Category Archives: arts

Peterloo and the Realist tradition

4 Nov

THIS POST ALSO FEATURES IN COUNTERPUNCH and in OffGuardian Worthy, sumptuously shot, convincingly acted and not without moments of insight – but a tad leaden. That’s my take on Mike Leigh’s new film, released November 2. I’ll give a more … Read More »

Give me back my face!

18 Oct

The meaning of life –  of love, lust, art and the torn and bleeding heart of Civil War Spain – was ripped out and laid bare last night in this flamenco studded bull roar of a drama at the tiny … Read More »

Papa Soul at the Greystones

5 Aug

Fellow SheffieIders from eighteen to eighty-eight – if you want a great night out with live music from top quality musicians who know how to get folk on the floor and dancing, here’s two city bands guaranteed to deliver. Every … Read More »

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

23 Apr

They say Housman was clinically depressed when he penned the sixty-three poems of his anthology, A Shropshire Lad. But isn’t depression an entry level requirement for poets? Loveliest of trees is the best known poem from those blue remembered hills … Read More »

Steve McCurry in Taipei

31 Mar

Unsurprised is not unthrilled though. Given my love of photography and travel – including the Afghanistan and Rajasthan of his most mesmerising images – McCurry’s subjects speak to me more directly, more fully and more durably than those of any … Read More »

Hello Mr Lennon

12 Sep

I think Marco – his comment appeared below a Youtube clip featuring Al Pacino speaking of the time he met John Lennon – must be American. In which case ‘Strawberry fields’ refers to a small part of Central Park dedicated … Read More »