Stuart M. Field's profile

OH MY!, 28 Aug 2008

I think this is the first album in a while (aside from The White Stripes' Icky Thump) that has been a real blast to listen to. This is not fakesoul-searching ala Coldplay or all those awful jerky guitar, mockney singing bands that seem to be spreading like a plague. This is a brilliantly written, brilliantly performed, brilliantly produced album, with lots of invention and great melodies. This is band of three talented individuals playing to their strengths. The drumming is excellent, as are the Police-esque bass lines; but the real star is Mike Jackson's guitar, a great mixture of Graham Coxon and Stephen Malkmus, you will swoon at some points, believe me. Singer James is a great performer… Read more

Great music, an even greater message!, 19 April 2008

Warning: this album is a grower. I really didn't like it at first, it didn't really grab me. But after a few listens, I absolutely love it! What a great album! I have not listened to anything else for a week. As you would expect, the musicianship is top-class, this band really play at the top of their game. But the real plus point is the message; we need to stop living our lives of comfort and start making a difference to this world! It's great when a worship album matches what you are hearing week in and week out at your own church! This album is a real blessing! A strong set of songs, especially the title track, Wonder and Break the Silence; buy it; its wonderful! And make sure you take… Read more

Reflects our post 9/11 world perfectly, 9 Jun 2007

Most reviews of this novel I have seen are quite negative, many reviewers repeating the maxim that it's too early for any writer to truly deal with 9/11. I think in years to come, people will realise how perfect this novel is. We start and end with the main character on the actaul day, fighting to survive, and in between, we see him and his wife, son and others struggling to make sense of this event and the world they live in. Everything is fragmentary and there is a sense of numbness that I think Delillo creates wonderfully. It is a novel that leaves its mark on you (I am still hanuted by many of the images Delillo creates) and, alongside United 93, we have been given a text that helps the… Read more