Archive for the 'Telly' Category

Colbert on the Simpsons

September 19th, 2007 by Ian

Stephen Colbert Simpsons-styleI finally got around to seeing the Simpsons film recently. It was on a ferry and as such there wasn’t anything better on offer. It was the very definition of mediocrity. The same can be said for most recent Simpson’s episodes, however at least now there is a reason to watch the latest seasons offering. A ‘guest’ appearance from the finest ‘Daily Show’ escapee, but still better featured than previous guests have been. Is there nothing Stephen cannot bring a little light to?

Mark E. Smith cringe-tastic round-up

June 18th, 2007 by Ian

MES on NewsnightEveryone should be pretty much aware of not only the musical Genius of Mark E. Smith, but his unwillingness to co-operate and knuckle down for (usually feckless) presenter-led interviews. This Guardian arts blog round-up of the most horrid interviews is a perfect way to celebrate. It includes, of course, the infamous Newsnight appearance after Peel died.

One of my favourites is a recent interview by the lovely, if not a bit soft in the head, Lauren Laverne. So uncomfortable, yet enticing, to watch. Her poor treatment wasn’t very surprising. She introduced him by reciting the same old boring tale that the Fall wouldn’t have been stirred into action, were it not for the famous Sex Pistols Manchester Free Trade Hall gig in 1976. Shockingly, there was actually music in the North of England before the Sex Pistols came to play to a couple of hundred Mancunians. So I heard anyway.

Flight of the Conchords

June 3rd, 2007 by Ian

That’s not a typo. This is a new comedy about a folk-pop band composed of two New Zealanders in New York. Wikipedia tells me that the act was created before the HBO show, but it’s so hard to tell what’s genuine these days isn’t it? I blame the internet. You can see the 1st full episode in lovely streaming flash video here. It features the oldest Fleetwood Mac joke ever, mockery of the New Zealand tourist board and peripheral ‘Peep Show’ actor Rachel Blanchard. Watch for hipster-friendly music references and cringe-worthy relationship development and a promise of Welsh legend, Rob Brydon.