#8 - Featuring EPL XI so far, David Bowie and Pete versus Life

Sportz - Ryan Smith


Half Term Report: 

Team of the Season so far

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart – The England No.1 has been stellar in City’s net this season, there isn’t a better keeper in the Premier League currently.

Defenders:

Kyle Walker – A very tight decision between the Tottenham right back and Danny Simpson, but Walker gets the nod. An attacking full back, who is also very good at his defensive duties has been ever present in Tottenham’s rise to third position. Walker has played brilliantly thus far, and at twenty one, his best years are still to come.

Vincent Kompany – The Belgian beast has been an absolute rock at the heart of City’s defence. Bar the odd error, Kompany has been simply outstanding. A passionate captain who is good on the ball, Kompany could walk into almost any starting eleven in the world.

Fabricio Coloccini – Seen as a bit of a joke when he arrived in England back in 2008, the Argentine international was expected to leave when Newcastle dropped to the Championship in his debut season. However, the Argentine international found his feet in English football, winning the league as Newcastle returned to the top flight. Since then, he’s improved further and has hit peak form this season as Newcastle challenge for Europe.

Laurent Koscielny – Like Coloccini, Koscielny didn’t enjoy the finest debut season in England, including that horror mix up with Wojech Szczesny that cost his team the Carling cup against Birmingham. This season however, he has been Arsenal’s best defender by far, often filling in anywhere along the back four as the Gunner’s struggle to cope with injuries. His positional play is excellent, as is his ability to read the game.

Midfielders:

Yaya Toure – The Ivorian midfield powerhouse is City’s unsung hero. A freight train on the ball and chasing everything off it, Toure has one hell of an engine. His link up play is also first rate, it will be interesting to see how Mancini’s team copes with his departure to the African cup of nations.

David Silva – Although he’s been a little quieter in recent weeks, David Silva has arguably been the best player in the Premier League this season. Ten assists and five goals, along with his outstanding passing ability have played a significant role in City’s ascent to the top.

Gareth Bale – Harry Redknapp recently described the Welsh wizard as ‘flawless’. Based on his performances this seasons, it’s hard to argue with him. Blistering pace, a wicked cross and an eye for goal are just a few of the attributes that make Bale such a good player. The interplay between Bale, Modric & Van der Vaart has been the main reason Tottenham find themselves challenging for the title.

Juan Mata – The Portugese attacker is enjoying a fine debut season in England and has been Chelsea's best player so far. Mata has started every game for the Blue's, showing how much AVB values his fellow countryman. Four goals and seven assists have shown that his faith isn't misplaced.

Strikers:

Robin van Persie – The Dutchman had an astounding 2011, and has singlehandedly kept Arsenal in the top five this season. The free scoring forward has notched up seventeen goals from nineteen starts this season, as well as creating six for his teammates.

Demba Ba – Without doubt, the signing of the season. Alan Pardew will be absolutely delighted with the Senegalese striker’s fifteen league goals. Selling Andy Carroll for 35 million and picking up Mr Ba on a free must go down as one of the best pieces of business in football history.

Subs:

Tim Krul

Danny Simpson

Phil Jones

Luka Modric

Sebastian Larsson

Clint Dempsey

Mario Balotelli

European XI:

Iker Casillas

Phillip Lahm

Thiago Silva

Gerard Pique

Dani Alves

Xavi

David Silva

Andres Iniesta

Robin van Persie

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo

Subs:

Gianluigi Buffon

Sergio Ramos

Vincent Kompany

Yaya Toure

Xabi Alonso

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Muzique - Tommy Howe

Artist: David Bowie

Album: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars

Genre: David Bowie

Year: 1972

Rating: 10.0/10

Verdict: A versatile classic that never fails to take my breath away, the best concept album ever and the jewel in Bowie’s crown

Remarkably David Bowie turned 65 last weekend and as such I’ll grasp the opportunity to review one of my favourites. First, let it be known that I don’t dish 10/10’s out willy-nilly, to make the cut you really do have to bring something quite phenomenal to the table and Bowie’s seminal album certainly does just that.

The record is based on Bowie’s most famous adopted persona ‘Ziggy Stardust’, an alien/rockstar with an urgent message for Earth which is fast approaching its end. There’s no electricity to play music and Ziggy’s quest to spread peace and love is impeded by his fans and his affection for sex and drugs. This is Ziggy’s story.

The album begins with ‘Five Years’, the clock is ticking for Earth and the song sets the scene beautifully. Exemplary percussion and exquisitely simple piano tracks steadily rise to a rapturous climax and the lyrics underpinning it are all sublime.

Next up is my personal favourite ‘Soul Love’ which tells the story of our despondent hero attempting to spread his message to the blindness that surrounds him. The song is uncomplicated, yet the subtlety of the bass and saxophone make it all the more wondrous.

The album then launches into the electrifying ‘Moonage Daydream’, with the bizarre opening line “I’m an alligator, I’m a mama-papa comin’ for you” setting the scene for what appears to be a world in ruins. Thankfully ‘Starman’ illuminates the prophecy that an ‘infinite’ will come to save the earth, jumping black-holes along the way and ending up somewhere in Greenwich, the first bit of good news for the despairing citizens of Earth.

Ziggy’s world is looking a little brighter now, ‘It Ain’t Easy’ is a soothing acoustic track that boasts a tremendous gospel chorus and ‘Lady Stardust’ is a similarly elevating piano driven track which allegedly alludes to fellow glam-rock star Marc Bolan. What part the androgynous T-Rex front man has to play in Ziggy’s story is anyone’s guess.

‘Star’ and ‘Hang On To Yourself’ are more typical of Bowie’s other projects, the latter is pacey and raucous enough to give the mid-section of the album enough energy and muscle to set up the most sensational of climaxes.

Title track ‘Ziggy Stardust’ is one of Bowie’s most famous. A rock/pop gem that illustrates Ziggy’s rise to prominence, reaching new spiritual heights as the world’s music saviour and then his subsequent demise as his affinity for sex and drugs get the better of him and a fickle humanity begin to lose faith.

‘Suffragette City’ continues the story, an anthemic rowdy rock track providing the backdrop to Ziggy’s final hours as he embarks on yet more promiscuous endeavours. Finally the album draws to a climactic conclusion with ‘Rock & Roll Suicide’, the charming acoustic number which symbolizes Ziggy’s end. The ‘Infinites’ have arrived on Earth but they need our hero’s energy to survive and Ziggy is sadly sacrificed to the alien intruders.

Now that’s a concept album, the perfect soundtrack to a deranged story courtesy of the weird and wonderful mind of David Bowie. Never has a story been musically conveyed with such vitality and desperation in equal measure. 

Televizion - Stephan Marfleet

Pete versus Life (2010)

               

Channel 4 has been renowned over the last decade or so for broadcasting some of the finest British comedies available on television, such as Peep Show, Black Books and Spaced, and in early August last year they premiered another gem to add to the collection. Pete versus Life follows a rather novel concept in which two sports commentators narrate and summarise the live events of the title character’s life. This concept is also peppered with stats and graphs which adjoin humorously to the main events of the show. 

Although the premise has been seen before, most notably in Woody Allen’s 1971 film Bananas and a short lived American TV series called Inside Schwartz from late 2001, the presence of the modern British awkwardness which has frequented our sitcoms for many a year helps to give it a more cutting edge than the more groping feel of its counterparts. The empathy created for Pete also serves the show well as it permits the audience to endure his misconduct without it becoming a chore. Rafe Spall, who plays Pete, also turns in a wonderful performance as the universally perplexed and exasperated man who time and again manages to make his life difficult for himself. Spall’s lethargic malaise is also warmly appreciated as he offers an all too realistic insight into the workings of the seemingly directionless life that many of us lead.

The commentators of the show’s events provide a comedic performance that is used in a successfully scarce manner that doesn’t break up the actual plotline as it threatened to do, and this is evidenced by the award given to the programme’s editors Mark Davies and Mark Emerson by the Royal Television Society for Best Tape and Film Editing. The pair’s experience on Peep Show is one of the PVL’s greatest assets as a poor job on this front would have left the show as nothing more than an ill-adjoined series of events rather than a flowing narration of a young man’s misadventures. The pair, played aptly by Simon Greenall and Ian Kirkby, has done wonders towards attracting the show’s primary demographic of young males and there rapid exchange will provoke long-lasting memories of Martin Tyler and Andy Gray from Sky Sports.

The show should not be appreciated solely for its chief gimmick though; the quality of the exchange between the characters has a refreshingly realistic feel which is helped by the quality of the cast. One notable member of the ensemble is Daniel Ings, who plays Jake, Pete’s well-rounded friend whose heroism and good nature move to inadvertently antagonise Pete on several occasions. A noticeable flaw with PVL is the essential re-casting of Pete’s Zimbabwean room mate Kurt into that of Manfred, also hailing from Zimbabwe, as it seemed a sloppy way of continuing along a rather limited scope for plotlines, as well as a lazy manner of integrating the all-too-common “crazy friend”. Aside from this change which occurs between series, PVL is a well constructed show that can appeal to all audiences, but will definitely be more warmly received among younger men who can all too easily identify with the show’s quirks. 

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Hope you have a good 2012, fuckers.

#7 - Featuring Champions League Preview, Albums from 2006 and 'The Killing'

Here's some more Mustardy goodness, haven't heard anything from our canine hero in weeks, hope he's okay.

Sportz - Tommy Howe

The champions league group stages drew to a typically dramatic close this year. The biggest shock was undoubtedly Man Utd’s surprise exit.

Last year’s runners up should have dominated their group but having dropped points at home they required a draw in Basel to qualify. It was not to be for United, as Alex Frei’s late diving header sent them crashing out.

The blue side of Manchester were also sent packing despite beating a weakened Bayern Munich side on the night. Expectations were high at the beginning of the season but Napoli’s victory in Villarreal sent them through at the expense of Roberto Mancini’s men.

Here’s a round up of the last 16, the key men and my tips for the tournament.

Bayern Munich

The German league leaders topped arguably the most difficult group in the tournament with consummate ease. When their star men sing off the same hymn sheet they look as formidable and impressive as the reputation that precedes them.

Key Man – Mario Gomez

The prolific striker has been in scintillating form this year, he tops the goal scoring charts with 6 and his goals will be crucial in the latter stages. 

Prediction – Semi Finals

Inter Milan

The 2010 winners lack the tenacity they had under Jose Mourinho, but you can’t rule out the Nerazzurri. Despite struggling domestically, Inter topped their group and will be a stronger team come February.

Key Man – Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder is one of those players who can always produce a bit of magic, whether it is a 30 yard screamer, a deftly executed set-piece or a defence-splitting pass. Inter will need his heroics in the knock-outs.

Prediction – Quarter Finals

SL Benfica

Two-time winners Benfica surpassed expectations and qualified top of their group. Their performances home and away against United merited qualification, and the belief they’ve gained will make them undesirable opponents.

Key Man – Nicolás Gaitán

The highly coveted playmaker leads the assists chart with 5 to his name already. The tricky Argentine has formed a strong understanding with Oscar Cardozo which will be crucial for their progression.

Prediction – Quarter Finals

Real Madrid

This could the end of a long wait for Madrid fans. They’ve been overshadowed by Barcelona in recent years but they improve every game under Jose Mourinho. They set a champions league first this year, qualifying with a 100% record and demonstrated their goal-scoring mastery along the way with 19 goals.

Key Man – Cristiano Ronaldo

Ballon d’Or nominated Ronaldo is the centre-piece in a star-studded squad. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, and when he’s in the mood he’s unstoppable.

Prediction – Runner’s up.

Chelsea

Against all odds Andre Villas-Boas’s men won their group and now have every chance of enjoying a fruitful campaign. Confidence is growing at Stamford Bridge and come February I expect to see a and devastating Chelsea side full of swagger.

Key Man – Juan Mata

Mata has been an inspired signing for the blues, he’s the link between midfield and attack that can pull the strings and Chelsea will need his extraordinary vision in the latter stages.

Prediction – Semi Finals

Arsenal

After a disastrous start to their domestic season the Gunners are back on song and won their group with a game to spare. February should see the return of Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna who will be an integral part in Arsenal’s hopes of progression

Key Man – Robin Van Persie

R.V.P is in such imperious form this year that it’s difficult to see any defender stopping him. If Arsene Wenger wraps him in cotton wool between fixtures and somehow keeps him fit and firing all season, who knows what the Gunners can accomplish.

Prediction – Quarter Finals

Apoel

The Cyprian champions are the shock addition to the last 16 of the world’s most illustrious club competition. Unbelievably, APOEL qualified as group winners at the expense of Portuguese champions Porto. Their success has endeared them to millions.

Key Man – Ailton

The Brazilian’s goals were the difference in Group G, 3 goals to his name thus far, but APOEL will need some serious heroics if they’re to make the last 8.

Prediction – Last 16

Barcelona

Barcelona eased through Group H with typical free-flowing football and style in abundance. The holders are tournament favourites and they even had a chance to field their youngsters in the last group game who demonstrated their ability with a 4-0 win and a sumptuous performance.

Key Man – Lionel Messi

The front-runner for the Ballon d’Or can win any game on his day, with Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas behind him the little magician can lead his team to more European success.

Prediction – Winners

Napoli

An inspiring and gritty performance against Manchester City in Naples proved to be the decisive result in a tight group. The hostile atmosphere in the Stadio San Paolo and the creative ability going forward gives Napoli every chance of making the last 8.

Key Man – Edinson Cavani

The Uruguayan goal-machine only needs half a chance to find the back of the net. His agility and uncanny eye for goal alongside Marek Hamsik’s playmaking prowess are crucial for Napoli’s hopes.

Prediction – Last 16

CSKA Moscow

The Russians are never an easy opponent, and their plastic pitch has been the stumbling block of many great European sides. Their home form may be great, but they’ll need to be on song away from home in these challenging two-leg affairs.

Key Man – Seydou Doumbia

The Ivorian target man has scored 5 goals in as many games in this year’s competition. His powerful physique and clinical finishing make him a handful for any defence.

Prediction – Last 16

FC Basel

The Swiss champions are in dreamland, a fantastic win over Man Utd has put them through to the last 16 for the first time in nearly 10 years. Their unlikely qualification proves they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Key Man – Alexander Frei

National hero and club Talisman Frei has led by example in this year’s campaign. 5 crucial goals so far but Basel will need him more than ever if they are to progress.

Prediction – Last 16

Olympique Lyonnais

The French Champions League veterans were the beneficiaries of an extraordinary 7-goal swing on Wednesday night which saw them qualify at the expense of Dutch giants Ajax. Lyon are no strangers to the knock out phase but they failed to get out of second gear until that amazing 7-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

Key Man – Bafetimbi Gomis

With Lisandro Lopez now a bit-part player, Gomis is the focal point of Lyon’s attack. He took a while to get going but his 4 goals against Zagreb proved what a dangerous player he can be.

Prediction – Quarter Finals

Bayer Leverkusen

The 2002 runners-up are back in the knock-outs for the first time since 2005. A crucial victory against Chelsea helped Leverkusen qualify, yet a sloppy draw in Genk saw them pipped to the post by Chelsea and they’ll now face a difficult second round draw.

Key Man – Michael Ballack

The industrious Ballack is a hero at Leverkusen. He was part of the great team who made it all the way to the final in 2002 and they’ll need every last bit of quality he has left if they’re to emulate past successes.

Prediction – Last 16

Olympique de Marseille

They left it late but Marseille qualified ahead of Olympiakos thanks to a late wonder-goal from the excellent Mathieu Valbuena. Didier Deschamp’s men have a formidable home record, but they’ll need to up their game in the second round.

Key Man – Andre Ayew

The Ghanaian winger has an abundance of pace and a few tricks up his sleeve that can show any defender a clean set of heels. If Ayew and Loic Remy can combine, even the sturdiest of defences can suffer.

Prediction – Last 16

Zenit St Petersburg

Zenit have hardly been the most dazzling of teams thus far, but a steadfast defensive display at Porto was enough to see them scrape through the next round. They'll need to find the back of the net more often to harbour any serious hopes.

Key Man – Roman Shirokov

 Shirokov has been the bright spark in an otherwise insipid team. The defensive midfielder has been a rock for Zenit, and had aided his team with 3 goals thus far.

Prediction – Last 16

AC Milan

Having finished second, due only to a magnificent Barcelona side, the Rossoneri are the side the top teams desperately want to avoid. Their attacking force is frightening and the Serie A holders can match anyone on their day.

Key Man – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The tempestuous and brilliant Ibrahimovic is in red-hot form in Italy, but he has a habit of going missing on the bigger stage. If he’s not sulking and raring to go Milan have every chance.

Prediction – Last 16

Muzique - Ryan Smith

Good stuff from Tommy, but I'm going public in saying AC Milan will beat Arsenal in the last 16.

Anyway, here's three albums from the year 2006. 

 

Artist: Regina Spektor
Album: Begin To Hope
Year: 2006
Genre: Anti-Folk

Rating: 7.7/10

Verdict: Spektor's fourth album is still her best for me. Beautiful and easy to listen to, you can't go wrong here.

 

 Listen to this: 'Better'

 

Artist: Yo La Tengo
Album: I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Year: 2006
Genre: Alternative

Rating: ?

Verdict: This is the New Jersey based band's eleventh album, I listened to it on recommendation and I'm recommending you do now. I'm not sure what, but this album definetly did something to me, and that in itself must be worth a listen.

Listen to this: 'Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind'

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Food & Liquor
Year: 2006
Genre: Hip-Hop

Rating: 8.0/10

Verdict: Lupe's debut album took the hip-hop world buy storm back in 06', and still sounds fresh as ever five years on.

 

Listen to this: 'Daydreamin'

Televizion - Josh Motteram

 

After finding this Danish crime thriller on iplayer a few days ago, I’m six episodes in and would thoroughly recommend it. Although having never watched the first season, there doesn’t seem to be a problem with understanding what’s going on, so you can jump right in.

The story begins ten days after the brutal murder of a female lawyer, with the police and Special Branch struggling to crack the case. When links to terrorism are found, the political pressure builds and the investigation intensifies. But the body count keeps rising.

Allow the plot to bubble away for another five episodes and where I’m up to is rife with conspiracy and intrigue. It takes a lot of concentration with the subtitles not to miss anything important, but the scenes are so atmospheric and intense that you never want to look away anyway. Add to that a superb story full of twists and cliff hangers, and brilliant acting from the whole cast, and it’s one of the best series I’ve watched this year. After this I’m definitely exploring the first series, but you can find all of this current series hidden away on iplayers bbc4, so get watching.

Trailer 

That's all folks,

Check these blogs out - 'Serie A Weekly' & 'Trash Boredom'

Back soon x

#6 - Featuring Gary Speed, Sócrates, The Happy Mondays and Call Of Duty: MW3

You're here for the sixth edition of Husky Mustard, this week we have tributes to two true sporting legends, Gary Speed and Sócrates. Tommy reviews a classic album from Salford legends Happy Mondays and Josh takes a look at Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.


Our favourite Husky was recently spotted in England, hiking alone in the Lake District. Fellow rambler Terry Evatt, 43 said 'I couldn't believe it, I was on my normal Saturday stroll and bumped into an A list celebrity. We had a nice chat, he even offered to buy me a pint, but I was with the kids, so had to turn the offer down'.


Sportz - Tommy Howe & Ryan Smith

Gary Speed MBE (1969-2011)

At 7.08am on Sunday 27^th November, Cheshire Police confirmed that the world had lost a good man and a true footballing legend in Gary Speed. The former Welsh captain was sadly found dead last week. Even more tragic was the news that the Welshman had killed himself, which has sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world and the nation.

The police are not treating the circumstances of his death as suspicious. The 42 year-old was enjoying an increasingly productive and encouraging tenure as Wales manager and there appeared to be no cause for concern regarding Speed’s state of health. It is difficult to fathom the motivations for his suicide, all appeared well and he even made an appearance on BBC’s Football Focus last weekend

Speed enjoyed a long and fruitful career, representing his country 85 times which remains a Welsh record for an outfield player. He had spells at Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Everton, and was an integral part of the Leeds United side which lifted the First Division title in 1992. Unlike most modern day players, Speed managed to avoid serious injury throughout his career which enabled him to consistently perform and influence the game well into his thirty’s.

Speed was given the opportunity to manage Sheffield United in 2010, but when the Wales position became available after John Toshack stepped down; Speed was appointed the national team’s manager. He was the people’s choice having served them with such great distinction over the years. Speed’s team failed to qualify for the European Championships, but three successive wins and a new found confidence had demonstrated Wales’ progress under his stewardship. There was a growing and genuine belief that Wales could qualify for a major tournament under Speed.

Our sympathies go out to his family and friends. The world has lost someone who was universally loved and respected, a terrible tragedy and a very sad day for football. Saturday saw Leeds United pay a stirring tribute, former teammates Gary McAallister, David Batty & Gordon Strachan laid wreaths in memory of their former friend. Speed’s wife Louise, and two son’s Tommy and Eddie witnessed the emotional farwell which saw Gary McAllister shed tears.

All across Britain, minutes of applauses and silences were observed brilliantly in memory of a true gentleman. St James’ Park was also the backdrop to scenes of raw emotion. Current assistant manager at Newcastle and former teammate of Speed, John Carver broke down completely during the minute’s applause. In a touching scene, referee Mark Halsey embraced Carver as he let it all out.

R.I.P Gary Speed.

by Tommy Howe & Ryan Smith

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Sócrates (1954-2011)

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, known simply as Sócrates, sadly passed away on Sunday 4th December, just a week after the tragic death of Gary Speed. The attacking midfielder, who stood at a towering 6'4, was widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

He wore the famous yellow of Brazil on no less than sixty occasions, scoring an impressive twenty two times. Sócrates captained his country in the 1982 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Italy in the second group stage. Along with Zico, he is part of a team who are considered the greatest international team never to win the World Cup.

To confirm his reputation in the footballing world, Sócrates was named as one of the of 125 best players ever by Pelé in FIFA's '100' list of 2004. 

His club career was spent mainly in Brazil. He started his distinguished playing days at Botafogo, before moving on to Corinthians, the club where he 'made it'. Sócrates scored an amazing 172 goals in 297 games for the São Paulo giants. 

This was followed by a short stint in Serie A, where he donned the purple of Fiorentina for a season. Here, he scored six goals before returning to Brazil. Short spells at Santos and Flamengo followed, before he decided to retire in 1989.

Amazingly, this wasn't quite the end of his career. In 2004, fifteen years after retiring and at the ripe old age of fifty, Sócrates appeared for West Yorkshire non-leaguers Garforth Town. This is a match I attended and saw a legend in the flesh. 

Fresh from celebrating my fifteenth birthday days earlier, I attended the match with long time friend Oliver Hill. It was a brutally cold afternoon in my hometown, well below freezing, around the -10c mark. As we watched Garforth Town take the game to Tadcaster Albion in an affair made miserable by the weather, Sócrates was on the touchline smoking cigarettes, his hair full of grey. A far cry from balmy Brazil.

He finally made his bow in the 76th minute, his first and last appearance for the Northern Counties East League Division One outfit. His debut was met with much applause and cheering from the near fifteen hundred people who had turned out to catch a glimpse of the great man. Nothing much happened in the quarter of an hour I saw him, he had an audacious long range effort, which flew comfortably wide and over. But still, it was worth it. I'm happy I was somehow connected to this man's life.

Much more than just a footballer, Sócrates was a qualified doctor and political activist. He studied medicine and took his exams whilst playing football, and practised as a doctor following his retirement. He strongly opposed Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1980's and often brought his political beliefs into football, including wearing a political slogan on his famous headband. This was unheard of at the time, and he was seen as a talisman for opposing his country's struggles.

A glimpse at his genius.

Activist, Sportsman, Doctor, an icon of a generation.

R.I.P Sócrates.

by Ryan Smith

Muzique - Tommy Howe

Artist: The Happy Mondays
Album: Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches
Year: 1990
Genre: Acid House/Rock, Madchester
Rating: 9.0/10

Verdict: Quintessentially British and outrageously addictive… A 90’s masterpiece. 

Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches is sometimes overlooked when recalling the Madchester scene, but it’s one of the gutsiest records you’re ever likely to hear. The urban myth behind it’s creation is quite the tale. Allegedly the band convinced the label (Factory) that residing in Ibiza was absolutely imperative for the production of the album.

Naturally things got out of hand and the band embarked on a whirlwind year of narcotic fuelled partying and subsequently forgot that they had promised the label and their fans an album. Factory were furious, they issued an ultimatum, get it done or find another label. Sparked into life, The Happy Mondays recorded it in one day. If the tale is true it’s mind blowing, and who cares if it isn’t… never let the truth get in the way of a good story and all that.

The album commences with the anthemic ‘Kinky Afro’, a truly spirited statement of intent before launching into the raucous rocky ‘God’s Cop’ and the mollifying ‘Donovan’. The latter boasts one the most unexpected yet effective ‘drops’ you’ll ever hear, a testament to the band’s ability to continually excite and engross the listener.

The middle section is supremely strong, ‘Loose Fit’ is a deep-toned anthem that will live long in the hearts of the nation forever. ‘Dennis and Lois’ is an exemplary pop track and my personal favourite ‘Bob’s Yer Uncle’ is just extraordinary. The mellow bass, gospel cries and that wonderful wind riff are a perfect blend. The lyrics are unashamedly crude, relating to supposedly taboo subjects like sex and hedonism yet they demonstrate the honesty with which the Happy Mondays made their music, an admirable trait and one that manifested in widespread affection.

Next up is ‘Step On’, the band’s signature tune and the soundtrack to the era. The infamous lyric ‘You’re twisting my melon man’ precedes a joyous 5 minutes embedded with infectious riffs and beats. ‘Holiday’ and ‘Harmony’ draw the album to a close, the latter providing the soothing end that was required for such an energetic record.

I take my hat off to the Happy Mondays, not enough people realise that they produced an album that rivalled the very best of the era. It’s as indulgent now as it was the very first time I heard it and I guarantee that it will never fail to elevate your mood. 

Gamez - Josh Motteram

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii

Having been released a few weeks ago I finally had the chance to play Modern Warfare 3, the game that everyone’s been flocking to the shops for. It sold a record 6.5 million copies in the first 24 hours and left game developers Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games laughing with a tidy $400 million. Obscene.

The campaign picks up where Modern Warfare 2 left off, but this time you are thrown into a World War 3 scenario as Russia begins to bomb Europe and America with chemical weapons before blitzing through with a mass military invasion. As you fight through iconic landmarks and cities throughout the world in pursuit of Makarov, the evil Russian behind all this, the cliffhanger story keeps you hooked and the intense fire fights make it a brilliant playing experience.

Multiplayer returns in largely the same format, but this time with a newly revamped ‘Killstreak’ reward system that lets you choose between either Assault, Support or Specialist rewards, and no longer requiring just kills to gain a streak. Players can now gain rewards that will either benefit themselves or their team. Players can stack up their streaks in ways such as capturing the flag or planting a detonation charge on an objective.

This gives the game more of a tactical approach that predecessors lacked, but it really cannot compare to the likes of rival Battlefield 3. The new maps are all well designed and each offers a different playing experience, whilst the array of new guns and perks to play around with will have you choosing a new favourite class every other map.

Additionally, a brand new Survival Mode game type adds a whole new dimension to the games Special Ops, and is heart pounding both in single and multiplayer.  With a rich choice of maps and difficulty levels, your objective is to survive as many endless waves of attackers as possible, whether the onrushing horde may be AK47 wielding militia, suicide bomber dogs, attack helicopters, armoured juggernauts, or all of the aforementioned.

It’s so intense you can hardly afford to blink. Starting with a pistol you face increasingly harder waves of opponents, earning money through kills which can then be spent on new weapons, equipment and support packages. By wave 15 things start getting a bit hectic, but at 25 it’s terrifying as you get overrun by 50+ gunmen and suicide bombers and you run-out of ammo and your team mate needs reviving! For me this mode was the best part of the game, especially when chilling with mates.

In short, the game is a load of fun but like a lot of the COD series I worry about the tedium aspect setting in, and also the niggling thought that all I am playing is essentially Modern Warfare 2 with a few minor tweaks. Definitely one to play but maybe not one to rush out and buy just yet.  

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Check the following blogs out:

- 'Serie A Weekly' by Ryan Smith

- 'Trash Boredom' by Tommy Howe

- I also write for Forza Italian Football, my articles can be viewed here.