York Vision 221 - Scene by York Vision

Deputy Music: Sonny Dewfall and Ed Francis

Nightlife Editors: Niamh Connolly and Olivia Head

Deputy Books: Clemmie Van Hasselt and Sophie Taylor and Philip Watson

Technology Editor: Vishnuu Nithiyananthan

Music Editors: Daniel Cave and Eli Court

Deputy Nightlife: Tim Smith and Marija Knestjapina

Books Editors: Megan Graham and Jordan lloyd

Morgan Collins and Sarah Cattle

Scene Editors: Rachel Pronger and Teja Pisk

TV Deputy: TV Editors: Dean Knapper and Rebecca Ojumu Deputy Film: Matija Pisk and Abigail Richards Film Editors: AlysiaJudge and Maddy Pelling

News

jason derul-ouch

JASON Derulo was rushed to hospital after fracturing his neck during rehearsals for his Future History World Tour and has now been forced to cancel previously planned performances in Glasgow, Sheffield, Cardiff, Birmingham and London. The type of injury Derulo sustained whilst practicing a stunt is referred to as the 'hangman's break' as it similar to the break caused by a noose. The serious neck injury could have left Derulo paralyzed or even dead. Despite this, the singer is reported to be trying his best to keep his spirits up and keep looking as suave as usual, despite the neck brace he has been ordered to wear by his doctors. Concerned fans can now send the singer personalised e-cards which have reportedly helped him remain positive during his recovery. Not the greatest start to the year, but here at Vision we wish him a speedy recovery.

ELI COURT REVEALS ALL THE LATEST MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

gaga gone gaga? WILL Lady Gaga stop at nothing? Not content with shocking everybody by wearing a dress made of meat or hatching out of an egg to start a concert, she has gone one step further by being accused of taking part in a Satanic ritual after leaving a bathtub full of blood at a hotel in London. This eccentric behaviour is allegedly designed to keep Gaga safe from spirits that she worries could affect her performance and demands that every hotel and tour venue must be investigated for paranormal activity before she will agree to stay there.

RATED THIS MONTH So, Exactly how "Quirky" is Gaga?

Is this a sign of artistic genius or just worryingly bizarre? As long as she keeps producing chart toppers no-one really cares.

Offensively bland

Sued Ronnie LONELY ISLAND are being sued in New York by two musicians who allege that the comedy rock band used their beats in two of their songs and failed to give them credit. The plaintiffs Aleric 'Rick Tha Ruler' and Monique 'Foxx StarStrukk' Hines claim they sent their beats to the comedic rap group for their singles "Shy Ronnie" (which was nominated for an Emmy award) and the parody "Like a Boss" and have not been properly compensated. They are seeking unspecified damages.

Bank's and Hine's company StarStrukk productions are seeking profits plus interest for both singles. Hopefully they can sort out the feud and let Lonely Island get back to creating more comic hits.

Have a Gig-tastic New Year!

t looks like 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for music lovers across York, with a range of concerts and something for everyone. So whether you love rock, pop or even opera we at Vision have found concerts for all to enjoy. Kicking off the year is Toploader, who will be performing at The Duchess on the 20 January. The English alternative rock band have been performing since 1997 and their single "Dancing in the Moonlight’ has become a global hit and a timeless classic that is sure to be a crowd pleaser for everyone to enjoy. If that’s not your style, Taming the Savage will be playing at Stereo York on the 21 January. The band is comprised of four University of York students, they have performed at festivals and been offered a re-

cording deal. Vision has previously said of the indie/rock band “one thing is for certain; they are definitely one to watch out for in the future,” and with undeniable talent and great songwriting this band is well worth supporting. For those who feel they were born into the wrong generation and prefer '70s rock, the legendary Van Morrison will be performing at York Barbican on 12 February. The Irish singer-songwriter and musician received an OBE for his music and his live performances are reportedly unmissable. Welsh classical singer Katherine

2012 is shaping up to be a grEat year for music lovers across york Jenkins will also be performing at the Barbican on the 15 February where she will sing a range of operatic arias, musical theatre numbers and hymns as she stuns the audience with her powerful voice. A concert to eagerly anticipate is Noah and the Whale on 24 March. Their latest album Last Night On Earth recieved great critical aclaim, well deserved for their up-

kooky to the Max LADY GAGA'S made her name for being "well mental", and as her placing on the Vision kook-ometer proves, the teapot wearing, raw meat hugger lives up to her reputation. One sight of a Gaga story gives the beige-to-the-core Celine Dion and middle of the road Dido the heebie jeebies, but she'd fit right in with walking information overload Sinead O'Connor and Wacko Jacko (R.I.P) - now that's a tea party we'd like to see.

ELI COURT RECOMMENDS UP AND COMING GIGS IN YORK THIS YEAR

Other Gigs to Look Out For in 2012 February 11th: Kaiser Chiefs at Grand Opera House March 1st: Matt Cardle at York Barbican March 2nd: Rebecca Ferguson at York Barbican lifting songs. The band gave an incredible performance at Reading Festival last summer and created a great atmosphere with everyone singing along and simply enjoying the music. It's sure to be a memorable concert. Another band that caught the eye of the Vision team this year is Bombay Bicycle Club - a great British alternative rock band who are constantly changing their style and sound. They'll give an impressive range of songs to ensure you could not be bored during their performance. Well there you go - a fantastic collection of live performances this year to look forward to so get booking and enjoy!

March 26th: The Rifles at The Duchess April 19th: The Lemonheads at The Duchess

VISION'S SOUND OF 2012

Dan Cave, Eli Court and Rachel Pronger predict the the talent to breakthrough this year

inally, after what seems like a horrendously long 12 months, 2011 has ended. In a perfect world this would mean Bruno Mars' sickening love-pap, Skrillex's ear assaulting wobble and any new act Simon Cowell painfully force feeds us would be confined to the not-toodistant past, never to be heard of again. Alas, we all know this is unlikely to be the case. New Years Eve, unfortunately, does not act as a cast iron door, muffling out those musical undesirables that previously haunted the airwaves. As much as we enjoy the thought of slamming a door, hard and fast, right in Cher Lloyd's stupid face, it just won't happen. We can't promise that during 2012 you won't be hooked up to your weekly X-Factor drip and you'll still probably neck alcopops as you stumble along to the sounds of a 'Swagger Jagger' remix in your debauched drinking

The Weeknd Lana Del Rey Listen to: 'Born to Die'

With new album Born to Die due to be released at the end of January, it's safe to say 2012 will be a big year for American singer Lana Del Rey. Known for her trademark pout and deep, sultry voice, she won the accolade ‘Next Big Thing’ at the Q awards, after the viral success of ‘Video Games’. With her sexy style and controversial opinions she's captured our interest. Not afraid of the risque, her music videos are evidence of why we're so eager for whatever comes next. Often compared to Nancy Sinatra, she exudes an unusual maturity, setting her far above her contemporaries.

The Weeknd Listen to: 'Thursday' This brainchild of Abel Tesfaye, who performs and produces under the pseudonym ‘The Weeknd’, is everything that is good about about R&B right now. His fanbase exploded last year after giving away his album House of Balloons for free in March, quickly followed by the even more popular ‘Thursday’. In December he gave away Echoes of Silence, the third part of his 2011 album trilogy, causing

Mele

establishment of choice. We also can't change what is already written in stone; Madon-, we mean Lady Gaga, will still dominate the charts. Until ITV responds to our constant emails asking for a Vision Talent Show, and then we somehow attract a TV audience of eight million viewers every week, we won't change mainstream tastes. Fear not. For what Vision can offer is predictions for which new, exciting musical tastes will arise this year. Yay! Much of what last year offered will still dominate the coming months. For the electronic genres, though, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Looking for an answer to the explosion of Dubstep, a force which polarised music fans between love and hate, a myriad of productions quietly began to redefine the boundaries of what it meant to be defined as 'electronic'. Crossovers, genre meshing and sampling have had a mini revival which we

expect to go stratospheric this year. R&B is as fresh as it has been since the mid 1990s, due to the hard work of North American producers and vocalists, fighting to make sure their genre isn't killed off by an unfortunate recent association with crass house music. Expect music to respond more and more to the contemporaneous instability of global political and economic situations, in ways which it never has before. Marginalised artists often have the most to say, those in neofolk, soul, and East Coast U.S. Rap are making us all question if the ways in which we live are sustainable, in both an emotional and practical sense. In response to these new directions we have picked five (relatively new) artists we believe symbolise the latest in innovation and leadership on the musical scene.

Beth Jeans Houghton Listen to: 'I Will Return I Promise'

fingers crossed 2012 will be the year Houghton's splendid, sample heavy folkadelia gathers some mainstream attention. We're enchanted by this fineboned eccentric whose Vashti Bunyan lilt and charming, meandering folk songs make her far stranger and more interesting than her southern kitchen sink nu-folk contemporaries. Houghton's music is sprawling and gloriously strange, weaving irresistibly transcendent tendrils around anyone lucky enough to catch her live.

Mele Listen to: 'Beamer'

have wowed, reaching prominence for smashing apart the famed Boiler Room Podcasts (download for free on iTunes.) What impresses most though is his sensitivity to the fast paced, multifarious nature of contemporary culture, somehow capturing this within his sound through his hip-hop sampling; bass tampering and wiggly wiggle. Expect huge things from Melé this year as he uses the parameters of acid house and hip-hop to gather together everything inbetween.

Beth Jeans Houghton is the proud owner of a fine array of wigs and some disturbing cover art; she's an extravaganza of bad taste. The Newcastle Upon Tyne singer/ songwriter has been hovering under the radar for years, gradually accumulating fans with flamboyant support slots for King Creosote, Tunng and Bon Iver. With her much awaited debut finally appearing this February,

This young Liverpudlian producer has been making larger and larger splashes in the musical ocean, catching the attention of much bigger fishes (Toddla T, Major Lazer, Annie Mac etc.) all of whom want a bite of what he’s got to offer. Seemingly possessing an encyclopaedic knowledge of every musical genre (the decent ones anyway): his DJ sets his official website to crash. It isn’t just his rapidly multiplying fanbase that has impressed us at Vision. The softly-softly approach he has taken to remoulding the parameters of R&B, leading both Lady Gaga and Florence and the Machine to commission him for remixes of their work, means the hardest of hard knocks are sobbing . Even Drake worked with him on 'Take Care'. Amazing! With another album promised this year, as well as a Coachella slot, The Weeknd is destined for a stratospheric rise.

Kendrick Lamar Listen to: 'Hiii Power' "You know we are crack babies 'cus we were born in the eighties," raps Kendrick, falling into nostalgic solipsism. His mixtape Section 80 is littered with them. References to the inherent contradictions, vast differences in wealth and rife sexism within his country of birth, the rather unmarvelous United States, make him the perfect vehicle to carry our

Beth Jeans Houghton

SINGLES ELI COURT reviews the latest releases... emeli Sande- Daddy

meli Sande’s new single shows the British R&B artist moving away from high profile collaborations towards a solo career which shows great promise. Her original songwriting has been greatly praised by Simon Cowell, but don’t see his support as a bad sign. Despite many questionable decisions, he has definitely chosen well with Sande as her distinctive and powerful voice sets her apart from others and makes for a great listen. With such an emotional and pure voice Emeli is definitely one to watch.

train- drive by

est known for feel good and much loved classics like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Hey Soul Sister', Train are back with the latest single taken from their sixth album with music that is barely recognisable from the distinctive Train sound we have all grown to love. Annoyingly catchy and repetitive, we hope that they can recreate the magic that seems to have gone in this single. Sorry Train - we know you’ve been around for a while but no-one says “groovy” anymore.

GoldfrappMelancholy Sky

he latest single from English electronic duo Goldfrapp is, as the name suggests, a mournful, soulful song that is classic Goldfrapp. 'Melancholy Sky' shines with lead singer Alison’s sultry crooning, a soothingly mellow pace and a lovely instrumental breakdown complete with a romantic swirl of strings, bells and brass. Not the most exciting song but nevertheless beautiful; a welcome change from so many cheesy, loud and in-your-face pop songs. It'll leave Goldfrapp fans wanting more.

AVALANCHE CITYLove Love Love own reservations about contemporary global conditions. Born in Compton at the height of racial tension and vast urban poverty in the late eighties, it is obvious Kendrick has a chip on a shoulder and is going to use his "hiphop to hypnotise" people into at least considering some of his harsh truths. With an ear for a good production, garnering recent praise from Pharrel Williams, his pragmatic flow and political pontificating should reach a wider audience this year. We hope.

lightly kitsch but still a sweet, simple song about love. Similar to Noah and the Whale’s '5 Years Time' it may lack depth or meaning but is still a fun song to listen and sing along to. Recently formed, this folk band from New Zealand are clearly attempting to sculpt a distinctive sound. A glockenspiel, a ukelele and a banjo give 'Love Love Love' an upbeat, cheerful vibe - one for happy people in love to smugly sing along to and singletons to scowl at.

REVIEWS... Gorillaz

The Maccabees

The Singles collection 2001-2011

Given to the wild

he Maccabees have come a long way since the days of Latchmere’s infamous “wave machine” and their adolescent promises of “heart shaped bruises” and 'Toothpaste Kisses'. Their 2007 debut, Colour It In, was light, amusing and unveiled a talented band who were flourishing. Their loyal fanbase has significantly increased and the band's popularity was particularly evident at the 2012 Reading and Leeds Festival where the band revealed a new six minute song - 'Forever I’ve Known' from Given To The Wild. However, their third album differs from those that have come before. Given To The Wild is deeper and the lyrics more meaningful than fans have been exposed to in earlier tracks. The first track on the album highlights this approach. 'Child' is concerned with innocence and its melodious sound mirrors this. The theme of growth and the mourning of youth is continued in ‘Ayla’ and ‘Pelican’, where the focal line, "one thing’s for sure/we’re all getting older”, highlights the intentions of the track.

The only disappointment one may find is that the album lacks the euphoric kick of Colour it in and Wall of Arms. Instead, there is more of a seamless floating motion that takes you gently into each track, rather than a sudden beat that throws the listener. ‘Pelican’, the first track released from the album epitomises the stop-start, heavy and jolting sound that shakes the album and provides a perfect contrast with other mellow, enchanting tracks such as ‘Shimmer’ and the final majestic song, ‘Grew up at Midnight’. Given to the Wild is a record that feels less nonchalant than Colour Me In, and more grown up than Wall of Arms. The Maccabees have nurtured their artistry, reviving them from an ‘under the radar’ label, and instead illuminating their talent. NIAMH CONNOLLY

amon Albarn’s Gorillaz are ten years old. To commemerate their double figures they are releasing a collection of fifteen previous singles, practically packaged into one album, in case we missed them before. How kind of them! Not wholly cynical of the ‘letscelebrate-past-success-by-rehashing-it-and-then-flogging-it-on-acompilation-CD’, I am however befuddled as to whom this record is aimed. The obsessive Gorillaz fan, whom I guess would be the most likely to purchase The Singles Collection, is also the most likely to, well, already own all the singles. The album, oddly, doesn’t even pertain to be a Greatest Hits collection, which I’m sure would appeal to the entry level Gorrilaz fan, who having dipped their toe in 'Clint Eastwood’s' musical water, wants a further paddle. At least Albarn isn’t being dishonest though, because frankly this isn’t a Greatest Hits, which presumably would contain their best songs.

DAN CAVE

Laura Gibson

TRIBES

La Grande

Baby

ailing from Camden, four-piece Tribes are the latest band to be coveted as the new saviours of Rock’n’Roll. Gaining support from Radio One, coupled with critical acclaim from The Mystery Jets, Tribes' first album has been eagerly anticipated ever since the release of their first (and may I add brilliant) EP in April last year. Baby is an obvious continuation of their musical exploration. The tracklist uses the two title tracks of their previous EPs, adding nine brandspanking new ditties, including 2011 single 'Sappho'. Sounding faintly like a collaboration between the Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines, 'Sappho' displays front man Johnny Lloyd’s vocals in a delightful manner. Even if he sounds scarily similar to a modern configuration of Glam-Rock star T. Rex. There are also a surprising amount of softer ballads on the album. Tracks 'Himalaya' and 'Nightdriving' would not sound out of place as the backing to a classic The O.C. montage. The album’s stand-out track 'We Were Children' is anthemic and rousing. Exactly the kind of single needed to propel the band to the dizzying

Much of the album is not Gorillaz's best work. This doesn't necessarily translate into a bad album, as Gorillaz are a tasteful product. What it does leave us with is a CD that screams "You with the tenner, take me to the till and buy me. Fool." In defence of this palpable attempt to make more money, the album is quite fun. There’s a couple of top ten hits, some good midalbum fodder and an interesting set of remixes. Yet, to enjoy the Gorillaz properly, please go and find their earlier albums. They are rich in concept, cheaper, and you get some integrity thrown in for free too. Or just wait a few years for their real Greatest Hits to be released. That’s if the world doesn’t end first.

heights of teen-cool they yearn for. 'When My Day Comes' is equally catchy and rousing, as is 'Whenever'. Tribes frequently prove that when it comes to making anthems, they’ve mastered the formula. However, the problem with Tribes’ sound is that it’s strangely familiar. There is nothing refreshingly original about it. A similar kind of hype surrounded fellow London band The Vaccines last year; the difference being that The Vaccines were deserving of being accredited as the ‘next best thing’ in rock. Baby showcases good, hard-working, honest Rock'n'Roll from a band desperate to be at the forefront of the genre’s revival. It’s easy to see why they already have a dedicated following. With 2012 promising, as well as an album, a tour and festival appearances over the summer, they are sure to win over many more fans. BETHANY WREN

anuary is a slow month for music. Many artists schedule their big releases for the festive season to capitalise on liberal spending patterns. It follows that it’s not necessarily the soundest of business ideas to release an album just weeks after large parts of the world have collectively maxed out their credit cards. On the bright side, it is in times like these you can come across hidden gems you would’ve perhaps overlooked had the big guns hit us with early releases. Portland singer/songwriter Laura Gibson falls into this category. Having previously only heard her rendition of Edelweiss for an indie compilation record, I decided to check out her latest offering La Grande. I won’t say I was blown away, as this burly term fails to adequately capture the muted brilliance of La Grande. It was more like a gentle, unexpected but very welcome breeze on a scorching July day. Gibson’s slightly jerky but soothing, almost whispered vocals are showcased best on 'Red Moon', while lyrically she shines on 'Crow/Swallow'. The album

highlight comes in the form of 'Feather Lungs', a track which starts out channelling a '50s American Blues feel, only to quickly settle into what can be described as the musical equivalent of a hug and a cup of tea after an exhausting day. It’s not all calm though. 'Milk-Heavy' and 'Pollen-Eyed' kick off the album with pounding drums and twangy guitars, and wouldn’t be out of place on the soundtrack to an old-school detective film. 'Time Is Now' cleverly combines an almost dream-like verse with an upbeat chorus, while 'The Fire' is simply pure folk fun. In La Grande Gibson has created a small piece of folky, indie-pop magic to warm up the winter months. Luckily it hasn’t been buried under an avalanche of January releases. MILANA KNEZEVIC

The Submotion Orchestra Story TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF "LIVE DUBSTEP", DANIEL CAVE SPEAKS TO TOMMY EVANS, FOUNDER OF SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA.

efore I interviewed Tommy Evans, (founder of Submotion Orchestra, recent BASCA winner for his Jazz Composition "The Green Seagull", drummer of Gentleman's Dub Club, the world's most thinly spread musician; the list is endless) I feared getting waylaid with how Submotion slotted into the increasingly polarised genre of dubstep. Yet I needn't have worried. Tommy’s eloquent and thoughtful answers (what he apologetically called 'wafty') weaved the Submotion Orchestra story perfectly into an exposition on the varied musical backgrounds and flavours of the band members, their own constantly evolving sound and "unfair comparisions to Massive Attack". I was introduced to Submotion Orchestra under the impression they were 'dubstep, but, well, live' (a description that will forever stick with me, despite their ability to transcend genres). Live dubstep? That can't be done, can it? The genre is famed for, and originated from, going to clubs to hear a DJ spin records. Records which were produced far away from the public view. Yet this crux, Tommy told me, was the starting point from which Submotion were born: looking for a sound that could relate to the highly produced dubstep sound whilst crucially being within a live environment. Tommy’s "live dubstep" theory goes back a few years. He explains that he and, now, bandmate Dom (popular dubstep producer Ruckspin) were commissioned for a piece of music to be performed in York Minster (that "large, cathedral-y building"). Mulling over this performance they were increasingly convinced 'live dubstep' was a) an untouched musical avenue and b) (probably quite important), very possible to create. Although we didn’t get on to talking about what music befitted our lovely "cathedral-ly building", it was obvious Tommy was finely attuned and open to exploring sounds based on the merits of the environment in which it is to be played. Attending Leeds College of Music, he spent years immersed in the city's strong dub-reggae culture, attending popular club nights Exodus and Sub-Dub, as well as being a well-known figure on the Leeds Jazz Scene ("the strongest jazz scene outside of London, although it was probably stronger a few years ago"). Introduced to dubstep, he liked what he heard, although he made it clear to me that he was not a fan of "the bashy wierd stuff". Darker, more atmospheric productions caught his attention, particularly those of Burial. Burial’s sound, he explains, was something he definitely thought could be achieved live. Amassing a set of musicians, those he was working with or really wanted to, Submotion was formed and thus began a "group learning curve", in a new musical direction. Submotion Orchestra was an organic process,

with no end product in sight, he reminds me. "It was more 'here is an interesting starting point, let’s see what happens.' I guess we wanted to bring in Jazz harmonies over the top of bass; it was obvious Dubstep was the perfect vehicle for this". He laughs, "It was quite lucky they [jazz and dubstep] fitted together nicely".

"we wanted to bring in jazz harmonies over the top of bass, it was obvious dubstep was the perfect vehicle for this" The product they achieved is defined by the variety of musical backgrounds in the band. "We all try and pull it in our own way. Taz [keyboardist] is constantly trying to refer it back to funk and soul, Ruby [vocals] pulls it in a neo-soul direction, Dom [production] wants to pull it in a darker dubstep direction. Fatty [bass] wants to get his wobble in. Bobby [trumpet] is trying to pull it in a jazz direction". Every single tune, he tells me, goes through this seemingly endless filtering process until everyone is happy they’ve got their parts in there. "No way did I envisage this sound", Tommy tells me, but he is obviously happy with how the evolution turned out. Not that it is a process that has ended, "with everyone still trying to pull the sound in different ways. Submotion’s second album, out this year, sounds much better than the first," Tommy enthuses. "It has more bite, is crisper and has a more produced sound than the first album which was lush, round and warm. After this album though, we could go in any direction. It could go trip-hop, soundscapey or classical. It could go darker, it could even go more dubstep". With a myriad of musical paths open to them, he’s not worried about what people are in to, particularly when I refer to their rise coinciding with the current popularity of dubstep. Tommy just wants to make something which sounds good and isn’t forced. I question if his music will always refer back to the starting point of ‘live dubstep’, "I don’t mind, to be honest", he thoughtfully replies. He’s convinced that Submotion are a band with longevity though, because they sit in the

middle of so many different sounds, garnering a wider appeal. "When you look out from the stage, it’s interesting to see the crowd. You get your dubstep kids in there, your music lovers and then a lot of older people as well. A complete mix. One thing I’m really proud of is we appeal to such an array of people". Tommy's got me convinced that the future of the band will not relate to the nature of the explosive dubstep scene. Although Submotion Orchestra are now incredibly popular, ("We got to something mad, like number four in the electronic charts [with Finest Hour]") I ask him how people first reacted to their sound. "We first played in a bar called Hukaz in Leeds, near Hyde Park. The set was completely improvised. We just rocked up and played. I don’t think people understood what we were doing". Only during Outlook Festival a couple of years ago, did the reaction to the music change. "We were scheduled to play on the Sunday evening and were really nervous, yet it went really well. It gave us all a confidence booster, we realised we had a sound we could really use." The critical acclaim to Finest Hour, their first album, has also been extremely good. Yet Tommy is surprised by the association with trip hop, reacting to some of the negative reviews saying that Submotion's sound and construction mim-

"one thing i can be proud of is we appeal to such an array of people" ics that of Massive Attack. "It’s unfair, although I can kind of see what people are getting at, we’re coming from a completely different starting point". He continues, explaining that because of their starting point, trying to get an ostensibly produced sound into something for a live setting, that to really appreciate them you have to see them live. "The live show is nastier and rawer than the album...we rely on a musical conversation. There’s a lot of improvisation at the live shows, coming from the Jazz influences. We tailor ourselves to the venue, so our sound works everywhere. It can be a jazz set if necessary, a dubstep set. It can be whatever it wants to be." He recounts tales of a couple of memorable gigs.

Sound Wave festival in Croatia this summer seems to stick out in his memory. "The sun was setting over the main stage as we were playing. I was looking over my shoulder at the sunset, trying to concentrate on drumming, with four thousand people going mental. It was perfect! Our most recent tour too, that had a lot of great gigs." Between the relentless touring, everyone in the band has other musical side projects. Tommy himself drums for the successful band Gentleman’s Dub Club and also has all his "Jazz stuff"; for which he is highly regarded. "I’ve got a lot of top priorities" he laughs, "but everyone’s main top priority is Submotion. I just about find enough time to keep it all together. I’m glad we’ve all got other projects though, otherwise we’d get bored by the material. For example, if I think of a tune, it’ll take me six months to write. I’ll take it to the band we’ll rehearse for six months and then play it for two years. It’s easy to get bored, so we work hard to make sure every gig is different. The structures are the same, I’ve just got to lay down the groove, but lots of gaps within those for Tazz on keyboard or Bobby on trumpet to be free. We try to keep it fresh and entertain ourselves and of course, our audience. Our new tour has a lot of new material and grooves. (laughs) We’re getting bored of what we’re playing now." Although Submotion may be getting bored of their set, it doesn’t appear anyone else is. Before they came along, noone had properly attempted to break the wall that shrouded the bassy confines of the dubstep production studio from the view of the audience. (Unless of course you want to count the Magnetic Man project, in which case three men standing behind fancy computers for an hour becomes the new definition of live music.) Live Dubstep was a completely new idea. An abstract concept mythologised by ‘dubstep kids’ and music-bloggers alike. Before the interview I was wary of pinholing Submotion Orchestra as anything near to dubstep, but Tommy embraces the genre as a concept malleable to whatever he wanted it to be. Submotion Orchestra started off as an answer to a question about music in the live environment, and I’d reccomend listening to them as they should be listened to. There’s multiple opportunities to catch them in the coming year: with a UK tour in March; various festival appearances and a likelihood of an Autumn tour as well. There’s also been studio time with Grime MCs, constant ideas about where their sound can go and of course their own successes as individual musicians. This band clearly has a lot still to offer, pushing the boundaries of musical production and performance. Tommy’s a likeable guy, and clearly intelligent, and I finish the interview by wishing him and the band good luck for the year. Being honest, I don’t think they’ll need it.

LIVES... BEANS ON TOAST CITY SCREEN BASEMENT, YORK

hey say there's joy in simplicity, and there was no better testament to that than Beans on Toast's live show in the perfectly intimate City Screen Basement. Jay McAllister took to the stage with nothing but an under-sized guitar, accompanied by Bobby Banjo (on banjo, naturally), to sing songs that selfproclaimedly “sound like Billy Bragg”. I'm happy to say that Beans on Toast's performance lived up to that bold claim, as his relatable songs about day-to-day life, covering everything from love and politics to drugs, really shone in The Basement's close and personal environment. His gravelly voice

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and simple three-chord-based guitar playing worked really well with Bobby's skilled yet under-stated accompaniment, and the overall sound offered a lot more than the 'one man and a guitar' set up. It was, however, the singer/songwriter's ability to connect with the crowd that really made the show special. His witty, satirical songs and the humorous banter between them had the audience on his side, and singing along even from the beginning; by the time it came to the anthemic 'The Price of Rice' the whole venue was in full voice. The Essex boy's ability to work the crowd was epitomised by the highlight of the show where he had girls from the crowd dance on stage to recreate the video for his latest single, 'Blowjob for the Blues'. The show ended with the crowd favourite 'MDMAmazing' and Jay's approachable, down-to-earth stage persona was proved genuine as he stayed to talk and share drinks with those who wanted to, ending the night as he'd started it; at one with the crowd. . MATT HAND

KASABIAN O2 ACADEMY, LONDON

music@yorkvision.co.uk

ou may not have heard of Lowkey. Not because you don't appreciate good music, and not because he doesn't produce good music, but because of his insistence on remaining an underground hip-hop artist. Lowkey rejects record labels left, right and centre so he can write what he wants, say what he wants and rap what he wants. It is this feeling of lyrical freedom that underpins a lot of his music in his new album Soundtrack to the Struggle. It arrives after a period of riots, cuts, invasions, wars, bombings and corruption; the album addresses all of this plus more. Lowkey feeds off the political unrest and injustice from all around the world, and you often find yourself having to do a quick search of Google to check just what historical event he is mentioning. It is true that his new album is largely based on facts, but this delivers a powerful impact on the listener that really makes you stand to attention. I went to see Lowkey in Leeds during his tour to promote his new album. He was joined in Leeds by the MCs Logic, Awate and Crazy Haze, as well as the poet and journalist Jody McIntyre. Jody was dragged out of his wheelchair during a peaceful protest in London last year by the police, and his witty and sharp poetry

17/11/11

on domestic political matters were met with rapturous applause. Some of the tracks that Lowkey performed included the aggressive 'Terrorist?', in which he switches perspective round to argue that the US and UK's involvement in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan could arguably be called terrorism. 'Dear England' is a passionate response to August's riots in London and is also an example of Lowkey's skill as an MC as well as a lyricist. He switches his flow mid-verse and is constantly keeping the audience involved and intriguied. What struck me the most about Lowkey's performace was his genuine desire to act upon his words and to connect with the crowd. He doesn't claim to have any fans, but instead supporters. Afterwards, he spends at least three hours chatting with members of the audience, who leave with a real sense that some hip-hop artists out there do care about the music they are producing. TEDDY KEALEY

THE MARZEC GROUP

15/12/11

p until the 15th December, I was indifferent to Kasabian’s existence, but what I saw on that Thursday night changed my opinion for good. Supported by The Penguins (the less said about them, the better) and Miles Kane (definitely one to watch), Serge and co. gave me and the rest of the O2 a night to be remembered. To the sound of 'Days are Forgotten’, out strode Tom Meighan, clad in scarlet jeans and a white leather jacket. Immediately, the band’s powerful presence was established. Followed quickly by ‘Shoot the Runner’, the crowd was already on a high. Perhaps it was the potent combination of heavy drums and carefully honed lyrics in the opening two songs, or something else that made me and everybody else think that these chaps mean business. For two hours, they continued reeling off their impressive repertoire with gems such as ‘Empire’, ‘Underdog’ and everybody’s favourite Impaler, 'Vlad'. Not once did I feel that before me, stood a band lacking ideas, originality, inspiration or pure talent, as has been unjustly said by the media. Yet despite being able to lead a mighty mosh pit, the band indulged us every so often with a song that was that bit more relaxed. With an excellent rendition of

LOWKEY COCKPIT, LEEDS

FIBBERS, YORK

‘Thick as Thieves’, came a taste of their new album, Velociraptor!. ‘La Fée Verte’ and ‘I Hear Voices’ were stuck in my head for the following week; but what really impressed me was ‘Goodbye Kiss’. Used toward the end of the set, this track showed just how versatile Kasabian has become. With genuinely beautiful lyrics and the addition of a string quartet, this track touched the heart strings of even the most die-hard moshers. Let it not be said, though, that Kasabian has gone all soft and gooey – far from the case. Tracks like ‘Re-Wired’ and ‘Velociraptor!’, performed live, are testament to rock and roll credibiltiy. They rounded off with an encore of the legendary 'Fire' where, in the crescendo to the last chorus, the auditorium was told to sit down. Upon the scream of ‘I’M ON FIIIIIIRE’, everyone leapt up in unison, making for a ballistic atmosphere. All in all, brit rock is back! Thanks Kasabian, keep up the good work. MIKE HAYNES

he Marzec Group, a newly formed University of York band, blew everybody’s socks off at the last Jamnesty event of term on the 12th December. The New Year brings big plans for this exciting five piece who, in the words of their frontman Luke Marzec, just “want everyone up dancing”. They achieved this with style at the Jamnesty event, combining a sweet jazz sound, including Harry Jones on the trombone, with reggae, hip-hop and dub. The Marzec Group are fresh, fun and in the words of their friend and manager Sakina Sheikh “exactly what York are in need of !” This sound is not often heard in York and, as the penultimate act of the Jamnesty event at Fibbers, people were unsure what to expect. The positive reaction was plain to see. In the words of Sophia Khan, who attended the event, “I was unsure what to expect from such a new group but was completely blown away by their sound.” The five boys- Luke himself, Kit Munro, Phil Jones, Twm Dylan and

12/12/11 Harry Jones, share the same love of performing, music and having a good time, and it was this that inspired Luke Marzec to form the group. They gel together so well and it is clear they all lovethe music they are making. I personally have seen Luke Marzec perform on several occasions and am always staggered by his unique, mesmerising voice and brilliant stage presence. I for one am so excited to watch this band grow in 2012 and if you are too, then get down to Derwent Bar on Friday 27th January for the Derwent Celidh and for a chance to dance to some more amazing sounds from The Marzec Group. AMY MOSS

DON'T MISS... The January blues are likely to hit students hard after the post-Christmas parties, cheer and the glorious free food. So here at 'Nightlife' we have tried to transform the season's doom and gloom by highlighting events for you to look forward to this term.

Playing in Fibbers on March 5, 2012 are KING CHARLES: an eclectic, dynamic singersongwriter born and bred in Chelsea. Songs such as 'Love Lust' and 'End of Eternity' are great to dance to and his cover of 'We Didn't Start the Fire' is guaranteed to get any audience singing along. £8.00 entry.

Circulation - York's independent student music magazine has its launch party on 1st February at Stereo. Playing are YOUNG ADULTS, WILDFIRE, and IO, a local fourpiece indie band. A great opportunity to get involved and listen to new music. £5.00 entry (£4.00 for members).

Nightlife's New Years Resolutions

Niamh Connolly, Timmy Smith and Olivia Head share their New Year's resolutions:

Truth be told New Year’s resolutions are not usually a triumphant success for me. The ‘new year, new me’ route is a cliché and quite frankly a ridiculous approach to 2012, nor will I venture to learn a skill that exceeds my capabilities again, so this year entails a new attitude. My second term has begun and I feel I should make the most of student life. This term I endeavour to venture out of my comfort zone and try every cocktail in ‘Dusk’. Not only is this achievable but it will be more enjoyable than my over-ambitious past resolutions of, ‘learning to play violin’, or ‘mastering how to speak Italian’. NC. With two terms of university to go, rather than thinking about poxy questions such as what to do with my life and where I’m going to live, my resolutions are all about how to enjoy the final six months of nightlife in York: Firstly, get some new music; it is no longer acceptable to drink alone whilst listening to My Chemical Romance in times of emotional strife. Similarly, no more tears in The Willow. And thirdly, just for a change, go to a club that isn’t The Willow Bar Disco…and Reflex doesn’t count. TS. After an astonishingly bad start to last year, involving a ‘3 for £10‘ Sainsbury’s wine deal, an intoxicated, impulsive desire to dance atop a table, and a life-long ban from my favourite restaurant in Bath, I resolved, Bridget Jones style, to keep a diary so that I might purge my sins. For two months I kept that diary before I lost interest and it faded to obscurity. It resurfaced at some point last December and I found reading it back traumatic – it was a cross between a Jacqueline Wilson teen-angst novel and Gossip Girl. I never realised what a bore I am. For that reason, this year, and every year following, I shall resolve NOT to keep a diary. OH.

Get to VODKA REVS on a Monday, all food is 50% off, perfect for students who want to treat themselves, but not pull on the purse strings too tightly. Great food, efficient service, and a charming atmosphere to set the week off in style, and give you something to reminisce about when you're eating baked beans on toast by Friday.

vision's agony aunt...

Dear 'Nightlife', I have a friend coming to stay with me in York soon. He is cur-

rently studying in London and since moving there hasn't shut up about the incredible nightlife and the crazy shenanigans he gets up to. I may have slightly fabricated the truth and told him that York is full of mental clubs and wild party goers. The truth is that I have only been to Willow on a Monday night. I am afraid that when he comes up he will see through my lies. Where can I take him to show him that London is no match for York?

We have all in our darkest hours had the sneaking suspicion that Willow is neither

the world’s premier discotheque nor the answer to all our partying prayers. However, after a few prawn crackers and a few more shots we have all realised we were wrong to ever doubt it. How you could ever want for more than what The Willow Bar Disco has to offer is beyond us. Yes, London is a sea of generic partying locations, but none of them offer the charm and subtle sophistication that York’s nightspots do. Don’t even pretend that you, or anyone of sound mind, would prefer an expensive night out with the city slickers and cool cats, to a five hour stint in Willow, dancing to unremitting cheese. Trust us, your friend won’t know what’s hit him, but he’ll love it. And if he doesn’t, just ply him with pound shots of tequila so he doesn’t remember. (Scene does not condone excess alcohol consumption...although it is fun).

Dear ‘Nightlife’, Like many students from relatively well-to-do, middle class

backgrounds, since starting at university I have been almost penniless, thanks to the ridiculous bursary system which doles out dollar after dollar to underserving public-school pension-funded nest-egg fat-cats, leaving nothing for the rest of us. Despite claims that ‘The North’ is fabulously inexpensive, that ‘pint prices’ are disproportionately low compared to the rest of the country and that students are spoilt for crazily cheap drink deals, York does not follow this trend. This creates

Vision's Agony Aunts Niamh Connolly, Olivia Head, Timmy Smith and Elliott Somerfield offer some sober words of advice to those in need. a bit of a problem when it comes to the socialising side of university life. After paying my food bills and getting a taxi into town on a Friday night, the only money I have left for drinks is barely enough to buy one cocktail from Evil Eye. This usually results in me, desperate for alcoholic beverages, lurking around lone men (who tend to be at least forty years my senior) at the bar, shamelessly flirting and flashing my cleavage so that they might buy me a drink. Degrading to say the least. However, the last time I went out I chanced across an unattended cocktail, which I determined as being a ‘Shed Seven’. I am not proud of myself, but, in a moment of impulsiveness, I whisked the drink from the bar and carried it out to the garden. What is the ‘Nightlife’ party line on stealing drinks? How do you get drunk when you have no money?

Firstly, ‘Nightlife’ could never be seen to be endorsing thievery, so knock that on the

head right away missy. Secondly, women who use the promise of sexual favours to procure beverages from lonely, vulnerable, sexually inadequate men are the bane of my life. Every time some a girl sidles over to me, fluttering her eyelashes, I know what she’s after, and she’s not going to get it. The HUSSY. Best case scenario, you demean yourself and make a man feel small and lonely. What I suggest is that you start by setting your sights a little lower than Evil Eye. Cocktails aren’t the answer. What you need is a £5 ‘slab of voddy’ from the local supermarket and you’re set for the appallingly named ‘pre-lash’. Get that down you, and then hit The Lowther or Stone Roses for a couple of sly trebles. Now, this is the most important bit…Willow. Straight to the bar and get those shots in. At one pound a piece, this will be the cherry on the top of your alcoholic cake. For little more than a tenner you’ll be good and sloshed and ready to writhe around on the Willow floor all night long.

nightlife@yorkvision.co.uk

FILM With 16 Acadamy Award and 26 Golden Globe nominations, Vision charts the acclaimed career of Meryl Streep.

According to the OED, truth is defined by "that which is true, or in accordance with fact or reality". But reality for movie producers is a malleable concept; so just how much fact exists in fiction? Alysia Judge investigates two Hollywood Blockbusters that distort the fabric of memory.

H O T Adaptation (2002)

From the creative team behind Being John Malkovitch comes this comedy of genius originality in which Meryl shines as author Susan Orlean.

Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Streep-O-METER

Be sure to don a thick jumper and turn on the heating before watching this classic. Meryl performs ice queen editor Miranda Priestly so well, frost will form on your tv set.

C O L D

Fiction: After her son Walter goes missing, Christine Collins is shocked to meet a stranger the police insist is her child. When she contradicts the LAPD, Captain J. Jones has her incarcerated in an asylum. However, a boy is found claiming to have been bravely helped by Walter during an escape attempt from the farm they had both been imprisioned in. Christine is released and Jones is fired as the world learns the truth. Walter is never found. Fact: The Changeling is based loosely on the Wineville Chicken Coop murders where a man and his Mother abused and murdered young boys on their ranch, however Norcott's Mother is cut entirely from the plot. No boy ever recalled Walter's heroic deeds during an escape attempt. Captain Jones was also the one to question Collins' imposter son and realise he was indeed fraudulent, whereas in the film it is an empathetic cop who uncovers the truth whilst Jones is portrayed as a tyrant.

Dark Matter (2007)

With a clunky plot, unsatisfying ending and poor script, not even Meryl's Tai Chi can save this psychological drama.

Lions For Lambs (2007)

2007 was a bad year for Meryl, as this star-studded film became another box office failure.

Fact: The Parkers moved to Connecticut to treat their son dying of cancer. Soon after moving they became plagued by a 'demonic presence' who reportedly raped and sodomized the parents whilst their son became moody and withdrawn, writing poetry with necrophillic tendencies, eventually being pronounced Schizophrenic after trying to rape his cousin. No seances. No Fire. No heroic son. The truth is far more messed up.

NEW S

Doubt (2008)

Meryl's gripping performance rescues the occasional narrative lull in this atmospheric drama.

Fiction: The Campbell family uproot to a Connecticut home to be closer to the hospital where their son is being treated for cancer. As events spiral, their dying son is terrorised by visitations from a shadowy figure and visions of a young boy forced to participate in twisted seances to appease corpses his Father performed twisted necromancy rituals on. Eventually their son saves the day, burning the house down in a climactic finale revealing mutilated bodies stashed in the walls.

Lights, Cameron... Action? In the wake of his decision to obliterate the UK Film Council last year, David Cameron has urged the British film industry to support more "mainstream" releases, forsaking the independent cinema that has defined our international film-making identity. He praised British film for its ÂŁ4bn contribution to the British economy declaring it invaluable in the face of financial crisis, however he believes in backing more "commericially successful" pictures, the industry should "aim even higher". The initiative would increase the flow of revenue to the Government, invaluable in these times, but would be severely detrimental to small companies and film makers with little funding.

The Second Coming?

Nine years after the release of the 2003 success Bruce Almighty, Universal Studios are rumoured to be in talks over the production of a sequel, once again starrring Jim Carrey. In 2007, spin-off Evan Almighty graced our screens starring Steve Carrell as Carrey's rival News Reader, taking up the legacy of a film so popular it made a staggering ÂŁ313m at the box office, Carey's highest grossing film to date.

When a cast is shaken not stirred The 23rd instalment in the James Bond saga, Skyfall, is due to be released in November this year. Bond veterans Daniel Craig and Judi Dench are set to head the star-studded cast, rumoured to include the return of Miss Moneypenny and Q, classic characters who were omitted from the plotlines of the last two films. Samantha Bond, the previous actress to don the stilettos of Moneypenny, has confirmed she will not be reprising her role, leaving the shoes unfilled for new talent.

WAR HORSE

Abigail Richards is moved by an equine epic from the master of sentiment – just don't watch it on a first date...

Dir. Steven Spielberg

fter a detour into the world of 3D (Tintin, released last year, met with mixed reviews), Spielberg as we know him is back. War Horse is relatively free of big names. Its biggest star, Joey the thoroughbred, doesn't even appear on the cast list. The film is based on a children's book by Michael Morpurgo so popular that a stage adaptation has already been made, and you can see why. A film that starts quietly, amongst the rural hills of Devon, it pulls a big emotional punch. We are first introduced to Joey the horse through the eyes of Albie, a ridiculously attractive farm boy played by Jeremy Irvine. It's love at first sight. After his father (Peter Mullan) foolishly buys the horse, Albie and his family face eviction unless Joey can somehow be trained to plough the land. Against all odds, Albie breaks the horse in. And then disaster strikes. Foul weather that ruins the harvest, and a declaration of war. It's 1914, and the army is in need of horses. Joey is bought from Albie's father for 30 guineas. What starts out as a slightly saccharine picture of a lost age, classstruggles and all, quickly turns into a sensational war-epic. As one and then the other are sent to the front, both Joey and Albie find themselves forced to grow up. Warning: this is not a first-date movie, espe-

Shame

The Artist

Dir. Steve McQueen

hame is not a pleasant film to watch. McQueen, like all good directors, clearly had no intentions of pleasing his audience – he wanted to make a film that sticks in your mind for a while. In this he was incredibly successful. Michael Fassbender is a delight to watch as sex-addict Brandon, who can’t go more than a few minutes in his otherwise dull life without getting distracted by a girl across from him on the subway, or in his office, and escaping to the toilets for some alone time. It’s never played for laughs, though, and if the thought of watching a grown man masturbate doesn’t appeal, you should know it’s hardly the most uncomfortable part of the film. Carey Mulligan is equally mesmerizing as Brandon’s sister Cissy, a girl whose own particular brand of messed-up collides explosively with Brandon’s after she moves in with him. This collision forms the bulk of the film, which eschews plot development in favour of giving a twohour blast of character exposition. Shame is new. You won’t find anything like it in cinemas, and although there are dozens more reasons you should watch it, the heart-wrenchingly bold novelty of the film is what means you absoultely must see it. WILL HAYDON

cially if your other half has a soft spot for horses. The first part of the film anthropomorphises Joey to an alarming degree, so much so that you find yourself caring more about him than the human characters. One memorable scene pans over a battlefield full of dead horses - it takes a second or two to realise that there are human bodies dotted amongst them. Despite many sobering moments, in the fraught atmosphere of war the beautiful horse seems to evoke a kind of wonder and compassion that has become impossible elsewhere. If anything, this only accentuates our sense of the human cost of conflict. The end of War Horse comprises the sort of fairy tale wishfulfilment probably necessary to render Morpurgo's original book appropriate for children. Admittedly, it comes as something of a relief to an adult audience too. Spielberg's film walks a fine line between the horrific and the sentimental. Whilst neither is entirely palatable, it certainly leaves you with plenty to think about.

The Iron Lady Dir. Phyllida Lloyd

Dir.Michel Hazanavicius

n an age of 3D movies, special effects and high definition, reverting to the 1920’s Hollywood era of the silent movie is a bold and risky move but one that has definitely paid off. Although originally skeptical as to how this film could interest a modern audience I was immediately proven wrong by the captivating simplicity of a film that instantly draws you in and forces you to be completely invested in the characters as you relate and empathise with them. Set between 1927 and 1933 the story powerfully tells of love, loss, tragedy, heartbreak, ambition and friendship as it depicts the transition from silent films to the modern, spoken films, showing the struggle the protagonist George Valentin faces with the change, losing his career and everything he has known. The depiction of his life as he loses all he has loved is deeply moving with no spoken words needed as you are made to feel every motion through a style that breaks convention and is refreshingly different from the other releases this week. Both cheekily amusing and heartbreakingly sad, French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius has created a film that is more than an homage to a lost era but a beautiful film in its own right- well worth seeing.

What's on at

ecrepit and on the brink of dementia, The Iron Lady portrays the crumbling mind of Margaret Thatcher. The film begins with Thatcher (Meryl Streep) sitting for breakfast with her husband (Jim Broadbent). Only when her assistant arrives does the audience realise that Denis exists merely in her imagination. Such is the pivotal theme of the film as Thatcher's deteriorating mind flashes between her past and the acceptance of her husband’s death. Flashbacks motor the plot as the audience is taken through Thatcher’s life and experiences. From scrambling into the cellar during a wartime raid, to losing her position as Prime Minister, director Phyllida Lloyd attempts to portray Thatcher’s entire political career. Consequently, such flashblacks appear thin and incomplete as 20 years of history is crammed into the time available. Streep’s performance however, is sublime. The silvery voice, the steady finger; her impersonation of Thatcher is sheer perfection. Streep’s impressive impersonation carries the film. Whilst Thatcher loyalists will resent her portrayal as an ageing figure losing her sanity, they miss the point. The portrayal of the young Thatcher is one of reinvention in an effective conservative propaganda biopic.

FREE "Slackers' Club" screening of THE SITTER Thursday 19 January, 10:30pm www.facebook.com/slackersclub for more info

ELI COURT MATIJA PISK

Founder member of Siouxsie & The Banshees plays his new score for the early silent movie VAMPYR. Sunday 22 January, 3:30pm

film@yorkvision.co.uk

N O I S I V TELE Food, Glorious TerVs what has caused our

TV chef, and consid e th of e ris e th s se us sc di ns Morgan Colli things culinary. new found obsession with all

ake one charismatic TV chef, add a sumptuous sprinkling of tasty recipes and season liberally with unnecessary superlatives. TV cookery programs are ridiculous nowadays, but as a nation it seems that we are hooked. We love being told how and what to cook, from the most complex of culinary creations to the more modest, humble recipes – we can’t get enough. I feel I should start with an admission: I am an avid fan of the cookery programme format. I always try to take the time out of my busy History of Art schedule to tune in and enjoy the tempting visual feasts placed before me. As I sit to watch one of these shows, stomach rumbling due to the delectable treats on show, (and to the fact that there is no food in my fridge), I wonder, what is our fascination with these shows that not only try to dictate what we should eat, but somehow manage to create unattainable ideals of culinary perfection? When asked to think of a TV chef that embodies the very notion of a TV cookery chef, the first person that usually comes to mind is Jamie Oliver. Arguably the very catalyst that sparked our current obsession with all things TV food related; Jamie Oliver is amazing. He introduced the public to a new type of cookery programme – he was young, fresh and naked (well, not really). Gone were the days where Delia Smith boringly educated the nation on how to boil an egg; Jamie was energetic, diverse, one might even say 'pukka'. Jamie showed us we can have fun whilst in the kitchen, that preparing a meal didn’t have to seem like a laborious task – we could have a good time.

Also sharing in this idea of food being fun, interesting, and a good time is Nigella Lawson. Her sensual and seductive presenting style makes every man lust over her calorific goodies. The reason why most people tuned into her TV show was not for her heart attack inducing recipes, but for her prewatershed food porn. What made Nigella so interesting and watchable was this idea that she had a sexual persona; she knew how to play with the camera. So strong was this persona, her cookery programmes almost became more about

on the cooking aspect but great just the same. Come Dine With Me was an amazing format which saw ordinary people don the chef ’s hat and cook for complete strangers. In one sense Come Dine With Me indulged the public’s dreams of presenting their own cookery show – but in a competition format. Hilariously innovative, it made everybody want to jump on the dinner party band wagon to see if they were the 'hostess with the mostess'. It seemed that cooking programmes had to evolve to suit our ever demanding needs – we wanted tasty, interesting food and hilarious presenters to go with it. Now to try and satisfy our ever demanding need for change, a new breed of TV chef has emerged. From the Baker Brothers to Lorraine Pascal (a model turned baker) – we now have an endless choice of where to get our TV food fix. However, my new favourite TV chef is Heston Blumenthal, who uses cutting edge science to create gastronomic delights. Although such culinary delights are quite hard to replicate in the confines of my small dingy student kitchen, it makes great television. As long as we are hungry, cookery programmes will have a place in our hearts. We will always need that comforting assurance when cooking for those stressful special occasions. Cookery programmes, it seems, never fail to offer us delicious alternatives to the mundane; they’ve sparked a revolution of wannabe chefs and made cooking cool. So why do we like TV cookery programmes so much? It is because they sell us a fantasy that looks and a taste amazing … it’s such a shame that the fantasy doesn’t match up to the reality.

"Look at these gorgeous golden globules" her and less about the cooking itself. Nigella made food sexy, a sordid taboo that induced multiple orgasms when tasted. Nigella proved that you did not have to be a trained chef to have your own TV show and succeed. The very fact that an untrained chef like Nigella could be so successful in the TV food industry sparked an idea that practically anyone could present their own TV cookery show. This stroke of genius gave way to a new type of show – one not so focused

NEWS BITES!

Nibblets of the crunchiest TV news this week... Alesha Dixon is set to become a judge for this year’s Britain’s Got Talent, leaving behind her role on Strictly Come Dancing. Take Me Out contestant Aaron Withers was successful in getting a date, but has been exposed as a male escort. Bizarrely, his date Wen has been revealed as an ex-prostitute. Good match making, Paddy. Channel 4 have allowed Blood and Oil writer Guy Hibbert to write a drama which questions the morality of the torture used by MI5. Heather Locklear, former Dynasty actress, has been hospitalised near her home in California. Sources suggest she may have had a reaction to prescription drugs and alcohol. The Brit Award nominees have been announced, with Ed Sheeran nominated for the most awards, against acts such as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Ironically, Blur will be winning the 'Outstanding Contribution to Music' award. Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives, has said he will not be following the Sex and the City lead by making the hit series into a movie after the show ends. Jeremy Clarkson has hit the headlines once again, and not just because of his big mouth. Diplomats have disagreed with his "tasteless antics" in India during the Top Gear Christmas special.

Remotes at the Ready - ouR tv picks foR the week We asked Music Editor, Dan Cave, to sell New Girl in two sentences. 'Zooey. Deschanel.', he responded. That's enough to convince us.

New Hit

New Girl

Friday, C4, 8.30pm

Ever wanted to see what happens in a modern day Maternity Ward? No? Me neither, but apparently this show is quite good.

Paddy and his love lift are back. This is Saturday evening TV at its best. If anyone scoffs at you for watching it, tell them to shut up.

9pm

ITV1, 7.30pm

Saturday,

A surprise hit One Born E very Minut

Wednesday, C4,

Not to Mis

u Take Me O

SQUARE EYES VISION LOOKS OVER THE LATEST TELEVISION

Sherlock

Kourtney and Kim Take New York

Sunday 9pm, BBC1

ith the arrival of the New Year came the eagerly awaited second series of the BBC’s modern reimagining of Conan Doyle’s famous detective, the eccentric Sherlock. After the worldwide and slavish critical acclaim of the first series, the creators, including Steven Moffatt of Doctor Who fame, had a lot to live up to. They certainly didn’t disappoint; new episode A Scandal in Belgravia once again brought the story seamlessly into the 21st century, complete with the brilliant script and faultless performances of unconventional duo Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) that made the first series a runaway success. Much of this success is owed to its lead, Cumberbatch, who plays the iconic detective with a mixture of icy cool and impatience at the rest of the world’s comparative stupidity. He somehow manages to charm as a character whose behaviour borders on sociopathic; he dismisses cases not quite juicy enough for him with a disdainful "Boring!" and rates a murder case as a "six", when "There’s no point in leaving my flat for anything less than a 7." With the same mixture of comedy and thrills that audiences enjoyed during the first series, Cumberbatch mesmerises with his trademark quick fire deductions, with Freeman

looking on and sharing the astonishment and exasperation that endeared him to audiences the first time round. Cumberbatch fans will also have been pleased to find a little more of their favourite detective on display than they may have expected; nudity seems to be a theme for the episode, with Sherlock meeting his intellectual match in the sexy, scantily clad, Irene Adler, played seductively by Lara Pulver. While Adler is traditionally seen as Holmes’s only real love interest, the show’s creators avoided falling into the trap of a mundane love story, and audiences were treated to seeing someone finally get under Sherlock’s skin. Featuring everything from espionage and murder to Royal scandal and Islamic terrorism, I look forward to finding out what else the remaining two episodes have in store.

Sian Gardiner

Thursday 7pm, E!

he show Kourtney and Kim Take New York has attracted 3 million more viewers since Kim Kardashian’s opportune divorce from basketball player, Kris Humphries, just weeks before the US premier of the show. The pair got married after dating for six months, in a well-publicised wedding that was then turned into a tow hour long special: Kim’s Fairy-tale Wedding. The focus of the show is now on whether their marriage was a sham or just a whirlwind romance gone wrong. KKTNY promises us drama and the weird sensation of watching a real-life celebrity marriage crumble right before our very eyes, with the knowledge that the demise is inevitable. The promotions promise us the drama of Kris leaving the country and Kim finding out about it on Twitter, as well as Kris moving out because he cannot handle the peculiar behaviour of Kourtney and Scott. Although the sole focus of the show is the Kim/Kris drama, we cannot forget about the extremely entertaining yet still bizarre relationship between Kourtney Kardashian and her long time beau, Scott Disick. Their dynamic promises to entertain us with Kourtney following the weird Hollywood trend of holism,

preferring to get oil colonics and do naked yoga than follow traditional methods as well as Scott flashing his cash by buying a baby grand piano and his failed attempt at helping Kris become a Kardashian man. KKTNY is classic marmite TV. Not surprisingly then, there are as many critics denouncing its mere existance as there are singing its praises. The truth is, if you tune in you will enjoy it, even though you may not enjoy the fact that you're enjoying it. Whether you are watching the show or not, the Kardashians are everywhere, you cannot escape their ever-growing Empire and the media’s obsession with their family. This family has done it all from sex tapes to quickie weddings, unexpected pregnancies and 72 day marriages, the question now becomes what more can they do to keep us fascinated with them?

Keruschka Shunmugam

TOO HOT DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES The popular US comedy-drama makes a highly anticipated return for its last season. Will the show go out with a bang? Most definitely.

HOW TO COOK LIKE HESTON Yes, we all love cooking shows! Heston gives brilliant advice on how to cook simple dishes excellently, with a new theme each episode.

HUSTLE A new series begins to start off the New Year. The con-men we know and love start by targeting an infamous dealer who cheats the elderly.

PLAYING IT STRAIGHT

Eastenders: Farewell to the 'Tart with a Heart'

Eleven guys, some gay and some straight, attempt to woo one girl, and after weekly eliminations she's got to choose a straight one to win £25k.

SARAH CATTLE WAVES GOODBYE TO ONE OF BRITISH TV'S BEST LOVED CHARACTERS, AND LOOKS AT EASTENDERS THROUGH THE YEARS

pper crust Downton Abbey may have beaten working class Eastenders in the Christmas Sunday night ratings, but Pat Butcher’s death left many dedicated viewers in tears. Pat was original to Eastenders and remained the same over time, whilst the series has constantly changed, always trying to reflect current social issues through their story lines. Some of the earliest issues Eastenders dealt with at the soap’s launch in the mid '80s were quite shocking for the time. Bold depictions of homophobia, prostitution, and mixed race relationships raised a few eyebrows. Michelle Fowler was a young pregnant teen thanks to Dirty Den. Domestic violence was another issue which made many viewers uncomfortable. The '90s included a host of even more challenging story

lines. Mark Fowler developed HIV, whilst abortion and adoption became more openly discussed. Previously taboo illnesses were incorporated into story lines. Joe Wicks developed schizophrenia, Peggy Mitchell was open about her struggle to beat breast c a n c e r, and her son Phil struggled with the alcoholism that eventually destroyed his marriage. By the start of the millennium, some of these issues had been developed further and were taken to a new level. Phil’s addiction moved on to drugs, and mental health is-

sues broadened to highlight the needs of carers. Sexual abuse by a relative and child grooming were topics depicted, that would have been too disturbing and distasteful to broadcast in previous decades. Keith’s adult illiteracy and Adams’s struggle as a handic a p p e d teenager encouraged acceptance and understanding. Dot and Ethel dealing with the controversial issue of euthanasia was a majorly discussed story. Throughout the series there has always been an ethnically diverse cast. However

in 2002 the Commission for Racial Equality argued that Eastenders was not a realistic representation of the ethnic makeup of the East End of London. Eastenders took this criticism on board and the Masoods from Pakistan moved to Walford, soon joined by the Fox family who represented London’s Caribbean population. Eastenders has always included national events such as jubilees and royal weddings. Billy Mitchell will soon carry the Olympic flame in real time through Walford, and reality and fiction will briefly overlap. For 25 years Pat’s unchanging character provided a secure thread, whilst Eastenders has moved with the times. Yet viewers find it reassuring when some things never change. Well, we still have Dot Cotton …

CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER ing. Yes, it’s still go is Contestants th w fe year include a syWAGs and greathief haired oxygen a. Frankie Cocozz st Who will be fir y to pull a playbo bunny?

SO NOT

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Books of the BNoCs: The YUSU Officers tell Clemmie their choice reads for January I'm currentl y reading a gr eat book called T he Sense of an Ending by Ju lian Bar nes. It is really compe lling, and look s at the main char acter's relati onship with th e past and pa rticularly his rela tionship wit ha partner duri ng his univer sity years. I wou ld definitely recommend it, it 's written be autifully and is ex tremely hard to put down.

Tim Ellis, union president ok is probably My favourite bo tel. He's my ar M Self by Yann and I think favourite author rk, which wo this is his best I was about en wh e m inspired nderfully wo 16, because it is rting and ce on sc di , fantastical no like thing moving, and is read. I'm curer else I have ev itlin Moran's rently reading Ca an, though, om How To Be A W t brilliantly and it is the mos e read in ages. written book I'v

Bob Hughes, Welfare Officer My favourite author is Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese author. I'm always reading his no vels, which are translated to Engli sh from Arabic. I read a lot of his work growing up and it ha s influenced the way I am greatly, so I always like re-reading his bo oks. Currently though I've de cided to finally read George Orwe ll and have started with some of his earlier stuff. Right now I'm reading Down and Out in Paris and London; pretty good so far.

Sam Asfahani, Sports President

BARNES, BERGER AND BLACK PANTHERS

Philip Watson investigates the controversy surrounding the Man Booker Prize

he prestigious Booker prize has often courted controversy across its fortythree year lifespan, though some of these controversies have been somewhat more infamous than others. For instance, in 1972 when John Berger won the award with his book G, he stood to make a speech at his victory dinner and announced that he was inexplicably planning to donate half of the prize money to the Black Panther movement (despite the fact that the Black Panthers had dissolved two years earlier), provoking outrage and disgust in his guests and throughout much of the literary world. Yet, excluding the odd denouncement of capitalism here or a threat to leap out of the window there, the Booker controversies seem to have settled down considerably- that is, until now. With the announcement of the 2011 shortlist and the subsequent claiming of the prize by Julian Barnes with his novel The Sense of an Ending, the prize has come under attack for apparently valuing reada-

bility over actual canonical literary quality. This in itself has created controversy, with the general mood being summed up succinctly by poet Jackie Kay. She says, “we desperately need a prize which shows off the best writers writing in English. It is a sad day when even the Booker is afraid to be bookish … People want to think. They don't want to be patronised.” To many (myself included) this smacks of brazen snobbery; surely a book should be judged for its effect upon an audience, the emotions it stirs and the feelings it evokes- in essence, for the sheer enjoyment one gains from reading it. The literary world seems to be divided on this matter. The Booker’s administrator, Ion Trewin, defended the prize, saying that the judges were looking for a combination of quality and readability and that “nobody wants something with literary quality which is unreadable – that would be daft”, which, in terms of common sense, is very true. But common sense has

no place in the literary world- let alone in the world of the Booker Prize - and as one publisher said, rather truthfully if not a little tactlessly, “basically the whole thing needs to be an utter snobfest, otherwise how is it different from the Costas?” The Costa book awards, formerly known as the Whitbread awards, have a reputation for being far more populist and focusing upon enjoyable and readable works, rather than conforming to the infinitely enigmatic and impenetrable criteria for the Booker award, whatever that may be. But is this really such a base and terrible concept? Many seem to think so, but unfortunately literature and pretentiousness have traditionally gone hand in hand for centuries, and with this latest outbreak of controversy it seems as if the Booker prize is destined - or doomed - to return to upholding that tradition.

BIGno oneBOOK ON CAMPUS belongs here more than you A

s the title suggests, this wonderfully weird compendium of short stories presents a naturally quirky BBOC, having attracted a considerable cult following with a prose style more subversively cool hipster than weirdo sitting in the corner. The novel houses a critically acclaimed series of narratives, which speak to the reader whilst also filling a niche as a shorter, yet also oddly interesting collection by acclaimed Filmmaker and Artist Miranda July. By presenting an insight into the human psyche using a range of situations and bodies, July's characters depict the oddly real yet comfortingly weird. Accordingly, such characters populate her world as an ambiguously natured swimming coach, a couple that auditions as extras to enliven their sex life, and an old woman obsessed with Prince William. Consider those being

kicked out of Willow at 4am and you'll have July's characters nailed. Most importantly the novel aims to be interestingly subversive with such titles as "Making Love in 2003" yet not in a way that seems 'try too hard' or overtly strange. Consider it the paper equivalent of Harry Potter's Luna Lovegood, except without the strange affinity for Nargles. An intellectually interesting concept that stretches the mind without giving the reader a migraine, July's book offers the perfect balm to the exam period. Notably the structure of her stories means a guiltfree pass should you decide to finish one and return at a later date. By inviting the reader into situations that turn the ordinary on its head, the author's warm and colloquial wit shines through, grounding her characters and their narratives in the realm of the understandingly eccentric,

(BBOC)

yet also being very real and relatable. Crucially the length also seems to solve the timeless student dilemma of a book interesting enough to spend precious free time on whilst also being short enough to justify reading during intense periods of procrastination. With a fan base that includes Vogue's chief editorial staff and DJ Dave Eggers it seems No One Belongs Here More Than You hugs its readers by inviting them into the realm of the familiar whilst also offering a kooky perspective on what it means to live in the everyday world. With another work in the pipeline to add to your literary credentials, launch yourselves into July's world without regret. Though I take no responsibility for any ensuing Prince William mania. JORDAN LLOYD

Secret Read....Nightfall by Isaac Asimov

f the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God!" So begins perhaps one of the greatest science fiction short stories even written. It is a defining work in a canon of literature which has, alas, faded somewhat into obscurity and been branded the sole domain of the geek, nerd, or whatever affectionate term the teenage vernacular bestows upon these reclusive souls in this current generation. But in sci-fi legend Isaac Asimov's magnum opus, Nightfall, you will not find the ghastly clichés of Battlestar Galactica or the dreadful 'cheese factor' of

Star Wars, nor will you find droids and cyborgs sparring with lasers or ludicrous little green men with engorged foreheads. On the contrary, Nightfall is powerful and haunting in that its foundation is built upon humankind's deepest, most primal fear - fear of the dark. On the planet Lagash (well what is a sci-fi story without at least one ridiculous name?), a world with six suns that provide constant light, there is never night, never darkness. Reporter Theremon 762 and a host of doomsaying scientists can therefore only look on in terror as an eclipse inexorably takes place, gradually enveloping the planet darkness. For a planet that has never once experienced nightfall, scientists realise that

when the darkness comes it will drive everyone to insanity and civilisation will burn, while religious fanatics believe that the stars will appear and rob humanity of their souls. Either way, the characters' certainty of humanity's doom at the inevitable onset of the eclipse makes for a sci-fi story quite unlike any other, a story perhaps not quite as grandiose in its external scope as some science fiction, but instead grounded in the most disquieting and intrinsic fears that lie within each and every one of us. PHILIP WATSON

What the Dickens is all this fuss about?

harles Dickens has become widely renowned as one of the greatest writers in British history, and this year, fans all over the world are celebrating his 200th birthday. Dickens rose to fame with the publication of The Pickwick Papers in 1836, engaging a wider fan base than any other novelist before him. He remains an icon in the 21st century, with his works still as popular as ever. Dickens' comedy, realism, remarkable prose and characterisation have been heralded as the makers of his success, drawing praise from writers such as Tolstoy, Gissing and Chesterton. His work has been the cause of amusement of hosts of English students in seminars, snorting into the back of their hands at the mention of the name Master Charlie Bates. During the Christmas break, over seven million people tuned in to watch the BBC adaptation of Great Expectations after the enduring success of productions such as Oliver

Twist (2008), Bleak House (2009) and Little Dorrit (2011). The stage musical Oliver!, has been running in the theatres of the West End for over 50 years, and with five of his novels appearing in the Big Read's Top 100 list of 2003, Dickens was the most popular voted author ever. In Victorian society, Dickens held the status of a celebrity, travelling many times to the USA, engaging in dinners with writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Washington Irving as well as the President John Tyler. Dickens remained very close to Hans Christian Anderson, who stayed at his house for such a long time that Dickens printed a sign on the guestroom mirror joking that he had surpassed his welcome. Many of his novels were published serially, in weekly or monthly installments, which Dickens popularised by his use of consistent cliffhangers. When the ship carrying the last installment of The Old Curiosity Shop drew towards New York, 6,000 fans waited onshore, calling out such things as, "does Little Nell die?" with a fervour bordering on the psychosis of Twi-hard fans.

Despite being so much in the public eye, there are many aspects of Dickens' life still unknown to the general public. Dickens suffered from epilepsy and was, more than anything else, an eccentric, referring to himself the 'Bard of Avon' and obsessively seeking to arrange his furniture. He combed his hair over a hundred times a day, was almost an expert in hypnotherapy, and was so preoccupied with magnetic fields that he arranged all his beds to align northsouth. He made sure to touch certain objects three times for luck and went by the nickname of "Boz", giving each of his ten children nicknames such as "Skittles" and "Plorn". He invested in a fake bookcase which was actually a secret door from his study and had his favourite pet, a raven called Grip, stuffed after its death in 1841. Dickens promoted himself and became a great social commentator, echoing his promise to "strike a sledgehammer blow" for the poor masses. And strike it he did, raising awareness through his literature on the plight of workhouse labourers and the aid he administered in institutions, including those to rehabilitate 'fallen women' back into society. Dickens embodied the figure of the author, the rhetorician, the therapist, the anthropologist, the humanitarian, the lawyer, the politician and the poet, striking his prose into the hearts of his fellow country with a intensity which prevails 200 years later.

SOPHIE TAYLOR "Give into temptation..." Sometimes it Chocolat by Joanne Harris seems that an endless procession of gh osts from the pa To those of you who plan to stee st are forever sliding r clear of past the shutte the biscuit tin this January, indu rs of Vianne's shop w lge instead indow. Her pr in Chocolat, and see how long eoccupait takes from tion of never st aying long in on the first chapter for all of you e place, suggestive of he r good new r desire to flee year's intentions to fade slow frommemories, a pr ly away into eoccupation wh nothing but a lovely, sugar-s ich is challenged by cented haze. the arrival of Chocolat tells the heart-warm the handsome, inherent ing story of ly Byronic fig Vianne Rocher, a wanderer, ure of Roux, whom Vi who decides anne falls in lo upon a whim to open up a chocola ve with. Harris writes be te shop in autifully, and he the tiny rustic town of Lasque r message of living fo net. She ber the moment is gins her work, all beneath the simple and uplifting. general scruChocolat is ce tinizing gaze of the inhabitants, rtainly a fantastic novel as well as to sink your te that of the pious local priest. eth into, with a plotlin He believes e literally oozi her shop is a work of evil and ng with mouth-waterin will become g description, a corrupting influence upon the romance, rebellion and th village, ese ever present pl pecially during the week of Len easure of companionsh t and disip. I can guaran approves of her more mystica tee that before the clos l beliefs. The ing pages of th ability Vianne terms as her 'pow is book, your resolutions er' of ESP will have alread enables her to discern as soon y been shattered by the as her cusdesire to run so tomers walk over the threshold bbing to the nearest new , what their sagents for a Tw favourite chocolate will be, to ix. SOPHIE TAYLOR their endless delight.

Grow old gracefully The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde January can be seen as a tim e of vanity: a time to dispense with that depressing bodily reminder of too many mince pies and to use the New Year to take a long, lingerin g look at oneself in the mirror. But don’t linger there too long, and like the narcissist Dorian Gray, fall fatally in love with what you see. The hero of Oscar Wilde’s The Pict ure of Dorian Gray is flawlessly bea utiful, a model of aesthetic you th and purity. Yet when this is captured on canvas he despairs that these ephemeral blessings will soon fade, and wishes that the

picture would grow old and wither instead of himself. He gets his wish, and falls under the influence of the devilish Lord Henry Wotton, whose silvertongued and honey-dripped words induce him to fall into the decadent and intoxicating pleasures of Victorian London, whilst the portrait, hidden in his attic, slowly ages, hideous to behold, each of Dorian’s evil pleasures becoming etched on its face. The lacklustre and gratuitously violent film version starring Ben Barnes comes nowhere near capturing the subtle sensuality of Wilde’s prose and the combination of black humour and moments of thrilling suspense that have made the book a timeless favourite. CLEMMIE VAN HASSELT

Literary Events in York Meet author Alison Littlewood At Waterstones in York debut author Alison LIttlewood will be signing copies of her chilling novel A Cold Season. A broken family, a dark secret and an unexpectedly heavy snowstorm contribute to a novel thats full of intrigue. Seek out the mystery for yourself on Saturday 28th January, 11.00am

Burns' Night Whisky Tasting A fitting celebration for the life of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns will take place on the 20th January at Brigantes on Micklegate at 19.30. With a few samples of Scotland's national drink and a traditional haggis supper, it won't be long before you are singing AuldLang-Syne into the night.

Lose yourself in Philosophy Entitled "Lose yourself in a good way" Dr Dorothea's forthcoming lecture on the philosophy of the mind, the memory and the emotions promises to be enlightening even for the pyschology novice. Taking place on campus in the Berrick Saul Building on 19th January at 18.30.

CLEMMIE VAN HASSELT

New Year's Resolutions can children so he April and their ess. they spite in de pp nha tio of bi s am m "Abandon drea pursue his life's t trouble." still hasn't quite d cause nothing bu ar the fact that he ch acRi by ad Ro s life's ambition Revolutionary decided what hi h uc m o t giving to Yates tually is. Withou y, gl in is om pr art off away, things st ard Yatcreasch in Ri of of n es ri tio ta se The film adap but through a Road, lving Revolutionary ate events invo l es' masterpiece fu ingly unfortun ith fa eaty ly sw ab a ir n, m io ad ot ng wanted prom un whilst remaini do an ar ck on ba Le e ng th containi counter in to the story (and h is and fumbling en ic en wh ss t, te in sle qu in W e te a Cadillac, th of y DiCaprio and Ka at el se at d un an rt y fo thing), un a hot secretar r always a good tial affair with l full justice- afte ve ate incident with no e un th rt fo do t un does no a highly essing pr ex lt cu ffi di ank and Aprils' d Fr rkey baster, eall, it can be a ta tu m a e th rns h ug ro isis th risian escape tu an existential cr dream of a Pa to the rd Pe ite e. su ar e tm or m gh h ni uc e American th dium of film. M to on in m e th al t rn no te ry Road is rrowing in task are the ha haps Revolutiona heelto W g k in an ok Fr lo t e is agon if you'r ologues of prot greatest option y rebel-talking, slick, t of the Januar ou lf se ur yo e ll er, the smooth os pu s wh m ea an dr m g in family u're nurs without-a-cause blues, but if yo ll! e cliniwe th t s, ns es ai in ag t pp se ha d life of drudgery of ambition an suby. a 1950s American ely different stor tir en an 's at cal backdrop of of e Th lif a of m ea dr to urb- causes him preeaning. Thus, he N diversity and m PHILIP WATSO ican er Am d -en ad de s hi e av le pares to his ove to Paris with ly life behind to m ite fin in t ye orous enigmatic, glam melancholy wife

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2012: The Year of the Ultrabook TOM MARCH gives the low down on the potential tech developments for 2012

en years ago it was all about PCs, five years ago it was all about laptops, and the past few years it's all been about mobile. So what does the near future have in store for us technophiles? It needs a specific set of ingredients – the power of the PC, the portability of the laptop and the connectivity of the mobile device. It needs to be cool (i.e. Apple must make one). And finally, it needs to be expensive. What meets all these criteria? 2012, meet the Ultrabook. According to Intel, the main appeal of an Ultrabook comes from the light weight, long battery life, strong performance, low-energy processors and integrated SSD (much faster than a normal hard drive). Intel also estimates that, assuming humanity survives 2012, 40% of the consumer computer market will soon belong to Ultrabooks. This year saw the market start to open up and electronics fairs like CES will undoubtedly be full to the brim of the new, stylish form factor. The appeal of Ultrabooks is speed and size and Apple’s MacBook Air – which fits in the Ultrabook category – is currently the most popular in the market. It’s priced around $1000, which seems to be the current sweet spot and has received generally positive reviews. In fact the biggest criticism is the lack of CD drive, missing because it would be impossible to make one thin enough to squeeze inside the enclosure. As we start to get more and more connected though, this seems to matter less and less. In fact, whilst we rightly celebrate the popularity of the Ultrabook over the next year, perhaps the biggest, and probably unnoticed, change will be the slow, quiet demise of the CD

iTV Seemingly, Steve Jobs used his dying breath to declare his final gift to humanity – the death of the TV business. No one quite knows what his solution will be but Apple has been working on it for years with the heavily underrated Apple TV, and by all accounts 2012 will be the year we find out what he meant when he said he’d cracked it. One thing we do know, however, is that it won’t be called the iTV (ITV will see to that).

Other York Vision predictions for 2012:

Windows Phone 7 takes bronze Nokia have been quiet in 2011, hurriedly rebuilding themselves for the smartphone era.

Wireless Charging & Wireless Mobile Payments (NFC) These are two technologies that have been less than six months away from real popularity for about three years; they’ve just never really taken off like they should. So, in the spirit of tradition (and because this year might actually be their year), we’ve included them here. They’re both brilliant technical ideas, respectively doing away with wires and the need for a wallet but they still need a big company to push them into our hearts and homes. Fingers crossed!

GE R U L P S £££

The death of RIM Probably the most certain of all predictions we could make is that RIM (creators of BlackBerry products) will not be alive in 2013 as they are today. Over the past year, everything they’ve done has been plagued by failure and bad luck and they desperately need to turn it round. Perhaps their unusual dual-CEO structure will be dropped, or their new BB10 platform will arrive successfully, or they’ll stop the three-day dropouts, or their staff will stop chewing their way out of handcuffs on aeroplanes (Google it). Whatever it is, they need to be doing it sooner rather than later. Hoverboards As we all know, thanks to Back to the Future II, in 1985 Marty McFly travelled to 2015 to find that hoverboards are the quickest way to travel. My film knowledge tells me we should also start wearing those shiny ‘future’ one-piece suits that everyone in every sci-fi programme wears. We should probably expect that sort of technology to be surfacing in the next year or so. Also, cars will fly, the Mayan Calendar will not spell destruction of the earth and DeLorean-based time-travel will be possible. It really should be a good few years.

Fruity Loops Studio Mobile RATING: 4+ PRICE: £9.99

or anyone interested in music production, FL Studio has always been a great contender as a starting platform for all genres alike, and now it has became available as a mobile app. With a seemingly endless number of samples and packages to choose from, the PC version stands strong alongside its counterparts such as Reason, Cubase, Garageband and Ableton. The mobile version, currently available on iPhone and iPad, use sa very similar layout to its bigger brother. Despite lacking many of the large samples available on PC, it does well on composing simple patterns and sounds on the go. After a week or so of use, it can be safely said that this is a fantastic little app. The iphone touchscreen makes composing rhythms very easy and fun. Whilst it is obviously not designed for full on music production capabilities, it's a great app for music production enthusiasts and makes long journeys seem considerably shorter. Aaron Philip

pple Of Your Eye

hristmas might be over, but student loans are in and if you were lucky enough to find an iPad lurking in your stocking, or just have Christmas cash to splash, then why not give in to temptaion and cast your eye over our selection of the best iPad covers.

This year they released their first proper Windows Phone 7 smartphone with the beginning of the Lumia range. Made from polycarbonate (not that cheap plastic they make other phones from) and looking stunning, it will hopefully herald the entry to market of the third mobile operating system. They’ll not compete with iOS or Android for a while yet, but it’s certainly nice to have a fresh choice.

Cost: £1,016 - Chanel

For the more aspirational and less money-conscious among you, take a look at Chanel's designer offering. Showcasing Chanel's trademark quilted stitching, this number is probably only an option if you've already got a city graduate job secured.

SPEND ££

Cost: £64.73 - Amazon

SAVE £

The Twelve South BookBook for iPad and iPad 2 is perfect if you're looking for something a little unique. Each protective cover is individual and, as a bonus, the vintage book design of the covers disguies your iPad, adding an extra level of security.

£19 - Amazon

Channel everyone's favourite Made In Chelsea lothario, Mr Ollie Locke, with this eye-catching Union Jack gelskin. Covering the front and back of your iPad, this protective case is easy on the wallet, as well as the eye.

Jon Snow chats to Abigail Richards W

ho do we think of when we think of Jon Snow? The charismatic news anchor of Channel 4 whose vowel sounds betray his public school education? Who oversees lively debate in the polished format we expect from broadcasting and occasionally causes a stir through his (deliberate) lack of colour co-ordination? Or Snow, the man who was once sent down from Liverpool University for his part in a demonstration against Apartheid, the political commentator who has a special interest in Iran and is still really a reporter at heart? Whatever the case, Jon Snow The Actor isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind. Snow, who has a small part in Ralph Fiennes' new film Coriolanus, out 20 January, himself admits that his appearance at the premiere was met with some surprise. “There was a sort of gasp in the audience when I turned up, because it’s a bit sort of ‘Hey, hang on a minute.’” Jon plays a news reader in this modern day-adaption of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, a story of a talented Roman general whose political career is checked when, despite his military prowess, the people of the Roman State refuse to support him. Set in Belgrade, the city at the heart of the most recent Balkans conflict, Coriolanus has been marketed as a “terse and timeless political thriller.” I met Jon, who describes himself as “a tawdry, old creep” but is of course rather charming, at the Soho Hotel in London. Wearing one of his trademark ties (whatever else may be said of him, he is certainly a man of many ties), Snow was quick to point out that acting really isn’t his game. He accepted the role in Fiennes’s film, he said, because “it didn’t seem to require anything other than my normal day job. I’d gone into the building absolutely determined not to act but just to do what I do. I mean, I’m a newscaster; I have nothing whatever to do with acting, and three or four hours later I walked out after about 25 takes and what started as "Forsooth, the Volscies are at the gate" became "FOR-SOOTH! The VOLSCIES ARE… AT THE GATE!" So, I ended up… acting.” Shakespeare isn’t really his thing then? “No, I mean I’m genuinely not a Shakespeare buff. I just don’t go to Shakespearean plays generally, although I think I’m going to go to King Lear this year, but generally speaking not. In many ways people need to know [the film] is not really about Shakespeare. It’s about us.” Although Snow became the main presenter of Channel 4 news in 1989, he has never been happy to limit himself to just reading the news. “Long ago,” he says, “my ambition was to be a Tory MP. I grew up in very sheltered and privileged circumstances and then I went to do VSO [Voluntary Service Oversees] in Uganda and it completely radicalised me.” For Jon, the message of Coriolanus, which claims to provide commentary on recent political events as disparate as the London Riots and the Arab Spring, is that

“nothing is ever as straightforward as you think it is.” The same could be said of Snow himself, who has not shied away from controversy – the ties are the least of it. Jon smiles proudly when I mention the moment in 2006 when he got Tony Blair to confess during an interview on Channel 4 that he didn’t know who Mossadegh was (the democratically elected Iranian leader overthrown by the US with British backing in 1953, a figure essential to any understanding of the history of relations between Iran and the West). He admits that it can be “tricky” at times to remain unbiased in his job:

I went to Uganda and it completely radicalised me “When you’re asking people questions [on the news] you’re bound to some extent to sort of come from your quarter… there’s no such thing as a neutral human being. You’ve got to try to be unbiased and objective, if you can be, but I don’t think you can ever desert who you are. I mean… I’m very interested in Human Rights. I’m not going to deny them. And I’m not going to advocate that it’s a great idea to abuse them… I’m very interested in Iran and I was there during the

Revolution and I’ve been there more or less every year ever since. And therefore when you meet someone who’s taking big decisions about Iran… there, I suppose, my bias would come out.” He hastens to assure me, however, that “it is only really a bias of information…really in the end I think people become journalists – don’t they? – in order to change the world for the better, and that’s what motivates me.” Whilst Jon will happily talk for hours about Iran, he is less forthcoming about events closer to home. Given his own well-known history of political activism as a student, I wondered if he had a message for the students of today, protesting over tuition fees and cuts in university funding. “I have seen some of the student protests as being relatively self-interested,” he begins. “I’m interested that there are still car parking problems on campuses, that students have difficulties finding somewhere to park their cars. That obviously is a minority but nonetheless there are a lot of cars, students seem to have an extraordinary number of cars. The other thing is that they drink a great deal of booze. Now all of these things cost money. I drank lots of booze but I didn’t have a car, I had a bicycle….so I wonder about money, fees.” I was about to remind Snow that whilst he might not have had a car as a student, he also didn’t have to stump up £9,000 a year for his education, but he beat me to it. “I was blessed obviously, I had a grant, I was paid to go to university. I mean, can you imagine it?" He pauses, thinks, "generally speaking, as a principle, I would say I’m in favour of student grants. I think the Scottish model is a more defensible situation. What I don’t

know is how we go from where we are to where we need to be. I don’t have any easy answers. But I think students with cars and large drinking bills need also to think about people in the community who don’t have cars and don’t have large drinking bills and are in real poverty. I was sent down for a protest that wasn’t about students, it was about Apartheid. It was about multiculturalism. It was about fascism.” So he doesn’t regret it? “I did at the time. I was really absolutely poleaxed by it. I wasn’t very bright and I’d struggled to get there and so I really felt cut down and I thought: that’s the end. But in retrospect, of course, I’m thrilled. It’s the best thing that could have happened to me. I would have ended up a very tedious lawyer, and probably a very bad one.” It’s also of course a great story to tell. And Snow is a man of many stories. He is candid about his future in film: “I don’t think I can go much further, I don’t think I have much more to offer in the thespian stakes! My last role was as a woman. I was fifteen and I thought I was too old to play a woman, in a play called Ring Round the Moon…The extraordinary thing is that in the interval the audience found out that Kennedy had been shot. I don’t know how they found out because there were no mobiles or anything but somehow word came, and it completely detonated the whole thing, I mean, the second half was ghastly. And I realised then that I didn’t want to be an actor, I wanted to find out what was going on in the world. And really, in a sense, that’s the moment when I started to be conscious of the world outside, and wanted to be a hacking part of it.”

. . . S N O I T S E U 20 Q r e n n e J g e r G h t i w

1, What TV show do you wish you'd created? The cynical bastard devil on my shoulder says something vastly profitable like American Idol, but I’d love to have the kudos of being "Mr West Wing". Now there’s a TV show! 2, What’s your favourite historical fact? William the Conqueror’s bloated corpse exploded at his funeral, and then the church caught fire. Imagine the Dimbleby BBC narration! 3, Which historical leader do you feel the greatest affinity with? King John, a spectacularly awful king. He angered everyone – his family, the Irish, the Pope, the French, the aristocracy, the archbishop of Canterbury, the poor… and then he lost his crown jewels in the sea. I aspire to his Herculean levels of ineptitude. 4, What would be your X Factor audition song? I’d probably just remove my trousers, and hum the French national anthem through a cardboard tube. My French mum would be simultaneously delighted and ashamed, and that’s what everyone should aim for. 5, What’s the most played song on your iPod? 'It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong' by Four Year Strong. I’m very probeards and shouting in modern music. 6, What’s your chat up line of choice? “Hello”, shouted from a distance of 30 yards, immediately followed by me fleeing the scene in case she saw me. 7, Which historical period would you most like to live in? Renaissance Florence would be nice. Though I’d probably get an inferiority complex, surrounded by all those talented renaissance men and women. They’d all

be painting frescoes, and I’d be milking a chicken or something. Can you even milk chickens? See? I’m useless. 8, Snog, Marry, Avoid- Mary Queen of Scots, Boudica, Catherine the Great Avoid Mary, her hubbies explode all too often. Marry Catherine for the conversation, and snog Boudica… though hopefully before she drinks the poison. 9, In which country would you most like to stage a coup? France. I’d make my mum Minister for Cheese and my dad Vice-Admiral of Vineyards. The rest of the country would run itself, really. 10, If you could be any cocktail, which cocktail would you be and why? I’m a teetotaller, so a virgin fruit smoothie. 11, Is the pen really more powerful than the sword? If propelled from a mortar, quite possibly! But yes, ideas rule the world. My friend just made an award-winning documentary about Gene Sharp, the man whose writings inspired the Arab Spring. Gene is 83, works from a tiny office in Boston, and shuffles when he walks, but his book Dictatorship to Democracy has brought down every fallen dictator you can think of. That said, I’m not sure anyone ever attacked him with a sword. Maybe he’d lose horribly. Hard to say. 12, Which one luxury would you take to a desert island? Seven tonnes of Nutella. 13, What's your guilty pleasure? Idiotic films where people get hit in the face with spanners. 14, What's your biggest achievement? Making history cool for an entire generation of children. It’s nice to imagine history undergrads of the future reminiscing about King Charles II rapping when they

Greg Jenner is the Historical Consultant to CBBC's multi-award winning sketch show Horrible Histories, and also writes sketches and songs for the series. He seems to suit historical costumes, so often ends up in the background of sketches looking confused. Greg studied History & Archaeology BA and Medieval Studies MA at York University from 2001-5, where he did lots of stuff with URY, and occasionally scribbled for Vision. He has spent the past 6 years making historical TV programmes. He is now moving into writing books and screenplays. were kids. That said, the BAFTA on my shelf impresses more people, though. It’s ludicrously heavy.

like me. Playing digital darts with his iPad as the board and his iPhone as the dart was surreal in the extreme.

15, Snog, Marry, Avoid- Napoleon, King Louis XVI, Henry V Definitely marry Napoleon, he was rather brilliant. I’d snog Henry, but only because Louis’ facial hair would tickle my face.

20, Vision or Nouse? Ha! Easy one, this. As a former scribbler for "The Sketch" (do you still have that?), it’s Vision all the way.

16, Bourbon or Custard Cream? Gah…it’s not quite Sophie’s Choice, but that’s properly hard. I guess custard cream, but I couldn’t tell you why. 17, If your life didn’t revolve around history, what would it revolve around? Music, I guess. I was in a guitarist and singer in a noisy band, and it was quite hard to give up on those rock ambitions at 19. Then I gave up on my new plan to be a history professor. Clearly I’m very fickle. 18, In five years time I will be... Thirty-f**king-four! How did this happen?! How!? I’ve got the portrait in the attic, but clearly something went wrong with the ritual sacrifice. I knew I should have gone for the goat blood. Stupid guinea pigs. 19, Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? I’m going to sound horribly smug now. Quite a few, really. Jack Whitehall presented me with my BAFTA, and Chris Addison and The League of Gentlemen are guesting on series four of Horrible Histories. They were all incredibly charming. But spending three days with Stephen Fry was quite a thrilling experience for a professional geek

WIN! Tickets to see Omid Djalili at York Opera House Stand-up, film star and all round funny man Omid Djalili will be appearing at York Opera House on Thursday 19th January as part of his Tour of Duty UK tour, and Vision has a pair of tickets to give away. To win just answer this simple question:

In 2009 Omid appeared in the West End musical Oliver! Which character did he play? a) Bill Sykes b) Fagin c) The Artful Dodger Send your answer to scene@yorkvision.co.uk by the morning of Thursday 19th January for a chance to win