Five for Friday Showing 451-500 of 1,620

[Susan]

Ah, I forgive you anything Nigeyb, for introducing me to Stephan Zweig. I'd only read a novella before and what a wonderful book you chose for our Bright Young Things August read. Absolutely loving it.

[Nigeyb]

^ That's very reassuring Susan. I'm pleased it's a good read.


I've not read it myself yet. I'm still waiting for a library copy. I may have to buy one if it doesn't come through soon.

[Susan]

Might be worthwhile - I am sure it will merit a re-read.

[Nigeyb]

^ Only £4 on Amazon.... http://goo.gl/ACdfdm

I think the budget can stretch to that.


By the by, I was just reflecting that I'm glad to have repaid, perhaps only in part, for your getting me into Anthony Powell. The literary highlight of my year - and one of the highlights of my reading life. Just wonderful. I should finish the twelfth volume later today. A bittersweet moment, I feel sure.

[Susan]

Well, me and Val together, really, as we were chatting about him and I realised it was the same time frame as our Bright Young Things group.

[Nigeyb]

^ Well thanks to you both - I've just finished Hearing Secret Harmonies, the final volume, and reading the series has been such a fabulous experience. Anthony Powell is a master. You will not believe some of the twists and turns, and the whole thing is one long beautiful journey. I find it hard to think of anything I've read that compares with it, or indeed many other writers that would have been able to pull of such an amazing feat. Ah well, enough babbling. Thanks to you both.

[Nigeyb]

Back to the World Cup, I only watched the highlights of Netherlands v Holland. I'm glad Netherlands won in the fairly meaningless match for third place. Brazil were nowhere near to being the fourth best team in the tournament, let alone the third.

[Val]

The captain, who was suspended for the semi-final, did his best to get himself sent off two minutes into this match.

[Susan]

I shall tread carefully this morning with my Brazilian neighbour... They capitulated quite early, didn't they? Well, we can't talk, at least they lost with flair. We didn't even do that really.

[Nigeyb]

^ England will forever underachieve. I never get remotely excited about the possibility of us doing anything at these tournaments.

I'd like to see England build a team around Championship type players - who can play as a team, and try it without the massive egos. It's clear other countries can create effective teams without big name players.

[Susan]

I thought that was the idea this time - to take youngsters and leave most of the 'big' named players behind. Though how Lampard, as an example, works I am not sure - he has never scored (or looked likely to) in a World Cup competition. I don't care, but I felt sorry for all the businesses who lost money because of our sorry performance. I don't go to pubs, but I know our local had all sorts of signs up about watching the football and themed nights and, once England went out, they were pretty empty.

[Val]

Using a core of young players worked for Germany.

That was the right result in the end. I had hoped Germany would win, but only really wanted them to do so after half time; the teams had been quite evenly matched but Germany increased their already high work rate and Argentina increased their foul rate.

[Nigeyb]

^ Yes. Worthy winners. Congratulations Germany.

[Nigeyb]

I've got a busy Friday in prospect so I'm posting my five a few hours ahead of schedule...



Any Gun Club fans in the house?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5kR5...
The Gun Club - Sex Beat

I played this at Dreams Never End, after someone requested it, and was reminded again that it is one of the best songs ever written..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuc3...
The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet

This was another request at Dreams Never End. Always a pleasure to play Patti...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xACZH...
Patti Smith Group - Because The Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axwCM...
The Cramps - Domino

A post-Clash Mick Jones classic that still sounds great, and any film that's about Performance has got to be a good thing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHTDk...
Big Audio Dynamite - E=MC2

Have a happy and enjoyable weekend Hamiltonians.

[Val]

Enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQYK5...

[Nigeyb]

^ Gotta love those pets

[Nigeyb]

It's Friiiiiday.



I'd like to take her home, that's understood....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgS25...
Kraftwerk - The Model

Does life get any better...?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_msH...
Haircut 100 - Love Plus One

Perhaps just a bit...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9Gj8...
Captain Sensible - Wot!

There's so many pathways that lead to the heart...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJJrU...
Josef K - Radio Drill Time

And does it get any more beautiful...?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSqKz...
The Go-Betweens - Quiet Heart

Have a wonderful weekend.

Videos here...
http://nigeyb.tumblr.com/post/9281229...

[David]

Loving your work, Nigey.

It's Mrs I's birthday today, so some Van to celebrate. The best footage of the grumpy old git on the 'net. Mark Ellen in his splendid "Rock Stars Stole My Life" says, "There are those who like Van Morrison, and those who have met him". I'm content with the music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5GMH...

It's 19 years ago today since the great Charlie Rich died, the best white soul singer ever? This is a mid-50s demo of one of his most defining songs and is the definitive version. RIP Charlie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHx5C...

The self-mocking, misogyny of The Hot Seats is all tongue-in-cheek, really. I'm seeing them tonight and tomorrow as they tour NE Scotland and this is them in evocative scintillating chaos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CFJz...

My great friends, the highly-talented Red Dirt Skinners also toured Scotland in the past two weeks and they stayed in our spare room after their Aberdeen gig last Friday. The gig was recorded and will be issued as a live souvenir soon. "We were told to write what we knew about. This is a song about hangovers", said Rob as he introduced this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9BGi...

And, in the week that we witnessed the jaw-dropping magnificence of the film of their One Day I'm Going To Soar show that Dexys put on in over 30 cinemas throughout the UK, a small sample of what's available in a variety of formats with delivery in October. Pledge now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaSo2...

Whatever you do this weekend, Hamiltonies, do it well and enjoy. We have standards to maintain.

[Val]

http://womad.co.uk/lineup/
(there are samples on the website, but I can't link them to here)

[David]

Val wrote: "http://womad.co.uk/lineup/
(there are samples on the website, but I can't link them to here)"

Interesting looking line up, Val.

Are you attending?

[Nigeyb]

^ ^ I am a confirmed Van fan. I love him despite his curmudgeonly demeanour. I have yet to see him give a good show though. One time he skulked right at the back to the stage.

And you've seen the Dexys film. Lucky, lucky man.

^ WOMAD looks great. I've yet to get along. One year. And, as David asked, will you be there Val?

[Nigeyb]

And, on a musical tip, here's my interview with Martin Newell....



http://nigeyb.tumblr.com/post/9281979...

[David]

Nigeyb wrote: "And, on a musical tip, here's my interview with Martin Newell

What a fine interview. Given he's a cyclist too, I will add him to my Spotify list and bend my ear to him with interest.

It's a pity you've always caught Van off-form, Nigey. I've nearly always seen him at his best. The Avalon Sunset tour was life-affirming, his blues-oriented set at 2000's Bishopstock Festival was earthy and emotional and on other occasions, he's always been top drawer.

My least favourite of his gigs was when he had Maceo Parker (from JB's Blue Flames) and Candy Dulfer, both on saxes, in his band. I felt he gave them too much focus. The fact that the hall was evacuated because of a bomb scare that night too didn't help.

You'll find details of the Dexys pre-order in amongst this elongated URL gibberish

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/d...

Hang on....

http://tinyurl.com/k7ebanl

[Nigeyb]

^ I look forward to your verdict on Mr Newell David. His This Little Ziggy memoir is highly recommended

[David]

I'm listening to "The Wayward Genius Of..." on Spotify (0300 and I've already had 2 out of my nightly 3 hours sleep). It's quite lovely, very melodic and his voice has an urgent edginess to it, like Billy Franks of The Faith Brothers or a slightly more angsty Roddy Frame. Thanks for leading him across my path.

[Nigeyb]

^ Excellent news David.


By the by, I'm not going to be near a computer, wifi, 3G etc for next week or so. I'm running a youth camp. See you in just over a week.

[David]

And I'm heading off to Hardy country on holiday on Friday. no doubt we'll have wi-fi, but I'll be spending most of my time on Egdon Heath reciting Clym Yeobright lines. A bit like teenagers with tennis rackets pretending to be Rory Gallagher, but for should-know-better 50-somethings with a secret hankering to be considered intellectual.

Watch out for flying Barbara Windsor missiles when camping, Nigey, or as Sid would opine, "WAAAARGHAHAHAHAHA...".

[Nigeyb]

David wrote: "WAAAARGHAHAHAHAHA..."



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0J9F...

Oo er

Enjoy Hardy country David - one of my favourite places in all the worlde

[David]

The entire Carry On series summed up in less than 30 seconds. Marvellous clip, thank you.

[David]

Oh my giddy aunt....

This has come up on my saved Patrick Hamilton eBay search:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PATRICK-HAM...

No further comment.

[Susan]

Whoever has listed it will be impressed at how many people are viewing it anyway :)

[David]

I've mischievously looked at it again a couple of times to enhance the view count, Susan.

Simple pleasures...

[Susan]

You will build his hopes up David...

[David]

I know. It makes me feel a bit like Gorse.

[David]

Five for Friday, Awesome for August.

Tom Russell - Gallo del Cielo, since nobody writes songs about one-eyed fighting roosters like Tom.
http://youtu.be/w2PUuTdei7k

Only 16 days until the anniversary of Elvis's death, or is it?
http://youtu.be/HNzRpK8_JkA

25 days until my much-missed younger brother's birthday. He was taken too soon, and from church to this playing
http://youtu.be/TXGhYRM_BNM

The elder of my two beautiful girls was born on 25 August at 0600 on a Sunday. She still enjoys making almost-equally dramatic entrances. As I drove home from hospital 90 minutes later, this song, topping the charts at the time, came on the radio. Never was a song more illustrative of how I felt
http://youtu.be/TlGXDy5xFlw

And, she's proud to share a birthday with this man. Their coinciding birthdays an illustration of our perfect family planning. Yes, of course...
http://youtu.be/UAOaTYnWluI

Be good to yourselves, beautiful ones.

[Nigeyb]

^ Wonderful as ever. Thanks David and Susan.


I'm now back from a week in a field. I'll be around for the next few weeks before my next rural idyll.

[Greg]

Depeche Mode had missed my radar, I had never got into their music.

I recently borrowed a double CD from the library, 'Depeche Mode The Singles 86>98.

They're great, great lyrics, some of the lyrics are a crack up.

Strangelove

"There'll be times
When my crimes
Will seem almost unforgivable
I give in to sin
Because you have to make this life liveable

I give in to sin
Because I like to practice what I preach
I'm not trying to say I'll have it all my way
I'm always willing to learn"

Have a great weekend.

[Nigeyb]

^ Thanks Greg. Everything Counts is a goodie too.

[Nigeyb]

My pre-teen daughter's current favourite song which - with its healthy dose of cynicism about the happy shopper, credit-driven, consumerist world we live in - is probably quite a good sign.

In all the magazines they talk about weight loss
If I buy those jeans I could look like Kate Moss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_ZW_...
Lily Allen - Everything's Just Wonderful

I feel privileged to have lived through an era when "Mouldy Old Dough" was the number one single in the UK. Needless to say my pocket money contributed to its reign at top spot. Be proud Britain, be very proud.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO5GW...
Lieutenant Pigeon - Mouldy Old Dough

Back in the world of 2014, this song makes me can make me dance, sing and anything. Never been much of an Ed Sheeran fan but this is quite simply a classic pop tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlYcU...
Ed Sheeran - Sing

Barely a week goes by when I don't marvel at the wonder of the Faces. The one band I wish I could go back in time and see live. Here's You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything, or to give it its full title You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic0TJ...
Faces - You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything

And finally, one of the greatest songs of all time, and from the much maligned "My Beauty" covers album by Sir Kevin Rowland. As George used to say, listen without prejudice, it's spectacular.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT9yf...
Kevin Rowland - The Greatest Love Of All

Have a great weekend.

[Miss M]

Manfred, your profile pic is perfect!

Thanks for the terrific picks guys, I'm just gonna be a taker today. ;)

*exits, humming Blasphemous Rumours*

[Nigeyb]

^ Lovely picks Manfred


And great to see Miss M dropping by too.

I hope your weekends prove to most agreeable.

[Nigeyb]

Yesterday I made my first ever video...


I just filmed some stuff on my phone on Hove seafront, mucked about with it on iMovie, added "Deep End Version" by Champion Doug Veitch (anyone else remember him?) and Bob's yer Uncle.

For a first attempt i'm quite pleased with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLCns...

Ain't technology wonderful. As is "Deep End Version" by Champion Doug Veitch.

[David]

I've just gorged myself on a large part of the history of this section, and with another week to go until my return to the mine, I may just hook up the laptop to the house sound system and YouTube my way to harmonic and rhythmic bliss by playing your selections all over again. Cap in the "doffed" position.

On a more topical note, the latest (09/14) issue of Mojo has fine articles on CSNY, Marianne Faithfull and Julian Cope which should appeal, respectively, to Greg, Susan and Nigey.

Mono for Monday?

http://youtu.be/AyTtFNGzFsE

Inspired by this...

http://flyinshoes.ning.com/profiles/b...

Friday's not too far away.

[Nigeyb]

I'm not going to be around much, if at all, for a week and a bit, so here's FIVE tunes by THE SPECIALS to last you for tomorrow and the following Friday....


1. Gangsters
2. Ghost Town
3. Too Much Too Young
4. Nelson Mandela
5. Stereotype

I'm poised to finish the excellent...


(Note unimpressed daughter - if you can see the image above)

..Ska'd for Life: A Personal Journey with The Specials by Horace Panter, which is a great read if you like that kind of thing, or have an interest in the band.

[Greg]

Greetings for Friday.

What I've been listening to this week.

1. Kansas City/Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey. The Beatles
2. Queen Bee. Taj Mahal & Toumani Diabete
3. The Nine Maidens. John Renbourn
4. Talk To Me Baby. The Rides (Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Barry Goldberg.)
('Talk To Me Baby' is the same song as Clapton's 'I Can't Hold Out' written by Elmore James)
5. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go. Bob Dylan

[Val]

It's raining, so here are a few songs for the end of Summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIq...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsCdl...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYeIy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFkKu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJLf6...

[David]

Fine choices Greg. The new album by Erja Lyytenen, a Finnish blueswoman, is an Elmore tribute. Once I'd discovered them blues, he was my man. The 1993 Charly box set is magnificent.

To work:

Mike Zito's new Songs From The Road live album includes this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITqYl...

Karen Dalton, who I rediscovered this week, gives it some Elmore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ZlW...

THAT Elmore riff from The Stray Cats in 81
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=echQx...

To celebrate the news that Rory Gallagher's Irish Tour 74 live album is about to get a massive makeover with about a million extra tracks:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7y9...

It's pissing down here and it's August 29, so another couple of days will make no difference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbKE0...

Be lucky this weekend, friends.

[Patrick]

This is all very interesting but what does it have to do with Patrick Hamilton? (sorry to sound stuffy!)

[Greg]

Great choices Val, thanks. Bill Withers is great, the clip was so well done. The Who, Justin Hayward, Eurythmics, wonderful.

David, great Elmore James theme there. Erja Lyytenen I hadn't heard of. One to look for, for sure. Karen Dalton's voice is unique, love this track. Her voice sounds like Billie Holiday.

Been raining all week here also.

[David]

Hi Greg

You can never have enough Elmore. Not all that convinced by the Erja album but as a young woman from health-conscious Finland has not been subjected to the poverty, diet, chain-smoking and booze abuse of Mr James. That's a great thing for the future of our species, but it did give him an awesome larynx. I will need to be mindful of judging Ms Lyytinen with that in mind.

Interesting choices too, Val. Apologies for appearing to ignore your contribution, but our efforts were going on at the same time. I shall listen to your choices on the way to the football today.

Saturday, I love you.