WWE Smackdown @ O2 Arena

WWE's second brand, Smackdown, made their way to London for a house show named The Survivor Series Tour. Many UK wrestling fans had made their way up to Manchester for the televised edition of their premier brand Raw.

It must have been something to do with the format or presentation because it all felt a tad disappointing. In recent years the WWE has rammed down viewer's throats the fact they are 'Sports Entertainment' - admitting the scripted shows are fake but the athleticism is real.

Sadly the biggest excitement of the night was centred on the anticipation of who would walk down the aisle. Being as so many of the current top-tier names are on Raw (Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Batista, JBL) all hopes for Smackdown's show was on appearances from Triple H and The Undertaker.

The ring announcer must have been caught by surprise when he was actually cheered to the ring. Surely in the States nobody cheers him walking to the ring! The opening bout was between Carlito and The Brian Kendrick. There was a reasonable reaction to the fight. Kendrick garnered some heat with his posing antics. Carlito worked the crowd, but the match fell below expectation. Carlito took the win.

Next up was Ryan Braddock, who received a reaction of "Who???" from the crowd. Another sign of the difference between the Raw and Smackdown shows. His opponent was the surprisingly popular Great Khali. Clearly this giant's legs are completely shot as he spent a lifetime walking to the ring. This was further enhanced by his complete lack of mobility. Khali pounded him and the bout was done within minutes. Thankfully.

An injection of pace was vital to keep the interest of the restless crowd. That was provided in the triple-threat match that followed. Primo came out to virtual silence. R-Truth came to the ring via the crowd, attempting to sing on his way. This was pitiful, sounding more like a muffled grumble while the crowd sporadically shouted "Wassup" back at him. Therefore it was with relief that US Champion Shelton Benjamin sauntered out. 'The Golden Standard' was the star of the fight, and carried the others to a respectable match. R-Truth was terrible and spent most of his time outside the ring. Benjamin retained the strap with a pinfall on Primo.

All the fathers in the arena suddenly woke up when the announcer declared the next bout was a Divas tag-match. The leggy Maryse was teaming with the daughter of Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart - Natalya. Their opponents - former Playboy Playmate Maria, and present-girlfriend to The Undertaker - Michelle McCool. Plenty of whistling and cheers came to pass. The Divas did mess up a few moves and occasional groans could be heard, The skimpy outfits and sheer effort disguised this and people genuinely were enjoying it. Team McCool/Maria took the win.

The next match left me again feeling the participants were going through the motions. I had high hopes for Jeff Hardy and MVP. Sadly it was just OK and although some of the moves were impressive, you expect much more from these two talents. Hardy is one of the most popular stars out their right now. He won with a clean pinfall and the show took an intermission.

By now it was apparent the kids were getting restless. The usual razzmatazz of the TV show wasn't there. No big Titantron screen introduced the wrestlers. No interviews were made. The lights were down leaving the ring as the sole light spot. Those who had made the effort to make signs realised they would not be seen in the darkness. At that moment they must have wished they were in Manchester.

Thinking the standard could only get better the further the night went on was totally scuppered when jobber Kung Fu Naki jived down the aisle. At least it provided the attendance to sing along to his theme tune. Inevitably he lost to his much larger opponent - Ezekiel Jackson. There is potential for Jackson. He has size and the build to push him in the industry. This was nothing but a squash match.

New main-event heel Vladimir Kozlov came out to another low-key reaction for the night. Clearly the fans felt no connection to him at all. Luckily 'The Game' Triple H was ready to do battle with him. The screaming to his entrance music was deafening. With all of the knocks he takes due to his marriage to Stephanie McMahon, he really did put on a quality display. Unlike the other performers on the roster, he didn't just turn up, he wrestled to his abilities. The match was the best of the night. It went back and forward, with plenty of close calls and generated excitement. In order to keep Kozlov's unbeaten streak intact, the finish came with a disqualification when the Russian drilled HHH in the head with a chair. Of course, the 'Cerebral Assassin' had the last laugh when he delivered The Pedigree, elating a massive pop from the adoring audience. The most admirable sight was seeing Triple H then walk around ringside making sure to slap hands with fans, and then jumping up to the disabled area to personally shake hands with everyone. A true professional.

The main event was a power fight. The Big Show, with all his size, continues to be a giant let down. He has shed a lot of weight but still drags a match to walking pace. The entrance of The Undertaker was incredibly impressive. The lights going out, the bell tolling, the mist streaming down the entrance and the shadowy figure of WWE's greatest ever gimmick. None of it was tired. All these years on and it still sent a chill through the crowd. The entrance however, did maintain more interest than the match and people poured out in their droves before seeing the conclusion. The Taker took the fight with a submission hold.

Performer of the night was Triple H by a long way. If only some other big names were on Smackdown it would have been a stronger show. Instead it was a fairly tame effort. Most of the matches lacked meaning and didn't link to any of the storyline feuds. The company returns in April 2009 with a Raw show. Maybe it is worth a second try.

Review: We Are Most Amused

There hasn't been much to laugh about when it comes to ITV these days. The only successful programmes they seem to produce appear to be reality shows. So it made a refreshing change to see some cracking laughs and sharp humour on We Are Not Amused - the show to celebrate Prince Charles' 60th birthday.

The real star of the night was Bill Bailey. He performed a superb duet with Robin Williams mocking Charles' wait for the throne. Robin Williams was spot on with his timing and it was a pleasant reminder of his great old comedy. He opted to take more pops at the US Presidential candidates than the Royals. Bailey had Prince Charles creasing with laughter. He suggested the National Anthem should be changed to the Pink Panther theme, making Britain the 'coolest' at the Olympics. Then he took a hilarious poke at Belarus with an impromptu take on their anthem.

Brilliant stand-up was also provided by Michael McIntyre, Stephen K Taylor and Omid Djalili. Camilla and Prince Harry, sitting either side of Charles, were wiping tears of laughter from their faces. Joan Rivers gave a typically abrasive set, still relying on her brash controversial style. Andrew Sachs made an appearance as Fawlty Towers' Manuel alongside host John Cleese. Sachs received a rapturous round of applause, making his first performance since the Brand/Ross scandal.

The finale saw a ballet routine sprout into an Eric Idle led rendition of Always Look On the Bright Side of Life. The words had been adapted in another knock on Charles' age and his dear mum's firm position as monarch.

A great laugh with some excellent stand-up talent. Happy Birthday Chuck!

Review: Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini

This Icelandic singer's sound is so cute. It's one of those voices that struggles to get all of the word out. This adds to her appeal and makes her beautifully distinctive. There is real potential for her talent to grow, maybe not to mainstream, but with collaborations and gentle ballads.

The title track is quirky and uses a reggae beat not usually associated with her style - and the result works well. Heard It All Before thankfully doesn't sum up the album. However, the relaxed vibe will suit some but not all.

The worry comes in the lack of an impact song. If she just had one in her arsenal (Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl, Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me) then she could reach household name status. People will say 'Who?' when you mention her (Will Young recently named her as an inspiration on ITV's X Factor), but when she does hit the big-time, you can simply give a knowing smile.

A sweet album.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Review: Bryn Christopher - My World

I am suitably impressed by Bryn Christopher. This album sparkles with fun. From the word go Help Me bangs the album into up-tempo pop. The best track is Smilin' and this will be the song most will recognise. It's very much along the lines of Gnarles Barkley - superb vocals and a catchy chorus.

The album works on so many levels - it's funk, it's soul, it's pop, it's dance. Amy Winehouse clearly saw the talent when she had him supporting on her recent tour. Stay With Me really does sound like it could be a bonus track on the 'bee-hived one's' Back To Black.

The appeal of Christopher will reach a range of age groups and his willing to cross genres means his fan base will continue to grow.

My World and Found A New Love are packed full of energy. The Way You Are and My Kinda Woman are ultra-smooth, cheesy ballads that take you back to an era when soul groups wore matching glittery tuxedos.

This is an enjoyable release. Christopher has set his bar very high, very early.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Scrumming In The Rain

A cold and rainy day in Twickenham. The journey there a mission in itself with our dear friends at Transport for London kindly closing off half of the underground system. Armed with a comedy mohican hat and a Tonga jersey I stand looking at the home of English rugby.

Thousands of fans draped in England flags scurry past me searching for shelter. The smell of burger vans fills the air. My feet are so wet that my shoes squelch with every step.

The entrance and security check is refreshingly swift and friendly, a million miles away from the rigid jobsworths of Wembley and the O2 Arena. I head into the Rugby Store - mostly for shelter. England will be playing in their away shirt today and the 20% discount on the red jersey is clearly appealing to the eager-to-spend shoppers. Credit crunch? What credit crunch??

Outside the shop three mascots are trying to raise spirits - posing for kids (and adults who just want to be kids). Still - in the biting cold weather more people are holding cups of beer than hot tea or coffee.

I take my seat in the West Stand. Slowly people filter in, some smiling and chatty, most drenched and shivering. A schoolboy match is taking place as a warm up for the crowd. Nobody is really watching except for the families of these freezing children.

A small white stage is carried onto the field and five leggy blonds appear. I check my overpriced programme. The girls are a group called Passionata - apparently the operatic answer to Girls Aloud. They burst into song - O Fortuna. The wolf-whistles begin.

The teams walk out. The Pacific Islanders to a gentlemanly clap, the England side to a rousing cheer. Both teams line up facing my way, arms over each others shoulders and God Save The Queen is belted out by the Passionata girls who by now appear like they have been swimming.

Before the kick-off, the Pacific Islanders - comprised of Fijians, Samoans and Tongans - line up to perform their war dance - the Siva Tau. The huge Polynesians scream and posture with menacing faces. They boom out the words with fury and look straight into the eyes of the England team.

The game kicks off. It's sluggish and scrappy. The players are struggling to hold the ball and cheap little penalties keep the play stuck firmly in the centre of the park. England fans try to lift the spirits. Martin Johnson - making his debut as national coach - looks calm. Kelly Brook's latest squeeze Danny Cripriani opens the scoring with a penalty kick. Pierre Hola misses a long kick for the Islanders. Then the game comes alive.

Before the interval Paul Sackey and Danny Cipriani score tries for the host nation, and Fijian Seru Rabeni crosses the line to prevent a shut-out. At half-time the score stands at 20-10. England look far from impressive but are in control.

The second half is a more exciting effort. Both teams physically battering each other. The fresh legs of England, with players making their debuts, begin to impose their skill. Nick Kennedy, Lee Mears and Sackey again go in for more tries. The Islanders begin to look weary. They haven't won a test match yet. The final whistle blows and the crowd applaud an entertaining match - more about physical strength than anything else. Final score - England 39 Pacific Islanders 13.

I prepare myself for the frustratingly bad trip home. The supporters aren't going to let the weather get to them - they flood to the bars.

England got the job done but they will need to be more polished if they are going to stand a chance against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Review: Seu Jorge - America Brasil

Seu Jorge provides a catchy pop-samba effort with his latest release -America Brasil. Bursting full of flavour - straight out of Rio - this album is the perfect introduction for rookies to Brazilian music. You will be bobbing your head along to this - it's just inevitable.

Some might recognise Seu Jorge from the hit film City Of God. More recently he appeared on Later with Jools Holland, giving Brits a sample of his musical skills.

Clearly a multi-talented performer, he demonstrates his ability to mesh blues rock with a latin twist. His raspy vocals provide a gritty edge. Noticeably there is a Stevie Wonder influence - with plenty of harmonica intros before the drums kick in.

From the opening track, America Do Norte, to the end, he treats us to a well paced samba album, interrupted only with the more chilled out tracks - Cuidar De Mim and Seu Olhar. At times it may seem a little repetitive - but if you want some latin funk - America Brasil will hit the mark.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review: Tilly and the Wall - O

There is something endearing about this Nebraskan group. They offer angelic folk rock one moment, angry girl pop the next.

This is the third album by Tilly and the Wall - and if O is anything to go by - the future looks very bright.

The vocals range from haunting to bitchy to chirpy - not allowing the tracks to fall into 'samey' territory. The bizarre use of tap dancing in the background is a novel idea and gives a unique yet gimmicky style. There are times when the backing vocals feel a touch flat - but Pot Kettle Black is a punchy song, part White Stripes part-Suzi Quatro. This is the standout track but there really isn't a bad one. Elements of upbeat 60s pop creep in on Alligator Skin.

However, it does veer towards bitter-girl territory (see Pink, Avril Lavigne) and Dust Me Off feels like it is destined for a chick-flick soundtrack.

Honest and harmonious - a worthwhile listen.

Rating: 6 out of 10

Botched Welsh Road Sign

I found myself chuckling at a fantastic story out of Wales this week. Swansea council needed to put up a road sign in both English and Welsh.

In order to get it translated to Welsh they emailed a translation service. The required sign was to read "No Entry For Heavy Goods Vehicles. Residential Site Only". However, as the translator wasn't available the council received an automated message back saying "I am out of the office at the moment".

Thinking that this was the translation, they went ahead and got the sign made up. Pure genius.

Halloween - Bit of Fun or License to Vandalise?

I have always been a bit distant when it comes to Halloween. My usual view is that it's a slightly American celebration, although I appreciate its of Celtic origin. I enjoy the imagery - the pumpkin lanterns, the costumes and even the cheesy films related to it. But I guess my biggest question is - what is the cut-off age for trick or treaters?

Halloween has spread as a party throughout the world. Much like other celebratory days on the calendar, its true meaning has somewhat been forgotten. I'm cool with that. The world evolves. People having fun - god knows with all the stress in life - is a great thing.

Yet for some reason I take exception to trick-or-treating. Which is a shame because for the little kids under adult supervision its a lot of fun. Their little costumes and excitement at getting sweets.

On October 31st I saw with my own eyes the flip side of Halloween. A group of about twenty teenage boys wearing masks terrorising a street. Where were our dear Police Community Support Officers? Nowhere. This group of louts broke into someones porch and screamed obscenities through the letterbox. Another stood urinating against a car. Eggs were being pelted against windows. Cars were being jumped on and kicked.

I understand there is a trick element involved. But when it is just mindless vandalism with a group of kids way too old to be participating - I begin to wonder what it's all about. It's a time of year jammed with celebrations - Halloween, Diwali, Bonfire Night, Christmas Day, New Year - and all would be better off without thugs ruining them.

I hope I don't witness any of the same next year.

US Election Upon Us

The world collectively holds its breath as the US Election is about to take place. After two disastrous terms of George W. Bush - the weapons of mass destruction fiasco, the War on Iraq, the economic meltdown - all eyes will be on Obama and McCain.

Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Michael Stipes et al, perform desperately trying to get the masses to vote Democrat. For too many years it hasn't been enough. Yet with Obama pulling ahead in the polls, it is hard to see how things can't go their way.

Obama himself is a charismatic man. He has a huge like-ability factor. The focus on him being possibly the first black President should of course be noted, it is historic, but the real focus should be on dragging the US up from the mess it has been in.

McCain has tried to distance himself from the Bush Administration. A Republican not wanting to be connected to another Republican. Oh dear. The ten minute appeal of Sarah Palin has been so detrimental to the campaign. Her blundering responses to questions and sheer lack of knowledge cannot be masked by her sassy appearance.

A year ago I was going to put a bet on McCain to win. I couldn't see America voting for a black man or a woman as President. Thankfully, current public opinion seems to be proving me wrong. The recent TV debates have been strengthening to both candidates in many ways, but also exposed many flaws. McCain was far more aggressive on foreign policy and appeared experienced. Yet the constant 'Joe the plumber' referrals were patronising. Obama aimed to show he isn't a radical and looked to disguise any naivety with a charming approach.

Reports have been made that the police are on standby should Obama not win. The feeling is that in black communities riots could break out. As the first election won by Bush was so mired in controversy, Obama has to know the importance of winning big and not allowing it to be close.

Obama should win. Time will tell how he handles the Presidency, and Biden will be a far better support than Palin could ever be to McCain.

The first 100 days will be the ultimate test.

Decline of Soccer AM

Once upon a time it was a staple of Saturday morning laziness. Quirky, fresh and fun, Soccer AM never failed to entertain.

Nowadays I can't fight its corner.

I was never much of a Tim Lovejoy fan. His self-indulgent persona was at best amusing. Helen Chamberlain was the foil, keeping the show on track with all the chaos around her. She came across as the teacher trying to keep the kids in order. The shows two best assets - Fenners and Sheephead - departed with Lovejoy and since then the wheels really have come off.

The modern format looks sloppy. Chamberlain seems more irritating than attractive. The segments have become tiresome and the newer crew members just aren't as funny as the old ones. The guests tend to be indie bands who all sit looking like they would prefer to sulk than talk, and most annoyingly, they tend to not even like football.

It's possible that the show is trying to aim itself towards a younger audience. As I get older my attitude changes and I do realise that the show is all a bit of fun. Of course the humour was always cheesy, but now it has descended into a level even a Carry On film wouldn't use. I used to last the whole three hours but now I am dipping in and finding myself sighing with disappointment.

Soccer AM has become a bit of an institution. But its become very stale. Ideally it should take a break and let Sky come up with something new. That doesn't mean it couldn't make a comeback. After all, a show like Strictly Come Dancing burst back on the screen re-invigorated and retro.