Posted by Ben on Dec 31, 2008 in
Talk About The Website 2008: A Year Well Spent…..
So 2008’s nearly over,
and what a poor year
with all celebs dying
or causing Sachs fear
~
Yet in the midst of it all
for the low and the ashen
came a website of love
(Talk About The Passion)
~
Its been nearly a year now
and the hits have just soared
With facts and some rude words
to help when you’re bored
~
~
But enough of great articles
and tiresome rhymes
(though I did like the one
~
So here is a small note,
for sanity and health
Talk About The Passion’s back
on January 12th
~
So erm…be there. And Happy New Year!
[with huge love and thanks to Louise Nilon for our special cover star]
Tags: 2008, 2009, happy new year, oucho
Posted by Ben on Dec 24, 2008 in
Talk About The Website Ah, 2008. A mixture of the insane, the bad and the insanely bad. There were also however a few good things which snuck in between the world economy committing hara-kiri off the end of a large rope and the entire BBC staff being sacked and replaced by the freshly-neutered cast of Britannia High. For example, cereal sales were up – I mean, I’ve not stopped hearing about this new “Credit Crunch” all winter.
Anyway, whilst I finish writing these Christmas cracker jokes and posting explosives to The Daily Mail, here’s the winners of this year’s first annual TATP Writers Choice Awards, in which the main contributors to the site over the past twelve months voted for their favourite TV, Film, DVD and Music picks, almost as if anyone actually cares. And now for you, here’s the results…
Favourite TV Show
Tim Worthington on Heroes
After a shaky second series and an unfair critical battering from every direction, Heroes is back to doing what it does best - overblown apocalyptic scenarios, seemingly unstoppable villains, and daft inter-textual humour, all tied up with Sylar’s return to full-blown psychotic morally wavering mode. It’s been a series crammed with shock revelations - Hiro’s mother had a power, Flint is Claire’s uncle, Arthur Petrelli isn’t dead - and silly jokes, notably Hiro’s continually thwarted quest to sneak up on a precognitive without being whacked with a shovel, and just about everyone dancing the line between good and evil. Who’d have thought as the series began that we’d be booing Mohinder and cheering on Sylar? Well, probably everyone really, especially the bit about booing Mohinder. But to see Nathan and Claire flirting with the dark side while Angela and Knox showed an unexpected shred of humanity was a great twist, and it looks as though Volume 4 - introduced by Nathan plotting to capture and imprison all evolved humans - is going to better this by reconnecting with the real world and exhilarating speed. Just don’t mention the rather idiotic killing off of Maury Parkman…
[Runners Up: Harry Hill's TV Burp, Doctor Who, Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe, The IT Crowd]
Favourite Film
Russell Codd on Wall-E
A deserved win for Wall-E, Pixar’s animated offering from July of this year. A departure from their regular output, the studio boldly moves into covering themes of love, loneliness, environmental crisis, and global warming. It does so using the eponymous Wall-E, the last working robot on Earth who spends his days working to clear the overwhelming amounts of waste left by humans when they abandoned the planet 700 years ago.
The animation really is stunning, and the majority of the film has no dialogue, so wonderfully expressive is the little robot and the majority of the supporting cast. 2,400 sound files were created by Ben Burtt for this film, which is more than he used for the entire Indiana Jones original trilogy. To put that into perspective, Star Wars only used 800 sound files.
When we do finally hear ‘real’ voices it comes from a wealth of celebrity, from Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), to Fred Willard (This Is Spinal Tap), to Sigourney Weaver (Alien) to John Ratzenburger (every single Pixar film). Overall, a film that defies being classified as a ‘kids film’ to be rated as one of the most moving love stories of the year.
[Runners Up: The Dark Knight, Burn After Reading, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder]
Favourite Music
Ben Baker on Ben Folds
It’s easy to say that the signs weren’t tempting for Ben Folds in 2008 – three years since his last full record and a freshly minted divorce do not make for the most inviting bedfellows, especially when an early leak to fan sites contained tracks called “Brainwashed” (later re-titled “Brainwascht”), “You Don’t Know Me” and “The Bitch Went Nuts”. Thus it wouldn’t have been a total surprise if the new album was called “And You Never Put The Bloody Spoons Away In The Right Section Of The Cutlery Drawer, You Lousy Cow” – a case of file under “Miserable Divorce Grind” and waiting for the next one. But how wrong and foolish my Northern face was – from the raucous piano bashing of “Hiroshima (B-B-Benny Hit His Head)” to the swaying slice of life beauty of “Kylie From Connecticut”, “Way To Normal” is an utter pop joy, with the much appreciated return of Folds’ trademark snarky sense of humour which was oddly missing from his previous full length LP “Songs For Silverman”. Put simply, if you consider yourself a fan of pop music, you need to listen to this album.
[Runners Up: Half Man Half Biscuit, Hello Saferide, Goldfrapp, Supergrass]
Favourite DVD
Justin Lewis on Absolutely Everything
To describe the complete release of Channel 4’s premier sketch show on DVD early this summer as “long-awaited” presupposes that such an appearance was even thought viable. If the boxset of the not-repeated-since-the-early-days-of-Paramount Comedy “Absolutely” had simply been a vanilla effort, comprising all 28 episodes, it would have already won my vote as DVD of the year. But we were spoiled with extras. Eight audio/visual cast commentaries. The inclusion of the untransmitted pilot, complete with its “Resurrection Shuffle”-esque signature tune previously heard on its Radio 4 ancestor “Bodgers, Banks & Sparkes”. Literally home-made documentaries about the inception and development of the series featuring Baikie, Banks, Docherty, Hunter, Kennedy and Sparkes, as well as producers Alan Nixon and David Tyler. Contributions from celebrity fans, which as well as featuring the thoughts of Paul Whitehouse, David Baddiel and Jo Brand, also witnessed Ian Hislop being likeable for the first time in at least a decade.
Featurettes about Pete Baikie’s music, Triffic Films‘ innovative titles and animations, and inspirations for its grotesquely memorable cavalcade of characters. This eight-disc set (currently in HMV’s clearance at £20, so there really is no excuse for non-ownership) also contains an excerpt of John Sparkes‘ Gwyn performing a terrifying reinterpretation of Bacharach & David’s “Close to You” on Welsh television which is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve seen this year [Seconded - Ed.] Well done, Absolutely Productions and Fremantle Media. Now put out Mr Don and Mr George. Please.
[Runners up: The IT Crowd, Doctor Who: The Key To Time, Love Soup, Spitting Image]
So, just a few things there you may or may not have wanted to know about the TATP Writers Choice for 2008. That’s it for TATP until January 5th now, but feel free to check out the archive which is chock-full of facts, fancies and the odd libellous statement. Have a brilliant Christmas and a perfectly decent New Year from all of us here at TATP Towers!
Tags: absolutely, Ben Folds, heroes, Wall-E
Posted by Ben on Dec 23, 2008 in
Talk About The Talking Its here! As a special gift to you from the TATP writers’ team (in particular Ben, Phil, Russ and Tim), here’s a special half hour of festive fun in mp3 form via supersonic ‘We-Need-To-Sort-Our-Microphones-Out’ stereo and glorious Hiss-O-Listen. Download it today and find out the ten Christmas films you dont want to see this Yuletide, the five most bewildering novelty singles of all time, Russ‘ favourite festive facts, TATP’s best and weirdest search results of 2008 and enjoy an exclusive Christmas cover version courtesy of the extremely talented Fran Hingston.
The TATP Instant 29 Minute Unravelling Christmas Special [29:14, 192kb]
Download It Here!
TOMORROW: The last TATP Post of 2008!
Tags: christmas, Facts, fat les, Mp3, Mrs 'Arris Goes To Sodding Paris, Orville, Pac-Man
# Jingle jangle jewellery…oh hello there, you just caught me blowing up balloons for the TATP Christmas party we’re having later. There’ll be jelly and ice cream. And balloons. And free booze. And sexy ladies lured in off the street with the promise of a mince pie and a go under the mistletoe. And the best thing is? None of the TATP writing staff living anywhere near each other, or me, so it looks like Ill have to enjoy all this lovely lot by myself.
Of course, its not all sexist behaviour and over-indulgence as there’ll be lots of great Christmas music too. And where best to find a list of the top ten best ever festive songs of all time than from the TATP Voting panel themselves, who have been beavering away in the workshops for the last few weeks making this list for all you young boys and girls. Would you like to see it? Would you? Ok, then come into this cupboard with me and I’ll talk you through everything. No-one knows where you are, right? Excellent…
Number One
Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody
ITS WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITSUN! No, doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it? Still, its little surprise that this hairy evergreen bastard has topped the TATPs, which despite being dragged out and played to death every year, still always remains just the right side of violent hatred. Slade’s sixth and final No.1, this was recorded in that most British and Christmassy of locations – New York in Autumn 1973 and had its basis in a cod psychedelic number from six years previous entitled “Buy Me A Rockin Chair”. The lyrics were jettisoned, the melody was kept and a true British institution was born. Now, about this Whitsun idea…
Number Two
Jona Lewie - Stop the Cavalry
That’s what the kids want – a jolly toe-tapping number about being caught in the trenches during Christmas time. One of two hits for Stiff Records’ act Lewie (the other being the cracking electro-pop shuffle of “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties”, reaching No. 16 in May 1980), this has been a staple since its release in December 1980, despite not actually being written as a holiday song. A potential for Christmas number one that year, this sadly peaked at No.3, being kept off number one spot by John Lennon and…John Lennon, thanks to the rocketing sales of “(Just Like) Starting Over” and the reissue of “Imagine” brought out to mark the recently-murdered Beatle’s death. Damn you Mark David Chapman! Damn you to hell!
Number Three
Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime
Poor ol Dinners. Kept off his rightful peak by a load of scruffy Wolverhampton yobs and some two hit wonder. Still, he can take solace in the fact that as a track; it will last as long as anything by those darn Beatles. This was McCartney’s first official solo single since the dissolving of Wings, although it was later stuck on the re-issues of Wings’ final studio album “Back To The Egg”. The B-side was a rather jaunty take on a festive favourite entitled “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reggae”, although at 1 minute, 45 seconds it could be argued that Macca had perhaps not taken quite as much care with that as he had its A-side.
Number Four
Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
He’s a fickle feller that Roy Wood. Having left the incredibly successful The Move in 1969, he had the idea for a new group combining orchestral elements with more traditional rock sounds, which eventually became a small side-group called The Electric Light Orchestra. However, sharing the control of the band with his old mucker, Jeff Lynne proved too much so Wood moved onto a new act which would become Wizzard, who would get their first number one in 1973 with “See My Baby Jive” - having found a tune that worked for him, Wood went onto use it another 500 times (satires). Amazingly not a chart topper, this slice of sparkly seasonal cheer only managed to get at far as No.4 later that same year (being kept off by Leo Sayer, Cozy Powell and Slade’s bleedin’ bloody “Merry Christmas Everyone”, no less), making this TATP placing all the more ironic.
Number Five
The Pogues ft Kirsty MacCall - Fairytale of New York
Two pissed up bastards shouting at each other about lost dreams on Christmas Eve does make for the most exciting of song themes. And indeed, I think if I hear it again, I may become a violent drunk myself. The much-missed MacColl was not originally meant to be part of the original song, which was written as a duet between Shane McGowan and then-bassist, Cait O’Riordan. Unfortunately the latter left the group before the track was recorded so producer Steve Lilywhite asked his then-wife to provide a rough guide track for the demo. The band liked it and Mrs Lilywhite – or Kirsty to her friends - got the gig. It shot to the number two slot in December 1987, only being kept off No.1 by the Pet Shop Boys’ cover of “Always On My Mind”, which McGowan described as “two queens and a drum machine”. Because he’s a c*nt. Since 2005, this has re-entered the UK Top 10 every year and at time of writing is balancing at the No.13 spot.
And The Rest…
At six, it’s the Welsh Shakin’ Stevens, SHAKIN’ STEVENS with “Merry Christmas Everyone”, a song initially earmarked for Christmas 1984 before Band Aid honed into view. He’s all heart that Shaky. Seven finds those “two queens and a drum machine” making an appearance as the PET SHOP BOYS helpfully inform us “It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas”, with one of their finest singles of the 90s never to actually be released as a single. Or an album track. Instead, the Pets chose to send it out as a Christmas card in 1997, initially to friends and then fan club members. The 5” bubble-wrapped CD is now worth a fair price, although luckily for the rest of us, it was included in the excellent compilation “Elton John’s Christmas Party” in 2005.
Eight finds BING AND BOWIE still tormenting that poor “Little Drummer Boy” with “Peace On Earth” chucked in for good measure. The unusual TV performance that crops up of the two singing the song together comes from a Crosby special taped at Elstree Studios, London on September 11th 1977 entitled “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” although it was only released as a single five years later, after years of fan bootlegging. Bowie also performed “Heroes” on the same programme, which must’ve gone down a treat with Bing who died a month later. LOW’s delightful “Just Like Christmas” is at nine and a big indie favourite, despite never quite breaking through to the mainstream. Initially recorded for a fan release - 1999’s “Christmas EP” this has become more popular every year since but if you’ve still never heard it, listen and enjoy. You can thank me later. (No cheques.) And finally, number ten is rounded off by KATE BUSH and “December Will Be Magic Again” which is almost a lost single by the leotard-adorning pop talent, due to not featuring on any LP and stiffing at a shameful No.29 in late 1980. Never mind Jeff Buckley and bloody Rick Astley, get this re-released and student pushed to No.1!
Ten tinsel-topped tracks there and fine selections all. Just missing the chart were belters such as the admittedly not very festive Saint Etienne’s “I Was Born On Christmas Day”, Bad News with the cynical but catchy “Cashing in on Christmas” and Sir Elton “Sir” John CBE’s “Step Into Christmas”. Wot? No “Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who’d Be A Turkey At Christmas?)”??? For shame!
Ben Baker wishes everyone who has supported TATP - especially those who have contributed to its many seemingly pointless votes throughout 2008 - a genuinely very merry Christmas.
Tags: christmas songs, jona lewie, paul mccartney, pogues, slade, wizzard
