I took a look at The Beatles record sales on wikipedia the other day. The records that they hold really is quite phenomenal. This is just a selection of some of the chart records that are currently held by the Beatles (there are many, many more):
- Most no. 1 albums in the British albums charts (15 no. 1s).
- Group with most no. 1 hits in the British singles chart (17 no. 1 hits).
- Group with most weeks in the British singles chart (456 weeks).
- Group with most weeks at no. 1 in the British singles chart (69 weeks).
- Group with most top 10 hits in the British singles chart (28 top 10 hits).
- Most weeks at no. 1 in the British albums chart (174 weeks at no. 1).
- Most consecutive weeks spent at no. 1 in the UK albums chart (51 weeks from May 11, 1963 to May 2, 1964 – this excludes soundtrack albums).
- Most consecutive no. 1 hits in the British singles chart (11 consecutive no. 1 hits, excludes re-issues of old singles).
- Most consecutive top 5 hits in the British singles chart (22 consecutive top 5 hits from 1963 to 1970).
- Most complete ever domination of the British charts by occupying the first two positions in the singles chart and the albums chart as well as the top 3 positions in the EP chart (Extended Play) from December 12 to December 26, 1963.
- Most weeks at no. 1 in the British albums chart within a calendar year (40 weeks at no. 1, 1964).
- Most no. 1 albums in the British albums chart within a calendar year (3 no. 1 albums, 1965).
- Most simultaneous weeks at no. 1 in the British singles and albums chart (45 weeks).
The Beatles’ Please Please Me album spent more weeks at no. 1 in the British album charts than any other album by a group (30 weeks at no. 1, this excludes albums by duos and soundtracks).
Wow!
I’m beginning to think that I must have been born in the wrong decade for my music tastes. As well as currently listening to the Beatles on my ipod, I’m also currently listening to Albums by, Blondie, ELO, John Lennon, The Supremes, Simon and Garfunkle and Derek and the Dominos!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sept 14th and 3 extremes
It looks likely now that the release date, pricing and all the other Wii secrets are likely to be revealed on the 14th September. On this date, Nintendo are holding a press conference in the US. This is all fine and good, but that’s 3 damn weeks away!
I’ve pretty much given up hope that they will release the Wii prior to my birthday (November 7), I’m just hoping and praying that it’s still before Christmas (which it still looks likely to be). Otherwise, I might have to rethink my PS3 purchase plans.
Films watched:
Three Extremes
This is a collection of 3 short horror/thriller films by 3 leading Asian directors (from Japan, Korea and Hong Kong). I got this mainly because of Park Chan-wook’s involvement (Cut), but was also interested in seeing the other segments.
As its 3 short films, I’ll give a mini review for each:
Dumplings
By far the most disturbing of the 3 films, this tells the story of a woman trying to recapture her youth by eating dumplings with rather suspicious ingredients. I daren’t go any further without offending people.
Quite slow, but very gripping.
7.5/10
Cut
The most simplistic of the 3 stories and also the bloodiest. It tells a simple hostage story, that of a film extra taking revenge on a director.
Both oddly comic and gruesome at the same time, this section is only let down by an ending which doesn’t really seem convincing enough.
7/10
The Box
By far the creepiest of the 3 films and also the most visually striking.. Surprisingly the dialogue for this segment is kept to a minimal, there are several minute where nothing is said at all. At times, slightly unnerving in a “Ringu” like way, but severally let down by a story which make little to no sense.
The ending explains to a degree why it makes no sense, but this doesn’t add much weight to what has gone before.
6/10
I’ve pretty much given up hope that they will release the Wii prior to my birthday (November 7), I’m just hoping and praying that it’s still before Christmas (which it still looks likely to be). Otherwise, I might have to rethink my PS3 purchase plans.
Films watched:
Three Extremes
This is a collection of 3 short horror/thriller films by 3 leading Asian directors (from Japan, Korea and Hong Kong). I got this mainly because of Park Chan-wook’s involvement (Cut), but was also interested in seeing the other segments.
As its 3 short films, I’ll give a mini review for each:
Dumplings
By far the most disturbing of the 3 films, this tells the story of a woman trying to recapture her youth by eating dumplings with rather suspicious ingredients. I daren’t go any further without offending people.
Quite slow, but very gripping.
7.5/10
Cut
The most simplistic of the 3 stories and also the bloodiest. It tells a simple hostage story, that of a film extra taking revenge on a director.
Both oddly comic and gruesome at the same time, this section is only let down by an ending which doesn’t really seem convincing enough.
7/10
The Box
By far the creepiest of the 3 films and also the most visually striking.. Surprisingly the dialogue for this segment is kept to a minimal, there are several minute where nothing is said at all. At times, slightly unnerving in a “Ringu” like way, but severally let down by a story which make little to no sense.
The ending explains to a degree why it makes no sense, but this doesn’t add much weight to what has gone before.
6/10
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
What a disappointment & FBI files
So Leipzig has come and passed…
Release date and price of the Wii???? Move along… nothing to see here.
Okay, so Nintendo never stated for certain that this would be revealed there, but it was hinted and the press conference of “Wii prove our promises” also kind of indicated.
So what was revealed?
Not a lot, or at least not much that hasn’t be announced previously. 2 new games for the Wii, sequels to Mario Smash Football and Batallion Wars (neither of which I own – although I have been tempted by both in the past).
On another note, I’ve recently watched the trailer for The Black Dahlia, which looks extremely promising and is based on a real life grizzly murder which was never solved. Whilst browsing the net, I stumbled upon the FBI website, which actually holds all the original files on the case. Fascinating stuff.
Can be found here…
Looking further on the site also shows that the FBI have files on Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon!
Release date and price of the Wii???? Move along… nothing to see here.
Okay, so Nintendo never stated for certain that this would be revealed there, but it was hinted and the press conference of “Wii prove our promises” also kind of indicated.
So what was revealed?
Not a lot, or at least not much that hasn’t be announced previously. 2 new games for the Wii, sequels to Mario Smash Football and Batallion Wars (neither of which I own – although I have been tempted by both in the past).
On another note, I’ve recently watched the trailer for The Black Dahlia, which looks extremely promising and is based on a real life grizzly murder which was never solved. Whilst browsing the net, I stumbled upon the FBI website, which actually holds all the original files on the case. Fascinating stuff.
Can be found here…
Looking further on the site also shows that the FBI have files on Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Bed jump, game defeat and SNAKES
Had a dream the other night that someone had stolen something from me (can’t remember what) and I was in hot pursuit, running after the perpetrator. Although I was running after them our speed was perfectly matched and as such, I was neither catching up or loosing ground. However, I knew that I had it within me to give me an extra burst of speed, but something was holding me back. As I was desperate to retrieve my stolen item, I decided to break through this barrier and access this untapped speed and shot forward after the thief.
At this point I woke up as my face smashed into my bedside table after flinging myself out of bed in my sleep. I lay on the floor for a while, nursing my throbbing head while Roz got out of bed to see what the hell had happened.
The moral of this story? Be careful what you do in your dreams…
Films watched:
Snakes on a Plane
Does exactly like it says on the tin… Then again, maybe it should have been called “Samuel L Jackson vs Snakes on a Plane”.
This is B movie greatness at it’s best. A film which clearly isn’t a spoof, but at the same time, doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just a damn fun movie, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
What did surprise me was how gory it was. Think of just about any body part you can imagine (and I’m talking about ANY body part), well the snakes took a big damn bite out of everything in a very graphic manner. You really could not help but wince at times.
You can just see the sequel possibilities… Spiders on a Train?
7.5/10
Games played:
Okay I’ll admit it, I’m positively stuck on 2 games that I’m playing at the moment. The first of which is Advance Wars DS, which I’m replaying on hard campaign mode. I’m on the penultimate mission, which I’ve tried from the start at least a dozen times from the start with no success. I think that if I had stronger sea based CO’s I’d probably stand a better chance, but I’ve never relied upon sea based military units and this seems to be my downfall on this mission.
The other game is a tad more embarrassing. Roz bought Elliot a second hand copy of Finding Nemo for the PS2 and I’ve been playing through this with him. The only problem is, it’s so damn hard! This is a game for 3 years + and it has completely and utterly defeated me. I’m just so damn fed up with it… I’ve tried and I’ve tried but I’m incapable of following Bruce the shark through an underwater mine field!
At this point I woke up as my face smashed into my bedside table after flinging myself out of bed in my sleep. I lay on the floor for a while, nursing my throbbing head while Roz got out of bed to see what the hell had happened.
The moral of this story? Be careful what you do in your dreams…
Films watched:
Snakes on a Plane
Does exactly like it says on the tin… Then again, maybe it should have been called “Samuel L Jackson vs Snakes on a Plane”.
This is B movie greatness at it’s best. A film which clearly isn’t a spoof, but at the same time, doesn’t take itself too seriously. Just a damn fun movie, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
What did surprise me was how gory it was. Think of just about any body part you can imagine (and I’m talking about ANY body part), well the snakes took a big damn bite out of everything in a very graphic manner. You really could not help but wince at times.
You can just see the sequel possibilities… Spiders on a Train?
7.5/10
Games played:
Okay I’ll admit it, I’m positively stuck on 2 games that I’m playing at the moment. The first of which is Advance Wars DS, which I’m replaying on hard campaign mode. I’m on the penultimate mission, which I’ve tried from the start at least a dozen times from the start with no success. I think that if I had stronger sea based CO’s I’d probably stand a better chance, but I’ve never relied upon sea based military units and this seems to be my downfall on this mission.
The other game is a tad more embarrassing. Roz bought Elliot a second hand copy of Finding Nemo for the PS2 and I’ve been playing through this with him. The only problem is, it’s so damn hard! This is a game for 3 years + and it has completely and utterly defeated me. I’m just so damn fed up with it… I’ve tried and I’ve tried but I’m incapable of following Bruce the shark through an underwater mine field!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Wii, PS3 & Nightwatch
The rumours on the internet seem to suggest that the release date for the Wii is imminent. This is likely to coincide with the speech that Nintendo are due to give at Leipzig on the 23 August. I’m just praying that there is no delay and that the European release is set for sometime before Christmas 2006. Ideally I’d prefer for it to launch before November 7, for 2 very good reasons. 1: My birthday is November the 7 and 2: This would give it a head start over the PS3 which is due to be release on November 17.
I also hope that Nintendo reveal the final details about the Wii shortly such as:
- The release games
- Further details about the virtual console
- A better idea of how wiiconnect24 will operate
- The console price (£150.00 seems like a reasonable amount to me)
- Game pricing (hopefully to undercut PS3 and Xbox360 pricing)
- The final specs of the machine and also the Wiimote
- Any further surprises about the Wii that they have yet to announce.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned before, but I’ve decided not to get a PS3 for launch. This is of course dependant on the Wii being release pre-Christmas 2006, otherwise I’d likely get a PS3. My reasoning for this decision being:
- They’re damn expensive… I’m on a budget you know!
- No release games look that spectacular. There are a few games coming to the PS3 that I do want, but these will be coming out at a much later date (2007 possibly)
- I’d likely mainly use it to play PS2 games at the moment (upscaled to HD maybe, but still a little pointless)
- There are so many damn good looking Wii games coming out around the launch date that I’d have very little time to have a look at the PS3 (Metroid and Zelda alone will take up a huge chunk of my time)
- Most next-generation console launches (with the exception on Nintendo consoles) are plagued with teething problems. Just look at all the complaints and bugs that were reported on the internet on the launch of the Xbox360! It was very much the same story when the PS2 was launched. As such, it’s actually beneficial to wait a bit until these manufacturing bugs are ironed out.
- Although I’m very interested in HD movies, I’m not convinced that Bluray will win against HD-DVD in the new format war. As such, I’m interested to see how this pans out before I start purchasing HD movies
Films watched:
Nightwatch
Why is it that some of the best films these days are Foreign language films? Is this an indication that the Hollywood machine is running out of steam? Anyway…
This is a Russian film which was release a couple of years ago and has just recently made its way onto DVD (it’s sequel Daywatch, the second in the trilogy, has already been release in Russian). This film can be best described as Highlander meets Blade, with a dash of The Matrix for flavour.
It’s basically the story of a race of superhumans called “others” who live alongside humans, yet hidden. These “others” choose to be either dark (evil) or light (good), although it is not so black and white as this, with the dark others being reminiscent to vampires. There is a truce between the light and dark which is policed by both sides, the Nightwatch and the Daywatch and the story starts when this truce is broken.
Visually this film is generally stunning with only a few moments which reveal its lower budget restrictions. The epic nature of the film and its style cannot be faulted, my only real problem is that you can tell that this is only part of a greater story and as such, many characters and aspects of the film are not explained or explored as much as I would have liked. Then again, that just makes me look forward to the sequel more!
7.5/10
Only a few more days now until Snakes on a Plane
I also hope that Nintendo reveal the final details about the Wii shortly such as:
- The release games
- Further details about the virtual console
- A better idea of how wiiconnect24 will operate
- The console price (£150.00 seems like a reasonable amount to me)
- Game pricing (hopefully to undercut PS3 and Xbox360 pricing)
- The final specs of the machine and also the Wiimote
- Any further surprises about the Wii that they have yet to announce.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned before, but I’ve decided not to get a PS3 for launch. This is of course dependant on the Wii being release pre-Christmas 2006, otherwise I’d likely get a PS3. My reasoning for this decision being:
- They’re damn expensive… I’m on a budget you know!
- No release games look that spectacular. There are a few games coming to the PS3 that I do want, but these will be coming out at a much later date (2007 possibly)
- I’d likely mainly use it to play PS2 games at the moment (upscaled to HD maybe, but still a little pointless)
- There are so many damn good looking Wii games coming out around the launch date that I’d have very little time to have a look at the PS3 (Metroid and Zelda alone will take up a huge chunk of my time)
- Most next-generation console launches (with the exception on Nintendo consoles) are plagued with teething problems. Just look at all the complaints and bugs that were reported on the internet on the launch of the Xbox360! It was very much the same story when the PS2 was launched. As such, it’s actually beneficial to wait a bit until these manufacturing bugs are ironed out.
- Although I’m very interested in HD movies, I’m not convinced that Bluray will win against HD-DVD in the new format war. As such, I’m interested to see how this pans out before I start purchasing HD movies
Films watched:
Nightwatch
Why is it that some of the best films these days are Foreign language films? Is this an indication that the Hollywood machine is running out of steam? Anyway…
This is a Russian film which was release a couple of years ago and has just recently made its way onto DVD (it’s sequel Daywatch, the second in the trilogy, has already been release in Russian). This film can be best described as Highlander meets Blade, with a dash of The Matrix for flavour.
It’s basically the story of a race of superhumans called “others” who live alongside humans, yet hidden. These “others” choose to be either dark (evil) or light (good), although it is not so black and white as this, with the dark others being reminiscent to vampires. There is a truce between the light and dark which is policed by both sides, the Nightwatch and the Daywatch and the story starts when this truce is broken.
Visually this film is generally stunning with only a few moments which reveal its lower budget restrictions. The epic nature of the film and its style cannot be faulted, my only real problem is that you can tell that this is only part of a greater story and as such, many characters and aspects of the film are not explained or explored as much as I would have liked. Then again, that just makes me look forward to the sequel more!
7.5/10
Only a few more days now until Snakes on a Plane
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Nikki's back, Cabins and Wars
Nikki's back in the BB house.... Let me repeat myself Nikki is BACK!
Only one more week of this madness to go!
Films watched:
Cabin Fever
From the Director of Hostel I was expecting this to be a gory blood bath of a film... and I was right. This is by no means a bad thing. Hostel never took itself too seriously and the same can be said for Cabin Fever.
This is how gory horrors should be made.
Hostel had me wincing during the "eye" scene, this had me wincing again during the "shaving" scene. I'm sure if you've seen these films you'll know what I'm talking about.
7.5/10
Games played:
Advance Wars DS
Picked this up again the other day - gave hardly put it down since.
Very probably the best game out on the DS, but then again, I really do love turn based strategy games (i.e Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea).
Only one more week of this madness to go!
Films watched:
Cabin Fever
From the Director of Hostel I was expecting this to be a gory blood bath of a film... and I was right. This is by no means a bad thing. Hostel never took itself too seriously and the same can be said for Cabin Fever.
This is how gory horrors should be made.
Hostel had me wincing during the "eye" scene, this had me wincing again during the "shaving" scene. I'm sure if you've seen these films you'll know what I'm talking about.
7.5/10
Games played:
Advance Wars DS
Picked this up again the other day - gave hardly put it down since.
Very probably the best game out on the DS, but then again, I really do love turn based strategy games (i.e Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea).
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Beatles review
In the last year or so I’ve been getting into the Beatles, this got more a little fanatic when I purchased my ipod and started getting all the Beatles Album to fill it up. Now, it quite rare that I listen to anything other than the Beatles on my ipod. It’s probably roughly 85% Beatles and 15% random shuffle (which more often than not, also includes the Beatles). As such, and especially in light of the fact that I’ve recently watch the Anthology documentary (a great, if slightly biased documentary), I thought I’d put down a few of my thoughts on paper – or well, in blog format anyway.
From my experience of the Beatles and from watching the Anthology series, the music and image of the Beatles roughly falls into 2 categories, that of early sixties and late sixties. Each of there periods is typified by the following:
Early sixties (a.k.a.) Beatlemania
Signature Merseybeat sound (i.e. two lead guitars, bass guitar and drums)
Images of screaming female fans fainting
Traditional Beatles image of smart suits and mop-top
Early Beatles films (i.e Hard Days Night and Help)
Endless tours across the world
English music breakthrough in the US
Late sixties
Psychedelic influences, including drug culture
Indian meditation and Sitar influences
Studio Albums
Experimental and maturing music (sound loops, backwards tracks, ambient sounds)
Range of instrument used (i.e. Piano, orchestral, electrical)
A sense of greater individuality between the songs written by each of the Beatles.
I personally tend to prefer the Beatles later work, mainly from Rubber Soul onwards. Although their earlier songs were certainly both catchy and popular, there is little variety. It’s from Rubber Soul onwards that the real genius begins to come to light.
Recently Mojo magazine asked top musicians of today (including U2, Oasis, Chili Peppers, Gnarls Barkley amongst others) what there favourite Beatles songs were, as a result, they compile the 101 greatest Beatles songs. The top 10 were:
1. A Day in the Life
2. Strawberry Fields Forever
3. Yesterday
4. Tomorrow Never Knows
5. She Loves You
6. In My Life
7. Something
8. Happiness is a Warm Gun
9. Penny Lane
10. A Hard Day's Night
As such, I thought I’d try to compile my own favourite 10 Beatles songs. In the end I found it impossible to order them from 1 to 10, as my favourite tends to change all the time, as such, here are my top 10 in no particular order:
Yesterday - Help
McCartney woke up one morning with this song in his head. For quite some time he thought that he’d heard it somewhere before, but after speaking to the rest of the Beatles amongst others, he came to realise that it was something that he’d come up with in his sleep. A perfect, pure and simple song and also to most covered song of all time (fact).
A Day in the Life – Sg Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
The Beatles Epic – for many the highlight of their creative career.
Lennon and McCartney display in this song why the Lennon/McCartney song writing duo is considered so highly. A wonderful blend of styles and lyrics with a truly epic finale.
While my Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles White Album
Harrison (with the help of Eric Clapton) really at his very best. Both beautiful, stirring and inspirational. A gem.
Let it be – Single / Let it be
A very touching song written by McCartney about a dream he had of his dead mother. Some have also interpreted this song as a Christian metaphor (Mary – McCartney’s mother representing the Virgin Mary), but this has always been denied by McCartney.
Quite probably the most well known and popular Beatles single and rightfully so.
Hey Jude – Single / Let it be
Written by McCartney for Julian Lennon (Jules became Jude) to comfort him during his parents divorce. A very heartfelt and touching song and who can forget the almost endless na na na’s!
Strawberry Fields Forever – Magical Mystery Tour
Haunting, memorable, beautiful, exquisite. No need to say more really!
Across the Universe – Single / Let it be
Lennon was never truly satisfied with this song, although it was one of his favourites. I wonder what he’d think of the Let it be – Naked version? This song is encapsulated by the lyrics “nothings going to change my world”. A pre-Imagine song from Lennon about peace and tranquillity.
This more than any other is more often at the very top of the heap of my favourite Beatles songs.
All You Need is Love - Single
McCartney once said that on retrospective, as he looks back over the years that The Beatles were together, he’s pleased that the vast majority of the songs written were about love and peace.
This song, more than any other, fully captures that essence of The Beatles.
Something – Abbey Road
Quite possibly one of the most romantic songs ever written and also one of Harrison’s finest songs.
Abbey Road Medley – Abbey Road
Okay, I cheated. This isn’t a single song, but a group of songs synched together starting with You Never Give Me Your Money and ending with (fittingly) The End on side B of Abbey Road. All the same, this is a masterful blend of songs that really need to be listen to as a whole to be enjoyed. A superb way for The Beatles legacy to come to an end,.
Songs that very nearly made it in my top 10:
Help
I am the Walrus
Here Comes the Sun
Eleanor Rigby
Penny Lane
Helter Skelter
Fool on the Hill
I’m only Sleeping
Real Love
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Favourite Albums (in order)
Abbey Road
The Beatles – White Album
Sg Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
Rubber Soul
To summarise:
There’s a damn good reason why the Beatles are the most successful group of all time… They really were something special. Four very talented individuals who worked just so damn well together. They helped define an era and also expand the possibilities of popular music. They introduced music video’s, experimental sounds and put Britain firmly on the musical map.
If you haven't properly listened to the Beatles for a while, or have merely discounted them as something from before your time, I would strongly suggest that you give them another try.
From my experience of the Beatles and from watching the Anthology series, the music and image of the Beatles roughly falls into 2 categories, that of early sixties and late sixties. Each of there periods is typified by the following:
Early sixties (a.k.a.) Beatlemania
Signature Merseybeat sound (i.e. two lead guitars, bass guitar and drums)
Images of screaming female fans fainting
Traditional Beatles image of smart suits and mop-top
Early Beatles films (i.e Hard Days Night and Help)
Endless tours across the world
English music breakthrough in the US
Late sixties
Psychedelic influences, including drug culture
Indian meditation and Sitar influences
Studio Albums
Experimental and maturing music (sound loops, backwards tracks, ambient sounds)
Range of instrument used (i.e. Piano, orchestral, electrical)
A sense of greater individuality between the songs written by each of the Beatles.
I personally tend to prefer the Beatles later work, mainly from Rubber Soul onwards. Although their earlier songs were certainly both catchy and popular, there is little variety. It’s from Rubber Soul onwards that the real genius begins to come to light.
Recently Mojo magazine asked top musicians of today (including U2, Oasis, Chili Peppers, Gnarls Barkley amongst others) what there favourite Beatles songs were, as a result, they compile the 101 greatest Beatles songs. The top 10 were:
1. A Day in the Life
2. Strawberry Fields Forever
3. Yesterday
4. Tomorrow Never Knows
5. She Loves You
6. In My Life
7. Something
8. Happiness is a Warm Gun
9. Penny Lane
10. A Hard Day's Night
As such, I thought I’d try to compile my own favourite 10 Beatles songs. In the end I found it impossible to order them from 1 to 10, as my favourite tends to change all the time, as such, here are my top 10 in no particular order:
Yesterday - Help
McCartney woke up one morning with this song in his head. For quite some time he thought that he’d heard it somewhere before, but after speaking to the rest of the Beatles amongst others, he came to realise that it was something that he’d come up with in his sleep. A perfect, pure and simple song and also to most covered song of all time (fact).
A Day in the Life – Sg Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
The Beatles Epic – for many the highlight of their creative career.
Lennon and McCartney display in this song why the Lennon/McCartney song writing duo is considered so highly. A wonderful blend of styles and lyrics with a truly epic finale.
While my Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles White Album
Harrison (with the help of Eric Clapton) really at his very best. Both beautiful, stirring and inspirational. A gem.
Let it be – Single / Let it be
A very touching song written by McCartney about a dream he had of his dead mother. Some have also interpreted this song as a Christian metaphor (Mary – McCartney’s mother representing the Virgin Mary), but this has always been denied by McCartney.
Quite probably the most well known and popular Beatles single and rightfully so.
Hey Jude – Single / Let it be
Written by McCartney for Julian Lennon (Jules became Jude) to comfort him during his parents divorce. A very heartfelt and touching song and who can forget the almost endless na na na’s!
Strawberry Fields Forever – Magical Mystery Tour
Haunting, memorable, beautiful, exquisite. No need to say more really!
Across the Universe – Single / Let it be
Lennon was never truly satisfied with this song, although it was one of his favourites. I wonder what he’d think of the Let it be – Naked version? This song is encapsulated by the lyrics “nothings going to change my world”. A pre-Imagine song from Lennon about peace and tranquillity.
This more than any other is more often at the very top of the heap of my favourite Beatles songs.
All You Need is Love - Single
McCartney once said that on retrospective, as he looks back over the years that The Beatles were together, he’s pleased that the vast majority of the songs written were about love and peace.
This song, more than any other, fully captures that essence of The Beatles.
Something – Abbey Road
Quite possibly one of the most romantic songs ever written and also one of Harrison’s finest songs.
Abbey Road Medley – Abbey Road
Okay, I cheated. This isn’t a single song, but a group of songs synched together starting with You Never Give Me Your Money and ending with (fittingly) The End on side B of Abbey Road. All the same, this is a masterful blend of songs that really need to be listen to as a whole to be enjoyed. A superb way for The Beatles legacy to come to an end,.
Songs that very nearly made it in my top 10:
Help
I am the Walrus
Here Comes the Sun
Eleanor Rigby
Penny Lane
Helter Skelter
Fool on the Hill
I’m only Sleeping
Real Love
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Favourite Albums (in order)
Abbey Road
The Beatles – White Album
Sg Peppers Lonely Hearts Club
Rubber Soul
To summarise:
There’s a damn good reason why the Beatles are the most successful group of all time… They really were something special. Four very talented individuals who worked just so damn well together. They helped define an era and also expand the possibilities of popular music. They introduced music video’s, experimental sounds and put Britain firmly on the musical map.
If you haven't properly listened to the Beatles for a while, or have merely discounted them as something from before your time, I would strongly suggest that you give them another try.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
London trip
Whilst waiting in at the departure gate at Gatwick airport I started to get a pounding headache, by the time I got back to Guernsey this was so bad that I was barely able to keep my eyes open. The last few days I have continued to have headaches to a lesser degree complimented by a temperature and a general feeling of crapness.
Just glad that I was feeling fit for London.
It was a little strange being back in London after my previous trip (which coincided with 7/7). Certain locations hold very strong memories of that day and it was unusual returning back, although it good to see London back to normal.
Anyway, London film review time.
Films watched:
Cars
I must admit I had my doubts. So far Pixar have been incapable of making a bad film, even their worst (A Bugs Life) was still very entertaining, but the trailers for Cars haven’t been that inspiring. I was pleasantly surprised then that Cars retains the Pixar magic.
Whilst not as good as the likes of Nemo and Toy Story, this is still very entertaining with likeable characters and a good story. Overall a pleasant surprise.
8/10
Superman Returns
Very much in the spirit of the initial two Superman films, which in my book is a very good thing, as these are amongst the finest examples of Superhero movies.
The story centres on the fact that Superman has been away for roughly five years and as such the world has adjusted to life without him (Lois especially). I had my doubts about this film primarily because I didn’t think that Christopher Reeves would be easy to replace in the role, it was therefore pleasing to see that Brandon Routh does a very fine job as Superman. Kevin Spacey is also, as expected, absolutely great as Lex Luther.
It’s a shame that this film hasn’t been as successful as the studio had hoped, but the fact that a sequel has already been green lit I a good thing.
8/10
Pirates of the Caribbean : Dead Man’s Chest
This reminded me very much of Matrix Revolution, i.e. a totally pointless sequel. This effectively had no plot just a set number of situations, most of which were totally uninspiring and seemed to be just set up to put the main character (but mainly Jack Sparrow) in amusing situations.
A very big disappointment.
4/10
Miami Vice
Another disappointment.
I guess that I was hoping that this would be as good as heat (same director), but this was probably hoping for a little too much. Much of the film is really little more than an excuse to make Crocket and Tubbs (and Miami) look as cool as possible, at no stage did you learn much about any of the characters and as such you felt very little for them.
If you like seeing fast cars and fast boats and don’t mind a lack of characterization and plot, then this film is for you.
5/10
Just glad that I was feeling fit for London.
It was a little strange being back in London after my previous trip (which coincided with 7/7). Certain locations hold very strong memories of that day and it was unusual returning back, although it good to see London back to normal.
Anyway, London film review time.
Films watched:
Cars
I must admit I had my doubts. So far Pixar have been incapable of making a bad film, even their worst (A Bugs Life) was still very entertaining, but the trailers for Cars haven’t been that inspiring. I was pleasantly surprised then that Cars retains the Pixar magic.
Whilst not as good as the likes of Nemo and Toy Story, this is still very entertaining with likeable characters and a good story. Overall a pleasant surprise.
8/10
Superman Returns
Very much in the spirit of the initial two Superman films, which in my book is a very good thing, as these are amongst the finest examples of Superhero movies.
The story centres on the fact that Superman has been away for roughly five years and as such the world has adjusted to life without him (Lois especially). I had my doubts about this film primarily because I didn’t think that Christopher Reeves would be easy to replace in the role, it was therefore pleasing to see that Brandon Routh does a very fine job as Superman. Kevin Spacey is also, as expected, absolutely great as Lex Luther.
It’s a shame that this film hasn’t been as successful as the studio had hoped, but the fact that a sequel has already been green lit I a good thing.
8/10
Pirates of the Caribbean : Dead Man’s Chest
This reminded me very much of Matrix Revolution, i.e. a totally pointless sequel. This effectively had no plot just a set number of situations, most of which were totally uninspiring and seemed to be just set up to put the main character (but mainly Jack Sparrow) in amusing situations.
A very big disappointment.
4/10
Miami Vice
Another disappointment.
I guess that I was hoping that this would be as good as heat (same director), but this was probably hoping for a little too much. Much of the film is really little more than an excuse to make Crocket and Tubbs (and Miami) look as cool as possible, at no stage did you learn much about any of the characters and as such you felt very little for them.
If you like seeing fast cars and fast boats and don’t mind a lack of characterization and plot, then this film is for you.
5/10
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Vengeance
Films watched (again)
Lady Vengeance (aka Sympathy for Lady Vengeance)
I said it before, and I'll gladly say it again... This film (and Oldboy) are simply fantastic.
Anyone who is a parent and who doesn't shed at least one tear watching this are simply not human.
I implore you... I'm speaking to the world as a whole here... If you don't mind subtitled films, give both this and Oldboy a chance. They may both be very violent and disturbing films, but they are also amusing at times and are simply one of the finest examples of how cinema can be seen as high art.
Lady Vengeance (aka Sympathy for Lady Vengeance)
I said it before, and I'll gladly say it again... This film (and Oldboy) are simply fantastic.
Anyone who is a parent and who doesn't shed at least one tear watching this are simply not human.
I implore you... I'm speaking to the world as a whole here... If you don't mind subtitled films, give both this and Oldboy a chance. They may both be very violent and disturbing films, but they are also amusing at times and are simply one of the finest examples of how cinema can be seen as high art.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Swimming, cesspit and police
I thought I’d give you a quick rundown of my weekend (and a couple of days prior to that).
1. Somehow, don’t ask, managed to back my car into a cesspit on Elliot’s friends farm. As such, one of the wheels managed to dip down into the hole, leaving my car dangling rather precariously. After a bit of leverage and the threat of a jeep slamming into the rear of the car, I managed to get free.
2. Came home to find the police at my house the other day. We seem to have picked up yet another set of tenants which have involved the police making an appearance to our flat. Also, we seem to have picked yet another set of tenants whose relationship has broken up shortly after moving. Hopefully everything should be fine. I have spoken to the remaining tenant after the police left (apparently her ex had come around and had been rather threatening).
3. Actually been to the beach with Elliot the last couple of day and have gone for a swim in the sea. My goodness, I’d forgotten how pleasant and relaxing it can be to swim in the sea as oppose to a pool… I actually enjoyed myself! What’s more, I find that swimming is a lot easier in the sea, must be something to do with the salt adding to buoyancy. Damn bloody cold at first, yeah, but very nice.
4. As I was on the beach, I now have sunburn on my back where I “missed” with the suncream. As such, I look like a bizarre white and red zebra.
5. Also seem to have picked up a case of athletes foot… Ick, I blame the sand.
6. Seems to have been my weekend for accidentally barging into female tenants or Roz’s friends as they come out of the shower, wearing nothing but a towel. I’m not a stalker… Honest…
7. Managed to finish New Super Mario and Tomb Raider Legend. I’m bound to return to Mario, as there is plenty still to unlock and replay to collect missed coins. Legend on the other hand finished rather abruptly. It’s by far the best Tomb Raider game, but the ending just seemed like a bit of a letdown. Oh also finished Phoenix Wright a week or so ago. Great game… Looking forward to the sequel – Justice For All…
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Alias, Dragonlance, Animal Crossing and PSP
Well, Alias (the TV series) has finally come to an end.
The final episode, I have to say, was a little bit of a let down. No twists or surprises, a couple of deaths, but again nothing shocking. Then again, the series has really been stuck in neutral since series 3 and whilst always entertaining, it hasn’t ever been outstanding.
So bye bye Sidney (Jennifer Garner) and bye bye Sloan (by far the best character from the series).
Just read today that Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight Is due to be made into an animated film. It already has an impressive cast of voice actors attached, including Kieffer Sutherland as the voice of Raistlin.
The official site can be found here:
Dragonlance
Another thing which is due to be turned into an animated movie is Animal Crossing… I kid you not! There is already a trailer for this (a link is below) and the film is due to be released in Japan by the end of the year.
Animal Crossing movie
I’ve also decided that it’s about time that I sold my PSP. It’s literally been gathering dust in the corner of the room. I’ve only used it a couple of times at all this year and that was just to play the demo on Locoroco. Whilst this game does look very good, I have more than enough to keep me occupied on the DS now and for some time to come. Even exclusives like GTA: Liberty City Stories have been ported to the PS2.
In the end, I’m better off making a little bit of money off it whilst I still can.
The final episode, I have to say, was a little bit of a let down. No twists or surprises, a couple of deaths, but again nothing shocking. Then again, the series has really been stuck in neutral since series 3 and whilst always entertaining, it hasn’t ever been outstanding.
So bye bye Sidney (Jennifer Garner) and bye bye Sloan (by far the best character from the series).
Just read today that Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight Is due to be made into an animated film. It already has an impressive cast of voice actors attached, including Kieffer Sutherland as the voice of Raistlin.
The official site can be found here:
Dragonlance
Another thing which is due to be turned into an animated movie is Animal Crossing… I kid you not! There is already a trailer for this (a link is below) and the film is due to be released in Japan by the end of the year.
Animal Crossing movie
I’ve also decided that it’s about time that I sold my PSP. It’s literally been gathering dust in the corner of the room. I’ve only used it a couple of times at all this year and that was just to play the demo on Locoroco. Whilst this game does look very good, I have more than enough to keep me occupied on the DS now and for some time to come. Even exclusives like GTA: Liberty City Stories have been ported to the PS2.
In the end, I’m better off making a little bit of money off it whilst I still can.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Bye Bye Nikki & Bunnies can't...
No more Nikki in the Big Brother house :(
I'm very sad. I need help. I know...
For anyone who hasn't seen the Rayman man previous yet.... take a look here:
Bunnies can't
For:
Bunnies can't play with Fireworks
Bunnies can't do Vacuum Cleaning
and
Bunnies can't play Soccer
Even if the game ends up being so-so, at least it's got a great sense of humour. One to watch for on the Wii?
I'm very sad. I need help. I know...
For anyone who hasn't seen the Rayman man previous yet.... take a look here:
Bunnies can't
For:
Bunnies can't play with Fireworks
Bunnies can't do Vacuum Cleaning
and
Bunnies can't play Soccer
Even if the game ends up being so-so, at least it's got a great sense of humour. One to watch for on the Wii?
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Linedancing, Ultraviolet, New Mario & Spam
Roz took part in the Red Cross Fete and was part of the entertainment as one of many people giving a demonstration of linedancing. During the demonstration they asked for members of the audience to join in and Elliot wanted to have a go. As such, I went up with him and have now experienced my first and very possibly my last go at linedancing!
We also purchased a 4 sheets of raffle tickets (not much really) and ended up winning 2 prizes. A free 1 hour go at The Bowl and a food hamper. Included in the food hamper was....
SPAM!
Yes, being a Python fan I've always had a fundness fo SPAM, but never actually tried it... Oh well, there's always a first...
Games played:
New Super Mario Bros
I’ve had this for almost a week now, but haven’t had too much time to play it. I’m still trying to finish Phoenix Wright (nearish the end now) and that’s been taking priority. However, what I have played so far is very promising. Very much a return to roots for Mario and quite simply a joy to play.
The glowing colours of Mushroom Kingdom welcome you back immediately with open arms and the age old gameplay is just as fun as you remember. This really is Nintendo simply doing what Nintendo does best. It’s just a shame that it’s taken so long for Mario to return to his 2D roots.
My only slight complaint is that the game will only save after you complete each castle or unlock a Mushroom shop. As such, it’s a bit of a pain if you want to retread levels for the extra hidden coins, as in effect you can only save you position if you can collect 5 of this to open a shop or when you attack (and complete) a castle level for the first time.
Films watched:
Ultraviolet
This film had truly terrible views, real stinkers. Its Rotten Tomato rating is just 10%, but all the same, I like the sound of the premise and I’m rather fund of Milla Jovovich, so I thought I’d give it a go.
To cut my review short… the other reviews were right.
The friend that I borrowed this from described it as The Matrix on speed. A more accurate description would be The Matrix Reloaded – but worse.
3/10
We also purchased a 4 sheets of raffle tickets (not much really) and ended up winning 2 prizes. A free 1 hour go at The Bowl and a food hamper. Included in the food hamper was....
SPAM!
Yes, being a Python fan I've always had a fundness fo SPAM, but never actually tried it... Oh well, there's always a first...
Games played:
New Super Mario Bros
I’ve had this for almost a week now, but haven’t had too much time to play it. I’m still trying to finish Phoenix Wright (nearish the end now) and that’s been taking priority. However, what I have played so far is very promising. Very much a return to roots for Mario and quite simply a joy to play.
The glowing colours of Mushroom Kingdom welcome you back immediately with open arms and the age old gameplay is just as fun as you remember. This really is Nintendo simply doing what Nintendo does best. It’s just a shame that it’s taken so long for Mario to return to his 2D roots.
My only slight complaint is that the game will only save after you complete each castle or unlock a Mushroom shop. As such, it’s a bit of a pain if you want to retread levels for the extra hidden coins, as in effect you can only save you position if you can collect 5 of this to open a shop or when you attack (and complete) a castle level for the first time.
Films watched:
Ultraviolet
This film had truly terrible views, real stinkers. Its Rotten Tomato rating is just 10%, but all the same, I like the sound of the premise and I’m rather fund of Milla Jovovich, so I thought I’d give it a go.
To cut my review short… the other reviews were right.
The friend that I borrowed this from described it as The Matrix on speed. A more accurate description would be The Matrix Reloaded – but worse.
3/10
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Hills, 93, ECG, trailers and riding a bike
Elliot has finally got the hang of riding his bike. Roz and I bought it for him a good few months ago but up until recently, he has got the hang of pedalling a full rotation (he tended to move himself along with a half rotation, then realigning and starting again). Now there’s no stopping him…
Also, we have recently taken down all but one of the stair gates in our house. Elliot had pretty much figures out how to open them, so they no longer really served much purpose.
I’ve noticed that since I’ve started riding into work that I’ve been getting rather uncomfortable chest pains. As such, I decided to go to the doctor to ask about this. He suggested an immediate ECG (which was worrying), thankfully my heart is fine. Instead, it’s some sort of gullet infection which will likely be better soon (actually feeling better already).
There have been a whole host of trailers posted on the web recently, these being:
Snakes on a Plane – interesting could be amusing.
Lady in the Water – Lost faith in M Night Syamalan a long time ago.
And…
Spiderman 3 ( which can be found here)
Looks promising!
Films watched:
United 93
An unnervingly real account of the tragic flight 93 during the events of September 11. So real in fact, that this almost seems to a documentary take on the events.
The brought back memories to me of my reaction on that day. The utter shock and disbelieve. The feeling that the whole world was coming to pieces. An overwhelming sense of sympathy for those and the families caught up in these events.
As a film, this is remarkable, something that I couldn’t really describe as enjoyable, but could describe as unmissable. If this isn’t up for an Oscar come 2007 I’ll eat my hat. My only complaint would be that the film really is split in two parts. That of the passengers on flight 93 and also air traffic control as they try to get to grips with the events. Whilst the air traffic control events are interesting, they are dragged on a little too long and I feel that the focus should have been skewed a little more to the passengers of the flight, perhaps giving a little more background to them.
The last twenty minutes or so, where the passengers say goodbye by mobile to their love ones and decide to take action against the terrorists really is quite an emotional experience. Highly, highly recommended.
8/10
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Haven’t I seen this before? No, I’m not talking about the original either. I’m talking about the endless spew of slasher films in the past few years. I’m talking Texas Chainsaw, Hostel, Wolf Creek, Wrong Turn … the list is almost endless.
For all the blood, guts and violence this film had it was lacking one very important ingredient… a plot.
I’m starting to tire of watching the same film over and over again. Hell, I like horror’s, but for god sake, a little bit of originality is needed. Please?
4/10
Also, we have recently taken down all but one of the stair gates in our house. Elliot had pretty much figures out how to open them, so they no longer really served much purpose.
I’ve noticed that since I’ve started riding into work that I’ve been getting rather uncomfortable chest pains. As such, I decided to go to the doctor to ask about this. He suggested an immediate ECG (which was worrying), thankfully my heart is fine. Instead, it’s some sort of gullet infection which will likely be better soon (actually feeling better already).
There have been a whole host of trailers posted on the web recently, these being:
Snakes on a Plane – interesting could be amusing.
Lady in the Water – Lost faith in M Night Syamalan a long time ago.
And…
Spiderman 3 ( which can be found here)
Looks promising!
Films watched:
United 93
An unnervingly real account of the tragic flight 93 during the events of September 11. So real in fact, that this almost seems to a documentary take on the events.
The brought back memories to me of my reaction on that day. The utter shock and disbelieve. The feeling that the whole world was coming to pieces. An overwhelming sense of sympathy for those and the families caught up in these events.
As a film, this is remarkable, something that I couldn’t really describe as enjoyable, but could describe as unmissable. If this isn’t up for an Oscar come 2007 I’ll eat my hat. My only complaint would be that the film really is split in two parts. That of the passengers on flight 93 and also air traffic control as they try to get to grips with the events. Whilst the air traffic control events are interesting, they are dragged on a little too long and I feel that the focus should have been skewed a little more to the passengers of the flight, perhaps giving a little more background to them.
The last twenty minutes or so, where the passengers say goodbye by mobile to their love ones and decide to take action against the terrorists really is quite an emotional experience. Highly, highly recommended.
8/10
The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Haven’t I seen this before? No, I’m not talking about the original either. I’m talking about the endless spew of slasher films in the past few years. I’m talking Texas Chainsaw, Hostel, Wolf Creek, Wrong Turn … the list is almost endless.
For all the blood, guts and violence this film had it was lacking one very important ingredient… a plot.
I’m starting to tire of watching the same film over and over again. Hell, I like horror’s, but for god sake, a little bit of originality is needed. Please?
4/10
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