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Day: 20 February 2012

Column: The British Invasion

How the Brits sold rock’n’roll back to America

what: The British Invasion

when: 1964-1966

where: the USA

February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly is killed in a plane crash; immortalised in Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’ as ‘The Day The Music Died’. This was the same year Elvis left to join the army and Little Richard to join the church, while both Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry faced allegations of statutory rape. American rock’n’roll was dead.

However, in Britain, a youth revolution was underway. Mixing rock’n’roll, rhythm & blues and doo-wop harmonies; British ‘beat’ music took America by storm. The Beatles broke down the doors with their first performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, watched by a record-breaking audience of 74 million. Their hit songs, sharp suits and ‘mop-top’ haircuts induced hysteria in American girls, shaking the establishment. The next two years saw an invasion of British artists on U.S. shores, leading to the international identity of rock music we know today.

Playlist:

  1. ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ – The Beatles
  2. ‘I Only Want To Be With You’ – Dusty Springfield
  3. ‘House of The Rising Sun’ – The Animals
  4. ‘You Really Got Me’ – The Kinks
  5. ‘She’s Not There’ – The Zombies
  6. ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ – Manfred Mann
  7. ‘Downtown’ – Petula Clark
  8. ‘I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction) – The Rolling Stones
  9. ‘Wild Thing’ – The Troggs
  10. ‘Sunshine Superman’ – Donovan

 

Spotify playlist: The British Invasion

The Beatles – 1st Ed Sullivan Performance

Live: Niki and the Dove @ Islington Mill

Niki and the Dove
Islington Mill
8th February
1 star

It would be fair to say that I’m not quite sure what to make of Niki and the Dove. I’m also not sure whether that is a good thing or not, but my instinct tells me it is very bad indeed. On the one hand I think they are the most irritating, unmusical and unlikeable act on earth. However, there is a minute part of me that’s saying “C’mon dude, lighten up, maybe they ain’t so bad’. But on deeper analysis, I have realised that this was probably just down to the fact that nobody else in the packed out Islington Mill was openly objecting to a) the dreadful racket and b) what was going on on stage. Front woman, Malin Dahlström (no one in the band is even called Niki) was swaying and waving her arms around in a psychedelic manner that the cynic within just refused to accept.

I’ll admit that at times they sounded great – deep, moody bass filled the room, sending the crowd into a trance. But all too often it just reminded me of Jez and Superhans pissing around on keyboards but with a distinct lack of comedy. I can’t help but feel that if you’re going to piss around with electronic music, you at least need to be clever or funny about it.

When they arrived on stage, Dahlström’s voice was manipulated to sound like the Wicked Witch of the West. I think this was intended to be really profound and build up tension and atmosphere, but I was left wishing they would cut the theatrics and get on with it. The BBC may love them, but I don’t.

On a plus note, supporting act Patterns were excellent. Check them out if you can.

Niki and the Dove – DJ Ease My Mind

Interview: Speech Debelle

With her second studio album, Freedom of Speech, being released, I caught up with London rapper Speech Debelle to talk about the inspiration behind her work and plans for the future.

Freedom of Speech is an album which represents the year in which it was written”, Speech tells me, and throughout the interview Speech shows herself to be an artist who truly wishes to express concerns and issues of our time through her music.  Describing the songs of the new album as being “heavily influenced by the student riots of 2011 and African uprisings worldwide”, Speech explains how the new album is an amalgamation of both her engagement of the world around her and experimentation with a new sound.  Together the two combine to give us a remarkable new album centred around themes of revolution and love.

Although Speech Debelle is no stranger to success, with her former album Speech Therapy winning the Barclaycard Mercury Prize for best album in 2009, the album had surprisingly low sales that led her to drop record label Big Dada.
Now reunited with Big Dada, Speech assures me that the same thing wont happen again.  “My new producer Kwez”, a young South London producer, “has really elevated my sound”, she explains and having listened to the album I’d have to agree. Freedom of Speech has the same sincerity of Speech Therapy with a more mature edge that Speech has gained in the past couple years.

Freedom of Speech was released on Monday 13th February.

Opinion: Lana Del Rey

We live in a world today where image affects everything. It’s just a sad fact. It’s what keeps former great David Beckham from slipping out of the public consciousness altogether. Stick him in a pair of underpants and sketch on a few ‘meaningful’ tattoos and suddenly the man needn’t kick a ball around for the rest of his life. In music, image is essential too with social media turning unknowns into viral superstars where standing out from the rest is key.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticising artists who carefully craft their image and use it to supplement their musical output. No, what gets on my tits is when people are blinded by the shiny packaging and don’t realise what they’re actually looking at.

And that brings me to the latest piece of marketing that’s got everyone talking – Lana Del Rey. The American singer songwriter-turned-internet phenomenon has finally released her first major label record Born to Die after months of hype and PR. For me, it just goes to prove what I thought all along- she’s got as much chance of lasting the test of time as a pasty in John Prescott’s fridge. As I’m sure most are aware, Lana’s (or Lizzie’s if you want) first record went pretty much un-noticed. However, with an image makeover, a stupid pout, masses of PR, and a list of influences that seem to consist of various cultural icons that can relate to all age ranges thrown together, she was ready to take over. And the sad thing is, it’s worked. Tragic, love-sick songs with delicately arranged strings are being hailed as the second coming. Nancy Sinatra, one of Lana’s many so-called inspirations, would have told her to stop being so limp and “urgh my boyfriend plays video games. Woe is me.”, and get on with it. What we’ve got is another case of style over substance. I’m afraid it is easy to criticise but it is deserved.

Her live TV performances make things even worse, exposing us to goofy, off pitch vocals, particularly evident on her controversial Saturday Night Live performance. Of course, best of luck to her, she’s making a living. But people of Britain, of the world, wake up! Please! The album isn’t anything special but if there was an award for the best looking music, she’d have my vote all day long.

Editor’s Note Issue 13 20/2/12

We’re fast approaching that time in the union calendar where the real fun begins: Student Media Week, obviously. From next Monday the Steve Biko Building will become a shining temple of all things media-related. While we encourage students to get involved with the student paper, radio station and online TV channel all year round, we will be flaunting our goods to show you all the opportunities that are available.

On Wednesday the 29th February we’ll be holding the Student Media Fair, think Fresher’s Week but less elbowing your way from one side of the room to the other. We’ll be inviting speakers from a number of different sectors of the media industry to give you all an insight into how to get ahead.

For a more comprehensive list of events for the week turn to page 10. In addition to the fair The Mancunion will be running a number of events at Platt Chapel in Fallowfield, including our inaugural ‘Speed Hating’ session, where speed dating gets turned on its head.

It’s never too late to see your name in print, so pop into our office on the first floor of the Steve Biko Building. We’re in the Student Activities Centre.

Turning our steely gaze back to this issue we have the intriguing story of the graduates who, in the spirit of enterprise, have sold advertising space on their faces and made a bomb. For more on this turn to page 11.

In a sad farewell, we say goodbye to the Student Eye column. Our columnist Lloyd has now migrated to the Food and Drink and can be found there from next week. Turn to page 28 for the last dispatch from the Cynic-in-Chief. This time it’s internet memes that have attracted his considerable ire.

Hate is something of a theme this week, as our Music team take aim at the artists that really make them choke on their own scorn.

As ever, we’re always glad to hear what you the reader thinks, so get in touch by writing to [email protected].

Feature: There’s more to Manchester than Pout

The club scene in Manchester is both magnificent and terrible in equal measure – depending on what you’re into, of course. Unfortunately, as anyone who ever lived in halls will tell you, due to the promotional juggernauts cracking their knuckles menacingly behind a select few of Manchester’s nights, you tend to hear about some more than others. This means sadly, that some truly special nights are consigned to memory, whilst others somehow cling, year in, year out, to life – even though everyone thinks they’re shit (we’re looking at you, Gold Teeth). The Mancunion takes a look at some nights looking to make waves in 2012.

DUNK
What: Hip-Hop
Where: Jabez Clegg
When: Weekly Wednesdays
FREE before 12/£2 after

Trying to ensure people think of more than just BOP when they see Jabez Clegg are DUNK, who promise a unique brand of hip hop as well as free donuts to placate the hungry masses seeking take-aways on the way out. Launched by a small group of students, DUNK have it all to do on a Juicy-dominated Wednesday but are fast becoming a real alternative if cheap drinks, hip hop and good times are your bag.

UNDERGROUND EDUCATION
What: Deep, House, Tech, Future
Where: Sound Control
When: Weekly Wednesdays
£5

Also vying for your bad dancing on Wednesday nights is tech-house collective Underground Education. After a successful run at Red Rum, UE are making the leap to ‘big night’ status at Sound Control – a venue that has come a long way over the last year. Despite being the on the pricier end of the spectrum they boast some quality residents as well as guest DJs – giving those with the house bug that desperately needed weekly fix.

NINE LIVES 
What: Disco, Hip-Hop, House, Techno
Where: Joshua Brooks
When: Weekly Mondays
£2.50 (Advance Tickets) £1 o.t.d. before 11/£3 after

Nine Lives have the ability to call Manchester’s ‘Club of the Year’ Joshua Brooks their home – a fact that will surely stand them in good stead as they attempt to really stamp their authority on your Monday nights after a quiet start in 2011. With a broad selection of genres and a ‘vs’ format, whereby they invite other popular nights to play alongside them, Nine Lives are offering something a little different to Pout as the biggest Monday night.

POPULAR MANCHESTER 
What: Live Bands, DJs
Where: Trof Fallowfield
When: Last Thursday of every month
£3

Offering you something that few places are doing successfully are Popular, who showcase the best and brightest local bands every month for your enjoyment. Sporting CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH DJs, as well as a typically quirky and alternative Trof atmosphere, Popular is growing. Love live music but don’t know where to head? Popular is presenting a compelling case.

HANG LOOSE 
What: 90’s
Where: Deaf Institute
When: Weekly Thursdays
£3 (Advance), £4 o.t.d

Nobody’s pretending that there aren’t one million 90’s nights on offer in Manchester, but Hang  Loose could easily be the most pleasing. With everything from House of Pain to Blue to Nirvana, everybody should be smacked in the face with nostalgia. Slap on a backwards cap and make sure you head along before the noughties come into fashion.

Column: Keeping the Faith

Northern Soul is arguably one of the greatest cultural gifts that America has blessed us with. The term, coined by journalist Dave Godin, describes the soul scene that emerged in the late 60s / early 70s in the north of England. It was heavily influenced by the smoother, up-tempo sound that came out of cities like Detroit and Chicago in the mid 60s. As a movement, it effectively flicked a middle finger towards the charts, disregarded the impending popularity of funk and disco and allowed feel-good soul music to carry on reigning supreme.

The vast majority of the records were old demos, imported over after they didn’t make the cut in America. Labels such as Motown, Okeh and Ric-Tic had their back catalogues raided by DJs looking to find the next big floorfiller. Clubs like Wigan Casino, The Torch in Stoke and the Twisted Wheel – which used to be just by Deansgate – became places of pilgrimage for soul fans from every corner of the country. Outside they’d trade records, avoiding bootlegs where possible, before heading in to dance up until 8 in the morning. It was a classic case of go hard or go home.

It’s quite funny how the ‘Mod’ look of Ben Sherman shirts and Levis gradually gave way to vests and extremely baggy trousers. This allowed guys to attempt speculative high kicks, front splits and countless spins – with varying degrees of success. To put it into perspective, the level of endurance required at one of these all-nighters would be the equivalent to getting on it at Warehouse or Sankeys. And more often than not, these clubs weren’t licensed to serve booze after 12, so it must have been a pure love of soul music that kept the crowd going. Well, that and the punters pushing ‘pep pills’.

The records themselves were, and still are, extremely collectible. Frank Wilson’s ‘Do I Love You’ was recently sold for £15,000, it being one of only two known copies made. It’s hard to believe the actual rarity of some records and how close some songs came to never being heard. For many though, the most amazing thing about the music is how even on the most miserable of wank weekdays you still can dive in your front door, turn up the volume and jive about like you’re some kind of James Brown reincarnation. It’s just pure passion, from the slower tracks (‘Nobody But You’ – Willie Hightower) to the stompers (’25 Miles’ – Edwin Starr).

The raw process of recording, despite being primitive by today’s standards, is the perfect complement to gritty brass sections and soaring harmonies. People will keep listening to these records for years to come, regardless of their age, because the sound is so unique that is impossible to replicate. I do admit I am gutted that I will probably never experience an atmosphere quite like the nights back then – but the spirit is definitely still out there. It’s just a matter of keeping the faith.

Tell Tanya…

Lonely boy

Tanya,

I’m currently in halls and in a flat with 4 other boys. We’ve been a bit lazy in sorting out a house for next year but are finally getting round to looking. Problem is, there is one boy that I really, really do not want to live with. The other boys feel the same but they’re not likely to be the ones to say anything. I don’t think this lad has got any other options but to be honest I don’t care, living with him for the last 6 months has been hell and I don’t want another year of it. How do I tell him?

– Rick_rulez, Withington

 

Well Rick you’ve got yourself a bit of a conundrum there and one that many students face year upon year! What are the particular reasons for you not wanting to live with him? Because you’ll need these to back up your point. If it’s because he’s messy or lazy, have a good justification – “I just don’t like you” gets a bit too personal and immature. It’ll be better to just speak to him one on one, otherwise it might be pretty intimidating. Be straight with him, Rick, don’t beat around the bush but be sensitive. Balance is key! After the deed has been done give the poor boy some space and then maybe buy him a consolatory pint. It’s not going to be pretty but it’s got to be done especially if he’s as bad as you’ve said. Good luck!

T x

 

A picturesque parting

Hi Tanya,

Last semester I was sleeping with a boy off my course, it was pretty casual and fun while it lasted but we both knew it was short term and in the end it just sort of phased out. However, during this “fling” we frequently exchanged ‘sexts’ that got a bit racy and I ended up sending him some nude pictures of myself. I’m worried that he’s now going to freely show them to his friends, or even worse, send them round. If I ask him to delete them will that just make it worse? I’ll be mortified if other people see them! Is there anything I can do?

Embarrassed in Fallowfield

 

Right well, as silly as it was for you to send pictures of this sort to somebody that you clearly didn’t trust too well there’s no point dwelling on the past. My advice would be to send a casual text to this guy simply saying you’d appreciate it if he could delete the pictures you sent him and keep them to himself. Be breezy, keep the exclamation marks and pleading to a minimum. But then I’m afraid it’s out of your hands. If these pictures do emerge there’s not a whole lot you can do except try to ignore any backlash from it. Fingers crossed it won’t come to that!

T x

 

Crossing boundaries…

Tanya I need your help! Me and my housemates went out to celebrate the end of exams and needless to say we drank a lot and I mean a lot. Heavy pre drinking and eight shots of Sambuca later…my memory is vague. Next thing I know I wake up stark bollock naked with a banging headache and roll over to find my housemate, and one of my closest friends, next to me. Still not completely sober and absolutely panicked, I legged it and made myself scarce for the rest of the day. Since then we’ve skirted around each other and avoided the subject entirely. I have no idea what happened that night, I’ve never really been attracted to her before I mean she is attractive but what does this mean? Who made a move on who? And what the hell do I do now?!

Troubled and traumatized in Rusholme

 

I’m not surprised that you’re troubled my dear! Now I’m afraid that I can’t answer any of your questions about what happened that evening but regardless of what happened or who initiated it what you need to focus on now is what you’re going to do. You’re at risk of letting a good friendship go down the drain if you don’t do something quick. No matter how terrifying it might be you need to sit down with your housemate and talk, put the event behind you and make sure you’re on the same page. Sort it out and quickly because it doesn’t sound like a comfortable living environment for you or anybody else.

T x

 

Experimenting or humiliating?

Dear Tanya,

I’ve never done anything particularly adventurous in the bedroom, but lately I find myself becoming more and more curious about something which I never dreamed I would want to do before: urinating during sex. I am far too nervous to bring the subject up with my girlfriend, but but have recently been fantasizing about urinating on her. I would also be happy for her to urinate on me, but mainly want to try me on her. How can I tell if it’s the kind of thing she might be willing to do without the risk of being humiliated?

New-adventurer-92, Fallowfield

 

Experimenting sexually when you’re in a relationship can be a really good thing and can often refresh things when they become a bit mundane. What you’re suggesting isn’t actually as uncommon as you might first think, a lot people refer to this act as ‘golden shower’. However, it’s not for everybody and you need to make sure that it is something that your girlfriend is willing to try. Whatever you do, do not surprise her make sure it’s something that you discuss beforehand. Don’t put her under any pressure but if it is something she’s up for trying perhaps do it in the shower or bath the first time? This might make things less awkward and easier to clean up! If, however, she’s not up for it then there’s plenty more you can try.

T x

 

Government rejects student loans fine

Students are not to be penalised for paying back their student loans early, it emerged last week.

The government has indicated that it will not follow Business Secretary Vince Cable’s plan to charge a five per cent fine on early repayments.

The plan was designed to discourage richer students from avoiding interest rate charges over the 30-year repayment period.

The academics union UCU has criticised the move as further Tory pandering to the wealthy. Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary said, “Government should be prioritising how to make it easier for poorer families to afford university rather than focusing on yet another policy designed to make life easier for the wealthiest in our society.”

But a report from CentreForum, a think-tank closely linked to the LibDems, suggests that it is poorer students who would suffer more.

“Debt aversion, not affluence, is the biggest cause of early repayments”, the report states. Instead, it suggests, the average income of those graduates who repay their debt early is only £18,400 per annum.

“There is little sign that high earning graduates are repaying their debts early to escape interest payments.” report author Gill Wyness says. Instead to clear debts early, “it appears that young, lower earning graduates are doing so”.

Wyness also points out that the fine is counterproductive as the very rich, “bypass the student loan system in its entirety. They simply pay the fees upfront.”

But NUS president Liam Byrne has criticised the government’s lack of clarity on the issue. He said the Government must “ensure those on low and middle incomes are not duped into chipping away at their outstanding debt even when it rarely makes financial sense to do so”.

The issue reveals deep divisions within the Cabinet and the Liberal Democrats themselves over the future of student loans, which will likely flare up again over the impending Lib Dem choice of Les Ebdon, vice-chancellor of Bedfordshire University, as the new director of the Office for Fair Access.

“I am pleased that we have won this minor battle,” said Conservative MP Brian Binley, “but if this is a trade-off for the furore caused by the decision of Vince Cable to appoint Les Ebdon in spite of the concerns of members of the Conservative Party, it’s a pretty feeble gesture.”

BOOK CLUB DELUXE EDITION

For months Book Club has been confined to the dusty corner of the Literature section, begging for proper attention and desperate to host more uninformative, moronic questions. Well, Book Club, today is your day: watch yourself sprawl mightily across the page in a lavish and carefree manner! Watch as I ask several students several questions about various novels they’re reading! Watch as I bring the news to the people! Watch as I shamelessly plug my correlating tumblr account which regularly updates you with further interrogations!: http://stevienicholas.tumblr.com/

Bill Knowles

What are you reading, who’s it by and what’s it about?

‘The Sun Also Rises’ by Ernest Hemingway.

If you left this book on the bus, how much would you care?

Quite a lot. It’s pretty good, you know. It’s got everything I look for in a novel: drunkenness, Spanish bullfighting & a girl called Brett.

What is the ratio between feeling like you should read this book and actually wanting to?

Before I’d opened it – 10:90. In the first few chapters – 65:35. While our protagonist was on a train, sobre – 72:28. But right now… Well, all the characters are either out of their minds, fighting, having sex or being killed by bulls, and I’ve got dissertation stuff that I should be doing, so I’ll say – 0:100.

Are you one of those douches who, when handing someone your book, tells that person ‘not to bend the spine’? Someone did that to me once, with a copy of the Iliad. Like I’d ever bend the spine of the Iliad. It made me think she was a twat.

No. I hope the Literature Editor isn’t, though. I borrowed this book off him at the start of term, and know for a fact he’s forgotten I have it – but wants it back – because he mused about its whereabouts in my presence. I hadn’t even started it then, though, so there was no way I was going to admit to having it. A little later I felt kinda bad, so I asked myself “What would Hemingway do in this situation?”
Turns out he’d go to Revolver.

Isabelle Dann

What are you reading, who’s it by and what’s it about?

I’m re-reading Paradise Lost by John Milton. It’s about how very, very naughty mankind is.

Does the blurb end in ellipsis? Does this make you want to find out all the shit that happens?

No ellipsis – how rude, I was expecting a titillating piece of mystique! Still, I am left wanting to find out about all the shit involving “the clash between God and his fallen angel, Satan”, coupled with promises of “profound meditation on fate, free will, and divinity” – who could resist such faecal temptation?

Does the structure more closely resemble Homer’s or Dante’s? You have to pick one, and give several reasons why.

Definitely Dante – y’know, because of all the punishment in hell, allegorical or otherwise. However, I genuinely believe most of the punition in Paradise Lost revolves around psychological incarceration within an enormous and suitably horrific vagina (“dark depths”, anyone?), whereas Dante’s punishment is mostly physical / meted out / actually real, i.e. not a pretend vagina. That’s the difference.

Does it have any sweet plot twists? Does someone turn out to be someone’s father, or that Bruce Willis is actually dead or something?

I was surprised when Satan didn’t win the world and humanity was forgiven for its filthy “amorous play”. Otherwise, however, no; I was most saddened to find no official confirmation of Bruce Willis’ death.

Ruth Wildman

What are you reading, who’s it by and what’s it about?

I’m reading Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. It’s about the Wheelers, an almost middle aged couple living in 1950s suburbia bored of their lives and of each other.

What are you using as a bookmark? Is it pretty?

I have two bookmarks in this book, one is a used envelope and the other is the receipt from when I bought the book. This is my second attempt at reading it. The receipt is a marker of my first failure; I’m a masochist like that.

Is there a black and white picture of the author on the inside cover, resting his chin in one hand with his signature scrawled diagonally across the photo? Knew it.

Well no, there isn’t a picture on the inside of the book. I bet you feel stupid. There is a dedication to a lady named Sheila though. Come to think of it it’s not much of a dedication is it? It’s like: “Here’s a book I wrote about a boring couple and guess what Sheila? You were the inspiration. Congratulations.” Yes, well done Sheila. Poor boring Sheila.

Is it scary? Books generally aren’t scary are they. I don’t think I’ve ever been scared by a book. Apart from Stephen King’s… no wait, his books are just scarily BAD! Can you think of any scary books you’ve read if this one isn’t scary?

Au contraire, this book is terrifying. This book is about a couple living an indistinguishable and non-extraordinary life in suburbia; it’s every modern hipster’s nightmare! It doesn’t even mention hazelnut lattes once. Not kidding. I was also terrified of Roald Dahl’s The Minpins for about fifteen years, mini people living in trees in a monster and smoke infested forest?? No thanks.

Philip Copley

What are you reading, who’s it by and what’s it about?

‘The Corrections’ by Jonathan Franzen. It’s about a dysfunctional failing to come together for one last Christmas before they all drift apart. I’ve been meaning to read it for years but never got around to it.

You must always judge a book by its cover. Does it have a pretty cover?

S’alright. It’s got a boat or something, and it has smoke coming out of it which forms part of the title. I didn’t understand the boat at first but I’ve just read the part of the book that features the boat. I won’t ruin it for you but the same part also involves a talking turd.

Concisely liken three of the characters to those from either Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.

The family’s daughter Denise is Princess Leia, cos they’re both sexy. There’s an anarchist called Billy who’s like Boba Fett i.e. such a bad-ass. Finally the patriarch Alfred is like Ecthelion, cos he’s senile and is a bastard to his sons.

Do the characters ‘come of age’? I hear that’s trendy at the moment.

No, they don’t, they’re all either too old or too young to come of age. But that’s good though, cos I’m 23 and still haven’t come of age.

Rupert Rhodes

What are you reading, who’s it by and what’s it about?

I’m reading Please Kill Me, a self-proclaimed “uncensored oral history of punk” compiled by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain. It’s basically a 500 page definition of hedonism.

Is it un-putdownable or un-pickupable?

Pickupandputdownable

Who does the author share his name with? Anyone funny?

No humorous namesakes spring to mind but Legs himself is quite a character – his other works include an uncensored oral history of the porn industry and a Joey Ramone memoir entitled ‘I slept with Joey Ramone’.

How did you happen upon this book? Sighted across a crowded room? Recommended in a letter? Discussed on a street corner?

I’d love to say it was given to be by a beautiful heathen on a New York subway train but, alas, I found it on the internet just like every other chump.

Blind date: Sam and Amy

Sam, First year, PPE

What were your expectations for the evening?

An uncomfortable discussion with a strange woman over steak.

First impressions?

She seemed nice, pleasant surprise that she knew Brighton quite well.

What did you talk about?

A variety of things; her trip to Zambia, our skepticism of Hastings, the Wikileaks and how we lived quite near to each other (Brighton and Tunbridge Wells respectively)

Best thing about them?

Well she was pleasant throughout and the stuff about going to Zambia was rather interesting.

What did you eat?

Sweet Potato Chips and Steak with a green salad.

Any awkwardness?

At one point I went to tell a joke, but it didn’t come off and I had to explain it for a couple of minutes…

How did you part ways? (Mouth-to-mouth action/heavy petting/friendly hug?)

I received a peck on the cheek on the bus home.

Out of 10?

7

Would you see them again?

I’ll probably see her around the Uni.

 

Amy, Second year, Social Anthropology

What were you expectations for the evening?

This is going to be awkward.

First impressions?

This is awkward.

What did you talk about?

Pretty much everything and anything possible.

Best thing about them?

Hmm his politeness.

What did you eat?

The steak and sticky toffee pudding with some cocktails and wine!

Any awkwardness?

When he ordered red wine moments after I said I didn’t like red…

How did you part ways?

Kiss on the cheek and an awkward hug.

Out of 10?

5 and a half

Would you see them again?

Probably not I’m afraid.

 

Sam and Amy ate at The Deaf Institute, Grosvenor Street, Manchester. Thanks to the guys down at Grosvenor Street for getting involved. To check out their menu, gig listings and have a look at what club nights are coming up visit their website www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk

To sign up for blind date please e mail your name, year of study and course to[email protected] with ‘blind date’ as the subject

Cannabis farm found under “trap door” in Greater Mancheter

A cannabis farm containing 400 plants has been found under a trap door in Greater Manchester.

The farm was discovered in Whitefield, Bury by police on the 8th February. 200 mature plants and 200 seedlings were found concealed by a makeshift trap door in the basement of a house on Dales Lane.

Inspector Mark commented that the farm represented “a sophisticated drug producing operation in a very unusual location”.

Two 19-year-old men have been charged with abstracting electricity and production of cannabis.

The plants were discovered by officers in an ongoing anti-drug operation in the area.

Muhammad Ali

As January reared its ugly head with impractical New Year resolutions and post-festivity blues, we were all in need of a pick-me-up, and what better way to do so than see in the birthday of one of the most celebrated and acclaimed sporting heroes of all time, Muhammad Ali. This year the self proclaimed ‘king’ reached his 70th birthday, a milestone that, as ever in American style, was nothing short of spectacular.

The Kentucky born boxer, known originally as Cassius Clay, began his passion for the sport when as a young boy his bike was stolen. Finding a near by police officer he swore to ‘whup’ whoever had taken it, only to be told, ‘you better learn to box first.’ The legacy that followed has been documented in books, films and art ever since; the history of not only a celebrated sportsman, but a cultural icon and activist.

Here in Manchester, the Generation Pop Art Gallery played host to the official Muhammad Ali fine art collection to celebrate the momentous occasion. Beginning on 17th January and closing on 7th February, the exhibition located on New York Street attracted varied clientele from avid boxing fans to esteemed art critics. With pieces from famous British artist Paul Oz providing spine-tingling dimension using oil paint, and American Joe Petruccio’s unique pop-art perspective, the gallery demonstrated Ali’s iconic history through the original and acclaimed works of artists from around the world. Other extraordinary pieces included those of British painter Paul Moyse, which represented intricate detail within his work and those studio pieces such as the famous ‘first minute first round’ photograph. The gallery renowned for its unique and official authorised exhibitions stated the event to be a huge success with many original pieces selling at a very generous price.

The hysteria that surrounded the world heavyweight champion was not always perhaps to do with his exploits in the ring, but his role within history as a self-believer, an activist and as an inspiration to many. He refused to be discriminated by his race or for his religious beliefs, and became renowned for his self-confidence. This is perhaps what ultimately makes this occasion so momentous; anyone who knows the name Muhammad Ali understands the history that surrounds the legend, and this exhibit is a perfect demonstration of that.

COTTON: Global Threads

COTTON: Global Threads, the Whitworth Art Gallery’s contribution to London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme Stories of the World, aptly fulfils its brief.  Ranging from Egyptian textiles to contemporary installations, the exhibition tells a universal tale of the production of cotton, and the effects of its consumption, trade and disposal.  In contrast to Manchester’s February misty gloom, COTTON is vibrant and fresh, displaying an innovative take on the cotton industry, and interacting with the public both intellectually and physically.

Yinka Shonibare, commissioned for this exhibition, creates a powerful centrepiece to the work, incorporating his trademark headless wax mannequin.  The headless figure, tenuously perched on a globe, evokes much questioning as to his identity.  He may merely be defined by his suit, adorned by African patterns.  Such a message passes through the entire body of work, displaying geographical hybridity.

To add another dimension, Liz Rideal’s work entices the passer-by, using LED lighting and projected film on fluid material, illuminating the windows of the gallery at dusk.  Her work, incorporating her habitual combination of textiles and projection, transforms regular processes, such as a video of the production of cotton, into a seductive image, questioning preconceptions.  Similarly, Grace Ndiritu’s four videos integrate fabric, creating provocative images by wrapping her body; drawing attention to silhouettes and the sexual privacy of fabric.

On a more interactive level, COTTON promotes the work of textile students, encouraging the public to try on pieces of work.  There was also an energetic children’s workshop in full progress, which I, admittedly, was mightily jealous of.

Therefore, it can be said that the exhibition has something for all aspects of society.  Whereas there are museum-esque collections, historically tracking the production of the fabric, conceptual art added another level to the work, displaying much to be explored.

Debate: Should the University Place exterior become an advertising space?

YES: “The blank canvas of Uni Place is an advertiser’s dream”

Oliver Bruce Taylor

I’m not the only student who thinks Manchester University’s £22m flagship Tin Can Building, known to some as University Place, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing building on campus. I’m also not the only one who saw the 06/02/2012 Mancunion cover photo [pictured] and thought why not, let’s sell advertising on University Place.

Set in a prime location, the blank canvas of UP is an advertiser’s dream. It will be seen by over 40,000 students; all with freshly received maintenance loans burning holes in their pockets, most of which aspiring to relatively highly paid graduate jobs with large disposable incomes. UP advertising would also be a recruiter’s dream. We are more than regularly bombarded by companies promoting graduate schemes, who I’m sure would pay handsomely for the opportunity to advertise theirs so effectively. The revenue raised from advertising here would be a boon for the university and its students.

Looking at the figures, I estimate that it could potentially pull in somewhere between £100,000 and £1m a year. Going with the conservative estimate, divided up between 40,000 students we get two pounds fifty per student at least. This is hardly going to lower student fees, but during budget cuts any extra income for the university is beneficial. This windfall could be spent on an extra hour of teaching per week or longer library opening hours.

Lastly what are the true costs of implementing it? It won’t impact on your education or enjoyment of university and with appropriate PR could benefit potential university applicants and recruiters by signalling that Manchester is an entrepreneurial place, open for business.

NO: “if we start advertising on University Place, where would we stop?”

Oliver Harman

It is no secret that the tin can that is University Place has its lovers and haters, not just because what goes inside the building, but the architectural design as well. A monstrosity some call it, whilst others are more partial to the aesthetics of our flagship building. I’m sure opinion would be divided on how it would look with big corporate advertising on it.

However if we start advertising on University Place, where would we stop? The Student’ Union? John Rylands? Whitworth Hall?

If it came down to slapping the golden arches or a big tick across Whitworth Hall I would like to think the majority of us would not be happy. A building with such history and character would be truly ruined by such actions.

Furthermore, it is not just the destruction of our beautiful buildings that I object to, but the concept itself. The University is supposed to be a place of intellectual growth and free thought, where opinions are developed and knowledge created. We should not be subjected to corporate logos and advertising trying to influence our purchasing decisions as we go about campus.

We have enough of that as it is in other areas of our lives. In particular leaflet distributors seemingly waiting at the entrance of every popular site in Manchester.  Yes it would create much needed extra revenue to go with Manchester’s library fines, but it would be at a social cost that I personally find unacceptable.

 

Graduates sell their faces to pay off student debts

Two Cambridge students have put their faces up for sale as advertising space to companies and individuals in an attempt to pay off their student debts. Since October 1st 2011 Ed Moyse [pictured, right] and Ross Harper [left] have combated the harsh realities of the current job market by selling their faces through www.buymyface.com to anyone who will buy them, painting any business logo, catch-phrase or picture onto their faces in return for a £300-a-day fee. Each morning Ross and Ed paint their faces with whatever their sponsors desire and take to highly populated areas such as music festivals and theme parks to maximise their faces’ exposure.

After amassing a considerable amount of debt following their undergraduate degrees at Selwyn College, Cambridge, the 22-year-olds, who met on their first day at university, hoped to achieve £50,000 in 366 days. Now, after just under five months, they have raised over £27,000.

Through www.buymyface.com prospective clients can take a look at Ross and Ed’s handiwork for previous clients and purchase as many days of facial advertising as they like. The website’s online calendar displays for each day what face-painting Ross and Ed are wearing for which client as well as the respective client’s web address.

The list of Buy My Face clients is growing more prestigious by the week. Participating companies vary from Pipers snack makers and Airfix (a model airplane manufacturer) to major graduate recruiters such as Ernst & Young, who have so far sponsored Ross and Ed for 15 days.

Ross commented: “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from advertisers in 2011, and 2012 is looking incredibly promising from an advertiser’s point of view.”

The secret to their success lies in the unique nature of their endeavour as well as a strong grasp of the principles of viral marketing.  In its first ten days their online shop front, run by friend Thomas Watling, earned around £3,500.

Ross and Ed are now looking to recruit fellow students to get involved with the face-based marketing venture.

“Since appearing on Russell Howard’s Good News, we’ve been flooded with emails from people wanting to join our project. Some of them want to make a statement about the graduate job recession, some want to overcome the rise in university tuition fees, and some just think it looks like a fun way to pay off your student debt,” said Ed.

“Now that lots of people have heard of us, we want to involve more people to show that being a student/graduate is tougher than ever before, but there are certainly creative ways to overcome obstacles…Buy My Face will remain an Internet-based advertising project, and new recruits will be selected from specific geographical areas to ensure face-ads are well-targeted” added Ross.

A Flash of Light: The Dance Photography of Chris Nash

I’m not sure what I was expecting from A Flash of Light: The Dance Photography of Chris Nash – just pointe shoes and the perfect arabesque, perhaps. I couldn’t have been more wrong; these are extraordinary images that are all charged with energy, immediacy and a vibrant vitality.

Surprisingly, from a collection of colour-saturated images, I was left looking for postcards of some of the smaller B&W ones in the gift shop. The traditional costume of constraining bodice with billowing skirts in Orfeo, contrast with the spirit of contemporary defiance Nash captures in the dancer. The image lets her intention speak directly to the audience, capturing a split-second of expression the naked eye probably couldn’t register.

In Fishwreck, where the background dancer’s physicality resembles a prawn, the image has a playfulness and humour which again captured a moment of perspective that might go unnoticed within the whole dance.

The descriptions beneath the images explain Nash’s inspirations or initial ideas, which emphasize the sense of collaboration already so evident. His diverse influences, from Alfred Hitchcock to Egon Schiele, combine with Nash’s clear intension to take innovative contemporary photographs.  The obvious collaboration between dancer, choreographer and photographer hint at the reason the images are so arresting: they are a testament to the limits of the human body as much as to the artistry of the photographer.

I was amazed by the dancers physical capabilities, and stood in front of Faking It, which depicts a body suspended in mid air, wondering if I had made a crucial career mistake in leaving ballet classes behind me at 7. I did not go so far as attempting to recreate the image there and then myself, as one of my fellow exhibition-goers did, but I’ll admit I was tempted to try.

Exhibition runs Sat 11 February – Sun 13 May

 

Column: The Fest Medicine

It’s that time of year again boys and girls, as statuses of festivals booked and headliners announced are beginning to slowly but surely litter your news feed. Which eastern-European regeneration programme are you going to take part in this summer? Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Czech Republic, the possibilities are endless. That week in the sun you’ve longed for, with nothing to worry about apart from which shifty local you’re going to hedge your bets as the potential drug supplier. What’s more, it’s only 150 quid for some of your favourite bands and a guaranteed suntan.

If it hasn’t already, the conversation in the Ram and Shackle is likely to reach fever pitch over the next few days, as you speculate over which delights your pre-festival Euro-trip adventure will take in: the history of Rome, the sights of Vienna, or the quaint beauty of Prague in the summertime. You hear that everyone’s going this year, so must bolt home to make sure you don’t miss out.

Who cares if you only know three acts on the bill, if you don’t book now you’re going to miss out on the best week of your life. But, excuse me, what exactly is this 12 pounds booking fee for? The bloody petrol to post one piece of paper?  I’d rather walk to Seetickets and pick the fucking thing up myself. No no no, lest we forget the transaction fee. Another little addition to the pot. After a few choice words it’s still too good an opportunity to miss, and the deed is done. Student loan duly spent.

The real issue of course is the line-up, aside from the latest in the interminable wave of ‘rejuvenated’ 90s throwbacks at the top of the bill, you’ll have the mandatory stockpile of indie four-chord dross, as well as the litany of Radio 1’s tips for the ‘Sound of 2012’ proving, once more, how right the BBC were. Nevertheless, because your ticket’s already booked, you look upon it with great hope and expectation. Skrillex has collaborated with The Doors, so he must be good, and Bez always looks like he’s having fun in the Happy Mondays, so their shows must be a non-stop carnival. Never mind the potential The Vaccines’ trademark one-and-a-half minute roller coasters have for filling festival arenas; that surely can’t fail.

The festival itself comes and goes in a hazy blur. You survived for days without a phone, who’d have thought it. As for your campmates, those you thought you were going to hate at the start of the week, they are now sure to be friends for life. Before you know it, you’re trudging back through the arid wasteland of union jacks and beer cans, which only yesterday had been the scene of such mass exuberance.

You wait at the airport for the “tactically timed” flight you booked to leave late on the following day to ensure that you had plenty of time to recuperate and sample the delights of the local area; a cultural hangover cure per se. Yet all you actually do is spend the most uncomfortable night of your life trying to muster a mere minute of sleep on the stone floor, whilst your friends moan incessantly of their lost wallet and their assured contraction of sunstroke. It is at this point that the reality hits you. You missed most of the bands you came for, are now a shade of red not too dissimilar to the core of the sun and everything you own is covered in the most delicious cocktail of piss, sun cream and vodka.

And that is why we love them, we’ll all be waiting anxiously for the next flurry of acts announced to be whoring themselves out across the continent, and why the festival will continue to be the bedrock of any student’s summer break. Even if Lana Del Rey is playing.