NWA
We said: “Their angry lyrics were politicised but in a new kind of nihilistic, apoliticised, unaligned way, gatecrashing the white world of success.” Straight Outta Compton movie review, 2015
George Osborne said: “It was an amazing concert. These were the angriest young band from America … ”
Our verdict: Nice try George. You might have deliberately picked NWA as an example of your eclectic tastes, but this isn’t nearly as impressive as it sounds. You’re discussing a group of billionaire tech magnates and Coors Light spokespeople. You can’t ruin NWA for us. NWA already ruined NWA for us.
The War on Drugs
We said: “On the thrilling An Ocean in Between the Waves, [Adam Granduciel’s] hoarse, Springsteen-like vocal jags red-raw in the song’s luminescent glow.” Live review, 2015
David Cameron said: “Samantha got me listening to a new thing called The War On Drugs. I can recommend it. They’re a band, you can find them on Spotify or iTunes – anyway, they’re good.”
Our verdict: It’s not so much that Dave likes the War on Drugs – the admission was made during the election campaign, when he would have professed an affinity for torching catteries if it got him an extra vote – more that he felt obliged to explain how to listen to their music. Embarrassing.
Nadiya Hussain
We said: “Nadiya’s popularity has demonstrated how the vast majority of people in Britain embrace diversity and inclusivity, and are certainly not going to dismiss her based on religion, race or attire.” Comment, 2015
David Cameron said: “She is so cool under pressure.”
Our verdict: There isn’t a chance in the universe that David Cameron watched enough of The Great British Bake Off to pick a favourite. At least during his Fruit Ninja phase he could still actually attend meetings, but if he really set aside an hour a week to watch Mary Berry eat biscuits, we’d all be dead by now. Besides, everyone knows that Tamal was the connoisseur’s choice.
Strictly Come Dancing
We said: “Ballroom dancing is an aesthetic pursuit, an art form that has been turned into a competition, the result of which is that everything is done to attract the attention of the judges. The competitors must try to fit within a set of rules and so a tawdry, flashy, kitsch aesthetic takes over”. Comment, 2014
Culture secretary John Whittingdale said: “Strictly was perhaps, at first sight of the commissioning editor, not necessarily a show which was going to be as successful as it has proved to be.”
Our verdict: Two quotes by two different yet equally lofty establishments, neither of which can quite bring themselves to say that Strictly Come Dancing is any good. And it isn’t. It’s rubbish. You can’t ruin something that’s already ruined, guys.
Breaking Bad
We said: “This little-known show, two seasons old and already a surprise Emmy-winner, might well be the finest thing you haven’t seen.” TV review, 2009
Boris Johnson said: “Why on earth can’t the BBC produce a show as brilliant as Breaking Bad?”
Our verdict: Johnson might have been using Breaking Bad to beat the BBC, but the Guardian review rightly points out that nobody actually watched the thing for years. He is either saying that more failing TV shows should be kept on air, or suggesting he’s an insufferable box set hipster. Either way, something feels tainted.
Finding Nemo
We said: “Finding Nemo is set in a vivid, surreal secret world. As ever, there are wacky creatures of all shapes and sizes: a ragtag platoon of amiable attitudes and comedy voices. This time they’re fish.” Movie review, 2003
Education secretary Nicky Morgan said: “It’s my children’s favourite film.”
Our verdict: Admittedly Morgan only said this because her nickname – NiMo – sounds like the film’s titular character, but still. Imagine her sitting down to watch Finding Nemo with a notepad on her lap reading “Destroy all state schools”. Takes the shine off a bit, doesn’t it?
Supertramp
We said: “The only possible reason [Jeremy] Clarkson can have had for choosing [Supertramp LP Crime of the Century] in the first place was to pick a fight.” TV review of Danny Baker’s Great Album Showdown, 2013
David Cameron’s university chum James Delingpole said: “It sounds especially good when you’re stoned – or so Dave, our friend James and I decided one afternoon in my rooms above Peckwater Quad, where we’d gathered for a smoke and a nostalgic listen.”
Our verdict: Of all the awful rumours spread about David Cameron this year, the insinuation that he in any way enjoyed the music of Supertramp was the most egregious. Cameron himself hasn’t confirmed himself as a fan. This is probably for the best. The country would probably never recover.
