Notebook Letters 9.

Pegg OK as Scotty

Simon Pegg should be OK as Scotty. He is more of a serious actor nowadays, anyway. Besides, when Leonard Nimoy was announced as (old) Spock it pretty much did away with any concerns the Trek fans had about the new film.

Paramount and JJ Abrams say they want to make the new Star Trek film more mainstream, like Star Wars. The most mainstream Trek film so far was probably The Voyage Home (the one with the whales).

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

Pegg OK as Scotty

In fact, the first few Star Trek films were pretty mainstream, kaking more box office than the James Bond films at the time in the USA.

The best Trek film was the Wrath of Khan.

But it might just be that this new one (which appears to be a sequel/ prequel) could edge it out to be the best ever. Pete, London

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

Don't give away plot

Mike Martin: I must write to you and plead with all my heart and soul. Will you please stop describing every twist and turn and plot element in your reviews of a film.

A review should be a little more than describing the plot and ending by saying "it's a bit of a winner". I can't bring myself to read your reviews of a film because I know I'll end up throwing the remote at the screen again.

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

Don't give away plot

I had heard of vampyr, but have never seen it. Oh cool, a new restoration! Great! Then Mike Martin told me the ending. It would have been great to find out for myself.

The cinema pages need more work before they reach the quality of the Games and Music pages but to be fair with the recent improvements in formats you are heading in the right direction. Yours ventingly, Dave C

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

* The yellow brick road leads to a car park.

* Iron man was into home brewing.

* Astronauts get travel sick.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 17th of June, 2011; 1/3.

* Women don't see Porsche drivers as marriage material.

* Magpies can scold humans.

* Men are the first to say 'I love you' in a new relationship.

* There is no music chart in India.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 17th of June, 2011; 2/3.

* Britains most stolen vehicle is white-van-man's Ford Transit.

* Tinkering with certain proteins could stop hair going grey.

* Britain's youngest undertaker is 16 years old.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 17th of June, 2011; 3/3.

Stricter rules for children

I agree there should be stricter rules for children at the cinema. A squad of five children with no adults present ruined my viewing pleasure while watching The Dark Knight at the Showcase Cinema in Linwood. And Indy 4 was a similar problem. Grant, Paisley

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 28th of August, 2008; 1/6.

Why we have 12A

The 12A is there because a lot of under-12s wanted to see Spider-Man. That's why 12 became 12A. I can't see it changing. Geoff, Hexham

Can you please tell me if the films Navajo Joe and The Big Gundown are available on DVD? Nikki V, Wiltshire

Vortex: Navajo Joe is out on September 8 from Optimum Home Ent and The Big Gundown is out on Best of Lee Van Cleef. Can't find a dedicated DVD.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 28th of August, 2008; 1/6.

Jar Jar is for real

While not my favourite Star Wars character, I'll gove Jar Jar Binks this: he adds a hint of realism to the prequels, in that there are those one finds annoying. Matthew, Wakefield

The worst remakes: The Hitcher starring Sean Bean is bad. The 1986 original is superior. Paul, Stockton-on-Tees

Layla: I think the film you are looking for is The Hunted. j oker, Gotham City

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 28th of August, 2008;3/6.

The Hunted is found

Layla, the film you are looking for is The Hunted, directed by The Exorcist man himself, William Friedkin.

And being a Trekkie, I can't wait to see Simon Pegg as Scotty. James oohan was just there for comic relief come the end. Don't remember him being serious in any of the Kirk films. Well, maybe the first. Stephen, Paignton

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 28th of August, 2008; 4/6.

"Worse" is the worst

Sorry to be pedantic, but I think the criticism should be the "worst" film, not the "worse". I remember my English grammar as being bad, worse, worst. The film I found most disappointing was Alexander. Even Angelina couldn't breathe life into it. Mike, Woking

Both A Prayer For The Dying and The Hunted (with Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro) are available online for around £4 each. Mike, Maidstone

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 29th of August, 2008; 5/6.

Blade Runner's record

Jenna: Blade Runner is so ham-fisted it spawned an entire literary subculture called cyberpunk and yes, Ridley Scott was so off the mark with his visionary depiction of the rise of multinational corporation and rainy weather. "It's too bad you can't see, but then again who can." tr, suss*x

Best soundtrack? Ladyhawke: rousing, emotional, uplifting, and Rutger Hauer: it has it all! Anne, Adlington

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 28th of August, 2008; 6/6.

I'm lucky enough to have come into some money, so I'm going to Australia to see The Wildhearts. It's the first time I've ever left Europe, and I've only been to France for a day before this. What's the furthest Voiders have travelled to a gig? Adam P

At least The Fratellis make people sing along, instead of reaching for the Mogadon like Radiohead, they and their ilk are all clones of each other. Alisha's Boss

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 1/7.

It's great to see Brett Anderson's new album praised. I wish him success. He was partly responsible for the overlooked Dog Man Star by Suede. I recommend that work of epic intimacy and sweeping romanticism to those yet to experience it. Rob Hunt

I laughed at M Goulden's Radiohead defence: "Their music works on me in a deeper way." It sums up their poncey fans. Go to a Fratellis gig, go dancing instead of musing. Ralph Wiggum

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 2/7.

The music business wasn't always run by capitalists and we had the best music when it wasn't. From 1956- 73, those who ran it loved music. Ironically it was Woodstock that got the capitalists interested and they started talking about shifting unirs, not ideas. There's good music: Teddy Thompson, Melee, but nothing mind-blowing. Andy McGarvey

I'm 53, don't drink and I'm not brain-dead, and I love The Fratellis' music. Ken Neal

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 3/7.

The music scene isn't struggling so badly. Like every decade, there's a big amount of rubbish, it just depends on where you look.

However, I was shocked at the quality of the bands on the BBC introducing stage at Reading. The majority I saw were atrocious. They may not to be my taste, but we had it lucky with The Fratellis and Kaiser Chiefs. At least they write catchy songs, which is what they set out to do. Darren McNeil

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 4/7.

When did jimmy page decide to muscle in on brian may's territory as a tame guitarist for the establishment? Also, if Dwain Chambers is banned from the Olympics for a doping offence, how did page pass muster for the closing ceremony, given the amount of drugs led zeppelin used to take? DJ Gordy

Have other Voiders bought albums after hearing songs on TV? I've bought two Stereophonics albums after hearing Long Way Round on BBC2. Franzbabe

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 5/7.

Pineapple Head's outburst against new music was great. I'm always partial to some unbridled spleen. But lumping in novelty bore Toni Basil with the wondrous Salt'N'Pepa in his Ting Tings diss suggests his pop history is a bit iffy.

Favourite venue? The Boardwalk has been one of Sheffield's finest since its days when The S*x Pistols played and The Clash did their first gig outside London. The Reverend

The Void; Teletext page 827; 28th of August, 2008; 6/7.

Roots Manuva/ Slime And Reason

Reviews by John Earls

Metronomy and Toddla T help Manuva produce his happy album.

These things are relative, and Manuva hasn't forsaken his harsh wisdom altogether. But it's now married to uplifting disco that suits that reliably spooky falsetto delivery.

He won't make that commercial crossover now, but a decade in, Manuva is still challenging and inventive, and accessible for any newcomers. 8/10

1/6.

Brian Wilson/ That Lucky Old Sun

Distressingly mawkish mess best left alone by everyone fond of Wilson.

Shorn of the eerie charisma that he emanates in concert, Wilson's voice is a sad shadow as he intones amiable, syrupy platitudes like "It's a long way from January to December" like a kindly uncle over sentimental gloop like I Love Lucy's background music.

Once, in Southern California, a moment of wonder arrives. It's too late. 4/10

2/6.

James Yorkston/ When The Haar Rolls In

For a man whose voice barely alters from a soft Scottish whisper, over equally relaxing pared-down folk, Yorkston fills in a gamut of emotions.

With subtle changes, he veers from cute fables to dusty ballads, never needing to over-amplify himself to get the message across.

If you're in the wrong mood, it can drift, but it rewards patience and adds to an already handsome catalogue. 7/10

2/6.

Soft Cell/ Heat: The Remixes

A collection of new remixes, including a couple by the duo themselves, albeit ones done separately.

If it gets any newcomers into such a brilliant group, it's worth it, but few remixes add anything to their legacy.

Manhattan Clique and richard X enh ance the melancholy of Torch and Seedy Films respectively, Mark Moore makes On My Shoulder even barmier, the rest are ho-hum. For obsessives only. 5/10

4/6.

Milosh/ iii

Reviews by Kat Lister

Rest your weary feat with this dreamy electro-folk by Michael Milosh.

But try not to pass out. In essence, it's all far too anaesthetised for its own good.

Whilst the ghostly instrumentals manage to transport you to peaceful climes, the overall effect is too monosyllabic and likely to leave you in a stupor. 4/10

5/6.

Phantom Limb/ Phantom Limb

These Bristolians may offer a well-worn formula, but it strangely works a treat.

Dangling their toes in a mixture of blues, soul and jazz, each track translates a fusion that boasts rich vocals courtesy of Yolanda Quarty.

Their debut may not break any records for originality, but sre beats the wealth of flimsy Hoxtonites around at the moment. 7/10

6/6.

Teletext page 824; 28th of August, 2008.

Blow Monkeys/ devil's Tavern

Reviews by John Earls

First album since 1990 from the epitome of '80s jazz-funk.

The endlessly smug Dr Robert still sings as if he'd eat himself if he were made of chocolate, but he does have some talent to back uop those Richter Scale- levels of self-satisfaction.

Slide guitars and wafting brass are deployed with admirable smoothness, and Bullet Train would be No 1 for weeks if this was 1985. A guarded welcome back.

1/6.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis/ Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

Although still only aged 15- 20, the London siblings have been festival faves for so long it's surprising their debut album is only now coming out.

While their spot-on recreation of '50s rockabilly is cute enough at a festival, on record it ends up drawing more shrugs as to the point of it all.

They do a good harmonica solo and boogie piano, but what sounds like fun feels empty at its core. 5/10

2/6.

Ali Eskandarian/ Nothing To Say

Reviews by Kat Lister

Having found political asylum in Texas, fleeing in 1989, it is safe to say the sounds of the Deep South soon had a profound effect on Eskandarian.

Not sounding too far removed from Nashville Skyline, Eskandarian brings his songs to a mainstream audience.

It's an accomplished endeavour that bridges the gap between country and pop, if a mite bland. 6/10

3/6.

Rokia Traora/ Tchamantcho

We're with Damon Albarn. This isn't "world music," but a soulful expression of both and pride and loss.

Casting a spell over her listeners, sparse instrumentation is brought to life through earth-bound percussion and the holy sound of a single ancient Gretsch guitar.

With albums such as this, the question remains: why can't West African music take pride of place in the UK? 8/10

4/6.

Plush/ Fed

Consider this the only Prozac you'll need this year.

Released only in Japan in 2002, elusive singer Liam Hayes's work has finally been released to the likes of you and me.

Luscious Burt Bacharach-inspired orchestral pop scores soar out of the speakers, shaking up the boundaries between soul, funk and pop. Dazzling. 8/10

5/6.

Xavier Rudd/ Dark Shades of Blue

For those about to didgeridoo, we salute you.

You give an Aussie a few prog records, and this is what he comes up with: insane guitar-driven jams that batter a psychedelic path.

While Rudd's didgeridoo might not be to everyone's taste, his instrumental layerings put a new spin on the term "progressive".

A definite grower. 6/10

6/6.

Teletext page 824; 29th of August, 2008.

I've always found Bright Eyes hugely frustrating. I love the lyrics, but hate Conor Oberst's voice. But I bought Oberst's new solo album for my missus the other day, and was pleasantly surprised. The vocals are much stronger and it's made a h*ll of a difference. There's one duff song, but the rest is very good indeed. The Doc

I went to SXSW in Texas to see the much missed Cranebuilders. A great time, never forgotten. Gazzoir

The Void; Teletext page 827; 29th of August, 2008; 2/7.

The Script's No 1 single, I can't be fussed to remember what it's called, is Blunt-esque MOR tripe. It's sad that this sort of unadventurous, radio-backed rubbish still strikes a chord with the British public. Talk about sticking to the script. John Ox

The furthest I've travelled to a gig was to Wacken Festival in Germany. I saw Decapitated in New York, but that was while on holiday and they just happened to be playing. Jim Quagmire

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

The joke with Sam Sparro has gone on long enough now. Black And Gold was tolerable, but 21st Century Life is like an '80s durge even SAW would have rejected for sounding cack. A Pete Burns future beckons for him with Black And Gold reissued every few years with a new remix. Disco Stu

Katy Perry "shocking"? It's immature Nuts readers helping her laugh to the bank and typical of silly, homophobic middle England. Peter Rafferty

The Void; Teletext page 827; 29th of August, 2008; 3/7.

I'm looking forward to Death Magnetic, but I'm concerned about its song Unforgiven 3. The original Unforgiven was an iconic, timeless classic, whereas the second one was an insult, Metallica's lowest ebb. I shouldn't judge until I've heard it, but it does smack of milking past glories. Ramsay

Just seen Skeletons on the introducing website after Earls' praise. They look a great new band, to be sure. Harry C

The Void; Teletext page 827; 29th of August, 2008; 4/7.