December 23, 2006
SANTA NEWS
WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Won’t be posting for a while over the Jesus break (not that I’m particularly regular anyway) but just wanted to say I hope you’re as happy as possible and having a good Christmas whoever and wherever you are. Right now I’m putting the finishing touches on my present gathering and making and getting a few bits together for Joe too as we’re celebrating his birthday tomorrow. I’ve got a nice cold beer on the go and I’m watching the Guided By Voices farewell concert on DVD. I’ve had the disc for ages but this has been the first opportunity I’ve had to watch it properly and I’m digging it. Graham Linehan recommended GBV to me years ago and I’ve always kind of liked the idea of them but this year it all properly clicked. They’re kind of the ultimate indie band in many ways. A sort of American Fall but operating within a slightly more accessibly tuneful box. Check out Bee Thousand if you’re not already in the GBV camp, it’s a good place to start what may well be one of your favourite musical journeys!
While I think of it, check out the Minutemen DVD, We Jam Econo (one of the best music DVD’s of the year along with the Pixies loudQUIETloud)and make sure to watch the concerts on the extras. There’s one acoustic TV thing they do just sat on a little riser in a studio playing along with eachother and it’s fucking great. What an amazing band they were. Principled, good hearted quasi hippy types with a foot in punk and a love of the odd and the angular. That’s the ultimate person in my book! Again, if you’re curious the one to start with is Double Nickels On A Dime. Anyway, after a visit to the on stage bar, Robert Pollard is back singing Tractor Rape Chain. What the fucking hell is that title about anyway? Well done Bob! Peace and goodwill to all!!