Broken Bells: The High

Road – Free download

First offering from the new group (well sort of) one half Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) one-half The Shins (James Mercer) so maybe we could say a super group. This is a taster of the album that will be but in March 2010. This being the first single will no doubt be played all over the radio… It’s a great start for the new band, quiet Beck sounding in places. Very psychedelic, very sixties, everything you expect from these guys… I’m sure we’re not hearing the best track here. But I’m still very happy with what I’ve heard so far.

Directed by Guy Richie

This is a completely different spin on the deerstalker hat and curly pipe. Seemingly Holmes (Robert Downy Jr) is contemplating shutting up shop when a fresh villain arrives. Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who is bent upon causing havoc in Sherlock’s life, aided and abetted by his evil sister (Rachel McAdams), he nearly succeeds. Holmes and Dr Watson (Jude Law) fight back as only they can.

This 21st Century version of Conan Doyle’s sleuth will thrill some and alarm others of a more purist nature. Downey Jnr is excellent. Jude Law may be questionable, but there could be a new Bond challenger here.

3 stars

Sam Taylor Wood

Being a Rocker from the Locker this movie is a fascinating piece of British Nostalgic musical drama, which hooked and intrigued me.

Exploring the early life of John Winston Lennon (Aaron Johnson) abandoned by his mother (Anne Marie Duff) at a very young age for no reason other than selfishness, John is brought up by his Aunt Mimi (Kristin Scott Thomas) in a fairly ordinary, but pleasant, suburban home outside Liverpool.

His life changes when he, like many others in the UK, picks up a guitar bought for him by Mimi, who seems a little wary of his ambitions to emulate his newfound hero, Elvis. Rock n’ Roll is king and John wants to be part of it. Meanwhile, whilst not rocking, he wonders about his mother and even risks living with her; but all is not well. His only real peace comes when he is singing alongside his pal Paul McCartney. Many of his songs contain an edge of anger. This early life of Beatle John must be seen, so do so.

P.S. for a brief spell in the early 60’s I came across Freddie Lennon, John’s dad’, which was not a good experience, I’ll say no more!

3 stars

Yes, we’ve seen all this before. The powerful army and machines of invading forces upon the innocent inhabitants of Pandora in order to extract its valuable mineral reminds one of the US Cavalry attacking the Sioux for no reason other than they wanted their land and the gold beneath it.  However, in the Cameron-directed epic what you witness in 3D is amazing. The place where the Na’vi (the blue people you grow to love) live is a master class in set design and action spectacular.

The story is that disabled ex-marine Jake (Sam Worthing) is given the mission by a crazed Custer-like colonel to go Avatar (a human mind in an alien body) and explore Pandora by becoming one of the natives. However, once in place, Jake falls in love with both a Na’vi woman and the planet. Assisted by Jake’s human colleague, scientist Grace (Sigourney Weaver), they try to bring about a peaceful solution with honour, but our Patton-like war machine has other ideas: as he prepares for the final showdown with the Na’vi he says, “Let’s get this done. I want to go home for dinner.” It’s a must-see movie, if only for the fact that it will redefine cinema.

Passion Pit: Little Secrets

For me this is the stand out track on the album. The only down side of this is that it didn’t get released in the summer because its got that feel to it but I suppose the kids choir helps it feel festive. This single really sums up where music has been this year.  Really 80’s electronic feeling sounds. I’m looking forward to the new album. Let’s hope it’s not too long.

Ray Davies and the Crouch End Festival Chorus: The Kinks Choral Collection

I think this has been re-released for Christmas? I must admit it sounds very Christmassy but I think that may be the choir.  I must admit when I got a copy of this I really didn’t know what to expect but from the very first song I was blown away. Ray Davies’ voice is still really strong and with the choir harmonizing over the top it really is beautiful. “Waterloo Sunset” really is spine tingling. It really has got a winter feel to it, which is perfect. Even “You Really Got Me” sounds moving at the start that is. My stand out tracks here are “Village Green Preservation Society”, “Days”, “Waterloo Sunset”, “All Day and all of the Night”. Take a bow Mr. Davies. Brilliant CD!