Watch: Ceol Ar An Imeall preview

Uber-blogger UnaRocks or Una Mullally as she's known to her friends launches her brand new TV show on TG4 on Thursday the 14th of January. It's called Ceol Ar An Imeall (that's Music on the Edge ás Gaeilge). It'll be on at a quarter to twelve p.m. (a terrible time, but we'll all stay up to watch it), and is bound to feature some great acts. The first edition has an interview with Speech Debelle as well as live music from Valerie Francis. I wonder will Debelle have a cupla focal for us!

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 9

Semi-finals week tonight on X Factor. There are only four acts remaining, and tomorrow that will become three finalists. With only two weeks remaining, things are getting very tense.

This week is Michael Jackson week, but in addition, they'll also be singing a second song of their (Simon's) choice. Here's the full list of songs.

Stacey Solomon
The Way You Make Me Feel
Somewhere - West Side Story

Joe McElderry
She's Out Of My Life
Open Arms - Journey

Danyl Johnson
Man In The Mirror
I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston

Olly Murs
Can You Feel It
We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder version

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 8

Take That and Elton John week this week as each act has to sing two songs - one from each act. It's an awful pity John and Edward aren't there to do 'Crocodile Rock' and 'It Only Takes a Minute'. What songs do you think the twins would have done?

Stacey
Something About The Way You Look Tonight - Elton John
Rule The World - Take That

Joe
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Elton John
Could It Be Magic - Take That

Lloyd
I'm Still Standing - Elton John
Million Love Songs - Take That

Danyl
Your Song - Elton John
Relight My Fire - Take That

Olly
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) - Elton John
Love Ain't Here Anymore - Take That

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 7

It was George Michael and Wham week this week on X Factor. But sadly Week 7 was the last week for the Irish twins. Sniff. Boo. :( Worst week in Irish history? I think so. :P

Anyhow, on Saturday night, Lloyd Daniels was first up with 'Faith', but was as terrible as he always is. He got a new look this week via a new haircut. It does suit him and make him look better, but sadly it doesn't improve his voice. If he stays in next week, I'll go mental. Although that said, JEdward's fans could well switch over to him. He's the closest in age and talent.

Stacey Solomon warbled her way through 'I Can't Make You Love Me', and she can't. I never will like her. But I must comment on the awfulness of her Group song costume. My dear Jesus, horrid.

Next up was John and Edward in their last ever Saturday performance. They sang 'I'm Your Man' and jumped from a high scaffolding. That was about the only entertaining bit this week. They weren't as funny as any other week, but sadly we'll never get to see them rise to the top again. They were on This Morning this morning (ha), you can watch them here:


Danyl Johnson was poor again singing 'Carless Whisper' and failed to find any groove. We know he has it, remember his first audition? But it's long disappeared. Simon promises to get it back next week though. Come on Stella!

Olly Murs sang 'Fastlove' and it also was his worst performance so far. However, Olly is a fantastic singer, and will be back on top again next week. I doubt he'll be in the bottom two next week either. People may have thought that he was safe and didn't phone in. He has to be more liked than Danyl!

Last up was Joe McElderry singing 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'. He was the best by miles this weekend, and is rightly the current favourite. Plus he got a standing ovation from all four judges. John and Edward never got that. Alas.

The group song this week was 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' and was phenomenally cheesy. I actually thought that was the song teh Grimes twins might have sang this week. Alas no.



Celebrities on it this week were George Mich...oh no wait, he wasn't here. Wonder why they didn't have Mariah week or SuBo week? Susan Boyle was great but I thought she performed 'Wild Horses' much better on America's Got Talent or American Idol (whichever one she was on) a few weeks back. Her debut album is out this week.

As is Mariah's debut album. She sang her new cover of 'I Want to Know What Love Is' and was as screechy as always. The Foreigner version is a million times better!

It was the end of the road for Jedward as they sang 'No Matter What' by Boyzone. They finally got a chance to sing properly, but it was too little too late, and only their mentor, Louis saved them.

Also, have a look at myself and Sweary discussing the show live on Saturday and Sunday night here:
www.culch.ie/2009/11/23/x-blather-with-ronan-and-sweary/

Check out Sue_de_nim's take here:
http://suedenim-thecatsmother.blogspot.com/

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 7

Wham and George Michael Week this week on X Factor, where we're into the seventh of the live finals! What are the twins singing this week? And do you have 'Faith' that Lloyd will stay in?

Stacey Solomon - 'I Can't Make You Love Me'

Joe McElderry - 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'

Lloyd Daniels - 'Faith'

Danyl Johnson - 'Careless Whisper'

Olly Murs - 'Fast Love'

John and Edward Grimes - 'I'm Your Man'

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 6

Stage Invasions, Deadlock, Vanilla Ice, Pineapples, this week's X Factor had it all. Especially the bloody deadlock. Six weeks in, five deadlocks. It's getting bloody ridiculous. Just as ridiculous as that stupid noise when it goes to Deadlock. It's not tense the fecking fifth time!

Anyhow, on with the show review. This week was Queen Week, so Brian May and Roger Taylor were celebrity mentors (yay! The mentors are back). So every song was a cover of a Queen song. Well, except one. But if Simon can bend the rules, certainly Louis can too! (Oh and I predicted the bottom two right on twitter yet again.)

Jamie Archer opened the show with 'Radio Ga Ga'. It was probably his worst performance of the series, and a far cry from his first audition where he sang 'Sex on Fire' by Kings of Leon. I always thought he was a bit pompous anyway. We won't be seeing any more of him as the arrogant git lost out in Deadlock. Obviously the public liked him as much as his barber. Maybe now he can wash and get rid of those lice.

Lloyd Daniels was better this week, but even still he's the worst in it by a mile. At least John and Edward are entertaining. Lloyd is dull. And have you heard him being interviewed? I've had better conversations with my morning Weetabix! He sang 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', but I didn't really notice what he was doing due to the fact he was using my draughts/checkers board as a costume, complete with dire leather trousers. Lucky to stay in. Very, very lucky.

Eventual winner Olly Murs (yes I know I said Lucie a few weeks back, but people are stupid) sang 'Don't Stop Me Now' and was once again very assured. He's the most consistent performer and is a great entertainer. Pity he wears awful Fred Perry clothes. He's better in a suit.

Teen heartthrob Joe McElderry once again performed the 10 degree head tilt. (See Popjustice's hilarious article on it here.) Oh yeah, sorry, where was I? Yes, he sang 'Somebody to Love' which was great. He'll be in the final too. The ladies love him. Awww, he's so cute.



Every week, we wait for John and Edward, and every week they are fantastic. (This week I watched the repeat, not the live show, as Ireland were playing France, but had to still watch the twins regardless. I missed nothing in the game, luckily.) They sang, no wait, rapped 'Ice Ice Baby' with about twenty seconds of 'Under Pressure', but it all makes Brian May more money, so why dispute it? They were hilarious, and are actually improving from week to week. Simon even liked it, saying that it was good for "JEdwardland". Think he's coined a phrase there. I don't think it was fair on the other acts that they already had their celebrity duet though. Calvin Harris did his best to show them up by dancing beside them with a pineapple on his head and then ran off. At the time it seemed like a natural part of the performance, but Holly told us it wasn't on Xtra Factor. Still great though.

Stacey Solomon is a totally different person on stage than when speaking according to Brian May. No shit. You can actually understand her when she's singing. This week her nose took on 'Who Wants to Live Forever'. I was bored, but plenty weren't. She's still in it. God is she dull. And absolutely crazy. In a bad way. Not in the kooky Paul Thomas Anderson way.

Massive mouthed Danyl Johnson (who am I to talk, my mouth is huge too) opened his gob this week to let bats fly out sing 'We Are The Champions' complete with stage school clapping. It was like a horrid adult High School Musical. Terrible. Hopefully him or gormless Lloyd will go next week.

The Group song this week for Sunday's Live results show was a very much lip-synced 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. I thought this was a singing show. Obviously none of the contestants have the X Factor either. In my opinion, John and Edward should just be allowed mime every week now. Alexandra did it, why can't they?

Shakira's new song may sound good on the radio but live it was horrible. She also had some limboing drummers which made absolutely no sense. Although if I could shake my belly I'd make a career out of it too.



This year the charity single which is destined for number one is all 12 finalists singing the late Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone'. They mimed that too, but even still Rikki Loney did not miss his chance to be awful. And it was nice to see Kandi Rain take time out from filming their latest porno movie to come back on the show.

The sing-off was Jamie and Lloyd this week, and once again went to deadlock. Lloyd was actually better in the singoff, in my opinion, as Jamie's song choice of 'The Show Must Go On' was awful. He did not do it any justice. Lloyd played safe, but it worked. He's still on the show. For only one more week, hopefully.

Next week is... I'm not sure. But Susan Boyle and Mariah Carey will be on it. Come on the SuBo! She's crazy in a good way, unlike Stacey. "Rarer than caviar" allegedly.

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 6

Queen week this week on X Factor, and here are all the songs the remaining finalists will be singing tonight.

Stacey - 'Who Wants To Live Forever'

Joe - 'Somebody To Love'

Lloyd - 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'

Danyl - 'We Are The Champions'

Jamie - 'Radio Gaga'

Olly - 'Don't Stop Me Now '

John and Edward - 'Under Pressure'

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 5

The most dramatic week so far on X Factor Series 6! It was Movie Week where all the contestants were required to sing songs from films. Once again there was no mentor, but live performances came from the Black Eyed Peas and from former X Factor winner Leona Lewis.

Incredibly annoying Stacey Solomon opened the show with 'Son of a Preacher Man' by Dusty Springfield. She tried to look all sexy, but looked about as sexy as a cucumber in lingerie. Her performance was decent, but nothing could actually make me like her at this stage. That voice just ruins it all.

Olly Murs was once again excellent - he's the show's most consistent performer, and is rightly favourite to win. He sang 'Twist and Shout' by the Isley Brothers, made famous in Ferris Bueller's Day off.

Lloyd Daniels amazingly stayed in this week, and even missed the bottom two. This show is much too big for Lloyd, and maybe would be suited to him in a few years' time. He did Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me'. It was nothing impressive.

Jamie Archer gave the same performance as every other week, but was one of the least impressive doing Roy Orbison classic 'Crying'. Although its inclusion in Movies Week was questioned by Louis, he should have actually questioned where Jamie's ability went, as he failed to meet any potential he had earlier shown.



My (former) favourite Lucie Jones left the show after being in the bottom two. Dannii chose wrongly by giving her Demi Lovato's 'This is Me' from Camp Rock. While a lot of younger viewers would have liked it, it would have alienated a lot of older viewers, many of who would have been fans of Lucie's grown up soul style.

Danyl Johnson stayed in again, and cut his hair as an attempt to change his image. It's an awful pity he's so arrogant. His version of Prince's 'Purple ain' was good, but it'll never make me like him. It's too late for Danyl now.

John and Edward gave their best performance of the series so far, but were still in the bottom two. However, Simon saved them by sending the show to deadlock, and Lucie left the show with the least public votes. They sand Ray Parker Jr.'s hilarious 'Ghostbusters', and were marvellously entertaining.

Last up was Joe McElderry, the housewives' favourite. He sang Elton John's 'Circle of Life' and once again was very impressive. Could eventually win the show, you know.



The group performance 'Hot N Cold' by Katy Perry was a bit of a mismatch, it suited some of the singers, but others were clearly out of their depth. I'm looking at you again Lloyd. Black Eyed Peas' new tune 'Meet me Halfway' is awful, but is sure to chart well, and everyone was on their feet (of course) for the return of Leona Lewis. Her new song 'Happy' is anything but. I don't recall the song at all, as I was too busy trying to see if she had had a nose job.

The bottom two were Lucie and the twins. Lucie did a lovely version of Whitney's 'One Moment in Time' and didn't deserve to go at all. That said, I really enjoy JEdward and their choreography-free 'Rock DJ' was hilarious once again. I didn't want to see either go, but as I wasn't a hardcore Lucie fan, I'm glad the boys stayed in.

Next week is Queen Week, and will feature a performance from the She Wolf herself, Shakira.

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 5

MOVIE WEEK this week on X Factor. Here are the songs all the acts are singing tonight.

Stacey: 'Son Of A Preacher Man' - Dusty Springfield

Lucie: This Is Me - Demi Lovato

Joe: 'Circle Of Life' - Elton John

Lloyd: 'Stand By Me' - Ben E. King

Danyl: 'Purple Rain' - Prince

Jamie: 'Crying' - Roy Orbison

Olly: 'Twist And Shout' - The Isley Brothers/Top Notes

John and Edward: Ghostbusters Theme - Ray Parker Jr.

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 4

Sham Rock Week this week on X Factor, as it all proved a bit too much for most of the contestants. Luckily, in the end, it all worked out as the worst overall act was voted off, but somehow I doubt that this first-time experience will be repeated next year in Series 7. It would have been a good idea if John Bon Jovi had been their mentor, but as the band were touring, there was no mentor this week. Thus it didn't really matter what week it was. Although Louis did point out that the first time Simon had a rock act, there was a rock week. Don't think that's too far from the truth.

Current bookies' favourite Joe McElderry opened Saturday's live show with the classic cheese rock 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey. It was an inspired choice, and made us all feel that Rock Week was going to be a great success. It's no wonder he's the favourite either. A good singer, and he can't stop smiling. Unlike the Incredible Sulk (but more on that later).

My own favourite Lucie Jones was a little out of her depth this week. In her future singing career (if she sticks with it), she'll never be singing rock. She did a soft version of Guns N' Roses 'Sweet Child o' Mine'. A cautious choice, which worked out well, as it didn;t show her failings as a rocker.

Mister strop Danyl Johnson sulked his way through Rock Week when he should've been using it as a chance to shine. Luckily he didn't end up in the bottom two, but with a personality like that, he's sure to exit the show sooner rather than later. He has ruined his image, in my eyes. You'd think a teacher would know better. He did Aerosmith's 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing'.

Lloyd Daniels was having throat problems this week, so a lot was made of that. (The twins were sick too) Luckily X Factor allows sick notes, so Lloyd luckily made it through to the next round. He sang a poor version of Katy Perry's pop tune 'I Kissed a Girl', but was saved in Deadlock by the voters.

I'll only talk about her singing this week, as the rest makes my blood boil. Stacey Solomon sang 'Somewhere Only We Know' by Keane, and did a decent performance of the pop-rock song. Not too many of these songs where straight out rock. Where were the White Stripes or Zep songs? Sorry, I had to distract myself, otherwise I might have talked about Stacey's horrendous voice.

The man with the dead cat on his head, Jamie Archer was in his element this week with Rock Week (specifically for him!). He sang 'Rocks' by Primal Scream, better known as 'Get Your Rocks Off'. He really should've stood out, but was very much pedestrian, and missed his chance to shine. A bit like his hair. No shine whatsoever.

Thank God, this was the week where the awful Rachel Adedeji was voted off. She sang 'One' by U2 (which is probably U2's least rock song). She was actually better than many of the others this week, but I can't stand her and wanted her out. She should've gone a few weeks ago when she was up against Rikki.

Everyone was waiting to see what John and Edward were going to do, and the twins did not let us down this week. They took on the Five version of Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and were highly entertaining (and out of tune) once again. They were sick this week, so there wasn't as much bounding around the stage. That said, they were still fantastic.

Olly Murs closed the show with a very strange song choice. 'Come Together' by the Beatles (and later covered by Michael Jackson) isn't so much a rock song as a jokey pop song. Olly was very good though, and could well make it to the final. He's by far the best of Simon's three acts.



Sunday's live results show brought a version of 'Walk This Way' by Aerosmith, which gave the twins a chance to shine, but didn't really show off anyone else. If there was a rap week, the twins would be brilliant, because they only talk anyway. But that'll never happen. Especially now that Miss Frank are gone, and by the fact that he didn't have them in his category either.

Bon Jovi's new single 'We Weren't Born to Follow' sounds the same as everything else they've ever done, but there was a great moment after when Dermot O'Leary lived his dream and high-fived Richie Sambora! JLS are another X Factor success story (despite being dressed by Louis last year), and they sang new single 'Everybody in Love'. Not my cup of tea, but teen girls love it. Amazingly, they kept their shirts on for the whole thing.

The bottom two saw Rachel battling against Lloyd. Rachel sang Oasis' 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', and Lloyd took on Billy Preston's 'You are So Beautiful'. The judges once again went to deadlock and Rachel left the show with the least votes. I don't like the whole Deadlock thing. It's a way of pussying out of making a decision. They should bring over Len Goodman to decide. He'd do a great job.

Next week is Movie Songs Week. X Factor winner Leona Lewis will be promoting upcoming single 'Happy', and Cheryl's buddy Will.I.Am will be joined by his Black Eyed Peas. He might even be the mentor too. Might. Til next Saturday...

I leave you with Rachel's finest moment:

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 4

X Factor has just started on TV3 (and ITV). Yes, both channel and show are back. X Factor had been gone six days, but TV3 was down for the best part of an hour earlier. Here's the songs for tonight's live show.

ROCK WEEK

Rachel: One – U2

Stacey: Somewhere Only We Know - Keane

Lucie: Sweet Child O' Mine – Guns 'N Roses

Joe: Don’t Stop Believin' – Journey

Lloyd: I Kissed A Girl – Katy Perry

Danyl: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith

Jamie: Get Your Rocks Off - Primal Scream

Olly: Come Together – Aerosmith version

John and Edward: We Will Rock You – Five version (From Brits)

Another cliched choice from Jamie. Olly's 'Come Together' could be interesting. Come on John and Edward, bringing the cheese.

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 3

It was Big Band week this week on X Factor. Always a terrible idea every year, as Big Band is a very niche genre, and people who buy swing records aren't the same people who buy pop singles. That said, Michael Bublé (or Bubble to you and me) was this week's mentor, so you've got to do what you got to do...

First up on Saturday's live show was Olly Murs doing TV theme tune 'Bewitched'. It was a clever song choice with this being Hallowe'en week, and Olly performed his usual cheeky chappy routine. It'd be interesting to see him try something a bit more adventrous. That won't happen next week for Rock Week either. Hmmm.

Lloyd sang Sinatra standard 'Fly Me to the Moon', a very safe choice from Cheryl after the backlash she received last week, when Rikki was voted off. Lloyd has very much reached his peak, and shows no signs of improvement whatsoever. What the backflip was about, I just don't know.



Miss Frank also attempted Sinatra, singing 'That's Life' with a little rap interlude that they do in every single song. They were much improved this week, and their urban Sinatra actually worked far better than expected. No doubt we'll see a future single from them, post X Factor. (The song above is their Singoff tune, 'We Don't Live Here Anymore').

My least favourite Rachel Adedeji sang 'Proud Mary' which is anything but a Big Band song. What next 'Sweet Home Alabama?', well, something else, but we'll get to that in a minute. Rachel should have been kicked off last week, and it's a shame she's there for yet another week. And what was that dance about when she got through?

U2 are a big band, but they're definitely not Big Band. So what was Simon doing picking 'Angel of Harlam' for Jamie 'Afro' Archer? This time I definitely agree with Louis. Terrible song choice, but even still, his attempt at it was awful. Should've been in the bottom two.

Perry Stacey Solomon took on Pinocchio theme 'When You Wish Upon A Star' which was quite fitting. She did a decent attempt on it, but as soon as the song is over, the car crash happens. She should only be allowed to sing, and never talk on the show.

Danyl Johnson took on Muse's version of Nina Simone classic 'Feeling Good' and provided the exact same performance as he has every other week this series (it's season 6 by the way). Luckily the public saved him ahead of Miss Frank, but he's very much a one-trick-pony.



After Sunday's live results show, Joe McElderry has now become the bookies' favourite to win X Factor 2009. He sang Dean Martin's 'Sway' and again did a very credible performance. However, whether Rock Week will suit him or not remains to be seen.

My personal favourite, Lucie Jones sang 'My Funny Valentine' and was very much in femme fatale mode. It was classy and understated, and bound to please any actual big band fans who may have been watching. Still my tip to win it.

Last but not least was John and Edward, the terrible twins from Dublin. Their performance was met with some pantomine boos, but Ricky Martin's 'She Bangs' was given a whole new lease of life by Louis one remaining act.

Michael Bublé was the mentor for this week and sang the Arthur Hamilton standard 'Cry Me a River' (nothing to do with Justin Timberlake's song of the same name) from his most recent album Crazy Love. He's a fantastic singer and gave a wonderful performance.

Westlife were the live guests this week, playing 'What About Now' from their new album Where We Are. The song is a cover of a Daughtry song, who himself was a finalist on American Idol.



The group performance this week was Alphabeat's 'Fascination' which was more fascinating for the costumes rather than the singing. I like the way John and Edward had to do the talkie bit too!

Rock Song Week is next week, with Jon Bon Jovi as mentor, and JLS as (cough) musical guests. Wonder will they keep their shirts on? I really hope they do.

Preview: X Factor 2009 Live Finals, Week 3

It's Big Band week this week on X Factor. Michael Buble is the special guest and mentor, and Westlife will be the live performers on Sunday's results show.

Although how some of these songs are Big Band songs, I haven't a clue - especially the versions they are meant to be singing. Beyonce? U2? Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Come on John and Edward!

Rachel: 'Proud Mary' - Creedence Clearwater Revival (Beyonce version)

Stacey: 'When You Wish Upon A Star' - Cliff Edwards

Lucie: 'My Funny Valentine' - Ella Fitzgerald

Joe: 'Sway' - Pablo Beltran (Michael Buble version)

Lloyd: 'Fly Me To The Moon' - Frank Sinatra

Danyl: 'Feeling Good' - John Coltrane/Nina Simone (Muse version)

Jamie: 'Angel Of Harlem' - U2

Olly: 'Bewitched' - Steve Lawrence (theme tune from the 60s TV show)

John and Edward: 'She Bangs' - Ricky Martin

Miss Frank: 'That's Life' - Frank Sinatra

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 2

Week 2 of X Factor series 6 was Diva Week. This is never an easy week for the fellas, as for most of them, diva doesn't come naturally. Whitney Houston was their mentor and the musical guest for this week's live show, and a good few of the acts sang her songs. Most of them sang them better than she's able to sing these days too (although none of them would've matched Whitney in her prime - drugs have a lot to answer for!)



Lucie Jones opened the show with her take on Whitney classic 'How Will I Know', showing that she can do upbeat as well as the slower songs. While she wasn't fantastic, she was more than capable, showing her strength across the board. As each week goes on, Lucie just gets better and more polished. She's still my favourite for eventual winner.

Second on was the pelvic masterclass that was Olly Murs. Olly gave the best performance of all on Saturday night, and was first called out in Sunday's results show. He deserved to be, as he performed a stunning version of Tina Turner's 'A Fool in Love'. That dancing was guaranteed to send the girls wild. It even gave me a palpitation or two. I could never get away with trousers like that!

Miss Frank were without their mentor Louis Walsh this week (due to Stephen Gately's funeral). This made things more difficult for them, and they didn't have the same impact as before. They did a pedestrian version of 'All the Man that I Need', leading to a clever but snide remark from Simon that it took 3 years for Girls Aloud to gel!

Rachel Adedeji hasn't improved at all since the first live final. She didn't fall, and that alone is an achievement for her! She sang 'If I Were A Boy' by current queen bee diva Beyonce, but was as ordinary as ever. Once again, her hair was the only thing that stood out; this week making her look like Grace Jones.

Housewives favourite, and permanently smiley Joe McElderry took on Whitney too, singing 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go'. He was decent enough, thus winning over more fans. Plus he's very humble, so that'll help his case. When Rachel was interviewed on the Xtra Factor afterwards, she just seemed like a spoiled child. Joe, on the other hand, seems like a really nice guy. He should go far too.

Simon pulled off a coup for Danyl Johnson, allowing him to sing a new Whitney song (thus probably getting him some extra mentoring along the way). He wasn't as good as last week, and I don't think he'll actually get much better. He has probably peaked, but for now, he still remains the favourite. Doesn't seem as likeable as some of the other contestants either.

Sixteen year-old cutie Lloyd Daniels sang previous winner Leona Lewis's massive hit 'Bleeding Love', but was scuppered by the arrangement. Once again, Cheryl showed poor judgement, cementing her place as the worst judge in the competition. Even Louis is better, and I can't stand Louis. Dannii, you see, hasn't ability herself, so she knows how to sell, and what song suits what artist. Cheryl is only a novice, but she'll get better. As will Lloyd. His looks will keep him in for another while yet.



One of the highlights of the evening was John and Edward. They took on their idol Britney Spears's 'Oops... I Did It Again', and massacred it in style. Their singing and dancing was all kinds of awful, but with this song, and their outfits, I'm now starting to see why people like them. It was hilarious. Like everything that makes the auditions funny rolled into one double act. Priceless. Glad they stayed in. A note to Cheryl regarding her comment about them at the end of Sunday night's show: they're still in it because Louis makes the correct song choices. He knows his acts strengths and weaknesses.

Rikki Loney was another of Cheryl's acts, and while he had a better song, he had a terrible night. His vocals were all over the place. Perhaps it didn't suit him at all. He sang 'Respect' by Aretha Franklin (but written by Otis Redding). Diva week didn't suit him as well as musical heroes in the first week, but now we won't have the chance to see his return to form. Alas. Rachel should be gone.

The man of the hair, Jamie Archer, sang 'Hurt' by Christina Aguilera, and he is another act whom I think has reached their peak. He's good, but he seems to do the same routine every week, regardless of the song. You'd know he was a pub performer all along. He'll do well in the competition, but I hope he doesn't win. Plus, I'd be afraid I'd get the nits from him.

Last up was Paul Whitehouse's Perry Stacey Solomon, who sang Etta James's 'At Last' (originally by the Glen Miller Orchestra, and more recently covered by Beyonce). Her version was pretty good, and I know she's very popular already. It's her off-stage persona that ruins it for me though. She's be great if it wasn't for that. I expect if you threw a yarn of wool in her direction, she'd run after it.



Sunday night's live results show opened with 'Queen of the Night' by Whitney Houston, and it was hard to see anyone who stood out - it's a damn repetitive tune. Whitney herself sang (sort of) on the programme, performing new single 'Million Dollar Bill'. She only seemed to sing parts of it, and when talking to Dermot after, struggled to compose herself. Her dress almost opened during the song, which would've given us a glimpse of Titney, but as that never happened, and her singing wasn't up to scratch, it was all a bit Shitney.



Overshadowing Whitney's performance was Cheryl Cole's will-she-mime story, which seemed to run all week. In the end, she chose not to mime (she didn't really have a choice, unlike Alexandra who mimed last weekend). She was all the better for it. Although she was far from great, she improved as the song ('Fight For This Love') went on, and gave a worthy performance. Although she was dressed up as M. Bison from Street Fighter.

The bottom two this week was made up of Rachel (once more) and Rikki. I had predicted this before the show, but had hoped Rachel would be the one sent home. However, after the two girls voted to keep their own acts, Simon made the very wrong choice to send Rikki home. Rachel won't bring anything next week, and will probably face the chop third time of asking. At least there was a chance that Rikki might have returned to form. Rachel can't, the only good thing she's good at is falling.

I can't wait until Saturday already. Next week is Big Band week with Michael Bublé set to mentor and perform, and Westlife to give the first ever live performance of new single 'What About Now'. See you Saturday...

Vote for X Factor 2009 from Ireland

I know I shouldn't be doing this. Not for legal reasons or anything like that. But for psychological reasons. If Irish people can vote for this year's X Factor, then that may amount to more votes for John and Edward. Which could be horrendous. It could be hilarious either. So I'm obliged to do this.

There's a UK company which has set up a system to allow British Telecom users (and other operators) to use their free minutes to call the X Factor lines, rather than having to pay the one-off cost. In order to fund this themselves, they're playing a fifteen second advert before you get through to vote for Lloyd or whoever. So what you get is: 15 second ad, then "Your vote for X has been counted. Thank you blah blah", and then you're done. Takes about twenty seconds all-in.

The best news however, is that this is an 03 number, which can be called from the Republic of Ireland! The contestant numbers change from night to night, so it'll differ on the night, but essentially, you ring 00-44-333 and then the rest of the number. It's pretty simple.

For example, last weekend had John and Edward as ninth out, making them 09. Their number was then: 00-44-333-666-9809

So, next weekend, and for every future weekend, to vote from Ireland, you just call:
00-44-333-666-98 and then the two digits for the act. Handy.

This all costs 35c a minute on Eircom and 30c a minute from BT landlines. Probably about a euro from your mobile. But you'll be only on for twenty seconds any way.

Good luck voting!

Here's the company who runs the service, if you want more info:
http://free2call.tv/

Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 1

So that's the first weekend over then. Dermot O'Leary called it "the biggest opening ever" last night, and in some ways it was. There was plenty to cheer about, but the first proper show of the new series (series 6 we're on these days) also brought up some "how the hell did they make it through" type questions.

As with every year, there are choices that are somewhat wildcard like, and none more so than the infuriating John and Edward this year. However, even before the results show started last night, I knew they'd make it through. If it was an unpopularity contest, they would've been first to go, but they do have some fans out there (believe it or not), who wanted them to stay in. Plus Simon's expression when they were called out first was priceless.

Week 1's theme was Musical Heroes, and somehow I doubt every one of the twelve had Robbie Williams as their hero (well four of them, but you know what I mean). However, Williams was the show's main attraction this weekend, due to the release of his new album - and performed lead single 'Bodies' live on the results show on Sunday. Williams is one of the great showmen of our time, and was a brilliant choice for week 1.



Alexandra Burke returned from whatever it is she's doing these days (recording an album takes time allegedly - but somehow the White Stripes can make LPs in a fortnight - it's probably taking so long because it's more or less impossible to make Alexandra interesting, plus there's something or other about the Christmas market and stocking fillers.) Burke returned from winning last year's show and surprisingly sounded like she was miming for at least two thirds of her new song 'Bad Boys' ft. Flo-Rida. She definitely seemed out of breath. Mister Rida popped in too, but then immediately disappeared. He wasn't around to mentor or wasn't a past winner, but you might see him popping up later in the series among the ever-increasing number of backing dancers there seems to be this year. She got a standing ovation from the judges, but even Steve Brookstein got one of those when he came back...

As for the acts themselves, it was a tale of two halves. Somehow the poorer acts opened the show, leaving the stronger ones (and John and Edward) to footnote the latter part. Rachel Adedeji has had her defining moment on the show already, and unless she falls on live television, she's unlikely to catch my attention for much longer. She sang Williams' own 'Let Me Entertain You' and was expectedly bland. About the only thing of interest about her is her hair. It was more awful on live televsion than on recorded programming.

Kandy Rain made the live finals for one reason, and one reason only. Their lack of clothes. Only one of them can actually sing, and the blonde one, Coco, just seems to stand there and stick out her ass for the entirety of all their massacred songs. They took on the Tina Turner version of Robert Palmer's 'Addicted to Love'. They tried to distract us from the cat-culling by wearing next to nothing, but sadly it didn't work. They were only on the show to increase the viewership - i.e. get the fellas to stay in the room while the other half was watching, but based on all their performances, we won't see a drop in viewership next week. Louis should've listened with his ears instead of his eyes when putting them through. Much too big a stage. And there were no poles to be seen either.

Olly Murs is an act who shows a lot of promise. He looks like a decent fella, and comes from a normal background. He's the Everyman of the competition, although he's a bit better looking than the rest of us average Joes. (He's better looking than Joe too! And has a better accent.) He sang Guy Chambers own 'She's the One', another song brought to the mainstream by that man Robbie Williams. He's never going to be an entertainer like Robbie, but he's a damn good singer, and do well in this competition.

Rikki Loney is unfortunately out of his depth in this competition, and judging by Saturday's performances, I think Cheryl's category may just be as terrible as Louis's one. Rikki looked sheepish throughout, and seemed lost on the big stage. His version of 'Back to Black' by Amy Winehouse lacked anything of interest, and he whimpered his way through it, failing to deliver any sort of oomph whatsoever.

Stacey Solomon is somewhat of a hard call. I'm not sure whether she's that great at all. I know of some people who think she's the best thing ever. But it's her off-stage presence that really ruins it for her. Instead of being aloof and maybe seeming mysterious, she seems to have constant foot-in-mouth disease, and comes off sounding like Perry from Harry Enfield's Kevin & Perry. I'm just waiting for her to say "Hello Mister and Missus Patterson". She did 'The Scientist' by Coldplay, and I find it hard to recall what she actually did with it. Still, she seems to be popular. Somewhere.

Miss Frank are the best of the groups. By miles. Afterwards Louis said they were like "a female JLS", which criminally undersold them, while also proving once again that he doesn't get anything apart from boyband pop. They weren't as good covering the Miracles 'Who's Lovin You' as they have been in the past, but I have no doubt that in a few weeks' time, they'll really come into their own.

Jamie Archer, him of the hair, is very popular with the ladies. If I were a lady, I'd probably find it all a bit tickly. He had a strange choice of song, T.Rex's 'Get It On', which most of the viewers wouldn't have known, but I think this helped him. Later in the series, when he's back singing U2 and Kings of Leon, he can't be accused of playing it safe. He's a real showman, and no doubt benefitted hugely from the input of Robbie Williams.

Lloyd Daniels is a cute little guy, one that the ladies will gush over (if men did the same over a sixteen-year-old girl, it'd be a very different story!). He's a good, but not great, singer. It's a huge ask for one so young, but already he's a thousand times better than 2008's Eoghan Quigg. He sang 'Cry Me a River' (the JT one), and had trouble hitting the high notes, which may prove his downfall later in the series. Still, he's pretty. So he's got that going on.

Lucie Jones was the real star of the night. Forget about show closer Danyl Johnson, everyone knew of his talent already. Lucie is the real dark horse of the show. She's been groomed by Dannii's stylists (without the botox) and looks and acts like a star-in-waiting. She sings like perfectly every single time she's on stage, and was born to do this kind of thing. Plus, she seems really level-headed and this will help her in the long run. She took on previous X Factor winner Leona Lewis's 'Footprints in the Sand' and did a version as good as Leona's own. My pick to win it outright. Danyl can't go any higher I feel, Lucie can, and will.

Everyone had been waiting for John and Edward all night. And they didn't disappoint. Through our grimaces, some of us actually thought "hey, they're not THAT bad." Not good either, but not awful. And afterwards they didn't seem like the usual gobshites they are. Maybe they've toned it down. Probably just to save themselves this week though. They'll be back to their backflip nonsense next week no doubt. They talked their way through Robbie's 'Rock DJ' and got away with it.

Cheryl's neighbour Joe McElderry could be accused of being in it for his origins, just like Simon's quip about Louis favouring the Irish. He's sweet looking, the kind of fella that the mammy would like, but lacks any sort of substance. He seems coy and shy about everything, and will never make a true entertainer. He did 'No Regrets' by numbers, never colouring outside the lines.

Danyl Johnson was one of the top trends on twitter after the show - being on last always helps, you're fresh in the memory - and that was somewhat justified. Wile I don't think it was one of the best performances ever, it was fairly good. I tipped him before Judge's Houses, but unfortunately, I think he's peaked. I can't see him improving all that much, whereas Lucie can really come out of her shell and be brilliant. Danyl is already great.

Overall, the live results were fairly accurate. Kandy Rain were the worst act, by a long shot, and Rachel doesn't have much of a future in this competition. The worst thing, is that there's another 5 days left til the next show. Roll on Whitney Houston and Week 2...

TV: X-Factor 12 Live Finalists Leaked

So, Judge's Houses are next weekend. I bet you all can't wait. I know I can't. X Factor is one of my biggest guilty pleasures, because it actually features talented people. (Forget last year's Final Trio, that was a blip. But no-one can doubt the pop excellence of Shayne Ward and Leona Lewis!)

You came here looking to find out which twelve acts made the live finals, right? Well I've gotten my hands on what appears to be a leak of all the live acts, and if you don't want any spoilers, look away now. If you do want to know who made the live finals for 2009, keep reading...

BOYS
Lloyd Daniels


Rikki Loney


Joseph 'Joe' McElderry


GIRLS
Rachel Adedeji


Stacey Soloman


Lucie Jones


OVER-25s
Jamie Archer (Jamie Afro)


Danyl Johnson


Olly Murs


GROUPS
Kandy Rain


John And Edward Grimes


Miss Frank


Review
Oh and by the way, my favourite at this stage is Daniel Johnston, who is in the strongest category by miles, and my least favourite are those two Irish gobshites John and Edward in the worst category. The Overs have three very good acts, both Olly and Jamie Afro are exquisite showmen, but it's surprising one of the ladies didn't make it through there.

The Boys also have strong-ish acts, with Joe standing out so far for me. Plus he's from Cheryl's neck of the woods, so that'll help him get some extra tuition! The Girls have two strong acts in Rachel and Lucie, but the wrong Stacey from Judge's Houses was put through. Stacey McLean would've been better.

The Groups group is very disappointing this year, with only one good act - Miss Frank. They'll bring something different to the competition, as their unique takes on pop standards have shown so far. However, Kandy Rain are more style than substance, and John and Edward are the worst X-Factor act since Same Difference. In fact they are the worst sibling act I have ever seen, they make Donna & Joe look like Oasis.

TV Review: Late Late Eurovision Song for Ireland Special 2009

I was offline live-blogging while watching the special edition of the Late Late Show on Friday night. So like those award ceremonies which are delayed in case someone swears profusely, becomes libellous or pulls Michael Jackson's nose off, this is essentially a delayed broadcast.

Here is what I typed:

Song 1 - Some girlband trio, with Nadine Coyle's sister in it. 'Flying' was the tune, but nothing new here. It's exactly what you'd expect from an Irish group trying to be edgy for the Eurovision.

Song 2 - rubbish Europop by a mini Amanda Brunker, Sarah Jane (maybe Laura Jane) Hudson 'Out of Control'.

Song 3 - Lee Bradshaw dismal ballad 'So What', was in RTÉ's The Restaurant, written by two guys who had a song in Song for Ireland a few years back but lost to the now legendary Gary O'Shaugnessy. I remember his name, but not the song he entered. That tells you everything. Marty pointed out that it was always a mid-tempo ballad that won it for us before. But Marty, it's years since we've won. Or even come close to winning. Something with a little more spunk is needed.

Song 4 - Johnny Brady 'Amazing'. Anything but. A flamenco feel, but far from Buena Vista Social Club. The best song so far, but not one I'd ever listen to outside of a Eurovision environment. I'd say the very repetitive chorus may appeal though.

Song 5 - Riga, Latvia this time. Close to Russia, but not Eastern Europe as the song write claims. There's no way Christina's 'I Wish I Could Pretend' could win. Not with the Irish people complaining about foreigners taking their jobs. And their beloved Eurovision entry too? Not a chance.

Song 6 - Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy 'Et cetera' Back story about how they exchanged lyrics and music online, as well as finding the singer through MySpace. Postal Service it is not. All girl band, so has a certain charm. But God, her trousers were horrendous. The music was decent enough. Typical girlband power-pop.

No recap before the phone numbers until after the ad break. Which was a huge own goal. But probably helped song 6 win. They did recap after the ads, but most had probably voted at that stage.

The travesty of the six songs chosen was further evidenced by having Charlie McGettigan and Paul Harrington with 'Rock and Roll Kids' on after. There's a song that's still brilliant. With or without the Eurovision. A song needs to be able to stand on its own.

Oh, and just for the sake of it, here's the winner:

TV Review: RTE International Soccer - Brazil v Italy

Can anyone explain to me why oh why Irish broadcaster RTÉ wasted money on showing the international soccer friendly Italy vs Brazil from the Emirates Stadium in London last night? I get the idea that Italy are one of Ireland's opponents in the qualifiers for World Cup 2008, but friendlies usually are quite meaningless - just ask Martin O'Neill. This friendly however was a complete money spinner.

Did anyone in Ireland actually watch the game? I wonder what the viewership for this was. Probably not a patch on Fair City, and rightly so. Who doesn't love da' City? I only know of one person who watched this game, and all they could say was how the Irish analysts claimed that "on this evidence Italy wouldn't be too much of a challenge for Ireland". Well I hate to admit it, but Keith Andrews and Kevin Doyle are no Ronaldinho and Robinho.

RTÉ would have been much better off if they had have shown Ireland U-21s against Germany. The future of the Irish soccer team. Instead, we all flicked over to watch Boys and Girls Alone on Channel 4. Now there's an interesting show.

TV Review: Your Country Needs You

The final of Britain's great white hope for the Eurvision song contest, Your Country Needs You, with Graham Norton presenting and Andrew Lloyd-Webber writing the song, is on as we speak.

I'm half-watching it. But just needed to take the time out before the winner is announced to blog about it. It's totally the wrong idea for what the Eurovision is in 2009. The show lacks oomph. Take for example, the first girl, Jade, who came out and sang a flaccid version of 'Lady Marmalade', a song which should ooze sex. Like when Christina, Mya, Kim and co. did it for Baz Luhrmann a few years back. The song was made totally asexual, and the lyrics became "Will you sing with me tonight?". How dismal.

The Gary Barlow lookalike has a decent voice, but is also quite bland. The only hope Britain have is in the Twins. And that's only because they're pretty and thus have a selling factor. However, they've been paired with a song penned by Lord Llyod-Webber which can only be descibed as "boring". The melody and all is excellent, but it never moves out of third gear, and the "this is our time" message of it seems like the poor cousin of 'Three Lions'. Now there was a Song for Britain you could get behind. It was filled with oomph.

But in this half-jury half-bloc vote Eurovision, they have half a chance. With the jury. I can tell you now, after seeing last year's show, a black person has no hope of winning. Eastern Europe isn't forward thinking enough for that. (Sorry Latvian readers, but I've been over your way, and a lot of you are quite racist.) Sure just take the "No Irish" signs on Polish building sites. And the monkey chants in Bulgarian football.

There will be plenty of better looking males from the Med, so you have to vote for those two girls. And then when they get on stage, they better be wearing almost nothing. Otherwise UK, you've no hope.

Oh, and Ireland's search will be even worse.

TV Review: This is Nightlive and Project Ha Ha Dead Cat Bounce

Another new season for RTE, more new "comedy" for us viewers. Last night's programming was a mixed affair. The first of the two new shows, This is Nightlife was the Irish take on The Day Today. It attempted to satirise Irish televesion news, but in order for a staire to work, it needs to be cutting edge. However, Nightlive/fe lacked real bite. It brought ne'er a chuckle, and a rare smile. The newscast stories came across as half-baked, and Johnny Hansom is a poor man's Chris Morris. The behind the scenes was no better, taking the easy options of taking the Mick out of Irish newscasters Grainne Seoige (which it must be pointed out has move on from news, so a swing and a miss there), Trevor Corcoran. A real opportunity was blown in their attempt to broadcast from inside a warzone. They should've had the Charlie Bird-type on a hotel balcony, because we all know that's what RTE pays for out there. Kind of like FAS in the US. The worst moment? The awful "Thank God for protestants" line. I'm not going to be juvenile, but you can think of some nice rhyming slang for the show yourself. It makes The English Class look like No Country for Old Men.



On the other hand, Project Ha-Ha's Dead Cat Bounce sketch show offered promise. While no real belly-laughs emerged, there were a few genuine smirks. The News 360 section was so much better than the entirety of This is Nightlife!, especially the snide comment about the wearing of make-up which may have been influenced by Father Ted. Similarly, Graham Linehan was also echoed in yet another Chris Morris-type (his character in the stellar IT Crowd, which the MD of the company involved in the well-known dead hooker incident. And even the Flight of the Conchords-esque song was well done. In fact, it was stuck in my head for the entire ad break. Take that Jacobs Biscuits!

Now, after typing this I see Jim Carroll has also done a similar review of This is Nightlife, except his is rather more positive. Opinion seems to be split on this one. Maybe Johnny Hansom and the rest can do another "exit poll", har-har!

Read Jim's review here:
http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2009/01/06/heres-johnny/

Also, a note to anyone from RTE who reads this: If you want someone to write you a better TV show, I'll gladly do it. I've a few ideas which would be better baked than these, just drop me a line. I'll be happy to help out!

TV Review: The Panel, RTE One, 27 November 2008

I wouldn't be a constant viewer of the Panel. I watch it most weeks, and most weeks it's pretty good. Last night, however, was a strange episode. As usual the show had a guest host, this week being RTE newsman Charlie Bird. Charlie does an excellent job covering the stories from around the globe, even from his hotel balcony in Beirut or whatever exotic location he's at this week. We all had sympathy for Charlie after the Love Ulster riots. The poor fella.

But his guest host performance on The Panel had to be seen to be believed. He was more wooden than an antique cabinet (sorry I couldn't think of any Roy Curtis style simile there), and spent more time looking down at his prompt cards than at the camera. Nor do I think he cracked one joke all evening. Maybe they were cut from the airing.

The guests themselves were quite interesting, especially Kenny Egan who provided a nice bit of insight into his Beijing experience, but didn't give much away about future plans. Madison Square Garden sounds more appealing than Wembley Stadium, but maybe that's just me!

When Kenny Egan did come on however, all we could see Charlie do was try to come on to him. He touched the "big fella" numerous times, and Egan was doing his best not to appear uncomfortable. He handled it very well. Charlie Bird on the other hand, needs to be much more subtle.

I would also like to highlight how I think Neil Delamere is getting funnier by the week. Practice makes perfect. I used not to like him, but he's gone way up in my estimations, and his voices and characters are splendidly funny. What Irish TV could do with is a proper sketch show, like Harry Enfield and the Fast Show rather than Naked Camera 2. Neil would be perfect for this. And if they're looking for co-writers, I'm sure I'd be available!

Seriously though, hopefully we never see Charlie Bird on a comedy program again. Darfur is more up his street.

TV: JJ Abram's Fringe on TV3

More new TV for this fall season, or whatever they call it stateside. The new program from Lost producer JJ Abrams was well advertised on TV3. I didn't know quite what to expect from the ads, but it made me watch nonetheless. I'm not a Lost fan, so it wasn't just because of the bandwagon. But now that I'm on this wagon, I think I'll stay a while.

The first episode was clever, filled with scientific terms I don't understand, had a decent underrated cast, and even used a doppelganger. Which is a wonderful plot device, as Stanley Kubrick well knew. And for TV addicts out there, Cedric from The Wire is a prominent character. Well, the actor anyway.

Plus Pacey Witter is back talking at a hundred-miles a second. For a pilot episode (albeit a very expensive one), it was very good and now that I'm old enough to appreciate an X-Files-like show, it could be regular viewing on a Wednesday night.

Oh and one other thing. I wasn't a fan of the way the locations were written. Of course that was where your man lived, there's big bloody letters floating outside!

Anyone else watch it?

Watch: Heroes Season 3 on Channel 6 tonight

It's back. After a brilliant first season, and a sub-par second season, Tim Kring's Heroes is back on terrestial TV tonight on Channel 6. It's to be shown on the Beeb on Wednesday. We'll see it first.

Well, actually, the Americans saw it first last week. And the first two episodes are pure gold. Back with the best. More Sylar = Good. And Malcolm McDowell returns? Fuck yeah!

I'd love to see them bring back Claude this season. But one can only hope...

Here's the trailer:

New TV: Raw and Langerland.TV

A little aside from usual programming! Hopefully it might inspire some small discussion in the comments section (probably just B and myself!)

Did anyone catch the two new RTÉ Two shows last night? Raw starring The Rock, Stone Cold, oh no wait, it's not the wrestling program, it's a rip-off of Channel 5's The Kitchen. Raw is "raw" new drama from RTÉ - gettit? Based around the steamy lives of restaurant workers. See steamy? I am puntastic today! It stars me lad from Bachelor's Walk and me one from Pure Mule. It' a show so good, it doesn't even have an iMDB page yet. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to watch it; I was cooking up something else (oh yeah!), but what did my four avid readers think?

If you missed it (like me), you can still catch the episode here:
http://www.rte.ie/tv/raw

On the other hand, I did catch sight of the awful Langerland.TV I will admit I was mildly amused at previous net phenomenon (at least in Ireland), 'What Have The Brits Ever Done For Us?' But last night's IRA-themed nonsense seemed like just cheap joke after cheap joke, and it didn't bring out a smile, never mind a chortle or guffaw. RTÉ and new programming rarely go together. The best ever TV show we had here was a Channel 4 production. That should tell you something. Luckily, sometimes they get it right. Now is not one of those times.

I was a fan of Pure Mule and Bachelor's Walk, which will probably mean I'll click that link above and check out episode one of Raw over the weekend; but somehow I doubt I'll ever watch the clichéd Langerland ever again.

This was three years ago, when Langerland was actually half-decent: