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things are spinning quickly

Things certainly are in quite a spin, two jobs on the go, writing and shooting. I spent a few days last week planting seeds and using the paper potter we bought around christmas. I thought it might be difficult watering them, but that's not the case.

Shooting towards the end of the month, hope to have something to show you soon. Also managed to get the wheels out and go for a spin, thought I might do the same the next day and then at least 3" of snow fell in half and hour. It was winter, with people playing in the street, throwing snowballs, whilst others scooted up to the rec to build a snowman. Walking back from the shops this morning the snow had melted, just a few remaining snowmen sticking it out for a while longer.

explosives

Great video, you can even see all the bits hitting the skaters.

I know I haven't posted for a while...I'm re-grouping.

Noir

We had a great time at SFA, a stripped down version of their usual crazy set. Gruff explained that the horn section, percussionist and backing singers had been kidnapped en route. Fair enough, it meant new versions of old favourites, the opportunity for a little refresh and the chance to see how beautiful these tunes can be.

I have to say it was a particular thrill to see Jim Noir in the support slot, presenting some new songs with a new band. I've heard a few negative comments about his old one, that they didn't particularly give him the chance to front up and display his own light and breezy personality. This set up seems to give him a bit more freedom and you can see it reflected in the new songs such as "Alright", which you can listen to on Jim's myspace page.

I've had a fondness for le noir for a while now since my friend Steve directed his "A Quiet Man" video. By the way, please check out Steve's site, full of the wonderful movies he's been making since film school. A talented man I'm sure you'll agree, with many good things in the pipeline. Be sure to check out "A Heap of Trouble" my personal favourite.

in rainbows

I know of course that two days after the release of this radiohead album I must be the last person posting about it. There were even "live" reviews written as the writer listened for the first time. Well, this release certainly got everyone's attention. Just to recap - this is the seventh studio album and is now available for download, and you decide the price, that's right - anything you want between zero and £100. I opted for £4+45p download charge which I think is about right and what I've heard is the average price. There's talk of a January release on CD and I imagine I'll probably buy it then too, I'm a sucker for nice packaging. If you're really into this, then there's also a £40 option, which is a box set with booklet, vinyl editions and extra tracks. This is a little too steep for me.

So, to the music itself - first off, it's fun and it sounds like the band are enjoying themselves. For the first time since OK Computer it feels like the band are reunited in the same room. Kid A and Amnesiac feel like members are working on their own little bits and Nigel Godrich is bringing it all together. Hail to the Thief had a little more togetherness, but not as much as here. For Radiohead, its life-affirming and positive, reminding me a little of Four-tet's "Everything Ecstatic" - a joyous and playful record that remains experimental and challenging. Radiohead seem to have rediscovered the simple joy that is making music, and its a treat.

I've heard grumbles that the website wasn't working and that the quality of the downloads is a bit poor, but to be honest, it was one of the easiest ways to get a record I've ever had. I think three clicks and I was away having a listen. On a final note, I made some little covers, mostly so that I can find it on the new, wonderful ipod touch that arrived from New York via my wonderful parents a couple of weeks ago. The wi-fi capabilities are amazing, and sites like Youtube, Facebook and Itunes have their own small screen versions which in someways out do the actual sites.

 

bestival

Had a great time at bestival. its one of the smaller "boutique" festivals in the UK, although at times it felt just as crowded as any other festival, especially in the main stage area - 30,000 people are still, quite a crowd. The bands ranged from good to dull, I'm afraid The Go Team! and The Chemical Brothers just didn't float my boat, instead I sought out Electrelane, who just played one of the best sets I heard over the whole weekend. I think, at a place like Bestival, you can find a few gems.

I should also mention that I had a good time at The Loungs and watching Bat for Lashes on a cool, relaxed sunday morning. On saturday night, The Beastie Boys claimed the "Isle of Mike" as their own, with some big tunes for us, Intergalactic, Sure Shot, Pass the Mic and some tunes for them from their new instrumental album.

I had a few grumbles, like the sheer amount of litter, which was a bit depressing - I mean, isn't this suppose to be the eco-conscious set? and people, please - don't take babies to festivals. I saw one little mite scared witless as the drums started up on the main stage - they don't get anything out of it, its just cruel.

Saturday's fancy dress was amazing, the theme was Kings, Queens and Pirates - and there were some great costumes, giving the whole place a slightly surreal air - check out some of the pics at flickr - enjoy.

Apart from that, I should mention that I was there as part of a stag-do, with my friend Jim wearing various humiliating costumes. I met a lovely bunch of fellas, we hung out, ate, drank, listened to music, slept in tents...almost perfect. In fact, then tent wasn't bad, just the fact that we were three feet from a spotlight that was so powerful, it actually got darker as at sunrise.

Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!

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Only around ten days to go until the release of the new SFA record Hey Venus! - the single Show your hand is already available from record shops and download. But really you're missing out if you only download it. You'll be missing out on gorgeous cover art from Keiichi Tanaami who is the first person not called Pete Fowler to do some artwork for them.

I know that hardcore fans will be a little disappointed, but from early reports, its a good move as the album is a little gentler and homely than recent releases, signifying a slight chance of pace and a show of maturity. I don't know much about Mr Tanaami, but I hear he's a cult figure in Japan, where his art is much admired.

The furries sent him a letter, saying they were fans and wondered whether he might be able to help them. Apparently he neither spoke to them or heard them, and the project was veiled with secrecy, surreptitious emails and messages. There's a little more about this enigmatic artist in this clip from Japanarama with Jonathan Ross. Also check out the SFA site for downloads, widgets, more artwork and latest news. I can't wait.

I also just wanted to say, that when all is said and done, for every cool new band I hear on the radio, Super Furry Animals are my favourite band in the world - and they always will be.