That time of week is upon us already, it's Monday Mix-tape time folks!
This week, it's a celebration of the decade in which I suffered my teenage angst, and then came of age - the 90's. So, here are the customary ten tracks featuring the bands that shaped MY decade!!
1) Supersonic - Oasis
My life changed after hearing this!
2) Finetime - Cast
Chirpy Scouserock!
3) Beetlebum - Blur
Tune!
4) Happy - Travis
Simple song off the first (and best) album!
5) Whippin Picadilly - Gomez
Blues Rock!
6) Sorted For E's And Whizz - Pulp
Controversial but classic!
7) Electricity - Suede
From their 'commercially acceptable' era!
8) A Design For Life - Manic Street Preachers
Monster of a track!
9) Paranoid Android - Radiohead
A modern day 'Bohemian Rhapsody'!
10) Hey Dude - Kula Shaker
He felt like a man!
Now, go and listen to these and I defy you to not be transported back in time (figuratively speaking, of course) to this musical heyday.
Enjoy.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Monday Mix-tape - 09.07.2012
As time ridiculously flashes before our eyes, here's a tidy ten tracks from possibly the behemoth of rock, Led Zeppelin. It's tough to pick just ten tracks to treat your ear drums, but here goes...
1) Dazed And Confused
Early blues-influenced effort.
2) The Lemon Song
Wonder what the lemons in question are?!
3) Ramble On
A rambling rock song!
4) The Immigrant Song
A monster of a track!
5) Since I've Been Loving You
It's just magic!
6) Rock And Roll
It is what it says it is!
7) When The Levee Breaks
A drum intro to shatter your bones!
8) In My Time Of Dying
It's long, but it's amazing!
9) Whole Lotta Love
Remember the Top of the Pops theme?
10) Moby Dick
The awesome John Bonham takes centre stage!
Now, go listen. Put them on your car stereo tomorrow morning and turn the volume up to 11.
1) Dazed And Confused
Early blues-influenced effort.
2) The Lemon Song
Wonder what the lemons in question are?!
3) Ramble On
A rambling rock song!
4) The Immigrant Song
A monster of a track!
5) Since I've Been Loving You
It's just magic!
6) Rock And Roll
It is what it says it is!
7) When The Levee Breaks
A drum intro to shatter your bones!
8) In My Time Of Dying
It's long, but it's amazing!
9) Whole Lotta Love
Remember the Top of the Pops theme?
10) Moby Dick
The awesome John Bonham takes centre stage!
Now, go listen. Put them on your car stereo tomorrow morning and turn the volume up to 11.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Jonathan Rants About Sport
So, if the title hasn't given it away for you, what follows is me having a rant about sport. Not just football, in case you were wondering if the title was simply a smokescreen for my true intentions! Oh no. This is a multi sport rant. You could almost say it was an Olympic scale rant, unless of course you worry that it may be misconstrued as a copyright infringement. Still with me? Ok, here goes... *takes deep breath*
I will start with the Olympics, actually. The country has been looking forward to this moment since 2005, when the winning bid was announced. For a while, even I managed to exhibit some excitement. But then I got fed up with it being rammed down our throats at every possible opportunity. So we're hosting a major international event. Whoopee. I've heard it called the 'People's Games' somewhere. Is it? I didn't join in the whole ticket-obtaining hoop-la because it sounded like you needed a degree to understand the process. Applying for tickets, not knowing what you were going to get, then paying through the nose for them? Hardly one for the 'people' is it? Yet the Women's Beach Volleyball event was apparently sold out to 'lucky' (read pervy) Government and Civil Service types. It'll be better on the telly anyway... If I bother to watch.
Olympic-related is the GB Mens football team. Purely a PR stunt in my opinion. More hoo-ha this week when Stuart Pearce decided not to pick David Beckham for the the squad. Condemnation from some, me not included, that Beckham was 'strung along' under the impression he was in with a chance. Look, the bloke is 37, he's past it. To pick him would only end up turning the whole thing into a media circus/pantomime centred on Mr Beckham, and no doubt the rest of his brood. So I applaud Stuart Pearce and hope that he can be left to steer his troops through the minefield of expectation and hope ahead of them.
And this brings me on to our national game. It's in a sorry state. On the international front, the England team made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. This managed to split the nation into those who felt this was a success bearing in mind the preparations, and those who are still labouring under the misapprehension that England should be world-beaters almost 50 years after we won our only tournament. And then FIFA release their latest world rankings showing England as the 'Fourth Best Team In The World'. What a bloody joke!
And then there is the chaos currently enveloping the Scottish football scene. Rangers FC have failed to avoid the inevitable meltdown caused by the apparent decision by some in the previous hierarchy to avoid paying the correct/any tax to HMRC. Now the original company is heading to liquidation and a new company is in the process of trying to find a home in the league set-up. Unfortunately though, because of the dysfunction, the fortunes of just two clubs (Celtic and the aforementioned Rangers) the entire system could be pushed to the brink if the right monetary solution isn't found. Personally, it is my opinion that the 'New Rangers' should be entered at the lowest level (Scottish Division 3) and made to work their way back up. This is from a Rangers supporter. And as for further sanctions being imposed, haven't they suffered enough??! The Scottish clubs should learn the lesson, and let the new Rangers start again with a level playing field, as it were...
Next up it's Tennis. Wimbledon is almost over, and Andy Murray has just made it to his first Wimbledon final, and the first British finalist since 1938 apparently. Cue mass hysteria and over-the-top pressure on the poor bloke. For his sake, I hope he wins. Otherwise the press on Monday will no doubt be full of mocking headlines. Let's not forget, Andy Murray has been consistently ranked in the top 4 despite competing in the same era as the likes of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Any other era, and he could easily have won a major Grand Slam tournament. Occasionally I joke with my mum about him being a typical British failure when he loses, but only to wind her up!
And so ends my rant. Let's hope the summer of sport gives us something to cheer about.
I will start with the Olympics, actually. The country has been looking forward to this moment since 2005, when the winning bid was announced. For a while, even I managed to exhibit some excitement. But then I got fed up with it being rammed down our throats at every possible opportunity. So we're hosting a major international event. Whoopee. I've heard it called the 'People's Games' somewhere. Is it? I didn't join in the whole ticket-obtaining hoop-la because it sounded like you needed a degree to understand the process. Applying for tickets, not knowing what you were going to get, then paying through the nose for them? Hardly one for the 'people' is it? Yet the Women's Beach Volleyball event was apparently sold out to 'lucky' (read pervy) Government and Civil Service types. It'll be better on the telly anyway... If I bother to watch.
Olympic-related is the GB Mens football team. Purely a PR stunt in my opinion. More hoo-ha this week when Stuart Pearce decided not to pick David Beckham for the the squad. Condemnation from some, me not included, that Beckham was 'strung along' under the impression he was in with a chance. Look, the bloke is 37, he's past it. To pick him would only end up turning the whole thing into a media circus/pantomime centred on Mr Beckham, and no doubt the rest of his brood. So I applaud Stuart Pearce and hope that he can be left to steer his troops through the minefield of expectation and hope ahead of them.
And this brings me on to our national game. It's in a sorry state. On the international front, the England team made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. This managed to split the nation into those who felt this was a success bearing in mind the preparations, and those who are still labouring under the misapprehension that England should be world-beaters almost 50 years after we won our only tournament. And then FIFA release their latest world rankings showing England as the 'Fourth Best Team In The World'. What a bloody joke!
And then there is the chaos currently enveloping the Scottish football scene. Rangers FC have failed to avoid the inevitable meltdown caused by the apparent decision by some in the previous hierarchy to avoid paying the correct/any tax to HMRC. Now the original company is heading to liquidation and a new company is in the process of trying to find a home in the league set-up. Unfortunately though, because of the dysfunction, the fortunes of just two clubs (Celtic and the aforementioned Rangers) the entire system could be pushed to the brink if the right monetary solution isn't found. Personally, it is my opinion that the 'New Rangers' should be entered at the lowest level (Scottish Division 3) and made to work their way back up. This is from a Rangers supporter. And as for further sanctions being imposed, haven't they suffered enough??! The Scottish clubs should learn the lesson, and let the new Rangers start again with a level playing field, as it were...Next up it's Tennis. Wimbledon is almost over, and Andy Murray has just made it to his first Wimbledon final, and the first British finalist since 1938 apparently. Cue mass hysteria and over-the-top pressure on the poor bloke. For his sake, I hope he wins. Otherwise the press on Monday will no doubt be full of mocking headlines. Let's not forget, Andy Murray has been consistently ranked in the top 4 despite competing in the same era as the likes of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Any other era, and he could easily have won a major Grand Slam tournament. Occasionally I joke with my mum about him being a typical British failure when he loses, but only to wind her up!
And so ends my rant. Let's hope the summer of sport gives us something to cheer about.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Wish I Was There...
It's July, which should mean blue sky, sun in the sky and no need for a waterproof or umbrella. The British summer seems to be going through an identity crisis yet again, and to be honest I'm fed up with it. Which got me thinking about the places I've been on holiday, and the holidays themselves. So here comes my five favourite holidays (that I can remember) in no particular order...
1) Malta 2002
A week in the sunshine with my big brother. Fishing villages, Ollie Reed's last pub, a momentarily lost wallet on a Maltese bus, a vomit-inducing catamaran trip over to Sicily, this holiday had it all!!
2) Cornwall 2009
It was only a weekend, but it was the first break I had with my current lady. We stayed in a B&B at the end of the world (well, Lizard Point, but it felt like it). In just two short days, we took in St Michael's Mount (on a very windy day, I still have sand in my coat pocket!), Penzance, St Ives and Land's End.
3) Austria Summer 2011
My first full-length trip to Marisa's home and to play an important part in her sister's wedding. Once the wedding was done and dusted, we hit the road and visited Hungary and Slovenia too. The weather was awesome and I managed to drink a shed load of booze without a serious hangover!
4) Lake Garda 1988
I was only a child back then, not yet 8 years old, but it was my first holiday with my parents on my own. I can't remember why my brother wasn't with us, but I seem to recall having a good time. I remember one occasion being in a restaurant during one of the Euro 88 games, possibly with Italy playing. I would like to return as a grown-up to appreciate it all a bit more.
5) Ibiza 2004
Take out the fact that I was with my now ex-wife, this was one hell of a holiday. We went to the 'quiet' area of the island, near Es Canar, and it was chilled, relaxed and dare I say it, fun. We had a 'sunset' cruise on a cloudy evening, had a few drinkies in San Antonio in a bar called Sergeant Peppers. Plenty of walking to and from the hotel to civilisation along the beach... See, not even my ex could spoil my memories of this holiday!
And now, five places I'd like to go to...
1) USA
So many possibilities! A Route 66 road trip, or an NFL game in Pittsburgh, New York to name but a few options I'd like to experience.
2) Canada
My parents have been and enjoyed it. I get the impression it's a bit more laid back than it's neighbour, and Niagara Falls is on my list of places to see anyway.
3) Italy
I'd like to revisit this place as an adult. See places like Rome, Genoa. I'd like to go back to Venice too. You know, before it sinks...
4) France
Our nearest neighbours, and I've never actually been there for a holiday. I've passed through on a few occasions but never stopped. Maybe Paris. Possibly the south of France (Count of Monte Cristo country - Marseilles etc). The Champagne region...
5) Scotland
Believe it or not, I've never been to Scotland. Never. Even with family connections, I've failed to make it there. So I want to go.
And that is the conclusion to my little holiday reminiscences and plans. It's still bloody raining outside. I knew I should have bought that sunny beach poster and stuck it up in the window...
1) Malta 2002
A week in the sunshine with my big brother. Fishing villages, Ollie Reed's last pub, a momentarily lost wallet on a Maltese bus, a vomit-inducing catamaran trip over to Sicily, this holiday had it all!!
2) Cornwall 2009
It was only a weekend, but it was the first break I had with my current lady. We stayed in a B&B at the end of the world (well, Lizard Point, but it felt like it). In just two short days, we took in St Michael's Mount (on a very windy day, I still have sand in my coat pocket!), Penzance, St Ives and Land's End.
3) Austria Summer 2011
My first full-length trip to Marisa's home and to play an important part in her sister's wedding. Once the wedding was done and dusted, we hit the road and visited Hungary and Slovenia too. The weather was awesome and I managed to drink a shed load of booze without a serious hangover!
4) Lake Garda 1988
I was only a child back then, not yet 8 years old, but it was my first holiday with my parents on my own. I can't remember why my brother wasn't with us, but I seem to recall having a good time. I remember one occasion being in a restaurant during one of the Euro 88 games, possibly with Italy playing. I would like to return as a grown-up to appreciate it all a bit more.
5) Ibiza 2004
Take out the fact that I was with my now ex-wife, this was one hell of a holiday. We went to the 'quiet' area of the island, near Es Canar, and it was chilled, relaxed and dare I say it, fun. We had a 'sunset' cruise on a cloudy evening, had a few drinkies in San Antonio in a bar called Sergeant Peppers. Plenty of walking to and from the hotel to civilisation along the beach... See, not even my ex could spoil my memories of this holiday!
And now, five places I'd like to go to...
1) USA
So many possibilities! A Route 66 road trip, or an NFL game in Pittsburgh, New York to name but a few options I'd like to experience.
2) Canada
My parents have been and enjoyed it. I get the impression it's a bit more laid back than it's neighbour, and Niagara Falls is on my list of places to see anyway.
3) Italy
I'd like to revisit this place as an adult. See places like Rome, Genoa. I'd like to go back to Venice too. You know, before it sinks...
4) France
Our nearest neighbours, and I've never actually been there for a holiday. I've passed through on a few occasions but never stopped. Maybe Paris. Possibly the south of France (Count of Monte Cristo country - Marseilles etc). The Champagne region...
5) Scotland
Believe it or not, I've never been to Scotland. Never. Even with family connections, I've failed to make it there. So I want to go.
And that is the conclusion to my little holiday reminiscences and plans. It's still bloody raining outside. I knew I should have bought that sunny beach poster and stuck it up in the window...
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Monday Mix-Tape - 02.07.2012
Wowzer. It's July already. It seems only yesterday we were celebrating New Year, looking forward to a big year. We've had Easter, The European Football Championships are now out of the way, Wimbledon is at the mid-way point. Soon it will be my birthday, and then... There's something else. It's nagging at me... It's gone. Probably wasn't too important then!
This weekend saw the return of The Stone Roses to the stage in Manchester. In honour of them, this week's Mix-tape offering is for bands that have gone away and come back again!
1) Waterfall - The Stone Roses
From the Roses in their heyday!
2) Step On - Happy Mondays
Twisting Shaun Ryder's melons!
3) Help The Aged - Pulp
Jarvis & Co trying to follow their Different Class album!
4) History - Cast
Even more immense played live!
5) Back For Good - Take That
Yes, even I like this one!
6) Coffee & TV - Blur
Remember the video with the milk carton?!
7) Gold - Spandau Ballet
Well, it's good to sing along to!
8) God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
God only knows why but they're touring again!
9) Embarrassment - Madness
Social Comment Ska!
10) She's In Fashion - Suede
Bet you'd forgotten they reformed right? I had!!
Well, there's your ten to listen to for this week. Enjoy.
PS Don't forget I'm looking for you blog readers to send me your own 10 song lists... Via the Facebook page!!! (Is that enough pleading?)
This weekend saw the return of The Stone Roses to the stage in Manchester. In honour of them, this week's Mix-tape offering is for bands that have gone away and come back again!
1) Waterfall - The Stone Roses
From the Roses in their heyday!
2) Step On - Happy Mondays
Twisting Shaun Ryder's melons!
3) Help The Aged - Pulp
Jarvis & Co trying to follow their Different Class album!
4) History - Cast
Even more immense played live!
5) Back For Good - Take That
Yes, even I like this one!
6) Coffee & TV - Blur
Remember the video with the milk carton?!
7) Gold - Spandau Ballet
Well, it's good to sing along to!
8) God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
God only knows why but they're touring again!
9) Embarrassment - Madness
Social Comment Ska!
10) She's In Fashion - Suede
Bet you'd forgotten they reformed right? I had!!
Well, there's your ten to listen to for this week. Enjoy.
PS Don't forget I'm looking for you blog readers to send me your own 10 song lists... Via the Facebook page!!! (Is that enough pleading?)
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