A Media Mindset...

THIRTY ONE: Manchester Artists Support CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

2012-02-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Please read and support!

Press release:

Thirty One Album release date 12/3/12

Released on The Factory Foundation in aid of the charity CALM
Pre-order available at www.thirtyonesongs.com from 13/2/12
Limited edition vinyl available exclusively from: www.townsend-records.co.uk

Thirty One is a collection of tracks from Manchester UK, featuring rare and exclusive songs from both established and emerging acts. The album has been curated and compiled by DJ/Writer Dave Haslam forThe Factory Foundation. Thirty One also features art direction from Peter Saville (in collaboration withLOVE Creative) and photography from Thomas Cockram.

All profits from the release will go to CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) a registered charity with its roots in Manchester. The ambition of Thirty One is to raise sufficient funds to enable CALM to run their national freephone helpline service: 0800 58 58 58 every night of the week, every day of the year. The helpline is currently open from 5pm-midnight on Saturday, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Thirty One is an amazing snapshot capturing the undeniable quality of the Manchester music scene. It features brand new material by artists with careers stretching back to the post-punk era.

TRACKS INCLUDE:
-ELBOW Lippy Kids (Live from Pinkpop- an exclusive UK release)
-NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me (from the band’s second single)
-I AM KLOOT Bigger Wheels (reworked exclusively for Thirty One)
-EVERYTHING EVERYTHING Carry Me Home (Gloworm Cover)
-DURUTTI COLUMN Requiem Away (re-mastered from FAC244)
-JEZ KER Reason I Feel Like An Alien (a stripped back version of the track from A Certain Ratio’sbassist/vocalist)

Other tracks come from established acts such as Delphic and Mr Scruff, the inimitable psychedelic songwriter Jim Noir and bright new hopes Airship. Thirty One also features BBC 6 Music favorites Plank! and a remix of Manchester stalwarts The Whip’s “Secret Weapon”. It is an album much like the city from which it originates: rich in musical variety. It ranges from the bass heavy sounds of Murkage, to the delicate stylings of Sara Lowes and the stunning, original new talent of Ruby Ann Patterson.

All of the songs have been donated by the artists for Thirty One, which is not just a compilation reflecting successful music-making in the city, but presents one of the highest quality charity albums of recent years.

FULL TRACKLISTING:

CD ONE: 1) BARRY ADAMSON The Sun & The Sea (Alt Version) 2) ELBOW Lippy Kids (Live from Pinkpop) 3) EVERYTHING EVERYTHING Carry Me Home (Gloworm Cover) 4) JIM NOIR Spider Glider 5) FROM THE KITES OF SAN QUENTIN Undoneath 6) VIEKA Never 7) MR SCRUFF Chin Up 8) LONELADY Marble 9) DURUTTI COLUMN Requiem Away 10) DELPHIC Wake 11) BEATING WING ORCHESTRA Sema 12) NO CEREMONY/// Wearme 13) RUBY ANN PATTERSON Start You Again 14) AIR CAV Crystalline/Dawn Chorus 15) I AM KLOOT Bigger Wheels

CD TWO: 16) BAD LIEUTENANT Feed The Fire 17) SILVERCLUB Washed Out 18) D/R/U/G/S Mila 19) THE WHIP Secret Weapon (Tom Lowe Remix) 20) JEZ KER Reason I Feel Like An Alien (Stripped Version) 21) AIRSHIP Summertime 22) PLANK! La Luna (Boxed In Remix) 23) JANICE GRAHAM BANDMurder 24) MURKAGE Paperweight 25) DUTCH UNCLES The Ink (Magic Arm Remix) 26) JASPER RHODONITE Put It On 27) THE TRAVELLING BAND Rise Fast, Fall Slow 28) JP COOPER Oh Brother29) SARA LOWES Fear of Landing 30) NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me 31) SILENCE

ABOUT CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) was set up to reduce the high suicide rate amongst men under 35. Suicide is currently the single biggest killer of young men in the UK. It is a campaign and charity targeting young men with a helpline, magazine and online community, but CALM listens to anyone who needs help or support.

CALM was originally launched as a pilot scheme in Manchester in 1997 with the support of Tony Wilson, who went on to become a founding trustee of the charity in 2006 and actively encouraged the establishment of the charity.

FROM THOSE INVOLVED AND ANTHONY H WILSON

“I am not a stranger to suicide, having lost my cousin James at the age of 29 in this way and then his mum, my aunty, who took her life 18 months later, unable to cope with the grief. When I then found out that suicide is the single biggest killer of young men in the country, I was moved to do something positive and practical. Thirty One is the result of that. I am proud that this album shows the breadth and depth of Manchester’s artists and I am equally proud that the money and awareness raised will support CALM to continue tackling one of the most important issues of our time.”

Esther O’Callaghan OBE, Founder, The Factory Foundation

“Picking and collating these Thirty One songs has given me much pleasure, and the fact that Manchester’s creative health can directly serve to improve the psychological health of the city is a massive thing for me”.
Dave Haslam, Curator, Thirty One

"Thirty One is beautifully conceived and produced in the tradition of Factory"
Peter Saville, 2012

"CALM does essential work in making sure that young men have help, advice and information around suicide and depression. I am especially pleased to support an organisation that Tony Wilson was involved in. In memory of Tony Wilson and Ian Curtis."
Jez Kerr (A Certain Ratio), Thirty One artist

I’ve obviously seen it close up with my own beloved lead singer taking his life so tragically in 1980. Then it seemed unique and specially awful; my work with CALM has shown me that these tragedies are all too common, almost everyday; and in so many cases all for the lack of someone on the other end of a phone line.”
A. H. Wilson, Factory Records, CALM Trustee

“I can’t wait to see Thirty One released. CALM’s link with Manchester and music dates back to Tony Wilson in 1997 so its fantastic to see this support for the charity and for young men from Manchester’s rich music base. Manchester, as ever, comes up trumps”.
Jane Powell, CALM Director

CALM SUPPORTERS

“Nearly all of us must have had or will have extremely dark or suicidal thoughts at some point during our lives. It’s human nature. That’s why CALM are doing such an important job – not only helping and being a friendly ear for men experiencing those thoughts, but also reminding the rest of us that the issue is happening and is out there”.
Rob Da Bank, Radio One DJ

“What support groups like CALM do is help men who struggle with balance to understand that they are not alone. That when things get too much, there is help at hand. It’s really important that music plays a part in this. It helps people to express themselves when simple dialogue is not enough”.
Zane Lowe, Radio One DJ

Having had experience of one of our closest friends taking his own life and leaving behind a family, any awareness and help to people on this subject is priceless and we are backing CALM 110% in their campaign to increase knowledge”.
Wideboys, DJ

“I think the tendency to “bottle things up” is an institutional phenomenon amongst young men and the suicide rate of under-35’s is frankly horrifying. The service offered by CALM to help anyone who contacts them is both important and dignified, so I am very proud to be supporting this cause with future events”.
Kissy Sell Out, Radio One DJ

“We want men to recognize that being strong is being verbal, because as soon as you start talking about problems, you start dealing with them”.
David Baddiel, Comedian, Writer, Broadcaster, CALM Patron

ABOUT THE FACTORY FOUNDATION

The Factory Foundation was created by Esther O’Callaghan OBE in 2003 and has worked with over 2,500 young people across Greater Manchester. It is dedicated to Mr. Tony Wilson (1950-2007) and inspired by all Factory workers past & present. www.thefactoryfoundation.com

Supernatural S07E14 "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magic Menagerie" Episode Review

2012-02-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

"We got dick on Dick?"... Sam Winchester

This week on Supernatural, Sam is sweating and breathing heavy. But not for the reasons you're dirty gutter mind might think. It's all thanks to clowns - Sam's personal kryptonite. You know they kill, right? (twitter trend #ClownsKill)

"Plucky Pennywhistle's Magic Menagerie" was equal parts disturbing, awesome, and glitter! And maybe, just maybe, it was one of the standout episodes of season 7 so far. In a word (or three) - it was fun!

There's still nothing going on regarding the "big mouths" to speak of, but who needs them when you got killer unicorns, robot lazer eyes, ball pits full of sharks, and creatures of the deep suckering the life out of people? The gross out factor was high but the plot allowed for it, and the fact that Sam Winchester finally took the wheel makes it even better.

I think my main reasons for enjoying tonight's show so much could possibly be the same reason why some fans will not have enjoyed it at all. There was no soul crushing angst or personal hell. Sam faced up to his fear of clowns of course, but for the most part the events of the episode are isolated and the brothers were just brothers. No one went to Hell, no one died, no one went crazy, and no one got drunk and spawned a demon baby. Even the end of the episode when we're commonly presented with feelings time or an I hate myself so much speech was cheerful. Dean laughed for god sakes! Like, he really laughed! How often does that legitimately happen of this show? It should happen more.

Of course, I can't deny that I also appreciate the plot heavy episodes, too. But I think it's important to have good, clean, and enjoyable shows like this once sometimes as well. It makes for a a good balance. And, after seeing the preview for next week's episode (demons!), a unicorn crapping out a rainbow was exactly what we needed.

"Right friggin' now!"...

The best bit:

Sam: "They think the ball-washer did it"
Dean: "The what?"
Sam: "The ball-washer"
Dean: "The what?"
Sam: "The ball-wa...

Our Score: 9/10

Ratings Note: N/A

Listen Up! Shades of Jade re-release debut EP 'Her Soul' on February 14th 2012

2012-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is a big day for Shades of Jade. Their debut EP 'Her Soul' is set to take over the world and prove to everyone what fans already know - singer Jade Barnett is a superstar! Set your ears on fire via the full EP stream below and check out the press release.

Debut EP 'Her Soul' out February 14th 2012

London based Soul Rock band, Shades of Jade plan to make 2012 the year all about them. After previous success as a solo artist, Jade Barnett fronts London’s hottest new band with an interesting aural mash-up of powerful, soulful vocals mixed with dirty rock guitars.

Shades of Jade recorded their debut EP, 'Her Soul’ at Artspace Studios in Brixton, London in November 2011 and have been working hard on their image and building their fan base since. Their EP and internet presence has attracted promoters from all over London who are booking them for gigs all the way into next year. The press have compared Shades of Jade to the likes of Florence + The Machine, Skunk Anansie, Kelly Clarkson and even The XX. ‘Her Soul’ was unofficially launched in December at the XFM Winter Wonderland After Party at Brixton Jamm and Shades of Jade are currently feverishly promoting and gigging the EP across the UK.

With an arsenal of indie-soul songs, the group are set to storm through London town and progress quickly on to dominating the UK over the Spring. 'Her Soul' merges tones and fragments from Blues, Soul and Jazz music and infuses it all with lashings of powerful indie heartbeats, with breathtaking melodies that are sure to tantalise everyone's ear drums.

The Constellations "Love is a Murder" Video featuring Cee-lo Green

2012-02-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

You know, I'm not really a fan of duets or "featuring" spots these days. It never feels genuine anymore. Not everyone can be Kenny and Dolly, right?

What I do appreciate though, is when a pair of very different artists get together to make something great. Something completely unexpected and original. That's the case with The Constellations song "Love is a Murder", that just so happens to feature Cee-lo Green - or at least his head anyway. Apparently the band and Cee (that's right, I called him Cee) are old pals. Unexpected but the whole thing really works. Peep the results below.

Watch It! The Cranberries "Tomorrow" - Video; 'Roses' Out Feb 27th

2012-02-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned, The Cranberries are back in business! That's right, it's time to dig out your torn and tattered Dr. Martens and go for a walk in the sand once again. Good times were the 90's, huh? Anyway, the band is back with Roses on Feb. 27th and here's the first single, "Tomorrow". Enjoy it like an old friend. Video below.

Justified S03E04 "The Devil You Know" Episode Review

2012-02-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

I caught tonight's episode of Justified later than I usually do, but the down time allowed me to check out what folks were saying about the show beforehand. I didn't read any spoilers, but I was happy to see that the general concenses of "The Devil You Know" was that it was pretty much brilliant.

And I can see why.

Dickie Bennett! Not only does this guy have the most disturbing yet awesome hairdo that has ever graced the TV screen, but he's also pretty stupid. A likable stupid, but stupid nonetheless. He didn't think this whole thing through very well, did he? Now he's on the run and looks like hell. He's got nothing and no one. Prison is a sh!thole, we know that, but I think I'd sooner be toasty all up in my bunk than where Dickie finds himself right now.

I have no idea where this character is heading from here, but with Loretta back in the picture I'm wondering if there might be a tie-in. There was all that weirdness between her, Dickie, and Coover last season, if you remember? The Bennett boys sorta hated on junior miss for hogging Mags' attention, but they - at least Coover did - perved over her quite a bit, too. It was creepy.

One has to wonder, too, if maybe Loretta really does know something about the missing cash. Obviously we could suspect Limehouse of taking it just 'cause it's easy for him to lay the blame on Mags. But yet I don't think he's the guy. Until we find out, here's to hoping there's a whole lot more Dickie Bennett in the coming weeks. Him and his hair.

There's not a lot of Raylan this week aside from him just playing his usual I'm cool as hell card all over the place. Running down the guard guy and then backing over him again was probably the highlight of the episode. Raylan makes rolling over folks look good, that's for sure.

The stuff with the Devil didn't feel all that important somehow, but if nothing else it shows just how hardcore Boyd has become - again. Boyd's bible-banging days are o-v-e-r!

And as for Dewy Crowe... I'm not sure I even want to know...

Our Score: 8.5/10

Ratings Note: 2.21 Million Viewers / 0.9 18-49 (↓ 0.2 on last new episode)

Download It! Fort Lean "Sunsick"; Pre-Order the 7'' Now!

2012-02-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Fort Lean's newest offering "Sunsilk" has just hit the web and it's one mighty fine mountain of hook and synth-driven goodness. Not sure why I'm bothering to mention all this stuff - you'll hear it all when you hit play - but the drumline on this thing is absolutely explosive, and the baseline... ferocious!

Play/Download: Fort Lean "Sunsick" [192 kbps] (courtesy of Neon Gold Records and Black Bell Records)

The "Sunsick" 7" is out February 28th and is available for pre-order from the Neon Gold Shop HERE.
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Listen Up! Walk The Moon "Next In Line"

2012-02-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

You might already know Walk The Moon from their epic track "Anna Sun". It was a major deal around here and stayed on personal rotation for several months. Sadly though, there always comes a time when we have to move on...

Good thing we have "Next In Line" then, isn't it? Oh year, it most definitely is! It's big, stuffed with power-pop hooks, and it just might blow your mind! Spin it below.

The Anna Sun EP is out right now.

BBC's Being Human's 4th Series Premiere Tops 1.1 Million

2012-02-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

The fourth series premiere of the BBC's supernatural drama Being Human returned strong last night, but was down on the series three premiere a year ago.

"Eve of the War" racked up an impressive 1.12 million viewers as fans flocked to their sets to check out the aftermath of vampire Mitchell's death.

889,000 (3.4%) watched the episode on BBC3, while a further 227,000 (0.87%) opted for the HD simulcast. The BBC3 figure is nearly double (89%) the time slot average of the channel for the previous three months.

The series three premiere of Being Human was watched by 1.37 million in January 2011.

Being Human (UK) S04E01 "Eve of the War" Episode Review

2012-02-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

***Holds breath!***

And relax! Being Human has finally returned and things are looking bright. The absence of Aidan Turner (Mitchell) is prominent but it hasn't capsized the vibe of the show entirely, and thanks to a few new faces this could be the start of new darker era.

The new faces are actually what most excited me about tonight's premiere episode. Tom we know already. He's a great character and being bumped to the front of the line promises great stuff. Michael Socha brings a unique dimwitted wit to the show, and with George now apparently out of the way (WHAT!), Tom looks set to carry the torch for team werewolf from here on out. He's got some very expressive eyebrows, too. I look forward to seeing where the writers take him now that he's not just a background piece.

Hal (Damien Moloney), on the other hand, is a completely new invention. He's got big shoes to fill as the new vampire on the block, but already I like the guy. It would seem we're to be spared the character journey from bad-guy to good-guy as witnessed with Mitchell, since Hal is already pretty domesticated. He's been shacked up with a ghost and werewolf all this time and we never knew they existed! How is that fair? That said, I'm still not expecting a completely clean incorporation for the character when he joins Annie and Tom next week - that would be quite boring - but from the looks of it the writers aren't planning on just rehashing what's already been done. A good sign, you'll agree.

As for our lone original cast member - Annie, well, she's still beautiful and still completely lost in a world where she doesn't fit. Annie has always felt somewhat overshadowed by the werewolves and vampires but I think series 4 could be her time to really shine. There have long been hints about her being powerful, but I think I'm more excited to see how her character as a person is explored and how she deals with the loss of George and Mitchell. Realistically, I didn't expect George to exit so quickly in the series but when Annie said to him "don't die" I think we knew it was coming. And man did it hurt when it finally did! How does she move forward from here?

Looking back, I always feel slightly silly for getting chocked up when watching Being Human, yet it happens time and time again. What's wrong with me? These are wolves, vampires and ghosts for god sake! But that's the power of great storytelling, isn't it. You believe it no matter how crazy it looks from the outside. And somehow, even with the plots growing bigger and more sensational with each passing series, I find myself falling more and more into it all. Being Human is no longer just about 3 friends. It's about an entire world and the everyone - wolves, vampires and ghosts included - who lives in it. A world I'm happy to visit whenever I get the chance.

Chime in with what you thought of the premiere. No really, I want to know! Just leave out the "twatage"!

Our Score: 9/10

Ratings Note:

via Digital Spy

The supernatural drama averaged 1.12m (4.3%) in its 9pm timeslot combined - 889k (3.4%) on BBC Three and 227k (0.9%) on BBC HD. It was slightly down on last year's opener, which was seen by 1.5m.

Download It! Oy Vey "When I Was Young"

2012-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Oy Vey have been keeping the soundscape bright these past few months, and the good jams just keep on commin'! "When I Was Young" is the next piece of the Oy Vey puzzle and you can score it for free thanks to the good folks at GLG. Electro-pop gold just below!

Play/Download: Oy Vey "When I Was Young" [160kbps]

"When I Was Young" is just one of thirteen tracks on Recession Girls that deals with relationships in the age of economic downturn. "This album is a concept album about how the troubling developments of the past few years had directly affected the relationships that we were finding ourselves in," says Kevin Corcoran, one half of Oy Vey. "Namely instilling them with massive doubts about self-worth and the prospect of building a future with anyone in such a world".

Supernatural S07E13 "The Slice Girls" Episode Review

2012-02-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

After a short break, Supernatural is back and things are... disgusting!

Missing feet?
Missing hands?
Branding?
Hannah Montana references?
WTF?

Basically, an estrogen charged gang of monsters are out to mate, give birth, and then kill the daddy, which puts Dean's in the firing line. Remember to wrap it up kids! Sam, of course, comes to the rescue when the little bundle of joy arrives wielding a knife looking to trim up Dean's ankles, and he (Sam) gets a little vindication for going soft and gooey with Amy all those weeks ago.

You always kill the monster! Have we learned nothing all these years?

Admittedly though, Emma was pretty convincing with the sweet and innocent act, and no way would I have thought she was playing. Then again, I've never created a 16 year old in 3 days, either. But anyway, with Dean's hands and feet safe, the big story of the episode is that he's still not really dealing with losing Bobby and Castiel. While not dealing is pretty much how these guys roll (that's what the smiling until the end of the week if for, right?), Dean almost got himself killed tonight. So where does it end? What will make for the turnaround?

I realize that happiness isn't exactly a running theme for Supernatural, but the brothers are totally in a funk right now. They've literally lost everything. Could Sam's tricorder/EMF/Radio Shack thingy be the key to setting all their sh!t straight? I mean you do believe in ghosts, right?

I'm sure someone will jump in and say the revelation that the brothers burned Bobby's bones means that he's not likely to show up as a ghost. But rules change all the time, and just maybe there's a few drops of blood (maybe it's the flask?) laying around that allow the old bugger to listen in. What do you think? Ghost Bobby or wishful thinking?

Our Score: 9/10

Ratings Note: 1.72 Million Viewers / 0.8 18-49 (↑ 0.1 on last new episode)

Listen Up! Of Verona "Castles"; 'The White Apple' out Spring 2012

2012-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Of Verona of will be releasing their debut record The White Apple in Spring, and the first single "Castles" is below for sampling. Got to say, it's pretty special. I've had it on repeat all morning. The verses are subtle, building toward what might be one of the most infectious rock choruses I've ever heard. It's gonna get stuck in your head, nothing you can do about it, so just accept it. Singer Mandi Perkins is like some mad Stevie Nicks / Dolores O'Riordan character all rolled into one.

You're gonna be a fan with just one listen.

Soundcloud
Twitter
Official

Download It! Colour Coding "Perfect"

2012-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm new to Australia's Colour Coding but I'll sure be keeping an eye out for them from now on. Their stuff is just too good to pass up. Perfectly constructed pop tunes. Their sound is big and rich and totally jammed packed with hooks.

Check out a couple tracks from the upcoming EP Proof below. "Perfect" makes for the perfect freebie, while "Kick" is stream-only.

Shameless, Californication and House of Lies Renewed by Showtime

2012-02-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Showtime has secured three of it's hit shows for renewal. Shameless, Californication, and House of Lies have all be picked up for additional seasons.

Entertainment President David Nevins, said:

"These three shows are clearly resonating with audiences as evidenced by their steady growth on Sunday nights," [...] "We are extremely pleased with the creative work being done by the casts, producers and writers – and I so appreciate that each of these series has such a clear and distinctive voice."

Shameless, based on the UK hit of the same name, is currently in it's second season, and Californication is currently broadcasting it's fifth run. House of Lies is the only newcomer to the bunch and has aired just 5 episodes to date.

The critically-acclaimed drama series SHAMELESS averages 4.75 million weekly viewers across platforms (On Demand, replays and DVR), up 30 percent versus season one. The series ranks as the network’s No. 2 rated show behind only DEXTER. HOUSE OF LIES debuted as the network’s second highest-rated freshman premiere night ever and is on track to be the network's highest-rated comedy. The series has faced consistent competition in its Sunday night time-slot since its premiere, but has delivered outstanding numbers across platforms, to average 3.98 million weekly viewers. Season five of Californication averages 2.96 million viewers across platforms, up 10 percent versus its prior season.

Listen Up! Princeton "Florida"

2012-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Princeton's Remembrance of Things to Come LP is out February 21st and it's destined to be cool, smooth, and melody-filled. Why? Because that's just what these guys do best. Visit "Florida" below if you don't believe me. Indie-pop don't get much better than this, kids!

Check it out.

HOT Download! Grouplove "Tounge Tied" (Gigamesh Remix)

2012-02-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Gigamesh strikes again! This time with Grouplove's "Tongue Tied" - a personal fav of mine already. But if you know anything about Gigamesh you know that he only ever makes things better. In this case, there's no way around it. It's a scorcher!

Take it home!

Justified S03E03 "Harlan Roulette" Episode Review

2012-01-31T22:15:00.000-08:00

Oh what a tangled web! Justified does know how to string it all together, huh? In fact, just about everything and everyone in this week's episode is linked up in one way or another.

The story of Fogle, who by the end of the show gets himself killed, rounds out the weekly standalone portion of the show, but it all still heavily factors into the ongoing big arc of the season. I like it that way way more than isolated stories or one-off plots. It keeps things moving without us hardly even knowing it. Fogle was pretty friggin' scary, too, which really made everything feel more important and interesting to watch. That whole thing with the gun had me wincing!

But, as noted, Fogle bit the dust just as he was about to spill the beans on Duffy, who looks more and more like the Grinch every week. Raylan could have done wonders with a little inside info on this sleeze-ball but it doesn't pan out. What does pan out though, is the first face to face showdown between Raylan and Quarles. That was intense!

Quarles is a pretty badass guy. We know that already, right? I mean, c'mon, he's got a spring-loaded arm-gun thing all nestled up his jacket sleeve! There's no way you can't not love him just for that. But still, no matter what kind of punch he's packing, he can't top Raylan when it comes to being cool. I honestly didn't know what I was meant to do when he whipped out the camera phone and nabbed Quarles pic like he did. It was such an epic but unexpected thing to do that I could only look on in amazement. Dropping the bullet on Duffy was right up there as well.

Elsewhere, Boyd is putting things in motion, planning to take it all for himself. He's not going to play the middleman anymore. That's great because it provides time for the very thing I like best about Boyd's character - time to talk. He's so damn good at it. In fact, I'd have to give tonight's show a full 10 in the dialogue department cause there were a lot of choice lines flying about. But Boyd does it best, and the taking back the bar scene is sure to linger until the next time he pulls out that soapbox for a speech... or two.

Great episode!

Our Score: 9/10

Ratings Note: 2.710 Million Viewers / 1.1 18-49 (↑ 0.2 on last new episode)

Shirley MacLaine Joins Downton Abbey

2012-01-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Shirley MacLaine is to join the cast of Downton Abbey for the upcoming third series it has been reported.

The Academy Award winner will portray Martha Levinson, the mother of American Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) when the period drama resumes filming in February. Levinson is a new character.

Producer Carnival Films' managing director, Gareth Neame commented: "My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966 so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey.

"Julian has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who will be a wonderful combatant for Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess and we are excited at the prospect of Shirley MacLaine playing her."

It's no surprise that Downton is attracting big names like MacLaine; the program has become a global hit routinely scoring audience figures topping 12 million in the UK, and in the US (PBS Masterpiece Classic) the second series is up 30% on the first. Series three is set for UK transmission in the Fall and should find it's way to American audiences during Winter 2013.

Listen Up! Le Castle Vania "The Light" (Radio Edit)

2012-01-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

Oh man, I don't even know what to say to tell you how much fun this new jam from Le Castle Vania called "The Light" is. It's probably just too awesome for words which is why I need to shut up rambling and you need to start listening. Do that now and thank me later. I like baked goods. Enjoy!

"The Light" is out now on Always Never Records. Buy on Beatport or iTunes.

HBO's Game of Thrones Returns April 1; Watch the Season 2 Trailer!

2012-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Did you watch Luck tonight on HBO? No? Then in that case you probably missed the quick teaser spot for the new season of Game of Thrones. Poor you...

The hit fantasy returns April 1st on HBO - unless it's a hoax? Here's what you may have missed. Looks like the brat with the blond hair is still... the brat with the blond hair. That kid needs some serious slappin' to the general face area! No dragons in sight. Peep it.

Game of Thrones is based on the best selling novels by George R. R. Martin.

HOT Download! Dot Hacker "Order/Disorder"; Debut EP Out Feb 21st

2012-01-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Not sure how many of you are aware of Dot Hacker, but if you're still a novice like myself, this is the perfect time to get acquainted, and "Order/Disorder" is the perfect point from which to start.

The song will appear on Dot Hacker's upcoming debut EP out Feb 21st - a full-length titled Inhibition is due out later in the year. In the meantime "Order/Disorder" positively glistens, delighting our eardrums despite the fact that they're likely blown-out from blasting this thing all day long. It's free below. Give it some love.

PLAY/DOWNLOAD: Dot Hacker "Order/Disorder" [160 kbps] (courtesy of Girlie)
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BBC Announces Being Human Series 4 Premiere Date; View the Trailer

2012-01-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

While the upcoming 4th series of Being Human will be drastically different than the third due to several character changes, the BBC is moving full-steam ahead and have today announced the premiere date.

Being Human S4 kicks-off Sunday 5th February at 9pm with "Eve of War" - the first episode of the show to air without actors Aidan Turner (John Mitchell) and Sinead Keenan (Nina Pickering).

Turner was killed off at the end of the last series, while Keenan's exit is not expected to be shown on-screen. Original cast member Russell Tovey is also set depart the show at some point this series.

Being Human welcomes newcomer Damien Molony as Hal, and recurring character Tom, played by Michael Socha, gets a bump-up to series regular. Take a look at the promo below for a glimpse of what's to come.

Justified S03E02 "Cut Ties" Episode Review

2012-01-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

Carla Gugino drops by Justified this week as the beautiful Marshal Goodall. She looked great, kicked ass, and sexed up everything tonight's episode had to offer, but I'm not 100% sure what her true purpose was. There are two options:

1 - Goodall is from Raylan's past and she's a bit of a temptation. She practically put it on a plate for god sakes! But Raylan didn't bite. He's committed to Winona, their future, and it's gonna be happy families from here on out. Goodall's appearance just cemented the deal and Raylan knows what he wants.

or...

2 - Goodall is doubt. Yes, Raylan's with Winona, they're having a kid, and they're gonna eventually buy a house. But when Winona visits Raylan's office and she's greeted with a massive smooch, something doesn't feel right. That's not really Raylan's style, is it? The more I think about it the more it feels like that kiss was just for show. A kiss meant to send a message: we're together and I need everyone to see.

But who's Raylan trying to convince? Goodall or himself?

Aside from that, "Cut Ties" gives Art and the rest of the gang a few minutes to shine and remind us that they're still there. It's a pretty decent setup involving the witness relocation program and a dirtbag set on working the system for his own pathetic gains. It was fun to watch play out, and just goes to show that even with the focus off Raylan, the writers can still get it right. Great plot twists, a bunch of reptiles, and an attic shootout. What more do you want?

If you have to go off the Raylan grid this is how you do it. Great stuff.

But that's not all. We finally learn what Boyd is up to. He wants all Dickie's money - and so does Ava! Anyone a little surprised how dirty she's become in all this crime business of late? Back in the day Ava was mostly just the damsel in distress needing rescuing. But now she's hardcore. I sorta love it...

But anyway, it's this quest for Dickie's cash that ultimately leads us to the episode's true jackpot. His name's Limehouse, and he's one scary guy. Since raw meat generally makes me feel a bit pale to begin with, the moment he pulled down that half-pig and started tearing into it, I knew this was the start of some very uncomfortable viewing. And it just went on and on... and on. Slice by slice. Word by word.

Who is this guy, and could he be the villain to fill Mags Bennette's poisonous shoes?

Score: 9/10

Ratings Note: 0.9 18-49 / 2.709 Million Viewers (↓ 0.1 on last new episode)

Alcatraz Ratings Dip in Week 2 Episode "Kit Nelson" (Poll)

2012-01-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

Last week's 2 hour premiere event of Alcatraz brought FOX big numbers, racking up an estimated 10.05 million viewers and a healthy 3.3 Adult 18-49 rating. That's a little better than Terra Nova managed back in the Fall.

However, where Terra Nova was able to hang on to it's numbers, particularly it's demo score, in week 2, Alcatraz was not. "Kit Nelson", which saw the Alcatraz team hunt down a child predator, dipped 0.3 points to a 3.0. Overall viewer numbers were also down to 9.03 million. In the hour before, House pulled a 3.1 and 8.76 million.

Of course a 3.0 for Alcatraz is by no means bad. In fact, it's quite strong. But should the viewer shed continue with subsequent episodes there may be cause for concern. In two weeks CBS is out of repeats and Alcatraz will face full competition.

Will the numbers hold? Take the poll below.