Happiness is six strings and a sparkle

Oh joys of joys! This weekend I took delivery of a little treat that I promised myself when I could afford it - a new guitar. Had my heart set on a candy apple red Jaguar or Jazzmaster, but whilst in Oxford a few weekends ago I tried out a Gretsch Electromatic G5126. I pretty much fell in love with it there and then. It has an incredible tone; that 'Gretsch' sound that everyone prattles on about; very low action, so a super fast neck; an original Bigsby trem. unit...and it's sparkly and looks kick-ass! I have been playing it acoustically and it purrs like a pussycat with an infinite sustain, but plugged in with some dirty distortion it screams like a banshee and has a MASSIVE sound - perfect for the punchy ethereal stuff I like to play. The only thing that slightly concerns me is that is huge - when I wear it standing up it almost completely covers the mid part of my person and the hips of the guitar are nearly 16inches across, but it looks so cool I can live with it! Also, bought a Vox Tonelab LE effects bank as well, as going to sell off all my individual pedals. It too is fantastic.

The Display Team

Had to write about a brilliant new band I have stumbled across (very randomly I should add). The Display Team are a six piece hailing from London and play what I can only describe as proto-progressive jazz punk...sort of thing. They have a mighty brass section too and every member sings (so imagine sometime 6 way harmonies), their key changes are laser sharp and relentless (hence the Jazz likening), the arrangements are chaotic and intricate, and they write witty, sharp and very socially aware lyrics...but most of all humour seems to command their every move.

Chuckles their drummer sent me a promo copy of their yet to be released album Drones, and it is superb. Cheers Chuck!

They are currently touring, so if the happen to be playing near you go see them. From their videos the live shows look intense to say the least. Just hope someone signs them soon!

Heaven for taste buds.

Andy and Kath came round for Sunday lunch today. I wanted to do something special and a bit different, so hunted for a slooooow roasted lamb recipe and stumbled across this.

We all agreed it is the best roast lamb we had ever tasted - the 24hr marinade is superb (and very french), and 7hrs at 120 degrees meant the meat literally fell off the bone when touched. Made Potato Dauphinoise and french garlic beans as an accompaniment. We were so stuffed we couldn't even attempt the Gu Puddings I bought! 

Next time you cook a roast I HIGHLY recommend you try this recipe - it is something else!

A quick top tune recommendation: Silversun Pickups - Carnavas.

The accelerating year

I have neglected my little blog of late, or rather haven't felt the desire to write, which is the whole point anyway. The year is flying by already and so much has happened it feels like a year has already passed. The waves are getting smaller in general, though there are more potential storms ahead - I feel much more prepared and stronger than I did say 6 weeks ago, though the calm waters are still a good way in front. Between us we will see it though and come out better people I am sure.

Been keeping myself as busy as possible without burning out (my adverse sleeping patterns since December are challenging this though - internal body clocks are a peculiar thing). Going to start with a couple of short reviews, then will log an abridged round-up over the past few weeks:

Watchmen - My weekly jaunt to the cinema this week was treated with this incredible film. I seem to be in the minority that I never read the graphic novel, but it didn't stop be being utterly absorbed and blown away. Very complex, dark, 'graphic' and haunting journey through a parallel age. Won't give too much away, but even if you aren't a comic or sci-fi fan, you will not be disappointed by this brilliant (and very long) film. 9/10.

Torture the Artist - An great book that it took me far too long to read (kept getting distracted). In a nutshell that won't give the game away, it is the story of an academy set up to nurture young gifted artistic talent, with the ethos that only good art comes from heartbreak, loss and misery. The students have their lives subjected to persistent disappointment and pain in the hope that their work will be ground-breaking. Of course, they eventually realise what is going on...you can guess the rest. Great book. 8/10.

Tunes - Some new stuff I'm listening to which is making the hairs on the back of my neck stand-up (some more than others): Howling Bells - Radio Wars; The Bad Plus - These are the Vistas; Keith - Vice and Virtue; Prodigy - Invaders must Die; The Pains of being Pure at Heart; Bombay Bicycle Club - The Boy I used to be; Daran Hayman and the Secondary Modern - Pram Town; Airborne Toxic Event; Factory Records Communication Box-Set; Rodrigo y Gabriela - Live in Japan; The View - Which Bitch?.

Events that have passed on my mortal coil: The very sad death of my Great Uncle Charles on my birthday - rest in peace; Great weekends in Surrey, Staffordshire and Oxfordshire with good muckers; Trip home to Yorkshire for a collection of birthdays, long muddy walks and parties; Dragging my birthday celebrations out over 3 weeks (greedy I know); Making music with others again and remembering that I am actually a pretty good guitarist, just rusty and had fallen out of love with my axe!; Loving taking photos and making little films more than ever - a Spring college course is coming up to get the later on to the next level; Working very very hard, involved in some very exciting projects and doing the best work I have ever done - the recognition from both sides of the pond has been nice too; Seeing the beautiful things in life and starting to like myself again, after seeing darkness and half-empty glasses for way way too long; Finding my marbles, sparkle and smile again - they were down the back of the sofa all along! If any of that sounds wank, go read another blog. It means a lot to myself that I can write some of it in the first place, so make no apologies.

Thoughts are with those who have recently had some shocking news and have some tough times to come. Always here for you, as you have been for me.

Until next time...

Battersea Exposure

The lovely Schmap people have used another of my photos for their excellent online maps.

Thanks for the exposure guys!

Trilogies

Oh I quite agree.

Wrestling dinosaurs in the snow

A good mucker of mine advises that the unofficial rule of blogging is 'don't think, just blog'. I haven't been taken by writing much of late, but the mood has taken me so here we go...

Snow, snow, wonderful snow. What an amazing blanket of white chilly fun has descended on our Isles. The last time I can remember being 'snowed in' was in Yorkshire when I was about 10, so to be in the same situation in London (urban hear island remember) at 35 was quite a treat! I worked from home on Monday and Tuesday as transport was crippled and work requested a no-show for all of us. I am always more productive working from home, though miss the banter of my fellow team-chums. I couldn't resist a few reckies down to the common to partake in en-mass snow ball fights, snow-person building and take some photos. There was at least 6 inches on the ground on Monday and it was great to see the young nippers enjoying it - most of which will have never seen more than a scattering in the past. Now of course it's all ice and more lethal than fun - good to back working with other peeps though, as I was starting to get cabin fever.

Given my new situation I have been keeping myself busy, rediscovering things, finding new interests and trying not to spend too much time on my own (despite having always been comfortable with it). Friends (and family) have been amazing and some who were more distant before have quickly brought me in closer which has been so much appreciated. I have been diving into troughs and leaping out into peeks rapidly emotion-wise, which is nothing new for me unfortunately, but something I have resented for a long time for the consequences it yields. Some dark places have been visited, but exited eventually - it's very hard work and my thoughts are very much with others who are riding the same and different waves in their own way. 

Anyhow, here's a wee round-up of the past week:

Mark - A night in Soho with my old chum from home. Japanese nosh, waffle, twitter and flickr fun. He never ceases to amaze me with his creativity, wit and intelligence.

Neil - Pints, designer talk and cud chewing with my one time mentor and predecessor. A top bloke, true Scouser and spoke spinner.

Dinosaur Pile-Up - Went to Koko with Maria and Rus to see top new (and very young) band. Clearly borrowed a few of their older sibling's worn Nirvana albums and added their own unique ingredients. Was down the front for all of it, felt 10 years too old, but loved it. Check them out.

The Wrestler - My now weekly Sunday night solo jaunt to the flicks. Great film and a return to form for Mickey Rourke. A man whose career is killing him, but is all he knows and loves, whilst trying to hold on to the threads of his fragmented family life. Great film. 8/10.

Chris and Lou - A few pints, chats and footy on the telly in a proper London boozer in Warren St. Lovely, lovely people.

Aside from that it's head first into work and the usual. Looking forward to the next few weekends out of London and celebrating, commiserating and contemplating passing my mid-thirties and helping others celebrate less vintage years. Deep breath and on we go...

Oh, whilst I'm really trying not to be too self obsessed at the moment, this seemed relevant given our (as in all of us) current situation. Puts it all into perspective really.

Until next time.