Weezer: Happy 18 Year and 4 Month Anniversary!

On June 11 2010 Weezer released their self-proclaimed 'unofficial US anthem' to the World Cup entitled 'Represent'. This marks the latest track from a band which formed over 18 years ago, so join Denial as he casts a critical ear over the last decade and a half of this most unique of bands.

Let me take you back to 1992, Valentine's Day to be precise and the band now known as Weezer had their first practice together. This was to be the early seeds of a long and eventful career which continues to this day. Coming off the back of the Grunge movement, Weezer, and Rivers Cuomo specifically, made no secret of a love for bands such as Nirvana, Pixies and Sonic Youth and the early demos are a testament to this. However when it came to the recording of their first album, the first of three self-titled releases since nicknamed 'The Blue Album', the sound had changed somewhat and the signature tones of Weezer had begun to be established

The Blue Album (1994) was incredibly well received and has achieved triple platinum status in the USA, many of the bands now legendary tracks feature on this recording including "Buddy Holly", "Undone - The Sweater Song" and the near-perfect 'Say It Ain't So". The album was clearly written from a lot of personal experience and saw Cuomo exercising many demons in the recording process. Weezer had solidified their image as rock geeks and this has, in one way or another, endured to this day.

The bands second album was a complete segway both musically and commercially. A significant legal battle just prior to release about the album's title, Pinkerton, almost completely destroyed any pre-release publicity and the album's somewhat quirky, more leftfield sound put off a lot of fans of the debut. I personally rate this as one of the best records the band has produced, many did, and do, disagree. At the time of it's release Rolling Stone proclaimed it the second worst album of 1996. Despite the early setbacks, Pinkerton has garnered a fair amount of retrospective approval and even Cuomo himself has apparently changed his opinion of it.

It was five years before another Weezer album would be heard by fans and the hiatus was filled with the band members pursuing other projects and Cuomo's own depression and self-seclusion. Creative differences forced the members apart and all seemed lost until the offer of a large gig in Japan brought them back together. Soon afterwards, in 2001, the second self-titled album was released (the green album) and with it the latecomers' favourites "Hash Pipe" and "Island In The Sun". The album saw a rejuvenation in the bands creativity as well as their popularity and the songs began to flow again.

The follow-up 'Maladroit' further served to reinforce Cuomo's songwriting prowess and the band's status within the music community (despite the title's meaning). The singles 'Dope Nose' and 'Keep Fishin'' again saw Weezer attaining a large amount of mainstream coverage and playtime on MTV and radio.

Weezer have, since released a further three albums: 'Make Believe', 'The Red Album' (the third self-titled release) and Raditude are all somewhat interchangeable. They have all garnered a significant amount of criticism for being 'insincere' or 'disposable' and to some extent there is truth in this. The albums all feature some seemingly arrogant and shallow lyrics about drinking, women and parties. Which all seem somewhat out of place coming from a man who has settled down with his wife and daughter. However, there has always been a definite degree of irony in Weezer's music and maybe people, myself included, are trying to take the albums too seriously. Weezer did get somewhat experimental with The Red Album which saw the other band member taking on more of a front seat with songwriting and singing roles and trying out different instruments. This yields some interesting results and of the three, this record is undoubtedly the best.

Weezer still maintains a significant loyal fanbase most of which will undoubtedly be with them until the end. But I cannot shake the feeling that the band may be running out of steam. Certainly not with regards to their commitment and productivity as they continue to be an incredibly hard-working band, but it looks doubtful they will ever quite reach the peaks they did with their very first release all that time ago. Perhaps the bar was set too high, the stratospheric popularity of the debut album combined with the media attention, Spike Jonze directed video spots and simply having something significant to write about, it was kind of inevitable that the releases which followed would not be up to this high standard. In all honesty, I still love Weezer, I still buy all their albums but to any newcomers wondering where to start with this band, there is only one clear answer.......the beginning.

It Came From The Mind Of The Pastry Champion

If anything can be attributed to the JustSandN staff having consistently low test scores during our school years it's Weebl's Stuff. This isn't our way of saying that Weebl's Stuff is damaging to the human brain, although all those flashing lights can't be good for you, what we're saying is that Weebl's Stuff is addictive. Honestly, we grew up watching Weebl's Stuff when what we should have been doing was learning to build rocket ships, cure world epidemics and maintain websites. Clearly Weebl has something to answer for, so join Denial and Drew as they take an extended trip into the weird and wonderful world of Weebl's Stuff.

Over the years Jonti Picking's creations have become the stuff of legend. In the early days what attracted us to Weebl's Stuff was the randomness. Quirky, hideously catchy and ever-so-slightly insane music over short, looping videos depicting strange and unusual images. Obvious examples of these being 'Scampi', 'Kenya' and the ever-enduring 'Patrick Moore Plays the Xylophone'. These glory-nuggets entertained a generation and gave us something to talk about during alleged IT lessons at school. On the flip-side of these were the series', several of which were restricted to a small handful of episodes (the brilliant 'Mr Stabby' and 'Lardman' spring to mind) but some went on to become institutions in their own right.

Weebl and Bob is by far Jonti Picking's most popular and well-known creation having, over the course of it's life, been featured on MTV2 in the UK and also a twisted version of them being using in an advertising campaign for butter. While Weebl's contribution to butter has had limited impact on the lives of the Justsandn team, many afternoons were taken out of school enjoying a blend of alternative music and the antics of Picking's imagination. With this in mind Weebl's Stuff has become a cultural phenomenon as much as an escape from learning. Our earliest memories of the internet are of trawling for amusing flash videos while taking part in aimless MSN messenger conversations with friends we would inevitably see the next morning in school. As such the internet is awash with sites like Weebl's Stuff and Newgrounds all offering their own brand of lunch hour escapism.

However, don't be fooled into thinking that the likes of Weebl's Stuff are simply forgettable flashes against the backdrop of the evolution of the internet and cult culture. Whether wittingly or not, Picking's contributions have helped lead a digital revolution in user created content and an uprising of young artists, programmers and writers.

Many sites have appeared over the years which promote user generated flash content. Weebl's Stuff itself has an 'Upload Your Toon' section where users can submit their own creations, whereas Newgrounds is a massive hub for user generated content and has been a source for a vast array of the memes we have all come to love, including the substantial portion that have come directly from the brain of Mr Picking himself. In addition the sheer volume of content these sites have attracted has resulted in several artists being able to promote their videos and games and attract users to their own sites. There are far too many to mention in one article but some key examples include the 'Brackenwood' series, Homestar Runner and the videos at Fat-Pie.com, host of the infamous Salad Fingers series.

Returning to Weebl's Stuff, the site has continued to evolve since our now hazily remembered childhood's and Picking has, while remaining faithful to the feel of the older content, moved on into the terrifying world of commercialism, becoming a business in it's own right (and presumably keeping Mr P in pies for the rest of his life). The videos on the site have a distinctively polished look to them these days and the trend has become that we see more episodic content than one-off videos but rest assured, the distinctive roots of Weebl's Stuff remain and those first pioneering videos are still available for your perusal. Fans will be happy to hear that Weebl's stuff has grown to accommodate various forms of merchandise ranging from t-shirts through to mp3 downloads on iTunes and Amazon, so that you'll never be short of the means to amaze and annoy friends with the content of Weebl's stuff.

So that's our trip into the land of Weebl's Stuff, now go forth and sail the seas for nonsense for yourselves, to help you on your quest Denial and Drew leave you with the following recommendations. Follow them at your own risk. And remember kids - don't be a porky chancer.    

Drew: Lardman, Owls and Cat Face - I love Lardman, he is irrefutable proof that you can waste time just as well at university as you can at school.

Denial: Australia, Kenya and On the Moon - Evidence that Possums, Lions and testicle-rolling Prawns are certainly not to be trusted.

Take a Load Off With The Stone Temple Pilots

Hello music lovers and welcome to another Just Stuff and Nonsense musical review. Take a seat on your favourite chair, dim the lights and gently light the fire as we join Drew for a cosy chat about the latest album from the Stone Temple Pilots. If you have a preferred bottle of wine handy (we advise a red) why not pour yourself a glass and relax into a gentle vibe. Nice.

It's an unusually good time to be Drew right now, which has caused a marked decrease in funds and the occasional moment of self-reference in the third person. The cause of this giddy excitement is the rush of classic rock bands that are reforming to once again dazzle the airwaves with their particular brand of musical trickery. However, depending your choice of poison there are many examples of "classic" musical styles and movements. For example, many would agree that the archetypal example's of rock survivalism lie in groups like The Who and AC/DC who have continued entertain and endure since (in The Who's case) 1964. 

Despite the undoubted legendary credentials of bands like The Who or AC/DC my favourite period in rock history has always been in the grunge/post-grunge era that began in the late 1980's and continued through to the early 2000's. This is what has been costing me so much money over the past few months as bands like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and now the Stone Temple Pilots reforming after various collaborative projects including Audioslave, Velvet Revolver and Army Of Anyone, it has indeed been a good, if expensive, time to be Drew.

Which brings us meandering back to the original topic of this article, the brand-spanking new record courtesy of the Stone Temple Pilots. Having parted ways in 2003 the former Pilots kept themselves busy with front-man Scott Weiland joining Velvet Revolver and Robert and Dean DeLeo (bass guitar/vocals and guitar respectively) forming the group Army Of Anyone with Filter front-man Richard Patrick. Fast forward to the present day and STP's parting ways has been repackaged as a "respite"  and the world has been gifted with a brand new album to sample. 

Released on May 25th, the Stone Temple Pilots latest offering is a conveniently self titled affair as if to further underline the bands return to the scene, which is no bad thing, it's polite for bands to release a self-titled album at least once in their life time. The question is simply how well does STP hold up? The simple answer is that it is exactly what it says it is, a Stone Stone Temple pilots album. Now don't go and confuse this as meaning somehow average or unimaginative because as a return to form it is actually a rather refreshing album. Unlike Alice In Chain's latest delivery which sported a more suspect, experimental sound, STP continue to simply do what they do best. Long-time fans will recognise the bands later alternative/hard rock sound over the earlier grungy tones of 1992's Core album, with the second track on STP, "Take A Load Off", sounding vaguely similar to Purple's "Silvergun Superman". 

For those of you less familiar with the STP sound this new record can be summed up as having a warm and fuzzy feel accompanied by occasional jaunty tunes like Hickory Dichotomy which combines chirpy country twang with the confident swaggering of stadium rock. Most of the tracks on the record provide a steady, upbeat quality, particularity Between The Lines, but despite being easy enough to get into this is probably not mosh-pit stuff. This is the kind of album that makes for perfect listening on a Sunday bar visit or liberating driving music.

As it stands, STP is a welcome and successful return for Weiland and the boys. Like the rest of the STP catalogue this isn't going to change the world of rock, but will stand up as a solid contribution to the hard rock sound and one that is well worth checking out. Given the reduced cost of digital purchase, which includes a PDF edition of the line notes, this is classic Stone Temple Pilots and well worth each and every penny you throw at it.

------------------

Check out the STP homepage here

Like STP? Try these guys: Filter, Expanding Man, Army Of Anyone, Velvet Revolver, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains

                      

Gogol Bordello: Trans-Continental Hustle

Released 27 April 2010 Trans-Continental Hustle is the fifth studio album from Gogol Bordello. It marks the band's first major label release (Columbia Records) since they formed in 1999. The band are famed for their trademark 'Gypsy Punk' style and feature a tremendously wide range of cultural influences. The bands sound is rooted in eastern european folk music but the band features musicians from all over the world (Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Scotland and the USA in the current lineup). This has resulted in a very distinctive feel to the music produced and the presentation of live shows.

I became aware of Gogol Bordello through the 'Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike' album (or 'Gypsy Punks' to those who can only read large letters), a tremendously exciting and somewhat anarchic album clearly designed to make you dance. The fact that some of the lyrics flirt with various languages is no obstacle, it simply served to draw the attention of the english speaking audience members straight to the music which, aside from drawing influence from the wide-ranging ethnic backgrounds of the band, cover so many different styles that I have been medically forbidden from attempting to name them all for fear of sustaining a finger injury.

The 2007 follow up, 'Super Taranta!' was more of the same but unfortunately the novelty had begun to wear a little thin for many listeners. There was a real feeling of something missing with the album. That was until I caught a live show. I was lucky enough to catch the band in a relatively small venue while they toured Super Taranta and as they worked their way through the songs I had dismissed so readily from the album it all began to make sense. As great as this album was for parties, without the band leaping around an overcrowded stage and throwing themselves recklessly into the audience (and headbutting me in the face in the process......Eugene....) it is just a little......incomplete.

I was unsure what to expect when I heard the announcement of the new album but hearing Rick Rubin and Columbia had got their grubby mits all over it I simply had to hear what mainstream success had done for the band. And the answer.....not an awful lot. It's clearly the same Gogol but there is a definite reduction in the anarchy previous albums contained. Don't get me wrong, Hutz still strums that guitar like a lunatic and the fiddles still zip through the songs like flies but it just seems, overall, toned down.

In some respects this serves to remove the sensation of listening to a gig from the next room and the songs are 'good', but 'good' isn't really enough when a band has previously produced stunning albums like 'Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike'. Highlights on this record include the very chilled out 'Sun Is On My Side' which will be a perfect song to add to your summer playlist and 'Immigraniada (We Comin' Rougher)' which is simply insanely catchy and comes close to the punk frenzy of previous recordings.

My personal recommendation would be to either get hold of older material which is arguably far superior, or check out their recent live DVD which will contextualise the band's style. Or even better, since they tour almost endlessly catch them at a gig......just make sure it's a small one, or they might end up on stage with Madonna again.....and we shall pretend THAT never happened.

LCD Soundsystem: This Is Happening

Released 17 May 2010 (UK) and 18 May 2010 (US), This Is Happening is the third studio album released by Punk/Electronica outfit: LCD Soundsystem. It has also been suggested that this will be the band's final release. 

I have to admit, I wasn't overly familiar with LCD Soundsystem until hearing the Sound of Silver album courtesy of a friend. Aside from this the only real memory I have of them is hearing 'Daft Punk is Playing at My House' on MTV2 at some ungodly hour of the morning as a child. Although it would appear I have missed the building of legends.

From their conception in the early 2000's (or arguably earlier than that in the brain of mastermind James Murphy) they have very quickly gone from an underground band with a significant cult following, to a successful mainstream act with several prestigious music awards under their belt as well as a pretty consistent record of critical acclaim.

It has been two years since the last album (Sound of Silver in 2008) and fans have been waiting with anticipation. It is clear that a lot of love went into the writing and recording process, understandable amidst all the rumours of an imminent split. Murphy has even gone on record practically begging people who managed to get an early leaked copy not to release it: "If you got a copy of the record early and you feel like sharing it with the rest of the world, then please don't ... We spent two years making this record and we want to put it out when we want to put it out. I don't care about money – after it comes out, give it to whoever you want for free but until then, keep it to yourself."

I hate to use the term 'fans of the genre' in a review but, previous LCD Soundsystem albums have required a certain penchant for electronica to get the most out them. There have always been tracks which are easily accessible to a mainstream audience, the aforementioned 'Daft Punk is Playing at My House' being a prime example. However some of the more (for want of a better word) 'hardcore' electronica pieces can be difficult for the casual listener. Fortunately, 'casual' listeners aren't what makes up the majority of their fan base.

'This is Happening' offers an eclectic cross section of influences, all layed out delicately over the backdrop of electronica. From the obvious punk influences of 'Drunk Girls' to the atmospheric drone of 'Somebody's Calling Me', the poetic and sometimes tongue-in-cheek lyrics are simply the icing on an already delicious cake.....probably a gateaux, or a massive cheesecake.....BRB...

On the whole 'This is Happening' is a lot more accessible (although not exactly radio friendly, most tracks on the album ranging from 7-9 minutes), without sacrificing the commendable musicianship and poetic lyrics of the previous productions. It's difficult to find much to criticise in an album which has clearly had such a significant amount of time and work put into it, not to mention the obvious talent that drives the whole project. Were this the final LCD album then it would be a triumphant finale, if not then it will be exciting to see where Murphy takes us next.

The Black Keys: Brothers

Released 18 May 2010, 'Brothers' is the sixth studio album from the Ohio duo 'The Black Keys (discounting EP's, solo projects and collaborations) and in some respects it is a return to the band's roots. Anyone who is familiar with their recordings will know the gritty delta-blues fuelled noise the pair have been making for years now and for those with a taste for that sound this album doesn't disappoint. However, this album provides a little something more than that.

Since the last Black Keys studio album, a lot has happened to the boys, guitarist and lead singer: Dan Auerbach embarked on a solo project and released the album 'Keep it Hid' which saw him delving into bluegrass and CCR style rock (I may be imagining it but I also detect a little taste of Nick Drake in there too). While Auerbach was off touring his new creation. Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney (presumably suffering from itchy feet) decided to start a little something of his own. This came in the form of the somewhat more lighthearted band 'drummer', a super-group made up of, you guessed it, drummers; all of whom came from bands based in Carney's home state of Ohio.

The pair came back together for the 2009 collaboration project 'Blakroc' which saw an intriguing mixture of the Keys signature blues sound and some big names in Hip Hop and R'n'B (Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip, ODB and Rza to name but a few). The collaboration was widely well-received by critics and fans of both genres.

Then came the time for another Black Keys album. It is immediately clear from hearing 'Brothers' that the duo have brought something back to the table after their experimentation with other styles and artists, Auerbach's vocal range has notably improved, the album's opening track 'Everlasting Light' is carried through by a sweet falsetto and throughout the record his singing style varies hugely.

(As an aside I had to mention the genius album artwork......does exactly what it says on the tin)

As with previous albums there is the recognisable mix of dirty blues tunes and the more ballad-like, all of them conveying a deep and thorough understanding of the blues. This album will keep those who have enjoyed the bands previous releases happy and could also serve as a way in for those wishing to hear more of the band. In my opinion the best way to fall in love with these guys, should the opportunity arise, is to see them in a small venue. You will be amazed at the size of the sound made by these two men and will immediately want more.

(X/10)Y  = Z 
Where 'Z' = a review score

Remembering Peter Steele

It was with great sadness that it was revealed that Type O Negative front-man, Peter Steele, had died aged 48. Today Drew adds his feelings on the passing of an influential and perhaps under appreciated star.

I recently read that "When a great comedian dies, culture loses a little of it's flavor." That was written by John Lahr in the foreword to Bill Hicks Love All The People and while I agree entirely with the sentiment I can't help but feel that comedian should read entertainer, because in the end that's what the Hicks' and the Steeles of the world are. I picked up Love All The People shortly after hearing about the death of Peter Steele and it was while thinking about how I felt about Steele's passing that I stumbled across Lahr's insight. Needless to say, it gave me a real sense of perspective.

Lahr reminded me that the entertainers of the world, be they the greatest names or the most ambiguous pub bands are great not just because they are masters of their craft, but also for their courage. It takes guts for an artist to go in front of a demanding audience to bare their hart and talk to the world as they see it.

It was perhaps this honesty that made Petrus T. Ratajczyk great. Under the stage name Peter Steele, he became known for relentlessly exploring the darker side of life and having a truly wicked sense of humor. This was apparent in 2005 with rumors of Steele's death appearing after a tombstone appeared on the band's website showing Steele's name and the dates 1962-2005. While the tombstone allegedly referred to Type O Negatives' departure from RoadRunner Records, some have looked back on the prank as being in bad taste, but there is no denying that the event typified Steele's career.

Steele played in a number of bands, including Carnivore and Fallout, before finally beginning on arguably his greatest legacy, Type O Negative. However, despite spanning seven studio albums I always thought of Type O Negative as an unappreciated band. Where I come from they were always the band everyone had heard of but hardly anyone listened to. For those of us lucky enough to have discovered the band, they represented a timeless underground sound that contained strong recurring themes of death, depression and romance that where often expressed in a raw and honest way that differed from the mainstream.

Steele is said to have been found dead after apparent hart failure after enjoying a period of improved health after years of substance abuse. It had been suggested that he was preparing to begin recording new material in the coming months. While many websites have spoken ironically of Steele's past pranks, apparent improved health and the themes of his music, I urge you all to remember that Petrus T. Ratajczyk was a man as much as an entertainer. While perhaps his life will become the paradigm of rock legend it was the honesty and courage of a great man that made the legend possible.

I was truly saddened by the news of Steele's death and would like to express my regret at his passing to all who knew him. However, as long as his music exists I will listen fondly to the monetary glimpses into the mind of a great man.  

         

         

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful (and not so wonderful) things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

Bullet For My Valentine - Fever

Probably BFMV best album so far, although lyrically their weakest. The screaming has mellowed out, allowing the lackluster vocals and crudely conceived lyrics to take centre stage. Fans of the band will probably love it.

Gogol Bordello - Trans-Continental Hustle

Its clear that the last two years spent in Brazil has influenced the musical style of the band, although they still retain their distinctly unique sound. When Universes Collide is the stand-out track in my opinion.

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends - Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends

Its not often I get the chance to review a fresh new album of sea shanties, and I thank every higher power there is for this fact. PIFF are a staple of UK breakfast television at the moment, so that should help you get a feel for their target audience.

The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

This is the first professionally produced studio album for the trio hailing from North Carolina, as such it is their best sounding album so far. It's taken almost 7 months for this album to reach the UK, a sad sign that The Avett Brothers will continue to be overlooked internationally.

GAMES

Nier - 360, PS3

Nier is a game, Sorry for the vagueness but this RPG has so many different elements that it is hard to accurately define. It does too much for its own good, and doesn't excel in any one area, but despite these short-comings its impossible not to love.

Super Street Fighter IV - 360, PS3

More of an expansion that a full on brand new release, offering new fighters, new ultra moves and a more refined online element. This truly is the ultimate edition of Street Fighter IV, although those tired of the first release may not be compelled to do it all again.

WarioWare D.I.Y - DS

WarioWare meets Little Big Planet in what is arguably the best investment you could make for the DS, featuring the ability to create your own crazy mini games as well as download other peoples efforts. 

Dead To Rights: Retribution - 360, PS3

One man and his throat-tearing dog return to gaming, the playable dog elements are the strongest suit, everything else is by a by the numbers shooter. 

MOVIES

Avatar - DVD, Blu-Ray

The highest grossing film of all time is finally available for viewing in the comfort of your own home. Neither edition comes with a 3D option, so 3D TV owners expect another edition to be released in the near future.

Dr. Strangelove - Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb - Blu-Ray

Its a comedy classic, and if you haven't got it on DVD then it is an essential purchase on Blu-Ray. The picture quality and sound is as good as it will ever be, but obviously due to age it doesn't take advantage of the format.

The Last Song - Cinema

Following the love lives of three separate couples, this film is a chick-flick through and through. I can't in good concious recommend this to any of our readers, regardless of gender. Miley Cyrus is the absolute worst part of this terrible story, using her god awful 'acting' to drain the final drops of appeal from an already terrible film.

COMICS

Couch Fiction: A Graphic Tale of Psychotherapy - Palgrave MacMillan

A genuinely fascinating comic looking into the world of psychotherapy, in places funny and always thought provoking this comic provides a look at a year of therapy. Highly recommended for anyone considering going into therapy, or therapists looking for a different look at their profession.

Essential Iron Man Vol 4 - Marvel

Just in time for the second movie, the collected omnibus of Iron Man's early adventures is up to 1968. Probably not the best choice for people looking to get into the series, but for those interested in a comic history lesson it will be worth a look.

Excalibur Visionaries (Warren Ellis) Vol 1 - Marvel

Collecting the first part of Warren Ellis' run on the Excalibur series, I'm a big fan of Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Thunderbolts, Batman) and his work on Excalibur was probably some of the best the comic ever saw.  


More 'How to part with your cash' next week.

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful (and not so wonderful) things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

AC/DC - Iron Man 2

AC/DC don't have an official 'best of', but until the coffers run dry again this will be the closest we're likely to get. It's got all of the classics, and to be brutally honest is the only AC/DC album as casual fan will ever need.

Paul Weller - Wake Up The Nation

Jam front man Paul Weller rejoins with former bandmate Bruce Foxton, and has a ball in the process. You can hear in every song that this is just Weller having a great time, and he doesn't care if you don't like it!

Meatloaf - Hang Cool Teddy Bear

A return to form for Meatloaf, it's not exactly everything you expect it to be, but to be honest it's nice to hear an old dog has learned new tricks.

Katie Nash - My Best Friend Is You

Nash seems to have grown up a little for this album, just a little, the lyrics do seem a little less childish but still delve back into brit-pop clichés. Its Lilly Allen mixed with Tori Amos by way of Chas & Dave... Take from that what you will!

GAMES

Monster Hunter Tri - Wii

If it has the words 'Monster' and 'Hunter' it will sell insanely well in Japan, so success is guaranteed. Its by far the best looking game on the Wii meeting almost current-gen graphics. It's also a lot of fun and one of the best mature online experiences on the console.

After Burner Climax - PS3 (PSN)

A port of one of the best arcade games you've never played. It's an arcadey flight sim with emphasis on shooting down hundreds of enemies and leaving beautiful smoke trails all over the sky. 

Various Game and Watch Titles - DSI

Some classic gameplay ported over to the DS for DSIWare. Unfortunately they've split these into individual titles and not bundled them together which makes them a little on the expensive side.

MOVIES

The Men Who Stare At Goats - DVD, Blu-Ray

Comedy staring a wealth of big names, its funny and just a little bit odd. Wasn't every well received on release due in some part to its length and being reviewed by people without any sense of humour.

Nine - DVD, Blu-Ray

The Striptease of of our generation, in that its a film that every teenage boy wants to see thanks to the posters, and everyone, regardless of age, leaves feeling confused and disappointed.

Date Night - Cinema

Competent comedy starring two people who both have the capability to be far funnier than they are on screen here. It's a fun film, but will never be an absolute classic.

COMICS

Black Widow and the Marvel Girls - Marvel

Trade Paperback collection of the origin story for sexy super spy Natasha Romonova, just in time for Iron Man 2. The plot doesn't really work, and the art is impressive yet cutesy, which doesn't gel with the writing.

The Walking Dead: Book 5 - Image Comics

The unstoppable juggernaut comic hits it's fifth trade paperback, the quality is as high as ever and the plot continues to entertain, following the survivors as they try and fight off the inevitable.

Captain America: Reborn - Marvel

The ending may have been spoiled thanks to poor timing on release dates of comics, but if you only read graphic novels and keep your ears plugged when comic news is being broadcast you'll want to read this book. 


More 'How to part with your cash' next week.

Valleys of Neptune: Reviewed

It’s been a while since I’ve heard an album about which I simply cannot make up my mind, but Valleys of Neptune is just that. Upon hearing that a disc-full of previously unheard Hendrix material was on the horizon I placed a pre-order without a second thought. What I received, however, was not as straightforward as simply another dip in the glorious waters I knew so well.

On face value VON is incredible. I have been a fan of Hendrix for a long time and had not heard many of the tracks on the album. On my initial play-through I felt the familiar buzz I got on my first hearing of ‘Are You Experienced’ here was the great man delving into yet more strange and unusual territory and giving his very unique take on the blues, it took awhile to get over my own prejudice: as far as I was aware Jimi had a midas touch when it came to music. I don't believe this album is an instant classic by any means but it does have a few gems.

It is hard to be critical of an album made up of what are essentially bootlegs, outtakes and jams but......it's Hendrix! so the gloves came off.

There are some highlights to be heard: the instrumental cover of Cream’s ’Sunshine of your Love’ is breathtaking and I defy anyone to listen to ‘Mr Bad Luck’ or 'Hear My Train A Comin' without a smile on their face. The re-workings of classics such as ‘Red House’ and ‘Fire' simply pale in comparison to the originals, however and there just seems little point in including them. The opening track of the album is another reworking, an alternative rendition of 'Stone Free' which I believe is the only classic song on the album on a par to the original.

On the whole the album does offer a decent mix of songs, some of which are outstanding, some less so, but all convey the magic fans are familiar with. As long as the listener doesn't approach it as a 'new' album and takes it for exactly what it is: an small taste of where the man was going, what might have been. It can become quite a poignant reminder of a talent stolen far too early.

There will be obsessive Hendrix completionists out there who will undoubtedly want this album to take pride of place in their collections, however the majority of the new tracks have already been excavated by such people and those of us who have 'experienced' Hendrix (pun intended) will get some enjoyment from the album's highlights but will, i feel, ultimately return to the more established albums to quench that thirst when it arises. I therefore struggle to see where the target audience lies.

Should anyone who is new to the world of Hendrix be considering purchasing this album as an introduction I advise, nay, INSIST that they do not. Start with ‘Are You Experienced’, 'Electric Ladyland' or at the very least one of the Greatest Hits collections knocking about and fall in love as so many of us have in the past.

As I finish writing this 'Sunshine of Your Love' is playing again and I am reminded of just why this man's reputation has endured through the decades.

Year of the Black Rainbow

Let me just start out saying that while I know this album isn't for everyone, I think that everyone should at least give it a try. Personally, I LOVE the band, Coheed and Cambria, and their newest album is no exception. What really makes Coheed a "love them or hate them" band is the lead vocalist and mastermind, Claudio Sanchez, thanks in no small part to his voice that could make a choirboy blush and can hits notes that some women only dream of hitting. Now, that's not always a good thing, but personally I like his vocal style but can see how some find it to be, shall we say, off-putting. Ah well, to each their own I suppose. When I heard the two pre-released tracks from the new album, Year of the Black Rainbow, I pre-ordered the special edition copy straight away. I know that could have been a folly if the album wasn't as good as those two teaser songs, but with it being a concept album, I was willing to take my chances.

The special edition set comes with a DVD with the making of Year of the Black Rainbow on it as well as a few never before released bonus tracks on the CD. Both of there are very interesting but rather standard on special edition albums. What really sets Year Of The Black Rainbow apart from other special edition albums is the novel. Yep, Sanchez got Peter David to help him write a book for this album, and it was extremely good. I haven't read a book in... well, it's been a very long time, but I couldn't put this book down! Sanchez has dabbled in the writing field before, but with the help of the literary giant, his concept has come to fruition. It is a beautiful science fiction novel that really took you to the world of Heaven's Fence. This acts as a prequel to Sanchez's comic series, Amory Wars, and to the band's previous albums as well. I feel that I got to know the characters and the worlds so much better, that their plight was my plight. It was a great read, even if you don't know any of the history of the albums or band or like the music.

As for the music itself, well, it is wonderful. Now I will admit that when I get on a new album kick... I kick hard. I immerse myself in the album, meaning that, I'm pretty sure I listened to nothing but this album for a week after it arrived in the mail. As my tendencies are a little unorthodox, I feel I gain a greater appreciation for the work in a shorter amount of time than those that listen to it like normal people. The lyrics on this album are haunting and beautiful, adding poetic foreshadowing throughout the album. Each song has a story within it that works it into the whole concept of the Year of the Black Rainbow. This is completely my personal opinion and I am willing to discuss and even retract this next statement if you can sway my thoughts.

This could be, correct me if I'm wrong Coheed fans, their best album so far.

How to part with your cash this week

We all work hard for our money, and money just doesn't seem to stretch as far as it used to. Usually the slog until pay day is stressful and demoralising, with seemingly every penny we accumulate disappearing on taxes or food or food taxes. At times it can seem tempting just to give up on everything and sob in a corner, of course that would be quitting. No, there is only one way to numb the pain... BUY STUFF! 

So here is a look at the new and wonderful things to spend that blood-money on.

MUSIC

Plan B - The Defamation Of Strickland Banks

The "British Eminem" tries his hand at straight up singing. Some fans have been alienated by this move to swing, but given the quality of the album any 'fan' turned away by this isn't a fan worth having.

Scouting For Girls - Everybody wants To Be On TV

Straight up pop music. Scouting For Girls aren't trying to be anything more than catchy chorus crafters, which isn't a necessarily good thing.

Jeff Beck - Emotion and Commotion

This is a brand spanking new Jeff Beck album featuring an awesome cover of 'I put a spell on you', the fact that you've made it this far into the sentence and not bought it is disappointing.

MGMT - Congratulations

Psychedelic techno-pop.

Coheed And Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow

Their most grown up album to date, words cannot express how much I wanted to hate this album, but it's actually not that bad. Fans will adore it. 

GAMES

Splinter Cell: Conviction - 360, PC

Distinctly from a post Bourne and 24 era, Conviction is in many ways as far from a 'traditional' Splinter Cell game as you can imagine, it also happens to be the best thus far by a long way.

Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City - PS3

The PS3 finally gets to experience the previous 360 exclusive content, for a GTA junkie both these stories will offer plenty of extra play time. Both episodes are fantastic, and while neither offer the depth of IV they're both essential plays,

Sin & Punishment: Star Successor - Wii

Sequel to an N64 game that never got officially released in this country. Its fairly short, artificially lengthened by it's hair tearing old-school difficulty, but its also a lot of fun. There are far worse ways to go bald.

MOVIES

Lord Of the Rings - Blu-Ray

The famous trilogy finally gets a release on a hi-def format, but thanks to studio greed on the theatrical cuts are being released in this box set. expect the extended cuts to be follow in time for Christmas.

Law Abiding Citizen - DVD, Blu-Ray

Enjoyable revenge thriller, its just a shame about the final act letting down everything that preceded it. Certainly worth watching.

Glee: Season 1 part 1 - DVD

Teenage girls rejoice, Glee is now available on DVD in the UK, too bad that they've decided to split the season into mini box sets.

COMICS

Spider-Man Fever # 1 - Marvel

A tribute to Steve Ditko's Dr. Strange, this is going to be a really bizarre a psychedelic read. Certainly not recommended to those new to Spider-Man.

S.H.I.E.L.D # 1 - Marvel

A comic based on the concept that DaVinci was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, as was Newton, and nearly every great thinker throughout history has been involved in Marvels ultra secret agency.

Aliens: More Than Human - Dark Horse

A group of prospectors stumble upon an ancient leviathan city, as you can expect from the Alien franchise, it's not long until xenomorphs are relieving people of their heads.




More 'How to part with your cash' next week.