Author Archives: dagosrivers

VoK 342: “25” by Adele (Album Review)


25-adele

One year ago, British music artist; Adele, after a 3 year hiatus, released her third studio album which defied all expectations and set records all over the world. To date, with the album, she has achieved Diamond status in America (thanks to streaming; actual sales: 9.1 Million) and the U.K. (over 3 million sold).

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) hosts a solo podcast, all on the Anniversary of when Adele disproved “people don’t buy albums anymore”, and reviews the album with the help
of many musical samples.

Also discussed:
-The three Amy’s and Adele prominence.
-Appreciation of 19 and 21 – story of why albums are called that.
-Leadup to 25 (X Factor advert)
-Woes of buying Beatles album.
-Lemoncake rating; and rank of albums 19, 21 and 25

Track by Track (with song samples):
1) Hello:
2) Send My Love
3) I Miss You
4) When We Were Young
5) Remedy
6) Water Under the Bridge
7) River Lea
8) Love in the Dark
9) A Million Years
10) All I Ask
11) Sweetest Devotion

Duration: 00:26:48

Edited by Dagos_Rivers

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VoK 340: Westworld (HBO series) – Mid-Season 1 Discussion


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Glen (Dagos_Rivers) continues the hype discussion of Westworld, and is joined by Bina (Bina007), Michael (Mordion), Thomas (FTWard), Hannah (shadow _baby) and Jock (Munrojock2).

Popular theories such as William = MiB, is everyone secretly a machine, and the location of Westworld are discussed at length.

Also highlighted:
-‘Child abuse’ within Westworld.
-Future of the show.
-Have the fans sussed out everything within 5 episodes?
-Will it really take the place of ‘Game of Thrones’ for HBO?

Aftershow: 01:48:00
Duration: 01:55:23

Edited by FTWard

Music:
“Westworld Main Title Theme” Written by Ramin Djawadi
Perforemed by Iacovos @iacovosmusic

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VoK 334: Westworld (HBO series) – Pre-Series Speculation


westworld

 

Disclaimer: No spoilers as we know very little about the show and we promise HBO did not pay us to do this (but we are willing to accept offers in future)!

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) and Ryan (Tremprod) discuss the upcoming HBO adaptation of the Michael Crichton 1973 Movie, ‘Westworld’; already lauded by critics and boasting a stellar A-List cast and crew, including Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Jonathan Nolan.

Critics and HBO anticipate (and hope) it will be ‘the next Game of Thrones’ but will that help or hinder the show?

The hosts ponder that very question, along with whether the show will make a splash with viewing figures or underperform, talk fun facts about the cast, and have an exciting (teaser) announcement for VoK fans.

Running Time: 00:29:52
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

References:
Promotional Poster for ‘Westworld’ (HBO / Sky Atlantic)

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VoK 329: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Special Rehearsal Edition Review)


full-cast-of-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-main

 

Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses spoilers for all published books in the Harry Potter Series

After the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, many fans had mixed reactions to the “8th Story”, and VoK also had mixed feelings, we will explain why in this 2 hour podcast.

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) hosts and is joined by Nadia (Nadia), Kevin (Gaiden) and Ryan (Tremprod) as they discuss, review and summarise each act of the 2 part (5 – 6 hour Play; 325 page Script).

Also featured:
-Unauthorised Harry Potter sensation: The Harry Potter Musical trilogy and possible influence on Cursed Child (?)
-Albus and Scorpius: An (un)subtle love story?
-Harry Potter fandom and Midnight release parties.
-Hype for Fantastic Beasts.
-Will we ever get a DVD recording of the stage show?

Running Time: 02:08:50
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

References:
Image of London Cast from “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (Image we were deprived of in script book).

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VoK 320: WolfCast – Westerosi Trivia


images

 

 

Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses spoilers for all published (and unpublished) books in A Song of Ice and Fire, and all aired episodes of Game of Thrones

Before all show watchers agonise over what will befall our favourite characters in Season 7, WolfCast and KrakenCast join forces and look back to Season 6 and test out their Game of Thrones trivia in “A Game Show of Thrones”: The cruelest Game Show in Media!

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) hosts and quizzes the four contestants (Duncan (Valkyrist), Jed (Jed o’white Hart), Claire (DarkSister24) and Hannah (Shadow_ baby)) over characters, obscure random facts, and comparing characters to Disney characters. Glen is also evil to the non-brits by asking a lot of questions about popular british shows; evil to non-Americans by asking questions about the HBO schedule and deducts as high as 500 points (Dragons) per player for a wrong answer.

Also featured:
-(Very brief) Season 6 reviews and highlights.
-Hannah gets very tipsy (or maybe that was left on the cutting room floor…)
-Strategies of devising multiple choice questions.
-Round 1: Lightning round
-Round 2: Individual Multiple Choice
-Round 3: Show Canon Jeopardy (The Generous but not too generous Round)
-Round 4: The Evil Round (Where the players lose everything!)

Running Time: 01:03:06
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

References:
Image from Saturday Night Live clip: “Game of Game of Thrones”

Links:
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VoK 306: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe [2005] (DVD Commentary)


 

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Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses spoilers for all published book in A Song of Ice and Fire, some Game of Thrones episodes and the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia series.

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) and new host, Sarah (Lady Weaver) provide an audio commentary on the 2005 version of C.S. Lewis’ children’s classic ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’…we get sidetracked a lot and don’t say much about the actual movie but rather focus on the timeless tale of C.S. Lewis and all the incarnations of the story…In all the excitement, we forgot to talk about the ‘Problem of Susan’.

They discuss topics such as:
-The clever clogs children from this movie and their future endeavours.
-Many comparisons to Harry Potter and the cast of Harry Potter.
-Comparisons with the 1967, 1979 and 1988 versions of the story.
-Childhood fantasies and escapism.
-Brief mention of parody book ‘The Chronicles of Blarnia’, and an unflattering review.

Running Time: 02:27:08
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
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VoK 299: WolfCast – “The Broken Man” (S06E07 Review)



vokep7

The Wolves are dwindled down this week (much like in the show) as Glen (Dagos_Rivers) and Matthieu (Beric175) review Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 7: “The Broken Man”.

Also discussed:
-Hostages and not giving a flying F*
-Storyline by Storyline discussion.
-The exciting VoK 300 coming soon (updates on http://www.vokpodcast.com).
-Plans for the next episode of WolfCast.

Running Time: 00:42:31
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
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[YouTube] Listen to episode on YouTube

VoK 293: WolfCast – “The Book of the Stranger” (S06E04 Review)


WolfCastWordpress

Glen (Dagos_Rivers) is joined by the (missed) KrakenCast leader, Duncan (Valkyrist), and a new host (although I later realised he had been in VoK 151), Mattias (Maca). The rest of the regular WolfCast return from the first review: Matthieu (Beric175), Claire (DarkSister24) and David (ChurchofStarryWisdom).

Also discussed:
-Storyline by Storyline commentary
-Daenerys walking through fire, Terminator style.
-The Wall bookending the show.
-We continue to ponder what became of Gendry.
-Matthieu gets a grilling for being late for a podcast 🙂
-The Sopranos and future podcasts on that show.
-Update on Duncan’s academic life.

Running Time: 01:25:18
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
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[YouTube] Listen to episode on YouTube

VoK 285: WolfCast – “The Red Woman” (S06E01 Review)


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VOK Wolfcast roster changes this year, with Dagos_Rivers (Glen) leading the pack and joined once again by Beric175 (Matthieu) – who mysteriously disappears half-way through the recording, and joined by (relative) newcomers: DarkSister24 (Claire) and ChurchofStarryWisdom (David). They review the launch episode of Season 6, of Game of Thrones; they discuss each location, and associated characters; provide their lemoncake scores and make some predictions of where the storylines are going.

The WolfCast discuss whether Season 6 will outperform Season 5, how long the show will last; are the writers eager to end the show, and if certain storylines *cough* Dorne *cough* will survive much longer.

Also discussed:
-Official posters for each Season, and which is the best
-What is this ‘Heads Up’ game, as seen on Ellen?
-We reminisce on E4’s ‘Misfits’.
-How hard it is to get into a show when it is massive, like
Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead.

Running Time: 01:45:50
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
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[YouTube] Listen to episode on YouTube

Vote for VOK in the Podcast Awards


Hi everyone,
It is the annual Podcast Awards, nominations begin on Friday, 15th April.

Podcast Awards

If you go to the above link, and you will be able to submit a form (from 15th April) of your favourite podcasts, in a number of categories like Gaming, Movies, Politics, Religion, etc.

So we would appreciate if you nominate Vassals of Kingsgrave for Best ‘TV and Film’ Podcast; A Podcast of Ice and Fire for People’s Choice Podcast, and Best ‘Entertainment’ Podcast.

Although, if you don’t want to vote for either podcast, it is still a good opportunity to nominate the podcasts you love in their respective category.

There is a major shakeup which might help both podcasts: they have brought in a rule that podcasts that have won awards, in 2015, will be ineligible, or podcast that have won 5 awards in the past will be ineligible (so Internet Box that VOK lost to last year, in Best General Podcast, has won three times), that may help APOIAF too, as a number of podcasts have won possibly 5 or more awards in the past 10 years (ESPN Fantasy Focus, Rob has a Podcast, Mugglecast, This American Life).

Thanks once again for everyone that takes the time to listen to the podcasts, through iTunes, or through YouTube.

VoK 275: Game of Thrones – Season 5 Retrospective


Game_of_Thrones_Season_5

VOK Wolfcast concluded, last year, with a review of Season 5, discussing favourite scenes, worst scenes, favourite episodes and the state of the fandom with the impending Season 6 Dilemma. By the time I got around to editing it, it was August, so I decided to hold off until the new Season begins, and to coincide with the Season 5 DVD release, and the availability of Season 5 on Sky Box Sets (U.K. fans).

Dagos_Rivers (Glen) leads the wolf pack, and is joined by SerPatricktheTall (Patrick) and Samos (Sam) to deliver their thoughts on the most popular season to date, and whether Game of Thrones has reached it’s peak or if the show will continue to rise in popularity year on year.

Also discussed:
-Madds Mikelson and NBC’s ‘Hannibal’ cancellation.
-Predictions of the Winds of Winter release.
-Theories about TuPac
-Comparisons between Harry Potter and Oedipus
-The scale of villain vs. Geographic origin.
-The theme of incest within the book series.

Running Time: 02:02:02
CREDITS:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
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VoK 274: Dickensian (BBC One series)


Dickensian-631887

Dagos_Rivers (Glen), and Bina007 (Bina) review ‘Dickensian’: A murder mystery / drama set in Victorian England, with Charles Dickens’ most popular characters interacting with each other. This show commissioned by the BBC was a big rating hit over Christmas, in the U.K. but quickly lost over half it’s audience due to a chaotic schedule. We both hope other countries like Canada, U.S.A. and India will get a chance to watch it!

The hosts discuss major plotlines which form Origin stories for major characters in Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and Bleak House.

We also discuss the following topics:
-The sex appeal of Aidan Turner (Poldark).
-Emerging costume dramas to ‘replace’ Downton Abbey.
-Other BBC Charles Dickens adaptations (e.g. Bleak House).
-Possibility of worldwide distribution, and a second series.
-Would you accept disinheritance from your parents as a ‘compliment’?
-Christmas TV schedules.

Running Time: 01:11:52
Credits: Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Links:
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[Forum Thread] Discuss on APOIAF Forums

VoK 122: The Pillars of the Earth (by Ken Follett)


Pillars-Of-The-Earth

Journey back to the 12th Century as the Vassals discuss the 1989 Ken Follett novel, ‘The Pillars of the Earth’.

VOK’s answer to Siskel and Ebert (when it comes to Ken Follett books) returns as Glen (Dagos_Rivers) and Michael (Mordion) are joined Steven (SJLee) and tackle some thought provoking discussions such as
‘The best way to ruin a wedding’, ‘How to make a dramatic exit’, and ‘Did the White Ship JUST sink?’.

The Vassals also discuss (whilst fearing persecution by listeners to the podcast) the history of witch craft,  currency in the 12th Century, and are saved by SJLee intervening in the ‘name change’ by Ken Follett of one of the historical Monarchs.

The character storylines and plot synopsys are briefly discussed before we realise how complicated the plot is, and
wish to avoid the podcast sounding like the monty python sketch ‘Summarise Proust Competition’.

Running Time: 02:14:34

Links:

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org
[Forum] Podcast SubForum
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast Feed

References:

[Monty Python sketch] Watch the Monty Python ‘Proust Competition Sketch’

[Oprah] Pillars of The Earth on Oprah’s Book Club

VoK 28: FeastDance (Part 5) – We Remember the North


Asha Greyjoy Aeron Davos Seaworth Theon Greyjoy

Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons in detail.

In the penultimate FeastDance discussion, Dagos_Rivers is joined by No True Lady, Valkyrist and Nadia to discuss the storylines of Asha, Aeron, Davos and Theon up to the climax of A Dance With Dragons.

The hosts also discuss the following topics:

-Roose Bolton’s bedroom habits
-What are ‘Mature’ podcasts?
-Do ‘Show watchers’ know who Jon Snow’s mother is?
-Will the promise of a dragon binding horn help you win any election?
-Is the Kingsmoot an analogy to claimants of the Iron Throne
-Australian kids’ tv shows

Timestamps:

Asha: 0 ” 6 ” 46.365
Aeron: 0 ” 35 ” 18.619
Davos: 0 ” 57 ” 48.319
Theon: 1 ” 15 ” 45.749
AfterShow 1 ” 59 ” 45.606

Download Links:

[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org.
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast only feed.

Reference Links:

VOK FeastDance Part 1 Discussion
VOK FeastDance Part 2 Discussion
VOK FeastDance Part 3 Discussion
VOK FeastDance Part 4 Discussion
Watch Thunderstone Season 1 Episode 1
Round The Twist
Ocean Girl
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
He, She and It/Body of Glass by Marge Piercy
Shadow Man by Melissa Scott

VoK 22: Best of A Podcast of Ice and Fire


APOIAF1

Dagos_Rivers, Nadia, Vaarsuvius and Erinyes discuss A Podcast of Ice and Fire, their origins with the podcast, favourite moments and take a trip down memory lane to discuss the following theories, some more outlandish than others, devised by the podcast:

-Pink Walder Theory
-Feathered Hat Theory
-Crooked Wang Theory
-Blood Oranges Theory
-Creaking Door Theory
-Booby-trapped Saddle
-Ygritte is Tormund’s daughter
-Heir to the Iron Islands
-Say My Name (Hodor)
-Red Walder Theory
-Sam got sent to the wall for taking Margaery Tyrell’s maidenhead
-Bronn is Yoren’s brother
-Hot Pie is the most devious man in Westeros
-Melisandre is the class dunce, marwyn is the valedictorian

Included is a compilation of clips chosen by APOIAF listeners, of their favourite podcast moments from all 118 episodes of APOIAF.

Credits:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Episode 22:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
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[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
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[RSS] Podcast only feed.

References:
The Worst Witch vs. Harry Potter

VoK 20: FeastDance (Part 4) – Another Brick in the Wall


Varamyr Sixskins Sam Melisandre Jon Snow

Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons in detail.

Continuing the discussion of A Dance With Dragons and A Feast For Crows (FeastDance), Vassals of Kingsgrave present part four in the discussion of the latest books in A Song of Ice and Fire.

Dagos_Rivers is joined by Bina007, Alias, Nadia and new host, Valkyrist.

Observations made during the discussion:

– Wilding baby name faux pas.
– Randyl Tarly’s nomination for father of the year.
– Casting news for Game of Thrones Season 4.
– More wacky theories, courtesy of the VOK hosts and Westeros.org forums.

Editing Credits: Dagos_Rivers

Episode 20:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
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[Streaming] from grooveshark.com
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast only feed.

Links:
Martin Confirms Azor Ahai…
Season 4 Casting
Part 1 of the VOK FeastDance discussion
Part 2 of the VOK FeastDance discussion
Part 3 of the VOK FeastDance discussion
Valkyrist’s fanfic about Arya Stark
Valkyrist’s fanfic about Jon Snow

VoK 18: Gone with the Wind (by Margaret Mitchell)


gone-with-the-wind-dvd-cover-63

Beware of spoilers, the following podcast discusses the book and movie “Gone With the Wind” in detail.

Dagos_Rivers is joined by Bina007 to discuss the classic book and movie, Gone With The Wind. The hosts delve into character discussion, discuss themes and motifs then finally talk about the movie adaptation and the famous casting search for Scarlett O’Hara.

Credits:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Episode 18:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
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[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
[Streaming] from grooveshark.com
[iTunes] Subscribe to us on iTunes
[RSS] Podcast only feed.

References:
Gone With The Wind
Scarlett Mini-Series (Starring Sean Bean)
Rhett Butler’s People
The Wind Done Gone

VoK 16: Planet of the Apes [1968] (DVD Commentary)


POTA

Beware of spoilers, the following podcast discusses the original Planet of the Apes movie series in detail.

Dagos_Rivers is joined by easttexasdirewolf to attempt a fan audio commentary of the 1968 cult classic ‘Planet of the Apes’. Also briefly discussed is the recent win for A Podcast of Ice and Fire at the Geekie Awards.

Credits:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Episode 16:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
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[Streaming] from grooveshark.com
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
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References:
Planet of the Apes Movie Collection
Monkey Planet novel
Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes Comics

VoK 14: Mad Men (AMC series) – Seasons 1 & 2


Beware of spoilers, the following podcast discusses the first two Seasons of Mad Men in detail. Plus our staple discussion of Game of Thrones creeps in as we discuss the casting of Mace Tyrell.

Dagos_Rivers is joined by fortytwo and bina007 from the Podcast of Ice and Fire forums to discuss season 1 and 2 of Mad Men, ogle the cast and discuss plans for future episodes of VOK.

Also included are casting news on Game of Thrones, the nature of italian men, the history of spousal rape and what happens when you type ‘A Feast For Crows’ into the search bar on iTunes.

Credits:
Edited by Dagos_Rivers

Episode 14:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
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[Streaming] from grooveshark.com
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz
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[RSS] Podcast only feed.

References:
Mace Tyrell Casting
Bina007’s review of Heaven’s Gate

VoK 11: FeastDance (Part 2) – Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things


Arya Sansa Bran

Beware of Spoilers, The following podcast discusses A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons in detail.

Dagos_Rivers is joined by forlorn APOIAF forum addicts Bina007, Alias and fortytwo to continue the discussion of A Feast for Crows and A Dance With Dragons aka FeastDance, that began in VOK episode 4. The discussion delves into the short yet sweet journey and training of Sansa, Bran and Arya Stark. At the end of the show, we discuss plans for Part 3 of the discussion which will be titled ‘All Roads Lead to Essos’.

Observations made during the discussion:

-George R.R. Martin’s hate for musicians (Due to unrequited love of a musician)
-Alias’s Alternative theory to ‘Promise me, Ned’
-Faceless men are like the A-Team
-Bran chilling in a tree is akin to Rod Taylor in The Time Machine

Editing Credits: Dagos_Rivers

Episode 11:
[MP3] Download or play this episode directly.
[Archive.org] View this episode’s page on Archive.org.
[Streaming] from grooveshark.com
[Mirror] Download from mega.co.nz

Links:
Martin Breaks a Guitar at ComicCon 2013
The Grand Faceless Men Conspiracy Theory