Michael Smart – Google

My favourite Wire album of their first three. Pink Flag is hard to dislike and is all pretty strong, whereas 154 is less focused and dated while having a handful of songs that are nothing short of brilliant. Chairs Missing is the only album I've ever heard that I would define as ambient punk. The sound is ethereal yet crisp and the lyrics are deep, darkly humourous and interesting. Love Colin's voice too which is melodic, funny, youthful and unique. Musicianship is impressive, their playing is more textural and complementary than complex. They sound like a band that rehearsed five days a week. Highlights for me are: French Film Blurred, Outdoor Miner, I am the Fly, Heartbeat and From the Nursery. There are hundreds of post-punk bands that can make atonal ugly music but Wire simultaneously manage to make beautiful music. 5* for sure.

2 1/2 stars - this doesn't feel like a Spielberg movie, and it's a relief to know that he felt the same way - some good scenes and some great effects, especially near the end!! But once again George Lucas given too much creative control proves to be a bad thing. Not a patch on the first movie. Feels flat and vacuous, it's a humbling reminder that not all 'classic' blockbuster movies are classics.