Mr. Oliver W. Davies

Sound., 23 April 2013

There are many translations of the Qur'an. Due to the nature of Arabic, none will ever convey anything other than shades of meaning. They can only approach. That said, and bearing in mind the almost "Authorised" nature of translations such as Pickthall and Ali; this is a good working text. The appendices are especially useful, fleshing out useful exegesis, albeit with a somewhat missionary bent. The fact that the translation originates with a female revert to Islam and is published here in the UK should encourage a wide readership. As to my credentials I am not a Muslim, but a teacher of comparative religions. Debates over translations always go back on forth - like any Englishman I may… Read more

Wallpaper music or the female Leonard Cohen?, 18 April 2013

Those of us who have followed Dido since "White flag" and have in that respect, "kept the faith" surely won't be disappointed by this album. The naysayers will not be persuaded and there is nothing new here to shift their opinion. But as ever, the real meat lies in the lyrical content. This is far from the "beige" of modern music; rather Dido is introspective, cautious and mature. She is a poet and a songstress and this comes through yet again on the fourth album release. I get the impression that this young woman cares about her work and as a result, releases new material only after she is convinced of its worth. Well done again. Now it'll be all quiet on the Dido… Read more

Excellent new format., 18 April 2013

I have used LP guides a great deal. Now under new ownership, this series still appear to espouse the principles of their founders. Once one is used to the new format, the guides are as useful as ever. They fit into an overcoat pocket, are spine stitched still and now contain a fold-out city map. I didn't use this only because the hotel at which I was staying provided me with one. This was a first-time visit for me to Berlin and the guide was excellent in giving me a sense of the city, district by district.