Notebook Letters 11

It may just be my taste, but I don't see the fuss about Kings of Leon. Caleb Followill's voice irritates me, and none of their songs have grabbed me. S*x On Fire has an instantly memorable sound, but it doesn't rock my world. The playing is good, but nothing I've not heard before. Shane Damien

Don Letts' book Culture Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers is brilliant, the best book in years. Ken Card

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

Acting as a stand-in presenter on 6 Music, David Quantick was intelligent, witty and passionate about music, the type of DJ the station needs. So it's galling to learn the anonymous Dave Pearce and stoner parody Huey Morgan instead. As long as Lesley Douglas remains in control, the decline of the station will continue. Jamie Green

I'm no Pink fan, but it's hilarious if she beats Oasis to No 1. Ozymandias

The Void; Teletext page 827; 2nd of October, 2008; 3/7.

I agree with Jonno about how great Elbow were on Later. But hunt down Snow Patrol's version of One Day Like This from Radio 1's Live Lounge on September 23. Gary Lightbody's voice is so full of emotion, it might even be better than Elbow. Janet Jones

Elmo may think he's too young for Radio 2 at 38, but I'm 20 and I listen to it. It's a good station, they play decent music: just listen. You're not too young for it. Unfunky UFO

The Void; Teletext page 827; 2nd of October, 2008; 5/7.

Trying to persuade a typical Oasis fan that there are better bands out there is akin to trying to argue with a middle-aged woman that Stevie Wonder is more exciting than mick hucknall. Also, how long will it be before Radio 1 issues "Jo Whiley fixed it for me" badges to mediocre indie bands? Lost

Random lookalike time: barack obama and Lou Bega. And I'm convinced my sister and I saw half of pink floyd in the pub a year ago. Ciderduck

The Void; Teletext page 827; 2nd of October, 2008; 6/7.

Ben Folds/ Way To Normal

Reviews by John Earls

Written during his divorce, the likes of B*tch Went Nuts aren't sbtle but it doesn't half make for some entertaining piano vampery.

Never shy of caustic wit or flamboyant ideas to begin with, most of the songs are uptempo flourishes, which makes the ballads all the more bittersweet.

Folds' most complete solo album, it cements his transformation into this generation's Randy Newman.

1/6.

Those Dancing Days/ Our Space Hero Suits

After an initial flurry of excitement, the Swedes faded, unable to tour as thet were still at school.

The delay hasn't affected their perma-enthusiasm, with Hitten and I Know Where You Live exemplary headrush happy pop even by Swedish standards.

A little short of variety, perhaps, but for an intoxicating mix of Blondie, The Primitives and Dubstar, it'll keep anyone dancing. 7/10

2/6.

Jay Reatard/ Matador Singles '06

Barely weeks after his early years were reissued coms a collection of six highly-limited 7-inchers.

On the surface, Reatard is a gonzo garage rock loon, but repeat listens show a sense of psychedelic melody at work, notably on the colourful No Time and Trapped Here.

As prolific as he is, Reatard hasn't neglected quality control and he keeps progressing with his rants. 7/10

3/6.

Duncan Lloyd/ Seeing Double

As good as Maximo Park are, the members are somewhat anonymous. So a good solo album by the guitarist is a nice shock.

At his best, as on the power-pop bounce of Suzee and 7 Letters, Lloyd is the missing link between elvis Costello's quaver and Ben Kweller's innocence.

The ballads are troubadour-by-numbers, but the urgency and Lloyd's guitars mean even non-Maximo fans may find much to enjoy. 7/10

4/6.

El Guincho/ Alegranza

The work of Canary Islands musician Pablo Diaz-Reixa, his fusion of rave, African percussion and local trad folk is rare.

Carried along by that addictive percussion, it switches styles ina hairpin whirl, generally from Beck's Tropicalla mood via The Avalanches' sun to whacked-out prog consciousness.

Revelatory, it rivals Hot Chip for the year's best dance excursion. 8/10

5/6.

Bloc Party/ London Forum q Awards: The Gigs 8/10

Their first full gig since Intimacy's release, there's a pent-up energy unleashed in an enthusiastic show.

They're so upbeat, they even relent to fans' demands for the rare Skeleton.

That's the final song and, by then, it's clear the harsher electronic new songs fit in great amon Banquet and Hunting For Witches. A heads-down, charged show to prove they're ready for the arenas.

6/6.

2nd of October, 2008.

Rocky 2 makes me weep

Several films bring a tear to the eye. The Best Years of Our Lives. When Cooper says his "The luckiest guy in the world" speech in The Pride of The Yankees. Field of Dreams is emotional; and in Rocky 2, when Adrian recovers from illness and says "Win, Rocky, win." Arthur Bainbridge, Durham

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 2nd of October, 2008; 1/6.

Dalton's 007 praised

Speaking of James Bond, I watched Hot Fuzz aand was reminded what a fantastic actor, and underrated Timothy Dalton is. Whilst Daniel Craig is excellent, his harder, darker portrayal is nothing new as Dalton did the same in the '80s.

Plus, he looked and embodied the essence of Fleming's books better than any other actor. His only crime was doing it two decades before the public were ready for it. S Ramsey, Cheshire

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

jaws '05 rumour

After the atrocity that was jaws: the revenge, I'm glad a fifth film hasn't further tainted the original (good first sequel aside).

I remember a rumour some years ago about a project due for 2005 called jaws '05, which sounded like it could have been either a sequel or even a remake. Nothing came of it but maybe the ideas was used for the videogame jaws Unleashed, which was pretty awful itself. Damien, Birmingham

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 2nd of October, 2008; 3/6.

Tramp: catphobic!

Lady And The Tramp made me, well, not catphobic, it just left me with a hatred of Siamese cats (Thanks, Mr Disney). I still freak out when I hear that song. Willow, Glasgow

Regarding the recent arguments about PKD and Blade Runner. D*ck did indeed die before the film was completed but he was in contact with the film-makers. We had some misgivings about the adaption but was impressed by footage he saw. Tim Ruffle

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 2nd of October, 2008; 4/6.

Can't kill a zombie

Outpost is a cool zombie film. It's better than a lot of other zombie films as the zombies are unkillable, unlike in others when they're not. You can't kill what is already dead. t rivers: my favourite weepie is Brief Encounter. Pete J, Chippenham

Fire In The Sky terrified me when I watched it aged 7 (big mistake). I've pnly been able to rewatch it recently, now I'm 22, and the last 10 minutes are still disturbing. DeckyStrikesBack

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 2nd of October, 2008; 5/6.

Decent recent Brit flicks

To Ste in Middlesbrough on good Brit films: try London To Brighton, This Is England, The Descent, Donkey Punch and The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. All decent, recent and British. Steve, Carlisle

I cry every time Paul WS Anderson or Uwe Boll make a film. Leon, Norwich

paul newman: I adore The Colour of Money. The shot of the cigar smoke. The great way he showed Tom Cruise how to do it. Pete, Aston

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

After their last album, I can't say I'm disappointed that Dirty Pretty Things split. The debut was good, and I expected more. Does this mean we can look forward to a Libertines reunion? I've hoped for one for years, but I wonder if it would blow us away again, or tarnish the legend. Kyle Servera

I recommend Don Letts' compilation Dread Meets Greensleeves: a westside revolution for anyone looking for good music while reading his book. S Cowan

The Void; Teletext page 827; 3rd of October, 2008; 1/7.

It's been a long time coming, but welcome back to The Rasmus. Black Roses is uplifting, with no dud filter tracks. I thought Lister's review was shoddy. Lorraine Raven

For good music radio, Mark Lamarr on Radio 2 has an unparalled diversity, and he's always passionate, informative and opinionated. Lamarr serves the music not, as with lesser DJs, the other way round. His God's Jukebox is an education. Kevin Lee

The Void; Teletext page 827; 3rd of October, 2008; 2/7.

Earls is usually spot-on, so I nearly fell out of my chair when he described Falling Down on the new Oasis album as "clunking" and "plodding". It's a glorious song that helps showcase their new sounds. It's rightly being talked of as a classic around the forums, and will be in the live set for years to come. Chris Proctor

If Oasis lose out to Pink, it'll be the biggest travesty since Outhere Brothers kept Common People from No 1. Goranoia

The Void; Teletext page 827; 3rd of October, 2008; 4/7.

I disagree with the paltry 5/10 Earls gave Merciry Rev's album. It's their strongest since their debut. They have recorded stronger songs on intervening albums, but Snowflake Midnight is consistent and cohesive, taking you on a journey of wonderful ambient-tinged songs. dj gordy

I love The Maybes? album. It reminds me of The La's, The Clash and a bit of Starsailor. Still, two out of three ain't bad. Tony Tudor

The Void; Teletext page 827; 3rd of October, 2008; 5/7.

I agree that katy perry didn't belong on Later. Her management were trying to show she's trendy and not just pop. I've seen Imelda May live twice. I love perry, but May is a horrid performer. Simon The Big Gay

It's a sad day for music when, on the day Dirty Pretty Things split, we get the debut single from the cast of rubbish, ITV's Britannia High. It reaches new depths of mediocrity. I despair. New Rave Snail

The Void; Teletext page 827; 3rd of October, 2008; 6/7.

* Two per cent of Europeans lack the genes for smelly armpits.

* It is possible to beam an image (the Mona Lisa, in this case) to the Moon using a high-powered laser.

* Russian soldiers don't wear socks.

* Horse eating is called hippophagy.

* You can make beer out of Sugar Puffs.

* Overbites didn't become standard until everyone started eating with a knife and fork.

* The East Midlands has a histiry of small to moderate earthquakes.

* Swiss cheese plants suffer from stress.

* Inflatable space caosules are as safe as metal ones.

* Trees that are more than 100m tall cannot grow leaves.

10 things we didn't know last week; Ceefax page 129; 18th of January, 2013.

The Vines/ Melodia

Reviews by John Earls

If you enjoyed Get Free, then you'll be excited to hear it's closest in spirit to the Aussies' debut album.

Otherwise, it's a dispiriting reminder of how over-hyped they were. To be fair, the opening salvo of Get Out and Manger are great, uncomplicated garage rock with winning choruses.

But the energy soon dissipates into either stodgy, facile garage or weak sub-Love hippy pastiche. 4/10

1/6.

The Datsuns/ Headstunt

Having never recovered from an unfairly mauled John Paul Jones-produced second album, number four sees the trad rockers go through the motions.

In places, that's fine. As readily familiar as Your Bones and Another Mistakes are, they tear by such a lick, you barely notice the progeny.

But, when the tunes are less memorable, it's like every zep covers band.

2/6.

Manda Rin/ My DNA

While they're remembered for lo-fi, by their demise Bis were turning into sleek synthpop.

Singer Manda Rin's solo album debut goes further, with the title track like a list DFA production and Guilty Pleasures worthy of Xenomania.

Bruises is just as adept at harrowing balladry, but it mainly mixes her old band's fun with confident, shiny disco. A career writing for pop acts beckons.

3/6.

Trivium/ Shogun

Review by Luci Herbert

Upon reading that Trivium had thrown elements of black/ death metal into the equation, we had our doubts. But hear Down From The Sky and you'll see how their approach has taken a more brutal shift on their fourth offering.

Intricate guitars and dynamic structures show Trivium are maturing, and Calamity highlights Matt Heafy's vocals nicely.

It results in their best album. 8/10

4/6.

Juana Molina/ Un Dia

Reviews by Jenny Pashkova

For her fifth album, Molina hasn't been afraid to experiment to achieve tribal results.

In a pop world where words are reduced to just sounds, simple grunts and humming melodies, it is like diving into something weird and wonderful.

Her character has always been extroverted, and that hasn't sacrificed here.

A more dreamy record than any of its predecessors.

5/6.

Freewinder/ Shooting Stars

A eclectic debut from an Australian/ British duo, it presents a problem from the start.

It slips from standard acoustic chill in the title track to psychedelic, more experimental electro in California. The album suffers from misdirection.

Kara Grainger's vocals are mature, Joni Mitchell-esque and suit the slower, powerful ballads, though these sound painfullly old-fashioned. Muddled. 5/10

6/6.

Teletext page 824; 3rd of October, 2008.

New singles by Jenny Pashkova

NATTY Bedroom Eyes 7/10 A measured blend of reggae and soul in a song about love. With a voice as smooth as this, Naty Cuts it like an inventive Maxwell.

ROB THOMAS Same Old Lines 7/10 The thumbing bass is a surprising accompaniment to the sweet lyrics, but it works well. A seemingly twee break-up song in a powerful, rich in handclaps, xylophones and melody.

1/6.

New singles out next week

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Dream Baby Dream 8/10 The first in a series of 7"s to mark the 70th birthday of Suicide's Alan Vega, Bruce croons his way through this live cover. Atmospheric and uplifting, few can sing it and mean it like this with so few lyrics to hand.

I CONCUR Oblige 5/10 It's clear from the first minute the influence of the leeds post-rock scene. A spiralling, heavy mix of guitars and wailing vocals. Wearying.

2/6.

New singles out next week

DEERHUNTER Nothing Ever Happened A heady rush of furious drums and guitar with elements of post-punk extremity. Building up to a mammoth crescendo, it has enough stomp to be pop yet remain abstract. 7/10

DAS WANDERLUST Puzzle 5/10 A whirlwind of instruments and indecipherable vocals, this is far from pleasurable. The strange warbling, screaming and shouting make the while thing puzzling from the start.

3/6.

New singles out next week

LAST GANG Last Gang EP 5/10

An effort so original, you'll be humming the tune before you've even heard them. The mixture of Libertine rick and Larrikin Love means nothing new here.

jack flash Intoxicating 7/10 A typical love stiry told through the eyes of a streetwise MC. A laidback offering, less inspiring than The Streets but Thabo's soul choruses make this something special.

4/6.

New singles out next week

DIGITIONAL 93 Years On 8/10 A rare moment of calm, lo-fi electronica that features no fuzz. Almost bleeding into a free-spirited jazz instrumental, the clarinet lingers long after it stops. Beautiful.

PAPER HEROES Jenny Jones 7/10 Although on the surface the handclaps and "ooh laa" verses are nothing groundbreaking, there is a gruff charm to be found here. The shape-shifting, melting vocals are irresistible.

5/6.

New singles out next week

ALEX CORNISH Until The Traffic Stops 7/10 A melancholy voice, drenched in emotion, reminiscent of an early REM or David Gray. Cinematic and retro in equal measures, it's a slow-burning pleasure.

ANDREA MCEWAN Candle In A Chatroom 7/10 Having already written with Katie Melua, it is obvious why the pair were a great match. Similar voices and easy-listening style, except here with a country taste. Warm and pretty.

6/6.

Teletext page 823; 3rd of October, 2008.

Is Rambo V happening?

Can you guys at Vortex confirm that there will be a Rambo 5? Best weepie: The Champ. Alan, Inverness

Vortex: Stallone is said to be "half-way through" writing Rambo V. On March 20, it was revealed that the film would be shot in Bulgaria.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 3rd of October, 2008; 1/6.

The Red Shoes the first

The first film I ever saw was The Red Shoes. The shot of her jumping in front of the train has left me, after 60 years, still uneasy on railway platforms! Who says images cannot affect us? Grace Williams, Truro

Considering Hollywood's obsession with sequels (Ghostbusters 3? Lethal Weapon 3?), soon we will see jaws 19 as foretold in Back To The Future Part II. Reza, Huddersfield

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 3rd of October, 2008; 2/6.

Blade Runner a weepie?

t rivers Are you kidding, Blade Runner a weepie?

The only reason to cry at that film is because it was rubbish (I don't care how many different cuts of the film come out, I still find that this film lacks soul). For the most memorable weepie, it has to be schindler's List. I defy anyone not to cry at the end. The most shocking moment for me is Exorcist 3, the hospital corridor scene.

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

Blade Runner a weepie?

The figure in white, with a sheet over the head and a set of surgical shears, walks across the hallway, through what appears to be a locked door, after the nurse.

The noise on screen after a period of almost silence made everyone in the cinema jump. (I still get goosebumps to this day thinking about it.) And to think you didn't see anything. Who needs torture and blood and guts? Not me. John-Paul, Liverpool

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 3rd of October, 2008; 4/6.

Romero invented zombies

George Romero invented cinematic zombies. Everything else cribs from the legend. Zombies are only dispatched if you shoot 'em in the head. Romero's zombies are all reflections of the human race, not some silly horror clichés bound up in gore. t rivers, suss*x

What happened to Freddie Cunliffe from The War Zone? Jade Webster, Derbyshire

Vortex: He's now a London-based band promoter.

Vortex; Teletext page 817; 3rd of October, 2008; 5/6.

Spielberg among the worst

In my opinion, five of the worst film directors: Steven Spielberg (too sentimental), Guy Ritchie (same old flashy trash), Wes Anderson (arty and weird), Paul WS Anderson (obsessed with video game themed films and trashy remakes, his next film is a Miami-based The Long Good Friday) and Danny Barlow (overrated). What do you think? James, Harlow

Vortex: Judd Apatow: genius fool. Next update is Monday, October 6.

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