Latest news with #TheRealThing
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Memories of my magical mix tape summer
Re your article ('I threw it in the bin with everything else he gave me': the mix tapes that defined our lives, 16 July), a boy called Richard (very handsome and funny, although endearingly modest and shy) pushed a cassette through my door during the summer of 1983 when we were both about 17 or 18 and 'just friends'. It featured the song You To Me Are Everything by The Real Thing. He made me laugh so much and I was definitely in love with him, but I think neither of us knew quite how to act on our feelings. The line 'To you I guess I'm just a clown who picks you up each time you're down' struck me at the time as being a reference to how much he made me laugh, but now I realise that it was probably a plea to take him seriously. I've just turned 60 and heard the song played recently. It stopped me in my tracks, transporting me right back to that gorgeous, magical summer of laughter and flirting that somehow never became anything more. And all the more magical for that I and address supplied To make a mix tape was an art form. There were only between 30 and 45 minutes each side, which required a good knowledge of the tracks to be put on to each one. Following that, how do you get the attention of the audience? Starting with a banger and trying to hold that for a couple more songs before easing off a bit. Towards the end of each side it was vital not to cut off any song but, if possible, to fade out. Even better if the tracks were finished just at the right moment before the tape ran out. A mix tape was a work of art, a work of love. You had to know your audience, your music and had to time it perfectly. I'm an avid lover of this lost art WagnerBoulogne-Billancourt, France Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia's ‘Abbey Road' produced a generation of musical genius. It'll never happen again
'When we went in there, it was a warehouse for butter … it was just a huge [space with] empty floor after floor,' Savage says. 'With local acousticians, we did our own design and built various studios.' Armstrong Studios cut records including Daddy Cool's Eagle Rock, Cat Stevens' Another Saturday Night, John Farnham's You're The Voice, Little River Band's Help Is on Its Way, Russell Morris' The Real Thing and Turn Up Your Radio by the Masters Apprentices. The studio also produced soundtracks for films, including the first two Mad Max films, The Man From Snowy River and Crocodile Dundee, all of which Savage worked on. Savage, now in his 80s, says Armstrong's early operation was at once homegrown and state-of-the-art. 'We couldn't afford to buy the multitrack equipment from America, [where] most of it was coming from, and so we had it all made locally,' Savage says. In 1974, a couple of years into the operation, Armstrong sold the Bank Street studios to The Age 's then publishers, and it became AAV (Armstrong Audio Video). The sound part of the business operated downstairs, while video operated upstairs. Renowned producer and engineer Ernie Rose, who was instrumental in Armstrong's development, ran the studios under the name Metropolis from the 1980s until financial difficulties shuttered them in 2006. Armstrong's enterprise is behind some of Australia's most defining records and soundtracks, and it also fostered a generation of producers and engineers under Savage's mentorship, John Olson says. The researcher and engineer co-wrote Tony Cohen's memoir Half Deaf, Completely Mad. Cohen was one of Armstrong's most esteemed record producers and sound engineers, and had a celebrated career working with musicians including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Go-Betweens and Paul Kelly. Cohen died in 2017, aged 60. 'Tony talked about watching Roger at work, and how spectacular it was, the sight of Roger's hands gliding instinctively across the mixing desk,' Olson says. 'When he said that, I never saw Roger at work but I knew exactly what he meant, because anyone who witnessed Tony at his best, that's exactly what [he] was like.' Savage, Rose and renowned musician and record producer Mick Harvey were pivotal influences on Cohen's career, Olson says. Cohen spoke about wildly different bands coming together and finding common ground at Armstrong's Cafe Bar – a 1960s instant coffee machine – while recording in each of the building's different studios. The dynamics led to funny moments – Savage recalls fellow music industry legend Molly Meldrum jumping the studios' back fence to avoid the glare of visiting label representatives, who were wondering whether Savage was re-recording Morris' The Real Thing. There were also tense encounters, like when a group of punks descended on a clipboard-holding AAV administrator who tried to cull numbers in a studio, Olson says. But there was a sense of community and, most importantly, collaboration. 'Tony felt that a best recording was capturing people in a moment, which involved everyone being there and playing generally at the same time,' Olson says. 'That would create a magic you can't capture otherwise.' Savage says whether something like Armstrong's could ever exist again is a 'mind-boggling' question, but the killer is in the collaboration. Studios no longer have the space, or desire, to bring so many people together, he suggests. 'Being in the same room, knowing the body language – there's nothing really quite like that. You could be on a Zoom call, but it's not the same,' Savage says. 'You could technically collaborate now … globally if you're sharing the sound files, but having everyone in the one place – I think those days are gone because, financially, it doesn't make sense.' Savage will discuss the studios' legacy at a panel event for Open House Melbourne alongside Olson, Rose and Harvey next Saturday. These days, Savage is tinkering with AI at his nation-leading post-production company Soundfirm in Port Melbourne, and hopes to spend more time 'pulling apart old cars'. 'To be honest, I've been a bit of a workaholic. I haven't really had any hobbies, so I've probably been out on life balance, or life-work balance, whatever you call it,' he says.
The Age
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Australia's ‘Abbey Road' produced a generation of musical genius. It'll never happen again
'When we went in there, it was a warehouse for butter … it was just a huge [space with] empty floor after floor,' Savage says. 'With local acousticians, we did our own design and built various studios.' Armstrong Studios cut records including Daddy Cool's Eagle Rock, Cat Stevens' Another Saturday Night, John Farnham's You're The Voice, Little River Band's Help Is on Its Way, Russell Morris' The Real Thing and Turn Up Your Radio by the Masters Apprentices. The studio also produced soundtracks for films, including the first two Mad Max films, The Man From Snowy River and Crocodile Dundee, all of which Savage worked on. Savage, now in his 80s, says Armstrong's early operation was at once homegrown and state-of-the-art. 'We couldn't afford to buy the multitrack equipment from America, [where] most of it was coming from, and so we had it all made locally,' Savage says. In 1974, a couple of years into the operation, Armstrong sold the Bank Street studios to The Age 's then publishers, and it became AAV (Armstrong Audio Video). The sound part of the business operated downstairs, while video operated upstairs. Renowned producer and engineer Ernie Rose, who was instrumental in Armstrong's development, ran the studios under the name Metropolis from the 1980s until financial difficulties shuttered them in 2006. Armstrong's enterprise is behind some of Australia's most defining records and soundtracks, and it also fostered a generation of producers and engineers under Savage's mentorship, John Olson says. The researcher and engineer co-wrote Tony Cohen's memoir Half Deaf, Completely Mad. Cohen was one of Armstrong's most esteemed record producers and sound engineers, and had a celebrated career working with musicians including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Go-Betweens and Paul Kelly. Cohen died in 2017, aged 60. 'Tony talked about watching Roger at work, and how spectacular it was, the sight of Roger's hands gliding instinctively across the mixing desk,' Olson says. 'When he said that, I never saw Roger at work but I knew exactly what he meant, because anyone who witnessed Tony at his best, that's exactly what [he] was like.' Savage, Rose and renowned musician and record producer Mick Harvey were pivotal influences on Cohen's career, Olson says. Cohen spoke about wildly different bands coming together and finding common ground at Armstrong's Cafe Bar – a 1960s instant coffee machine – while recording in each of the building's different studios. The dynamics led to funny moments – Savage recalls fellow music industry legend Molly Meldrum jumping the studios' back fence to avoid the glare of visiting label representatives, who were wondering whether Savage was re-recording Morris' The Real Thing. There were also tense encounters, like when a group of punks descended on a clipboard-holding AAV administrator who tried to cull numbers in a studio, Olson says. But there was a sense of community and, most importantly, collaboration. 'Tony felt that a best recording was capturing people in a moment, which involved everyone being there and playing generally at the same time,' Olson says. 'That would create a magic you can't capture otherwise.' Savage says whether something like Armstrong's could ever exist again is a 'mind-boggling' question, but the killer is in the collaboration. Studios no longer have the space, or desire, to bring so many people together, he suggests. 'Being in the same room, knowing the body language – there's nothing really quite like that. You could be on a Zoom call, but it's not the same,' Savage says. 'You could technically collaborate now … globally if you're sharing the sound files, but having everyone in the one place – I think those days are gone because, financially, it doesn't make sense.' Savage will discuss the studios' legacy at a panel event for Open House Melbourne alongside Olson, Rose and Harvey next Saturday. These days, Savage is tinkering with AI at his nation-leading post-production company Soundfirm in Port Melbourne, and hopes to spend more time 'pulling apart old cars'. 'To be honest, I've been a bit of a workaholic. I haven't really had any hobbies, so I've probably been out on life balance, or life-work balance, whatever you call it,' he says.
Elle
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
A Guide To the Cast of 'The Better Sister,' Your Next TV Binge
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Prime Video's latest TV offerings, The Better Sister, might just be the next dark thriller fix you've been looking for. As the title suggests, the series follows estranged sisters Chloe Taylor (Jessica Biel) and Nicky Macintosh (Elizabeth Banks) who are reunited after the murder of Chloe's husband—who was initially in a relationship with Nicky and had a child with her. With suspenseful family drama from beginning to end, juicy secrets, and dysfunctional relationships, The Better Sister deserves a spot on your watch list. And much of this is due to the series' stellar cast, which includes Corey Stoll, Kim Dickens, Matthew Modine and more. Below, get to know the ensemble and the mysterious roles they play. Watch The Better Sister on Prime Video Who is Chloe Taylor? She is the editor-in-chief- of The Real Thing magazine and is married to Adam following his split from Chloe's sister, Nicky. She is the also the adoptive mother of Ethan. Who is Jessica Biel? Biel has starred in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), New Year's Eve (2011), The Sinner (2017), and more. Who is Nicky Macintosh? Chloe's sister Nicky is the ex-wife of the deceased Adam. She struggles with a substance problem, which has previously caused a number of issues in her life. Following Adam's murder, she moved back to New York. Who is Elizabeth Banks? You might know the actor from projects including The Hunger Games film series (2012–2015) and Pitch Perfect film series (2012–2017). Who is Adam Macintosh? Adam is Nicky's ex-husband, who began a relationship with her sister, Chloe, after the divorce. The series is centered around his murder, which takes places in episode 1. Who is Corey Stoll? The actor is best known for playing roles in TV shows and films including Ant Man (2011) and House of Cards (2013–16). Who is Detective Nancy 'Nan' Guidry? Guidry is one of the police detectives working on Adam Macintosh's murder, alongside Matt, whom she mentors. Who is Kim Dickens? Dickens is best known for titles like Hollow Man (2000), Deadwood (2004-06), Thank You For Smoking (2005), and Gone Girl (2014) Who is Ethan Macintosh? He is Nicky and Adam's biological son. Who is Maxwell Acee Donovan? The actor first rose to prominence when he starred in Gabby Duran & The Unsittables (2019-2021) and That '90s Show (2023-24). Who is Detective Matt Bowen? He is Nancy's police partner and has a more unpolished outlook when it comes to murder investigations. Who is Bobby Naderi? He is an Iranian actor who has previously starred in Under The Shadow (2016), Bright (2017), and The Beekeeper (2024).
India Today
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
The Better Sister review: Power, patriarchy and murder in a brilliantly layered show
Chloe Taylor, the Editor-in-Chief of a feminist magazine, The Real Thing, lives the ideal, picture-perfect life with her attorney husband Adam Macintosh and son Ethan. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Adam is murdered under mysterious circumstances. It is later revealed that Ethan is the biological son of Chloe's estranged alcoholic sister Nicky, who's also Adam's the complicated family history, the sisters reunite when their son (Nicky's biological son raised by Chloe) is accused of his father's murder. Co-creators Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado weave an intriguing whodunnit thriller based on Alafair Burke's novel, 'The Better Sister.'advertisementThe most challenging aspect in long-form storytelling is retaining consistency despite having five different directors for an eight-part series. Craig Gillespie's direction in episode one, who is also the executive producer for the introductory chapter 'She's My Sister', sets the momentum for the rest of the episodes. The blend of suspense with human trauma brings a novelty to each character in the story. Leslie Hope, Azazel Jacobs, Dawn Wilkinson and Stephanie Lang make sure to comply with Milch and Corrado's creative vision. The combination of an Agatha Christie-inspired murder mystery with an 'Adolescence'-like narrative about abuse and toxic masculinity is what sets 'The Better Sister' smart, sharp and emotionalThe unique aspect in every episode is the different layers every character has, except for Detective Nancy Guidry, played by Kim Dickens. Despite being a one-dimensional cop, she's convincingly dislikeable as the most insensitive, stubborn acting prowess of the actors on board makes 'The Better Sister' a compelling watch. Jessica Biel resonates as a media executive, fighting her way to the top despite the subtle misogyny and sexism. Biel brings out a range of emotions, as Chloe - from sophistication, charm, vulnerability to guilt, fear and rage. From a loving mother, a women's rights supporter to a sacrificing sister, the actor delivers one of the best performances in her acting Banks as the estranged sister amicably complements her artistry in their emotionally charged sequences. Banks, as the unpredictable yet lovable Nicky, gives it her best shot when it comes to character transformation. She embraces the scars and innocence of Nicky throughout the Stoll as the complex husband and father delves deep into the character's psyche. His portrayal of Adam gives you a glimpse into his humane aspect despite him being a morally questionable Acee Donovan as Ethan Macintosh gives an aesthetically gratifying act as a teenager traumatised by his parents' toxic relationship and his biological mother's broken marriage. Donovan hits the right chord in making the audiences empathise with Ethan despite him being a troublemaker who deep-down cares for his mother's safety and Mathew Modine, in a brief yet pivotal role as the law firm founding partner Bill Braddock, is impressive in every frame. He brings out the cunningness and ruthlessness in Braddock with subtle nuances and charismatic screen Toussaint gives depth to Catherine Lancestar as the publisher and Chloe's close friend and mentor. Her performance stands out despite limited screen time as she adds up to the pace and seriousness of the Reuben as Ethan's counsellor, Michelle Sanders, brings believability to her character. Gabriel Sloyer adds intensity to Jake Rodriguez, an attorney at Adam's law firm and Chloe's secret lover. Michael J Harney, Janel Moloney, Frederick Weller, John Finn, Paul Sparks and Frank Pando are equally impressive as the supporting than what meets the eye!The show is a testament to passionate storytelling as it makes a bold commentary on women's sufferings, agency, emotional trauma and social equity. Milch and Corrado leave no stones unturned in bringing up issues like the trolling of women in influential positions for their advocacy for labour and women's show also makes a subtle commentary on the resilience of women in the modern world by depicting a female police investigator as the most domineering character, ruthlessly chasing all the suspects. Chloe, Nicky and Catherine are equally determined characters who reveal their silent yet restrained ferocity and resilience through their the series focusses on human relations and perspectives, it also reflects on the abuse of power by the judicial and government show unveils the complications in the legal system as well as the corruption within the police administration. 'The Better Sister' makes you question how a rotten system, be it professional, social or personal, can ruin the lives of multiple story also highlights both toxic parenting and marriage, which end up adding miseries to everyone remotely involved in it. If 'Adolescence' was about a patriarchal minor, 'The Better Sister' unravels the mindset of a sensitive and compassionate teenager, scared to open up to his show is meant for those up for an emotionally enriching plot alongside courtroom drama and murder investigation. It is a unique series that demands audiences' attention for a well-crafted, engaging cinematic experience.'The Better Sister' is available for streaming on Prime Video.4 out of 5 stars to 'The Better Sister'
