Grafton

Axel, if I explained the themes of the book in the review, I would spoil the enjoyment of your reading a bit, especially because, in my view, there are various possible interpretations on this point. However, if you want to know my opinion, the underlying theme is the extreme vanity of everything.

So: as usual, I thank those who commented and I'm glad to see that the review was appreciated. That said, the book in question is undoubtedly my favorite among those I've read; no other has touched me so deeply. I've read it multiple times (I still remember the first time: at 15... well, not too long ago actually ;) and I will read it again. Occasionally, I find myself going back to read specific pages. Stylistically, I believe it is a perfect novel: just read the opening, the description of Basil's study; narratively, it's staggering. I doubt I managed to capture the essence of such a vast work in these few lines; I simply hope that these might have piqued someone's curiosity to read (or re-read) this book. Reviews on other books? I will definitely do that; I already have an idea, but it's better to write little and do things well than to write a lot of things all in a rough manner. At least, that's my thought.

But how long has it been that you can also review books? Fantastic!

They seem very interesting.. I've listened to some things here and there, I will try to explore more. Great review.

Absolutely colossal live (putting aside comments like the one above). The 1993 tour was truly exceptional, at least that's what those who were there say. It’s true, Gillan and Blackmore were competing to see who could be more of a prima donna, which led to inconsistent live performances. To be honest, the misfortune of this tour was choosing that cursed concert at the Nec Arena in Birmingham as the release date for the VHS and CD, where, due to Blackmore's issues with the cameras (and NOT with the other band members, as it was thought), and Gillan's hoarseness, the band delivered a terrible performance. But in reality, the (few, I believe there were 37...) dates of that tour were all more or less at the level of this one in Stuttgart. Here the band is on fire and Ritchie is in a state of grace (you just need to hear his solo on Anya to believe it); Paice and Glover are always a guarantee, and we won’t even talk about Lord, the improvisational spirit is always there (just listen to Knockin’ At Your Back Door, Speed King, Lazy…). The only flaw is Gillan’s voice, which, at times, can be quite bothersome. But, once we get past that issue, all that’s left is to listen and savor this beautiful live performance at our leisure (by the way: the "new" tracks from "The Battle Rages On" hold up perfectly alongside the classics from the 70s). It's pointless; when there’s talent...

I don't agree with a word! In my opinion, Eno has done an incredible job here, both in terms of production and in highlighting the songs. I would almost say that the success of the album depends more on him than on the English quartet. Great album, I wrote this a couple of days ago in another review. It remains the best CD by Coldplay to date.

A disc... just 5 and that's it.

Huge Massive...not their best album, but it's still very good. I'm looking forward to the new album in 2009.

I've really anticipated this album for a long time and with great interest; the idea of having Eno in the production booth intrigued me quite a bit. The result? I have a very good impression of this CD; it's not a masterpiece, but it's an excellent album. The songs are there (the title track, Lost!, Lovers In Japan, Death And All His Friends, just to name a few) and the album feels cohesive and well-crafted. It's still to be understood how much of this is due to Coldplay and how much to Eno, who surely had a significant influence: the work on the sounds is meticulous and absolutely sparkling, the production is flawless, and the album is truly commendable from this perspective. It’s not the masterpiece one might have expected, but it’s really a good CD; there are a few minor flaws, but overall, the result remains decidedly enjoyable. It's interesting to note how they have slightly expanded their sound with orchestral introductions; this is what I expected: not a photocopy of their previous albums, but something new for them. Well done. I give it a 4, but it would be 4.5.

Even though I would give you one grade less just for the tragic final sentence of the review, on Pop...