NOSTALGIC NEWS

5 YEARS AGO

The Life of Pablo was released

Reece Beckett

Kanye West needs no introduction, especially with recent controversies seeing him run for President and the switch from hip-hop to Gospel rap; but his music remains some of the most innovative in contemporary rap and hip-hop. The master producer is responsible for 10 incredible albums and has produced hundreds of singles, too.

The Life of Pablo (TLOP) was West’s eighth studio album released on February 14th 2016, after many name changes, to critical acclaim, quickly going platinum thanks to the gigantic scope of West’s sound and the plethora of other artists involved, from Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd to a hushed inclusion of Madlib on the beat for ‘No More Parties In L.A.’. TLOP shows West at his most vulnerable and most braggadocious, with the album going from the celebratory song ‘Facts’ to the more introspective ‘Saint Pablo’ and ‘Real Friends’, the only consistency being that almost every song is excellent.

5 YEARS AGO

Firewatch was released Louise Chase

In a year full of high paced action games, Firewatch was a breath of fresh woodland air. Being able to slowly walk through the summery woodlands of Wyoming woodlands. As Henry, players spent a few hours in a first-person view of trees and life, and for a “slow-paced” game you can get completely engrossed in the story around you.

The bold yellows and oranges from the sunlight are wholesome and comforting during the scenes set in the day, which makes the once welcoming sets atop the tower or the refreshing lake feel almost cold and a different world entirely when revisited in the dark.

A twisty ending which fell flat for some, actually speaks more about humans and the characters we never get to see; at the revelation surrounding the conspiracy we feel disappointed that Henry and Delilah are not special, they’re just human. And Firewatch is a human game, for the lack of humans that we interact with.

I will be the first to admit that, upon initially seeing my brother play Stardew Valley, I did in fact say “is this like Minecraft?”. However, after picking up the controller myself, I noticed why this question caused his rage, and how the two do in fact differ. Stardew Valley is a beautifully animated escapist game, whereby you’ll notice the days and nights changing in-game, but not realise the sun has now set outside and you’ve been playing it for 6 hours straight. You can farm, fish, shop, mine, chop down trees, have a pet dog, and even go to the numerous events that the local villagers put on. What more do you need? Though it is similar to games such as Minecraft, and the 2020 mega-hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it’s unique in its FarmVille-aesthetic, mesmerising soundtrack, and it’ll keep you entertained for hours without having to worry about those dreaded Creepers or billionaire Tom Nook. If you haven’t already, get yourself a copy of Stardew Valley, and prepare for hours and days lost in this entrancing world of your making.

5 YEARS AGO

Stardew Valley was released

Maddie Lock

NOSTALGIC NEWS

15 YEARS AGO

Curious George was released

Georgie Holmes

Kids films are always enjoyable to watch as an adult as they hold a lot of nostalgia and fun. Oftentimes, though, they can prove dull or silly. Curious George is not one of these, with its lovely soundtrack and famous features.

Based on a book series by H. A. Rey and Margret Rey, Curious George was released 15 years ago and features Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore and Dick Van Dyke. It is exactly what the title suggests - a monkey called George causing nuisance and fun amongst every place he goes and every person he meets.

Jack Johnson fills the soundtrack with fun, loving tracks which parallel the fun scenes throughout the film. Though the animation isn’t top quality, and is not comparable to more recent animated films, as a 2006 kids adventure, comedy film, there’s really nothing to criticise.

30 YEARS AGO

Queen’s Innuendo was released Olivia Dellar

The album features fan favourites, ‘The Show Must Go On’, ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ and the tearjerker ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’ (Freddie’s last goodbye to his band-mates and loyal fans). In the simplest of senses, the album is a return to Queen’s early roots and echoes the sounds of their debut self-titled album released in 1973. Harder rock sounds and grating guitar riffs from May, especially in ‘The Hitman’ and electric rock track ‘Bijou’, mirror tracks that catapulted Queen into the public eye. The title track has one of the most complex music arrangements of the bands discography, starting with Taylor’s distinctive rolling drum beats and Deacon’s funky bass line that eventually reach opposite ends of the musical spectrum finishing in a flourish of flamenco-esque acoustic guitar. It’s no coincidence that the last album of the band mirrors the sound of the first, it seems only fitting that Freddie leaves us as he arrived, a rock god that defied the music scene and was unapologetically bold.

The 2016 wacky twist on the classic 1813 Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice was released 5 years ago. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a unique take on the original romantic tale of marriage, education, and superficiality which hit the cinemas to an understandingly average response from critics but success from audiences. The *loose* adaptation of the story which director Burr Steers created follows the expected story of the Bennett sisters and the 19th-century pressures of marriage that hang upon their heads, whilst weaving in the added terror of a hoard of zombies adding a horror element to the Bennetts’ struggles.

Starring Lily James and Sam Riley, who both found their initial national fame through the film’s release, star as the infamous Elizabeth Bennett (James) and Mark Darcey (Riley). The scene-stealer in this film comes in the form of Matt Smith who plays the nasty Parson Collins. Smith arguably saves the film and 5 years on and a few re-watches later I still stand by this belief.

5 YEARS AGO

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was released

Katie Evans