Remixed: Lord Huron - Into The Sun (Teen Daze Remix)

We don't write about that many remixes because they're mostly terrible. Remixed is a column that will highlight some of the ones we actually think are worthy of praise and attention, be they old or new. We hope you enjoy them too.

Words: Saam Das

Lord Huron - 'Into The Sun (Teen Daze Remix)'

We rarely mention remixes on this blog yet we still get emailed dozens every month. There's no getting away from it - I think 99% of remixes are middling to bad. I might even go as far as to say they majority are terrible. But this new column is about highlighting the ones we think are actually worthy of your attention, and giving them the praise they deserve.

This new column is definitely not something that I'll be using to peddle stuff solely for the reason that it'll make the blog more popular. Exhibit A: I recently turned down the exclusive premiere of a new remix of The Good Natured by Max Cooper because I wasn't a fan.

Instead, Remixed is about elevating great remixes, whether new or old, from a sea of mediocrity. The first remix is to feature in the column is actually one I mentioned recently but wanted to highlight it again, in case any readers had overlooked it. Especially as I described it as such: "Be sure to also pick up the Teen Daze remix of 'Into The Sun' too, which considering I rarely recommend remixes, is high praise without me actually saying anything about it." So I thought I'd actually say something about it now.

DVD Review: Dexter Season 4 Boxset

Words: Ced Yuen

'Dexter' Season 4 (UK Release: 29 Nov '10)

'Dexter' is a show that glorifies killing and asks you to sympathise with a murderer. It's a bold idea for a television show, because it divides the audience. You're either on board or you're not. For those who found the concept repulsive back in 2006 when the show came out, Season 4 won't do much to sway their opinion. Nor does it aim to - Showtime doesn't seem to care.

4 seasons into the show and nothing has been toned down for fear that people might complain. Free from the sort of studio/network intervention that 20th Century Fox are famous for, 'Dexter' has been allowed to mature. Those who have been following the story so far are in for a treat, because this is the most compelling and immersive season so far.

Brief recap: Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) is a police forensics analyst by day and a serial killer by night. He has an urge to kill, but he follows a strict code and only kills other killers. He is a psychopath, and has to fake 'regular' human emotions in order to appear ordinary and blend in with the people around him. Seasons 1-3 dealt with Dexter's search for the reasons behind his urge to kill, his efforts to hide his secret, and his doubt in the code that he has lived by. By the end of Season 3, all identity/moral crises are more or less resolved, and he gets married knowing that he is in control of his "Dark Passenger". All seems well.

BBC iPlayer: The Trip (2010) Ep 4 - Hipping Hall

Words: Paul Dean

'The Trip' Episode 4: 'Hipping Hall'

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy series. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon continue their restaurant-reviewing road trip at Hipping Hall in Kirby Lonsdale, in the Lake District." (bbc.co.uk)

Spending much of my week with a nose leaking like a tap and a throat gurgling like a drain, I was very much looking forward to the fourth installment of 'The Trip' and holding the hope that it might go some way to lifting me out of my painful malaise. Instead, going beyond its alternating playfulness and petulence, I think it has finally crossed over into the realm of genuine bitterness.

Surfacing: Alpines

Words: Saam Das

With a winter chill sweeping across the UK, it seems appropriate to write about a band called Alpines. Perhaps unexpectedly, they're from Kingston-Upon-Thames in the suburbs of London - a place which not especially famed for its mountainous terrain. Worth visiting its parks during the summer though. They're lovely.

As for Alpines, they're one of a string of London bands spearheading a movement of moody atmospheric electronica - the band opt for the term "night-pop". I can go along with that. However, I'm much less enamoured with the duo's decision to shroud themselves in mystery, although this interview does reveal some details.

Channel 4oD: Misfits (2010) Episode 3

Words: Matthew Paskins

'Misfits Series 2: 'Episode 3'

SYNOPSIS: "'Misfits' follows five outsiders on community service who get struck by a flash storm and lumbered with special powers. The masked man saves Alisha (Antonia Thomas) from a mugging on the estate - it appears he is able to touch her without being affected by her powers and Alisha is intrigued." (channel4.com)

This is more like it. Much more waiting around and a lovely homosocial encounter between Nathan (Robert Sheehan) and Simon (Iwan Rheon) which turns out to have been orchestrated by a malevolent tattoo artist. There's a showdown with said figure which is based on a a packet of peanuts thrown to the gang by the mysterious motorcycle courier who irritated me last week – this a rubbishy scene to be honest, too much like the 'Skins' style of ludicrous encounter with the adult world (arm wrestling with Mackenzie Crook etc) for the sort of show I want 'Misfits' to be.

Live Review: The Remedy All Dayer at Tooting Tram & Social

Words: Saam Das

Live: John Kennedy's Remedy All Dayer at Tooting Tram & Social, London (13 Nov '10)

A couple of weekends ago, I made the lonely and lengthy trip down to Tooting to attend XFM DJ John Kennedy's all day gigathon. While Tooting isn't exactly the most glamourous of places (good thing my place at a nearby medical school never quite worked out), the Tram & Social is a quite stunning venue. A wonderful setting for a whole host of great (and not-so-great) bands.

I've already given the first band I saw at the gig, Hot Horizons, a bit of a positive write up as I saw about two and a half of their songs so they don't really deserve much of a place in a live review. So I begin with electronica duo Elephant, who recently signed to Memphis Industries.

Album Review: Suede - The Best Of

(Ed's note: Rajan listens to as many albums in a month as I tend to do in a year so will hopefully contributing a smattering of album reviews in the future. Maybe even other stuff too.)

Words: Rajan Lakhani

Suede - 'The Best Of' (Release: 1 Nov '10)

By 2003, the general public had forgotten how important Suede was to British music as they announced their hiatus with a whimper. It was a far cry from their beginnings in 1992, when they were famously labelled the “Best Band in Britain” without having released a single.

Suede brought ambition, glamour, romance and intelligence back into guitar music, breathing new life into the British music scene. Finding beauty in suburban depravity and making heroes of those on the fringes of society, Suede presented a world of escape for their listeners. The emotive nature of their songs meant they were one of those “all-or-nothing” bands, inspiring devotion from their fans and making the term “casual Suede fan” an oxymoron. Their eponymous album was then the fastest selling British debut of all time, winning the Mercury Music Prize. They would go onto create an all-time classic with the dystopian 'Dog Man Star' and that superior slice of indie-pop, 'Coming Up', which would spawn five top-10 singles. But their fifth album, 2002 'A New Morning' album was the sound of a band unsure of themselves.

Channel 4oD: Any Human Heart (2010) Episode 1

(Ed's note: Josh has kindly offered to cover the new four part Channel 4 adaptation of the novel 'Any Human Heart', providing reviews that will undoubtedly be bolstered by his study of English at university.)

Words: Josh Blacker

'Any Human Heart': Episode 1

SYNOPSIS: "Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen and Sam Claflin take the lead role in William Boyd's funny, moving and ambitious adaptation of his best-selling novel, exploring one man's tumultuous and unpredictable journey through the 20th century" (Channel4.com)

'Any Human Heart' opens with a recurring dream that an old Logan Mountstuart (here Jim Broadbent) can't get his head around. A small boy in a boat, observed from the river bank by three figures. Logan thinks it might represent a soul passing through time, and that, perhaps, is the crux of this series. The three figures are, in close-up, Logan Mountstuart at different stages of his life - “I'm always different people”, Broadbent narrates, only to be echoed by Matthew Macfadyen and Sam Caflin. It is perhaps a laboured device, but it gets the point across.

Channel 4oD: Misfits (2010) Episode 2

Words: Matthew Paskins

'Misfits' Series 2: 'Episode 2'

SYNOPSIS: "'Misfits' follows five outsiders on community service who get struck by a flash storm and lumbered with special powers. Nathan (Robert Sheehan) is shocked (and half naked) when Jamie (Sam Keeley), a long-lost brother he never knew he had, turns up at the community centre." (e4.com)

Not a wonderful episode this week: an overplotted mess like a straight-to-video Brookside special. The misfits are being rescued/haunted by a bike courier/parkour enthusiast who has no screen presence and isn't very exciting.

Buried Treasures: The Kingsbury Manx

Buried Treasures is a column dedicated to things we feel have gone underappreciated, often both critically and commercially. We encourage you to seek these moments out and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Words: Simon Opie

Band: The Kingsbury Manx

I usually have a lot to say – always contradictory since my opinion varies with my mood – concerning the subject of the best album of all time. But I have no doubt at all as to the best gig I ever attended – from really a lot of contenders. It was Calexico at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire sometime at the start of the 21st century.

Why was it so good? Well, Calexico were on fine, improving form, with a great crop of new songs to play and a Mexican mariachi band joining them on stage for a stunning finale. I joined in from the floor with frenzied dancing that I imagined to be far cooler than I am sure it actually appeared to be. But the real icing on the cake was the support act – The Kingsbury Manx (yes, who doesn’t eat the icing first). Apart from anything else, I don’t think I had ever heard a band quite like them before.

TV Review: The Walking Dead (2010) Ep 3 - Tell It To The Frogs

Words: Jake Tobin

'The Walking Dead' Episode 3: 'Tell It To The Frogs'

SYNOPSIS: "Rick makes a decision to go back to Atlanta to retrieve the bag of guns and save a man’s life. Lori and Shane must deal with the surprising return of someone they thought was dead." (fxuk.com)

For me, 'Tell It To The Frogs' marks the point when 'The Walking Dead' confirms itself as a television series, rather than just a long zombie movie. If this were just a movie everything would have been tied up by now and Rick (Andrew Lincoln) being reunited with his family would be the final scene, instead he has left the camp again by the end of the episode and returned to the city. We have a number of loose ends that don’t look likely to be tied up for, oh, say another three episodes, with some possibly left after that (just a hunch).

Competition: Win Simon Amstell's Debut Live DVD - Do Nothing

Following his unique and successful six part BBC sitcom 'Grandma’s House', Simon Amstell is back with his much acclaimed live show 'Do Nothing – Live', available to own from November 22nd. That's today, for all you fact fans.

Simon’s new stand-up show has proved to be a major a hit across the UK and in New York and reveals a departure from his popular 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks' presenting role, revealing an awkward, honest and hilariously candid side to Simon. To celebrate the release of 'Do Nothing - Live' we’re giving you the chance to win one of three copies of his new DVD.

Trailer Catchup: 127 Hours, Source Code, Cowboys & Aliens etc

Words: Saam Das

It's been an inordinate amount of time since we caught up with the "hottest" new trailers around. For that, I apologise. Especially as I quite enjoy writing about some of the trailers. Not so much when they're as thoroughly disappointing like the upcoming Pegg and Frost film 'Paul' and the pointless 'Kung Fu Panda 2' trailer or the embarrassingly unfunny trailer to 'Your Highness'. Although the latter could well be saved Natalie Portman. Hopefully.

After the jump, there are trailers to some more promising films including '127 Hours', 'Blue Valentine' and 'The Fighter'.

Album Review: Girl Talk - All Day

Words: Simon Opie

Girl Talk - 'All Day' (Release: 15 Nov '10)

I confess that I really like cut-up music (using bits of other peoples recordings to make something new, just like collage), and I don't think the much debated plagiarism concern is at all relevant. Borrowing musical ideas has been going on forever and, since the fact that the world-famous riff to Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water' is supposedly the opening to Beethoven's Fifth played backwards (according to Richie Blackmore, who wrote it) doesn't seem to have caused an outcry, the ethics of the practice of cut-up are, to my mind, not in question.

What is in question is whether the outcome is any good or not and by that I guess I mean is the whole better than the sum of the parts and does the cut-up artist have something original to say that's worth saying? Otherwise the result is just a complicated version of a Spotify playlist.

Film Review: Adrift (2010)

Words: Saam Das

'Adrift' (UK Release: 19 Nov '10)

Director: Heitor Dhalia
Cast: Vincent Cassel, Camilla Belle, Debora Bloch, Laura Neiva

Having made the rounds at Cannes Film Festival 2009, where it competed for Un Certain Regard, Heitor Dhalia's beautiful film 'Adrift' finally gets its UK release today. It is a beautiful film in several regards, particularly in terms of its majestic visuals, which provide such a vivid palette of colours and scenery that you cannot help but feel immersed in its sun-kissed Brazilian setting.

'Adrift' examines the story of one family's summer holiday at their beach house in the small coastal town of Búzios. The always brilliant Vincent Cassel is on hand as doting father, Mathias, while his caustic wife, Clarice, is played by Debora Bloch. With the focus largely centering on the perspective of their 14 year old daughter, Filippa, played remarkably well by newcomer Laura Neiva, the film is very much a coming-of-age story.

However, the film's focus shifts between her growing sexuality and the ever deepening sexual and romantic void between her parents. As that relationship begins to crumble, with rife infidelity and abuse of alcohol, we see how this affects Filippa, and the family unit as a whole.

Competition: Win Dara O Briain's Live DVD - This Is The Show

The mighty Dara O Briain, host of 'Mock The Week', 'The Apprentice You’re Fired! and star of 'Three Men In A Boat' will be releasing his much anticipated brand new stand-up DVD 'Dara O Briain: This Is The Show' on Monday 22nd November by Universal Pictures (UK).

Recorded at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo during a nine night residency in September, 'Dara O Brian: This Is The Show' is a must-have for any discerning comedy fan wishing to see this brilliant stand-up and comedic thinker at the peak of his career. With hilarious anecdotes and witty audience interaction blended with topical story-telling, Irish humour and relentless delivery, Dara is regarded as one of comedy greats by audiences and fellow comedians alike. To celebrate the release, we’re giving you the chance to win 3 copies of the new show on DVD.

Surfacing: Hot Horizons

Words: Saam Das

On Saturday, I went to XFM DJ John Kennedy's all day gig in Tooting, which is in the murky depths of South London. I'll be writing a review of that at some point but I thought I'd write about the first band I saw on Saturday. Mainly because I only saw about three of their songs so it's not worth giving them a live review. But those three songs made enough of an impression for me to write about Hot Horizons.

One of those three songs was 'October', which was released digitally (and appropriately) at the back end of October. It's also coming out on ltd ed 7" vinyl on the Late Of The Pier associated Zarcorp record label. 'October' is dream pop at its best. Contemplative and warm, with a sense of grandeur. B-side 'Spoken' is more of a rapturous slice of melancholy, while still managing to retain a pleasurable ambiance. Both songs make me think of hummus for some reason.

Surfacing: The Lost Cavalry

Words: Saam Das

After Mark West left Fanfarlo, and set up his own solo venture, I remember contacting him on MySpace. Or My______, as it's now bizarrely become. Clearly, this was an incredibly long time ago. But Mark remembered too, as he recently sent me an email to update me on activities with his current band, The Lost Cavalry.

Channel 4oD: Misfits (2010) Episode 1

(Ed's note: Matthew joins us to review 'Misfits' and if his PhD doesn't get in the way, will hopefully be around for a while after that too.)

Words: Matthew Paskins

'Misfits' Series 2: 'Episode 1'

SYNOPSIS: "Misfits follows five outsiders on community service who get struck by a flash storm and lumbered with special powers. Kelly, Curtis, Alisha and Simon are still mourning Nathan’s death, totally unaware that he’s still alive, six feet under. A mysterious man in a mask leads them to Nathan’s grave..." (e4.com)

I want to review 'Misfits' – Channel 4's superb super-powered ASBO teens show - but not tell you anything about what happens in it. This isn't hard to do. The shows's plotting is very good – good enough to want to conceal – but what's amazing is the claustrophobia of its setting and the warmth and vicious vulnerability of its characters. I want to talk about the characters later on in the series, so the rest of this review will be about the setting.

TV Review: The Walking Dead (2010) Ep 2 - Guts

Read Jake's review of Episode 1: 'Days Gone Bye' here.

Words: Jake Tobin

'The Walking Dead' Episode 2: 'Guts'

SYNOPSIS: "Rick unknowingly causes a group of survivors to be trapped by walkers. The group dynamic devolves from accusations to violence, as Rick must confront an enemy far more dangerous than the undead." (fxuk.com)

Before I go too far in this review I just want to say that this was a good episode of television and that I enjoyed it, but there is a ‘but’. This episode seemed like a letdown, after last week’s epic, emotionally deep and exciting almost-feature-length pilot, 'Guts' felt mediocre. It was still interesting, but it lacked the cinematic quality and grandeur of 'Days Gone Bye'

BBC iPlayer: The Trip (2010) Ep 3 - Holbeck Ghyll

Words: Paul Dean

'The Trip' Episode 3: 'Holbeck Ghyll'

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy series starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Over the course of six meals at six different restaurants in and around the Lake District, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales, this ultimate odd couple find themselves debating the big questions of life over a series of culinary delights." (bbc.co.uk)

"Do you think we just have the same conversation every restaurant?" asks (fictional) Rob Brydon. He wonders if he and (fictional) Steve Coogan are destined to spend the rest of their time together repeating an endless cycle of impersonations, awkward exchanges, nervous chuckles and cantankerous critiques of each other, all while eating. They may have found themselves trapped in a not entirely unpleasant purgatory, or perhaps that's only Coogan, since it seems this trip gives him far too much time to ruminate on where his life leaves him unsatisfied, something only brought into starker contrast by Brydon's own contentment.

Behind The Scenes: Nina Bhadreshwar

Behind The Scenes is a series of interviews and guest blogs, where artists give us insight about their work in a specific industry. Here, Nina Bhadreshwar talks about writing and the creative process, including her inspirations from the music world and otherwise. Her novel also discusses some of the story behind the scenes at Death Row Records in the US.

Words: Nina Bhadreshwar

Some people live to write. Other people write to live. I’m one of the latter.

But I don’t write for money. If I did, I’d belong in the loony bin (not saying that I don’t anyway). When I first discovered I could write stories, I was probably seven. Write and change people’s feelings, ten. Then the usual trajectory: prizes, awards, A levels, degrees, journalist, editor. But none of these made me a writer, just evidence I could mess about with language like billions of others. I’m still not doing what I call ‘writing’.

For me, my writing should be the fullest, fiercest and fastest expression of my ideas with as little manipulation as possible. I’ve written three novels and had one published, 'How To Survive Puberty At 25' which I am now having to rewrite completely as a comedy filmscript for a British production company and director. I’ve written and sold a few filmscripts in the past, too. I’ve written poetry and won some awards in America for that and a few short stories. I am always in the middle of several things, most of them are pure twaddle. But it is the process which is more important than what you think you're writing as it's the process which makes the real product.

Mash Up: Pogo - Wishery

Words: Saam Das

Often, there's a crossover (as it happens, an occasional synonym for "mash up") between music and film or television. That's why I've been persevering with this blog as one entity and not split into its residual elements. Mash up artist extraordinaire and electronic music producer Pogo feels similarly.

He's been making spliced up music sampled from film for a few years now, first coming into prominence with his 'Alice' mash up made in 2007. Not only did he take sounds from that film and created an "original" composition but he also created an accompanying video. It went viral. Today, it has close to five million views on YouTube.

Surfacing: Young Circles

Words: Saam Das

I love Florida. The best holiday I ever had was when I was about four years old and spent a few weeks with family in Orlando. It was mainly amazing due to the wonder of automated garage doors, and Disneyworld. I still remember hugging Goofy, Mickey etc. But I'm not sure I've ever posted about a band from the area. Until today, and the new incarnation of a set of Florida veterans. They're Young Circles (actually Miami based but anyway) and their debut EP is set for release in January.

Competition: Win The Mighty Boosh On Tour - Journey Of The Childmen DVD

'Journey Of The Childmen' is out on DVD on November 15th. It's an intimate ‘behind the scenes’ and ‘on the road film’ about cult sensations The Mighty Boosh on tour. This brilliant documentary was part of the Official Selection at the Raindance Film Festival and is the only backstage pass to see the chaos and genius of the Boosh. To celebrate the release, we’re giving you the chance to win yourself a copy of 'The Journey Of The Childmen' on DVD.

Film Review: The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Words: Saam Das

'The Kids Are All Right' (UK Release: 29 Oct '10)

Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska

It's not atypical for Annette Bening or Julianne Moore to be in a film concerned about their relationship woes. Most recently, we saw Julianne Moore's downtrodden character in 'A Single Man', while perhaps more famously, 'American Beauty' tracked the breakdown of a relationship in which Annette Bening was central. 'The Kids Are All Right' marries the two. Quite literally. Yes, they're lesbians and they're in a marriage.

BBC iPlayer: The Trip (2010) Ep 2 - L'Enclume

Words: Paul Dean

'The Trip' Episode 2: 'L'Enclume'

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy series starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Over the course of six meals at six different restaurants in and around the Lake District, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales, this ultimate odd couple find themselves debating the big questions of life over a series of culinary delights." (bbc.co.uk)

I am terrible for endlessly re-watching favourite sketches or scenes from old comedy shows that I love. Some of them probably aren't funny any more, or perhaps never even were, but I can't help myself. It likely annoys the hell out of other people and gives them the impression that I have the narrowest of tastes and a complete inability to move on.

Well, I can now refute those claims entirely by showing everyone how I've embraced 'The Trip' and how I ride the wave of contemporary comedy. Then I can go away and privately watch parts of it over and over, until I'm old and bent and wrinkly, endlessly babbling the dialogue to any relatives compassionate enough to still come and visit me. Won't that be nice?

Surfacing: Lord Huron

Words: Saam Das

While Lord Huron might be kicking off a head of steam across the pond, the reception on UK blogs has been pretty muted. Or rather, almost non-existent. A couple of blogs, such as Music Mule have managed to get on L.A based Benji Schneider early, following the recent release of his second EP under the Lord Huron name, 'Mighty'. The artwork of which is amazing, and reminds me of the times I wandered down to the River Ganges in Kolkata, on the occasional school summer holiday.

The music is similarly beautiful and brilliant, capturing an essence of calypso pop which leaves Lord Huron somewhere in the middle of Animal Collective and El Guincho. But Benji throws in a folk element occasionally too, explaining the Fleet Foxes comparisons. Be sure to also pick up the Teen Daze remix of 'Into The Sun' too, which considering I rarely recommend remixes, is high praise without me actually saying anything about it. Of course, you'll probably hate it now. But with any luck, you'll fall in love with Lord Huron.

TV Review: The Walking Dead (2010) Ep 1 - Days Gone Bye

(Ed's note: Say hello to Jake, an old pal and someone who'll hopefully be writing a lot more for us about televisual entertainment.)

Words: Jake Tobin

'The Walking Dead' Episode 1: 'Days Gone Bye'

SYNOPSIS: Graphic novel adaptation, developed for television by Frank Darabont. The pilot episode sees Sheriff's Deputy Rick Grimes waking up alone in a hospital, having been shot. He then sets out to find his family amidst a zombie apocalypse.

Starting in medias res, the first shocking thing about 'The Walking Dead' in the pre-titles scene is Andrew Lincoln’s ('Teachers', 'This Life') American accent, shortly followed by him shooting a young girl in the face. The girl was a zombie, and here we have the key element of the show: it’s a zombie apocalypse. Post-titles, we reach the beginning of the story and are introduced to our hero (actual name: Rick Grimes), then shown how he survives until the action truly begins (he survives by getting shot - seriously).

Album Review: LCD Soundsystem - London Sessions

Words: Kieran Toms

LCD Soundsystem - 'London Sessions' (Release: 9 Nov '10)

These sessions were recorded "live" this summer in South London, just after James Murphy and his gang played Glastonbury. Apparently, until this collection they have not tended to do sessions, in order “to maintain the highest quality of all sonic recordings”. On this showing, such a policy seems a shame as this is a great listen.

BBC iPlayer: The Trip (2010) Ep 1 - The Inn At Whitewell

Words: Paul Dean

Episode 1: 'The Inn At Whitewell'

SYNOPSIS: "Comedy series starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Over the course of six meals at six different restaurants in and around the Lake District, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales, this ultimate odd couple find themselves debating the big questions of life over a series of culinary delights." (bbc.co.uk)

It's such a simple idea I wonder why I haven't seen it done before. Two comedians argue about how to do impressions, while performing those very impressions, sat at dinner, in public and in all too raised voices. Nowhere else in time or space will you see Michael Caine arguing with Michael Caine or Anthony Hopkins trying to out-yell himself.

Live Review: The Good Natured at Concrete

Words: Saam Das

Live: The Good Natured at Concrete, London (5 Nov '10)

Remember, remember, the fifth of November. I will, indeed. Perhaps not for all the right reasons. I'd wanted to see The Good Natured for quite a while now, and especially after some kind words following our coverage of her. Unfortunately, on the night I actually managed to fulfil my wish, things didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. That's not probably not the band's fault though. Now, I don't want to moan about stage times but I'm going to anyway...

Comment: 15 Years On, Pulp Reform

(Ed's note: Say hello to Emily, who has written for publications like Faux but who we really hope will become an integral member of Team FG too.)

Words: Emily Solan

"Pulp have decided to get together and play some concerts next summer. The shows will involve all the original members of the band (Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve MacKey, Russell Senior and Mark Webber) and they will play songs from all periods of their career. Yes, that means they'll be playing your favourites." (source)

So the reunion all Brit-pop kids have been waiting for is finally here. Jarvis Cocker and the full original line-up will be performing at next year's Primavera and Wireless festivals, with more dates to be announced.

Competition: Win A Copy Of Michael Parkinson's New Book And DVD Collection

In nearly fifty years of broadcasting Sir Michael Parkinson has interviewed more than 2,000 of the world’s most famous names. His legendary talk show 'Parkinson' spanned four decades and became one of the nation’s favourite TV programmes of all time. Now, for the first time, Michael Parkinson records the highlights of his interviews, reflecting on 100 memorable guests and the moments that made TV history.

Thanks to the good people at Hodder & Stoughton, we have a copy of Michael Parkinson’s new book 'Parky’s People' as well as the forthcoming BBC DVD, 'The Michael Parkinson Collection'.

Surfacing: Vietwow!

Words: Saam Das

You might have heard the surprisingly brilliant Tinchy Stryder track 'Game Over' which features some of the hottest talent on the UK rap scene (presumably, anyway) right now. It might be a bit much to call them a supergroup but could Vietwow! be considered as one? They comprise a member of Youves as well as former members of a string of bands that have featured on this site - Meet Me In St Louis and Blakfish, Super Tennis.

Vietwow! are running with the tagline "the DIY Supergroup you will learn to love" which is both somewhat insecure of their current standing and perhaps optimistic about their future. Either way, they have some chutzpah to be releasing their debut single on 5.25" floppy disks. Not even the most popular floppy format!

BBC iPlayer: Blade Runner - The Final Cut (2007)

Words: Saam Das

'Blade Runner - The Final Cut' (2007)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah


SYNOPSIS: "Film noir meets science fiction when a 21st-century ex-cop is given the job of hunting down a gang of replicants - genetically engineered androids with a limited lifespan - who have mutinied and returned to Earth seeking to override their mortality. Set in an age where galactic migration has left only the dregs of humanity behind on a ravaged planet, this visually stunning and brutal film is widely regarded as a cult classic. Based on the novel 'Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K Dick." (bbc.co.uk)

Surfacing: YAAKS

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2008, I wrote about a band from Eastbourne called Your Friends Are Architects. I had high hopes for them, commenting that: "this lot are effectively the less pretentious younger brothers of Foals. Let's hope they can emulate their counterpart's success." Well, that didn't quite happen and they split up at the start of 2009.

I was reliably informed (thanks to a nice bloke called Pete who emailed me) that at least one of YFAA has gone onto form YAAKS, a band steadily building hype after Carl at Illegal Tender bigged them up. The Recommender has lifted the lid on some more details about the band, making me less annoying about their "air of mystery" nonsense. Regardless, the tracks is the most important aspect of any band and YAAKS definitely have something exciting about them, in that respect.

BBC iPlayer: Psychoville (Halloween 2010 Special)

Words: Saam Das

One of my favourite TV shows, if not my actual favourite, from last year was 'Psychoville'. The series was written by and starring Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, most famous for their work on the oddball comedy series, 'The League Of Gentlemen'. 'Psychoville' managed to be both comedic and thrilling, with a fantasy/horror element steadily emerging throughout the series. That element is seized upon in this hour-long Halloween special.

There will be spoilers ahead (but nothing too explicit) so I'd advise watching first then returning. If you haven't already seen it, seeing as it aired was quite a few days ago now. Or if you want to relive Halloween, 'Night Of The Living Dead', 'Day Of The Dead' and 'Halloween' are also on the iPlayer for a limited time.

Surfacing: Duologue

Words: Saam Das

It's kind of weird that a band first featured on a Hebrew language music blog over a year ago would be getting some buzz in the UK. That band is Duologue, probably most famous for having a song ('Talk Shop') featured on that programme of ridiculous teenage debauchery, 'Skins'.

See Film Differently: An American Werewolf In London (Zoo)

Words: Saam Das

Event: 'An American Werewolf In London' at London Zoo (31 Oct '10)

You might remember that I got mildly excited when bigshot director John Landis came to sit on my row at the European premiere of 'The King's Speech'. Well, I just had to grab an invite to come and see his seminal horror film 'An American Werewolf In London' at London Zoo for the first of Volkswagen's series of See Film Differently events.

Being a fan of both the film and the zoo, it gave me great pleasure not only to be there but also to drag my friend Rajan along, who had yet to experience either. I think he had a great time. I know I did.

Surfacing: Marina Gasolina

Words: Saam Das

For better or worse, I seem to do a lot of my blogging at about 3am. But even after seeing Notion Magazine's "exclusive" free download of Marina Gasolina's debut single 'Leone', I really thought bed should take a precedent. But I'm ready to share the wealth now.

You might be familiar with Marina Gasolina from Brazilian funk-dance band Bonde De Role. Marina left the band quite a while ago now and I actually saw her do a bit of a cameo at a London gig a couple of years ago, guesting on a track by Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit. Speaking of the latter, he has helped produced the forthcoming self-titled debut album from Marina Gasolina as well as co-producing the download below.

Competition: Win Get Him To The Greek T-shirts

'Get Him To The Greek: The Extended Party Edition', the latest film from producer Judd Apatow ('The 40-Year-Old Virgin', 'Knocked Up') rocked onto DVD and Blu-ray on November 1st in the UK, with a specially extended edition that’s packed full of unbelievable extras and scenes deemed too shocking for cinema.

Three lucky people can win an Infant Sorrow t-shirt each from 'Get Him To The Greek' by entering the competition below.

Singles: October 2010

Words: Saam Das

Another storming month for singles this October. Although one in which I need to address a significant bugbear of mine. October saw the release of Cee-Lo Green's 'Fuck You' or to anyone below the age of, let's say....12, 'Forget You'. Now people have been touting this as a single of the year, let alone single of the month.

For the most part, it is an utterly brilliant song. The swearing kind of washes over yet I seem to have problems with the use of the n-word (in whatever spelled form) and although I guess the argument is that it's empowering for certain people to use the word, it just reminds me of all the horrifying hardships that so many people were put through mere decades ago. Am I being an idiot? I probably am. Feel free to tell me. But read about my favourite singles of October first...

Nomination: 2010 Record Of The Day Awards

Words: Saam Das

I wasn't going to make a song and a dance about Team FG's nomination for Best Blog in the 2010 Record Of The Day Awards but it seems like I kind of did last year so I thought why not? Especially as it's a testament to all the hard work that everyone who's written for the site since we expanded the writing team from just me to a small gang.

If like me, you've appreciated the effort from the rest of Team FG, then please vote here. It only takes a moment and they don't spam you. Maybe we can get onto the shortlist this year? Either way, thank you very much if you do vote.

Oh and if anyone has any suggestions for improving the site then feel free to anonymously (or otherwise) add them in the comments. Please keep the barrage of insults to a minimum though. Cheers!

Live Review: Clock Opera at Camden Barfly

Words: Saam Das

Clock Opera + Tall Ships + Paper Crows at Camden Barfly, London (01/11/10)

It was a bit of an ordeal getting into Camden from St John's Wood (these are places in London for the uninitiated) but not only did I manage to somehow complete the journey by foot but I also rather enjoyed my evening. It helped that I was surrounded by some great people, including my old pal Jake and new "real life" pals Tim from the esteemed blog, The Blue Walrus, as well as the lovely Hannah from The 405 and some band that I may or may not talk about one day. Do check them out anyway. I won't bore you any further, read on for gig details...

Opening band Paper Crows took me aback with their opening salvo of pounding club beats matched against vocalist Emma Panas' ethereal delivery. In fact, the beats often seemed to overpower everything else, which is a shame. However, as the set progressed, so did the variety of influences on offer, eventually settling on something approaching a dubstep version of Bat For Lashes. Recent single 'Stand Alight' closed the set, bringing Kate Bush into the 21st century with some style.

Film Review: Involuntary (2010)

Words: Paul Dean

'Involuntary' (UK Release: 29 Oct '10)

Director: Ruben Östlund
Cast: Maria Lundqvist, Villmar Björkman, Linnea Cart-Lamy, Leif Edlund

I have to admit that I have a personal bias toward long takes in filmmaking. I believe that they focus the viewer, that they're immersive and that they can also be an incredible way to create tension. At the same time, tension built in this way can make me feel extremely nervous, probably because I’ve seen a lot of films employ this unflinching technique to demonstrate particularly sudden, unpleasant or outright gruesome events. I spent perhaps the first quarter of Swedish film 'Involuntary' squirming, worried that horrific things might spontaneously happen to each and every character, a fear reinforced by an early scene where a man is struck in the eye by a firework.

Stuff: October 2010

This is just random stuff that Team FG think you might be interested in. Check the tab at the top of the page to see if there's new "stuff" to check out.

Last updated: October 31st.