Arts & Entertainment
The latest arts and entertainment highlights, previews, reviews, music and film features and opinion pieces from The Skinny writers.
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MusicA Muso's Top 10: Aesop Rock
Rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ian Bavitz checks in from the midst of a busy touring schedule to tell us what the weather and the soundtrack is like on Planet Aesop this month... Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
MusicThe Dirty Dozen - February, 2008
With the annual self-induced sofa-dom of January now a fading memory, Nick Mitchell dusts off his headphones, grabs a stack of singles and offers his 12 cents... Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
MusicLive Music Highlights - February 2008
Art Brut? Fuck it, you'll be drunk... Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
Life to Black Francis
At times he has been Frank Black, at others, Black Francis. However, when Darren Carle patches in a call to the erstwhile Pixies frontman at his home in Eugene, Oregon, he is simply Charles Thompson, dutiful husband and father of four
""I can't give the world the Pixies but I'll give them Black Francis, whatever that symbolises. I'm trying to just not fight it."" Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
Halt! Los Campesinos!
SF: As the indie rock blogosphere whoops along to the contagious harmonies of Los Campesinos!, Billy Hamilton sits down with Neil and Tom to see how their nerves are holding up ahead of the eagerly awaited release of their debut LP this month Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
Earth's second Sun
Having previously quit music for several years after releasing a string of influential drone metal records, this month Dylan Carlson solidifies his return with the release of Earth's sixth - and perhaps most accomplished - effort to date. Carlson talks drone 101 with Tobias Kahn before the latest incarnation of the group hit Glasgow in February Read more »| 05 Feb 2008
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MusicNew Blood: Damn Shames
Bands are getting younger and younger these days. So at nearly 20, Damn Shames have obviously left it late. But, as Nick Mitchell finds, there's hope for the old-timers yet. Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
British Sea Power's theory of relativity
SF: Counting Einstein and Canvey Island FC amongst their preferred subject matter, Brighton quartet British Sea Power have never appeared too concerned with being cool. That might seem like a paradoxical statement, but speaking to frontman Yan as he lounges on his Brighton sofa, Finbarr Bermingham finds out that it really is more about pigeons than Pete Doherty 'round his gaff…
PQ: ""The most rock 'n' roll thing I've ever done is probably eaten a Kit Kat and a Jammie Dodger all in one go"" - Yan Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
The Duke Spirit was built to last
Anyone who has seen Liela Moss perform live might fear for Paul Mitchell's safety as he ventures forth to chat with her about femininity, band democracy and The Duke Special's feisty new record. Wish him luck… Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
Heretic Pride is a breath held too long and let out all at once, revelling in the resulting noise. Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
MusicThe Cave Singers - Invitation Songs
In the release of this surprising sounding long-player, The Cave Singers have created their own unique take on shock and awe. Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
Talkingmakesnosense - The Winter Drones
Absorbing to the point of suffocation. Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Theatre
NRLA 2009
SF: Not one but two thought-provoking arts festivals visit the Tramway in quick succession this month. The Skinny meets the people behind this hive of activity and finds out what it's all about
PQ: ""The image I always use when people ask me what the hell it is all about is of a great big swimming pool. Just jump in and splash around"" - Ian Smith Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Theatre
Horse's mouth
The revival of Peter Shaffer's Equus had London critics in transports of delight. The Skinny's Adam McCully talks to the man himself, lead actor and national institution Simon Callow, to see what all the fuss is about Read more »| 05 Feb 2008 -
Music
Bob Mould - District Line
There's not a lot to write home about District Line, though it's nothing to blemish Mould's repertoire either Read more »| 05 Feb 2008