Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
I'll just bid farewell till we meet again
Hello.
You may have realised that I'm not writing here much anymore. This is because I can't find the time to, and after two or so years, I'm finding it harder to find any inspiration. Perhaps I have outgrown the blogging world? Who knows. Anyway, this will be my last post. I'll be retiring my blog from today.
I'll be cleaning up some of the links and stuff so the page will still be active. This means that if the world is obliterated by nuclear armageddon and this is all that remains of humanity then the aliens who eventually will visit this planet may well think that the human race was obsessed with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, that they enjoyed watching teams like Southampton FC and that they were obviously very simple people who got themselves locked into the toilet on a regular basis.
I'll still be writing for Rockbeatstone and I may well return to the world of blogging in the future with other projects, if I find the time. You can also come and see my gig nights at the Windmill in Brixton, London which will be continuing for the foreseeable future. In other long-term news I'll be visiting the USA in the Summer for a couple of weeks which will be fun.
So good luck to all and thanks for reading, I hope I entertained you with my frivolity. I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from the greats of the rock and roll world. Never forget these quotes, they're great to put into conversation at any point possible. These are two which will never leave me:
"They say the darkest hour, is right before the dawn" (Bob Dylan)
"It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win" (Bruce Springsteen)
Restless Farewell
You may have realised that I'm not writing here much anymore. This is because I can't find the time to, and after two or so years, I'm finding it harder to find any inspiration. Perhaps I have outgrown the blogging world? Who knows. Anyway, this will be my last post. I'll be retiring my blog from today.
I'll be cleaning up some of the links and stuff so the page will still be active. This means that if the world is obliterated by nuclear armageddon and this is all that remains of humanity then the aliens who eventually will visit this planet may well think that the human race was obsessed with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, that they enjoyed watching teams like Southampton FC and that they were obviously very simple people who got themselves locked into the toilet on a regular basis.
I'll still be writing for Rockbeatstone and I may well return to the world of blogging in the future with other projects, if I find the time. You can also come and see my gig nights at the Windmill in Brixton, London which will be continuing for the foreseeable future. In other long-term news I'll be visiting the USA in the Summer for a couple of weeks which will be fun.
So good luck to all and thanks for reading, I hope I entertained you with my frivolity. I'll leave you with some words of wisdom from the greats of the rock and roll world. Never forget these quotes, they're great to put into conversation at any point possible. These are two which will never leave me:
"They say the darkest hour, is right before the dawn" (Bob Dylan)
"It's a town full of losers and I'm pulling out of here to win" (Bruce Springsteen)
Restless Farewell
Friday, February 15, 2008
Does anyone hear the music they play?
For no reason whatsoever, here is a list of all the Bob Dylan concerts I have attended:
19 Sept 2000 - Metro Arena, Newcastle.
02 May 2002 - Ahoy, Rotterdam.
11 May 2002 - London Arena.
12 May 2002 - London Arena.
10 Nov 2003 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
11 Nov 2003 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
15 Nov 2003 - Wembley Arena, London.
23 Nov 2003 - Brixton Academy, London.
18 June 2004 - Cardiff International Arena.
20 June 2004 - Finsbury Park, Fleadh Festival, London.
19 April 2005 - New Jersey Peforming Arts Centre, Newark, NJ.
20 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
21 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
22 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
23 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
24 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
27 June 2006 - Cardiff International Arena.
8th April 2007 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
9th April 2007 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
15th April 2007 - Wembley Arena, London.
16th April 2007 - Wembley Arena, London.
17th April 2007 - Birmingham International Arena.
27th April 2007 - Datchforum, Assago, Milano.
And now a list of all the Rolling Stones concerts I have attended:
8 June 1999 - Wembley Stadium, London.
19 Aug 2003 - Amsterdam ArenA.
22 Aug 2006 - Twickenham Stadium, London.
21 August 2007 - O2 Arena, London.
And a list of all the Charlatans concerts I have been to:
15 Dec 2001 - Wembley Arena, London.
11 Feb 2002 - Astoria, London.
6 July 2002 - Finsbury Park, London (supporting Oasis).
3 May 2004 - Islington Academy, London.
5 June 2004 - Brighton Dome, Brighton.
20 June 2004 - Finsbury Park (with Bob Dylan @ the Fleadh), London.
8 Dec 2004 - Shepherds Bush Empire (with Ronnie Wood joining the band).
16 Dec 2004 - Brixton Academy, London.
5 May 2006 - Brixton Academy, London.
22 Aug 2006 - Twickenham Stadium (supporting the Stones).
8 Dec 2006 - Brixton Academy, London.
Three Angels
19 Sept 2000 - Metro Arena, Newcastle.
02 May 2002 - Ahoy, Rotterdam.
11 May 2002 - London Arena.
12 May 2002 - London Arena.
10 Nov 2003 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
11 Nov 2003 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
15 Nov 2003 - Wembley Arena, London.
23 Nov 2003 - Brixton Academy, London.
18 June 2004 - Cardiff International Arena.
20 June 2004 - Finsbury Park, Fleadh Festival, London.
19 April 2005 - New Jersey Peforming Arts Centre, Newark, NJ.
20 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
21 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
22 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
23 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
24 Nov 2005 - Brixton Academy, London.
27 June 2006 - Cardiff International Arena.
8th April 2007 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
9th April 2007 - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam.
15th April 2007 - Wembley Arena, London.
16th April 2007 - Wembley Arena, London.
17th April 2007 - Birmingham International Arena.
27th April 2007 - Datchforum, Assago, Milano.
And now a list of all the Rolling Stones concerts I have attended:
8 June 1999 - Wembley Stadium, London.
19 Aug 2003 - Amsterdam ArenA.
22 Aug 2006 - Twickenham Stadium, London.
21 August 2007 - O2 Arena, London.
And a list of all the Charlatans concerts I have been to:
15 Dec 2001 - Wembley Arena, London.
11 Feb 2002 - Astoria, London.
6 July 2002 - Finsbury Park, London (supporting Oasis).
3 May 2004 - Islington Academy, London.
5 June 2004 - Brighton Dome, Brighton.
20 June 2004 - Finsbury Park (with Bob Dylan @ the Fleadh), London.
8 Dec 2004 - Shepherds Bush Empire (with Ronnie Wood joining the band).
16 Dec 2004 - Brixton Academy, London.
5 May 2006 - Brixton Academy, London.
22 Aug 2006 - Twickenham Stadium (supporting the Stones).
8 Dec 2006 - Brixton Academy, London.
Three Angels
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
What some people are gonna do for money
R.I.P. Premiership Football. You have finally disgusted me to such a point that I no longer care that my beloved Saints are not in the top league.
You can take your football and stick it up your arse.
See what I'm on about.
Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Blues
You can take your football and stick it up your arse.
See what I'm on about.
Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Blues
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sometimes even the President [...] has to stand Naked
Congrats to Sarkozy and Carla Bruni for their marriage announcement, and teh subsequent slip that she was preggers makes me believe he was almost forced into this situation. She is quite a good singer though. This one is probably for French Speakers only...
In other President related news, it's Super Duper Tuesday today. I'm already bored of it, we'll know a lot more after today that's for sure, but I think I just don't care anymore. Let's hope that American's don't feel this way either.
It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
In other President related news, it's Super Duper Tuesday today. I'm already bored of it, we'll know a lot more after today that's for sure, but I think I just don't care anymore. Let's hope that American's don't feel this way either.
It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Politician got on his jogging shoes
Put-down of the week.. Barak Obama to Hilary Clinton.
"While I was working on those streets watching those folks see their jobs shift overseas, you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart."
That's why he should win... but what do I know ?
Summerdays
"While I was working on those streets watching those folks see their jobs shift overseas, you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart."
That's why he should win... but what do I know ?
Summerdays
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Down these streets the fools rule
I've been busy organising this!
Backstreets IV. At the Windmill in Brixton, London on Friday February 8th 2008. Tickets are £4 on the door or available in advance from We Got Tickets.
We've got, Official Secrets Act whom the guardian like, Philedelphia Main Line who feature the brother of the dude from Jet, The Kits who rock like there is no tomorrow and a return for Alphabet Backwards as I liked them so much last time. Plus me choosing songs in between and guest DJs at the end. It's a great day out for all the family. More info here.
In related news, I've finally had the second part of my article on Bootlegging completed, written a review of the soundtrack to Dylan's film, I'm Not There, and also we've got the return of Rockbeatstone TV (expect one for January up soon!).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Bring the whole family
The government today announced that it is to plough ahead with new nuclear power stations. I do not agree with this policy at all and can see numerous issues surrounding security and the proposed 'enviornomental' benefits of Nuclear power vs traditional power generation. And the nuclear body seems hell bent on telling us all that wind/wave/solar are too unstable and expensive options.
But their might be a little bit more behind this decision. Gordon Brown, PM has a younger brother called Andrew Brown who happens to work for EDF Energy, the UK subsidary of the French state owned energy company that is proposing to build new nuclear plants in the UK. You can read more about how the Nuclear Power lobby has muscled its way into government's machinery at this website here.
What pisses me off is that this is surely such a large issue worthy of proper debate and decision making that we could be making a decision which impacts on humanity in millions of years to come and it all might be coming down to who knows who. People tell me I am naive and idealistic, but surely there are some areas in politics which are out of bounds.
Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Blues
But their might be a little bit more behind this decision. Gordon Brown, PM has a younger brother called Andrew Brown who happens to work for EDF Energy, the UK subsidary of the French state owned energy company that is proposing to build new nuclear plants in the UK. You can read more about how the Nuclear Power lobby has muscled its way into government's machinery at this website here.
What pisses me off is that this is surely such a large issue worthy of proper debate and decision making that we could be making a decision which impacts on humanity in millions of years to come and it all might be coming down to who knows who. People tell me I am naive and idealistic, but surely there are some areas in politics which are out of bounds.
Talkin' Bear Mountain Picnic Blues
Friday, December 28, 2007
A year has passed and gone (again)
It's that time of the year again.. End of year lists. An easy way for me to increase my blog-post quota by one... Click here to read what I thought of last year.
Album of the year
To be honest not much has really grabbed my attention this year apart from a Bruce Springsteen's Magic which is probably my favourite record and his best since The River. Great tunes which mixes political commentary with great pop-rock tunes. And it's a grower, even after an intensive few months of listening to it.
Also released this year which I adored was Wilco's Sky Blue Sky. A subtle recording which reveals more and more as time passes by. Like a fine wine really. I also bought the Hold Steady's recent album, Boys & Girls in America, which absolutely rocks, but I've already given them an award (see below) and don't want them to hog all the limelight.
Other albums of note include the Felice Brothers latest release, the Tailors album, Wakey Wakey - which I still listen to and love - and Babyshambles latest album, Shotters Nation which, I'm quite surprised to say, is brilliant.
Winner is.... Bruce Springsteen for Magic, for reminding me that old men can still release a vital, riveting and lively album (please take note Mr Dylan).
Concert of the year
Tough one this. I think the Hold Steady's second gig of the year that I saw at Camden's Electric Ballroom would have to be up there. As would their first gig. Wilco at Shepherds Bush was equally brilliant. Arcade Fire at Brixton was great too, although I ended up seeing them five times this year and was pretty bored by the end.
Travelling to Italy and Amsterdam to see Bob Dylan were other highlights, although not necessarily musically... it was more about the people I was meeting and the drinking. One thing is for sure the Milano crowd for Dylan were the nuttiest I've ever seen. They really are starved of good music out there.
Other concerts of note, the Magic Numbers doing a secret acoustic gig at the Windmill, my gig nights at the Windmill, and Metallica at Wembley. Because it was Metallica.
My final decision would have to be the Hold Steady at Camden Electric Ballroom. Because they made me fall in love with rock and roll all over again.
Next year I have a few concerts lined up already including multiple Springsteen nights in London and Helsinki, Two Cow Garage at the Windmill in Brixton and possibly the Broken Family Band.
Tough one this. I think the Hold Steady's second gig of the year that I saw at Camden's Electric Ballroom would have to be up there. As would their first gig. Wilco at Shepherds Bush was equally brilliant. Arcade Fire at Brixton was great too, although I ended up seeing them five times this year and was pretty bored by the end.
Travelling to Italy and Amsterdam to see Bob Dylan were other highlights, although not necessarily musically... it was more about the people I was meeting and the drinking. One thing is for sure the Milano crowd for Dylan were the nuttiest I've ever seen. They really are starved of good music out there.
Other concerts of note, the Magic Numbers doing a secret acoustic gig at the Windmill, my gig nights at the Windmill, and Metallica at Wembley. Because it was Metallica.
My final decision would have to be the Hold Steady at Camden Electric Ballroom. Because they made me fall in love with rock and roll all over again.
Next year I have a few concerts lined up already including multiple Springsteen nights in London and Helsinki, Two Cow Garage at the Windmill in Brixton and possibly the Broken Family Band.
TV Show of the year
Haven't really watched TV this year. I hate Dr Who, I hate Heroes and Lost and all that bollox. I enjoyed Skins (but can't remember if that came out this year or last). But there was one stand-out. The Sopranos ended in style. Absolute style.
Winner: the Sopranos. For remaining true to the spirit of the show and providing an unconventional and brilliant ending.
Film of the year
This should be easy. Shockingly, I only went to see one film this year... The Simpsons Movie. This wins by default, the two greatest words in the English language (obscure Simpsons joke for the fans there). It was hilarious though. I am going to double that count with a trip to the cinema tonight to see the film on Dylan's life, I'm Not There.
Winner: the Simpsons Movie.
Monday, December 10, 2007
With music in my ears
You may have realised that I've added a new application to this blog. It's a music player which streams tunes from all over the net through to my blog. So you will now have a random song whenever you choose to visit this blog. I've called it He Not Busy Being Born is Busy Dying FM.
Due to technical issues, I've had to place the player at the bottom, so scroll down to see the player and choose tracks.
Here are my first picks and I'll quickly go through the reasons why I chose these tunes. I'll be adding more songs over the coming weeks and will also write about why I chose them.
'Man in Me' by Bob Dylan
Bob in love and for once he's not pissed off at her. Used in the Big Lebowski. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.
'Backstreets' by Bruce Springsteen
See my last blog post!
'Shut the Fuck Up' by Cake
Cake are awesome. I saw them at Latitude for the first time ever. From their album Fashion Nugget. They funked and rocked their way through their set with no setlist or idea of how long they had to play. They just didn't give a fuck and delivered one of the best sets all weekend.
'Running To Stand Still' by U2
Hmmmm. I listened to this repeatedly for a while back in October 2007. Not going to go into that but for a few days it was a very special song indeed and one which helped. And I hate Bono. I then ignored it until last week where it came on random on my iPod. And now I'm listening to it all over again.
'Massive Nights' by The Hold Steady
I've had a few massive nights with the Hold Steady. The song encapsulates the wild spirit of rock and roll. I absolutely love it. From Boys and Girls in America.
'Up To Me' by Bob Dylan
Outake from Blood on the Tracks. It's as good as anything on the album. Think of it as a hidden bonus song or something.
'Jungleland' by Bruce Springsteen
New Jersey ? The protagonist's mind ? My mind ? Who knows. All I know is that it is beautiful. Especially the last lines. And the amazing saxophone solo makes me cry. Every time. From Born to Run.
'Killer Parties' by The Hold Steady
The soundtrack to waking up on the sofa at someone's house the morning after a massive party with empty beer cans, cigarette stubs and rubbish all over the room. Amazing.
'I Think I Smell A Rat' by The White Stripes
The White Stripes at their most bluesy. Brilliant in the live context. Come on Meg, fuck that anxiety attack - go back on the road!
'One True Vine' by Wilco
Outtake from their recent album, Sky Blue Sky. This is awesomely lovely. The reason it's on here is that, for some reason, I don't have the song at home.
'ELT' by Wilco
From Summerteeth. So true and a great song to sing when you're drunk.
'Ballad Of Lou The Welterweight' by The Felice Brothers
Saw these guys at the Windmill in Brixton. They came, they saw, they conquered my heart. I love them.
'Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)' by Kenny Rogers
Again from the Big Lebowski (does it have the best soundtrack? Possibly!). A song about LSD, although in an anti-LSD way.
'Gun' by Jeff Tweedy
"Falling out of love, dear/It hurt much worse when you gave up". Fuck yeah Tweedy, write the lyrics of my life why don't you.
'Itchycoo Park' by Small Faces
Now for the pro-drug songs! It's just very happy and makes me smile even though M&S have nicked it for their ad campaign.
'Eight Miles High' by The Byrds
Another pro-drugs song. Great guitars on here. Simply astounding flower-power noise.
'Simple Twist Of Fate' by Jeff Tweedy
Been listening to this a lot. I never thought the original could be bettered. But I was wrong. I love the fact that he sings the Live 1975 lyrics too.
'Totem Pole' by Dan Sartain
Saw this guy last week. He is the new White Stripes. I went a little bit deaf in my left ear.
'I Can Get Us Out Of Here Tonight' by Lucero
Also saw this band last week. Great country-punk. Songs to get drunk to. This is a live version of the song which features on their most recent album.
'Kitty’s Back' by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Possibly the most amazing Bruce song live (at least recorded live). The live version I have is about 20 minutes long... This is a slightly different one, from 1978 (I think). I just love the tempo changes and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.
'I See You, You See Me' by The Magic Numbers
A live version of this song. I've seen them countless times at festivals. Everytime I go not expecting to be excited as I have seen them loads of times before. And everytime this song absolutely kills. It's just so beautiful and moving and it without fail makes me cry.
'Stuck Between Stations' (Acoustic) by The Hold Steady
An acoustic version because I hadn't heard this before. It's got great opening lines. Possibly the best opening lines ever.
'Sylvia Plath' by Ryan Adams
Another beautiful song. I guess every man wants his Sylvia Plath.
Went to See the Gypsy
Due to technical issues, I've had to place the player at the bottom, so scroll down to see the player and choose tracks.
Here are my first picks and I'll quickly go through the reasons why I chose these tunes. I'll be adding more songs over the coming weeks and will also write about why I chose them.
'Man in Me' by Bob Dylan
Bob in love and for once he's not pissed off at her. Used in the Big Lebowski. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.
'Backstreets' by Bruce Springsteen
See my last blog post!
'Shut the Fuck Up' by Cake
Cake are awesome. I saw them at Latitude for the first time ever. From their album Fashion Nugget. They funked and rocked their way through their set with no setlist or idea of how long they had to play. They just didn't give a fuck and delivered one of the best sets all weekend.
'Running To Stand Still' by U2
Hmmmm. I listened to this repeatedly for a while back in October 2007. Not going to go into that but for a few days it was a very special song indeed and one which helped. And I hate Bono. I then ignored it until last week where it came on random on my iPod. And now I'm listening to it all over again.
'Massive Nights' by The Hold Steady
I've had a few massive nights with the Hold Steady. The song encapsulates the wild spirit of rock and roll. I absolutely love it. From Boys and Girls in America.
'Up To Me' by Bob Dylan
Outake from Blood on the Tracks. It's as good as anything on the album. Think of it as a hidden bonus song or something.
'Jungleland' by Bruce Springsteen
New Jersey ? The protagonist's mind ? My mind ? Who knows. All I know is that it is beautiful. Especially the last lines. And the amazing saxophone solo makes me cry. Every time. From Born to Run.
'Killer Parties' by The Hold Steady
The soundtrack to waking up on the sofa at someone's house the morning after a massive party with empty beer cans, cigarette stubs and rubbish all over the room. Amazing.
'I Think I Smell A Rat' by The White Stripes
The White Stripes at their most bluesy. Brilliant in the live context. Come on Meg, fuck that anxiety attack - go back on the road!
'One True Vine' by Wilco
Outtake from their recent album, Sky Blue Sky. This is awesomely lovely. The reason it's on here is that, for some reason, I don't have the song at home.
'ELT' by Wilco
From Summerteeth. So true and a great song to sing when you're drunk.
'Ballad Of Lou The Welterweight' by The Felice Brothers
Saw these guys at the Windmill in Brixton. They came, they saw, they conquered my heart. I love them.
'Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)' by Kenny Rogers
Again from the Big Lebowski (does it have the best soundtrack? Possibly!). A song about LSD, although in an anti-LSD way.
'Gun' by Jeff Tweedy
"Falling out of love, dear/It hurt much worse when you gave up". Fuck yeah Tweedy, write the lyrics of my life why don't you.
'Itchycoo Park' by Small Faces
Now for the pro-drug songs! It's just very happy and makes me smile even though M&S have nicked it for their ad campaign.
'Eight Miles High' by The Byrds
Another pro-drugs song. Great guitars on here. Simply astounding flower-power noise.
'Simple Twist Of Fate' by Jeff Tweedy
Been listening to this a lot. I never thought the original could be bettered. But I was wrong. I love the fact that he sings the Live 1975 lyrics too.
'Totem Pole' by Dan Sartain
Saw this guy last week. He is the new White Stripes. I went a little bit deaf in my left ear.
'I Can Get Us Out Of Here Tonight' by Lucero
Also saw this band last week. Great country-punk. Songs to get drunk to. This is a live version of the song which features on their most recent album.
'Kitty’s Back' by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Possibly the most amazing Bruce song live (at least recorded live). The live version I have is about 20 minutes long... This is a slightly different one, from 1978 (I think). I just love the tempo changes and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.
'I See You, You See Me' by The Magic Numbers
A live version of this song. I've seen them countless times at festivals. Everytime I go not expecting to be excited as I have seen them loads of times before. And everytime this song absolutely kills. It's just so beautiful and moving and it without fail makes me cry.
'Stuck Between Stations' (Acoustic) by The Hold Steady
An acoustic version because I hadn't heard this before. It's got great opening lines. Possibly the best opening lines ever.
'Sylvia Plath' by Ryan Adams
Another beautiful song. I guess every man wants his Sylvia Plath.
Went to See the Gypsy
Friday, December 07, 2007
King of the streets
I've been spending the last half hour going through videos on YouTube. It all started with a link to a Tom Waits video and ended up me watching this video below. It's 'Backstreets' by the Boss from 1975. YouTube is fucking great. Name an artist and you'll find some amazing videos. There's just hundreds of hours of videos up there on all your favourite artists at the touch of a button and for free!
There are two reasons why I am writing about this:
1) I got tickets to see him in London and Helsinki in 2008.
2) It's one of my favourite songs, and I've even named by band night at the windmill after it.
Anyway, I wanted to reproduce some of the comments here that were posted to the YouTube video. These are funny for many different ways. They kind of portray what I think about the show and the song.
"why did i have to be born in the frickin nineties "
"The warts define this performance. His voice is in tatters and still perfectly conveys the emotion. Bruce is a soul man at heart. Plus the band is absolutely COOKING."
"I've never seen anything like this, ever. He's known to be one of the best but at the same time he's so terribly underated. There is no one like him. "
"I have seen the future of rock and roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen "
--> "Correction. You have seen rock and roll at it's best. Anything that's come since have been left trailing in his dust "
Joey
There are two reasons why I am writing about this:
1) I got tickets to see him in London and Helsinki in 2008.
2) It's one of my favourite songs, and I've even named by band night at the windmill after it.
Anyway, I wanted to reproduce some of the comments here that were posted to the YouTube video. These are funny for many different ways. They kind of portray what I think about the show and the song.
"why did i have to be born in the frickin nineties "
"The warts define this performance. His voice is in tatters and still perfectly conveys the emotion. Bruce is a soul man at heart. Plus the band is absolutely COOKING."
"I've never seen anything like this, ever. He's known to be one of the best but at the same time he's so terribly underated. There is no one like him. "
"I have seen the future of rock and roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen "
--> "Correction. You have seen rock and roll at it's best. Anything that's come since have been left trailing in his dust "
Joey
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Advertising signs that con you
I feel terrible. I saw this headline on the Guardian website:
More than half of Amazon will be lost by 2030, report warns
and the first thing I thought about was the bloody online shop.
It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Like in the middle of Life magazine
Music fans, especially older ones, will no doubt have heard all about this. Morrissey (who will be affectionally referred to as Mozza in this article) was interviewed by the NME. The published article seems to have some comments which could be construed as racist - certainly they appear to have racist undertones.
Mozza is claiming that his remarks were taken out-of-context and twisted by the NME who wanted to create a sensationalist piece in order to boost fledgling sales. You can read Mozza's full rebuttal over at Rockbeatstone. I'm no massive Mozza fan myself, but I can understand why he's pissed off. The fact of the matter is that he's been set-up royaly by the NME.
I was alerted to this by my mate Will with whom I had an empassioned discussion on this topic on Friday - while standing outside a pub sheltering from the rain, smoking rolled up Golden Virginia, in Brixton. We both agreed the NME had gone to shit, much like Mozza suggests in his rebuttal. One thing they may not have considered is how passionate some of his fans are. They make the Dylan freaks look sane.
Here's what they wrote on Conor McNicholas' (editor at NME) wikipedia entry... It will probably change soon, so I've copied the text as I read it at 15:30 on Tuesday 4th December. Go people power. It will be interesting to see how this all ends. It seems as if it will end in the courts... Still some good has come out of this - he probably can't afford this kind of publicity! And he's going on tour soon and has a future album to flog to record labels.
Conor McNicholas is editor of IPC-run music magazine The New Musical Express, better known as the NME. He sold the magazine down the river in the early 2000s by focusing on inconsequential tabloid rubbish and loads of boring identikit, indie-schmindley, pseudo-rebellious bands. He also bears an uncanny resemblance to a rodent, but has never let this get in the way of his magazine's worship of groundbreaking artists such as Dominic Masters.
His first professional post on a magazine was on a fledgling Manchester publication called Sub where he wrote a spoof horoscope under the pen name of Snufkin, which was not all funny. McNicholas went on to write for the dance press holding senior positions at both Ministry and Mixmag magazines before going on to edit Muzik.
In recent years he has turned the NME into a mainstream pop-magazine, with Lily Allen and The Mighty Boosh appearing on the front cover.
During his editorship Conor has won several industry awards including Consumer Magazine Editor of the Year (Periodical Publishers Association Editorial and Publishing Excellence Awards, May 2005), Entertainment Magazine Editor of the Year (British Society of Magazine Editors, November 2005), Tour of the Year for the NME Awards Tour 2006 (Vodafone Live Music Awards, October 2006), Editor of the Year and Music Magazine of the Year (Record of the Day Music Journalism and PR Awards, November 2006 ) and Brand Building Initiative of the Year for Club NME (British Society of Magazine Editors, November 2006).
In October 2007 Conor was listed as one of the 1000 most influential people in London by the Evening Standard.
In 2007 Conor was one of the judges for the Mercury Music Prize. The winning album was Myths Of The Near Future by Klaxons.
However, there has been some criticism over McNicholas's reign as editor, especially over claims that the quality of writing had slipped, the genres of music covered have become less broad and that the magazine now contains less content than in previous years.
In unrelated music news, I've written a piece for Rockbeatstone on Babyshambles' new album, Shotters Nation. The album is actually very good. Not bad for a smack head.
Last Thoughts on Woodie Guthrie
Mozza is claiming that his remarks were taken out-of-context and twisted by the NME who wanted to create a sensationalist piece in order to boost fledgling sales. You can read Mozza's full rebuttal over at Rockbeatstone. I'm no massive Mozza fan myself, but I can understand why he's pissed off. The fact of the matter is that he's been set-up royaly by the NME.
I was alerted to this by my mate Will with whom I had an empassioned discussion on this topic on Friday - while standing outside a pub sheltering from the rain, smoking rolled up Golden Virginia, in Brixton. We both agreed the NME had gone to shit, much like Mozza suggests in his rebuttal. One thing they may not have considered is how passionate some of his fans are. They make the Dylan freaks look sane.
Here's what they wrote on Conor McNicholas' (editor at NME) wikipedia entry... It will probably change soon, so I've copied the text as I read it at 15:30 on Tuesday 4th December. Go people power. It will be interesting to see how this all ends. It seems as if it will end in the courts... Still some good has come out of this - he probably can't afford this kind of publicity! And he's going on tour soon and has a future album to flog to record labels.
Conor McNicholas is editor of IPC-run music magazine The New Musical Express, better known as the NME. He sold the magazine down the river in the early 2000s by focusing on inconsequential tabloid rubbish and loads of boring identikit, indie-schmindley, pseudo-rebellious bands. He also bears an uncanny resemblance to a rodent, but has never let this get in the way of his magazine's worship of groundbreaking artists such as Dominic Masters.
His first professional post on a magazine was on a fledgling Manchester publication called Sub where he wrote a spoof horoscope under the pen name of Snufkin, which was not all funny. McNicholas went on to write for the dance press holding senior positions at both Ministry and Mixmag magazines before going on to edit Muzik.
In recent years he has turned the NME into a mainstream pop-magazine, with Lily Allen and The Mighty Boosh appearing on the front cover.
During his editorship Conor has won several industry awards including Consumer Magazine Editor of the Year (Periodical Publishers Association Editorial and Publishing Excellence Awards, May 2005), Entertainment Magazine Editor of the Year (British Society of Magazine Editors, November 2005), Tour of the Year for the NME Awards Tour 2006 (Vodafone Live Music Awards, October 2006), Editor of the Year and Music Magazine of the Year (Record of the Day Music Journalism and PR Awards, November 2006 ) and Brand Building Initiative of the Year for Club NME (British Society of Magazine Editors, November 2006).
In October 2007 Conor was listed as one of the 1000 most influential people in London by the Evening Standard.
In 2007 Conor was one of the judges for the Mercury Music Prize. The winning album was Myths Of The Near Future by Klaxons.
However, there has been some criticism over McNicholas's reign as editor, especially over claims that the quality of writing had slipped, the genres of music covered have become less broad and that the magazine now contains less content than in previous years.
In unrelated music news, I've written a piece for Rockbeatstone on Babyshambles' new album, Shotters Nation. The album is actually very good. Not bad for a smack head.
Last Thoughts on Woodie Guthrie
Friday, November 23, 2007
I'm just thankful and grateful
It's Thanksgiving day/weekend in the US of A. Which is nice for them. I'm not sure why they get so excited about it, but it surely is only their version of Harvest Day here in the UK? I don't know enough about the history of it to be honest.
I remember Harvest Day as a child growing up in Sussex. We'd collect food at school and then deliver them to old people in the village as a nice gesture - and we got the afternoon off school. I remember being attacked by someone's dog as well. That was funny. Although not at the time, I was only eight.
Anyhow, happy thanksgiving to the US readers of this blog. Here's the Willam Burroughs poem called "Thanksgiving Day November 28 1986". I'm sure this will offend many, but it's mainly tongue in cheek (mainly...).
Seeing the Real You At Last
I remember Harvest Day as a child growing up in Sussex. We'd collect food at school and then deliver them to old people in the village as a nice gesture - and we got the afternoon off school. I remember being attacked by someone's dog as well. That was funny. Although not at the time, I was only eight.
Anyhow, happy thanksgiving to the US readers of this blog. Here's the Willam Burroughs poem called "Thanksgiving Day November 28 1986". I'm sure this will offend many, but it's mainly tongue in cheek (mainly...).
Seeing the Real You At Last
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Emptied the trash
England 2 Croatia 3. Ho Hum..
Million Dollar Bash
A joke making the rounds on the net - What's the difference between England and Lewis Hamilton? At the end of the day, Lewis still has a McLaren..
Million Dollar Bash
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Uncle fought in Vietnam and then he fought a war all by himself
At the moment, this blog is being reduced to a series of weird and wonderful YouTube videos. For this apologise, I know it's a little bit lazy.
Hope you enjoy this one too. It's Winnie the Pooh meets Apocalypse now - or Apoohcalypse Now.
Legionnaires Disease
Hope you enjoy this one too. It's Winnie the Pooh meets Apocalypse now - or Apoohcalypse Now.
Legionnaires Disease
Thursday, November 01, 2007
This wheel's on fire
It's fireworks night in the UK tomorrow. Here's a public service video from the 1970s. Do you know where your kids are tonight?
This Wheel's on Fire
This Wheel's on Fire
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
In the hot New Jersey night
See below for a map of Bruce Springsteen's New Jersey. You can see all of the sights in his songs.... If you can't see it properly, then click here.
In related news I'll be going over to Proud Galleries this weekend to see this new photo exhibition on the Boss. Rock n Roll photo exhibitions are often the best - there's some great rock and roll photography out there and I'm hoping that this Springsteen one can match the Dylan exhibition I saw at Proud a few years ago.
In other news, I've written a review of Lucero's last album and interviewed soon to be indie mega-stars, It Hugs Back.
Hurricane
In related news I'll be going over to Proud Galleries this weekend to see this new photo exhibition on the Boss. Rock n Roll photo exhibitions are often the best - there's some great rock and roll photography out there and I'm hoping that this Springsteen one can match the Dylan exhibition I saw at Proud a few years ago.
In other news, I've written a review of Lucero's last album and interviewed soon to be indie mega-stars, It Hugs Back.
Hurricane
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A good car to drive after a war
A piece of bad news came today. My gig for Wilco at Brixton Academy was cancelled. Due to "band illness", no other news yet, hopefully someone from the band will so the right thing and release a statement with news of rescheduled shows next year or something.
Below is a video of 'Radio Cure' from their amazing I Am Trying to Break Your Heart DVD. Get it, watch it, it's great.
Second piece of news, is that Bob Dylan is doing an advert for a gas-guzzling Cadillac SUV. Lots has been said/debated about Dylan doing adverts before - it seems that he is still the only artist whose music cannot be used in adverts. I don't really have a problem with that - just a problem that he chose to sponsor a car which so harms the environment. I guess he doesn't give a toss though. Going back to Wilco they recently used one of their new songs in a VW advert in the US of A. You can see clips of the Dylan/Cadillac advert and Wilco advert below. Dylan on film still always manages to crack me up.
Talkin' World War III Blues
Below is a video of 'Radio Cure' from their amazing I Am Trying to Break Your Heart DVD. Get it, watch it, it's great.
Second piece of news, is that Bob Dylan is doing an advert for a gas-guzzling Cadillac SUV. Lots has been said/debated about Dylan doing adverts before - it seems that he is still the only artist whose music cannot be used in adverts. I don't really have a problem with that - just a problem that he chose to sponsor a car which so harms the environment. I guess he doesn't give a toss though. Going back to Wilco they recently used one of their new songs in a VW advert in the US of A. You can see clips of the Dylan/Cadillac advert and Wilco advert below. Dylan on film still always manages to crack me up.
Talkin' World War III Blues
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