Sir Yes Sir

Pavement's reunion was understandably pretty big news. But really, we've had our own version all along in the form of Sir Yes Sir.

Formed way back in 2005, they made a minor splash in 2007 (appearing on one of my old podcasts and a couple of other blogs) and to be honest, haven't done much since. Apart from be compared to Pavement by everyone. Things are a-happening soon though. A new EP out on tape and an album (on 12") are dropping. I'll repeat that - an EP out on tape and an album out on 12". I assume they'll be selling tracks digitally otherwise Sainsbury's Basics might be on the menu for the next year. Or maybe I underestimate the markets.


As a taster for the new stuff, I've got 'Have I Hell' to share with you. Sharing is caring. Clocking in at a concise 116 seconds, it's a breathless sprint - bass hitting, guitar chugging, drum pulverising and all in the spirit of 90s American indie rock. Pretty awesome.

SIR YES SIR - HAVE I HELL

So, 2010 - the triumphant return of Pavement..................and Sir Yes Sir. Well, hopefully anyway.

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BBC iPlayer: Good Night, and Good Luck

[Watch until 1.14am on Thursday 19th November 2009] (UK users only)

The George Clooney and Grant Heslov combo 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' is in cinemas now and by most accounts is not that great. Therefore, I'd suggest another Clooney-Heslov collab, 'Good Night, and Good Luck', is a much worthier use of your time. Not to mention that it's free, courtesy of our good friends at the Beeb.

The 2005 film, set in the 1950s, covers the journalistic endeavour of news reporter Ed Murrow in taking on US Senator Joseph McCarthy and his spurious accusations that many members of the public were Communists or sympathisers.


Distinctively filmed in a black and white style by Clooney, it features a quite brilliant performance by David Straitharn as Ed Murrow. A performance which embodies the film's powerful drama and merited an Oscar for Best Actor. Straitharn had to settle for a nomination and the film itself gained six Academy Awards nominations, although sadly failed to win in any category. Nonetheless, this is a must see.

In Frank Langella (whose brilliant portrayal of Richard Nixon carried 'Frost/Nixon') and Robert Downey Jr, the film's cast is bolstered even before the knowledge that Clooney also joined in with the acting. In fact, Clooney was willing to mortgage his house to make the film after an injury made him uninsurable. While Murrow is the hero of the film, Clooney is the true hero behind the fantastic 'Good Night, and Good Luck'.

9.5/10

You Animals

A couple of years ago, it really looked like Komakino might break through. Appearances on an NME backed tour, tour support for Bloc Party and a hyped single released on Drowned In Sound Recordings were promising signs. Sadly, it didn't quite work out. But there could yet be a happy ending.

After Komakino split, some of the existing members went onto form You Animals. While Komakino were clearly influenced by post-punk (the name was derived from a Joy Division track), they weren't afraid of pop as the brilliant single 'Say Something Else' proved. You Animals have more than embraced that pop-punk side, with hyperactive anthems like 'Theme From You Animals' and debut single 'Halfway To Heartbreak'. They even have a song called 'Your Own Worst Enemy', possibly inspired by the the similarly titled song by American pop-punksters Lit.

They've also rather sneakily plundered the Komakino back catalogue, giving away a re-recorded 'Shotgun Valentine' as a free download. Kicking it old school, one might say. Ironically, this material is more mature and abandons the bouncy enthusiasm of the poppier songs, instead going for an epic Hope Of The States-esque vibe. Although maybe that comparison is a bit too aspirational.

YOU ANIMALS - SHOTGUN VALENTINE

With the band now part of Fear And Records family (joining the likes of Johnny Foreigner, Sky Larkin and Rolo Tomassi) and having gone into the studio with former Forward, Russia! blokey Whiskas, things are looking good for 2010.

The 'Shotgun Valentine' download single also has a b-side, which you can download from Bandcamp.

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Channel 4 3D Week

I'm not sure how I feel about current 3D televisual material. Sure it's a gimmick but there's something kind of amazing in seeing things pop out the screen (occasionally - Note to 3D people: use sparingly). And of course there's the upcoming James Cameron film 'Avatar' apparently set to destroy all negative perceptions of 3D and launch a new cinematic revolution. Or something.



Seeing as 3D is already having a minor renaissance toward the end of the Noughties, British television channel Channel 4 are having a "3D Week", showing several programmes in 3D. The whole list is here but some choice picks include:

- The Queen in 3D 3D footage of the Coronation?! (Mon 16th Nov, 9pm)
- Derren Brown Presents the 3D Magic Spectacular Gash title but magic's always fun and Derren Brown is usually particularly fascinating. (Mon 16th Nov, 10pm)
- Friday the 13th Part III in 3D Jason's back to kill lots of stupid teenagers. Yawn. Blood spatter might be exciting in 3D though. (Fri 20 Nov, 10pm)

You can pick up a pair of those dodgy red/blue flimsy 3D glasses in your local Sainsburys. But they are free. In case you were wondering, as I was before I went to see Toy Story in 3D, the 3D glasses you get at cinemas are much better and can even be worn on top of spectacles. Anyways, you can see me sporting a pair of the crappy free 3D glasses above. Sexy time.

Oh and if you're puzzled/intrigued/aroused/all three by the moustache, it's Movember and I'm raising money for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Any donations are very much appreciated so please donate away by clicking 'Donate To Me' here.

BBC iPlayer: Starter For 10

[Watch until 10.29pm, Mon 16th Nov] (UK only)

'Starter For 10' is the 2006 film adaptation of a 2003 novel by David Nicholls, starring James McAvoy ('Atonement', 'The Last King Of Scotland' and err, 'Wanted'), as Brian Jackson, and Rebecca Hall ('The Prestige', 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona').


It's a coming-of-age film centering around the trials and tribulations of first year university student Brian Jackson's quest to appear on 'University Challenge'. The film covers Brian's romantic misadventures (albeit in a overly familiar manner) and the problems he faces in bridging the gap between social classes. The acting cast, which also includes Catherine Tate, Dominic Cooper and James Corden, provides a snapshot of rising British talent, and rather bizarrely the film was produced by none other than Tom Hanks.

A well acted, reasonably well crafted film. I challenge you not to fall in love with Rebecca Hall.

Clock Opera

Guy Connelly could be the new Tom Vek. There I said it. It's quite an odd thing to say seeing as Tom Vek could well come back any moment and blow our collective minds. Anyway, for the time being, Guy Connelly is Clock Opera and that is more than good enough.


Clock Opera have generated a fair amount of A&R buzz over the last few months and well, understandably so. Guy Connelly's creates a mish mash of so many different elements, forming a magical electronica of sorts. Throw in a bit of Elbow, Moby and Animal Collective and you're still not quite there. But almost. Expect Clock Opera on a host of 2010 tips lists. Here's the b-side to new single 'White Noise'.

CLOCK OPERA - ALOUETTE

Preorder the 'White Noise' 7" at Pure Groove, ahead of its release on November 16th.

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