All Systems Go!!!

Cover for DBTT

2005-05-09T13:46:00.000Z

Cover for DBTT
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

Ladies and gentleman the most important day of the year so far, May 30th is now within touching distance. Which means the brand new Oasis album 'Don't Believe The Truth' is about to be released. The recent reviews in two of the three major music magazines have been unusually raving in their praise. Both Q and Mojo have given 'Don't Believe The Truth' 4 out of 5 and have claimed that Oasis have 're-discovered their muse'. On the Oasis forums 99% of fans have been saying, like the magazines, that this could be the best album since Definitely Maybe simply because the band have, as Noel said, 'stuck to their guns' and made music which is real to them instead of trying to recapture the sound of the 'old' Oasis on Heathen Chemistry, or trying to 'experiment' on Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants or making the songs , in general, five minutes too long like on Be Here Now. They are now a much more complete outfit with two accomplished musicians, Gem Archer on guitar and Andy Bell on bass, who are also contributing to the album and they are doing what they do best. Taking riffs etc from their favourite artists and making it their own, for example the song 'Mucky Fingers' is The Velvet Underground's 'Waitin' for The Man' with Dylanesque vocals, and 'The Importance Of Being Idle' sounding like The Kinks according to reports and 'Lyla' blatantly borrowing heavily from the Rolling Stones 'Street Fightin' Man' and sounds amazing. With Oasis selling out both Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl it seems like the band are finally getting the recognition they deserve across the pond aswell.I have heard a couple of clips from the album and it really does sound impressive with my favourite at the moment being the ballad 'Let There Be Love' a simple song with Noel and Liam dueting and truly sends a shiver down the spine with Liam performing his best vocals since What's The Story.... The most Oasis sounding songs on the album come from, surprisingly, Andy and Gem with 'Keep The Dream Alive' (Andy) once again showing off Liam's renewed vocal ability. All this, however is based on a few clips and there will be a more definitive review after release. Until then..... well I don't really know what I'm going to do!!! Study I suppose!

'Slaves to the Music!

2005-04-15T15:53:00.000Z

One of my favourite U.S bands, Audioslave have returned to the musical fold with their fantastic new song 'Be Yourself'. Unlike the debut single 'Cochise' it is a slow starter and a more laid back song, along the lines of 'Shadow Of The Sun', song used in the top film 'Collateral' as the cayotes cross the road. At first, like when first listening to 'Lyla', I was not entirely convinced. However after listening to it more it has grown on me and is a great comeback song. The song itself starts very quitely and builds up with the very start sounding like 'Don't Speak' by No Doubt. However, it becomes much rockier as each verse comes in and Chris Cornell's vocals, although not used to their full potential, are great and remind you why the ex-Rage Against The Machine members took him onboard to basically take Zak's place. Despite not being massively popular here in Britain I believe that this song could be quite a big hit for them.
With thier new album expected out early summer along with the new Oasis, White Stripes and Foo Fighters albums 2005 promises to be a musical year to remember. Notice I've not mentioned Coldplay! I've heard their songs 'Talk' and Speed Of Sound' and I must say I was less than impressed with 'Speed Of Sound' sounding like a poor version of their previous hit 'Clocks' looks like Chris Martin hasn't exactly 're-invented the wheel' as he promised!!

Rest In Peace

2005-04-02T21:03:00.000Z

Rest In Peace
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

It is not very often I will bring religion onto these pages. However I do feel that the passing of Pope John Paul II,Karol Wojtyla, should be mentioned.
God Bless you Holy Father
May the angels lead your soul into Heaven.

They've Only Gone and Done it again!!!

2005-03-30T17:09:00.000Z

As some people might already know Oasis's new single, Lyla, leaked onto the internet last night through a Polish Radio station. I despite my fear of computers went and downloaded it. Don't worry Noel and Liam (regular visitors to this site don't you know), I will be buying both the single and the dvd when they come out on May 16th. However, at first Iwasn' t too sure if I was going.It was just just a funny feeling I got, similar to that I got when I first heard The Hindu Times but by the 2nd chorus I was hooked. It sounds a little different t what Oasis have doe before while still maitaining that special something that all great Oasis songs have. It seems like a mix of She's Electric, Supersonic,The Masterplan and Some Might Say while at the same time having a heavy influence from Street Fighting Man by The Rolling Stones at the beginning. Liams voice does lift this track up yet another level putting one of his best vocal performances since the Whats The Story... and Be Here Now days. Noel claims that this is only the 5th best song on the album , should this turn out to be true we are in for one of the best albums of the year! Roll on May 30th!!

Don't Believe The Truth!

A Good Day For The Welsh

2005-03-19T18:14:00.000Z

The REAL Welsh Wizard
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

Congratulations to Wales for winning the Six Nations and completing the Grand Slam. In my book any team that, in any sport, beat England and France get my approval!
However, considering my distinct lack of knowledge of all things Rugby this is not what this article is about.
This contains material about another Welshman who is possibly a little too small for Rugby. Yes I'm talking about Craig Bellamy. In a previous post I spoke about my excitement about his arrival. I believe his performances in the past few weeks have backed up my reasons for excitement. Granted, his first performance wasn't the greatest however having to debut in an Old Firm game is no easy task and despite that I thought even then that he looked a good player. After that match the press were feeding on anything to criticise him in a frankly disgraceful manner that I could certainly not see them doing with 'Captain Fantastic' Barry Ferguson.However in the past month Bellamy has given the whole team a lift. The whole midfield ,apart from the continually lethargic Thompson, has quickened it's pace with Bellamy certainly bringing the best out of Aiden McGeady. I believe that the second half of the Celtic vs. Dundee game signaled the change. Suddenly Bellamy was running all over the park searching for the ball and making short intricate passes in the mould of ,dare I say, King Henrik himself. Since then he , along with McGeady and Petrov, have been the main players in the win at Easter Road, the demolition of Dunfermline the gritty victory at Inverness and today's needlessly close shave at Dundee United, with Bellamy grabbing a hatrick, that has put Celtic back to the top. At the moment Bellamy is slowly but surely silencing all the cretinous journalists that doubted his class after the Rangers game. He has spoken of his love of Celtic, their fans and his desire to stay. The lack of money may get in the way of this but stranger things have happened...
Don't Believe The Truth.
Mark

Don't Believe The Truth. But please believe this.

2005-03-19T02:49:00.000Z

The Boys Are Back In Town
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

As Archie McPherson would say "whooft!". It's been a while hasn't it! Anyway I'm back now free of the constraints of Universit life, for a few weeks at least.So what has been goin down that is worth mentioning? Hmmm.... Maybe something about a little known band called Oasis.All the news about them has seem to come very quickly. After months of rumours and delays the news finally arrived that their first studio album for 3 years would be called 'Don't Belive The Truth' and would be released on the 30th of May with a single, released on May 16th, called 'Lyla'. Then soon after the tracklisting was made available:
1.Turn Up The Sun
2.Mucky Fingers
3.Lyla
4.Love Like A Bomb
5.The Importance Of Being Idle
6.The Meaning Of Soul
7.Guess God Thinks Iâm Abel
8.Part Of The Queue
9.Keep The Dream Alive
10.A Bell Will Ring
11.Let There Be Love
The song that seems to have been attracting most attention on fan forums is Guess God Thinks.... Primarily because Noel has been talking it up, despite it being a song written by Liam, for a while now.Noel grudgingly admitted on Radio 1 that it was 'very,very,vey good' and that the last 30 seconds would 'blow you away'. I for one hve a great feeling about this album. I think we can expect to see a slightly different Oasis, I wouldn't say 'experimental' but I do believe that 'Heathen Chemistry' was definitely a change of direction. The reason behind this? Simple. They are a complete band where eveeyone contributes. Before Andy Bell and Gem Archer joined the band the onus was on Noel to come up with the goods now Liam is in on it aswell and doing a great job of it too. See Born On A Different Cloud on Heathen Chemistry to prove my point, a work of genius.All in all Ibelieve that 2005 could be the musical year of Oasis. By the way, Lyla plays for the first time ever on Radio 1 on The Breakfast Show on the 5th of April.
Peace. Love and Bananas.
Mark.
And remember Don't Believe The Truth

The Ides Of March

2005-03-09T23:58:00.000Z

Sorry that I've been ouyt of touch recently, but 2 essays and a play all on the same day have, to steal a phrase from Soth Park's Cartman, "warped my fragile little mind!"
Normal service shall be resumed shortly!

'Lyla',May 16th

Why? Why? Why?

2005-02-20T21:09:00.000Z

Doing what he does best-Not watching the ball
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

Well, well, well I suppose it has been 5 years since they last won and I hope it's a long time untill the next one. Because I for one cannot stand their fans bigoted chanting. I would struggle to muster the number of songs they had that actually praising their team and their clubs history and tradition on one hand. Instead they decide to spend more time offending people and singing about being up to their knees in "fenian blood" and that the Celtic,apparently, fans only 'sing in the chapel'. And I know the Scottish Executive is keen to crackdown on all of this,butt they seem to say that one side is as bad as the other,I'll leave that for another post though.
Onto the football,which is at the end of the day what it's all about.Not a great day on that front for Celtic. My first why is, 'Why was Rab Douglas ever allowed back into goals at Celtic Park?'Ever since he has been at Celtic he has been,for want of a better phrase,consistently inconsistent. He also always seems to play badly against Rangers, need I remind anyone about the 3-3 game that in retrospect cos us the league that season. Then Seville, don't get me started I might burst into tears!! Infact I could fill this entire Blog with douglas blunders but don't worry I'll stop here.
Second why, 'Why does O'Neill insist on playing Thompson?' I feel that Thompson has not played up to the standards of kast season at all. Is that possibly because he was [playing for a new contract? Then again he may be carrying an injury. Either way I believe McGeady should have been on from the start. I do realise that in the past couple of weeks he has seemed a little jaded,however, even a one legged McGeady would have been more use than Thompson today.When McGeady did eventually come on it was all too little to late. The Rangers right side had been untested for about 80 minutes and considering in the last Old Firm game Mc Geady ripped Ranger's 'Young Gun' Hutton to shreads I feel he should have been used more today.
Finally, 'Why did Celtic lose?'. Simple, they were outfought by Rangers. Emphasis on the word 'fought' in all my time watching football, which isn't really that long, I've never seen such a downright talentless, dirty team as the Rangers team I saw tody. For all people say Celtic are a physical team they play, at times, excellent football. And being as unbiased I can I didn't really see any great skill or invention from them, then again I didn't see any from Celtic today either!

Arthur Miller 1915-2005

2005-02-13T15:26:00.000Z

Arthur Miller 1915-2005
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

On returning home on Friday afternoon my high spirits were dampened on hearing the news that the American playwright,Arthur Miller, had died. Arthur Miller wrote some of the best plays I have ever seen or read, 'The Crucible' and 'Death Of A Salesman'.
I believe that Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible' was the part of my Standard Grade Drama course that made me want to continue Drama onto Higher, which looking back I'm very happy that I did as it was my favourite class ever at High School. Also it was the first piece of Literature I had ever read and really enjoyed since then I have probably read more plays than novels and this is probably what led me to take Theatre Studies at University.
I first performed 'The Crucible' in 4th year with my Standard Grade Drama class,playing Hale and then again for our Acting exam in 5th year I played the role of John Proctor in what we called "The child, it grows" scene.
I also went to see 'Death Of A Salesman' last year with My Adv Higher Drama class. I must admit that when watching the end of the play it is the closest I have come to tears in public. The breakdown of this once proud and confident man, whose love for his sons was undying was truly tragic.
I don't just respect Arthur Miller for his plays but also for his personality and integrity. When he was brought up in front of the House of Un-American activities Committee (HUAC) for attending Communist meetings he was threatened with jail unless he named others who attended these meetings, this was a time that if you were convicted then you were out of work,usually for the rest of your life. Arthur Miller refused to name anyone, just like Proctor in 'The Crucible', and charges were dropped against him. There are many other links to American of the 50s to 'The Crucible' which I will not go into.
So to conclude, with the death of Arthur I feel we have lost one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century. However I believe that his plays will be shown for generations as the themes that relate to mankind's psyche will never fail to be relevant.
Arthur Miller, Rest In Peace.

Guess Whose Back!

2005-02-01T15:09:00.000Z

Hi, I'm back with a new post after returning and re-settling in Glasgow. I would have updated my blog sooner but sadly the internet connection at the halls has "peaced out" as I like to put it!
Well, what have I done since I last post. I have been to see 'Team America' at the cinema. This was an event that I am very happy I attended. I have to honestly say that there wasn't a minute that passed where I didn't laugh. At points I was actually leaning over the arm rest laughing! Granted, I will laugh at almost anything but I did find this film genuinely funny. The fact that it poked fun at almost everyone meant that in the end it offended nobody which I felt was well done.The fact that the characters were puppets was great because it meant I could laugh when they ran because it looked hilarious!
Bez won Big Brother! Go on son, I knew that he'd win it in the end even though the producers clearly were encouraging the public to vote for Kenzie by filling the programme with him despite the fact he didn't really do that much, apart from when he dressed up as an egg which I did find quite funny!
Last week I visited the cinema again, this time it was to see 'Ray' with some of the KDY 'Lauds'. All I can really say, since I'm pretty poor at expressing myself, is WOW.
I mean I had heard some of Ray Charles's music and had heard good reports about the film but it really did go beyond my expectations. Jamie Foxx's acting certainly deserves the Oscar nomination he has received, whether he or Di Caprio wins it remains to be seen, not only did he have his imitation of Ray himself down to a tee but his portrayal of Ray's battle against drugs was highly effective. I also would like to say that I felt the scenes about his childhoods were extremely poignant and emotional.
As for the music, well I couldn't believe that one man could make such wide-ranging music at such a high standard. I loved every single song in the film and felt that each one suited the mood of the scene perfectly, so much so that I went into the City Centre just to buy the soundtrack. I love it, the man was a true musical genius!
It will be a close fight between these two films at the Oscars for both Best Film and Best Actor. I will speak at length about the Oscars once the results are out. However,I do a sickening feeling that Scorsese may once again be robbed of the Best Director Oscar as I feel the Academy will go for Clint Eastwood again. We shall see!
Finally I would like to put a first mention of Football on these here pages!As the transfer window was slowly making it's way down yesterday I wasn't feeling to great with the knowledge that while our dear friends over at Ibrox had been trying to reconstruct their crumbling empire that Celtic weren't really that bothered. However with the news that Bellamy has now arrived and is sounding enthusiastic boosted my flagging spirits. I think he is the kind of player Celtic have been missing since the departure of King Henrik. Camara was playing well until he was viciously kicked by some Livingstone player and that put him right off and hasn't looked the same since. Bellamy though is made of tougher stuff and seems like a player who will work back as well as causing opposing defenders all sorts of problems. One more fact about him:He HATES The Beast, how good is that!

Celebrity Big Brother.Whose the Radio Lady?

2005-01-18T22:43:00.000Z

Celebrity Big Brother.Whose the Radio Lady?
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

As another series of Big Brother is well under way I, as usual, am addicted.Don't know what it is about me that makes me want to watch it but I always do.Simple telvision for a simple mind I think! Anyway I was just who the woman that was a radio presenter is? I mean I know the term celebrity is used loosely on these programmes.But I'm sorry I've never heard of her in my life. Will someone please tell me who she is? She is really getting on my nerves,speaking in that same tone the whole time where all of her sentences go down in tone. Who does she think she is telling everyone what to do.Thet're all responsible adults.....well, apart from Kenzie,how old is he again?
Anyway, although I never thought I'd hear myself say this but I was actually quite sad to see John, the racing pundit with the funny hats and jewellery, go.I obviously didn't agree with his sexist and elitist views, I don't think many people did,thats not the point. It was just his general attitude, he didn't care what either his housemates or the public thought of him. The whole 'diet-cola-gate' was hilarious. The fact that he didn't speak for 14 hours was both hilarious and a relief!
However, there is only one man who can win.... BEZ!! No I'm not twisting your melon man!He seems to be the only person in there who isn't trying to be someone their not. Everyone is just keeping themselves to themselves and telling moaning about everything in the Diary Room.
Bez on the other hand is making sure everyone knows how he's feeling, telling them that he "couldn't be bothered" doing the task, how cool was that?! They didn't react because they knew it would reflect badly on them, so they stayed schtoom! Well done Bez! Good Luck!

Reasons to Be Happy!

2005-01-14T19:51:00.000Z

American Idiots?
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

As the music industry slowly recovers from the earth shattering news that Busted have split I just thought I'd give a couple of reasons why I'm not too down in the dumps.Apart from the music I have mentioned that I am looking forward to for this year there were a couple of bands from last year that surprised me somewhat.
One of the bands are American punk rockers Green Day with their newest album 'American Idiot'.I never thought I'd see the day where I would like the form of punk from the the other side of the pond.However, this album definitely has changed my mind.
There seems to be a storyline running though this album with recurring riffs and lyrical references to other songs on the album.It is also a very obvious critique (ooh fancy) of American society as the title suggest. They do this without any by any other way than pure rock. Also the album is a mixed bag of songs some fast rock songs and slow ballad like songs.All in all a top album.
Another band that took me by surprise this year are a little known band called Alterbridge,risng from the ashes from one of the most successful U.S bands of recent times,Creed. Ididn't think I would warm to Alterbridge as much as I have . I believed that they would simply play Creed songs which would lack the the effect of Scott Stapps vocals,as he is the only person who has changed in the band line up, and I therefor presumed I wouldn't like them as much.
However,with new lead singer Myles Kennedy the band has taken a different direction. They now sound less 'middle of the road' and instead have developed a much more Rock 'n' Roll sound with the lead singer sounding like a mix of Chris Cornell (Audioslave) and even Scott Stapp himself. It's an emotional album which probably has to do with the death of the lead guitarist's,Mark Tremonti,mother.Kennedy's voice expresses these emotions very well.There's just something about this band that I really like.Have a listen yourself at: www.alterbridge.com . You can listen to clips of their songs on there if you go to the 'Music' section. Leave your comments telling me what you think.
Peace.Love and Bananas.
Mark

Reasons why 2005 will be great!

2005-01-14T13:23:00.000Z

Mad Fer' It
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

There are a lot if reasons why I'm looking forward to the rest of the year.Oooh I'm excited!!The films that are upcoming especially the ones that are out soon.One of which I have already seen.'The Aviator' after the relative flop of 'Gangs Of New York' in terms of Box Office and Oscar success Scorsese is out to prove a point and wow does he do it and in style. The film charts the life of Howard Hughes up to the age of 47.The combination of stunning visual effects, emotional and interesting story and excellent acting especially ,in my opinion, Leonardo Di Caprio who really pushes himself in the role of this tragic genius.I believe that this film could finally land Scorsese his first Oscar. Another film that looks as if it could be great is 'Ray' a film documenting the life of the late Ray Charles starring Jamie Foxx who is apparentley one of the favourites for the 'Best Actor' Oscar.
A further reason I'm looking forward to this year is the new comedy by Richard 'The King' Gervais,Extras. Still working with Stephen Merchant with whom he wrote and directed 'The Office'.I just can't wait.
In music, there are several albums on the way that could be immense. The Foo Fighters ahve been talking about a kind of concept album where there will be a wide variation of songs. I've enjoyed the stuff from their other albums this double album should be good!
Another band that have an album on the way is 'The White Stripes'.Jack and Meg's last offering 'Elephant' was a tremendous Rock album I feel they may go for a slightly different slant on this album possibly slightly mellower. However, Ido believe it could be one of the albums of the year.However, the the album I cannot wait for is the upcoming album from the greatest british Rock band, Oasis. Admittedly,Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants was a poor effort from Oasis. However,the next album 'Heathen Chemistry' was a positive step in the right direction with new band members adding to the album lyrically and musically.This album,in my opinion, will be different class with Liam Gallagher's songwriting apparently ever-improving and the fact that as a group they will have gelled together more.Roll on May 16th.

Finally, July 3rd:Oasis:City of Manchester Stadium.NUFF' SAID!

And I thought 2005 couldn't get any better!

2005-01-14T13:16:00.000Z

_40721833_busted_203
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

After my article yesterday about why 2005 will be great there has been an addition to this list. Busted have split! It did take me a while to write this through my tears.Hopefully though,with a little counselling I'll get over it.
It comes after them saying the typical pre-breakup phrase of "we are having a break" and then we'll come back even stronger!Sadly, that will never happen they have permanently split.The catalyst for this was the mono-browed lead 'singer' Charlie saying he only ever really used Busted so that he could get in the spotlight, claiming that the real band he wanted to focus on was his own one, Fightstar or some stupid,trying to sound hard -but still wanting to appeal to the girls,'rock band'.
The band claimed that they always said that if one of them left that they would split. I suppose three people prentending to sing and play guitar is much more effective than two!
Bye Bye Busted and good riddance. Hopefully the great band McFly will be next...

The Prince's New Clothes

2005-01-14T05:50:00.000Z

_40716791_sun203ok
Originally uploaded by stilanstwin.

Personally, when I woke up this morning getting ready for my Film and TV exam (the less said about that the better) the last thing I was expecting to see on the TV was a member of the Royals in fancy dress. Although if I was ever asked what one I would most expect to see dressing up as something it would have to be that young vagabond Harry! To be fair to he is only probably wearing some of his distant relatives old regalia!

Don't get me wrong I hav e nothing against the Prince personally as I have never met him or know enough about him. I also sympathise with the position he has been put in from a very young age. Being in the public eye from the day you were born would be hard enough.However losing your mother and almost never having a moment to prvately grieve with out a camera rolling infront of you or the flash of a paparazzi bulb must be unbearable.

Despite that I do feel that it was highly irresponsible especially for someone in the public eye. However, it does beg the question who actually rents out these costumes?To be brutally honest I don't find it funny in the slightest and if I ever had a fancy dress party if anyone walked in wearing that I'd be chucking them right out the door.It's not witty and definitely not cool .
Also what was the theme of the party again? A colonialisation party or something like that. I apoligise if anyone thinks that I'm generalising but that sounds exactly the kind of party that Harry and all his upper class friends would have.Why? Out of all the themes that you could think of they choose that one. For me colonialisation of countries reeks of tyranny and oppression and it seems like ,whether the theme was meant to be ironic or not, that their mentality seems very old fashioned! Patriotic but rather to the extreme.
The timing of this, although I'm sure Our Highness was oblivious to the fact, could't be much worse as we come round to the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the prisoners from the Auschwitz concentration camp.
We all did a bit of History,we all know about the Nazis and at 20 years old an age ,many would think,of maturity the Prince should know better.
I have, in the past, defended him in elements of his private life that have been documented in the press but I feel this is indefensible.

It not only offends the millions of Jews and others whose families perished or have been scarred by that terrible regime but also those who gave thier life in order to crush it. Many of them being the people the Prince's family represents.

I belive that lasting damage has been done to the Prince's reputation and the only way that he can at least try to change peoples feelings is by a full,personal,heartfelt apology.

Jumpin' on the bandwagon

2005-01-12T07:16:00.000Z

Yes I know that one of my best friends and my brother have already done it but I just wanted to prove to myself that I'm not a complete computer fool! I'll try and make this site as entertaining as possible for al those who dare venture inside! As for the title, if you know me you'll have gathered that I'm "'avin a larf mate!"

Welcome

2005-01-12T06:49:00.000Z

Welcome one and all to my humble electronic abode.Yes it may be simple, but it's purely for the banter!Hope y'all enjoy. Comment to your heart's content and I'll promise that I will try and keep it up to date!