Not exactly a winning Battle For The Sun

One of these days (depending on territory)  marks the 10th anniversary of Placebo releasing their 6th studio album, Battle For The Sun, which was meant to be a turning point. It proved to be one, but probably not in the right direction.

A brief look back at 2018

Seems like I didn't have enough time or energy (or both) this year to write, luckily I was quite busy travelling and going to gigs, so there are a few things to look back at as we say goodbye to 2018.

Depeche Mode: Songs Of Faith And Devotion era

The album(s). The singles. The songs. The tour(s).

Depeche Mode: Violator era

The album. The singles. The songs. The tour.

Depeche Mode: Music For The Masses era

The album. The singles. The songs. The tour. The live album.

The X Factor

It's very unlikely that I'm going to write something completely new and revolutionary about a TV show that's been going for 12 years now, but luckily no one is forced to read it, and I find it a fascinating subject.

Just to make it clear: however frequently it is referred to as a "talent show", The X Factor (just like every other similar programme) is primarily a reality TV show, talent comes second (or possibly third). You have a much better chance of making it into the broadcast by being "interesting" rather than just singing well. Reality shows are all about the casting: if the format isn't completely ridiculous, you only have to fill it with the right characters, and lots of people are going to watch it.

Thirteen

Despite my fondness for both the character and the actress, this is not about Dr. Remy Hadley, better known as "Thirteen" from the great TV series called House M.D., it's in fact a follow up to Twelve, posted here a year ago.