November 07

The Mary Poppins of Great Western Road?

Greetings, children! What do we think of my new glasgowwestend.co.uk photograph? I thought it about time to update my image, and project a more positive, domesticated image, now that I'm living away from the comforts of home. A month ago, I was not the beaming ray of habitual sunshine you see before you. Oh no. There was the instance of using the vacuum cleaner to suck up the massive spider trying to bunk in my room rent-free. And then there was my attempts at DIY which I won't elaborate on, for fear of setting the feminist movement back a good few decades. And finally, the daddy of all living-on-your-own-school-boy-errors...the laundry disaster.

Take note: put your whites with your whites, put your darks with your darks, and everything in between is kosher. I washed my light clothes and my purple bed sheets together and now the majority of my white t-shirts and tops have a lovely hint of lilac to them. Thank Vogue that purple is the new black!

West End: Wild and Wonderful

I really must explain the story behind my new photo though, for it is a tale of good friends and good times. Along with my fellow Kushion-ites, I found myself walking along Great Western Road at around 5am, post-Viper, one late-summer's morning, and upon the road, I spotted...a hoover. Students, eh? If they don't want something, they'll chuck it out onto the street. And if they do want something, they'll refuse to go and buy a new one, and instead hunt the streets for a discarded one. It's a vicious cycle!

Anyway, I took it upon myself to drag this hoover back to my friends' Otago Street pad as a bargaining tool for some sleep space on their couch. A sort of 'you scratch my back, I'll give you a hoover' kind of deal. I may have only made it two blocks and one photo before giving up and throwing the hovoer back into the no-man's land of household appliances, but there was many a laugh to be had.

On that same particular journey, my friends and I noticed the lovely words postered on the wall of Oran Mor, underneath the Miller 'This Is My Glasgow' photograph mosaic. Now, to my own detriment, I cannot recall the exact words captured, but the gist of it was an expression of appreciation of the kind of laughter and happiness that you find in the best of nights with the best of friends. Maybe it was the drink, but right there and then, I remember feeling rather lucky to have such nice people to call my friends *insert vomiting imitation here*

Honestly...I'm Fine!

As the vodka-induced haze that was Fresher's Week '07 gradually fades into a distant memory and is replaced by 4am parties and 9am classes, there is a monumental experience no higher learner can escape. No, not donating your entire student loan to the Byres Road Iceland in exchange for Cornflakes and Cider. The potentially disastrous event I refer to is that first weekend that your parents decide to visit your new University lodgings in an attempt to uncover any evidence that you have enlisted in a cult or adopted a radical extremist political standing.

Don't be cruel, try and put their biggest fears to rest.
Discarding the empty bottles of Jack Daniels, replacing the X-Box games with some textbooks and only introducing them to your more sober friends is to simply state the obvious. However, if you want to send them home with real peace of mind, take them on a serious tour of the West End. Dads are certain to love the Tall Ship, and the Hunterian Art Gallery will help to convince your Mom and Pop that you've been visiting more than just the pub. The Bothy on Creswell Lane is a perfect spot to take them in the evening, a genuinely traditional culinary experience just steps from the bustle of Byres Road.

This is great for ERASMUS students who want their parents to experience authentic Scottish culture and cuisine, with the kilts et al, and provides the opportunity for all students to have an intimate and thoroughly enjoyable meal with the folks. Just hope to SAAS that they're paying, otherwise its Cornflakes and Cider for the whole family!

Talented, non?

It's apparently not enough to be accepted to study medicine, graduate University, and practice as a fully-licensed GP. Oh no, not for Eoghan Colgan. In the last year, the Northern Ireland born ball of ambition, was awarded the o2 Undiscovered Music bursary for his soothing vocals and unique songwriting abilities, quit his career as a doctor and is now gigging his way to the top. I caught Eoghan's gig at the Liquid Ship on Great Western Road last month, and it was truly incredible. Well, technically, I caught one song. Eoghan was kind enough to preview my favorite track 'Planetary Woman', which will appear on his debut album, before I had to run off to fulfill my barmaid duties. This act of kindness, together with the shivers I felt run down my spine as his blend of acoustic music and bittersweet lyrics echoed the silent basement of the bar, proved to me that not only did he deserve every penny that o2 had to give, but that he is destined for great things.

Eoghan often plays venues around the West End, and I cannot recommend one of his gig's more highly as a relaxing and remarkable way to spend your evening. Check out his Be to the Bo site for more details.

My Roman Holiday

A good few years ago, pre-diamante purses and Breakfast at Tiffany's commercialization, I developed a fascination and admiration for the lovely Ms. Hepburn after seeing her in 'Sabrina'. What a wonderful film. What a wonderful actress. Enchanting, charismatic and graceful, just like her 1953 film Roman Holiday, and just like the Eternal City it was set in.

I had the privilege of visiting Rome last weekend with my very own Gregory Peck (if you throw in an Irish accent for good measure). We had an incredible five days getting lost down the cobbled streets of Trastevere, doing Russell Crowe impersonations in the Colesseum, basking in the Roman radience from the top of St Peter's Basilica, throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain and 'oooo', 'eeee' and 'aaaa'-ing in the Sistine Chapel. And so, it only seems appropriate to make this month's movie recommendation Audrey's Cinderella story in reverse. The film united two of Hollywood's sweethearts in one of the most successful films of the 1950's, both financially and critically, with the future Holly Golightly winning an Oscar for her portrayal of an English Princess gone AWOL on the streets of Italy. Gregory Peck stars as the American journalist who scams his way in to spending a day with her to get the Royal scoop, but then, of course, falls for her optimism and charm.

I loved this film because there is nothing controversial about it. It is laced with innocent humour that does not need to be mocking or scandalous to succeed as a comedy. It made me laugh in the way Singing In The Rain, or His Girl Friday have, with witty one liners and amusing repartee between truly talented actors. And this, with Rome's beautiful sites blending the story together, meant this film was, to me, almost as magical as my own holiday there. Almost.

I Love It Here...Agreeable Graffiti

I'm afraid I shall have to wrap things up on a more disheartening note. As I am sure many of you are aware, for the last year, the wall of the Gregory Building had the simple yet inspiring words 'I love it here' painted just above the steps leading to Byres Road. Of all the PR chalking and student graffiti, this was by far my favorite, just for being sentimental and sincere. There was no political message or agenda, just an effortless expression of one person's appreciation of our wonderful West End. And now, just as I have been given the opportunity to love it here, someone's gone and wiped it off! Why?! Who would erase such a heartwarming sentiment? I have no answer to offer, simply a thank you to the author. It always made me smile on my way to class.

September, 2007

Summer Days, Drifting Away....

Ah John Travolta. You were in 'Grease'. Then you were in some bad 80's films. Then there was Pulp Fiction and we thought the world, and your career, made sense again. Now you're cross-dressing in 'Hairspray' and hanging out with Tom Cruise and his Scientology posse. Where did it all go so wrong? Maybe it was that first week of college...

How Not To Turn Into John Travolta

Instead to thinking time travel and aliens, think inside the box. Think new term. Think new drinking games. Think new reasons to wake up in places you don't recognize. That's right folks. It's Fresher's Week! Highlights will most definitely include The QMU's Monday Pub Quiz, which was the mightiest and messiest start to my own Fresher's Week experience, oh so many years ago. Drinking games involving old Police records (the band, not the criminal history), and Pub Quiz tie-breakers involving IKEA construction races. Tip: whatever you get involved in, make sure there's a skilled carpenter in tow. They sure would've come in handy three years ago when myself and some female friends were on stage with some nails, some wood and a sandwich short of a picnic in terms of a clue! Needless to say we came an oh-so-far-away close second. Gutted. The GUU are going all themed this year, with a Pirates Party on Wednesday night. It'll be Jolly Roger good, with a Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of the GUU's cheapest and nastiest rum! All puns intended. Some Dodgeball debauchery follows on Thursday, and for fans of the Frat Pack flick, this will be a necessary Fresher's Week shindig. The GUU are then wrapping things up with a foam party, so grab your whistles and glowsticks and party like its 1994! For a full list of fun and furniture-assembling activities, visit the GUU and QMU websites. And if you're partial to a bit of city centre socializing, come down to my own permanent work/drink/living space on Bath Street, for Kushion are throwing many a Fresher's friendly event, including an MTV awards party with free giveaways, and a ShagTag extravaganza. Again, apparently the 90's are back! I'll either be behind the bar, serving up a storm, or PRing around Ashton Lane with passes and promos! Don't hesitate to ask amigos!

Looking For Somewhere To Pass Out...

...after your Fresher's week frolicking? Well, for all you first time renters, be careful of hidden dangers and sneaky landlords. Bars on windows, and damaged smoke detectors are a major no-no in any property purchase, so scout out places before you sign ANYTHING! Health and Safety certificates and boiler checks should all be looked over and carried out before you start moving any boxes. Communal eating/living areas are essential for socializing with your new boudoir buddies, unless you're living with Jennifer Jason Leigh in Single White Female. Storage cupboards will also come in handy for shared cleaning items, (Vanish will make that post-party puke disappear!) your Mum's old hoover, and any uninvited flat warming guests. All appliances should be purchased from your nearest Tesco (toasters, kettles, irons) and Primark is top notch for student friendly bedclothes and homeware! And any billing issues can be advised on by the SRC, especially when it comes to tax. Beware, my tenement-dwelling dudes and dudettes, for the Council will rob you faster than Winona Ryder!

Flat Warming Tunes

These will surely bring that much needed warmth to your new pad's Baptising party. Josh Rouse is a necessity in any CD collection, with 'Smile' and 'Backstroke' being top of my acoustic playlist. He's all sorts of mellow, and I advise all you West End chillaxing traxsters to go along to the QMU on December 1st to sway along. To funk it up a bit, and get the people's head bobbing, I recommend Ms Kate Nash for a bit of cockney chorus. Her new single 'Mouthwash' is Lilly Allen, except good, and her video features robots on roller-skates. Consider me a fan. She will be appearing at Oran Mor on October 29th and for those of you lucky enough to have purchased tickets in time, I'll buy one off you for twenty quid and a packet of Malteasers. Good deal.

Big Screen. Small Screen. Living In a Cardboard Box.

I kid you not, I have friends who's accommodation could be upstaged by a homeless hostel. But if you are lucky enough to have a TV, a DVD player, or a friend who works at the Grosvenor Cinema, then you should check out the following films.

I'm all about the new releases this month, with 'Knocked Up' popping my corn three times in the last two weeks. This film is the literal consequence of 'The 40 Year Old Virgin'. Obviously, yes, a one night stand resulting in a comical nine months is a good follow up from the escapades of a middle aged virgin, but both films were also directed by Judd Apatow, who produced the holy grail of student cinema, 'Anchorman'. 'Knocked Up' was written by and stars average-joe-stoner Seth Rogen, who manages to get the lovely Katherine Heigl rather drunk and rather pregnant. The insulting banter and side stories of this film deliver the real laugh out loud moments, and the one liners had me crying with laughter, something I haven't done since Gareth from 'The Office' gets drunk at the Staff Night Out, pulls a married woman and looks directly at the camera as he speeds of with her, and her husband on their motorbike. Genius.

Now, my West End Girls (to be sung in a Neil Tennant karaoke voice) and boys, once or twice in the cinematic year, I get all excited about a new release. These have previously included 'Garden State', 'Closer', and 'The Rules of Attraction'. New teen indy flick 'Disturbia' certainly created a lot of fuss across the pond following its US release several months ago, and I'm hoping it will cause a similar positive 'disturbance' here in the UK.

Distubia/disturbance. I crack myself up. From what I have gathered, it is 'Rear Window' meets 'the 'Burbs', Hitchock meets Hanks. Both of these classics should be viewed if you manage to wangle that DVD Player from Tesco. And with 'Disturbia's main man being played by Hollywood up-and-comer Shia LaBeouf, who has been hailed as the next Tom Hanks, this should be an I-think-my-neighbour-is-a-serial-killer horror, but with a stylish, well-cast twist. LaBeouf is set to star in the New Indiana Jones film, so at least go and see 'Disturbia' so you can see what he was like before he becomes a big star, is photographed sans underwear, and eventually ends up in rehab.

Mishaps and Bubblewrap.

The mishaps account for my poor updating record, and the bubblewrap accounts for my big move! That's right folks, I've been seduced by my own guide, and I'm joining the ranks of red sand stoned civilians! I'll be sharing a very lovely flat with two very lovely girls, that's a very lovely distance from Viper. This way, I can roll out of bed, and roll in to class, as well as experience much more of the West End magic to report back to all you readers that live in my laptop. But until next time, Peace Out Playa

Feb 2007

Previously, on 'Roisin Brady's West Side Story'?

Well, previously it was 2006. The CliffNotes version reads something like this. Worked in Ireland for the summer, made a trip over to the Basque Country, started back at Uni, got a job behind the bar in Kushion (I'm the Tom Cruise of Bath Street), fell ridiculously ill over Christmas and New Year (Amen for prescription medication) and managed to start taking driving lessons. Two lessons: -40. Cute shoes to drive in: -60. Not running over any small children or animals: Priceless.

Lights Out.

'Lights Out' is a rocking Bloc Party-esque track from The Kick, a band I have mentioned previously and follow religiously. Good tunes and good looks, what more can a girl ask? However. Following this plug, plug, plug, I am actually intent on raising another issue. As so many of you will be aware, if you are coming out of Kelvinbridge Subway Station, you can cut across the little playground and up the stairs to reach Gibson Street, just across from Offshore coffee shop. It's a great short cut, especially when my friend Catherine lived in the halls of residence just next to the Kelvingrove Park entrance last year. And since I'm not really a walking/exercising/physical effort kinda gal, this is a route that I frequently use. So what the problem you ask? Well, after dusk, my short cut turns into a Crimewatch reenactment. In an area vastly populated by students, this path lacks any form of lighting or security and is practically advertising itself as a 'walk here at night and die' walkway. Okay, maybe I'm being slightly dramatic, but this is not the only instance that I've been afraid to walk in dark parts of the West End. The stairs up the QMU that are located behind Ashton Lane have been affectionately dubbed 'Rapist Alleyway' by some students and don't even get me started on Kelvingrove Park. Students and other unsuspecting/ naive/ absolutely wasted West End wanderers WILL utilise these lanes and paths and while I am not aware of any specific incidents that have taken place, it couldn't hurt to put up a few street lights. Even just to get the 'Halloween' theme tune out of my head when I find myself unsuspectingly/ naively/ absolutely wasted-ly walking alone at night.

Lights On.

'Adrienne's' Lamp Shop on Park Road is my favourite shop in the West End despite the fact that I've never stepped inside. But at night, with all the lamps in the window shining brightly, well, it's really nice. So this is a Shout Out for the Lamp Shop! God I'm such a girl?

Light as a Feather!

The words of the boy who gave me a piggy-back on Great Western Road. The words of the boy who then fell over and dropped me. Don't you just love post-exam escapades! Had there been a lot of alcohol involved I wouldn't have felt so bad, but trying to get a drink in Viper at the end of exam season is like trying to walk along Ashton Lane in my fabulous new Diesel boots after a few too many cocktails. It's impossible! I completely advise against it. Viper's great, but not with half of Glasgow University along for the ride!

Lights Out for Bobby, Lights On for Emilio.

That's actually really harsh considering the context of my latest cinematic commendation. My admiration of 80's Brat Packer Emilio Estevez was sparked by the Breakfast Club (which is ranked in the Roisin Brady desert-island, all-time, top five favourite films) and spawned two decades to include the mighty Mighty Ducks series and?well that's about it. But the I-refuse-to-take-my-famous-father's-surname-and-will-instead-establish-my-acting-autonomy-by-adopting-our-former-Spanish-title' actor has made an even mightier comeback with his multi award-nominated biopic about the days leading up to the assassination of Robert Kennedy. This film has created a deserved amount of buzz relating to incredibly high calibre of talent involved in the film. Hollywood veterans like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone lead a stellar younger cast made up of Elijah Wood, Heather Graham and Freddie Rodriguez. And do not be discouraged that Emilioooo ('A Night at the Roxbury' reference for all you film buffs out there) also cast party girl Lindsay Lohan, because the gamble pays off. Ashton Kutcher's turn as the free-your-mind-stoner provides great comedy value in a predominantly serious film, although, this is his character's only relevance. 'Bobby' is this years 'Crash' as far as ensemble casts go. The performances given are incredibly moving and it is an interesting look at the ordinary bystanders who were present at, and affected by one of America's most treasured leaders.

The Lights of Love?

Yes, the 'Light' incorporation is getting ridiculous. But it's bottom of the ninth, so bear with me. Just a quick reminder for all you lurve burds out there. Valentine's Day IS the 14th of February *gush* and I recommend Brel for a candlelit meal (the fairy lights are already there guys, it's a minimum effort kinda deal!) and for something a bit more hardcore, the QMU Revolution night on Tuesday is having a Valentine's Day special theme. Its rock and romance...rocking romance if you will. For every one else, I recommend Pretty Woman and some Ben n Jerry's.

June 2006

School's Out for Summer

Ah yes, it's that most wonderful time of the year. University students are sprawled across every last inch of grass in Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens, basking in the radiance of post-exam bliss. The West End becomes a kaleidoscope of cabaret as the annual festival colourfully envelopes the streets. Byres Road becomes busier and busier with sunglasses, gypsy skirts and flip flops (too far with the wishful thinking)? Anyway, I say bring on the fake tan and let the summer commence!

A Bar of Many Talent(s)?

As I ponder the topic of life after studying, I simply must introduce you all to a lovely little tradition my law crew and I have adopted. As we are faced with semester milestones such as the completion of an important assignment or a final course tutorial, our group continually finds itself collapsing on the sofas of the same two locations. If we require an escape from the studying, Curlers on Byres Road is top choice. With a great selection of music playing, we can kick back, relax and convince ourselves that it's well-earned procrastination. Plus, the 'Burger and a Beer' deal for 3.50 has been top of our culinary choices throughout exam season. However, if its straight-up boozing that's in order, we always start out at Radio and Nude. For various reasons, I have grown to appreciate Ashton Lane's upstairs/downstairs combo. Firstly, and most importantly, the bar staff lend themselves as top notch eye candy as well as serving up a nice selection of cocktails and drinks. The drinks prices are a lot less attractive that the barmen but Cocktail Tuesdays are a cheaper alternative and coincided perfectly with our SISL tutorials (that's legal lingo, don't you know). Radio and Nude also provide ridiculously comfortable couches and the perfect layout for a large party such as myself, Gill, Catherine, Nadia, Leigh et al to drown those SISL sorrows.

Best. Gig. Ever.

I knew it was coming. As did anyone who has met, spoke, or received smoke signals and pigeon carriers from me in the last month and a half. For those of you suffering from asthma or Ornithophobia, I'll keep you in suspense for a little longer as I summarize the abundance of live music I have taken in recently. I shall start with Bell X1 @ the Garage on April Fools Day. Damien Rice's former band show their ultimate strength in 'Eve Is the Apple of My Eye' which proved the ultimate crowd pleaser and I was so sure frontman Paul Noonan was going to explode as every part of his body seemed to pulsate with their music. Great stage presence.

Next up was a West End effort by my favourite local band, The Kick. Their April 13th gig at the QMU was by far their best performance to date, feeding off an enthusiastic crowd who were fuelled by their rock-tastic tunes and onstage antics. These four Glasgow Uni boys are destined for great, and undoubtedly wild, things. You've all been warned.

My next musical installment was a concoction of bands like Keane, the Kooks, We Are Scientists and the Sugababes. Myself and my favourite side-sick known only as Donaghy, headed up to Dundee for Radio One's Big Weekend. A disappointingly boring encounter with Big Brother's Preston revealed the inspiration for his band's name but highlights included an explosively energetic set by DJs Bobby Friction and Nihal which was topped only by a smash hit-ingly surprise performance by Franz Ferdinand. Carnage, chaos, jumping and dancing, and that was just in the Matinee.

Two last minute chance encounters were the cause of my subsequent gig-goings. Myself and my better half were enjoying a quiet drink in Langs when a casual conversation with the two girls sitting across from us led us to free tickets for Ocean Colour Scene's acoustic set at the Concert Hall last week. We may have missed the first few tunes, but thanks to the generosity of the girls, we were able to enjoy anthems like 'The Day We Caught the Train' and 'Robin Hood'. The Concert Hall was a perfect setting for an acoustic set and the band seemed humbled by the some of the best crowd interaction I've ever witnessed. The crowd at my next gig were a little crazier and a LOT younger. A last minute ticket took me to Edinburgh for my third Fallout Boy gig this year. As usual, the boys delivered a great performance with crowd surfing and ledge-swinging and fat men in kilts. And that was just the band. Too many fourteen years olds for my liking, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Corn Exchange, mainly due to the layout similarities to my old favourite, the Barrowlands. Good times, even if they were underage. But moving on?

Date: May 29th. Location: it had to be the Barrowlands. The Band: *drumroll* The Goo Goo Dolls. Now, many of you may not know them. Or know that they have pretty much been my favourite band for about seven years now. But I'm not going to spend a lot of time discussing my emotional breakdown when they appeared on stage, or the tears I cried when they played 'Black Balloon', my favourite song of all time. I won't waste your time describing the raspy vocals of lead man Johnny Rzeznik or the electric carnage blasting from Robby Takac's guitar. Mentioning the LOUDEST crowd singing I've ever heard when the band launched into their classic hit 'Iris' wouldn't even begin to impress you as much as the Goo Goo Dolls impressed me. I was utterly inspired and amazed that the highest expectation I've ever had concerning a gig were totally surpassed. I owe it all to my brother Michael (codename: Miney) for convincing me when I was twelve that they would change my life. And I owe it to the Goo Goo Dolls for doing exactly that.

Battle of the `Ban's.

Now, I shall drop my musical Socrates persona and move on to my best food critic mode. I need no re-assuring that Ichiban on Queen Street serves my favourite meal of Chicken curry and Ramen noodles. However, I decided to drag the boyfriend down to Dumbarton Road to see if the West End franchise could contend with the city centre's efforts. It became immediately clear, however, that the difference in the two restaurants had nothing to do with the high standard of food that they both served. It's all in the blueprints. The Queen Street branch is laid out in such an open space fashion, that you can catch flashes of fire and smell the alluring aromas coming from the kitchen while you enjoy your meal. The other restaurant offers large windows next to the door which are perfect for people-watching but it is unable to offer you the opportunity to witness the chefs tossing and flipping and cooking up a Japanese storm. Therefore, its kudos to Queen Street!

If You See One Film This Year?

See 'Brick'. I find myself with only enough energy (and I can really only be bothered) to type one cinematic recommendation in this installment. And Rian Johnson's genre-defying masterpiece deserves my strongest approval. With a stellar young cast led by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brick takes the intrigue and mystery of the 1940's film-noir and fuses it into a high-school setting with a sunny Californian back drop. Who knew a typically shadowy and dark type of story would blend so beautifully into the Hollywood hills? The film follows a young outsider who vows to untangle the mess that his ex-girlfriend was caught up in, and which consequently led to her murder. Gordon-Levitt is excellent as the Humphrey Bogart of the playground and the ease in which he delivers the appropriately dated dialogue adds to the stylish sophistication captured by the film. Complete with the femme-fetal and the untouchable crime boss, 'Brick' is the low-budget, indie-flick of the year that films made for over a million dollars will want to be like.
And, that, my friends is where I leave you.

March, 2006

A Student's Springtime View of Glasgow
- 'Music, Mayhem and Drunken Table Dancing'

Happy Hanukkah, Monica?

You know, sometimes, I find it really hard knowing that there will never be a new episode of 'Friends'. Tear. Eye. Brings. Moving on, however, I have muchos news to report. I am actually quite excited about all my West End endeavours that I have to discuss. And so I shall wish you seasons greetings, refrain from tales of my hellish Christmas exams, my near-death experience with a ridiculously painful kidney infection and my new job behind a great little bar in Merchant City which I truly believe I was destined to fulfil. So onwards and forwards with the gossip?

Too Sober?Too Old? Too Young?

After jetting off to New York for a week simply to colour me green with envy (Jim Carrey in 'The Mask' just about covers it) and to fulfil many of her Sex and the City fantasies (Carrie-style shopping, not Samantha-style?anything else), I met up with my friend Karen to drool over her Brooklyn Bridge stories in Radio and Nude on Ashton Lane. In true New York fashion we ordered a pitcher of cocktails and let the good times roll. Two jugs later and we were a tad confused. Maybe she had had too many bagels, maybe I was already drunk on her fabulous tales of Broadway shows, but we were both suffering from a severe lack of staggering, despite the Lane's best cobbled efforts. Maybe we were just too focused on shouting over the loud music, so please note: these bars are not the best places for a quiet chat. But the d?cor is very chic and the young West End talent is highly promising, especially during post-exam evenings. Anyway, I later found myself in Oran Mor for the very first time. Earlier in the year, I had a wonderful meal there with an American family that we had staying with us. They were very impressed by the culinary quality and the traditional atmosphere of the restaurant, not to mention its grand furnishings. However, I was still left feeling like the complete opposite of mutton dressed in sheep's clothing. Do you follow, oh shepherding readers? The music and the d?cor were contemporary. Heck even the DJ was well up to date, with no mullet in sight. And yet, my pretty little self still felt like maybe I was a lot younger than the majority of the hip and trendy and certainly higher class punters present in the converted Church basement on that particular evening. Take head!

Gigs, Glorious Gigs?

Well my avid West End wonderers, I have many a musical masterpiece to infringe upon you in my latest (and it need be said, EXTREMELY long overdue?blame the kidneys! An unnecessary pair of organs if you ask me) edition. I would first like to thank my incredible mother and brothers who kicked major musical ass this Christmas by grabbing their hands on tickets to see Bon Jovi AND the Eagles. And then giving them to me. Jerry Springer will go out of business cause my family rock! But now that you are all drooling at the side of your mouths, I will move onto the astounding acoustics of a Mr. Stephen Fretwell, who delivered a great show at the Garage on the 11th of January. Songs like 'New York', 'Run', and 'Emily' really had me doubt my ability to not cry in public domains. I managed but I have to send out my deepest gratitude for such an excellent performance. However, I then decided that I needed to up the tempo and headed off to the Fallout Boy gig at the Barrowlands, one of Glasgow's most delightfully dodgy music venues. Supported by the 'Smiths-only-punc' band, Nightmare of You, FOB were absolutely breathtaking, in the sense that I jumped around so much and made oh so many crowd-diving attempts that I was literally out of breath. 'Sugar, We're Going Down' has become slightly too commercial for my liking since I met the lads last year at Warped Tour in Ohio, but upbeat, dance-around-your-bedroom numbers like 'Dance Dance' and 'Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner' are truly superb and these guys have been top of my iTunes play list for quite some time.

But now ladies and gentlemen, for something completely different (all Monty Python puns implied), I bring you?Jason Mraz. Yes! That's right! You've no idea who he is. I, myself, am willing to disclose that I only had to of Mr. A-Z's tunes downloaded before being completely blown away when he supported James Blunt at the S.E.C.C. Blunt's vocals were great, but a P.A. failure wrecked three songs and tainted what would have been a well above average performance. Plus, he admitted he sings like a little girl so points for his on-stage antics. But I really must drag you back to Mraz. Armed with little more than a guitar, incredible vocals, legendary lyrics and one very cool dude on Bongos, Jason built up a lot of memento in the S.E.C.C. which he surpassed completely when I saw him jam at the QMU on Monday night. It was by far the best vocal performance, the baddest (in the good ghetto sense) bongo rendition, and the most hilarious band banter I have witnessed in at least two years. Buy his album. Download his tunes. But above all, see this guy live. It's a rarity. And there is no other explanation. Oh and if you offer to buy him a coke, with extra lemon and ice like I did, he'll love it.

Almost Tomorrow

In the sprit of tradition I will now recommend two fabulous films that are suitable for first dates, stylish soirees and late-night movie marathons. Up first is Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical tale of his chaotic adolescent experiences as a young rock journalist. The story follows William, a 15 year old music fanatic who is accidentally employed by Rolling Stone magazine to tour with and deliver a raw review of the up-and-coming 70's band Stillwater. As William (Patrick Fugit) travels the U.S. with the band, he encounters drugs, sex and the cult heroine?Miss Penny Lane (Kate Hudson). The soundtrack to this film is exceptional and feature 70's rock anthems 'Tiny Dancer' by Elton John, 'Tommy' by The Who and some Led Zepplin, Simon and Garfunkel and Cat Stevens all thrown in for fantastic measure. Ranked in Roisin's official Top Ten Favourite Films of All Ttime, Almost Famous will rock your socks, chill you out and Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman's role as the legendary Lester Bangs is nothing but awesome, dude. Watch this film and if nothing else, you will be mesmerised by Hudson's lingering reply to Fugit's distressing dialogue about returning home to his overprotective mother. ?You are home?. And I kid you not?with this film?you really are.

And too keep on the Oscar trail, I recommend another of Philip Seymour Hoffman's acting accomplishments of the last decade, although, that pretty much includes every film he has participated in the last decade. The man kinda rocks. But so to The 25th Hour. Very rarely will I recommend a film that involved actress Anna Paquin, but it just so happens that she has pivotal roles in both Almost Famous and The 25th Hour so I shall make these exceptions based on their merit overall. This film was a sleeper hit in 2002, directed by Mr. Spike ?I Make New York More Controversial Than Woody Allan? Lee himself. With a great cast (excluding the irritating Paquin as an annoyingly underage school girl) led by Edward Norton, the story follows the final hours of a young man facing a substantial prison sentence. Parties, reminiscing conversations, desperate behaviour and a really cute dog all contribute to the edgy, indie, tribute-to-a-post-911-New-York film. Norton's general ability to be outstanding, Hoffman's almost cradle-robbing school teacher and Lee's ability to make a post-prison film an acknowledgement of a city that will not go willingly into the night make this flick a complete success. You will be grasping for that final hour that will never come.

Need to Relax? Just Party for 10 Hours then, buddy.

Its good advice, really. To celebrate the commencement of the Easter holidays, the end of Spring exams and more importantly, St. Patrick's day (the only day that being a student isn't you're my only excuse to get trashed!), Glaswegian establishments are going all out this Friday night. In particular, both Cheesey Pop and the Hive will be open for their usual Easter 10 hour marathon, with enough music, mayhem and drunken table dancing to put a certain Hilton missy to shame. So hurray, my passionate partiers, for tickets are like gold dust. And if you have no luck, do an Irish pub crawl. Never fails. Oh, and if you see me about (I'll be in a pretty green dress trying to arm wrestle any mean looking Belfast boys up for the challenge) say howdy and I'll pour you a pint of Guinness with a shamrock. Working in a bar has its perks?you get to practice beer graffiti! And on that note, I bid you adieu, and hope you all stay safe, stay warm in the wake of this frreeeeezzzzziiiinnng blizzard that has swept our wee Glasgow, and stay classy, San Diego.

October, 2005

Leave Of Absence

Well folks, I hope you all missed me. I am painfully aware that I have failed to update my e-journal and delight you all with my witty repartee for quite some time now. I am hoping (with mild anxiety) that you can all forgive and forget my summer break and revel in the fact that this can be officially dubbed my "comeback"(think Jodie Foster, 'Panic Room').

Kids These Days

So it is that time of year again. Perhaps I sound a tad hypocritical when I jump at the chance to spot all the young first years swarming the streets of Glasgow's West End, and F.Y.I. you can spot them a mile away. They are either extremely excited about the prospects of cheap booze a la Student Unions, or they are wandering around one hundred and ten percent more lost than those conveniently beautiful people stranded on Channel Four's conveniently bizarre desert island. What's that I hear you cry? Was I not a mere fresher mortal, oh but a year ago? It's true. I don't deny it. But now that I have assumed my throne as a key member of the 'Two Years of Higher Learning' club, I have earned the right to judge. And isn't judging fun?!

A barrel of laughs was had by all, as the West End was horded by these youngsters who have been tossed into the world of alternative yet acceptably trendy bands, entertainingly-themed Union evenings and the infamously annoying leaflet-accostation (it's not a word, but it should be, so take note Oxford Dictionary Posse) that takes place up and down University Avenue during the week prior to term commencing a.k.a Freshers Week. Know it. Live it. Love it. The QMU had its traditional Ceilidh and sets by the unusually attractive Radio One DJ Colin Murray (it's the Irish accent I tell you!) and by two of the lads from Snow Patrol. Also appearing were Biffy Clyro, which I am assuming means another year of t-shirts brandishing their name being worn all over campus. Go on, see how many you can spot. This year's line-up didn't vary much from last year's, with the Sleazy Cheesy Pop and the Vegas Casino night becoming permanent fixtures. But then again, when you've got a great thing going?

The GUU also did its part to corrupt the un-suspecting freshers with the infamous Ten Hour Hive. As a matter of opinion, and great debate, the notable anthems were Keiser Chiefs 'I Predict A Riot', the much-loved and much-loathed 'Call On Me' by Eric Prydz, and, of course, 'Mr. Brightside'. (See my previous posts for info, for all you martians just running around out there). And apparently, the GUU's Open Mike Night went down a storm, so take the time out of your busy (making time to catch up on 'Lost') schedules to saunter on down and check it out weekly.

Damn The Man, Save The Empire!

Ah, the untimely words of Ethan Embry in that musical and yet not a musical classic. (Note to Martians: run down to Fopp on Byres Road and get yourselves a copy of Empire Records). Well it seems that both the Unions, like the chic record store in the title of this film, haven chosen to start their own revolutions, sticking two very different fingers to two very different men. The QMU have ceased to sell Coca Cola and have instead introduced the entire Pepsi range into their Food Factory and bars. My source, who is Jimmy the barman by the way, says that 'practicality' factored into this decision but I'm sure that negative publicity surrounding Coca Cola productions also helped spark this Soda Scandal (see www.killercoke.org). You know how we students love our causes. However, the good intentions that may have backed all of this, have been ignored by many students, notably myself and my great friend Karen. We say bring back our caffeine-filled carbonated water, other wise?what's the point? The GUU have taken matters one step further and made two major additions to their fashionable family. This year sees Costa Coffee and Subway becoming major fixtures in the Union and the GUU saying 'We will drink our ridiculously long-named coffee and our food that is more scrumdidiliumptious than a Wonka Bar, AND WE WILL NOT BE ASHAMED!' I say good for you guys! And I will see you for a tall medium-cinnamon-roast espresso macchiato tomorrow!

Danke Schoen for Reading

Sometimes I wish I could jump onto a parade float in the middle of Chicago and start miming the words to that old Wayne Newton classic. So before I leave you all, my silver screen suggestions (I am on fire with the alliteration!) are as follows. As you teen movie fans may have already guessed, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' is topping my list this week. Mathew Broderick is outstanding as the lead role in this tale of one boy's struggle to ditch school without getting caught by his oblivious-to-everything parents, his bitter sister (check out Jennifer Grey, pre-nose job) and his I'm-the-token-authority-figure-with-a-chip-on-my-shoulder headmaster. With the help of his long-suffering, incredibly funny best friend Cameron (played by Alan Ruck, who you may know from "Spin City"and 'Speed') and his devoted girlfriend Sloan, (played by Mia Sara, who you won't know from anything) Ferris (Broderick) manages to drive around in a very valuable Ferrari, dine in an exquisite restaurant, have an organ-purchasing fund started in his name, and still salvage a hope of making it home for dinner. This film is being shown in the QMU this Monday (the 3rd), so if you read this in time?Be There or Be Square.

I must also recommend the recent Box Office hit, 'Crash'. Leading an all-star ensemble cast are Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Don Cheadle, and Ryan Phillippe. 'Crash' employs the racist plaguing of 'Do The Right Thing', has more motor-mayhem than 'Rebel Without A Cause', and basically perceives the streets of LA as hell on earth. This movie does not offer answers, but certainly forces audiences to question the social tensions surrounding immigration, police and political corruption, and the key failings in human communication. This is not a happy film, this is not a na?ve film, but this is a very, very good film. Adios Amigos. It's good to be back.

In A Galaxy Far, Far Away?

Would you all believe me if I said that's where I've been hiding for the past month? I remind you that the phenomenon that will be Episode III comes to a ridiculously large screen near you on May 19th although (but I know you ALL have it marked in your mental calendar). However, I admit that I have not been locked in a basement brushing up on my Jedi mind tricks and lightsabar skills. I have been dancing, drinking, socialising and every now and again I grace the law faculty with my presence. But I have been neglecting you West end junkies out there, so I'll give you the Cliff Notes version of what's been going on in the world of me.

Darling, You're Fabulous

And that I was my friends. On the 25th of last month (that's February, for all of those who have been locked up in a basement like a true Skywalker-wannabe), me and my fabulous friends (we're one of those groups) Mark, Karen, Danielle and Murray got all sorts of dolled up for the Glasgow University Law Society Ball, hosted at the ever-so swanky Radisson Hotel on Argyle Street. I'm wondering if Freud ever considered the Cinderella Syndrome. Well I'm telling you, give me a couch and I'll be a model subject. The idea of being a princess for a night and dancing your high heels off is amazing. Although I looked more like Snow White (white dress, black hair?.blonde is so 1999) and I doubt Cinderella partied with so many law students. But overall, I praise whoever concocted the plan to let students forget how jakey they often are and really feel special for a night. Although, for ?35 a ticket and ?4 a drink at the bar?who wouldn't! We had a wonderfully complicated looking four course meal that tasted?.tasty! I now realise why rich people are rarely overweight. They eat in fancy restaurants. And fancy restaurants feed you amazing food. All three spoonfuls of it. Guess it really is quality over quantity. There was also fantastic background music provided by two of Glasgow University's very own students. If any one knows who they are, then post a reply because they really were excellent. They also managed to encourage a little karaoke which went down a treat. A drunken student singing in a kilt?you gotta love it! The night was rounded off by a bit of ceilidh madness followed by some classic DJ madness. It was carnage of the cheesiest kind, but in the best possible way. And it was also a great night to be a law student.

Somebody Told Me?That You Had A Cult Following?

And I think they were right Mr. Brandon Flowers, lead singer of the new 'It' band, The Killers. It has to be said that with hits like ?All These Things That I Have Done' and ?Somebody Told Me', The Killers have cemented a place for themselves in the British charts for quite some time. But it is one song in particular that has appealed to audiences everywhere, of all ages, of both sexes, hell my own mum is a fan. You guessed it, 'Mr. Brightside' has become the student anthem of the 00's. I must have been in some form of musical denial for it was not until a recent visitation to The Garage that I truly experienced the effects of this song. No one sat down, no one went to the bathroom and more importantly, no one failed to scream in sheer delight when those first few notes were played. Everyone's arms stretched to the ceiling and no sooner had the lyrics started pouring out than the entire room was jumping and you could barely hear the actual song over the hundreds of tone-deaf and drunk(ards) shouting along. Girls think it's a great song to dance to and has a subtle hint of loss and love. Guys just think it's a great song to dance to. The ultimate gender appeal. The Killers hail from Las Vegas and they have a Mormon for a lead singer. Did I mention they can do no wrong? You don't need a number one hit to go down in history and I have a strange feeling that this band will shape my University years to come. Watch this space.

Shaver Relief

You've really got to hand it to some people. Hand a razor to them that is. Yes folks, in true Comic Relief fashion?if you're too poor to donate money, donate your hair and make those with overdrafts pay to see it. The QMU adopted a bit of a hair fetish and opted for the good old Sinaid O'Connor routine on Friday night when some brave soul had her golden tresses removed in Jim's Bar all in the name of charity. A comrade of hers also had various areas of his body hair waxed?and those doing it showed no mercy! Just before witnessing this hair-raising event (I apologise, that pathetic excuse for a pun was just unnecessary), I ventured into The Loft on Ashton Lane for the first time. I was well impressed! Comfy couches, wooden floors, movie memorabilia plastered on the walls and a MASSIVE screen for all sorts of visual goodness. I thought the place could do no wrong. And then I bought a drink. Just a wee bit expensive there folks. But hey, if you got the cash to flaunt then go for it 'cause it really is a great place to start off the night. And it has that whole 'this place was opened by an alcoholic film devotee' vibe going for it.

Say Farwell?.

Well, I better wrap it up folks. Before I bid you adieu, I must begin a new cyber tradition of recommending two films you all simply must see. This time around I've chosen two of my most recent DVD purchases. 'Say Anything' is an 80's teen flick starring John Cusack as love-sick Lloyd Dobler who's trying to win and keep the heart of his perfect girl. The dialogue is witty and Cusack's last ditch attempt at romance involves a stereo and one of the most famous scenes in cinema history. Cusack stole the show for me as he oozes innocence and gentility, plus he's kind of weird. The perfect man. Second on my list is the slightly more mature 'Beautiful Girls', starring Timothy Hutton, Uma Thurman and an ickle Natalie Portman (who's so in right now). As Willy (Hutton) returns to his home town for his high school reunion, he's faced with his old buddies, his beautiful but younger (we're talking jail-bait here) neighbour (Portman) and a new visitor in town (Thurman). This film is really funny and is equally meaningful. It's not nostalgic, it's just really, really good. Watch out for Rosie O'Donnell at her best and the drunken rendition of 'Sweet Caroline', a highpoint in this gem of a film. Good times never seemed so good?

Forvever Young - Not Just A Mel Gibson Movie

I don?t call, I don?t write...I've really missed you cyber guys out there over the past few weeks. I apologise for my textual absence but I cannot begin to tell you how this whole education thing is not as easy as it looks. You?d think that sleeping through classes, losing friends in large masses of books and generally having a nervous breakdown two hours before a big exam is stressful enough. But, no. Then there?s the money issue.... in that we students tend not to have any. And those precious few hours of sleep you get in class make up for the complete absence of shut-eye you get at night. I know you?re probably thinking ??Hey kid (if you?re from an old Western movie), welcome to the real world. Well you know what. I?m so not a fan of this reality show. I'm all for Peter Pan-ing it, catching the first express star to Neverland and spending the rest of my days with smooth skin, a good heart and a negative on the grey hair scale. And F.Y.I. for all you movie buffs, if you happen to pick-up Mel Gibson?s immortal effort, you'?l notice a ridiculously cute future-hobbit in the form of little Elijah Wood. Midget film star! Another tip for Frodo fans, you can see his first appearance in the 80?s cafe in Back to The Future.

Cinema Extravaganza!

So I?ll start off with the vast amount of films I?ve been tearing through recently. In the cinema we have Closer, Garden State and Ladder 49. Now if you know me, you know I am SUCH a huge Damien Rice fan. Granted that his music is so depressing you can sometimes get a free razorblade with a copy of his album ?O?. But he rocks and he has proved so by lending his beautiful acoustic effort ?The Blower?s Daughter? to the film Closer, which has a grittily realistic plot surrounding the intertwining relations between four adolescents trapped in adult bodies in contemporary London. I?m telling you people, the stars of this film have lost all moral fibre!!! All of it, it?s all gone! They cheat, they deceive, they betray. And all in the name of love. Yeah right! All in the name of selfishness.

This film is not sugarcoated and it is a marvellous portrayal of how REAL people react to the REAL problems with marriage, friendship, infidelity and ultimately, intimacy. Clive Owen is excellent in the picture, but he had a head start as he starred in the West End play in the role Jude Law's plays. Go see this, but not if you?re on a first date! You'll never wanna see the person sitting next to you again.

Garden State continues our Natalie Portman theme (she is also in ?Closer?). She stars alongside Zach Braff, who continues to surprise me. He?s hilarious as the dorky JD in the comedy show Scrubs, and now he has written, directed and starred in this cute little film about a man returning to his hometown for his mother's funeral. He must face a seriously screwed up non-existant relationship with his father, deal with his old friends...who are all hilariously unique...and finally with Natalie Portman?s character Sam. All I can really say is that she has the most random lines I?ve ever heard but it is those exact lines which make the film spontaneously sweet. Garden State is partly chick flick, partly Indie-flick, and partly a 'this will make you subtly smile a lot' film. There? a bit of something for everyone.

And finally we have Ladder 49. THIS FILM IS NOT BACKDRAFT 2!!! Will someone please back me up here! You can?t gets stars like John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix to star in a dodgy sequel. Instead we have the story of a young fire-fighter injured in a burning building and the flashback scenes of his ten year career, covering his marriage, the birth of his children, and his extended family. These link into the brave, courageous, All-American heroes saving the world with him every day. This film doesn?t cover 9/11 but it certainly gives you that 'we?re proud, and we show it? vibe. See it in the cinemas. It?s not a re-watchable performance on DVD. What can I say - I just get disappointed when John Travolta doesn?t burst into song and start doing the Hussle. The flashback scenes are awesome, if you have a heart, you?ll shed a tear. But the nostalgia is a bit too much for my liking.

Taking Back Sunday on A Monday?

Make sense? Didn?t think so! Point being, I managed to get a last minute ticket for the ever-amazing Taking Back Sunday. This punk-emo-metal-crazy band.... class them as you may...played the Carling Academy last Monday night and it was, for lack of better vocab...AMAZZZZZZZIN! Block capitals and everything folks. My Chemical Romance supported and they were okay but really the hat (that's the hat for best band by the way) was handed to T.B.S. From dance around like a fool classics like ?You?re So Last Summer? to their closing gem ?Cute Without the E (Cut From The Team)' I lost my voice and any doubt I had that this band have got it going on. Their acoustic breakdown of ?New American Classic'? confirmed them as one of my favourite bands and I was so grateful that I was in attendance at one of the finest gigs of my gig-going career.

Carling...?So Last Summer?

Attention all bands, promoters and generally any avid music fan. Is it just me, or is it a total clash of styles for punk-rock bands and R ?n B stars to jump about like crazy on a stage while their fans head bang or Westside-it.... or generally cause mayhem. And they do it at a venue that looks better suited to Mozart than Metallica. (In truth, Metallica would sell the Carling out ten times over, but I was going for onomatopoeia). Anyway. The Barrowlands is so much more appropriate to spill beer on the floor, dance around like a sweaty maniac and get your new shoes all kinds of filthy. it has a certain ?jakey? feel to it. So I say long live the Barrowlands...and the next time Daniel ?be nice to your grannies? O'Donnel is playing...you?ll know where to find him.

Hey Teacher, Leave That Rave Alone...

Ah Pink Floyd. Sadly that classic tune was not played when I pulled on my white shirt, put on my little black skirt and kitted myself out in legwarmers. Ladies and Gentle-dudes...I give you...the GUU School Disco. Last Wednesday night was like the government had unleashed a Britney Spears clone program -gone horribly wrong. Still, we had a great night. The GUU may have a beer bar that looks like an old man?s pub somewhere in the middle of Cornwall. But they also have cheap drinks (80p to be exact) and those crazy kids know how to party. So, if you feel like dancing in an ironic fashion to Busted (R.I.P.) ?That?s What I Go To School For?, then head down to the next School Disco at the GUU.

Roisin?s Final Thought

Sadly, I must depart. Forensic Science is calling?and I can?t miss all that dead people information now can I? Last minute tip - when you?re out on the town, or the West of the town as the case may be, don?t be a fool like me and decide you want to foolishly take you?re foolish mobile phone around with you in your foolish bag so that you can foolishly lose it at the foolish Garage and have to have foolish withdrawal symptoms for the next two foolish weeks. It?s all fun and games ?till someone loses a phone, kids!
1st February, 2005.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaaa - 4th January, 2005

Merry Christmas one and all! Happy New Year everyone! Happy Hanukkah and all that jazz! Or, in the wise and good-looking words of Seth from the uber-trendy American teen show, 'The O.C', 'Happy Chrismakkah for Jews, Christians and all in between'. Gotta love Seth. Well I hope everyone enjoyed the festivities and you all managed to drink your old Uncle Albert under the table!

I'm Dreaming of A Western Christmas

Where should I start with my 'jakey' fix of social news? Probably with THE best shindig I have ever had the extreme pleasure of attending. That's right people. It's the one, the only, the crazy, TWELVE HOURS OF ANNUAL POP IN THE CHEESIEST FORM!!!! What a belter of a night, it must be said. With a Wild, Wild West theme tumble-weeding through the night, there were shooting games, staff and punters in fancy dress and prizes galore. For every hour you survived, your task was to tackle the nearest skinny looking dude and try and rip off one of his Sheriff badges symbolising each hour. The champ with all twelve badges at the end got an array of prizes. Sadly I only managed to head butt one passer-by but came away with two badges. Magic. There was random social interaction (translation-you spoke to at least ten drunken strangers) and selective memory loss (translation-you can't remember the strangers' names, the courses they are on, or why you have their number on your arm when you finally wake up two days later). I passed out by 6am but the party went from 8 till 8 and with fake snow and wigwams in tow, I speak on behalf of myself and my fellow cheeser-ites when I say a huge thanks to the QMU for pulling out all the cowboys stops. My favourite part of the madness was the fake snow being sprayed on the crowd during 'Rhythm is a Dancer'. Snow meets old school. Muchos magic.

HPU-Harry Potter Union.

An event I cannot dismiss, however, was the annual Daft Friday shenanigans that went down at the GUU on the same night. Cue the limos and the ball gowns. With Hogwarts as its theme, the swanky soiree went down a treat. It looked stunning, with banners, fairy lights and drunken men in kilts. Really..

Roisin's West Side Story