Doctor Who - Pocket Reviews (aka Catching Up)

'The Vampires of Venice' in which the TARDIS crew go back in time and deal with some creatures that are feeding on humans. Not a bad episode, some good running about. some good explanations, some good character building, but I wasn't completely happy with the Doctor's reaction to the creatures. He seemed to jump to 'realistic but hopeless' too quickly for me but that's just me. Not bad not not really great either.

'Amy's Choice' in which the TARDIS crew exist in two realities at once, not knowing which is the true reality they should try to stay in. Great episode, funny, kept you on your toes as to what was going on, some really strong character moments. Very solid and very enjoyable. I think this may have something to do with the finale but that's just a thought.

'The Hungry Earth' and 'Cold Blood' in which the TARDIS crew encounter creatures that sleep below the Earth. Good story with excellent effects (I want a theme park ride that lets you walk through the underground city as part of the queue as it was beautiful) but was let down ever so slightly by my familiarity with the show's history. The very basic plot felt like 'Inferno' connected with 'Doctor Who and the Silurians'. There's even the young creature that wants to wipe out the apes while the older creatures are willing to talk things over. Good scares, well put together, but a bit familiar.

'Vincent and the Doctor' in which the TARDIS crew meet Vincent Van Gogh. Wow. Sensitive, moving, sad, depressing, invigorating. The Doctor does something that I've dreamed of doing for a creator. This is a high point for the season in my book.

'The Lodger' in which the TARDIS gets stuck and the Doctor gets bored. The Doctor has to pretend to be a 'normal' human while investigating roommate Craig's upstairs flat. Funny, a bit clever, a little scary, and heartwarming. A fun buffer episode before the finale hits us.

All in all, it's been a great season so far. Moffat has been clicking on all cylinders as far as I'm concerned. Two episodes left. Can't wait until Saturday...

Music Monday - Strange Land

Last Saturday I attended what is expected to be the last time that Strange Land will play together live. It was a great time. Of course I didn't think to do this last week when it could have been an encouragement to attend so, well, sorry for that Chad.

Strange Land proudly identified itself as a prog-metal band. They played loud, inventive music that sought to sound different but not at the expensive of harmonies and hooks. As such, it has the ability to get stuck in your head.

I'm working with live recordings this week and the quality here will vary from normal due to the recording. Our first song, 'Asinine', is even incomplete. Not only is it a great song but I just adore the 'spend your time, wasting mine' lyric. It's so cutting and clear. Of course now I've probably misunderstood it and the entire song so you'd better check it out yourself.



Lament. Wailing. Pain. All on display while the music soars.



'Evolve' is part of the epic song 'Catharsis' from the album of the same name. I love this song for many reasons. I mean, listen to all the expensive learning words Chad spits out. He's had some learnin'! Somewhat more seriously, this song strikes me as the band's mission statement. They were eagerly doing what they did, not so much for any personal gain (not that it would have been a bad thing as such) but it was for the music in general. Music deserves better than the wasteland that is radio. Stretch out a bit. It's not easy and supporting new things can be difficult (I claim no great skill in this regard either) but it's rewarding.





I need to get out more. Good times.

http://www.strange-land.net/

Anomaly     Blaming Season     Catharsis