My take on TV, social media and the all pervasive nature of popular culture
Ever been to the Isle Of Wight? Me neither, until this week. I know someone who married a woman from there (hi Will!) and I knew vaguely where it was (down there) – but that was about it. I’d heard they like to eat ice cream, ride bikes and that the average age is around 75. And even though all of that was true, this city girl still found time to fall in love with the island… Continue reading » “Isle Of Wight: It’s An IOW Thing”
So next week, I plan to paint our spare room which is where I’m writing this from today, sitting at my newly built desk. The desk means I’ll be spending way more time in here from now on, so clearly it’s time to put my mark on it. Currently the walls are a sickly yellow with a feature wall of peppermint green, both a hangover from the previous owners of the property who clearly thought this was the combination to inspire their toddler son. It doesn’t inspire me so it has to go… Continue reading » “Painting: The New Sexy”
Tonight is episode two of the Great British Bake Off and the excitement around the country is palpable. Step outside my front door and I can see buses gliding along roads, Iceland full of shoppers, dogs being walked on taut leashes. Of course, this is all about killing time in between episodes. We have to keep up a facade that life goes on as normal but this is a MASSIVE LIE. The fact is that now the Great British Bake Off is back on our screens, life is built around it until we find out who, out of all the hopefuls in the big tent, bakes the bestest cake… Continue reading » “The Great British Bake Off: Keep Calm And Bake On”
I’ve just finished watching last night’s documentary Welcome To The World Of Weight Loss, which followed a smattering of women and one lone man on their quest to drop the pounds. As someone who’s spent my life sparring with excess lard, it was interesting to watch their journeys and work out whether or not the various weight loss plans were actually working… Continue reading » “The World Of Weight Loss”
Welcome one, welcome all to the 2013 Brit Awards! Live from the O2 Arena! In London! Next to the river! And the cable car! I’ve already stepped onto the red carpet so you don’t have to – selfless I’m sure you’ll agree – and have been flitting about the venue all day long, soaking up the atmosphere and star-spotting fairly unsuccessfully. But I have touched those giant images of the Damien Hirst-designed new awards that look like they’ve got jaunty chickenpox; and I have marvelled at the spectacle of the Brit Awards that have had me hooked since I was 11 years old. I’m excited, you should be excited, so stop back here from 7.30 tonight for live coverage of the red carpet and the awards, set to feature live performances from the likes of Justin Timberlake, One Direction and Robbie Williams. Scream now… Continue reading » “Brit Awards 2013 – Live Blog!”
I love a great single. That moment when vocals and melody meet in mid-air, french kiss and roll around on the rug with not a care for who’s watching or listening. This year has been home to a few rocket-fuelled solo tracks from the likes of Gotye, Carly Rae Jepsen and Fun, but who’s romped to the top of the pile to take my coveted Top Track title? Read on my friend… Continue reading » “2012: Best Singles”
Farewell then, 2012. You brought us the London Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee, which made us all feel royally fabulous. You were also a glittery disco ball of musical merriment, with a number of standout albums and more than enough pop fragments to snag our attention. Before you evaporate completely from our memory, let’s look back with no anger and more than a scoop of love. And before you ask, no there is no Frank Ocean in the list because while Channel Orange had its moments, it was terminally long and dare we say it, dull – not an accusation you level at any of this lot…
Farewell then, 2011. You had your moments, but it’s time to move on now. Chop chop. And yes, I know I’m a little late with my Best Albums list, but blame Christmas and all those delicious mince pies and mulled wine that fogged my brain. So what did the past 12 months bring? Musical highs and musical lows. I don’t reckon 2011 was a vintage year for music, but here are my top picks of the past 12 months… Continue reading » “2011: Best Albums”
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We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s Brit Awards, mainly because we’re going to be there to bring you all the latest from the red carpet and a live blog of the evening’s proceedings from the O2 Arena. Will Tinie Tempah scoop the lot? Will Jessie J wear those funny tights again? And just how many bottles of champagne will be drunk before the first celeb falls over or punches host James Corden? This and so much more will be revealed by us over the course of the evening – frankly, it’s gonna be ruddy brilliant. So join us tonight for our live blog of the 2011 Brit Awards – I’ll be typing furiously from the media room where I’ve been told there are free light refreshments and all the tea you can drink. It doesn’t get more rock n roll than that! Join me from 7pm tonight…
Putting together three or four minutes of musical perfection is no mean feat, but 2010 has thrown up some sparkling gems from the pop rubble. Here’s our pick of the singles of the year, headed up by an old hand and a couple of fresh faces…