Official iCreate Blog > 2008 > May

Album of the week
Al Green - Lay it down

Touted as his greatest album in decades, the reverend Al Green returns with a masterpiece. Produced by The Roots’ Amir “?uestlove” Thompson and featuring Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and Anthony Hamilton, Lay it down is a soulful, laid back return to form for one of the true legends of the genre. At 62 Green retains all the expression and emotion that drove him to stardom in the seventies with no discernible “aging” of the vocal chords. Carrying each melodious tune in his own distinct style, Green’s sound only rasps when it’s required.

Single of the week
Jason Mraz - I’m yours

From the forthcoming album; We Sing, we dance, we steal things, Jason Mraz has released undoubtedly the soundtrack to many a listener’s summer. The quirky, rhythmically-addictive tune mixes reggae, folk and pop and wraps the lot in cotton wool. Soft, aurally pleasing and certainly a song for the beach.

TV Show of the week
Alan Partridge - I’m Alan Partridge

“Ahaaaaaaaaa!” For those unfamiliar with the work of Norwich’s least successful export, this release of the I’m Alan Partridge series is a must buy. Paving the way for The Office’s cringe-comedy style and coining many a catchphrase in the process this is comedy gold.

Finally, there has been some movement on movies appearing on the UK iTunes store. Both Ben and I have ranted on the podcast about how stupid it is that the States can have them and yet we, over here, can’t.

According to various reports Apple has signed new contracts with Fox, Disney, Warner Bros and Paramount. Lionsgate and MGM are expected to sign soon.

The average price of buying a film will be £13 with prices ranging from as little as £6 and going all the way up to £25.

Sadly, none of the reports cite an actual date but we’re hoping that some news is better than no news.

Come on Steve, sort it out! We’re in need of the films, whats the big hold up?

At least June 9th is only a week or so away and then we’ll get something shiny and new to take our minds off it…

You’re a Mac user so you understand the meaning of being different.

You chose OS X over Windows, a shiny Mac over a dull grey box and movies, music and photos over spreadsheets.

If you want to retain your individuality and look damn good while you’re doing it, check out www.vintagevantage.com

iCreate has teamed up with the California residing, Mac-based apparel purveyors to offer you an awesome 23% discount on any purchase from vintagevantage.com

All you have to do is enter the coupon code “icreate” when paying for your goods.

Look out for more exclusives from iC&VV very soon!

Ben wears them and so should you!

Watch this advert and tell me that Blackberry isn’t worried about the iPhone in the slightest…

There is an interesting story on www.macnn.com which offers some interesting insight into Apple’s market share of the computer world. Whilst its commonly known that in the market as a whole Apple occupies about 14%, its come to light that when compared to the market of PC’s that cost over $1000 (which accounts for the majority of the Mac lineup) Apple actually holds around 66%!

Surely, these stats should be telling Apple to crack on and create a mid-market machine that has some of the appeal of the iMac but with a nice low starting price. As much as we love the Mac mini, its lack of a dedicated graphics card and basic upgrade-ability make it a bit of the stick in the mud to those people on a budget but with plans for expansion over time.

So, come on Apple. Build us a cool machine that can sit between the iMac and the Mac mini. Please…

Ever wanted to throw eggs at Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer? A Hungarian man (likely a Mac user) already has.

The egg terrorist struck while Microsoft’s CEO was giving a speech at a Hungarian university, forcing Balmer to duck for cover behind a desk.

The unnamed man is said to have been accusing Microsoft of stealing millions of Hungarian taxpayer’s money.

Microsoft’s history is splattered with food related attacks including a custard pie to the face of Bill Gates while visiting Belgium.

You can see the full video of Steve Ballmer dodging projectiles on CNet’s Blog:

http://www.cnet.com/8301-13505_1-9947314-16.html

For the Gates attack, see here:http://www.bitstorm.org/gates/

After the launch of the widely renowned flop that was Vista, this isn’t the first time this year Mr Ballmer has had to avoid getting egg on his face.

  We’re launching a new podcast this week to sit between the regular fortnightly show releases. iCreate Update is a shorter, more magazine focussed podcast that will offer a sneak peek at the latest and upcoming issues of iCreate as well as general news and brief tutorials in future episodes. iCreate Update A.K.A Episode 6.5 will be available on iTunes and the iCreate site this week. As always, let us know your thoughts at the usual address: icreate@imagine-publishing.co.uk and on our forum at icreatemagazine.com/forum.   

Howdy partners, the sunny weather has disappeared, so why not treat yourselves by going out and buying some cool accessories for your Apple goodies. Here are a couple of my favourites that have come in over the last week:

LAbesace CLASSIC laptop bag for MacBook 13″

For pretty much anyone who owns a laptop, a laptop bag is essential for when you need to transport and protect your MacBook. Made by Be.ez this bag is both roomy and yet still compact. Its called LAbesace and it will hold your MacBook and plenty of accessories, including A4 documents. Its been built to act like a shell, offering good protection on all sides. Inside, the high density padding is up to 8mm thick offering you the optimum in protection for your MacBook. The LAbesace will set you back £35.99. For more information visit www.be-ez.com.

LArobe for MacBook 13′

If you’re not quite ready to buy a dedicated bag for your laptop but want to give your MacBook some added protection whilst it in your normal holdall, then take a look at LArobe from be.ez. This is a snug zipped cover for your MacBook that will stop it getting scratched and battered while it rumbles around with all your other gear. There are a range of colours to choose from and the soft foamy material will definitely offer enough protection for most people. The LArobe is also good value as you can pick them up for about £13. For more information visit www.be-ez.com.

Apple has added some new adverts to their “Get a Mac” campaign.  Very funny.

Check them out at http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/

We love the way they batter the life out of Windows and Microsoft. And they’re even funnier because its all true…

Okay, so they got the Mac model wrong but, the guys over at Maniacworld.com can be forgiven for showing off one of the cutest Apple-related clips since the launch of the iPod nano.

Check it out here: http://www.maniacworld.com/cat-vs-imac.html

If you’re not into cute kittens and Apple hardware this may not be for you but it certainly made the iCreate team burst into a chorus of “awwwww”.