Issue Issue Nine Five
CONCOURSE
The MUsic issUe
Whether you're finally free of work pressure or if things are just about to heat up, this special music issue should help you unwind and keep informed. We've packed this edition to the brim with bonus music content firstly there's a special extra-sized reviews section rounding up the latest folk, rock and electronica releases, including many opinions provided by special guest contributors. The timing has been fantastic – we've got some wonderful records to recommend. Elsewhere, the team from KUBE Radio also have a larger-than-usual section of music coverage. There's even a special instalment of the film section with a musical theme. From everyone involved in putting the issue together, welcome to Concourse Issue 9! Enjoy...
Produced and Edited by Nick Heath Vice President Communication & Democracy Any views expressed are not necessarily the views of Keele University or Keele University Students’ Union. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the explicit permission of the editor
Photo: John Peel 1939-04 Advertising KUSU Marketing sta65@kusu.keele.ac.uk 01782 733712
Editorial / Submissions Nick Heath VP Comms vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk 01782 733702
News 04...........................................NUS President 06.....................Future of Accommodation
features
Entertainment
09.........................................................Politik 12......................6MUSIC: The Consultation 13.......Interview: Marina & The Diamonds 14-17........................................Music Reviews 19...................................Film : The Musicals
10 ...............................................WoodStoke 3 20................................30 Second Interview 21.....................................Games and Puzzles 22............Found On Facebook ‘Old Skool’
CONCOURSE
NEWS NUS Elects Aaron Porter as New President The National Union of Students (NUS) has elected its new National President, Aaron Porter. Aaron will succeed current NUS President Wes Streeting in June 2010 for an initial twelve month term having served for two years as NUS Vice President (Higher Education). He studied English Literature at the University of Leicester and served as a sabbatical officer at the students’ union. He was elected with an overwhelming majority (65%) of the vote share in the first round of counting, defeating current NUS Black Students’ Officer, Bell Ribeiro-Addy (27%) and Chris Marks, Vice President (Education) of Hull University Students’ Union (4%). NUS President-elect Aaron Porter said: “I am delighted to be leading NUS into what will be a crucial year for further and higher education, with a general election, fees review and cuts on the horizon. It is more vital now than ever that we come together to put our issues at the top of the agenda with a credible, representative student voice shaping the outcomes of these pivotal debates.” Aaron Porter added: “This is a time to continue pressurising politicians not to increase the cap on fees and we will be publicly shaming those that refuse to sign our Vote for Students pledge, which has already been signed by more than 700 candidates. Students, families and the wider public overhwelmingly oppose higher fees and I will fight to ensure that politicians listen to them.” Current NUS President Wes Streeting said: “Aaron’s election vindicates the long journey NUS has taken to reform our democratic structures and our higher education funding policy. We have fought the battle to become a credible voice and Aaron is the right person to deal with the challenges students face in the coming year. I have every confidence that he will utilise his skills and experience in leading from the front in what will be a crucial year for students in further and higher education. I wish him great success as National President.”
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‘Women in Art’ a New Exhibitions at Keele University Art Gallery Two new exhibitions are set to open at Keele Universityís Art Gallery in the Chancellorís Building on campus. Women in Art ñ Portraits from the Keele University Art Collection and Contemporary Women Artists open on 6 May and will run until 1 June 2010. Contemporary Women Artists is an exhibition comprising the work of 16 women artists from Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. Their work is varied, using most palates and includes abstract, landscape and figurative paintings. All the women have exhibited widely and most have had their work in exhibition at Keele in the Open Art shows. Three of the women ñ Sue Law Webb, Jenny Hulse and June Burnett ñ have had one-person shows at the University gallery. Women in Art: Paintings from the University Art Collection ñ The Art Gallery is displaying the many portraits of women in the University collection. This is a rare opportunity to see the work of leading British artists from the 30s to the late 20th Century. The paintings include work by Jacob Kramer, Julian Trevelyan and Rowley Smart. For some of the portraits it will be the first time they have been exhibited at the University Art Galley
Graduating this year and not sure what to do next? Keele is giving all graduates the opportunity to gain work experience after they have completed their final year studies, through their industry training programmes. Working with businesses and organisations in the West Midlands, the University will attempt to match your degree, skills and interests to a relevant placement lasting between 4 and 7 weeks and pay you a bursary of between £180 and £200 per week. Alongside this, graduates will be enrolled on up to two relevant postgraduate modules; giving credits towards a postgraduate qualification. The placements are available to students from all degree backgrounds, but are limited to those who will be graduating this year and those who have already graduated, but are not currently in a graduate level job. Graduates must have completed their final year of study before beginning a placement and be based within the West Midlands during the placements, which will commence in June. If you are interested, please email: internships@uso.keele.ac.uk to request an application form.
Kick-starting the Economy at Keele! Budding entrepreneurs are being invited to turn their business ideas into reality through the SPEEDWM and EFS training schemes at Keele this coming autumn. SPEEDWM and EFS provide a programme of business training alongside financial support to current university students, recent graduates and University staff; running on a part-time basis over one academic year. The two fully-funded schemes are free to apply for and benefit those interested in running a business by providing funding of between ÂŁ4000 and ÂŁ8000. Alongside the funding, participants are given practical business training workshops, expert mentoring, a business address on Keele Science and Business Park, and the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and businesses. Previous participants have included Keele Alumnus, Kash Bane, who graduated from Keele in Law and Forensic Science in 2009. As a keen amateur dancer, Kash has used the funding and business support to develop Feathersteps Ltd, which imports specialist ballroom and Latin American dance shoes, for both competitive and training purposes. As well as the business training and support that Kash has received, the ÂŁ8200 funding has enabled him to increase his business presence through creating a brand image and a website, with a prestigious business address in the Science and Business Park. Speaking about the benefits of the scheme, Kash said: “I would genuinely suggest that students considering starting in business think about applying for these schemes - the help provided is invaluable.â€?
Issue Nine
NEWS Keele Students’ Union Wins Silver @ Sound Environmental Impact Awards 2010 Keele University Students’ Union has picked up a silver award in a national scheme recognising environmental action among students. The Sound Environmental Impact Awards seek to capture the positive green innovations in Students’ Unions and promote them to the general public. This year 83 Unions across the country took part in the scheme and the average score obtained was 433. Keele score 585 points, an increase of 40 points on last year. Joan Hope, KUSU’s premises manager, put the success down to the hard work put in by staff and students taking action to combat climate change.  She said: “The scheme gets more challenging each year, with increasing criteria and more stringent standards to meet, so it’s no mean achievement to be accredited silver status.� Susan Nash, of the National Union of Students, said: “With 55 unions reaching our silver standard, we have demonstrated that we have collectively made a really positive impact on the environment’. Sound Impact is run by NUS, sponsored by The Co-operative and in partnership with www.theecologist.org.
Keele University Law Society presents The Annual Law Ball as...
A Night at the Awards start your own business on money, training, office space and all the support you need... How can SPEED WM or EFS help you with your business idea?
interested ‡ Those … … WR KHOS \RX VWDUW \RXU EXVLQHVV can apply individually or as part of a ‡ 3UDFWLFDO EXVLQHVV WUDLQLQJ ZRUNVKRSV team of up to five members. Students, graduates and staff ‡ $ EXVLQHVV DGGUHVV RQ .HHOH 6FLHQFH %XVLQHVV 3DUN are encouraged as early as possible for the October ‡ $FFHVV WR D KRW GHVN LQ WKH 6WHSSLQJ 6WRQH ,QFXEDWLRQ 8QLW to apply ‡ ([SHUW PHQWRULQJ 2010 intake. You can find out more by contacting Dee Frank‡ 6LJQSRVWLQJ WR RWKHU VRXUFHV RI IXQGLQJ DQG DGYLFH ish at d.a.frankish@uso.keele.ac.uk ‡ 2SSRUWXQLWLHV WR QHWZRUN ZLWK RWKHU HQWUHSUHQHXUV DQG EXVLQHVVHV or on 01782 733441. Who can apply?
28th May 2010 @ Keele Hall 7pm - Late Tickets ÂŁ25 For more information Search on Facebook or contact Cara on u7t45@students.keele.ac.uk
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CONCOURSE
Concourse Exclusive NEW STUDENT ACCOMMODATION PLANNED FOR THE HEART OF THE CAMPUS The University is working with national architects Stride Treglown to draw up plans for new state-ofthe-art student accommodation on campus.
Using the Barnes W and X model, the proposal will deliver a total of 454 en suite student bedrooms, plus four tutor flats, in clusters of six to eight bedrooms, sharing a kitchen and common room.
Concept flat designs
Barnes/Horwood Site Plan The aim is to provide 21st Century student accommodation, which will set new standards, providing superb quality of living close to the heart of the campus. The University is committed to offering well managed, cost effective and efficient accommodation to its students.
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Horwood Barnes
Barnes -
Blocks 1 and 2
Issue Nine
Concourse Exclusive
Initially the halls replacement programme is intended to provide three new blocks, all designed and built to the highest standards and within minutes of the centre of the University campus. Block 1 Barnes will be a flagship building over five floors, with 159 en suite student bedrooms, plus two tutor flats. The development will include a restaurant, reception and administration facilities. Block 2 Barnes will be over four floors and have 188 en suite student bedrooms with one tutor flat.
Block 3
Horwood
It would be the first new student accommodation to be built on campus for seven years and would replace the Hawthorns blocks, which were completed more than 40 years ago.
Block 3 Horwood will be over five floors and provide 107 en suite student bedrooms with one tutor flat and would include a café-bar and separate common room.
At this time the proposal is at a conceptual design stage but the plans have been outlined to Sabbatical officers of the Students’ Union and an open ‘feedback’ session has been held with students at Barnes, which have proved positive. If planning permission is granted and the scheme is viable, work on the first block of the new accommodation would begin in late 2011.
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Who can apply? (8 FLWL]HQ ZKR LV D FXUUHQW UHJLVWHUHG VWXGHQW DW .HHOH 8QLYHUVLW\ ‡ $Q\ $Q\ (8 FLWL]HQ ZKR LV D FXUUHQW UHJLVWHUHG VWXGHQW DW .HHOH 8QLYHUVLW\ (8 FLWL]HQ ZKR LV HLWKHU D UHFHQW .HHOH JUDGXDWH RU D PHPEHU RI VWDII $Q\ (8 FLWL]HQ ZKR LV HLWKHU D UHFHQW .HHOH JUDGXDWH RU D PHPEHU RI VWDII ‡ $Q\ ‡ $SSOLFDQWV FDQ EH HLWKHU ) 7 RU 3 7 DQG LW LV SURYHQ WKDW WKH SURJUDPPH FDQ EH $SSOLFDQWV FDQ EH HLWKHU ) 7 RU 3 7 DQG LW LV SURYHQ WKDW WKH SURJUDPPH FDQ EH VXFFHVVIXOO\ XQGHUWDNHQ LQ SDUDOOHO ZLWK DFDGHPLF VWXGLHV DQG WKDW HPSOR\HUV VXFFHVVIXOO\ XQGHUWDNHQ LQ SDUDOOHO ZLWK DFDGHPLF VWXGLHV DQG WKDW HPSOR\HUV FRQVLGHU WKDW SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ WKH SURJUDPPH JUHDWO\ HQKDQFHV HPSOR\DELOLW\ FRQVLGHU WKDW SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ WKH SURJUDPPH JUHDWO\ HQKDQFHV HPSOR\DELOLW\
Want to know more?
Contact: Dee Frankish Research & Enterprise Services Room 1.13, Dorothy Hodgkin Building Email: d.a.frankish@keele.ac.uk | Tel: (01782) 733441
A 21st Century Political Revolution?
Politik
Issue nINE
Matthew Davies - Political Editor
Did something special in British politics happen on 15th April 2010? Has it changed the political landscape of British politics forever? Or was it just a flash in the pan moment that will fizzle out after the election and have no significance in the future of British politics? The first ever leaders’ debate in the UK was always going to be a turning point in British politics as our political system arrived into the 21st Century. What not many people did predict was quite the amount of direct significance this first leaders’ debate would have on the polls of the current election campaign. It became quite clear the day after the debate that Nick Clegg had won the night, mainly because for the first time in 65 years the leader of the third party in Britain got treated as an equal of the main two parties, but also through his presentational skills. The polls that were being produced on the days directly after the first leaders’ debate seemed to suggest that the election was now really being contested by three parties. The Liberal Democrats were a strong second in many opinion polls, and were even level with the leading Conservative Party in others. However, now we are a good two weeks away since that debate took place; it is interesting to assess the difference, if any, that the first debate had on British politics or at the very least on this particular General Election campaign. It could well be that Britain does for the first time since the rise of the Labour Party have a valid three party system. However, as the analysis of the polls show, the Liberal Democrats could come second in the General Election in terms of votes and still have fewer seats than the party who comes third. The nature of the First-past-the-post voting system is that it requires a two party system, a government and an opposition, which is usually made up of the parties that have a historical core vote i.e. the Labour and Conservative parties. Whilst the Liberal Democrats may win more votes in each constituency they fight, this might well get them into second place in that constituency, e.g. in a Conservative stronghold they may beat Labour, and in a Labour stronghold they may beat the Conservatives. However, that will not enable them to gain a vast amount of seats as it will be very difficult for them
to overcome the historical core vote for one of the two biggest parties in that seat. If the Liberal Democrats are to become a true contender for office in British politics, the only way that will enable them to do that is through the Proportional Representation (PR) system. I do not think that is likely to happen as many Labour MPs are against that system or only very reluctantly willing to accept a new system. Even more Conservative MPs are against PR and it would be very unlikely that David Cameron would introduce that system, even in a hung parliament as a way of wooing Nick Clegg to support his party in government. The TV leader debates have no doubt been good for democracy in this country; they have introduced a new dimension to British politics that is most likely here to stay. I do however believe that they will not really change that much in the landscape of British politics. This situation has parallels with 1983 when many people expected the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to have a major breakthrough and even remove the Labour Party as the official opposition in this country. That did not happen, and at that time the SDP had more media support than the current Liberal Democrat Party has, and once again I do not believe that there will be the breakthrough that some people are expecting for the reasons that I have given.
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The sun is finally here and it’s time to feel good and let yourself go with Keele’s most exciting event of the year… and it’s just around the corner! In the immediate aftermath of exams comes Woodstoke III and it’s going to bigger and better than ever! This year we are extremely excited about the incredible line up we have for you and at £25 a ticket, you wouldn’t want to miss it. Drum & Bass sensations Chase & Status will be sure to get the crowds hyped with what promises to be an incredible DJ set and with their recent successes and rave reviews – we are thrilled that they are coming to Keele. Having worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Rihanna and Plan B in recent months – these guys are certainly big in the game right now. Joining them will be Example who will play his biggest hits with the help of a live band! The “Won’t Go Quietly” and “Watch The Sun Come Up” rapper who has recently ventured into electro is set to appear at most of the major festivals this summer. With his continuing mainstream success – he is sure to be one not to be missed and if all goes to plan - will almost certainly have the crowds jumping. If that’s not enough and you want to meet a TV A-Lister then we’ve got just the man – star of Gavin & Stacey, Mathew Horne! Mat will demonstrate his talents as a DJ, having actually started out in the business prior to
FO F O a breakthrough on screen and there is sure to be the opportunity to grab photos and maybe the odd autograph too! Having hosted the Brit Awards with fellow comedian James Corden and Kylie Minogue in 2009 and with films and countless TV appearances to his name – we are thrilled that we’ll be welcoming Mat on June 2nd. Upcoming indie band Fenech-Soler are also on the line up – having earned outstanding praise on Radio 1, achieving a record of the week – these guys are sure to be worth watching and checking out in advance. Woodstoke is all about feeling good and that’s why we’ve got Booty Luv on our line up. With five Top 20 UK hits to their name – you’ll know more of these girls than you may think. Having started out with former R&B sensations Big Brovaz – these girls should most certainly entertain! For fans of The Killers, the number one tribute band The Fillers will be playing the biggest songs from The Killers back catalogue including “Mr Brightside”, “Somebody Told Me” and “Human”. These guys have
Are you in one of these three photos? If so you’re on the Guest List for our
Wednesday Night Project
O OU OUFSUBJONFOUT UFSSUUBJONF NFOUT made a name for themselves as the official tribute band and will be headlining their own shows at London’s o2 Islington academy as well as other venues. If you wanted another incredible live band then they don’t get much better than Reverend and the Makers. The indie band famed for their hit single “Heavyweight Champion Of The World” are sure to be well worth watching and may answer many peoples calls for a big name on the live music scene. If our mouth-watering line-up wasn’t enough to tempt you to rush over to the box office for a ticket – it’s worth knowing that Def Jam UK will return as will the ever popular Headphone Disco and there will be loads more. If you feel like having a Grease style summer night – we’re bringing in an amazing fun-fair (dodgems and all!) to take over the Union car park which is all inclusive in the ticket price. There will be lots of varieties of food to try out and extra bars so you don’t struggle to get a drink! Last year’s event saw High Contrast, Utah Saints and Master Shortie play and was a sell out. This year – we’ve stepped it up a gear. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Believe the hype! Vinesh Patel "KUSU Ents PR Guru"
Just go up to the ents office to get your name down!
Ballroom Request
Top 20
1. Telephone- Lady Gaga 2. Riverside- Sidney Samson 3. Rude Boy -Rihanna 4. Don't Stop Believing - Journey 5. Pass Out- Tiny Tempah 6. Tik Tok - Kesha 7. Bonkers - Dizzee Rascal 8. Day n Night - Kid Cudi 9. Twist & Shout - The Beatles 10. Bad Touch - Bloodhound Gang 11. In My head - Jason Derulo 12. Pokerface - Lady Gaga 13. I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany 14. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga 15. Bulletproof - La Roux 16. In For The Kill - La Roux 17. Won't Go Quietly - Example 18. Fight For This Love - Cheryl Cole 19. Insomnia - Faithless 20. Down - Jay Sean
Closing 6 Music: The Consultation
radio station operating in the UK. Like the pirate radio stations of the 1960s that launched modern pop music in this country, 6 Music has demonstrated an enormous capability to support and nourish the independent music industry, introducing to us through its life-giving airplay a whole range of exciting, innovative artists. To cut 6 Music would be to cut off this oxygen source, also, making the music world in this country enormously less vibrant. There's more to music than the lowest common denominator. 6 Music has a relatively low listener figure because it's still developing and because the whole point of its existence is to occupy a niche. The shows exposing listeners to experimental, long-form percussionbased pieces and obscure early 80s post-punk aren't designed to bring in large audiences – they're meant to enrich our potential listening experience, by giving people the opportunity to hear things they've never heard before. Isn't that one of the most exciting experiences music offers, that shock of the new? Closing 6 Music would strike a heavy blow against that feeling; marginalise it, devalue it, demean its importance. I put it to you that 6 Music is worth more to the nation than the presenters the BBC pays literally millions of pounds to front TV shows. That it comprises most of the not
In March, it was confirmed that the BBC plans to close digital alternative music station 6 Music. The announcement caused an uproar which included a major protest outside BBC headquarters, public opposition from musicians, journalists and listeners, and the formation of multiple campaigns both online and off to express anger and disappointment at the decision by the BBC Trust. Phil Jupitus went as far as to say that “The end of 6 Music at this moment in the BBC's history is not only an act of cultural vandalism, it's also an affront to the memory of John Peel and a slap in the face to thousands of licence-payers.”. The BBC acknowledged the opposition merely as “a hot topic” and refused to budge. The silver lining is that the BBC have at least launched a public consultation into the plans. Whether this consultation has the power to change the Trust's mind and turn back the cuts is anyone's guess – it hasn't been made clear. It does seem as though the consultation might be the only chance to save the station, though – while the BBC said that only massive opposition to the cut would prevent it, that opposition has arguably al“The end of 6 Music... is ready presented itself and yet the plans go ahead. Recently, it not only an act of was speculated by a newspaper cultural vandalism, it's or two that 6 Music was actually going to be saved, and merely also an affront to the renamed to “Radio 2 Extra” and memory of John Peel”. restructured to run only twelve hours a day. Shortly afterwards though, the BBC crushed any Phil Jupitus hope of this compromise, stating that it had never been on the cards. necessarily best but most interesting music I've heard it suggested that the plan to kill played on British now, now or indeed ever; that off 6 Music is less a plan, more a ruse. This argu6 Music is a home for the quirky, the odd, and ment goes that the intention was to deliberately – yes – the niche, that ought to be not only prestoke up huge opposition to the idea, so that BBC served, but treasured. I for one hope that the cuts could be presented altogether. I've never BBC's consultation tells them the same thing – bought into that argument, and the Trust's recent it might be the station's only hope. bullishness seems to confirm their seriousness 6Music is genuinely under threat, it would seem. Andy Johnson - Music Editor And so what else is under threat? No doubt you've read the arguments from music journalists, but let's recap – 6 Music is the only alternative
Marina & The Diamonds Last month, KUBE Radio station manager and presenter Vinesh caught up with upcoming pop sensation Marina & The Diamonds. The 24 year old singer-songwriter has risen to prominence since releasing hit singles “Hollywood” and “I Am Not A Robot” whilst her debut album “The Family Jewels” has surpassed 60,000 sales. Vinesh – So where did it all start? Have you always aspired to become a recording artist or did you have other ambitions as you were growing up? Marina – I had no plan b … I was just really obsessed with becoming a singer since I was about 15 and so I spent about five years planning it and then I moved to London and started trying to get into the industry. I always knew I would do this.
“Uni was good but it wasn’t the right place for me. I kept waitressing for time to time after dropping out ... then going back in for the student loan!” Vinesh – Sounds like a crazy life! Now this year you narrowly missed out to Ellie Goulding in the BBC Sound of 2010 poll and the Brit Awards critics choice accolade. Was it disappointing to get so close to winning? Marina – No. Even though these polls help us out and give us a lot of exposure , I don’t feel like I’ve done anything yet and it’s purely speculative and even though its from people who know what they are talking about and are saying that you have the potential to be successful – it’s only the potential. I’d prefer people to judge the album. Vinesh – What did you make of the Brit Awards? Have you got your eyes on a prize for next year? Marina – Yeah definitely – I went to the Brit Awards, it was really fun and there was a good atmosphere. Nothing controversial happened though which was a bit disappointing (says sarcastically then laughs)
Vinesh – So what are your goals for the rest of 2010? Marina – Well I would really like to be considered an international artist. I’d like to travel a lot and it seems at the moment that people are reacting in a good way to my music abroad so that would be my aim. Vinesh – If you could collaborate with any artist in the world – who would it be and why? Marina – Daniel Johnson … he encouraged me – when I first heard his recordings I was used to having a lot of pop in my day to day life and I heard him and thought - wow he’s really captivating – he doesn’t really have musical prowesse or even record things properly and I can do that so that’s how I started Vinesh – And hence starting recording from your bedroom. . . Marina – Yeah exactly. Vinesh – You appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross earlier this year. In terms of performing on a TV show in this country – it doesn’t really get much bigger than that. How was that experience? Marina – It was less nerve racking than I thought it would be. Jonathan was lovely and I found out that I really liked Lorraine Kelly .. she’s really lovely. The whole day was great. We also did GMTV in the morning and it was very exciting. Vinesh – You’ve been to something like four Uni’s? Is that right? Marina – Yeah .. Uni was good but it wasn’t the right place for me. However it gave me time to hone my skills and I kept waitressing for time to time after dropping out of Uni and then going back in for the student loan! Vinesh – Finally – what advice would you give to singer-songwriters who wish to put themselves out there. Where’s the best place to start? Marina – Your bedroom probably – I think it’s really important not to be something else or to try and force yourself into a path that’s ie. fashionable or trendy at the moment and don’t listen to other people to try and gain inspiration for your own records – you’re inspirations should come from within and that’s where the melodies should come.
Anaïs
Mitchell Hadestown This is something really special. Vermont singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell assembles a host of guest vocalists (not least Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Mitchell's labelmate Ani DiFranco) to record her diverse and perplexing “folk opera” retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice apparently set in a “posta p o c a l y p t i c Depression-era America”. If it sounds pretentious, it's because it is; one song alludes to a quote from Bertolt Brecht's 1928 The Threepenny Opera, for crying out loud.
themes are carried off staggeringly well, given enormous impact by the beautiful but almost uniformly subtle and restrained arrangements. Highlights include “Wait For Me” which balances a sinister spokenword narrative with Vernon's yearning vocals, and the awesome female harmonising on “Nothing Changes”. The weight of ideas here is enormously impressive, but the superb arrangements – not least some wonderful strings – and the vocalists fitting perfectly their different character roles makes this a thoughtful, mature, but frequently jaw-dropping listen. Take “Why We Build The Wall”, which combines some fascinating lyrical and structural ideas with Greg Brown's well-worn vocals in the role of a gloriously sinister Hades. Make no mistake – Hadestown is not for everyone, and it is not all as inspiring as its best moments. But if you are in the market for intelligent, literary indie folk, you will doubtless struggle to hear anything this artful, this ambitious, and this accomplished all year. Even if the concept doesn't strike you as immediately appealing, you'd be wise to give this a listen nonetheless – at all times, its core songfulness shines through brightly. Check this out. Andy Johnson - Music Editor
But don't be warned off – although the “plot” is tough to follow, the serious
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Marling
Laura Marling
I Speak Because I Can It’s a clunky, dusty term to use in the context of something so elegant, but in many ways ‘maturity’ is still the most apt way to encapsulate what Laura Marling has achieved with her second album, but only if we understand maturity to mean taking something good and then refining it until perfection. Every song is imbued with a well-worn quality that transcends milieu and establishes Marling as a songwriter with a breathtaking understanding and control of her craft, like “Alpha Shallows” with it’s brooding clatter and perfectly formed opening line (‘He could fall and shake and weep/ by his holy are my feet/ and heart with mention the dear that may not speak/ we feel tight when there is tension/ and our eyes can make us weep’) or the sparse, haunting lament of “What He Wrote”, inspired by an article Marling once read about the letters exchanged between wives and husbands during WWII. Whenever Marling is asked whether she sees herself as a folk artist, she is quick to wave away the categorisation and position herself as simply a song-
writer. This brings to mind James Yorkston, another artist frequently asked the same question, who once stated ‘I think there's a big difference between a singer-songwriter who's influenced by folk music and folk musicians. I'm just a song-writer’. Last year Yorkston released an album covering songs from folk’s rich history, and listening to I Speak Because I Can, you could be forgiven for thinking that these aren’t modern compositions from a contemporary performer, but instead songs that have been witness to the passing of time, such are their classic beauty and ageless drama. Mike Wheeler
Reviews
Gogol Bordello – Trans-Continental Hustle
Gyspy-punk rockers Gogol Bordello's new album shows off their new Brazilian influence, while retaining the band's distinct 'Immigrant Punk' style. Famous for their racous live gigs, Trans-continental Hustle demonstrates their brash in-your-face music, while also show-casing their impeccable musicianship. Frontman Eugene Hutz half screams, half croons his way through either protesting English lyrics, or eloquent Russian babble, while the gypsy take on traditional Punk music shines through. Best listened to loud, after a few drinks and, preferably, in a room full of fellow 'Immigrant Punks'. Dan Elphick
James – The Night Before
Hybrid – Disappear Here Hybrid's music has featured in the soundtracks as varied as Top Gear, X-Men: Origins and Juiced. This fourth studio album has been four years in the making and has seen the addition of new band member Charlotte James, arguably triggering a move to a more mainstream sound. Disappear Here differs from previous albums in being very much an album of songs, rather than relying on dance beats. Highlights include the title track and “Can You Hear Me” both of which are able to combine James’ vocals with Hybrid’s distinctive sound in a truly spine tingling way. A great album to start with if you’ve never knowingly heard Hybrid before. Martin Fletcher
To be followed by a sequel later in the year, The Night Before is a seven-song mini-album that marks the return of Mancunian Britpop legends James. Marrying the band's normal rock instrumentation with a few electronic elements, the result is a set of of awesomely powerful and emotive songs. Frontman Tim Booth takes centre stage, not just because of his vocal delivery but because of his superb lyrics, which betray inspiration from sources as diverse as biology, the war in Afghanistan, sex, school, and the 1966 scifi classic Fantastic Voyage. A stellar piece of work. Andy Johnson
Jim Kroft – Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
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Jim Kroft is a singer-songwriter based in Berlin. His début album The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea is a refreshing ten-song pop rock set. Against a backdrop of orchestral arrangements, Kroft uses a solid rock instrumental template to push forwards his uplifting lyrics and vocals. “One Sees The Sun” is typical of his style – intelligent but accessible, with a cinematic, soaring chorus. “When you truly want to live”, Kroft sings, “that's when one sees the sun”. A neat guitar solo and the precisely orchestrated strings forge one solid pop-rock tune on an album of many. Impressive. Andy Johnson
Ash – A-Z Vol. 1 Releasing 26 singles in one year, one each fortnight? Madness! And yet, half way through this innovative endeavour, Northern Irish rock veterans Ash have successfully put together 13 superb songs so far. A-Z Vol. 1 compiles these singles onto one convenient disc, and it contains some of the best and most exciting songs I've heard so far this year. On gripping cuts like “Dionysian Urge” and “Arcadia” Ash channel aggressive guitars through superb production and electronic soundscapes to create what can only be described as pure rock heroism. Wonderfully rousing stuff.
Reviews
Andy Johnson
Jónsi - Go Acting as more than just a break from providing the epic falsetto in Sigur Ros, Jónsi Birgisson’s Go is an exquisitely grand début opus that features wondrous songs carried with a joyful heart. Primarily, this is a monumentally warm and cheerful album: at times crushingly beautiful, heroic and huge, particularly evident on the string-laden ‘Sinking Friendships’. Equally, it is also rich and deep, full of illuminating vocal boy-like innocent charm against the backing of a cacophony of expansive soundscapes that shimmer and swirl. Go is a vibrant record that is as cinematic as it is tender, and is a genuinely soulful, upbeat and fun album. Eddie Golby
Keele Concert Band, since its beginning days, has prided itself in being totally student run and open, without audition, to any student or member of the local community who plays an instrument. There are numerous events which take place throughout the year, including Christmas, Spring and Summer concerts. KCB's next big concert is the aforementioned 'Summer Concert', to be held in the Keele Chapel on the 11th June starting at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought off band members or on the door on the night - prices are £6 with concessions at £4! The one overriding aim that Keele University Concert Band has always had is to “keep people playing”. If a student that would otherwise stop playing when they came to university carries on playing as a result of joining the band, then this is a success story. Many players return home or go on to start their careers after finishing university and find a local band to perform with. Unless they had played at Keele, the likelihood is that their instrument would have been resigned to life tucked under the bed gathering dust or pawned for snakebite tokens! Please do come along and support the band, not only at our next concert: 11th June, 7.30pm in Keele Chapel, but in all our future endeavours! If you play a wind/brass or percussion instrument, come along to Lindsay Studio 2 at 7.30pm on any Sunday, we'll be there! Lee Bell Chair - Keele Concert Band 09/10.
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Not sure what you’re doing after your final year? Interested in up to £200 per week bursary and valuable work experience? If you’ve answered yes then perhaps a 4-7 week industry training programme is for you. Keele University is looking for unemployed graduates to place with businesses and organisations in the West Midlands.
Interested? Email: internships@uso.keele.ac.uk or call: 01782 733371 to request an application form.
If you’re an employer who would like to become involved with either project, please also get in touch.
You could say that film and music is a marriage made in heaven. Every single film has the provisional soundtrack and sometimes the soundtrack is better than the film. Even more, in many cases certain music themes have only been composed for certain films. Jaws, Star Wars, Mission Impossible, just to name a few, are amongst the most famous ones. So what is it this very special relationship between these two forms of art really all about? A good movie can be even more lifted up by the right choice of music whilst a bad movie might get a little bit better or, well, worse. If anybody has seen the film Triple XXX, you will most certainly know what I mean. The first scene is supported by banging tunes of Rammstein, so much said about a bad introduction to an even worse film. Nevertheless there are examples where the soundtrack has given films a well needed edge. Back in the nineties, it was all about the teenager evergreen Cruel Intentions. But it was really the soundtrack everyone was hooked on. Spiced with performers such as Placebo
Film
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Frederike Dammé - Film Editor or The Verve, the music hit the nerve of time. The music in films is supposed to create or support the emotions the audience experiences. No Horror film would be scary without the threatening music in the background. The biggest connection between music and films can be found in musicals and Disney films. Even though I have grown out of watching Disney films on a regular basis, I still know at least ten songs of by heart and I am very sure that I am not alone. I have selected a few of my personal favourite music-film love stories and nightmares. Remember, nothing is as relaxing as a nice private performance using the hairbrush as a microphone while dancing around to Dirty Dancing’s Time of my life. Exams, here we come!
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is fantastic ic and the dancing Chicago: The mus azy murder ta-Jones plays a cr and Catherine Ze in stockings. musicals! The mother of all West Side Story: sy but direcis incredibly chee It e: ug Ro in ul Mo the most is probably one of an m hr Lu z Ba r to e film industry creative man in th
Worst Musicals
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d it is no m plays Eminem an y like most 8 Mile: Well, Emine paperback biograph e nic a en itt wr ll we as t but he migh e days. oser celebrities do thes middle aged comp tional treasure as na s en in’ te ita six a Br r s: fo ric ng write a so Music and Ly Barrymore tries to ew Dr of lp he e th who with words required! year old popstar…no nathan Rhys bin Williams and Jo Ro th wi ry sto e y lov ian. August Rush: Sobb heartbroken music Henry VIII. than a g yin pla r tte be is Meyers, who
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thIrty seConD IntervIeW ConCourse AsKeD: WhAt one song shoulD every KeeleIte heAr?
Lauren Proctor
Felicity ‘Jigglypuff’ Cheung
Rachel Dodd Lykke Li 'Dance Dance Dance'
Fyfe Dangerfield's (from The Guillemots) cover of Billy Joel's 'Always a Woman'
Patricia Hunt
Forever The Sickest Kids ‘She Likes’
Vinesh Patel Corey Walker
Ke$ha ‘Your Love Is My Drug’
French Soler ‘Stop & Stare’
Hall of Fame
SS Decontrol ‘Police Beat’
Hand picked gems from the best procrastination site on the planet
Alice in Wonderland / Lost Scenes - Follow Bit of a strange one, but it was filmed right here in the Keele Woods. The story is inspired by the childrens book Alice in Wonderland. The lead character gets drunk at a picnic with friends and starts having visions entering the dream world of Wonderland. The story follows Alice’s struggle to find love, as she follows the white rabbit. Obstacles try to prevent her from reaching love, which in the end conquers all!!
Best of the Rest
‘Ocean’ Preformed by Keeles own Sam Fitzpatrick... Search ‘Dreamy’ on Facebook for more information ;-)
Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa
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Justice - D.A.N.C.E. I need to buy a t-shirt that can do this!!!
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gAmes & Puzzles
Kusu suDoKu 7 4
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Monaco’s national orchestra in bigger than its army
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Paul Weller played guitar on Champagne Supernova by Oasis
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NIKIPEDIA You’re source of random knowledge at Keele University
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Before becoming Elvis Presley’s agent, Colonel Tom Parker ran a troupe of dancing chickens
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In January 2002, George Harrisons ‘My Sweet Lord’ replaced Aaliyah’s ‘More than a Woman’ in the number 1 spot. The first time ever one deceased artist took the position over from another deceased artist.
The first song ever released by Bon Jovi was titled, ‘R2-D2:We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ it was for a Star Wars Christmas Album...he was 17 at the time. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain all died at age 27
Kusu CrossWorD Across
Whistles and Flutes around 25,000 years old have been found at Upper Paleolithic sites of the Aurignacian Period.
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1 1. Home city of the Beatles (9) 6. Hit for the Tornados back in 1963 (5) 9. Band fronted by Richard Ashcroft (5) 10. ____ ____ and the Mastermixers (4,5) 11. American Group (7) 12. Album Title; ‘Willie and the ____ Boys’ (4) 14. Ken _____, reggae singer. (6) 15. ‘___ ____ Hurry Love’ Song Title (3,4) 17. Type of electricity which collects on audio/visual equipment (6) 20. Bare _____ Ladies (5) 22. kd _____, Canadian singer (4) 23. Stephen Duffy’s nickname (3,3) 24. T Rex’s type of love (3) 27. ‘Enter Sandman group (9) 28. ______ Rocks, Finnish/UK band. (5) 29. Manchester band led by Morrissey (3,6
1. ______ 42, British band led by Mark King (5) 2. U2 single success (7) 3. Hit single for Jackie Wilson in 1957 and again in 1986 (4,6) 4. Number on hit for Shakin Stevens in 1982 (2,5) 5. Hit for Kristine Blond in 1998 (4,3) 6. ‘______ Don’t take your love to Town’ Song Title (4) 7. ‘Sixties Group: _____ Dog Doodah Band (5) 8. A hit for the Smashing Pumpkins (3,3,3) 13. Lindsey, member of Fleetwood Mac (10) 16. British group of the ‘nineties’ (3,3,3) 18. Falsetto voiced American singer (4,3) 19. Red Hot ____ Peppers (5) 20. ‘____ _____ Away’ Rolling Stones title (3,4) 21. Georgie Fame and the Blue______ (6) 25. Musical Groups with Three Members. (5) 26. Damon Albarn’s Group (4)
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amazingsuperpowers.com
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N O D N FOU n o i t i d e l o o k Old s
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Facebook may be the ‘modern’ way of sharing our best and worst moments here at Keele, but if you dig in to the archives you can find that Keeleites of the past also recorded thier own time here, So I thought I would share a little bit of that past in this Issue of Found on Facebook