Critics' Choice

Music

John Aizlewood

quote An ill-conceived Queen medley was unspeakably naff, but frankly who cares? quote

Celine Dion Comedy

Bruce Dessau

quote It could be as irritating as nails down a blackboard yet it works as warped surrealism quote

Dina Martina Theatre

Nicholas de Jongh

quote I soon found myself as overwhelmed by David Calder’s King Lear as any interpretation I have seen in 25 years quote

King Lear

Reader reviews

Theatre

Selwyn, Epsom

quote Why oh why didn't I take up the offer of leaving in the interval? quote

Gone With The Wind Music

David, London

quote Kate is a good singer, very expressive, although not a great dancer quote

The Long Blondes Music

Dave J., London

quote This was a masterclass in funk, soul and R&B quote

Eric Burdon And War

David Smyth

Pop critic

Read the latest reviews from David Smyth in the Evening Standard

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Off the record

09.05.08

Bon Iver's debut could turn out to be the best album of 2008 and Sparks begin an epic stint at the Islington Academy.

Black and Gold star

09.05.08

Sam Sparro, a Los Angeles-based Australian, led his lively band on an electrofunk romp that never flagged at his Proud Galleries show.

Cave gets even more feisty at 50

08.05.08

With Nick Cave in fiery, confrontational mood, his powerful gig was all about the storm, not the calm, says David Smyth.

Sugar rush for rockers

07.05.08

Def Leppard's new songs were well-received at their Islington Academy show but the old hits cannot be beaten.

Off the record

02.05.08

When a 20-year-old is murdered just for looking different, surely we must broaden the definition of 'hate crime,' says David Smyth.

Off the record

18.04.08

David Smyth defends Jay-Z as the Glastonbury headliner, considers why being a movie A-lister is a hindrance to a music career and discovers what's new...
more

Uplifting Björk is surely out of this world

15.04.08

Björk has never seemed quite human but at her Hammersmith Apollo gig it appeared the Icelandic musician really could do magic.

Off the record

11.04.08

After losing the backing of his record company, Tom McRae is organising his own roadshow to help other musicians, Madonna launches her 11th album and...
more

Grim but gripping revival

11.04.08

Portishead's first London show in many years showed what they have become: a formidable, uncompromising sextet who can be fearsomely loud and...
more

Flying beneath the radar

09.04.08

Get Cape. Wear cape. Fly's Sam Duckworth performed at Shepherd's Bush Empire with a galvanising, jelly-legged energy that gave even his tamest songs a...
more

Off the record

04.04.08

A ‘sound-tasting’ event at Abbey Road proves to be an ear-opening experience for David Smyth. Also, find out what Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher have...
more

Kristofferson joins Obama’s backing band

28.03.08

Not afraid to speak his mind as far as politics is concerned, Kris Kristofferson shows support for Barack Obama.

Can't resist the cheese

20.03.08

The Feeling's hyperactive nature rubbed off on the audience at Shepherds Bush Empire. Frontman Dan Gillespie Sells even managed to get his grannie to...
more

Short, sweet and full of energy

19.03.08

Hair drenched with water and tiptoeing amongst microphone stands, Swedish singer Ida Maria, gives the gig of her life. She is one to watch.

Ready for the festival season?

14.03.08

With little to choose between the line-ups, it's the added extras that will count at this year's festivals. David Smyth guides you through the best...
more

Putting a new spin on turntables

14.03.08

DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist produced a two-hour rollercoaster ride through all of music using eight turntables, two loop effect pedals and hundreds of...
more