Call To Arms...

I guess I was lucky enough to have been around awhile. Yes, I survived!

There is a new doc out on the legendary Royal Albert Arms Hotel. Various local types were interviewed (including yours truly) though the focus seems to be largely 90s and onward. I was told from a couple of sources a longer version will be available on DVD in the future...

Monk makes the scene...

My old pal Jeff Monk has got a new blog called Monk's New and Notable where he's collected some of his writings. Go visit!



Yes, that is us...

GASP!

It's been a year since I've posted anything here... Why? Well apart from wasting countless hours on the likes of Facebook, myspace and various other bits of crap, life has just flown by, the last winter just dragged on and on and on into an absolutely terrible summer and here we are again with winter at our door. Ugh...

To top it all off? A 50th birthday looming. Maybe see you there.
Certainly though you will see me back here coz winter looks to be slow again.

great moments in "sports" #1...

This bootleg (?) DVD is a great example of why the Kenney Jones era WHO were a return to the force they were before they lost track - at least of their "live" show selves - in the 70s. What was it Weller said to Pete in that infamous Melody Maker interview, "change yer set..."? He was right IMHO. The band's boozing, fashion sense and rock star status had them out of touch, sloppy and a fair target for the critics. Especially considering the quality of their 70s studio output. Anyone seen the Who's '77 Kilburn show DVD? Sorry, I don't believe the hype... I'll take this Kenney Jones driven tour de force anyday of the week over the Kilburn release! The band is driving and their playing and singing top notch. Sure, maybe - other than Roger - the guys were indulging but it sure doesn't show here.

I agree the 60s had some great of their classic stuff - I'm not denying it (see the French LP shot for my personal fave collection of the band's 60s sides)- but the class of Quadrophenia, the brilliance of "You Better You Bet", "Who Are You" and "Another Tricky Day" are certainly right up there for me as a fan. Yes, they were a different band - a rock band in fact - but as far as I'm concerned none of the other so-called "Legends of Rock" have ever even come close to the Who's recorded, and live, legacy and power. Nowadays is a different story, and I really kinda wish Pete and Roger might have gone out as Townshend/Daltry but that's a whole other, uh, opinion/topic to discuss somewhat later, maybe... Just a note too on the recent Clash article in Mojo; the Clash wish! They wish they were half the band the Who were, they wish they survived as long as the Who did, put out as much important music, learned to tune their guitars AND had their own cars to ride to the show in! Jeez... "Punk" in Shea Stadium? Gimme a break guys, that's where it all went wrong I'm afraid. "Radio Clash"? More like "Radio Crap". Humbug...

and holding...

Woo hoo... And on the night there should be various and sundry Rickenbacker and Telecaster cowboy guests... Double woo hoo!

those were, in fact, the days...

For a little more on those days - and of course these days as well - visit: Dub Rifles & Mohair Sweets

I'm only in it for the R&B...

Get out while the weather is still liveable...

without a doubt...

I'm proud to say that I'm voting Green - again! - in our upcoming election. Why? Because it makes complete sense. You can view the party's policies here : Green Party
This is no time to stick with the "same old, same old".

mo' fun...

Comin' up on the 20th we return to Shannon's... A cool room and one we hope to frequent as often as possible. It has a dancefloor too so come on out and cut a rug!