to a role that was originally played by Laurence Olivier but Neeson manages an exceptional job. Behind the film lies an age old dramatic, morality play that is as relevant today as it was in Ancient Greece. It is man that incurs the wrath of Hades who feeds on man's sins, man's fear. Zeus has created man with free will, man's choices are what lead to his downfall.

This is a good family film to view with a child. It will broadly introduce them to Greek mythology, provide some light entertainment and include some well choreographed sword fighting. However, it does not have the depth of the original 1981 version. I am sure this film will appear one day on the Christmas TV schedule. That would be nice.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Film Review

2010-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

A Sophisticated, totally absorbing film with a deeply engrossing storyline, strong characters to empathise with and a fantastically understated score. Three hour long Swedish films do not get better than this - outstanding.

This film most deservedly earns its 18 certificate. No punches are pulled when it comes to graphic violence, explicitly sexual scenes or psychologically disturbing dialogue. However, these scenes are directed in such a way that they never become distasteful and only add to the humanity of the character's actions.

Mikael Blomkvist is the hero of the piece expertly played by Michael Nyqvist. He is a well-known journalist with a reputation for being able to find the answers to difficult questions. Having recently been framed by a company he is investigating Blomkvist is hired by Henrik Vanger (Sven-Bertl Taube) to investigate the disappearance of his favourite niece forty years ago. As the investigation develops Blomkvist enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander the moody heroine edgily played by Noomi Rapace.

The film justifies its lengthy running time. It is succinctly edited, tastefully shot and the orchestral score adds colour. Time is wisely taken to develop Blomkvist and salander as strong, believable characters. Fans of the Swedish crime drama Wallander will be used to seeing the Swedish countryside being used to add atmosphere. Another Wallander comparison can be drawn by studying the slight melancholic disposition of Blomkvist.

Where The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo scores points over any television crime series is with its knife-edged portrayal of urban life, disturbing depiction of sexual abuse and sheer attention to detail. The city is portrayed as a dark, cold, crime ridden place. Most of the men depicted are creatures driven by horrific sexual deviance. When confronted by psychologically unsettling scenes the camera (and therefore the audience) is allowed to be the voyeur floating above the action. This is one intelligent use of a cinematic device.

To conclude, this film is elevated beyond very good to outstanding because of its watertight plot, excellent performances, accomplished, no-nonsense screen-writing and smooth application of cinematography. Rarely has a film made such an impression on me in its first viewing. Definitely one that will warrant repeat viewing.

2010-04-01T03:09:00.000-07:00

Miroslaw Balka's box of darkness is a fascinating experience, a conjurer's box of tricks. Because of its immense space Tate Modern has always been able to display innovative art on a grand scale. If you are visiting make sure not to look back as you step into the dark world of the unknown. The box is disturbing and magical in equal measures: open until April the 5th.

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/

2010-04-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

Located by the banks of the Thames, Somerset House is currently holding an exhibition called A Positive View. Compiled within the beautiful neo-classical building are one hundred photographs including a portrait of Prince William taken by a member of the public - the first of its kind to be commissioned. The photographs will soon be auctioned at Christies in support of the charity Crisis; the varied exhibition closes on April 5th.

http://www.apositiveview.com/

2010-03-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

I recently enjoyed the Christian Kobke (1810-1848) exhibition at The National Gallery. I particularly enjoyed the rough sea paintings he did around 1838 although his portrait work is also very evocative. It will be up until the end of June and is well worth checking out if you get the chance.

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/

2010-03-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

"Life is what happens whilst you are busy making other plans." (John Lennon)

Today I had the day off work so I thought I would book an appointment with the opticians for a check-up. The original plan led to a chance meeting on Camden High Street, a cup of tea and a conversation about life with an old school friend. We talked about our hopes, aspirations, desires and achievements. We also talked about what is the best kind of breakfast cereal.

Perhaps this is what life is: a cup of tea with a good friend.

http://www.dansandman.co.uk/

Medieval II: Total War - Game Review

2010-03-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

So here I am rewriting history, going on a crusade, trying to be diplomatic with the Danes (why do they insist on blockading my ports!) and generally having a great time after a days work. Which reminds me I need to go to bed, then a voice inside my head says - "go one more battle".

Suddenly I think to myself "this is what it must be like being prime minster". Until tomorrow I have to control the urge to move more troops from London to York, the compulsion to conquer the French. It's difficult living the life of a medieval king but also very fun.

Ten years ago I played Shogun: Total War when it was released at the start of the millennium. Those epic battle scenes (that just about ran on the latest system) were a joy to command. However, having simultaneously been a Civilisation II fan I always felt the turn based element of the game did not match the incredibly engrossing field commanding. This is one element that has clearly been noted and very pleasurably been improved upon. Fantastic.

This game only cost me £4.95 + p&p and has already given me far more pleasure then an equivalently priced DVD, item of clothing or album of music. Playing a good computer game is like reading a good book: you just can't put it down.

An English Summer - Album Review

2010-03-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

DAN SANDMAN

AN ENGLISH SUMMER

"An English Summer is like a Sugar Puff sandwich. All the ingredients are wrong: the twee titles, the subject matter and the naïve vocal; but when you take your first bite, it all comes together blissfully well. Cheerful in the extreme, I couldn’t help really enjoying the rough edges. Sandman puts together skilled, chirpy accompaniments to his tracks, which are the best kind of observational something-about-nothing songs that have a wonderfully nostalgic, 1970, Dad’s-LP-collection feel, which he quite rightly shows off in the instrumental ‘Dad’. I look forward to my grandchildren discovering this in my collection in years to come and realising it wasn’t all about multimillionaire record producers and vocoders. Adorable."

Kate Lewis, Acoustic Magazine, Issue 40, April 2010, pg. 105

Avavtar 3D - Film Review

2010-01-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

The first thing I wonder is how I am going to fit the 3D glasses over my real glasses. As I open the cellophane wrap I realise that they are similar to the ones Mc Donald's used to give out with happy meals. Great so now I'm ready for the 3D trailers.

I have never enjoyed adverts this much in ages. This is the future, everything is coming out at me - cool. The joy of discovery is always a wonder. As I sit back I am reminded of computer games: the graphics are better than they used to be.

But that's enough about the wonder of 3D I have a film to review.

The first thing I must say is James Cameron is one of the best. Aliens, Terminator 2, even Tiatanic is quite good. He has always been at the cutting edge of technology and continues to be so. Avatar is as good a film as I have seen and with the £11.95 price tag it better had be.

Fans of Aliens will be familiar with the stasis pods we see at the start of the film. Also from the classic 1986 film is the idea of a vehicle that mimics the movements of its controller. In fact, all of the futuristic, deadly army vehicles are reminiscent. To cap off the Aliens comparisons we also get a brilliant performance from Sigourney Weaver.

Avatar is at heart a well told fable concerning two diametric oppositions - good and evil. If we compare the film to Star Wars - the light-side and the dark-side. The light-side harnesses the force of nature; the dark-side the force of industrialisation. This also taps into the Tolkien tradition. As an experienced sci-fi / fantasy nerd I am in comfortable territory.

This film has a political angle which can not be ignored. The corporate company (as characterised by Geovanni Ribisi's character Parker Selfridge) are after a precious substance that can only be reached by destroying a culture. Our hero Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) must learn about the strange culture so he can act as a diplomat. Much of the baddies dialogue 'Jarhead', ect. is taken directly from the modern day American military. When Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) stops Mr. Selfridge's golf ball from entering a previously targeted hole it is reminiscent of a David Brent moment (the perils of modern middle-man management).

As is usual with a good film, the hero must go through a character change in order to establish an emotional hiatus. What I like about the change Jake Sully is taken through is the pace is believable. He has three months to change the world and instead changes himself in the process. The great thing about the limitless imaginary world of sci-fi (and CGI) is that this change can be portrayed not only emotionally by the actors but physically by the CGI team.

Later in the film when the action kicks off I am reminded of Cameron's skill as a director. When the action scenes take place everything is well timed and balanced to give the audience just the right dose of excitement and the 3D makes it even more fun. But it's a brilliant piece of old-school action directing that sticks in my mind. There is a character (sorry I forget the name) and at one point she runs down the corridor just like Vasquez from Aliens. Classic James Cameron.

I'm giving this film five stars because it delivers on all fronts. There's great romance, great adventure, great action and lots n, lots of sci-fi-jiggery fun. If you have family who are above 12 take them, if they're not above 12 sneak them in. Or go see this film by yourself (I did) - it's so good that someone to my right almost burst out in applause.

No one joined in: we were being far too British.

Bright star!

2009-11-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Bright Star is the title of a recent film directed by Jane Campion and starring Abbie Cornish & Ben Whishaw. The film's title was inspired by one of John Keats unpublished poems Bright Star! would I were as steadfast as thou art' which begins with a direct address to a personified star. Rather than review the film I thought I'd talk a little about the poem.

The poem consists of fourteen lines that follow the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG - the literary word for such a pattern is a sonnet. The argument can be devided up into three sections. Following the opening exclamatory line (a typical device found in romantic poetry) the first two stanzas deal with the changeable. Landscape imagery such as "the moving waters" and "the new soft-falen mask / of snow" powerfully play against the poem's opening line. The tide rolls in, the snow will melt but the bright star remains steadfast.

Suddenly two hyphons and one word "-No-" catapult us into Stanza 3. We are taken from the moving, changeable forces of nature to the "still steadfast, still unchangeable" forces of love. The second use of steadfast combined with the repeted word "still" links the reader directly back to the poems opening line. Repetition is something that is again used in lines eleven and twelve.

"To feel for ever its soft swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,"

And then more in the final couplet.

"Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever - or else swoon to death."

More than a simple love poem it carefully orchestrates a visage into the romantic poetic moment. Surprisingly this wonderfully evocative sonnet was not published by Keats. Here are some links for you enjoy: I hope the poem gives as much pleasure to you as it has to me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bright_star,_would_I_were_steadfast_as_thou_art

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SiMN21bPRE

Friendship - The Interesting Things with Interesting People Approach

2009-10-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

When you're single and in your twenties what usually happens on a Friday or Saturday night is someone asks you whether you fancy going to the pub. What then follows is heavy alcohol consumption as you empty your wallet behind the bar. Then when it's Sunday and you've got nothing to do, you end up in the cinema alone...

...So here's what I did...

I drew a diagram in my notebook with specific things that I have enjoyed (Dream Theater Concert / The Darwin Centre / Liverpool v Manchester United / Book Shopping / Chess / Coffee &ct) and the people who I have good relationships with (Dad / Jo / Don / Kevin / Mart &ct).

Next I started linking the interesting things with the interesting people. Don would not enjoy a Dream Theater concert but Jo wouldn't. Mart wouldn't want to play chess but Don is a Chessmaster. Incidentally I noted one clear stereotype emerging - football is one of the few things that most blokes enjoy.

The following step was to make plans with the interesting person around their careers, partners (if they had one) and family commitments. This was easier than I thought because I had chosen specifically targeted things of interest.

To conclude, I found the interesting things with interesting people approach to friendship very rewarding. It now seems plainly obvious to me that there's more to life than post 8pm Saturday pub & club outings. I always knew this anyway but somewhere along the line had forgotten.

http://www.dansandman.co.uk/

Steve Ferbrache - by Dan Sandman

2009-10-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

When I talk about the songs of Steve Ferbrache (pronounced – Fair-Brash) I find it hard not to talk about my love of the man himself because his songs are his reflection. He is a man of great dignity, integrity & honesty - he is (to cut a long story short) a decent bloke with a bloody good singing voice.

Seeing Steve play live will make you feel like a more rounded human being; his voice speaks for a generation of twenty-somethings lost between their education and married life. He used to sing in a band called More Story Fours who could have you dancing all night in a tent. Since the band split his songwriting has gone from strength to strength becoming something that anyone with an acoustic guitar would wish to emulate.

Last summer I was invited to a studio in West London for a recording session. There was tea, biscuits, Guinness and a room full of people brought together by one man’s songs. He then commenced to record his entire EP live in front of us nailing every single track in the first take. If you listen to the results up on Myspace you can literally hear us all interacting with the singer after a song.

He wanted to record the EP live because that’s where he feels he gets the most out of the songs. Even when he played live with his former band there was always a sense of togetherness in the room. With Steve Ferbrache there is no barrier between the performer and the audience.

http://www.myspace.com/steveferbrache09

Inglorious Basterds

2009-08-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

2pm Swiss Cottage in a cinema full of empty chairs – my friend & I take the best seats in the house (just in front of the expensive ones). For the next 153 minutes I am going to sit in a dark room engrossed by the light from a big screen and surrounded by sound.

One thing my brother taught me in life is to never watch adverts for films that you are going to see. This was very good advice as I discovered watching the trailer post-film. This is not a film solely about Brad Pitt and pals going on an action-based adventure killing Nazis. As he does so consistantly well, Quentin Tarantino constantly plays with audience’s expectations through intelligent pacing and cinematic devices.

The film’s use of subtitles is one such device employed by the director. In one scene the yellow writing at the bottom helps the audience to empathise with a French character sitting around a table full of Germans. The subtitles also become crucial in creating tension between an English spy and an SS soldier.

Careful choices both in casting and in scene location play an important role in the movie. Casting relatively unknown actors to play Hitler & Churchill helps to establish an irony that might otherwise have been overlooked. Important historical figures such as Paul Joseph Goebbals are as familiar to us as movie stars. Our pre-determined character expectations already posses the symbolic characteristics needed to mock them in comic-book fashion.

There are two incidents in the film where the scene location directly informs the dialogue. The first happens at the beginning of the film where ‘The Jew Hunter’ is interviewing a farmer who is suspected of hiding a Jewish family. The word “rats” is used to great affect as the camera pans down beneath the floorboards to where the family is hiding.

Later, the ‘Inglorious Basterds’ have a humorous discussion about a basement being a bad place to meet a spy. The following scene is reminiscent of a scene in Where Eagles Dare where a British and American spy meet with a female German spy. However, Tarantino as usual heavily increases the measures of violence and humour required for maximum impact. Indeed, throughout the film the audience’s expectations of what a war-film should be like are toyed with.

Overall, this is a magnificent triumph of a film and one that will have film-critics and fans tearing it apart for years to come. Oh and I forgot to mention the amazing soundtrack...oh I could go on all day!

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Wuthering Heights

2009-08-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

At some point music became my job, it wasn't always this way.

Primrose Hill - august sun over my copy of Wuthering Heights. Three girls are speaking, one more thoughtfully than the others. Heathcliff is talking about digging up his Cathy from her grave. An organised lady wants to borrow a pen for the Sudoku; I hand her my nice pen. Everything is fantastic at the moment as she speaks in Janet Street-Porter tinge.

"What are you reading?"
"Wuthering Heights."
"Fantastic! That's my favorite book!"

What a coincidence! Out of all of the books in the entire universe I happen to be reading her favorite book of all time. Well after some consideration I offer her a second pen, my least favorite.

"Here, you can have this one."
"Are you sure?"

She is surprised, I nod and go back to Heathcliff & Nelly.