It's Been A While!!!!

Of course I couldn't really let the passing of Michael Jackson go by without commenting on it.



I know it's been a while since I blogged, sorry! If anyone's interested!

Yes, I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson. Particularly in the 80's with the Thriller and Bad albums which I thought were fantastic. I went to see him 3 times on the Bad tour at Wembley stadium. I remember my good buddy David Biggs being carried out of the crowd because he was a bit squashed!!

Of course I then got into his back catalogue which I loved. Just to be clear the Bad concerts were without doubt the greatest live concerts I have ever been to. The man was a masterful entertainer, sang and danced brilliantly. His movements were mesmerising and his feet at times seemingly gravity defying.

I was in Canada when Dangerous came out, it was good, some truly great tracks on there including Black Or White, Jam, Will You Be There, Who Is It?, Remeber The Time but there also seemed to be a little bit of filler which creeped into his final albums. Quincy Jones would never have stood for this!

History had it's moments, I always loved Tabloid Junkie, and I think Scream is brilliant. The Invincible album has some good moments. Particularly, I urge you to listen to the breathtaking, "Don't Walk Away" which is almost unknown but by far the strongest song on the album. A beautiful ballad and probably the last great vocal performance by Michael available to us.


Was he weird? He certainly looked it! But none of us had to live with the scrutiny that he was constantly under. Do I think he abused any children? No. I think he loved children but was extremely unwise with how he showed this.

We went to the History tour and it was good.

For the future, I hope they bring out the Bad and History tours on DVD as they have never been officially released.

I also hope the long rumoured "last album" is put together by someone. Will.I.Am was supposed to have been producing. He recorded many tracks over the last few years and I hope something could be put together so we get to hear some fresh material. I suggest Quincy has a listen and decides the final track listing!

Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Starting Something, Black Or White, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough all have one thing in common. They were all composed by Michael on his own. By the time of Invincible he had 3 or 4 co-writers at a time. The tracks sound over-compicated and lack instant strong melodies. Let's hope he wrote some more songs on his own and they get released.

I will miss his videos, we'll never see a new one. We had tickets to see him at the O2 and it's a shame he didn't have the chance to re-take his crown. If he was actually able to......Maybe the memories of his brilliance in his 20's and 30's are what I should hold onto rather than something disappointing which we might have witnessed in London this Summer.

I'll always be a Michael Jackson fan. His music was so exciting! He created some amazing musical memories. At times I even tried to dance like him!!!

By the way, they should call his final album, "Legacy" or "Fond Farewell."

Slumdog Millionaire Review

Went into this film with high expectations after an Empire magazine 5 star review and a general buzz around the festivals and other reviews.

Well, I wasn't disappointed. A good film "stays with you" and this one certainly has. I loved the film but on leaving the screening was feeling the ending lacked something, but the more I've thought about it, the more satisfying it has become. The closing credits are a true joy also.

The film is so vibrant, and Danny Boyle certainly uses a camera in unique and invigorating ways. The film looks great as well as feeling great.

I'm sure you know what the film is about, by now. Jamal is doing well on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". Too well for some people's tastes!

As he is interrogated we see through his life how he attained the knowledge or experience to answer each question. It's a briliant idea, and perfectly formed. India comes alve onscreen. Danny Boyle had a co-director for the Indian work, but kudos must got to him and his co-director. We read subtitles for the flashbacks and one can only imagine the challenges of directing a film in a language other than your own.

There are great performances, particularly from the three actors who play the part of Jamal. A lot of awards are being given to the older actor (known for his work in "Skins" in the UK) but I actually thought the two younger actors were just as impressive, bringing the character and his ordeal even more alive than their older counterpart.

A brilliant, original film. In many ways a good education about Indian culture, and India itself. Which living in our cosmopolitan UK is a great assett and treat. The movie has a Danny Boyle feel to it, great soundtrack, great performances, inventive camerawork.

Often you can tell what kind of film will win the Oscars, has a certain "lofty feel", think English Patient, The Last Emporer, Slumdog doesn't feel like either of those. It's excellent, gritty entertainment and I believe deserves the Oscar for Best Picture. Though Benjamin Button will be with us sooon, so I might change my mind!! (although I think Dark Knight should sneak a nomination.)