The Consul shone a bright light on so many great people that have passed over the last few years. Death unfortunately happens more as you get older. When I talk to my mum, who turns 80 this year, there appears to be someone popping off almost weekly. I hope to …
I’ve posted one of The New Pornographers songs before and was reminded of another one of their great songs when I was watching a TV show this evening and it sounded so good I wanted to hear it again!
The Consul is a generous soul and a few years ago changed my world by introducing me to the Little Red Fish. I’ve listened to and lusted after Alizée ever since. She is still adorable …
As the late, great Lou Reed introduces Track 1, Side 1 of his masterpiece Take No Prisoners: Hello, sorry we were late but we were just tuning. What’s the matter, did we keep you waiting or something? Are we late? It’s raining out. What do you mean it’s raining out? …
I received a text earlier today from The Consul informing me Lou Reed had died. It wasn’t until later this evening it really sank in: over the last thirty years Lou Reed has meant more to me than probably any other performer. He took over from my teen years and …
So our busy lives have made it difficult to post so often this month, but I did manage to take my family to see Sir Paul McCartney in Austin last week, and I wanted to record the event. I have seen 100’s of performers over the years, but I can …
I just find out that one of my favorite singer/song writers of the last ten years is a big fan of our current President. I shouldn’t be surprised but it still saddens me when someone as obviously intelligent as Brandi Carlile falls for his bullshit. I expect it from The …
Many things were discussed over the two weeks in England, but women were probably aired the most. One woman that was new to The Consul was the beautiful and sadly departed Brittany Murphy. I always enjoyed Brittany’s performances and thought she was one hot lady. She was totally amazing in …
So in a few short days I’ll begin the first of two wonderful stays with The Consul and his amazing pad in the glorious Cotswolds. Once I get over the sadness that Rachel is not living with him, and that he was unable to snag Sarah for a few days …
So one of the early Irish bands I loved was: Stiff Little Fingers. I saw them first down at the Top Rank Ballroom in Brighton (with an ant sucking his left nipple) in 1978. They were supporting the Tom Robinson Band. It was an incredible evening, and as good as …
So this Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day. I’m not sure if I just have erased it from memory but I really don’t remember celebrating St. Patrick’s day when I was in Leeds or in the UK for that matter. But here in the USA is seems like a pretty big …
So Mr. New York himself just turned 71 – Happy Birthday Lou! Even past 70 Lou Reed is still amazing. I’ve just been listening to Heroin and it hard not to be moved by it. Here is a recent performance of Lou’s Perfect Day – one of my faves.
So, Max made a great claim for ’77 as a classic music year, though he missed out Talking Heads ’77 and a few others like AJA and Marquee Moon, which just underline what a great year it was. As he says — you get tired of typing… My own favourite …
Max has pinpointed one of those ‘where were you’ moments, while making a great claim for ’77 as a classic music year. When Kennedy was shot I was in bed (a cot), when Elvis croaked I was on holiday (also Princess Di and Jacko), when Lennon was shot, I was …
So it’s been over a year since I have mentioned Dylan’s ultimate masterpiece: Blood on the Tracks. The site looked different then (no Rachel’s boots), but the sentiment remains the same. I think love is simple, but life is hard. When you are at college you are about as free …
So the beer countdown continues as we fast approach the trip of the half century. Hard to believe I only have 77 beers to go – they slip down so easily each week! 77 of course reminds me of perhaps one of the greatest years (and saddest years for Elvis …
So the Consul started it all here. And God bless him! Here is a video that focuses on Alizée’s most amazing asset. And I know the Consul will enjoy more of this video now. Wonderful. And yes I have stamina.
So one musician that I’ve loved over the years, even though we have a quite different political outlook, is Billy Bragg. I’ve seen him perform a couple of times now – once in Austin and once in the UK and he’s great! I love he’s all for the worker. I’m …
So after my run in with the Digital Desire lawyers I’m reminded of the Clash’s great song: Guns on The Roof. Great Stuff. R.I.P. Joe.
What is interesting is how my list would change if I was using the US Charts instead of the UK Charts. So here for completeness my top 10 hits from the US Charts on my birthday: 1964 Beatles – I Want To Hold Your Hand 1965 Petula Clark – Downtown …
So I found this great site that has all the number ones for both the US and UK Charts over the last 70+ years. And so I thought I’d choose my top ten from this list: 1967 Monkees – I’m A Believer 1971 George Harrison – My Sweet Lord 1973 …
So as much as you rely on the Drinking Man to provide you with vital tips on great beers, it also has a wonderful selection of Cleavage and Videos for your entertainment too. With all the learning and visual and audio stimulants it is hard to imagine why you would …
So The Consul likes to remember the best debut albums. But what about the bands that fulfilled the “Third Times a Charm” rule? The first band that comes to mind is The Jam: Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, and Rick Buckler. These had to be the best live three piece new …
Of course by the time The Consul wakes up he will fill the screen with great third albums, but I thought I better get a few off my chest while he is still sleeping. Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run The Clash – London Calling Blondie – Parallel Lines Iggy …
Yes, 2-4-6-8 Motorway was a good singalong song, and as for the first album I wish I had a Grey Cortina when Up Against the Wall too, but Max answered his own question methinks. TRB’s greatest moment was the Rising Free EP. Glad to be gay, Don’t take no for …
So these days we talk about lesbians and gays quite openly, but as recently as 1978 it was still a big deal. I remember when Tom Robinson came out with the Rising Free EP with the “Glad to be Gay” as the lead song (although another namesake song was probably …
So, I think it’s great that Max is in tune with his inner lesbian. As long as his inner lesbian is a beer-drinking pussy-loving pool-playing clash-loving, pub-o-phile, then that’s great. Just like Jonathan Richman.
So there is a beautiful 31 year old singer that I’ve listened to recently that I thought was worth a mention before I crack open my next Old Pecker of the evening. Her name is Brandi Carlile. Brandi sings a combination of alternative, country and folk with a beautiful husky …
The Consul reminded me of one of the great bands on the late 70’s – The Stranglers. He rightly places their first album, Rattus Norvegicus, as their best. Although they fell into the Punk crowd, their music was certainly a little more sophisticated than the average three chord wonder of …
Many of the memories I have of Leeds University 30 years ago are hazy due to time, stress, and alcohol. But I still clearly remember the night we were at a wonderful little bar called The Old Steps. Over the jukebox came Van Morrison singing Moondance. At the time I …
