[rating=4]
Released August 19, 2013
With Versions, Zola Jesus delivers a deft and magical re-imagining of some of her best songs.

“Irrespective of whether the music was made in her bedroom by herself, or the bigger productions of her more recent work; there has always been inherent grandeur and touch of drama to Zola Jesus.”

The Russian Bear Roars.

Rebel Scum gets a fly-on-the-wall look behind Putin’s homophobic policies and finds opportunism and ambitious underlings …

“Comrade, it is your chance to show all of Russia that you oppose the decadence of the West, and to restore the confidence of a populace grown fat with a yearning for McNuggets and the films of Bruce Willis.”

August 14, 2013

The queers are getting ready to protest… if they get that far! Polari Safari cartoon by David Shenton..

Love Shack(s).

Andi Fraggs talks to Kate Pierson from the B52s and partner Monica Coleman about hotels, Airstreams, and the ‘Love Shack’ video.

“We really put our heart and soul into creating our lodging – and I think this authenticity shows through in the hotels – we’re not a cookie cutter corporate hotel with the same dresser and artwork in every room across the country.”

[rating=5]
Released July 22, 2013
With their album Postiljonen, Skyer reaches great heights writes Andrew Darley.

“It’s true that Skyer does not break the musical mould of what has come and past. Nor does it intend to do so. What it does, however, rewardingly offer to those willing to listen is a solid 40 minutes of joyous escapism.”

[rating=3]
68:05 min • Island • July 26, 2013
The in-demand AlunaGeorge have a clearly idenitifiable sound, and Aluna Francis has an engaging, charismatic voice.

“There’s no doubt that half of this album is brilliant and it’s most certainly the first half. The concern for AlunaGeorge will be where to go now with their sound.”

[rating=4]
150 min • The Old Vic • Until 31 August, 2013

Sweet Bird of Youth, with Kim Cattrell and Seth Numrich, is one of the better Tennessee Williams’ revivals of recent years, writes David Gee.

“Seth Numrich gives a believable, sympathetic performance as Chance, who sees his hope of finding love and stardom slipping out of reach. Numrich is a young man to watch (especially with his shirt off …).”

[rating=5]
Released November 27, 1957
A classic from the first wave of rock ‘n’ roll, The “Chirping” Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets defines an era.

“Outside a couple of weaker ballads, this album stands strong on every track. Rock ‘n’ roll was in its infancy when the band cut this record and even by 1957, Holly and the band had abandoned their country roots completely and fully embraced this new sound.”

July 24, 2013

The Daleks are told that that it’s back to gun metal grey, and none of their camp stuff. Polari Safari cartoon by David Shenton.

Surviving.

Polari talks to Andi Fraggs about his new show, I Can Take It!, which is playing in the RVT’s Hot August Fringe.

“Each song in the show relates to something that has happened in my life, whether it’s suffering bullying throughout , being attacked when I was in my teens, addictions, sexual encounters, friends of mine who haven’t made it to today.”