York Vision 203 - Scene by York Vision

Jan 19 - Issue 203 Hot Chip Calexico Skins

MUSIC

SPOTLIGHT

FILM

GAMES

MUSIC NEWS WRATH OF HARRIS: THE THIRD COMING

CALVIN HARRIS is making this all to easy for me. It all kicked off again during T4's Stars of 2009 gig at London Earl's Court. Firstly however, it only seems right that we mention those cheeky Jedward twins, as they attempted their own stage invasion during Harris' performance. Unfortunately, and rather obviously, the twins were prevented by security, as they weren't exactly hard to spot in a crowd. It was after the performance when the

real drama kicked off though. Crew members found Harris' dressing room in a state after it had been trashed. Harris later blamed the incident on the fact that he had previously consumed one too many Red Bulls, although later reports suggest that the dressing room had been trashed after an argument with his drummer Ben Calvert. Police report that the body of Calvert is yet to be found whilst Harris is still running amok.

BOOKS

CULTURE

LISTINGS

LAURA CRESS and STEFAN PHILPOTTS reveal all the latest news and gossip from the music industry

DON'T PUSH THE BUTTON MUTYA! DRUNKEN TWITTER is never the way to settle your feelings, and Mutya Buena (that ex Sugababes girl...no not her, the other one) should take note of this too, after drinking one too many and attacking former band mate Heidi Range. After listening to Keshsa's song Backstabber, sozzled Buena tweeted "Reminds me of a certain someone in my life lol". In a slightly soberer tweet she stated:

"Sorry kinda drunk...should not av said that!!!!" Finally, a third gave it all away, suggesting Buena should probably stay away from Twitter altogether, as she commented: "I will always respect Heidi, just don't agree w. her actions." Oh Mutya, where did it all go so wrong?! Oh dear ladies, let it go.

USE SOME-BOGEY LOVE THE Kings of Leon? Can't wait for their next album? Well according to The Sun you might have to wait a little bit longer, because the Kings have decided to take up golf. That's right, you heard it loud and clear. They've stopped work on their new album because of a rampant golf obsession, and probably will have to check themselves into golf rehab soon. Other

artists may soon follow suit, with Radiohead stopping all work to take part in an underwater rugby match against U2, and Bloc Party being lost from the music world for years in a fierce Rock, Paper, Scissors competition.

MIKA'S SECRET RE-VEAL-ED PICTURE the scene. You're half way through your soldout tour, but you're starting to find that walking up and down that stage every night is starting to effect your feet. That's right, you've got blisters. Now every night is hell as you hobble across that stage. Well hobble no longer, as Mika has

found the answer. Veal! Yes Veal! Simply apply the veal to your shoes before every performance and those blisters won't bother you any longer. Mika swears that now all he has to worry about is whether his performance is flamboyant enough. May result in foul odours.

Things We'd Rather See the Back of in 2010

Wishful thinking, I fear, as it looks set to dominate the telly in some inexplicable way this year. The show's shameless transfusion of Strictly blood into an operatic body might work were it not for the positively baying audience and Alan Titchmarsh's baffled Brucie-lite performance.

Okay so this may be another one of X Factor's bastard babies, but we have only ourselves to blame for their continued popularity. The fact is that 'Everybody in Love' has, statistically, the potential to be an incredibly depressing club track, that is if anyone actually thought about the lyrics. Then again I can imagine their frequently-flashed, Leonidas-like abs are vaguely hypnotic.

Everybody hates that annoying friend whose life you can't seem to disengage from, all due to the bittersweet magic of the Facebook Home page. Who, knows, you may even be that annoying friend. In the world of music, alas, things are not that different. 4Music is inescapable. Your control over the DJ in Tru is sadly overrated (does anyone get excited about the "push the button" feature he does anymore? - Ed.). All we can hope for is that the music industry itself steps in, so, without further ado, here are the top five things we'd prefer 2010 to forget.

Boo, hiss, I hear you complain. Dry your eyes. For all its Saturday evening charm, X Factor churns out liquid travesty faster than a sewage pipe. Look no further than the somehow-phenomenon that is Jedward for the show's ultimate expression - a pair of vacuous Oirish twins with the dancing talent of a pogo stick and hairstyles that would put Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary to shame.

MIKE REGAN

CHRIS BROWN This one's for the kids. Domestic violence just isn't cool. If you beat up your girlfriend, not only will people hate you, but your musical 'talent' will desert you forever, leaving you to crap out abysmal records like Graffiti. If you're especially vicious you'll think it wise to pose like a twat for the album art and name one of your songs 'I Can Transform Ya.' What a dick.

SCREAMO As typified by Lostprophets and 30 Seconds to Mars, both of whom had new albums out last year. Boys, boys. Yelling instead of whining about your deep emotional angst doesn't make it any less annoying or pathetic, and the way you sing and play guitar with your legs splayed out like a baby giraffe does nothing to convince anyone of your sexuality. Embrace your true selves: wear skinny ties and cry your sad little hearts out. By David Elliot

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SPOTLIGHT

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SPECIAL

...

Vision picks its top tips for 2010

Giggs

Joy Orbison

Gangs ter Rap

Melod ic dubste p

'Don't go there'

'Hyph Mngo'

Dizzee on Ritalin

A happy Burial

Having spent a couple of years in prison already, Giggs' laid back but menacing delivery and street life inspired lyrics have added credibility. The Peckham rapper has more similarities to US artists such as Young Jeezy and Rick Ross than any UK style. A few new songs with pop hooks could see him break the mainstream.

Everything Everything

Indie 'Photosh op Handsom e' A fun TV on the Radio

Although Everything Everything might look like a standard four piece indie guitar band, in only a few songs they have come up with more ideas than other bands in their whole careers. They may come across as pretentious arty types, but with catchy hooks and instant melodies they will soon win over a bored indie crowd.

Joy Orbison has created his own niche in the constantly evolving dubstep genre by giving his tracks a more melodic edge. Championed by Radio One DJ Mary Anne Hobbs, the 22-year old has the potential to attract the mainstream.

Marina and the Diamonds

Pop! 'I Am Not A Robot' A new Kate Bush

Record companies have churned out countless female popstars in the past few years, so what makes Marina and the Diamonds different? Not a huge amount to be honest, but it’s refreshing to have one that doesn’t depend on a gimmick. Instead, superb recent singles suggest that glorious pop melodies are where her talents lie.

CULTURE

LISTINGS

What will be big in 2010... but really, really shouldn' t be!

hen seeking out the next big things for 2010, it’s easy to get side tracked by the truly awful music about to hit the mainstream. So, note the following acts down, and be sure to stay away from them until they undoubtedly fade into obscurity again. What is the current obsession with UK urban artists with no discernible talent or credibility but youth and an Ndubz collaboration on their side? It seems that illegal downloading has scared record companies into thinking the only potential revenue will be through ringtone sales. Or so it seems with the current influx of young artists aimed at secondary school kids. And 2010 will be no different as the Brapp pack generation of Ndubz and co welcome in a few new additions. First up is Fugative, a 15 year old 'gangster’ with a penchant for (pocket) money, cars (can’t drive yet), and girls (still underage). Known to his mum as Harry, he looks like one of the spoilt bratty kids on Super Sweet 16 who got a recording contract instead of a car. Whilst his clothes suggests he has raided Sports Direct and chosen all the shiniest stuff, his music is nothing more than ridiculously idiotic and superficial lyrics over a polyphonic ringtone. Yet somehow the youtube hits have racked up and secondary school kids seem set to propel this talentless parody of Vanilla Ice into mild success this year. Another teenager expected for big things this year is Daisy Dares You. Aimed at teenage girls who find Dappy a tad menacing, 16 year old Daisy Coburn is a budget Lily Allen with the jaw of David Coulthard and the singing voice of Janet Street Porter. Her upcoming release of ‘Number One Enemy’, a collaboration with Chipmunk, will give her some credibility with teenage fans. But for anyone with ears, it will be another excuse to keep away from the Radio One playlist for the next year. Ever wanted a Skins version of Miley Cyrus singing G b-sides with a grating nasal voice? Avril Lavigne Nope, me Eneither. But that’s what the US has to offer with Ke$ha who is a serious contender in Daisy N quest for the shittest kiddy punk-pop. Dares You’s Ke$ha R has a headstart already with a US number one album, ‘Animal’. So who will win? Certainly E not music. Even alternative music is suffering an extreme lack of originality. The 2010 lists are littered with G bands offering a couple of decent tunes and indie A a distinct lack of originality. Favourites of NME, The Y Drums debut single ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ is an indie anthem with whistling. Wow, what a novelty, we haven’t had anything of that sort since Peter Bjorn & John... two years ago. The hype is sure to dissolve when everyone realises they are a just a Cure covers band with a cool Californian aesthetic. And if you haven’t been depressed enough, listen to Stornaway. Loved Fleet Foxes? Not content with Mumford & Sons? Want yet another band of bearded tramps playing folk? Stornaway offer more of the same and will soon be back busking in Bournemouth. So, excited about music in 2010? With this lot, you shouldn’t be, but the four bands on the left should be enough to give some hope for 2011. By Jim Norton

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SPOTLIGHT

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Albums...

CULTURE

LISTINGS

Githead Landing Out Now

You Me At Six Hold Me Down Out Now

sually when it comes to most forms of music I am a very open minded connoisseur. Yet I was pushed to my absolute limits with this horror show from these so- called rockers. For me this album is a symbol for the major ills that have befallen this great genre of music. The cornerstone of my musical appetites has been decimated by the continuous whiney drivel that this album throws at the listener song after song. Its assault upon your taste is unrelenting and merciless until you’re questioning the very reason why you have ears that endure such torment.

This abomination starts off with such enlightening tracks as The Consequence and Underdog, both of which are spectacular in their utter and complete failure to find any real meaning or depth of any shape or form and once listened to blend into one forgettable blur. Unfortunately as I forced myself to listen to more of this, praying to whatever god of music may exist, I found that other songs like Safer To Hate Her and Playing the Blame Game all

followed the same self-pitying tone that the opening ones had laid the ground work for. Yet, as my expectations sank further and further, so did the quality of songs and I ended up wondering when the next Fall Out Boy album is coming out. That is how desperate I got when listening to this. Maybe I’m approaching this album from the wrong angle. This type of music is not aimed at me or anyone who thinks that Led Zeppelin is possibly one of the greatest bands of all time. It’s for those who are in their early teens and wish to express their anxiety through music. I had Linkin Park, they have You Me At Six. In this respect the album holds up quite well and with songs like There’s No Such Thing As Accidental Infidelity they’re bound to keep coming back for a while at least. For me though, you still have to literally hold me down to willingly listen to this again.

CHRIS CRADDOCK

Alicia Keys:

Vampire Weekend

Out Now

legitimate inspiration here. The first track, Faster, even sounds like a legitimately fun Bloc Party rip-off before you realise it isn’t going anywhere. The same is true of mid-album-rocker Over The Limit, which seems initially interesting but loses itself in its own silliness; nasal-punk chanting is a little passé at the best of times, but when it’s pit against a set of droney computer loops it leaves you feeling nothing but under whelmed and confused about its message (although interestingly enough, Golden Frost by the Brian Jonestown Massacre essentially performs the same experiment but pulls it off successfully). In a contextual sense, I’m not sure where Githead imagined people would listen to Landing. It certainly wouldn’t seem out of place being jaggedly squeezed into a convoluted sex-music playlist; perhaps it’d even find strength in that niche, as the non-distractive shoe gazing style can easily be absorbed and ignored; you can almost picture the bed squeaking while one partner asks the question “Babe, what’re we listening to?” being answered by “Oh that, I dunno, it doesn’t matter”. As forgettable mood music then, Landing probably serves some use. But for all other intents and purposes – it’s just acceptable, post-background filler.

JOE BURNHAM

The Element of Freedom

Contra

he first album of Vampire Weekend was hailed by NME as being a "foppish fantasy" and a break far away from the scuzzy style which "that other band from New York", The Strokes, gave us all the way back in 2001. Vampire Weekend’s bassist, Chris Baio, said of their new album, Contra: "It is a new direction for us”. The first few tracks seem like more of the same feel-good, catchy tunes that the first album boasted, with lyrics such as “I’d look psychotic in a balaclava” which only VW could get away with, and will have you reminiscing of "But this feels so unnatural/ Peter Gabriel too" from Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, but as you listen you begin to agree with Baio. Tracks such as the six-minute, Diplomat’s

f you asked me to describe Landing based on its concept alone, I’d probably ramble on about how fucking post- it’d like to be. Post-grunge perhaps, otherwise known as latter-day Dinosaur Jr (but without the guitar solos) crossed with My Bloody Valentine (but without the greatness); the end result suggesting that the collected musicians are exhausted of their former punk energy (Githead assembles snot-nose laureates from the treasured Wire, Scanner and Minimal Contact), and perhaps feel a desire to move beyond themselves. This same feeling has produced similar (but better) albums – the more recent New Order releases, perhaps – which share the unfortunate circumstance of a group striving for something modern while the members’ backcatalogue suggests a fixed point in time. Naturally though, effectively being a side-project (Wire is still touring healthily), some degree of experimentation is essential for the band’s third album to be worthwhile; however, as the sound of Landing is so absolutely nonadventurist, its blend of sedated drone-punk ensures critical nonchalance at every turn. That’s not to say it’s offensively bad though, rather just unnecessary. And that’s the biggest disappointment, because it feels like there have been a few moments of

A Son, using sampling and abrupt time changes, and California English, with its very fast vocals set to an improbable but wonderful melody, are certainly more progressive than those of the debut album. Many of the beats also feel funkier and more ska-like. However, the album also contains two ballads, Taxi Cab and I Think UR a Contra, which are refreshingly relaxed and lyrically lovely. If you liked the first album you’ll like this one too, but look out for new treasures such as the truly inspired ahhing and ooh-ing on White Sky and the slightly grittier sound of Cousins.

JESSICA SWEENEY

licia Keys’ fourth studio album shows promise if we’re to go by her previous offerings. These have resulted in a number of awards, including the Song of the Year Grammy for her single Fallin’ back in 2002. Instead however, the production aspect of music has clearly left its mark, where auto tune and other such techniques have become a common occurrence within the musical world. As a result, the impressive vocals of Keys sound as if someone has just simply toned down the volume on them. The album has less passion and less punch than previous releases. Only on rare occasions do you get a taste of her raw vocals coming through, especially in Empire State of Mind (Part II). Her take on a recent collaboration with Jay-Z is one of the few examples where the production team seem to have taken a step back. Yet they have still managed to muffle her vocals slightly through the addition of drums, a backing choir and violins. That doesn't mean this is a

terrible album. In fact, despite all of the above, it’s surprisingly pleasant to listen to. Anyway, experimenting isn’t exactly a terrible thing, as it gives Keys a chance to explore new areas of music. The album seems to focus on the experience of being alone, mixed with the ability of standing tall at the same time. As a result every song is so similar that sometimes you don't even realise the track has changed. If you do concentrate however, some gems do shine through, such as Wait Till You See Me Smile, Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart and Love Is My Disease. It's these tracks that really grow on you, and they are the songs that demonstrate what Keys is vocally capable of. But then there are songs like 'Put It In A Love Song', a duet with Beyonce, that have you wondering what went wrong. What feels like it may have sim-

ply come about as a 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' deal between Keys and Jay-Z is surprisingly disappointing. Especially when one considers that these are two greatly talented singers; it seems like a massive waste. The Element of Freedom is a reference to the fact that Keys gave herself as much freedom as possible with this album, and ironically that's the problem. Experimenting is one thing, but Keys seems to have just tried to add too much, in an attempt to keep up with the current trend within the musical world, and as a result the album just doesn't sound like her anymore. And that's a shame, because Keys has previously shown that she is capable of pure genius, but here her attempts to keep up with the musical world have created your everyday generic album, and that's all this is.

STEFAN PHILPOTTS

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jaime

riley

reviews this week's...

SINGLES MIKE REGAN talks to Calexico, the Arizona-based roots rock band about headlining Benicassim and the melting pot of mainland Europe.

lbow's chummy front-man and earnest national treasure Guy Garvey is a keen admirer of the work of the revolving Californian outfit Calexico. Garvey gushes “They are one of those bands who make consistently great music under the radar, and will inevitably break into the mainstream”. The recommendation of an icon of mine was more than enough to guide me to the irresistible, Latin influenced rhythms of Calexico. For front-man Joey Burns, who lists Elbow as one of his favourite bands, the compliment is a source of great pride. He beams: “Thank you Guy Garvey! Nice compliment. Maybe he would be into doing some work with us in the studio. That would be amazing!”. In their native United States and on the continent, Calexico's popularity far exceeds the cult following they have on these shores. When asked why he thinks this is, Burns is typically playful: “Good wine and cheese. Open palate and free thinkers”. Whilst this assessment may be a tad damning on us sonically rigid Brits, he later offers an interesting point; “Different languages and cultures are clustered close together in Europe”. Certainly the cultural melting pot of mainland Europe fits neatly with the vibrant feel of Calexico's output, that takes in mariachi and country music as well as traditional rock sounds. Such an international feel is also inherent in the band's name, taking heed from a town on the California/Mexico border and “the notion of bringing two different cultures and ideas”. Even though the band have secured headline spots at the likes of Benicassim Festival, their following in the UK is limited to musical encyclopaedias like Garvey. Burns though doesn't seem too fussed about an unconquered frontier, having joked, “Why has our success not translated in the UK? I thought it had. Bummer, I guess I will have to tell the family back home the bad news”. He goes on to say: “Seriously though, the shows in the UK have been great for a band like ourselves with unusual musical influences”. Yet in many ways it seems like Calexico do possess all the attributes for 21st century indie success. Reverence of indie rock icons- Check, “I think it would be important to dedicate the whole festival to the late great John Peel”. Celebrity encounters- Check, “Lance Armstrong came through Tucson recently wanting to hang out”. And a tech-savvy approach to the industry-Check, “People are looking to seek out good music that's not part of the mainstream since the internet and blogs are a valuable resource these days”. But in Britain, the experimental approach Calexico take to music-making leaves them a difficult proposition for commercial audiences. Yet thankfully, the band are not willing to compromise the style that has produced several stunning records, “I look in the studio and I see instruments from all parts of the world with an open slate, no holding back or defining what we can or cannot do”. It

was a similarly liberal attitude to their own musical potential that produced the band's defining record, The Black Light, a succinctly beautiful and bilingual concept album. The notion of alienation, created by such experimentation, is one that sits comfortably with the ethos of the band, for their music reflects the idea of a group of people not exactly at one with what's around them. Their friend and artist Victor Gastelum likened their music to the experiences of growing up as a Latino in Southern California, as some of the band did, “he didn't fit in and like our music, he went a separate route, but benefited from strong influences and character”. It is a sad indictment of our temporally concrete music landscape at present that a band making music as inspired and progressive as Calexico are ignored on the basis of having a sound based on international and experimental sounds that are largely unexplored by contemporary musicians. Not only could our largely sterile commercially popular music benefit from bands with the ambition of Calexico, it could also welcome men of Burns' wit and humour. He is after all the first person I have encountered to use the word “spelunking”in conversation. This apparently, according to the urban dictionary, being “the act of exploring for the missing condom after deep penetration”. Whilst Calexico hope some much deserved commercial success may not be so arduous a task as the aforementioned horror, it is long overdue and richly deserved.

attooed Ayrshire rockers Biffy Clyro have really cracked it with their latest album, Only Revolutions. Taking a break from everyone else’s electro styles, the band continue their success with triumphantly fat guitars and mullets held high. Slow burner Many of Horror is a rock ballad, and ultimately, an emotional break up song which slowly builds to a nice big epic chorus with strings, rivalling such euphoria as in, dare I say it, Snow Patrol’s Run. It’s hard to believe, but it actually works. Very well.

I look at instruments from around the world and see an open slate, no holding back what we can do

Biffy Clyro Many of Horror Out now

Calexico's Discography...

Spoke

The Black Light

Carried to Dust

Editors You Don't Know Out 25th January

ou Don’t Know Love is the second single from Brummy group Editors’ latest album, In This Night and On This Evening, which debuted at number one in the UK. The band has kept their gloomy electro/indie style, despite claims that this album would bring something fresh to the table, though it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Guitars are more dominant, but not as much as Smith’s Marmite voice, which tends to drone slightly in this single. YDK is fairly sedate and lacks the climatic ending which previous hit Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors provided, however, ticks all the boxes for previous Editors fans; it’s full of twitchy bass lines, busy hi-hats, whirring synths and a lack lustre melody.

Marina and the Diamonds

Hollywood Hot Rail

Feast of Wire 2003

Out 1st February

Garden Ruin

eotard-wearing-keyboardplayer Marina brings us another eclectic mix of pop and dance with her latest single, Hollywood. She’s unique, yet tipped as a flux of Katy Perry, Kate Bush and Lily Allen, and that rings true in this single. Marina sings of Hollywood and the American dream, which lacks the raw honesty of her last few singles, but still has the feel of being relatively unmanufactured. It’s charismatic, piano-rich experimental pop with a catchy beat and a punchy chorus which is bound to end up whirling around your head.

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LISTINGS

PAUL McCARTNEY O2 Arena

22/12/09

Lefteris Pitarakis/AP

JEDWARD

aul McCartney, what a legend! "Good Evening London", his amazing gig at the O2, displayed why he really deserves that title. On first appearance McCartney appeared genuinely moved by the reaction - a cheer reminiscent of the fab four days and a standing ovation for just walking on stage, but this is a Beatle we’re talking about. The half hour delay did nothing but heighten the anticipation, and from the first glimpse of ‘that’ bass being held above his head, 17,000 people were on their feet and stayed there for the remaining three hours. Any attempts to sit down were quickly abandoned when the next song began as each were an instant reminder of the long line of timeless songs McCartney has written. A few new songs were thrown in to the mix, which was an opportunity for many to head towards the bar - however, the lesser known songs by McCartney’s alter ego The Fireman were actually very good and definitely worth a listen. However, McCartney live is all about the classics. The audience were waiting for him to launch into more Beatles' songs. And he did. Thankfully no

Tokyos Nightclub, Huddersfield 16/01/10

edward have ultimately become the marmite of TV land within the last couple of months and their performances on X Factor were the most anticipated and talked about. However, seeing whether this act would transcend well onto the Huddersfield nightclub scene was something I couldn‘t resist. I’m not sure I could define the performance I saw as a ‘gig’ exactly, more a cross over of cabaret and circus, but one thing that I am certain of is that those boys are full of energy and willing to have a go. The pair jumped on stage, rock hard hair in tact, to start mauling Rock DJ with their mix of shouty vocals and exuberant dance moves. However, the combination of screaming audience members and Edward’s cartwheels (that’s right, I can tell the difference) ultimately meant that the music wasn’t exactly a prevalent feature of this spectacle. This was exacerbated by their acting performances during the show; in Oops I Did It Again the pair re-enacted the loss of the heart in the ocean and during Ghostbusters they felt the need to run away from a ghost and point out to the audience where it was. They also performed Wham’s I’m Your Man and their upcoming single Pressure/Ice Ice Baby; in fact, they actually performed this one twice due to public demand. The public reception to them was mostly positive

with just one objector who threw some ice at them, although in retrospect maybe this was just a very enthusiastic fan requesting a third reprise of the song. Having performed just six songs, which included their encore, the evening was somewhat lacking in quantity and as for quality, er…. But charisma and entertainment were aplenty. It doesn’t really matter whether you are proJedward or not, seeing them is definitely not to be missed as they provide plentiful opportunities for mocking or praising. Me? I intend to wear my Jedward badge with pride, well for the remaining five minutes of their fame anyway!

STEPHANIE BIGLEY

JULIAN CASABLANCAS

X Factor contestants appeared to provide backing vocals. His backing band may not have had the subtlety of George Harrison’s guitar playing but the presence of McCartney alone made up for this. Hearing the most covered song of all time, Yesterday, by the man who wrote it in 1965 was a particular highlight and, along with touching tributes to Linda, John and George, caused many fans to feel emotional. The opening bars of songs like Day Tripper and Let It Be were surreal as it was Macca himself, and not some cover band (although I do recommend The Bootleg Beatles!) The ticket price may have been frightening, but how many times do you get to see a Beatle? Paul McCartney at the O2 was truly a night to remember. With hints of him doing a residency at the O2 let’s just hope he doesn’t go the same way as MJ. I’m going to start saving already- and if you appreciate music I suggest you do to.

or someone who redefined the meaning of cool when he led his merry band of indie pretenders The Strokes to instant acclaim with game-changing 2001 record Is This It?, Julian Casablancas seems oddly unsure of himself. In recent interviews, he has appeared insecure, perhaps failing to get to grips with the transformative effect his song writing has had on alternative music, an impact of which everyone except himself seems sure. Cool back in 2001 meant guitars, greasy hair and leather jackets and there is plenty of all three on display on a cold night in Leeds. The skinny jean and standard-issue military jacket brigade are out in force, Left & Right in the Dark and Out of the Blue go down predictably well, but it is less-trumpeted tracks Ludlow St. and River of Brakelights that are taken to a new level in a live setting. Whatever his supposed insecurities, Casablancas is ultimately a performer as ice-cool as the weather outside, his leather jacket not inducing even a bead of sweat on a potentially stressful first night. The venue is near full, quite an achievement given that Mad-chester icon Ian Brown is stepping out down

Leeds Met University 10/12/09

the road at the O2. Unlike the Stone Roses front man, however, Casablancas has no need to dine out on former glories, delivering only a reworked addictmusic.co.uk acoustic version of third-album track You Only Live Once to those who had come for a Strokes tribute gig. Casablancas, however, has moved on. Their song-writing inspiration, The Strokes, certainly, need Casablancas back if the fourth album is to ever happen. Whether Casablancas needs them, however, is much less certain.

WILL WAINEWRIGHT

ELEANOR WEBSTER

MADNESS Leeds 02 Academy 8/12/09

ollowing the release of their latest album The Liberty of Norton Folgate, Madness have hit the theatres and academies of Europe to showcase their latest songs and entertain crowds with their classic, heavy-heavy hits. The Leeds O2 made for the perfect venue - personal but spacious with the bars at the back of the main floor - which was much needed by the enthusiastic capacity crowd. The hall was full of all manner of fans; from the die-hard cockney skinheads, following the tour, to young kids brought along by their parents to hear Baggy Trousers. The London band did not disappoint and, in true Madness fashion, were all performance from the word "go". Following a tongue-in-cheek video about their early days, the Nutty Crew opened classically with One Step Beyond before taking the crowd on a tour through their extensive catalogue of songs. There was something for everyone including some lesser known tracks like Tarzan Nuts and their Swan Lake skanking rendition but finished with a relentless half hour of their essential hits. The band's performance was as energetic and technically supreme as they have ever been and not a single beat was missed - no easy feat for a ten-piece unit! Their showmanship had the crowd roaring and everyone left with a smile on their face. Following some disappointed years Madness have come back to prove that they are still the original party boys and are well worth a trip to Leeds for any York student looking for a memorable night out. OLIVER MORAN

MUSIC

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LISTINGS DISCOGRAPHY

Coming on strong (2004)

The Warning (2006)

Made in the Dark (2008)

HOT CHIP

One Life Stand (2009)

Joseph McDermott speaks to the Grammy Award winning Electro-pop band about influence, identity and indepedence

he beguiling grooves of Hot Chip have charmed fans and critics alike since their 2004 debut LP ‘Coming on Strong’. Over the course of four albums they’ve crossed the boundary lines of countless musical genres, wandering anywhere between lo-fi funk and ambient electronica. Despite the myriad of labels attached to their music the band are most commonly considered as ‘oddball pop’; a lazy definition that’s used by unimaginative record labels as a substitute for the descriptor ‘miscellaneous’. Described, perhaps unkindly, as geek-chic, Hot Chip’s unique musical style has made them unlikely heroes in today’s mainstream. Despite their ‘nerdy’ image, the band has inspired countless imitators and in terms of the music industry, are one of its most lucrative anomalies. ‘Its sad that the mainstream has become this very barren area’ complains guitarist Owen Clarke, ‘in terms of singles it has really begun to cannibalize itself. Every song seems to use a rock and roll drum beat, R ‘n B synthesizers and orchestral strings… the scene is no longer vibrant or surprising.’ It’s against this bland background that Hot Chip look so ‘oddball’:

‘we do look weird when we’re judged against commercial pop bands but by our own terms I think we are very clearly a pop band.’ The band is known for their

We do look weird when we're judged against commercial pop bands.

achieve such a diverse sound; an in-depth knowledge of pop music is an integral element to the band. This undeniable passion for music and their strong pull towards originality resonates throughout their entire back catalogue. As Owen explains the band want to write without an agenda and without a genre: ‘pigeon holes are for pigeons, they’re not for people.’ With Hot Chip’s discography there is none of the stagnation or dead ends that can tarnish the careers of other artists. Although, as Owen contends, ‘we’ve always been into pop music’ there has certainly been an evolution to the band. ‘In many ways Coming on Strong was very much like most bands’ first records, we were full of ideas and also quite magpie-like.’ There was a much clearer aim with The Warning, ‘we wanted to fuse different musical styles within a single song whereas Made in the Dark was more about going in several different directions over an album. We wanted to experiment with extremes.’ But where has their latest release One Life Stand taken them? ‘This one still has the varied influences but it’s about synthesizing them together to create something that is our own.’

eclecticism, could this be what gives them an edge? For Hot Chip music is not so much a job, as a lifestyle: ‘when I’m not working I buy records’ quips vocalist and synth player Joe Goddard. ‘I love the calmness in a dusty old record shop. I buy music not just to DJ with but also to learn. It’s the only way I know how to unwind.’ It’s clear that this commitment and willingness to discover new sounds is a thread that twists throughout the foundations of the band; each member has such diverse tastes that it's no wonder Hot Chip touch on almost every aspect of the musical spectrum. After hearing Owen (‘One day I’ll be listening to Motown, the next Black Sabbath and after that some minimal techno’) it becomes obvious how the band

In many ways this could be what the band has been striving for: the exciting array of influences all ‘honed’ to a single, original product. Described by the band’s press release as ‘warmer, deeper and more stripped back than their previous record’ there is certainly a softer atmosphere to One Life Stand that harks back to the gentle electro-soul of Coming on Strong. This could be due to the band’s homecoming, after a few years on the road the band has settled back into London life, an influence Owen is quick to acknowledge: ‘One Life Stand has a more cohesive feel, it fits better as an album. After being at home we found

Pigeon holes are for pigeons, they’re not for people.

to make the slate even blanker, if that’s possible.’ Joe backs up Owen: ‘We never have any plan when we record. Things happen and we try to follow the thread wherever it leads.’ And it can be a long process admits Owen: ‘We don’t go to a studio for 2 weeks and bash out songs we’ve been playing live… if anything it’s the other way round. Things take a year to grow and we harvest them at the end and make a neat, palatable meal at the end.’ One point to which Hot Chip accredit their longevity and unique sound is the freedom and independence they enjoy. The band has a hand in all aspects of their music whether it be writing, recording or producing. They even create their own artwork and are known to collaborate very closely with the video directors: ‘in a way we’re our own music industry!’ laughs Owen. ‘In general we’re not embittered by the industry and that is, to some extent, because of the freedom we allow ourselves. We keep our feet on the ground and just try to focus on where our band is going without worrying too much about the rest of the industry.’

we were writing songs that fit together better.’ Despite the album’s accessibility and relaxed vibes for Hot Chip recording is not always an easy process: ‘If anything sounds too much like something else then we’re prepared to stop, clean the slate and start again. If anything we try

Main Photo by @trialsandtribulations

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2010: A Vision of the Future 2

009 is dead. The cinematic highs are now part of our DVD collections and the lows are merely unpleasant memories. Now is the time for forward thinking as we preview the biggest, baddest and weirdest films coming out in 2010, a year featuring Mel Gibson's return to acting, more bloody vampires and no less than three films starring Nicholas 'credibility' Cage. Will 2010 mark the start of a cinematic Renaissance, a new Golden Age of Hollywood? Or will it be remembered as the year the movie died, a mind-desiccating drought and the beginning of the end of days? Given the raft of unnecessary and completely unwanted sequels and remakes (oh, I'm sorry, 'reimaginings' whatever the fuck that means) set to appear in 2010, it might be time to start repenting those sins and polishing your crucifix. These include, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, , Tron Legacy (which actually looks pretty good), Sex and the City 2: The Day Feminism Died, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw VII (do you think they'll stop making these when they get to Roman numerals that their target audience

won't understand?), Predators (a remake of Predator which replaces Schwarzenegger, Weathers et al with the likes of Adrien Brody and Topher Grace) and another Twi-

light film (technically this is not a sequel but rather a continuation of a franchise; this won't stop it from being shit). Having said that, it's not all bad on the remake and sequel front; the remake of Clash of the Titans which is released in March could be pretty good and at the very least, a film featuring Zeus, Medusa, Hades and a whole bunch of giant scorpion things is unlikely to be dull. Iron Man 2 also comes to our screens this Spring and with Mickey Rourke joining the cast as an evil armoured Russian named Whiplash and Scarlett Johannsen vamping it up as Black Widow it looks likely to be pretty frickin' awesome. The most anticipated 'Sequel Event of the Year' however has to be Toy Story 3 which is released this summer. The plot revolves around the toys being given away to charity although exact details are being kept under wraps. Given that the second film achieved the almost impossible feat of being better than its fantastic predecessor, we cannot help but be very excited. A number of other films also look set to be pretty good this year. Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (released this March) should be a marriage made in heaven, Ridley Scott's Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe could very well be a return to form

Have you seen...?

here's something incredibly galling about movies that force politics on their haplessly enthralled audiences, beaming polemic into their heads under the guise of entertainment. Overt political messages generally hail from the left (George Clooney, please sit down); the right tends to exert a little more subtlety. There was never any question in Juno or Knocked Up, for example, of an abortion. Sean Penn's fantastically sympathetic portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in 2008 managed to buck the trend - but directorial turns by such charged personalities tend to be more indulgent and, as a result, more unwatch-

(and will hopefully finally erase the memory of Kevin Costner's stab at the story of the sanctimonious forest-dweller) and Scorsese's Shutter Island looks to be a fun thriller with a lighter tone than much of his work. Although its plot is a tightly guarded secret and the trailer poses more questions than it answers, if Christopher Nolan's track record is anything to go by, his newest thriller Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon Levitt is definately something to get excited about.

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Vision's top 5... Relentless Franchises that will STiLL be going in 2015 5. The Saw Films Everyone loves a good mangled foot/face/everything, but surely the concept is getting old? We'll probably be onto Saw XVIII by 2015, in which the audience is offered actual props from the film with which to castrate themselves, just to keep things fresh. I can imagine the pitch now: "3D? F*ck 3D."

4. Disaster Films Because what's the point in life if you're not going to blow sh*t up? Now that we've seen the various cities of America crumble (I swear a foreigner was cackling behind me when I went to see The Day After Tomorrow), what more has Hollywood to offer us? Maybe it's time to take it to the next obvious level - that's right: space. Disasters in Space! Explosions in Space! Somehow the Statue of Liberty will end up there, and, once again, she will be destroyed.

3. Twilight In other movie news, Jodie Foster has made her return to directing with a film called The Beaver (release date t.b.c.). If I was immature, I would make a joke about this but instead I will describe the premise: the film revolves around a character played by Mel Gibson (in the second of two lead roles this year) who walks around with his hand up a beaver... puppet which he believes to be a living thing. It's genuinely hard to tell whether this will be a pretentious waste of time like Lars and the Real Girl or a quirky sleeper hit, but Foster is notoriously picky about directing gigs so it will be interesting to see what drew her to The Beaver. It is hard to say which of these films we'll be talking about next year and which will sink without a trace, but I am looking forward to finding out. Long live 2010!

AKA vampire films in general. Any kind of 'The End' in the books will not stop Robert Pattinson from getting his shirt off for all the teenage girls of the world. Expect Twilight: The College Years, coming soon (and featuring the work of Mario Lopez!).

2. Jennifer Aniston We all know it. She'll still look 25. She'll still be pulling gorgeous, misunderstood, so-depthless-they-could-beanimated-men. She'll still be stuck as Rachel Green, running around in the background of a post-Friends world. And then she'll die and we'll find out she was actually 108, after all...

1. Scary/Date/Epic/Superhero/Disaster/ Dance Movie... and Meet the Spartans I'm assuming the reason that fewer and fewer producers/writers/whatevers of the original Scary Movie appear on each new release is that Hollywood execs are paying them vast amounts of cash to run around in a big hamster-wheel that generates enough power to light the sets of real films... Still, the franchise goes on.

Charles Rivington Tom Martin

Into the Wild (2007)

able Penn's Into the Wild is not such a movie. It's completely non-judgmental, possessed with a lust for life in its simplest form and little else, and makes for exhilarating watching. The film charts the true story of American free spirit Christopher McCandless (portrayed by the unpretentious Emile Hirsch), who shortly after graduating in 1990 donates the remainder of his college fund to Oxfam, adopts the name Alexander Supertramp and hits the road. Roaming the States for 18 months, sustained by the generosity and company of the people he meets along the way, McCandless all the while nurses an ambitious dream to settle down in

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glorious solitude in the Alaskan wilderness... Okay so it's hard to make such a vanilla 'plot' sound exciting. But the almost unbearable humanity of the movie is utterly compelling. Hirsch, known to most as the horny lead from The Girl Next Door, seems genuinely liberated as he explores and surpasses the frontiers of his human experiences, and successfully carries the movie on his shoulders. Supporting turns by Katherine Keener and Vince Vaughan feel slightly incongruous, but Hal Holbrook's (rightly) Oscarnominated performance as the elderly Ron Franz is sincerely heartbreaking. Eric Gautier's cinematography is equally

dir. Sean Penn

wonderful. Penn somehow manages to capture on film the same sense of breathless discovery evoked by the author Jack Kerouac, and if the movie's structure may feel a little disjointed and episodic at times it's really only in

keeping with its freewheeling subject matter. Fresh, touching, at times hilarious, and highly recommended.

David Elliott

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REVIEWS THE ROAD with frequent earthquakes and fires destroying many trees that are left. The audience experience the struggle of The Dad to keep his humanity whilst raising his son in these conditions and grieving for his wife. The episodic structure of the film works brilliantly, allowing the audience to experience the world that The Dad misses. The

dir. John Hillcoat

e have been bombarded with post-apocalyptic films recently, ranging from zombies and vampires to global-warming and aliens. Now it is the turn of fires and earthquakes ravaging the earth. This film also has another familiar theme, it is adapted from a novel, this time Cormac McCarthy’s. Director John Hillcoat cast Viggo Mortensen and newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee as the unnamed father and son (let’s call them ‘The Dad’ and ‘The Son’) duo on which the film focuses. The film starts with a flashback of when the disaster struck, showing The Dad’s pregnant wife (Charlize Theron) and his calm nature amidst the event. From there on in the audience sees the development of the father-son relationship in the ravaged world. There are no animals, no crops,

father-son scenes can feel stretched-- despite excellent acting, yet the pair are still amiable. The Son really does tug the heart-strings, especially when he encounters Eli (Robert Duvall). Smit-McPhee is excellent as The Son. He asks “We wouldn’t kill anybody would we? ‘Cos we are the good guys and carry the fire”, with all the emotion that one could muster. You will definitely be seeing more of this young actor but hopefully not in the Daniel (Equus) Radcliffe manner. Word of warning, the pair’s encounters will shock you, namely the scenes with the scavengers, the staple and the ventures into the basement. If you are a bit squeamish take a pillow or person to hide behind, and for the person’s benefit: cut your nails. The pair really do escape ‘bad guys’ too often—but let us remember, this is a American novel/ movie. Overall, the acting, script and cinematography are all excellent. The scene with ‘The Thief’ (Michael K. Williams) was one of the most emotive film scenes of recent years, reducing a man next to me to a blubbering wreck. Yet, the score, however well composed, forces the emotions of the audience too often and occasionally drowns out speech. The aforementioned dragging of the father-son scenes also detracts from the film's enjoyment, with too many excellent cameos being cut short. Despite these flaws, this is simply a great film.

Sarah Green

POST-GRAD I

wanted to review Post-Grad on the basis that I once stayed with a friend who knew the woman who wrote it. For the sake of that friendship, I now wish I'd gone with Daybreakers instead. Post-Grad flip-flops between the story of a graduate not quite getting what she wants and a very weak, PG family story that reminds one of Little Miss Sunshine, though the comparison does no-one in this film any favours. Alexis Bledel stars as Ryden Malby; a very pretty, very clever graduate who of course expects a career that fits the aesthetic of perfection her life must be. Naturally, she stumbles and, even though Mr. Right (aka best friend Adam, played by Zach Gilford) is on-hand, Mr Wrong (aka hunky Italian neighbour played by Rodrigo Santoro) is the one to tell her something just a little cheesier than a mozzarella stick and send her off to do the right thing. Bledel fires cuteness on all four cylinders, but the actress does nothing to improve Kelly Fremon's script or make her character any more likeable. In fact, it's impossible for the cinephile to get behind anyone in this film; where Fremon wants her characters to be whacky and loveable, they merely come off as clichéd, annoying caricatures of better characters

Dir. Vicky Jenson

from better films. It should be of no surprise that this is Vicky Jenson's first live-action film after helming such animations as Shark Tale. Not that there's anything - or much, at least - wrong with Shark Tale; it's just that where Fremon's script wants the actors to be fun and relatable, Jenson's cartoon-y, generic and inexperienced style proves too much for the actors, talented though they may be, to wade through.

Tom Martin

PRECIOUS S ome films seem to have been manufactured for Oscars. You know the ones I’m talking about; they hammer away at a challenging subject or hot button issue with all the subtlety and artistry of a drunk Thor. These are the films that Kate Winslet described in Extras when she prophetically said that to win an Oscar you have to appear in a film about the Holocaust (but don’t make Tugg Speedman’s mistake of going ‘fullretard’). Some of these are a little bit mediocre but still win over the Academy (Crash and The Reader, I’m looking at you) and some sink without a trace under the weight of their own cloying sanctimony (Chapter 27 and Evening, anyone?). But occasionally, something amazing happens: the whiff of desperation ends up being a smokescreen disguising an incredible film. This is the case with Precious. The plot really does smack of Oscar grabbing - an obese sixteen year old African American girl named Claireece Precious Jones (Gabouray Sidibe) deals with domestic abuse, illiteracy, pregnancy and parental rape in late eighties Harlem. It even features big names in challenging and ugly roles; Mo’Nique plays Precious’ terrifying and abusive mother and Mariah Carey plays a dowdy social worker who is sporting a little bit too much hair on her top lip. These names smack of stunt casting (the film also marks the film debut of Lenny Kravitz) and I don’t think anyone could have predicted how incredibly well they would portray these challenging roles. Mo’Nique particularly is an absolute revelation playing Mary; both terrifying but incredibly human at the same time,

Charles Rivington

Dir. Lee Daniels and a monologue she delivers at the end of the film is up there with Brando’s ‘I could have been a contender’ as one of the most riveting and powerful committed to film. Although Mo’Nique’s deafening Oscar buzz is well earned, it is newcomer Gabourey Sidibe in the title role who re-

ally carries the film. She exudes charisma and courage in an incredibly challenging part and if she does not walk away from the Kodak Theatre with a golden statuette on March 7th, I for one will be very disappointed. Precious is a harrowing and even nauseating film but one which transcends it’s depressing roots to become truly inspiring.

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TELEVISION SEXECTRA SEXECTRA...

biteback

Haven't watched the box? We waste the time for you.

Snow Watch (Springwatch special) Holy shit. There's snow everywhere.

There's some snow there. And some here as well. Oh look there's a deer. Awww that is lovely. And a wuvley robin. And there's some ice... OH LOOK some more snow. And more snow. There's a badger. Snow. More snow.... ISN'T THIS EXCITING????

Horizon - Why Do Viruses Kill?

AAAAAAACCCHHHOOO!!! Sorry I didn't wash my hands when I last touched this

BBC One Sign Zone: Great British Railway Journeys

Smiley face. Start programme. Arrive at station. Platform 132. Train delay. Points at watch. No Railcard. Epic fail. Scary man. Feels you up. Buffet car. Snotty kid who won't stop drawing attention to himself the wretched self-obsessed little bloody shit. iPod. Bag in aisle. Rail works. Change to bus. Milton Keynes. Traffic works. Milton Keynes Milton Keynes Milton...

READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

ichard Branson has brought us many things over the years. Flights to New York. A mobile phone service we don't use. His beard. But possibly his weirdest contribution as Britain's most successful entrepreneur is a channel that has a show which is a direct merge of Panorama and Babestation. Instead of news and current affairs about the Iraq Inquiry or how bloody high petrol prices are these days you get street interviews about whether New Yorkers are happy about the size of their penis. Instead of reporters like Kate Silverton and Kate Adie you get bad porn names such as Joanna Jet and Gia Darling. Plus I don't think any of the BBC Newsreaders have so many nipple piercings that their breasts are possibly magnetic. Each week has a flurry of bizarre and wonderful topics. In this week’s edition it was about Swingers. That’s right. Weeeeeeeee! The show started with a giddy reporter in her twenties gallivanting off to Merry Old England to report on a new swingers pub. Now picture this. The report starts with the reporter very excited to be in Sheffield town. She enters a normal looking building, has a chat with the owners who seem nice and normal. A large round man who is behind the bar is interviewed (you know the one who normally speaks in a monotone voice in the pub, asks for your ID and passes you the peanuts). He details subtle but notable benefits of swinging in a loving relationship. Fine. Well not fine this is sort of weird, but fine. It all progresses fairly normally. Nothing visually surprising so far. The interview seems to be coming to a close. The woman in her twenties does a piece to camera. You expect Jeremy Vine to be rounding off the section and informing you that Spooks is next. But no. Mr Large Man takes off all his clothes, brings on his 40 year old landlady wife who is also naked and this is then followed by several slutty sequences where you see her nipple dancing round-and-round in the bar’s newly developed downstairs sex dungeon. This is why you have to watch this show. No, shut it. I know that people would probably think that I have been

watered down from a TV reviewer who makes comments about Adrian Chiles and the This Morning opening titles to a pervy man who encourages his readers to watch pornography on a channel that’s ironically called Virgin 1, but I’d like to think that you’d be mistaken. What makes this programme watchable, but probably not if your mother's in the room, is the sheer amazing belief that everyone who stars in it; the presenters, the directors, the porn stars and the weirdos, think that they are acceptable, non-creepy human beings. There are wonderful stories to highlight this. In an episode last week there was a story of a man who, as part of a story in a city film festival, had full funtime intercourse with a blow-up doll on camera. As you do. However he was portrayed to be an average Joe. You know average Joe. He happens to have his own personal bouncy castle that you can watch whilst eating popcorn. What's even weirder is that the female presenter also thinks he's normal. In fact the only intervention made by this journalist about this whole bloody mind fuck was "What's it like acting with a blow up doll?". He replies, "She's very flexible, and I felt that I went to a deeper level with her than with an actress". This show is so bizarre I wouldn't be surprised if there is a feature about a woman whose breasts are so magnetic that her best gig is having foreplay with a fridge, but the show makers just judge it as a post modernist representation of vegetarianism in Poland. Then there are the adverts you would no doubt notice. You get to see the far-reaching demographic that this show drags in during a weekday night. There is a Match Text Sexy Sexy one ("There are HOT girls in your area. They are all TERRIBLY HORNY. Ooops... their clothes have fallen off. Better ring them"), followed by Big Boobs chat lines followed by an advert of a new AGA oven 30% off at John Lewis. Fancy teaching at schools? Oh wait sorry we're going to distract you with this giant breast pump. The most extreme edition is an advert that has a camera zooming into each boob of a woman advertising a sexy text number on her bra followed by a child crying for the NSPCC. That's

just what you need to get in the mood for the porny. Then there is the guy who does the sex quiz. Unless I am mistaken he sounds very much like one of the male continuity announcers on Radio 4. After he does a voice over where he asks viewers to guess how long the longest female orgasm is I always expect him to say “And now, The Archers”. Derr der der der der der derr.. I could go on for ever. I could go on about the fact that the women reporters get naked but for some reason the men keep their tops on, that for some reason all of the stories attempt to have a backstory such as being a single parent with a young child who wants to go to drama school, the slutty titles and the fact that in the UK they only tend to show four episodes, but we're approaching an arousing advert about an adult website where people try their bessy to get undressy followed by an advert about a new lethal food blender. So instead here is a list of the best pornographic titles ever made I found whilst researching this article: 5. James Bondage 4. The Sexorcist 3. Star Whores: Attack of the bones. 2. The Merchant of Penis 1. Chitty Chitty Gangbangs Seen any better? tv@yorkvision. co.uk

scott bryan

The Screen Grabs

Don't you just hate it when your having a shit and Dale Winton walks in

Four Poofs and The Pianist

Unsuspecting Antiques Roadshow audience get mowed down by aeroplane

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Style Boutique (NDS)

The 'Svelte and sexy' Natalie sports a country inspired smartcasual look that is equally at home on a shopping trip or at the office. (I've definitely played this game too

Nathan Blades explain the highs and lows of his life as a fashionista as Nintendo go all à la mode.

ames for girls. A somewhat sexist notion and a rather irritating production campaign generated by more than a few games companies; a golden formula where they can release what would otherwise be a sub-standard game by giving it sparkles, pink, and other clichéd girly things - and sell it to a hitherto 'uncatered for' audience. It's a bit insulting for the gaming fans out there who know what's what (regardless of gender), and it's infuriating to see the Nintendo DS section in a game store with all the good games drowned under a mountain of Imagine: Cooking and Imagine: Babies. So when Nintendo announced a female-centric fashion game - Style Boutique - at the E3 Press Conference last year, I was sceptical and a bit peeved. But now it's hit UK shores and I've played it (possibly for far longer than I

should have done), I've discovered my inner fashionista in a way that'll make the ladies of the Style pages proud. You play as a novice shopping assistant for a highclass clothing outlet, Primavera. By some very contrived circumstances you're given the opportunity to run a boutique of your own; with a mountain of clothes, an army of customers and a tournament of Runway contests between you and the pinnacle of fashiondom. The game assumes you're female (and also right-handed, which was awkward for my lefty self) - so the svelte and sexy Natalie opened up the Vision Boutique to the waiting public. It didn't take long to find out there was A LOT for me to be getting on with. You have to buy the stock from an Exhibition hall, giving you full choice over what you want to sell; and you quickly start juggling your own tastes against the demands of your customers and your budget. Your happy shoppers are surprisingly demanding - I once tried to fob off a snobbish customer with some ugly boots I couldn't shift and I was met with a derisive laugh and no sale. The computer can tell when you're being a sly salesman. With a few days of playing I had worked out a reasonable method to cater to the customers, won all the runway contests and racked up a scarily large collection of make up and clothes; but I was having fun! The clothes on Exhibition changed with the season, so I've probably seen less than a quarter of the number of boleros, cam-

Cress' Classic: Freedom Fighters

isoles, and mules crammed into the cartridge. I found myself being just that little more critical of my own wardrobe, which is no bad thing. But I realised it's not for un-trendy guys like myself (a male version of this game I would snap up in a heartbeat); making this game hard to score. If you're a girl who knows her plaid from her paisley (or want to play as one) add on an extra star. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna do some January sales shopping. Ciao!

Notorious Noughties

Laura Cress “Plumbs” the depths of obscurity to find an overlooked gem Chris Craddock shows us the three games that destroyed his decade. in PS2 game Freedom Fighters his decade has seen games push the 2) A close second is the shambolic Robot

f it seemed unbelievable that a plumber could become a videogame superstar, it may seem implausible that another one could overpower the entire might of the Soviet Union. But whilst this is true, in this third person tactical shooter from the makers of Hitman, at least you don’t have to do it all on your lonesome. F r e e d o m Fighters sees Chris Stone, our a fo re m e n t i o n e d investigator of drain blockages, fighting to get his brother back when he is accidentally mistaken for a member of an organization devoted to informing the American public about the evils of the Soviet Union. Not such a good look when the Reds have just invaded the USA.

Starting as a lowly member of the resistance, you soon work your way up to become a hardened leader; but it is more how you do this that makes the game interesting. By doing helpful things for the resistance, such as completing missions requiring you to secure a strategic building, or by rescuing prisoners along the way, your charisma rating is increased, and this will soon allow you to have the ability of commanding soldiers to do your bidding. Thankfully the system is simple – one button for getting your troops back to your position, one for making them attack and one for making them defend a given area. The AI of the team is near perfect and the more team members you are able to command (12 in total), the more fun it is planning tactical ambushes on your enemy. The game also allows for many different routes to be taken; for example, if there’s a large machine gun placement in the way, scaling the building beside it might find a strategically placed sniper rifle to take them out from above. All in all, the fun in Freedom Fighters can be found in the feeling of slick command that even now few games give, so if you can overlook the American patriotism, you’ll find yourself enjoying your time as a member of the resistance; just don’t go getting any ideas, (even if you are a plumber).

levels of enjoyment that virtual reality can bring to new and previously unimaginable heights. However, for every game that has rewarded players with an exciting new gaming experience there are a hundred mind-numbing, ill considered games that have convinced even the most dedicated games fan to open their long neglected text books: 1) The unfortunate position at the top of our chart of lambastation goes to the wonderfully infuriating Micro Machines (PS2/ Xbox). It is the only game that has the ability to induce a rage-coma (a particularly rare combination of anger and nonchalance that is induced whenever your tiny uncontrollable car crashes into a ketchup bottle). Apparently fits of pure irritation like these are considered by some to be unhealthy in the behaviour of a twelve year old, however the NHS has still not seen fit to remove this game from the shelves over ten years after its release.

Wars: Arenas of Destruction (PC) and as I was an avid fan of the popular television series it was particularly heartbreaking. For someone who as a young boy dreamed of creating his own robotic monster to compete in the greatest of all tournaments (the Robot Wars Championship) this was supposed to be the ultimate game, but it turned out to be the ultimate let down. It was almost as pointless and uninteresting as Refbot and, for those of you who had more of a life in the 90's let me tell you, that really says something. 3) Concluding this meander through mediocrity are not one but many games that pretend they're different but all infuriate in the same way. Rockband, Guitar Hero and many other disgusting deviations have spread like a 21st century version of Twister so that no party seems complete without a group of inebriated morons ruining a series of classic tunes. They're not fun to watch, awful to listen to and the only people who can produce a version of a song that is in any way recogniseable are the very people who should not be venturing out of their bedrooms to attend parties.

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E-Books-The Next Chapter? The entertainment industry claims that the e-book will be the greatest advance to effect literature since the invention of the printing press, but with affection for old-fashioned books seemingly resolute, Vision's bibliophiles delve into the debate.

In Favour:

Caitlin Potter

We live in an age of technology. Everywhere you turn there is someone playing on their PSP or discussing the latest XBOX 360 game. Younger generations have lost interest in sitting and reading an old fashioned book in a musty old library; reading needs to move with the times, and ebooks are the way to do it. Take my younger sister for example; fourteen years of age and not much interest in books, she and her friends would much rather sit about texting each other on the latest mobile phone than flick through page after page after page of plain black and white print for hour on end. With the advancement of technology, books have become a bore. E-books make reading fashionable again, becoming a must have for teens who feel that they must own anything

>However, not all authors have endorsed the concept of electronic publishing. J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has stated that there will be no e-versions of her books. >There are over 2 million free books

trees are cut down every year for paper, meaning about ten million a day, just so you can get that lovely 'book' smell. Now, I can't vouch for everyone else, but currently my room is littered with books. They're on the shelves, on the desk, on the floor, on my bed - text books, revision books, books for pleasure reading, library books, the list is never ending. On a Monday I have five hours of lectures and I don't want to be traipsing around campus, weighed down by a bag full of books that I am required to bring. So now there's no need to worry about late fees from the library or four hour loaning time; everything is right there, whenever you need it. As for thieves, it's alot more conspicuous carrying a laptop with you than an e-book in your pocket, are you now going to say we shouldn't use laptops?

Against:Natasha Holden

E-books: The Facts > An E-book, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary of English, is "an electronic version of a printed book which can be read on a personal computer or hand-held device designed specifically for this purpose"

that requires a charger. You cannot argue that they aren't as portable as a 'good old' paper and ink book, as my co-editor stated, because the current leading model, the Kindle, is lighter than a typical paperback at 10.3 ounces. They fit snugly into any bag and, as for spilling tea on them or dropping them in the bath, just don't do it! At least this way you'll most likely have a guarantee or can make an insurance claim out of it, rather than sit on your bed with your hair dryer blasting away, hoping the ink isn't too smudged. Today's world leaders are now constantly discussing the need to 'go green'. Now I'm sure that a lot of trees must be cut down to provide paper for books and even more electricity to actually put them into print with all those huge printers running hour on end. In all actuality, about four billion

available for download as of August 2009 > Only a small fraction of all books are available as e-books. Most books will not be e-books for some time. > Some e-books are produced simultaneously with the production of a printed format, as described in electronic publishing, though in many instances they may not be put on sale until later.

'm not entirely sure that this is something which I should admit to, but when I open a new book the first thing I do is hold it up to my face and sniff. I love the smell of booksespecially new ones- and I some times worry that I love it a little too much: that I read not for the words on the page, but to feed an unrealised addiction to printer chemicals. But it's not just the smell: I like the sound the pages make as I turn them, the texture of the paper, the challenge of balancing an especially heavy book on my lap alongside a cup of tea. Laugh at me if you like (I'm used to it), but I think that a book is about more than just the words. A second objection which I have to e-books is the fact that they aren't nearly as durable or as

portable as paper books. The current leading model, the Kindle, is lighter than a typical paperback at 10.3 ounces- but I bet it still breaks when you drop it in the bath or on the floor, or spill hot tea over it (all things which I do to books with horrifying regularity). Most of them have fairly long battery livesbut they still need charging regularly, so taking one on a camping trip is out. Also, an e-book reader presents the perfect target for thieves in a way that a paper book never would- and at about ÂŁ217 for new one, a Kindle is a far more expensive loss than your average paperback would be. E-books themselves aren't cheap, either. Amazon intends to charge between ÂŁ7.37 and ÂŁ8.60

No more sitting around waiting for the book shops to shelve the book you want or order it in and send it to you, no more sitting around in a library afraid to breathe too loud in case the student next to you gives you yet another dirty glance, just sit at your computer, buy it and there you go; how is this not preferable? So, books are more a novelty item, they lack the practicality and convenience of the E-books. No matter how much I may like the smell of a book, I 'd rather have a small, light e-book with as many books as I want at my fingertips after just a few hours charging. Maybe it's about time people stopped being so narrowminded, pull their heads out of their books and rejoin reality; the e-book is the future of reading.

for e-books in the UK- not really any cheaper than a paper book. You can't borrow them for free from the library, or buy them cheaply secondhand. And unlike a paper book, when you buy an e-book you still don't completely control it: Amazon was recently forced to apologise after deleting from customer's ebook readers all copies of George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm which it had sold due to legal issues. Also, unlike a paper book, an e-book can't easily be leant to friends- you'd have to either give them the e-book reader itself (unlikely, since it would contain all your books), or crack the digital encryption before illegally sending

it on to them.The publishing industry is also worried that if e-books become popular, book piracy will become a problem in the same way music piracy is now. Publishers already have problems selling obscure books by authors who aren't already bestsellers, making it harder and harder for new authors to get published. If their profits are cut by the rise of pirated books, it could become all-but-impossible for unheard-of authors writing outside mainstream genres to become published- which would surely be a loss for readers everywhere.

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The Audacity of Hope Barrack Obama (Cannongate, 2008) RRP £8.99

gripping book detailing Obama’s political journey before standing for the Presidency. For those who want to get an insight into what makes the 44th President of the United States tick, this is a classic. Tracking his journey from a lowly state senator to the Presidency, 'The Audacity of Hope' is an open and hon-

of fans or Formula One this is simply a must read. The incredible story of a man once written off as a failure who had won just one race previously, who with a new team, a new car and the goodwill of millions of motor racing fans made an comeunbelievable back. The withdrawal of Honda from F1 was seen by most people as the writing on the wall for Button’s racing career, but less than a year later the Brit was crowned world champion at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Serious F1 fans will be fascinated by Button’s personal commentary on each

est account in which Obama shares his thoughts on American society, religion and family. Obama tackles some of the tough issues such as abortion, foreign affairs and the healthcare debate that have already come to mark his Presidency. Although a remarkably detailed and complex book, the relaxed, intimate style makes this a gripping and thought provoking book that is essential for anybody keen to discover what motivates the world’s most powerful man.

Standing Out Katie Price (Century, 2010) RRP £12.99

f there was a prize for the human who could write the greatest number of autobiographies, then it would, without a doubt, have to go to Katie Price. Jordan, famous for little apart from large breasts and a controversial relationship with another minor celebrity, publishes her latest offering, 'Standing Out', at the beginning of March. Her latest book sees her talk frankly and openly about her own personal image, and how she refuses to listen to her critics. Price reveals that 'From my early teens I've been an exhibitionist’ keen to ‘stand out, rather than blend in with the rest of the crowd'. This will come as little surprise to her avid fans that have followed her from her modelling career to her stint in the jungle. Described as ‘Katie's guide to looking good, living life and being happy’, 'Standing Out' is

By Angus Hill

Jordan’s guide to make up, clothes and inevitably, cosmetic surgery.

CULTURE

Take Five:

Celebrity Biographies

Cameron: The Rise of the new Conservative James Hanning and Francis Elliot. (Harper, 2009) RRP £8.99

ith an election just around the corner, this is bound to be a bumper year for political biographies. But if you read just one, then this has to be it. Written by two of the countries best political journalists, it gives a real insight into the man who could well be this country’s next Prime Minister. From his advantaged upbringing in the Berkshire countryside, to an education alongside royalty and aristocracy at Eton and Oxford, this is a story of tradition and privilege. Telling the story of a man who was at the heart of the last Conservative government by the age of 25, it reveals a man desperate for success driven by ambition and determination. But it is also a deeply personal and moving story of a father bringing up a seriously disabled son, Ivan ,and then confronted by the death of that child. This book again shows the

LISTINGS

race, and detailed team strategy, but equally the fascinating personal story that Button retells will mesmerise even those with just a passing interest in Formula One.

My Championship Year Jenson Button (Weidenfeld Illustrated, 2009) RRP £20

Ooh! What a lovely pair. Anthony McPartlin and Decclan Donnelly (Michael Joseph, 2009) RRP £20

ritain’s most popular television duo may well also be Britain’s most annoying double-act, but there can be no doubt that most people will have a soft spot somewhere for this Geordie pair. Scattered with plenty of humour, ‘Ooh! what a lovely pair’ tells the journey that Ant and Dec have taken together ever since meeting on the set of Byker Grove. Since then the pair have been virtually inseparable, and in this bestseller they share their own personal anecdotes of life in television, from their popular Saturday night shows to being the frontmen for TV classic ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. With many colourful revelations and a laugh on every page, this latest offering from TVs most popular Geordies is certainly a pageturner.

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reader a sense of humanity and compassion that Cameron works so hard to portray to the public. Exploring his motivation, his values, his alleged reinvention of the Conservative party and most importantly his vision for this country, this is a book that provides a glimpse into what a new Britain led by Cameron may look like.

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet By Colleen McCullough RRP £7.99

Ever wondered what happened after Darcy and Elizabeth tied the knot? ISOBEL SHIPP reviews the book that promises to reveal all... Many attempts have been made in the past to dramatize successfully one of Britain's best-loved romance novels, and make the characters true to life. Thus Austen purists (myself included) may shudder with horror at what Colleen McCullough has done to Pride and Prejudice's Bennet family in this novel, a continuation of Austen's most popular book. And yet it is an intriguing and generally satisfying read. It is twenty years after Pride and Prejudice ends. Both Mr and Mrs Bennet are dead, and the primmest sister, Mary, now released from caring for her mother, decides to have an adventure. Against the advice of her sisters - themselves undergoing marital troubles she sets off to undertake research for a book outlining the plight of the poor. But not before she has rejected one suitor and caught the attention of another, Mr Angus Sinclair, a close friend of Darcy himself. Disaster strikes when Mary goes missing, and it is up to her family and would-be lover to rescue her. Although Mary is the focus of the novel, other trials sent to test the Bennet family include Lydia's alcoholism, Darcy and Elizabeth's woeful sex life, and Jane's unruly children. Well-written and engaging, this book is certainly enjoyable once you overcome the liberties taken with the characters. McCullough hooks you by the sometimes frankly outrageous plot twists, and anyone who cares about the Bennet family is compelled to read to the bitter end to discover their fate. For someone unfamiliar with Pride and Prejudice, it's still well worth a read, with just enough drama, romance, and sensationalism to sustain it over four-hundred and sixty-seven pages. Think Pride and Prejudice meets Dallas and you'd be on the right track.

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LISTINGS

10 ways to be a'New'Yorker Ever felt you weren't making the most of your time in York? Lizzy Liptrot provides you with ten new ways to take on the city...

1. discover York's secrets

What better way to get to know the ale houses of this lovely city than with one of York's Historic Pub Tours. An entertaining guided tour around York's streets and alleys will take in 4 of the cities most historic inns, and there is even a drink in each pub included in the price. Prices are £7. 95 but groups over 12 receive a 10% discount. As an alternative why not sail the river Ouse in your very own Red Boat. Located just outside the Lowther, up to eight people can cruise up and down the river exploring the city in a light you would never come across on a Wednesday night stumbling to The Willow.

2. Expand your musical horizons

If you are hoping to expand your musical horizons this year, look no further than our very own Jack Lyons Concert Hall. The University Chamber Orchestra will be providing an intensely dramatic program culminating in Beethoven's great 'Apotheosis of the Dance' on February 17th from 7.30pm.

3. Improve your language skills

The LFA courses (Languages for All) the University offer are an incredible opportunity to pick up the odd phrase and cultural reference in languages from Arabic to Mandarin. You will have to wait until next academic year to enroll yourself on an intensive language course, but for those of you who wish to dabble pop onto the LFA website and sign up for one of the lunch time courses.

4.Travel back in time

You may have rolled down this hill after a cheeky Gallz but have you ever actually visited the infamous Clifford's Tower by day? A walk in and outside of the tower will not only provide you with a 360 º panoramic view of this gorgeous city but will also educate you on the important role it has played in York's history, playing an important part in William the Conqueror's northern campaign of terror. It has also served as a prison, a court and a place to exhibit the bodies of leaders of uprisings. Well worth a daytime visit.

5. City Flick-ers

Forget Vue this year, City Screen has been dubbed as one of the finest cinemas in Europe. It's three luxurious screens and incomparable choice in independent and blockbuster films, as well as a wine bar and gig venue, making City Screen a hot spot for anyone looking for something different to occupy their evenings.

6. Walk the walls

Within the two mile walk atop York's city wall is 1900 years of history. Originally built in Roman times, they have now been added to and boast a series of improvements including beautifully designed and constructed information panels and brass pavement markers making it easier for people to navigate their way around. Get the walking boots out this year.

7. Take in a show

From ballet to panto, the Grand Opera House can satisfy your cultural needs. With a collection of shows from the West End to stand up comedians, there is something to suit all tastes. If you're looking for an alternative evening out, there is no better place in town.

8. Explore the Surroundings

We would advise this to be done with a lovely picnic and a trip to the Yorkshire dales. Found just west of York and holding the rivers flowing from the Penine hills to the Yorkshire coast, it's a hot spot for hikers and general day trippers alike.

Our suggestion is the Jorvik Viking centre, right in the middle of town. A ground breaking attraction, Jorvik recreates a Viking city: the houses, the working craftsmen, the language of the gossiping neighbours; even the smells of cooking and the cesspit. From £7.00 a person it is quite pricey but should definitely be on your to-do list.

9. Visit a museum

10. Take a trip

If this horrid weather is bringing you down get yourself off to sunnier climes. With Easyjet and Ryanair joining in on the January sales there is no better way to spend that loan than a quick trip to Rome, Paris or the Dam. Take in some sights, food, and a little bit of the culture for as little as £10 return in some cases. Do it.

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To Kiss or not to Kiss.....

Citizen of the world Maryja Morrison explores the often complication world of non-verbal greetings.

s the University welcomes the next influx of students from all over the world, it is always good to know a bit of inside information about their culture. Having travelled through, and lived in, a number of countries in the past few years, I've always had to watch out when it came to 'The Greeting'. Do I embrace the newly made acquaintance, kiss them, nod at them, smile at them, bow to them? What happens if my powers of deduction fail me and I forget all of the rules of etiquette and commit the shock-horror of freezing and not offering a hand or embrace?

In Britain, we are understandably rather reserved when it comes to physical contact at a 'first meeting'. The handshake is customary with perhaps a slight nod of the head out of respect. Although what would happen if we did the same in another European country, or even another continent, such as Asia? Before you travel to said countries and find out for yourself, I thought I would spill the beans

on the accepted way of 'hello-ing' when outside of the realms of British culture.

Whilst the USA and Britain agree (funnily enough!) on the handshake rule, if you travel to Spain and France, you'll realise that the way to say hello is with a kiss. A kiss on both cheeks is usually customary a third being reserved for those you already know or those you are related to, whether you are happy knowing them or not! Most people from Latino backgrounds kiss twice when they meet so don't forget to turn the other cheek when visiting France, Spain, Italy or Portugal!

As well as the handshake and the cultural kisses, the smile is semi-universally taken as a 'good thing'. However, don't be

alarmed if your smile is not returned. After all, in some Asian cultures, smiling is reserved for informal occasions, hence smiling when being formally introduced would be considered disrespectful. If you find yourself on holiday in Asia and in need of making a good impression, clasp your hands together at about chest height and initiate a small but sincere bow; it is how they greet each other formally in most Asian countries and will therefore go down well. With the eyes being widely believed to be the window to the soul, it is generally accepted that eye contact should be made when being introduced to or greeting someone. However, in many cultures, avoiding eye contact is actually a sign of respect. Understandably, this can lead to minor misunderstandings when different cultures greet each other. The main thing to remember is; don't take offence. Whenever greeting foreigners, it is always good to learn a few greeting words in their language. It makes them feel at home, and lets them know that that is indeed all you know in their specific language, so not to expect much more! So whether you've a new international neighbour in halls/lectures or are planning a future weekend in Europe and beyond, don't forget to mug up on the native customs. Its always embarrassing, if not hilarious, to be left hanging!

Lost in Translation

LISTINGS

What not to miss... 'The Directors Challenge'

With three directors directing three different teams of actors and creating three different pieces of theatre, only mayhem of the most theatrical kind can ensue. Why not come along to the Drama Barn this week to premiere some brand new pieces of theatre. No acting experience necessary, the more the merrier. Comfortable clothing is advisable. What a way to warm up for what promises to be a fantastic term in the Barn. Monday Week 2, 19.30-21.00 Free Entry

Salsa Lessons

Culture's guide on how to avoid those awkward language mishaps...

he landscape has been looking a little instead; 'pregnant'. Unfortunately I didn't bleak-mid-winter-ish for the last few manage to work this out until I had 'embarweeks, so we at Culture thought we r a s s e d ' myself in many awkward In would instil some Summer Sun into those s i t uations! a N dreary grey days. Whether you're planning Similarly, the Engor w a weekend break to a sunny part of the lish use of the poseg ia world, or starting a short course in a forsessive is another n Co eign language in preparation for a sumtranslation land ck Ladies are mer break, here's what to look out for mine. Whilst ta il requested not to as you venture forth into the world of most EuLo un translation mishaps. ropean have children in ge One helpful thing to rememcoun: the bar ber is that many foreign words tries often resemble a word in English have the whilst very unhelpfully meaning layout, 'the something completely different! something-ofThis is concisely shown by the famous someone'. EngDutch advert 'Mama, die, die, die' which lish translates this as we all know has no matricidal inclina(in most cases) as tions whatsoever but instead means 'Mama, 'Someone's something'. that one, that one, that one'! English classes This difference is epitoaround the world have in their infinite wismised in the title of a sports dom rightfully labelled these little horrors; s h o p in Nantes, France, mistakenly False Friends. called, 'Athlete's Foot'! If only someone had An interesting one to look out for in the told them what it actually means! European languages is the word for embarSo to keep ahead of the game, make the rassed. You may need to use it quite often. I most definitely did. In Spanish the word 'embarazada' does not in fact mean emWaan Qing Hotel barrassed If you're a promising writer still waiting ( r a t h e r for your big break then the Vision culture unsurprisYou are invited to team have the information you need to let ingly!), but take advantage of the your talent loose for all of campus to see. The Dramasoc Writers Circle started Chambermaid. up last term and always welcomes new members. The circle gives you the opportunity to practice your writing skills and receive constructive criticism and advice In a Japaon any work you're done. It is purely opnese Hotel:

most of Culture's top 10 New Years resolutions and pick up a pocket dictionary to learn a few phrases in the run up to summer. Making mistakes is sometimes the best ever way to learn a new language...After all, with false friends such as these, who needs enemies!

Advert for Donkey rides in Thai-

Wonkey Donkeys Would you like to ride your own ass?

Get yourself fit for the new year by heading down to the Basement Club at Kennedy's Bar for beginners salsa. Lessons run from 19.00-22.00. For more information email info@encuentrolatino.co.uk

Josie Long

Calling all Budding Writers tional whether or not you want to share you work and there is an opportunity to discuss any ideas you my have. You may also be in with a chance to get your work either performed or published. No matter what your writing style this is an excellent way to get involved and let your creative juices flow. For more information email dramasoc@yusu.org.

Comedienne Josie Long, winner of 2006 Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is performing at Basement Bar on 7th February from 19.00. Tickets are ÂŁ8.00 concessions

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20 Questions

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LISA BLACKWELL 4) Who are your heroes? I don't have any - hero is a strong word. My mum is my biggest influence, and I really respect the work of Julie Walters, Sally Hawkins and Judy Dench. 5) What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

1) Can you describe yourself in 5 words?

and have to learn how to balance my time more now, but my life in general is pretty much still the same. 9) If you were world leader, what would be the first thing you'd do?

I have no idea yet. Only just decided on choosing what I'm going to study next!

13) What are you scared of?

Ellen Page

If you fail to plan you plan to fail 3) Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?

8) How has your TV work changed your life?

A crying baby

I'm more busy

11) When were you happiest? No idea, I'm happy a lot. 12) What are you most proud of?

Saturday

The Day of the Dead: Grand Opera House

MELT: Fibbers

A brand new show from The Circus of Horrors. It's a fusion between daredevil and bizarre circus acts performed by a cast of 26, plus live rock and roll played by The Intercepters from Hell.

This weekly Indie Electro club night brings the sounds of: Justice, Daft Punk, Soulwax, Friendly Fires, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Housecat, Passion Pit, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Little Boots and many more.

Prices from £16.25 with NUS card

Entry £3 before 12

Friday

John Cooper Clarke + Frank Sidebottom: Fibbers The original punk poet; The Bard; The Salford Stick Insect; the name behind the hairstyle; and a bitterly accurate commentator on (mostly) Northern life for over thirty years. Tickets: £18 otd or £15 in advance

Only had 2- Skins and lifeguarding, so I'd have to say lifeguarding 17)

What's your most treasured possession? A wooden ornament

my great grandad carved. The craftsmanship is immense, it inspires me to keep going when I get bored of painting. 18) Favourite food? Apples 19) What is your most unappealing habit? I don't know about an unappealing habit - I have a weird obsession with the order I butter my toast. That's not a very good thing. 20) What do you do to relax? Swim.

My younger sister, she's bigger than me, it's intimidating.

What's on... 20

Wednesday

15) And the last film you watched?

16) What's the worst job you've ever done?

My morals

2) What's your favourite quote?

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Murder Ballads

10) What's your guilty pleasure?

6) And before you die?

7) Who would play you in a movie of your life?

14) What was the last album you listened to?

Iris

Tea and biscuits

A bit of a giggle

Skins' star Lisa Blackwell, 18, first came onto our screens in 2008 as Effe's loveable, ditsy, friend PANDORA. After E4's brought us three series of sex, drugs and drama, the Skins cast now returns for it's fourth series that airs at 8pm on 28th January.

Quit

Travel, do a foundation art course, then an art/chemistry degree, and ideally have continued my acting career at the same time. I really want to do some theatre work and period dramas.

LISTINGS

20th-30th January

Picturehouse Docs presents Crude: City Screen Following one of the most high-profile and controversial lawsuits in history, Crude spotlights the legal battles of 30,000 indigenous Amazonian Ecuadorians as they seek compensation from one of the world's most powerful oil companies, the Chevron Corporation. This documentary film is only shown at a handful of cinemas over the country so this one off production is well worth catching.

The Doors Alive re-create the sound, look, presence and feel of a real 1960's Doors concert, taking you back in time with many classics including Light My Fire, People Are Strange and Riders On The Storm

Thursday

Dick Whittington: Central Hall The Pant Soc's winter pantomime follows the famous rags to riches story as Dick travels to London to seek fortune, family and political notoriety. Tickets £4.50 otd or from Yourshop

Saturday

Wax On: Leeds Student Union Leeds Uni's Wax On boasts another cracking line up including Erol Alkan, Vitalic, Filthy Dukes, Eskimo Twins, People Get Real, Doorly, Caspa, Joker, Zinc and many more!

Tickets £10 in advance or £12 o.t.d.

Tickets £15 - www.leedstickets.com

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QI Society presents: QI

Pizza will be provided in Week 10

Scenesters

Tuesday

The Doors Alive: The Duchess

Everybody's welcome to join us on Fridays at 8pm in Derwent Bar (McQ's in week 2) for drinks before going to the JCR to watch the show at 8:30.

Interview by Jenny McLarne y

Scene Editor Jenny McLarney Music Editors Laura Cress Kate Missenden Music Deputies Stefan Philpott Jaime Riley Film Editors Charles Rivington David Elliott Film Deputy Thomas Martin TV Editor Scott Bryan TV Deputy Rob Sloan Games Editors Chris Craddock Nathon Blades Books Editors Natasha Haldon Caitlin Potter Books Deputies Angus Hill Isobel Shipp Culture Editors Iszie Chew Lizzie Liptrot Culture Deputy Maryja Morrison