“Could anyone keep up with the Hitch? Was there another writer on the planet who could churn out a few essays, dispatch a book review, quell a bloated pastor, give a lecture in New York, get beat up by fascists in Beirut, and still find the time (and stamina) to empty a bottle or two — before getting down to do some serious work?”
- Defiance unto Death: On Mortality by Christopher Hitchens by Morten Høi Jensen
Red Lanterns #1 Review
More new 52 and Green Lantern mythos now with Red Lanterns Issue one written by Peter Milligan and art by Ed Benes. A spin off in the aftermath of the recent Lantern barrage makes Red Lanterns perhaps not the more sought out title within the 52. But Peter Milligan proves to be the underdog with a few surprises up his sleeve.
For those not in the know, Lantern continuity resumes and is one of the few worlds not to be totally rebooted. Therefore Atrocitus remains our main protagonist and leader of the rage fuelled Red Lantern Corps. There are plenty of references to past events with Atrocitus recapping on many himself in a noir. His origin and motivation are re-explained to how he was consumed with rage which I don’t think was completely necessary but none the less a good introduction into the relentless mind of the character. From there Milligan begins to push the story forward with Atrocitus coming to terms with the fact that he must take command of the un-commandable Red Lanterns of sector 666 who seem to be constantly fighting amongst themselves (as they are consumed with rage)while a more (slightly) humane side story on planet earth uncovers. This side story isn’t fully explained but hints on a possible human addition to the red lanterns which could be a very interesting expansion on the story and leaves me intrigued to where it may lead.
I’m With You - Red Hot Chili Peppers Review
As a young and impressionable teenager beginning his own journey into music away from the influence of parents, the Red Hot Chili Peppers offered something exciting amongst the depressing drizzle of Brit-rock and the mind numbingly repeatingly repetitive repetition of repetitive dance music common of the millennium. Often naked and often catchy the Chili Peppers had real musicians who play who played real instruments! Now 2011 a lot has happened since then but then not a lot has changed. I got old older, Meg Ryan got younger, British rock still pours like British weather (but now armed with regional accents) and dance music…..well that still repeats. The Chili’s meanwhile released two albums since then; one great, the other not so much. But my Chili Pepper’s curiosity and nostalgia still loomed.
To the dismay of many, fan favourite guitar player John Frusciante left for the second time and long-time friend and multi-instrumentalist/Occasional Fruciante collaborator Josh Klinghoffer took over on guitar. John deemed irreplaceable, a legion of internet morons voiced their opinion that Josh was unwelcome even before the release of their tenth album “ I’m With You”
Green Lantern #1
Geoff Johns single handily turned Green Lantern into one of the most important characters in the DC universe in the mid 2000’s by breathing new and much needed life into the green lantern universe with impressive reimaginings of Hal & the corps. This includes the introduction of several new lantern corps, a union of new and old Lanterns, a massive crossover series and the rise of Hal within the Justice League. Seven years since the release of Rebirth seems like ample time for Green Lantern to sky rocket back into popularity and get people such as myself excited about Hal again. So imagine my dismay at the crushingly heart breakingly bad Green Lantern movie(see Talha’s review here: http://thewarjournal.co.uk/green_lantern_review.html) but I’m happy to say after reading the first issue of Green Lantern I’m excited again for a number of reasons.
1) Green Lantern is still Geoff John’s baby and has still continued to write Green Lantern despite his growing success at DC.
2) No reboot here. All continuity remains.
3) Sinestro goes Green….again
An informative and intelligent review of Tranformers 3 that equal to the film
It offended me on every level. There was so many explosions I was bored
to tears. His attempt of humour made me so angry I wanted to blow up an
orphanage and sell the confines of the RSPCA to a Korean restaurant. His racist stereotypes make Hitler look like Ghandi and Rosie Huntington-Whitele has to be the worst actress I have ever witnessed…so bad I was
willing to castrate myself for even admiring her good looks.
I’m trying to submit my review to imdb.
Just received this today! So Happy
So in celebration here’s an old review I did about Bitches Brew.
BITCHES BREW
Miles Davis
Jazz Rock/Fusion
I don’t understand how this has become the best selling jazz album of all time?How can something so inaccessible be so adored?These are questions you can’t help but ask yourself when you listen to this.It’s not due to poor content.But it’s representation.Possibly an album only a minority may be attracted to.It takes great influence from psychedelic rock and avant garde cross breeded with Miles’ already distinctive sound.This is what makes me find it difficult to see it be so successful.Posing the question”where did these avant jazz fans suddenly come from?”Free jazz musicians had already been accomplished way before this release such as Ornette Coleman & even Miles’ own John Coltrane had showed free jazz tendencies.The difference between this and others before it is a whole perspective of musical ideology.The combination an unorthodox recording procedure,electric instruments and new & various musical influences begin to explain the nature of the album and Miles’ persistence to explore and push boundaries.By now I hope you’ve guessed that this isn’t going to be an easy album to listen to but you’ll soon see why this album is held is such high regard.
Battles - Gloss Drop
It’s been four years since Battles released their massive debut “Mirrored”. An album using the math rock blueprints from guitarist Ian William’s previous band “Don Cabellero” .Whilst Built upon the experimental and Avant Garde foundations laid by Vocalist/guitarist Tyondai Braxton. A combination destined for commercial failure. This however was not the case.
The album received a welcoming critical reception and the band even had their songs feature on television adverts and prime time British programmes such as Skins and Top Gear. The success of Battles boils down to the ambition of the band. Which despite their polyrhythmic, experimental and lengthy songs, they never seem at any point pretentious. They know how to carefully craft their compositions’ in a way that musicians and casual music fans are going to pay attention.
The album Gloss Drop sees the band make a hugely anticipated return but this time without Tyondai Braxton. This may not seem of any importance to anyone unaware of Tyondai or indeed Battles but Tyondai’s presence was usually the point of focus live and in the studio. A presence lost that I’m sure at one point affected the future of Battles.
But Gloss Drop does not sound like the difficult second album. It doesn’t try to repent or make up for Tyondai’s departure. This is a seamlessly natural album which flows together from one track to the other whilst still incorporating all the elements from “Mirrored” and more. Ian William’s technical guitar playing and use of effects is as apparent as ever with brilliant keyboard counter points to match it (see Ice Cream).Bassist Dave Konopka and Drummer John Stainer prove to be a much underrated rhythm section with strong grooves and interesting rhythmic displacements.
New post on music reviews based on pictures
I review Adele’s album 21 on my and Loxlee’s tumbrl.Click here to see it The first http://musicreviewsbasedonpictures.tumblr.com/
Just a guy who likes a lot stuff, who does a lot things which make him happy. You can find most of them here...
