Yes, I'm back again. This is the last Monday Mix-tape before the mayhem of Christmas really begins. Unless you're one of those who leaves your shopping until the last minute, I'd expect you've done it all, wrapped it up and found a suitable hiding place somewhere in the house (but be warned: they will be looking at every opportunity!)
So, in this lull, I'm going to give you ten tracks to relax with. You can just sit and listen with a relaxing coffee, or glass of wine and a mince pie. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I shall begin...
1) Small World - Roddy Frame
One man and his guitar!
2) Calico Skies - Paul McCartney
An ex-Beatle and a guitar!
3) Tangerine - Led Zeppelin
Four men but no fruit!
4) Crystal - Mando Diao
Some Swedish men yet no cut glass in sight!
5) Drop In The Sea - Kula Shaker
Nineties band without a drop of water for miles!
6) Easy Like Sunday Morning - The Commodores
Simples!
7) How Does It Feel - Slade
Four hairy blokes from the Black Country!
8) I Got The Blues - The Rolling Stones
Don't feel too sad though!
9) Karma Police - Radiohead
Don't panic, not the real police!
10) Oliver James - Fleet Foxes
One man's voice!
And also, just as a tribute to the legendary Ravi Shankar, here's three pieces of his music to listen to and let all your troubles and tension drift away on the music...
a) Raga Ahir Bhairav
b) Dadra
c) Maru-Bihag
So that's all for now... the next edition will be a most festive offering for you to enjoy!!!
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Monday Mix-tape - 10.12.2012
You'd think that after seven months, I'd start to run out of ideas for these little things, wouldn't you? But thankfully things just keep cropping up to help me maintain a steady flow of mix-tape helpings.
And this week is no different - my poor girlfriend is currently laid up with a bad case of Sciatica and so, this week, in her honour, it's songs with the word 'back' in the title!
1) I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
2) I'll Be Back - The Beatles
3) Coming Back Hard Again - The Fat Boys
4) Back In The USSR - The Beatles
5) The Boys Are Back In Town - Thin Lizzy
6) Back To Life - Soul II Soul
7) Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-a-lot
8) Back Against The Wall - Cage The Elephant
9) Sing It Back - Moloko
10) Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
And with that, I say "Get Well Soon" Marisa!!
And this week is no different - my poor girlfriend is currently laid up with a bad case of Sciatica and so, this week, in her honour, it's songs with the word 'back' in the title!
1) I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
2) I'll Be Back - The Beatles
3) Coming Back Hard Again - The Fat Boys
4) Back In The USSR - The Beatles5) The Boys Are Back In Town - Thin Lizzy
6) Back To Life - Soul II Soul
7) Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-a-lot
8) Back Against The Wall - Cage The Elephant
9) Sing It Back - Moloko
10) Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
And with that, I say "Get Well Soon" Marisa!!
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Albums You Should Own - John Lennon Special
It's been a while since I last visited this series, and today I said to myself, 'it's time to do another one'.
For those who don't know (either through ignorance or a lack of interest in anything historical), today, the 8th December marks 32 years since the murder of John Lennon, possibly the 20th Century's most influential and most loved musician/peacenik/artist/writer.
So, to mark this occasion, instead of a Monday Mix-tape (which I already did to mark what would have been his 72nd birthday), I thought I'd have a look at his solo career and try and guide you to the gems, and steer you away from the duds (even as a devoted Lennonite, I can see that he has had some bad days).
So, to start off, when John and the Beatles went their seperate ways after the recording of Abbey Road, whilst the court case to dissolve the business partnership rumbled on, John did his thing with Yoko, did a bit of Primal Therapy with Mr Janov and brought out the Plastic Ono Band album. It's hard to find a weak link on this album, to be honest. From the opening funereal bells of 'Mother' the bar is set high (no change there) and it is only surpassed, in my view, by 'Working Class Hero' and 'God'. But that's not to say that the delicateness of 'Love' or 'Isolation' do not merit praise. I heartily implore you to go out and get this record!
After that, came the album that may have ensured his place amongst the greatest musicians of the modern era, Imagine. Everyone knows the title track and how good it is, so for me to preach a sermon is unneccessary. The album itself contains some real crackers, 'Crippled Inside', 'Jealous Guy', 'Gimme Some Truth', 'Oh My Love' and so on and so on. To sum up, I have three words for you on Imagine: BUY THIS ALBUM.
On the completion of Imagine, John decided to up-sticks and move to the US. And then, in 1972, he brought us his highly politicised (comparitively speaking) Some Time In New York City. I do have this album, somewhere, but sadly it doesn't really strike a chord with me and it's only really for the complete devotee fan. It does contain the track 'Woman Is The Nigger Of The World', which is well worth a listen.
He returned to more palatable output the next year, with his Mind Games album. There are some great tracks on this album, aside from the title track, 'Tight A$' is a fast paced little rocker, 'Bring On The Lucie (Freda Peeple)' may have a ridiculous title, but it's a nice little sing-a-long once you know the words! This is followed by the silence of the 'Nutopian International Anthem' before heading on to the second side (remember when you had to get up and turn a record over? Something today's kids have no appreciation for). 'Out The Blue' is a sweet little song, and it's one I find has resonance in my life, and no doubt others will feel the same. It's worth investigating.
John's 'Lost Weekend' phase is quite well documented for all the drunken goings-on, but let's not forget he still managed to give us Mind Games and his next offering, Walls And Bridges. The lead single, 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' is bold, brassy and instantly loveable. You've also got songs like 'What You Got', '#9 Dream', and 'Nobody Loves You (When You're Down And Out)' to keep you going, and the album finishes with a throwaway version of 'Ya Ya' which not only got him into a heap of legal trouble, but also inspired his next record. You should give it a try, you might just like it.
Which was the covers album, Rock And Roll. Songs that he liked as a boy, or that he enjoyed performing, or just took his fancy. Like Gene Vincent's 'Be Bop-A-Lula', or my favourite, his version of Ben E King's 'Stand By Me'. This album is a nice way to see what inspired Lennon himself to pick up a guitar, whilst also hearing John's own take on the songs. I've bought it, and I think you should consider it too!
It was at this point that John Lennon's life changed. Yoko finally gave birth to the child they'd been trying for for years, Sean Lennon was born on John's 35th birthday, and John hung up his guitar and decided that he would take responsibility for Sean's immediate upbringing. So, five years later, and John felt the time was right to hit the studio once more, thus giving us the joint effort with Yoko, Double Fantasy. Now, I'm not going to lie and say I can listen to this album all day, because to be honest, Yoko's tracks don't really do it for me. But when you realise that John's offerings include '(Just Like) Starting Over', 'I'm Losing You', 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)', 'Watching The Wheels' and 'Woman', there is only one decision to make: Buy the CD, or download an mp3 version.
This however, is where John's living input ended. His death brought to a sudden halt the burst of creativity John was enjoying, with enough rough cuts in the can for another album, and in 1984, four years after he was taken from the world, the release of Milk And Honey gave everyone the chance to hear John's last songs. The stand out tracks for me are 'I Don't Wanna Face It', 'Nobody Told Me', 'Borrowed Time', and the poignant and quite gutwrenching 'Grow Old With Me'. Another one for the completists.
Or, you can say to yourself, 'I can't be arsed spending all that money buying albums for songs I might not like'. In which case, the compilation Lennon Legend is for you! All the hits, along with singles such as 'Cold Turkey', the festive 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)', 'Give Peace A Chance', and 'Instant Karma!' (the exclamation mark is part of the title, I assure you!)
Well, I can say no more. Other than War Is Over. If you want it.
For those who don't know (either through ignorance or a lack of interest in anything historical), today, the 8th December marks 32 years since the murder of John Lennon, possibly the 20th Century's most influential and most loved musician/peacenik/artist/writer.
So, to mark this occasion, instead of a Monday Mix-tape (which I already did to mark what would have been his 72nd birthday), I thought I'd have a look at his solo career and try and guide you to the gems, and steer you away from the duds (even as a devoted Lennonite, I can see that he has had some bad days).
So, to start off, when John and the Beatles went their seperate ways after the recording of Abbey Road, whilst the court case to dissolve the business partnership rumbled on, John did his thing with Yoko, did a bit of Primal Therapy with Mr Janov and brought out the Plastic Ono Band album. It's hard to find a weak link on this album, to be honest. From the opening funereal bells of 'Mother' the bar is set high (no change there) and it is only surpassed, in my view, by 'Working Class Hero' and 'God'. But that's not to say that the delicateness of 'Love' or 'Isolation' do not merit praise. I heartily implore you to go out and get this record!
After that, came the album that may have ensured his place amongst the greatest musicians of the modern era, Imagine. Everyone knows the title track and how good it is, so for me to preach a sermon is unneccessary. The album itself contains some real crackers, 'Crippled Inside', 'Jealous Guy', 'Gimme Some Truth', 'Oh My Love' and so on and so on. To sum up, I have three words for you on Imagine: BUY THIS ALBUM.
On the completion of Imagine, John decided to up-sticks and move to the US. And then, in 1972, he brought us his highly politicised (comparitively speaking) Some Time In New York City. I do have this album, somewhere, but sadly it doesn't really strike a chord with me and it's only really for the complete devotee fan. It does contain the track 'Woman Is The Nigger Of The World', which is well worth a listen.
He returned to more palatable output the next year, with his Mind Games album. There are some great tracks on this album, aside from the title track, 'Tight A$' is a fast paced little rocker, 'Bring On The Lucie (Freda Peeple)' may have a ridiculous title, but it's a nice little sing-a-long once you know the words! This is followed by the silence of the 'Nutopian International Anthem' before heading on to the second side (remember when you had to get up and turn a record over? Something today's kids have no appreciation for). 'Out The Blue' is a sweet little song, and it's one I find has resonance in my life, and no doubt others will feel the same. It's worth investigating.
John's 'Lost Weekend' phase is quite well documented for all the drunken goings-on, but let's not forget he still managed to give us Mind Games and his next offering, Walls And Bridges. The lead single, 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' is bold, brassy and instantly loveable. You've also got songs like 'What You Got', '#9 Dream', and 'Nobody Loves You (When You're Down And Out)' to keep you going, and the album finishes with a throwaway version of 'Ya Ya' which not only got him into a heap of legal trouble, but also inspired his next record. You should give it a try, you might just like it.
Which was the covers album, Rock And Roll. Songs that he liked as a boy, or that he enjoyed performing, or just took his fancy. Like Gene Vincent's 'Be Bop-A-Lula', or my favourite, his version of Ben E King's 'Stand By Me'. This album is a nice way to see what inspired Lennon himself to pick up a guitar, whilst also hearing John's own take on the songs. I've bought it, and I think you should consider it too!
It was at this point that John Lennon's life changed. Yoko finally gave birth to the child they'd been trying for for years, Sean Lennon was born on John's 35th birthday, and John hung up his guitar and decided that he would take responsibility for Sean's immediate upbringing. So, five years later, and John felt the time was right to hit the studio once more, thus giving us the joint effort with Yoko, Double Fantasy. Now, I'm not going to lie and say I can listen to this album all day, because to be honest, Yoko's tracks don't really do it for me. But when you realise that John's offerings include '(Just Like) Starting Over', 'I'm Losing You', 'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)', 'Watching The Wheels' and 'Woman', there is only one decision to make: Buy the CD, or download an mp3 version.
This however, is where John's living input ended. His death brought to a sudden halt the burst of creativity John was enjoying, with enough rough cuts in the can for another album, and in 1984, four years after he was taken from the world, the release of Milk And Honey gave everyone the chance to hear John's last songs. The stand out tracks for me are 'I Don't Wanna Face It', 'Nobody Told Me', 'Borrowed Time', and the poignant and quite gutwrenching 'Grow Old With Me'. Another one for the completists.
Or, you can say to yourself, 'I can't be arsed spending all that money buying albums for songs I might not like'. In which case, the compilation Lennon Legend is for you! All the hits, along with singles such as 'Cold Turkey', the festive 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)', 'Give Peace A Chance', and 'Instant Karma!' (the exclamation mark is part of the title, I assure you!)Well, I can say no more. Other than War Is Over. If you want it.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Monday Mix-tape - 03.12.2012
So, welcome to December! By now, there are already two doors open on your advent calendar (I bet you've got one with chocolate in haven't you? Course you have). Anyhow, this week, I'd completely forgotten about my weekly mix-tape offering until I was washing my son's hair this evening. I was at a total loss until my girlfriend suggested a theme. So here it is, this week's offering with the theme of... Family.
1) Mother - John Lennon
A little bit of Primal Therapy coming out!
2) Family Affair - Sly And The Family Stone
A Seventies Funk Family!
3) Father And Son - Cat Stevens
Not the ridiculous Boyzone version... Ughhhhh!
4) Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits
A song about brothers by a band with brothers in!
5) We Are Family - Sister Sledge
A Disco Family!
6) Uncle Sam - Madness
Lesser known track by UK Ska kings!
7) Mama Told Me (Not To Come) - Tom Jones
Mum knows best Tom!
8) Mama Weer All Crazee Now - Slade
I said 'mamamamamamamama yeah'!
9) Grandad - Clive Dunn
Everyone loves their Grandad!
10) He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
Hopefully soon to be top of the pops again for Hillsborough Families!
And that is that, ten songs about families and the like. Feel free to enjoy and return next week!! Hey, maybe you could submit your own suggestions, just like my girlfriend did this week!
1) Mother - John Lennon
A little bit of Primal Therapy coming out!
2) Family Affair - Sly And The Family Stone
A Seventies Funk Family!
3) Father And Son - Cat Stevens
Not the ridiculous Boyzone version... Ughhhhh!
4) Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits
A song about brothers by a band with brothers in!
5) We Are Family - Sister Sledge
A Disco Family!
6) Uncle Sam - Madness
Lesser known track by UK Ska kings!
7) Mama Told Me (Not To Come) - Tom Jones
Mum knows best Tom!
8) Mama Weer All Crazee Now - Slade
I said 'mamamamamamamama yeah'!
9) Grandad - Clive Dunn
Everyone loves their Grandad!
10) He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
Hopefully soon to be top of the pops again for Hillsborough Families!
And that is that, ten songs about families and the like. Feel free to enjoy and return next week!! Hey, maybe you could submit your own suggestions, just like my girlfriend did this week!
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
My Writing Challenge for 2013 - Assistance Requested!
Yesterday evening I made a decision and announced it on my Specs, Rugs And Sausage Rolls Facebook page (head to http://www.facebook.com/specsrugssausagerolls and leave a comment or a 'like').
For the year 2013, I have decided to set myself the task or challenge of writing one 5,000 word short story every month. That's twelve stories and 60,000 words in the year.
There is no set theme, so the twelve stories could and probably will be twelve totally unrelated and individual.
And this is where I am inviting your input: some ideas or suggestions for settings, style, theme or whatever.
I've already had my first suggestion - a murder mystery set in a one bedroom flat!
So, you can either visit my facebook page, tweet me @specsnrugs, or leave a comment below. As many ideas as you like, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to have one chosen!
Many thanks for your time!
For the year 2013, I have decided to set myself the task or challenge of writing one 5,000 word short story every month. That's twelve stories and 60,000 words in the year.
There is no set theme, so the twelve stories could and probably will be twelve totally unrelated and individual.
And this is where I am inviting your input: some ideas or suggestions for settings, style, theme or whatever.
I've already had my first suggestion - a murder mystery set in a one bedroom flat!
So, you can either visit my facebook page, tweet me @specsnrugs, or leave a comment below. As many ideas as you like, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to have one chosen!
Many thanks for your time!
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