Classical
This term's programme by the Oxford University Orchestra seemed rather ambitious, a showpiece originally written to display the virtuoso talents of American orchestras combined with two not insignificant works must have put a strain on rehearsal time. The concert began with Bernstein's Overture to Candide and OUO's performance lacked the sparkle this piece demands. Although the woodwind parts came through with unusual clarity, the trombones and trumpets were either too weak or sounded too much like a sea-side band. The horns were, as usual, overwhelmed by the percussion section placed directly behind. Strings, especially the violins, were on good form, but there were simply too many of them. The unsympathetic acoustics of the Sheldonian meant that tuttis were muffled and rather disappointingly, the conclusion was just noise. Sluggish tempos did little to help the situation. ...
Music: Music
Tanya Donelly has a pretty impressive musical pedigree by anyone's standards. Her distinctive tones used to grace Throwing Muses, and then Belly, and now some very credible solo work; her last album, Lovesongs for Underdogs, was acclaimed by just about everyone who heard it, which was in no way enough people. Beautysleep is the follow-up, after a five year hiatus during which Tanya's taken some time off, given birth to a daughter, and clearly been through a bit of serious introspection. It's a slow record, an album for the moment of calm after the outburst, not at all like her solo debut; only one song, 'Wrap-Around Skirt', bears a noticeable resemblance to what came before. The rest is almost dreamlike in nature, save for a couple of tracks that veer off into less well-travelled territory.
The firs
Music: Going out
Battle Of The Bands, then: the competition leading to fame, riches and in all probability a support slot with Meanwhile, Back In Communist Russia.... Last year's losers are here tonight, despite having rather transcended the thing; we soon discover why. "I've seen Chu Mi before. They're shit," advises Emily, and your opinion does largely depend on whether you find their name funny or not. Playing sub-Vandals punk, they launch into 'Currently In Capitalist Estonia', merciless piss-take and highlight of the night. Ox2 has never been so outraged; the subjects begin to mosh. As they snipe brilliantly at MBICR, "they've got a record deal; we're just a bunch of student chancers." Miaow. Evil Twin next, and, were it not Sunday, you'd think IMSoc had started broadcasting The Evening Session. The judges use all ten hands to count the Big Indie Bands referenced, but at least there's now some post-rock in the mix. Frontman Tim accuses Chu Mi of plagiarising Rancid, and Ox2 of not knowing who Rancid are. Don't patronise us, darling. Autochtone are next week's favourites, and by all accounts you're bloody lucky to have talked your way into moonlighting in that one. Vaughan, despite cello, violins and kazoo ("because the trumpeter's late" - rock'n'roll), peddle unengaging folk-pop, accepting an inability to hear the strings because "that's the natural ambience we want." There is pretentiousness, and then there is Belle & Sebastian. Phill from The Rock Of Travolta wrings imaginary tears from laughing eyes; we visit the bar....