Artist: The Nights of Iguana
Genre(s):
Rock: Punk-Rock
Discography:
The Story of The Nights of Iguana 1986-90
Year: 1990
Tracks: 19
Thursday, 19 June 2008
The Nights of Iguana
Artist: The Nights of Iguana
Genre(s):
Rock: Punk-Rock
Discography:
The Story of The Nights of Iguana 1986-90
Year: 1990
Tracks: 19
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Young@Heart
As early as autumn 2006, surreal and hilarious video clips of Stephen Walker's documentary (which originally aired on the BBC) were making the rounds on YouTube and in email inboxes all over the U.S.--tantalizing, out-of-context glimpses of the Young@Heart vocal choir, composed of elderly men and women, having a go at chestnuts by Sonic Youth, the Clash, and the Ramones. It seemed that the feature film, re-released for the screen in 2008, would perhaps be an uncomfortably comic look at a bunch of geezers set up to look ridiculous for the smug delectation of hipster audiences everywhere. The reality is not so far off-base, at least on first glance, but Walker's film, tracking the progress of the chorus as they prepare for a big gig, provides enough good-natured humor, personal narrative, and intimate details to inspire respect and admiration--and some major heart-string-plucking--in filmgoers.
Viewers witness the blossoming of long-buried or completely latent musical talents in the elderly folks; learning the new, unfamiliar material, under the direction of irascible 50-something conductor Bob Cilman, keeps their neurons firing and their emotions kindled, while communing with and trusting each other staves off the isolating effects of old age, even as they cope with heartbreaking losses within their ranks. It is undeniably funny to watch them struggle with the more challenging punk, classic rock, and soul songs as their leader kvetches wearily, but Walker skillfully ensures that, by the end of the film, we are laughing with the intrepid Young@Hearters, and not at them.
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Viewers witness the blossoming of long-buried or completely latent musical talents in the elderly folks; learning the new, unfamiliar material, under the direction of irascible 50-something conductor Bob Cilman, keeps their neurons firing and their emotions kindled, while communing with and trusting each other staves off the isolating effects of old age, even as they cope with heartbreaking losses within their ranks. It is undeniably funny to watch them struggle with the more challenging punk, classic rock, and soul songs as their leader kvetches wearily, but Walker skillfully ensures that, by the end of the film, we are laughing with the intrepid Young@Hearters, and not at them.
See Also
Friday, 6 June 2008
Ex Emmerdale star wants Corrie role
Former 'Emmerdale' actress Linda Thorson has revealed that she would like to star in 'Coronation Street'.
The 60-year-old actress, who played the scheming Rosemary King during her time in the Dales, told Teletext that she could imagine being part of the 'Coronation Street' cast.
Thorson said: "I'd love to appear in 'Coronation Street'. It's my ambition. I've already worked out my storyline."
"I'd play an American who has a heart attack and gets cared for by Rita or Emily."
The 60-year-old actress, who played the scheming Rosemary King during her time in the Dales, told Teletext that she could imagine being part of the 'Coronation Street' cast.
Thorson said: "I'd love to appear in 'Coronation Street'. It's my ambition. I've already worked out my storyline."
"I'd play an American who has a heart attack and gets cared for by Rita or Emily."
Friday, 30 May 2008
Ford won't read Indiana Jones reviews
Good or bad, Harrison Ford will not be reading reviews of the new Indiana Jones movie, which has divided the Cannes film festival's notoriously picky critics.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull had its world premiere at the annual festival on Sunday, and initial reaction was positive.
But with more time to reflect on a blockbuster that cost an estimated $US185 million to make, reviews have become more mixed.
"I suppose it would be interesting, but I don't read reviews," Ford said in an interview to promote the film.
"I don't want to believe the bad stuff and I don't want to believe the good stuff. It doesn't really matter," added Ford, who reprises probably his most famous on-screen role as the whip-wielding archaeologist at the age of 65.
In Crystal Skull, he teams up again with Karen Allen, his co-star from the first Indiana Jones film in 1981.
They are up against an evil KGB agent, played by Australia's Cate Blanchett, who is seeking to harness the power of a skull which leads them on a high-octane adventure that includes an encounter with extra terrestrials.
Reviews appearing on the internet within minutes of the end of the press screening in Cannes were largely positive, and on critic rating site www.rottentomatoes.com on Monday, 34 out of 45 opinions tracked were "fresh" as opposed to "rotten".
Several, though, have questioned the wisdom of resurrecting a successful franchise which last hit the screens 19 years ago.
"There's a reason the previous Indy film was called The Last Crusade," wrote David Gritten of the Daily Telegraph. "Now it's ... time to entomb this elderly series once and for all."
'KICK YOUR BUTT'
Cannes, which is a major showcase of independent film making but thrives also on the star power Hollywood brings, has a fearsome reputation among actors and directors.
"They can kick your butt here and will if they're not happy with the movie, so I think we got a pretty good reception," Ford said, referring to the world premiere screening.
Blanchett added that veteran director Steven Spielberg was not immune to a negative response.
"Steven was wanting to throw up before he went into the press conference he was so nervous about the response and I think it's because he cares," she told Reuters.
For Ford, the cinema-goer, not the critic, matters most.
"It's the people who pay to get in, and whether they are getting satisfaction for their dollars spent," he said.
Even critics underwhelmed by the latest Indiana Jones venture conceded that it would make little difference in terms of the box office, which they predicted would be strong.
Studio Paramount would have preferred more unanimous praise for one of this year's biggest movies, but they were also most likely to be breathing a sigh of relief that it avoided the critical mauling another recent blockbuster had in Cannes.
The Da Vinci Code was universally loathed in 2006, and while it went on to make an estimated $760 million at the global box office, it was an uncomfortable opening.
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Gervais planning Extras spin-off?
Ricky Gervais may be planning an Extras spin-off starring Stephen Merchant's dopey agent and Barry from 'EastEnders' as a pair of bumbling crimefighters.
The BBC comedy ended after two series and a Christmas special.
But actor Shaun Williamson, who played Barry, revealed that Gervais had come up with another idea for his character and useless agent Darren Lamb (Merchant).
He told radio station Heart: "I would have loved another 10 series of 'Extras' but I can totally understand them wanting to call it a day.
"The one thing we did bandy about, half in jest and half seriously, was the idea of a spin-off for my character Barry and the agent. Ricky thought they could go around in a camper van solving crimes or something."
He added: "That's strictly on the backburner for now as Ricky is busy in Hollywood at the moment. I'd jump at the chance to work with him again."
Williamson said he nearly turned down the 'Extras' role. "I thought for about 10 minutes about not taking it and then I realised I might never get the chance to work with Ricky and Stephen again.
"I am so proud to have been involved with 'Extras' and I can understand them wanting to finish it.
"They've got so much more going for them and I think they have got a great film in them to make, whether it's an 'Extras' film or just a great British film, and I'm sure they'll make it."
The BBC comedy ended after two series and a Christmas special.
But actor Shaun Williamson, who played Barry, revealed that Gervais had come up with another idea for his character and useless agent Darren Lamb (Merchant).
He told radio station Heart: "I would have loved another 10 series of 'Extras' but I can totally understand them wanting to call it a day.
"The one thing we did bandy about, half in jest and half seriously, was the idea of a spin-off for my character Barry and the agent. Ricky thought they could go around in a camper van solving crimes or something."
He added: "That's strictly on the backburner for now as Ricky is busy in Hollywood at the moment. I'd jump at the chance to work with him again."
Williamson said he nearly turned down the 'Extras' role. "I thought for about 10 minutes about not taking it and then I realised I might never get the chance to work with Ricky and Stephen again.
"I am so proud to have been involved with 'Extras' and I can understand them wanting to finish it.
"They've got so much more going for them and I think they have got a great film in them to make, whether it's an 'Extras' film or just a great British film, and I'm sure they'll make it."
Ozzy Osbourne conjures Monsters of Rock festival
Metal fans will have a reason to head north of the border this summer when Ozzy Osbourne [ tickets ] descends upon Calgary, Alberta, for a one-day event dubbed The Monsters of Rock.Set to take place July 26 at McMahon Stadium, the show will feature headlining performances from Osbourne and Judas Priest [ tickets ], as well as sets from System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian [ tickets ], Cavalera Conspiracy, Shadows Fall [ tickets ], Voivod, Testament [ tickets ], 3 Inches of Blood, Priestess and Zimmers Hole. Additional acts are expected.Tickets will hit the box office Saturday via Ticketmaster and Unionevents.com, with prices ranging from $49.50 to $119.50 plus applicable service charges, according to a press release. (Ticketmaster is LiveDaily's parent company.) The venue's floor will house general-admission ticketholders, while the stands will feature assigned seating, according to organizers.Osbourne will hit the stage with his longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, drummer Michael Bordin, bassist Rob "Blasko" Nicholson and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. The heavy-metal icon continues to support his latest album, last year's "Black Rain."Judas Priest's most recent release is 2005's "Angel of Retribution," the group's first set to feature original lead singer Rob Halford since 1990's "Painkiller." Halford and company plan to release a new set this year titled "Nostradamus," but a street date hasn't been announced.Details for this year's Ozzfest outing remain under wraps, but Osbourne is expected to again headline the tour.
Green Day - Green Days Alter Ego Plays First Gig
American rockers GREEN DAY have played their first official gig in three years, under the guise of their alter egos the FOXBORO HOT TUBS.
The group performed at Juanita's Cantina Ballroom in Little Rock, Arkansas, last night.
Lead singer BILLIE-JOE ARMSTRONG disguised himself with a big mop of curly blonde hair, a faux fur jacket and a mass of chains and necklaces, reports NME magazine.
He introduced himself as the Reverend Strychnine Twitch as he declared the "official kick-off" of the FOXBORO HOT TUBS' tour.
The band played all 13 of their songs, including RUBY ROOM, BLOOD SAX AND BOOZE and RED TIDE and several covers, including THE WHO's A QUICK ONE WHILE HE'S AWAY.
Armstrong praised the crowd's enthusiasm, saying: "For a town called Little Rock, there's been a lotta rock here tonight!"
The group will be playing more shows over the next eight days.
GREEN DAY admitted that they were also the FOXBORO HOT TUBS back in December 2007, after the new band's website began offering free downloads of tracks.
The group's first physical release is expected today.
20/05/2008 11:23:39
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