The Reviews

More Apologies!

2009-08-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really sorry!!! this isn't like me, but i think I'll have to leave posting another week. I really can't find anything interesting to write and have very little energy to write with. Again, huge apologies! I look forward to posting once more.

Hopefully, I'll have enough money to see the new Tarantino movie - Inglourious Basterds - this week. I think I'll have very little, or no, criticism for it, because Quentin is amazing and the trailer makes it look really good. :(

My Apologies...

2009-08-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in ages, but I've been genuinely busy. As of now, I will be posting at least once a week. This will be mainly on Sundays.

I must also apologise for the fact that near-future-reviews will focus on reasonably old material, as I've not had the time to find something worthwhile for this week. I look forward to posting this sunday.

Atonement

2009-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Okay. This is by no means a new book, but it is the book that I have just read.

Naturally, I'm biased. I studied a McEwan novel at A-level and it enthralled me, drawing me into McEwan's style. He is such a psychological writer with so much to offer, at points he can be deadly serious, at others hilarious. He is so skilled at creating lovable or contemptable characters, that empathy is unavoidable. He clearly has a strong grasp of the human psyche. See, I'm strongly biased.

This book offers a panoramic overview of pre-', post-' and wartime Britain as well as a strong fulfilling intricacy, allowing an appreciation of the lifestyle of this era, how people endured such tumultuous times and hyperbolising the duration of Briony's turmoil. Then, finally the book reaches a completely unexpected bittersweet conclusion, which suddenly hits you with ideas of unreliable narrator and deception.

A wholly entertaining novel. convincing, captivating and thought-provoking writing packed full of guilt, shame and disappointment.

A hazy, not-too-revealing summary of the book.
This book tells the tale of Briony, a drama and literature obsessed teen, who witnesses certain events between her sister, Cecilia, and her childhood friend, Robbie Turner, both have returned from Cambridge to their ancient, rural home for the summer. This is the same summer that Briony's older brother Leon, Mr. Marshall and her three cousins are due to stay. Later, gravely serious events occur, which Robbie is convicted for, because of Briony's lies and her reporting a concerningly lecherous letter. Briony spends the rest of her life attempting to atone her crime, but...

A fish finger in a bowl? What? Chick-nuggets? Huh? Chimps in parliament? not-so-shocking.

2009-07-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I visited the Banksy vs. Bristol Museum exhibition, however, I feel that -as a Bristolian Banksy lover- I should probably allow other Banksy lovers, not from Bristol, the chance to see some of the works hence create a blog on it.

Banksy has provided his voracious enthusiasts with plenty of stimulus. The sorrowful atmosphere of some pieces can be really influential; inspiring a strong reflection on man-kind and it's direction. Others can offer witty and comic points giving a slight comic reflief.

This exhibition has something else to offer that a lot of art exhibitions cannot. A strong sense of 3D, a sense of the surreal and a sense of fun. The exhibition was as eccentric as the Mad-Hatter's tea party with a strongly creative and fun tone, however, was succinctly brusque in it's portrayal of themes. However surreal the works got, it's easy to say that people of all ages and backgrounds could relate to the pieces with whatever perception they had.

Banksy vs. Bristol Museum feels very interactive and concise, as the animatronix sat behind bars, artwork was disposed of and paving warped.

So much of Banksy vs. Bristol Museum relates to everyday life and is so free in it's expression, this - I feel - will make it more influential to young people.

A great day out and easily entertaining for anyone. Surreal, stimulating and suggestive.

Notes on opening my blog.

2009-07-05T14:59:00.001-07:00

Hello! I want to provide you with my honest opinions on the latest productions hitting art, literature, music and media.

I'm going to start by reviewing this page...

It's naff! There are no posts and so far no useful information, controversial perspectives or other subscribers/viewers.

So, let's try and change that!

Live On Earth by The Cat Empire.

2009-07-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

I’ve not heard much of their music before this album, I was told by friends that they were good... They were wrong. They’re brilliant! If ever there’s been a band I cannot tire of, this is it.

Live On Earth. Def. n 1.A two disc compilation of the most fantastic, vibrant and exciting live recordings available. 2. Mind-blowing.

Australia has produced many great exports in the past from big time pop stars to formidably surreal groups (Empire of the Sun), but it’s safe to say that The Cat Empire is not only one of the finest musical exports of Oz, but possibly one of the best groups on the planet. They’ve not just received exaltation from me, but (in my head) a full apotheosis and apology for underestimating them.

After eight years of producing albums and gigging, the group have pieced together a live album, which I cannot stop playing either on my iPod or in my head. The captivating charm of the bands tunes is remarkable, the hook of the riff in Reason and Rhyme and the chorus to The Chariot are inescapably catchy. There’s not a song or part in a song that I can think of which does not have a definite pulse or deep meaning. The keyboard wizardry of Ollie McGill becomes only too apparent in The Car Song, where Ollie transcends to another realm of musical bliss gladly taking the band, audience and the listener with him.

The group clearly are not only skilled at producing awe-inspiringly great music, but clearly danceable music. The Cat Empire is made of multicultural influences and a willing embrace towards both new and old genres.

Thank you for such a great compilation of live material The Cat Empire!