Welcome to PLUGGED!
the section for new releases that are worth
a mention |
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Brain Damage - Competition
For your chance to win a copy of Brian Damage, simply answer the following: Here goes..Who is is the director? Send answers along with contact details to reviews@reviewed4u.com. The winner will be drawn from correct answers.
Cult horror classic Brain Damage, the shocking gore fest from Basket Case direct Frank Henenlotter, makes its DVD debut. This surreal horror features a heavy dose of black humour and a social conscience deploring the perils of mind-bending substances.
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The Chase - Series Two
KAY MELLOR'S impassioned drama, The Chase, follows the turbulent lives of a
family of vets in the local community of Oxley in Yorkshire. This hugely popular BBC
peak time series, recently shown on Sunday evenings has attracted more than 5
million viewers with its sexy, stormy stories. |
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Shine on Harvey Moon - Series Three
Shine on Harvey Moon was a hugely popular series, originally screened in 1984 on ITV, to great critical acclaim. Set just after the Second World War, it centres around the life and times of Corporal Harvey Moon who returns from service to his family in East London who believe he is dead. The hilarious and heart-warming episodes revolve around Harvey and his family - his wife Rita, who in his absence, has been more than accommodating with American GIs; his 17-year-old daughter Maggie who is hanging out with Harvey's RAF pal, Lou; and his son Stanley who is now a
precocious pre-pubescent youngster. |
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Stella Street - Series 2 - Complete
Although looking a bit dated now, there's still a laugh or two in this cleverly crafted sketch based series. The format makes for easy watching with very short episodes. Based around the 'super-star' residents of Stella Street, the characters are well done and the the plots are incisive. The series cis successful in capturing and caricaturing some of the period's top stars including the Stones and the Beatles. Great impersonations.
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Major Barbara and Pygmalion re-released on DVD.
These two classic films are re-packaged on DVD.
Pygmalion is the original version of My Fair Lady and stars Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller and Wilfred Lawson. In my opinion this version is much better than My Fair Lady and well worth a watch.
Major Barbara features Wendy Hiller, Robert Morley and Rex Harrison who later played Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady (Pygmalion)>
This is a super gentle Sunday afternoon story that is a delight to watch. |
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Marie Lloyd - Queen of the Music Hall
BBC drama now available on DVD starring Jessie Wallace (Kat Slater from Eastenders). It tells the story of Music Hall legend Marie Llioyd and how her saucy brand of cheeky and flirtatious songs wooed audiences and made her into a superstar. Although she has a smile on her face throughout, her story is not always a happy one. The DVD follows the ups and downs of her remarkable life. Entertaining throughout, it is a stylish period drama that has BBC written all over it. For me it's a bit Sundy night TV, but if that's your thing, it's quality. The other notable feature of this DVD is of course the music as some of her best know known songs are performed such as 'my old man' and 'a little of what you fancy'. |
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R&B LOVE – THE CLASSICS
Loads of classics tracks of R&B come together here on this double compilation album which boasts the likes of the legendary, 2Pac (California Love) and P. Diddy (Last Night), sultry divas LeToya (Torn) and Brandy (I Wanna Be Down) and smooth groovers, Usher (You Got It Bad) and Marques Houston (Because Of You).Contemporary chart smashes from Cassie (Me & You), Craig David (Unbelievable) and Mariah Carey (We Belong Together) right down to those unforgettable nineties hits from All 4 One (I Swear) and En Vogue (Don’t Let Go) - something for all R&B fans |
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Gary Numan - The Complete John Peel Sessions
If live sessions are your forte, then Numan is one for your collection, especially the John Peel sessions. Numan has influenced a generation of metal / electronica artists. This collection contains two sessions recorded in 1979 one in January featuring - 'Me I disconnect from you' and 'Down in the Park', along with a further session in Juy featuring 'Cars' , 'Airlane', 'Films' and 'Conversation'. The third session is from July 2001 promoting the Pure album and this is the first time that this session has been commercially avaiable. |
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Foyle's War - Bleak Midwinter and Casualties
Of War
Acorn Media have released two new films, Bleak Midwinter and Casualties
Of War, from award-winning drama Foyle’s War, which see Foyle looking
into the death of a woman at a local munitions works, an alarming
increase in illegal gambling and a spate of incidents of sabotage.Foyle
also finds himself delving into a top-secret
military research centre, where a murder is committed. More top
period whodunnit drama with a slice of and war history. |
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Sherlock
Holmes and The Baker Street Irregulars
Based on Arthur Conan-Doyle’s - A Study in Scarlett. In the dangerous
streets of Victorian London, children are disappearing. Holmes finds
himself under house arrest for murder and the case falls to a rag
tag gang of street children, The Baker Street Irregulars, to find
out what has happened to their missing friends.
It's a family drama, but very young kids (under 7) may well be
bored as although the plot is simple, it's effectiveness is based
around the twists as the plot unravels with heightening the mystery
and suspense throughout. Characters and settings are all very good,
but again it could be a little intmidating for younger children
as it starts with the sinister disappearance of one of the gang. |
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Esma’s Secret
(Grbavica)
is atouching insight into the relationship between a mother and
daughter played out against the backdrop of the aftermath of the
Balkan War.It's based in the Grbavica neighborhood of Sarajevo,
the site of several acts of ethnic cleansing, where life has yet
to return to normal. It tells the story of the relationship between
Esma and her 12 year old daughter and initially focusing on their
financial struggle. As the film unwinds, bioth characters find warmth
in relationships and eventually an acceptance of their past. The
film is gritty, raw and downright depressing in places, however,
the struggle of mother and daughter does shine through in places
making this a thought provoking and watchable film |
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Bel’s
Boys - Today's the Day
Bel’s Boys are a pop/rock band from Northern Ireland,
made up of Graham McKee (lead vocals/bass guitar),
Luke O’Reilly (lead guitar/vocals) and Eoin
Logan (drums/vocals) . They came together in the early
part of 2006 to film the first part of their television series,
Bel’s Boys for CiTV. So another manufactured
band, but they they can play a bit and knock out half decent pop
rock tracks. The album is instantly likeable from the opener Today’s
the Day - the theme show for their show, through to
the brilliant Tiffany cover - I think we're alone now. The album
is a mixture of covers and songs written for them, but they've added
their own charm to liven it all up a bit. With a massive existing
fan base, it'll be a sure hit |
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The Mighty Roars
- Swine and Cockerel
The Mighty Roars met in Berlin in early 2004,
united by a desire to surf the London new wave with style. Singer
Lara hails from Sweden, whilst Martin Pilkington
(guitar) and David (drums, bass) are both from
London. First impressions of Swine and Cockerel is that they deliver
a spiky, raw, fast and furious new wave sound. If you judged the
album by it's opener then you'd miss out on the slightly subtler
and more melodic variety of tracks that feature later on. Overall
the album is quite enjoyable with enough respite and variety to
keep the interest level high. Good melodies and sharp lyrics and
make the Roars a crediable force. |
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Patrizio Buanne
- Forever begins Tonight
His debut album the Italian launched Patrizio as the man to 'make
romance cool'. Tipped as the 'new Dean Martin', his release of 'Forever
Begins Tonight', sees him favourably placed to steal the hearts
of millions of mums world-wide. Oh and guess what it's Mothers'
Day in a few days time. However, you can't knock a guy for being
talented. It's a fine album showcasing timeless classics with smooth
vocals and perfect delivery. |
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The Best
of Balls of Steel
Hosted by Mark Dolan, crazy and hair-raising stunts are performed
by a team of comedians and performers in order to win the coveted
title of having the biggest Balls of Steel. Hhumiliating huge
Hollywood stars, testing their pain thresholds and carrying-out
pranks which would make even the fearless of us squirm. The DVD
re-lives some of the most hilarious moments from the first series.
It also features 60 minutes of exclusive extras
and never-seen-before material. It's extrerme, silly, but funny
too, not one for the faint-hearted. |
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Lesley Garrett
– ‘When I Fall In Love’
Lesley Garrett, the nation’s favourite soprano,
has returned to the recording studio after a three year break with
a personal collection of classic love songs. It's her 13th album
in a diverse 27-year career. Recently Lesley has ventured into the
world of musical theatre for the first time with the role of Mother
Abbess in the highly acclaimed Sound of Music. The album
is very east listening and her voice is superb. There's no surprises
here, if you like anything Lesley has done and you're not pm1uvisham1uvishaut
off by a 'lurve' theme, then you'll love it! |
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Eddi Reader - Peacetime
Eddi Reader returns with an impressive album to follow up the acclaimed
Robert Burns project. The album has been produced by John McCuskder
and includes contributions from both traditional and contemporary
folk artists. It's a mixture of old and new but carries the Eddi
Reader mark of quality. |
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This Binary
Universe - BT
This Binary Universe is a new release from the artist Brian Transeau.
The CD is packaged with a DVD featuring all the compositions of
the new release in DTS5.1 Surround and illustrated by a 'distinguished
collection of the finest computer artists and animators in the world
today'. Although BT's work is always pioneering, some fans will
see this as perhaps a step in the wrong direction or maybe more
precisely directionless. It's is still a decent album, but seems
to do too much jumping around between soundscapes of trance and
ambient mixes, making it all feel a bit average by his own standards
- maybe it's a grower. |
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Jonathan
Livingston Seagull
The profound story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull
touched all those who read the best selling Richard Bach novella
in the 1970s. The philosophical journey of an existential seagull
(inspired by the real life pilot Jonathan Livingston) on the search
for a higher plane was translated into a stunning film in 1973 and
now Paramount Home Entertainment has released this unique screen
story for the first time on DVD |
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Dads Dancing
It's true, Mum & Dad’s across the nation
will be bellowing (badly out of tune…)
along to the likes of Elton John (I’m Still Standing),
Tony Christie (Is This The Way To Amarillo), Survivor (Eye
Of The Tiger), and the Grease megamix And where as No.1
party albums is a bit tame, this one is full on and put's you in
a great mood right from the start. It's also one that crosses generations
as the kids love these tracks too - nice one!
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Number 1 Party Anthems
It's the silly season for Greatest Hits and compilations and I
doubt this one is more filler than killer. It's 50 number 1s fom
the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. It has got some good track such as you
to me are everthing and mambo no5, but others such as Shakin Stevens'
this ole house are cringeworthy. It's all a matter of taste so someone
will think it's great - after all someone must have bought the singles
in the first place to get them to No1.
More details at Amazon |
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Shameless 3
Shameless, the critically acclaimed and brilliantly funny drama
from the award winning writer Paul Abbot, follows the lives of The
Gallagher’s, the UK’s most dysfunctional family. Possibly the weakest
of the 3, with some cast changes, but still very good. This is a
cult classic and if you missed it first time round, then here's
the ideal chance to catch up. |
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Deal or No Deal
Interactive DVD Game
Interactive game in which contestants are given a sealed box containing
an undisclosed sum of money. They then have the opportunity to open
22 boxes, each containing a different amount. By process of elimination,
they must decide whether to sell their box to the banker, or play
on. The DVD is not bad as far as a game is concerned, but a little
slow at times. If you're into the show, then this probably won't
put you off. It also lacks a bit of the tension so you'll have to
be a bit creative and build up your own suspense. So ok if you want
to put the effort in and make the most of it. |
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A Christmas Carol
Can you have too much of a good thing? Maybe! If you're looking
for a version of Christmas Carol, there's a wealth of choice. Choose
this one if you've got young children and you like an all animal
cast. It's a cgi animation, that is done well and is admirably heart
warming. |
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Kong: Return To
The Jungle
The animation on this is not great in the sense that it's no Shrek
or Monsters Inc, it's much more like the sort of cartoons you might
see on kids tv on a Saturday morning.However, the plot is ok and
engaging for kids (i.e. totally crazy!) Basics of which are kong
has been recreated from combining the DNA of the original Kong with
a human.Kong lives on Kong Island together with an assortment of
dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.He's captured along with
other animals, taken to a zoo and chaos unfolds as Kong as his bro,
try and escape and return the animals. Hey, kids like this sort
of stuff! It'll appeal mostly to the 4 - 8 brigade. Competition
to win a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question.Who
is the director of the 1995 remake of King Kong? Send answer and
details to competitions@reviewed4u.com.
Winners will be drawn from correct entries |
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Les
Valseuses
... the film that first brought Gerard Depardieu
(Cyrano De Bergerac) to the world’s attention. Stuffed with
a typically French robust and rustic sense of humour, the film details
the plight of two aimless drifters (Depardieu and Patrick
Dewaere) who spend their days wandering the French countryside
in search of women and an outlet for their petty criminal tendencies.
Competition to win a copy of the
DVD, just answer the following question. Name another film starring
Gerard Depardieu. Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Dashboard Confessional
- Dusk & Summer
4th studio album from the hugely successful stateside band, Dashboard
Confessiona. Manic street preachers crossed with hugely underated
Iriah band Aslan. Very catchy, so if you like songs that you can
sing alng to after one play then this one is for you. It's middle
of the road pop with a slight rock ballad edge. Nothing too exciting,
but on the other hand it's a decent bunch of well written tracks
that's enjoyable if not overly exciting. |
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Rent
The film adaptation of JONATHAN LARSON’S Tony Award and Pulitzer
Prize winning rock opera Rent is available to buy and rent on DVD
Rent tells the story of one year in the life of an eclectic group
of friends living in the Bohemian East Village of New York City.
Competition to win a copy of the
DVD, just answer the following question.Who is the director of Rent?
Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries
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Fame - Season 1
“Remember my name, Fame! I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna learn
how to fly!”
The Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning spin-off from the classic
1980 film, following the dreams, joys and heartbreaks of the students
and teachers at the High School for Performing Arts in New York
is now available on DVD. Competition
to win a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question.Which
character does LEE CURRERI play? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries
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Quest for Fire
The film is set 80,000 years in the past, amongst
the primitive Ulam tribe who are desperately guarding their most
valuable possession, fire. They know how to tend it, how to use
it, but its creation remains a mystery. During an attack by a neighbouring
tribe their flame is extinguished and it is up to tribesmen Noah
(McGill), Amoukar (Pearlman) and
Gaw (Nameer El-Kadi) to
begin an epic, Competition to win
a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question.Who is the
director? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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A home of Your Own
Digitally restored and previously unavailable, it features fabulous
performances from some of the legends of British comedy. A young
couple: Richard Briers (The Good Life) and Bridget Armstrong begin
the process of building their dream home. From selecting the site,
to the day – several years and children later - when the couple
finally move in, this mad-cap comedy follows the trials and tribulations
caused by the incompetent labourers called in to help them. Competition
to win a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question.What
was Richard Briars' character name in the Good Life? Send answer
and details to competitions@reviewed4u.com.
Winners will be drawn from correct entries |
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sitcom I Didn’t Know You Cared
- Complete thrid series
Second Sight is delighted to announce the release of the complete
third series of the classic1970s sitcom I Didn’t Know You
Cared - featuring one of television’s greatest comedy families,
the Brandons. Competition to win
a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question.Who plays
Annie in the sit-com? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Underoath - Define
the Great Line
frantic and thrashing start to 'Define The Great Line', Underoaths
follow up to the 350,000 selling 2004 breakthrough album. It will
certainly appeal to metal fans, but is also fairly melodic too.
More info at http://www.underoath777.com
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Bruce Cockburn
- Life Short Call Now
This is Brce 29th studio recording, featuring 12 originals, along
with guest appearances from a number of people including Ani Difranco.
It experiments a bit with the use of a 23 piece orchetra on some
tracks,otherwise it's a no surprises colelction. Immediadely likeable,
It's a lovely chilled out album, folky in style, that lives up to
previous high standadrds. |
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Peace Hotel
Chow-Yun Fat’s last film before storming Hollywood, Peace Hotel
is an action-packed tale of sin and redemption, produced by John
Woo. Chow plays a legendary killer who slaughters his entire gang
after the death of his wife. As penance, he opens the Peace Hotel,
a sanctuary for criminals, seedy characters and anyone seeking safety.
As long as patrons can make their way to the hotel, they are allowed
to stay indefinitely and The Killer guarantees their protection...Competition
to win a copy of the DVD, just answer the following question. 'name
the Chow-Yun Fat film that was a smash hit in 2001 with great effects
and fantastic fighting? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
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A
Better Tomorrow
Starring - Chow Yun-Fat, Ti
Lung and Leslie
Cheung. Made 20 years ago, this action
movie had a profound influence on the Hong Kong movie-making
industry, and later on an international scale. An undeniable action
classic, A Better Tomorrow spawned innumerous
imitations in its wake and its success brought the stellar talent
of John Woo (Hard Boiled, Face/Off) and Chow Yun-Fat (Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon) to the attention of Hong Kong and international
audiences.
Competition to win a copy of the
DVD, just answer the following question. 'from which chinese province
does the film originate? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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The
Judy Garland Show – Volume 1
The TV series featuring the singing legend, which includes
stunning duets with her daughter Liza Minnelli as well as
Jerry Van Dyke, Soupy Sales and The Brothers Castro.
Competition to win a copy of the
DVD, just answer the following question. 'Which classic film did
Judy Garland star in along-side a tin man, scarecrow and a lion?
Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Johnny Guitar Watson
- Music Hall in Concert
Johnny Guitar Watson’s influence transcends all
times and inspired many famous musicians like Frank Zappa
and Jimi Hendrix. Featuring addictive guitar riffs
you’ll find impossible to get out of your head.
The tracklist includes: 'Strike On Computers', 'Girl I Need It',
'Superman Lover', 'Ain't That A Bitch', 'Nothing Left To Be Desire'
and 'Real Mother For Ya'. Live concert.
Competition to win a copy of the
DVD, just answer the following question. 'What instrument is JGW
famous for playing? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Da Vinci
Code Decoded Box Set - Totally Decoded
It contains 3 DVD's plus a bonus book - in a special keepsake case,
this collectable box set is the essential guide to the secrets of
the Da Vinci Code. Packed with information, details, and footage
of the hidden history behind the best selling novel, this set rounds
up ALL the key players, Including the Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown,
and Henry Lincoln, author of the Holy Blood, Holy Grail, considered
to the be the inspiration behind the Da Vinci Code.
This box set does not take any sides its an objective summary, a
comprehensive presentation of the facts leaving the viewer to come
to their own conclusions |
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hexstatic - Pick
'n' Mix
This is Hexstatic cutting loose in a sweetshop of sounds, turning
tastes and flavours into a lip-smacking piece of cut & paste
confectionery. ‘Pick'n'mix’ is a potted history of culture-shaping/shocking
records that doesn’t compromise accessibility or bore you with dusty
bargain bin relics.
Competition to win a copy of
the album. 'You really got me' -is featured on the album - which
60's band does it belong too? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Deck Dogz
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of the action
packed skate movie Deck Dogz, featuring
a rare performance from the legendary international skate superstar
and 12 times world champion Tony Hawk. Three young
urban skaters with ambitions to make it to the World Championships,
hear that World Champion skater Tony Hawk is scouting for new talent
in Sydney. With no idea of how they are going to get there, they
decide to set off on the adventure of a lifetime... |

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Bob Dylan
1975-1981 Rolling Thunder and the Gospel Years
This is an in-depth exploration of this momentous period in Dylan’s
musical career featuring rare TV footage, exclusive photos and revealing
interviews with many of those involved including boxer Rubin ‘Hurricane’
Carter and producer Jerry Wexler.
Competition- Name one of Dylan's gospel
orientated albums? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Public
Enemy – It Takes A Nation The First London Invasion Tour 1987
Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X set
foot in the UK in 1987 at the peak of their powers and took London
by storm with their Def Jam tour at Hammersmith Odeon.
Competition- Publuc Enemny - What
is there musical genre? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries
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Centro-Matic
- Fort Recovery
Centro-matic are a quartet from Texas that have been around awhile
and "Fort Recovery" is their 8th album. The album has
class stamped all over it. Musically it's excellent, predominantly
guitar based but subtle keyboards. On first play I though that there
were subtle hints of Radiohead, Pink Floyd and stereophonics, but
they pretty much comfortably have there own sophisticated style.
At any rate this is a very good album, that's enjoyable instantly,
mellow, warm and satisfying.
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Roger Whittaker
Live - DVD
Aan outstanding in concert programme filmed live at the Tivoli
Gardens in Copenhagen. The DVD contains a vast collection of his
smash hit singles including Durham Town, Whiskey In The Jar and,
of course, The Last Farewell.
Competition- In which counry was Roger
Whittaker born? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Roy Orbison
In Dreams
The DVD provides in-depth insights into Orbison’s
legendary career with classic performances, personal home movies
and photos, location footage and interviews.
Competition- Which film starring Julai
Roberts shares the same title with one of Roy's famous hits? Send
answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Sweet
The very best of Sweet
The Very Best Of Sweet brings together all of
Sweet’s hits from Ballroom Blitz and Teenage
Rampage to Wig Wam Bam and Blockbuster! It
includes rare performances of their self-penned heavier tracks as
well as bonus material from the orginal16mm films that Sweet
recorded to promote their singles worldwide.With official endorsements
from the entire band, this is the definitive story of Sweet.
Competition- According to Sweet, "love
is like........" what? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
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Take That
From Zeros To Heroes - The Early Years
From Zeros To Heroes - the Early Years tracks the bands explosive
rise to fame from their small town beginnings to their huge success
and is released on DVD courtesy of Wienerworld on 3 April 2006.
Digging it up a bit now, but nevertheless, there'll be something
here for die hard fans.
Competition- Which member of the band
went on to release the album 'sing when you're winning'? Send answer
and details to competitions@reviewed4u.com.
Winners will be drawn from correct entries
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Adam Green
Jacket Full of Danger
New Yorker Adam Green releases his fourth Album Jacket Full of Danger
through Rough Trade Records. Recorded towards the end of 2005 in
New York's Dumbo Studios with the band who accompanied Green on
his recent tours. Found this a little tiring with the strong Elvis
influences and rock'n'roll undertones. |
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Funk You Very
Much- Various Artists
Funk You Very Much sees funk legends from different
generations taking to the stage. And with a line-up that runs the
gamut of funk from soul superstar Curtis Mayfield,
here performing the seminal anthem Move On Up, through
to modern keepers of the flame such as Incognito
and pop crossovers such as Terence Trent D’Arby,
it takes in the funk in all its forms, featuring elements of jazz,
blues, R&B, soul and pop.
Competition- Which artist on the album
sang 'sign your name across my heart'? Send answer and details to
competitions@reviewed4u.com. Winners will be drawn from correct
entries |
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Robin Trower
Living Out Of Time
Robin Trower is one of the premier guitar players
from the 1970's. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix,
Cream and other blues rock guitar players of the era, he
left Procol Harum and started his own band in the
early 70's. This is a chance to see the guitar maestro at his very
best live on stage during the Rockpalast Crossroads Festival in
March 2005.
Competition- Which band did Robin
Trower leave in the early 70's to form his own band? Send answer
and details to competitions@reviewed4u.com.
Winners will be drawn from correct entries
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Ben Harper
Both Sides of the Gun
On 'Both Sides Of The Gun', his sixth solo studio album,ben Harper
has gone for a double album, comprising one disc of his heavier,
more groove-driven material and a second showcasing his gentler,
mellower side. Yet it's not a conventional double album, for all
18 songs would have comfortably fitted on a single disc. Indeed,
Harper doesn't even call it a double album but a record comprising
two different movements. http://promo.virginrecords.net/artists/ben_harper/jukebox/links/ |
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Ministry of Sound
Sessions Mixed by DJ Sneak -
Sneak Beats (Ministry of Sound)
This is fairly standard house, which lacks a
little inspiration. It's quite an easy listen but not quite chill-out.
at the same time it's not really an anthems album either. So a reasonable
selections and mix, but overall a bit average |
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Van Morrison
Pay the Devil
Vam Morrisson has a devoted core of fans, that to be fair, have
to put up with a few experimental ventures to gain an insight to
the gems. This time Van has gone for a country orientated shift.
The album features fifteen tracks, twelve of which are classics
written by some of country's most famous names including Hank Williams,
Emmylou Harris and Conway Twitty. Also included are three tracks
written by Morrison himself. It starts off good, but occassionally,
his vocal style gets a little ostentatious for easy going country
- not bad overall though. |
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The Minus 5
The Gun Album
Minus 5 collective are headed up by Scott McCaughey and their latest
collaboration apparently has "more hooks than a fishing trawler
and more musical ideas than you can wrap your head around in a single
sitting". And on first play it doesn't dissapoint and they're
not likley to get done by the goods description acts. |
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Sharp Practise
Radiocity
Sharp Practise are a classic rock band from the United Kingdom, Described
as a cross between the Counting Crows and the Red Hot Chili Peppers..This
is their second album and the band have got an international fan base.
Well worth a listen - an example of where the quality speaks more
than the label. Find about more at
http://www.sharppractise.com/
To stand a chance of winning a copy of the album and t-shirt, just
email the answer to the following question along with contact details
to reviews@reviewed4u.com. Here goes...
What is the name of their first album? The winner will be drawn from
correct answers. |
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Anthony Hamilton
Ain't Nobody Worryin'
This is Anthony Hamilton's third album and builds upon the previous
success. It's a very soulful ensemble, which is mellow and chilled
but listen carefully and you catch some edge with the lyrical themes.
Very cool 70's
stylee and oozing quality. |
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Ryan Adams &
The Cardinals Jacksonville City Night
Jacksonville City Nights is a full-band offering featuring Adams and
The Cardinals, and was produced by Tom Schick. All 14 songs were written
and recorded by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals Jacksonville City Nights
also features “Dear John”, a haunting duet with Norah Jones.This album
is sublimely mellow and a real treat . |
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The boy least
likely to - the best party ever
These are a liveley 7 piece out fit, who play an array of instruments
delivering a sound that that is bright, breezy and a tad zany. It's
Polyphonic Spreem Ed Harcourt, with a 60's feel. Most tracks sucn
as 'fur soft as fur'bounce along dousing the listener with a feelgood
sensation.
Now you might be thinking irritating, but they've managed to overcome
that risk by producing some catchy well constructed tracks. In particular
'fur soft as fur'. They're not ostentatious or seem to have a minimalistic
approach to quirkiness, i.e. the harmomica and bells are in the right
places. It's a refreshing and enjoyable change. |
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Status Quo
In their 40th anniversary year, the Quo, release 'the Party aint over
yet', which is their 33rd album - yes that's not a typo 33!!! That's
amazing. It's 13 new tracks and possibly one of their best so far.
I feel like saying, Oi, Rossi - no - the party is over, go home, but
I suspect with there massive fan base they'll around for a bit longer.
Also the Coronation Street sketches were great! |
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Diefenbach
- Set & Drift I think this is the second album from this
gem of a band from Denmark. Light breezy pop, refreshing in the
world of neo-punk. It reminded me a little of the Bluetones crossed
with the Beach Boys. The album is a pleasant contradiction. It Sounds
quite modern, but has a definite 80's feel. Or in other words they
sound like lots of bands but
have their own unique sound
'Glorious' is a fantastic track. Anyone remember a band called 'B-movie'
well a little like that but not as moody or quite as catchy. 'Favourite
friend' is also in this mold. There are a couple of weaker tracks
such as 'it's only love', which is a bit of a low point on the album
- essentially a filler track. Overall though an enjoyable album
if not just a little squeaky clean |
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Paddy Milner
- Walking on Eggshells Pianist, singer and songwriter, Paddy
Milner is a very talented artist. Walking on Eggshells is a fusion
of jazz, blues and I suppose r & b pop. Weird eh. However, it
all integrates nicely to form a pleasant bunch of
songs. At times a bit bright and in your face, but nevertheless
he's adept at knocking out some fine music Find out more at http://www.paddymilner.com
Competition: To win a copy of the
new album just email reviews@reviewed4u.com
with the name of the first track on the album. (tip- check the Paddy
Milner Website). Winners wil be drawn from correct answers on 10th
July |
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Patrick Duff
- Luxury Problems
‘Luxury Problems’ is the first solo album by Patrick Duff. Patrick
Duff is a compelling and intensely individual songwrite. The songs
were recorded in the West Country over the last two years with the
collaboration of producers Alex Lee (ex-Strangelove, Suede) and
Adrian Utley (Portishead), together with a hand-picked group of
musicians including guitarist Mike Mooney and drummer Damon Reece.Its
songs touch upon the wonder and beauty of life, viewed through a
troubled and terrifying relationship with the modern world |
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A Farewell To
Arms [1957] - Starring: Rock Hudson, Jennifer Jones, et al.
This is the 1957 version of Hemingway's great romantic novel. Here's
3 good things about it. The immediately striking feature of the
film is the cinematography which is fabulously scenic and rich.
Next is the gushing romance between Rock Hudson and JennferJones
- it's romantic, honest! And lastly the musical score is rated as
one of the best - if that's the sort of thing you notice in a film.
On the down-side, it's a little slow - you need to be in Sunday
afternoon mode, to fully appreciate the film. But saying that it
was a classic of the time on the scale of giants such as 'gone with
the wind'.
http://www.foxstudioclassics.co.uk/product.php?prodID=28
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The Agony
And The Ecstasy [1965] - Starring: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison,
Gripping drama directed by Carol Reed starring Charlton Heston and
Rex Harrison. The Agony and the Ecstasy was nominated for five Academy
Awards including Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Based
on a novel by Irving Stone, the film is set in the Italian Renaissance
and follows the story of Michelangelo’s commission by Pope Julius
to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
More at http://www.foxstudioclassics.co.uk/product.php?prodID=23 |
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Geri Halliwell
- Passion
This is light, breezy and of course sickly sweet pop. I was expecting
this to be worse, but it's not that bad. It certainly competes with
recent material from others in the category, e.g. Rachel Stevens.
There seems to be
a shift towards a 'Madonna' style, from the 'In bed with Madonna'
era. Tracks like 'surrender your groove', you could be listening to
'Express yourself' although nowhere near as catchy. So overall, despite
the lack of
origiality, it's quite good. |
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Rufus Wainwright
DVD - All I Want: A Portrait of Rufus Wainwright
'All I Want' out May 2nd on DVD is a must see for fans of Rufus
Wainwright and newcomers alike. The DVD includes the documentary,
'All I Want: A Portrait of Rufus Wainwright' directed by George
Scott originally shown on Channel 4, in early March, as well as
exclusive live recordings of Rufus in concert and all his single's
videos. Also included is an exclusive preview of the making of brand
new song, 'The Maker Makes'.
More at www.hyperlaunch.com/rufuswainwright
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Spongebob
Squarepants - The Movie
The Spongebob Squarepants Movie: Embarking on the adventure of
a lifetime, SpongeBob SquarePants arrives on the big screen for
the first time in this brand new, fully animated adventure. Including
a special guest appearance from The Hoff (as himself), this film
is not to be missed! Released on 16th May. To win a copy, just email
the answer to the following question plus contact details to reviews@reviewed4u.com.
Who is the creator of Spongebob?
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Drayton Michaels
- Low Stress in the Deep End
Drayton Michaels is a singer-songwriter fron Seattle with a great
new album that's worthy of a mention. It's light and breezy pop,
with strong vocals and memorable melodies. He's carved a little
niche here that makes this album catchy rather than corny. Find
out more at www.draytonmichaels.com |
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Rufus Wainwright
- Want Two
Rufus Wainwright Follows up 'Want One' with 'Want Two' and it is immediatley
obvious that it is very similar and potentially the two could have
been packaged as a double album .So if you like the meandering lyrics
and lush orchestrations of 'Want One, you'll love this too.
The singer / songwriter has a laid back and open style that is
appealing and meticulously well crafted. Lyrically, it's intelligent,
compelling and at times brutally honest. The album does contain
a mix of qualuty tracks, but some that could have been chucked including
"Agnus Dei" and "The One You Love". Overall
quite good though
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Death From Above
1979 - You're a woman, I'm a machine
After the eardrum splitting start to this album with 'Turn it Out',
I was left thinking - what a racket. Track two adds a little more
quality and interest in the sense that it feels more structured with
almost comprehensible verse \ chorus combinations. Then when I got
to track 3, it clicked that it's not about individual tracks but the
overall feel and sound
of the album. This is loud, heavy and challenging, but if you can
live with this intensity, there are some clever melodies and intriguing
'noises' lurking amongst the onslaught |
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Emiliana Torrini
- Fishermans woman
This is a very folky/atmospheric album which is nice enough but doesn'y
float my musical boat unfortunately. Emiliana has a luverly voice
but some of the songs do slip into a bit of a whine sometimes which
grates on the old ears a bit |
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Adam Green - Gemstones
23 year old New Yorker, Adam Green has released his 3rd album, Gemstones.
Strong vocals and well crafted songs, each telling a story with attention
grabbing lyrics. Musically it's got a hybrid of styles. It's got a
folk edge with occasional 'Dylan' glimpses and at other times, the
pop side of his music comes out with reminders of bands such as "the
divine comedy".Vocally at times he sounds like a member of the
rat pack - possibly
Dean Martin. So there you go, a mix of styles,but overall very good.
Light , breezy and entertaining |
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House of Love- Days
Run Away
The House of Love have been around since the late 80's and made /
make brilliant pop music. This is their first new album in eleven
years. Why wern't they more successful - I don't know, but I guess
at the time Oasis,
Blur, Stone Roses, etc. carved up the market. That aside, they make
very good pop music, that travels very well. This latest offering
' Ddays Run Away' is great catchy pop, a little light, but very catchy.
In today's market, they sound a little like bands such as 'the thrills'
or 'the bluetones'. Great comeback - hope it does well
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The others - album
sampler
The debut album will be released on 31 Jan and we've had a sneaky
preview. It sounds great, full of energy and lively guitar riffs.
It's quite a raw sound, that's heavily influenced by the late 70's
new wave sounds along with
a sprinkling of experimental blur. It contains the earlier single
'This is for the poor' which was widely acclaimed as being 'brill'.
There's a track called "William" which is a cross between
'Jimmy Jimmy' and 'my perfect
cousin' but even edgier and is a great song. It's looking like the
debut album will be a stonker! |
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Handsome
Boy Modeling school - White People
White People, the new album from Prince Paul and Dan ‘The Automator’
Nakamura – aka Chest Rockwell and Nathaniel Merriweather of Handsome
Boy Modeling School. Well this is an interesting album, all kinds
of people, all kind of sounds, and a few mother f***er lyrics thrown
in for good measure. Odd but good, so definitely worth a plug! More
at www.handsomeboymodelingschool.com
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