Your suggestions please.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Crazy frog - "Child Killer"
Today in a belfast shopping centre, the Crazy frog, (a once much loved, but ever so annoying cartoon novelty), showed his nasty side. Seen in this picture taken by a quick thinking passer-by, "Crazy" tries to push an oversized pupkin on top of the helpless child.
Onlookers could hardly believe their eyes. "I used to think the crazy frog was nothing more than a once much loved, but ever so annoying cartoon novelty" said one outraged shopping center customer, "but now its clear that he's a child killing crazed lunatic novelty maniac!"
When being led away the frog was asked to explain his actions. In his defense he said "a-ring-ding-dinga-ding-ding-ding.....ding-ding-dinga-ding-ding-ding..."
Jamster, resposible for the troublesome reptile have refused to comment.
Monday, October 24, 2005
We be burnin'
Currently listening to: "A hazy shade of winter" - Simon and Garfunkle
On Saturday Fellowes and I were drving into town to have breakfast. We dropped off Joanne to get her hair cut and made our way to Stranmillis direction to try to find fried food.
On our way we noticed a little smoke. There was a fire at the Odyssey Complex. I was a little concerned, mainly as there was going to be a Game that night, and there were several fire engines and many worried looking doom-sayers in the carpark.
It all worked out ok though. The fire had started in a boiler room in W5, (i thought someone had just left a bunsen burner on), the fire was out in no time, the complex was open by late afternoon.
W5 was the only thing on fire, the Giants were not really smoking... well, if they were it wasn't cuse they were on fire!
Eesh, is it me? Or are the darkening nights knocking you all out too?
On Saturday Fellowes and I were drving into town to have breakfast. We dropped off Joanne to get her hair cut and made our way to Stranmillis direction to try to find fried food.
On our way we noticed a little smoke. There was a fire at the Odyssey Complex. I was a little concerned, mainly as there was going to be a Game that night, and there were several fire engines and many worried looking doom-sayers in the carpark.It all worked out ok though. The fire had started in a boiler room in W5, (i thought someone had just left a bunsen burner on), the fire was out in no time, the complex was open by late afternoon.
W5 was the only thing on fire, the Giants were not really smoking... well, if they were it wasn't cuse they were on fire!Eesh, is it me? Or are the darkening nights knocking you all out too?
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Havin' a retro day
Currently listening to: "The Freshmen" - The verve Pipe
I got a card last night, from my old english teacher. There is a story to this one.
About 5 years ago I thought I'd take the time to write to my english teacher to express my gratitude for the work he put into teaching a class of disruptive uninterested kids from Monkstown. In the face of such opposition, other teachers had lost the will to get a lesson across, letting the whole experience of school become largely a waste of time for all involved.
Mr Marshall is a Canadian, from what I remember he's had lots of interesting jobs, is into good music and is a keen photographer.
I appreciated the accent, because it led to a greater understanding of those fun Belfast Giants folk when they arrived. The interesting jobs provided lots of interesting stories. The good taste in music was a novelty in a class full of dance music fans, and gave me someone to talk to about it. The photography came in handy when my band did a concert on the last day of school, I still have a set of prints that he kindly provided me with.
I sent the aforementioned letter to the school, but never got a reply. Until yesterday that is!
It was great to finally get that reply and an update on what he's up to now (still teaching, at the same school). I'm glad that he got the letter and, even if a bit late, took the time to write back.
The whole thing got me thinking about those interesting days, nearly a good 10 years ago, when I left school. Its been an interesting trip.
I stumbled upon some of the music I was listening around that time and through to tech before going on to drop out.
My brother had been to America on a youth camp programme and had brought back a load of good music. I can attribute hearing bands like "Dave Matthews Band", "Matchbox 20", "Toad the Wet Sprocket", "K's Choice" and most importantly (for today's flashback purposes) a band called "The Verve Pipe".
"The Verve Pipe" should not be confused with "The Verve" of "The drugs don't work" and "Bitter Sweet Symphony" fame. "The Verve Pipe" are a North American band. I liked it immediately because it was all a bit moody and teenager-orientated. This was about the time I was listening to "Counting Crows' - August and everything after" and the like.
The song that hit the spot at the time, and seemed pretty darn good as of about 5 minutes ago is called "The Freshmen". I strongly suggest you give it a little listen, find it on download somewhere.
My favorite line is:
"for the life of me, I cannot remember, what made us think that we were wise and we'd never compromise"
That's one to think on while looking back on the things you got up to when you were 16 alright!
I strongly remember being a little worse for wear and singing that song to anyone that would listen at a particular part once. Hmmm. Classy.
M
I got a card last night, from my old english teacher. There is a story to this one.
About 5 years ago I thought I'd take the time to write to my english teacher to express my gratitude for the work he put into teaching a class of disruptive uninterested kids from Monkstown. In the face of such opposition, other teachers had lost the will to get a lesson across, letting the whole experience of school become largely a waste of time for all involved.
Mr Marshall is a Canadian, from what I remember he's had lots of interesting jobs, is into good music and is a keen photographer.
I appreciated the accent, because it led to a greater understanding of those fun Belfast Giants folk when they arrived. The interesting jobs provided lots of interesting stories. The good taste in music was a novelty in a class full of dance music fans, and gave me someone to talk to about it. The photography came in handy when my band did a concert on the last day of school, I still have a set of prints that he kindly provided me with.
I sent the aforementioned letter to the school, but never got a reply. Until yesterday that is!
It was great to finally get that reply and an update on what he's up to now (still teaching, at the same school). I'm glad that he got the letter and, even if a bit late, took the time to write back.
The whole thing got me thinking about those interesting days, nearly a good 10 years ago, when I left school. Its been an interesting trip.
I stumbled upon some of the music I was listening around that time and through to tech before going on to drop out.
My brother had been to America on a youth camp programme and had brought back a load of good music. I can attribute hearing bands like "Dave Matthews Band", "Matchbox 20", "Toad the Wet Sprocket", "K's Choice" and most importantly (for today's flashback purposes) a band called "The Verve Pipe".
"The Verve Pipe" should not be confused with "The Verve" of "The drugs don't work" and "Bitter Sweet Symphony" fame. "The Verve Pipe" are a North American band. I liked it immediately because it was all a bit moody and teenager-orientated. This was about the time I was listening to "Counting Crows' - August and everything after" and the like.
The song that hit the spot at the time, and seemed pretty darn good as of about 5 minutes ago is called "The Freshmen". I strongly suggest you give it a little listen, find it on download somewhere.
My favorite line is:
"for the life of me, I cannot remember, what made us think that we were wise and we'd never compromise"
That's one to think on while looking back on the things you got up to when you were 16 alright!
I strongly remember being a little worse for wear and singing that song to anyone that would listen at a particular part once. Hmmm. Classy.
M
Sunday, October 16, 2005
The most entertaininng hockey game i've ever seen!
Good grief!
The Odyssey Arena packed in over 4,600 people last night, and they all brought their hockey energy with them.
Like a pure shot of adrenalin to the arm (no intended substance references) Theo "McFlurry" Fleury, charged his Belfast Giant team mates to an 11 - 2 victory over the Edinburgh Capitals.
Scoring a hat trick, assisting on most of the goals and getting into 2 fights, Fleury brought an energy with him to the Odyssey that has not been there since the sell out crowds of the first season rocked the place.
To listen to the report of the game, courtesy of the Giants folks, click here.
There is also some photos on Joannes Blog.
Holy Mackrel, it was a good one, lets hope it keeps going that way.
I'm growing my playoff beard already:
Currently listening to: "History of lovers" - Iron and Wine (many thanks to crazy Gav for the cd)
The Odyssey Arena packed in over 4,600 people last night, and they all brought their hockey energy with them.
Like a pure shot of adrenalin to the arm (no intended substance references) Theo "McFlurry" Fleury, charged his Belfast Giant team mates to an 11 - 2 victory over the Edinburgh Capitals.Scoring a hat trick, assisting on most of the goals and getting into 2 fights, Fleury brought an energy with him to the Odyssey that has not been there since the sell out crowds of the first season rocked the place.
To listen to the report of the game, courtesy of the Giants folks, click here.
There is also some photos on Joannes Blog.
Holy Mackrel, it was a good one, lets hope it keeps going that way.
I'm growing my playoff beard already:
Currently listening to: "History of lovers" - Iron and Wine (many thanks to crazy Gav for the cd)
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Eric T
Last week I went to see Eric Taylor and Gina Villalobos.
(organised by the Real Music Club)
The poster for Gina Villalobos had a quote from Bob Harris "A contender for album of the year". Bob is usually right on the money, and we weren't let down.
It took me a song or two to get into the set. To be honest I think the same could be said for Gina, as she and Ben Pringle(2nd guitar and vocal harmony) had apparently slept through the time that they should have been doing soundcheck.
Maybe it was the pint of cider, or maybe the company, but after a while Gina's scratchy vocals started to sound pretty good, so good in fact, I bought her new album. (haven't really listened to it yet, I'll review it later!)
I actually tried to buy her first album, but she insisted the new one was better. I tried to reason saying I'd never really heard a lot of her stuff and I'd like to start at the start. She just said "this one's the current one that's getting the radio play. Hey, would I steer you wrong?" We'll see. Her first album was cheaper than the second.
Eric Taylor started with little introduction. I was actually busy arguing to buy the aforementioned Villalobos album when he began. I was immediately completely mesmorised by his husky voice and metal finger picking. Hope Gina was not offended that the focus had well and truly shifted from buying her second album to not really listening to what she was saying.
I didn't even wait to have the album signed, I handed over my money and told her to keep the change. She looked a little taken aback that I wasn't interested in getting the album personalised.
I don't feel bad. When Eric Taylor starts to play the room falls silent and you pay him your full attention weather you like it or not.
I sat down and probably didn't blink for the rest of the set. I was engrossed in the stories and the intimate performance that followed. I did actually really really need to use the toilet for most of the evening and held on as long as I could. (till almost the end).
The highpoint for me was the song "Hemmingway's shotgun". A pretty dark song about, well, I'm sure lots of things including his native Texas. I'm not going to explain it, find it and take a listen.
"Beautiful danger wears two faces best,
like the beaded lizard of the west,
Hemmingway's Shotgun finally told the truth,
but he never said a word about you"
Much ta to Raj Nigel and James for a great evening's craic.
Currently listening to: Blind melon "Walk"
(organised by the Real Music Club)
The poster for Gina Villalobos had a quote from Bob Harris "A contender for album of the year". Bob is usually right on the money, and we weren't let down.It took me a song or two to get into the set. To be honest I think the same could be said for Gina, as she and Ben Pringle(2nd guitar and vocal harmony) had apparently slept through the time that they should have been doing soundcheck.
Maybe it was the pint of cider, or maybe the company, but after a while Gina's scratchy vocals started to sound pretty good, so good in fact, I bought her new album. (haven't really listened to it yet, I'll review it later!)I actually tried to buy her first album, but she insisted the new one was better. I tried to reason saying I'd never really heard a lot of her stuff and I'd like to start at the start. She just said "this one's the current one that's getting the radio play. Hey, would I steer you wrong?" We'll see. Her first album was cheaper than the second.
Eric Taylor started with little introduction. I was actually busy arguing to buy the aforementioned Villalobos album when he began. I was immediately completely mesmorised by his husky voice and metal finger picking. Hope Gina was not offended that the focus had well and truly shifted from buying her second album to not really listening to what she was saying.
I didn't even wait to have the album signed, I handed over my money and told her to keep the change. She looked a little taken aback that I wasn't interested in getting the album personalised.
I don't feel bad. When Eric Taylor starts to play the room falls silent and you pay him your full attention weather you like it or not.
I sat down and probably didn't blink for the rest of the set. I was engrossed in the stories and the intimate performance that followed. I did actually really really need to use the toilet for most of the evening and held on as long as I could. (till almost the end).The highpoint for me was the song "Hemmingway's shotgun". A pretty dark song about, well, I'm sure lots of things including his native Texas. I'm not going to explain it, find it and take a listen.
"Beautiful danger wears two faces best,
like the beaded lizard of the west,
Hemmingway's Shotgun finally told the truth,
but he never said a word about you"
Much ta to Raj Nigel and James for a great evening's craic.
Currently listening to: Blind melon "Walk"
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
BACK TO THE GRIND....
So, after 2 weeks of intense rioting i decided to go back to work.
What did i do in my time off i hear you ask?
*Built Aunt Dot and Uncle Al a computer
I always find the promise of the above picture to be hilarious, "your computer will be faster and more reliable" but then, i'm done with my anti-miccrosoft ranting, Mac are better people, just accept it.
*Tried to play playstation but my telly exploded
The perfect time for my telly to die, on one of the first days off in the fortnight, what was i to do but go outside and play!
*Went to Raj's house for Pizza
After completely forgetting to let Raj know that we were'nt going on a roadtrip, and feeling pretty crappy about that i decided to haul ass over to his house in an attempt to make it up with food.
*Did giants stuff
Giants season is on again. Despite much slagging off, being undermined at every turn and feeling a little more than used at times, I dive back into arena life and assume the title of ridicule object oonce again.
*Played an accoustic gig at the Baptist Youth Weekend in Bushmills
Had a great time up north, but i had trouble finding my mojo. Took a rendition of Outkasts "Hey ya" mixed with a Cademon's call song to win over the crowd. That and there were many unexpected requests for Dvae Matthews Band, how can i refuse.
*Went to the dogshow
Joanne's Youngest met his dady at the dog show after almost a year apart. Tyson went for him, after a brief sniff, having to be pulled away. A good day though.
but enough of all that...
I've been listening to John Prine a lot recently, especially the song "My Mexican home", which is filled with his usual clever pun filled word-craft-ery. The subject matter includes the death of his father. The wavering tone of his voice as he sings the verse brought a tear to my eye the first time i heard it:
"My father died, on the porch outside, on an august afternoon
I sipped bourbon and cried with a friend, by the light of the moon
So it’s hurry! hurry! step right up, It’s a matter of life or death
The sun is going down and the moon is just holding it’s breath"
The quote at the top right hand side of my blog is from it too, if you got a spare 5 mins, download it and play it over a few times. Beautiful.
More to follow.....
What did i do in my time off i hear you ask?
*Built Aunt Dot and Uncle Al a computer
I always find the promise of the above picture to be hilarious, "your computer will be faster and more reliable" but then, i'm done with my anti-miccrosoft ranting, Mac are better people, just accept it.
*Tried to play playstation but my telly exploded
The perfect time for my telly to die, on one of the first days off in the fortnight, what was i to do but go outside and play!
*Went to Raj's house for Pizza
After completely forgetting to let Raj know that we were'nt going on a roadtrip, and feeling pretty crappy about that i decided to haul ass over to his house in an attempt to make it up with food.
*Did giants stuff
Giants season is on again. Despite much slagging off, being undermined at every turn and feeling a little more than used at times, I dive back into arena life and assume the title of ridicule object oonce again.
*Played an accoustic gig at the Baptist Youth Weekend in Bushmills
Had a great time up north, but i had trouble finding my mojo. Took a rendition of Outkasts "Hey ya" mixed with a Cademon's call song to win over the crowd. That and there were many unexpected requests for Dvae Matthews Band, how can i refuse.
*Went to the dogshow
Joanne's Youngest met his dady at the dog show after almost a year apart. Tyson went for him, after a brief sniff, having to be pulled away. A good day though.
but enough of all that...
I've been listening to John Prine a lot recently, especially the song "My Mexican home", which is filled with his usual clever pun filled word-craft-ery. The subject matter includes the death of his father. The wavering tone of his voice as he sings the verse brought a tear to my eye the first time i heard it:
"My father died, on the porch outside, on an august afternoon
I sipped bourbon and cried with a friend, by the light of the moon
So it’s hurry! hurry! step right up, It’s a matter of life or death
The sun is going down and the moon is just holding it’s breath"
The quote at the top right hand side of my blog is from it too, if you got a spare 5 mins, download it and play it over a few times. Beautiful.
More to follow.....
Monday, September 12, 2005
We were all doing so well, and then....
Along come the idiots:
This is a picture of Monkstown, Newtownabbey, on fire:
This is a picture of a row of shops at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:
This is a picture of the Northern Bank at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:
Never understood why Loyaslists insist on pissing on their own back yards.
Incidently, the off licence was fine.
This is a picture of Monkstown, Newtownabbey, on fire:
This is a picture of a row of shops at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:
This is a picture of the Northern Bank at Fernagh, Newtownabbey after fire:
Never understood why Loyaslists insist on pissing on their own back yards.
Incidently, the off licence was fine.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
1-0 (for the second time this week).....
Last night was the first Belfast Giants home game of the new season. An excellent night, sending the Newcastle Vipers packing with a 1-0 victory thanks to a third perid goal by Curtis Huppe.
The most popular quote of the night was:
"that's the second time this week we've sent an english team home after beating them 1-0"
Ok, its maybe not as big a deal as Northern Ireland beating England in the footie, but this is the first time the Giants have ever won their first home game of the season, and in front of a crowd of moe than 5,000 fans. (The spell is broken).
We had a little rumble too between Giant Mark Levers and former Giant Mel Anglestad, then later Giant Sean Skiehar and Viper Andre Payette. Love fisticuffs.
Here is a picture of the later fighters squaring up:
It was also great to have former Giants MC Paul (its nicer to neuter) McClean picking up the gauntlet again and running with it, bringing back that much needed atmosphere boost.
Afterwards Jo, Raj, Sarah and I headed out for Pizza and beer!
Didn't wake up till lunch!
Current music: "I predict a riot" - Kaiser cheifs
The most popular quote of the night was:
"that's the second time this week we've sent an english team home after beating them 1-0"
Ok, its maybe not as big a deal as Northern Ireland beating England in the footie, but this is the first time the Giants have ever won their first home game of the season, and in front of a crowd of moe than 5,000 fans. (The spell is broken).
We had a little rumble too between Giant Mark Levers and former Giant Mel Anglestad, then later Giant Sean Skiehar and Viper Andre Payette. Love fisticuffs.
Here is a picture of the later fighters squaring up:
It was also great to have former Giants MC Paul (its nicer to neuter) McClean picking up the gauntlet again and running with it, bringing back that much needed atmosphere boost.
Afterwards Jo, Raj, Sarah and I headed out for Pizza and beer!
Didn't wake up till lunch!
Current music: "I predict a riot" - Kaiser cheifs
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
CHECK-DA-MONEY......
ever check da money?
i did:
£1
Can' believe it, but i got spam comments!
Am I popular now??
i did:
£1
Can' believe it, but i got spam comments!
Am I popular now??
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Um, hold on.....
At age 25, i've suddenly realised, i'm loosing my tiny mind....
WHERE THE HELL DID I PARK?
WHERE THE HELL DID I PARK?
Monday, August 29, 2005
what (pre 1985) video game character am I?
 I am an Asteroid.I am a drifter. I go where life leads, which makes me usually a very calm and content sort of person. That or thoroughly apathetic. Usually I keep on doing whatever I'm doing, and it takes something special to make me change my mind. What Video Game Character Are You? |
On the tiles..
Today's Track: "Fighting for my love" - Nil Lara
The rock and roll lifestyle i lead finds me out on the tiles once in a while.
Today I decided to stay home and have a morning on the tiles with my dad.
We've been having some repairs done at our house cuse, well, it was falling down. At this point it is handy to know a structural engineer or two.
Mum and dad both work at a structural and civil engineering firm in Belfast. After looking at how there are cracks running all the way up the side of the house we were hastilly advised to get the lintles above our doors and windows replaced, they'd almost rusted away.
This all happened at a reasonably good time, being that we have a guy moved in next door who has a builder friend. He needed his side of the house done too so i think we got an ok price for it.
That's pretty much all that's happened in the last while. Me and jo had gone to the zoo too, but the pictures i took were a little crappy, so you donn't get to see!
I am currently building my aunty Dot a computer, i went to get all the bits today but Mplex had run out of the neccesary. A greasy haired teenager told me that "i've no idea why we don't have any, i don't know when we'll be getting them in again"
Aw well, maybe when the adult staff return.
The rock and roll lifestyle i lead finds me out on the tiles once in a while.
Today I decided to stay home and have a morning on the tiles with my dad.
We've been having some repairs done at our house cuse, well, it was falling down. At this point it is handy to know a structural engineer or two.
Mum and dad both work at a structural and civil engineering firm in Belfast. After looking at how there are cracks running all the way up the side of the house we were hastilly advised to get the lintles above our doors and windows replaced, they'd almost rusted away.
This all happened at a reasonably good time, being that we have a guy moved in next door who has a builder friend. He needed his side of the house done too so i think we got an ok price for it.
That's pretty much all that's happened in the last while. Me and jo had gone to the zoo too, but the pictures i took were a little crappy, so you donn't get to see!
I am currently building my aunty Dot a computer, i went to get all the bits today but Mplex had run out of the neccesary. A greasy haired teenager told me that "i've no idea why we don't have any, i don't know when we'll be getting them in again"
Aw well, maybe when the adult staff return.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Little Allen
Today's track: "Bartender" Dave Matthews Band
So the allens are expecting, and good golly, look at the likeness!
So the allens are expecting, and good golly, look at the likeness!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
i've been busy
Today's song: "Nobody's Fault But Mine" - Martin simpson
So, no posts for a while.
I'm terribly sorry for those of you who actually read this nonsense, but i've been busy, i'm sorry, I promise i'll try harder, we can make it work.
A the weekend I was at portrush with Nixx supporters club. It was a fantastic day:
Me, Jo, Raj and Shiny Sarah went on the trip
We were having a good time on the beach. We decided to invent a game called "bum fort arse castle". The idea, as illustrated below is that you sit yourself down, dig a trench and make a wall, with turretts. Outside of those walls you build further protective walls. The idea is that you have to knock down the turretts of the main wall with a bouncy ball (which we won at an arcade).
While the ball is being thrown around the others you can fix your walls. No mercy is granted to those in mid fix when throwing the ball.
I will of course post the other's bum forts and arse castles in due course.
The game is named after the arse print left in the sand, and that indeed you are building a caastle.
Genius.
So, no posts for a while.
I'm terribly sorry for those of you who actually read this nonsense, but i've been busy, i'm sorry, I promise i'll try harder, we can make it work.
A the weekend I was at portrush with Nixx supporters club. It was a fantastic day:
Me, Jo, Raj and Shiny Sarah went on the trip
We were having a good time on the beach. We decided to invent a game called "bum fort arse castle". The idea, as illustrated below is that you sit yourself down, dig a trench and make a wall, with turretts. Outside of those walls you build further protective walls. The idea is that you have to knock down the turretts of the main wall with a bouncy ball (which we won at an arcade).
While the ball is being thrown around the others you can fix your walls. No mercy is granted to those in mid fix when throwing the ball.
I will of course post the other's bum forts and arse castles in due course.
The game is named after the arse print left in the sand, and that indeed you are building a caastle.
Genius.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
This month i'll be mostly listening to....
(you have to make a mix cd now that tapes are unavailable:)
1. The Island - PAUL BRADY
Paul Brady is a singer songwriter from Strabane, Northern Ireland. This is actually the first song of his i've heard, i heard the end of it on a show on BBC radio 2 and had to track it down.
The song is half observation about the violence in Northern Ireland and beyond, and the other half, a love song. The mix between the two made me smile. I can imagine the guy going off on a rant about the state of things, then catching himself on:
After the main verses being quite heavy in content the chorus lifts the mood away from the subject matter at hand.
I'll be off to find his album then...!
2. Good hearted man - TIFT MERRIT
Sounding, in my opinion a little like Norah Jones, Tift Merrit has an easy feel to her music. "Good hearted man" is taken from her album "Tambourine" Which has had a lot of play on Radio 2, especially Bob Harris's friday night / saturday night shows, where she is a regular.
3. One Voice - THE WAILIN' JENNYS
Wonderful harmonies and minimal guitar make this track really appeal to me. The song starts off with, well, one voice:
The next verse brings in another voice, the next verse another and so on. The song builds.
When all the harmonies are in the sound is beautiful. This song has been in my mind a lot recently with the G8 summit, live 8, the bombings in London, even the thought of friends of mine who are starting to build a church in Newtownards. There is a need now more than ever for us to work together in harmony, trust and love. This song, to me, is a great dipiction of what can happen when we work together, bring all our individual strengths together.
4. Glory of true love - JOHN PRINE
My friend raj recently introduced me to John Prine. He is an ageing singer songwriter that mixes simple, straightforward, uncomplicated music and lyrics that range from deep and meaningfull to plainly ridiculous.
This song is a bouncy, foot tappin' declaration of how good love fells. Taken from his new album "Fair and Square" his first offering for about 20 years? He hasn't lost any of his 3 chord, country charm.
5. Heyday - MIC CHRISTOPHER
You might know this song from a Guinness ad that has been on for a while now, the one where a guy jumps off the cliffs of Moore and swims to New York just to say sorry to his brother.... then eyes up his bird! I found myself humming this once it had been on and decided to dig around for it.
Mic Christopher was a dublin based singer songwriter who, unfortunately, passed in 2001. He was born in the Bronx, New York in 1969 and moved to dublin with his parents in 1972. He started a band called the "MaryJanes" in the 90's after being a busker, released a few albums then went solo in 1999. He recorded a solo album "Skylarkin" that i think must have been released after his death, and got Best Album at the 2003 Meteor Awards. "Heyday" was released as a single in 2004.
The song is a bit rough around the edges, but, for me that just adds to its charm. I'm going to track down the album if it is still on release.
6. Superman - LAZLO BANE
The theme tune to the medical comedy "Scrubs". A cheery little number that they have speeded up to use on the show. The original track is great, got a little banjo plinking away in the background.
7. Carry me home - HEM
Hem realax me. full stop.
8. Run - SNOW PATROL
I've liked these boys for a while now, but this track stands out above all the rest. A little depressing, but bizzarrely that cheers me up.
9. Somewhere over the rainbow / what a wonderful world - ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE
The dude is a giant. He's about 7 times the size of me, and now unfortunately dead. For being a huge huge hawian his voice is angelic and soft.
Lovely 'sitting on the back porch drinking rum strumming a mondolin' music.
10. Not so far to go - KELLY JOE PHELPS
I can't make out a word this guy says, and i can't find the lyrics online, so i'm destined to just like his music and the sound of his voice mumbling along.
The only line i can make out: (probably)
WHaaaaaaa?
11. Fix you - COLDPLAY (site does not work on apple macs)
I did buy their album, but the first time i heard this song properly - and took notice - was at live 8. I'm a bit of a sucker for coldplay, even though they are a bit trendy.
Chris Martin does overuse the old falseto and as a result sounds like a young choirboy, but i don't mind.
Their website doesn't work with apple macs, which is odd, isn't chris martin's daughter named apple? Doen't he care?
1. The Island - PAUL BRADY
Paul Brady is a singer songwriter from Strabane, Northern Ireland. This is actually the first song of his i've heard, i heard the end of it on a show on BBC radio 2 and had to track it down.
The song is half observation about the violence in Northern Ireland and beyond, and the other half, a love song. The mix between the two made me smile. I can imagine the guy going off on a rant about the state of things, then catching himself on:
"but hey don't listen to me,
cuse this wasnt meant to be no sad song,
we've heard too much of that before,
right now i only want to be here with you,
till the morning dew comes falling."
cuse this wasnt meant to be no sad song,
we've heard too much of that before,
right now i only want to be here with you,
till the morning dew comes falling."
After the main verses being quite heavy in content the chorus lifts the mood away from the subject matter at hand.
They're raising banners over by the markets,
Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls,
Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown,
No way our holy flag is gonna fall,
Up here we sacrifice our children,
To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday,
And teach them dying will lead us into glory...
But Hey! Don't listen to me!
This wasn't meant to be no sad song
We've heard too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the morning dew comes falling
I want to take you to the island
And trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean
Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls,
Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown,
No way our holy flag is gonna fall,
Up here we sacrifice our children,
To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday,
And teach them dying will lead us into glory...
But Hey! Don't listen to me!
This wasn't meant to be no sad song
We've heard too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the morning dew comes falling
I want to take you to the island
And trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean
I'll be off to find his album then...!
2. Good hearted man - TIFT MERRIT
Sounding, in my opinion a little like Norah Jones, Tift Merrit has an easy feel to her music. "Good hearted man" is taken from her album "Tambourine" Which has had a lot of play on Radio 2, especially Bob Harris's friday night / saturday night shows, where she is a regular.
3. One Voice - THE WAILIN' JENNYS
Wonderful harmonies and minimal guitar make this track really appeal to me. The song starts off with, well, one voice:
this is the sound of one voice,
one sprit one voice,
the sound of one who makes a choice,
this is the sound of one voice...
one sprit one voice,
the sound of one who makes a choice,
this is the sound of one voice...
The next verse brings in another voice, the next verse another and so on. The song builds.
this is the sound of voices two,
the sound of me singing with you
helping each other to make it through
this is the sound of voices two
this is the sound of voices three
singing together in harmony
surrendering to the mystery
this is the sound of voices three
this is the sound of all of us
singing with love and the will to trust
leave the rest behind, it will turn to dust
this is the sound of all of us
the sound of me singing with you
helping each other to make it through
this is the sound of voices two
this is the sound of voices three
singing together in harmony
surrendering to the mystery
this is the sound of voices three
this is the sound of all of us
singing with love and the will to trust
leave the rest behind, it will turn to dust
this is the sound of all of us
When all the harmonies are in the sound is beautiful. This song has been in my mind a lot recently with the G8 summit, live 8, the bombings in London, even the thought of friends of mine who are starting to build a church in Newtownards. There is a need now more than ever for us to work together in harmony, trust and love. This song, to me, is a great dipiction of what can happen when we work together, bring all our individual strengths together.
this is the sound of one voice
one people one voice
a song for everyone of us
this is the sound of one voice
one people one voice
a song for everyone of us
this is the sound of one voice
4. Glory of true love - JOHN PRINE
My friend raj recently introduced me to John Prine. He is an ageing singer songwriter that mixes simple, straightforward, uncomplicated music and lyrics that range from deep and meaningfull to plainly ridiculous.
This song is a bouncy, foot tappin' declaration of how good love fells. Taken from his new album "Fair and Square" his first offering for about 20 years? He hasn't lost any of his 3 chord, country charm.
5. Heyday - MIC CHRISTOPHER
You might know this song from a Guinness ad that has been on for a while now, the one where a guy jumps off the cliffs of Moore and swims to New York just to say sorry to his brother.... then eyes up his bird! I found myself humming this once it had been on and decided to dig around for it.
Mic Christopher was a dublin based singer songwriter who, unfortunately, passed in 2001. He was born in the Bronx, New York in 1969 and moved to dublin with his parents in 1972. He started a band called the "MaryJanes" in the 90's after being a busker, released a few albums then went solo in 1999. He recorded a solo album "Skylarkin" that i think must have been released after his death, and got Best Album at the 2003 Meteor Awards. "Heyday" was released as a single in 2004.
The song is a bit rough around the edges, but, for me that just adds to its charm. I'm going to track down the album if it is still on release.
And this is our heyday baby
and we're not gonna be afraid to shout
cuse we can make our heyday last forever
and ain't that what its all about
Oh living, in our own terrible way..
and we're not gonna be afraid to shout
cuse we can make our heyday last forever
and ain't that what its all about
Oh living, in our own terrible way..
6. Superman - LAZLO BANE
The theme tune to the medical comedy "Scrubs". A cheery little number that they have speeded up to use on the show. The original track is great, got a little banjo plinking away in the background.
"I can't do this all on my own, no,
I know, I'm no superman"
I know, I'm no superman"
7. Carry me home - HEM
Hem realax me. full stop.
8. Run - SNOW PATROL
I've liked these boys for a while now, but this track stands out above all the rest. A little depressing, but bizzarrely that cheers me up.
9. Somewhere over the rainbow / what a wonderful world - ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE
The dude is a giant. He's about 7 times the size of me, and now unfortunately dead. For being a huge huge hawian his voice is angelic and soft.
Lovely 'sitting on the back porch drinking rum strumming a mondolin' music.
10. Not so far to go - KELLY JOE PHELPS
I can't make out a word this guy says, and i can't find the lyrics online, so i'm destined to just like his music and the sound of his voice mumbling along.
The only line i can make out: (probably)
"long sleeves outdoor to keep the kids from crying,
its not so far to go to find trouble"
11. Fix you - COLDPLAY (site does not work on apple macs)
I did buy their album, but the first time i heard this song properly - and took notice - was at live 8. I'm a bit of a sucker for coldplay, even though they are a bit trendy.
Chris Martin does overuse the old falseto and as a result sounds like a young choirboy, but i don't mind.
Their website doesn't work with apple macs, which is odd, isn't chris martin's daughter named apple? Doen't he care?
Friday, August 05, 2005
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