July 24, 2014

In which the cartoonist bemoans the lack of cleverness on today’s ‘mucky’ postcards. Polari Safari by David Shenton. Polari Safari by David Shenton.

In A London Cafe.

Saint Etienne talk about their new photo book, the appeal of London, and performing for charity as the follow-up act to a bunch of clowns.

“I found it emotional, yeah, but in a really joyous way. It was just really, really great. We laughed at a lot of pictures. It made you kind of go back and look at the time – and it made you think, ‘You know, we did a lot’.”

Reality Go-Go.

Cory Krueckeberg talks about Getting Go: The Go Doc Project and the ways in which we look not for the real but the ideal in a culture dominated by social media.

“It’s crucial to maintain your own identity so when I say I want to bridge the gap between queer and mainstream cinema I want to gay stories with a gay point of view but make them something the mass audience will want to see and not just a gay audience.”

[rating=4]
Released June 2, 2014
Ronika’s Selectadisc is a mix of the old and new that is wonderfully realised and, when it’s at its strongest, still fresh sounding.

“Ronika will be around for some time it appears, her devotion to making and performing music seems inescapable and is irresistible. The UK dance scene – if such a thing still really exists – should welcome her with open arms.”

[rating=5]
Released July 14, 2014
Billie Ray Martin’s After All EP is one of her most vibrant and self-possessed for some time.

“It’s a little freaky and you can dance to it, which is a perfect combination, and Martin has never sounded better – she is a truly virtuoso performer.”

July 16, 2014

In which the cartoonist looks at the potter wasp Eumenes GraysonPerrius. Polari Safari by David Shenton.

[rating=4]
150 pages • The Friday Project • May 22, 2014 [PB]
24 themed chapters, with 10 numbered paragraphs, and each paragraph with exactly 120 words, Charles Lambert’s With A Zero At Its Heart is searingly honest.

“One feels oneself in the safe hands of an honest artist and consummate storyteller.”

[rating=5]
Released July 4, 2014
Life Is Easy is a cathartic journey with themes of loss, empowerment and new beginnings, with an optimistic and cinematic feel.

“Life Is Easy has a knowing optimistic wisdom coursing through its sonic blueprint. “

[rating=3]
Released June 10, 2014
Lust For Youth’s third album, International, seizes the opportunity to open up the act’s world and future potential. Stealthy in texture, sleek in sound.

“Lust For Youth’s blend of dance pop, new wave and rock recalls the work of Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode or Alphaville, and resonate with some of these acts’ unashamedly pop moments. “

[rating=4]
Released July 7, 2014
On 1000 Forms Of Fear, Sia shows that she has kept some of her best songs thus far very close to her own chest. Her loudest cry for self-recognition so far.

“When individual songs or the extremely strong middle section are played in isolation this is indeed some of the most warming but persistently dark and potent music that Sia has both written and performed.”