It's never been a better time to be a cynical pessimist

So 2009 has arrived, and is it just me or does the apocalypse feel a little closer than ever. I know that generally the papers don't print good news, but the bad news seems to be getting worse. Yes America will soon have its first Black President inaugurated but can one man change the world. Being a cynic I think it's unlikely. At best Obama may delay the inevitable. Just look at the world. recession, war in Palestine (again) famine, genocide, more people than ever, less fuel and food than ever. And even when we try and come up with new ways to invent fuel, the best we can muster is a process which destroys indiginous farming and so makes the whole fuel problem worse. China's population is skyrocketing, so is its consumption of fuel (it will soon replace America at the top of that chart). But bringing things back closer to home, Britain stands in the grip of recession. You can claim its not really a recession all you like, or that it will get better, but with a million people expected to lose their jobs in 2009, woolies in the final throws of a long, painful and devestating death. Zavvi close to collapse as well and who knows who might be next. Knife crime and anti social behaviour seems to be getting worse. Its getting to the point where I am seriously considering whether or not I want to raise children in a world where before they come of age they may be having to come up with ways to save a world beyond saving. And things seem to be heading on a downward curve, picking up pace, with the helpful hand of gravity.
So what's to be done. Well honestly, nothing, and this is why i feel so justified in my cynicism. The way I see it is that as people are individuals and perfectly within their right to make their own decisions we can never drag ourselves out of this quagmire. to many people are apathetic or arogant and thus think only of themselves. Companies want to please the masses, so they might harp on about reducing their carbon footprint, but most will only get involved if they can see someway to make a profit. Also throw in the recession and companies are soon going to change tact and stick to the lowest cost, rather than the greenest way to run their country. Of course, if you asked anybody if they would rather keep their job or lose it so the company could have a zero carbon footprint, most if not all would rather keep their job and sod the atmosphere. Of course when the gigantic tidal wave sweeps across london destroying all their cherished possessions which they picked up in some closing down sale which they spent with the money they earnt at a job they keep the irony will probably be lost on them. Swept away on a wave of self drepracting ignorance.
Or what about the stupid fucking humvee drivers whose only experience of combat is watching Platoon and destroy the ozone layer every time they turn on the ignition or change gear.
Unfortunately we live in a democracy which allows commerce, capitalism and selfish greed. Therefore if some moron wants to own a land rover to lord it over the hatchback driver when taking their children on the school run to the security fenced prisons of education with metal detectors to ensure no knifes or guns are carried onto the premises then who are we to stop them. After all why should one group of people be oppressed by another.
Im not saying democracy doesn't work. its does, to a point. a sharp point which is about to burst the balloon of arrogance the human race has blown up around itself in order to make life easier, less stressful and more accomodating. Because in modern society people don't think life should be easy.
You want that nice two week holiday in the maldives, put it on the credit card. What another ipod has been released, one that enables you to poke your friends on facebook whilst simultaneous texting them, put in on the credit card. That car you drive which is three years old and will only fit three children in the back, despite the fact that you don't have any, buy a big gas guzzling 4x4 and put it on the credit card. Your planning for the future. A future when Britain will become as cold as the artic, when half the worlds animal population will be extinct and you'll sit watching Planet Earth explaining to your fat, pudgy knife weilding kids, that the animals they're seeing are like dinosaurs now. Extinct! A future where people don't meet for drinks or go out for a meal, but tell each other what they want to be doing with their lives through twitter, facebook and mobile technology. Bringing people together! don't you mean isolating, alienating and turning society in slobs who can't be arsed to go and pick up the weekly shop, especially when some large petrol fueled lorry can deliver it for you.
As I said, it truly is a amazingly brilliant time to be a cynical pessismist. You can just sit back watch the world go to pot, and smugly say to yourself (or maybe text a friend) that you were right.
Of course there's nothing a cynical pessismist enjoys more than being proved wrong. It just gives us more fuel for the fire.

Film Review of the Year Part 5 of 8

Horror comes in from hiding in the closet.

In recent years horror films have been, well, shit. Hostel, Saw, any number of crass remakes of 70's classics or even 70's dross. and yet plough through the shit and 2008 threw up some notably genre classics.

I'd like to start by discussing a film which was neither a classic or really very good, but has received good notices. Eden Lake explored the hoodie factor on horror as two lovers get away for the weekend only to be terrorised by kids who will probably be home late for dinner.

The film is an interesting concept and has some notable scenes, but lacks the rising tension, or pure horror or classics such as Texas Chain Saw Massacre or Halloween. Perhaps the best scene and most terrifying scene is the final one, which demonstrates how inherrent the problems of anitsocial teens really are.

But on to better and more terrifying fare. The Orphange, advertised as from the creator of Pan's Labyrinth shares little with the spanish fantasy. A shocking ghost story more akin the Del Toro's Devuil's Backbone or The Hours has some truly shocking moments and twist which will break your heart, whilst simultaneously scaring the shit out of you.

Cloverfield was the big film of the earlier period of 2008. And my god it was good. relentless, never outstaying its welcome and with a premise which never felt too contrived or dare I say it, inplausible. The film takes the high road by showing us as little as possible to crank up the horror.

George Romero returned to zombie (what else) with diary of the dead. coming off the back of Cloverfield this film lost some of its uniqueness but still managed enough inventive deaths and quirky horror to be worth a look.

Funny Games was truly terrifying in a way horror films rarely are. American cinema has seen a slew of home invasion films over the past year, but Funny Games is the only one which will have you double checking the locks and suspicious of anyone and everyone. The film is relentless in its torment of both the victims and the audience. 3 people left the screening I watched, and it was only most resolute belief in experiencing pure cinema that made me stay. that a morbid curiosity.

Probably my favourite horror fim of the year was also responsible for the most downbeat, pessimistic ending i've seen in horro since perhaps The Wicker Man. Frank Darabont's The Mist is a classic horror film of the 1950's b-movie tradition. From almost the opening minutes there is a genuine sense of dread, tension and anxiety. taking pot shots at fundamental religion and piting humans against the biggeest foe, themselves, and well as some really rather good CG monsters, the film offers no hope or redemption for the characters and as such becomes, in my opinion, a classic of the genre.

Here's hoping 2009 isn't just a spate of remakes, sequels and uninspired copycats.

Film Review of the Year Part 7 of 8

The best films of 2008, the best performances, best direction, best scripts and generally best everything.



Writing honours are hard to give out, mainly because writers are really given the credit they deserve. Most great performances are partly due to great writing and it must be easier to direct a great scene than a poorly written one. Joel and Ethan Coen deserve credit for their sparse, tense masterpiece No Country For Old Men, Christopher Nolan and David Goyer also should not be overlooked for the crime film of the year The Dark Knight, but the best screenplay must surely belong to Ronald Harwood for The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. A difficult book to turn into a film, but Harwood captures to essense and beauty of the script perfectly.

In a difficult year for female leads, Angelina Jolie pleaded for an Oscar in Changeling, Sally Hawkins impressed in Happy Go Lucky, Wei Tang was amazing in Lust Caution, Keira Knightley gave a career best turn in The Duchess, Naomi Watts was tormented in Funny Games and Belen Rueda stunned in The Orphanage. But the stand out performance which even now comes straight to mind was Anamaria Marinca in 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. A stunning performance which carried the audience through the ordeal on screen.

As for acting, 2008 will be remembered for its villians over its heroes. Javier Bardem in No Country For Old Men, Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood and Heath Ledger for The Joker in The Dark Knight. There were notable other performances in the year. Josh Brolin was magnificent as George W Bush, Tommy Lee Jones demonstrated his greatness in No Country For Old Men and In The Valley of Elah. Ryan Gosling was endearingly excellent in Lars and the Real Girl. Brian Cox gave the british crime film a much needed kick up the arse in The Escapist but my performance of the year belongs to Habib Boufares who brought a poignant beauty to CousCous.

Cinematography is really a two horse race between There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men, shot in the same location, both films evoke to fatalistic tone of the films. But despite Roger Deakins genius, Robert Elswit beautifully shot epic deserves full appreciation. His wide vistas and stark lighting become a beautiful avenue into the mindset of Daniel Plainview.

Best director is a difficult award to give out. mainly because i do not believe you can just acknowledge great work, but instead must compare the quality of the direction to previous works. So whereas Ang Lee's Lust Caution is excellent, his work has been better. So too for Michael Hanake who decided America needed educating on cinematic violence with his remake of his own earlier Funny Games. Terence Davies' Of Time and the City was superb, and Ben Affleck might have found his calling after Gone Baby Gone. Roy Andersson's You, The Living was superb as was Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood. Christpoher Nolan brought us the finest comic film of all time in The Dark Knight and Andrew Stanton's WALL-E may yet be Pixar's finest achievement, but no film this year beat the Oscar winning No Country For Old Men for perfection in direction, or at the very least as close to perfection as possible. It's hard to imagine The Coen brothers outdoing some of their earlier work, but No Country must surely go down as the finest film to date.

Film Review of the Year Part 4 of 8

2008, somewhat like 2007 was a year of returns. Most notably Rambo and Indiana Jones, but we also saw the return of Mulder and Scully and another Star Wars movie. Ironically the least anticipated actually turned out to be the best.
Indiana Jones left a strange feeling in my heart and mind. Although parts of the film were good, there was an abundance of CG animals including monkeys and ants which irked too much. Karen Allen returned to the screen as Marion Ravenwood but forgot to bring her sassy attitude or chemistry with Ford. Ford was good although became a supporting player in his own film. Cate Blanchett walked a tightrope between genuinely menacing and downright ridiculous and Ray Winstone and John Hurt was pointless creations. The ending though with the aliens (or should that be interdimensional beings) saw the franchise jump the shark, and the plot holes and inconsistencies left a sour taste in the mouth.
Being a big fan of The X Files I was like a fat kid in a candy store for the realise of I Want To Believe and I really did want to believe. Unfortunately Chris Carter got bogged down with God, forgot to develop a realistic and plausible motivation to bring Mulder and Scully back into the fold, and also somewhere along the way forgot the show was about the paranormal. beside Billy Connolly's pyschic activities this film was devoid of an x factor. The final straw was witnessing Scully research stem cell therapy on google. Bad idea, very bad idea.
Star Wars went animated ahead of the new TV series exploring the Clone Wars and unfortunately the film felt nothing more than an extended episode, albeit with some good action scenes. word to the wise, when you know all the major characters will survive you do lose some of the tension and drama. still it was an excellent trailer for the TV show
And finally of all the renaissances to occur in film Rambo was not one I expected to enjoy, and yet Rambo was the best. Not a great film, but so unashamedly fun and downright violent this film became a tour de force of action comedy. Whether it was meant to come across this was is irrelevant. For 80 minutes I did not need my brain and it was without question the most fun I had at the cinema all year. Except maybe for the uncut full length Grindhouse.

Film Review of the Year Part 8 of 8

With 2008 drawn to a close all eyes turn to 2009. And as is to be expected the year will see the arrival of the Oscar contenders. But rather than be so miopic in my view of what 2009 can bring us, I am going to list the big 9 films i'm most looking forward to in the new year. So here goes...


1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
David Fincher fresh from the excellent Zodiac delivers an adaptation of Scott Fitzgerald's short story about a man born old who grows young. starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton it has classic written all over it.

2. The Wrestler
Darren Aronofsky directs Mickey Rourke in what has already been dubbed "film of the year". Some feat considering it comes out on Jan 16th. But with a trailer that put a lump in my throat and revealed a potentially mesmerising performance from Rourke this film looks destined to be a great film.

3. Watchmen
Who watches the watchmen. More importantly who watches Zack Snyder. Responsible for adaptating the greatest graphic novel of all time to the big screen. the trailer bodes well but despite all my excitement, can it really be as good as the book. unlikely, but im itching to see it nonetheless.

4. Public Enemies
Michael Mann directs a period set crime thriller about John Dillinger played by Johnny Depp and Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis as the FBI man who tracks him down. Nothing about this film doesn't enthrall. Two heavyweights of modern cinema and a director to match them.

5. The Road
Viggo Mortensen is one of those actors to watch. After impressing in Lord of the Rings and blowing me away in A History of Violence, this adaptation from Cormac "No Country For Old Men" McCarthy is directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition).

6. Broken Embraces
Pedro Almodovar directing Penelope Cruz. After the riveting Volver Almodovar has become one of world cinemas brightest lights. Broken Embraces promises to be just a great.

7. Che Parts 1 and 2
Steven Soderburgh directs two che films starring the superb Benecio Del Toro. Based on earlier word, the films are difficult to watch and intentionally try to subvert traditional biopic conventions. Sounds like a infuriating breath of fresh air. exactly what modern cinema should do.

8. Inglorious Basterds
Quentin Tarantino finally gets round to bringing his world war two epic to the big screen. having read the leaked internet script the film is nothing like it imagined and hoped, but the script has some incredible sequences and a cast lead by Brad Pitt and Tarantino may well deliver his best film since Pulp Fiction.

9. Avatar
Two words, James and Cameron. Excited yet, you should be. Back from the wilderness of 3d underwater documentaries the self proclaimed king of the world is back to reinvent cinema for the next decade. Shot in 3D my mouth is already salivating.

Film Review of the Year Part 3 of 8

In a year which saw Hollywood films reach new heights, some truly brilliant world cinema and a fair few great european outings, British cinema did not feel left behind. Well certainly not in the quality stakes anyway.

The Escapist was an outstanding prison drama, well acted, well scripted and fantastically well directed. Happy Go Lucky was a sweet, endearing tale but lacked the punch one usually associates with Mike Leigh films. Terence Davies returned to the cinema with Of Time and the City. A beautiful portrait of Liverpool narrated by the director himself. James Bond leap back into action, in a confused, convoluted action adventure with no story and a lack of inspiration. Of course Bond is only English in history and not so much production. Most of the profits line the pockdets of an American studio. Shane Meadows turned a Eurostar advert into one of the loveliest, and moat charming films of the year depicting the blossoming friendship of two lovelorn youngsters in North London. The best british film of the year bar none though was Hunger, Steve McQueen's debut cinematic effort. stark, elegiac, beautifully shot and composed with a stunning script from Enda Walsh. It tells of the last days of Bobby Sands, the IRA prisoner who went on hunger strike in 1980.

Steve McQueen was also fortunate enough to receive the Golden Camera Award at Cannes. He is certainly a director to keep a close eye on in the future.

Film Review of the Year Part 2 of 8

2008's obituaries where occupied with some of American cinema's great names. But as with most years there was a large number of respected filmmakers, actors and personalities who left an indelible mark on the artform. the two most notable deaths belong to Heath Ledger whose shock departure left a dent in American cinema. With Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr Parsanus still to be released with have yet to see Ledger's final performance. The Dark Knight was a indication of the vast talent which has been lost, and a posthumus Oscar nomination must surely be a given. Having already given us the intense Brokeback Mountain, Ledger was fast becoming not only one of the best actors in Hollywood today but one who was building himself a strong reputation of being a serious actor who was more interested in character than celebrity. He will be deeply missed.

Paul Newman was one of the few remaining geniune legends until his death in 2008. described as one of the most likeable and professional actors Hollywood has produced, he left behind a plethora of classic performances which beatifully encapsulated his range and magnetism. Personally though, whenever I think of Paul Newman I will always remember the knowing grin and performances from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler and The Hudsucker Proxy.

Other notable deaths of 2008 which should not be overlooked include
Robert Mulligan, the Academy Award nominated director of To Kill A Mocking Bird
Jack Douglas, star of Carry On films
Forrest J Ackerman, founder of Famous Monsters of Filmland
John Michael Hayes, screenwriter of Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, The Trouble with Harry and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Ennio De Concini oscar winning screenwriter for Divorce, Italian Style
Richard Widmark, star of noir films Night and the City and Pickup on South Street
Charlton Heston, classic American actor who starred in such masterpieces as Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments and Touch of Evil
Sydney Pollack, acclaimed director of Tootise, The Way We Were and Jeremiah Johnson
Eli Wallach, actor, best known as the Ugly in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, also in The Godfather Part III, The Magnificent Seven and Once Upon A Time in the West
Karl Malden, actor in films such as How The West Was Won, A Streetcar Named Desire, On The Waterfront and Patton
Kirk Douglas, actor, father of Michael, star of Paths of Glory, Spartacus, The Bad and the Beautiful
Blake Edwards, director of Pink Panther series and Breakfast at Tiffany's
Michael Crichton, author of Jurassic Park, Westworld, Sphere, Rising Sun and The Lost World
Delmar Watson, child actor whose most famous role was alongside James Stewart in Mr Smith Goes To Washington
Gerard Damiano, director of legendary porn film Deep Throat
Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress in Lili and Moulin Rouge (1952)
Herbert Lom, actor in The Ladykillers and long suffering superior to Inspector Clouseau in Pink Panther series
Dino Di Larentiis, legendary italian producer responsible for Danger Diabolik, Serpico, Dune, Blue Velvet and Silence of the Lambs.
Isaac Hayes, singer who wrote theme for shaft and later voiced Chef in South Park.
Bernie Mac, most notably star on Ocean's trilogy
Charles H. Joffe, producer of Annie Hall
Cyd Charisse, long legged dancer, who appeared in Singin in the Rain, Ziegfried Follies and The Band Wagon
Stan Winston. oscar winning special effects maestro who was responsible for work on Terminator, Jurassic Park, Aliens, Predator, Edward Scissorhands, The Thing, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Terminator 2
Anthony Minghella, director of Talented Mr Ripley, Cold Mountain, English Patient and Truly Madly Deeply. He was a great and support for British cinema.
Roy Scheider, star of Jaws, The French Connection and Klute
Brad Renfro, actor in Bully, Sleepers and Ghost World

All of these people made an significant contribution the cinema in their own unique way. There are some people who passed away in 2008 who completely changed to face of cinema, and for that they will forever be remembered.

Film Review of the Year Part 1 of 8

its that time of the year again when everybody begins compiling their lists and opinions of the past 12 months. So why should I be any different. in previous years I've just plodded through with opinion, ratings and news from the past year. This year is different. I have my blog, and so I will try to jot down bite sized nuggets of my views and thoughts, both good and bad on the past year. Where better to start than with Awards. Cyclically, and conveniently it is Awards season, so whilst we ponder and consider who deserves Oscar's, Bafta's and Golden Globes to name but a few, and marketeers plan they attack strategy to convince the voters that their picture deserves the prestige of trophies and statuettes, lets look back on the awards of 2008.
For me the best possible news for the Awards season was Joel and Ethan Coen's masterpiece No Country For Old Men. Beating off such stiff competition as There Will Be Blood, Atonement, the quirky nominee Juno and and the somewhat unexpected Michael Clayton. That Joel and Ethan Coen also walked away with Best Direction was also a deserving Award. The film is unparalleled in its ability to put its audience in edge. The direction is as close to perfect, the script is lean, driven, purposeful genius and cinematography by Roger Deakins beautifully encapsulates the fatalistic theme of the story. Also in Javier Bardem, who himself evil.

Juno, written by Diablo Cody picked up best original screenplay. its a fantastic story with great wit, quirky dialogue and an offbeat style all of which demonstrated the writers innovative brilliance. It was regarded this years Little Miss Sunshine, but comparisons go no further than the quality of the writing and the fantastic acting which breathed life into one of the best scripts of the year.

The Bafta's were a typically British affair with the epic Atonement scooping the best and biggest prize of Best Picture. This Is England won best British film. Matt Greenhalgh won the Carl Foreman Award for for special achievement and Ronald Harwood won Best adapted screenplay for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. this may seem like just a list but it establishes Britain as a place full of diverse, artistic, creative and brilliant filmmakers. It truly is an inspiring time to be in the British film industry....

2 Page extract from Script

As I will be beginning a Screenwriting Masters in the new year and this blog was started to get me into the habit of writing consistently, this will be the first of a series of scenes, treatments and extracts from my screenwriting.

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

Small dressing table with a large mirror. It is filled with various beauty products. ISABELLA brushes her hair and looks at herself in the mirror as if it were a fashion photographer. Repositioning part of the mirror we see FRANK, a tall dark skinned man sitting shirtless in bed, tapping away at a typewriter.

ISABELLA:
You know dear, you’ve said nothing about my audition tomorrow.

FRANK:
Which audition is this, the modeling or the singing?

ISABELLA:
Modeling off course.
(as if to herself)
You know I've always wanted to be a model.

FRANK:
Of course dear. Good luck. I must get this scene finished if I'm to get this new job.

DISSOLVE TO:

Same bedroom, now a large, ornate dressing table. Cluttered with things; expensive necklaces, matching earrings, gold bracelets and other decadent jewellery. ISABELLA, now looking slightly older, but more confident, looks into the mirror as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world.

ISABELLA:
Did I tell you darling, I just got the Versace deal. I knew I would, but it’s still such a pleasant surprise.

Repositioning part of the mirror again, we see FRANK sitting on the bed. He wears glasses and reads through a script. He has barely moved from the previous position. He now wears a dressing gown and sports a three day beard.

FRANK:
Hmmm, good darling, good.
I’ve got a meeting tomorrow with the execs over at Warner’s so will have to cancel lunch.
ISABELLA looks at him in the mirror, a longing expression on her face. A look which suggests she’d rather he was looking at her than she at him.

DISSOLVE TO

Same dressing table. You can no longer see the table, it’s so cluttered with bits and pieces. ISABELLA looks at herself in the mirror. Her eyes are beginning to show the signs of crows feet. She leans in fingering her temples, examining them intently. She slumps in the chair rubbing her hands over her belly.

ISABELLA:
(to someone off screen)
I want to have a baby.

ISABELLA sits and waits for a response, expectantly.

FRANK enters frame behind her. She looks up at him, but he moves right past her, without so much as a glance.

FRANK:
I'm due on the lot early tomorrow, and will probably stay late, can we move our anniversary meal? The earliest I can do is next week.

ISABELLA:
I want a baby.

FRANK:
(O.S)
Think what it would do to your career. It’s too valuable to jeopardise with a child. Besides I'm far too busy.

ISABELLA looks lonely and miserable.

DISSOLVE TO

ISABELLA still looks miserable and lonely. She moves the mirror to see the bed, but it is empty. She looks at all the rubbish which now clutters her dressing table. Angrily she yells at the mirror. Pushes everything off the table and hurls an empty bottle of champagne, cracking the mirror.

ISABELLA:
(V.O.)
And that is all I can tell you about Frank.

2008 Music. A very good year

As the year draws to a close its a time for reflection, a time look back over those things which have made the past twelve months memorable, or not. And for the most part 2008 has been a vintage year for myself. Most notably musically, 2008 has been perhaps the best of my life. It began unexpectedly with Neil Young. Having been a fan of Neil Young and his country rock stylings for sometime, this was one of the great moments of my life. Made even better that Neil treated us to a calvacade of hits, both old and classic, and proceeded through over two hours of the sweetest, most enduring music you might ever wish to hear. Not only that, but we got the best of worlds of Neil. Opening with an acoustic set which included songs from his Buffalo Speingfield days right through to classics from Harvest Moon. The 2nd act was made up solely of heavy electric rock, which Young plays so well. His unique voice, and guitar style infusing his songs with emotional resonance which for other performers of his age and longevity, may well have diminished. Whilst playing, amid a set which looked like a cross between an artists studio and a charity shop, a painter flitted around at the back of the stage completing multiple works; each song was accompanied with a painting corresponding to that particular song. The event was seminal in my life. A true great artist onstage plundering his dense back catalogue for songs to elate, overjoy and mesmerise. My journey with Neil has been ongoing for about 5 years, but 2008 is the pinnacle, and this performance was not the last time i would stand in awe of the legend.


Later in the year, under the drizzle of that fine rain that soaks you through. I attended the Hop Farm festival. There were four of us, and we were all ill prepared mentally for the British weather (you'd think after 25 years on this Earth, I'd start to come to terms with our infamous precipitation). Thankfully the music on offer was more than sufficient to remedy any lingering thoughts miserablism. Things started in a light, relaxed fashion. Arriving in the rain, Laura Marling was doing her best to bring a little ray of sunshine into our lives, and generally she did a good job. But the task would be left for bigger, better acts which followed. Sadly things took a downturn with the nondescript guillemots, who by the end were just noise. Having not heard them before, i do not see myself hearing them again, not intentionally anyway.

Thankfully, the dirge did not continue, and was swiftly replaced with the superb, enjoyable Rufus Wainwright. Having heard his brilliant Want Two I was very pleased, but by no means elated, to be seeing Rufus. But thankfully playing 45 minutes of joyously uplifting, if mildly elegiac music managed not only to lift my spirits, but also to draw out the sun. As he flowed through Hallelujah!, the clouds parted and rays of the glorious sun descended on the happy festival goers.

Following Rufus, the good mood continued as Supergrass took to the stage and fulfilled a desire to see them live, which extended all the way back to their debut album. Supergrass are the kind of band who have alwasy felt like almost greatness. Too long have they stood in the shadows of giant 90's bands such as Oasis (mediocre live) Blur (please tour once more, for me) and Pulp (never gonna happen). But Supergrass did nothing to dent my opinion of them, and hearing some of the classic singles performed live, in a big field, felt like a little snippet of happiness; a soft comforting hug which leaves you feeling uplifted and content.

Then tragedy struck. To give some context first, the tickets for the festival came with the option to purchase return bus tickets. Which I happily did. Following Supergrass, I dipped into my backpack just to check the tickets were all in order. ALL WAS NOT IN ORDER! Panic gripped me. The comforting hug of happiness was replaced by rising tension, fear and anxiety. This was going to turn into a bad day. Racing back to the entrance.... no tickets handed in. racing to the ticket booth - cash only. Racing to the cash point. waiting the cah point. By this time Primal Scream had taken to the stage and were doing everything in their power to undermine their own reputation. There just not very good live! Toe tapping nervousnous and impatience as i queued up. Finally i withdrew sufficient funds to rebuy the bus tickets home. All was not yet lost. SOLD OUT! No!!!!!!. yes, fucking yes. Sold out. Now the only option would be to leave early, miss the headline and catch the train. either that or sleep on a wet soggy field in the middle of nowhere. Hmmmm, probably not a good idea. Then, epiphany moment, though not mine. A friend suggested i ring the booking line, acquire my booking reference and use that. Call made, I raced to the ticket office. Explaining the situation. Their reply. I would have to wait until the last bus, and if then there were seats spare, i could have them. Not ideal. Finally one of them asked my name. "Hang on, isn't that the name on the tickets that were handed in". Possibly the best thing anyone has ever said to me. Elation, relief, a re-examing of my belief in the almighty, only briefly mind. But tickets were rescued. as was my skin.

Finally I could relax and enjoy the headline act. NEIL YOUNG!. Oh yes, not only had I the pleasure of watching my musical idol in the luxurious environ of the Hammersmith Apollo, but also in the live, outdoor festival Hop Farm. I told you this was a good year.

So Neil comes on, Jackson Pollack style paint splattered suit and all. The set list was signifcantly different to Hammersmith, but no less brilliant. Opening with Love and only Love, and meandering through tracks from his latest album, an Organ version of Mother Earth, classics such as Old Man and Heart of Gold, before ending on the suitably epic grandiose No Hidden Path. So epic was the performance that Neil also brought back to rain. The heavens somewhat summoned by his massive riffs. Finally the encore. A heavy rock version of the Beatles A Day in the Life, and it was over. All that was left was a long stand in the rain, and a longer sleepy coach ride home. And yet the feeling was like no other; fatigued elation perhaps the closest I can think to describe it.

As if that wasn't enough, 2008 was also my first Latitude festival. Now Latitude is more than a music festival. its like the cultural zenith of the summer. but instead of the poetry, dance, zombie theatre (I Know, i was impressed and scared too) films and art, there were also some bands playing. Ii'll concentrate on the music, or we'll be here all day.

The musc began with Rosie and the Goldbugs, a three piece with a female lead singer, and guitarist and drummer. There music was fun, lively and set the tone for a manic exploration of as much music as i could direct my ears towards. Now, its probably pertinent to mention at this point that i can't remember every band or artist i saw, and i don't have my guide book for assistance. So i'll have to mention only those who have lodged themselves firmly in my mind, like a frisbee stuck in a tree. Friday included the beautiful Beth Orton treating us to a sun drenched acoustic set; Martha Wainwright reinforcing her reputation as a great vocalist. She even surprised me with a kind of rap duet, i forget who with. But it was very good. Friday finished in a fashion i hadn't expected. Franz Ferdinand were headlining and there was no way I was missing them. Not a huge fan, not before anyway, but nonetheless, their debut album had an indelible upbeat feel and felt appropriate for the festival arena.

Franz Ferdinand Rock! For a band who have only released two albums there have a plethora of great songs. And their performance was superb. Rousing the crowd and making them forget the rain, they tore up the stage and spread copious amounts of entertainment throughout a buzzing audience who loved every minute. The bar had officially been set. Could it be raised? Would there be any other bands who exceeded expectation quite as much?

Saturday, rising from slumber, following a night where upon returning to the tent, we found the zip open, and a young girl in the tent opposite, awake, perturbed and somewhat scared, by being woken by an intruder. Her purse and belongings found strewn on the grass a short distance away. This was a sobering experience. The joy of Franz was fast deflating. But nothing was stolen, the perp it seems was after money only, and that i'd kept on me.

So on with the music, Saturday saw a superb acoustic set from the excellent Coral. Banging out the poppy rock melodies, to a bouncing, enthusiastic crowd. A few years back at Glastonbury, I had fallen for The Coral, and seeing them again, particularly in a new style was like meeting someone you really hit it off with once, but nothing ever came of it, and seeing how much they changed. Following this was a double bill of absolute musical genius. Firstly Michael Nyman, composer extraordinaire indulged us with a hour long performance of piano genius. Highlights were "the heart asks pleasure first" from The Piano soundtrack but not a single piece failed to mesmerise the audience. As we sat on the floor inside a small room, all transfixed on the stately gentlemen sat at the ivory keys. After having seen Ennio Morricone last year, this was the highlight of the entire festival for me.

Followed closely by Seasick Steve and his rambling hobo blues. Being introduced to his three string guitar, and the one string diddly-bo; A 2x4 block of wood, with a tin can at one end and a single string stretching the length. Using a slide guitar he managed to create new, inventive sounds and he pounded the block of wood on the floor and crawled around banging out classic tunes from his Doghouse Music album. I'd been unsure of what to expect from Seasick Steve. Doghouse music is currently one of my favourite pieces of music, but it does nothing to demonstrate the musical show put on for the adoring Latitude crowd.

Saturday night concluded with the double team of Elbow (good, but by no means great) and Sigur Ros, for whom there are no adjectives sufficient enough to encapsulate their riveting, hynoptic transient performance. Sometimes even now, i think on their performance and it seems as if a dream. Floating in the night sky as their melodic tunes penetrate my subconscious on a level I never knew existed. Its the only performance where i felt as though i was equally alone experiencing this show in my own alternate reality, whilst simultaneously part of a collective experience for which not words but only feelings can express.

So, with Franz topped, Sigur Ros held the mantel for headlining masters, the closing night had a tall order to surpass that which had previously been experienced. But this was the Latitude festival, if anything could outdo itself day after day then I was confident this was it.

The final day was tinged with melancholy as the festival drew to a close, so the the bands had to work additionally hard to rid those niggling feelings.

This took all of 30 mins. At midday as the sun rose and shone down on the glorious fields of Latitude i heard for the first time one of the most unique voices i've had the pleasure of hearing. But the voice wasn't all. On stage like a giant stringed monolith was a harp. Never before have i heard a harp live. But when the elfin Joanna Newsom stepped on stage to rapturous applause, her fingers created a little slice of heaven. Her voice was the perfect way to start the beginning of the end. For over an hour the audience stood in awe at the cutest singer to ever take to the stage. Firstly she forgot the words to a number of her songs, causing ripples then waves of laughter. Embarassed, uncomposed Joanna wipped the audience into hysterics before chastising us for making things worse. She found her composure, continued and became another unexpected delight from the festival lineup.

The evening was made up of two very different performances. Firstly, debating whether to see Grinderman or Blondie, i opted, wisely i feel, for Blondie. She did not dissapoint. The energy, the enthusiasm, the sex appeal (well from where i was standing at least). Every great Blondie song i could think of was included.

Shattered from dancing, and four days of festival fun and little sleep, I lumbered over to the main stage to enjoy the festival close in the presence of Interpol. Having seen them a few yeasr ago at Glastonbury, I was excited. Before Glasto i'd never really heard them, post Glasto i'd not gotten round to picking up some of their work, so there was still a sense of not quite knowing what to expect. There performance was professional, epic and thoroughly entertaining, but whether they managed to feel like a headliner style remains to be seen. They certainly impressed me, but it never felt like the life altering event.
Following this was the long cold autumn of music isolation. Financially, I could not afford say to visit the Big Chill and see the legend that is Leonard Cohen. But nonetheless, there were still some mighty peaks to ascend before 2008 was out.

Before that though, a couple of nights of live music which rekindled my love of seeing unsigned bands in dank, dark and moist venues. First up was the Paisley Revolution. This was mainly an opportunity to see the brilliantly eclectic Caramel Jack. 45 minutes were enough to confirm my opinion of them as a great versatile band who deserved more attention that they have presently received.
Following this a week later I inadvertantly attended the Jazz Festival at a cool little club located down some dark back street in East London. The location, called Cargo, was superb. Atmospheric, relaxed and with great acoustics, it felt intimate and suitable for the jazztastic music on offer. It even had a cool outdoor area to relax after much bobbing. The first band, to my feeble recolllection were called The Filthy Six, a superb jazz band. Not knowing a great deal about jazz its difficult to judge their quality or more accurately talk about them in a manner which feels educated. All I will say is that when I got there I felt utterly shattered, and by the time they'd finished I could have danced alnight to their upbeat, brass based ditties.
For the final act of my musical musings for 2008, its an ending comparable to the greatest stories, films, books and even albums. Two giants of music, one entirely modern, the other who has probably now finally moved into the legend era of his career. The first though, is perhaps, in this humble bloggers opinion, the pre-eminent artist of his generation.
Ryan Adams; or more accurately The Cardinals ft Ryan Adams. I hadn't intended to see him, not for lack of trying or desire. Instead, financial restraints had intervened and prevented such luxury being explored. Instead, at ten to 5 on the thursday 20th November I recieved a phone call from a friend informing me he suddenly had a spare ticket for the Brixton Academy. Racing home, getting changed, and speeding over to Brixton, with just enough time to pick up a donut for sustenance, i arrived and caught breath, just with enough time to spare before The Cardinals came onstage and snatched my breath away again.

For 2 and half hours, The Cardinals showcased their musical genius, ranging from rock melodies to country harmonies. Ryan Adams, who responded to cheers of his name by introducing The Cardinals, began in a subdued mood. Stage left, and almost shy, Ryan rattled through a couple of songs off their new album Cardinology. And the songs came to life, taking on new importance in my mind. This was indicative of the entire set. The songs never felt like recreations of the album recordings, instead they came alive, under the fresh atmosphere of a live performance. They reeled of classics such Wonderwall, Goodnight Rose, Rescue Blues, Everybody Knows and Lewt It Ride. As the night came to an end, with an astounding rendition of I See Monsters, somehow I managed to drag my chin from the floor and compose myself. slapping my face to ensure what i'd witnessed actually happened and wasn't instead some sick fantasy I was playing on myself. Ryan won me over as a singer, musician and all round troubadour with great stage presence and a quirky personality which belies his age. On the mental checklist of musicians I always wanted to see, Ryan and his loyal, dedicated and brilliant Cardinals were high on the list, and ticking them off was a joyous event (even if it only existed in my head).
Finally, at last we come to it. The last gig of 2008. There had been some fond memories, some life changing events and some musical expansion through the discovery of some great new music.
The final band I saw of 2008 was so epic, so grand, so monumental, I feel I should be talking about them in capital letters, with each sentence ending in an abundance, or plethora of exclamation marks. And so thrusting, lots of thrusting and posturing. It can only be one person, or one band even, really.
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS
If you ever get the chance to see Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, do it, don't even think about it. buy the ticket, maim, kill, bludgeon, defile, whatever it takes, cos if you don't i will. And i'll be there, of my rocker having one of the best nights of my life. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are like the best sex you ever had, for two hours, with even a hint of fatigue. There so loud, I feel like i've lost some of hearing, and feel good about that fact. My mind was assaulted, assailed and ransacked, and ive never felt better. From Dig Lazarus Dig, through Red Right Hand, to More News From Nowhere, Nick Cave defined the benchmark by which all future frontmen will be judged.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds felt like one of those, last breath, death bed memories, followed by a final act of Cave-esque thrusting before the exhaling my final breath.

And so 2008 draws to a close, I look back with a grin on my face, and a spring in my step, for if any year in the rest of my life, manages to equal this, then my life will have been a fulfilling one. Neil Young, Franz Ferdinand, Seasick Steve, Sigur Ros, Joanna Newsom, Michael Nyman, Ryan Adams, Supergrass and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
2009 has a lot to live up to. For starters there's Seasick Steve again, fresh of the back of the brilliant I Started Out With Nothing And I've Still Got Most Of It Left.
Bring on 2009. I have high expectations.