Amazing what you can find in Canon Hill

I find that the little stall that gets set up every now and again in Canon Hill shopping precinct can hold some surprisingly good finds. Take this book as an example, ex-Red Dwarf writer Rob Grant (maybe even current writer if the rumours of the film are ever to come off) has yet again made a great futuristic cynical look at our planet and the way it is heading. His normal blunt colloquial style come over as it usually does, humourous without being really abusive, except for the one line: "They start dickead training early in Italy". The whole premise of this book is that the idea of letting standards slip has got to an all time low, the story starts with the main character landing at an airport. It turns out to be the wrong airport, and the pilot even forgot to put down the landing gear. Being good at your job is no longer acceptable. The future is grim, as there is one man out there who is VERY good at his chosen career path, which is being a psychopath. This is a fun read, but not really anything more. If you want frightening sights of the future read 1984 or Brave New World, Grant's world is fun, but not really as gripping as other books. A fun three stars.

: 06 Jan 2006 11:44 |  Tags: Book Grant Red Dwarf Review Rob |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Proof readers needed!

Hi, I need people to read my book, I'm useless at spotting my own mistakes, its a small collection of short stories set in a very Sin City style world, though I did start writing it before I had even heard of the film or its anime book thing. If anyone would like to proof read it, and then tell me what they thought of it upon return, I would value any help/criticism. Cheers, let me know by posting a comment.
Phil.
P.S. if you are a bit squeamish about reading about violent deaths then this book isn't for you.

: 04 Jan 2006 13:32 |  Tags: Amateur Proof Read Review Writing |  Comments (5) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

LeCarre is a master of spy fiction

Le Carre shot to fame when his book "Tinker tailor soldier spy" was immortalised on film, although the film left out a large amaount from the book it still conveyed the general gist of the book, and Le Carre's superb skill in building tension and paranoia among his audience. For ages after seeing said film many people start looking around you to see if they think people around may be spys for some faction or other.
In this, his newest book, John sets his scene in modern europe with his views on the war in Iraq plainly in view through his depiction of the character Teddy Mundy, before alienating himself from Mundy's character by building his complex and emotionally scarred background, as the orphaned son of an ex-british imperial army officer in Pakistan/former India.
Quite why Le Carre feels he needs to distance himself from his character may not seem totally clear until he has lived through Teddy's young life, into the modern day, with the way that Teddy finds himself played with and eventually destroyed by the largest facist imperialist government in the world – America. Maybe Le Carre believes his own fanciful (or are they) supositions that the US will quash – by force if neccessary – anyone who stands against them.
His account of growing adolescent political feelings in university life I felt particularly poigniant here at Warwick, and also quite disturbing in the realisation that such student factions are nearly always juvenile and naive in their view of the world. It doens't mean in any way that the morals they stand for are any lessened by their innocence, but it does highlight their eventual inneffectiveness.
Altogether a beautifully crafted tale of loyalty and love shared by the unlikeliest of partners. A definitely compelling tale, maybe not a "must", but definitely one that people would do best to consider as placing on the old Christmas lists.

: 07 Nov 2005 16:24 |  Tags: Book Iraq Paranoia Review Spy |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

My book review of a book the computer doesn't reognise because its a heathen

This is a wonderful book, and not only for those who are fans of the awesome talent that is the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis shows his great creative writing skills are not solely restricted to verse ashis prose is as fine a narrative as any biography I have ever read. He is astonishingly blunt with several facts about his life, though it is noticeable in parts that he seems to refrain from commenting on certain aspects.
When taken as a whole his childhood does really explain the later stages of his life; his drug using/dealing father, his ne'rdowell companionships with users and dealers across California and also his mixing with the rich and famous.
Altogether a surprising insight into a lyrical genius with a deeply troubled past, and his life with drugs.

: 03 Nov 2005 18:38 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

My show, did anyone actually hear it?

Did anyone actually listen to "Who knows?" on RaW this morning? If so what did you think? I told all of my friends to listen if they could, and no-one managed to do so, so i have no feedback.

: 03 Nov 2005 18:24 |  Tags: Music Radio Show Who Knows |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Cypriot night

I thought as a music review I'd review the Cypriot night I went to last night in the graduate, a fun filled night with spectacular music and even more spectacular dancing. Not being a Cypriot myself, only boring old English, I have to thank Elena on my hall for inviting me, maybe not the best night of the Freshers fest, but close for me so far.

: 01 Oct 2005 13:31 |  Tags: Dance Fun Greek Music Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Steady decline of my work whilst I write this review

Heard this band for the first time at the V fest, was an awesome time and these guys really rocked hard on the channel 4 stage. Their explosive antics started the saturday off perfectly, and put many later acts to shame. The CD I have to say though nowhere near lives up to their live gig, but it is still a very well put together album – Steady Diet of Decline.
Having taken their name from an actual town called No Hope in the state of New Jersey – how unfortunate to come from there? You'd be a no-hoper before you even began – this manchester mob attacked the music scene to create a band that sounds a bit Queens of the stone age, and a bit Strokes at times (in a good way). Out of the whole album I have to say my favourite track has to be numero 6 – invaders. Probably the most QOTSAesque, but then I'm a queens fan.
The riffs are to say the least catchy, and to say the most bloody great. The rhythm bouncy and active, with plenty of crash. Whilst the lyrics and singing set off on a slightly discordant and depressed feel that lends weight to Jo Whiley's observation on their possibilities as the new Nirvana. If their success is as big as all that then remember you read it here first, that is unless you read Jo Whiley's reviews online. Yep here's the album cover again. And a final note to say that although the Album doesn't do so well a live performance is definitely 5 star.

: 29 Sep 2005 16:48 |  Tags: Music Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Finally online and I find I dont have enough time

Writing about web page http://www.downloads.com

I finally get online after I don't know how many days of thinking of trying, and I find that there is sooooo much to do. Including having a little play around with this. I'd love to give some music reviews, but as the title says – no time, so just see the website for free downloads of music, some unsigned, some you WILL have heard of, and most of them good. Also a little hi to all the Rugby crew, if you hadn't twigged it is I, sideburns! (I got rid of the pic cos it looked awful, I'll wait until I get one of me looking reasonable, and no Gaz that doesnt include the one of me puking)

: 29 Sep 2005 15:48 |  Tags: Blogs Downloads Music Sideburns |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem