So, what's really going on, from my perspective?
A day of not feeling great physically.
A little bit queasy.
Playing at church still makes my day, and I intend to do that as much as possible unless and until the second lot of chemo takes my finger sensitivity away.
Enjoying times with Lois and Sophie - missing Alexander, but will catch up with him tomorrow.
Encouraged by the number of people praying for me/us at this time.
No, quantity is no guarantee, but how boosting it is to hear of the commitment that people have made!
Planning to keep going until I can't.
Enjoyed my Real Groovy trip, tho was a day early (club trade points bonuses not till TOMORROW!).
Chanced upon my niece, Marlene and her husband Chris and son Fergus - hijacked Marlene for a cup of coffee!
Determined not to waste time on petty disputes or trivial business, but still planning to keep left on the roads!
Realise I have a load of books that people lent me when I was first diagnosed - I suggest that you claim these back ASAP, as I don't think I will have time to read them all, and I still have books on my bookshelf from B.C. (before cancer).
So I will not be offended if you reclaim the books!
Aah, sun is shining with that wonderful melodica line!
Will most likely wake up tomorrow, and begin a new adventure (also picked up The Mars Volta at Real Groovy - actually recognised it from The Big Day Out!).
Sunday, January 31, 2010
"Soul Revolution Part II" (CD review)
...by Bob Marley and The Wailers, rec. 1969, rel. 1971.
What are Real Groovy up to, selling this CD to me for a trifling $12?
The Clash, 30 years old.
This album, 40 years old...
Musicians today have a lot to live up to.
If you love Bob Marley, you may already have a copy of this, which, according to Wikipedia, is a dub version of Soul Revolution, with the vocals taken off.
However, on my copy, the vocals, Bob, Peter and Bunny, are coming through loud and clear!
As is every darned sound on the album.
Producer, Lee Scratch Perry - I rest my case!
For it was Perry who produced the early Wailers stuff, before Chris Blackwell signed them to Island and made them global successes - they took Perry's studio band with them, and he was right to be aggrieved at this, because there has never been a rhythm section like the Barrett brothers.
Perry excels in getting a warmth and clarity to the sound, using 2-track recording equipment (that's limited to recording 2 sound sources at a time, children - these days the sky's the limit and it's all digital) - an interesting exercise is to listen to the original Perry-produced Catch a Fire and compare it to the Blackwell version.
If you are less familiar with the Wailing Wailers and "the early stuff" (they go back to 1963 you know!), you will be mystified, if not enthralled (you may find it too raw at first, but persevere!) by the early versions, featured here, of Keep On Moving, Don't Rock My Boat, Kaya and Sun Is Shining....
As a musicologist I am curious about this album as a missing link between the earlier ska form of reggae, as it merged into rock steady, and later into the laid back tightness of reggae proper.
As a human being, I prefer simply to dance to the music!
Bob Marley, Duppy Conqueror - true dat!
G.
What are Real Groovy up to, selling this CD to me for a trifling $12?
The Clash, 30 years old.
This album, 40 years old...
Musicians today have a lot to live up to.
If you love Bob Marley, you may already have a copy of this, which, according to Wikipedia, is a dub version of Soul Revolution, with the vocals taken off.
However, on my copy, the vocals, Bob, Peter and Bunny, are coming through loud and clear!
As is every darned sound on the album.
Producer, Lee Scratch Perry - I rest my case!
For it was Perry who produced the early Wailers stuff, before Chris Blackwell signed them to Island and made them global successes - they took Perry's studio band with them, and he was right to be aggrieved at this, because there has never been a rhythm section like the Barrett brothers.
Perry excels in getting a warmth and clarity to the sound, using 2-track recording equipment (that's limited to recording 2 sound sources at a time, children - these days the sky's the limit and it's all digital) - an interesting exercise is to listen to the original Perry-produced Catch a Fire and compare it to the Blackwell version.
If you are less familiar with the Wailing Wailers and "the early stuff" (they go back to 1963 you know!), you will be mystified, if not enthralled (you may find it too raw at first, but persevere!) by the early versions, featured here, of Keep On Moving, Don't Rock My Boat, Kaya and Sun Is Shining....
As a musicologist I am curious about this album as a missing link between the earlier ska form of reggae, as it merged into rock steady, and later into the laid back tightness of reggae proper.
As a human being, I prefer simply to dance to the music!
Bob Marley, Duppy Conqueror - true dat!
G.
"London Calling" (CD review)
...by The Clash, released 1979.
Forget The Pistols.
Forget The Damned.
Forget The Stranglers.
For THIS is the band that truly epitomised the Punk ethos of the late 1970s.
Musically charged, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, lyrically direct and politically sincere (though possibly naive), The Clash poured forth a phenomenal body of work in the late 70s/early 80s, ranging in style from straight-out 3-chord power punk through dub reggae (Sandanista was the first Clash album I bought, a sprawling triple album of dub at a socialistically reduced price to the band's consumers).
And surely the peak/zenith of their career, if not the early punk movement itself (if we don't count The Who in the 60s because they were really Mods), is this album - London Calling.
I picked up a second-hand copy of the '99 remaster today (30th anniversary copy, at $45, too much for my budget!), and have just been pogo-ing down memory lane - the title track, Rudie Can't Fail (great white ska - a foretaste of Specials, The Beat etc.), Spanish Bombs, Train in Vain, Lost in the Supermarket (the line "I Can No Longer Shop Happily" was scrawled on the fence of the Epsom Showgrounds for much of the early 80s - just up the road from where Lois and I first lived - I used to ponder its significance, and it wasn't until about 15 years later I discovered it was quoting The Clash)...this is a wonderfully eclectic album, which is musically on a different planet from their first, but continues to celebrate the recklessness of punk, while tipping its hat to the ancestral reggae roots.
What's not to love?
The vocals, the choppy guitars, the driving Simenon bass, the crisp and punchy drums, and the add-on instrumentations - keyboards, saxes, mouth organ...
Every home should have one - and I bet every member of Green Day listens to it on a regular basis!
10/10
Forget The Pistols.
Forget The Damned.
Forget The Stranglers.
For THIS is the band that truly epitomised the Punk ethos of the late 1970s.
Musically charged, wearing their hearts on their sleeves, lyrically direct and politically sincere (though possibly naive), The Clash poured forth a phenomenal body of work in the late 70s/early 80s, ranging in style from straight-out 3-chord power punk through dub reggae (Sandanista was the first Clash album I bought, a sprawling triple album of dub at a socialistically reduced price to the band's consumers).
And surely the peak/zenith of their career, if not the early punk movement itself (if we don't count The Who in the 60s because they were really Mods), is this album - London Calling.
I picked up a second-hand copy of the '99 remaster today (30th anniversary copy, at $45, too much for my budget!), and have just been pogo-ing down memory lane - the title track, Rudie Can't Fail (great white ska - a foretaste of Specials, The Beat etc.), Spanish Bombs, Train in Vain, Lost in the Supermarket (the line "I Can No Longer Shop Happily" was scrawled on the fence of the Epsom Showgrounds for much of the early 80s - just up the road from where Lois and I first lived - I used to ponder its significance, and it wasn't until about 15 years later I discovered it was quoting The Clash)...this is a wonderfully eclectic album, which is musically on a different planet from their first, but continues to celebrate the recklessness of punk, while tipping its hat to the ancestral reggae roots.
What's not to love?
The vocals, the choppy guitars, the driving Simenon bass, the crisp and punchy drums, and the add-on instrumentations - keyboards, saxes, mouth organ...
Every home should have one - and I bet every member of Green Day listens to it on a regular basis!
10/10
Saturday, January 30, 2010
"Neither Here Nor There" (book review)
...by Bill Bryson, 1991.
A book about BB's travels, largely by train, from Norway through to Istanbul.
This book reminds me in many ways of the inter-rail trip Lois and I undertook in the Summer of our first year in the U.K.
Though I think our budget was considerably more restricted than BB's!
Couldn't help noticing that many of BB's observations were common with ours - for example, the madness of Italian traffic, Swiss propriety, French stand-offishness...
Apart from a few spectacularly hilarious incidents (parking in Rome, for instance), however, this book disappoints.
I was left with a feeling that BB hadn't really gone very much beyond the surface experiences that tourists in this situation go through.
The book quickly becomes an account of where he dined, slept, drank, withdrew money, hopped on and off trains.
It lacks the richness of "Down Under" (reviewed on this blogsite), the hilarity of The Thunderbolt Kid, the sharpness of Notes From a Big Country.
A better book about travelling throught Europe is the one I read about a year ago and also reviewed here, whose name escapes me - much richer language, and a much more interesting journey (pre-World War 2).
Recommended for those who enjoy Bryson, who have travelled through Europe, or who are planning to.
Particularly and unintentionally poignant are BB's observations of Yugoslavia and, in particular, Sarajevo - places now tragically altered and wrecked by the stupidity of civil war and racial intolerance.
5/10.
A book about BB's travels, largely by train, from Norway through to Istanbul.
This book reminds me in many ways of the inter-rail trip Lois and I undertook in the Summer of our first year in the U.K.
Though I think our budget was considerably more restricted than BB's!
Couldn't help noticing that many of BB's observations were common with ours - for example, the madness of Italian traffic, Swiss propriety, French stand-offishness...
Apart from a few spectacularly hilarious incidents (parking in Rome, for instance), however, this book disappoints.
I was left with a feeling that BB hadn't really gone very much beyond the surface experiences that tourists in this situation go through.
The book quickly becomes an account of where he dined, slept, drank, withdrew money, hopped on and off trains.
It lacks the richness of "Down Under" (reviewed on this blogsite), the hilarity of The Thunderbolt Kid, the sharpness of Notes From a Big Country.
A better book about travelling throught Europe is the one I read about a year ago and also reviewed here, whose name escapes me - much richer language, and a much more interesting journey (pre-World War 2).
Recommended for those who enjoy Bryson, who have travelled through Europe, or who are planning to.
Particularly and unintentionally poignant are BB's observations of Yugoslavia and, in particular, Sarajevo - places now tragically altered and wrecked by the stupidity of civil war and racial intolerance.
5/10.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Another Sunny Day
What wonderful people there are in the world!
And those are just the ones I've met.
True, some go out of their way NOT to appear wonderful.
If that's you, stop wasting your time!
LET the world see how wonderful you really are.
At least your close family and friends!
A frustrating morning trying to get "connectivity" for my laptop at school.
And being without a telephone.
I got to meet our wonderful new teachers and tell them the wonderful news about PPTAA (teachers' union).
Maile Finau came and said "hi" - she is about to start her second year studying drama at Unitech, and was one of the first Super Twelve - it was her auntie who showed us brilliant hospitality when we stayed in Tonga (not the only one - also John's auntie and Malama's uncle and auntie).
Happy times!
Brilliant brilliant memories.
I am looking forward to more goooood stuff at school this year - I can't wait.
And if you're tempted to be cynical about teaching (and there are many things to put a cloud on your blue sky), find another job....
Bring on the (long) weekend!
Arohanui,
G.
And those are just the ones I've met.
True, some go out of their way NOT to appear wonderful.
If that's you, stop wasting your time!
LET the world see how wonderful you really are.
At least your close family and friends!
A frustrating morning trying to get "connectivity" for my laptop at school.
And being without a telephone.
I got to meet our wonderful new teachers and tell them the wonderful news about PPTAA (teachers' union).
Maile Finau came and said "hi" - she is about to start her second year studying drama at Unitech, and was one of the first Super Twelve - it was her auntie who showed us brilliant hospitality when we stayed in Tonga (not the only one - also John's auntie and Malama's uncle and auntie).
Happy times!
Brilliant brilliant memories.
I am looking forward to more goooood stuff at school this year - I can't wait.
And if you're tempted to be cynical about teaching (and there are many things to put a cloud on your blue sky), find another job....
Bring on the (long) weekend!
Arohanui,
G.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mindless Distraction...
So, what DO you do when you hear cancer is coming back??
You watch Terminator, of course!
With that immortal line, "I'll Be Back" (significance just dawning for my personal context).
You celebrate that, for now, the human heroine survives to fight another day.
And you send the young one up to get popcorn when the gory eye-gouging scene comes up.
You celebrate all the hugs you can get from wife and children, and the mocking that once irritated you becomes reassuring in its predictability.
You drink red wine and eat chocolate cake, hoping your weight doesn't go up TOO much again.
And you carry on.
Realising that every blimmin' day is a gift.
As they said in House, in the episode I've just watched..."your deathbed experience is only one day. Are you gonna spend all the other days rehearsing for it, or celebrating what you have?" (or something like that!)
You read 1 Corinthians 15!
You thank everyone for their thoughts and strengthening words...
And prepare for sleep.
Listening to Monty Python's Always Look On the Bright Side of Life also helps!
Goodnight, and hope to see you all tomorrow (metaphorically speaking).
You watch Terminator, of course!
With that immortal line, "I'll Be Back" (significance just dawning for my personal context).
You celebrate that, for now, the human heroine survives to fight another day.
And you send the young one up to get popcorn when the gory eye-gouging scene comes up.
You celebrate all the hugs you can get from wife and children, and the mocking that once irritated you becomes reassuring in its predictability.
You drink red wine and eat chocolate cake, hoping your weight doesn't go up TOO much again.
And you carry on.
Realising that every blimmin' day is a gift.
As they said in House, in the episode I've just watched..."your deathbed experience is only one day. Are you gonna spend all the other days rehearsing for it, or celebrating what you have?" (or something like that!)
You read 1 Corinthians 15!
You thank everyone for their thoughts and strengthening words...
And prepare for sleep.
Listening to Monty Python's Always Look On the Bright Side of Life also helps!
Goodnight, and hope to see you all tomorrow (metaphorically speaking).
Not Good News
Hi.
My cancer count has gone up from 54 (Nov 2009, end of chemo) to 127.
A sign that the cancer is coming back.
Liver function still seems to be fine.
Next steps...
CT scan in 3 to 4 weeks, followed by
Blood test and further consult.
If/when to begin second course of chemo (Oxalyyplatin - contains platinum, guaranteed to produce numbness in digital extremities - just the right thing for musoes!).
Numb.
Disappointed.
Sad.
Not angry...yet...
Let those who pray, pray.
Those who sing, sing.
Those who hope, hope.
We continue...
G.
My cancer count has gone up from 54 (Nov 2009, end of chemo) to 127.
A sign that the cancer is coming back.
Liver function still seems to be fine.
Next steps...
CT scan in 3 to 4 weeks, followed by
Blood test and further consult.
If/when to begin second course of chemo (Oxalyyplatin - contains platinum, guaranteed to produce numbness in digital extremities - just the right thing for musoes!).
Numb.
Disappointed.
Sad.
Not angry...yet...
Let those who pray, pray.
Those who sing, sing.
Those who hope, hope.
We continue...
G.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Last Day of the Holidays...
Official start not for another week.
My colleague, Lee, and I have agreed to meet at school this week.
Tomorrow I will do a blood test at 7am.
Once again I will try to explain to Labtests how important the test is.
I will meet with Lee at 9.30am at school.
A very civilised time to get the ball rolling.
We have a lot of plans to make for the year - things to decide.
Lois and I went to Brian Adamson's 70th birthday today.
One of his sons owns a cafe in Royal Oak, so we all met there - lovely!
Goodbye, leisurely days of warmth and sunshine and limitless rest!
Hello, teenagers, teachers and administrators!
My colleague, Lee, and I have agreed to meet at school this week.
Tomorrow I will do a blood test at 7am.
Once again I will try to explain to Labtests how important the test is.
I will meet with Lee at 9.30am at school.
A very civilised time to get the ball rolling.
We have a lot of plans to make for the year - things to decide.
Lois and I went to Brian Adamson's 70th birthday today.
One of his sons owns a cafe in Royal Oak, so we all met there - lovely!
Goodbye, leisurely days of warmth and sunshine and limitless rest!
Hello, teenagers, teachers and administrators!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
We continue...
With those chores that must be done...
With the exercise...
With the necessary social interactions...
Watching the sky...
Making excuses....
Developing our gifts...
Eating, drinking, making merry...
Reflecting on the lives less fortunate than ours...
Hundreds of thousands of Haitian orphans, even before the earthquake...
Ignoring the darkness...
Or waiting for the Light to triumph...
We have a choice.
Stop, or continue...
With the exercise...
With the necessary social interactions...
Watching the sky...
Making excuses....
Developing our gifts...
Eating, drinking, making merry...
Reflecting on the lives less fortunate than ours...
Hundreds of thousands of Haitian orphans, even before the earthquake...
Ignoring the darkness...
Or waiting for the Light to triumph...
We have a choice.
Stop, or continue...
"Veedon Fleece" (CD review)
...Van Morrison, released 1974.
Expect a lot more Van Morrison reviews along the way...
I fell in love with this man's music at the age of 10.
My class teacher, Mrs Edwards, who was a strong mentoring presence in my early years, encouraged my songwriting endeavours, and whose house had a cave in its basement (into the heart of Mt Eden), gave me a lift home one time, and had Van's live album "Too Late to Stop Now" playing in her cassette player.
I was struck by the vocal and emotional intensity of the man, not to mention the deft string arrangements of many of the songs (the live album has long been regarded as a milestone in live performance recordings)...in the encores you can almost hear the sweat dripping!
So when Veedon Fleece was released I rushed out and bought the vinyl long-player from Peaches Record Store in Durham Lane, and subsequently thrashed it.
My parents survived (that's what they're paid for!).
The musicians are largely the same band as played on the live album.
Like that other touchstone of truly great pop music, Bob Dylan, Van is often "at the mercy of" his backing musicians - he usually picks the right people to play, and mostly has a superb lieutenant who I am sure makes most of the more detailed musical decisions. In this adventure I'm picking it was Jeff Labes (credited for string and wind arrangements), who does a superb job.
It's Van's voice which is the showcased instrument here, however. And what a rich offering there is for us on this album.
We are treated to blues/gospel stylings (Cul De Sac, Comfort You - a gorgeous love song), an entirely falsetto performance (Who Was That Masked Man), gruff grumbling (Bulbs - the "single") and the inimitable improvisational space travel to be found on the lengthily titled You Don't Pull No Punches, But You Don't Push The River.
YDPNPBYDPTR clocks in at just under 9 minutes - with strings(and only 2 chords)!
Lois loves Van also, but this song is an example of what she calls "noodly" music (hmm...Irish noodles taste pretty good, then!).
For me it is one of those magic times where Van gets into the whole vibe of the music and gives himself to the greater spiritual vibe of the song - transcendental.
Of course, I have no idea what the song is ABOUT, but it evokes many emotions.
I am sure that he would never perform a song the same way twice (and all the live albums are evidence of this).
For those who like their music a bit more tightly structured, there are the evocative Linden Arden Stole the Highlights and the brooding Streets of Arklow - Van takes us into a pastoral Irish world - green fields, castles, rolling hills and a wild wind blowing.
This album was followed by A Period of Transition, a New Orleans influenced collaboration with Dr John (aka Mac Rabenak), and then a return to mainstream pop sensibilities and success (Wavelength) - neither of which capture the intimacy and personal beauty of this album to the same degree (though both cracking albums in their own way).
Listen to this with the one you love, as the fire crackles in the hearth and the storm blows a full force gale outside (another Bailey's, anyone?).
10/10.
Expect a lot more Van Morrison reviews along the way...
I fell in love with this man's music at the age of 10.
My class teacher, Mrs Edwards, who was a strong mentoring presence in my early years, encouraged my songwriting endeavours, and whose house had a cave in its basement (into the heart of Mt Eden), gave me a lift home one time, and had Van's live album "Too Late to Stop Now" playing in her cassette player.
I was struck by the vocal and emotional intensity of the man, not to mention the deft string arrangements of many of the songs (the live album has long been regarded as a milestone in live performance recordings)...in the encores you can almost hear the sweat dripping!
So when Veedon Fleece was released I rushed out and bought the vinyl long-player from Peaches Record Store in Durham Lane, and subsequently thrashed it.
My parents survived (that's what they're paid for!).
The musicians are largely the same band as played on the live album.
Like that other touchstone of truly great pop music, Bob Dylan, Van is often "at the mercy of" his backing musicians - he usually picks the right people to play, and mostly has a superb lieutenant who I am sure makes most of the more detailed musical decisions. In this adventure I'm picking it was Jeff Labes (credited for string and wind arrangements), who does a superb job.
It's Van's voice which is the showcased instrument here, however. And what a rich offering there is for us on this album.
We are treated to blues/gospel stylings (Cul De Sac, Comfort You - a gorgeous love song), an entirely falsetto performance (Who Was That Masked Man), gruff grumbling (Bulbs - the "single") and the inimitable improvisational space travel to be found on the lengthily titled You Don't Pull No Punches, But You Don't Push The River.
YDPNPBYDPTR clocks in at just under 9 minutes - with strings(and only 2 chords)!
Lois loves Van also, but this song is an example of what she calls "noodly" music (hmm...Irish noodles taste pretty good, then!).
For me it is one of those magic times where Van gets into the whole vibe of the music and gives himself to the greater spiritual vibe of the song - transcendental.
Of course, I have no idea what the song is ABOUT, but it evokes many emotions.
I am sure that he would never perform a song the same way twice (and all the live albums are evidence of this).
For those who like their music a bit more tightly structured, there are the evocative Linden Arden Stole the Highlights and the brooding Streets of Arklow - Van takes us into a pastoral Irish world - green fields, castles, rolling hills and a wild wind blowing.
This album was followed by A Period of Transition, a New Orleans influenced collaboration with Dr John (aka Mac Rabenak), and then a return to mainstream pop sensibilities and success (Wavelength) - neither of which capture the intimacy and personal beauty of this album to the same degree (though both cracking albums in their own way).
Listen to this with the one you love, as the fire crackles in the hearth and the storm blows a full force gale outside (another Bailey's, anyone?).
10/10.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Oh, No, It's Raining Again...
As I'm sure I remember Rodger Hodgson singing plaintively about 20 years ago.
It's been fun to get out into a moistened garden - see that things won't die of thirst.
Alexander had a big day caving yesterday - went with Ian in search of the elusive "Bassett Rd" cave in Waipu - I think they found it!
He and Lois were in at Ak hospital most of the morning, so that he could have the "metalware" in his right elbow removed.
As I type, he and cousin Daniel are sat watch Terminator - light relief!
This is the last of my truly leisurely weekends, as next week I'm back into prep for the year ahead.
I am mastering the new tooth brushing techniques with the electric, the floss and the microbrushes - getting behind the teeth is tricky, especially with floss/microbrush.
Lois says to relax and go with it - easier said than done, but incremental progress is better than none.
As I finish here, Verdi's Requiem is blazing away in the background - if the music is anything to go by, Verdi's vision of "the afterlife" is very dramatic - just make sure you don't put a foot wrong in this one!
R.I.P.(till tomorrow),
Gerald.
It's been fun to get out into a moistened garden - see that things won't die of thirst.
Alexander had a big day caving yesterday - went with Ian in search of the elusive "Bassett Rd" cave in Waipu - I think they found it!
He and Lois were in at Ak hospital most of the morning, so that he could have the "metalware" in his right elbow removed.
As I type, he and cousin Daniel are sat watch Terminator - light relief!
This is the last of my truly leisurely weekends, as next week I'm back into prep for the year ahead.
I am mastering the new tooth brushing techniques with the electric, the floss and the microbrushes - getting behind the teeth is tricky, especially with floss/microbrush.
Lois says to relax and go with it - easier said than done, but incremental progress is better than none.
As I finish here, Verdi's Requiem is blazing away in the background - if the music is anything to go by, Verdi's vision of "the afterlife" is very dramatic - just make sure you don't put a foot wrong in this one!
R.I.P.(till tomorrow),
Gerald.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"Sun Gangs" (CD review)
by The Veils, released 2009.
I had seen ads for Veils gigs prior to them appearing at BDO.
I had heard people saying "Oh, The Veils. They're good".
And now I had a chance to see them for myself, and was very impressed.
They had a great live sound, a consistent intensity and clarity of expression on stage...and a set of strong songs with memorable melodies.
Listening to Sun Gangs, the 2009 album from this Devonport (so my source informs me - see BDO Thumbnail Sketches blog) backs up the initial impression - the songs are solid, beautiful and catchy - also varied in tone, though pretty serious in nature.
Sit Down By the Fire kicks the album off in Bo Diddley guitar style, then we drop into a beautiful, intimate ballad, the title track, and the contours of tone, mood and tempo continue to surprise.
Probably the most harrowing of the tracks is Three Sisters, about a family burning up in a house, though Larkspur is also an intense piece, short on lyrics but long on emotion.
I really like Scarecrow, an evocative song with strong poetic imagery.
The album has something for everyone, and I'm looking forward to further releases from this clever, moving and convincing ensemble.
10/10.
I had seen ads for Veils gigs prior to them appearing at BDO.
I had heard people saying "Oh, The Veils. They're good".
And now I had a chance to see them for myself, and was very impressed.
They had a great live sound, a consistent intensity and clarity of expression on stage...and a set of strong songs with memorable melodies.
Listening to Sun Gangs, the 2009 album from this Devonport (so my source informs me - see BDO Thumbnail Sketches blog) backs up the initial impression - the songs are solid, beautiful and catchy - also varied in tone, though pretty serious in nature.
Sit Down By the Fire kicks the album off in Bo Diddley guitar style, then we drop into a beautiful, intimate ballad, the title track, and the contours of tone, mood and tempo continue to surprise.
Probably the most harrowing of the tracks is Three Sisters, about a family burning up in a house, though Larkspur is also an intense piece, short on lyrics but long on emotion.
I really like Scarecrow, an evocative song with strong poetic imagery.
The album has something for everyone, and I'm looking forward to further releases from this clever, moving and convincing ensemble.
10/10.
Spider (poem)
The size of a seed.
Light brown, left dangling by my blades.
Still alive, intact and struggling.
Finds a thread, a whisper of silk.
Thin thread of hope,
Sole source of rescue.
Slowly, steadily, spacewalking up and up as the sun shines.
The thread can barely be seen - is it there at all?
Spider knows, spider believes, has faith, has hope...
The thread is all there is.
And seeing this act of faith, determination and deliverance
In such a small creature,
I cease from my labours,
Caught in a moment of admiration and inspiration.
Light brown, left dangling by my blades.
Still alive, intact and struggling.
Finds a thread, a whisper of silk.
Thin thread of hope,
Sole source of rescue.
Slowly, steadily, spacewalking up and up as the sun shines.
The thread can barely be seen - is it there at all?
Spider knows, spider believes, has faith, has hope...
The thread is all there is.
And seeing this act of faith, determination and deliverance
In such a small creature,
I cease from my labours,
Caught in a moment of admiration and inspiration.
"Primary Colours" (CD review)
...by The Horrors, released 2009.
This is not a mainstream kind of album.
Interestingly, this album, The Horrors' second, is released on the XL label, home to Vampire Weekend.
That is where the common ground runs out.
On Primary Colours there is plenty of drone, distorion, reverb.
My points of reference for the band's sound are the Velvet Underground (basic, punky chord playing - thick texture) and The Psychedelic Furs (voice and retro keyboard riffs).
The songs are mostly about relationships, boy meets girl (but mostly boy loses girl).
Not really depressing - more melancholic and wistful - definitely written in sombre tones, but not as dark as The Cure or Joy Division.
Faris Badwan, the singer (I think) has a gorgeous, rich baritone that booms over the backings - you can even hear what he's singing (AND lyrics are provided)!
Listen to this for something off the beaten track - not for dance parties.
8/10.
This is not a mainstream kind of album.
Interestingly, this album, The Horrors' second, is released on the XL label, home to Vampire Weekend.
That is where the common ground runs out.
On Primary Colours there is plenty of drone, distorion, reverb.
My points of reference for the band's sound are the Velvet Underground (basic, punky chord playing - thick texture) and The Psychedelic Furs (voice and retro keyboard riffs).
The songs are mostly about relationships, boy meets girl (but mostly boy loses girl).
Not really depressing - more melancholic and wistful - definitely written in sombre tones, but not as dark as The Cure or Joy Division.
Faris Badwan, the singer (I think) has a gorgeous, rich baritone that booms over the backings - you can even hear what he's singing (AND lyrics are provided)!
Listen to this for something off the beaten track - not for dance parties.
8/10.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"Volta" (CD review)
...by Bjork, 2007.
I guess it's time for yet another Bjork album.
Judging by her output, she's probably been off collaborating with other artists.
Volta is a zany album with several producers, including Timbaland.
It all makes sense, really.
For the uninitiated, Bjork can be heavy going.
She enthralled me at the BDO I think 2 years ago.
But she has come along way since "Venus as a Boy" (Debut) and "So Quiet" (Post).
Her melodies are angular, and could almost be considered atonal, except that they tend to be looped, creating a (false?) sense of tonality.
Her voice lurches from harsh to soft moment by moment, in a much more extreme way than Sinead's.
The track that's on right now is "The Dull Flame of Desire", which is a duet with Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons).
Builds wonderfully.
Bjork remains a musician who takes risks on a regular basis.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but well worth at least one listen.
8/10.
I guess it's time for yet another Bjork album.
Judging by her output, she's probably been off collaborating with other artists.
Volta is a zany album with several producers, including Timbaland.
It all makes sense, really.
For the uninitiated, Bjork can be heavy going.
She enthralled me at the BDO I think 2 years ago.
But she has come along way since "Venus as a Boy" (Debut) and "So Quiet" (Post).
Her melodies are angular, and could almost be considered atonal, except that they tend to be looped, creating a (false?) sense of tonality.
Her voice lurches from harsh to soft moment by moment, in a much more extreme way than Sinead's.
The track that's on right now is "The Dull Flame of Desire", which is a duet with Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons).
Builds wonderfully.
Bjork remains a musician who takes risks on a regular basis.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but well worth at least one listen.
8/10.
Blog 301
Business as usual.
Such a wind!
Finish the type-up of my Dark Glasses lyrics.
Memo 1 arrives from Otahuhu College.
It is nearly time.
Watch the first hour of Harry Potter 6...
I love watching the first ones over again, when these kids were at the start of their secondary schooling.
Samson was doing an impression of King Kong this evening.
He was sitting in the middle of the living room, on Lois's short deck chair (comfortable for her with her aches and pains).
He was sitting up and swiping at the flies who in return seemed to be tormenting him, reminiscent of the pterodactyls and biplanes in the movie.
Such a wind!
Finish the type-up of my Dark Glasses lyrics.
Memo 1 arrives from Otahuhu College.
It is nearly time.
Watch the first hour of Harry Potter 6...
I love watching the first ones over again, when these kids were at the start of their secondary schooling.
Samson was doing an impression of King Kong this evening.
He was sitting in the middle of the living room, on Lois's short deck chair (comfortable for her with her aches and pains).
He was sitting up and swiping at the flies who in return seemed to be tormenting him, reminiscent of the pterodactyls and biplanes in the movie.
"Dancing Girls" (book review)
by Margaret Atwood, pub. 1977.
This is a set of 14 short stories, of which 11 have appeared previously in magazines etc.
The scope of the scenarios is rich.
Everything from a shared bathroom through an ancient sacrificial site in Mexico to a plane crash.
The usual themes are to be found within the collection - male/female relationships, obesity, life as an academic, Canadians abroad, hallucinatory companions...
There are different themes, however - birdwatching (MA is a keen birdwatcher, and has encountered kiwis on Stewart Island), giving birth (the title of the last story), plane crashes...
As with Moral Disorder, one is left with a strong sense of atmosphere - place, character, psychology - after reading each story.
If you're after those sorts of stories that end with unforgettable twists (Roald Dahl's your man for this), you'll be disappointed.
The magic of this collection is that each story serves as a window into a person or set of people - usually their characters are all too easy to identify with!
One of the things I like about Atwood's style is the lack of necessity for her characters to say very much - one character might speak a simple sentence, which is then explored thoroughly, with many nuances filled in.
And as usual there are the swift changes between comic and tragic events/perspectives.
Once again an enjoyable and unforgettable reading experience.
9/10
This is a set of 14 short stories, of which 11 have appeared previously in magazines etc.
The scope of the scenarios is rich.
Everything from a shared bathroom through an ancient sacrificial site in Mexico to a plane crash.
The usual themes are to be found within the collection - male/female relationships, obesity, life as an academic, Canadians abroad, hallucinatory companions...
There are different themes, however - birdwatching (MA is a keen birdwatcher, and has encountered kiwis on Stewart Island), giving birth (the title of the last story), plane crashes...
As with Moral Disorder, one is left with a strong sense of atmosphere - place, character, psychology - after reading each story.
If you're after those sorts of stories that end with unforgettable twists (Roald Dahl's your man for this), you'll be disappointed.
The magic of this collection is that each story serves as a window into a person or set of people - usually their characters are all too easy to identify with!
One of the things I like about Atwood's style is the lack of necessity for her characters to say very much - one character might speak a simple sentence, which is then explored thoroughly, with many nuances filled in.
And as usual there are the swift changes between comic and tragic events/perspectives.
Once again an enjoyable and unforgettable reading experience.
9/10
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
a visit to the dentist...
Has never been such fun!
Or potentially expensive...
I went for a check-up (famous last words).
Why is it that the scene from Little Shop of Horrors plays through as I wait in THE CHAIR?
The dentist, Sunita, is an old girl of Otahuhu College!
She remembered the old gang (including Eileen P, who may be reading this from sunny Tonbridge!).
Because of chemo, I had a good excuse not to visit the dentist for most of last year.
But that excuse no longer holds, so I though I would see what my cute little white calcium friends are up to in there.
Not much good, I have to report!
So now I am armed with electric toothbrush, "bottle washers", and floss.
And listerene...
Unstoppable!
Or potentially expensive...
I went for a check-up (famous last words).
Why is it that the scene from Little Shop of Horrors plays through as I wait in THE CHAIR?
The dentist, Sunita, is an old girl of Otahuhu College!
She remembered the old gang (including Eileen P, who may be reading this from sunny Tonbridge!).
Because of chemo, I had a good excuse not to visit the dentist for most of last year.
But that excuse no longer holds, so I though I would see what my cute little white calcium friends are up to in there.
Not much good, I have to report!
So now I am armed with electric toothbrush, "bottle washers", and floss.
And listerene...
Unstoppable!
"Black Holes and Revelations" (CD review)
...by Muse, 2006.
I warned you...
This is the second to last studio album by Muse, and one of only 2 that I own (the rest are owned by Alexander, who is the honorary Muse discoverer in our family).
Muse are a 3-piece band, led/fronted/designed by Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar and keyboard), ably supported by a tight, phenomenal and musical rhythm section (Dominic Howard on drums and Chris Wolstenholme on bass).
This album packs a punch from start to finish (they all do) - the songs are at once both full-on power rockers and catchy as honey on an ant trail.
The riffs are complex - some Muse riffs last over several bars (average riff length for a pop song = 1 bar, and probably no more than 4 notes).
A musical trait is strong emphasis on the use of harmonic minor chord structures and melodic lines, giving an intensity which underscores the lyrics, which are often about...
Paranoia!
Is "Black Holes" a concept album?
In a very loose sense of the word.
Having seen now how Muse work with a stadium crowd (and don't forget they played 2 sold-out gigs to open the new Wembley Stadium), it seems that a lot of what makes the songs tick is their singability.
And there is no shortage of singable, hummable, danceable songs on the Black Holes album.
Get hold of it and play it LOUD!!!
9/10.
I warned you...
This is the second to last studio album by Muse, and one of only 2 that I own (the rest are owned by Alexander, who is the honorary Muse discoverer in our family).
Muse are a 3-piece band, led/fronted/designed by Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar and keyboard), ably supported by a tight, phenomenal and musical rhythm section (Dominic Howard on drums and Chris Wolstenholme on bass).
This album packs a punch from start to finish (they all do) - the songs are at once both full-on power rockers and catchy as honey on an ant trail.
The riffs are complex - some Muse riffs last over several bars (average riff length for a pop song = 1 bar, and probably no more than 4 notes).
A musical trait is strong emphasis on the use of harmonic minor chord structures and melodic lines, giving an intensity which underscores the lyrics, which are often about...
Paranoia!
Is "Black Holes" a concept album?
In a very loose sense of the word.
Having seen now how Muse work with a stadium crowd (and don't forget they played 2 sold-out gigs to open the new Wembley Stadium), it seems that a lot of what makes the songs tick is their singability.
And there is no shortage of singable, hummable, danceable songs on the Black Holes album.
Get hold of it and play it LOUD!!!
9/10.
Monday, January 18, 2010
A pleasant Monday
spent...
ordering Alexander's textbooks on line,
contacting a financial adviser about how to get my money back,
eating savoury pikelets made by Sophie,
hunting the last plums from the plum tree/rose jungle,
chopping overgrown plants from the raised bed round the swimming hole,
typing up the lyrics for Dark Glasses, my next performance project (March),
listening to Vampire Weekend, The Horrors, The Veils (brilliant! more of which later),
entertaining the Hofmanns (bbq, baked cheesecake, cider, sangria, swimming),
reading Margaret Atwood short stories,
contemplating the passing of time...
and the lack of COFFEE!!!
ordering Alexander's textbooks on line,
contacting a financial adviser about how to get my money back,
eating savoury pikelets made by Sophie,
hunting the last plums from the plum tree/rose jungle,
chopping overgrown plants from the raised bed round the swimming hole,
typing up the lyrics for Dark Glasses, my next performance project (March),
listening to Vampire Weekend, The Horrors, The Veils (brilliant! more of which later),
entertaining the Hofmanns (bbq, baked cheesecake, cider, sangria, swimming),
reading Margaret Atwood short stories,
contemplating the passing of time...
and the lack of COFFEE!!!
"Contra" (CD review)
by Vampire Weekend, 2010.
I think this is my first CD review in the Blog...
I guess it's time to "open the floodgates, Igor!"
I love Vampire Weekend.
Partly because they remind me of early Talking Heads - quirky, intelligent, and darn catchy.
Partly because they paint in bright, colourful sounds.
Their songs are so joyous that it is a challenge to remain miserable after hearing them.
Not all the lyrics make immediate sense, but they feel right.
And the topics are unorthodox.
Contra is their second album, and doesn't progress dramatically from their first, self-titled effort.
Except by being, if possible, richer in tonal palette, and rhythmic vocabulary.
The African rhythms are still there in a lot of the songs (as are the strings), but perhaps more subtly employed (cf Paul Simon's Graceland).
Music to accompany a sunny day, or shake you out of the doldrums.
10/10.
I think this is my first CD review in the Blog...
I guess it's time to "open the floodgates, Igor!"
I love Vampire Weekend.
Partly because they remind me of early Talking Heads - quirky, intelligent, and darn catchy.
Partly because they paint in bright, colourful sounds.
Their songs are so joyous that it is a challenge to remain miserable after hearing them.
Not all the lyrics make immediate sense, but they feel right.
And the topics are unorthodox.
Contra is their second album, and doesn't progress dramatically from their first, self-titled effort.
Except by being, if possible, richer in tonal palette, and rhythmic vocabulary.
The African rhythms are still there in a lot of the songs (as are the strings), but perhaps more subtly employed (cf Paul Simon's Graceland).
Music to accompany a sunny day, or shake you out of the doldrums.
10/10.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
BDO 6 - a young person's day?
Most of them were between 16 and 25 (and blonde!).
Most of the time I told myself "I'm here for the music, not the scene".
Most of the time it worked.
And I managed mostly not to be obviously Alexander's "old man".
Succeeded most of the time!
I guess I was resolved after watching an "old woman" talking to her sons about what time they had to be back with her, and getting them to show her how to take photos with the cell phone.
BDO is no longer a family event (with a lower age restriction to ensure kiddies can't come).
Maybe it never was...
I saw the most old codgers around and unselfconscious when Muse were playing.
And realised they were probably the same age as me...
Affirming my view that good music can cross cultural divides.
Time for a last cup of hot milo and then bed...
Most of the time I told myself "I'm here for the music, not the scene".
Most of the time it worked.
And I managed mostly not to be obviously Alexander's "old man".
Succeeded most of the time!
I guess I was resolved after watching an "old woman" talking to her sons about what time they had to be back with her, and getting them to show her how to take photos with the cell phone.
BDO is no longer a family event (with a lower age restriction to ensure kiddies can't come).
Maybe it never was...
I saw the most old codgers around and unselfconscious when Muse were playing.
And realised they were probably the same age as me...
Affirming my view that good music can cross cultural divides.
Time for a last cup of hot milo and then bed...
BDO 5 - racial issues
If you are white, you rock!
If black, it's r'n'b or hip-hop for you.
If brown, reggae.
This is not categorising exclusive to BDO, tho BDO certainly showcases the larger world.
If you are playing the wrong music for your race, you are a freaky oddity - "alternative" (remember Bowie doing Young Americans?).
And where was the brown audience? (I bet there won't be one at any of the Oz gigs either.)
The only brown people I saw at BDO were male and had their backs to the stage - they had solemn or fierce {"staunch")expressions on their faces, and the word "security" emblazoned on their shirts.
What conscious efforts have been made to make BDO a more racially inclusive event?
Not lowering the ticket prices must have some delineating effect on who buys.
Music as a political weapon should be working at breaking down racial/cultural barriers, not fortifying them.
If black, it's r'n'b or hip-hop for you.
If brown, reggae.
This is not categorising exclusive to BDO, tho BDO certainly showcases the larger world.
If you are playing the wrong music for your race, you are a freaky oddity - "alternative" (remember Bowie doing Young Americans?).
And where was the brown audience? (I bet there won't be one at any of the Oz gigs either.)
The only brown people I saw at BDO were male and had their backs to the stage - they had solemn or fierce {"staunch")expressions on their faces, and the word "security" emblazoned on their shirts.
What conscious efforts have been made to make BDO a more racially inclusive event?
Not lowering the ticket prices must have some delineating effect on who buys.
Music as a political weapon should be working at breaking down racial/cultural barriers, not fortifying them.
BDO 4 - gender issues
The next BDO needs Patti Smith.
We had Bjork at least 1 BDO ago, but she's a little bit loony.
Actually, Sinead O'Connor would do very nicely!
Why?
Because BDO tends to reinforce sexual/gender stereo types.
We tend to get the macho men dressed in de rigeur black.
Relations are described, in general, with women as objects.
It is usually the male perspective we get from the stage.
If females perform it is either as objects or at best with ambiguity bordering on teasing (witness Lily Allen).
But if Sinead, Patti or Kate (Bush) are there in 2011, all will be forgiven.
We had Bjork at least 1 BDO ago, but she's a little bit loony.
Actually, Sinead O'Connor would do very nicely!
Why?
Because BDO tends to reinforce sexual/gender stereo types.
We tend to get the macho men dressed in de rigeur black.
Relations are described, in general, with women as objects.
It is usually the male perspective we get from the stage.
If females perform it is either as objects or at best with ambiguity bordering on teasing (witness Lily Allen).
But if Sinead, Patti or Kate (Bush) are there in 2011, all will be forgiven.
BDO 3 - Amused
Muse - one of the biggest rock groups alive.
Phenomenal musicianship, with a capital ph.
Delivering to a capacity stadium crowd from the word "go".
Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar, keyboard/piano) an introverted but highly effective frontman.
Riffs to die for!
One of them played by Matt on guitar held behind his head (what wonderful showing off!).
Every song inviting the audience to sing and clap along (don't you just relish the prospect of singing "they will not force us" along with 10s of 1000s of other people?).
Highlights = Uprising, United States of Eurasia (alas, without strings or Chopin piano ending), Plug In Baby (1st encore)...but it was ALL good.
Magic moment = drummer and bassist performing without Matt (more delicious showing off).
All this and no swearing!
Great sound, superb visual effects (lasers, graphics backdrops, explosions).
And I never knew there were so many Muse fans in Auckland!
Phenomenal musicianship, with a capital ph.
Delivering to a capacity stadium crowd from the word "go".
Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar, keyboard/piano) an introverted but highly effective frontman.
Riffs to die for!
One of them played by Matt on guitar held behind his head (what wonderful showing off!).
Every song inviting the audience to sing and clap along (don't you just relish the prospect of singing "they will not force us" along with 10s of 1000s of other people?).
Highlights = Uprising, United States of Eurasia (alas, without strings or Chopin piano ending), Plug In Baby (1st encore)...but it was ALL good.
Magic moment = drummer and bassist performing without Matt (more delicious showing off).
All this and no swearing!
Great sound, superb visual effects (lasers, graphics backdrops, explosions).
And I never knew there were so many Muse fans in Auckland!
BDO 2 - morality
There's too much swearing at the BDO.
And yesterday, most of it was coming from the bands/performers.
The climax of this banality was Lily Allen's "sing-along" Thank You Very Much (except that the word Thank was replaced by the F-word).
Why am I upset/anguished by this?
I guess it's not so much the actual swearing as it is the acceptability of rudeness.
When the Sex Pistols appeared on the scene (for the younger readers, that's 1976), their advent released, explicated (new word?) or affirmed many things regarding rudeness/banality, which had previously either been banned, covered up, or smirked at.
In a way, good on the SPs for pulling out all that stuff from under the carpet.
I guess Lily Allen represents a point along the line begun with the SPs (or was it the Stones?).
Someone I know (we've been friends for about 30 years, and are still on good speaking terms) once said it's not what you eat, it's what comes OUT of your mouth that defines your morality (this is actually a translation/paraphrase - He was originally making his statement in Aramaic).
If you wish to swim against the moral current of "the age" I guess you need to be personally responsible for setting your own sights high.
Here endeth the exposition of the issue...
And yesterday, most of it was coming from the bands/performers.
The climax of this banality was Lily Allen's "sing-along" Thank You Very Much (except that the word Thank was replaced by the F-word).
Why am I upset/anguished by this?
I guess it's not so much the actual swearing as it is the acceptability of rudeness.
When the Sex Pistols appeared on the scene (for the younger readers, that's 1976), their advent released, explicated (new word?) or affirmed many things regarding rudeness/banality, which had previously either been banned, covered up, or smirked at.
In a way, good on the SPs for pulling out all that stuff from under the carpet.
I guess Lily Allen represents a point along the line begun with the SPs (or was it the Stones?).
Someone I know (we've been friends for about 30 years, and are still on good speaking terms) once said it's not what you eat, it's what comes OUT of your mouth that defines your morality (this is actually a translation/paraphrase - He was originally making his statement in Aramaic).
If you wish to swim against the moral current of "the age" I guess you need to be personally responsible for setting your own sights high.
Here endeth the exposition of the issue...
Big Day Out 2010 - Thumbnail Reviews
A quick rundown of the acts I saw yesterday (though I observe with interest that The Herald saw quite a few different acts and therefore has a different perspective).
More in-depth reviews/discussions follow in later blogs.
Bandicoot, 10.30am - 3-piece noisy outfit (feat. Don McGlashan's daughter on vocals.
A little too noisy for the time of day - courageous!
11am, Pop Strangers - BNet Winners (BFM is an alternative indie Ak Radio Station), young, self-conscious, perhaps too much into minory chords, but solid.
11am, Cairo Knife Fight - one guy on guitar and vocals, one on drums and loops, both on F-word duties (more of which later) - cosmic, spacy sound, spoilt by their intros.
11.30, Deja Voodoo - a dull, thudding "rock" band (I never thought of rock music as meaning music of a stolid, grey, immovable nature, but I guess definitions change).
12.15, The Checks - 3rd time I've seen them. They appeared to be a little lost on the stadium stage. The vocalist has a tremendous energy, and a wicked shirt.
12.30, The Temper Trap - Came across these guys in Real Groovy (their CD) - CD a little samey and disappointing, but live their sound resonated wonderfully and the vocalist was very impressive. Had us all bopping.
1.15, Passion Pit - as one might ascertain, very similar to The Temper Trap - cousins? A little more upbeat - catchy, rich songs.
1.45, Mastodon - well, what would one expect from the name? Slow, lumbering, ROCK.
2.30, Midnight Youth - A highlight. A delight. Ak produce. Unashamed, powerful, energetic and catchy rock music. Took Elemeno P's role at BDO this year, I s'pose.
3.30, The Horrors - another discovery. A cross between Pulp and The Velvet Underground. Dark, menacing, bizarre sounds - great frontman.
4.15, Ladyhawke - local produce (from down the line) - the venue was packed for this performance. Competent, semi-catchy tunes (the audience clearly knew them!)- pedestrian.
5pm, The Veils - where are they from? I loved this set - at turns dark, emotional (yay!), innovative and gripping. I reckon this is a band to watch!
5.45, The Decemberists - part Zep, part Tull, part REM, earnest, quirky and very musical (shades of Magic Numbers) - but a man's gotta eat some time, so it was off to Hell's pizzas (Greed and Lust never tasted so good!!), then find semi-permanent seats back in the Stadium.
6pm, Dizzee Rascal - cheeky, cheerful (high f-word quota), energetic - the thing is, most of my East End students were like this in London - imagine trying to teach this guy Music! {"Dizzee, please stop swearing, and SIT DOWN!")
7pm, Lily Allen - a lovely pink outfit, a great, versatile backing band, some very rude songs (f-words off the scale, especially with one "sing-along"),smoking on stage, a genuine feminist element (lacking in Ladyhawke), a great cover of Womaniser (originally Britney Spears?).
8pm, The Mars Volta - a prog rock band. Earnest, impassioned, hampered by a poor sound tech, and, if you didn't know what the songs, you could only gawp from amazement at the technical skills, or boredom. Not much 4/4 tho (more of which later).
9.10pm, Muse - the group we ALL seemed to be waiting for. I KNEW they were going to start with Uprising! They came, they saw, they conquered, they finished with explosions! Blew us all away (a fuller review to be published later)!
THE END.
More in-depth reviews/discussions follow in later blogs.
Bandicoot, 10.30am - 3-piece noisy outfit (feat. Don McGlashan's daughter on vocals.
A little too noisy for the time of day - courageous!
11am, Pop Strangers - BNet Winners (BFM is an alternative indie Ak Radio Station), young, self-conscious, perhaps too much into minory chords, but solid.
11am, Cairo Knife Fight - one guy on guitar and vocals, one on drums and loops, both on F-word duties (more of which later) - cosmic, spacy sound, spoilt by their intros.
11.30, Deja Voodoo - a dull, thudding "rock" band (I never thought of rock music as meaning music of a stolid, grey, immovable nature, but I guess definitions change).
12.15, The Checks - 3rd time I've seen them. They appeared to be a little lost on the stadium stage. The vocalist has a tremendous energy, and a wicked shirt.
12.30, The Temper Trap - Came across these guys in Real Groovy (their CD) - CD a little samey and disappointing, but live their sound resonated wonderfully and the vocalist was very impressive. Had us all bopping.
1.15, Passion Pit - as one might ascertain, very similar to The Temper Trap - cousins? A little more upbeat - catchy, rich songs.
1.45, Mastodon - well, what would one expect from the name? Slow, lumbering, ROCK.
2.30, Midnight Youth - A highlight. A delight. Ak produce. Unashamed, powerful, energetic and catchy rock music. Took Elemeno P's role at BDO this year, I s'pose.
3.30, The Horrors - another discovery. A cross between Pulp and The Velvet Underground. Dark, menacing, bizarre sounds - great frontman.
4.15, Ladyhawke - local produce (from down the line) - the venue was packed for this performance. Competent, semi-catchy tunes (the audience clearly knew them!)- pedestrian.
5pm, The Veils - where are they from? I loved this set - at turns dark, emotional (yay!), innovative and gripping. I reckon this is a band to watch!
5.45, The Decemberists - part Zep, part Tull, part REM, earnest, quirky and very musical (shades of Magic Numbers) - but a man's gotta eat some time, so it was off to Hell's pizzas (Greed and Lust never tasted so good!!), then find semi-permanent seats back in the Stadium.
6pm, Dizzee Rascal - cheeky, cheerful (high f-word quota), energetic - the thing is, most of my East End students were like this in London - imagine trying to teach this guy Music! {"Dizzee, please stop swearing, and SIT DOWN!")
7pm, Lily Allen - a lovely pink outfit, a great, versatile backing band, some very rude songs (f-words off the scale, especially with one "sing-along"),smoking on stage, a genuine feminist element (lacking in Ladyhawke), a great cover of Womaniser (originally Britney Spears?).
8pm, The Mars Volta - a prog rock band. Earnest, impassioned, hampered by a poor sound tech, and, if you didn't know what the songs, you could only gawp from amazement at the technical skills, or boredom. Not much 4/4 tho (more of which later).
9.10pm, Muse - the group we ALL seemed to be waiting for. I KNEW they were going to start with Uprising! They came, they saw, they conquered, they finished with explosions! Blew us all away (a fuller review to be published later)!
THE END.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Poolday
Definitely poolday today.
Hot, hot, hot, hot.
Clean bathroom and vacuum (as I won't be here tomorrow - BDO!).
Then up to the far corner of the section to pull jasmine and tradescantia (weeds, not ladies!).
Down to other corner to lop fronds from Phoenix palm.
Scrambled eggs on warm fresh bread courtesy of Lois.
Sophie slaving over a hot stove, preparing a yummy feast for tonight.
Juicy plums again - no additives!
Attempt to have swim - water to cold for my sensitive skin!
Will try again later this afternoon.
Hot, hot, hot, hot.
Clean bathroom and vacuum (as I won't be here tomorrow - BDO!).
Then up to the far corner of the section to pull jasmine and tradescantia (weeds, not ladies!).
Down to other corner to lop fronds from Phoenix palm.
Scrambled eggs on warm fresh bread courtesy of Lois.
Sophie slaving over a hot stove, preparing a yummy feast for tonight.
Juicy plums again - no additives!
Attempt to have swim - water to cold for my sensitive skin!
Will try again later this afternoon.
Harry Belafonte
On the stereo today.
A Best Of CD.
A golden honey voice.
Dripping with warmth of tone.
A seductive comfort.
A virile, energised singer when young.
A politicised, resolute hero when older.
Day-o, Jamaica Farewell.
Never has Venezuela had such catchy treatment as in "Ma-tilda".
This is music to cheer and stimulate.
A Best Of CD.
A golden honey voice.
Dripping with warmth of tone.
A seductive comfort.
A virile, energised singer when young.
A politicised, resolute hero when older.
Day-o, Jamaica Farewell.
Never has Venezuela had such catchy treatment as in "Ma-tilda".
This is music to cheer and stimulate.
Courage...
Do you have what it takes?
The courage to die?
The courage to live?
The courage to take the plunge?
The courage to make incremental progress?
To fail?
To succeed?
To face suffering?
To face wholeness?
To give generously?
To take from abundance?
How much courage do you have/need/want?
The courage to die?
The courage to live?
The courage to take the plunge?
The courage to make incremental progress?
To fail?
To succeed?
To face suffering?
To face wholeness?
To give generously?
To take from abundance?
How much courage do you have/need/want?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Making Progress
A concerted effort on the vegetation today.
Also a combined effort, with Alexander lopping some limbs (off trees).
I actually managed to hack into the wild, wild roses as well, which have grown thick and long and appear to be attempting arboricide on the plum trees.
Another bucket full of juicy plums.
Today has been death to privet day as well.
But I have noticed a real invasion of traffic cones in the area - Attack of the Cones!
They seem to breed when you're not looking.
I managed to get some 2B pencils today also - these are the VERY thing you need when writing music, and I seem to have misplaced my last set.
Now I can get into writing some parts for the Van Morrison Celebration (A Marvellous Night For A...)
Also some stand-alone pieces for the school string group.
Nothing more fun than writing out blobs on sticks with a 2B pencil.
Also a combined effort, with Alexander lopping some limbs (off trees).
I actually managed to hack into the wild, wild roses as well, which have grown thick and long and appear to be attempting arboricide on the plum trees.
Another bucket full of juicy plums.
Today has been death to privet day as well.
But I have noticed a real invasion of traffic cones in the area - Attack of the Cones!
They seem to breed when you're not looking.
I managed to get some 2B pencils today also - these are the VERY thing you need when writing music, and I seem to have misplaced my last set.
Now I can get into writing some parts for the Van Morrison Celebration (A Marvellous Night For A...)
Also some stand-alone pieces for the school string group.
Nothing more fun than writing out blobs on sticks with a 2B pencil.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"Moral Disorder" (book review)
...by Margaret Atwood, 2006.
A collection of short stories (not that short), published in between Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood (although some of the stories have been published elsewhere at various other times).
As one might expect, the style is incisive, captivating and moving.
The central character of the book is Nell.
Each story deals with a stage in her life, from early childhood through to old age, and the book includes 2 poignant observations of Nell's aging/dying parents.
I was particularly moved by the account of Nell's mother losing her senses one by one, till she is trapped/lost entirely in her own world.
Although traditionally dismal topics are covered, the style is far from dismal, and, as in "real life", each event is shot through with humour.
At times the humour is LOL, and my children have both had to witness their Dad grunting away at some passage in the book.
The title story has a good deal of humour in it, as Nell adapts to a rural/farming lifestyle.
The narrative switches from first person to third person - it's a bit like watching one movie with different camera angles.
The style is a little sparser than the other books I've read, though not as stripped down as The Tent (other short stories - very short).
Once again, a gripping and inspiring read.
10/10
A collection of short stories (not that short), published in between Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood (although some of the stories have been published elsewhere at various other times).
As one might expect, the style is incisive, captivating and moving.
The central character of the book is Nell.
Each story deals with a stage in her life, from early childhood through to old age, and the book includes 2 poignant observations of Nell's aging/dying parents.
I was particularly moved by the account of Nell's mother losing her senses one by one, till she is trapped/lost entirely in her own world.
Although traditionally dismal topics are covered, the style is far from dismal, and, as in "real life", each event is shot through with humour.
At times the humour is LOL, and my children have both had to witness their Dad grunting away at some passage in the book.
The title story has a good deal of humour in it, as Nell adapts to a rural/farming lifestyle.
The narrative switches from first person to third person - it's a bit like watching one movie with different camera angles.
The style is a little sparser than the other books I've read, though not as stripped down as The Tent (other short stories - very short).
Once again, a gripping and inspiring read.
10/10
Wet and Dry
When it's wet, I have plenty of stuff to do inside.
Sorting through the Archives.
Attending to correspondence.
Vacuuming.
Dry weather, back into the garden.
On 28th Jan I have my big checkup.
I am hoping for Good Things.
I have had an excellent Summer.
Good times, bad times...
It's all a gift.
Sorting through the Archives.
Attending to correspondence.
Vacuuming.
Dry weather, back into the garden.
On 28th Jan I have my big checkup.
I am hoping for Good Things.
I have had an excellent Summer.
Good times, bad times...
It's all a gift.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chopping Things Up
Tradescantia - no debate whatsoever.
Roses - they are trying to strangle the plum trees, and must be stopped.
The wild ginger - ruthless hacking required here.
Privet - another noxious beastie. It seems to have been planted??
Creepy, milky vines strangling the natives.
Phoenix palm - also noxious (and venomous, and nasty).
Lavender - overgrown.
Trees with leaves with holes in them - crowding the camelia trees.
Jasmine - training required. Harsh discipline.
With my trusty secateurs, loppers and bare hands, I will fight back!
Roses - they are trying to strangle the plum trees, and must be stopped.
The wild ginger - ruthless hacking required here.
Privet - another noxious beastie. It seems to have been planted??
Creepy, milky vines strangling the natives.
Phoenix palm - also noxious (and venomous, and nasty).
Lavender - overgrown.
Trees with leaves with holes in them - crowding the camelia trees.
Jasmine - training required. Harsh discipline.
With my trusty secateurs, loppers and bare hands, I will fight back!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
More Good Weather
Alexander and I have been at Big Manly again.
The Smiths' last day there - they head back tomorrow.
Daniel has returned with us - one less child to pack up tomorrow morning.
My Sudoku puzzle book has gone missing - I half suspect I left it at Hofmanns' farm.
An opportunity to read more of Atwood's Moral Disorder.
The sky big and blue again.
Alexander paddled around on a windsurfer board at the beach.
Tim, Joel and I walked to the northern rocks and back.
Muse on the stereo on the way up.
Blur on the way down.
Good music for Summer.
The Smiths' last day there - they head back tomorrow.
Daniel has returned with us - one less child to pack up tomorrow morning.
My Sudoku puzzle book has gone missing - I half suspect I left it at Hofmanns' farm.
An opportunity to read more of Atwood's Moral Disorder.
The sky big and blue again.
Alexander paddled around on a windsurfer board at the beach.
Tim, Joel and I walked to the northern rocks and back.
Muse on the stereo on the way up.
Blur on the way down.
Good music for Summer.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Labour Day
8am apply mozzie repellent and sunblock and meet Ian M (frequent contributor to these pages) for action - attack the high gutters of the house.
As Ian sets up the ladders and so on, I continue with the compost distribution project.
A little later Michael B turns up unexpectedly, also dressed and armed for action.
We are collectively blessed that MB has the gift of clambering around in high places without the aid of a safety net - our scenarios of expensive cherry pickers or clattery wobbles on extended ladders vanish into mist, as MB prances around carrying the leafblower, armed like a starship trooper and doing serious damage to detritus/leaves/etc.
Ian meanwhile hoses gutters blown out or yet to be cleared, and becomes an inadvertent target at times for Michael's bombardment.
At 11am-ish the war games cease as Lois brings out a wonderful chocolate beetroot cake, still steaming on its way from the oven, and Michael regales us with his weird fishing tales (sharks? sea snakes? octopuses?).
As the 2 roof clamberers continue (Michael leaves after a wee while to go and paint the outside of his own house - a change is as good as a rest, they say!), Alex, his friend Tom, and I attack the neighbouring flora - a Mexican something-or-other tree, the Moreton Bay Fig and other little bits and pieces caught in the crossfire.
By 1 the gutters etc. are done - time for lunch!
As I blog, Ian is putting gutterguard mesh into the guttering to prevent future rooftop gardens from growing...I reached my limit shortly after lunch, and retreated into the house to report, and to listen to my latest recording - Psalms 11 - 20.
Recording update for GvW = Ps 1-10 (vox, viola and gat), Roadkill (vox and gat), Te Mamae me te Aroha (viola improvs) and now Ps 11 - 20 (v,v,g).
These discs are all available from me for $10 each (not incl. postage) if you are interested.
Next project is Dark Glasses song cycle.
For some cheaper vW entertainment, I recommend visiting Sophie's blogsite (sophiwophi.blogspot.com) - her 3rd sonnet was posted today.
Thanks to Chris White for unflagging dedication to recording my music, and today to Michael for his mountain goat impressions, and for the last week to Ian for thorough, wonderful rescue work on our gutters.
Yay!
G.
As Ian sets up the ladders and so on, I continue with the compost distribution project.
A little later Michael B turns up unexpectedly, also dressed and armed for action.
We are collectively blessed that MB has the gift of clambering around in high places without the aid of a safety net - our scenarios of expensive cherry pickers or clattery wobbles on extended ladders vanish into mist, as MB prances around carrying the leafblower, armed like a starship trooper and doing serious damage to detritus/leaves/etc.
Ian meanwhile hoses gutters blown out or yet to be cleared, and becomes an inadvertent target at times for Michael's bombardment.
At 11am-ish the war games cease as Lois brings out a wonderful chocolate beetroot cake, still steaming on its way from the oven, and Michael regales us with his weird fishing tales (sharks? sea snakes? octopuses?).
As the 2 roof clamberers continue (Michael leaves after a wee while to go and paint the outside of his own house - a change is as good as a rest, they say!), Alex, his friend Tom, and I attack the neighbouring flora - a Mexican something-or-other tree, the Moreton Bay Fig and other little bits and pieces caught in the crossfire.
By 1 the gutters etc. are done - time for lunch!
As I blog, Ian is putting gutterguard mesh into the guttering to prevent future rooftop gardens from growing...I reached my limit shortly after lunch, and retreated into the house to report, and to listen to my latest recording - Psalms 11 - 20.
Recording update for GvW = Ps 1-10 (vox, viola and gat), Roadkill (vox and gat), Te Mamae me te Aroha (viola improvs) and now Ps 11 - 20 (v,v,g).
These discs are all available from me for $10 each (not incl. postage) if you are interested.
Next project is Dark Glasses song cycle.
For some cheaper vW entertainment, I recommend visiting Sophie's blogsite (sophiwophi.blogspot.com) - her 3rd sonnet was posted today.
Thanks to Chris White for unflagging dedication to recording my music, and today to Michael for his mountain goat impressions, and for the last week to Ian for thorough, wonderful rescue work on our gutters.
Yay!
G.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
"Glitter and Doom Live" (CD review)
...by Tom Waits, 2009.
This is a 2cd set, the first disc a live recording of songs from Waits's concert tour of 2008, and the second, "Tom's Tales", a single track of Waits spinning yarns, as he famously does when performing live.
I had the privilege of seeing Tom Waits perform live in this super city of ours (Auckland) back in 1981.
I was in a ska band called The Blue Asthmatics at the time, and after the Waits concert (featuring TW on vocals, piano, kettle drums and accompanied by a saxophonist and the legendary Greg Cohen on upright bass), my girlfriend and I made our way up from the Town Hall to Mainstreet (does anyone remember Mainstreet??) where the Asthmatics were supporting Blam Blam Blam and the Screaming Meemees, to be told rather huffily by the sound man that there would be a delay due to the fact that Mr Waits had used our sound gear for his concert - aah, those were the days!
Waits at the time had yet to release his tongue-in-cheek soundtrack for One From the Heart (Coppola), but previewed his "I Beg Your Pardon Dear" for the Ak audience.
30 years have passed (almost) since that night, and TW's voice sounds like it's been "shot to hell" - back in the early 70s it had a "warm burr" - now, it's virtually all burr and minimal sustained tone.
I often wonder whether this is simply his natural tonal character, or whether it is the result of a relentless effort to sound more and more like Louis Armstrong, and he's stuck with it now...
My favourite Tom Waits period is probably that of Blue Valentine and Heart Attack and Vine, though the albums Swordfishtrombones, Frank's Wild Years, Black Rider and so on contain highly innovative structures and timbres, Alice, Mule Variations etc. darken the atmosphere further and refine the instrumentation, and Orphans is a 3cd panoramic epic consisting of rhythm'n'blues consisting of ballads, rhythm'n'blues and bizarre narrative vignettes (or as TW calls them, bawlers, brawlers and bastards).
Glitter and Doom draws on these last albums, and the band lineup is pretty much the same as on Real Gone (2 of TW's children feature).
It's fun to hear these songs performed to an audience - they gain energy and dynamics.
Tom's Tales is highly entertaining (in a noir way), though the fact that it is one continuous track makes selection of choicer moments impossible (I miss vinyl and cassettes for that reason only).
The live songs CD I would recommend only to those who know and love Tom Waits - novices should go to Blue Valentine or Heart of Saturday Night.
Tom's Tales could be played to an attentive audience wanting to listen to something novel and dark (aural equivalent to Black Books).
7/10.
This is a 2cd set, the first disc a live recording of songs from Waits's concert tour of 2008, and the second, "Tom's Tales", a single track of Waits spinning yarns, as he famously does when performing live.
I had the privilege of seeing Tom Waits perform live in this super city of ours (Auckland) back in 1981.
I was in a ska band called The Blue Asthmatics at the time, and after the Waits concert (featuring TW on vocals, piano, kettle drums and accompanied by a saxophonist and the legendary Greg Cohen on upright bass), my girlfriend and I made our way up from the Town Hall to Mainstreet (does anyone remember Mainstreet??) where the Asthmatics were supporting Blam Blam Blam and the Screaming Meemees, to be told rather huffily by the sound man that there would be a delay due to the fact that Mr Waits had used our sound gear for his concert - aah, those were the days!
Waits at the time had yet to release his tongue-in-cheek soundtrack for One From the Heart (Coppola), but previewed his "I Beg Your Pardon Dear" for the Ak audience.
30 years have passed (almost) since that night, and TW's voice sounds like it's been "shot to hell" - back in the early 70s it had a "warm burr" - now, it's virtually all burr and minimal sustained tone.
I often wonder whether this is simply his natural tonal character, or whether it is the result of a relentless effort to sound more and more like Louis Armstrong, and he's stuck with it now...
My favourite Tom Waits period is probably that of Blue Valentine and Heart Attack and Vine, though the albums Swordfishtrombones, Frank's Wild Years, Black Rider and so on contain highly innovative structures and timbres, Alice, Mule Variations etc. darken the atmosphere further and refine the instrumentation, and Orphans is a 3cd panoramic epic consisting of rhythm'n'blues consisting of ballads, rhythm'n'blues and bizarre narrative vignettes (or as TW calls them, bawlers, brawlers and bastards).
Glitter and Doom draws on these last albums, and the band lineup is pretty much the same as on Real Gone (2 of TW's children feature).
It's fun to hear these songs performed to an audience - they gain energy and dynamics.
Tom's Tales is highly entertaining (in a noir way), though the fact that it is one continuous track makes selection of choicer moments impossible (I miss vinyl and cassettes for that reason only).
The live songs CD I would recommend only to those who know and love Tom Waits - novices should go to Blue Valentine or Heart of Saturday Night.
Tom's Tales could be played to an attentive audience wanting to listen to something novel and dark (aural equivalent to Black Books).
7/10.
"2012" (film review)
Aah, those Americans...
Big bangs (more bangs for your buck)...
Spectacle...
Happy endings (-ish...the hero and his buddies survive, but most of the human race gets wiped out) (by the way, if you want to experience a bitingly intelligent American movie that deals with/to the Hollywood ending, watch Robert Altman's The Player - it messes with your head in the nicest possible way).
Chases (volcanic eruptions and tsunamis chase our escapees across mountains, deserts and of course LA or somewhere generically similar).
What's wrong with this picture?
Stereotypes, stereotypes, stereotypes (which begat corny one-liners, which begat happy endings, which begat even less pro-active viewing from "the great unwashed").
Criminal misuse of John Cusack (a terrific actor, witness High Fidelity, who should be using his time less materialistically).
It's been done before (even by the same director, in The Day After Tomorrow, which is slightly better and more fun)...
Criminal misuse of the first 2 digits of "2001" (a genius movie).
A waste of money (spend the movie company's money on movies like District 9 - chilling, clever and very exciting).
4/10.
Big bangs (more bangs for your buck)...
Spectacle...
Happy endings (-ish...the hero and his buddies survive, but most of the human race gets wiped out) (by the way, if you want to experience a bitingly intelligent American movie that deals with/to the Hollywood ending, watch Robert Altman's The Player - it messes with your head in the nicest possible way).
Chases (volcanic eruptions and tsunamis chase our escapees across mountains, deserts and of course LA or somewhere generically similar).
What's wrong with this picture?
Stereotypes, stereotypes, stereotypes (which begat corny one-liners, which begat happy endings, which begat even less pro-active viewing from "the great unwashed").
Criminal misuse of John Cusack (a terrific actor, witness High Fidelity, who should be using his time less materialistically).
It's been done before (even by the same director, in The Day After Tomorrow, which is slightly better and more fun)...
Criminal misuse of the first 2 digits of "2001" (a genius movie).
A waste of money (spend the movie company's money on movies like District 9 - chilling, clever and very exciting).
4/10.
"Lady Oracle" (book review)
...by Margaret Atwood, 1976.
And now for an Atwood novel which has nothing to do with science fiction!
Quite an early opus as well.
Still an amazing read - creativity and structural innovations like jewels strewn carelessly all over a beach.
Every page has something interesting and exciting to offer the reader.
Lady Oracle is a female author who relates her life story by means of reminiscences/flashbacks, quotes from her own Gothic romance novels (which link into her own life story), and views the past from her terrace in Terremoto, Italy.
It's a highly humorous set of adventures, and the reader is once again captivated by the strength of characterisation.
It's the literary equivalent of tiramisu, or pate de foie gras - rich, tasty and strong.
My one, small, reservation, and it's possibly a thing of personal preference, is that the novel ends up in the air - tapers off without an heroic conclusion, leaving me strangely unfulfilled - and the other novels I've read by Atwood have similar endings - it's a bit like going on a train journey to Wellington and having to get off at Lower Hutt and take a bus the last few kilometres.
The journey is definitely worth it all the same, and is a journey one could make several times in the course of a lifetime.
9/10.
And now for an Atwood novel which has nothing to do with science fiction!
Quite an early opus as well.
Still an amazing read - creativity and structural innovations like jewels strewn carelessly all over a beach.
Every page has something interesting and exciting to offer the reader.
Lady Oracle is a female author who relates her life story by means of reminiscences/flashbacks, quotes from her own Gothic romance novels (which link into her own life story), and views the past from her terrace in Terremoto, Italy.
It's a highly humorous set of adventures, and the reader is once again captivated by the strength of characterisation.
It's the literary equivalent of tiramisu, or pate de foie gras - rich, tasty and strong.
My one, small, reservation, and it's possibly a thing of personal preference, is that the novel ends up in the air - tapers off without an heroic conclusion, leaving me strangely unfulfilled - and the other novels I've read by Atwood have similar endings - it's a bit like going on a train journey to Wellington and having to get off at Lower Hutt and take a bus the last few kilometres.
The journey is definitely worth it all the same, and is a journey one could make several times in the course of a lifetime.
9/10.
Waerenga (17k SW of Te Kauwhata)
Arrival at 10.30am, having stopped at Mercer for 500g extra mature (2 yrs) Gouda.
A long walk up the forestry track and back with Renate.
Lunch - various pressed and sliced meats, cheeses, fresh breads, beer.
A visit to Ollie's "man cave" (shed) to watch an attempt at repairing a motocross bike piston.
Another beer.
A half hour walk along road and back (Yvonne and entourage opt for a one hour jog, including a crossing across a field of steers and one bull, who Angie the labrador has to have a go at).
Spa and beer.
Dinner - Christmas ham, fried new spuds, salad, red wine (9pm - slightly later than any of us are accustomed to, owing to Sarah cutting her foot open on a submerged rock in the swimming hole).
Hancock on the big screen under a sky drenched with stars (more wine).
Chatting into the short hours with Ollie and Renate, by the fireplace (vermouth and coffee).
Finish Lady Oracle to the accompaniment of some whirring insect.
Sunlight, shower, horse at the door, sudoku, pancake with banana and strawberries, chats with Stephan and Yvonne (German visitors), dishes, pack up kids, drive home (Pokeno for sausages and icecream), back to a sunbaked city, house, wife.
What is the collective noun for 14-year-old boys (there were 4 of them)? A choir? A gang? A parliament? A murder? A mess? A rebellion? A sneer?
A long walk up the forestry track and back with Renate.
Lunch - various pressed and sliced meats, cheeses, fresh breads, beer.
A visit to Ollie's "man cave" (shed) to watch an attempt at repairing a motocross bike piston.
Another beer.
A half hour walk along road and back (Yvonne and entourage opt for a one hour jog, including a crossing across a field of steers and one bull, who Angie the labrador has to have a go at).
Spa and beer.
Dinner - Christmas ham, fried new spuds, salad, red wine (9pm - slightly later than any of us are accustomed to, owing to Sarah cutting her foot open on a submerged rock in the swimming hole).
Hancock on the big screen under a sky drenched with stars (more wine).
Chatting into the short hours with Ollie and Renate, by the fireplace (vermouth and coffee).
Finish Lady Oracle to the accompaniment of some whirring insect.
Sunlight, shower, horse at the door, sudoku, pancake with banana and strawberries, chats with Stephan and Yvonne (German visitors), dishes, pack up kids, drive home (Pokeno for sausages and icecream), back to a sunbaked city, house, wife.
What is the collective noun for 14-year-old boys (there were 4 of them)? A choir? A gang? A parliament? A murder? A mess? A rebellion? A sneer?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
1001 Books To Read Before You Die
This is a book with the 1001 essential reads.
It spans from the ancient classics through to the latest fiction.
I don't think I have a chance of reading them all!
But I have read some.
I found the book on my niece, Marlene's, bookshelf when we visited for dinner.
A healthy splash of Ballard and Atwood (some titles I never knew existed).
The French and Russian classics were there, of course.
We had a great time at the Whites.
They have Sing Star (karaoke sort of competition) - Alexander and I competed on Song 2 by Blur ("woo-hoo!" is now worth POINTS).
Finally, if you are in Auckland reading this, please feel free to come over to my place 8am Thursday to help with gutter clearing (lose some of that Xmas excess!).
Down to Hofmann's farm tomorrow, after my portacath flush.
It spans from the ancient classics through to the latest fiction.
I don't think I have a chance of reading them all!
But I have read some.
I found the book on my niece, Marlene's, bookshelf when we visited for dinner.
A healthy splash of Ballard and Atwood (some titles I never knew existed).
The French and Russian classics were there, of course.
We had a great time at the Whites.
They have Sing Star (karaoke sort of competition) - Alexander and I competed on Song 2 by Blur ("woo-hoo!" is now worth POINTS).
Finally, if you are in Auckland reading this, please feel free to come over to my place 8am Thursday to help with gutter clearing (lose some of that Xmas excess!).
Down to Hofmann's farm tomorrow, after my portacath flush.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome to 2010!
Hold on to your hats!
Or throw them away if you must!
The only thing different about a new year really is that it's a new year.
Can we break habits that have been unhelpful?
Can we begin new ones that induce joy, peace and lurrve?
Time will tell.
We carry so much of the past with us into the new year.
Baggage we could do without.
Sweet memories that anchor and affirm us in our lives.
And hope/s for the future, stretching on to a horizon we won't reach.
Happy New Year!
G.
Or throw them away if you must!
The only thing different about a new year really is that it's a new year.
Can we break habits that have been unhelpful?
Can we begin new ones that induce joy, peace and lurrve?
Time will tell.
We carry so much of the past with us into the new year.
Baggage we could do without.
Sweet memories that anchor and affirm us in our lives.
And hope/s for the future, stretching on to a horizon we won't reach.
Happy New Year!
G.
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