Much is made about the apparent arrogance of frontman Liam Fray, and obviously this draws comparisons with another gobby Mancunian front man called Liam, however, that is not to say that The Courteeners are anything like Oasis in the way they sound. Liam Fray pointed out that any such comparisons are “lazy” and he is right.
There is a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance. Oasis’ Liam Gallagher oozes confidence but he also adds a sense of charm and humour to his confidence whereas Fray comes across as cocky and somebody who loves himself too much. There was a moment midway into the gig, when bottles were being thrown around and one full of water or beer, seemingly broke Fray’s guitar and in his own egotistical way he lashed out some verbal abuse at the perpetrators mentioning how he was “f***ing brilliant at the guitar” and just two people were ruining it for everybody. “Fallowfield Hillbilly” has a line which says “Can you play guitar my boy? Can you f***?” How ironic.
Such criticism would suggest a bad review for The Courteeners is on its way, but that is far from the truth. To be fair to them, they put on a very good show which, if a tad unspectacular, gave the audience exactly what they wanted. Almost all of the album was played, there were new songs and even a B-side for the die-hard fans.
Even after releasing only a solitary album The Courteeners have a surprising number of sing-along anthems. “Not Nineteen Forever” caused a particular stir amongst the crowd, with everybody singing along with Fray. Set closer “What took you so long?” was a perfect choice to end the set as the audience continued to sing the “woah-oh-oh” long after the band departed the stage. New single, “That Kiss” was the weakest link in their set, The Courteeners do not suit sensitive sounding songs and it sounded totally out of place.
Liam played two songs solo (“No You Didn’t, No You Don’t” and “Yesterday, Today & Probably Tomorrow”). The idea of the front man playing two songs alone without the rest of the band stunk of self-indulgence but they proved to be a highlight of the night.
The Courteeners may not be the most original band or even the most likeable characters but something they know how to do is write a good sing-along lads’ anthem and the new songs did nothing to make one think otherwise.
3.5/5
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires (XL Recordings)
Comparisons to New York’s kings of cool, The Rapture are obvious but their influence on music right now is there for all to see. Dance music is having quite an influence on indie at the moment and whilst “nu-rave” thankfully never really got going despite the hype, the likes of Friendly Fires, Late of the Pier and Klaxons are leading the way with their mixture of guitars and electro.
For an album that has taken some two years to make, the album seems very lean, clocking in at just 37 minutes, but this does not detract from the quality of the album at all.
The songs stick to a fairly similar formula throughout but there are some excellent stand out tracks (‘Paris’ and 'In the Hospital') but the album sounds good as a whole, not sounding out of place on the radio or on the dance floor. Instantly accessible, you’ll be sure to hear more from them.
4/5
For an album that has taken some two years to make, the album seems very lean, clocking in at just 37 minutes, but this does not detract from the quality of the album at all.
The songs stick to a fairly similar formula throughout but there are some excellent stand out tracks (‘Paris’ and 'In the Hospital') but the album sounds good as a whole, not sounding out of place on the radio or on the dance floor. Instantly accessible, you’ll be sure to hear more from them.
4/5
To anyone that reads this...
I understand there are millions of you. Anyway, the module in my course at uni I was doing this for has now finished but I've decided to carry on using the blog but now with a different intention.
I've started to get back into writing album and gig reviews. I won' bother posting the old ones that I did a couple of years ago, but from now on, each review I do will be up on here.
Peace x
I've started to get back into writing album and gig reviews. I won' bother posting the old ones that I did a couple of years ago, but from now on, each review I do will be up on here.
Peace x
Monday 21 April 2008
Affleck's Palace Becomes Affleck's
Manchester’s famous alternative department store, Affleck’s Palace has undergone a change of management.
After months of doubt and speculation, Bruntwood have taken charge of the building after the previous leaser, Elaine Walsh had to relinquish the building after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
Despite only having a lease on the building, Mrs Walsh does own the famous mosaics that adorn the walls of Affleck’s Palace. The mosaics have been removed from the walls now and have been taken to be renovated and then possibly auctioned off.
The new owners have quickly stamped their authority on the building making several changes already. They have replaced the mosaics on the outside walls with their own artwork; they have renovated the stairwells and rebranded the building simply as Affleck’s.
To celebrate the relaunch of Affleck’s, “Afflecks Day” was commissioned. People packed into the café as the event included live music as well as DJ sets by the Hacienda’s Dave Haslam and Inspiral Carpets’ Tom Hingley.
Bruntwood’s manager, Tony Martin, told the Manchester Evening News that due to the event’s success “it could become an annual event.”
Such an idea would surely go down well with Affleck’s shoppers because many feel as though it holds a special place in Mancunian culture. When Affleck’s’ future was in doubt there was a lot of protest from shoppers and celebrities alike, including some of Manchester’s most famous musicians from the likes of Oasis and New Order.
After months of doubt and speculation, Bruntwood have taken charge of the building after the previous leaser, Elaine Walsh had to relinquish the building after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
Despite only having a lease on the building, Mrs Walsh does own the famous mosaics that adorn the walls of Affleck’s Palace. The mosaics have been removed from the walls now and have been taken to be renovated and then possibly auctioned off.
The new owners have quickly stamped their authority on the building making several changes already. They have replaced the mosaics on the outside walls with their own artwork; they have renovated the stairwells and rebranded the building simply as Affleck’s.
To celebrate the relaunch of Affleck’s, “Afflecks Day” was commissioned. People packed into the café as the event included live music as well as DJ sets by the Hacienda’s Dave Haslam and Inspiral Carpets’ Tom Hingley.
Bruntwood’s manager, Tony Martin, told the Manchester Evening News that due to the event’s success “it could become an annual event.”
Such an idea would surely go down well with Affleck’s shoppers because many feel as though it holds a special place in Mancunian culture. When Affleck’s’ future was in doubt there was a lot of protest from shoppers and celebrities alike, including some of Manchester’s most famous musicians from the likes of Oasis and New Order.
Saturday 19 April 2008
Is Affleck's Still The Same?
Affleck’s Palace is something of a
There had been fears that the alternative department store would close when the 25 year lease had not been renewed. Bruntwood have since taken the reins rebranding it “Affleck’s” making some redevelopments including replacing the famous artwork which was taken by previous owner, Elaine Walsh.
Negotiations between Bruntwood and Mrs Walsh continued for months but they were unable to strike a deal and so she had to leave, taking with her the famous mosaics which adorned Affleck’s Palace’s walls.
Bruntwood’s manager, Tony Martin, claimed in the Manchester Evening News “We're not looking to change Afflecks in any way.
“We want to keep the character, that's the most important thing, and we've involved the stall holders every step of the way.”
This notion was not shared by Jez Fitzgerald, who runs tattoo stall, Skinvasion. “Since Elaine Walsh left it has changed. The atmosphere, the people who come and the reasons it is being run have all changed. It has lost most of its character. Big business planning will undermine the ideals which made this place.”
If this is the case then it would be a great shame because Affleck’s Palace does have a special place in the hearts of many and it is renowned not only in
Deborah Schofield, who works at a clothes stall called Zeefa, disagrees with Mr Fitzgerald, saying that one of Affleck’s strengths is that “it hasn’t changed”.
Affleck’s Palace, during its 25 years of existence has acquired itself a very unique perception and it is generally seen as a significant symbol of Mancunian culture.
Mr Fitzgerald says “It is one of the only places of its kind. It is something which has had points of reference to many of
The fact that the likes of Alice Cooper go to Affleck’s Palace is a measure of the size of its reputation. Also, members of Oasis, Inspiral Carpet, Happy Mondays and New Order joined the campaign to keep it open.
Michael James – Robinson, the administrator of the Affleck’s Palace facebook group which has over 2,000 members, described why Affleck’s is so special. “Affleck's has always been a friendly place where me and my friends would meet up for a hot drink and a chat in Top Café before moving on for a bit of shopping, it's where I like to shop with my girlfriend and friends alike, it's an epicentre for finding new clubs and items you just can't get anywhere else as on every floor there are flyers for shops, clubs, bars, bands and places that alternative friendly, it's not the kind of thing you find in your local citizens advice bureau.”
He continued: “It is a piece of history and one of the few places left where alternatives can have so much purchasing choice without the threat of being singled out for being different or looked at like a shoplifter just for dressing in black.”
Mr Fitzgerald said that it is a place where “people who couldn’t cut it in the ‘real world’ would come. It became somewhere out of the norm.”
Despite Affleck’s being an established part of Mancunian alternative culture, Mr Fitzgerald is pessimistic about the future. “In its heyday the décor and the atmosphere were the major attractions but this has slowly changed.”
The fact that Affleck’s Palace stayed open pleased many people but what still remains of what it was spiritually is up for debate. Mr Fitzgerald said: “In some ways it would have been a big loss. The biggest loss was Elaine Walsh.
“To me, Affleck’s Palace is about Elaine Walsh more than a building. She is the one who had the courage and foresight to set this up for the people of
“Affleck’s would be worth five times more if it was empty than with all of us (the market stall owners) in it”.
Mr James – Robinson added: “If Affleck's had closed it would have created a void in Manchester leaving alternatives few an far between and scattered about, sure for the over 18s there are clubs but for the younger generations they would be loosing something that they would never get back, worse still future alternatives may never have known what Affleck's is all about and it would have become another piece of history, another unique place lost to the housing industry.
“Some damage has already been done and many shops have been forced to close before the building was saved, many good shops have fallen with no sign of them opening back up, there are large sections of floor left empty, we can only hope that other like minded and unique shops decide to take up residence bringing Affleck's back to its former glory”.
The way that things are going over at Affleck’s as it is now called does not bode well for it’s future and a more commercialised future beckons and as Mr Fitzgerald earlier hinted, the ideals that made Affleck’s Palace could walk out of the door along with Elaine Walsh and her mosaics.
Appearance aside, it is clear that Affleck’s Palace and Affleck’s are two very different things.
Saturday 23 February 2008
Delightfully Disturbing Dexter?
Acclaimed American TV series Dexter hits our screens on Wednesday night. In case you don't know the series is about Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall, of Six Feet Under fame), a forensics expert for the Miami police and he is a serial killer who kills the bad guys that the police can't catch.
Such a programme is bound to cause some controversy and it probably will attract complaints as some people like to complain about anything to OFCOM (take Holly Willoughby's dress for example). Still looking at "Dexter" it does contain elements of very dark humour, and I'm sure it will be argued that murder is not something which should be joked about.
In America, there have been requests by parents associations to boycott "Dexter". The complaints are because it is screened on CBS in the last hour of primetime, 10pm and many children do see it. Surely it is the parents' responsibility to ensure that their children do not see these kinds of programmes? ITV, who will be showing "Dexter" in Britain have taken this into account and it is going to be screened at 10:30pm, a time when it is obvious that adult content is likely to be included. Then again, that raises another issue of whether black comedy about a serial killer is even adult content and whether it should be exposed to anybody? Fred A. Miller from The Ithaca Journal is definitely against "Dexter":
"Nothing justifies using the publicly owned broadcast airwaves to expose potentially hundreds of thousands of children to a series that glorifies a ruthless, bloodthirsty killer."
And he goes on to say:
"The biggest problem with this series is something they can't get around with any amount of editing: i.e. the series compels viewers to feel empathy for a serial killer, to root for him to prevail, to hope he doesn't get discovered."
I, personally have seen the first series and have read the first two books ("Darkly Dreaming Dexter" and "Dearly Devoted Dexter") and in a sense I can agree with what Mr Miller says, because whilst watching/reading, I was rooting for Dexter to get his hands on his victims and "bring them to justice" as it were.
The show was originally shown on FX, but now for the first time will reach mainstream British television audiences and I think the ITV advertising campaign does a good job of letting the viewer know what they are getting themselves into. The show has been accused of glorifying serial killers but what must be remembered is that it is not real.
In defence of "Dexter", it is one of my favourite TV series and the books are also good. Within the story Dexter stresses that he is not human and does not possess any of the characteristics of an average human being and he does not feel emotion. He calls himself a monster. If anybody is affected by this programme and feels an urge to reenact the scenes in "Dexter" then surely they possess similar characteristics and can also be called a monster.
I enjoyed the programme greatly and have recommended it to many but does that make me a bad person for enjoying a programme about a murderer? It isn't for me to say but the success of the show in America, and to a lesser extent in the UK, prove that I am not the only person of this opinion.
Such a programme is bound to cause some controversy and it probably will attract complaints as some people like to complain about anything to OFCOM (take Holly Willoughby's dress for example). Still looking at "Dexter" it does contain elements of very dark humour, and I'm sure it will be argued that murder is not something which should be joked about.
In America, there have been requests by parents associations to boycott "Dexter". The complaints are because it is screened on CBS in the last hour of primetime, 10pm and many children do see it. Surely it is the parents' responsibility to ensure that their children do not see these kinds of programmes? ITV, who will be showing "Dexter" in Britain have taken this into account and it is going to be screened at 10:30pm, a time when it is obvious that adult content is likely to be included. Then again, that raises another issue of whether black comedy about a serial killer is even adult content and whether it should be exposed to anybody? Fred A. Miller from The Ithaca Journal is definitely against "Dexter":
"Nothing justifies using the publicly owned broadcast airwaves to expose potentially hundreds of thousands of children to a series that glorifies a ruthless, bloodthirsty killer."
And he goes on to say:
"The biggest problem with this series is something they can't get around with any amount of editing: i.e. the series compels viewers to feel empathy for a serial killer, to root for him to prevail, to hope he doesn't get discovered."
I, personally have seen the first series and have read the first two books ("Darkly Dreaming Dexter" and "Dearly Devoted Dexter") and in a sense I can agree with what Mr Miller says, because whilst watching/reading, I was rooting for Dexter to get his hands on his victims and "bring them to justice" as it were.
The show was originally shown on FX, but now for the first time will reach mainstream British television audiences and I think the ITV advertising campaign does a good job of letting the viewer know what they are getting themselves into. The show has been accused of glorifying serial killers but what must be remembered is that it is not real.
In defence of "Dexter", it is one of my favourite TV series and the books are also good. Within the story Dexter stresses that he is not human and does not possess any of the characteristics of an average human being and he does not feel emotion. He calls himself a monster. If anybody is affected by this programme and feels an urge to reenact the scenes in "Dexter" then surely they possess similar characteristics and can also be called a monster.
I enjoyed the programme greatly and have recommended it to many but does that make me a bad person for enjoying a programme about a murderer? It isn't for me to say but the success of the show in America, and to a lesser extent in the UK, prove that I am not the only person of this opinion.
Monday 4 February 2008
The End of the Spice Girls
After years of anticipation, the Spice Girls finally put any supposed tensions to bed and reformed last summer and played a huge world tour throughout the winter, and now they have decided to cut short said tour, and now they seem to have decided to call it a day altogether.
Now, you would think that this would disappoint thousands, maybe even millions, but there have been suggestions that the tour was cut short amid a lack of interest in it, but it is difficult to know who to believe.
Ever since the reformation of the Spice Girls the media have sought to stir up tensions between the members of the band. The split has generally been blamed on a rift between the five girls but whether the truth has been published, who knows?
Their official reason was family commitments and fair enough, they do have families, but for years they have done nothing and they knew when they made the tour dates that they would still have families to contend with, and predictably, the reaction has been negative to say the least. "Angry Spice Girl fans have started a vicious Internet hate campaign after the girls cancelled the rest of their world tour after bitch fighting." (Metro)
A story in the Daily Mirror claimed that the tour was cut short because of rows and that they were even staying in different hotels, and they were not the only publication to make such a claim.
Strangely enough, the Sunday Mirror claimed that the remainder of the tour had been cancelled due to a lack of interest. So the Mirror has published two reasons why the tour was cancelled, in two different articles. To me, this just smacks of desperation for a big story for the Mirror.
In my humble opinion I think it's wrong that the Spice Girls have cut short their tour and decided to msplit up. They made a commitment to play concerts to their fans who paid a hell of a lot of money to see them and they have turned their back on them. I take the point about families and needing to send the kids back to school, but they have husbands/boyfriends/friends who could look after the kids for a while. The comeback has been a major success and perhaps its premature end has tarnished it somewhat, but I think they have surprised a lot of people because I do not think a lot was expected from this tour performance-wise but they have received rave reviews despite the media's hopes that it would be a gargantuan failure.
Despite the uproar of recent events, the legacy of the Spice Girls is still in tact and they can be proud that they did themselves justice but the music consumers are what matter in the music industry but the Spice Girls don't seem to have recognised this and whilst, although I am an outsider to the situation, surely the girls could have finished the tour and ended their musical careers (at least as a group) on a high instead of under a cloud.
Now, you would think that this would disappoint thousands, maybe even millions, but there have been suggestions that the tour was cut short amid a lack of interest in it, but it is difficult to know who to believe.
Ever since the reformation of the Spice Girls the media have sought to stir up tensions between the members of the band. The split has generally been blamed on a rift between the five girls but whether the truth has been published, who knows?
Their official reason was family commitments and fair enough, they do have families, but for years they have done nothing and they knew when they made the tour dates that they would still have families to contend with, and predictably, the reaction has been negative to say the least. "Angry Spice Girl fans have started a vicious Internet hate campaign after the girls cancelled the rest of their world tour after bitch fighting." (Metro)
A story in the Daily Mirror claimed that the tour was cut short because of rows and that they were even staying in different hotels, and they were not the only publication to make such a claim.
Strangely enough, the Sunday Mirror claimed that the remainder of the tour had been cancelled due to a lack of interest. So the Mirror has published two reasons why the tour was cancelled, in two different articles. To me, this just smacks of desperation for a big story for the Mirror.
In my humble opinion I think it's wrong that the Spice Girls have cut short their tour and decided to msplit up. They made a commitment to play concerts to their fans who paid a hell of a lot of money to see them and they have turned their back on them. I take the point about families and needing to send the kids back to school, but they have husbands/boyfriends/friends who could look after the kids for a while. The comeback has been a major success and perhaps its premature end has tarnished it somewhat, but I think they have surprised a lot of people because I do not think a lot was expected from this tour performance-wise but they have received rave reviews despite the media's hopes that it would be a gargantuan failure.
Despite the uproar of recent events, the legacy of the Spice Girls is still in tact and they can be proud that they did themselves justice but the music consumers are what matter in the music industry but the Spice Girls don't seem to have recognised this and whilst, although I am an outsider to the situation, surely the girls could have finished the tour and ended their musical careers (at least as a group) on a high instead of under a cloud.
Monday 28 January 2008
Howdo
Well, here is my first proper blog, I hope it serves you well. Obviously I have limited experience of blogs, but I used to run a blog on my MySpace page in which I posted some album and gig reviews and also I do read some blogs, so I am familiar with the format.
You can rest assured that my subsequent blogs will inform, excite and hopefully be of general interest to you and create a platform for some debate.
Within my blog, many topics will be covered to the best of my ability to give you information on events in entertainment as well as some big issues. My preferred topic will be music as I feel as though this is my area of expertise, but I will not neglect to include film and television blogs.
Regards,
Phil
You can rest assured that my subsequent blogs will inform, excite and hopefully be of general interest to you and create a platform for some debate.
Within my blog, many topics will be covered to the best of my ability to give you information on events in entertainment as well as some big issues. My preferred topic will be music as I feel as though this is my area of expertise, but I will not neglect to include film and television blogs.
Regards,
Phil
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