I suspect the producers of Albert Nobbs hoped to benefit from the fascination with 19th century upstairs-downstairs intrigue generated by Downton Abbey. Set in a similar environment although this time it’s an upmarket Dublin hotel the film takes the notion of servants subordinated by society to a new level. This strange story of (often painful) gender bending sees a woman
Read moreThe Iron Lady which is directed by Phyllida Lloyd and stars Meryl Streep recounts the life of Margaret Thatcher Britain’s Prime Minister from 1979 – 1990. The idea of the Mamma Mia director Phylida Lloyd helming a film about Margaret Thatcher, one of the most significant and controversial political figures of the 20th century, was a dubious one. While some
Read moreHappy new year everyone, it’s time for Built for Speed’s first show of 2012. This week we play some of the tracks that just missed out on the best of 2011 show. There’s also some classic live performances from mega acts of the 1970’s. With a deluge of film’s released already we look at two movies with performances that may be
Read moreThese are Nick’s selection for the 20 best albums of 2011. Band Album 1 Royal Headache ROYAL HEADACHE 2 Belles will ring CRYSTAL THEATRE 3 The Vaccines WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM THE VACCINES? 4 Fleet Foxes HELPLESSNESS BLUES 5 Anna Calvi ANNA CALVI 6 Wilco THE WHOLE LOVE 7 Arctic Monkeys SUCK IT AND SEE 8 Eagle and the
Read moreBEST FILMS OF 2011 These are Nick’s selections for Best films of 2011. Each comes with a rating out of 10 and a brief description. FILM RATING 1 Another year 9 Mike Leigh’s chillingly accurate portrayal of disillusioned people in contemporary Britain. 2 Snow town 8.5 Speaking of chilling. Eerily quiet, low key dramatization of the bodies in
Read more1 THE VIEW Grace 2 THE GO TEAM & BEST COAST Buy nothing day 3 THE VACCINES Wreckin Bar 4 THE DEARS Blood 5 THE STROKES Under cover of the night 6 COLDPLAY Every teardrop is a waterfall 7 KASABIAN Velociraptor 8 THE KILLS The future starts slow 9 ANNA CALVI Suzanne and I 10 BELLES WILL RING Pallisade Alley
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