Issue 574

Arctic Monkeys

ROCK

26 Apr 2007

The weight of expectation hasn’t affected the Arctic Monkeys one iota. They’ve hardly broken their stride and have tossed off a second album of casual brilliance. It almost feels unfair how off the cuff Favourite Worst Nightmare feels; the lyrics are as…

Pinhole Photography Day

Life through an absent lens

26 Apr 2007

Contemporary life is cluttered with days commemorating anything and everything. April 30 is, of all things, Hairstyle Appreciation Day. Personally I’m not especially interested in celebrating perfectly coiffed locks, but occasionally one of these events…

Singles & Downloads

26 Apr 2007

Dancing girls galore this fortnight. Sophie Ellis Bextor kicks things off with 90s dance throwback, ‘Me and My Imagination’ (Fascination - 1 star), all sunny Ibiza beats and disco strings, but sadly low on charm. Crazy London girls, Duloks have more…

Scottish Ensemble with Gwilym Simcock

City Halls, Glasgow, Thu 26 Apr; Queen’s Hall, Edi

26 Apr 2007

SEASON FINALE Well known for its innovative programming, the Scottish Ensemble bring their 2006/07 season to a close with a collaboration that straddles the worlds of classical and jazz. Leading young jazz pianist and composer, Gwilym Simcock, joins…

* Hitlist (Classical)

Hitlist

26 Apr 2007

The Sixteen: Music from the Sistine Chapel The seventh choral pilgrimage of this outstanding group of 16 singers takes the Renaissance music of the Papal chapels as its inspiration. The sumptuous sounds of Allegri’s famous Miserere forms the centrepiece…

Mark O'Keeffe

Records

26 Apr 2007

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ The Edinburgh-based label is doing its fair share to support contemporary Scottish composition. The Edinburgh Quartet’s fine recent disc of new Scottish string quartets, The Cold Dancer, is followed by this solo outing from the BBC…

Björk

Records

26 Apr 2007

ERM... BJORK? Heralding an album as ‘the most commercial thing Björk has ever done’ is really a bit like declaring the new David Lynch movie ‘his most coherent narrative ever’. For the last decade she has been making the most unashamedly artful and…

Quentin Collins

Records

26 Apr 2007

JAZZ Trumpeter Quentin Collins is an emerging name on the London jazz scene, and this debut album suggests that the buzz around his work is well justified. His bright, cutting tone is in a recognisable line of descent from the likes of Freddie…

Willy Mason

Records

26 Apr 2007

FOLK POP Wee Willy Mason launches his second tasty platter, with a voice that still sounds way beyond his tender early 20s. This new set of songs makes his acclaimed debut, Where the Humans Eat, seem like a slab of raw meat, with lush production…

Rory Campbell

Records

26 Apr 2007

FOLK Barra-born Rory Campbell is best known for his work in bands like Deaf Shepherd and Old Blind Dogs. His latest project features Jonny Hardie (a band-mate in Old Blind Dogs) on guitar and drummer Donald Hay, and offers strong and expressive…

Leg, The

Records

26 Apr 2007

ROCK Those who have been hanging about the venues of Edinburgh for a few years now might know this lot as ‘the band formerly known as Desc and Khaya’. Every vague shift in musical direction from long-time collaborators Dan Mutch, Pete Harvey and Alun…

Injuns

Records

26 Apr 2007

POP Skye boys Leighton Jones (keyboard and vocals) and Hector MacInnes (drums) and the four other Injuns lads know their stuff and aren’t afraid to prove it. This debut is a densely influenced, multi-genre-encapsulating smorgasbord swerving from the…

1990s

Records

26 Apr 2007

INDIE After years of ferreting away with his former band, John McKeown’s brilliantly quirky songwriting is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Of course Cookies is an altogether different offering from anything The Yummy Fur ever released…

Elliott Smith

Records

26 Apr 2007

FOLK/ROCK Music from beyond the grave is always kind of spooky, especially when it is from an artist whose demise life was cut short like Smith’s. This is even more so given the bare nature of his songs, often little more than a couple of guitar…

Travis

Records

26 Apr 2007

POP The scholarly quest for songcraft for songcraft’s sake is now the only real endeavour for Travis these days, which is preferable of course to trying to regain former glories that, as their contemporaries Oasis will never tell you, are…

Fields

Records

26 Apr 2007

INDIE Imagine, if you will, Fleetwood Mac getting together with My Bloody Valentine. Add some crystal meth, the melodies of angels and a poet’s heart. Fields’ sound ranges from exquisite skewed folk to powerhouse drone-rock mayhem, frequently in the…

American Literature

Born fighting

24 Apr 2007

At the exact moment Chuck Palahniuk greets me with a hushed ‘Hello?’ his home in south-western Washington State is being invaded by a group of unfamiliar men who are chanting in unison at the author: ‘His name is Robert Paulson!’

Eat - The Italian Job

Life & Style

24 Apr 2007

Earlier this year I was employed to eat. And no, I wasn’t cramming pies into my face, a guinea pig for Greggs; I was hired to dine at some of the best restaurants in Scotland. You’re probably thinking, ‘bully for you’, but with a few more four-letter…

Justin Timberlake

He’s lovin it

24 Apr 2007

Justin Timberlake is all over the place. He’s traversing the world with the nine-month-long FutureSex/LoveShow tour, an in-the-round extravaganza of singing, dancing, panto sex moves, human beatboxing and tequila-drinking (in the course of the show…

Travel - Whisky galore!

Life & Style

24 Apr 2007

In almost any bar in Paris or Barcelona, you’ll spot young females drinking whisky. Not old men in tweed bunnets, swirling heavy tumblers and singing to themselves but young, fashionable women. A whisky-cola may be a very popular ladies’ choice in clubs…

Arts and minds

News

24 Apr 2007

Mark Cousins: Film writer I’d like to see art schools for 15-year-olds. I’d like the excitement of philosophy and aesthetics to be taught at primary school. I’d like our media to be more passionate about art and culture. I’d like modern…

Play - War Room

Life & Style

24 Apr 2007

Gaming is great - digging out your console or powering up your PC for a dose of virtual action. It’s even more fun if you get a few mates together for a bone-crunching Tekken session or a pass-the-mic round of SingStar. Now imagine a group of 28 with…

Eating & Drinking Awards

News

24 Apr 2007

Words: Allan Radcliffe (Left to right: The Kitchin and Bistro at One Devonshire) As the 14th annual Eating and Drinking Guide is published, The List can exclusively reveal the winners of this year’s awards for Best Restaurant, Best New…

Scottish Opera

Access all arias

24 Apr 2007

It’s the climax of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Having sung themselves into a state of romantic bliss, the delicate geisha and her American lieutenant lover fall into each other’s arms. Their lips are trembling on the verge of a succulent kiss when a man…

Gregory Thompson

Blair bitch project

23 Apr 2007

Politics has become the art of the horrible. We might feel, more now than ever, the truth of Paul Valery’s comment that ‘Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs that properly concern them.’ Perhaps because of a growing sense…

James Chance

The contortionist

23 Apr 2007

James Chance is coming to Scotland for the first time in his career this fortnight. Like one of his alter ego namesakes, it might as well be the second coming of Jesus. Post-punk’s messiah, James Chance, of Contortions infamy, aka James White (& The…

David Lynch

Wild at art

23 Apr 2007

At the Paris launch of David Lynch’s first major exhibition of his drawings and photographs, the 61-year-old director was asked to offer some insight into the work. To seasoned Lynch-watchers, the response was a typical mixture of beguiling and…

The Pastels

Back for good

23 Apr 2007

Given that they’ve released just one album in the last decade, a movie soundtrack at that, The Pastels could justifiably be accused of resting on their laurels. Perhaps doing things differently is precisely what’s kept Glasgow’s original enigmatic indie…

This is England

(18) 102min

23 Apr 2007

Taking its name from the only single to be released from The Clash’s final, hideously vulgarised LP Cut The Crap (by manager Bernard Rhodes, who synth-popped each of the 12 tracks to within an inch of their lives), Shane Meadows’ new film is about what…

Angels In America, Parts 1 & 2

Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 1-Sat 12 May

23 Apr 2007

REVIVAL There’s little doubt that in the future, when the great histories of theatre post-1950 are written, Tony Kushner’s classic will take a prominent role. Reckoned by many a critic to be the greatest play of the 1990s, its cultural shockwaves…

Also Released

Straightheads

23 Apr 2007

(18) 79min (1 Star) More dire vigilante antics from the oeuvre of Danny Dyer. This time he’s one half of a middle class couple (the other half is a slumming Gillian Anderson), at the beginning of their romance, who embark on a violent killing spree…

Fiona Jardine

Interview

23 Apr 2007

Alexander Kennedy What will you be showing? Fiona Jardine I’m showing a series of photographs which have developed from my interest in, on the one hand, the image of the suited figure - an unconscious appreciation of it as well as particular…

65daysofstatic

Exposure

23 Apr 2007

65daysofstatic are a Sheffield rock band who are distinctly different to their indie-bretheren. Combining drum & bass beats, glitches and synths over an instrumental rock template has seen them win over the rock press, Zane Lowe and the late John Peel.

*Hitlist

Hitlist

23 Apr 2007

Sunshine on Leith At last, The Proclaimers musical (pictured)! The story of two returned army veterans finding a different city to the one they left is accompanied by the likes of ‘I’m Gonna be (500 Miles)’, ‘Letter from America’ and the title song, all…

Spider-Man 3

(12A) 156min

23 Apr 2007

‘Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.’ Writer/director Sam Raimi’s third and (alleged) final film outing with the New York dwelling arachnid superhero is a hit and miss affair which still manages to contain some of the best…

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators

Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Apr; Renfrew Ferry,

23 Apr 2007

RETRO FUNK SOUL With the release of Keep Reachin’ Up last year, Nicole Willis found herself the subject of funk-soul lovers’ adoration and press applause. But as much as she is pleased with the album’s outcome, the 20 year careerist who has recorded…

Marvel Masterworks

Comics

23 Apr 2007

SUPERHERO Spider-Man is Marvel’s mascot, one of the most recognisable superheroes of all time. With the latest huge blockbuster on the horizon there’s bound to be a lot of interest in everyone’s favourite webslinger. Created back in 1962 by comics…

Loz Speyer’s Time Zone

The Tolbooth, Stirling, Sat 5 May

23 Apr 2007

JAZZ London-based trumpeter Loz Speyer has been spending a lot of time in Cuba since he last toured Scotland, and that will be reflected in the music he will perform with Time Zone. This short Scottish tour (they also play Montrose and some Highland…

Profile - Kenny Dixon Jr

Profile

23 Apr 2007

Name Kenny Dixon Jr Occupation Modern-day torch-bearer for the Detroit techno sound, and indefatigable producer, label boss, alias collector and live DJ. Where might I have heard of him? If his given name doesn’t ring any bells, his arguably…

Bad Men

Clive Stafford Smith

23 Apr 2007

POLITICAL ESSAY Clive Stafford Smith has been privy to some horrible maltreatments of human beings down the years. As a Cornishman with dual UK/US citizenship, he is seen as a saviour to the many Death Row prisoners he has tried to rescue from lethal…

Spektrum

Dfrnt Trouble at The Caves, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Apr;

23 Apr 2007

PUNK FUNK Where London quartet Spektrum initially capitalised to good effect on the nascent punk-funk movement that American contemporaries like The Rapture, Radio 4 and the nascent LCD Soundsystem were developing, their new album Fun At The Gymkhana…

Scottish Outdoor Access Festival

Nationwide, Sat 28 Apr - Mon 7 May

23 Apr 2007

FESTIVAL Launched in 2005, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code encourages people to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and responsible fashion. To walk through fields without damaging crops, picnic without leaving litter, and making sure your dog…

*Hitlist

Hitlist

23 Apr 2007

Happy Birthday Miffy! Everyone’s favourite carrot-muncher (after, perhaps, Bugs Bunny and, maybe, Jessica Rabbit) gets her own gig at the NLS as Dick Bruna’s creation becomes the subject of an extensive collection of art works and interactive gear.

*Hitlist

Hitlist

23 Apr 2007

Pete Rock and Marley Marl Late change to the bill as DJ Premier drops out of Triptych with Pete Rock stepping in to fill the void. Renfrew Ferry, Glasgow, Thu 26 Apr; Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Apr.

Fast Food Nation

23 Apr 2007

Texan filmmaker, vegetarian and activist Richard Linklater’s fictional interpretation of Eric Schlosser’s bestselling non-fiction book exposing malpractice in the America’s fast food industry is an enjoyable and shocking freewheeling satire on consumer…

Sister Carol and Sister Nancy

Mungo’s Hi-Fi at Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, F

23 Apr 2007

REGGAE/DANCEHALL (Sister Carol, top; Sister Nancy, bottom) Sister Carol and Sister Nancy, two of reggae’s most revered and prolific artists make their Scottish debut at Triptych courtesy of Mungo’s Hi Fi and Messenger Soundsystem. Jamaican-born…

The Painted Veil

23 Apr 2007

This third screen adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s novel, here directed by John Curran (We Don’t Live Here Anymore) and scripted by Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia), very successfully opens out Maugham’s astutely written but rather claustrophobic romance.

Ross Noble

ROSS NOBLE ON

23 Apr 2007

CD Ross Noble is a comic who, like the best of them, splits the crowd straight down the middle. To some he is a rambling muppet with an array of silly voices whose seeming lack of script results in him endlessly stumbling up comedic cul de sacs. The…

* Hitlist

Hitlist

23 Apr 2007

Maria McKee (pictured) Her new album Late December has finally arrived, featuring skilfully drawn, unassuming alt.country nuggets. Oran Mor, Glasgow, Sat 28 Apr; Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Mon 30 Apr. (Rock & Pop)

Man of La Mancha

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 19 May

23 Apr 2007

MUSICAL There’s an impressive gusto to Dale Wasserman’s version, with words by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh, of Cervantes’ Don Quixote. There is also a certain underlying complexity in its insistent questioning of reality, idealism and…