I've added links to a couple of albums that I've recently bought and books that I've read. I've also started to add TV show reviews so look out for them too.
Album reviews:
'Chinese Democracy' by Guns N'Roses. It's taken seventeen years but finally we've been treated to a new album by American rockers, Guns N'Roses. And the good news is that it's really rather good - proof perhaps that good things really do come to those who wait. Read my review here, http://www.helium.com/items/1250084-album-review-of-new-guns-nroses-chinese-democracy-album-by-axl-rose
'Black Ice' by AC/DC. A good solid comeback, eight years after their previous album, by Australia's heavyweight rockers AC/DC. http://www.helium.com/items/1217181-review-of-new-acdc-heavy-rock-album-black-ice
'Death Magnetic' by Metallica. Excellent back-to-basics album by one of the biggest rock band son the planet. Read my full review here, http://www.helium.com/knowledge/187909-metallica-death-magnetic-album-review.
'Along came a spider' by Alice Cooper. Shock rock legend Alice Cooper is back with his 25th studio album, in a career that has spanned four decades. It's a concept album about a serial killer psychopath who falls in love with his intended next victim. It's typical Alice and should make for a great stage show. To find out if it also works as a standalone music album, then read my full review, http://www.helium.com/knowledge/187910-alice-cooper-along-came-a-spider-album-review.
'And justice for all' by Metallica. One of the classic metal albums that launched Metallica towards becoming one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. http://www.helium.com/items/963343-album-reviews-and-justice-for-all-by-metallica
'Rise' (Special Edition) by The Answer. Excellent new bluesy rock band from Northern Ireland, who have been tipped by many for stardom. http://www.helium.com/items/808613-album-reviews-rise-special-edition-by-the-answer
Book reviews:
*****
Guest book reviewer: Lucy Edington
One of my fellow Helium writers, Lucy Edington, has written an excellent review of 'Looking for Enid' by Duncan McLaren. The book looks afresh at the life and times of Enid Blyton and I thought I'd give it some publicity here, http://www.helium.com/items/1468610-looking-for-enid-by-duncan-mclaren
****
'Eragon' by Christopher Paolini. Paolini is a precocious fantasy writer and his debut novel, entitled Eragon, is well worth a read. For a more comprehensive review of Eragon, check out this article, http://www.helium.com/items/1199839-fantasy-book-reviews-eragon-part-1-of-the-inheritance-cycle-by-christopher-paolini
'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke. A legend of sci fi writing who died earlier this year, Arthur C. Clarke was also a scientist. His great skill was combining scientific credibility with the ability to create interesting characters and story lines. Rendezvous with Rama is a great book and you can read my full review of it here, http://www.helium.com/items/1037674-book-reviews-rendezvous-with-rama-by-arthur-c-clarke
'The selfish gene theory' by Richard Dawkins. A must-read book for people who are interested in the origins of life. Dawkins talks us through some quite mind boggingly complex theories but the analogies that he uses enable these theories to be presented in a way that is fairly easy to follow and makes for a truly fascinating read. Here's my full review of The selfish gene theory, http://www.helium.com/items/882303-book-reviews-the-selfish-gene-theory-by-richard-dawkins
'Storm Front' by Jim Butcher. Butcher's an American writer who has created a series of books called The Dresden Files that follow the fortunes of a private investigator called Harry Dresden. What makes Harry stand out, however, from other PIs is that he's also a wizard! Storm Front is the first novel in the series and I thoroughly recommend it. Read the full review here, http://www.helium.com/items/1048581-book-reviews-storm-front-by-jim-butcher
TV Show reviews:
Big Cat Diary. This excellent show, from the BBC, follows the lives of lions, leopards and cheetahs as they eek out an existence, and rear their cubs, in the Masai Mara in Kenya. For anyone who loves animals, and especially cats, this is a huge treat. The shots of the cubs are, of course, really cute but there's constant danger that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Read my full review of the show here, http://www.helium.com/items/1206698-bbcs-big-cat-week-show