Just found a great track name on the Sonic Mook Experiment compilation album by band called Mclusky:
"Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues"
Works on so many different levels.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
False Accusations
I was speaking to a friend in work and I asked him what he thought of this blog. He pointed out that unlike Dan Lawrence's site, mine is used more as a means to rant about stuff.
I couldn't disagree more. I would never use this site as a soapbox for my oppinions. I resent the obviously false allegation.
Whilst we are on the subject of rants though, something that really chaps my ass is people that gather round the door of a train when it arrives - doesn't sound like much of a crime, but it really gets to me.
This is the thing. Every day, the same people crowd the train doors whilst waiting to get on. The folk on the train then need to get off and have to edge their way through the people blocking the doors. It wouldn't be so bad if there was limited seats and they wanted to make sure that they get them, but there is no reason why people need to stand at the door and rush on. It's pointless.
Far better to stand back and then make your move when people are off the train.
Rants? Really!
I couldn't disagree more. I would never use this site as a soapbox for my oppinions. I resent the obviously false allegation.
Whilst we are on the subject of rants though, something that really chaps my ass is people that gather round the door of a train when it arrives - doesn't sound like much of a crime, but it really gets to me.
This is the thing. Every day, the same people crowd the train doors whilst waiting to get on. The folk on the train then need to get off and have to edge their way through the people blocking the doors. It wouldn't be so bad if there was limited seats and they wanted to make sure that they get them, but there is no reason why people need to stand at the door and rush on. It's pointless.
Far better to stand back and then make your move when people are off the train.
Rants? Really!
Amstel Beer - Finally!
About a year and a half ago me and Becky went to Corfu, and whilst there I fell in love with the Dutch beer Amstel.
I knew my dad was a fan so I brought back a bottle for him and one for myself. I was living at home at the time, so my bottle was kept in the folk's fridge. My brother, Lional Flip-Due, being the beer theif that he is, was warned not to drink it as I couldn't get any over here in the UK. I saved it for a special moment.
When that moment finally came (not sure what it was now - must have been something VERY special), I went to the fridge only to find my Amstel had gone! I accused Flip-Due of all sorts, although he denied it. Turns out that my Dad had drunk it thinking it was his not realising that he'd already drunk his a while back.
Since then I have searched every known supermarket, any off-licence I pass by (from Cornwall to London) and even Lanzarotie, with no joy. Every time I go to a supermarket I check the drinks section for it, but its never there.
A dull story I realise, but hopefully it gives you an idea of just how happy I am that I found it on sale today in Asda! On spotting it I raised my arms in joy and rushed off to find Becks (my fiancee, not the bottled beer) to see if I could get it using the food money (I couldn't afford it myself) - how could she say no to my excited grin!
I'm now enjoying it as I type. Mmmmmm
As an aside, I'm loving how I got the bottle top in the picture to shine like that, making it irresistible. I could make Marks & Spencers food adverts with a talent like that!
I knew my dad was a fan so I brought back a bottle for him and one for myself. I was living at home at the time, so my bottle was kept in the folk's fridge. My brother, Lional Flip-Due, being the beer theif that he is, was warned not to drink it as I couldn't get any over here in the UK. I saved it for a special moment.
When that moment finally came (not sure what it was now - must have been something VERY special), I went to the fridge only to find my Amstel had gone! I accused Flip-Due of all sorts, although he denied it. Turns out that my Dad had drunk it thinking it was his not realising that he'd already drunk his a while back.
Since then I have searched every known supermarket, any off-licence I pass by (from Cornwall to London) and even Lanzarotie, with no joy. Every time I go to a supermarket I check the drinks section for it, but its never there.
A dull story I realise, but hopefully it gives you an idea of just how happy I am that I found it on sale today in Asda! On spotting it I raised my arms in joy and rushed off to find Becks (my fiancee, not the bottled beer) to see if I could get it using the food money (I couldn't afford it myself) - how could she say no to my excited grin!
I'm now enjoying it as I type. Mmmmmm
As an aside, I'm loving how I got the bottle top in the picture to shine like that, making it irresistible. I could make Marks & Spencers food adverts with a talent like that!
Flaming Lips, Birmingham NIA, 09/11/06
"Those religious conservative mother fuckers"
That's how Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips describes the members of the Republican Party in the US during the gig at the Birmingham NIA last night - well put.
The gig could very well be my favourite show that's taken place out side of Glastonbury, with Hope of the States giving it a run for it's money.
From start to finish I had a massive grin on my face, bursting into hysterics at every turn.
Despite forming in 1983 and being a band big enough to play to arenas, it's a credit to them that they take part in the setup of the instruments, having fun a long the way - they really must love their job.
As the band prepare in the wings to take to the stage for the performance, so to do Superman, Wonderwoman, Captain America, Thing (the orange guy from Fantastic 4), a bunch of Santa Clauses without beards, an army of young female Aliens, one main alien and Santa Clause himself.
Not only that, but the one thing all 4 of us wanted to see: the balloon that Wayne Coyne climbs into and runs out on to the audience in. The moment he is in, it all kicks off.
Opening with Race for the Prize, large orange baloons are thrown out into the crowd (where they will stay for the rest of the night, being knocked around), the band takes to the stage, the confetti cannons fire off and to as massive cheer Coyne runs out into the crowd in his balloon.
The start to this set is by some distance the greatest set opener I've seen, and certainly one of the best 5 minutes I've had at a gig, including Glastonbury sets. From here on in the whole crowd is on a high - I personally can't stop laughing at the surrealness of it all, not to mention just how much fun it is.
The next song is a personal Lips favourite of mine, Free Radicals. He explains to the crowd that it was in Birmingham that this song first generated a sing-along by the fans and that he'd love to recreate that moment.
If you were being cynical you would argue that he says this where ever they play - that might well be the case, but the thing about this band is they genuinely perform like this is the most important gig in their lives - like they are headlining the Pyramid Stage for the very first time and it's what they set out to achieve. They never once look bored or show any sign that it's just "another gig" for them.
Sure enough the crowd sing back. The next song was a suprise for me as I didn't expect them to play such a well known tune of theirs so soon: Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1. They go into it with no introduction and the crowd love it.
This song also sees the only use of the glove puppet nunn - a shame as I swear I remember her staring in many more songs a Glasto.
Before the song ends they go into a slow Queen-like piano piece, as if they have just finished playing a 20 minute 70s rock classic, prompting the fans to sing-a-long, not the last time they use this technique.
Following this they kick straight into Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.2. When I first purchased the Yoshima album I was looking forward to hearing the second part of the song, disapointed to find that it was an instrumental. As time's gone by I've learned to like the song more and more until last night where it all finally made sense.
Whilst all this is going on, the santa's and aliens are always dancing along, waving their torches. From what I can gather they were just joe publics who perhaps the band approached before the gig and said "Fancy being on stage?". They had their digital cameras and really looked like they were loving it. All the girls seemed to be below 20, and were the sort of girls who quite frankly think to much of themselves and their dance moves, but fair play to em because they didn't look any less enthused by it the whole night, always giving it their best, having fun - a quality that people lose as they get older where fun is concerned.
Wayne Coyne then went on to make the first of many hippy-like speeches about how we can make a difference and just how many sound people their are in the audience just looking for a good time.
He talked about the recent resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary who was a key part of the planning for the Iraq war. He pointed out that it's thanks to public pressure that it's happened and that music has been a part of the changing attitude of the american public. All this to cheers from the crowd.
With that he introduces the next song, the politically charged Yeah Yeah Yeah Song asking the crowd to sing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the No No Nos.
They then play My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion, which is fast becoming one of my favourite Lips songs (the way they played it at the show certainly did it's cause no harm). He explained that the lyrics were about all the negative, cynical people out there. He's definately a song writer I can relate to.
During all this more confetti is fired, more streamers released, torches swung, comedy sized fists raised and a large balloon blown up to burst (see below piture).
The large orange balloons are also still being knocked around by the crowd - the first of which to be burst by a member of the audience get the response of a large cry of boos from the crowd. A bunch of grownups booing never fails to amuse me.
There were a couple tracks I'd have liked to have heard (The Spark That Bled and The Gash), but both those tracks are off The Soft Bulletin, an album from the late 90s, so I can hardly blame the band for not playing them and opting for something fresh.
The final two songs before the end of the main set are She Don't Use Jelly (introduced on screen by Jon Stewart off the Daily Show (weekdays on More4)) and another favourite of mine Do You Realize??, this for me seeming to be the most euthoric of their songs - with the screen behind showing footage of a couple in Rabbit Costumes (think Dom Jolly's Trigger Happy TV) hugging and boucing away in slow motion in a totally over the top cheese, hammy, happy way - a perfect set ender.
The thing about encores is they really bug me, yet I think I'd feel cheated if a band didn't do one or two. As with everything, at least The Flaming Lips make their's fun. Whilst the crowd yell for more, Captain America takes to the stage and encourages the crown in to an east v west shouting match. As with the rest of this blog entry, it doesn't sound like much, but when you are there it's brilliant.
They then return to the stage and ask the crowd for a karoke moment, telling them to sing along. Members of the crowd shout out "But we won't know the words!!". "Don't worry" Coyne replies, "They're on the screen.". They needn't have bothered as the song has to be one of the most easy to sing-a-long to tunes in the UK, with *everyone* knowing the words: Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
I was hoping they were going to play a cover, as they did at Glastonbury in the form of Pink Floyd's Breathe. On this occasion they couldn't have picked a better tune, with the whole crowd singing every word. A real experience. To top it off, when the tune reached its head-banging moment, the crowd responded well. Something I won't forget in a while.
They then left the stage with Captain America once again returning to get the crowd going.
One last song remained - I've yet to work out which song it was, but he introduced it saying that at the end, their will be a bit of music that will give people the chance to say to their partner (or potential partner) just how much they mean to them. A blissed out ending to an amazing show. I challange anyone of any taste of music to go to a Lips gig and not have a great time. I worried that after having such a good time watching them at Glastonbury, I was going to be disapointed. How wrong I was. I haven't laughed as hard for as long in a long time.
The lights then raise. As we leave we are treated to a highly appropriate What a Wonderful World and an oddly chosen Wizard of Oz track.
Myself and Simon both agree that following that, we're not looking forward to "having to sit through Muse" next week. It takes a fantastic set to make you feel that way about a band as good as Muse.
That's how Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips describes the members of the Republican Party in the US during the gig at the Birmingham NIA last night - well put.
The gig could very well be my favourite show that's taken place out side of Glastonbury, with Hope of the States giving it a run for it's money.
From start to finish I had a massive grin on my face, bursting into hysterics at every turn.
Despite forming in 1983 and being a band big enough to play to arenas, it's a credit to them that they take part in the setup of the instruments, having fun a long the way - they really must love their job.
As the band prepare in the wings to take to the stage for the performance, so to do Superman, Wonderwoman, Captain America, Thing (the orange guy from Fantastic 4), a bunch of Santa Clauses without beards, an army of young female Aliens, one main alien and Santa Clause himself.
Not only that, but the one thing all 4 of us wanted to see: the balloon that Wayne Coyne climbs into and runs out on to the audience in. The moment he is in, it all kicks off.
Opening with Race for the Prize, large orange baloons are thrown out into the crowd (where they will stay for the rest of the night, being knocked around), the band takes to the stage, the confetti cannons fire off and to as massive cheer Coyne runs out into the crowd in his balloon.
The start to this set is by some distance the greatest set opener I've seen, and certainly one of the best 5 minutes I've had at a gig, including Glastonbury sets. From here on in the whole crowd is on a high - I personally can't stop laughing at the surrealness of it all, not to mention just how much fun it is.
The next song is a personal Lips favourite of mine, Free Radicals. He explains to the crowd that it was in Birmingham that this song first generated a sing-along by the fans and that he'd love to recreate that moment.
If you were being cynical you would argue that he says this where ever they play - that might well be the case, but the thing about this band is they genuinely perform like this is the most important gig in their lives - like they are headlining the Pyramid Stage for the very first time and it's what they set out to achieve. They never once look bored or show any sign that it's just "another gig" for them.
Sure enough the crowd sing back. The next song was a suprise for me as I didn't expect them to play such a well known tune of theirs so soon: Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1. They go into it with no introduction and the crowd love it.
This song also sees the only use of the glove puppet nunn - a shame as I swear I remember her staring in many more songs a Glasto.
Before the song ends they go into a slow Queen-like piano piece, as if they have just finished playing a 20 minute 70s rock classic, prompting the fans to sing-a-long, not the last time they use this technique.
Following this they kick straight into Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.2. When I first purchased the Yoshima album I was looking forward to hearing the second part of the song, disapointed to find that it was an instrumental. As time's gone by I've learned to like the song more and more until last night where it all finally made sense.
Whilst all this is going on, the santa's and aliens are always dancing along, waving their torches. From what I can gather they were just joe publics who perhaps the band approached before the gig and said "Fancy being on stage?". They had their digital cameras and really looked like they were loving it. All the girls seemed to be below 20, and were the sort of girls who quite frankly think to much of themselves and their dance moves, but fair play to em because they didn't look any less enthused by it the whole night, always giving it their best, having fun - a quality that people lose as they get older where fun is concerned.
Wayne Coyne then went on to make the first of many hippy-like speeches about how we can make a difference and just how many sound people their are in the audience just looking for a good time.
He talked about the recent resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary who was a key part of the planning for the Iraq war. He pointed out that it's thanks to public pressure that it's happened and that music has been a part of the changing attitude of the american public. All this to cheers from the crowd.
With that he introduces the next song, the politically charged Yeah Yeah Yeah Song asking the crowd to sing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the No No Nos.
They then play My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion, which is fast becoming one of my favourite Lips songs (the way they played it at the show certainly did it's cause no harm). He explained that the lyrics were about all the negative, cynical people out there. He's definately a song writer I can relate to.
During all this more confetti is fired, more streamers released, torches swung, comedy sized fists raised and a large balloon blown up to burst (see below piture).
The large orange balloons are also still being knocked around by the crowd - the first of which to be burst by a member of the audience get the response of a large cry of boos from the crowd. A bunch of grownups booing never fails to amuse me.
There were a couple tracks I'd have liked to have heard (The Spark That Bled and The Gash), but both those tracks are off The Soft Bulletin, an album from the late 90s, so I can hardly blame the band for not playing them and opting for something fresh.
The final two songs before the end of the main set are She Don't Use Jelly (introduced on screen by Jon Stewart off the Daily Show (weekdays on More4)) and another favourite of mine Do You Realize??, this for me seeming to be the most euthoric of their songs - with the screen behind showing footage of a couple in Rabbit Costumes (think Dom Jolly's Trigger Happy TV) hugging and boucing away in slow motion in a totally over the top cheese, hammy, happy way - a perfect set ender.
The thing about encores is they really bug me, yet I think I'd feel cheated if a band didn't do one or two. As with everything, at least The Flaming Lips make their's fun. Whilst the crowd yell for more, Captain America takes to the stage and encourages the crown in to an east v west shouting match. As with the rest of this blog entry, it doesn't sound like much, but when you are there it's brilliant.
They then return to the stage and ask the crowd for a karoke moment, telling them to sing along. Members of the crowd shout out "But we won't know the words!!". "Don't worry" Coyne replies, "They're on the screen.". They needn't have bothered as the song has to be one of the most easy to sing-a-long to tunes in the UK, with *everyone* knowing the words: Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
I was hoping they were going to play a cover, as they did at Glastonbury in the form of Pink Floyd's Breathe. On this occasion they couldn't have picked a better tune, with the whole crowd singing every word. A real experience. To top it off, when the tune reached its head-banging moment, the crowd responded well. Something I won't forget in a while.
They then left the stage with Captain America once again returning to get the crowd going.
One last song remained - I've yet to work out which song it was, but he introduced it saying that at the end, their will be a bit of music that will give people the chance to say to their partner (or potential partner) just how much they mean to them. A blissed out ending to an amazing show. I challange anyone of any taste of music to go to a Lips gig and not have a great time. I worried that after having such a good time watching them at Glastonbury, I was going to be disapointed. How wrong I was. I haven't laughed as hard for as long in a long time.
The lights then raise. As we leave we are treated to a highly appropriate What a Wonderful World and an oddly chosen Wizard of Oz track.
Myself and Simon both agree that following that, we're not looking forward to "having to sit through Muse" next week. It takes a fantastic set to make you feel that way about a band as good as Muse.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Extreme Diet Coke & Mentos Experiments II - The Domino Effect
This is a good example of some Viral Marketing. Well worth watching - enjoy:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-274981837129821058
Credit where it's due of course, this is where I found the link:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/domino-effect.html
And some details on just what Viral Marketing is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_advertising
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-274981837129821058
Credit where it's due of course, this is where I found the link:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/domino-effect.html
And some details on just what Viral Marketing is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_advertising
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Time Consuming'ness and Blogger Beta
I've decided recently to make a bit of an effort with this blog - but tonight is the first time I've realised just how time consuming it can be. Put's me off a little. Still, I'll keep trying for what it's worth.
As part of my new found dedication to this blog (it's [dedication] debut you could argue) I also switched my blog to the beta version of Blogger.
Not a lot has changed (at first glance at least), but the important feature for me is the inclusion of labels (such a Google title). This enables me to give keywords to my posts, something I've been wanting for some time now as I'm a big fan of tags in a web 2.0 kind of way.
As much as I dislike people actually reading this blog (god knows why I write it), it would still be good if say someone did a search for "Beta Band" and as a result found my ill-written half assed review of their Three EPs album below.
As part of my new found dedication to this blog (it's [dedication] debut you could argue) I also switched my blog to the beta version of Blogger.
Not a lot has changed (at first glance at least), but the important feature for me is the inclusion of labels (such a Google title). This enables me to give keywords to my posts, something I've been wanting for some time now as I'm a big fan of tags in a web 2.0 kind of way.
As much as I dislike people actually reading this blog (god knows why I write it), it would still be good if say someone did a search for "Beta Band" and as a result found my ill-written half assed review of their Three EPs album below.
First Listen: Beta Band, The Doors
Well I'm currently in the process of listening to the Beta Band's The Three EP's for the first time and had a listen to disc 1 of 2 of The Doors' In Concert earlier:
The Doors - In Concert
I'm really impressed with this. Some critics tag The Doors as being just another pub band, but there does seem to be something more to them than that. On this live recording Jim Morrison is sounding great, having a good laugh with the crowd (well, thats my call on it - if that is the case he's doing it very dryly as he shouts "Shut up!!! This is no way to behave at a rock concert!" (or words to that affect)). Musically it sounds superb. Where as some live albums tend to make you long for the studio version, the versions of the songs on this album seem to be superior. It is also the first time that a band I like have used medleys and got away with it.
The Beta Band - The Three EPs
After buying and disliking the Hot Shots II album by the Beta Band, I've been put off this now for some time. However, this seems like the perfect album for a Sunday evening, with some nice mellow bass lines and sparse and soothing vocals. Good background music. With that in mind I think it'll also work well whilst I'm in work.
The Doors - In Concert
I'm really impressed with this. Some critics tag The Doors as being just another pub band, but there does seem to be something more to them than that. On this live recording Jim Morrison is sounding great, having a good laugh with the crowd (well, thats my call on it - if that is the case he's doing it very dryly as he shouts "Shut up!!! This is no way to behave at a rock concert!" (or words to that affect)). Musically it sounds superb. Where as some live albums tend to make you long for the studio version, the versions of the songs on this album seem to be superior. It is also the first time that a band I like have used medleys and got away with it.
The Beta Band - The Three EPs
After buying and disliking the Hot Shots II album by the Beta Band, I've been put off this now for some time. However, this seems like the perfect album for a Sunday evening, with some nice mellow bass lines and sparse and soothing vocals. Good background music. With that in mind I think it'll also work well whilst I'm in work.
Spending Spree in Taunton
Went to Taunton for shopping today, and as often happens when I avoid spending money the previous time I go to town, I spend way to much the following shop. It doesn't help that last night I watched the Top 50 Comedies on C4 followed by High Fidelity on DVD (that movie always makes me want to go out and buy loads of music as I just love the huge music collection featured in it).
Here's what I bought:
CDs
Tom Waits - The Island Years
I've never bothered with him before - dismissing him, but not in a way where I'd say "I don't like him", but rather that I don't have time to get into him. I heard a track of his on 6 Music the other day and his voice sounded great, so think I'll give it a go. Only a £5.
The Beta Band - The Three E.P's
I bought their second (I think) album and I must admit, I don't think much of it. However I keep on hearing rave comments about this collection of EPs. To top it off, it got a mention in High Fidelity last night and part of a track was played... it sounded good, so I made a note of in on the mobile and picked it up earlier today.
The Doors - In Concert
I've heard a few Doors tracks that were recorded live over the years and they always sound superb, so I decided it was time I got one for the collection. I'm listening to it as I type (When The Music's Over is the track) and Morrison sound's great, as does the trademark organ. 31 tracks for £6, and most of their short recording history is covered.
DVDs
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
A Stanley Kubrick movie (I don't think I've ever watched one of his, but they all seem to be regarded as classics, so it's about time I tried one) about the dropping of an A-Bomb (I think - I try not to read the writing on the back as every now and then it gives a little to much away for my liking). It featured in the Top 50 Comedies and what's more, has been spoofed by the Simpsons (where Homer rides the bomb) so felt like I should give it a try.
There's Something About Mary
Another movie featured on the Top 50, I get the impression that much like American Pie and Wedding Crashers, I could watch this movie time and again with Becky. Always worth having to hand. Very funny movie.
Wayne's World 2
It's about time I bought this. Very funny send up of rock music. I shouldn't need to explain myself here :-)
Syriana
One of two independent movies that George Clooney has made that I'd like to see (the other being about a warmonger during the Cold War - the Cold War being an interest of mine makes it an appealing movie), this one is about the oil industry and the corruption in the US that surrounds it. Considering the Iraq war a few years ago, this seems quite a topical movie.
Walk The Line
The story of Johnny Cash. When I watched it in the cinema I didn't think it even came close to 'Ray' (the story of Ray Charles) but I still enjoyed it, and it even got Becky familiar with Cash's music (I was playing a track of his and she asked if it was him - has to be said, I was very impressed with that).
The 40 Year Old Virgin
I've been meaning to get this since I seen this at the cinema, but haven't got around to it. Me and Becky watched it last week when we were baby sitting our nepthew and it was even funnier than I remember - so I snapped it up for £5 today from Asda.
And those are my purchases. All bargains as well.
2 movies I did want but wasn't willing to pay full price for (I would have had I not just spent £45 on other stuff) were This Is Spinal Tap (I watched it a couple years back and didn't find it funny, but keep on seeing clips and they make me laugh) and Monty Python's Holy Grail (well, same as Spinal Tap really.. I've seen it, didn't find it funny but I see bits now that make me laugh.. maybe I compared it to much to Life of Brian and the Flying Circus Series).
Here's what I bought:
CDs
Tom Waits - The Island Years
I've never bothered with him before - dismissing him, but not in a way where I'd say "I don't like him", but rather that I don't have time to get into him. I heard a track of his on 6 Music the other day and his voice sounded great, so think I'll give it a go. Only a £5.
The Beta Band - The Three E.P's
I bought their second (I think) album and I must admit, I don't think much of it. However I keep on hearing rave comments about this collection of EPs. To top it off, it got a mention in High Fidelity last night and part of a track was played... it sounded good, so I made a note of in on the mobile and picked it up earlier today.
The Doors - In Concert
I've heard a few Doors tracks that were recorded live over the years and they always sound superb, so I decided it was time I got one for the collection. I'm listening to it as I type (When The Music's Over is the track) and Morrison sound's great, as does the trademark organ. 31 tracks for £6, and most of their short recording history is covered.
DVDs
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
A Stanley Kubrick movie (I don't think I've ever watched one of his, but they all seem to be regarded as classics, so it's about time I tried one) about the dropping of an A-Bomb (I think - I try not to read the writing on the back as every now and then it gives a little to much away for my liking). It featured in the Top 50 Comedies and what's more, has been spoofed by the Simpsons (where Homer rides the bomb) so felt like I should give it a try.
There's Something About Mary
Another movie featured on the Top 50, I get the impression that much like American Pie and Wedding Crashers, I could watch this movie time and again with Becky. Always worth having to hand. Very funny movie.
Wayne's World 2
It's about time I bought this. Very funny send up of rock music. I shouldn't need to explain myself here :-)
Syriana
One of two independent movies that George Clooney has made that I'd like to see (the other being about a warmonger during the Cold War - the Cold War being an interest of mine makes it an appealing movie), this one is about the oil industry and the corruption in the US that surrounds it. Considering the Iraq war a few years ago, this seems quite a topical movie.
Walk The Line
The story of Johnny Cash. When I watched it in the cinema I didn't think it even came close to 'Ray' (the story of Ray Charles) but I still enjoyed it, and it even got Becky familiar with Cash's music (I was playing a track of his and she asked if it was him - has to be said, I was very impressed with that).
The 40 Year Old Virgin
I've been meaning to get this since I seen this at the cinema, but haven't got around to it. Me and Becky watched it last week when we were baby sitting our nepthew and it was even funnier than I remember - so I snapped it up for £5 today from Asda.
And those are my purchases. All bargains as well.
2 movies I did want but wasn't willing to pay full price for (I would have had I not just spent £45 on other stuff) were This Is Spinal Tap (I watched it a couple years back and didn't find it funny, but keep on seeing clips and they make me laugh) and Monty Python's Holy Grail (well, same as Spinal Tap really.. I've seen it, didn't find it funny but I see bits now that make me laugh.. maybe I compared it to much to Life of Brian and the Flying Circus Series).
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
So Grundge wasn't a genre of music after all?
Was reading a Neil Young fan site tonight and it highlighted a great blog by 'Shelley the Republican'. I can't decide whether she is for real or just a democrat fan sending up Republican voters.
In the blog entry, titled "Neil Young: An Enemy Of George Bush. An Enemy Of God.", she lays into Neil Young on the basis that he wrote a song titled 'Lets Impeach the President', all about George Bush. As Shelley suprisingly correctly points out, the album it's from (Living With War) is a protest album aimed at the current administration.
The blog is chock full of rubbish - some choice quotes include..
At least 2 things wrong with this:
1) is the fact that Young never likes to call himself the Godfather of Grunge. This is something he's referred to by the music press and maybe (to be fair I can't remember for sure) a grunge band such as Pearl Jam.
2) Anyone who knows even a little about 90s american music will realise that, that description of grunge is truly shocking! (For those who don't know, bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam etc are classed as grunge)
Another quote:
It's as if Matthew Wright was an american republican zealot! I don't give anyone any credit who is daft enough to include a statement like that in their blog and expect to be taken seriously.
I don't really need to comment on this.
The blog can be found at:
http://www.shelleytherepublican.com/2006/08/21/neil-young-an-enemy-of-george-bush-an-enemy-of-god.aspx
And credit where it is due. This is where I found the link to the blog entry:
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/wheatfield.html
In the blog entry, titled "Neil Young: An Enemy Of George Bush. An Enemy Of God.", she lays into Neil Young on the basis that he wrote a song titled 'Lets Impeach the President', all about George Bush. As Shelley suprisingly correctly points out, the album it's from (Living With War) is a protest album aimed at the current administration.
The blog is chock full of rubbish - some choice quotes include..
He likes to call himself the Godfather of Grunge. I have heard that this name is a reference to a sick sex-act during which his fellow Canadians (Young is Canadian by the way! He ought to be ashamed!) and caffeine-crazies from Seattle cover themselves in a disgusting gloop (the “grunge”) and embark on unspeakable rites and crypto-pagano-sex rituals. It’s disgusting!
At least 2 things wrong with this:
1) is the fact that Young never likes to call himself the Godfather of Grunge. This is something he's referred to by the music press and maybe (to be fair I can't remember for sure) a grunge band such as Pearl Jam.
2) Anyone who knows even a little about 90s american music will realise that, that description of grunge is truly shocking! (For those who don't know, bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam etc are classed as grunge)
Another quote:
Naturally, I haven’t heard it and have no intention of doing so, but I can tell you with utmost confidence that the music is rubbish too.
It's as if Matthew Wright was an american republican zealot! I don't give anyone any credit who is daft enough to include a statement like that in their blog and expect to be taken seriously.
Why would anyone want to impeach the greatest President in the history of the world [Bush] rather than Bill Clinton the infamous sleaze? What crime has Bush committed? What has he done that’s worse than adultery? I don’t get it.
I don't really need to comment on this.
The blog can be found at:
http://www.shelleytherepublican.com/2006/08/21/neil-young-an-enemy-of-george-bush-an-enemy-of-god.aspx
And credit where it is due. This is where I found the link to the blog entry:
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/wheatfield.html
Friday, October 13, 2006
Daft Punk - Discovery
I've been listening to Daft Punk's discovery this morning in work. The reason I put it on was because my thought process somehow got around to thinking just how good the tune Harder Faster Stronger Longer is (my favourite dance track I'd say) so I thought I'd have a change from breaking in the new purchases and listen to an old favourite in the name of hearing that song.
What I failed to remember was just how good the rest of the album was. I remember the first 4 songs are corkers (I forgot just how corking though) and the rest of the album keeps up the high standards.
It's a suprisingly loved up album as well, with some great lyrics in. Not something you expect when you put on a dance album.
It's just a shame their long awaited follow-up album didn't even come close to it.
What I failed to remember was just how good the rest of the album was. I remember the first 4 songs are corkers (I forgot just how corking though) and the rest of the album keeps up the high standards.
It's a suprisingly loved up album as well, with some great lyrics in. Not something you expect when you put on a dance album.
It's just a shame their long awaited follow-up album didn't even come close to it.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
www.last.fm
Haven't posted anything about music in a while so here we go...
As of around a month ago I started using an app call last.fm - I find it's most usual feature (amongst many more) is the fact it notes what music you are listening to on a MP3 application of your choice (mine being trusty Winamp) and then generates stats at the end of it. If you are curious about what I listen to, you can find out here:
http://www.last.fm/user/greg711/
This week's stats are a bad example as I've been abroad for much of the week. But you get the idea.
My only gripe (it's an unfair one I know) is there is no reasonable way of tracking what I listen to on my Creative Portable MP3 player - this is where I listen to the vast majority of my music (on the train and then in work). Although in fairness, when I am sat at my desk at home I do tend to listen to the bands I'm truly into, where as the MP3 player is more about getting into new albums.
As of around a month ago I started using an app call last.fm - I find it's most usual feature (amongst many more) is the fact it notes what music you are listening to on a MP3 application of your choice (mine being trusty Winamp) and then generates stats at the end of it. If you are curious about what I listen to, you can find out here:
http://www.last.fm/user/greg711/
This week's stats are a bad example as I've been abroad for much of the week. But you get the idea.
My only gripe (it's an unfair one I know) is there is no reasonable way of tracking what I listen to on my Creative Portable MP3 player - this is where I listen to the vast majority of my music (on the train and then in work). Although in fairness, when I am sat at my desk at home I do tend to listen to the bands I'm truly into, where as the MP3 player is more about getting into new albums.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
"The customer is always right..." - What a crock of shite.
The old saying goes that the customer is always right. I had that pointed out to me in Wickes several times, and worryingly the customer felt that that comment alone was enough for me to have to back down.
On my first day at Wickes I was told by the person training me that customers are not always right, but they are king (or queen when appropriate). That's a far better saying that makes far more sense.
What gets to me about the customer being right theory is that it's simply not logical.
It usually applies when the customer is querying a policy or perhaps some technical knowledge.
"I'd like a refund on this please. It's faulty." says the customer.
"I'm afraid we need to send that away for repair, as you do not have proof of purcahse." replies the member of staff.
(I'll delete the conversation that follows and cut to the all important line)
"Young man, have you not heard of the saying 'The customer's always right? Refund please.'"
Honest to God, it happens.
So where does the lack of logic apply? The fact that the employee has been doing their job for x amount of time and is payed to do and know that job on a daily basis. On the other hand you have a customer who believes they know it all - far more than the professionals. Yet (unless their living is also behind a till/customer service desk etc) spend little time dealing with such matters in comparison.
Rant over.
On my first day at Wickes I was told by the person training me that customers are not always right, but they are king (or queen when appropriate). That's a far better saying that makes far more sense.
What gets to me about the customer being right theory is that it's simply not logical.
It usually applies when the customer is querying a policy or perhaps some technical knowledge.
"I'd like a refund on this please. It's faulty." says the customer.
"I'm afraid we need to send that away for repair, as you do not have proof of purcahse." replies the member of staff.
(I'll delete the conversation that follows and cut to the all important line)
"Young man, have you not heard of the saying 'The customer's always right? Refund please.'"
Honest to God, it happens.
So where does the lack of logic apply? The fact that the employee has been doing their job for x amount of time and is payed to do and know that job on a daily basis. On the other hand you have a customer who believes they know it all - far more than the professionals. Yet (unless their living is also behind a till/customer service desk etc) spend little time dealing with such matters in comparison.
Rant over.
Monday, September 04, 2006
And strut...
Was walking to work from the train station this morning and 'Krack', off of the Nite Versions album by Soulwax (they sure are zany spellers!) played on my MP3 player. Its such a confident song I couldn't help but want to strut to it as I walked the streets thinking that "I was the man!".. Hell, I'm a little concerned that some strut might well have leaked out in my walk.
If you are lacking in confidence then give it a listen - for around 4 minutes every doubt you have about yourself will be gone. The price for this amazing ability? The eternal memory of your strut when you're not feeling nearly as confident.
If you are lacking in confidence then give it a listen - for around 4 minutes every doubt you have about yourself will be gone. The price for this amazing ability? The eternal memory of your strut when you're not feeling nearly as confident.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
BBC - The Wrong Man
I realise this is old news now but it's only now I've seen the actual intereview.
Quick overview: Guy turns up for an interview at the BBC, only to be mistaken for a different chap. As a result he is taken onto the set of News 24 where he is interviewed live on air regarding a tech story. As far as the chap was concerned this was his job interview.
Here is a link to the footage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/nolavconsole/ukfs_news/hi?redirect=st.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&nol_storyid=4774179
The initial look on his face when he is asked a question is priceless. Well worth watching.
Quick overview: Guy turns up for an interview at the BBC, only to be mistaken for a different chap. As a result he is taken onto the set of News 24 where he is interviewed live on air regarding a tech story. As far as the chap was concerned this was his job interview.
Here is a link to the footage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/nolavconsole/ukfs_news/hi?redirect=st.stm&news=1&bbram=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&nol_storyid=4774179
The initial look on his face when he is asked a question is priceless. Well worth watching.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Assignation of George W Bush
Digital channel More4 (or Mo-Fo as its known in 'the hood') will be screening a drama/documentry which includes a mock assignation of George W Bush. Based on the BBC article below, it sounds like an interesting show:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5302598.stm
What ammuses me from that article though is the following quote:
If you truly feel strongly enough to want to kill someone you dislike - even in America, it shouldn't really require inspiration from a TV show for you to think of such a general, obvious plan. It's not like American history alone doesn't provide enough history of how to deal with a president you dislike.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5302598.stm
What ammuses me from that article though is the following quote:
John Beyer of UK TV pressure group MediaWatch said the film was "irresponsible".
He said it could even trigger a real assassination attempt and told the Daily Mirror: "There's a lot of feeling against President Bush and this may well put ideas into people's heads."
If you truly feel strongly enough to want to kill someone you dislike - even in America, it shouldn't really require inspiration from a TV show for you to think of such a general, obvious plan. It's not like American history alone doesn't provide enough history of how to deal with a president you dislike.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Child Like Lyrics - Oh Yeah!
Got into a discussion about Syd Barrett tunes last week, and went to find the spelling for Effervescing Elephant. In doing so I found the lyrics. When I read them I realised just what great lyrics they are - they are typical Syd. You could read them to your kid and he wouldn't be any wiser that they were written by someone who lost the plot in the 60s, partially due to the amount of drugs he was doing - he'd just think its from some kids song book. And the wife would for that matter! So here they are. As with any song, they are better when you know the tune:
An Effervescing Elephant
with tiny eyes and great big trunk
once whispered to the tiny ear
the ear of one inferior
that by next June he'd die, oh yeah!
because the tiger would roam.
The little one said: "Oh my goodness I must stay at home!
and every time I hear a growl
I'll know the tiger's on the prowl
and I'll be really safe, you know
the elephant he told me so."
Everyone was nervy, oh yeah!
and the message was spread
to zebra, mongoose, and the dirty hippopotamus
who wallowed in the mud and chewed
his spicy hippo-plankton food
and tended to ignore the word
preferring to survey a herd
of stupid water bison, oh yeah!
And all the jungle took fright,
and ran around for all the day and the night
but all in vain, because, you see,
the tiger came and said: "Who me?!
You know, I wouldn't hurt not one of you.
I'd much prefer something to chew
and you're all to scant." oh yeah!
He ate the Elephant
Bank Holiday Monday Rundowns
This was an email to a friend (Dan Lawrence) in work, but he suggested I blog it - I didn't think that was such a bad idea. The required blog-rant/theories can be found nearer the end. Here it is:
- - - - - - -
There are so many 'Top X of All Time' charts around at the moment. Anyone would have thought we'd just had a bank holiday Monday!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5294652.stm
Pink Floyd get a couple mentions in this one. Suprisingly, Wish You Were Here gets in the Top 10, and Dark Side of the Moon is number 1 for the albums that didn't make it to number one.
On the topic of these charts appearing on Bank Holidays, I remember for a while when I was younger that it was all the craze at one stage for stations to run big countdowns.. then people got tired of them. I seem to remember different artists/albums make it into the chart depending on what has happened recently.
I think that if this chart were ran in 98, Floyd would have been much lower, but I think Live 8 re-ignited interest in them, and so they do well.
Which leads me to stray further again and mention how it's interesting to see how demand plays a big part on someone's career.
Dave Gilmour releases an album in 78, probably having more to say with a more cutting edge sound (not to mention that Pink Floyd are at the peak of their career, or not far from it), but it goes pratically un-noticed.
The now David Gilmour, releases an album 20 years later, with an out-dated sound and very little to say (for the record I like the album btw) and it sales well.. if there had been a Floyd album a year before and one around the corner in a couple years, I don't think anyone would have cared as they would have had their Floyd fix and would know another was on the way.
- - - - - - -
There are so many 'Top X of All Time' charts around at the moment. Anyone would have thought we'd just had a bank holiday Monday!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5294652.stm
Pink Floyd get a couple mentions in this one. Suprisingly, Wish You Were Here gets in the Top 10, and Dark Side of the Moon is number 1 for the albums that didn't make it to number one.
On the topic of these charts appearing on Bank Holidays, I remember for a while when I was younger that it was all the craze at one stage for stations to run big countdowns.. then people got tired of them. I seem to remember different artists/albums make it into the chart depending on what has happened recently.
I think that if this chart were ran in 98, Floyd would have been much lower, but I think Live 8 re-ignited interest in them, and so they do well.
Which leads me to stray further again and mention how it's interesting to see how demand plays a big part on someone's career.
Dave Gilmour releases an album in 78, probably having more to say with a more cutting edge sound (not to mention that Pink Floyd are at the peak of their career, or not far from it), but it goes pratically un-noticed.
The now David Gilmour, releases an album 20 years later, with an out-dated sound and very little to say (for the record I like the album btw) and it sales well.. if there had been a Floyd album a year before and one around the corner in a couple years, I don't think anyone would have cared as they would have had their Floyd fix and would know another was on the way.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Futurama
One of the greatest comedies of our time (well, from a geek's point of view) is officially on its way back for a new series! :-D
Missing Glastonbury
All this summer I've had moments where I wish I was at Glastonbury (that thought made worst knowing there is no festival this year). Usually its something simple, like the smell of cut grass on a sunny day, or the smell of weed or just good old fashioned smoke.
I watched some of the 02 Wireless Festival earlier and they had a performance by the Flaming Lips on there. This made me wish for Glasto more than ever as I have very fond memories of watching them a few years ago at Glasto.
At the time I wasn't a big fan of them. As there was such a big gap between The Soft Bulletin and Yoshima, when the press were raving about them I'd never heard of them. It baffled me that such a so-called well known band had passed me by. The Flight Test was being over-played on MTV2 and I just wasn't getting their music. The song Yoshima wasn't bad.. quite catchy but that was it. (note: Ice Cream Van (Mr Whippy in fact) has just pulled up outside my house.. love living here!)
So they were second on the bill to Radiohead (Other than Pink Floyd, Radiohead were THE band I had to see in my life time) (note: Icecream van has just pulled away.. talk about impatient.. if I was going for one I'd barely have time to slip my shoes on and head over all eager with my coins) and it felt like most people at the festival had never heard of them, or at best had simply heard of them.
Reading the Q magazine you get at the festival, they were raving about what a great live act they are. As it happens, we were always going to watch them as we wanted to be near the front for Radiohead but I think had we'd not gone to watch Radiohead, we'd still have checked them out I think just because of the reviews regarding there stage show.
So there we are, extremely excited about seeing Radiohead. I think I was with:
Dave Maynard
Simon Gee
James Robilliard
Brains
Sorry if I've missed anyone out - I'm sure you are extremely stressed now because of it. Me and Dave were massive Radiohead fans so were very keen to get the Lips out of the way.
And then it happened.. The Flaming Lips performed. It was superb! Everything Q Mag promised and so much more. They put on a real personal show. Wayne Coin (lead singer) had a screen just behind him and a camera on his mic.. so as he's talking out to the crowd, you can see him the whole time in great detail. Made it a real experience. Highlights include:
- The singing nun glove puppet
- Wayne Coin exploding fake bloody all over him
- Him blowing up a big baloon.. when was it going to burst?
- Him singing via a loud-speakerphone.. sounds great!
- 50,000 people singing Happy Birthday to someone in the crowd
- A cover of Pink Floyds 'Breathe'
- Dancing animals with really powerful torches.
There was loads more. It felt like one great party. It was as fun as watching Rolf Harris the year before, but with great music as well (sorry Rolf). All the above doesn't sound like much, but when you are at Glastonbury with the sun setting, its amazing.
Following the show me and Dave turned round to each other and both agreed that we get the feeling Radiohead can't even get close to topping that. Luckily, Radiohead were just as good (if not better).
Following Radiohead, with the addrenelin well and truly pumping we all agreed that we aren't ready to sleep - so we all headed up to the stone circle and sat there for a while. I was happy to stay there, but the others were ready to go, so they headed back to the tent. So there I sat, with 1000s of camp fires in the distance texting Becky (this is soon after we first met and before we had the guts to meet again) telling her all about how great Glastonbury is. Sad I know, but it really was very romantic.
That for sure is my favourite night at Glastonbury, if not the greatest night of my life. So perfect.
Sorry if the above is quite boring, but I enjoyed writing it. Makes me miss Glastonbury even more now. :-(
I watched some of the 02 Wireless Festival earlier and they had a performance by the Flaming Lips on there. This made me wish for Glasto more than ever as I have very fond memories of watching them a few years ago at Glasto.
At the time I wasn't a big fan of them. As there was such a big gap between The Soft Bulletin and Yoshima, when the press were raving about them I'd never heard of them. It baffled me that such a so-called well known band had passed me by. The Flight Test was being over-played on MTV2 and I just wasn't getting their music. The song Yoshima wasn't bad.. quite catchy but that was it. (note: Ice Cream Van (Mr Whippy in fact) has just pulled up outside my house.. love living here!)
So they were second on the bill to Radiohead (Other than Pink Floyd, Radiohead were THE band I had to see in my life time) (note: Icecream van has just pulled away.. talk about impatient.. if I was going for one I'd barely have time to slip my shoes on and head over all eager with my coins) and it felt like most people at the festival had never heard of them, or at best had simply heard of them.
Reading the Q magazine you get at the festival, they were raving about what a great live act they are. As it happens, we were always going to watch them as we wanted to be near the front for Radiohead but I think had we'd not gone to watch Radiohead, we'd still have checked them out I think just because of the reviews regarding there stage show.
So there we are, extremely excited about seeing Radiohead. I think I was with:
Dave Maynard
Simon Gee
James Robilliard
Brains
Sorry if I've missed anyone out - I'm sure you are extremely stressed now because of it. Me and Dave were massive Radiohead fans so were very keen to get the Lips out of the way.
And then it happened.. The Flaming Lips performed. It was superb! Everything Q Mag promised and so much more. They put on a real personal show. Wayne Coin (lead singer) had a screen just behind him and a camera on his mic.. so as he's talking out to the crowd, you can see him the whole time in great detail. Made it a real experience. Highlights include:
- The singing nun glove puppet
- Wayne Coin exploding fake bloody all over him
- Him blowing up a big baloon.. when was it going to burst?
- Him singing via a loud-speakerphone.. sounds great!
- 50,000 people singing Happy Birthday to someone in the crowd
- A cover of Pink Floyds 'Breathe'
- Dancing animals with really powerful torches.
There was loads more. It felt like one great party. It was as fun as watching Rolf Harris the year before, but with great music as well (sorry Rolf). All the above doesn't sound like much, but when you are at Glastonbury with the sun setting, its amazing.
Following the show me and Dave turned round to each other and both agreed that we get the feeling Radiohead can't even get close to topping that. Luckily, Radiohead were just as good (if not better).
Following Radiohead, with the addrenelin well and truly pumping we all agreed that we aren't ready to sleep - so we all headed up to the stone circle and sat there for a while. I was happy to stay there, but the others were ready to go, so they headed back to the tent. So there I sat, with 1000s of camp fires in the distance texting Becky (this is soon after we first met and before we had the guts to meet again) telling her all about how great Glastonbury is. Sad I know, but it really was very romantic.
That for sure is my favourite night at Glastonbury, if not the greatest night of my life. So perfect.
Sorry if the above is quite boring, but I enjoyed writing it. Makes me miss Glastonbury even more now. :-(
Later...
This weeks 'Later...' was certainly worth the wait - not a single dud act on there (a first for when I've watched it). Here's a quick run-down of what I thought of the acts:
The Strokes
There is something about the Strokes that makes me really enjoy watching/listening to them, but I can never put my finger on it. It was no different this time. They forced me to open a beer within a minute as you could tell it was going to be a good show so why not make it better with a beer?
The Flaming Lips
Really good. They put on the sort of performance you'll watch in 10 years time and think to yourself "I wish music was that manic and unprofessional now-a-days!". Of course, they are one-of-a-kind now-a-days. The Yeah Yeah Yeah song was their opening number (shame they didn't play the full length of that, but still great), W.A.N.D was there second tune (it's finally starting to work for me) and sadly they wasted the third song on a cover of War Pigs. It was good, but would have been nice to hear another one of there songs, maybe an old forgotten one.
The Divine Comedy
Along with The Beautiful South, Divine Comedy are a band I dismissed some time ago only to realise my error now. They played 2 songs, both really enjoyable to listen to with the lyrics grabbing my attention. I'll try to get one of their albums some day.
Cat Power
I bought her latest album (The Greatest) when it was released after hearing rave reviews about it, and its never really fully grown on me (doesn't help that I purchased it at the same time as a couple other albums, one of which being Jenny Lewis). I was quite looking forward to seeing her on the show as I thought it might help me to enjoy the album some more. With that in mind it's a shame she played the 2 songs I know and already like but that said, the studio recordings really don't do them justice. Lived In Bars in particular was superb. So sure enough, I'm going to check out the album again.
Plan B
I think I've seen this guy on TV before (NME Awards). Back then I flicked past his performance as he sounded to much like an English Eminem wannabe.. I almost did the same this time, but thankfully I held out. Turned out to be really good. He's basically a rapper with an acoustic guitar and not a bad voice. Different.
Raul Midón
A testamentt to just how good this show was, the fact I really enjoyed the token obscure genre act. You have to see him to realise how good he is. In the simplest form, its a guy with shades on playing a guitar... but boy can he play guitar... and created a drum rhythmm on his guitar... and perform the trumpet solo with no trumpet(!). Really really good to watch! Usually I like my music because it flips a switch in my head that makes me think "this sounds good", rarely because I think "now that's some good playin!" - because to be fair, I don't really know what good playing is - But I can be certain that this guy can play.
The Strokes
There is something about the Strokes that makes me really enjoy watching/listening to them, but I can never put my finger on it. It was no different this time. They forced me to open a beer within a minute as you could tell it was going to be a good show so why not make it better with a beer?
The Flaming Lips
Really good. They put on the sort of performance you'll watch in 10 years time and think to yourself "I wish music was that manic and unprofessional now-a-days!". Of course, they are one-of-a-kind now-a-days. The Yeah Yeah Yeah song was their opening number (shame they didn't play the full length of that, but still great), W.A.N.D was there second tune (it's finally starting to work for me) and sadly they wasted the third song on a cover of War Pigs. It was good, but would have been nice to hear another one of there songs, maybe an old forgotten one.
The Divine Comedy
Along with The Beautiful South, Divine Comedy are a band I dismissed some time ago only to realise my error now. They played 2 songs, both really enjoyable to listen to with the lyrics grabbing my attention. I'll try to get one of their albums some day.
Cat Power
I bought her latest album (The Greatest) when it was released after hearing rave reviews about it, and its never really fully grown on me (doesn't help that I purchased it at the same time as a couple other albums, one of which being Jenny Lewis). I was quite looking forward to seeing her on the show as I thought it might help me to enjoy the album some more. With that in mind it's a shame she played the 2 songs I know and already like but that said, the studio recordings really don't do them justice. Lived In Bars in particular was superb. So sure enough, I'm going to check out the album again.
Plan B
I think I've seen this guy on TV before (NME Awards). Back then I flicked past his performance as he sounded to much like an English Eminem wannabe.. I almost did the same this time, but thankfully I held out. Turned out to be really good. He's basically a rapper with an acoustic guitar and not a bad voice. Different.
Raul Midón
A testamentt to just how good this show was, the fact I really enjoyed the token obscure genre act. You have to see him to realise how good he is. In the simplest form, its a guy with shades on playing a guitar... but boy can he play guitar... and created a drum rhythmm on his guitar... and perform the trumpet solo with no trumpet(!). Really really good to watch! Usually I like my music because it flips a switch in my head that makes me think "this sounds good", rarely because I think "now that's some good playin!" - because to be fair, I don't really know what good playing is - But I can be certain that this guy can play.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
RIP Top of the Pops
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5099894.stm
Its typical - I've pratically ignored Top of the Pops all my life, but since getting a Freeview PVR I've found that I now find myself watching it - and now it gets the axe!
Sure, there is some tosh on there, but thanks to the PVR I can skip past that and on to the usual one or two half decent acts.
Since I started watching it the two best performances I've seen are Belle and Sebastian and Gnarls Barcley (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong).
It's no 'Later...' but its still live music, something lacking on mainstream tv at the moment.
Its typical - I've pratically ignored Top of the Pops all my life, but since getting a Freeview PVR I've found that I now find myself watching it - and now it gets the axe!
Sure, there is some tosh on there, but thanks to the PVR I can skip past that and on to the usual one or two half decent acts.
Since I started watching it the two best performances I've seen are Belle and Sebastian and Gnarls Barcley (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong).
It's no 'Later...' but its still live music, something lacking on mainstream tv at the moment.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Later...
Just watched this week's Later.. With Jools Holland.
Wasn't a bad one, nothing that really jumped out at the me though like I've come to expect from the show (eg. Gnarls Barkley's performance of Crazy, Franz Ferdinand's performance with 10 drummers), but still a good one.
The highlights were Gogol Bordello (an Eastern Europe gypsy-folk-punk band (!)), might have to get their album if I can find it, and The Dresden Dolls (Just a piano and drums, so naturally a little different).
The lows were The Automatic - ok, fair enough they were good but there keyboardist came across as though his ego alone was forcing the band to keep him in.. a modern-day Bez, but with some talent. Also a low were Dixie Chicks. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but disapointed to find an American version of the Corrs.
Still, next week's show sounds great. Not only The Flaming Lips (that would be more than enough), but The Strokes (ok, wasn't a huge fan until I saw them live, but they are a cool act) and Cat Power.
Some reviews on a couple of the bands mentioned above:
Gogol Bordello: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A10426907
The Dresden Dolls: http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2006/05/11/dresden_dolls_feature.shtml
Wasn't a bad one, nothing that really jumped out at the me though like I've come to expect from the show (eg. Gnarls Barkley's performance of Crazy, Franz Ferdinand's performance with 10 drummers), but still a good one.
The highlights were Gogol Bordello (an Eastern Europe gypsy-folk-punk band (!)), might have to get their album if I can find it, and The Dresden Dolls (Just a piano and drums, so naturally a little different).
The lows were The Automatic - ok, fair enough they were good but there keyboardist came across as though his ego alone was forcing the band to keep him in.. a modern-day Bez, but with some talent. Also a low were Dixie Chicks. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but disapointed to find an American version of the Corrs.
Still, next week's show sounds great. Not only The Flaming Lips (that would be more than enough), but The Strokes (ok, wasn't a huge fan until I saw them live, but they are a cool act) and Cat Power.
Some reviews on a couple of the bands mentioned above:
Gogol Bordello: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A10426907
The Dresden Dolls: http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2006/05/11/dresden_dolls_feature.shtml
Monday, June 12, 2006
Money
For the first time since me and Becky got the house, I feel skint.
Its taken far longer than expected, but I now find my self seeings things that I want that I can't have.. and its really tricky obeying that fact.
I stupidily walked into Virgin at lunchtime today and saw The Delgados - The Complete Peel Sessions for a tenner. There's three reasons why I want that quite badly:
1) The Delgados are a class band, yet I only have one of there albums and I've been planning on getting more of there stuff.. this is ideal as its pretty much a best of.
2) 2 dics of quality music for £9.99..
3) The album got a rare 9/10 on Teletext's Planet Sound. That alone makes me want to buy it, regardless of the act, as PS rarely fail me.
I resisted though. I think what I'm going to do is see how much money I have the day before payday.. if I have any left, get a/some CD(s) with it.
One reason I'm skint this month is because I didn't realise that everytime England play in the world cup, its gonna cost me a few pints down the pub.
My CD wishlist continues to grow. At the moment, off the top of my head it looks a little like this:
Delgados - Complete Peel Sessions
Muse (their new album)
Hope of the States (their new album)
Sons and Daughers (any album of theirs)
Shack
Mugison (a track of theirs I like on a Rough Trade compilation)
I'm sure there are more besides.
Its taken far longer than expected, but I now find my self seeings things that I want that I can't have.. and its really tricky obeying that fact.
I stupidily walked into Virgin at lunchtime today and saw The Delgados - The Complete Peel Sessions for a tenner. There's three reasons why I want that quite badly:
1) The Delgados are a class band, yet I only have one of there albums and I've been planning on getting more of there stuff.. this is ideal as its pretty much a best of.
2) 2 dics of quality music for £9.99..
3) The album got a rare 9/10 on Teletext's Planet Sound. That alone makes me want to buy it, regardless of the act, as PS rarely fail me.
I resisted though. I think what I'm going to do is see how much money I have the day before payday.. if I have any left, get a/some CD(s) with it.
One reason I'm skint this month is because I didn't realise that everytime England play in the world cup, its gonna cost me a few pints down the pub.
My CD wishlist continues to grow. At the moment, off the top of my head it looks a little like this:
Delgados - Complete Peel Sessions
Muse (their new album)
Hope of the States (their new album)
Sons and Daughers (any album of theirs)
Shack
Mugison (a track of theirs I like on a Rough Trade compilation)
I'm sure there are more besides.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Hello World
Hi World.
I've finally given in and started a blog - the ultimate ego trip.
The reason I gave in is primarily so I have an outlet to waffle on about the latest, greatest tune I've heard - plus it'll be nice to mention some good sites I've been to etc.
To get things started, I've currently got Neil Young on in the background (Like A Hurricane). Good Sunday chill-out music is Neil, in a non-ibiza sunsetting kind of way.
I've finally given in and started a blog - the ultimate ego trip.
The reason I gave in is primarily so I have an outlet to waffle on about the latest, greatest tune I've heard - plus it'll be nice to mention some good sites I've been to etc.
To get things started, I've currently got Neil Young on in the background (Like A Hurricane). Good Sunday chill-out music is Neil, in a non-ibiza sunsetting kind of way.
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