Iain McNay 06/05

Books

Meat Loaf 'To Hell And Back'
Fairly amusing account of Meat Loaf's career, told mainly in anecdotal form.

Play

Telstar - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildforday
As the title suggests this is a play about the life of Joe Meek; writer, producer and character extraordinaire. I always marvel at the memory of actors when they have so much to remember. Con O'Neil who played Joe Meek really is superb. The play is on a six week tour of different towns, catch
it if you can, it is fascinating.

CDs

Courtney Love - American Sweetheart
Auf Der Maur - Auf dER Maur
Bought both of these recently, several months after they were released. I don't know why I didn't pick up on them earlier. I enjoyed both a lot.

Cathal Coughlan - Black River Falls
Liked this when it came out, just dug it out again the other day. Like it even beter now.....

Aplhastates - Made From Sand
Was given this at MIDEM. Great voice, really hope they go on to do someting.

Films

Aviator
I always was a little intrigued by Howard Hughes, I enjoyed it.

Beyond The Sea
Somewhat disappointing. I am not suprised it wasn't that successful commercially. Could have been so much more interesting...

Sideways
You have got to have had at least one mid-life crisis to really appeciate this, I loved it.

Ray
Great music and a pretty good film

Kinsey
The reviews weren't very kind to this film and when I saw it there was only one other person in the cinema. But I though it was good.

What The Bleep Do We Know?
Watched this on DVD as it hasn't been released yet in Europe. It had come highly recommended by many American friends. If you watch this film and really think about the content it is going to challenge your view of reality in a major way. The story line was strange but the interviews and comments by scientist are fascinating. A film to change your life if you are really willing to start taking the information on board....

Gigs

John Howard - Oxfordshire
Since RPM re-issued John's 'Kid In A Big World' some 18 months or so ago there has been much interest in his work. I love his records but for me his live work is even more compelling. Here he played a small venue in Stoke Row in Oxfordshire where many of those there were unfamiliar with his music. His two sets totalled nearly 2 hours and his performance was, as always, of the highest calibre. He is a big talent waiting to be rediscovered, don't miss him if he plays near you.

Hazel O'Connor - Oxfordshire
I hadn't seen her play for over 20 years. When I heard she now had a Irish harpist and no band with her, I wondered what she would be like. 'Great', is the answer. Full of power and passion, it was a wonderful evening.

Sporting event

AFC Wimbledon v Dorking Ryman 1 3-0
The Dons clinched promotion. Onwards and upwards without doubt.