How Much Chatter?

I thought I’d better have an update as I haven’t posted for ages (hadn’t realised it had been quite so long to be honest). So apologies if this goes on a bit but I’ve got a lot to say. (Oi, who said just for a change?) *LOL*

Since I last posted my scrapping mojo has left again for the time being, mainly due to lack of time rather than lack of creativity. As soon as I can find some time to relax a bit I’ll be back to scrapping some more of my sister’s fab wedding photos. And I might have a go at some birthday cards too as I’ve missed everyone’s up to this point again (sorry folks!)

I spent a lovely weekend at Shazzer’s a couple of weeks ago where we relaxed and chatted and ate and drank all sorts of good stuff including some scrummy pasta and doughnuts (nope the eating plan is not going all that well at the moment). It was fantastic to see her again and enjoy a good chin wag. Hopefully it won't be too long till the next time and maybe a meet with the other Sinners too – it’s definitely far too long overdue! If not then I’m sure we’ll be meeting up at Jen and Michael’s wedding which is on the 21st June at a currently undisclosed location in Essex (think I better get back on that eating plan!).

Film

I have sadly only been to see ‘Sweeney Todd’ once more since my birthday, mainly due to being let down by people who were going to go then couldn’t. Of course now I know all the words, especially as most of them are contained on the deluxe soundtrack CD which I’ve played probably once a day since I got it. So now I’m counting the days till the DVD is released which according to a press release yesterday from Paramount will be 1st April (I hope that’s not just in the US) – and yes I am waiting for Play.com to notify me when it’s available.

Last night Mrs H3 and I went to see Jack Black and Mos Def in ‘Be Kind, Rewind’ on preview. I thought it would make a change to see something new for once especially as I don't think she could face seeing ST again and I wouldn't be mean enough to ask her. Unfortunately it wasn’t as good as I was hoping (although the Ghostbusters sequence is really laugh out loud funny), turning out to be much like Jonathan Ross’ review of the film said it would be (we had already booked tickets before I saw his review of it). It seemed to me to be 2 different films trying to merge into one and it didn’t quite work on either level although the ‘sweded’ film segments were definitely very funny, so it wasn’t the worst film I’ve seen recently, ‘Atonement’ still wins hands down on that.

The next films we’ll be most likely going to see are ‘Rambo 4’ which is out this week – a must see in my book anyway as I’ve loved all the others and after seeing his marvellous performance on Jonathan Ross last Friday just confirmed that need and a preview of the Spiderwick Chronicles on 16th March (yep it’s another kids series that I love). Hmmm, I wonder if I could sneak in just one more trip to see Sweeney Todd too? *LOL*

Music

This evening we’re off to the legendary Half Moon in Putney to see Johnny Bramwell who apparently played a really blinding set in Manchester last week (I now wish I had gone to see him there after all). Here’s hoping he’ll be as on form tonight. Of course I am really excited about it as usual. Better still I Am Kloot have just announced a major tour once they return from Europe to promote their fantastic new album ‘Moolah Rouge’ and they’ll be doing a couple of dates in the South, at the Komedia in Brighton on 15th April and Koko in London on 22nd April. I’ll be going to at least one I’m sure.

Below is a new acoustic version of Ferris Wheels (from said album) that he recorded to promote the Valentine’s Day gig. Enjoy.

As exciting (or actually even more exciting being serious about it) is the fact that we’ve managed to get tickets (and standing tickets at that – something I rarely do these days now that I’m old) for Gary Numan’s 30th anniversary Replica’s tour. As much as I love Gary’s new work my heart has always belonged to his older material and having missed the Telekon tour last year because I was away I couldn't resist the chance to see this wonderful classic album performed in its entirety live. Be assured that I will be getting more and more excited until 12th March when I’ll probably have exploded! If he ever decides to redo the Warriors or Berserker tours I’ll probably die of happiness!

Gary was a guest on Jonathon Ross’ radio show last Saturday which was a real pleasure to listen to (he had Jason Isaacs as a guest the week before) and even played ‘Are Friends Electric?’ and ‘Down in the Park’ - probably the first time Gary’s had a record played on the radio for years!

My Chemical Romance are doing a final ‘The Black Parade is Dead!’ tour across America, including a date in New Orleans that I’d love to go to but obviously can’t unless I suddenly win the lottery. Then they’re heading back into the studio to record a new album … and then hopefully a lovely brand spanking new UK tour (yes I’m impatient, I know!) Blue October are still showing no sign of coming to the UK even though they said they were hoping to be over in the Spring (c’mon guys it’s nearly Spring come and see me, please). They too are set to go back into the studio for a new album to be released in 2009 so I’m really hoping they get over here before then. I’d also like to see Stephen Fretwell the next time he’s touring as I’ve really got into his stuff recently, David Mead (oh if only he’d do a tour or even a new album) and Passenger who are doing a concert in Southampton on 5th March but you can only get a ticket by winning one from the local radio station. We are considering going to see James Marsters (yep, that’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) at the Union Chapel on 2nd May and of course I’m completely gutted to have not got a ticket to see Pete Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall on 26th April – perhaps he’ll be back at the Tap n’ Tin soon instead.

Television

My friend Andrew at work has lent me the first series of ‘Life on Mars’ to watch as I seem to have missed it every time it was on the telly. Haven’t had a chance to watch it yet though as I’m currently loving watching the first season of ‘Brotherhood’, the devastatingly attractive Jason Isaacs completely fantastic US TV series that I recently got on DVD (and I’ve just finished downloading season 2 - and now the writer's strike is over hopefully soon season 3). This was after having recently finished watching another of his works ‘The State Within’, a political thriller that I also thoroughly enjoyed.

Having about 10Gb of space left on my 80Gb I-Pod I had the brainwave of converting a few movies (Snow Cake, The Search for John Gissing, Dogma etc.) and adding them so I could watch a film when I fancied. Unfortunately it didn’t go as smoothly as I was hoping and for some reason it completely deleted the 65Gb of music that I had on there when it added the films even though it was set to manually change things. As you can imagine I was initially quite upset* but on reflection I decided that it would give me a chance to have a clear out of some of the stuff that I didn’t really listen to anyway. I am reloading slowly so at the current time my I-Pod contains the following perfect shuffle list of artists: I Am Kloot, Gary Numan, Blue October, My Chemical Romance, Passenger, Muse, Stephen Fretwell and David Mead oh and of course the Sweeney Todd soundtrack.

*incredibly pissed off wouldn’t even begin to cover it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Finally I just need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY for today to Andrew (who’s busy working in Manchester at the moment – although not too hard I hope) and also to Alan Rickman who is 62 and still completely and utterly gorgeous!

More Scrapbooking

So my mojo really has been working overtime this week. After the mass scrapbooking of Wednesday night I had another attack on Thursday and completed another 3 layouts. Once again from Jo’s wedding.

What I Did On My Birthday

Well I had a completely fab birthday. Having reverted to my usual nocturnal hours with a day off looming I was awake until 4am, re-watching ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’. So that of course meant a nice lie in (always a pleasure). I opened my cards while I had a cup of tea and generally chilled with a couple of presents (2 rings from Annette and Carluccio gold leafed dark chocolates from Kev and Sandra). After a chat to my parents I got dressed and went to Bluewater to meet Mrs H3 for our day of fun.

I received my presents from her before we headed off to see the film - tickets to see JHAB at Half Moon on 21st February (with her obviously) and quite possibly the most fantastic present I’ve ever received in my life – the awesome Moo Dog.

As you can see Moo Dog is a cow. For the uninitiated, the Cow Parade is a huge public art exhibition, which began in 1999 and still continues to this day (recently showing in Istanbul, Copenhagen, Vigo, Milan and Marseille). In 2002 it came to London and at work we all became interested in the life size decorated cow statues that began appearing all over the capital. In fact we became so obsessed with seeing them that when Mrs H3 left us to go and play in pastures new we bought her a china version of the fabulous ‘Beefeater – It Ain’t Natural’ as a leaving present.


In 1999 George Rodrigue (who for anyone who knows me or has seen my New Orleans blog will know is one of my all time favourite artists) sponsored 3 cows for the Chicago parade (shown above). Mrs H3 was trying to get me a china version of one of these, but was unable to do so (due to their rarity I’m guessing) so instead bought a plain paint your own cow and made one for me.

I am completely astonished and touched both for the amazing skill that she’s shown in rendering my plain cow into something fantastically closely resembling one of George’s originals but also for the amount of time and care that she took in doing so. Thank you so much matey for a truly wonderful present.

Once the presents had been opened we headed, complete with large ice creams and fizzy drinks for our second viewing of Sweeney Todd, which I enjoyed even more than the first. Seeing it again gave the opportunity to pick up on the things I missed the first time round and to just let the lush cinematography and sublime Sondheim lyrics wash over me. Apparently the woman next to Mrs H3 had a rather extreme reaction to the film – being terrified for most of it and having hysteria for the rest. I am sure I’ll be seeing it at least once more and the DVD is already top of my want list for the year.

After the film I decided that it was time to finally sort out getting a new phone. I had realised that it was pointless being on a contract when I use so little of the allotted time and texts so was going to switch to pay as you go. However, I really need a new phone as mine is almost 3 years old and having been dropped a few times doesn’t function anywhere near as well as I’d like it to. As luck would have it Virgin (who I am with on contract) had reduced the phone that I really wanted from £90+ to £70 (the beautiful pink Nokia 7373 from the L’Amour Collection) and although I hate the idea of having to actually pay for a phone (yes I know I pay for it through the contract but at least I don’t have a big outlay upfront) even I could see that I needed to switch. Fortunately I got a nice sensible salesman who having agreed that I really did need to move from contract, explained that I could switch to pay as you go without any trouble, keeping my current number and still paying by direct debit, in future just being charged for what I use. He sorted it all out for me and then cheered me further by telling me that my customer loyalty points meant that I got £60 off the cost of a new phone. With another discount it meant that in the end I only had to pay £2.50 for my lovely new phone (which Mrs H3 generously added to my birthday presents) and got 200 free text messages a month for the next 4 months and a years free subscription to Glamour magazine as well. A complete bargain as I’m sure you’ll agree.

We then hooked up with Lynne and did a little window shopping until it was time to meet Andrea and Tina and enjoy a nice meal at that old favourite De Alto. Lynne bought me a bunch of beautiful purple tulips, a big bar of dark chocolate and a crystal butterfly necklace and earring set. Aiden bought me more chocolate (mini Green and Black bars) and Andrea bought me the deluxe version of the Sweeney Todd film soundtrack. From Tina I got a gift voucher and a beaded makeup bag. All in all an excellent stash of presents!

The presents have continued today with a visit from Jane and Leanne. They bought me the UK version of Snow Cake with all the extras (hurrah!), Nanny McPhee, Edward Scissorhands and Bridge to Terabithia. Loads to keep me occupied for a while.

Sweeney, Bramwell and a Bit of Scrapbooking

So I forgot a word – MAGNIFICENT. This is how Jonathan Ross described Sweeney Todd in his review on Film 2008 and it’s a terrific word for it. Yep, sorry I’m still raving about the film especially as we’ve now got our tickets for tomorrow afternoon’s performance at Bluewater. And yes, I am still excited about seeing it again.

However, I have weighty decisions to make. Like should I go to Night & Day to see JHAB’s Valentine’s Massacre. On the plus side Manchester’s only about 5 hours away (a mere stroll compared to Middlesborough) but it’s on a Thursday night, which will mean taking Friday off (sounds like a great excuse for a day off to me!) as I’ll have to stay overnight. The tickets are cheap and there’s a Travelodge only 5 minutes walk from the venue with available rooms at a budget price so it’s very tempting. And as I won't have anything better/more interesting to do on Valentine’s Day it’s even more tempting.

Of course I will be going to see him at Putney the following week with Mrs H3 (thank you once again to her) so I guess Manchester could be overkill. It’s just so nice to go out and not be in the pub for a change, and it's always a pleasure listening to live music, especially the happy, uplifting sound of I Am Kloot!

I’ve been a busy bee in the digi-scrapbooking department too. After a gentle reminder by Jo that I haven’t yet scrapped any of her wedding photos, I suddenly found my mojo and produced 4 layouts in one evening. Being fair I did have a problem with Publisher and it had taken about 5 months to get it sorted (mainly because I’m lazy), but I also hadn’t had the inspiration to do any scrapping anyway. I’ve themed the layouts using the same kit, to give it the feel of an album. There will be more layouts on the way when I get a few moments to do them. For anyone interested in these things the main kit is Melany Violette’s (mjv) ‘Playful & Pretty’ kit and there are elements from her other kits and also from Chain Gang, Bridget Withers and Peggy Bruscher.

Sweeney Todd ... the Reprise

So come on Tracy, how was it? I can hear you all asking. I mean I know you’re all dying to find out after I’ve bored you with talking about it for so many months!

Well it was BLOODY FANTASTIC! Yep Sweeney Todd is truly wonderful. It was at least as good as I was expecting, if not better (actually yes I think it was better than I was expecting), although not quite as gory as I’d been led to believe (I guess Richard hasn’t seen quite as many slasher horror films as me) although it is still rather graphically bloodthirsty by most standards. It is a trademark Burton film – dark, brooding, poignant, funny and melodramatic. The cinematography is visually stunning, the singing is good and Johnny, Alan, Helena and Tim are all excellent. Actually even that fella from Ali G is very good.

Be warned there is a LOT of singing. Almost 99% of the film is sung rather than spoken, which some people might find a little offputting. Not me! Perhaps it was because I already knew the songs, but I didn't really notice that it was all singing until Mrs H3 pointed it out to me afterwards.

A hugely entertaining film, I would definitely recommend it unless you really don't like musicals. Me, I’m off to see it again on Friday for my birthday and I’m expecting to enjoy it even more, picking up on all the little things I missed the first time.


Just wanted to say hi to Kiefer as he's been released from prison today. Well done to him for serving out his 48 days quietly and without fuss.

Excited!

So in exactly two hours and forty minutes Mrs H3 and I will finally be watching the opening credits for Sweeney Todd. I have to say that I am VERY excited now that the time to see the film has finally arrived.

Of course that doesn't mean I'll shut up talking about it. I'm sure I'll be raving about it for a while afterwards, especially as i'll be seeing it at least another two or three times in the next few weeks.

Only 4 days left …

Yep still on countdown and still substituting by watching other dodgy films instead. Today’s was ‘Passionada’ starring the disgustingly gorgeous Jason Isaacs (I’ve moved onto his films now I’ve run out of Kiefer’s and Alan’s (or maybe that should say watched to death), although I am waiting excitedly for a copy of ‘Close My Eyes’ a rare as hen’s teeth Stephen Poliakoff film from 1991 starring Alan which I managed to pick up for less than a tenner rather than the usual mega bucks that it normally goes for (if you don’t believe me check it out here or better still here!)).

Anyway ‘Passionada’ was a pretty cute little film. To be honest the ending was a little too sweet and sickly romantic for me in my current mood, I much peferred the harder edged alternative ending that the DVD also provides, although I imagine I’ll find the mushy stuff perfect on a down day when I want to have a good sob. It was definitely a good use of a couple of hours and a must for anyone who wants to see the nicer side of Jason (and it’s well worth seeing … well at least in my opinion, although I do find him sexier in his nasty roles … Lucius Malfoy anyone?)

What is it with nasty men that makes them so sexy eh?

5 Days and the Tickets are bought!

So we were going to go to Bluewater to see Sweeney Todd on Saturday evening, but according to the website they're not showing a preview (amazingly) so instead as I couldn't bear to wait and see if it changed, I booked my favourite seats at the Odeon in Chatham instead.

Whilst calmly (hah!) waiting for the film I have this evening watched 'The Patriot' a rather fabulous slice of American Civil War tosh starring Mel Gibson and the truly delicious Jason Isaacs. I'm not sure how I managed to miss this film before but I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially Jason's positively evil portrayal of Colonel Tavington - I can see why he was considered perfect to play Lucius Malfoy. I'm not sure the dear Colonel isn't actually MORE evil than Malfoy.

I've now found out that watching cookery programmes is not a good move when trying to diet and not eat - especially after seeing some scrummy chocolate brownies!

Sweeney's Coming and Other Thoughts

OK so being the sad girl I am I was still debating whether I could make the John Bramwell concert in Middlesborough next Saturday, having worked out that if I left work at 3pm I could be there (assuming all was well on the roads) just after 9pm and he’s going to be on stage at about 9.40pm (I know that ‘cos I asked). Of course that left the decision of either finding somewhere to stay for the night (some kind person recommended a hotel for me) bearing in mind I’d have to leave by 6am at the very latest to get back for work or driving back after the gig (which was likely to be a very late night so I was informed) and then try getting a couple of hours sleep. Anyway I finally decided that I WAS going to go for it regardless, then I found out that unfortunately (for me, not for John obviously) the gig is sold out. However, rumour has it that John has taken pity on me and arranged a gig for 21st February at the Half Moon in Putney (he’s also playing Manchester’s Night & Day on Valentine’s Day) so fingers crossed I’ll be seeing him then – Putney not Manchester obviously, although seeing him would definitely have improved my Valentine’s Day 100%!

On Saturday night Mrs H3 and I finally got to see Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky from Starsky and Hutch for the youngsters in the audience) playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. It was a fantastic evening bookended by a visit to Fred and June’s pub, the Swan and Mitre which is just down the road from the theatre. The pantomime was everything a classic panto should be – dodgy sets, terrible acting (apart from the awesome PMG of course who camped it up magnificently), rubbish songs and stupid jokes. The kids loved it, I loved and I think Mrs H3 loved it. Naughtily, we hadn’t actually bothered to find out who else was in it so we didn't know any of the rest of the cast, but a shout out must go to Andy Ford who played Bosun Smee for being the silliest person I’ve seen in a long time and for making me belly laugh till almost crying on several occasions. Roll on Panto season 2008!

So Johnny Depp won a Golden Globe for his performance, the film won a Golden Globe for best film and Richard at work, who somehow (Arggghhhhh!) managed to see the film last Saturday and was treated to a 30 minute talk by Tim Burton afterwards (I’m not jealous, No, really I’m not - Yeah OK I am, VERY!) says it’s gory as hell and hugely entertaining. High praise indeed! Yes it’s Sweeney Todd that rarely mentioned film. I’m now on countdown as I’m determined to see it on Saturday night. I already know I’m going to love it, which is lucky considering how many times I’ll be seeing it over the next month or so!

6 days and counting ...

I Forgot ...

So with all the excitement of Sweeney previewing early I forgot to mention that Steve and I went to see I Am Legend on Friday night.

The evening started off well enough with a couple of drinks and a meal in the 6 Jolly Fellowship Porters at Dickens World, which was very nice but rather pricey (at least the drinks were). The decor was very nice though and being set inside Dickens World gave a view over the Dickensian rooftops which were covered in snow for Christmas.

And then we saw the film. Charitably, I could say it was tedious. Being honest I would say it was tedious in the extreme. So much so that I fell asleep!

To my mind there are only so many shots of Will Smith wandering around New York talking to himself that you can take … and there were far more than that in this film. Also CGI was seriously overused and badly used. The plot was pretty dreadful and the whole thing ran for about 40 minutes too long. Oh and it isn't in the least bit scary - although maybe I was just too lethargic to jump at the one vaguely jumpy moment. Still the little girls in the audience seemed to find it terrifying so someone obviously enjoyed it ... just not Steve and I.

If you want to see I Am Legend get the Charlton Heston 1971 classic Omega Man – it’s a far superior film in every way!

Having already arranged to go and see the film with Andrew too I had a horrid feeling that this was going to turn into a Meet Joe Black film and I wasn't wrong. MJB still wins my award for worst film of all time, but only because it's longer than IAL. Fortunately, Andrew knows that I saw it and was only interested in going because I wanted to see it so fortunately I don't have to suffer it a second time.

Dilemma

OK so I’ve got a dilemma. As I’m sure you’re aware by now I’ve been waiting for Sweeney Todd to be released (somewhat impatiently possibly) for what seems like forever.

It’s released on 25th January, my birthday, and at the moment my entire day revolves around going to see this film (well actually that is my day). However, I’ve now found out that they are doing previews on the weekend of 19th/20th January.

Now I’m not actually doing anything that weekend. The wonderful Johnny Bramwell (he of I Am Kloot) is doing a solo show at the Knights Club in Middlesborough on the 19th, but as it’s a 5 ½ hour drive to get there even I can’t manage that with work on both Saturday and Sunday (although I have to admit I did seriously consider it until I realised where Middlesborough was!)

So my dilemma is do I continue with my original plans to see the film on my birthday or do I go and see it during the preview weekend?

On the face of it, the decision should be an easy one. After all had I have had the money I would have quite happily flown to the US for the opening before Christmas, so therefore the obvious choice should be to go to the preview. But what do I then do on my birthday? (did I hear someone say go and see it again?).

So I’m torn – go to a preview, go on my birthday … what should I do?

And why isn’t Johnny Bramwell playing closer? Then I could have gone to see him!

It's New Year!

Well Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas is now a dull and distant memory as we head into 2008 (the Christmas tree was taken down on the 1st). I’m hoping lots of good things are in store, but at the moment can’t quite manage to be convinced. Of course there are good things happening – the release of Sweeney Todd (finally), Spiderwick Chronicles and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (go Snape) plus tours by Gary Numan, hopefully a visit to the UK by Blue October (finally) and more by I Am Kloot and My Chemical Romance (surely), but otherwise life seems pretty boring.

Here’s a couple of tracks from the new I Am Kloot Album – I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge. The more I play this album the more I absolutely LOVE it. Why doesn’t everyone realise what a great band they are?

‘Ferris Wheels’ (yep it’s a love song – what else with IAK?)



‘Chaperoned’ (also a love song I think)



Unfortunately currently no video of my favourite track from the album ‘Down at the Front’ but should they ever produce one I guarantee I’ll be featuring it on here.

Please note that everyone should buy this album when it’s released officially!

Oh I obviously forgot our trip to the panto, which is now only just over 8 days away. I’m sure it’ll be a corker.

Finally I want to say welcome to baby James who was born at 12.30am on Sunday 30th December weighing 7lb 1 oz.

So On To Christmas

Well it arrived out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly!

Having not been anywhere near ready for it, suddenly the big day was upon us and then it was finished almost before I had a chance to enjoy it. I had a somewhat different Christmas day than expected as Mrs H3 was taken ill on Christmas Eve (get well soon hun) and was therefore unable to come and stay (sending love to Tammie too who was also poorly in hospital over Christmas having had a burst appendix on Christmas Eve). Instead I spent the afternoon and evening at the pub. I didn’t get round to opening my presents until almost 11pm, but received lots of lovely chocolate related things from Andrew, Aiden and Lesley and lots of nice little bits from Lynne.

Yesterday I went to visit Leanne (and her boyfriend Stephen), Jane and Julie at Barbara’s where I got some CDs (I Am Kloot, David Mead and Passenger) and more chocolate (how on earth I’m going to eat it all before the beginning of January so I can restart my diet gawd knows!). We attempted to play the Lord of the Rings Interactive game, but even though all of us are huge fans of the books and the films it was almost impossible. So giving up we instead played our usual round of Uno.

So Christmas is over and all that’s left is the chocolate. I really ought to make the effort to go to see Enchanted sometime before I go back to work and Andrew and I are supposed to be going to see I am Legend at some point too.

So now we’re waiting for New Year, although I don’t expect that to be any more interesting than Christmas was, and then of course depressingly it’ll be time to go back to work.

Playing Catch Up As Usual

Well it’s been and gone (Christmas that is) and once again it’s been over a week since I last posted. So here it is finally, my review of the fantastic I Am Kloot concert that Mrs H3 and I went to on the 18th December (seems like a lifetime ago already).

I have to admit that it got off to a slightly inauspicious start when we got lost trying to find Brick Lane (somewhere we’ve never been any good at finding) and then when we finally got to 93 Feet East realised that the place was completely empty (tickets said the concert started at 7.30pm, doors open at 5pm – we got there at 7pm). Undeterred I remained convinced that things would get going shortly (Mrs H3 less so obviously) and so we went to get a curry from a lovely place called Cinnamon.

We arrived back just before 8pm to find that I Am Kloot were actually due to go onstage at 9pm and there were now at least 10 other people there (yep, I know not the greatest number ever but I remained optimistic). After I bought a limited edition copy of their new album the completely wonderful ‘I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge’ we got ourselves a drink and found a seat at the edge of the room and people watched as the room began to fill.

9pm came and went and still there was no sign of the band, but there was quite a mixed crowd growing. When they finally made it to the stage just after 9.30pm there was actually a rather good crowd.

Once again Mrs H3 managed to attract a rather interesting and incredibly rude new friend who kept her entertained for the whole concert (poor girl) whilst I concentrated on the music and John Bramwell.

The set was a stellar one covering all their albums and was a good mixture of their new songs and older favourites from all three previous albums. John’s voice held up well, it was a real relief to see him recovered from the severe throat infection that made them have to cancel previous dates and their European tour. Lovely acoustic numbers like From Your Favourite Sky and the fabulous Ferris Wheels sat happily alongside punchier tracks such as One Man Brawl. Eventually I just had to and stand at the front and get closer to this brilliant band, leaving Mrs H3 with her new friend. It was a real pleasure to hear songs like the emotionally brilliant Dark Star and they finished their set with the always awesome To You.

I had a fantastic evening and I think that Mrs H3 enjoyed the show too, although obviously it would have been improved without the annoying company. I just hope they tour again soon.

What? Not Another Post!

Oh my God Christmas is almost here and I’m so unprepared!

Two more days at work and I’ve written no cards (sorry everyone – Merry Christmas by the way!) and sorted very few presents, not even sent the Sinners CD yet (sorry girls – I will do it a.s.a.p. promise). I can’t even think of anything that I want for Christmas myself apart from a Nintendo DS with Brain Training (but I think that’s only ‘cos I’ve seen so many ruddy adverts for it) or a copy of ‘Beadle the Bard’, but of course I don’t know anyone with a couple of million quid to spare to buy that for me. But then I’m not feeling at all Christmassy even after putting up the tree, decorating my workspace, opening my chocolate advent calendar and finding dodgy Christmas e-mail backgrounds, which seems a bit weird when this time next week it will be Christmas Eve and almost all over. Perhaps it would help if I knew when I was working over Christmas to help me plan what to do during my free time (seeing Enchanted is on my list at some point), although I’m not sure it’ll make any difference – I just have to face the fact my interest in Christmas has been completely overshadowed by my need to see Sweeney Todd.

My poor beloved Kiefer will be spending both his birthday on Friday and Christmas in jail (whilst I agree he deserves his sentence, I’m not sure why he has to do the full stretch just because he’s a bloke and silly tarts like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan get off with doing hours – they should all have done full sentences), although according to the media hundreds of people have written to him so at least he’ll have something to do while he’s there, but the poor darling hasn’t yet had any visitors. Apparently he’s being a model prisoner, folding laundry and working in the kitchens so well done to him. I expect the rest will do him the world of good, but I think he should come and stay with me when he gets out so I can keep him out of trouble!

Tomorrow is the eagerly awaited (by me anyway) I Am Kloot concert at 93 Feet East (just over 24 hours and counting). I really can’t wait to see them and am very excited at the prospect, which was helped by our visit to the Tap ‘n’ Tin on Saturday. It was great to see a concert in a small venue again, something I haven’t done for such a long time and it’s really got me stoked up. I’ve fallen completely in love with John Bramwell and his magnificent lyrics (is he the best (love) song writer ever?) and am hoping that Mrs H3 will enjoy them more once she’s seen them live. She really is completely brilliant for pitching up to something that she really doesn’t want to see (but I do desperately) and then enjoying herself. I am eternally grateful to her (thank you so much Lisa - you really are a hunny) and absolutely dreading when someone like Black Lace (are they still going?) decide to tour because I know I’ll have to repay the favour, and I’m not sure I can do it as gracefully as she does.

Already we’ve planned a pantomime for the New Year. Every year we say we’re going to go then we don’t get round to it but this time we’ve finally booked one. So we’re seeing Peter Pan (one of my favourites) at Bromley, starring none other than good ole’ Starsky (of Starsky & Hutch fame) himself Paul Michael Glaser. I’m expecting great things from him ‘cos I’m sure he can camp it up with the best of them, although he’ll have to work hard to beat Jason Isaacs (Peter Pan) or Alan Rickman (An Awfully Big Adventure). Whatever, I’m expecting an evening of fun and I know that we’ll have a good time however bad or good it is!

Sorry it's more Sweeney Todd ...

So the opening credits for Sweeney Todd are now online



and a new trailer – argggghhhhhhhh! I want to see this film NOW!!!!!



And what can say about this clip but woohoo - gotta love Alan Rickman (well I do, but then we all know that don't we?)

Carry On .. Up the Tap 'n' Tin!

Well I’m pleased to say that my faith in Pete Doherty was well placed. To all the scoffers who said that he wouldn’t turn up – you were wrong! I know he missed a gig earlier in the week, but after all he was going to be at the Tap ‘n’ Tin with the legendary Chas & Dave … how could he not be there?

I thought Pete was fantastic value for money and in my opinion he played a blinding set, gave great entertainment value during Chas & Dave’s set (watching him trying to stay upright was almost worth the cover price on its own) and then to cap it all joined the guys for the last song.

When we arrived Pete had just gone onstage – perfect timing as it meant that we didn’t have to hang around for too long with the Pete look-alikes that crowded the room, although Mrs H3 got some very interesting attention from a couple of Chas & Dave fans *LOL*. There was a lot of waving of Union Jacks as he sang his way through classic Libertines and Babyshambles tracks. Damn that boy is beautiful, and such a gorgeous voice (and I think even Mrs H3 would agree with me). Amazingly he looked completely clean, even vaguely healthy looking and was very focussed and definitely on form. Check out these videos of him in action.





However, in the brief interval which can have been no more than about 10 minutes between him leaving the stage and Chas & Dave coming on he’d obviously taken something. He spent the whole set leaning against the wall trying to stay upright, beer bottle in hand, his eyes rolling and his skin having taken on that waxy pallor that you see in all the tabloid photos. To give him his due he was obviously very much enjoying the show, quite clearly singing along to every track, although he turned down the chance to sing with the band early into the set as I think he wouldn’t have made it to the stage. However, he’d recovered enough for the final number and they finished the evening with Pete singing a barnstorming version of “Ain’t No Pleasing You”.



I was also impressed that although he was completely out of it he took the time to talk to any fans who wanted to chat to him and spent most of the night signing autographs even though this was distracting him from watching Chas & Dave who performed a spirited and popular set.

All in all the evening was amazing and I’m very glad I attended, especially knowing how many jealous friends I now have!

Yep, we were there and we’ve even got the button badges to prove it!

Here We Go ...

Sometimes it's great to have friends on the same wavelength!

Mrs H3 saw my post about the Chas & Dave concert and like me considered that it could be a completely awesome evening - so we've got tickets. It turns out that Chas & Dave were apparently a HUGE influence on the young Pete Doherty and he and the Libertines were forever covering their songs during their early days. Whatever happens the evening is going to be a huge laugh. Will of course report back later!

It's Only Me

Just doing another catch up as it's been a week again already - how the time does fly as one gets older!

Unfortunately I haven't got round to making any more Christmas cards, nor have I actually written any yet. I have sorted out the Sinners Christmas CD but need to find time to get them in the post in time for Christmas, bear with me girls it will be on the way soon (I hope).

Entertainment Weekly’s review of Sweeney Todd has been released and its reviewer, like it appears most other reviewers loves the film. Obviously I was particularly taken with this part of the review:

“It's nice, though, how Bonham Carter's corpse-bride complexion complements Depp's; how Rickman's sadistic Judge Turpin oozes real erotic heat, not just twisted sexual tastes; and how honorably a big studio has, er, stuck its neck out to do right by one of the great American artistic creations of our time.”

Yep, that’s me getting all excited again – especially with Alan Rickman oozing erotic heat (although when doesn’t he?)

I’m still gutted that I’ve got to wait another whole month for it, unless someone nice wants to give me the money to fly to the US to see it (please!) I’m even wishing Christmas away so I can see this film and that NEVER happens! I'm still desperate to see it even though its release coincides with me getting another year older!

I’m also now on countdown to seeing I am Kloot. Only another 4 days till I get to see this fantastic band live. The more I listen to them the more I think they are geniuses. I know Mrs H3 finds their work depressing, but of course that’s my favourite sort of music (depressing love songs a speciality) and I find them strangely uplifting (always a contrary bird I know). I’ve managed to listen to some of their new album too and am really looking forward to buying it at the concert and adding it to my I-Pod for non-stop play over Christmas (well actually slotted in between The Hoff's 'The Night Before Christmas', Alan Titchmarsh's 'Fill My Stocking', this years sinners choice (to be revealed later once the CD has been sent) and Chas & Dave's 'Christmas Knees Up' which Mrs H3 has very kindly procured for me).

Talking of concerts and Chas & Dave, the cockney duo (and their drummer) are playing at the Tap ‘n’ Tin in Chatham tomorrow night (although according to the website they’re not due on stage till 1am!) Now I knew about this quite some time ago as Steve and Terry are going, but at £25 a ticket I felt it a little extravagant, just before Christmas (the I am Kloot tickets were £13.50 in case you were wondering) especially considering my love/hate relationship with the duo. However, yesterday I discovered who their special guest was and now I’m sort of gutted not to be going – imagine, it’s none other than Pete Docherty. Yes, him of the huge amount of drug taking, but also of those fabulousty bands The Libertines and Babyshambles. A bit of a strange guest for them I thought, especially to be playing a venue like the Tap ‘n’ Tin (and of course there’s the ever present possibility that he won't show up), but I understand from one of the commuters on the coach this morning (obviously a bit of a Pete fan himself) that he has played there before back when he started, so he’s revisiting his roots and the fan sites seem convinced he’ll be there. Could be a seminal moment or a complete blow out – is it worth £25 to find out?

So I'm back from our day out at Bluewater. Have had a fantastic day with lots of lovely (and very naughty) food, lots of shopping done and a fantastic film watched.

'The Golden Compass' was everything I was hoping it would be. It stuck more closely to the book than films like Harry Potter etc., there were no major changes only a few omissions really which was great and all the characters were excellent as was the CGI. I have to admit to being surprised by the ending, but that was only because the story stuck so close to the book all the way through so I'd expected the same ending. I loved the film and really hope that they make the second (and eventually third) parts. Definitely one to add to my collection when it comes out on dvd, and Lynne and I both agreed we'd be more than happy to go and see the film again.

The rest of the day was taken up with shopping and eating. We walked round Bluewater about 4 or 5 times stopping for the odd cup of tea, ice cream, cake and sandwiches and finally ended up in De:Alto for dinner.

A great day but now I'm shattered!

I see that Alan Rickman has been placed at number 83 in Empire magazine's 100 sexiest movie stars list. Nice to see him in there. They say "All the girls love a bad boy and no one does bad better than Alan Rickman. It’s the voice that does it, that and a commanding screen presence. Such is his ability to give good evil that he even makes the oily Professor Severus Snape somehow attractive". How very true! No sign of Kiefer alas, but I guess he's more a TV star these days. Interestingly top male was Daniel Craig at No. 3, while the top two places were taken by Natalie Portman (2) and Angelina Jolie (1).