Take That - Progress

I have to squeal about how bloomin' brilliant Take That's new album is.  OK, I am a fan, but this is truly their best work yet, Stuart Price (Les Rhythmas Digitales) produced the album and has weaved his synth pop magic through it.

My favourite tracks are the anthemic and powerful SOS and KIDZ.

So far I have listened to the album 9 times, thrice on repeat at my sister Lucy's house, her 9 year old daughter was rather upset that all the 'Mums' love Take That, declaring 'they are not a boy band, they are a mum's band' quite right too, we saw them first!

I had heard friend's views on the album, some were not keen on the new direction, others miffed that Mark was singing so much.  Me, I love it, Mark has a distinct voice that really lends a unique personal quality to the songs, you truly believe he feels and means the message.  As for the new sound, a bit of Adam and the Ants, meets Scissor Sisters, with a futuristic vibe.... Progress indeed.

Cannot wait 'til June 2011, I am watching the boys live in concert at Manchester City Stadium!

BBC Blast comes to Clitheroe

The BBC Blast team are in Clitheroe.  Blast is a place for teenagers to be creative, both online and in workshops around the UK. 

If you are into film, TV, dance, fashion, photography, theatre or radio, and you are in the Ribble Valley/ Lancashire area, you can meet the Blast team and get involved with the projects ranging from animation to sports journalism.

Last week the team visited Bowland High School, where pupils were able to learn new skills including video editing and facial morphing!

This week Blast is at the North Street Car Park and The Grand (click here for site).  The workshops are open to teenagers aged 13-19.

For details of the workshops available in Clitheroe, and the booking form please visit the Blast website (click here for site) 

Liam Frost new video 'Good Things Are Coming Our Way'

Good Friday was for me a day with my Mum sorting wedding budgets and to do lists, Rob however was busying himself in Stockport at the Garrick Theatre as 1stAD to Duck Duck Moose and Son's Stu Gillies on the production of Liam Frost's new music video.  The single is due to be released 3rd May, but you can watch the video on youtube right now!

The video was filmed in one continuous shot using new technology Red Cameras, don't ask me what they do, I just have it on good authority for those in the know, that they are quite fantastic.  You will see Rob's short clad legs climbing a step ladder, but this is not about him, it is a big fat well done to Stu and his partner Joe.  Let's wish them huge success, may it go supersonic for them, and of course to Liam too.

Clare x

Pink Floyd tribute act Manc Floyd

Another project I have been working on recently is the website for is Manchester based Pink Floyd tribute band Manc Floyd. My cousin Phil is the drummer so you might think me biased, but when I was invited to photograph their debut gig at the Met in Bury, I was blown away.

Although I do not profess to be an avid fan of Pink Floyd, in that I do not own any of their material (yet) I do have fond memories of cruising around the country roads between Mellor, Marple Bridge and Glossop, in the back of Jim Brough's customised Toyota Tercel. There was usually a few pubs involved to add to the haze, but we would have The Dark Side of the Moon on tape playing through the car stereo and I would be transported to some higher plane.

So back to Manc Floyd, mind blowing! My fiance Rob has never really come across Pink Floyd, but was so impressed by the tribute band's performance, he bought Dark Side of the Moon on CD the very next day. Since then I have been developing the website for Manc Floyd and it is now live, although still in it's relatively early stages. The site will be posted with forthcoming tour dates, and you can follow the band on twitter, you tube, myspace and facebook.

The next gig is on the 1st May at the Moses Gate in Farnworth. See website for further details.

Clare xxx