Sins Against Gay Men.

Have you been sinned against by a vicious, homophobic state? Take heart as Dame Effie proposes an election year reparation plan.

January 15, 2014

A man in a rubber vest, and the dangers of XXL becoming XXXXL. Polari Safari by David Shenton.

#boycottingCokeareyou?

Boycott Coca-Cola products and send them a message: if you make money from those who oppress people’s rights then you have no right to make money.

Badly Drawn List.

The 2014 Oscars nominations are out, and Rob Partridge goes in search of the joke that is being played on we, the audience.

“When Ellen steps out on stage, don’t be surprised to find me on Twitter booing and hissing when they announce the winners I don’t like – of which there will be many – while everyone else gleefully claps with joy.”

221 min • Universal Catalogue • November 25, 2013
This box set release of 5 Enigma albums is a reminder of how innovative they were, but is it a good box set? Remastered? New features?

“Who is this box set for I wonder? Fans will already have the albums – albums that actually have booklets replete with with gorgeous artwork, lyrics and liner notes which are sadly lacking here.”

[rating=4]
Released January 21, 2014
Against Me!’s Transgender Dysphoria Blues is an accomplised punk record that explores issues of trans* identity, personal struggle, and ultimately liberty.

“Grace and the boys may have just made history, becoming the first mainstream rock ‘n’ roll band to cut an album full of unrestrained trans* pride. “

[rating=3]
Released February 23, 2014
‘Can’t Rely On You’ is Paloma Faith playing it deliciously funky in also her most explicitly pop moment to date.

” ‘Can’t Rely On You’ manages to bode well for an album which promises to see Paloma come face to face with her hi-energy inclinations, with her inner dance floor obsessions being bought to the fore. “

January 15, 2014

The Index-Linked Pension Plan. Modern Britain’s Benefit System for Gay Men. Polari Safari by David Shenton.

DIY.

Polari Magazine spoke to exciting newcomer Kiddy Smile about his break-up ‘Get Myself Alone’.

“It’s the expression of pure fun. It’s about letting go of everything bothering you at the moment, just during one track, and for 5 minutes it’s all about escape.”

[rating=5]
66:35 min • Parkwood / Columbia • December 13, 2013
The surprise release from Beyoncé is probably the first time in her career that she can truly be seen as an artist. Not commercial but a soul opus.

“Beyoncé raps and purrs, and whilst her voice is in solid shape, there’s little of the vocal gymnastics we’ve come to expect from her. This album is not about booty shaking, getting to number one and showing off her vocal range. This album is about the music and the artistry.”