So I’m sure The Consul will hate the song, but I find it hard to turn away from this French beauty, and if you watch closely Alizée does a spot-on Marilyn impression. I also think this really is a perfect example of “In vino veritas” because I want her more after …
As all the readers of this blog know, the Consul changed my world when he introduced me to Alizée. Recently I found the official video for J’en Ai Marre that was released before the Red Fish. As one comment says: This video makes pedophilia look ok. which I know is close …
Although in later years clearly beautiful actresses have caught my eye as The Consul rightly points out, when I was a teenager it was the female led punk bands that really got me going. Debbie Harry and Siouxsie Sioux were probably the biggest influence, but I also had a soft spot …
I have loved James Taylor’s Sweet Baby James since I heard it the first time shortly after arriving in the USA 27 years ago, so I’m really honored to have it as my song. Thanks to The Consul for the choice. What has always cracked me up about James Taylor …
My theme tune is Steely Dan’s ‘Here at the Western World’ because it has the magical opening: ‘Down at the Lido they welcome you / With sausage and beer’. My favourite food and drink to welcome me to the pool — sounds great. Kentucky is named after a Rolling Stones …
So there’s no doubt when you hit your fifties you drink less. The body can’t take the abuse, hangovers last longer and hurt more, and typically you have more responsibilities than when you were in your twenties. I really love drinking but think this state of affairs is not all bad. …
One of the great traditions is the Bank Holiday Monday. So, here in the week of Whitsun we have Monday off work. It’s meant to be the day after Pentecost, but because no one can actually put a date on the death of Jesus over ‘Easter’, we have to have …
I agree with The Consul Roger Moore was inferior to Sean Connery as far as who was the best James Bond but when it comes to Bond music Roger Moore wins quite easily. My two favorite Bond songs were Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” and Wings’ “Live and Let Die”, …
Whilst we were away Leonard Cohen passed which is just one more nail in the loss of amazing talent. What really stuck in my craw was that over the last ten years I’ve really been listening to more of his amazing music and never saw him live, even though I …
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.
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 …
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 …
