Reviewer Reviews...Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives-A Film Review

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

This is an masterpiece of cinema. One of the greatest foreign films of all time, up there with Herzehog's Even Dwarfs Started Small, Resnais' Hiroshima Mon Amour, and Haneke's Funny Games. A film so incredible and so mesmerising, you'll want to talk about it and discuss it over and over again. The plot? Boonmee is dying of kidney failure and goes to his isolated farm, where he thinks his past souls and lives thrives. Along with him he takes his sister-in-law Jen, and his nephew, Tong. During supper one night, things get weird. His dead wife appears as a ghost and his son, Boonsong arrives in form as a Monkey Ghost, with marvellously iconic glowing red eyes (He is already a hipster icon). As his final days drift on, we get one of his past lives as an ugly princess, who has sex with a catfish, shown to us in almost comical form. Why is this film a masterpiece, you ask? As soon as the film starts, I am completely and utterly hooked. The delicate nature of the film makes you buy how strange many of the scenes are, and all the conversations are utterly believable. Litterally every line is perfect, and every shot could be hung up on a wall with great pride. Not hard to follow and strangely beautiful, this is a film everyone, everywhere should see.

10/10

Reviewer Reviews...The Top (or bottom) 5 Worst Songs of 2012

Top 5 Worst Songs of 2012

While this is far from the worst year in music history, it was far from slim pickings as far as bad music goes, be it from the damn Cash Money crowd, painfully boring indie rock, or the ever looming at-first-it-was-kind-of-funny-but-now-it's-just-getting-sad reign of Gangnam Style. Here are the Top 5 Worst Songs of 2012:

5.Drunk-Ed Sheeran

While this is far from the worst indie guitar song I've ever heard, all this song evokes in my mind is a lazier Hey There Delilah, only written even more clumsily. And when he's not nearly ruining wonderful songs at the London Olympics, have you ever seen an interview with him? He is an incredibly dull person, fitting well with his horrifically dull range, all performed along to dreary acoustic guitar. This is not to say I am against slow music per se, but the monotonous chorus is so boring, you'd think you were listening to country music. Avoid.

4.Gangnam Style-Psy

This is actually a lot higher on my list than I pre-empted because for a while, I actually really liked this song. I thought the video was clever, the rapping was good. How wrong was I. How could I not see how stupid the video was, how obvious the music was, how really the lyrics were incredibly classy, describing the huge cost of living in South Korea. How could I not see that all this song was is a Korean version of LMFAO's detestable Party Rock Anthem. And it is not just the music that annoys me about this, it is the fan base. Just go on the comments of the video on YouTube, you will know what I mean.

3.Drive By-Train

Oh why, Train? You started off decent, why couldn't you simply fade into the obscurity that we hope most adult alternative bands went, like Joanna Newsom or The Plain White T's? Why did you persist in making crappy hit after crappy hit. Train started off well enough, and I am more forgiving of Hey Soul Sister than most. But this song, with a horrific rhyme scheme, really disturbing concept (how romantic, comparing your love to shooting someone), and the ever-annoying vocals of Patrick Monahan. The weird pop culture references are a taste that Monahan is fond of (Mister Mister? Hefty bags?), but they are getting old, and Train need to end.

2.Stupid Hoe-Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj. How? How could you produce such a repugnant, ugly, annoying, tuneless evil as this song. Yes, I know it is a response to that awful Lil' Kim diss track Black Friday, but why would you try try to match the evil that was that song so far that it is one of the worst things to come out of a human mouth since Hitler's speeches? Not only is the song grossly repetitive and horrendously nonsensical, it is straight up evil. Evil. But yet it is only number 2 on this list. Now you ask, what could be possibly worse than this horrifying abomination?




1.Dance (A$$)- Big Sean feat. Nicki Minaj


Now technically, I'm cheating because this only came out late last year, but only started gaining notoriety in the UK in early 2012. Let me put this straight. This is the worst song I have ever heard. Worse than anything on this list, even Stupid Hoe, even Hot Problems. Friday is Madonna compared to this song. The monotonous flow of Big Sean, the misogynist theme, some of the worst lyrics to a song ever (Kiss my ass and my anus) and the horror of Nicki Minaj's verse, who is actually on the song more than Big Sean. As for Big Sean, clearly the only adjectives he could ever come up with to describe the movement of the aforementioned A$$ were (Wobbly, wobbly). At least Stupid Hoe was interestingly awful. This isn't even worth looking at, let alone listening to. This is musical napalm. This is what life is like if you are miserable. Actually, I go back on what I said. Please listen to it. Experience my rage, but be prepared.

 

MT

Reviewer Reviews...The Top 5 Songs of 2012

5) Tame Impala-Elephant

The first single from Tame Impala's album, Elephant has a retro and almost Doctor Who feel to it, which I really like. Also known as the 'song off the Made In Chelsea ad', it is a great song from a great album by the psychedelic Aussies.

4)Frank Ocean-Thinkin' Bout You

The centrepiece of the amazing Channel Orange, Thinkin' Bout You, a heartbreaking song about a lost love, and the potential of resuscitating something that ended a long time. The calm, syth-laden pace is stunning, and Ocean proves that he is a definate new talent. The song is so lovely that it even made Beyonce, queen of this type of ballad, cry when she first heard it. I can see where she is coming from. It is just a stunning, stunning song.

3)Palma Violets-Best of Friends

Palma Violets are the latest thing off the NME hype press. But unlike overhyped bands from the past(The Holloways, etc), I think that the Lambeth outfit are worthy of the hype, simply because, their music doesn't want to make do maths. It's catchy, and plain and simply makes you want to go out and get drunk. It's catchy and has been on repeat since it's release in late October. Roll on the album.

2)Grimes-Genesis

Genesis is a more gentle affair than her other great single Oblivion, with a harp and piano-propelled electronica backing with Boucher’s girl-like vocals falling in layers and settling over the top.
You get the feeling that in a parallel universe Boucher might have turned into a Rhianna-esque pop star, but luckily for us she’s continued to turn out tracks like this that are slightly more interesting and therefore acceptable for us indie types to enjoy without guilt. I know MT will disagree, but ‘Genesis’ is the kind of track that Bjork would be proud of.

1)M.I.A.-Bad Girls

We all know that M.I.A. is wonderful. Really wonderful. But I had no idea she could be this good. Adapted from a track on the irresistable VICKI LEEKX and going to be included on her much awaited Matangi, the wondeful yelling of (My chain hits my chest/When I'm banging on the dashboard) is irresistable catchy, and if all her songs sound like this on her new album, I will be a happy bunny. It is for this reason this stunning song is the best song of the year.

Reviewer Profiles...Kim Jong Un

You may know Kim Jong Un as the loveable leader of the prosperous lands of North Korea, however it is (unfortunately so)a little known fact that he is an obscenely talented singer songwriter and his prominence as an artist worldwide was robbed by western deception.
Kim was raised as a visionary, with his creative side nurtured from the day that he was adopted by the film loving Kim Jong Il (he once kidnapped a Russian director in order to help create some of the vast quantities of cinematic genius that filled his brilliant mind) and the brilliant actor Gary Oldman. From the age of three, Kim was already an adept beatboxer and a greatly skilled ukulele player. At the infant age of 5, he had already released numerous globally successful songs such as “Take on me” and “Careless Whisper”. Despite the pain he suffered as a 5 year old when these songs were ruthlessly stolen from him, Kim proceeded to write numerous other globally successful songs. More recently created songs by him include: Gangnam Style, I Kissed A Girl and Bad Romance. Unfortunately, to the despair of countless adorers, he has taken a sabbatical to pursue a career in horse riding.
Despite western idiocy, they can recognize a majestic creature when they see one, with US website “The Onion” (totally not a spoof site) naming him sexiest man of 2012. They serenaded his beauty in a touching way. This is one of the few pieces of truth we have heard from the treacherous mouths of the westerners, but we couldn’t say it better ourselves,” With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman’s dream come true. Blessed with an air of power that masks an unmistakable cute, cuddly side, Kim made this newspaper’s editorial board swoon with his impeccable fashion sense, chic short hairstyle, and, of course, that famous smile.”
Overall, I hope that this has helped my beloved Kim obtain the global recognition as the endlessly talented singer songwriter that he is ,that western treachery will not prevail and his earned global renown will be obtained in the near future.

Myles Dolan

Greetings!

We have noticed a large amount of traffic from the US, so we want to hear from you guys! What British music is popular in the States? Are there any American bands not making a splash over here? Comment below!

Reviewer Reviews...Coexist-The xx-A Music Review

Something is happening. The xx are coming. Of course it was hardly difficult to see their songs fail, due to them being constantly played in just about anything over and over again (I'm looking at you, Waterloo Road). This can be forgiven due to their subtle, terrific debut xx, with one of the most brilliant marketing campaign's I saw that year. Now back on brilliant form, Oliver, Jamie and Romy are joining as a contender for one of the best albums this year. The crowning track is obviously Angels, where the quiet sorrow of Romy's voice flows over Jamie's distinctive synth. The repetition of love is chilling and so sad, and the music so perfect, It is an obvious choice for the best song on the album. But there is more. Chained is a fascinating choice for the somphore song on a sophmore album, but it fits surprisingly well and echoes some of their earlier work, such as the sombre Do You Mind? The bravest piece on the album is definitely Reunion, with the fantastic clatter of steel drums, obviously a nod to Jamie xx's solo album with Gil Scott Herron. Powerfully sad is Missing, Oliver Sim wailing (My Heart is beating/In a different way). Overall, this is a spectacular album, and a definite challenger for best album of the year. 9/10 MT. Do you agree with Matteo? Or was the three piece's first effort better? Comment below...

Reviewer Reviews...Breton-Other People's Problems-A Music Review

Not asbos

Now I'll freely admit that I only discovered South London outfit Breton because they shared their name with the inhabitants of Brittany, France; where I regularly go on holiday(12 years in a row, as a matter of fact).

But now, when I hear Breton I don't think of rainy holidays in Northern France, but Roman Rappack's exciting young band.

And the critcs agree. NME say that the 'Future is exciting if Breton are involved'. The Guardian says, 'If Breton can relocate the inspiration that produced it, they'll be here for the long run'.

I too feel the same way about the hooded band. They describe themselves as an 'Art Collective', mainly because the band was set up to provide music for their arty videos(check out their great music videos here-http://www.youtube.com/user/bretonLABS).

And the band use anything and everything to improve their sound-from power tools to someone chowing down. But it has worked. They have managed to pull off the raw, drawled sound, and it sounds very good on tape.

Who do they sound like? Well, that's another benefit of this great album. It's diversity. Tracks like Jostle could be mistaken for a Friendly Fires track. Governing Correctly is distincly like that of an early Metronomy. And Ghost Note would be the best ever Kasabian song-should Kasabian have written it. But consistanly, Roman Rappack's voice sounds like Yannis Philippak of Foals, which is obviously a great thing.

However, the track which makes this band is Edward The Confessor-a menacing track which makes this band and the record.

It deseveres it's 10/10

Download: Edward the Confessor, Interference and Jostle

Do you think Breton are just too pretensious? Or are they worthy of a ten? Leave your comments below.

Rabies.

Reviewer Reviews...Lady Gaga- Born This Way-A Music Review

 Is there much point introducing her? We all know who she is; her strange music videos, her 'love everyone' ethics, akin to previous LGBT superstars (cough, cough Madonna). So, instead of talking about the album as a whole, I'm going to review this track by track:


Marry The Night- One of the best songs on the album. Cool, confident and with one of the weirdest bridges on a song I've heard.

Born This Way-We all know this one, since everyone has been humming it since May. It smacks of 80's dance but is wondrous and yet shameless in its feel-good factor.

Government Hooker- Occasional hits of Gwen Stefani's Rich Girl are echoed in this, this being one of the more strange songs on the album. Dancey, but the blatant Marilyn Monroe references are painful.


Americano- A throwback to Latin American, Gaga's Spanish warbling is great, but after 10 'a-a-a-a-aa's, it wears a little thin.

Judas- Frustrating R and B verses are bearable for the wonderful chorus, and the added chants of 'Judas' are magnificent.

Hair- Simply the best song on the album. With self affirming lyrics, jazz undertones and the best bass drop of the year, it is simply the perfect pop song.

Scheiße- Fake German singing proves for, again, one of the more obscure songs on the album. Weird, but intriguing.

Bloody Mary- A simply excellent song. A wonderful chorus, the best lyricism on the album and yells of Gaga in the background makes for a great song.

Bad Kids- We hear Bruce Springsteen when we hear this rock ballad. Sometimes it can be silly but it is clever and enjoyable.

Highway Unicorn- An awkward display of synth and bass, this is an example of when Gaga's self confidence gets the better of her. Messy, but well intentioned.

Heavy Metal Lover- Again, awkward but better than Highway Unicorn. Too weird for its own good and some simply painful first lyrics. Interesting.

Electric Chapel- After 2 average songs, we ger a great, dancey disco hit. This guitar improv solo is rock at its finest.

Yoü and I-No Speechless wonder to be found on this album, but we do get a great old school dance record. Wonderful.

The Edge of Glory- One of the more average dance songs, it's one of those 'lyrics saved me' singles. Good music, but the lyrics are better.

9/10

Download-Hair, Marry the Night, Bloody Mary

MT

Do you agree with Matteo that the album's best songs are Marry The Night and Bloody Mary? Or is Born This Way better? Comment below...

Reviewer Reviews...Alt-J- An Awesome Wave-A Music Review

After last year's Vaccine success, expectedly, here comes a wave of similarly themed indie groups, just waiting to steal the limelight. But halt! This could not be further from the Vaccines. Instead, we get the sheer marvel of An Awesome Wave. The best track is definately Matilda, which is smooth, calming, and ungodly catchy. The nice guitar seams effortlessly with the lead singers voice, a marriage made in heaven. However, like The Vaccines debut, the album get extremely samey after a short while and some of the lyrics surpass simplicity and are occasionally plain lazy. (Sample lyric: Please don't go, I love you so x4, groan) Verdict? A mixed bag, with a few brilliant songs but it is all too redundant and it is undeniably bland. This brand of music is growing extremely tried. I don't want to do maths when listening to music!
6/10
Download: Matilda, Breezeblocks

MT

Do you agree that this album is overrated? Or is it a deserved Mercury prize winner? Comment below...

Reviewer Reviews...Crocodiles-Endless Flowers-A Music Review

I only discoved San Diego's Crocodiles earlier this week in Rough Trade East on Brick Lane, with my friend and fellow blogger Matteo. We both came with the intention of buying Totally Enourmous Extinct Dinosaur's album Trouble, but the Crocs impressed us so much we both bought their album Endless Flowers.

And the fuzz lovers didn't disappoint. Title track Endless Flowers soars, as does lead singer Brandon Welchez's voice, not entirely different from the equally great Vaccines track Norgaard. Other notable tracks include No Black Clouds For Dee Dee and Dark Alleys, both in The Vaccines mould, but with added fuzz. However, by the time you reach Bubblegum Trash, the blary bass will sound a little tired. For this reason, the album gets a 7/10


Download:Endless Flowers and Dark Alleys

Thanks for reading, Rabies

Reviewer Reviews...Volta-Bjork-A Music Review

If you know me, you know that I have a particular fondness for female pop vocalists, be it the beautiful vocal of Lady Gaga or Beyonce, or, God forbid, the brilliant but horrible whiny auto tuned drivel people like Ke$ha or Fergie release. And for me, Bjork is no exception. Starting her music career with the wonderful punk-y Sugarcubes who had some minor hits in the early nineties, Bjork branched off and has enjoyed success ever since, be it as an actress in the heartbreaking Dancer In The Dark, a wonderful vocalist in all her nineties albums, or in Matthew Barney's utterly up-itself Drawing Restraint 9. Yes, Bjork is brilliant at a lot of things, and her talents are on full form in her 2007 effort, Volta. From the opening, defiant, and almost abrasive song, Earth Intruders, we can understand that this is no longer the beautiful soprano, this is the furious, completely pissed-off Bjork, ready to batter anyone in her way, not entirely different from M.I.A.'s later effort The Message. Not to say there aren't moments of beauty. The whimsical tone of Wanderlust is only to be matched by the stunning, American Pie-esque The dull Flame of Desire. Clocking in at nearly 8 minutes, with moments of unscrupulous beauty. Similar is the not-so-long but equally lovely Pneumonia (there's two word I never thought I'd see in the same sentance), not to beaten by the best song on the album, Declare Independence. Written as a ballad for Greenland and the Faroe Islands, this hip house fist pumper is similar in style and quality to the brilliant Born Free. As a simple club banger, it's as good as it gets. This is a satisfying album and while not all songs work (Hope can be rather tedious) it is still always good from our favourite Icelandic vocalist (sorry Sigur Ros) Bjork.

8/10

MT

Are you a Bjork fan or do you prefer female singers like M.I.A.? And do you think that Sigur Ros are better than Bjork? Who is the best Icelandic music makers?

Reviewers Top 5...Guilty Pleasures

Unlike the wonderful Lindsay Ellis, I do not count a guilty pleasure as something that you know is bad, but you like it anyway. I classify a guilty pleasure as, for whatever reason, despite how much you like it, you still feel somewhat guilty about it, contradicting your normal taste. For example, I hate Chris Brown. Hate him. But I cannot deny that Yeah x3 is a decent song, and I have a soft spot for the enjoyable high-schooly With You. But yet I still feel guilty about liking those songs, but can't deny that they are genuinely good songs. So, this is my list of songs, for whatever reason, I feel guilty for liking.

5. Beyonce-Irreplaceable
This is relatively low on the list because I don't think there is any denying Beyonce's wonderful vocals, especially on this track. But the reasons I feel somewhat guilty about this song is how flimsy the whole concept is. The motif of 'To the left, to the left' refers to a box of the old boyfriends stuff, which bugs me for some reason. And, I can already hear the feminists booing, how sexist this song is to both genders. Beyonce is yelling how her latest man is far from irreplaceable, and how she has already found another man, which if given to any other singer, would be unavoidably catty, and dare I say, slutty, really not the example such a wonderful artist like Beyonce should be promoting (As soon as you're done with one man, move on as quickly as possible to the next. Progressive, in terms of how women shouldn't have to be tied down to men, I guess, but still kind of unfair.) I also understand that this can quite easily be gender flipped to suit the man, but despite the baffling lyrics, this is still a fantastic song, and holds up 6 years later as one of Beyonce's best songs.

4. Die Antwoord-I FINK U FREEKY

Oh My God, I hate Die Antwood. Aside from their videos being blatant rehashes of Prodigy videos they covered over 15 years ago, they are unbearably annoying in both vocals and repetitive music. But I love them. This is one of the bands I know less about, but if I FINK U FREEKY is anything to go by, I can summarise that they sound very like  Le Grand's 2004 masterpiece Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit. In fact, that's exactly what they sound like. And this repetitive piece of annoyance from good old South Africa is just as annoying as that song, but I can't deny it's still really good, but really bad. It's so catchy, so annoying, I don't know what to think. The problem is, I'm not sure if they're taking things seriously, if Fatty Boom Boom, their latest single is anything to go by. Are they unaware what's going on, or are they just fucking around with us. I feel the same way about Amanda Bieber, either they are really really annoying, or just joking.

3.Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj-Beauty And At Beat
OK, let me make something clear. Bieber is an idiot. An idiot. Nicki Minaj is also an idiot. Both of them make an idiotic couple, they'd be perfect for each other. This song is a wonderful song however. The lyrics are hilariously dumb (Tonight we're gonna party like its 3012 tonight) as well as the hardly distinguishable chorus, which sounds like everything else in the charts. And yet, I really like this song, in particular the guest verse by Minaj, who manages to actually escape with dignity despite some horrific lines. (Buns out, weiner/But I gotta keep an eye out for Selena) It is refreshing to see the Biebs do something out of his comfort zone instead of his revolting teen bopping like Baby, or even the horrific Boyfriend, which also had his go out of his comfort zone, only to more hilarious effect. Still, this is a genuinely good song, and despite the dumb people behind it, it is still a lot of fun.

2. Katy Perry-Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
I love Katy Perry. Like, have you heard her live performances? How does one take such an out of tune valley girl prostitute Barbie and make it so easy to listen to. Either way, this is one of the most hilariously fun songs ever written. It's just one of those songs that are so easy to dance to, like DJ Got Us Falling in Love, Boyz, or even the ridiculously dated Cha Cha Slide. And while the lyrics drag a lot, and some are just inexplicably and probably unintentionally hilarious (Think I need a ginger ale/That was such an epic fail) this song is wonderful. I love the random sax solo, that repeating wonderful chorus, the insanely irritating chants of T.G.I.F., its just a masterpiece of awful. I can't do it justice, I love it and it is awful. Simple as.

1. Ke$ha-Blah Blah Blah
I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so sorry. I just can't defend this one. This could be one of the worst songs of all time. It is so poorly auto-tuned so ugly, so repugnant, so stupid, and featuring the terrible vocals of the truly disgusting douche frat-boy dickheads 3OH!3, it makes me feel dirty this got to number 7 in the US and 11 in the UK. Why? Why do I like it? I just don't know. The beat is so overused, but I love it. It is like eating a full bag of sugar, so bad for you, something no one would ever do, but dammit, Google it and you will see someone doing it. Ke$ha ate her bag. She ate it all. There is nothing salvageable except maybe how ridiculously danceable it is. There are no more words. I cannot say anything else.

Reviewer Reviews...Amour-A Film Review

Michael Haneke has never made a secret of being a cynical misanthrope, and possibly the best example of his expert sarcasm is the brutally unwatchable, although slammingly relevant Funny Games, where a family is both physically and mentally tortured by a pair of blonde haired psychopaths. Like The Haunting, the horror is in what you don't see, which makes the experience all the more intense and terrifying. Unlike many of his previous films, this concerns a suitably less macabre thing that we all have to go through; old age.
The plot inloves Georges and Anna, an elderly couple of retired musicians, living in a quinessentially French apartment in Paris. One day, after drinking some tea, Anna freezes solid in her seat. Georges is confused. He tries to talk to her. Nothing. He even puts a damp towel on her head. No reaction. Soon after, she regains conciousness and doesn't remember the episode. As people in old age do, Georges worries. Soon after, Anna gets a stroke. At first, Anna responds very well, she is bright, attentive, and almost seems to enjoy her endevour into post-stroke care, from the benefits of an electric wheelchair, to the shame of being helped into bed. Soon, however, everything starts to crumble.
The reason this film is so mesmirising is not because of the stunning performances by the lead duo (although they are spectacular, both playing incredibly difficult roles), but because of how real it feels. We can all smell the hospital, clinical smell of someone who is very ill, wer can all understand Georges anger at her for simply being ill, or even the urge to put a person of such an unwell disposition out of their misery, Haneke makes the characters feel real, and while not always the most likeable, these are the most tender and kind protaganists I have seen in any film by Haneke. This film is one of the best of the year, and anyone who has had an unwell relative must see this film. It may be a tough experiencce, but it'll be worth it

10/10

(N.B. There is a scene in this film which you think you can see coming, but you are not sure. I was shocked.)

Reviewer Profiles...M.I.A

M.I.A. was born in Hounslow, London in 1973 but soon moved with her family to Colombo, Sri Lanka when she was 6 months because her father was a Tamil Tiger  (A group of Sri Lankan rebels against the then oppressive government). There she witnessed the burst of the thirty-year Sri Lankan Civil war. Soon she moved back to the UK but remained distant with her father who still lived in Sri Lanka. There, she was given a Roland MC-505 and she used this as an element to her visual art. Soon, she discovered her music talent and endeavoured to record her first track, Galang, about the difficulties of growing up in England as an immigrant, and how badly her generation was treated by the media. The song won several prizes, including Rough Trade’s Single of the Decade. It was listened to by DJ Diplo, who helped her record her first album, Arular, named after her father. It was a huge success. In 2011, Rolling Stone ranked the album number 52 in its list of the 100 best albums of the 2000s.

  Two years later, she recorded her second album, Kala, after her mother, and with input from Timbaland, she released the album worldwide in 2008. This album spawned her arguably most popular song, Paper Planes. Thanks to usage in films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Pineapple Express, the song went to number 4 in the US charts. A few years later she recorded her third and most polarising album, /\/\ /\ Y /\, which critics liked for its industrial sound, but criticized for its rejection of past music styles. Soon after, she released a mixtape entitled VICKI LEEKX, which commented on the critical reception of /\/\ /\ Y /\, which was well received. 

  As well as being an artist and singer and a producer, she is also known for her philanthropy. She has donated over $1 million to charities for children of war crimes. She publically supported such political figures as  controversial WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and created the theme to his show.

Reviewer Reviews...Enjoy It While It Lasts-Spector-A Music Review

Spector frontman Fred Macpherson has tried to get into music before. But Spector is the first band to really get him any attention. Unlike Les Incompétents and Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man, Spector are from 2012. But you wouldn't know it from the music. Spector's sound belongs to the early 2000s, the age of indie disco, Bloc Party and The Strokes. And I do like that sound. I don't think that any of Bloc Party's new stuff comes close to Silent Alarm. So although many people at magazines such as NME criticise Spector for this, I firmly believe it is a great thing.

The album starts with 'True Love(For Now)',  a track which talks about the past(a recurring theme on the album), which consists of a catchy and nostalgic chorus, and gives us an idea of what is going to follow. Firstly, the album talks about the past. A LOT. And the songs are football terrace like anthems. Again akin to the early 2000s.

The best example of these anthems comes in 'Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End',  a song which sounds like nothing at first, but develops into a truly memorable song.

Enjoy It While It Lasts also has a share of well written slower tracks such as 'Lay Low', but you have to say that Spector can be a little bit samey at times, but I do still love the album.

The thing that makes Spector is they're live performances. Fred Macpherson is a true showman, and Spector really are the finished article live. I recommend you see them as soon as possible, and if you still want more on the band as a live act, read our review of their performance at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in November.

I believe this album warrants a 9/10, and I think that Fred and Co. can truly become a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Do you think Spector are any good? Or do you think they are 'Dalston Twats'? Comment below... 

Reviewer Reviews...New Band Recommendations No.2

Temples
Who Are Temples?
Temples are a band from Kettering(yes, Kettering), whose music combines psychedelic and electronic vibes, to create a unique and interesting sound, which could have walked right out of the 60s. Not too unlike Tame Impala, it is the band's weirdness which will attract a major label-major labels love weird. Even Johnny Marr likes them, tweeting about Shelter Song. That's high praise indeed.

What Do They Sound Like?
As I previously said, the band sound like Tame Impala, and I really like their 60s sound. Debut single 'Shelter Song' epitomises this, and I recommend you check it out.

Where Can I Get Their Stuff?
The four piece are signed to Heavenly, who certainly have got quite a rooster of artist, including Stealing Sheep and Toy. You can buy 'Shelter Song' on iTunes right now, in fact.

Irish sterotyping or what

Soak
Who The Hell Is Soak?
Soak is a singer songwriter from Derry, Northern Ireland. Yes, another bloody singer songwriter. However, unlike many of her compatriots(I'm talking to you Kyla La Grange), Soak succeds in creating a mellow and calming sound. She's also only 16, so has bags of potential.

What Does She Sound Like?
Her sound is definately a mellow and calming one. I would describe it as music to go to sleep to. Her music is very stripped down, in some case just her and a guitar. I quite like this honest approach, but I fear she will not be heard amongst all the other singer songwriters out there.

Where Can I Get Her Stuff?
She has released an EP called Sea Creatures which is availiable on iTunes

Reviewer Reviews...Babel-A Film Review

One of the most maddening and frustrating excuses for refusing to watch a film is those evil 3 words 'It's too depressing'. So what? We see films with drama, action romance. Why is depression, one of the most universal traits in all of us, singled out and used against us? This film, despite how much it is associated with the dreaded d-word, is one of the most breathtaking films ever made, all centred around a simple act of foolishness committed by a little boy. Like most of Innaritu's work, it as mentioned tells the story of about 4 different people affected by a little incident.

Two young boys of a goat herder have a bit of an ego competition where they try to test a shotgun sold to them, accidentally and painfully wounding an American woman. The husband is sharp and somewhat rude, but justifiably so. The husband's children are being looked after by a Mexican woman whose son's wedding is the same time of the shooting. He tells her that she cannot go, as there is no one to look after the kids. The man who sold the kids the gun is a Japanese man whose wife has died, and has a rebellious deaf-mute daughter called Chieko. The story weaves between the 3 stories.

The thing is, everyone acts reasonably. The nanny probably shouldn't have taken the kids to the wedding, but it is her son's wedding. The husband shouldn't have been so rude to those around him, but his wife is in pain. The loud mouthed man who convinces the husband's tour bus to leave without him shouldn't have been so malicious, but the others on the bus were also suffering. Chieko should not be so rude to her father and those around her, but she is alienated by her condition and her sexual frustration. The boys shouldn't have shot the gun, but boys that age are naturally ego-centric. No one acts bizarrely or rudely and that is one of the best things about the film. The character feel real. Even those who seem cruel or unpleasant, but all of them are justifiably so.

Another reason this film is fascinating is that all the perspectives are different. We see Tokyo through the hazy eyes of Chieko, Morocco through the adolescent eyes of teenagers, as well as the tourist eyes, and vibrant Mexico through the worn eyes of a nanny who has seen her way through many children and a long, hard-working life. Every single actor and actress is brilliant, Brad Pitt is superb in some of the quieter scenes, Rinko Kikuchi is heartbreaking in a very demanding role, and the nuanced tone of the hell Adriana Barraza goes through is gut wrenchingly sad. Still, I do not care if this is depressing, it is as much a part of human emotion as happiness or sadness, why not just watch it for once?

MT

A Reviewer Feature...Is 3D The Future Of Cinema?

Do you remember 3D? No, no, not 3D as in that 3D-ifying technique, used as a sad attempt to gross more, disgustingly used by a certain number of directors I have come to loathe because of their persistent use of it (I'm looking at you, McG) I mean actual 3D. One of my most fond memories was seeing a 40 minute documentary at the London Science Museum called Bugs in 3D. It was stunning. Some of the images were absolutely mind-boggling. I could see them, actually see their strange little bodies coming toward me. They were right in front of me. Or so my five-year-old brain assumed.

3D works through the natural positioning of the eyes, the left eye seeing more of the left side of an object and vice versa, the brain fusing both viewpoints together to create 3D vision. 3D works in a similar way, with two images being subsequently projected simultaneously for each eye. The full effect is utilised with a pair of glasses to produce the so-called 3D effect.

Another director I get frustrated with is that king of all blockbusters but rip-off story lines, James Cameron. Maybe one day I will review Cameron's 2009 homage to Smurfs, but this is not one of those times. He has declared 3D 'The future of cinema', a statement I find considerably hard to swallow, especially when you take into account 3D is not that new of an invention, having been around in the fifties, when audiences were more ignorant and dumber than those today (although this is not entirely true, Danny Dyer is an apparent bankable lead, especially after threatening to head butt the wonderfully cynical Mark Kermode because 'he doesn't take me seriously as an actor'. Neither does the rest of the world, but hey, at least he's hilarious to watch crash and burn, as Kevin Smith so marvellously put it 'failing upwards')

Here's the thing. Modern audiences should be clever enough to realise that 3D is just a cheap ploy to get butts in seats (or should I say expensive, considering the ridiculous £15 price an unnamed cinema charges for 3D) and should know that if they dropped seeing 3D films every month for 2 years, they could raise enough money to build a well in Africa. It is too expensive, too nauseating, and is simply almost always a horrible headachey experience-almost always.

I could rant all day about 3D, but I will grant a measly grain of respect to it; depending on the film, it can be mesmerising. No matter how much I hated it, and I really hated it, Avatar did actually look beautiful. Sure Sam Worthington, and the remarkable resemblance of the plot to, oh, I don't know, Ferngully, Pocahuntus, Dances With Wolves, Last Of The Dogmen, The Emerald Forest and the many other films that has that damn same plot, were distracting, but I cannot fault how beautiful the world looked. However, the point is just because it looks beautiful, doesn't mean it's worth dying of a migraine for it. If you want beautiful just go to a park, or a lake, or close your eyes and use your damn imagination. Don't spend 5 quid on an extra you can get for free.

The main issue with 3D is that all it is is a gimmick, a cheap old gimmick. It's lost its gleam since the Golden Age of 3D and I can assert from a large percentage of people that it is an easy way to drain your bank account. It can be used to nice effect but no, 3D is not the future of cinema. It is a bunch of idiots with money to waste going to a cinema to wear stupid glasses and get a headache.

MT

Do you agree with MT's opinions? Or do you think 3D is a good thing? Comment below!

Reviewer Reviews...Perfect People-A Book Review

I finished Perfect People feeling remarkably frustrated. Why would such a genuinely captivating act 1 and 2 be abandoned for such a sappy, Hollywood, and downright dumb ending? It feels like Peter James was aware that the first 3/4 of the book was actually really good but couldn't decide on an ending and just watched Superbabies: Baby Geniuses for inspiration.
I am fine with suspension of disbelief.

Take something like Signs or Mysterious Skin, both of which when broken down, are technically ridiculous, but you get too invested in the plot and characters to notice or care. The same cannot be said for this. The plot goes that a young-ish grieving couple's baby Halley has died (from an incurable disease which both the parents have in their DNA), are sent to the controversial Dr Leo, whose expensive and lengthy treatment will ensure another baby. But is this as it seems? His intrusive and erratic behaviour makes the couple think they may be designing their own babies. And when numerous complications occur over the pregnancy, they start getting worried. These chapters are truly effective and get uncomfortably under your skin. The charismatic, though not entirely original Dr Leo gets to play out his character excellently, and the young couple, despite how painfully naive they are, we still get to share their desperate attempts at another child. And then...it gets ridiculous. I will not reveal it but trust me, it starts getting really silly. The depressing thing about this book is that, like I said before, it starts so well but descends into eye-rolling ridiculousness. Annoying.

2/5

MT

Reviewer Debates...Vinyl-Just A Hipster Symbol Or Still Important?

In the first ever Reviewer Reviews Debate, I basically argue with a friend of mine over vinyl. Are records still important? Or are they just for wannabe indie kids? Find out below.

Reviewer Reviews-Vinyl are still very important. They connect young people with the past, and playing vinyl is simply so much more fun than downloading it.

Morning Star-I beg to differ. Vinyl are simply a hipsters way of being different. How can playing music be more fun? I find its more fun just to press download and that's that. Then I can get out and see more of the world than you and the other indie kids of the world, who spend days on end by a record player in their parents loft.

RR-What do you mean downloading is more fun? Due to the lack of record shops, people who buy vinyl get out across their city, they meet people with similar interests to themselves. I know this is a broad statement, but buying vinyl is a way of life. More to the point, putting the needle down on your new 7'' is a bizarre mix of excitement and anticipation. I don't understand how any other way of playing music could be more fun.

MS-'A way of life!' Are you having a laugh? Although your point about going to record shops is valid, I still think that buying vinyl in the first place is just to make indie kids look 'different'.

RR-I think the most important thing about vinyl is that it connects young people today with the past. Without my parents old record collection in the loft, I would never have discovered bands I now love like The Velvet Underground or The Triffids. I think that is the best thing about vinyl.

MS-Although your argument is strong, I still think that 90% of people who listen to vinyl now are attention seeking hipsters.

RR-Although you're named after an N-Dubz song, I still had a decent debate with you. I will end on that note.

Reviewer Reviews...LULS/Splashh/Swim Deep/Spector at O2 Shepherds BushEmpire

Fans out of their seats at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

On Saturday 10th November, the Spectour reached its spectacular climax at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. Teh coming together of some of independent music's most exciting bands, right now and also in the future.

I'm talking about Spector, Splashh, LULS and Swim Deep.

Although little is known about first support band LULS, I do know that they are from London and that their first release Young is on replay on my iPod. I also know that the band where unlucky as most at the venue couldn't understand what they were saying, but expect to hear more about these guys in our New Band Recommendations soon, because I do really like them.

Next up on the bill were Splashh, an already relatively famous band from Australia. Although their lo-fi fuzzy sound has been done before, I still feel a strong warming to the band. So much so, that when lead singer and guitarist Sasha Carson advised the crowd to spend their pocket money on new single Vacation, I did. Although(as I said), they sound like bands such as Howler and Crocodiles, I think the zoned out vocals set them apart from the others like them.

Swim Deep

After Splashh came Swim Deep, a band who had far more stage presence than the two who came before. Lead signer Austin Williams really connected with the crowd in a way that I had not seen all evening. As he swooned around the stage, he was reminiscent of James front man Tim Booth, in appearance and also body language. I do like Swim Deep, and so did a lot of other people in the venue. And if they didn't, I'm sure many do now. But although I was impressed by Williams' performance as a front man, it was merely a warm-up for what was to come. Yes, the time of Fred Macpherson was nigh.

Swaggering onto the stage in an all white suit Fred immediately launched into Upset Boulevard from the 5 piece's first and only album. Immediately, the crowd went crazy, and someone decided to crowd surf, thus prompting their ejection. 'Big up to the person getting ejected on the first track!' Fred aptly commented.

Fred of Spector

The show was almost a homecoming gig for the band, and was filled with anecdotes, such as when 14 year old Fred and Chris tried and failed to purchase tickets for Interpol at O2 Shepherds Bush.

And although Fred is the main man of Spector, the other members are loved just as much. For example, bassist Tom Shickle crowd surfed, and the whole venue tried to get a touch of the much loved Londoner.

Some songs truly stood out from the others though. During Chevy Thunder, the whole of the seated areas where on their feet, signing along and dancing. Yet still a steward thought he could make the excitable crowd sit down. In Grim Reefer, a song I thought as one of the albums weaker, the emotions ran high, and I think the band realised how far they'd come. They then proceeded to smash the song, in amazing fashion, and Grim Reefer has been on repeat since that day. The band played Never Fade Away last, after the whole crowd chanted the songs lyrics.

This truly was an amazing gig. From the supports right through to the final song, I enjoyed every bit of it and I would thoroughly recommend going to see Spector when they next tour, as it is an experience as well as a gig.  

Reviewer Reviews...Trash Humpers-A GUEST(!) Film Review

Matteo Pini is a film obsessive, who can also write a bit too. I really like his taste in music and films, and his reviews are of the highest standard too. Check his blog out at www.filmandmusicreviewsplus.blogspot.co.uk. He has cookies over there.

What the hell is this crap(no pun intended)? Well, to be honest, I have absolutely no idea. It starts with 2 men in old man costumes humping bins. How do I write a review of this? Harmony Korine has never been afraid to be provocative. Just look at the spectacularly disturbing Gummo, the frustrating although important Ken Park or even the obscure Mister Lonely, Korine is undeniably one of the most important voices in American independent cinema. Sometimes it is just plain unnerving. This is one of those times. Character development? No. A hint of a plot? Somewhat. The three old age misfits hump bins, then meet someone, the most memorable are "conjoined twins", who cover pancakes with dishwashing liquid and eat them. No comment. All throughout are scenes of anarchy, murder and kidnapping, a few involving at fat kid in a suit, popping firecrackers and crushing a baby doll with a hammer. Is there a deeper meaning? Probably. Do I know it? No. Should you care? Maybe. This is the kind of film that will terrify you, but it has a valid message, I think, whatever that may be. Despite the pain, (and the hours of vomiting) after watching this film, it will change the way you view cinema. I do not consider it applicable for a star rating. It does exactly what it intends to do, to shock and apall. 

See it if you have the stomach.

Matteo

Reviewer Reviews...Fifa 13-A Game Review

Well, EA Sports have done it again. They have created a new Fifa, and have still managed to make their 19th effort better than the 18 which came before. But how, and is it worth you spending £40 on it, or wait till it goes down in price?

The first obvious difference is the cover. With Messi, EA have definitely made a far more attractive concept than with ugly Wayne Rooney. When I looked at the cover of Fifa 12, I thought of how rubbish Britain can be. Teams like Stoke City, and things like shell-suits. However, with Fifa 13, I think of sexy Barcelona and flamboyant pass and move football. Do you see the difference?

Another visual difference is the interface. With Fifa 13, we find a much brighter interface, which focuses more on the game modes rather than your arena player. And on the subject of the arena, it takes much more of a backseat role than in Fifa 12. Now before games your player takes part in Skill Games, tests on aspects of your game. Although these games can often be fun, I found myself bored by them after about 5 minutes of playing a single one, as it gets repetitive quite quickly. However on occasion I found myself trying to get to the next level which means that at least the skill games have an aim.

Another new feature in the game is the ability to buy items using credits, which are gained along with XP. I think this is a great new feature which adds replay value. Some of the items on sale include retro kits, and consumables which allow you to change the name of your Ultimate Team.

On the subject of Ultimate Team, I'd like to talk about the new Seasons feature which I love. This feature is basically like Head to Head Seasons, but with your Ultimate Team. It is fun and whenever I switch on my Xbox I also want to play Seasons. However there is the distinct lack of matchmaking, in that your League One Bronze Team could face an all gold team. I suppose this will lead to people leaving behind those kind of squads, which will be disappointing.

Career Mode has also undergone changes, including the new international manager feature. However EA Sports clearly found it essential for us to know all of the made up transfer gossip, so they've added a pop up feature which is very in your face and also annoying.

The most outrageous decision is however still to come. EA have changed Kick Off. Now when you want to pick up and play with mates, you have to consider whether your preferred team is in-form. This adds a new dimension to the game, and means that, often the seemingly better team doesn't win.

Gameplay has also changed, as the much heralded attacking intelligence means that you find yourself with far more possible passes as you attack. However I have noticed many of these available players are often in offside positions, so you do need to think before you pass. And the graphics? Well, as usual the graphics are excellent. The other day my brother asked 'Which teams are on TV?' whilst I was playing the game.

Would I spend £40 on it? Well I think that yes, you should as it is a game which has definitely improved upon last years effort, and because it is a game which leaves little to be desired in any field.

So, overall I would give Fifa 13 a 9/10

+ Interface
+ New Ultimate Team Features
+ New XP rewards system
+ Attacking Intelligence
+ Graphics are great, as usual
+ International Manager is a fun new addition.

- Kick Off can be annoying as you have to check who's in form
- No matchmaking on UT Seasons.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let me know below.

Reviewer Reviews...New Band Recommendations No. 1

Peace
Who The Hell Are Peace?
Peace are a band from Birmingham, UK, with the least Google-friendly name in the world. They are seen by many as the leaders of the new B-Town scene, which includes Swim Deep and Jaws. They are signed to Columbia Records, which shows what the industry thinks of them.

But Are They Any Good?
Peace are great. They are not just another guitar band. Their tropical fused indie is like nothing else I've heard before. And it sounds awesome too. Tracks like Bloodshake underline this, and they are also not to bad at covering. Their mah guitar cover of Vertigo by The Libertines is commendable, but not as good as their cover of electro classic 1998 originally by Binary Finary.

Where Can I Get Their Stuff?
Their EP Delicious is out now. It is amazing, and expect a review soon. As for an album, expect one in 2013, although singer Harrison Koisser explained, 'We need some to tell us to stop watching Gilmore Girls and write some songs!'

FYI
They are AWESOME live, and confetti cannons come included with the ticket price...

http://peaceforeverever.co.uk/


Marsicans
Who The Hell Are Marsicans?
Marsicans are a band from Leeds, UK. They sound like a cross between Two Door Cinema Club and Vampire Weekend, which is obviously a great thing. Marsicans do upbeat, high buttoned addictive songs which I keep coming back  They're stuff is also akin to Little Comets, especially highlighted in Scuba, a very fun and bubbly track.

But Are They Any Good?
Marsicans, as I said sound very much like already established bands out their, but the combination of influences is nothing I've ever seen before. And although the Northern voice doesn't sound quite right on some of the African sounding tracks, I still really like Marsicans. I think they'll be the next big thing.

Where Can I Get Their Stuff?
They have released a number of singles, as well as Clocktail, a four track EP which can be downloaded from their Bandcamp. Enjoy!

http://marsicans.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MarsicansUK

SAME TIME,SAME BAT-CHANNEL NEXT WEEK

Reviewer Reviews...Skyfall-A Film Review

Another James Bond movie. Another hype machine. But does it live up to the critics ratings?

In this latest 007 adventure, Bond, played by housewives favourite Daniel Craig, finds himself chasing a villain from almost the first minute. This goon has managed to steal a computer hard drive from the clutches of critically injured Robson. The chase brings the pair over the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which I thought were very well done shots. That is one thing I'll admit is great in this film. The cinematography. From haunting shots of desolate Scotland, to M looking up towards a desecrated MI6 building, the cinematography often speaks volumes.

As the film progresses we meet Q, the new quartermaster, who reminded me of a certain Matt Smith, largely down to his personality. Q is now a young, more exciting and quirky character played by Ben Whishaw.

The new villain Silva is played by Javier Bardem, in defiantly blonde form, and I believe he plays the role excellently. He is funny, unpredictable and dark. I believe the great new characters have been installed by Sam Mendes, who I have found to value the characterisation and story over anything else. However, as I said he has also done an excellent job with the cinematography in this film.

However one thing about this film which is not excellent is the extensive product placement throughout. Oh so you're laying a trap for Silva are you? Oh we'll put some Heineken in that shot! It truly is a pathetic money making scheme.

But back to the film. The whole movie is basically about M's past. Silva is out to get M for what she did to him years ago. And James Bond himself is angry with M after she ordered Eve, played by Naomi Harris, to shoot at Bond and the goon with the hard drive Patrice.

Overall this film is well done, but I feel that greed has ruined what potentially could have been a great film. 7/10

Reviewer Reviews...Metronomy-The English Riveira-A Music Review

Metronomy-The English Riviera

I've just been brought to a new, beautiful place thanks to Joe Mount an Co. A place, where England is the place where Stella ads are made. A place where England is beautiful. A place where Torbay is paradise. Yet again I've been listening to The English Riviera. In my opinion, the album of 2011. The album begins with 37 seconds of seagulls backed by bass and synthesiser. Almost instantly you leave your daily life and are whisked off to the seaside. This short intro perfectly draws you in, so much so that you are hooked. 

And as the brief introduction moves on to We Broke Free, a song in which Mount’s falsetto tones wrap around you and don’t let go-until Everything Goes My Way, a beautiful song in which Joe and Veornica Falls singer Roxanne Clifford duet, complimenting each other perfectly. 

The Look is next, and the track seems to have nominated itself for the summers anthem, with its organ melody with is both addictive and catchy. Following on from this is the slow and mysterious She Wants, a track which I rate as one of the albums best. But next up is The Bay, a track which brings us back to the old Metronomy, a Nights Out type song, and which will undoubtedly find itself on the minds of campers as they holiday in realistic rainy Torbay. The next notable track is Love Underlined, a bassy track with an edge.

I believe that is track is worthy of the ultimate 10/10. Well done Metronomy.

Download: Love Underlined, Everything Goes My Way

Thanks for reading. Leave your comments and requests underneath.

Reviewer Reviews...Two Door Cinema Club-Beacon-A Music Review

Beacon-Two Door Cinema Club

The question on my mind as I waited for my copy of Beacons to load in the CD player was the same fear I’d held the whole two years since falling in love with Two Door Cinema Club’s debut Tourist History

Would the Northern Irish band succumb to second album syndrome? Well, after listening, the answer is, no, they don’t.

Instead we find a solid treasure trove of good songs.

Single Sleep Alone is a solid, catchy track with a great video. And although this one song isn’t about being on tour, quite a few songs feature at least a few references to life on the road(Two Door have pretty much been touring since 2010). Take the album opener, Next Year. In this song, Alex Trimble sings,

I’ll be home for next year darling

over a dozen times. And although the song subject is slightly cliched, I’m not complaining because Next Year is a very good song, which doesn’t really stray from what made them.

Moving on, the next track on Beacon is Handshake, a song which draws some parallels with I Can Talk from the first album. This is followed by Wake Up, a fast paced number which sees Two Door use their synth and squeaky guitar combo at its best.

Sun and Someday are both good songs, but to be honest sound awfully tried by this point.

Then comes the aforementioned single Sleep Alone, before we hear The World is Watching, in which Trimble talks about being lonely on tour. And with female vocalist Valentina, what could originally have been perceived as whining from Trimble becomes beautiful.

Next up Settle is my favourite track from this album. Not because it sounds like anything from Tourist History, but the complete opposite. Yes, Settle is a whole new ball game. And it’s a good ball game at that. Integrating what sounds like steel drums, Settle builds up from a sole xylophone to a full blown brass orchestra.

Then we move onto Spring, a nice and gentle track before we end on a high with Pyramid and title track Beacon.

Overall: In Beacon, Two Door Cinema Club have made an album which avoids all second album cliches but is still good. Although using elements from Tourist History, they also venture into unproven areas with songs such as Settle and The World Is Watching.

A solid 8/10