Notebook Letters 7.

My most moving lyric is "At night, when the stars shine, I'll wait for you" from i Just Can't Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson. Pete Aston

Vernon claims no-one is falling for "the same oold stodge" thanks to Oasis' album dropping in the chart. He can't have heard the album, as it's a very different sound. Very narrow-minded of him. Their Electric Proms blew me away, and I'm seeing them in Belfast soon. So excited. Aaron O'Neill

The Void; Teletext page 827; 30th of October, 2008; 5/7.

Nobody claimed AC/DC are inventive, least of all the band themselves. They do rock & roll better than anyone on the planet and their new album is ecatly that. As Malcolm Young says: "Deep, political lyrics are all very well for some bands. But, at the end of the night, people still want to go home and get f***ed." Problem Child

AC/DC, and Status Quo, are goodtime, no frills, rock & roll. God bless 'em for it. Steve Oldhippy

The Void; Teletext page 827; 30th of October, 2008; 6/7.

Where's Eden Vale?

Hi. Could you tell me what happened to the film Eden Vale? It never came to our cinemas in East Kilbride. M Major, East Kilbride

Vortex: You mean Eden Lake, the Brit horror. It's only on limited release so get the DVD, out on Jan 5, 2009.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 1/6.

Vortex kicked horribly

Time of the month, Vortex?! We have enough inane comments on these pages without Vortex butting in with them! Maybe as editor you should correct a viewer's error. After all, you seem to butt in after every other comment!

It just makes you look ignorant by printing these mistakes. As for thinking Scary Movies clever? Now that makes me laugh. Just shows why you disagree with everybody's constructive comments! Michael, Belfast

Vortex; Teletext page page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 2/6.

Trouble with Quantum

The Quantum of Solace reviews are troubling. If correct I blame the writers. Paul Haggis has good pedigree but what have Robert Wade and Neal Parvis done to keep getting hired? They penned The World Is Not Enough, a dreary Bond film with the most boring third act of history.

They scripted Die Another Day, OTT bond by numbers. True, they were involved with Casino Royale, but consider the source material.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 3/6.

Trouble with Quantum

Outside of Bond they've written Johnny English, stoned, Plunkett and Macleane. Hardly groundbreaking. The producers need to start adapting some of the books by Gardener, Benson and Faulks or hiring screenwriters that can come up with decent storylines and know how to plot Fleming-esque thrillers. S Ramsay, Cheshire

Vortex: Solace's main problem is that it's so like other action thrillers.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 4/6.

OHMSS is best Bond

Best Bond film: On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Best Bond Girl: Domino from Thunderball. Best Bond: connery, although Craig getting closer! Best villain: Red Grant. PS, I also got 007 tattoed on right arm. Nobody Does It Better! Gavin, Derbyshire

We are coming up to Hallowe'en. Who else thinks Blair Witch is cr*p? Michael Scales, Yorks

Vortex: Count us in.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 5/6.

Giving away plots

Re: Giving away plots. The worse example I have seen on Big Screen is the Bourne Ultimatum review, where Paddy Considine's demise was revealed. I don't expect you will print this as that clanger was pretty iddefensible. I would urge more prudence in future reviews, and urge you not to set your standards by others. Anon

A View To A Kill is my favourite Bond film. Griffin, Norfolk

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 30th of October, 2008; 6/6.

Optimo/ Sleepwalk

Reviews by John Earls

After a decade in which Twitch and Wilkes have overseen Glasgow's hippest club, here's their first mix set.

Splendidly odd it is too, a land where Nurse With Wound's brutal industrial soon eases into Karen Dlton's spectral folk, while Duke Ellington parps away.

More of a home listen than dancefloor action, from Future Pilot AKA's single to Chris & Cosey's ambient there's many new acts for anyone to discover. 7/10

1/6.

Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid/ NYC

Frequent collaborators by now, Four Tet's Hebden and jazz drummer Reid make an album in H*ll's Kitchen that's inspired by assorted New York streets.

It lacks the inspired new thrills of their earlier work, where each delighted at the apparent incongruity of their two styles fusing together.

Instead, they're in danger of relying on their own shorthand, repeating past tricks and seeming a little smug.

Parts & Labor/ Receivers

In April, the New York art-punks asked fans to send in audio samples and field recordings. All of them are used here.

What's impressive is, how, far from an avant-garde experiment, they weave the mainly industial clankings into fine upbeat traditional New York.

Hints of Number One Cup and poppy Dandy Warhols abound, with action film FX occasionally blasting off behind them to stop it getting complacent. 7/10

3/6.

The Sea/ Get It Back

The first band Zandra Rhodes has designed outfits for in 25 years, apparently. She's lost her taste.

Cornwall's answer to The Datsuns, the Chisholm brothers try to recreate good old-fashioned party rock, but lack the memorable songs to pull it off.

Bludgeoning aimlessly, what tries to be battering ram simplicity just treads wearingly along in the slipstream of every boogie band since AC/DC. 4/10

4/6.

Various/ Born To The Breed: A Tribute To Judy Collins

Partly organised by Leonard Cohen, this tribute to the near-operatic singer is the definition of a mixed bag.

Rufus Wainwright is a natural, while Cohen, Dolly Parton and Chrissie Hynde bring their own charisma to bear.

But Joan Baez sleepwalks through Since You've Asked, whereas Shawn Colvin, Kenny White and Williams are far too tepid to be worthy of inclusion. One to cherrypick the odd goodie. 5/10

5/6.

Paul Carrack/ i Know That Name

One day, someone is going to do a Johnny Cash on the Ace/ Squeeze singer and find some songs to get his teeth into.

Until then, Carrack is left penning his own humdrum MOR inanities. Having written some great love songs in the past, Carrack now does barely enough, letting his distinctive rasp carry him.

6/6.

Teletext page 824; 31st of October, 2008.

By John Earls

Quotations of the week

"He tried to nick a hoodie from the merchandise stand when he was 15. Our security gave him a bump and broke his jaw." Kelly Jones says Wayne Rooney was a Stereophonics fan for years.

"What do I do? F*** knows. I sing, write songs, play piano and run around." Johnny Borrell on his purpose.

"I used to take my clothes off and play tennis with myself at night," Robert Smith. Enduring image, isn't it?

1/6.

The week ahead in radio

Elbow are on Colin Murray (Radio 1, Mon-Thu, 10pm), while Pulled Apart By Horses are on Huw Stephens (Wed, 9pm). The Killers' gig is live (Mon, 7pm).

Alesha Dixon and James Morrison are on Dermot O'Leary (R2, Sat, 2.30pm).

Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah is the subject of a Radio 2 documentary hosted by Guy Garvey (Sat, 7pm). Fela Kuti (Tue, 10pm) and Kris Kristofferson (Mon, 11.30pm) also get tributes.

2/6.

The week ahead in TV

The Last Shadow Puppets' Electric Proms gig is shown (BBC2, Fri, 11.35pm).

Late of The Pier and Kaiser Chiefs are on 4 Music (C4, Sat, 12.30am).

Martha Wainwright is on Buzzc*cks (BBC2, Thu, 9pm). The Killers, Al Green and Fleet Foxes are on Later (BBC2, Tue, 10pm). The Streets' new video is premiered (C4, Mon, 12.10), as is Oasis' (Wed, 11.35pm). Glasvegas are on Graham Norton (BBC2, Thu, 10pm).

3/6.

The week ahead in gigs

The Killers play a one-off gig on Monday, the same night Motorhead and Saxon start a joint tour.

The Feeling play from Friday, while Underworld play a pair of London gigs from Friday, the day Eugene McGuinness starts touring. Cage The Elephant get under way on Saturday, with The Kills kicking off on Tuesday.

4/6.

Champs of the week

Beyonce A double album, with just six songs on each disc, and changing her name to Sasha Fierce? Maybe it'll be as contrived as Mariah Carey's album about Mimi, but at least Beyoce's doing something odd for her return. One can only dream it'll be her equivalent of There's A Riot Goin' On.

The Killers They probably need some love right now. They were booked to be guests on Jonathan Ross' TV and radio shows before Sachsgate. Ouch.

5/6.

Chumps of the week

Glasvegas After all the talk of their Christmas album, it's only going to be available online. Or, if you want the CD, you'll have to buy their regular album all over again to get it as the "bonus" CD. Bit early to start ripping off fans to this extent, eh?

Johnny Marr A shame that, as he rightly harangued Warners for their shoddy treatment of The Smiths' catalogue, he's overseen the re-mastering of, er, a shoddy new Smiths Best Of.

6/6.

Teletext page 826; 31st of October, 2008.

Since my girlfriend and I broke up last week, I can't bear to listen to my MP3, as the majority of songs on it will remind me of her. I've had it with me constantly for two years, too. Am I being ridiculous, or has anybody else gone through this? Larry David II

If anybody thinks robert plant can't be replaced in led zeppelin, listen to jimmy page And The Black Crowes' album Live At The Greek. Step forward, Chris Robinson. Mackie

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 1/7.

So, Johnny Borrell and his backing band are back with another recycled ready-for-radio record. Wire To Wire is a travesty. Wanting to be the biggest abnd in the world isn't enough, boys, you need to earn it. Elbow, take a bow.

As for Aaron defending the new Oasis album by saying it's got a very different sound, he's taking "Don't believe the truth" too literally. The Oasis is dry, Aaron, and that's not a mirage. Spring Heeled Jim

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 2/7.

While my sister has kindly agreed to buy me the Deluxe Edition of Gabriella Cilmi's album for Christmas in exchange for my orginal copy, I'm thoroughly annoyed that Lessons To Be Learned is being reissued already.

I wish labels had the decency to issue the standard and deluxe editions at the same time, instead of punishing us fans who originally bought it out of another £10. I've set up a Facebook group on it. New Rave Snail

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 3/7.

How po-faced can Voiders be to slate AC/DC? Isn't Kaiser Chiefs' new single about skiving off school? How is that different to a grown man dressed as a schoolboy? It's called entertainment. As for Oasis, they were last relevant during Britpop. They haven't changed, but the world has.

Noel Gallagher's comments along the lines of "Jay-Z bad, Obama good" just highlights how simple their notions of the world are. Dave Workman

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 4/7.

My album of the year is Venus On Earth by Dengue. Anyone with an adventurous ear should check them out. Walter Sobchak

Void: There's an interview with them on air to next week, probably Tuesday. PS reshuffle allowing, like.

My most moving lyric is from Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here: "And did you exvhange a walk-on part in the war/ For a lead role in a cage?" It's so profound. Jamie Macdonald

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 5/7.

I only went to see Mogwai in London last week because a friend who's totally into them convinced me. I didn't know much about their music, but they were amazing, with awe-inspiring, thunderous guitars. I'm now going to invest in their albums. Karen Brett

Surprise, Surprise. Katy Perry is involved in another stage-managed so-called controversy. It's as if the slave to ProTools couldn't sell records without it. Tyler Durden

The Void; Teletext page 827; 31st of October, 2008; 6/7.

Saw 5 is a let-down

Ryan, Belfast: Agree with you re: Saw 5. It was such a let-down and a waste of 90 minutes. All the tension and suspense of the first film was lost and Costas Mandylor was the same as he always is. Love Scott Patterson, though. Sarah, Norwich

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 1/6.

No lurve Solace for me

Regarding your review for Quantum of Solace, you said that girlies loved the "lurve" content of Quantum of Solace. Nit this girl. This was the only thing I hated about it.

The dialogue was cringeworthy and awful. I also hated the finger licking scene in the shower. More action and plot for this woman and most, I think you will find. We can cope with it. PS. And I can explain offside! Josie, London

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 2/6.

Benson for Bond!

Re: Michael, Burton-on-Trent, I agree! I've always thought Benson's continuation books would make superb Bond films, especially the early ones. As with Casino Royale they could be brought up to date, plus his style is very cinematic and Fleming-esque. Can't fathom why EoN or MGM haven't snapped up the rights! Becka, Wiltshire

I'd love to see a film on medieval conflicts. The battle of Agincourt is particularly appealing. John, Newcastle

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 3/6.

St Nazaire raid film

Colin Lloyd, Lancs has a point. What do you think would make a cracking film? I'm not sure about the Falklands but I think the St Nazaire Raid (aka Operation Chariot) would make a brilliant action packed film. This suicide mission is the ultimate Commando World War 2 story and deserves its place on the big screen. Lee Rawlings, North Weald

Vortex: What about a Lord Mandy biopic?

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 4/6.

Horror sequels inferior

Horror filmmakers tell of their respect for the genre but deliver tiresome maniac-kills-trees films. Any originality is ruined by inferior sequels (A Nughtmare On Elm Street, H*llraiser, Saw) or laughable remakes (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hallowe'en).

The Alien and Predator films resisted being "another teen horror" but AvPR Requiem sank both franchises. Dave, Stockport

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 5/6.

Brokeback a mess

Maggie, Glasgow: I agree with you on Brokeback Mountain and Walk The Line. Brokeback aimed for naturalism but instead ended up a slow-paced, mumbling mess with unintelligible dialogue.

It only received critical acclaim because of its "gritty" storyline. Walk The Line was very much overrated, as was Reese Witherspoon's performance. She is a great actress, but did not deserve an Oscar. Lizzy, Ealing

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 31st of October, 2008; 6/6.

Why does nobody mention grime here? It's going to be in the mainstream sooner or later, so people should start listening to MCs like Chipmunk, Jme, Skepta and Bashy. Jarrett Brooks

My sympathies go to Larry David II for not wanting to play his MP3 for its memories of his ex. Years ago, my then-girlfriend loved INXS. When we broke up, they were on the radio everywhere. What a double boot up the bum that was. Negative Creep

The Void; Teletext page 827; 1st of November, 2008; 1/7.

Music will always serve as a bookmark to particular moments in your life, good and bad. My advice to Larry David II, who I feel for, would be to get ratted with your mates this weekend and fill your MP3 with Ramones tunes, Joey is a great healer. Tony Vegas

I wish Steve Oldhippy hadn't lumped AC/DC in with Status Quo. AC/DC are a worldwide hard rock phenomenon, not Butlin's pub rock for the blue rinse brigade. Bon's Pint

The Void; Teletext page 827; 1st of November, 2008; 2/7.

I'm an Eminem fan but, of his albums, only The Slim Shady LP is a classic. His freestyles from the late '90s were also superb, but he hasn't lived up to his potential. I was stoked when I heard Premo was producing some tracks on his new album, but Eminem didn't mention this on Zane Lowe's show.

If he doesn't work with Premo, I hope Eminem goes leftfield and works with an underground producer like Necro or Black Milk. Rich A

The Void; Teletext page 827; 1st of November, 2008; 3/7.