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Book Review: 365 Women Who Made a Difference
Rory Gallagher - Irish Tour by Mott the Dog ***** 5 Irish Stars This album captures one of Ireland’s most loved musicians. He is back in his native land at the pinnacle of his powers. Perfectly capturing the live connection between the audience and performer, “Irish Tour” is not only one of Rory Gallagher’s best albums, but is surely one of the best live albums ever released. The album was recorded in Belfast, Dublin and Cork, and shows Rory putting in some performances of awesome power. The fact that, after 28 years, it still makes you yearn to be there in the audience when Rory, in his check lumber jack shirt and battered stratacaster in hand, drags the band back on stage for the fourth or fifth encore speaks for itself. This line up of the Rory Gallagher band had already released 2 albums and been on the road for 2 years, so they were as tight as the British Lions front row of the 1974 tour of South Africa. Rory could just let himself go, knowing that the band would follow him anywhere with an understanding and passion of the music they played - like Barry John to a young Gareth Edwards, “You chuck it son, I’ll catch it”. By 1974 Rory’s development and belief in his own abilities is almost palpable as is his confidence. He allows Lou Martin, the keyboard player, plenty of space to shine with solos before Rory storms back to show who is the boss. Throughout this album the guitar tone is colourful and hard hitting, whilst still maintaining a controlled sensitivity. Rory constantly demonstrates his incredible guitar technique. It is definitely worth pointing out skilful backing chord work, volume control and his switching of tone which deepen the musical expression of the album. The MC’s announcement and the sound of Rory tuning his guitar before the opening song, “Cradle Rock”, gives an atmospheric intro to the album. The songs are a fine collection of self composed numbers and splendid cover versions. Rory made J.B. Hutto’s “Too Much Alcohol” one of his own. It perfectly captures the warmth between audience and artist, especially when Rory and the fans count from 91-100. Another classic originally recorded for the “Tattoo” album is the 10 minute workout of “A Million Miles Away”, where the musical development from the original studio recording is outstanding. “Irish Tour” shows Rory’s different characters, from the gutsy hard rocking guitar hero to delicate, gentle performer. His unique style shines through on every track. This album has sold in excess of two million copies worldwide and is a must for any Rory fan wanting their live ‘fix’. During the live set closer, “Who’s that coming”, you can almost hear the adrenaline pumping through the veins of both band and crowd, as the music builds and accelerates into a truly dynamic sound with each band member playing his heart out and Rory really excelling himself on slide guitar. As the band leaves the stage you are left with the Cork crowd singing: “Nice one Rory Nice one indeed Rory. Rory Gallagher - vocals, guitars, harmonica Track Listing 1. Cradle Rock
By Poppy A world beneath our world in what we call cyberspace. A world protected by firewalls, passwords and the most advanced security systems. Here we hide our deepest secrets and of course, a whole lot of money. This is the world of Swordfish. Gabriel Shear (John Travolta), a dangerous spy wanting to finance his own brand of patriotism, needs to get inside this world, billions in illegal government funds are there for the taking; however, he needs a super hacker. That’s where Stanley Jobson (Hugh Jackman) comes in. One of best hackers on the planet, Stanley has been forbidden to get within 50 yards of a computer after doing time for wreaking havoc on the FBI’s surveillance operations. Gabriel and his beautiful partner Ginger (Halle Berry) lure Stanley into their world, baiting him with the one thing he wants, a chance to reunite with his daughter. Stanley soon realizes that nothing in this operation is what it seems and he has become a pawn in a sinister plot. I have forgotten to even mention that the movie involves
a bank robbery and a hostage crisis. Well, it’s that kind of film. The
robbery and the crisis weave in and out of the plot and there comes a time
when you seriously think the characters should wear red or yellow shirts, so
you know what team they’re supposed to be on. “Swordfish” does have great effects. One involves a horrific explosion that seems frozen in time while the camera circles it. It’s a great visual moment. Directed by Dominic Sena Cast: John Travolta as Gabriel Shear
Updated every Friday Updated by
Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk. |
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This is a pocket-sized book, first published in America
in 1997. It contains pr้cis of 365 women, whom the compiler
Catherine Edmonson felt had made great contributions in diverse fields
from astronomy to health care, social work to art and everything in
between. “Famous, infamous, or merely overlooked, these women have all
left their mark, and these inspirational true stories of their courage,
ingenuity and achievement are compelling evidence for their vital role in
creating today’s world.”
Mott’s CD review:
