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Unpublished John Lennon Photos Up For Auction

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Unpublished John Lennon Photos Up For Auction

Unpublished photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono and a miniature motorbike used by the legendary Beatle are to be auctioned at Bonhams Auctioneers on Thursday (June 12). The archive, taken by photographer Luiz Garrido in 1969, show John and Yoko in the first few months of their marriage captured in 45 colour transparencies and over 300 negatives. Garrido met them at the Plaza Athenee Hotel in Paris, while they were on their honeymoon. He was invited to Amsterdam to document the ‘Bed-in’ protest and followed them to London a few weeks later, where he captured Lennon at the Trident Studios during the mixing of ‘Give Peace A Chance'. In one image Lennon is seen writing out a political missive which starts: “We Think/Violence Begets Violence/Give Peace A Chance/Remember Love/We Can Get It Together/Think Peace/Hare Krishna!” The red Honda 160Z Monkey Bike, which is expected to fetch between £6000 and £8000, was bought by the former Beatle as an easy way to get around Tittenhurst Park. The lot comes complete with a black and white photograph of Lennon with his small son, Julian taken in 1970 The auction will also include Elton John’s Steinway Grand piano and George Formby's original Abbott 'Monarch' banjolele.

Unpublished photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono and a miniature motorbike used by the legendary Beatle are to be auctioned at Bonhams Auctioneers on Thursday (June 12).

The archive, taken by photographer Luiz Garrido in 1969, show John and Yoko in the first few months of their marriage captured in 45 colour transparencies and over 300 negatives.

Garrido met them at the Plaza Athenee Hotel in Paris, while they were on their honeymoon. He was invited to Amsterdam to document the ‘Bed-in’ protest and followed them to London a few weeks later, where he captured Lennon at the Trident Studios during the mixing of ‘Give Peace A Chance’.

In one image Lennon is seen writing out a political missive which starts: “We Think/Violence Begets Violence/Give Peace A Chance/Remember Love/We Can Get It Together/Think Peace/Hare Krishna!”

The red Honda 160Z Monkey Bike, which is expected to fetch between £6000 and £8000, was bought by the former Beatle as an easy way to get around Tittenhurst Park. The lot comes complete with a black and white photograph of Lennon with his small son, Julian taken in 1970

The auction will also include Elton John’s Steinway Grand piano and George Formby’s original Abbott ‘Monarch’ banjolele.

The 23rd Uncut Playlist Of 2008

John Mulvey
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So this is what we’ve played thus far this week: a glut of hip-hop; a few selections from the private collections of John Robinson and Mark Bentley; a Walter Becker solo album that doesn’t quite cut it next to all those wonderful Steely Dan and Donald Fagen records; and a Radiohead cover of Portishead, which makes this an uncharacteristically prophetic blog. Here’s the list, anyhow. I’m going to spend the rest of the afternoon getting increasingly frustrated with this new Conor Oberst album, which stubbornly refuses to play on any machine in the Uncut office. There are worse ways to make a living, I suppose. . . 1. Leonard Cohen – I’m Your Man (Columbia) 2. Howlin Rain – UK/Ireland 08 Tour Companion (Live recordings made on Ethan’s hand-held recorder) 3. NERD – Seeing Sounds (Star Trak/ Interscope) 4. Eire Apparent – Sunrise (Sequel) 5. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III (Cash Money/ Island) 6. Various Artists – Highlife Time: Nigerian & Ghanaian Sound From The ‘60s And Early ‘70s (Vampisoul) 7. Walter Becker – Circus Money (Sonic 360) 8. Pelt – Dauphin Elegies (VHF) 9. The Turtles – The Turtles Present The Battle Of The Bands (White Whale) 10. Yo Majesty – Kryptonite Pussy EP (Domino) 11. Blue Flamingo – 78rpm: Blues, R&B, Hot Jazz, Rumba Negra & Exotica (Excelsior) 12. Dredd Foole & The Din – The Whys Of Fire (Ecstatic Yod) 13. Radiohead – The Rip (Portishead cover at http://www.radiohead.com/deadairspace/) 14. The Strokes, Santogold & Pharrell Williams – My Drive Thru (http://www.nme.com/news/pharrell-williams/37201) 15. Robin Williamson – The Celtic Bard (Gason) 16. Wire – Object 47 (Pinkflag)

So this is what we’ve played thus far this week: a glut of hip-hop; a few selections from the private collections of John Robinson and Mark Bentley; a Walter Becker solo album that doesn’t quite cut it next to all those wonderful Steely Dan and Donald Fagen records; and a Radiohead cover of Portishead, which makes this an uncharacteristically prophetic blog.

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Bob Dylan’s US Tour Dates

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Bob Dylan’s US Tour Dates
Bob Dylan has unveiled his plans for the US tour, which kicks off in Brooklyn, New York. In a recent interview with The Times, Dylan expressed his distaste for the music industry, saying he preferred his literary dealings: “The music world's a made-up bunch of hypocritical rubbish. I know from p...

Bob Dylan has unveiled his plans for the US tour, which kicks off in Brooklyn, New York.

In a recent interview with The Times, Dylan expressed his distaste for the music industry, saying he preferred his literary dealings: “The music world’s a made-up bunch of hypocritical rubbish. I know from publishing a memoir that the book people are a whole lot saner.”

The US dates are:

Brooklyn, NY Prospect Park Bandshell (August 12)

Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods (15)

Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Resort Spa & Casino Event Center (16)

Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Music Festival (17)

Canandaigua, NY Constellation Performing Arts Center (19)

Cincinnati, OH National City Pavilion (22)

Elizabeth, IN Caesars Indiana (23)

Evansville, IN Mesker Amphitheatre (24)

Little Rock, AR Riverfest Amphitheatre (26)

Tulsa, OK Brady Theater (27)

Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater (28)

Aspen, CO Jazz Aspen Festival (30)

Park City, UT Deer Valley Resort (31)

Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort and Casino (September 3)

San Diego, CA Concerts on the Green @ Qualcomm Park (5)

Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl (7)

New York Dolls Announce UK Shows

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New York Dolls Announce UK Shows
New York Dolls have announced they will play three shows next month, ahead of their appearance at the Wireless festival in Hyde Park on July 4. The New York Dolls formed in 1971, pre-empting Punk with a handful of shambolic yet intense records that are often credited with inspiring the Sex Pistol...

New York Dolls have announced they will play three shows next month, ahead of their appearance at the Wireless festival in Hyde Park on July 4.

The New York Dolls formed in 1971, pre-empting Punk with a handful of shambolic yet intense records that are often credited with inspiring the Sex Pistols – Malcolm McLaren even managed the band before assembling the Pistols.

The current line-up includes two original members, David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain.

New York Dolls will play:

Nottingham Rescue Rooms (July 1)

Bristol Thekla (2)

Manchester Academy 3 (3)

Edwyn Collins Launches New Single

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Edwyn Collins Launches New Single
Edwyn Collins played an intimate acoustic gig last night (June 9) at The Social in London, raising awareness for the aphasia charity, Connect. Collins has an exhibition of artwork produced for his latest single, ‘Home Again’, at the small London venue. Some of the artwork was created by Graham...

Edwyn Collins played an intimate acoustic gig last night (June 9) at The Social in London, raising awareness for the aphasia charity, Connect.

Collins has an exhibition of artwork produced for his latest single, ‘Home Again’, at the small London venue.

Some of the artwork was created by Graham Coxon, British comedian Harry Hill and Jarvis Cocker. Coxon turned up to the event and mingled with fans before the show.

Collins played a six-song set including ‘Home Again’, which is out on seven-inch vinyl on June 23.

The warmly received set was opened by a speech on aphasia and the Connect charity, the condition which Collins has had since he suffered a stroke in 2005.

Edwyn Collins played:

‘Falling And Laughing’

‘What Presence?’

‘Searching For The Truth’

‘Home Again’

‘One Track Mind’

‘A Girl Like You’

Planet Rock Saved From Closure

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Planet Rock Saved From Closure

An all-rock digital radio station, Planet Rock, has been saved from closure after fans, presenters and musicians united behind it. Planet Rock, which has shows presented by Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi, Nicky Horne and Rick Wakeman, has been bought out by rock and radio fan, Malcolm Bluemel. Jethro Tull’s, Ian Anderson MBE, Planet Rock presenter and guitarist, Gary Moore and thousands of fans signed a petition to keep the station open. "I am personally delighted that the show goes on, as it must, since our heritage of great British rock music is too important to see slip away from national radio," said Anderson.

An all-rock digital radio station, Planet Rock, has been saved from closure after fans, presenters and musicians united behind it.

Planet Rock, which has shows presented by Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath‘s Tony Iommi, Nicky Horne and Rick Wakeman, has been bought out by rock and radio fan, Malcolm Bluemel.

Jethro Tull’s, Ian Anderson MBE, Planet Rock presenter and guitarist, Gary Moore and thousands of fans signed a petition to keep the station open.

“I am personally delighted that the show goes on, as it must, since our heritage of great British rock music is too important to see slip away from national radio,” said Anderson.

Last Glastonbury Tickets On Sale in HMV

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Last Glastonbury Tickets On Sale in HMV
Glastonbury organisers have taken the unprecedented move of selling festival tickets across the counter at selected HMV stores. With less than three weeks to go, ten thousand tickets will be available at seven branches across the UK including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. ...

Glastonbury organisers have taken the unprecedented move of selling festival tickets across the counter at selected HMV stores.

With less than three weeks to go, ten thousand tickets will be available at seven branches across the UK including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.

“With just a couple of weeks to go, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to buy the last few festival tickets,” organiser Michael Eavis said on the BBC News website.

Rapper Jay-Z, The Verve and Kings of Leon are headlining the Pyramid stage at the event at Worthy Farm, Somerset, from 27-29 June.

This year’s slow ticket sales have been blamed on bad weather and, some critics have argued, the choice of Jay Z as a headline act. Last year, tickets sold out in under two hours as 250, 000 fans tried to buy their tickets online.

Tickets for 2008 cost £155 plus fees and are on sale on June 11 from 8am. Buyers will be allowed to buy a maximum of six tickets each and will need to provide their name, which will be written on the ticket at the time of purchase.

They must also ensure they bring personal photographic ID to the festival when they arrive to comply with the festival’s anti-touting policy.

Tickets will be available from:

HMV Bristol, 21/23 Broadmead

HMV Glasgow, Argyle Street

HMV Newcastle, 56 Northumberland Street

HMV Manchester, 90 Market Street

HMV Birmingham, 38 High Street

HMV Cardiff, 53 Queens Street

HMV London, 150 Oxford Street

Coldplay’s new album breaking records

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Coldplay’s new album breaking records
Coldplay are breaking records with pre-orders of their forthcoming album, Viva La Vida, Or Death And All His Friends. Although not due to be released until June 12, Play.com revealed that they have received more orders for Viva than for the rest of their entire top 40 pre-order albums combined, se...

Coldplay are breaking records with pre-orders of their forthcoming album, Viva La Vida, Or Death And All His Friends.

Although not due to be released until June 12, Play.com revealed that they have received more orders for Viva than for the rest of their entire top 40 pre-order albums combined, selling at a rate of 1 per second at peak times.

The new album, which has been compared to Coldplay’s 2000 hit Parachutes, has already been tipped for album of the year.

Read the Uncut review of Viva

My Bloody Valentine play secret shows!

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My Bloody Valentine play secret shows!
My Bloody Valentine have added two special live shows at the Institute of Contemporary Arts as a warm up for their extensive summer tour. Kevin Shields and the rest of MBV will appear for two nights only at the ICA on June 13 and 14. All but one of their shows on the UK leg of the tour have sold o...

My Bloody Valentine have added two special live shows at the Institute of Contemporary Arts as a warm up for their extensive summer tour.

Kevin Shields and the rest of MBV will appear for two nights only at the ICA on June 13 and 14.

All but one of their shows on the UK leg of the tour have sold out with many disappointed fans unable to get tickets.

The legendary indie band have not played live since 1992, after the release of their last album Loveless.

Tickets go on sale from 10am tomorrow (June 10) and cost £20 in advance from www.wegottickets.com.

Paul Weller scores number 1 album

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Paul Weller scores number 1 album
Paul Weller’s new album, 22 Dreams, has gone to No. 1 in its first week of release. Recorded over the course of a year at Weller’s own Black Barn Studios, 22 Dreams is his third solo album to top the charts. In 1995 Stanley Road hit number one followed by Illumination in 2002. The first sing...

Paul Weller’s new album, 22 Dreams, has gone to No. 1 in its first week of release.

Recorded over the course of a year at Weller’s own Black Barn Studios, 22 Dreams is his third solo album to top the charts. In 1995 Stanley Road hit number one followed by Illumination in 2002.

The first single from the album, ‘Echoes round the sun’, one half of a double release with ‘Have you made up your mind’, features Noel Gallgher and Gem Archer of Oasis.

“In songwriting terms, it’s the first Weller/Gallagher collaboration,” said Weller. “Noel came down to the studio with this loop he’d never been able to do anything with. He played the bass and the piano and then Gem played guitar on top. It’s a top tune.”

Weller will play dates in Japan and Australia in August before returning to the UK for his November tour:

Crawley K2 (November 6)

Southend Cliffs Pavillion (8)

Dublin RDS Sommonscourt (10)

Belfast ODYSSEY (11)

Aberdeen Press & Journal Arena (13)

Glasgow SECC (14)

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena (15)

Liverpool Echo Arena (17)

Manchester Evening News Arena (18)

Cardiff International Arena (20)

Birmingham NEC (21)

Nottingham Arena (22)

London Brixton Academy (24)

Read the Uncut review of 22 Dreams

Led Zeppelin join Foo Fighters at Wembley

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Led Zeppelin join Foo Fighters at Wembley
Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined the Foo Fighters onstage at last night (June 08) at Wembley Stadium. The legendary guitarist and bassist led David Grohl on drums through the Zeppelin classics Rock and Roll and Ramble On, the BBC reported. The collaboration was Zeppelin's fi...

Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined the Foo Fighters onstage at last night (June 08) at Wembley Stadium.

The legendary guitarist and bassist led David Grohl on drums through the Zeppelin classics Rock and Roll and Ramble On, the BBC reported.

The collaboration was Zeppelin’s first appearance since the band played a one-off gig in December 2007.

Grohl told the crowd: “We are going to do something special tonight that we have never done before. Tonight will be the show we are talking about for the next 20 years.”

He went on: “We knew from the beginning this wasn’t going to be another outdoor show, we have been planning this for six months so we would like to welcome Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones onstage.”

As the show closed Grohl was visibly overcome with emotion as he told the crowd: “Welcome to the greatest day of my whole entire life.”

The Courteeners Play In-stores

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The Courteeners Play In-stores

The Courteeners will play three in-store gigs in Manchester , Sheffield and London at the end of June. Fans should turn up at the store on Monday 23 at 9am to collect a wristband for the gig. The dates are: Manchester Zavvi at 5:30pm (June 23) Liverpool Zavvi at 1:30pm (24) Sheffield Zavvi at 5:30pm (24)

The Courteeners will play three in-store gigs in Manchester , Sheffield and London at the end of June.

Fans should turn up at the store on Monday 23 at 9am to collect a wristband for the gig.

The dates are:

Manchester Zavvi at 5:30pm (June 23)

Liverpool Zavvi at 1:30pm (24)

Sheffield Zavvi at 5:30pm (24)

New Funeral For a Friend single

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New Funeral For a Friend single
Funeral For A Friend have announced details of their new single; a double A-side called 'Waterfront Dance Club / Beneath The Burning Tree'. The band plan to release the song as a download and on 7" through their own record label, Join Us Records, on July 14. "We were fortunate to be on a major la...

Funeral For A Friend have announced details of their new single; a double A-side called ‘Waterfront Dance Club / Beneath The Burning Tree’.

The band plan to release the song as a download and on 7″ through their own record label, Join Us Records, on July 14.

“We were fortunate to be on a major label for the past five years,” said bassist Gareth Davies. “Now we are in a great position to start afresh, with a clean slate and with the fanbase already in place. This is a great stepping stone for us.”

The band will also play the following UK dates:

Woodstock Wakestock Festival (June 28)

Manchester Academy 3 (30)

Glasgow King Tuts (July 1)

London Kings College (2)

Newport TJ’s (4)

Abersoch Wakestock Festival (5)

Zoo Thousand and Eight Festival, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park (6)

Spiritualized Play One-off Gig

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Spiritualized Play One-off Gig
Spiritualized have announced they will play a small, one off gig at the Concorde 2 in Brighton on June 27 as a warm up for Glastonbury. Jason Pierce's outfit will then head to Somerset to play on the legendary John Peel Stage on June 29. The band have also announced dates for a UK tour in October...

Spiritualized have announced they will play a small, one off gig at the Concorde 2 in Brighton on June 27 as a warm up for Glastonbury.

Jason Pierce‘s outfit will then head to Somerset to play on the legendary John Peel Stage on June 29.

The band have also announced dates for a UK tour in October and released their latest album, Songs in A&E earlier this year.

The dates are:

Newcastle Academy (October 9)

Leeds University (10)

Manchester Academy (11)

Oxford Academy (13)

Portsmouth Pyramids (14)

Birmingham Academy (15)

London Roundhouse (16)

The 300th Wild Mercury Sound

John Mulvey
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Just back from a week’s holiday, and I’m working through the backlog of post that was waiting for me. Now playing: Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III”, from which we’ve particularly enjoyed “Dr Carter”, where the rapper babbles over a generous David Axelrod sample. I’ll put together a playlist tomorrow, but for now, a quick thankyou to all the regular readers and correspondents who’ve stuck with us for the past 300 posts. Nice to hear, this week, from Downstroke Per Minute, who wisely suggests we go and see The Night Marchers at the 100 Club tomorrow night. And from Tom, who audaciously goes against Uncut protocol by laying into The Hold Steady’s “Stay Positive”, suggesting, “Become a social worker and act your age, Craig”. Most of the action while I’ve been away has been over at the Live Reviews blog, though, where Andrew Mueller seems to have filed a thoughtful and heartfelt review of Bruce Springsteen at the Emirates and provoked a thoroughly entertaining shitstorm which goes from “Were you actually at the gig?” abuse to a substantially more satisfying debate. Join in, why don't you?

Just back from a week’s holiday, and I’m working through the backlog of post that was waiting for me. Now playing: Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III”, from which we’ve particularly enjoyed “Dr Carter”, where the rapper babbles over a generous David Axelrod sample.

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Carole King’s Tapestry Re-released

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Carole King’s Tapestry Re-released

A deluxe edition of Carole King’s landmark album, Tapestry will be released on August 4 to mark the 50th anniversary of King’s career as a musician. She met song writing partner and future husband, Gerry Goffin in 1958 and released her debut single ‘The Right Girl’ on ABC-Paramount Records in May of the same year. Originally released in 1971, Tapestry went on to become one of the most successful records of all time. It remained on the US charts for six years, sold ten million copies worldwide and won four Grammy awards: a record not bettered until Alanis Morissette in 1995. “I feel honoured that Tapestry has made a difference in small ways and large ways in people’s lives around the world. It’s been a major part of my life too,” said King. “As a songwriter, I’m so happy that the songs have held up for all of these years. As a performer, I’m still enjoying playing them live.” The double CD box set includes previously unreleased live performances, rare photos, lyrics and extensive liner notes by revered music writer, Harvey Kubernick. The live tracks were recorded in Boston, Maryland and in Central Park, New York in 1973 and in 1976 at the San Francisco Opera House. Tapestry: Legacy Edition by Carole King Disc One – Selections (studio album): I Feel The Earth Move So Far Away It’s Too Late Home Again Beautiful Way Over Yonder You’ve Got A Friend Where You Lead Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Smackwater Jack Tapestry (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman Disc Two – Selections (live – previously unreleased): I Feel The Earth Move So Far Away It’s Too Late Home Again Beautiful Way Over Yonder You’ve Got A Friend Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Smackwater Jack Tapestry (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman PIC CREDIT: PA PHOTOS

A deluxe edition of Carole King’s landmark album, Tapestry will be released on August 4 to mark the 50th anniversary of King’s career as a musician.

She met song writing partner and future husband, Gerry Goffin in 1958 and released her debut single ‘The Right Girl’ on ABC-Paramount Records in May of the same year.

Originally released in 1971, Tapestry went on to become one of the most successful records of all time. It remained on the US charts for six years, sold ten million copies worldwide and won four Grammy awards: a record not bettered until Alanis Morissette in 1995.

“I feel honoured that Tapestry has made a difference in small ways and large ways in people’s lives around the world. It’s been a major part of my life too,” said King. “As a songwriter, I’m so happy that the songs have held up for all of these years. As a performer, I’m still enjoying playing them live.”

The double CD box set includes previously unreleased live performances, rare photos, lyrics and extensive liner notes by revered music writer, Harvey Kubernick.

The live tracks were recorded in Boston, Maryland and in Central Park, New York in 1973 and in 1976 at the San Francisco Opera House.

Tapestry: Legacy Edition by Carole King

Disc One – Selections (studio album):

I Feel The Earth Move

So Far Away

It’s Too Late

Home Again

Beautiful

Way Over Yonder

You’ve Got A Friend

Where You Lead

Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

Smackwater Jack

Tapestry

(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman

Disc Two – Selections (live – previously unreleased):

I Feel The Earth Move

So Far Away

It’s Too Late

Home Again

Beautiful

Way Over Yonder

You’ve Got A Friend

Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

Smackwater Jack

Tapestry

(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman

PIC CREDIT: PA PHOTOS

In Search Of A Midnight Kiss

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In Search Of A Midnight Kiss

DIR: ALEX HOLDRIDGE ST: SCOOT McNAIRY, SARA SIMMONDS There is, you might assume, nothing new you could do with two people stumbling round a city, talking. After all, it's been a staple of pretty much any Woody Allen film you care to think of, while Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise and Before Sunset seemed to stretch the idea to its limit. But writer/director Alex Holdridge's no-budget Slackervettes take on what happens to two strangers who meet on a blind date in Los Angeles, brings something new to the party. Partly, Holdridge's black-and-white guerrilla-style of film making (he apparently paid for the film on his credit card) adds an enjoyably shambolic edge to the film. Partly, too, because in amidst the fortune cookie philosophising on Big Themes (life, love, loneliness), there's a set of gutsy performances from the leads that anchor the film in some kind of recognisable reality away from sanitised studio chick-flicks. The film spectacularly wrong-foots you at the start. McNairy's Wilson is caught by his flatmate, masturbating to pictures of his girlfriend. It's the mumblecore American Pie - d'oh! But after this flash of fratboy smut, Holdridge settles down to let his story spool out at a leisurely pace. Wilson, a twentysomething wannabe scriptwriter, is at a low after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend. Facing the dismal prospect of spending New Year's Eve alone, he places an ad for a date online, and signs it "the misanthrope". He gets "auditioned" in a cafe by Vivian (Simmonds), all Audrey Hepburn shades, fur coat and clouds of cigarette smoke. She is, unsurprisingly, a hurricane of trouble; but, as Midnight Kiss progresses, Holdridge softens her sharp edges. Wilson and Vivian set out on their night-long date, and the barbs and cynicism that define their initial conversations give way to a softer, more delicate kind of emotional dependency. With the decrepit movie theatres and empty rooftops of LA reinforcing the shared sense of loneliness experienced by Wilson and Vivian - both newcomers to Los Angeles - you get a sense, perhaps, of how easy it would be to get lost in a city of 10 million people. MICHAEL BONNER

DIR: ALEX HOLDRIDGE

ST: SCOOT McNAIRY, SARA SIMMONDS

There is, you might assume, nothing new you could do with two people stumbling round a city, talking. After all, it’s been a staple of pretty much any Woody Allen film you care to think of, while Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and Before Sunset seemed to stretch the idea to its limit. But writer/director Alex Holdridge‘s no-budget Slackervettes take on what happens to two strangers who meet on a blind date in Los Angeles, brings something new to the party. Partly, Holdridge’s black-and-white guerrilla-style of film making (he apparently paid for the film on his credit card) adds an enjoyably shambolic edge to the film.

Partly, too, because in amidst the fortune cookie philosophising on Big Themes (life, love, loneliness), there’s a set of gutsy performances from the leads that anchor the film in some kind of recognisable reality away from sanitised studio chick-flicks.

The film spectacularly wrong-foots you at the start. McNairy’s Wilson is caught by his flatmate, masturbating to pictures of his girlfriend. It’s the mumblecore American Pie – d’oh! But after this flash of fratboy smut, Holdridge settles down to let his story spool out at a leisurely pace.

Wilson, a twentysomething wannabe scriptwriter, is at a low after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend. Facing the dismal prospect of spending New Year’s Eve alone, he places an ad for a date online, and signs it “the misanthrope”. He gets “auditioned” in a cafe by Vivian (Simmonds), all Audrey Hepburn shades, fur coat and clouds of cigarette smoke. She is, unsurprisingly, a hurricane of trouble; but, as Midnight Kiss progresses, Holdridge softens her sharp edges.

Wilson and Vivian set out on their night-long date, and the barbs and cynicism that define their initial conversations give way to a softer, more delicate kind of emotional dependency. With the decrepit movie theatres and empty rooftops of LA reinforcing the shared sense of loneliness experienced by Wilson and Vivian – both newcomers to Los Angeles – you get a sense, perhaps, of how easy it would be to get lost in a city of 10 million people.

MICHAEL BONNER

Teeth

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Teeth

DIR: MITCHELL LICHTENSTEIN ST: JESS WEIXLER, JOHN HENSLEY This bizarre blend of dark comedy, gory horror and socio-feminist statement explores the vagina dentata myth. It's a true one-off - ludicrous and inspired, like a John Waters shocker scripted by Camille Paglia. It provokes thought, but by showing bloodied severed penises wriggling on the ground while men shriek in agony, it plays fast and loose with any desire to be taken seriously. To its credit, it builds ominously. Student Dawn (Weixler) leads the local chastity group. However when she succumbs to lust with a classmate, she discovers she really is unique. So does he, painfully. Before bewildered Dawn can get a grip she's taken the fingers off a gynaecologist and the manhood off another horny student. Warming to her powers, she gives sleazy stepbrother Brad (Nip/Tuck's Hensley) an overdue surprise. Farcically now, she goes rogue... In its quieter spells, with the cast deadpan, Teeth recalls Ginger Snaps and borders on (black) magic realism. Then it goes completely mental. CHRIS ROBERTS

DIR: MITCHELL LICHTENSTEIN

ST: JESS WEIXLER, JOHN HENSLEY

This bizarre blend of dark comedy, gory horror and socio-feminist statement explores the vagina dentata myth. It’s a true one-off – ludicrous and inspired, like a John Waters shocker scripted by Camille Paglia. It provokes thought, but by showing bloodied severed penises wriggling on the ground while men shriek in agony, it plays fast and loose with any desire to be taken seriously.

To its credit, it builds ominously. Student Dawn (Weixler) leads the local chastity group. However when she succumbs to lust with a classmate, she discovers she really is unique. So does he, painfully. Before bewildered Dawn can get a grip she’s taken the fingers off a gynaecologist and the manhood off another horny student. Warming to her powers, she gives sleazy stepbrother Brad (Nip/Tuck’s Hensley) an overdue surprise. Farcically now, she goes rogue…

In its quieter spells, with the cast deadpan, Teeth recalls Ginger Snaps and borders on (black) magic realism. Then it goes completely mental.

CHRIS ROBERTS

Bo Diddley gets a rock’n’roll send off

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Bo Diddley gets a rock’n’roll send off
Bo Diddley has been given a fitting send off at his funeral in Florida today (June 8). A gospel band played his songs as family members passed his coffin, before hundreds of mourners clapped and chanted his song ‘Hey, Bo Diddley‘. Joining friends and family members, The Animals’ Eric Burdon...

Bo Diddley has been given a fitting send off at his funeral in Florida today (June 8).

A gospel band played his songs as family members passed his coffin, before hundreds of mourners clapped and chanted his song ‘Hey, Bo Diddley‘.

Joining friends and family members, The Animals’ Eric Burdon paid tribute to Diddley and cited him as a lifelong influence:

“I’ve been a fan of his since 16, 17 years of age,” he said, according to BBC News. “Probably one of the first records I ever owned.”

George Thorogood, Tom Petty and Jerry Lee Lewis sent flowers.

Diddley, regarded as one of the founding fathers of rock’n’roll, suffered heart failure on Monday (June 2), which followed a recent stroke and heart attack.

Garry Mitchell, his grandson, was among those who addressed mourners, the Associated Press news agency reported.

“In 1955 he used to keep the crowds rocking and rolling way before Elvis Presley,” he said.

Earlier this week Mick Jagger paid tribute, calling Diddley an “enormous force in music”.

His music proved hugely influential on the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Clash, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello.

Read our full obituary of a guitar hero remembered by clicking here.

Feeder announce intimate gig

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Feeder announce intimate gig
Feeder have announced a one-off show next week at the Proud Galleries in Camden, north London. The intimate gig on 12 June will be the smallest that the band have played in a decade. The Proud Galleries’ capacity is 400, and the band will play a 40 minute set previewing tracks from their new al...

Feeder have announced a one-off show next week at the Proud Galleries in Camden, north London.

The intimate gig on 12 June will be the smallest that the band have played in a decade.

The Proud Galleries’ capacity is 400, and the band will play a 40 minute set previewing tracks from their new album, ‘Silent Cry’, released June 16 on Echo.

Feeder’s last album, ‘The Singles’ collection, has sold over half a million albums to date.

Tickets will be priced £6 and are available via www.Feederweb.com.

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