Albums
We Love Life. Hmm. Interesting. Am trying to decide whether they mean it or not. It is not easy. On the one hand there is the fact that this is not the same Pulp as gave us the cheery indie-pop (with only occasional departures into darker territories) of Different Class, though they are not nearly as despondent as upon last album This is Hardcore. On the other hand, you get the impression that this is what Pulp, and Jarvis in particular, really get off on; dark and tawdry tales of soured relationships, social discomfort and, on this album at least, all things natural. ...
Music: Singles
Simian like to be thought of as musically anarchic. If you listen to 'One Dimension', you will soon realise that this claim is balls. Sounding like one of the duller moments of Magical Mystery Tour, the song is limp improved only slightly by a plump, bouncing bass line. They aspire to being 'classic' (i.e. like the Beatles) and fool themselves that no one will buy One Dimension because of its 'left-field sensibilities'. In truth, they are as musically conservative as any Britpop, cowering behind the music of the sixties whilst not sufficiently imaginative or gifted to write anything remotely challenging.
Jam
Music: Live
"Do I sound like I've got a lisp? I don't normally wear lipstick - I'm making an effort"' enthuses Kathryn Williams. "Trying to pull?" comes the response. Giving her heckler an inscrutable look, the Mercury-nominated, world-weary, slightly bewildered angel emphatically wipes the make-up from her face. Despite her legendary (but instantly endearing) nerves, Williams quickly demonstrates an unexpected versatility; double bass-driven opener 'Little Black Numbers' is a bare, otherworldly lament, the lilting, ethereal folk of 'Flicker' surrenders free will to transience, and 'Fade' is simultaneously innocent and arch ("you were my back door key when there was a queue to get in"). The organic growth of slender melodies into fleeting, dreamlike visions is reprised on Williams' forthcoming album; new song 'Swimmer' whips stately, elegiac cello into a storm of urgency, combines celestial imagery with kitchen sink drama - and culminates in a seated karate kick.
Wi
Music: The Proms 2001
Union Jacks, Rule Britannia and unashamed jingoism are the usual images conjured up when one mentions the Proms. But in fact, the world's largest music festival is much more than that, bringing together the world's finest orchestras, conductors and soloists. The three month festival combines popular favourites and lesser known works, with several world premieres are thrown in for good measure. ...