Surely, Peter Capaldi is the new Al Pacino.
Here’s an interview with him from yesterday’s Guardian.
Posts Tagged ‘comedy’
October 12, 2009
3
In Praise of Porridge
By Ash in Random
I love British comedy. As far as I’m concerned, the sitcoms and sketch shows borne from this country represent the pinnacle of comedy. Yes, the Americans have their fancy, schmaltzy shows that ooze gloss; written, no doubt, by a galaxy of over-achieving writers, glassy-eyed and gunning for that next paycheck. But a majority of the comedy shows written and produced here are, to my mind, world leaders.
The heinous, arduous, marathon TV session that was ’100 greatest sitcoms’ put my personal favourite, Porridge, at number 7, and Only fools and horses at number one. Well, with The Vicar of Dibley in the top three, and Father Ted not even cracking the top ten, you can imagine what kind of quality that particular list represents.
1. Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) — 316,657 votes
2. Blackadder (1983-1989) — 282,106 votes
3. The Vicar of Dibley (1994-2007) — 212,927 votes
4. Dad’s Army (1968-1977) — 174,138 votes
5. Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) — 172,066 votes
6. Yes Minister / Yes, Prime Minister (1980-1984, 1986-1988) — 123,502 votes
7. Porridge / Going Straight (1974-1977, 1978) — 93,902 votes
8. Open All Hours (1973, 1976-1985) — 67,237 votes
9. The Good Life (1975-1978) — 40,803 votes
10.One Foot in the Grave (1990-2000)— 31,410 votes
Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale brought Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais’ scripts to life, setting their cell alight with fizz and testy harmony: it’s a joyous, collective achievement.
The final scene of Final Stretch (originally transmitted 25 Mar 1977), finds prison officer Mackay asking Fletcher to look after his new, incoming cellmate; just as he had for the recently released Lenny Godper.
And it is here, not amongst those dusty, aged pages of manuscripts so frequently misconstrued for religion that you’ll find the simplest, most coherent philosophy for life.
October 11, 2009
0
Nick Oliveri – Death Acoustic
By Ash in Music Reviews
It’s impossible to think how Nick Oliveri felt getting kicked out of one of the biggest alternative bands in the world, and if anyone is looking for Death Acoustic to be a personal, confessional reflection (and, with that title, why would they?), it’s not going to be found here. Oliveri’s contribution to the development of Queens of the Stone Age is not especially forgettable, particularly if you saw them live and caught a glimpse of their frequently nude bassist. The 10 songs here are a collection of covers that Oliveri has either had a hand in, or has a love of. Though his dedication to music is unquestionable, his ability to convey a song’s meaning with an acoustic guitar is debatable.
Sounding more like a series of demos that a musician might present to his band before instructing, “This is the arrangement”, Death Acoustic is a clunky, badly produced record: an idea that should have gone no further than Oliveri’s home studio.
October 8, 2009
0
Desmond’s
By Ash in Random
Can you believe it? All six series of Desmond’s, the groovy late ’80s sitcom based in a West Indian barber’s shop are now available over on 4OD!
Seeing as the first episode was broadcast some 20 years ago, I’m sure there a plenty of people who missed it first time around. Check it out.
October 6, 2009
0
Peter Kay – Britain’s Got the Pop Factor
By Ash in Movie Reviews, Music Reviews
X-factoring pop idolatry into the equation, Peter Kay’s ‘Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice’ is a hilarious, heavily sugared parody of reality pop show, X-Factor. From the credits right down to the key-changes, Kay’s Pop Factor is delivered with the style and precision of the show it so accurately apes. Watched by an audience of almost 6m earning Channel 4 its largest audience at the tail end of 2008, this DVD arrives in plenty of time before 2009’s X-Factor winner consumes the Christmas number 1 spot.
Kay’s ability to attract stars seems boundless, not only pulling in Neil Fox, Nicki Chapman and Pete Waterman to effortlessly overact as the judges, but also Paul McCartney, Stella McCartney, Rick Astley and Rustie Lee. Yes, OK – the pecking order falls off a little there, but nevertheless Astley and Lee throw in solid performances to nostalgic effect. The show (split into two segments – the results and the finals, all ably presented by the stunning Cat Deeley) succeeds mostly by appealing to different age groups. The 30-somethings who, like me, despise X-Factor will appreciate the kitsch additions of children’s stars from the ‘80s along with the genre mocking, and though younger audiences may not get these deft comic, cultural references, it’s the accurate competitor portraits that will sweep them along.
The young, northern R Wayne has less in common with R Kelly, and more with the the comic character Oor Wullie; 2 up 2 down features the singing talents of two couples – who each have a wheelchair bound partner; and then there’s Geraldine. Played by Kay, Geraldine is post-op, piano-playing Irish transsexual Gerald. Sounds preposterous? It is. And that’s precisely why it works so well.
Charting the adventures of all three artists, ‘Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice’ is an enjoyable 120 minutes of entertainment. Extras include a ‘Where are they now?’ feature that links nicely with some of the contestants who didn’t quite make the cut. Could X-Factor have to battle Geraldine for this year’s Christmas number 1? Don’t bet against it.
Britain’s Got the Pop Factor
August 12, 2009
1
Top Trumps – Vintage Synths
By Ash in Random
This is my purchase of the year. Forget about the Boss G3 multi fx unit I picked up for £50, these Top Trumps bring out the geek within. Not only that, but they feature a short history on each of the classic 52 synthesizers alongside the statistics. e.g. Did you know that Keith Emerson used a minimoog on many Emerson, Lake & Palmer songs? Probably not. IN YOUR FACE!
I am very happy about these and I shall play them with my synth-insane pal Robin Langridge this very even. This is him playing what looks like a Roland Jupiter-4 on classic Karel Fialka track ‘The Eyes Have It’.
Maybe I can get him to bring the white jumpsuit round. Hmmm.
Thanks to @themilkman for the tip-off.
Cards Included!
ARP 2600
ARP Axxe
ARP Odyssey
EDP Wasp
Elka Synthex
EMS VCS3
EMS Synthi 100
Gleeman Pentaphonic
Jen SX1000
Korg 700S
Korg 800-DV
Korg MonoPoly
Korg MS-10
Korg MS-20
Korg Poly 6
Korg Trident MkII
Korg PS3200
Korg PS3300
Moog Memorymoog Plus
Minimoog
Multimoog
Polymoog
Moog Prodigy
Moog Source
Oberheim 2 voice
Oberheim OB8
Oberheim 4 voice
Oberheim 8 voice
Oberheim Matrix 12
OSC OSCar
Octave Cat
Octave Kitten
Roland Juno 60
Roland Juno 106
Roland Jupiter 4
Roland Jupiter 6
Roland Jupiter 8
Roland SH2
Roland SH3a
Roland SH101
Roland SH7
Roland SH09
Roland SH1000
RSF PolyKobol II
Sequential Circuits Prophet 5
Sequential Circuits Prophet T8
Sequential Circuits Pro 1
Sequential Circuits Prophet 10
Yamaha CS5
Yamaha CS30
Yamaha CS60
Yamaha CS80
August 11, 2009
0
DJ Shadow and his Summer Holiday
By Ash in Musical MurmuringsI’ve been wondering what DJ Shadow‘s been up to lately. Ever since the awful Outsider album, it’s about time we had some new material from him. Well, judging by this video, he’s back up to his old tricks, digging through acres of old vinyl – and that’s got to be a good sign!
How I Spent My Summer Vacation- A Film By DJ Shadow from 485″>DJ Shadow on Vimeo.
August 7, 2009
0
The Texas Wah-Wah Massacre – Demos
By Ash in Musical Murmurings
It is the summer of 1994: Westfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Five friends have gathered to smoke Marijuana and Malboros, drink Hooch and make music. Adz (drums), Ash (lead guitar), Bryn (bass), Liam (rhythm guitar) and Rich have been jamming for a few months in the top floor of Adz’s parents’ massive house. Mostly supplemented by the dole and the occasional bar job, the teenage outfit spend most of their time at the White Swan pub at the end of the road or at one of the local rock clubs, Edwards no 8 or Snobs.
The band only ever play one gig at King’s Heath’s renowned Hare and Hounds pub supporting comedy-folk duo “Colin and Graham: The Trainspotters“. Until now, their legacy has been shrouded in mystery, passing into legend.
But now, a tape of their original demo as recorded at Rich Bitch studios in Selly Oak has surfaced. Recorded by Christopher Seymour (now engineer of ska legends The Beat), the songs are solid indicators of a buoyant talent. Indeed, the band even had their first break on cult TV show The Big Breakfast which is also recorded somewhere on the tapes of time.
Tragically, one night at the White Swan, the group sacked singer Rich. Unable to resolve their guilt, they split, spreading throughout the country chasing careers, relationships or educations.
Presented here for the very first time as fully downloadable MP3s are those original, long-lost master recordings from 1994. I’m sure you’ll agree, this is one funk-rap-metal group the world never missed.
Seriously, though – this was the first ‘proper’ band I was in and though I can’t say any of it is any good now, it sounded great then. Let’s have a listen…
Translucent Zebra
Adam’s parent’s top floor was paradise to us. They left us alone to do what we like and Adz even had a full PA, drumkit and amps up there too. Man, we could smoke, drink and write till dawn – not that we did, though. The decor wasn’t especially striking unless you were stoned, as we frequently were. I remember an Australian girl passed out in there once when we played her our blistering rendition of ‘Voodoo Chile’. As the wallpaper pattern was a black and brown stripe; one afternoon we decided it was like living in a translucent zebra. We all threw in non-sensical lyrics and bingo!
Translucent Zebra
No Attitude
At the time, Rich was living on Portland Road which was notorious for its halfway house and prostitutes. I remember some very strange times there: a man getting his skull attacked with a hammer, a house fire, some gun pointing, a great deal of acid, smashed Tekken discs and tinned Shepherd’s Pie. Anyway, I suppose this track reflected just a few of his experiences at the time. And yes, it’s kinda cheesy, bruv!
No Attitude
Loaded with Love
I suspect you’re now getting an idea of why no record contracts were thrown our way. I had little to do with this particular track as it was originally written by Adz’s previous band, The Rising. I don’t think I ever particularly liked it as it’s clearly about love and I had no idea or intention to discover what that was about. I still like the solo though.
Loaded with Love
Misty Blue
Conversely, I wrote all of this little ditty. I think I envisaged updating the entire whole blues genre with this narcissistic number. Completely cringeworthy, my imagination clearly went wild…
Misty Blue
Move
I can’t remember the actual name of this song, but I know Adam wrote the lyrics as he’d moved to university the year before. Well I think he’d moved, I can’t remember. Whatever, it’s delightfully unoriginal with riffs ripped directly from Metallica‘s ‘And Justice for All’ album.
Move
1,2,3,4
I definitely wrote this. A mindless 5-chord throwaway punk tune with Rich getting his best Zach de la Roche grunt on at the end. He never did get the vocal delivery right on this: which’s probably why I sacked him. We’re friends again though, he was the best man at my wedding.
1,2,3,4!
