300 movie

I thought this was pretty lame - in fact I think the 1962 original 300 Spartans was actually more historically accurate. The villains in the current version look nothing like ancient Persians - more like Lord of the Rings Orks or possibly samurai - and Xerxes? Did he really look like an s&m gimp in a jock strap and facial piercings? I think not. Also they completely avoided the issue of Spartan sexuality - there is an off-handed remark about Athenians liking boys but if memory serves me correctly the cornerstone of this Spartan military society was the total relegation of women to vessels of breeding purposes only. As a film it was dull anyway - too many speeches, only one female character and a stagey look that didn't really give an indication of the epic nature of this battle. The above linked review pretty much sums it up in my opinion. Why was it so popular? It certainly has been a talked about movie - so full marks for getting ancient civilizations discussed in pubs - and full marks for a fleeting armoured rhino - the rest I wouldn't bother with. Wiki on Spartan pederasty

Gig in London

We're (Animals and Men) are playing in the capital May 10th. Should be great. Details here

Amazing Grace trailer

A film about the political machinations that led to the abolishing of the slave trade may not be an obvious box office hit but watch the trailer and see what you think.

The Gossip 'Jealous Girls'

This band originally from Arkansas are definitely the sound of now - at least here anyway - they sound a little like ESG to me with their bass driven sound and full blooded vocals. I imagine Kill Rock Stars their label are smiling at the moment. We love them.

The genius of Earl Hooker

I used to say to Susan 'only a few more Chicago blues albums to get and then I will have a complete collection' - of course the trouble is more and more compilations get issued so it never gets completed. An example of this phenomenon is the release of this compilation on vinyl of the great Earl Hooker. If you don't know the man's work then you should watch this clip from 1969 - brilliant.

Little Walter and Hound Dog Taylor - Wild About You Baby

A rare clip of Harmonica genius Little Walter playing Elmore James' famous song with HDT - someone who is of course a hero to all those who love Chicago Blues. Another clip is here with the man blowing along with Koko Taylor's Wang Dang Doodle. If you are still in the mood for great harp then watch BIG Walter Horton.

Becoming Jane trailer

Monochrome Set 'B-I-D spells Bid'

Another clip from the Destiny Calling DVd rereleased by Cherry Red - this time off the Old Grey Whistle Test programme. We met the Monochrome Set about this time - when Andy Warren had recently left the Ants to join them. Bid now fronts the band Scarlet's Well and very good music it is too.

Winklepickers

I used to wear these pointed toe things back in the good old days - I haven't got any now but then my lifestyle is less urban. I remember once when it snowed having to get pulled home after being unable to get a grip with the smooth soles. Apparently Goths wear them these days and a quick look on the web shows that they got for about 70 quid. I think I am probably too chunky to carry them off these days even if I had that amount of money to waste.