I've had a fair bit of free time on my hands recently, what with one thing and another, so have finally managed to indulge myself in watching some of the films I've stockpiled over the last, oooh, must be nearly two years now!! As well as that I've pleasured myself (not in that way!) with some fantastic aural accompaniment whilst at last letting the muse loose and writing the first draft of a short story.

So for those of you who are bored, interested, or at work, heres some things Ive been enjoying:

The Fratellis

Imagine if you will, that Supergrass and The Arctic Monkeys were having an orgy in a hot-tub in the Abbey Road studios. Listening to the Clash and The Pogues. With a group of buskers playing Scouse 80's and 90's Indie in the background. With saxophones.

Yes. Its that good.

Nightwatch and Daywatch

The first two films in the Russian vampire)ish) trilogy. Wonderfully bizarre, fantastical and ever so slightly surreal and weird. Some clever story and background ideas, innovative use of 'legend' and camera tricky, as well as some fine action. Although I know what's going on, sometimes it feels like I have no idea whats going on! Yet somehow, its still very cohesive and gripping and I dont feel lost. Work that one out! Perhaps its because I bought the original Russian versions a while ago so cant even read the sleeve notes! Roll on the third instalment - Duskwatch.

Lily Allen

By rights this should have been awful. By rights it should have been quarantined, along with all of the chav culture ladettes whom she seems (at first glance) to personify.

However, its bloody good, bloody catchy, and very very dry and witty.

In a just world, Mike Skinner would have been melted down at the design stage, and remoulded into Lily Allen. With the addition of proper lyricism and wit.

A corker, as they say.