Happy New Year!
Friday, 31 December 2010
2010
So that's it for my review of 2010 and all in all it's been a pretty great year with some extraordinary music, films and programs being made. So here's to the new year and lets hope it will be even better than this and be a brilliant start to a new decade full of more alternative and indie media.
Top 5 TV Programs Of 2010
1-Doctor Who
Ok, so I admit it I am a mega nerd because among other reasons I love Doctor Who. It is an iconic program that's been going strong since the 60's and for good reason; it's limitless. Writers can create whole new galaxies, solar systems and planets and place their characters in whatever time zone they want. The only thing they need is imagination...and maybe a budget I guess.
I've watched it since it's return but it's with this series that I've really become a fan of it. I loved David Tennant's portrayal of the Doctor but I'm not the biggest fan of Russell T. Davies writing and my favourite episodes were always by guest writers especially Stephen Moffat so when I learnt that he'd be the head writer for the new series I was looking forward it, and it did not disappoint. Any and all reservations about both the writer and Matt Smith were swept away instantly. Beautifully written with twists, turns, themes, links throughout the series and full of character whilst also being effortlessly acted all of this series was revolutionary. My favourite Doctor Who series to date and I cannot wait for the new series!
2-Sherlock
So I don't know if I mentioned but I am a Stephen Moffat fan girl who also loves the work of Mark Gatiss so what better than a series created by both of them. Although only three episodes long, even if each episode is 90 minutes, it was still far too short purely because you just didn't want them to end. Again expertly written and magnificently performed by the amazingly named Benedict Cumberbatch with a surprisingly brilliant performance from Martin Freeman it's just a great series. Also their take on Moriarty is fantastic as he's played by the disconcerting Andrew Scott and portrays an excellent psychopath. They've modernised Arthur Conan Doyle's creation and created a series that relates to today's world. It's captivating and holds real potential for the future series which I cannot wait for because they annoyingly left it on a cliffhanger.
3-Misfits
This year misfits aired their second series and it was brilliant. This program is unashamed and seemingly without limits and that's what makes it great, where else could you find a show where one of the characters states that he's off to "kill Jesus". All the characters are flawed and outrageous and sometimes it feels like the writers try and make it as controversial as possible just for the sake of it but in this series they've made it more personable and are more caring towards the main characters developing them into more than one faceted people. As I said it's great.
4-Horrible Histories
No I haven't regressed or been possessed by a 10 year old I genuinely love this program. It may be for kids but it's pure comedic genius with performances from actors that crop up in many other programs such as Armstrong and Miller and Peep Shows. But mainly it looks like the most fun program to be part of because it seems like such a laugh. The songs are amazing and as catchy as the plague, which is often the content of it as well. The sketches are hilarious and this program is more loved by teenagers and adults than most children as they feel it's too childish but it's just incredible. Below is a song from the series.
5-IT Crowd
I am also a huge fan of Graham Linehams work and IT Crowd is another one of his hilarious series. This show has been going for years now and with their latest series they added more gems to the archive of brilliant episodes. With an electric cast of Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson coupled with Linehams writing it's an extraordinary series.
Ok, so I admit it I am a mega nerd because among other reasons I love Doctor Who. It is an iconic program that's been going strong since the 60's and for good reason; it's limitless. Writers can create whole new galaxies, solar systems and planets and place their characters in whatever time zone they want. The only thing they need is imagination...and maybe a budget I guess.
I've watched it since it's return but it's with this series that I've really become a fan of it. I loved David Tennant's portrayal of the Doctor but I'm not the biggest fan of Russell T. Davies writing and my favourite episodes were always by guest writers especially Stephen Moffat so when I learnt that he'd be the head writer for the new series I was looking forward it, and it did not disappoint. Any and all reservations about both the writer and Matt Smith were swept away instantly. Beautifully written with twists, turns, themes, links throughout the series and full of character whilst also being effortlessly acted all of this series was revolutionary. My favourite Doctor Who series to date and I cannot wait for the new series!
2-Sherlock
So I don't know if I mentioned but I am a Stephen Moffat fan girl who also loves the work of Mark Gatiss so what better than a series created by both of them. Although only three episodes long, even if each episode is 90 minutes, it was still far too short purely because you just didn't want them to end. Again expertly written and magnificently performed by the amazingly named Benedict Cumberbatch with a surprisingly brilliant performance from Martin Freeman it's just a great series. Also their take on Moriarty is fantastic as he's played by the disconcerting Andrew Scott and portrays an excellent psychopath. They've modernised Arthur Conan Doyle's creation and created a series that relates to today's world. It's captivating and holds real potential for the future series which I cannot wait for because they annoyingly left it on a cliffhanger.
3-Misfits
This year misfits aired their second series and it was brilliant. This program is unashamed and seemingly without limits and that's what makes it great, where else could you find a show where one of the characters states that he's off to "kill Jesus". All the characters are flawed and outrageous and sometimes it feels like the writers try and make it as controversial as possible just for the sake of it but in this series they've made it more personable and are more caring towards the main characters developing them into more than one faceted people. As I said it's great.
4-Horrible Histories
No I haven't regressed or been possessed by a 10 year old I genuinely love this program. It may be for kids but it's pure comedic genius with performances from actors that crop up in many other programs such as Armstrong and Miller and Peep Shows. But mainly it looks like the most fun program to be part of because it seems like such a laugh. The songs are amazing and as catchy as the plague, which is often the content of it as well. The sketches are hilarious and this program is more loved by teenagers and adults than most children as they feel it's too childish but it's just incredible. Below is a song from the series.
5-IT Crowd
I am also a huge fan of Graham Linehams work and IT Crowd is another one of his hilarious series. This show has been going for years now and with their latest series they added more gems to the archive of brilliant episodes. With an electric cast of Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson coupled with Linehams writing it's an extraordinary series.
Top 5 Artists of 2010
1-Kings Of Leon
My top artist of the year without a doubt. After the global success of their previous album 'Only By The Night' the pressure really was on with their latest album. They had to deliver an album that needed to not alienate new fans or old; so in short create something that stays true to their style but still produces hits that would be similar to previous ones. However if too many songs were like 'Sex on Fire' then they would be accused of selling out and if they were no hits then they would loose all their new fans. A real challenge.
But a challenge they rose to. Their latest album doesn't feel contrive or like they were trying to create another 'Only By The Night' but made a record that they could be proud of. It's most reminiscent of 'Because Of The Times' their third album but is more laid back and chilled out. It's simply a great album that fits in beautifully with their other work and a welcome addition to their catalogue of great albums.
Reaching number one in numerous countries they are indeed mainstream but have achieved this success at no loss to the music; the mainstream has come to them not the other way round. They've been incredibly successful but shouldn't be persecuted for that as it's just a testament to their music, even if their videos leave a lot to be desired.
Their new album coupled with extensive touring and performing to their usual high standard makes them my top artist of 2010.
2-Biffy Clyro
With the release of their fifth album in late 2009 with 'Only Revolutions' Biffy are another example of an alternative rock band that has almost inexplicably found itself in the mainstream. Reaching number three in the UK charts it was their most successful album to date. Backing up this fantastic album they've been touring for almost the whole year performing to thousands and it's a true testament to the band that they can fill arenas with their unique brand of rock which can often be fairly heavy and inaccessible to many people but that they've still managed to translate.
Breaking almost all conventions and staying true to their music they've had their most successful year and have rocked 2010.
3-Foals
As well as celebrating bands that have made it big some of my top bands are ones that have only just started. Foals released their second studio album 'Total Life Forever' in May of this year and produced a brilliant record. Following their first ambitious album they've created a tender and complex record with many different facets; powered by their drums with explosions of guitars and strings.
I've heard Foals described as anti-pop and I agree, they don't try to fit the norm, however you do sometimes feel that they try a little too hard to be different but this album in nonetheless one of my favourite this year. Short-listed for the Mercury Prize Foals have proved that the initial buzz about this Oxford quintet was well deserved.
4-Young Guns
Another less well known band in my top five is Young Guns who released their début album earlier this year and produced a beast of a rock record. For a band so young they've been incredibly successful and have been championed by Kerrang since their EP 'Mirrors' was released last year. Their album is a conventional rock album but has a tenderness at the heart of it surrounded by the crashing drums and wailing guitars and I think it's that which makes this album so good and the band so accessible.
They've also been touring throughout the year and played a surprisingly well received set at Reading and Leeds festival to thousands.
This year has thrust them into their sort of fame and all that remains to be seen is if they can continue growing and creating more great albums.
5-My Chemical Romance
Four years after the release of their previous album 'The Black Parade' My Chem are back with their new album 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys' and with it they've revolutionised their whole aesthetic. Instead of being depressive and emo-esque now they're colourful and just a little poppy and sound like they're having the most fun they've had on an album. Being played constantly it's obvious most of their fans have embraced the change and they are hugely successful and have had a great year.
But a challenge they rose to. Their latest album doesn't feel contrive or like they were trying to create another 'Only By The Night' but made a record that they could be proud of. It's most reminiscent of 'Because Of The Times' their third album but is more laid back and chilled out. It's simply a great album that fits in beautifully with their other work and a welcome addition to their catalogue of great albums.
Reaching number one in numerous countries they are indeed mainstream but have achieved this success at no loss to the music; the mainstream has come to them not the other way round. They've been incredibly successful but shouldn't be persecuted for that as it's just a testament to their music, even if their videos leave a lot to be desired.
Their new album coupled with extensive touring and performing to their usual high standard makes them my top artist of 2010.
With the release of their fifth album in late 2009 with 'Only Revolutions' Biffy are another example of an alternative rock band that has almost inexplicably found itself in the mainstream. Reaching number three in the UK charts it was their most successful album to date. Backing up this fantastic album they've been touring for almost the whole year performing to thousands and it's a true testament to the band that they can fill arenas with their unique brand of rock which can often be fairly heavy and inaccessible to many people but that they've still managed to translate.
Breaking almost all conventions and staying true to their music they've had their most successful year and have rocked 2010.
As well as celebrating bands that have made it big some of my top bands are ones that have only just started. Foals released their second studio album 'Total Life Forever' in May of this year and produced a brilliant record. Following their first ambitious album they've created a tender and complex record with many different facets; powered by their drums with explosions of guitars and strings.
I've heard Foals described as anti-pop and I agree, they don't try to fit the norm, however you do sometimes feel that they try a little too hard to be different but this album in nonetheless one of my favourite this year. Short-listed for the Mercury Prize Foals have proved that the initial buzz about this Oxford quintet was well deserved.
Another less well known band in my top five is Young Guns who released their début album earlier this year and produced a beast of a rock record. For a band so young they've been incredibly successful and have been championed by Kerrang since their EP 'Mirrors' was released last year. Their album is a conventional rock album but has a tenderness at the heart of it surrounded by the crashing drums and wailing guitars and I think it's that which makes this album so good and the band so accessible.
They've also been touring throughout the year and played a surprisingly well received set at Reading and Leeds festival to thousands.
This year has thrust them into their sort of fame and all that remains to be seen is if they can continue growing and creating more great albums.
Four years after the release of their previous album 'The Black Parade' My Chem are back with their new album 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys' and with it they've revolutionised their whole aesthetic. Instead of being depressive and emo-esque now they're colourful and just a little poppy and sound like they're having the most fun they've had on an album. Being played constantly it's obvious most of their fans have embraced the change and they are hugely successful and have had a great year.
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Top 5 Films Released in 2010
Leading up to new year I'll be doing a series of posts reviewing this year and this particular post is about the best new films. However whilst researching the films released this year I was surprised the lack of incredible and defining films as previous years have produced for example with Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire in 2009 or Wes Anderson's brilliant stop frame animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox. Instead this year we've had huge record breaking releases of sagas such as the truly terrible Twilight Saga and the magical Harry Potter series. This year belongs to corporations whereas indie film has suffered and gone unmade. There have been some sparks of light in the dark though and that is what I'll be celebrating in this post.
1-Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
My personal favourite film of the year and to put it simply it is incredible. From Edgar Wright the director of Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead and Spaced and within this film he again portrays his unique brand of comedy but with a much bigger budget and Hollywood's finest young actors. Scott Pilgrim is essentially about a musician in Canada who falls for the mesmerising Ramona Flowers but in order to be with her has to fight 'The League of Evil Exes'. It was originally a comic book and Wright has kept that feel with his snappy editing and comic book like special effects and of course the incredible fight scenes. Wright described the fight scenes as if you were to learn to fight by playing video games so they are stylised and totally unrealistic and end with the opponent turning into a pile of coins.
This film has an amazing cast with huge names like Michael Cera and Jason Schwartzman and then some up and coming actors like Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Anna Kendrick. It also has brilliant music with songs written by Radiohead's producer Nigel Godrich, Metric and Beck which I feel really make this film as songs can easily be written for films but to get real bands to pen them it makes the bands in the film much more believable.
Ultimately this film is, as I previously stated incredible and I recommend anyone who is a fan or quirky and well written comedy to watch this as it has everything; comedy, strong performances, a fantastic soundtrack, believability yet also surreal, amazing effects and likeable characters.
Below is the trailer but also one of the songs written by Metric.
2-Alice In Wonderland
At number 2 is Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. I'm sure that you've heard of this film as it was very successful and with good reason. It's Burton's take on a classic so is obviously darker and with a predictable yet captivating cast with the usual faces like Helena Bonham Carter as the unhinged and dangerous Red Queen and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter who has been "touched by madness". However in this film Burton has also recruited some surprising actors such as Anne Hathaway as the wronged and good White Queen and introduces the talented Mia Wasikowska as the older and rebellious Alice.
This film is split between computer animation and live action and the two culminate to create a magical new world called 'Underland' which is a veritable feast for your eyes. This film is predictable and not at all ground breaking but it is good and will keep you entertained and is full of mesmerising performances, especially from Johnny Depp. The most refreshing thing about this film is Burtons way of creating well rounded eccentric characters that you can understand and are not your stereotypical good and bad characters.
All in all a good film that I would recommend on any lazy rainy afternoon.
3-Kickass
Kickass is a true teenage film. It's brutal, shocking and full of the gritty realism of what would happen if people started to pretend to be superheroes yet is still wickedly funny and tender in places which must be hard mix to create. It's unashamedly nerdy and unforgiving which makes for an unforgettable film.
Like Scott Pilgrim this was also a comic book before being a film and also kept the essence of that at the heart of the film however unlike Scott Pilgrim Kickass is gory and full of different weapons and memorable grizzily deaths or injuries.
It has a great cast with the relatively unknown Aaron Johnson leading and Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicolas Cage to name a few. A highlight of this is Cage's performance where he does a cameo of Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman by talking with the same guttural voice.
It's a great film and should defiantly be seen.
4-Four Lions
This film is humorous take on terrorism from Chris Morris which could have easily backfired, although if you're easily offended or a reader of the daily mail maybe it's not the film for you. It follows the story of four radicalised Muslim men from Sheffield and their attempts to become suicide bombers and is surprisingly but extremely funny from start to finish yet is sad as well. It is also a very brave film to make and is a testament to the British film industry that they could make it at all.
This film is refreshing as people tend to alleviate stress and fear with jokes and that's exactly what this film does it gives the weighty topic of extremists some needed comic relief without being disrespectful or stereotypical.
A brilliant début from Chris Morris and I look forward to more of his films.
Oh do not watch if you love crows (it'll make sense if you watch it)
5-Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1
So there really was no keeping this film out of this list. It's record breaking and begins the end of a series of films that most of us have grown up with. Whilst being good it's not great and drags a little about a third of the way through but it is iconic and when you watch it you know you are watching film history in the making. A good film with the usual great performances especially from Rupert Grint and I eagerly await the final film.
1-Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
My personal favourite film of the year and to put it simply it is incredible. From Edgar Wright the director of Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead and Spaced and within this film he again portrays his unique brand of comedy but with a much bigger budget and Hollywood's finest young actors. Scott Pilgrim is essentially about a musician in Canada who falls for the mesmerising Ramona Flowers but in order to be with her has to fight 'The League of Evil Exes'. It was originally a comic book and Wright has kept that feel with his snappy editing and comic book like special effects and of course the incredible fight scenes. Wright described the fight scenes as if you were to learn to fight by playing video games so they are stylised and totally unrealistic and end with the opponent turning into a pile of coins.
This film has an amazing cast with huge names like Michael Cera and Jason Schwartzman and then some up and coming actors like Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Anna Kendrick. It also has brilliant music with songs written by Radiohead's producer Nigel Godrich, Metric and Beck which I feel really make this film as songs can easily be written for films but to get real bands to pen them it makes the bands in the film much more believable.
Ultimately this film is, as I previously stated incredible and I recommend anyone who is a fan or quirky and well written comedy to watch this as it has everything; comedy, strong performances, a fantastic soundtrack, believability yet also surreal, amazing effects and likeable characters.
Below is the trailer but also one of the songs written by Metric.
2-Alice In Wonderland
At number 2 is Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. I'm sure that you've heard of this film as it was very successful and with good reason. It's Burton's take on a classic so is obviously darker and with a predictable yet captivating cast with the usual faces like Helena Bonham Carter as the unhinged and dangerous Red Queen and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter who has been "touched by madness". However in this film Burton has also recruited some surprising actors such as Anne Hathaway as the wronged and good White Queen and introduces the talented Mia Wasikowska as the older and rebellious Alice.
This film is split between computer animation and live action and the two culminate to create a magical new world called 'Underland' which is a veritable feast for your eyes. This film is predictable and not at all ground breaking but it is good and will keep you entertained and is full of mesmerising performances, especially from Johnny Depp. The most refreshing thing about this film is Burtons way of creating well rounded eccentric characters that you can understand and are not your stereotypical good and bad characters.
All in all a good film that I would recommend on any lazy rainy afternoon.
3-Kickass
Kickass is a true teenage film. It's brutal, shocking and full of the gritty realism of what would happen if people started to pretend to be superheroes yet is still wickedly funny and tender in places which must be hard mix to create. It's unashamedly nerdy and unforgiving which makes for an unforgettable film.
Like Scott Pilgrim this was also a comic book before being a film and also kept the essence of that at the heart of the film however unlike Scott Pilgrim Kickass is gory and full of different weapons and memorable grizzily deaths or injuries.
It has a great cast with the relatively unknown Aaron Johnson leading and Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicolas Cage to name a few. A highlight of this is Cage's performance where he does a cameo of Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman by talking with the same guttural voice.
It's a great film and should defiantly be seen.
4-Four Lions
This film is humorous take on terrorism from Chris Morris which could have easily backfired, although if you're easily offended or a reader of the daily mail maybe it's not the film for you. It follows the story of four radicalised Muslim men from Sheffield and their attempts to become suicide bombers and is surprisingly but extremely funny from start to finish yet is sad as well. It is also a very brave film to make and is a testament to the British film industry that they could make it at all.
This film is refreshing as people tend to alleviate stress and fear with jokes and that's exactly what this film does it gives the weighty topic of extremists some needed comic relief without being disrespectful or stereotypical.
A brilliant début from Chris Morris and I look forward to more of his films.
Oh do not watch if you love crows (it'll make sense if you watch it)
5-Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1
So there really was no keeping this film out of this list. It's record breaking and begins the end of a series of films that most of us have grown up with. Whilst being good it's not great and drags a little about a third of the way through but it is iconic and when you watch it you know you are watching film history in the making. A good film with the usual great performances especially from Rupert Grint and I eagerly await the final film.
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Christmas!
Just a quick post to wish everyone a very merry alternative Christmas (I know it's past the actual day but the Christmas festivities carry on until the new year). So everyone stuff yourselves, drink plenty, play games, get far too many presents, watch films and the compulsory amazing Doctor Who, listen to tales of terror and spend time with loved ones. Oh and I'm sure there was one other thing...listen to good music!
Below is a Christmas song from The Futureheads and a few of their others in case you like them. They are fairly unknown but shouldn't be and are very good live. Enjoy!
Below is a Christmas song from The Futureheads and a few of their others in case you like them. They are fairly unknown but shouldn't be and are very good live. Enjoy!
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Album Review-The XX
The XX are an indie rock band from London and in this post I'll be reviewing their first album also called XX. The XX won the Mercury Prize this year which catapulted this extremely unknown band into the sort of mainstream which is unusual as their music is completely different and gloomy yet still resonates with so many people. The defining things about this group are their bass which is one, if not the loudest, instrument which leads the songs, their processed drum beats which continually changes, the two distinct singers voices and the pace of each song. With The XX you don't get the normal rhythms, each song has a slightly distorted pace which coupled with the looping bass and high pitched riffs culminates to create an interesting and evolving album which instead of grabbing your attention hypnotises and mesmerises it. The singers voices also create a chilled out and slightly melancholy atmosphere as they sing softly and nostalgically often to each other then sometimes teaming up. Each voice sounds totally different from the other yet they work well together and give the record a tender feel. One last thing that I think really makes this band is that their not afraid of silence. With music there can be a tendency for artists to try and fill each gap with a note and to try and fit as many notes in as possible but as someone once said "music is not the note but the silence around it" and whilst I don't completely agree with that I see the point and The XX are a perfect example of a band that use the silence to let each note ring out.
Highlights of this album are 'Crystalised', 'Islands' and 'Infinity'.
I love this album for it's simplicity and individuality and I would recommend anyone who likes indie music to check it out as it makes an amazing addition to your music library.
So please check out the album below and I hope you like it.
'Intro'
'VCR'
'Crystalised'
'Islands'
'Heart Skipped A Beat'
'Fantasy'
'Shelter'
'Basic Space'
'Infinity'
'Night Time'
'Stars'
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
'Your Tour Bus is on FIRE'
I will write the review when I see them but as I said I don't know yet when that will be. Until then I will carry on as usual with the Revolution and celebrate the music that needs it.
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