Albums You Should Own Part 8

It's been a while since the last time, but now Christmas is out of the way, you can rely on me to help you spend your lovely money on some worthy, deserving, incredibly amazing music. On Compact Disc, preferably. Apparently, Rihanna is the most downloaded artist of all time. This speaks volumes in this day and age as I have observed that the youth of today tend not to bother with the concept of physically owning music. These are the people that seriously need a musical education!

Anyway, on with the show...

Different Class by Pulp
In 1995, we were well and truly in the iron grip of 'Britpop'. We'd had Oasis, Blur, Suede, Cast, Supergrass and oh so many more. Then Pulp released their second album. A year earlier, they had given us the Mercury Music Prize nominated 'His n Hers' and now they took it up a notch with this absolute gem. In the days when bands only had 4 or 5 'singles' on an album, Jarvis Cocker and co managed to produce an album with easily 6 or 7 single quality tracks.

Kicking off with 'Mis-shapes', itself a double A-sided single of considerable quality enough to reach No 2, we get a typical Pulp-style song - catchy melody coupled with story telling 'kitchen sink' lyrics and delivered in Jarvis' own Sheffield way. Following this is 'Pencil Skirt', a tale of a man offering himself as an illicit bit on the side, as well as an education. And then we get the unstoppable behemoth that is 'Common People'. Disco synth-pop tune and funny yet tragic lyrics combine for an instantly memorable sing-along hit.

Sandwiched between 'Common People' and another mega-hit, is the understated 'I Spy'. Arguably another story about an affair, this time the song is a taunting of a rival as we hear that he's "been sleeping with your wife for the past 16 weeks, smoking your cigarettes, drinking your brandy, messing up the bed you chose together..." Nice.
A gravelly, chunky guitar riff introduces us to the super-hit we know as 'Disco 2000'. Another slice of Pulp genius begging to be sang along to (and I rarely fail to do so myself), Jarvis Cocker tells us about Deborah (it never suited her) and how they grew up together. He admired her from afar, and stood by while the other boys had their way. Now he's suggesting they meet up again, and yes, she can bring her baby.
The album continues with 'Live Bed Show' and 'Something Changed' before yet more awesome-ness. 'Sorted for E's And Wizz' is quite overt in it's depiction of someone going to a rave, taking drugs and then experiencing the highs and lows before ending with the paranoia of "what if I never come down?" The song itself was subject of a Newspaper crusade to have it banned, claiming it was a pro-drugs song, which Jarvis Cocker countered with a response stating that drugs "aren't a solution or answer to anything" and that if anyone listened to the song and thought it had a pro-drugs stance had misinterpreted it. As always when there is an uproar about a song, it immediately propelled it to the No 2 slot (Double A-side with 'Mis-shapes') as people want to know what all the fuss is about.

The album closes with the significantly less controversial quartet of 'F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E', 'Underwear', 'Monday Morning' and 'Bar Italia' that whilst not necessarily being Pulp at their utmost best, are still snippets of quality.

And so there you have it. An album that is quintessentially Pulp, almost synonomously 'Britpop' (although Pulp had been honing their craft since the early 80's, when Britpop was merely a glimmer in Paul Weller's eye) and without a doubt 'Different Class'.

Go and buy this album. In fact, buy two copies, and download another copy. Then give the extra CD copy to a friend, and the downloaded copy to some needy youngster with a laptop full of Rihanna, Tiny Temper (or whatever), or Katy Perry. As Tony Blair once said: 'Education, Education, Education'.

Spread The Word.

It's Showtime Again!!

New Year means one thing in the world of the NFL: Play-off time.

Twelve teams left to battle it out to reach the Holy Grail that is the Super Bowl. This time around, it will be destination Indianapolis. Amongst the usual suspects like the Patriots, the Packers and the Steelers, this year we see the return to post-season for the 49ers after a few years in the wilderness and perhaps most unexpectedly, both the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans. Not to put either team down, but historically speaking, neither have much experience in play-off games.

Anyway, what follows is my prediction for the route to the Super Bowl... (by no means rely on the following predictions for money making opportunities!)

First up is the Wild Card weekend. In the first of the AFC match-ups, the Bengals go to Houston to play the Texans. Cincinnati finished third in the AFC North behind the Ravens and the Steelers, whilst Houston took full advantage of the crashing Colts to take the AFC South title. I think the Bengals' experience will pay off and give them the edge into the Divisionals.
Then we have the Steelers up against the Denver Broncos. The Pittsburgh juggernaut is still going on, albeit at a slightly slower pace and the Broncos won the seemingly weak AFC West with an 8-8 record. There is sometimes an upset in the play-offs. But this won't be it. I'm going for a comfortable Steelers win in Denver.

Over to the NFC now, and the Detroit Lions take on the New Orleans Saints. It isn't that long since the Lions went an entire season without a single win, and now they find themselves in the play-offs. They won't get too much time to enjoy it though, as the Saints should have too much for them in New Orleans.
The Falcons and the Giants will battle out the other Wild Card game, with my bet going on the Falcons this time.

Which takes us on to the Divisional Play-off round. As a reward for being the top seed in the AFC, the New England Patriots will have the pleasure of hosting the lowest ranked Wild Card winner - the Cincinnati Bengals. Remember I mentioned the possible upset? Well, don't look here either. A Patriots stroll in the park, I'm afraid.
This moves us on to what is currently the biggest battle royale grudge match in the NFL: The Steelers and the Ravens. The Ravens won both regular season games but the Steelers seem to have the magic touch in the play-offs. I think this time though, the Ravens will make it 3 wins out of 3 to meet the Patriots in the Championship Game.

The NFC top seed is the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers. Fresh off the back of a 15-1 season, they will have no fear in the generally cold and snowy Milwaukee winter. The Falcons will be put to flight as they were in last season's play-off match-up.
The resurgent 49ers await the Saints in the other game. Prior to the reshuffle in 2002, the two met regularly in the NFC West Division and more often than not, the 49ers came out on top. Although the Saints were recently Super Bowl winners themselves, I can honestly see the 49ers winning this.

So, the Championship Games. In the AFC we should (according to my calculations) get the Patriots and the Ravens. Both have history of winning the Super Bowl, the Patriots more so than the Ravens is has to be said. And I think that on this occasion we will see the Pariots book yet another Super Bowl trip.
The NFC is less clear cut. Both are big, glamorous names with history and glory spilling out of every pore. Both teams have played well this year and deserved their spot in the play-offs. This match has history. But I think the Packers will make a return to the Super Bowl to defend their title.

And so, here we are at the end of my Mystic Moore bit. After much deliberation I'm predicting a Super Bowl XLVI that pits the New England Patriots against the Green Bay Packers in a re-run of Super Bowl XXXI. As for who wins? I'm not that brave!!!

One last thing, I congratulate you if you've read this blog yet
have absolutely no interest in American Football!!!

The Greatest?

Last night I sat down with my good lady to watch the Senna documentary film. I was already aware of what he achieved and thought this would be a good way to get a fix of Formula 1 and see something behind the man.

I wasn't prepared for such a ride!

The man was driven (excuse the pun) from such a young age. He decided that he had the skills and capability to achieve 3 World titles and didn't settle until he had done it. The behind the scenes footage from driver briefings and meetings was insightful to say the least. When we got to the Senna-Prost battle of '89 and '90, I was gobsmacked but only for a while when the story of how Prost went crying to his fellow Frenchman at the head of the FIA when Senna dared to challenge him. Then, the incident in Japan caused by Prost that took both drivers off the track. As Senna weaved through the tyres to rejoin the race, hook-nosed crybaby Prost went off to complain. Result: Senna disqualified and Prost crowned champion.

Fast forward to the next year. Same race, same situation but in reverse: Prost had to beat Senna to win the title. Cue case of de-ja-vu as Prost and Senna collide. This time both cars are definitely out and Senna wins the title.

I can accept that this film is bound to show Ayrton Senna in the best possible light and brush over any controversies, but nevertheless, having been truly shafted by the authorities over the Pole Position issue, he would have been forgiven for feeling satisfied with his revenge, but still he felt uneasy about having to do it that way - he would always prefer to outrace his rivals. Indeed, during his battle with Prost at McLaren, Senna's intention was not just to beat his team-mate, but humiliate him. And he had the skills to do it.

It says enough that Alain Prost was driven into retirement twice by Senna's ability, the second time just to avoid being teamed up with him at Williams!

But then the film comes to it's conclusion at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. No matter how much time has passed since, and no matter how many times the footage is shown, I was still choked up inside as the film showed what happened to first Barrichello, then Ratzenberger, and finally the great man himself.

When all is said and done, Ayrton Senna pushed the limits of what both the driver and the car could achieve, whilst being at the forefront of trying to make the sport safer for those involved. The greatest, yet most tragic legacy is that nobody has died in a Formula 1 car since that day on 1st May 1994.

For any sporting fan, this film is interesting. Hell, even my girlfriend was enthralled by it.

If I could get my name on the cover along with an endorsement, I would call it "inspiring and essential viewing" whilst giving it about 10 out of 5.

So, please, everyone, watch 'Senna'.

A Special Christmas Treat...

Once in a while, it seems I have the ability to surprise people. As a modest, simple soul (not simple as in, you know, dumb, but simple as in "not complicated or difficult to fathom"). So it came to pass that I surprised some people recently. And, as a special Christmas treat for those, here, once again in all it's full technicolour (well, I suppose it's just black and white) glory, is how 'Dave' was introduced to the world. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!!

Dave’s Misfortune And Other Adventures

This is the story of a misfortunate chap called Dave. Now, Dave could be anyone really. You, me, or just someone you might know. Apparently it’s virtually impossible to go through life without coming into contact with a man named Dave.

But this particular Dave just seemed to have trouble with things. Love, work, family, even pets. In fact he had trouble with all these in the space of one unfortunate weekend. 

So, it all started on a Friday. Our Dave was looking forward to his weekend. He had plans to go to the cinema with his girlfriend, then a barbeque at his parents house on Saturday. 

He went to work on the Friday morning as usual. Things immediately struck him as odd – most of the managers were already closeted away in the office downstairs. This was not lost on his colleagues either. A few of them, Bill and Nicky, who were his immediate co-workers, sitting as they did opposite him, speculated on the possibilities. They ranged from murder to more mundane suggestions.

When the meeting broke up, and everyone began work, fears appeared to subside. Dave and Bill made plans to go for lunch at the pub, being as it was, Bill’s last day.

Before long, though, they were all called into a huge meeting. The big boss man dropped a bombshell on everyone – the company was struggling, and in order to carry on, changes would have to be made. To cut a long story sideways, Dave was going to be out of a job soon! Now this didn’t quite sink in with Dave. Not properly. The affected staff were allowed to leave early and come back on Monday morning for further discussions.

Dave and Bill eventually de-camped to the pub for lunch, Dave fully intending to make an afternoon of it! Many of the staff also headed to the pub, out of habit more than anything (although there was by no means a drinking culture).

After a good six pints, Dave was feeling suitably wobbly in the legs department. He wisely put in a call to his lovely lady, Kelly, to see if there was any chance of a lift home. Never mind that Kelly was at work and at a crucial stage in her staff appraisal. Her boss was really putting her to the test! (wink wink, nudge nudge, know what I mean?!)

So, anyway, having not spoken to Kelly, he decided to try his old man. Having attempted to explain his current predicament, through a haze of beer, he finally managed to convey his need for getting home in his current state. Reluctantly, for he was also working, Dave’s dad agreed to come and get him and drop him off at home.

Three pints later, his dad arrived and, true to his word, took Dave back home to the place he shared with Kelly. Dave that is, not his dad. His dad was married to Dave’s mum, and had been for nearly forty years.

Anyway, Dave got into his home and sat on the sofa. He tried once more to let Kelly know what the problem was, but again no answer. Not knowing what to do for the best, he sat and watched the television for a while. Not realising, he managed to fall asleep, and was only stirred when Kelly arrived home in a state of undress. It could have been distress, but Dave had just woken up, and unbeknownst to Dave, Kelly was carrying her pants in her handbag.

Not impressed with Dave, and the prospect of having to be a breadwinner, and being on the bread-line, Kelly told him to bugger off as she preferred her boss. When Dave asked why, she only replied in the monetary sense. Dave was confused, but decided to ask for an explanation nonetheless. It turned out that Kelly had been doing more than checking the stationary cupboard with her boss. Also, today’s appraisal had included a rather extensive examination, which Kelly was proud to have passed. Her boss was pretty pleased with her oral skills too, by the way.

Well, to sum up, Dave was now out of work and out of a relationship. Still being in a beer haze, he proceeded to rearrange the furniture in a reckless way. He then left Kelly in a state of shock, stood in the middle of the living room, surveying the carnage. 

He finally turned up at his parents house, worse for wear, and tired after a long walk. He confided his misfortune to his parents who commiserated with him over a cup of coffee and a cream cake. He went to bed, tired, emotional and with a huge headache from all the beer.

He woke up next morning feeling like someone was trying to drill through his skull and swish his brain around! An almighty hangover it was. With that night being his parents barbeque, Dave pledged to leave off the beer for the day.

However, as guests arrived, including his brother and wife, drinks flowed and Dave joined in, figuring it was rude not to. One thing led to another, and before long Dave was taking control of the barbequing. Burgers, sausages, all sorts. When they ran out of fish, Dave happily dived into his dad’s pond and netted some fish to cook. If his dad had seen this, Dave would have been stopped well before he got to the edge of the pond. It turns out koi carp are particularly expensive to replace and not all nice to eat.

Now, Kelly took this opportunity to pile more misery on Dave. She showed up, unabashed, and proceeded to dump his belongings on the driveway. The bare-faced cheek shouted Dave, and being drunk, displayed his bare faced cheeks to Kelly. Not a pretty sight, as you can imagine!

Kelly drove off with her new man in the car. Dave couldn’t help feeling put out. He was older, uglier, shorter and fatter than Dave, which made him feel marginally better.

Saturday night turned into Sunday morning. Dave’s dad was fuming about the fish, Dave’s mum was apoplectic about the embarrassment she’d felt, Dave’s brother was upset he hadn’t been allowed to get his air rifle and shoot at Kelly. Dave felt responsible for all of this. He made his mind up to take the chance and go away for a while. Somewhere quiet, where he could be with his thoughts, such as they were! Maybe experience life a bit, coming as he did, from a sheltered background.

He told his parents who were not best pleased with his care-free lassez-faire attitude to seeking employment, but his mind was set, and he explained that now was the time to follow a dream, take life by the balls and make things happen, in places he wanted them to happen. It was an amazing speech and the only thing preventing it from going down as the greatest speech of all time, was the fact that only his parents heard it. Or that it didn’t include the phrase “I have a dream…”. Oh well.

When challenged to elaborate on his dream, he started to regale his parents with a tale of unrivalled sexual exploits with rich, beautiful women in every major city in the world. Eventually, after recovering from their initial shock at hearing Dave telling them about a reverse cowgirl with Cameron Diaz, his parents guided him in the direction of telling them what he intended to do in the real world. Without pausing, Dave said he wanted to get away and see the world for a bit. Dave’s dad wasn’t impressed. He hadn’t had the chance to do any of that when he was Dave’s age. 

Dave waved away the protests and said his mind was made up.  And so began his adventures…

What John Lennon Means To Me

It's that time of year again.

Christmas? No, well, almost. But not Christmas.

31 years ago today, the light that is John Winston Ono Lennon was extinguished by a nutter with a gun. But the afterglow is still as bright as ever. That sentence came to me this morning and subsequently became both my Facebook status and a tweet on Twitter. It may be crazy, but it is so true.

I can think of no other anniversary that marks an individual's death that resonates still with so many people as the anniversary of John Lennon's death every 8th December. Over the course of the day, at the various memorial sites across the word (Strawberry Fields in New York's Central Park, and the one in Liverpool to name but two) people will go and pay their respects to a man, his music, and his legacy. Lennon tunes will be played, some people still get weepy.

The fact is that John is mourned by family, friends, people who grew up in his lifetime, and those who have grown up knowing only his legend and creative output. There aren't many people who can say that.

In life he was a man for our times, in death he became almost a deity. Which is terribly sad. In life he had both devoted fans and harsh critics, in death it seems that all the bad stuff has been washed away.

I would say his fans can be categorised as the Beatles fans who didn't like his overtly political, outspoken solo career, the Lennon fans that liked the honesty and harshness of his early solo career and baulked when he softened upon his return to recording before his death, and those who loved it all. There is also a special category for those fans who loved the Beatles, and loved his solo career, but thought that 'Some Time In New York City' wasn't really a great album.

I fall into the latter category. I can't remember now how John first came to my attention. It may have been through my parents listening to the odd Beatles track, or my brother. Either way, as I grew up I began to devour pretty much everything that came from the Beatles and John's solo career. I was amazed at how he was able to write from his heart yet connect with the man in the street. The Beatles as a group have a back catalogue with a song for every possible mood. As John matured, so did his music and his outlook. He started writing about what was going on around him and in the world, bringing us 'Revolution', 'Cold Turkey' and 'Instant Karma' to name just a few.

John's greatest achievement for me, are the two albums that signalled his solo career - The Plastic Ono Band and the behemoth that is Imagine. On one hand you get the harsh reality and raw emotion, on the other there is a melodic genius that anyone would struggle to match.

His music became a little overly political upon his move to the US, he was immersed in borderline extreme political movements, and this alerted the Nixon government, beginning a 4 year fight for John to remain in the country. He won in the end.

The birth of his and Yoko's only child, Sean, signalled a period of self-imposed absence which was rare for someone of his stature and profile to do. Five years passed before he returned to the studio and gave us what would prove to be his swansong. He clearly saw this as a new start, a rebirth. Now comfortable in his own skin and looking forward to growing old, he gave us 'Woman', 'Beautiful Boy', and 'Watching The Wheels' where he tells us how he looks at those rushing by and explains how he's happy to sit back and smell the roses, take it easy - a reversal from how he used to be.

And then in a couple of shots, he was gone. And I was only a few months old. Yet I get quite emotional on this day, listening to Imagine, All You Need Is Love, Grow Old With Me.

We All Shine On. Like the moon, the stars and the sun. God rest your soul John, we all miss you on Planet Earth.