Notebook Letters 8.

Why is every man and his dog falling over themselves to praise Grace Jones' new album? It's vapid, bland nonsense. Jones was rubbish in the '80s, and she's rubbish now. Badsneakers

Like Nahid, I don't find Girls Aloud good role models for women. But there are plenty of men in music who have the equivalent criteria. Toned, muscular, self-absorbed and dumb. Yet, strangely, they never come in for criticism from women. Ma Goulden

The Void; Teletext page 825; 26th of November, 2008; 5/7.

My overlooked band is The Blue. A Walk Across The Rooftops and Hats are mind-blowing albums. They're also great live. I saw them in Glasgow a few months ago, and I'm still recovering from how great they were. H*llraiser

Throbbing Gristle are my forgotten great band. A force to be reckoned with in the '70s, they made people stand up and notice. Plus, they've influenced everyone from Depeche Mode to Klaxons. Angel

The Void; Teletext page 827; 26th of November, 2008; 6/7.

Holocaust outrage

I've read many 'oooh, how cruel to animals' letters about Cannibal Hlocaust. Why are you so single minded? While ranting about the poor animals you neglect the other shocking parts such as the abortion or the r*pe. Are they acceptable? Toby, Sheffield

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 1/6.

Holocaust gnaws vegetarians

Speaking as a vegetarian of 24 years, animals being killed for meat and for entertainment are different. It's human nature to eat meat, we're designed that way. Killing for films is not acceptable. Sharon, Bolton

If someone eats meat there is no reason they cannot recognise animal cruelty. Am I not allowed to be appalled by child cruelty because I don't have children? Get some perspective so we can move. Lotty Fairbanks

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 2/6.

Feeling your age

Ageism is now a part of cinema chain policy. I have noticed more and more that all cinema chains are putting their 18 certificate films on their lowest numbered screens which in turn means their smallest. Lee, North Weald

Cannibal Holocaust is considered to be a disgrace because it features real animal cruelty, yet Apocalypse Now, which also has an animal being slaughtered, is regarded as a work of art. They're both unwatchable. Steve, Dudley

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 3/6.

King of the flops

The worst film casting I ever saw was Richard Gere in a King Arthur film. He was dire. I expected him to start chewing gum. Margaret, Atherstone

Movie of the year has to be Seed. I like Uwe Boll films and this has to be his best. Aaron, Yorks

The breathtaking Jeeja Yamin gets my vote to win the best newcomer. Her performance in the Thai flick Chocolate was stunning. Max, Kettering

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 4/6.

Asian classics

Re Asian films. Here's a list of some essential, lyrical and forgotten Japanese gems. Toky Story, Kuroneko, The Life of Oharu, A Taxing Woman, Like Grains of Sand, Ikiru, Kwaidan, The Eel and Drunken Angel. Kevin Lee, Slough

Re Cannibal Holocaust, has it been passed uncut now in Britain? I thought the BBFC would not allow any animal cruelty to be shown in movies. I have the cut version and I can see how that version could cause offence. Mr C

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 5/6.

Fave films of the year

I have two favourite films of the year. sweeney todd, with Johnny Depp superb as usual. And The Mist, terrific and the ending still haunts me. Suzy, Herts

Top film to look out for in 2009, My Name Is Bruce. Starring the greatest actor ever, Bruce Campbell. Groovy! Zigzag, Huddersfield

Much as I admire De Niro I don't find his contrived expressions very attractive. Steve, Muirhouse

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 26th of November, 2008; 6/6.

David Byrne/ Big Love: Hymnal

Reviews by John Earls

The soundtrack to a US TV drama about a Mormon family, Byrne conceived these pieces to be fake Mormon hymns.

He claims they've become broader, but it's probably no coincidence this is out just in time for Christmas. It's a cross between Brassed Off and the muzak versions of carols being played over the Tannoy in any shopping centre.

Lacking any of his usual theatrics, it's one for devout Byrne fans only. 4/10

1/6.

Glasvegas/ A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)

In the incredibly bleak midwinter.

Not since Low has a band made such a brave stab at a Christmas record, though with the likes of F*** You It's Over and Cruel Moon, these are somewhat less reverential than the Mormons' LP.

But James Allan's nakedly emotional vocals and the questing spirit in their music mean a suitable sense of wonder is created, and most of this can be played at any time of year. 7/10

2/6.

The Welcome Wagon/ Welcome To The Welcome Wagon

Sufjan Stevens re-emerges to produce his friend and local Presbyterian pastor Rev Vito Auito and Auito's wife.

As these are would-be gospel songs of everything from traditional hymns to The Velvet Underground, it could easily be dismissed as a curio. Well, don't.

The playing is as delicate as Stevens' one, while the pair swap beautiful, fragile vocals climaxing is an awed take on Half A Person. Divine. 8/10

3/6.

Murcof/ The Versailles Sessions

In which electronica musician Murcof goes all 17th century, playing baroque instruments in six songs commissioned by an art festival in Versailles.

Murcof is at pains to point out this isn't a proper album of his, and no wonder. While his musings on flute and harpishord have a certain naive charm, they lack his usual confidence.

A worthwhile creative diversion, but it didn't need to be made public. 5/10

4/6.

Ribbons/ Royals

The debut album by composer Jherek Bischoff, who has guested with Xiu Xiu and Paranthetical Girls.

Massively pretentious, Bischoff likes to imagine he can try his hand at any style, from Morricone film music to ambient and African percussion.

Lacking the diligence to master any of his foms, he flounders as these sound like juvenile pastiches rather than justifiable eclecticism.

5/6.

Six Toes/ Trick of The Night

The debut of a Cornish band who recorded in the grounds of an old asylum in Ely, using drums they claim to have found under an old church.

Whether such spooky tales are true or not, there's certainly something sepulchral at play. Ben Rogers' high vocals are the ideal eerie foil for the stirring, gothic strings.

A little too histrionic at times, but a promising chiller of a debut. 7/10

6/6.

Teletext page 823; 27th of November, 2008.

I mentioned to a friend that I'd heard Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah three times in one day. He told me that's because it's been selected as the song for the X Factor winner to cover as their Christmas single, so are jumping in by playing Buckley's version. Simon Cowell is an enormous swear-word. Darren Green

Can any Voiders tell me who that gorgeous voice belongs to in the Littlewoods ad? Miss A Vein

The Void; Teletext page 825; 27th of November, 2008; 1/7.

I was slightly underwhelmed when I saw Blood Red Shoes live this summer, so I'm pleasantly surprised by their Box of Secrets album. It's well-crafted. Great songs with excellent vocals and boundless energy. It won't make my Top 10 of '08, but those youngsters are definitely going places. Dante Banks

chinese democracy is orgasmic, with songs that wash over you like a cool breeze on a hot day. Paula Kerr

The Void; Teletext page 825; 27th of November, 2008; 2/7.

What a shame Lister didn't like The Killers' new album and didn't give it a big thumbs-up. I can't believe numpties are daft enough to complain about a reviewer not liking their favourite band. How tiny-minded.

If you want to get a balanced impression before you hear it, then read a range of reviews. There's going to be truth in all of them. Don't imply a critic is negative just to big themselves up. The Amazing Blondel

The Void; Teletext page 825; 27th of November, 2008; 3/7.

Maroon 5

I'm beginning to see now what Emma The Little Angel sees in them now. I wasn't keen at first, but with repeated bombardments of their music, them being in Guitar Magazine, and hearing them in a club last night, I'm starting to like their stuff a little. The music actually isn't too bad, and the bassist certainly can pluck a good groove.

I can't say I share her admiration for the singer yet though. He's all yours!

Luco El Loco

Praise for a bass player? That's a first for Zine.

Zine; 3rd of March, 2005; 6/8.

While I like them, I'd hardly call Roxy Music a forgotten great, as Peter did. I think Japan qualify more for that category. They had a wide variety of styles, plus David Sylvian was one sharp dresser. Robella

The Fireman's new album proves Paul McCartney was the creative Beatle. If he were alive, John Lennon would be making MOR rubbish with Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart. Long live McCartney. Paul Lowe

The Void; Teletext page 825; 27th of November, 2008; 5/7.

I don't know what part of Croydon it is that Croydon Ian lives in but, if the thinks that Girls Aloud have "normal" figures, then he can't have looked out of his window in a while.

Women are denying their natural beauty in order to aspire to unrealistic images perpetuated by the media, Girls Aloud being just an example. I'd suggest a quick trip to our Whitgift Centre to see what a real woman looks like. Croydon Barry

The Void; Teletext page 825; 27th of November, 2008; 6/7.

Holocaust horrifies

Toby, as unpleasant as r*pe and abortion scenes are, they are just acted out whereas the animals are genuinely being harmed in the film Cannibal Holocaust. It's nothing to do with being single minded. It's to do with being humane. Sharon, Bolton

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 1/6.

Nothing goes to waste

The animals killed in Cannibal Holocaust were eaten by local tribes who they were filming with. The same animals are eaten every day by said tribe. For that reason alone it is acceptable. It was not slaughter for shock value. Why don't you mention the beautiful, haunting score instead of slagging the film off? Craig Tuffey

Russell Brand in Pirates of The Caribbean 4. One film I'll be avoiding like the plague. Phillip, Portadown

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 2/6.

Turning Japanese

Kevin, thanks for the Japanese film list. May I add some Kurosawa goodies such as: Yojimbo (remade as A Fistful of Dollars), Sanjuro, Kagemusha, The Hidden Fortress (George Lucas's primary inspiration for Star Wars). All wonderful films. Rosie Gilbert, Andover

The fact Mamma Mia! is selling millions of DVDs is staggering. It's an appalling film and I'm an Abba fan! Paul, Hailsham

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 3/6.

Going walkabout

Walkabout has a 12 rating despite animal slaughter. Was the dog really shot in Children of The D*mned? Very convincing. Peter, Wakefield

Iron Man sucks big time. It was all style and no substance. I was bored rigid in the cinema. Simon, Nottingham

The UK version of Cannibal Holocaust is cut. Yes, the film is upsetting but it does come with warnings. If in doubt don't watch it! Mark, Bolton

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 4/6.

The truth of it

What is everyone's fave true story movie? For me it's Alive and Mask. Can't believe they're remaking Karate Kid. The original was a gem. David Werboweckyj, Barnsley

Re Cannibal Holocaust. How does i'm A Celeb get away with it? Is there one rule for TV and one for film or don't bugs count? Kris, Weymouth

Is there a film based on the wrestler Andre The Giant? Paul, Stockton on Tees

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 5/6.

* Away football teams usually have a 30% chance of winning.

* Babies born with no cheekbones have a condition known as Treacher Collins syndrome.

* David Cameron slept on the Mall the night before Prince Charles married Lady Diana.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 19th of November, 2010; 1/3.

* A solitary church may signal where an entire village once stood.

* German shoes are wider than Italian.

* It can take 18 years for the foot's bones, muscles and ligaments to harden into adult form.

* One in three people aged over 65 will die with dementia.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 19th of November, 2010; 2/3.

* Dartmoor prison rents land from Prince Charles.

* Badgers still occupy setts known since the Domesday Book.

* The number of people raising funds for charity has doubled in the last three years.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 19th of November, 2010; 3/3.

Fave films of the year

Films of the year: Cloverfield and Dark Knight. Films to see in 2009, look out for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Avatar. Chris Botragyi, Ess*x

I've now watched QoS twice. The first time I watched it was difficult to follow. Having seen it again it's a great movie but I've noticed it's all about using your brain rather than expecting what Bond was like. I wonder what the next one will be like. Colin Lloyd, Lancs

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 27th of November, 2008; 6/6.

Is it just me, or does Oxford Comma remind anyone else of the theme tune from to Heartbeat? Chris McBride

What do other Voiders make of Bon Iver's album For Emma Forever Ago? It's the best I've heard recently. Andy G

Alan was spot-on to say The Rain pre-dated The Stone Roses. They were great, but overlooked. Since they've split, check out David Roback's work with Mazzy Star. John Bromley

The Void; Teletext page 827; 29th of May, 2008; 1/7.