Useless information?

Yes.

Think I might start every Music Monday like that from now on.

Song #1: Ass Like That – Eminem: Ah, Eminem. I’m pretty sure you’ll all have heard of him, right? But would you believe he’s nearly 40? WHUT!? And during his time as the ‘first white rapper’, Eminem has released 7 studio albums. Surprisingly, Eminem’s best song (in my opinion) ‘Stan’ only made it to number 51 in the States, whereas it made number 1 in 7 other countries. Sounds strange if you ask me.

I do enjoy this song though. I love Eminem when he is being more serious, i.e. ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’, but his silly songs are just as good. The lyrics in this tune are literally some of the funniest I’ve heard and I always enjoy a laugh. If you want even more giggles, just watch the music video for this track. There are puppets to represent the celebrities he slates in the lyrics, which is much more hilarious than it sounds.

Song #2: Cocaine – Eric Clapton: Seems my iTunes randomiser likes the ‘E’s today… I’m pretty positive this man needs nointroduction though, if I’m honest. After God knows how many albums and a million band member changes, how can you say with conviction that this guy is not a legend? He is almost a God. ‘Mon the Biffy? ‘Mon the Clappers!

I’d say this tune is one of his most famous, behind ‘Layla’ and ‘Tears In Heaven’, of course. The lyrics aren’t up to much, if I’m honest, but the band accompany the song perfectly and there are some great guitar solos and solitaire drum playing that make the song what it is.

Song #3: You! Me! Dancing! – Los Campesinos!: Ah, a lesser well known band to tell you about. This band are actually an 8 piece, consisting of members of both sexes, which is pretty rare to find. They’ve actually had 3 albums, but they’re not that well known, mainly because they’re not mainstream but signed to an indie record label.

I’m actually a pretty big fan of this lot. This song is one of those that you can imagine making a music video yourself to, and dancing down the streets of a council estate in it. Just me?… Oh. It starts off really slow too, which contrasts to the rest of the song. And all round feel good Indie pop track, that I recommend very highly.

Song #4: I’m Sorry – Flyleaf: Seems the shuffle function is generating something from every genre today! We’ve already had some rap, some retro acoustic and some indie and now it throws out some metal/rock for us to judge. Flyleaf have only actually had 2 albums, but they’re pretty good, Christian rockers. I especially love their single ‘Cassie’, which is about a girl being shot at the Columbine High School massacre, but we’re not here to talk about that.

This tune is actually pretty catchy for something so grim. Electric guitars resound extremely well and the main thing I love about this band is the amazing vocals from the singer who always delivers, Lacey Mosley. There’s actually a youthful sound to her voice, which shouldn’t work but simply makes the contrast within this song extremely haunting – something that I’m sure the band were aiming for when writing.

Song #5: Warm Sound – Zero 7: For some reason, I expected them to be generic and have 7 members. Turns out, they only have 2. Some would label this band under the genre of ‘trip-hop’ or ’shoegaze’ (music you gaze down at your shoes to) and I think that’s exactly what defines this band. They’re quite different to anything I’ve heard before, but bear some similarity to The XX when you hear it.

The chorus is probably the highlight of this song. Well that, and that dreamy synthesizers and chimes in the background. This song actually sounds like something from a dream at parts and it is because of that that it holds some appeal. I know our dear administrator Matt is a fan of this band, so I won’t slate them too much. I’ll just say it’s not something I’d normally listen to, but I understand why someone would.

Top Track This Week: You! Me! Dancing! – Los Campesinos!

Anyway, this horror/thriller, starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (perhaps best known for period drama series The Tudors), tells the story of a mental patient with multiple personalities.

Moore’s character Cara is a forensic psychiatrist who doesn’t believe the disorder exists. Unfortunately, she gets more than she bargained for when David (Meyers) begins to put members of her family in danger.

I watched this film with one of my best friends, who is adamant it is one of ‘the best films she’s seen in ages!’

I’m not so convinced.

The acting ability within the film is definitely high. Meyers succeeds in playing a variety of different characters and changing their accents accordingly. Moore does just as well, with more minor characters being acted expertly.

I have an issue with horror movies in general, though: they’re just never original.

We always get some dark, seedy setting, like an abandoned lake house or a disused hospital and the plot usually just consists of each of the characters being murdered, with the main character being the only survivor.

This is pretty much what ‘Shelter’ was like.

There were some elements of originality to the film: the idea of ancient witchcraft affecting the dynamic of the main plot and its combination with mental illness gives it at least some positives.

Horror films also rarely make me ‘jump’. But there were some points in which my heart literally felt like it had stopped.

Overall, I think the film was too long. It must have been around 2 and a half to 3 hours, which I felt dragged.

If you’re a fan of great acting, watch this film. If you’re not a fan of obvious plot lines and the usual horror ‘obvious’ outcomes, don’t watch it.

Honestly, I won’t be watching it again, but I do understand why some would enjoy this film.

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10.

Seems like this would be the dream article for me to write for a paying publication.

Hint hint.

Song #1: Hot N Cold – Katy Perry: I’m guessing you’ve heard of this kid. Comedian Russell Brand’s missus who notoriously singsabout kissing girls and – shock horror – LIKING IT. Whut. Yeah, she’s only released 1 album so far, but it’s common knowledge now that her second album is soon to be hot off the press. But will she be able to gain as many number 1s as her debut has done?

This track is one I’m sure you’ll have heard of. It’s one of those mainstream songs that you quite like. Think for instance, ‘The Promise’ by Girls Aloud or Rihanna’s ‘Pon De Replay’. However, contrastingly to those songs mentioned, this one will make you want to kill yourself once you’ve heard it more than 5 times. Seriously, it gets annoying. And when it comes up on my iTunes, I’d usually skip past it. It’s actually torturing me to listen to it right now. So I’m moving on swiftly…

Song #2: Angels On The Moon – Thriving Ivory: Oh thank God. You indie, non-mainstream piece of goodness. Free thosestinky K. Pez pop beats out of my ears and fill me with your unknown melody. Okay, that’s getting a little orgasmic now. I’ll stop. This band actually have 2 albums to their name and are a very pretty indie looking 5 piece indeed. Apparently one of their albums was in the top 30 in the US, so they’ve got to be pretty good.

This song reminds me of something that would be played on The OC. I don’t know why. The lyrics are pretty deep, like a Death Cab song, but it’s a lot more rocky than anything by them. And the band’s name suits this song delightfully: the pianist pounds the ivories like an electric guitar. I love the drama and the symbols in the 2nd chorus in contrast to the 3rd choruses quiet piano sounds. Beautiful song.

Song #3: Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper: Yep, I have 80s classic Cyndi Lauper on my iPod. Don’t judge me. She excites mebecause of her vibrancy and because she was born on June 22nd – the day before me. I’m easily pleased. This kid has actually released over 40 singles and 11 albums, and even headlined the LGBT driven ‘True Colours Tour’ in 2009. So it’s easy to say she’s done pretty well for herself, right?

This track is actually my favourite from Cyndi. Partly because it reminds me of Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion and partly because it hasn’t been sung on Glee – yet. (Unlike the cheesily covered ‘True Colours’.) The lyrics are actually beautiful and it’s a song you simply want to slow dance with your sweetheart to. I think Lauper’s vocals particularly shine here. Flawlessness.

Song #4: Fluorescent Adolescent – Kate Nash: Ahh, you thought I was gonna say Arctic Monkeys there didn’t you?! I’m a joker. Kate has actually been reviewed for her 2 studio albums already on ‘the wiggle’ – each of them receiving rave comments. This lovely from London, England, is also soon to release her next single from her second album ‘My Best Friend Is You’. Word has it that the single in question is ‘Kiss That Grrrl’, which is a pretty nifty tune, if I say so myself.

I’m not sure I like this track as much as the original, but this was done as a bit of fun in Radio 1’s Live Lounge. It does bring out the crazier side in the Nash-ster, so I appreciate that. And I love, love, loveeeee how fast she sings in this tune. She literally sounds as if she could be a rapper. If you want to download, look for Radio 1’s Live Lounge Volume 3. That’s Volume THREE.

Song #5: I Am Not A Robot – Marina & the Diamonds: If you’re in the UK and you haven’t heard of Marina and her Diamonds, you’re pretty much dead. As in, the only people who haven’t heard of this band are the deceased. And even they occasionally have one of their tracks to play as their mobile ring tone. Again, a UK born artist, Marina Diamindis is a Welsh supremo, who is often compared to Ellie Goulding.

This was actually the first song I heard from this band. And I loved it then too. Most people heard ‘Hollywood’ first, but I actually heard this first after a friend recommended them to me over a year ago. And guess what? I love this track. It’s simplistic, yet not too boring and the lyrics are fun, easily memorable and the playful tune of it gives you a reason to dance about a little bit in your underwear. Not that I’ve done that or anything…

Top Track This Week: Angels On The Moon – Thriving Ivory.

That’s really something.

Well, it’s Monday again, so let’s begin reviewing some of the top tunes on my iPod.

Song #1: Sunrise – Yeasayer: Apparently Yearsayer are an up and coming band from Brooklyn, New York. Personally, I’ve many a celebrity mention them on their playlist of choice, which is pretty good on their part as they only formed in 2006. So far, they’ve released 2 albums, neither of which did particularly well in both the UK and the US. But why?

This song is perfectly nice to listen to. I mean, there is a dream synth in the background that I appreciate, the bassline is pretty funky and the chorus is pretty catchy. However, when I listen to them, I can’t help but compare them to more successful bands such as MGMT and The xx, which is where I think problem is. There isn’t much room left for music like this – we’ve heard it all before. So basically, other bands got there first. If they had formed quicker, then it could have been MGMT that I was comparing to Yeasayer, rather than vice versa.

Song #2: Cruel Intentions – Simian Mobile Disco (feat. Beth Ditto): It’s years ago that I first heard of this band, but Icouldn’t tell you how I heard about them, I just don’t remember. Although they only grouped in 2005, I feel like they’ve been around forever. They’re probably most famous for their remixes of songs from the likes of Muse and the Klaxons, but this track is entirely their own. And yep, that’s that big lass from riot punk band The Gossip.

The band’s capabilities in creating perfect analogue and synthetic sound is showcased amazingly here. There’s a mix of smooth and rough electro and Beth Ditto’s cooled down vocal is perfect to accompany it. It’s the sort of song you’ll here in a trendy nightclub full of hipsters – more sophisticated than dance bullshit from Cascada but a bit more upbeat than the tuneful tracks of Arcade Fire.

Song #3: Dirty Face – Example: Ah, Example. Just another white boy Londoner trying to be rapper, right? I’m not so sure,actually. I can’t work out where I stand with this guy, because he was a support act for a gig I once went to and I actually thought he pretty much sucked. He had no charisma on stage and very little crowd management skills. However, some of his songs are actually okay.

I like this one. ‘Dirty Face’ is actually catchy and makes me wants to jump up and down and praise Example’s talent. Others I enjoy are ‘Watch The Sun Come Up’ and my personal favourite is ‘Kickstarts’, but any of his other stuff? I’d actually rather listen to a real white rapper. *cough* Eminem. I do like how Example combines dance music with his raps, a little like Dizzee Rascal, but doesn’t make his tunes annoying – unlike Dizzee Rascal.

Song #4: My Body Is A Cage – Arcade Fire: OMGOMGOMG. This is what I think when Arcade Fire comes on my iTunes. That’sbecause they’re possibly one of my favourite bands ever, so excuse any bias that this review holds. They’ve only actually had 3 albums – their debut ‘Funeral’, ‘Neon Bible’ which this track is from and the newly released ‘The Suburbs’. (The latter of which you might get a review from here on the Daily Wiggle if you’re good.)

Apparently the new album is amazing – I’m downloading it as we speak – but I don’t know how much better they can get after this album. This track is one of my favourites on the album. There is a haunting church organ in the background, which is often featured in Arcade Fire’s music, which makes it sound so eerie and when the electric guitar and bass drum kick in, it brings shivers down my spine. Really, I get goosebumps. And no band makes that happen as much as Arcade Fire. Or possibly Portishead.

Song #5: Camera Talk – Local Natives: For some reason, I have a lot of songs by this band on my iPod, yet I rarely listen to. Iguess that’s sort of hypocritical, because I listed them as one of my Top 10 Music Acts To Look Out For In 2010. Based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, this band have only released one album which didn’t do so well in the US, but I still have my eye on them.

This track reminds me of bands such as ‘Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.’, ‘The Scene Aesthetic’ and even slightly ‘Fleet Foxes’. I love the light, stringy guitar used in this song, but I think there is too much focus on the instrumental for me. I mean, some people prefer that, but I like a little more substance to my vocal and lyrics. Mainly because I sing myself. However, this track is pretty to listen to, so for that, I recommend it.

Top Track This Week: My Body Is A Cage – Arcade Fire.

Well I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of this movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role, because of the glittering reviews it’s been receiving. And this movie is one to believe everything you hear about it. (Unless those things are bad, of course.)

Inception is a story of one man’s life and how he has dabbled in ‘intercepting’ people’s dreams. He figures out a way of stepping into people’s dreams and even forming his own, with the help of a few colleagues.

This movie sees Cobb (DiCaprio) undergoing a job for his boss, who wants to find out a secret through the art of dreaming.

Helping him along his way are Ariadne (Ellen Page – who gives a stunningly contrasting performance to the one she so expertly played in indie comedy Juno) and his best friend Arthur (Joseph Gordon Levitt), along with a few others. Each of his ‘team’ plays a vital role in ensuring that the job is done and that the inception runs like clockwork.

Marion Cotillard also stars as Cobb’s disturbed wife, adding a touch of class to the cast list.

There are scenes within this movie that are packed with stunning action sequences and the whole film is literally based on intelligent ideas, theories and a complex, yet relatively easily understandable, plot.

This is possibly the best film I’ve seen in theatres for years – there are twists, turns and moments that will have you clinging to the edge of your seat.

Not to be missed.

Overall Rating: 10 out of 10.

That’s what I thought about Toy Story 2, in short.

But what about Toy Story 3? Could it live up to the legacy the first 2 films carried with them?

Honestly? I think it does.

Toy Story 3 sees the toys move to a kindergarten, in which they don’t enjoy their stay. I won’t say anything more about it, other than their escape plan is literally genius.

There are also a few new additions to the clan, including huggable toy bear, Lotso, and the extremely cutely named ‘Mr. Pricklepants’. (He’s a hedgehog. It’s not as weird when you know this fact.)

Of course, this film was packed with hilarity. I always say the best animated films come with jokes that entertain both the children and the adults and this movie definitely does both.

The animation, as always, was flawless. Only thing I wasn’t sure about was the fact that it was 3D. To me, nothing was really added visually because of it, and it would have been just as good in good old-fashioned 2D.

The only thing I thought wasn’t so strong was the storyline.

There are a couple of tear-jerking moments, but in comparison to Toy Story 2, it seems much less fleshy. Like there could have been a few more twists and turns.

However, that’s just me being critical.

I really did enjoy it.

I’m not sure it surpasses Toy Story 2 – my favourite –  but it is definitely worthy of its ‘Toy Story’ title.

Overall Rating: 9 out of 10.

Wait, that was last year?! Jesus, that time flew by.

And did they do better than last time?

Well before seeing the movie myself, I read in several places that this movie was supposedly better than the first 2 combined. So, I went into the theatre expecting a pretty good movie.

The best thing about this time round was that it was a little humorous. The script was slightly comedic in places, and the funny lines were delivered mainly by Bella’s Dad, Charlie, and quite surprisingly, Jacob, played by Taylor Lautner.

This was a vast improvement on the last movie, which focused mainly on a depressive, emo Bella Swan, and was quite frankly very boring.

Acting-wise, Dakota Fanning still steals the show. It’s that piercing stare and baby-like, haunting smile Fanning is able to turn on and off like a light switch when she plays Jane that makes her the most under-used yet most talented actor in the saga.

Otherwise, it’s hard to find anything good about the film. The plot sorta sucks when it’s not in book form – nothing much really happens. I could have probably written a more interesting plotline myself, if I’m honest.

Again, it was too long. I often find myself thinking “I want this to end now” when watching movies and this was definitely no exception. I got bored. Verrrrry bored.

I wouldn’t watch this again, let alone buy the DVD. I think if I had to watch it the 2nd time round, I’d be reading the book at the same time instead. And let’s face it, it’s long enough for me to finish the bloody book before the film finishes.

So for any of you who believed what the reviews said in that this was the best movie so far, they lied. Just letting you know.

Don’t see it unless you’re a serious Twi-Hard.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 10.

Well, I saw this film with 3 of my best friends and my girlfriend. The odd thing is, they all seemed to enjoy it. However, I had a completely different opinion.

In the film, we see Aldous Snow, (played by Russell Brand), an out of control rock star, who has a tendency to do anything and everything that he’s not supposed to. Music escort Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) is given the job of getting Snow to ‘The Greek’ hotel for a comeback concert and we watch his struggle to do so.

Positives about the film include the rockin’ music and the legend that is Jonah Hill.

And uh, that’s about it.

To be honest, Russell Brand isn’t as gorgeous as some appear to think and he really isn’t up to much acting-wise.

The movie itself took far too long to get started, and pretty much every character except for Aaron and his girlfriend Daphne (Elisabeth Moss) is ill-developed and difficult to relate to.

Sure there’s the odd laugh, for example, the slapstick song at the end about furry walls, but this isn’t going to be remembered as ‘comedy of the century’. The amount of cameo appearances is impressive, it’s just a shame that the plot isn’t thick enough for any real acting talent to come through.

On the whole, I’d steer clear of this film. It’s definitely not worth the 6 or 7 quid you’ll be paying to see it.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 10. (3 for Jonah, 1 for his wife.)

I’m not gonna lie, us wigglers haven’t been posting at all. In ages.

But the thing is, we’ve all had so much work to do that we’ve not had time to write for you guys.

However now, it’s the summer holidays. I don’t know about Sophie or Matt, but I have a lot more time on my hands now just to write for the Daily Wiggle.

So let’s start with a nice Music Monday, shall we?

Song #1: The Boy Does Nothing – Alesha Dixon: If you’re from the States, you’ll probably definitely not have heard of Alesha Dixon. (Probably definitely? Does that make sense?) Anyway, Alesha started out as a member of girl band Mis-Teeq in 1999, but now she’s a fully-fledged, British female solo star. She also went on to win series 5 of UK show Dancing With The Stars and is now a judge on the series. Go lady!

This song is cheesy pop at it’s best. Somehow though, it’s not your average Spice Girls 1990s cheesy pop. The ‘noughties’ appear to have brought along a different type of cheese with it. And this is the definition of 21st century cheese. It’s actually pretty good too. Normally the sort of thing I would despise, but Alesha just about pulls it off, in my opinion.

Song #2: Everyone You Know – Now, Now Every Children: From Minneapolis, USA, this 5 piece list their influences, quitehumorously, as “Monday”, “Dad Denim” and “Cat Movies.” Odd? Yeah, but this band are pretty odd themselves. They have also been the support act for Paramore on their tour around North America, so I’m guessing they’re pretty good and probably on the way to success.

This song actually sounds like something off the Skins soundtrack. I don’t know why, maybe it’s the child-like female vocals or the upbeat depression it carries with it, I can just see it being in an episode of Skins. Not something I’ve actually listened to a lot, but it’s easy on the ears and it’s not bad at all. If you’re a fan of 6 Day Riot or Sky Larkin, chances are you’ll adore this song.

Song #3: Stuck In The Middle With You – Bob Dylan: I’m pretty sure, well almost 100% sure, that the majority of you knowBob Dylan’s music, or at least of Mr. Dylan. Well, this artist is now at the ripe old age of 69 years old, but his musical history goes to show he continues to be successful. I mean, how many artists can say they have 34 albums in their belt, not including compilations?

I only actually have this song in my iTunes because we used it for a drama piece one time, so I don’t really listen to it. But it’s definitely a classic. Not my cup of tea really – it’s far too upbeat folk for me. Comparable to this song today would be songs from bands such as Scouting for Girls and The Hoosiers; neither of which I am particularly fond of. So, although it’s a classic, I’m not a massive fan.

Song #4: Lover’s Requiem – I Am Ghost: I’ve known of this band for as long as I can remember, but I don’t really recall any oftheir songs. In fact, I don’t even remember downloading this. Anyway, they’ve been together for 6 years (since 2004) and come from California, USA. They have 3 studio albums to their name, which isn’t bad for a band so young. Their music comes under genres such as screamo and emo. Google it if you don’t know what I mean.

This song again isn’t something I’d normally listen to. However, if you’d have asked me 4 years ago, I’d have probably loved them. If you’re a fan of From First To Last or Hawthorne Heights, you’ll probably love them. The electric guitar particularly shines in this track and the haunting vocals during the screaming parts of the song are extremely well executed.

Song #5: Into My Arms – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: This band have actually been together since 1983, and have 14 studioalbums recorded on their discography. Pretty impressive. Their music is often based on biblical stories and refers to the bible, but don’t be mistaken into thinking their music is Christian or gospel. It’s actually gorgeous, acoustic tracks that make you think.

This song is definitely my favourite of the Bad Seeds’. The chorus is so simple yet so memorable, which proves simplicity can often equal perfection. The piano is heartbreakingly beautiful too, and Nick Cave’s vocal accompanies it with gusto. If you don’t recognize this song by its title, you’ll probably have heard it before if you listen to it again – it’s often used as the soundtrack to movies and television shows to set a particularly sad scene. An amazing song.

Top Track This Week: Into My Arms – Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.

You see, the reason for this is because my 3 girlfriends and I are so similar to the four main characters in Sex & the City, it’s almost like someone stepped into our lives and based them on us. (Click here if you want a more detailed explanation.)

Of course, the actresses are looking a little worse for wear, but they are definitely ageing gracefully. Kim Cattrall, who plays Samantha, is clearly the oldest of the group – her laughter lines stand out more than any of the others.

But what I love is no matter the age, the 4 women don’t stop.

My favourite scenes include a drunken conversation between Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) & Charlotte (Kristen Davis), in which they humorously discuss the woes of Motherhood.

Things aren’t all plain and simple for Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) either. When the 4 friends visit Abu-Dhabi, she runs into an ex, sending her whole life spinning in the wrong direction. But what happens? I’ll let you see it first.

Well actually, I’d recommend this movie; something which other reviewers have been reluctant to do. In fact, I’ll recommend the movie to all girly girls, and some boyish girls, who can relate to the dramas of these girls. Any woman who looks at this movie with disgust appears to me to be extremely un-feminist and any man? Well, they’re just men really. I wouldn’t expect them to even half understand.

So, 2 different ratings.

For Women: 9 out of 10.

For Men: 3 out of 10.