John (Magic Rat)

And as usual when I post a big update like this, my films watched percentage takes a hit… 😖

FrightFest - The Definitive Film List With the announcement of the line-up for the 2013 FrightFest Halloween All-nighter, I thought it was about time there was a comprehensive list dedicated to the UK’s foremost horror film festival on Le...

Finally updated my ‘FrightFest - The Definitive Film List’ on @letterboxd.social to include this year’s main London event which takes place at the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Sq Aug21-25 2025. letterboxd.com/magic_rat/li...

My favourite new release albums from last month (July). Includes an anniversary re-issue and an E.P. #311 #TheDirtyNil #DropkickMurphys #LaDispute #Rock #Punk #Metal #Ska #MusicSky

Averaged a film a day last month (July). 31 films watched, 137 total so far this year…

For Ozzy… 😢 💔 #NowPlaying

Sounds like Axl Rose is actually undergoing a Rigid Cystoscopy procedure live onstage. #GunsNRoses #backtothebeginning #MusicSky

I had an operation earlier this week which included a Rigid Cystoscopy (seriously DON’T Google it!) but I actually think I would rather have another one of those than listen to any more of Tool #backtothebeginning #MusicSky

I’ve finally made my way through the entire new Springsteen Tracks II box-set. 7 albums worth of “lost” material. I must admit as big a Boss fan as I am, there is a huge amount of absolute garbage on there. I’d struggle to compile a single album’s worth of songs which shouldn’t have remained “lost”.

14 films watched last month (June)…and I forgot all about #Junesploitation this year! 😖 107 so far in 2025….

My favourite new release albums from the last month (June). Not had time to
listen to the full Springsteen Tracks II boxset yet, so just including the single Lost & Found release here… #HotMilk #Springsteen #Turnstile #Yungblud #Rock #Punk #Metal #MusicSky

Watching that incendiary Turnstile Glasto set & they’re such a melting pot of diverse styles & influences from all the best sources. I rattled off Bad Brains, Snapcase, Jane’s Addiction, RATM, Public Enemy, Fugazi, Shelter, 311, and even elements of Aphex Twin, ambient & funk in there. Incredible!

It’s my favourite album of the year so far. Great to see an underground band invading the mainstream. It’s like the early 90’s all over again.

Catching up with some Glastonbury sets & for all the absolute shite on the bill at least there was Turnstile, who if they aren’t already, are well on the way to being the best rock band on earth & The Prodigy - still one of the most dynamic, electrifying live acts of all-time. Proper headliners!

Tonight was mainly about Snow Patrol in sunny Scarborough… #SnowPatrol #MusicSky #LiveMusic

First spin on vinyl of the new Turnstile album & it is magnificent!!! #NowPlaying Turnstile - Never Enough (2025) #Vinyl #Records #Rock #Punk #Hardcore #Turnstile #MusicSky

My favourite new release albums from the past month (May ‘25)… #TheAmazons #PUP #SleepToken #TheWonderYears #Rock #Metal #Punk #Indie #MusicSky

Just 12 films watched last month (May). 92 so far this year… I’m really slacking! #FilmSky

Fantasy football over for another season. Pleased with my team’s performance, my highest ever points total (2544) & my second highest finish (48,167) - inside the top 1% in the world! #FantasyFootball #FantasyPremierLeague 😎⚽️

Kicking the bank holiday weekend off in rockin’ style… #NowPlaying Rise Against - Nowhere Generation (2021) #Vinyl #Records #Rock #Punk #MusicSky

Latest additions to the record collection. Been after that Rancid LP for a while, never seen it in the flesh before… #Vinyl #Records #Punk #Rock #Metal #MusicSky

I really hope this was an actual advert……

Sweeping statement time…I think this is the best album released this millennium. It’s my favourite anyway. Same thing right? 😉 #NowPlaying The Gaslight Anthem - The ‘59 Sound (2008). #Vinyl #Records #MusicSky #Rock #TheGaslightAnthem #59Sound

My favourite new release albums from last month (April ‘25)…. #DeadPioneers #Ghost #PigsX7 #Superheaven #Rock #Punk #Metal #HardRock #MusicSky

19 films watched last month (April ‘25). 80 in total so far this year. Averaging 20 films a month exactly….. #FilmSky

Anybody familiar with this band? Although I was listening to a lot of punk & thrash back when this came out, I was still partial to a bit of AOR & melodic rock like these, FM, Mr Big, Bad English, Giant etc… #NowPlaying Stage Dolls - Stage Dolls (1988). #Vinyl #Rock #80s #StageDolls #MusicSky

Just logged my 100th different beer this year on Untapped! 🍻Seems a somewhat appropriately named beverage… 🍺🧟‍♂️ #ZombieDeath #Untapped #BeerSky untappd.com/user/John_Ma...

Decent carboot find from this morning. 12” E.P. Picture disc for £4… #TheAlmighty #Vinyl #Records #Rock #Metal #MusicSky

Kopycat Killers are one of the best tribute acts out there. Put on a proper show…

At Boston’s legendary venue, The Gliderdrome, for a night of tribute bands. First up Scam Fender, who may or may not be a geordie!? #MusicSky

A ★★★★ review of In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 (2024) The latest In Search Of Darkness mega-documentary is a deep dive into a decade which many consider a comparatively fallow period for the horror genre - the 1990s. Or to be more accurate, the first hal...

My ★★★★ review of In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 (2024) on @letterboxd.social: boxd.it/9rvf1v