Five albums in, medicationsmalady and with only mild commercial success to date, it would be a reasonable assessment to describe Rufus Wainwright’s dramatic, theatrical pop as something of an acquired taste. For many, he over eggs the pudding , and then some. But whilst bold ambition may be a deterrent to some, his loyal fans will rejoice at this offering. This is classic Rufus, and whilst it wont be winning him many new fans, this simply doesn’t matter. This is a record to admire, it may even be his most satisfying work to date.
As expected, Wainwright offers up his usual mix of epic and restrained throughout the 13 songs, and there are a number of gems. Striking orchestration and characteristically high in the mix Rufus vocals lead us into opener Do I Dissapoint You. It is a brilliant opening song to set the tone for what is to follow. The diversity of instruments employed here alone is staggering, and like many songs throughout the album the arrangement is gloriously ambitious. The recurring operatic theme, present throughout all his previous work has been thankfully maintained.
First Single Going To A Town (which was B listed by Radio 2) follows. Its mournful tones echoing latter day Beatles balladry (think Fool On The Hill) and it features the albums most engaging lyrics. Amidst numerous misforgivings with his homeland, Wainwright again finds himself lost in the confusion of love and religion (another recurring theme here), “Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having loved?” he pleads. For all the record’s grandiose, it is these moments of human insecurity that really strike a chord. It is also one of a number of outstanding vocals on the record.
The pace doesn’t let up throughout the opening half – Nobody’s Off The Hook, Between My Legs and Tiergarten sit easily amongst the artists best work. But, it cannot quite be maintained throughout the second half – a better focus on sequencing next time perhaps. But this is a minor gripe. With each listen, hidden depths are revealed, suggesting that this is a record that will endure also. It is a joy.
Troubles! That’s exactly what the Concretes got into during the last year. One of the three founding members and nonetheless the lead vocalist of the band decided to quit to start her solo project Taken by Trees. If that was not enough the destiny decided to punish them furthermore and as a result they had all their equipment stolen during the U.S. tour. Quite a difficult time for a band, sildenafil isn’t it? However, The Concretes decided to look ahead and continue their career as a seven piece band, giving Maria Erikkson the difficult task to substitute the charismatic and easily recognisable voice of Victoria Bergsman.
Last week the high-rollers were flashing their cash at Frieze, about it but there’s also space in the art world for those of us who aren’t Russian oligarchs. If you love the idea of owning original art but don’t have the in depth knowledge necessary to spend thousands of pounds on something, rx the Affordable Art Fair is a brilliant place to go: new artists from 120 galleries will be displayed and prices start at just £50.
October 22-25
Battersea Park
Carlos Garaicoa – The Point, unhealthy the Line and the Plan
Brand new gallery East Central is holding a free-to-enter exhibition of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa’s manipulated photographs. Garaicoa hails from Havana and his work seeks to shed light on the now fading idealistic glory of the city’s buildings, sometimes by contrasting them with American icons like the Empire State Building, or implanting words into views of the city (one sinister message can be seen above). Politics doesn’t sit lightly on Garaicoa’s work, it is an integral part of its message: images of the Pentagon and Cuba’s intelligence buildings drive this home.
Matthew Brannon – Nevertheless
Sculptor Matthew Brannon’s large-scale “I know now no one won” work at the Approach Gallery takes the form of an exquisitely formulated stage set for a play to be performed aboard an ocean liner. A trained graphic designer, Brannon uses the language of shapes and objects against a crisp white background to make his sense known – some works also make use of this skill, with bits and pieces of text shedding light on the artist’s intent. Happily, he also created and crafted each of the objects himself, proving himself a man of many talents.
The Museum Of Everything
Witness the birth of a brand new museum that promises to be London’s first ever space for artists to work outside our modern community. ‘Exhibition #1’ features the whole spectrum of art with over two hundred drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations from these “untrained, unintentional and unseen creators”. Amongst others are Calvin and Ruby Black, a husband & wife team who will exhibit hundreds of figures made from recycled materials. Painter, potter and dancer Ann Stokes is inspired by ballet and presents creations including animals, tableware & trees of birds. There’s free admission and a free shuttle for all visitors to and from Frieze.
October 14th-December 23rd
Drawing The Line: Political Cartooning In An Inoffensive Age
This event will see speakers such as Dave Brown, Martin Rowson and Sarnath Banerjee among others, discussing the rights and wrongs of political cartoons past and present. In an age when anyone who so much as utters an un-PC comment is condemned, do we need cartoonists who are willing to take a chance on good taste in order to make sense of the world we live in? This and other questions will be answered in this Thursday evening.
October 22nd DACS, 33 Great Sutton St, London
Mr Almos’ Big Pen Ship – The Rag Factory
This Thursday will see the opening of an illustration exhibition that showcases the art of thirteen (magical) illustrators such as George Mellor, Ali Campbell, Chris Martin (not that one) and Matthew Hams. Set in the Rag Factory off Brick Lane, this is worth a look if you appreciate illustration that’s quite charming, a little bit fantastical and very curious. Expect an eclectic cross of styles.
Last week the high-rollers were flashing their cash at Frieze, approved but there’s also space in the art world for those of us who aren’t Russian oligarchs. If you love the idea of owning original art but don’t have the in depth knowledge necessary to spend thousands of pounds on something, advice the Affordable Art Fair is a brilliant place to go: new artists from 120 galleries will be displayed and prices start at just £50.
October 22-25
Battersea Park
Carlos Garaicoa – The Point, more about the Line and the Plan
Brand new gallery East Central is holding a free-to-enter exhibition of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa’s manipulated photographs. Garaicoa hails from Havana and his work seeks to shed light on the now fading idealistic glory of the city’s buildings, sometimes by contrasting them with American icons like the Empire State Building, or implanting words into views of the city (one sinister message can be seen above). Politics doesn’t sit lightly on Garaicoa’s work, it is an integral part of its message: images of the Pentagon and Cuba’s intelligence buildings drive this home.
Matthew Brannon – Nevertheless
Sculptor Matthew Brannon’s large-scale “I know now no one won” work at the Approach Gallery takes the form of an exquisitely formulated stage set for a play to be performed aboard an ocean liner. A trained graphic designer, Brannon uses the language of shapes and objects against a crisp white background to make his sense known – some works also make use of this skill, with bits and pieces of text shedding light on the artist’s intent. Happily, he also created and crafted each of the objects himself, proving himself a man of many talents.
The Museum Of Everything
Witness the birth of a brand new museum that promises to be London’s first ever space for artists to work outside our modern community. ‘Exhibition #1’ features the whole spectrum of art with over two hundred drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations from these “untrained, unintentional and unseen creators”. Amongst others are Calvin and Ruby Black, a husband & wife team who will exhibit hundreds of figures made from recycled materials. Painter, potter and dancer Ann Stokes is inspired by ballet and presents creations including animals, tableware & trees of birds. There’s free admission and a free shuttle for all visitors to and from Frieze.
October 14th-December 23rd
Drawing The Line: Political Cartooning In An Inoffensive Age
This event will see speakers such as Dave Brown, Martin Rowson and Sarnath Banerjee among others, discussing the rights and wrongs of political cartoons past and present. In an age when anyone who so much as utters an un-PC comment is condemned, do we need cartoonists who are willing to take a chance on good taste in order to make sense of the world we live in? This and other questions will be answered in this Thursday evening.
October 22nd DACS, 33 Great Sutton St, London
Mr Almos’ Big Pen Ship – The Rag Factory
This Thursday will see the opening of an illustration exhibition that showcases the art of thirteen (magical) illustrators such as George Mellor, Ali Campbell, Chris Martin (not that one) and Matthew Hams. Set in the Rag Factory off Brick Lane, this is worth a look if you appreciate illustration that’s quite charming, a little bit fantastical and very curious. Expect an eclectic cross of styles.
Last week the high-rollers were flashing their cash at Frieze, help but there’s also space in the art world for those of us who aren’t Russian oligarchs. If you love the idea of owning original art but don’t have the in depth knowledge necessary to spend thousands of pounds on something, the Affordable Art Fair is a brilliant place to go: new artists from 120 galleries will be displayed and prices start at just £50.
October 22-25
Battersea Park
Carlos Garaicoa – The Point, the Line and the Plan
Brand new gallery East Central is holding a free-to-enter exhibition of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa’s manipulated photographs. Garaicoa hails from Havana and his work seeks to shed light on the now fading idealistic glory of the city’s buildings, sometimes by contrasting them with American icons like the Empire State Building, or implanting words into views of the city (one sinister message can be seen above). Politics doesn’t sit lightly on Garaicoa’s work, it is an integral part of its message: images of the Pentagon and Cuba’s intelligence buildings drive this home.
Matthew Brannon – Nevertheless
Sculptor Matthew Brannon’s large-scale “I know now no one won” work at the Approach Gallery takes the form of an exquisitely formulated stage set for a play to be performed aboard an ocean liner. A trained graphic designer, Brannon uses the language of shapes and objects against a crisp white background to make his sense known – some works also make use of this skill, with bits and pieces of text shedding light on the artist’s intent. Happily, he also created and crafted each of the objects himself, proving himself a man of many talents.
The Museum Of Everything
Witness the birth of a brand new museum that promises to be London’s first ever space for artists to work outside our modern community. ‘Exhibition #1’ features the whole spectrum of art with over two hundred drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations from these “untrained, unintentional and unseen creators”. Amongst others are Calvin and Ruby Black, a husband & wife team who will exhibit hundreds of figures made from recycled materials. Painter, potter and dancer Ann Stokes is inspired by ballet and presents creations including animals, tableware & trees of birds. There’s free admission and a free shuttle for all visitors to and from Frieze.
October 14th-December 23rd
Drawing The Line: Political Cartooning In An Inoffensive Age
This event will see speakers such as Dave Brown, Martin Rowson and Sarnath Banerjee among others, discussing the rights and wrongs of political cartoons past and present. In an age when anyone who so much as utters an un-PC comment is condemned, do we need cartoonists who are willing to take a chance on good taste in order to make sense of the world we live in? This and other questions will be answered in this Thursday evening.
October 22nd DACS, 33 Great Sutton St, London
Mr Almos’ Big Pen Ship – The Rag Factory
This Thursday will see the opening of an illustration exhibition that showcases the art of thirteen (magical) illustrators such as George Mellor, Ali Campbell, Chris Martin (not that one) and Matthew Hams. Set in the Rag Factory off Brick Lane, this is worth a look if you appreciate illustration that’s quite charming, a little bit fantastical and very curious. Expect an eclectic cross of styles.
Last week the high-rollers were flashing their cash at Frieze, drug but there’s also space in the art world for those of us who aren’t Russian oligarchs. If you love the idea of owning original art but don’t have the in depth knowledge necessary to spend thousands of pounds on something, the Affordable Art Fair is a brilliant place to go: new artists from 120 galleries will be displayed and prices start at just £50.
October 22-25
Battersea Park
Carlos Garaicoa – The Point, the Line and the Plan
Brand new gallery East Central is holding a free-to-enter exhibition of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa’s manipulated photographs. Garaicoa hails from Havana and his work seeks to shed light on the now fading idealistic glory of the city’s buildings, sometimes by contrasting them with American icons like the Empire State Building, or implanting words into views of the city (one sinister message can be seen above). Politics doesn’t sit lightly on Garaicoa’s work, it is an integral part of its message: images of the Pentagon and Cuba’s intelligence buildings drive this home.
Matthew Brannon – Nevertheless
Sculptor Matthew Brannon’s large-scale “I know now no one won” work at the Approach Gallery takes the form of an exquisitely formulated stage set for a play to be performed aboard an ocean liner. A trained graphic designer, Brannon uses the language of shapes and objects against a crisp white background to make his sense known – some works also make use of this skill, with bits and pieces of text shedding light on the artist’s intent. Happily, he also created and crafted each of the objects himself, proving himself a man of many talents.
The Museum Of Everything
Witness the birth of a brand new museum that promises to be London’s first ever space for artists to work outside our modern community. ‘Exhibition #1’ features the whole spectrum of art with over two hundred drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations from these “untrained, unintentional and unseen creators”. Amongst others are Calvin and Ruby Black, a husband & wife team who will exhibit hundreds of figures made from recycled materials. Painter, potter and dancer Ann Stokes is inspired by ballet and presents creations including animals, tableware & trees of birds. There’s free admission and a free shuttle for all visitors to and from Frieze.
October 14th-December 23rd
Drawing The Line: Political Cartooning In An Inoffensive Age
This event will see speakers such as Dave Brown, Martin Rowson and Sarnath Banerjee among others, discussing the rights and wrongs of political cartoons past and present. In an age when anyone who so much as utters an un-PC comment is condemned, do we need cartoonists who are willing to take a chance on good taste in order to make sense of the world we live in? This and other questions will be answered in this Thursday evening.
October 22nd DACS, 33 Great Sutton St, London
Mr Almos’ Big Pen Ship – The Rag Factory
This Thursday will see the opening of an illustration exhibition that showcases the art of thirteen (magical) illustrators such as George Mellor, Ali Campbell, Chris Martin (not that one) and Matthew Hams. Set in the Rag Factory off Brick Lane, this is worth a look if you appreciate illustration that’s quite charming, a little bit fantastical and very curious. Expect an eclectic cross of styles.
Coal power is the biggest source of carbon emissions, with over 200,000 people dying each year from climate change alone, the government still isn’t taking it seriously. With only a one seventh of the amount bankers received in their bonus packages being put towards green stimulus projects shows we need to take action into our own hands to get the government to do more.
The Great Climate Swoop is happening this Saturday the 17th and 18th October; the plan is to take over Ratcliffe-on-soar coal-fired power station for at least 24 hours. There has already been a wave of international protests against coal power stations this year from Australia (an action we covered at Amelias magazine) to Denmark and we aim to make our action even bigger and better.
With the recent back out by E.ON on creating two new coal power stations at Kingsnorth, as well as the end to plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow which were coincidentally both venues for past Climate Camp shows that we can really make change.
It is an exciting time to be involved in activism with the climate change issue really heating up it is time to get involved and be part of the movement.
With a group of volunteers spending months working hard for the swoop to be an success, the plan is in place and it is sure to be an engaging action that will spurn many new activists as well as pushing the debate on for no coal power. Maps are available to download and a text message service has been set up to keep everyone informed about what’s happening on the day.
Local neighborhoods meet up regularly and have organized a range of activist cut-price buses from around the country to descend to Nottingham at the end of the week. There really is no excuse not to be there.
The action has been split into four blocs, and each offers different objectives to suit every activist. FOOTSTEPS TO THE FUTURE will get to the main gate and create a vision of a better future, TAKE THE POWER BACK mission is to get to the control room and take back the power, FALSE SOLUTIONS will go to the coal pile and expose the false solutions and CAPITALISM IS CRISIS is the decentralized bloc which means affinity groups can take there own actions. The power station is going to be inundated with young and old, students, weathered activists and all in between to show we want to kick start massive transition to a low carbon future and we don’t see coal power as relevant in today’s world.
If you’ve left sorting out transport with your local group too late, don’t worry just get to Nottingham train station for 10am this Saturday and join the hundreds of protesters there ready to swoop. There will also be bike blogs setting off from Leeds on the 15th, and Sheffield on the 16th and Nottingham on the 17th all leaving from the train stations at 10am, the critical mass will even have boom pedal powered tunes to spur you on and bloc any of those high vis vehicles on the day.
We have been gathering, viagra order preparing, viagra joining with hundreds of others and almost ready to swoop for the most exciting mass action of the year.
Coal power is the biggest source of carbon emissions, see with over 200,000 people dying each year from climate change alone, the government still isn’t taking it seriously. With only a one seventh of the amount bankers received in their bonus packages being put towards green stimulus projects shows we need to take action into our own hands to get the government to do more.
The Great Climate Swoop is happening this Saturday the 17th and 18th October; the plan is to take over Ratcliffe-on-soar coal-fired power station for at least 24 hours. There has already been a wave of international protests against coal power stations this year from Australia (an action we covered at Amelias magazine) to Denmark and we aim to make our action even bigger and better.
With the recent back out by E.ON on creating two new coal power stations at Kingsnorth, as well as the end to plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow which were coincidentally both venues for past Climate Camp shows that we can really make change.
It is an exciting time to be involved in activism with the climate change issue really heating up it is time to get involved and be part of the movement.
With a group of volunteers spending months working hard for the swoop to be an success, the plan is in place and it is sure to be an engaging action that will spurn many new activists as well as pushing the debate on for no coal power. Maps are available to download and a text message service has been set up to keep everyone informed about what’s happening on the day.
Local neighborhoods meet up regularly and have organized a range of activist cut-price buses from around the country to descend to Nottingham at the end of the week. There really is no excuse not to be there.
The action has been split into four blocs, and each offers different objectives to suit every activist. FOOTSTEPS TO THE FUTURE will get to the main gate and create a vision of a better future, TAKE THE POWER BACK mission is to get to the control room and take back the power, FALSE SOLUTIONS will go to the coal pile and expose the false solutions and CAPITALISM IS CRISIS is the decentralized bloc which means affinity groups can take there own actions. The power station is going to be inundated with young and old, students, weathered activists and all in between to show we want to kick start massive transition to a low carbon future and we don’t see coal power as relevant in today’s world.
If you’ve left sorting out transport with your local group too late, don’t worry just get to Nottingham train station for 10am this Saturday and join the hundreds of protesters there ready to swoop. There will also be bike blogs setting off from Leeds on the 15th, and Sheffield on the 16th and Nottingham on the 17th all leaving from the train stations at 10am, the critical mass will even have boom pedal powered tunes to spur you on and bloc any of those high vis vehicles on the day.
Read to the bottom to find out exclusive details about a really exciting competition!
Having recently been on tour with Richard Hawley, these bewitching girls settle back in London to headline their own show at The Borderline. Their sultry vocals and penchant for slide guitar will seriously turn you on.
We’ll be chatting to this New Mexico chap who’s friends with Zach “Beirut” Condon and A Hawk And A Hacksaw and now spends his time in Berlin making really great electro pop. An extra reason to attend is that proceeds from the gig go to Wateraid.
Seems a bizarre entrant into the Electric Proms schedule, but after Amelia’s Magazine saw his Glasto 09 performance we have no doubt that this talented MC can rise to the challenge. Micachu and Efterklang have done it recently so now Dizzee gets his chance to perform against an orchestral backing.
What would a gigging week be without a handsome dose of folk? Well, we won’t give you the option. Join the finest singers – including Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys, the U2 of folk (in a good way), Martin Carthy and longtime collaborator and personal idol, Norma Waterson – from the field recordings on Will Hodgkinson’s acclaimed travelogue The Ballad Of Britain come together for a unique concert that shows just how rich, various and creative the British folk experience can be.
There’s not many Hollywood actors that have switched to music and enjoyed the longevity that Lewis has. We put it down to her leather clad style, and sweat drenched, shrieking to rival Karen O performance. That’s not a bad triumvirate of reasons to check this gig out.
Wile away the woes of the plunging temperature with actress, burlesque dancer and general East End scenester turned quirky retro diva, Faith, performing tracks from her soulful debut album alongside Amelia’s Magazine folk troupe faves, Mumford & Sons. Not to be missed.
The moment you’ve been waiting for, Amelia’s Magazine is proud to present an exclusive opportunity to see desert blue Mali collective, Tinariwen at this gig. Not only will you and a friend attend the gig, but you can also go down early to the Koko show to watch the band sound-check, meet the band post sound-check, have photos taken with them, and watch a couple of the set’s songs from the side of the stage. Follow us on twitter to find out how to enter the competition.
Written by Katie Weatherall on Monday October 19th, 2009 3:24 pm
