Pomegranates

There are some songs that you can't help but listen to five, ten or even twenty times in a row. 'Everybody, Come Outside!' by Pomegranates is one of those songs. And I'm not even talking about the really annoying, instantaneously catchy ones. This is just a beautifully crafted pop song with layers that deserve to be dissected by repeated listens.


Playful vocals are enveloped in an irresistable warm fuzz and moments of quiet intensity, recalling the likes of Radiohead and Arcade Fire, intersperse an overwhelming sense of hypnotic rhythm that a Vampire Weekend or a Strokes would be proud of. More than just a beckoning call, 'Everybody, Come Outside!' is a bewitching, foot tapping, head nodding anthem.

POMEGRANATES - EVERYBODY, COME OUTSIDE!

'Everybody, Come Outside!' also happens to be the name of the Pomegranates album, that's out today on Heist Or Hit Records. While it's the debut UK release from Pomegranates, this is actually their second album, released last year in North America. I haven't had a chance to listen to it but apparently "if you're a fan of The Shins, French Kicks or The Spinto Band" then 'Everybody, Come Outside!' is for you.

Buy 'Everybody, Come Outside!' at Heist Or Hit or on iTunes.

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100 Films That Defined A Decade

The brilliant independent film mag Little White Lies alerted their Twitter followers to a poll being run by LOVEFiLM.com, the British equivalent to Netflix. Just with a weird penchant for mixed uppercase and lowercase lettering. Anyways, that poll is looking at which 100 films defined the "noughties", from 2000-2009.

'Moulin Rouge' is currently #1. 'MOULIN ROUGE' IS THE FILM THAT DEFINED THIS DECADE?! Unfortunately, the system that LOVEFiLM, whereby you select as many films as you liked from their preselection probably means that 'Moulin Rouge' will remains as the most selected choice. Of course, my point here is not whether 'Moulin Rouge' is good or bad but that it (as a genre film) hardly captures the essence of a decade.


The question then becomes whether one film or perhaps a handful of films "define a decade"? Well, not really. But I'd be willing to argue the case for comic book films. Comic book adaptations have come to the fore particularly in the latter part of the decade, and indeed there was a recent Newsnight Review which focussed on the notion that what was once cult is now mainstream, featuring comic book writers Mark Millar and Kevin Smith.

Certainly, there's been a proliferation in the number of comic book adaptations since 2000. 'X-Men' (2000), 'Spider-Man' (2002), 'X-Men 2' (2003), 'Spider-Man 2' (2004), 'Sin City' (2005), '300' (2007), 'Iron Man' (2008) and 'The Dark Knight' (2008) were all critically acclaimed and commercially successful. And that's just a small selection from the umpteen films adapted from comic books - just how many people realise that 'Road To Perdition' (2002) was actually based on a graphic novel? And then there's manga and other foreign language graphic novels which I have little to no experience of.


Unfortunately, 2000-2009 has also seen some comic-book-to-film clunkers, most notably with 'Catwoman' (2004) but also 'Daredevil' (2003) and 'The Spirit' (2008). Overwhelmingly however, comic book adaptations have performed successfully at the box office and often, critically too. With 'Kick Ass' and 'Iron Man 2' on the way in 2010, I can see that trend continuing.

Perhaps my rant is somewhat redundant bearing in mind that 'The Dark Knight' is currently the third most selected film in the LOVEFiLM poll. And indeed 'Batman Begins', 'Sin City' and 'Iron Man' are also in the top 25. But after that, the only other comic book adaptation I can see is 'A History Of Violence'. And well I don't think that's good enough.

Choose your films that defined the decade at LOVEFiLM. You know what to do.

Trailer: Greenberg

It's good to see Ben Stiller take on some more "serious" roles from time to time because he's undoubtedly talented and I really don't think we need another 'Meet The Parents' sequel. Too late sadly. 2010 sees him in 'Little Fockers' but also 'Greenberg', directed by Noah Baumbach ('The Squid And The Whale') and starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans and Greta Gerwig.

Roger Greenberg (Stiller) is an unmotivated and unconcerned 40 year old, absolutely fine with having nothing to do. As the trailer repeatedly points out. Of course, things aren't that simple - well, I hope not anyway - otherwise, there's not much of a film to go on. Instead, the story seems to evolve into an offbeat romcom, which is probably a bit of a hard sell in writing but actually comes across fairly well in the trailer below.

Perhaps most promising/exciting is the soundtrack for the film provided by James "LCD Soundsystem" Murphy. Indeed, the trailer itself uses the brilliant 'All My Friends' and promises us new music from Mr Soundsystem. All in all, I think it could be work out pretty well.

Puzzle - Patterns We Left EP

A couple of year ago, it really seemed that there was a "scene" coming together in Liverpool. A hotbed of new talent featuring the likes of The Wombats, Hot Club de Paris, Elle S'Appelle, goFASTER>>, My Amiga and plenty of other exciting bands. While things haven't worked out as well as I'd hoped for a lot of the bands, maybe Liverpudlian foursome Puzzle can step up. I mean foursome does rhyme with "awesome" after all.


Previously characterised for their indie-pop/power-pop (track down 'Words And Actions', which was on one of my old podcasts), new EP 'Patterns We Left' is a bit whiney. I'd almost go so far as to use the word "emo". But not quite. I mean a song called 'Same Old Problems' is pretty much a giveaway and there's plenty of barbed lyrics such as "Did you ever? No, you never" and "I started laughing but it wasn't with you". Ouch.

Musically however, it's very much in the tradition of early 90s American indie rock that has become surprisingly in vogue on this blog lately (see here and here). Maybe it's something in the autumnal air.

There might not be much euphoria on 'Patterns We Left' but there sure is a fantastic sense of desperation, encapsulated by embittered lyrics, anguished vocals and jagged guitars. Would be nice if they cheered up a bit for the next release though.

PUZZLE - SAME OLD PROBLEMS

Act quick to get hold of one of the 100 3" mini-CDs of 'Patterns We Left' but the EP is also downloadable from the usual outlets. More info here.

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Sir Yes Sir

Pavement's reunion was understandably pretty big news. But really, we've had our own version all along in the form of Sir Yes Sir.

Formed way back in 2005, they made a minor splash in 2007 (appearing on one of my old podcasts and a couple of other blogs) and to be honest, haven't done much since. Apart from be compared to Pavement by everyone. Things are a-happening soon though. A new EP out on tape and an album (on 12") are dropping. I'll repeat that - an EP out on tape and an album out on 12". I assume they'll be selling tracks digitally otherwise Sainsbury's Basics might be on the menu for the next year. Or maybe I underestimate the markets.


As a taster for the new stuff, I've got 'Have I Hell' to share with you. Sharing is caring. Clocking in at a concise 116 seconds, it's a breathless sprint - bass hitting, guitar chugging, drum pulverising and all in the spirit of 90s American indie rock. Pretty awesome.

SIR YES SIR - HAVE I HELL

So, 2010 - the triumphant return of Pavement..................and Sir Yes Sir. Well, hopefully anyway.

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BBC iPlayer: Good Night, and Good Luck

[Watch until 1.14am on Thursday 19th November 2009] (UK users only)

The George Clooney and Grant Heslov combo 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' is in cinemas now and by most accounts is not that great. Therefore, I'd suggest another Clooney-Heslov collab, 'Good Night, and Good Luck', is a much worthier use of your time. Not to mention that it's free, courtesy of our good friends at the Beeb.

The 2005 film, set in the 1950s, covers the journalistic endeavour of news reporter Ed Murrow in taking on US Senator Joseph McCarthy and his spurious accusations that many members of the public were Communists or sympathisers.


Distinctively filmed in a black and white style by Clooney, it features a quite brilliant performance by David Straitharn as Ed Murrow. A performance which embodies the film's powerful drama and merited an Oscar for Best Actor. Straitharn had to settle for a nomination and the film itself gained six Academy Awards nominations, although sadly failed to win in any category. Nonetheless, this is a must see.

In Frank Langella (whose brilliant portrayal of Richard Nixon carried 'Frost/Nixon') and Robert Downey Jr, the film's cast is bolstered even before the knowledge that Clooney also joined in with the acting. In fact, Clooney was willing to mortgage his house to make the film after an injury made him uninsurable. While Murrow is the hero of the film, Clooney is the true hero behind the fantastic 'Good Night, and Good Luck'.

9.5/10

You Animals

A couple of years ago, it really looked like Komakino might break through. Appearances on an NME backed tour, tour support for Bloc Party and a hyped single released on Drowned In Sound Recordings were promising signs. Sadly, it didn't quite work out. But there could yet be a happy ending.

After Komakino split, some of the existing members went onto form You Animals. While Komakino were clearly influenced by post-punk (the name was derived from a Joy Division track), they weren't afraid of pop as the brilliant single 'Say Something Else' proved. You Animals have more than embraced that pop-punk side, with hyperactive anthems like 'Theme From You Animals' and debut single 'Halfway To Heartbreak'. They even have a song called 'Your Own Worst Enemy', possibly inspired by the the similarly titled song by American pop-punksters Lit.

They've also rather sneakily plundered the Komakino back catalogue, giving away a re-recorded 'Shotgun Valentine' as a free download. Kicking it old school, one might say. Ironically, this material is more mature and abandons the bouncy enthusiasm of the poppier songs, instead going for an epic Hope Of The States-esque vibe. Although maybe that comparison is a bit too aspirational.

YOU ANIMALS - SHOTGUN VALENTINE

With the band now part of Fear And Records family (joining the likes of Johnny Foreigner, Sky Larkin and Rolo Tomassi) and having gone into the studio with former Forward, Russia! blokey Whiskas, things are looking good for 2010.

The 'Shotgun Valentine' download single also has a b-side, which you can download from Bandcamp.

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Channel 4 3D Week

I'm not sure how I feel about current 3D televisual material. Sure it's a gimmick but there's something kind of amazing in seeing things pop out the screen (occasionally - Note to 3D people: use sparingly). And of course there's the upcoming James Cameron film 'Avatar' apparently set to destroy all negative perceptions of 3D and launch a new cinematic revolution. Or something.



Seeing as 3D is already having a minor renaissance toward the end of the Noughties, British television channel Channel 4 are having a "3D Week", showing several programmes in 3D. The whole list is here but some choice picks include:

- The Queen in 3D 3D footage of the Coronation?! (Mon 16th Nov, 9pm)
- Derren Brown Presents the 3D Magic Spectacular Gash title but magic's always fun and Derren Brown is usually particularly fascinating. (Mon 16th Nov, 10pm)
- Friday the 13th Part III in 3D Jason's back to kill lots of stupid teenagers. Yawn. Blood spatter might be exciting in 3D though. (Fri 20 Nov, 10pm)

You can pick up a pair of those dodgy red/blue flimsy 3D glasses in your local Sainsburys. But they are free. In case you were wondering, as I was before I went to see Toy Story in 3D, the 3D glasses you get at cinemas are much better and can even be worn on top of spectacles. Anyways, you can see me sporting a pair of the crappy free 3D glasses above. Sexy time.

Oh and if you're puzzled/intrigued/aroused/all three by the moustache, it's Movember and I'm raising money for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Any donations are very much appreciated so please donate away by clicking 'Donate To Me' here.

BBC iPlayer: Starter For 10

[Watch until 10.29pm, Mon 16th Nov] (UK only)

'Starter For 10' is the 2006 film adaptation of a 2003 novel by David Nicholls, starring James McAvoy ('Atonement', 'The Last King Of Scotland' and err, 'Wanted'), as Brian Jackson, and Rebecca Hall ('The Prestige', 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona').


It's a coming-of-age film centering around the trials and tribulations of first year university student Brian Jackson's quest to appear on 'University Challenge'. The film covers Brian's romantic misadventures (albeit in a overly familiar manner) and the problems he faces in bridging the gap between social classes. The acting cast, which also includes Catherine Tate, Dominic Cooper and James Corden, provides a snapshot of rising British talent, and rather bizarrely the film was produced by none other than Tom Hanks.

A well acted, reasonably well crafted film. I challenge you not to fall in love with Rebecca Hall.

Clock Opera

Guy Connelly could be the new Tom Vek. There I said it. It's quite an odd thing to say seeing as Tom Vek could well come back any moment and blow our collective minds. Anyway, for the time being, Guy Connelly is Clock Opera and that is more than good enough.


Clock Opera have generated a fair amount of A&R buzz over the last few months and well, understandably so. Guy Connelly's creates a mish mash of so many different elements, forming a magical electronica of sorts. Throw in a bit of Elbow, Moby and Animal Collective and you're still not quite there. But almost. Expect Clock Opera on a host of 2010 tips lists. Here's the b-side to new single 'White Noise'.

CLOCK OPERA - ALOUETTE

Preorder the 'White Noise' 7" at Pure Groove, ahead of its release on November 16th.

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Teaser trailers: Kick-Ass & Clash Of The Titans

Bit of a double whammy here, in the last couple of hours two biggies have dropped in America. Firstly, the teaser trailer for Matthew Vaughn's comic book DIY superhero film 'Kick-Ass' then one for Louis Leterrier's potential epic 'Clash Of The Titans'. Trailers courtesy of Firstshowing.net.

Kick-Ass

Everytime I read the title I think of the phrase "kiss-ass" which is even worse because I never say "ass" anyway. Arse, all the way. I digress, bad intro. This teaser trailer introduces the concept of Mark Millar's graphic novel - a kid with no super powers, trying to be a superhero. Hopefully, the Comic Con footage will be used in future marketing because those clips were uncompromisingly brilliant. Like the film, I'm led to believe.

Clash Of The Titans

I've always had an interest in classical civilisation and mythical tales so I imagine 'Clash Of The Titans' will be quite engaging. The plot summary isn't particularly exciting though - "Follows Perseus and his quest to battle Medusa and the Kraken in order to save the Princess Andromeda." Concise, yes. Thrilling, not so much. But the teaser trailer tries to jam in as much as excitement as it can, like a coked up 'Lord Of The Rings'. I enjoyed most of Louis Leterrier's last film 'The Incredible Hulk' (the Ed Norton version) so look forward to seeing more of what he's done here.

King Charles

The musical emergence of King Charles continues to shock/please me with every passing release. Having seen him appear in various guises at sporadic London gigs over the last few years and generally treating him largely as a comedic figure, his debut single as King Charles was surprisingly good. 'Time For Eternity' was like a classical renaissance overdubbed by disturbing spoken word, matched by a fairly peculiar video.

New single 'Love Lust' is even more ridiculous/courageous but, importantly, it is also quite brilliant. The galloping drums, shredding guitar lines, sci-fi sound effects, double tracked vocals and brilliant lyrics ("with a guitar in my hand or a gun in my hand, I'd give it all up for your hand in my hand") make this psychedelic prog-folk ballad one of the singles of the year.

Think Andrew WK meets Mumford & Sons. Actually, there's a good chance that King Charles may well become the British equivalent to Andrew WK. I think this live vid might help envisage that. Regardless, an eccentric icon to thrill us for years to come.

KING CHARLES - LOVE LUST

'Love Lust' is out digitally now and may well be out on 7" vinyl too. Your guess is as good as mine.

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BBC iPlayer: Kidulthood

[Watch (till 11.14pm, Saturday 7th Nov)]

Some claimed that 'Kidulthood' glamourised gun crime. It does anything but. In its treatments of underage sex, drugs and violence, the film demonstrates the powerful consequences that could result. 'Kidulthood' is a gritty tale of teenage desperation, capturing a traumatic day in the life of a group of 15 year old London kids.


Menhaj Huda's compelling direction, the brilliant soundtrack capturing the UK grime zeitgeist of the time and Noel Clarke's writing make 'Kidulthood' a must see for an insight on inner city turbulence.

The Sunshine Underground

Back in 2006/7, The Sunshine Underground were banded amongst the "new rave" (eurgh) revolution when really they were simply disciples of The Rapture's dance-punk (slightly less eurgh but still a bit unsavoury) ethos.

After a decent album and many brilliant live performances, they disappeared for a while. This week sees The Sunshine Underground back with a new EP entitled 'Everything, Right Now', lead by the track embedded below, 'Coming To Save You'.

Earlier in the year, I was sent a track from studio sessions with FC Kahuna, which won't be on the album (due out Feb 2010) as it's "too different". While 'From The City To The Sea' may be too different, it's also fantastic and probably the sound that Klaxons are searching for while their second album remains in limbo.

It's a shame then that the band are eschewing that sound in favour of a more elementary approach. Indeed, the best track from the EP, 'Everything, Right Now (Sound Of Sirens)', with its incessant synth line and ethereal multi-layered vocals is closer to the vibe of the FC Kahuna collaboration.

THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND & FC KAHUNA - FROM THE CITY TO THE SEA

Anyway, for me it was always more about the energy of the live shows and the band will be doing some free intimate gigs over the next couple of weeks. More details here.

'Everything, Right Now' is available now at Pure Groove and the band go on tour across the UK in February 2010.

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Trailer: Salt

Angelina Jolie is increasingly becoming the "go-to girl" for Hollywood action films. After Tom Cruise pulled out of 'Salt', the script was rewritten to situate Evelyn Salt, and not Edwin Salt, as the central character.

In recent years, Jolie has been seen in Wanted, the Tomb Raider films and Mr and Mrs Smith so it's no surprise to see her take a lead role in a big action blockbuster. 'Salt' sees Jolie outed as a Russian sleeper spy who must evade capture to prove her innocence. Basically, she's being Jason Bourne.

I'm not all that familiar with director Phillip Noyce's work but I'm always interested in whatever Liev Schreiber's involved in and a big shout out for Chiwetel Ejiofor appearing in a summer blockbuster.

Kurt Wimmer's involvement is what makes me tentative about this film. While Equilibrium was fantastic, he also made Ultraviolet, which I remember watching and thinking that it could well be one of the worst films ever. I think Brian Helgeland came onboard at a late stage to tweak Wimmer's script as well, and his track record is also inconsistent, although his work on LA Confidential far outweighs any failings.

For a teaser trailer, the film looks quite promising and has a strong portrayal of (far too thin) Jolie as a lead. The film drops on July 23rd 2010 in the USA, who knows when for the UK.

Nominated In The Record Of The Day Awards 2009

Rather remarkably I was nominated not once, but twice, in the influential Record Of The Day's 2009 Awards list. Admittedly, that's because they made a mistake and added both 'Keep Hope Inside' and 'Faded Glamour' but still being nominated at all in the Best Blog category is pretty amazing.

I'm not above pity votes so bearing in mind that I'm up against blogging powerhouses like Pinglewood and 20 Jazz Funk Greats, help a brother out please. For more details and to vote, visit Record Of The Day. Also, send me an email if you do vote, I have some blogging ideas and you're probably the type of person who I'd like to involve.

Cheers.

Trailer: The Cup Of Tears

Now, I was going to make this post about the new 'Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time' film but while that looks better than expected, it didn't particularly engage me in any real manner. Instead, I'm going to post about a trailer that is both breathtaking and utterly confusing at the same time.

The Cup of Tears film trailer. Dir. Gary Shore from Gary Shore on Vimeo.

'The Cup Of Tears' may be stylistically reminiscent of South-East Asian cinema, reminding me more of Stephen Chow's bonkers pastiche film 'Kung Fu Hustle' than the likes of 'Crouching Tiger...' etc but it's actually directed by an Irishman. And apparently made in Ireland too.

This is Gary Shore's second feature film and he takes what appears to be a samurai revenge story and transposes it into a '300'/'Sin City'-esque cinematic backdrop. Except there's one bit of the trailer that's in space. A SAMURAI FILM IN SPACE?! The finished producT may very well be style over substance but that's ambition for you. The film drops sometime in 2010.

[via Twitchfilm.net]

Swim Until You Can't See Land

Frightened Rabbit are probably one of my top 5 favourite bands. Over the course of their two studio albums, they've demonstrated the wonderful Scottish melancholy that sets in when it seemingly rains all the time. Or maybe that's just been my several unlucky experiences in Scotland.

A new album is on its way, preceded by the 'Swim Until You Can't See Land' single. The horns and string arrangements give the single a wonderful richness but I can't help feeling that it's a little tepid in comparison to Frightened Rabbit's previous output. It's a decent effort but I'm hoping there'll be a bit more bite to the album.

The signs aren't great, though. In a MySpace blog post, they describe the single as "summing up the record". In effect, I'm asking the band to be a bit more passionately miserable. Is that an oxymoron? Maybe I mean miserably passionate. Either way, fairly shameful on my part.

Perhaps of more pressing interest, the band are playing a secret gig at The Lexington in London on the 6th. Tickets are being sold online from 9am on Monday 2nd Nov. That's tomorrow folks. Set your alarms. If like me you are sadly preoccupied at that moment in time, you can imagine what it'd be like from this clip on the BBC2 Culture Show. I've ripped the mp3 below.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT - SWIM UNTIL YOU CAN'T SEE LAND (LIVE ON THE CULTURE SHOW)

'Swim Until You Can't See Land' is available to preorder now at FatCat Records prior to its 16th Nov release.

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The Times They Are a-Changing

In Michael Bay's 'Bad Boys 2', Martin Lawrence drops the unforgettable line SHIT JUST GOT REAL". It seems appropriate to recall that dialogue today as Faded Glamour v2.0 (Keep Hope Inside v54533.0) kicks off.

Over the course of the last two years or so, I've really developed a passion for film. As with music, I'm no practitioner. I have no real aspirations to become a film maker, a screen writer or anything like that. I just like films.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting some film bloggers. After that, I genuinely thought that this film blogging lark was something I could do. The following people have inspired me to get on with this: Peter and everyone at Slashfilm.com, the dudes on the Slashfilmcast, my good pal Katie at The Stories That Really Mattered, Alex at Firstshowing.net, Dennis and his menaces at ThinkHero and David at Heyuguys.co.uk. And obviously all the brilliant people involved in making films.

I will be writing a bit about film and maybe even TV, if I can be bothered. Largely, I won't bother with film news but I'll probably link to a couple of things. I'll drop some new trailers. Maybe I'll review films. Maybe I'll just moan. Regardless, it will be something different than what I've done for the last 3 and 1/2 years. The music posts will still appear.

And by way of showing you how both music and film can be intertwined to stunning effect, here are the opening credits from this year's 'Watchmen' film. A beautiful juxtaposition of Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are a-Changing' and Zack Snyder's envisioning of the alternate future presented in the graphic novel.

In conclusion, Faded Glamour is now a music AND film blog. Do stick around, this is one of many new ideas I've got for the blog. The first step toward world domination. Indeed, the site's also undergone a facelift as well. So we're now on Faded Glamour v3.0 I guess.