. . . listening toJohn Lennon's albums remastered, rereleased, and the stark beauty of the stripped-down version of Double Fantasy.
The upcoming album from Stephen Shannon's solo project Strandsis gorgeous, Steve Reich-tinged electronica.
...looking forward toComposer David Flynn's piece for the fiddler Martin Hayes and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra (November 24th, National Concert Hall)
... reading Invisible – Overlooked Albums and Unseen Artists, edited by Chris Force. Ever heard of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum? League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots? Us neither.
Susan Hill's The Woman in Black. It's Halloween: ghost stories are obligatory, and these are great ones.
... playing Fable III, an epic role-playing game in which you gather your armies and vanquish a tyrant (voiced by Michael Fassbender) in a humorous, imaginative and vast game.
The end stages of Medal of Honor. For all the Taliban-related fuss that came with it, it's exciting and sincere.
...watchingBBC4's Only Connect, a quiz show so good you can even endure the fact it's presented by the terminally smug Victoria Coren. Taking its title from EM Forster's Howards End(you knew that), the show is entirely based around esoteric connections between apparently heterogeneous concepts. Most of the teams are horribly smart. A few are so agreeably dim you end up screaming yourself hoarse. "They're all the names of South American badgers! You morons!"
... happy we went to Virginiaat Wexford Festival Opera, which moves from ancient Rome to 21st-century Mafioso yet works largely thanks to the US soprano Angela Meade's athletic Virginia. Talk in the interval and afterwards revolved around the fetching and very cheeky thong/ codpiece items (not) covering the modesty of the Cupid figures during the opening Roman orgy. Praise also for Marcella Walsh – only 23 – who gave her supporting role as Tullia a captivating presence.
... saying we're over the Late Late" The Late Late Show has once again settled into a dull pattern of bland followed by insipid followed by something interesting followed by cringe followed by Oliver Callan. The same guests. The same rhythm. The same show. Week after week. For two hours. For another year." Shane Hegarty in Thursday's Life & Culture
...buying an extra-large popcorn
The IFI is showing the full 319-minute trilogy of Carlos(about the Jackal), with parts one and two shown together as a four-hour marathon.
... asking what will happen next at Cork Opera House?
It has appointed Mary Hickson, former director of the Festival of World Cultures, as its new chief executive, but she faces a challenge. It has been a year of turmoil, with losses forcing Cork City Council to step in with significant funding. The venue then closed its doors for a spell as a cost-cutting measure. Its programme is coming together again in what will be a crucial time for the venue and Cork’s arts scene.
...arguing about Willow SmithDaughter of Will, giving it loads in the video for Whip My Hair. She's nine. She's got the knowing attitude of a 19-year-old. Is it great pop? Is it creepy mini-pops for the 21st century? Either way, the Sesame Streettake on it (check out YouTube) is a clear winner.
