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May 11 2011

Why films on TV in their original widescreen ratio is good for you

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Elly Roberts reviews

The Madding Crowd: addictionary The Madding Crowd: addictionary (4 Track EP) Devon based The Madding Crowd should be appearing alongside luminaries such as Fairport Convention, Kate Rusby et al. Such is their undeniable credibility, and an appearance at the annual Cropredy Convention would raise their profile significantly. They’ve been together almost a decade now, so it’s time they raised their profile. This formidable 21 century folk-combo comprising principle songwriters of husband and wife Hannah Power (lead vox) and Phil Power (rhythm guitar vocal harmony), Phil’s brother Anthony Power (bass), and Graham Crocker(acoustic guitar/ slide guitar/ harmony vox), they have released a delightful 4 track EP – ‘addictionary’. There’s also back-up musicians James Crocker (drums/mastering), and violinist Sam Cooper. This collection is simply divine at every level, despite some ‘difficult’ issues being addressed. Songwriting shows great strength and depth, mostly personal observations, all enveloped in the sweetest melodies you’re bound to hear anyway these days. Songs range from the painful observation of an alcoholic friend who was hankering after an unsuitable fella – Mary’s Lover. The music is surprisingly bright and breezy considering the despair involved, though there is a melancholic edge with violin sweeping throughout the track. From The Sun, is Hannah’s battle with her smoking addiction, as she ‘faces the darkness’. Her vocals shine through as she conveys her efforts, accompanied by the finger-picking prowess of Graham Crocker and vocal backups. Relationship breakdowns are cannon fodder for musicians to explore. TMC tackle the perennial problem of ‘ lack of communication’ on Turn To Me with great empathy and soul-searching, again with Hannah’s impassioned singing resonating throughout, textured beautifully by Graham Crocker’s slide guitar. These Words is a song about the power of words – all handled with great care, as they try to get the message over, to who ever, as there’s no specific reference. The Madding Crowd has supported Al Stewart, Martyn Carthy, Kathryn Tickell, Colin Blunstone, Julie Felix, Roy Harper, Roy Wood. Tracks: 1. Mary’s Lover 2. From The Sun 3. Turn To Me 4. These Words Weblink: myspace.com/themaddingcrowdgathering +

Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.

The following is a list of Elly Roberts' singles reviews online for week commencing:

November 29th 2010: Maini Sorri: Christmas In Our Hearts
November 15th 2010: Thea Gilmore: Teach Me To Be Bad
November 8th 2010: Vessells
September 13th 2010: Maini Sorri
August 23rd 2010: I Am Sam
February 23rd 2009: Tom Jones
February 2nd 2009: Seasick Steve
December 1st 2008
August 11th 2008
July 14th 2008
April 14th 2008
March 31st 2008
March 10th 2008
February 18th 2008
October 1st 2007
May 28th 2007
March 19th 2007
February 26th 2007
February 19th 2007
March 27th 2006
December 2006
January 9th 2006
December 5th 2005
November 21st 2005
November 7th 2005
September 5th 2005
May 30th 2005
May 23rd 2005
March 2005
November 22nd 2004
November 8th 2004
November 1st 2004
October 18th 2004
October 11th 2004

As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier.

PC games reviewed by the editor are on: