English bands never seem content to be pretty good; they’re always aiming to be the greatest band in the world.
Longtime indie darling British Sea Power cast its bid this year with its third album, cheekily titled “Do You Like Rock Music?” Recorded around the world at considerable expense, the album has an epic sweep that broadened the group’s base and caused old fans to cry sellout.
Was it worth it? Based on Tuesday’s show at the Paradise, sure. But the band hasn’t changed much, at least onstage. British Sea Power is still moody and textured, with literate songs that have enough lovely melodic bits to keep you hooked. This is a band fond of upfront bass lines, one-chord guitar drones and vocals that stop just short of betraying emotion. It’s no surprise that Rough Trade, the British label known for cerebral guitar bands, has this outfit on the roster. While there were echoes of earlier British bands, notably pre-Goth Cure and post-punk Wire, British Sea Power never got too caught up in the ’80s.
The band was all business, dressing identically in military haircuts and plain T-shirts and saying almost nothing between songs. When fans upfront shouted song requests, a set list was passed into the audience so fans could shout for the correct number.
British Sea Power played nearly all of “Rock Music” while avoiding a few of its formative singles. There were moments of pure pop (the new “Waving Flags” was a beauty), but most of the set was given to longer, moodier epics. The recurring lyric theme of lost souls drifting in a ship of state lent itself to trippy instrumental sections and a few angry outbursts.
True, the band fell back on a few of the same tricks; half the songs seemed to end with accelerating on a single chord. But the set began and ended with epics that brought out the group’s best.
The opening “Lights Out for Darker Skies” was grand and atmospheric, a three-part piece that built tension while never quite cutting loose. Guest violinist Abi Fry proved a valuable addition, taking more flashy solos than either of the band’s guitarists.
The longtime set-closer, “Lately,” was proudly excessive, leading to a frantic jam that found guitarist Yan borrowing lyrics from Neil Young’s “Powderfinger.” Hoisting their guitars for maximum feedback, the mates of British Sea Power proved that they indeed love rock music.
BRITISH SEA POWER at the Paradise, Tuesday night.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Friday, 30 May 2008
Disney - The Things They Say 8413
"A lot of DISNEY stuff and classical. She likes GOOD CHARLOTTE. And she likes her granddad (LIONEL RICHIE)'s music. She likes old stuff. She's a CURE fan ... She likes THE CURE - she kicks her legs." JOEL MADDEN on his daughter HARLOW's taste in music.
See Also
Rhapsody
Artist: Rhapsody
Genre(s):
Metal: Power
Rock
Metal: Progressive
Folk
Discography:
The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream
Year: 2005
Tracks: 8
Tales From Emerald Sword Saga
Year: 2004
Tracks: 16
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret
Year: 2004
Tracks: 12
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands 2: The Dark Secret
Year: 2004
Tracks: 12
Power Of The Dragonflame
Year: 2002
Tracks: 11
Power Of The Dagonflame
Year: 2002
Tracks: 11
Rain Of a Thousand Flames
Year: 2001
Tracks: 7
The Dark Secret
Year: 2000
Tracks: 5
Holy Thunderforce
Year: 2000
Tracks: 6
Holy Thunderforce
Year: 2000
Tracks: 3
Dawn of Victory
Year: 2000
Tracks: 10
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands
Year: 1998
Tracks: 10
Emerald Sword (Ep)
Year: 1998
Tracks: 3
Legendary Tales
Year: 1997
Tracks: 10
Rhapsody is a alloy outfit composed of Fabio Lione (vocals), Luca Turilli (guitar), Alex Staropoli (keyboards), Alessandro Lotta (bass voice), and Alex Holzwarth (drums). The radical was formed in Italy in the late '90s by Turilli and Staropoli. They recruited Daniele Carbonera to serve as their drummer. The band was already working on a debut, 1997's Legendary Tales, before they connected with Lione (known as Joe Terry during his time in the band Labyrinth), phoning him from the studio to arrange for him to bring together them. The band followed up that record album with an EP, entitled Emerald Sword, and the record album Symphonic music of Enchanted Lands the undermentioned year. Shortly later on the release of Symphonic music, Carbonera foregone. His replacement was launch in the personage of Holzwarth. They would non release any longer corporeal until 2000 in the form of an EP (Holy Thunderforce) and an record album (Break of the day of Victory). In 2001, the mathematical group released Rainfall of a Thousand Flames and then in 2002, Power of the Dragon Flame. Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Vol. 2: The Dark Secret appeared in fall 2004; the following year the band was strained to change its name, choosing Rhapsody of Fire, due to right of first publication issues.
Michael Douglas to haunt his old Girlfriends
At the New York junket for his new movie 'The Spiderwick Chronicles', director Mark Waters revealed the cast of his upcoming romantic comedy 'The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past'.
The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Breckin Meyer, and Waters revealed that Michael Douglas is set to join the line-up.
Speaking about the 'Wall Street' actor's role in the film to Comingsoon.net Waters said: "(He'll be playing) the Marley character, the old ghost who's dead, Uncle Wayne. He's a '70s playboy...and he wears Bob Evans shades."
McConaughey replaced Ben Affleck, who was originally lined up to play the lead role.
Waters told Comingsoon.net what he thought that McConaughey brought to the table: "There's something great about Matthew. He has an aspect of him that he can get away with murder with women."
He continued: "He's the kind of guy where women are apologising to him when he breaks up with them, because he's so charming. It's always been such a delicious concept of taking a Christmas Carol and making a romantic comedy out of it."
In the film, McConaughey plays a womaniser who attends the wedding of his younger brother (Breckin Meyer) and bride (Lacey Chabert).
There, he's haunted by several old flames, including the bride's best friend (Jennifer Garner).
The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Breckin Meyer, and Waters revealed that Michael Douglas is set to join the line-up.
Speaking about the 'Wall Street' actor's role in the film to Comingsoon.net Waters said: "(He'll be playing) the Marley character, the old ghost who's dead, Uncle Wayne. He's a '70s playboy...and he wears Bob Evans shades."
McConaughey replaced Ben Affleck, who was originally lined up to play the lead role.
Waters told Comingsoon.net what he thought that McConaughey brought to the table: "There's something great about Matthew. He has an aspect of him that he can get away with murder with women."
He continued: "He's the kind of guy where women are apologising to him when he breaks up with them, because he's so charming. It's always been such a delicious concept of taking a Christmas Carol and making a romantic comedy out of it."
In the film, McConaughey plays a womaniser who attends the wedding of his younger brother (Breckin Meyer) and bride (Lacey Chabert).
There, he's haunted by several old flames, including the bride's best friend (Jennifer Garner).
NZ opera singer dies after being hit by car
Acclaimed Christchurch opera singer Seamus Casey has died in a Sydney hospital a week after being hit by a car.Casey, 27, was on life support in Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital since the incident last Tuesday when he was on his way to work.He suffered severe head injuries and a broken leg and was in a critical condition, prompting doctors to advise his family they should turn off life support.Casey, who attended Burnside High School in Christchurch, did a Diploma of Performing Arts at the Hagley Theatre Company before moving overseas to pursue a successful career in opera.He last performed in Christchurch in February 2006 when he was raising money for a 12-month stint with the Australian Opera Studio in Perth, The Press newspaper reported.He had been selected to join the Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists programme in 2002 and was named as vocal award winner in Christchurch's 2000 Young Performer of the Year.It is understood Casey's funeral will be held in Christchurch next week.
- NZPA
- NZPA
Redshift and Ultradyne
Artist: Redshift and Ultradyne
Genre(s):
Electronic: Progressive
Discography:
Ultradyne And Redshift Ep
Year: 2000
Tracks: 3
Ex Corrie star Sanderson joins Heartbeat
Former 'Coronation Street' star Nikki Sanderson is set to join the cast of 'Heartbeat'.
The 23-year-old actress will play the part of Dawn Bellamy, a niece of the late Phil Bellamy, in the ITV drama.
Sanderson quit 'Coronation Street' in 2005 when her character Candice left Weatherfield to become a stylist for Status Quo.
She has since appeared in 'Holby City', 'New Street Law' and 'X Factor: Battle of the Stars'.
Speaking about her new role, the actress said: "I'm so excited about starting on 'Heartbeat' and meeting all of the cast.
"My family and I have always loved the show, and I can't wait to put on the Sixties clothing."
Heartbeat producer Archie Tait said: "Nikki will be a fantastic addition to the show. Dawn is a great character who is certain to spice things up in Aidensfield."
The 23-year-old actress will play the part of Dawn Bellamy, a niece of the late Phil Bellamy, in the ITV drama.
Sanderson quit 'Coronation Street' in 2005 when her character Candice left Weatherfield to become a stylist for Status Quo.
She has since appeared in 'Holby City', 'New Street Law' and 'X Factor: Battle of the Stars'.
Speaking about her new role, the actress said: "I'm so excited about starting on 'Heartbeat' and meeting all of the cast.
"My family and I have always loved the show, and I can't wait to put on the Sixties clothing."
Heartbeat producer Archie Tait said: "Nikki will be a fantastic addition to the show. Dawn is a great character who is certain to spice things up in Aidensfield."
Bette Midler tickles Sin City with 'Showgirl' residency
Bette Midler [ tickets ]'s over-the-top Las Vegas extravaganza, "The Showgirl Must Go On," debuted in February with a 19-date sellout, and now the Divine Miss M. is gearing up for her next round of performances.The show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace returns for a four-week summer run starting June 24. After a break, Midler will return to the Sin City venue for nearly 30 more performances stretching from Oct. 7 to Dec. 31. Details are listed below. "The Showgirl Must Go On" plays approximately 100 times per year, five nights a week at the 4,300-seat theater, which is dark on Mondays and Thursdays. Tickets prices range from $95 to $250.The 90-minute spectacle features a repertoire complete with some of Midler's favorite characters, like Delores Delago--the wheelchair-bound mermaid--and Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas. It also includes a 13-piece band, 20 female dancers and Midler's backup singers, the Harlettes, performing in front of a glittering, Broadway-style backdrop."I've been hoarding feathers and fans and sequins and rhinestones for the last 50 years and, hey, I'm throwing 'em all on stage," Midler said in a press statement.Last spring, the superstar signed a minimum two-year deal to perform at the $95 million Colosseum, which was built in 2003 for Celine Dion's "A New Day" spectacular.During her 40-year career, Midler--known for her bawdy humor, revealing costumes and distinctive voice--has earned four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys and a Tony. Her most recent album releases include 2006's "Cool Yule," 2005's "Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook" and 2003's "Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook." Fans can also catch the multi-talented performer in her latest film, "Then She Found Me," which also stars Helen Hunt, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick.
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