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Day: 19 April 2016

New Street Records

Written by Oscar Talbot on . Posted in Music.

The premise behind New Street Records (NSR) is one that is so simple it is surprising that is has never been done before. A record label run by students for students, NSR draws on the large pool of talented and committed people who are enthusiastic about music. The label can give them valuable experience in a difficult industry and the chance to discover the next big thing, and now it is coming to Manchester. I met up with the directors Cameron Day and Rob Charlton to discuss the project.

Everyone involved is a student volunteer, and all the bands must have students in them. It is the brainchild of a group of Birmingham alumni, and the Birmingham branch now numbers 70 strong, from A&R all the way to a legal department.

“Because everyone is a student we understand they have other commitments, so having more people on the team means there are always people to do jobs,” explains Cameron. “With the power of students there’s so much we can do, there’s so many talented people, not only at Manchester Uni, but also at Man Met and RNCM.”

“The more the merrier! The more people we can have working with us the better. Some people know exactly what they want to do, others just want to help out. There’s no one excluded”, says Rob.

The goal is to set up a network of student-run record labels around the country that can support the vibrant student community. It’s a tried and tested technique, with Birmingham’s own Sam Jackson having released an EP, Strangers Again, under their NSR label available through iTunes and Spotify, as well as headlining at the O2 Academy at Birmingham. Physical releases are also in the pipeline, as well as the possibility of vinyl.

“Jackson’s EP is out, and we’ve been able to use really great production and awesome artwork for it,” says Cameron enthusiastically. “The guys in Birmingham said they don’t know of anyone else in the country who has a label like this.”

Of course it is no mean feat to start a record label, not least one with such a mobile workforce. “Any tips we’ve had have come from Birmingham, they’ve already gone through all the good things and the bad things to do,” says Cameron, when I ask him about the struggles of setting up a record label. It is certainly not without risk, but NSR are confident that with the support of a dynamic group of students they can achieve great things, and pick up on artists who might not have been discovered by bigger labels.

Rob explains more about what is to come in the future: “We plan to release two EPs next year, and helping people produce their own EPs. We are doing a lot of scouting for artists at the moment. We are looking for a range of genres that we can get professionally recorded, with studio sessions.”

The initial challenge with any such project is promotion, and NSR are particularly keen to get as many people as possible involved in marketing and PR, as well as any aspiring graphical artists.

Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming launch party, which will be advertised around campus, with featured artists performing and possibly DJ sets. Rob is clearly enthusiastic: “It should be something that you don’t expect, and don’t get to see that often!”

If you want to get involved in any aspect of New Street Records contact [email protected],  especially if you are a music creator.

Same-sex schools “ill-prepared” in dealing with transgender pupils, ATL warns

Written by Elizabeth Oakley on . Posted in News.

Delegates at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) Conference on Tuesday 5th April 2016 were told that more must be done to equip teachers in dealing with transgender pupils, especially in same-sex schools. This comes at a time when more pupils are ‘coming out but are unsupported by their schools and staff.

Graham Easterlow, a drama teacher at an all-boys school in North Yorkshire, spoke about one of his pupils coming out as a transgender woman. He was quick to discover that there was “no precedence” and “no process,” leading him to believe that “schools are ill-prepared” and that “there is a blind spot on [this] particular issue.”

Mr. Eastlow also commented on the fact that some older members of staff refused to acknowledge the transition of the pupil, suggesting that the school was “pandering to a fad.” In an attempt to overcome negative and unhelpful attitudes, the Conference wanted to “deplore the paucity of meaningful and informed discussion of gender identity and trans issues within schools and colleges” in order to ensure staff are well-informed in dealing with future cases.

Adaptations to facilities are also seen as an important step in acknowledging the needs of transgender students. The Intercom Trust, an LGBT community resource centre in Dorset, maintains that the use of toilets and changing facilities are often a cause for concern because this is where trans pupils “may find themselves in vulnerable situations…where they could fall victim to unwanted attention that could (if escalated), lead to sexual bullying, assault, or other physical or emotional harm.”

The Trust also notes that members of the transgender community should be “seen and treated as a member of their true gender.”

Nick, a 15-year-old from South East England, spoke about his experience of transitioning while at an all-girls school to the Huffington Post. He said that he remembers “the deputy head telling [him] that she rang every school in the area to ask for information about the subject but no one could help her.”

He also recalls the time that he was told by a senior member of staff to “just be a lesbian and transition when [he] left school.” While Nick is appreciative of the support of the majority of the staff, he is still forced to use female toilets at school because there are no male toilets available for pupils. He describes this as being “uncomfortable” for both him and the girls, especially on ‘own clothes day’ when he is “perceived as male.”

Teachers at the ATL Conference spoke of “breaking with tradition” by introducing new provisions in schools, such as gender-neutral changing facilities and uniforms. The Conference held that teachers have a “duty to promote equality” and that facility amendments should be treated in a similar way to accommodations made for disabled pupils.

Mr Eastlow later pronounced: “I long for a point where it just doesn’t matter who you love, it doesn’t matter how you identify, but that in schools we get the best education to the young people that we can and for them to achieve the best they can be.”

The 2016 Christie Championships, Manchester

Written by Will Kelly on . Posted in Uncategorised.

On Wednesday 20th April, the Universities of Leeds and Liverpool will arrive in Manchester to commence battle for the annual Christie Championships. Now into its 130th year as a competition between Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, over 1800 students will be competing in 35 different sports. The championship was held in Liverpool last year, with Manchester bringing the trophy home and they will be seeking to retain the famous shield this year.

Aldi are sponsors of the event and will be available on the day to talk to those interested in discussing a career with Aldi. They will also running a competition for students to get involved in, with prizes up for grabs.

For those who want to support the teams, these are the fixtures that will take place across the two days:

Sunday 17th April:

American Football, Futsal, Cricket and Jiu Jitsu.

Wednesday 20th April:

The Armitage Centre, Fallowfield:
Badminton (12-5pm)
Football (Mens) (1-5pm)
Hockey (12-6pm)
Netball (12-6pm)
Rugby League (1-5pm)
Table Tennis (1-5pm)

Sugden Centre:
Basketball (12-6pm)
Volleyball (12-6pm)
Trampoline (12-6pm)

Wythenshaw Sports Fields:
Football (Womens) (1-5pm)
Rugby (Womens) (1-5pm)
Ultimate Frisbee (2-5pm)

External venues:
Canoe Polo, Climbing, Cross Country, Cue sports, Cycling, Fencing, Golf, Equestrian, Lacrosse, Polo, Sailing, Snowsports, Squash, Swimming, and Water Polo.

The sporting action will be followed by a presentation ceremony at Club Academy in the University of Manchester Students’ Union.

For Manchester students, this will be followed by the official AU Social Christie Championships after-party at the SU.

The Moral Debate Over The Grand National

Written by Toby Webb on . Posted in Sport.

The Grand National is the marquee event on the horse racing calendar. Every year, the three-day festival sells out its 70,000 daily capacity, while an estimated 600 million people worldwide watched the 2016 instalment of the race on television. This year’s was the 169th running of the race. Its continuation over such a length of time is testament to its popularity, both for spectator and participant, the race being regularly touted as “the ultimate test of horse and rider”.

However, with the growing prominence of animal rights activism across the world, horse racing has faced huge criticism for the quantity of deaths and injuries suffered by horses. Last year, 124 horses died, or were put down, as a result of horse racing, as stated by the website Race Horse Death Watch; similarly, since the website began (13th March 2007), 1,380 horses have died. The context must be given: The National reports that, in 2013, 90,000 horses took part in racing, with 0.2 per cent of those dying.

These statistics regarding death are truly shocking, and add much fuel to the cause of such groups as Animal Aid, who campaign for the abolition of horse racing. The Grand National, as the most prestigious race of the year, is used by Animal Aid to hammer home the barbarism of horse racing, describing the event as a “cruel, unreformable travesty of true sporting values.” Across the festival, five horses died, and only 16 horses out of 39 finished the Grand National race.

The Grand National race is particularly testing, both for its length and the size of the fences—two laps of a 15-fence circuit, measuring 6.9km. Becher’s Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn are world famous for their intimidating size. The Aintree racecourse has made several modifications to the fences in recent years in an attempt to improve safety. However, this has done little to calm the debate over racing, in fact in reducing the difficulty of the Aintree course in a bid to improve safety, the racecourse management have been criticised by the traditionalists; they claim the National is losing its unique quality in the reduction of its difficulty.

The Grand National is an event etched into the fabric of British sporting culture, comparable to the likes of the FA Cup Final and Wimbledon. However, it will stand to look more and more barbaric as our realisation of human ignorance towards animal welfare grows.

The killing of animals for consumption and products has a clearer argument: We gain a direct benefit from the killing. However, the killing of animals as a by-product of sport is morally dubious. Spectators gain enjoyment, perhaps money if they bet well, and jockeys and trainers gain prestige and money if their horse is successful. However, this end doesn’t justify the means. Horse racing, like all sports, is a superfluous activity. Deaths from a superfluous activity are more dubious than deaths from an industry that can be considered, at least partly, necessary for survival.

The problem for animal activists is that, unlike say fox hunting, which was successfully banned in 2004, horse racing is a huge money-making industry. The Grand National is particularly lucrative; for many people, it is the only racing bet, or maybe even the only bet, they make in a year. It is estimated that betting companies can make as much as £150 million from the race. Its popularity for betting is reflected in the viewing figures. Channel 4 estimates that 10 million people in Britain watched this year’s Grand National.

Any economist will tell you that if there is enough demand for something, there will be supply. Ultimately, the weight of popularity and tradition will overshadow the moral argument against horse racing for the foreseeable future.

Student activist forms new democracy party in Hong Kong

Written by Rossy Natale on . Posted in News.

Joshua Wong, a famed pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong, has announced the launch of a new political party entitled Demosito. Wong has been a key leader in a growing pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. At only 19, his platform has achieved most strikingly a large amount of student support.

A student at the Open University of Hong Kong, Wong first gained publicity for being a key leader in the ‘umbrella movement’, a pro-democracy movement that gained support after Wong’s publicised arrest.

Currently, Hong Kong is operating under the ‘One country, two systems’ policy. Under this policy, regions of China are allowed to maintain their own capitalistic economies and political systems, but issues arose in 2014 over proposed electoral reforms for Hong Kong that seemed to be challenging the independence of the region.

The umbrella movement, which called for action against the proposed changes, manifested in dozens of protests all throughout the world in September 2014, including a protest in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens. The University of Manchester currently has more than 400 students who are from Hong Kong, many of whom participated in the protest.

“In the umbrella revolution,” a Hong Kong native currently studying at the University of Warwick tells The Mancunion, “there were a lot of participants [that] are teenagers.” The student, who has requested anonymity, explains that “in Hong Kong, young people don’t really care about politics… When he [Wong] started talking politics, more teenagers noticed.”

“[Wong] can encourage teenagers to be involved more and show others that not only those who are middle aged have the right to give and opinion about politics.

“I think a democracy party could help enhance the political situation” the Warwick student adds, “as more opinions are better for a new policy.”

Hong Kong’s 2014 protests. Photo: studiokanu @Flickr

Wong himself is too young to run for a seat in the council elections that will take place this September, but he will nonetheless be a main figure in the party as the General Secretary.

Wong will serve as the Secretary of the party which advocates for political revolution through non-violence. The manifesto of the party is based on allowing citizens of Hong Kong to decide the fate of their territory after the ‘one country, two systems’ agreement  expires in 2047.

Another Hong Kong native, who now studies at the University of Manchester, tells The Mancunion: “His intentions are noble, but [it] will be a struggle. Hong Kong is a part of China and to trying to gain any voice or power for the Hong Kong people will be an astronomical challenge.

“To accomplish his vision, he will tear the Hong Kong people apart and in the short-term may cause more damage than good.”

Newcastle University develops genetic blood test to diagnose liver disease

Written by Tori Blakeman on . Posted in News, Science & Tech.

Newcastle medics and scientists have revealed a novel new genetic blood test that can reveal signs of liver scarring, known as fibrosis, before symptoms are presented.

Publishing in the scientific journal GUT, the team describe how variations in DNA of the genes controlling scarring can reveal the severity of fibrosis for people with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

These genetic changes can be determined in a blood analysis, by detecting chemical changes of “cell-free” DNA that are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged.

Dr Jelena Mann of Newcastle University’s Institute for Cellular Medicine, and senior author of the published paper, said: “This is the first time that a DNA methylation ‘signature’ from the blood has been shown to match the severity of a liver disease.

“It opens up the possibility of an improved blood test for liver fibrosis in the future.”

NAFLD affects one in three people in the UK, and is usually caused by being overweight or having diabetes. If left unnoticed, NAFLD can progress to liver failure, with patients often requiring a liver transplant.

Dr Quentin Anstee, Senior clinical lecturer and Consultant Hepatologist within Newcastle Hospitals, added: “This scientific breakthrough has great promise because the majority of patients show no symptoms.

“Routine blood tests can’t detect scarring of the liver and even more advanced non-invasive tests can really only detect scarring at a late stage when it is nearing cirrhosis.

“We currently have to rely on liver biopsy to measure fibrosis at its early stages—by examining a piece of the liver under the microscope.

“We know that the presence of even mild fibrosis of the liver predicts a worse long-term outcome for patients with NAFLD and so it’s important to be able to detect liver scarring at an early stage.”

The research was carried out by the Newcastle team in response to the problems faced by an ageing population.  The Tyneside medics and scientists are hailing their discovery as a breakthrough, because early detection of NAFLD will then hopefully lead to a reduction in severe liver diseases in the UK.

The research was supported by Newcastle Academic Health Partners: A partnership between Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland NHS Foundation Trust, and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

App launched by Manchester scientists to better understand seasonal allergies

Written by Alina Shrourou on . Posted in News, Science & Tech.

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system responds to something harmless that does not require an immune response. Currently, 1 in 4 people have an allergy, a ratio that was not as high in previous years and is still rising. Based on current projections, in 10 years over half of us will have an allergy. However, the exact reason for this increase is currently unknown. Possible explanations include cleaner lifestyles, a change in pollutant exposure in the environment, changes in the types of crops we grow producing different types of pollens, or a combination of these factors.

Sufferers of seasonal allergies (such as hay fever or asthma) will have experienced how irritating and sometimes unpredictable these allergies can be. With the frequency of seasonal allergies increasing, scientists from the University of Manchester’s Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, and School of Computer Science, have joined with the British Society for Immunology and the Royal Society of Biology to set up a project with an aim of achieving a better understanding of seasonal allergies.

In order to collect data for this experiment, the scientists have launched an app named #BritainBreathing, which they are encouraging as many people to join and contribute to scientific research as possible. The research team have not only asked seasonal allergy sufferers within the public to help them collect results, but also used their help to develop the app. Dr Sheena Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Manchester told The Mancunion: “We have involved the public from the outset with this project in order to not only consult about it but also to co-design the features of the app to ensure it is useful to the allergy community.”

Through the app, participants are asked to enter information about their allergy symptoms, such as details about how their eyes, nose and breathing are affected on a particular time of day in their current location. This data will then be safely shared anonymously with researchers at the University of Manchester, where the research team will collate the data from #BritainBreathing with other available sources – like weather and pollution data – in order to work out what factors are contributing to allergy symptoms.

Aside from helping scientists, the app can also be useful for participants because it can improve individual knowledge about personal allergies through a personal tracking facility on the app. Professor Andy Brass from the School of Computer Science told The Mancunion: “It allows you to reflect upon your own symptoms and therefore help identify what the triggers might be. You can also see whether what you are feeling is common to other people in your area, which might give a clue as to the trigger.”

Overall, it’s a very exciting project that will help a lot of people both short and long term. Dr Lamiece Hassan, Patient and Public Involvement and Governance Research Officer from the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, commented on her involvement in the project. She told The Mancunion: “I’m really excited to be part of such a great team, including our partners at the British Society for Immunology and the Royal Society of Biology. Digital technology is part of our everyday lives now and that brings huge opportunities for gathering data on a mass-scale for researchers like me. On a personal level, I’ve been accused of being addicted to technology, so I really like the idea that your smartphone could help to improve your health.

“Health is important to everyone, so everyone has a stake in scientific research. By working with the public, researchers are more likely to ask the right research questions and produce work that is relevant, useful and has real-world impact. One of the strengths of #BritainBreathing is that it is ‘co-designed citizen science’: We held workshops right at the beginning where 35 people with allergies helped to design versions of the app using pens, paper, mock phones and glue. Lots of fun and hugely informative. You can see evidence of their designs in the final version of the #BritainBreathing app.”

The #BritainBreathing app is now available for download on Android from the Google Play store, and an iPhone version is being developed. For more information about the project, visit: www.britainbreathing.org

University of Manchester Women’s Rugby Football Club

Written by Toby Webb on . Posted in Sport.

“We started with a win at Varsity and have never looked back.” These are the words of Adelaide Harris, club captain of the University of Manchester Women’s Rugby Football Club (UMWRFC). It’s been a fantastic year for the club, with 1XV finishing top of their BUCS division.

The year began brightly, with a strong recruitment drive at the Welcome Fair. The club recorded 200 sign-ups, with 50 freshers attending the taster session. This ultimately resulted in 35 new club members, with a significant number of social members to add to that. The creation of a competitive club environment benefited the teams hugely, and was soon translated into quality performances on the rugby pitch.

Having attended the Varsity, I was very impressed by the 1XV in their comprehensive 55-5 victory. They exhibited a range of skills and played with a deadly blend of pace and power. It was good to hear from Adelaide that they continue this level of performance throughout the season.

Despite losing more games than the second place Sheffield (P9 W7 L2), the 1XV maintained their position at the top of the table from just before Christmas onwards. They finished on 37 points, three ahead of Sheffield. Their success in the league came down to their acquisition of bonus points throughout the season. A team is rewarded with a bonus point for the scoring of four or more tries, or a loss within seven points of the opposition. Adelaide acknowledged the importance of the bonus points: “We had one game that we lost where we did both, so we were awarded two bonus points.” The 1XV demonstrated their free-scoring ability in the Varsity: it doesn’t surprise me that they finished with nine bonus points for the season.

Topping the division means the 1XV participate in the Premiership play-offs against Newcastle 1st, who finished bottom of the Premier North division, an exciting reward for a successful season.

Adelaide’s season highlight was the 29-0 victory over Sheffield 1XV, the team’s nearest challengers for the division title. Not only was it a significant game as a league decider, but Sheffield stood as a bogey team for 1XV. Having lost to them in three successive seasons, their subsequent victory was made so much sweeter. Adelaide commented that “it was a really big deal for some of the third years in our team who have never beaten them.”

A contributing factor to the club’s success this season has been the quality of the new recruits, some who had never played the sport before. Similarly, an improved focus on fitness and sports psychology aided good match performances. As a result, the 2XV recorded more wins than ever before through the season. Additionally, both the 1XV and 2XV made it through the first round of the BUCS cup. Special mention must go to the 2XV, who recorded a handsome 27-15 victory against a team in the league above them.

For Adelaide, the most improved player at the club this season is Hannah Gyamfuaa Addae-Dapaah. Playing football for a number of years, Hannah picked up the rules of rugby with ease, demonstrating a strong tackling ability and lightning pace. Hannah’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with her making a couple of appearances with Championship team Firwood Waterloo Ladies. The club captain said that she has improved with every game, and is “definitely one to watch.” Similarly, several other players from the club participated in the preliminary stages of Lancashire county trials; the suggestion is that a number of girls will get into the squad. This type of recognition is a testament to the quality within the club as a whole.

Looking forward to next season, Adelaide is positive. While acknowledging the loss of many third year students, she believes the club will continue on its upward trajectory, with the election of a new committee continuing the good work from this season.

The Premiership play-offs take place on Wednesday 13th April at home. Kick off is 2pm at The Armitage, with the away leg taking place the following week, Wednesday 20th April in Newcastle.

Photo: Adelaide Harris

The University of Manchester Chinese Kickboxing Society

Written by Mei Morrish on . Posted in Sport.

Tired of slogging it out at the gym? Searching for something new? Want to be trained by world class professionals?

You should join Chinese Kickboxing. Created and overseen by the inimitable Chris Boughey (7th degree black belt, England coach, chief instructor of North West Chinese Kickboxing), Chinese kickboxing is a combination of Western Chinese Kickboxing with elements of Kung Fu. A discipline unique in its power, elegance, and practicality, Chinese Kickboxing is the ultimate cure for dull, mind-numbing hours at the gym.

Training for beginners focuses first on basic stances and coordination before moving on, to more complex forms and drills, while also rapidly developing fitness levels. Think you can’t do 100 sit ups? Well, maybe you can’t now, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can do when you start training with us. UoM Chinese Kickboxing has a team of qualified black belt instructors dedicated to both the discipline and to its students, ready to provide the best workout available. Whatever your fitness level, you can train at your own pace but be prepared to push hard and give it your all!

While training is designed to prepare you for a two minute round in the ring, there’s never any obligation to take part in competitions and absolutely no mindless violence allowed in the sessions. You don’t need to worry about getting hurt (or hurting someone) in the sessions at all, because not only do we have a team of instructors on hand to make sure you are always training correctly, we also have a large supply of protective gear ready to cushion any blows. Kickboxing isn’t scary at all: it’s just good, honest fun, with punching.

Training isn’t just physically and mentally rewarding; as you progress, you qualify for belts. Markers of your hard work, they not only look good, but carry a real sense of achievement, and you can whack it on your CV to prove to prospective employers that you are dedicated, disciplined, and willing to go the extra mile. You can gain belts by taking part in gradings, which are basically elevated training sessions to test your skills. It’s totally optional to grade, but it does feel amazing receiving actual qualifications for the work you put in, and you can proudly show off that shiny new belt around your waist.

The system of belts is as follows: white, blue, orange, green, yellow, purple, brown, and of course black. We train anyone from absolutely zero knowledge of martial arts upwards, so don’t worry if you have no experience of martial arts (or if you’re a 7th degree black belt!): everyone’s welcome at UoM Chinese Kickboxing!

North West Chinese Kickboxing has been coaching the university club for twenty-six years this year, but the society is just two years old. Despite being in our infancy, we have a large and dedicated group of attendees from all walks of life training at a whole range of levels. The society is full of friendly people who can regularly be found at the pub after sessions, or at one of our many socials, including our (almost) legendary curry nights.

If you did want to take your training to the next level, NWCKB runs classes across Manchester and beyond, all of which are open to university students at the discount university rate. These offer the opportunity to step up your training with some sparring and more advanced self-defence, as well as the chance to train with, and be trained by, world medallists.

NWCKB also run Combat Leagues throughout the year for anyone who wants to test their skills at a competitive level. The last meet in March saw UoM Chinese Kickboxing senior Tom Quinn placed second in his category, receiving a trophy, and our congratulations (good job, Tom!).

We train Tuesdays 6-7pm at the Sugden Sports Centre and Thursdays 7-8pm at Trinity College Sports Centre. There’s no joining fee, and no subscription; just pay as you train, £3.90 a session for top qualified instructors and access to the best training in the world.

Fish out of Water: A Voyage into Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band

Written by Alister Pearson on . Posted in Music.

The first time I heard about Captain Beefheart was when he died in 2010. I probably listened to a few tracks back then in a half-hearted homage to van Vliet. However, I must have not taken much from it as I am only now coming round to beginning my voyage into his musical discography properly.

So why am I only starting now? Well, my theory is that I was daunted by the prospect. Similar to artists like Neil Young, Frank Zappa or Tom Waits, Beefheart’s musical library is vast and its range large. Questions such as ‘Where should I start? With the most known album or the first? Should I immediately understand it? Am I too late to fully enjoy this artist?’ et cetera usually remain unanswered and I crawl back into a metaphorical cave of familiarity and assured appreciation of my musical listening. With a three week holiday consumed by a dissertation I decided now would be a good time to get out of the cave and get into Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band.

I started not with any album but with a documentary on Captain Beefheart narrated by the late John Peel. In it, I learnt about the Captain’s obsessive and, at times, brutally authoritative personality. One story remains prominent in my mind of how he kept his band cooped up inside a house for eight months during the recording of Trout Mask Replica, only allowing them to leave for groceries. At one point, a member recalls living on one cup of soya beans-a-day. “Ok,” I thought, “this guy is slightly crazy, but the genius ones usually are.”

I then began my listening experience in chronological order. First up, 1967’s Safe As Milk. This album I really enjoyed from the first listen. I’ve probably listened to it three or four times now and will continue to do so. What struck me was the structured nature of the songs. I was expecting an avant-garde mess of an album; abstract and obtuse; unforgiving for a new listener. But it wasn’t. Instead I was welcomed by a collection of catchy songs, none more so than ‘Yellow Brick Road.’ ‘Electricity’ is really something. That voice is remarkable and is nothing like I’ve heard in music before, almost like Darth Sidius from Star Wars has joined a band. ‘I’m Glad’ was unexpectedly beautiful as well with a sort of Sam Cooke vibe.

Next, I abandoned by chronological order tactic and skipped straight to the band’s last album, 1982’s Ice Cream for Crow. This was too abstract for my blood. I didn’t enjoy it much. It seemed to try too hard to be weird and this detracted from the quality of the songs. I was reassured by the fact that several critics agree that it is Beefheart’s weirdest record. The titular track is fun, and a few other tracks are interesting but other then that nothing stands out for me as particularly impressive. I will give it another go for sure but only when I’m more familiar with what Beefheart stands for, and am more used to his abstract compositions and lyrics.

I returned to the beginning and 1968’s Strictly Personal in the hope that I would find some more Beefheart that I enjoyed. And that I did. Words are short and I want to talk about Trout Mask Replica so that’s all I’m going to say.

So yes, 1969’s Trout Mask Replica: Beefheart’s greatest masterpiece for many, and influential for an uncountable amount of artists, Cobain and Frusciante to name only two. This album is paradoxically brilliant. At many times it sounds like an ink splatter onto a music page. But it isn’t. Each song is carefully crafted and layered like a classical piece creating the illusion of it being made-up rubbish. At times it is hilarious like the bit at the end of ‘Hair Pie: Bake 1’ where you hear the Captain converse with some neighbourhood kids or the spoken word of ‘Pena’: “Fast and Bulbous,” exclaims one member—ludicrous! I still don’t fully understand the album and I doubt I ever will, but this won’t stop me from listening to it again.

There’s still much to gain from Beefheart and I will continue to listen to him and the various incarnations of the Magic Band. I still see his music as a complex and slightly obtuse entity but one that should be grappled by anyone wishing to understand much of today’s alternative music’s ancestry.

Dress to impress

Written by Rebecca Thomas on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

What you choose to wear to any interview will be a statement of how well you match the prospective employers ‘vibe’, and so it is a tricky field to navigate. Paul Roberts, a Senior Procurement Professional, has lent his insight into interview wear and pointed out that it is changing: “Lots of companies now see their dress code as an extension of their desired work culture and ethos. Marketing and tech companies in particular tend to favour dress-down as part of the more ‘social’ work experience.”

The easiest way of avoiding sour regrets is to do research on the place you are interviewing for. It’s an idea to hunt for the director or CEO of the company with a Google or LinkedIn search and see what they typically wear as this will tend to give an idea of the company.

Graduate Scheme
Face to face interviews for graduate schemes may vary depending on the sector, but will tend to require the top level of formal attire as, often, this is the last stage before getting the job. Aim high—a well fitted suit is preferable for both men and women, in a dark hue. Avoid odd patterns or material, cotton creases less and is a better option than linen; aim for Wall Street rather than Anchorman. If choosing a skirt suit, it’s always good to use the ‘biro rule’—the skirt length shouldn’t be any shorter than one biro length above the knee. A great place to look for inspiration is the wardrobe of Rachel from Suits, with her usual look of a shirt and pencil skirt. Lighter coloured suits are easier to pull off in the summer, but a rule of thumb is that black is best. Heeled shoes are a good move but is always based on the wearer’s ability; the most essential point is to make sure that they are polished. Black shoes for grey to black suits, and dark brown for blue. The consensus is that plain white or very neutral shirts are best, and that it is all in the small details, i.e. pay attention to your choice of socks.

Smart Casual
This curveball is best approached with the mindset that blankness is best: always err on the side of caution and wear dark formal trousers or a skirt with a shirt, blouse, or smart jumper, overlaid with a blazer. Pattern, again, is best avoided unless it is very subtle or if the company seems more edgy. Jobs which require a test of your fashion sense such as creative jobs or work in the fashion industry are probably most easily attended in something simple and balanced with one bold piece; think of the outfit as three components, top, bottom, and shoes, and allow a proportion of one item out of the three to be bolder. The main point for smart casual is that it in some way reflects your personality.

Postgraduate Study
Depending on the course and place of study, this could be either as formal as a graduate scheme or it may lean more towards smart casual. Often you will want to provide an example of work such as a portfolio, so it’s worth thinking through how to carry this with a smart looking bag. I once failed to consider this, and had no choice but to take my large Adidas rucksack to an interview as it was my only method of carrying large things. It did not draw any comment, but I consciously regretted my bag not matching my smart casual clothes.

Part-Time Jobs
The rules for a part time job interview wear are more flexible than the formal expectations of graduate roles; it pays even more to research the role and place of work. By matching this, you are subliminally telling your interviewer that you fit in well within the team. For jobs that require uniform, such as food outlets or retailers, it might best to go for a smart casual look. For jobs in bars in the Northern Quarter or independent retailers, a showcase of individuality is more appropriate, and scoping out the people beforehand is a good shout; if in any doubt, black clothing is a reliable friend.

Top five: Neutral Nail Shades

Written by Talia Lee-Skudder on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

With the prospect of summer internship interviews looming, it is important that you are ready to floor the interviewer not only with your intelligence but also your professional appearance. Leave your trainers and other affiliated student garms at home and embrace your professional side. The impression that you create, from your shoes to your hair, plays an essential role and could be what sets you apart from the other candidates. Once you have ensured that your appearance oozes professionalism, don’t slip at the final hurdle, and make sure that your nails are on point. Avoid garish colours, such as hot pinks and reds which, while perfect for the summer, don’t exactly scream ‘hire me!’. Instead, opt for more neutral-toned nail varnishes that will give you a smart and polished look that shows you are ready for business. Finally, make sure you avoid chipping your nails before the big day, since it can take you from slick to scruffy.

Here are the top five nude nail varnishes on the market:

1)      Cheat the salon effect with Barry M’s Pink Lemonade from the Gelly hi shine range. A gorgeous pale pink polish, with an extra glossy finish. (£3.99)

Photo: Barry M

2)      If pink isn’t for you, then a pale beige colour works just as well with a lighter skin tone. Try Essie’s Sand Tropez, a soft sandy neutral pastel. A classic colour that can take you from day to night. (£7.99)

Photo: Essie

3)      Darker neutrals can still look classic and chic, although perhaps work better for those ladies with a darker skin tone. If browns and greys are more your thing then Country Club Khaki by Orly is the perfect shade for you. Extremely shiny and long lasting, this shade is a winner. This brand is a favourite with nail salons and so is slightly pricier than the other polishes at £10.50.

Photo: Orly

4)      Let’s get nude by Rimmel is the ultimate neutral nail varnish. It looks fresh, clean and contemporary without breaking the bank. Priced at £2.99, Rimmel is still a firm favourite with girls and women alike. Cheap and trusty, you cannot go wrong with Rimmel.

Photo: Rimmel

5)      If super glossy nails are too much for you, then Vanilla from Barry M’s matte range is the ideal shade. A neutral colour with a hint of grey, the matte finish makes a statement and gives you the edge. Although it is perhaps a slightly more daring choice, it nevertheless is perfectly in keeping with interview attire. It also has a friendly price tag of £3.99.

Photo: Barry M

Armed with your knowledge, a fierce outfit, and classic nails, you are ready to handle whatever the interviewer throws at you. Go get ’em, girls!

You on Point Phife? – A Tribute to Malik ‘Phife Dawg’ Taylor

Written by Will Whiting on . Posted in Music.

The five foot assassin. The funky diabetic. The original rudeboy. It seems that no matter how many names Malik Taylor, or as we affectionately knew him, ‘Phife Dawg’, gave himself, none of them could sum up just how legendary this man was in the hip hop game. Phife’s signature hard-hitting flow throughout a group and solo career put him amongst the legends of old school hip hop, with almost every true rap fan having a copy of The Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders in their record collection.

Straight outta Jamaica, Queens, A Tribe Called Quest was formed by childhood friends Phife, Q-Tip (Jonathan Davis), Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White. Originally writing as solo performers, the group was united by classmates and fellow hip hop pioneers The Jungle Brothers, and went on to seal a multi-album recording deal with Jive Records. Their first release, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm featured Phife on Tribe’s best known track, ‘Can I Kick It?’, words which will reverberate around the heads of not only hip hop fans but all music enthusiasts for as long as people continue to rap.

While Phife’s rhyming counterpart Q-Tip dominated most of Tribe’s early work lyrically, the Diggy Dawg came to prominence on The Low End Theory, surprising first time listeners on ‘Buggin Out’ with his aggressive, confident flow and spitting the famous words: “Yo, Microphone check, one-two, what is this? The five foot assassin with the roughneck business, I float like gravity, never had a cavity, got more rhymes than Winan’s got family”. To ATCQ lovers, those lyrics were the start of a very special dual-rapping relationship between Tip and Phife, each rapping back and forth at each other, most memorably: “You on point Phife?” to which the loveable MC cockily replied “All the time Tip”.

The year 1993 saw Tribe’s album Midnight Marauders reach #1 in the HipHop/R’n’B charts, with Phife shouting out his neighbourhood in the first words of the opening track ‘Steve Biko (Stir It Up)’. No longer was Phife supporting Q-Tip and Shaheed, and he certainly did not lack stage presence. Tracks ‘Award Tour’, ‘Electric Relaxation’ and ‘Oh My God’ all succeeded as singles, recognising Phife’s new swagger and alternative, yet unforgettable lyrics. This album made unrivalled ground in making jazz rap a genuine genre—a fact which in itself pays real tribute to Phife Dawg.

After a number of releases that the group themselves were not satisfied with, and altercations between Phife and Q-Tip, ATCQ separated in 1998. Phife’s solo career was a much more reserved one to that of Q-Tip, however it saw him travel globally and continue to work with other legendary producers such as J-Dilla, who had been so influential for Tribe back in the day. ‘Dear Dilla’, released a mere two years ago, saw Phife pay tribute to their relationship during times of illness, which in itself is a credit to Phife’s determination to keep doing what he loved, even as his health deteriorated.

An undisputed hero for most up-and-coming hip hop artists today, it is hard to even believe that we have lost such a legend at the age of just 45. Malik Taylor leaves behind a legacy of changing the hip hop game, whilst remaining a loving father and sports enthusiast. I challenge anyone who has ever loved ATCQ to listen to ‘God Lives Through’ without getting a bit emotional, because I failed miserably.