The National- Boxer for dad
Comes with a packaged thing suggesting what present might be.
National - BNP
Boxer- Calzaghe
Ryan Adams- Poster
Bon Iver- Suggest the location- into the wild/ forest
suggest the content- break up- (break up the presents packaging)
Suggest the title- for emma ? Forever ago
Albert King
king albert the king of england (victoria)
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Collected Works
'Students told to swear alliegance to the Queen'
As a country, we are constantly obsessed with our own National identity. We become dotty at the idea of people invading our glorious little island, become headless chickens at the World Cup and just go plain mental at the Last Night of the Proms. But whereas this kind of awkward silliness is part of what makes our country so unique, Lord Goldsmith's equally insane attempts to get pupils to swear an oath to the Queen, plus proposals for a 'Britishness day' marks a new low in attempts to tell us how we should see our identity.
Lord Goldsmith left the Government seat of Attorney General in June, and he is delivering his report to Gordon Brown in an attempt to "mark that passage of being a student of citizenship to a citizen in practise". He wants all pupils leaving school to swear alliegance of citizenship to the queen among other measures, such as a National day, similar to Australia Day -"It does make sense to promote a sense of shared belonging, a sense that you are part of a community with a common venture, to integrate better newcomers to our society and be clearer about what the rights and responsibilities are."
This has come on the back of numerous government 'debates' about the nature of our national identity. Although to be quite honest the debate normally consists of Gordon Brown frothing at the mouth while shouting "BE BRITISH!" While asking confused immigrants if they know where the Queen was Born. With his targets firmly aimed at part-time ignorant middle england and people who think immigrants bring bird flu to the country, he has been aiming at this idea of everyone becoming a British '1984' style robot with a union jack and identity number but no name for about a year, and it seems his unfathomable idiocy has infected some of his previous ministers. Last year, Scouts were told they would no longer swear alliegance to the Queen. Far from being 'inclusive' or representing our multicultural society, it was the latest in a number of attempts by the Government to recreate our national identity. But the Scouts have a deep history of swearing alliegance to queen and country, something which has been done since the start of the 20th Century, and it is part of their history, plus Scouts is a voluntary organisation, Children aren't forced (I wasn't anyway) to go and swear alliegance. Although Goldsmith has not suggested that Students should HAVE to swear alliegance, the Government on both sides (Over Liberal in the Case of the Scouts, overly Jingoistic on Goldsmiths ideas) fails to recognise that meddling with cultural history is dangerous and damaging.
This government seems to be determined to turn into what is like your meddling Grandma- Determined to tell you what to do, misinformed and longing for past times when 'these foreigners' weren't around. And along with all this, it seems that the Government may be in danger of falling into my awful ageist stereotype and become less and less taken seriously.
I desperately hope we can avoid the kind of empty constitutionalism that the U.S 'enjoys' where any dissent or questioning is turned by Fox news into 'not loving the country' and Racist Fundamentalists and Gun toting Idiots can argue that it's okay to have a Gun under the pillow or to hate Muslims, because the Bill of Rights said they 'have the right to'. Equally, you can't force people across the board to say alliegance to the Queen on the half hearted premise of 'social cohesion', especially when on the other hand of the same issue of 'Britishness', this embarassing, Jingoistic rhetoric justifies the view that immigrants or even those not of the 'middle england' persuasion, somehow spoil what it means to be British. I think the most marked reaction to Gordon Brown's continued campaign has been a collective shrugging of the shoulders, because it seems such a throwback to Nationalist politics which seem more at home in the 1940's and 50's.
Some wise words came last year from The Rt Rev Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London who said that although it was "important to establish an idea of Britishness", it shouldn't be a series of blank and fixed concepts
"Those great concepts have to be embodied in the community - so we are looking for ways we can engage with one another," he said. He believed this would prevent people forming "cartoon images" of each other.
He added: "Many people are very proud of being Scottish, Welsh, as well as being Catholics and Muslims." Therein lies the problem. People are proud of these identities as they should be, but Britishness is a false concept that doesnt exist, and trying to tell us we are really British is condescending and annoying.
Brown and Goldsmith could of course be attempting to promote a sense of collective identity for a country which seems to be taken over by Individualism (Much thanks to Gordon's rampant Economic privatisation and continuation of Thatcherism) and i don't see anything wrong with that at all, but the heart of the problem surely lies with social issues such as poverty, lack of education and community cohesion, things which the government can have a far more positive effect on if they stop to think.
Personally if we have to swear an oath or celebrate something about Britishness at all, can't we all just have a Nice Cup of Tea.
The Hitch Diaries
“There are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness” according to Franz Kafka. Based on that, most of my first year has been as sinful as Max Moseley’s bedroom habits, and On this, me and 4 of my mates from Cardiff opted to take the epic task of Hitch Hiking to Morocco from little ol’ Talybont in search of a cure for these first year blues. The charity Link Community Development has every year since 1992 organised the Morocco (and Prague) Hitch hikes for intrepid Students who want to raise money for African School kids while blazing the open road to fun, faith and freedom. A pretty daunting task I admit, and one my parents were slightly skeptical about (I'm sure they would have driven me to Algeciras themselves if I had let them!)
And so, on a nervous first morning, we set out for the open road, the Sun in our eyes and the cold wind on our backs, gently nudging us to our first lift, which as it turned out was my Dad, as getting off Colum road was a nightmare (This was much to Gareth and Simon's annoyance as we drove past them, many expletives resonating) as we flew towards our next lift, Graham, a rambling and kind trucker who had James Bond slogans and pic's splashed across his jazzy truck (which has been in the seminal trucking Magazine, Truckers Monthly, none other). His early talk about his truck was slightly daunting to three Hitching virgins, but the journey flew by as his kind demeanour shone through all the way to Southampton. Wonderful, we were nearly at Portsmouth with hours in hand before the ferry! Magic, this Hitch melarky was easy, until we found ourselves walking along the Motorway to the next service station which is (obviously!!) illegal and we got screamed at. After 2 hours of waiting, the Police came and we were told to bugger off the motorway which we duly obliged to, glad we weren't spending time at her Majesty's Pleasure.
Finally then we reached Portsmouth and got the Night ferry with Si and Gareth, meeting some Hitchers who had a free lift to Bilbao on a ferry (It turned out to be untrue, we met them In Morocco and they said he had lied!) and some Oxford students. It was easy enough to spot those on the Hitch, everyone wore the recognisable dark green t-shirts with a picture of Africa and a cheesy thumbs up on it. We were lucky enough to find a short lift from a young guy who lived in Le Havre and we made it for our first taste of so called wonderful cuisine- a couple of Euro's for a piece of bread, butter and jam would be the tale of Breakfast woe throughout the Hitch! Sniping anyone who looked English, we were lucky enough to find a not so keen couple, and we virtually forced our way into the back, with our bags on top of us, we could hardly see and my leg felt like it would fall off from numbness. It was a massive Hitch, permeated by friendly chat about their Kids, and Jess's ever constant saying "You know what I fancy Now?....A Cup of Tea"
So we made it all the way Bordeaux, in less than 5 Hitches! A good nights rest followed with another epic lift the next day- all the way to near Burgos in Spain from a kind couple, they were from Slovenia and Argentina! Not that a massive lift was seemingly kind enough, as we proceeded to stay at their flat for 2 whole days and Nights! We drank, smoked, (Emma used her Amazing Spanish Skills to communicate!) watched dodgy Spanish T.V., had the most epic Easter meal I have ever seen and were generally treated like Hitching Gods for a weekend.
At this point we were feeling (a) Pleased that we were destroying Simon and Gareth in the race to Morocco and (b) Thinking that the Hitching was easier and almost as Quick as getting a Bus/ Train! However, drama comes and goes while travelling as quickly as the next lift, and we found our next lift in the Snow and dark, but not before a seriously dodgy encounter! We swaggered into a roadside 'bar' and met some Portuguese truckers who agreed to take us, but we agreed only with supreme worry that they may have 'interfered' with us. This led to an interesting conversation by their truck as they tried to split up our group and take 'us round the back' of their truck. After avoiding almost definite sexy times with the grizzly men, we proceeded to nearly have the same situation in Burgos, getting a taxi away from one lift who began to Phone his mates and stare at us creepily as we walked away.
"Simon (Lucey) Says"
Hitchers! Dodgy Hitchers may still be Good! An Anti-Terrorist agent, Jehova's Witness and Porn Film Director can still be fantastic lifts!
After a night of locking our hostel door we quickly reconsidered how easy the Hitch was, and headed off with trepidation the next morning, finding a lift through the snow-capped(!) mountains surrounding Madrid and onwards through to Cordoba that night, with the nicest Spanish vet retelling Spanish folk stories to us along the way.
While most people were incredibly friendly, we sometimes found their nonchalance with which they picked us up disconcerting. The guy who took us to Cordoba (A 4 hour Drive!) barely looked up as he accepted to take us! This kindness continued as we quickly hopped to Malaga, slumming it in the tent before the final attempt to reach Maroc! One lift from the shortest Belgian man ever, an Eventing instructor, who spoke about fifty languages, and we were at our destination!Algeciras, with a short swim of water to the Golden coast of Afrique.
For those of you who think that at this point, the near-rapes, the excitement and the culture blast finished, then Morocco provided an equally vibrant explosion of colours, smells and people. Arrival in Tangier (Like Port Talbot only smellier) was quickly pushed away by a Bus journey with some newly found Hitchers to the beautiful Mountain town of Chefcheoan, where every buildings is painted a brilliant Sky blue. We got to see the awesome sight of the sun descending behind the rif mountains from atop a derelict Mosque, while the call to Prayers echoed across the city, and we had a cool hippy arab who showed us the way while shouting 'happy hippy' most of the way.
We sped to Fes next, where we took the daunting decision of throwing away our Fes, which had been annoying us since we began. The irony was too beautiful not to do it... We managed to procure possibly the best place to stay! While some crew from Edinburgh searched the streets of the 'new' part of town, we headed to the more pictaresque and interesting Medina, although it was somewhat more dark and intimidating at 3 in the morning. Luckily a kind local guy, who had a striking resemblance to a Man Utd player helped us out. We were skeptical, but decided that his offer of a 'house of hospitality' (we thought this would either be a brothel or amazing) was to good to refuse. And we were right, as he had shown us to his family's carpet warehouse. It had 25 year old camel fur rugs laid out for us, as well as a Spanish guitar to pluck and Mint Tea to sip. Needless to say, it was a good decision!
Next stop- Marrakech! A town of more sights and sounds, smells and odours than you can imagine. The main square is a vibrant mix of snake charmers, boxing matches, mini golf (!) and amazing foods. We wandered aimlessly for nights on end here, being followed by 'interesting characters' and surrounded by an amalgam of heat battered mosques, winding alleyways and bright colours. The food vendors made their best efforts to persuad us to eat. You may think the sound of a vicky pollard impression was good, or regurgitated Morrisons and Tesco's slogans? But no, we were won over by the incredible, beautiful sound of someone shouting Welsh phrases at me! "Iechyd Da! Croeso Marrakech". Yes, a Moroccan man actually knows more Welsh than this Welshman does. Needless to say we ate from his Restaurant.
Refreshed and embarrased by these encounters, we opted to see if the Sahara could finish off our trip on a high. By this time, me, Jess and Emma probably had had 5 or 6 showers between us throughout the whole of Morocco, so the trip at least gave us more an excuse for our smelly nature. With thoughts turning towards heading home, it was one last experience, one which we won't forget. The best bit was undoubtedly looking at the stars in the night. You know it is a good sky when you barely even see the darkness amongst the glimmering stars. I gave myself and Emma a bit of a scare when I left Jess on the dunes with a Berber guy, nearly breaking my face running in the dark to try and find her as she let out a nervous cry of my name.
An appropriate end to our trip really. Amazing fun, nearly dying, nearly getting 'interfered with' and getting my shorts so full of the Sahara I had to dispose of them @ Marrakech airport.
Fun times.
I would love to say that myself and Simon took up the mildly foolhardy task of going one week without the smallest smidgeon of animal products near them from a moral perspective. Sadly, the idea that it might be a laugh plus the mental challenge appealed to me more than the moral concerns you may think pretentious Philosophy student/ Guardian reader would harbour. However, the weight of our meteoric task ahead was visible enough when we skipped naively through the doors of the world’s biggest Tescos to discover that they had about 3 things which were marked with the Vegan stamp. You know you are up against it when you read that Quorn (that Vegetarian meat substitute we all so love) is not suitable for Vegans . Although there are only around 250,000 Vegans in Britain, it’s still quite extraordinary that such a large Tesco’s would not have a wider range of choice for Vegans and the lack of choice would be a continuing theme throughout my week.
It was my second day when I first tried to buy a meal from a shop, braving the Humanities shop to substitute my meatly desires for a refreshing yet not so filling fruit salad. It was quite hard to fill up with little snacks throughout the day, as you can’t eat many snacks or crisps which tend to have the ghastly E numbers which tend to come from some random part of an animal. The Talybont shop had no sweets I could eat whatsoever which was a grave disappointment when we were two days in, and as for alcohol, Cans were a no-no due to being ‘clarified’ by isinglass, which comes bizarrely from the swim bladders of fish, and Bitters were also out of the question. On the up side, less sugar it was generally good for a student lifestyle with small amounts of sleep and I felt much healthier earlier in the week, with lots of fruit being consumed. Another major benefit is of course for the environment. With the continuing climate change movement becoming larger and larger, many Green self help books will tell you going Meat free is the quickest way you can cut your Carbon Footprint. A Study from the University of Chicago, found that a person switching from the average American diet to a vegan diet would reduce CO2 emissions by 1,485 kg per year. Livestock farming accounts for 18% of all CO2 emissions whereas transport accounts for just 13%. It also scared me slightly when I read a report by Cornell University scientists saying “If all the grain currently fed to livestock in the United States were consumed directly by people, the number of people who could be fed would be nearly 800 million”. With this pseudo-apocalyptic vision in my head, the week rode onwards.
Wednesday morning’s traditional walk home from Welsh Club was unique by a distinct lack of Chips and Kebab from the early morning menu, making the meander through Park Place somewhat less stodgy than usual. By the third day, my admiration for committed Vegans was nurturing into a kinship bordering on brotherhood, as I was finding it difficult to think up interesting meals, never mind make them! Vegetable stir fry and cous cous (no pasta, its got eggs) was the order of the day and if feeling ambitious, maybe Tofu as well, but only if I could stand the surreal mixture of its vaguely chicken-y taste, mixed with its jelly like texture. It might not have slipped through my system quite as pleasantly as Chicken, but there is every reason to consider how the Animals you eat have got to the Plate.
Animal rights is now a massive issue in this country and there are so many reasons why. Opposing eating any Animal products has many obvious reasons. The sanctity of an Animals life is the primary reason, but more and more philosophers are starting to argue that ‘Sentient’ animals should be treated more equally. Clearly a Pig isn’t going to defend itself in court or demand an education, but the idea we don’t kill animals when we might be able to avoid doing so seems fair. Some scientists have even begun to show how many livestock animals develop what appears to be a consciousness and even Emotions. One paper showed that Sheep could recognise an owner up to three years after seeing them, and become attached so much that they may become depressed. The cost of cheaper meat is often in the suffering of the Livestock, in cramped conditions and slaughter houses. All of these are difficult to avoid facts and certainly made me think about Morrissey’s accusation that ‘Meat is Murder’.
My weekend was spent in London, presenting a whole new multitude of difficulties. I foolishly hadn’t thought about the fact the people I was staying with would be eating ‘normal’ food and subsequently was forced to eating a vegetable thai curry on Friday which was scrumptious, but dubiously coloured bright green and probably stacked with various animal based E numbers), a concern I chose in desperate hunger to ignore. And despite being near Camden, the most pretentious part of the world’s most cosmopolitan city, it was far from simple to find Vegan goodies. There was one ‘organic cafe’ close by, but it wasn’t open and I had to stick to marmite sandwiches for Sunday Breakfast, which hardly packed my stomach for the Bus journey home.
By the time Tuesday came and a week had passed, I must admit I was rather keen on splurging on meat and eggs. However, the disappointment of a crusty fried egg and soggy ham toastie didn’t really convince me that meat is so essential. Being a vegan was hard and slightly torturous at times, but I think being vegetarian would be quite easy to even the most carnivorous students among us, and almost certainly will save you a bundle of cash, not to mention healthier for you and the environment as well.
Lloyd Griffiths
When starting this challenge I had some of the common preconceptions about vegans. I worried that after a week free of all animal related products I would turn into a tree hugging hippie or worse a pretentious guardian reader! I tried to think of inspirational vegan figures that would rid my mind of the stereotype I associate them; unfortunately the only vegan symbol I could think of was Heather Mills, Paul McCartney’s estranged ex-wife, I was worried. I could only compare going vegan with trying to speak without using vowels, it just seemed impossible and didn’t make sense.
After one quick late night fry up in which I probably consumed a weeks worth of sausages, eggs and bacon we were ready to change are ways, and embrace are inner flower children.
We began are ethical consumerism ironically in Tesco’s, by managing to fit a quick shop into almost three hours. Armed with a long list of the forbidden and a particularly short list of what was legit, we took to the aisles. I naïvely asked the information desk for some help, but alas Mr Tesco had hardly heard of a vegan and pointed me towards the vegetarian section. The process was not made easier by the packaging; on most foods a vegan symbol was obvious however on drinks there was no hint bar a list of E numbers. A few tedious hours later I had a (almost fully) vegan weekly shop done, consisting mainly of couscous and carrots.
I did not kick off the task well. On day one when offered an all day breakfast in town for only £2 (practically stealing) I was forced under the influence of my friends to be unfaithful to my new found diet.
Dejected and slightly embarrassed at my lack of dedication I decided I had to make up for my mistake and the easiest and most logical way was, in my eyes to make lentil soup, from scratch. It also provided an amazing distraction from that essay hanging over my head. In a moment of madness I had associated lentils with vegans in Tesco’s and invested in a pack. If there is one thing anyone learns from this article it should be this, lentils expand when heated in water. Naïvely I assumed the more lentils the better and ended up with about twenty pints of sewage like sludge.
This proved beneficial financially, as every time I wandered into the kitchen peckish, and saw the litres of soup perspiring on the windowsill I quickly turned around not feeling hungry! Instead of the disgusting mixture I turned largely to banana sandwiches, not the varied diet doctors would advise.
One reason I was interested in taking on such a challenge was to explore the claimed health benefits, or depending on who you believe costs. It seems obvious that with a vegan diet of reduced animal fat the chances of heart disease will decrease, but what of those who claim vegans cannot get the required proteins and other necessity’s found in meat. I certainly felt less energetic and generally unwell after a few days on the diet, however I had not lived on a varied diet, in all honesty it mainly consisted of banana sandwiches. However after I ran out of bananas and had to cast my eye around my fridge I began to feel much better.
Some attribute health benefits to the reduction of growth hormones and antibiotics which are found in a lot meat from outside the European Union and USA.
Generally doctors advise that with a varied diet incorporating plenty of nuts and seeds, and possibly dietary supplements, there is no reason a vegan should be any less healthy than someone on a normal diet. Indeed there is evidence that it can prevent prostate cancer.
One major problem I have with veganism is mainly breakfast. I confess if I miss breakfast I get an unattractive mix of stomach grumbling and crankiness, not what is needed when trying to behave intellectually in seminars to impress a) tutors and b) that girl that sits across from me (you know who you are). I’m a weetabix man, and I experimented with Soya milk on my daily dose of rocket fuel but it was so revolting (apparently due to the sweetened nature of the milk) that I had to dispose of it in the bin, and as usual substitute for the reliable banana sandwiches.
It is harsh to write of vegan food as disgusting, some of the best food I’ve had since coming to university has been vegan. It is possible for huge variations if you use you initiative, from mushroom burgers to tofu curries, there are many options, and due to the nature of the ingredients are very quick to cook.
It is also unfair to class all vegans as free range communists as well. Some notable exceptions include Bryan Adams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pamela Anderson (shock), and Barry White.
The process of becoming a vegan for a week has made me aware of just how much meat I eat, and how it is widely unnecessary. Although I believe becoming a vegan is probably too tough for the average student I would certainly not write of a move to a vegetarian diet. The process of walking around Tesco’s reading all the labels is also a worthwhile exercise; it is flabbergasting how many ‘E’ numbers are included in everything we eat. Above all I now a lot more respect for those fair-trade hippies I was before so sceptical about. Now where is my bacon sarny.
Vegan Facts
Incredibly, in a country with a waistline as big as it’s mouth, America has more vegans than ‘Liberal’ Britain, The U.S has up to 1.3% of its population and Britian between 0.25% and 0.4%, the times estimated it to be 250,000 in 2005.
Vegan diets are credited with lowering cancer, heart attacks, cholesterol and strokes but you may miss out on calcium, iodine and Vitamin B12 and D.
Egg hens are kept in battery cages, 4 or 6 to each pen, which gives them about the same area to stand on as a 12' record cover
The plot of land needed to produce food for one person on a meat based diet would feed 12 vegetarians, or 20 vegans. One acre of land can produce 165 pounds of beef, or 20,000 pounds of potatoes.
A website told me Vegans are better in Bed, but that doesn’t explain Morrissey, so it might not be a fact sorry .
Animals production requires 8 times as much fossil fuels and are only 1.4 times as nutritious
Beef requires an 54 times as much energy to get 1 unit of protein output.
Please visit the Vegan society website for more info.
Confessions Box
Simon’s
1 x All Day Breakfast
Day 1
10:00 AM
1 x slice of grated cheese
Day 4
2:00 AM
3 x Shreddies (dry)
Day 4
2:02 AM
1 x Mum’s roast dinner
Day 5
3:00 PM
Lloyd’s
1 x Pint of Brains Bitter
Day 3
9.00 AM(Just kidding)
4 x Shreddies (dry)
Day 4
2:02 AM
Honey
Several Times
White Bread
Day 5
10.15 AM
Simon Lucey
Forward Russia! Interview @ Barfly
Lloyd: How was it to Get Back in the Studio and record the new album?
Whiskas: It has been good fun, the recording is probably my favourite part of the whole thing, we basically did it all over 10 weeks in Seattle which meant we didn’t really get to do any festivals, meaning these run of shows are sort of the first time we have played the new songs to anyone live.
L: The newer material is sounding somewhat more frantic and Heavier, is that a natural progression, or something Matt Bayles (Producer, Isis, Mastodon) Brought along?
W: Well, to be honest the sound is slightly heavier on some songs but overall the style in which we have recorded the album was far more refined and less frantic, and it was nice to maintain some more control over what came out. I think this album is far more intended than the first one. Part of that has been Matt, but we like the way he manages to keep records sounding clean yet not processed more than any particular records he has produced before and I think that fitted in with what we are trying to do, and there definitely sounds like there is a depth to the production that we didn’t have before.
L: You’ve said before that you were sick of waiting around for labels to sort themselves out’, in what way exactly did you experience this?
W: Well, we were always sort of on the fringes of getting signed really, we had lots of times where we thought, this is it, thanks to various Industry figures or people telling us this guy or this label would be watching us at gigs or whatever. We had quite a bit of attention, but I don’t think anyone ever saw us as the sort of band who were going to sell 100,000 albums and it probably came down to that lack of marketability really. One of the bands we used to be in were close to signing a deal and we had NME Radar coverage but we never met the A&R men and just never happened. But back then I think we took it much more seriously, getting signed, maybe worried about it too much.
L: Since then of course, you have set up your own recording Label (Dance to the Radio!), What has it been like juggling the differing pressures of running the Label and recording/writing/gigging?
W: A Nightmare! It’s very hands on running the label, but a lot of the time I am getting other people to fill in when we are touring and so on, so it’s sometimes hard to give it my full attention. After touring the first album I had about 6 months without any gigs which was weird because we hadn’t stayed at home properly for 21 months I think but that gave me some time to dedicate to the label which was good with all the up and coming artists who were in the same position as we were a few years ago
L: With regards to Labels, what did you think of Radiohead ignoring Labels completely by releasing their album on their own, and allowing people to decide its ‘value’?
W: Well, Radiohead and probably about three other bands in the world could probably afford to do it, Economically and reputation wise. I think they have done it for their own reasons, to do something different, I think it has been good because it has raised the question of what value people actually put on music now. That was probably more why they did it rather than to avoid record labels. It’s an interesting point really, but Young people are those who tend not to value artistic effort by file-sharing, and you need a credit card to get it off the internet so it might not really encourage them to buy it. I think theres a bit of a sad general decline in in appreciation of artistic effort to be honest, Music is treated like a commodiy even though the internet makes it feel less so, less physical than on CD. Unfortunately it's treated like a commodity which is easy to steal.
L: How has the new material been received in the Smaller Venues?
W: Yeah, it’s been nice actually, it was hard to try and incorporate it into the few festivals sets we did in the summer, people tend to want to hear the most popular songs and it’s a far more separate atmosphere, you go on, you play your hits really loud and go home. That’s probably one advantage of playing as headliners, despite the pressure we put on ourselves, its so much better to be able to have time to do our own set up so we can get the sound right, especially for the newer songs, where people aren’t really familiar with them. Although we are playing smaller, more inclusive venues where everyone will know a lot of the tracks, the sound can tend to reverberate and not be as subtle as we like, but headlining really helps us to control that.
L: Which do you prefer then, Festivals or more intimate Bars like tonight?
W: Well, we have been bumping into each other quite a lot on these little stages, we all get quite raucous on stage and the tiny stages don’t facilitate that really, but its nice to know most people in the crowd will go for it as much as we do. It is a bit more pressure but we get to enjoy watching some music and having a nice evening, watching the support acts and this tour is quite off the cuff anyway, not as much pressure of a festival.
L: Most of the Bands on Dance to the Radio! (Forward Russia!’s self run record label) are from Leeds or really close. Do you see yourselves as part of a scene there because of this?
W: Well we are hardly in Leeds enough to think of ourselves as part of a scene. We always sort of bump into the same bands and people but I don’t think the fact we are all on the label necessarily means we are part of a scene. Leeds is quite weird, it’s easy to see the same bands when you go there but I don’t think there is anything parallel going on between any bands, most people are just doing their own thing but we still come together and do stuff like on the Dance to the Radio! compilation. When we with our old local bands we played more locally but we have got away from that a bit, but you do miss playing little venues and the experience of being in a little van going across the country and that, but having control over our own sound and set up is just as cool to us.
Lloyd Griffiths
China's disputed and controversial relationship with the Sudanese government has come under further scrutiny this week as Hollywood director Steven Spielberg and several leading international figures have voiced their opinions on the continuing genocide in the Darfur region of the East African country. While the run up to the Beijing Olympics has continued unabated with just a few months left, the preparations were hit when Spielberg announced he would not be taking up his role as 'artistic adviser' to the games, citing that his conscience would not allow him to continue, as "the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more".
In response, the Chinese foreign Minister said: "It is understandable if some people do not understand the Chinese government policy on Darfur", adding that "empty rhetoric" would not help the situation.
This will do little to convince Spielberg, as well as the 80 international figures, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that China's role in Sudan is anything other than suspect.
Sudan is filled with hints to China's role. Pagodas have sprung up the capital, Khartoum and Chinese buses and Business are everywhere, yet their relationship is clouded in secrecy, including a 'far reaching agreement' last year, which has not been allowed to leak to the press.
China exports a healthy amount of the oil from the country, as well as supplying Khartoum with arms which have been suggested are being used to drive people from their homes in the ethnic conflict. Last year, China imported a total of $4.1bn ($2.0bn) worth of goods from Sudan, mostly petroleum.
The events are sure to increase the pressure on the Chinese Government as the Olympics draw nearer, and China's poor human rights record as well as increasing contribution to climate change is sure to be scrutinised. Many have brought into question Spielbergs decision, suggesting that Sport and Politics should not mix, including U.S. President George Bush, who himself has been accused of ignoring international pleas for increased help in Darfur, where over 200,000 have now died. However, that seems unlikely to happen as The Olympics have long been an opportunity to express grievances, such as America boycotting the 1980 Moscow games in response to their invasion of Afganistan. That seems unlikely to happen, but as the Games draws ever nearer, the scrutiny is likely to increase on President Hu Jintao.
Lloyd Griffiths
Israel and The Beatles will Come Together later this year at last after they resolved a dispute about a Concert which failed to be staged over 40 years ago. The Israeli Newspaper Yediot Ahronot announced the news that Israel will write to The surviving members of the supergroup, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as relatives of George Harrison and John Lennon in an effort to apologise over a Gig which was cancelled during the bands heyday in 1965. While the rest of the world happily accepted 'Beatlemania', the Israeli government could not afford to buy the foreign currency to pay the band for a concert which was meant to be in Tel Aviv. A Government Committee described the band as "not standing on a high cultural and artistic level and having a bad influence over youth" (This in the days before it was discovered they 'inhaled' in Buckingham Palace WC's).
In 1965, the band were at the peak of their powers, releasing Seminal Album Rubber Soul as well as the film A Hard Days Night (Mr. Starrs wooden acting accepted), but Israel, a country then suffocated by Economic woes couldn't afford to accomodate the band. In 1979, McCartneys bands Wings also cancelled scheduled dates, meaning when McCartney and Starr, who have been invited to attend Israel's 60th Anniversary celebrations in May, will be the first of the Fabs to set foot in the country, a gesture which is sure to leave the ardent Israeli fans Feeling fine.
Lloyd Griffiths
The Arcade Fire
Tuesday 30th October, Cardiff International Arena
There has scarcely been a band in the Noughties which has bridged the gap between underground Art-rock and the mainstream quite so spectacularly or precociously and that very troupe bring their transcendent brand of Euphoric Indie-Rock to Cardiff this week. If you know who they are, then it’s suffice to say that you probably won’t need convincing that Arcade Fire are utterly worth seeing. It would probably be difficult to name a band who are as universally respected and adored by both the alternative/leftfield and mainstream fans and press. Since the release of the second album, Neon Bible, Arcade Fire have exploded into a band which stuffs arenas even bigger than the size of the CIA (note their spectacular appearance on the Other Stage at Glastonbury in June).
Their meteoric rise may be a surprise to many of those who followed them since the release of their Debut album, which came out long ago in Canada in 2004. Funeral was released to little fanfare but those in the know unearthed an album that merged the innovative instrumentation of the Velvet underground with the primal rapture of Radiohead. Made after several of the deaths of family members related to the band, they project a cinematic yet intimate soundscope which is pervaded by the raw emotion of Win Butlers voice. Lyrically, it evokes desolation and fragmentation but somehow is joyous and evokes understanding. They are more than anything else, anthemic and theatrical.
Second Album Neon Bible has given them worldwide recognition. Much of the album features a full size church organ(look out for that on stage!) .They had been tagged the worlds biggest band before the release of it and it is as subversive as Funeral, even if its strangely more claustrophobic and bleak than funeral, indeed this may even suit the numb surroundings of the CIA, but its darkness is set against the same orchestral joy that they are known for and went to #1 In the US and #2 in the UK.
Live, Arcade Fire are all the aforementioned and more. Shows in Brixton earlier this year culminated in an eerily gothic take on the Clash’s Guns of Brixton. Outside a scenic church at a show in London in front of less than 500, they stood at the centre of a swathe of people and performed their biggest hit, Wake Up acoustically, with the same verve as if playing to 50,000. I’m deeply sorry if you haven’t got tickets, because Arcade Fire, on the melodramatic form they’ve displayed so far, should be unmissable.
Lloyd Griffiths
Emmy The Great- Hold On
Emmy the Greats’ single release on Kruger is a life affirming wander through wistful melancholia. The stripped down and candid mood lends her honest lyrics an almost naive kindness. She is however, a songstress who is far from gullible. Her embrace on the delicate art that is singer-songwriter is nuanced and clear to see.
Her mesmeric tone guides us around syllables with flawless intonation , and intimates meaning different to the surface . She makes “hollow horses full of metal wrapped in bows on our doorstep” sound romantic and nostalgic. It may sound like a song for late summer nights and Sunday mornings yet explores dperession with an outlook which is blue yet reassuring.
The semi chorus “hold on to what you own” becomes a persuasive mantra and When she says “Just sing the songs you’ve always sung...hope the day will come you’ll see the ground again” it is hard not to believe it will. Although soft and reassuring, Emmy the Great has more than enough talent to turn the kind of tune lesser performers may lose into an engaging and catchy pop song.
8/10
Lloyd Griffiths
Album Review
Buen Chico- Right To Rearrange
On first listen, Buen Chicos Debut album seems like a nice enough if a daintily timid mirror of many of the pop-indie-twee bands that have popped up, quite literally, this year. The Psychaedlelic rabbits on the front cover do nothing to hide the album will be full of rainbow licked guitar riffs and bouncy indie-pop.
The First few tracks are most immediate, the opening duo of Choosing My Religion and Giving Your Gifts bounce around like a 6 year old after Too many smarties. When they are good, their most gleeful songs remind you of the euphoric pandemonium of a later summer beach party. Great Pleasures shows talent for fitting one of their catchy hooks into a tune which is more indie-rock than the rest of the LP. Lead Single Gold From Lead manages to sound melancholic and joyous at once.
Despite setting course consistently down the rainbow bricked road of guitar-pop, their talent for shuffling skiffle rythym gives this album more lastability than most of the NME hyped indie pop around and makes their debut album interesting enough to make you give it more than a cursory dance at your local disco.
7/10 Lloyd Griffiths
Live Review- Attack + Defend @ Clwb
Despite the recent release of their Mashed-Up Pop L.P ‘Make’, the Atmosphere at Clwb begins less anticipatory than expected(half the crowd lain across the sticky floor). The band wander on nonchalant, almost embarrased at their headline status. But As soon as Attack and Defend launch into their concoctive mish-mash of Material, people stand up and listen. Their mix of broken beats and melodic riffs summons attention and gives them the ari of authority that unites the crowd.
The opening song sets the tone, flipping between the melancholic and euphoric with gay abandon. Single Garibaldi starts off wistful before dispatching a frantic bridge to the childlike and disneyesque refrain ‘Little Little Little Fishies swimming in the Deep Blue Sea’. DNA is them at their most accessible, but subversive nonetheless.
They emit a sound that amalgamates the best parts of The Furries and Architecture in Helsinki but this is no copycat band. Despite the similarities, they indulge the crowd in a sound which is very much their own. Towards the climax, it is easy to see why their frenzied and syncopated style works so well live, It’s impossible to know which way they will go next.
Live, A+D demonstrate a superb ability to throw Rhythms and Styles into the mix and not spoil the quality of the finished article.Tighter and closer than on record ,Attack + Defend = Fun
8/10
Lloyd Griffiths
As a country, we are constantly obsessed with our own National identity. We become dotty at the idea of people invading our glorious little island, become headless chickens at the World Cup and just go plain mental at the Last Night of the Proms. But whereas this kind of awkward silliness is part of what makes our country so unique, Lord Goldsmith's equally insane attempts to get pupils to swear an oath to the Queen, plus proposals for a 'Britishness day' marks a new low in attempts to tell us how we should see our identity.
Lord Goldsmith left the Government seat of Attorney General in June, and he is delivering his report to Gordon Brown in an attempt to "mark that passage of being a student of citizenship to a citizen in practise". He wants all pupils leaving school to swear alliegance of citizenship to the queen among other measures, such as a National day, similar to Australia Day -"It does make sense to promote a sense of shared belonging, a sense that you are part of a community with a common venture, to integrate better newcomers to our society and be clearer about what the rights and responsibilities are."
This has come on the back of numerous government 'debates' about the nature of our national identity. Although to be quite honest the debate normally consists of Gordon Brown frothing at the mouth while shouting "BE BRITISH!" While asking confused immigrants if they know where the Queen was Born. With his targets firmly aimed at part-time ignorant middle england and people who think immigrants bring bird flu to the country, he has been aiming at this idea of everyone becoming a British '1984' style robot with a union jack and identity number but no name for about a year, and it seems his unfathomable idiocy has infected some of his previous ministers. Last year, Scouts were told they would no longer swear alliegance to the Queen. Far from being 'inclusive' or representing our multicultural society, it was the latest in a number of attempts by the Government to recreate our national identity. But the Scouts have a deep history of swearing alliegance to queen and country, something which has been done since the start of the 20th Century, and it is part of their history, plus Scouts is a voluntary organisation, Children aren't forced (I wasn't anyway) to go and swear alliegance. Although Goldsmith has not suggested that Students should HAVE to swear alliegance, the Government on both sides (Over Liberal in the Case of the Scouts, overly Jingoistic on Goldsmiths ideas) fails to recognise that meddling with cultural history is dangerous and damaging.
This government seems to be determined to turn into what is like your meddling Grandma- Determined to tell you what to do, misinformed and longing for past times when 'these foreigners' weren't around. And along with all this, it seems that the Government may be in danger of falling into my awful ageist stereotype and become less and less taken seriously.
I desperately hope we can avoid the kind of empty constitutionalism that the U.S 'enjoys' where any dissent or questioning is turned by Fox news into 'not loving the country' and Racist Fundamentalists and Gun toting Idiots can argue that it's okay to have a Gun under the pillow or to hate Muslims, because the Bill of Rights said they 'have the right to'. Equally, you can't force people across the board to say alliegance to the Queen on the half hearted premise of 'social cohesion', especially when on the other hand of the same issue of 'Britishness', this embarassing, Jingoistic rhetoric justifies the view that immigrants or even those not of the 'middle england' persuasion, somehow spoil what it means to be British. I think the most marked reaction to Gordon Brown's continued campaign has been a collective shrugging of the shoulders, because it seems such a throwback to Nationalist politics which seem more at home in the 1940's and 50's.
Some wise words came last year from The Rt Rev Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London who said that although it was "important to establish an idea of Britishness", it shouldn't be a series of blank and fixed concepts
"Those great concepts have to be embodied in the community - so we are looking for ways we can engage with one another," he said. He believed this would prevent people forming "cartoon images" of each other.
He added: "Many people are very proud of being Scottish, Welsh, as well as being Catholics and Muslims." Therein lies the problem. People are proud of these identities as they should be, but Britishness is a false concept that doesnt exist, and trying to tell us we are really British is condescending and annoying.
Brown and Goldsmith could of course be attempting to promote a sense of collective identity for a country which seems to be taken over by Individualism (Much thanks to Gordon's rampant Economic privatisation and continuation of Thatcherism) and i don't see anything wrong with that at all, but the heart of the problem surely lies with social issues such as poverty, lack of education and community cohesion, things which the government can have a far more positive effect on if they stop to think.
Personally if we have to swear an oath or celebrate something about Britishness at all, can't we all just have a Nice Cup of Tea.
The Hitch Diaries
“There are two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness” according to Franz Kafka. Based on that, most of my first year has been as sinful as Max Moseley’s bedroom habits, and On this, me and 4 of my mates from Cardiff opted to take the epic task of Hitch Hiking to Morocco from little ol’ Talybont in search of a cure for these first year blues. The charity Link Community Development has every year since 1992 organised the Morocco (and Prague) Hitch hikes for intrepid Students who want to raise money for African School kids while blazing the open road to fun, faith and freedom. A pretty daunting task I admit, and one my parents were slightly skeptical about (I'm sure they would have driven me to Algeciras themselves if I had let them!)
And so, on a nervous first morning, we set out for the open road, the Sun in our eyes and the cold wind on our backs, gently nudging us to our first lift, which as it turned out was my Dad, as getting off Colum road was a nightmare (This was much to Gareth and Simon's annoyance as we drove past them, many expletives resonating) as we flew towards our next lift, Graham, a rambling and kind trucker who had James Bond slogans and pic's splashed across his jazzy truck (which has been in the seminal trucking Magazine, Truckers Monthly, none other). His early talk about his truck was slightly daunting to three Hitching virgins, but the journey flew by as his kind demeanour shone through all the way to Southampton. Wonderful, we were nearly at Portsmouth with hours in hand before the ferry! Magic, this Hitch melarky was easy, until we found ourselves walking along the Motorway to the next service station which is (obviously!!) illegal and we got screamed at. After 2 hours of waiting, the Police came and we were told to bugger off the motorway which we duly obliged to, glad we weren't spending time at her Majesty's Pleasure.
Finally then we reached Portsmouth and got the Night ferry with Si and Gareth, meeting some Hitchers who had a free lift to Bilbao on a ferry (It turned out to be untrue, we met them In Morocco and they said he had lied!) and some Oxford students. It was easy enough to spot those on the Hitch, everyone wore the recognisable dark green t-shirts with a picture of Africa and a cheesy thumbs up on it. We were lucky enough to find a short lift from a young guy who lived in Le Havre and we made it for our first taste of so called wonderful cuisine- a couple of Euro's for a piece of bread, butter and jam would be the tale of Breakfast woe throughout the Hitch! Sniping anyone who looked English, we were lucky enough to find a not so keen couple, and we virtually forced our way into the back, with our bags on top of us, we could hardly see and my leg felt like it would fall off from numbness. It was a massive Hitch, permeated by friendly chat about their Kids, and Jess's ever constant saying "You know what I fancy Now?....A Cup of Tea"
So we made it all the way Bordeaux, in less than 5 Hitches! A good nights rest followed with another epic lift the next day- all the way to near Burgos in Spain from a kind couple, they were from Slovenia and Argentina! Not that a massive lift was seemingly kind enough, as we proceeded to stay at their flat for 2 whole days and Nights! We drank, smoked, (Emma used her Amazing Spanish Skills to communicate!) watched dodgy Spanish T.V., had the most epic Easter meal I have ever seen and were generally treated like Hitching Gods for a weekend.
At this point we were feeling (a) Pleased that we were destroying Simon and Gareth in the race to Morocco and (b) Thinking that the Hitching was easier and almost as Quick as getting a Bus/ Train! However, drama comes and goes while travelling as quickly as the next lift, and we found our next lift in the Snow and dark, but not before a seriously dodgy encounter! We swaggered into a roadside 'bar' and met some Portuguese truckers who agreed to take us, but we agreed only with supreme worry that they may have 'interfered' with us. This led to an interesting conversation by their truck as they tried to split up our group and take 'us round the back' of their truck. After avoiding almost definite sexy times with the grizzly men, we proceeded to nearly have the same situation in Burgos, getting a taxi away from one lift who began to Phone his mates and stare at us creepily as we walked away.
"Simon (Lucey) Says"
Hitchers! Dodgy Hitchers may still be Good! An Anti-Terrorist agent, Jehova's Witness and Porn Film Director can still be fantastic lifts!
After a night of locking our hostel door we quickly reconsidered how easy the Hitch was, and headed off with trepidation the next morning, finding a lift through the snow-capped(!) mountains surrounding Madrid and onwards through to Cordoba that night, with the nicest Spanish vet retelling Spanish folk stories to us along the way.
While most people were incredibly friendly, we sometimes found their nonchalance with which they picked us up disconcerting. The guy who took us to Cordoba (A 4 hour Drive!) barely looked up as he accepted to take us! This kindness continued as we quickly hopped to Malaga, slumming it in the tent before the final attempt to reach Maroc! One lift from the shortest Belgian man ever, an Eventing instructor, who spoke about fifty languages, and we were at our destination!Algeciras, with a short swim of water to the Golden coast of Afrique.
For those of you who think that at this point, the near-rapes, the excitement and the culture blast finished, then Morocco provided an equally vibrant explosion of colours, smells and people. Arrival in Tangier (Like Port Talbot only smellier) was quickly pushed away by a Bus journey with some newly found Hitchers to the beautiful Mountain town of Chefcheoan, where every buildings is painted a brilliant Sky blue. We got to see the awesome sight of the sun descending behind the rif mountains from atop a derelict Mosque, while the call to Prayers echoed across the city, and we had a cool hippy arab who showed us the way while shouting 'happy hippy' most of the way.
We sped to Fes next, where we took the daunting decision of throwing away our Fes, which had been annoying us since we began. The irony was too beautiful not to do it... We managed to procure possibly the best place to stay! While some crew from Edinburgh searched the streets of the 'new' part of town, we headed to the more pictaresque and interesting Medina, although it was somewhat more dark and intimidating at 3 in the morning. Luckily a kind local guy, who had a striking resemblance to a Man Utd player helped us out. We were skeptical, but decided that his offer of a 'house of hospitality' (we thought this would either be a brothel or amazing) was to good to refuse. And we were right, as he had shown us to his family's carpet warehouse. It had 25 year old camel fur rugs laid out for us, as well as a Spanish guitar to pluck and Mint Tea to sip. Needless to say, it was a good decision!
Next stop- Marrakech! A town of more sights and sounds, smells and odours than you can imagine. The main square is a vibrant mix of snake charmers, boxing matches, mini golf (!) and amazing foods. We wandered aimlessly for nights on end here, being followed by 'interesting characters' and surrounded by an amalgam of heat battered mosques, winding alleyways and bright colours. The food vendors made their best efforts to persuad us to eat. You may think the sound of a vicky pollard impression was good, or regurgitated Morrisons and Tesco's slogans? But no, we were won over by the incredible, beautiful sound of someone shouting Welsh phrases at me! "Iechyd Da! Croeso Marrakech". Yes, a Moroccan man actually knows more Welsh than this Welshman does. Needless to say we ate from his Restaurant.
Refreshed and embarrased by these encounters, we opted to see if the Sahara could finish off our trip on a high. By this time, me, Jess and Emma probably had had 5 or 6 showers between us throughout the whole of Morocco, so the trip at least gave us more an excuse for our smelly nature. With thoughts turning towards heading home, it was one last experience, one which we won't forget. The best bit was undoubtedly looking at the stars in the night. You know it is a good sky when you barely even see the darkness amongst the glimmering stars. I gave myself and Emma a bit of a scare when I left Jess on the dunes with a Berber guy, nearly breaking my face running in the dark to try and find her as she let out a nervous cry of my name.
An appropriate end to our trip really. Amazing fun, nearly dying, nearly getting 'interfered with' and getting my shorts so full of the Sahara I had to dispose of them @ Marrakech airport.
Fun times.
I would love to say that myself and Simon took up the mildly foolhardy task of going one week without the smallest smidgeon of animal products near them from a moral perspective. Sadly, the idea that it might be a laugh plus the mental challenge appealed to me more than the moral concerns you may think pretentious Philosophy student/ Guardian reader would harbour. However, the weight of our meteoric task ahead was visible enough when we skipped naively through the doors of the world’s biggest Tescos to discover that they had about 3 things which were marked with the Vegan stamp. You know you are up against it when you read that Quorn (that Vegetarian meat substitute we all so love) is not suitable for Vegans . Although there are only around 250,000 Vegans in Britain, it’s still quite extraordinary that such a large Tesco’s would not have a wider range of choice for Vegans and the lack of choice would be a continuing theme throughout my week.
It was my second day when I first tried to buy a meal from a shop, braving the Humanities shop to substitute my meatly desires for a refreshing yet not so filling fruit salad. It was quite hard to fill up with little snacks throughout the day, as you can’t eat many snacks or crisps which tend to have the ghastly E numbers which tend to come from some random part of an animal. The Talybont shop had no sweets I could eat whatsoever which was a grave disappointment when we were two days in, and as for alcohol, Cans were a no-no due to being ‘clarified’ by isinglass, which comes bizarrely from the swim bladders of fish, and Bitters were also out of the question. On the up side, less sugar it was generally good for a student lifestyle with small amounts of sleep and I felt much healthier earlier in the week, with lots of fruit being consumed. Another major benefit is of course for the environment. With the continuing climate change movement becoming larger and larger, many Green self help books will tell you going Meat free is the quickest way you can cut your Carbon Footprint. A Study from the University of Chicago, found that a person switching from the average American diet to a vegan diet would reduce CO2 emissions by 1,485 kg per year. Livestock farming accounts for 18% of all CO2 emissions whereas transport accounts for just 13%. It also scared me slightly when I read a report by Cornell University scientists saying “If all the grain currently fed to livestock in the United States were consumed directly by people, the number of people who could be fed would be nearly 800 million”. With this pseudo-apocalyptic vision in my head, the week rode onwards.
Wednesday morning’s traditional walk home from Welsh Club was unique by a distinct lack of Chips and Kebab from the early morning menu, making the meander through Park Place somewhat less stodgy than usual. By the third day, my admiration for committed Vegans was nurturing into a kinship bordering on brotherhood, as I was finding it difficult to think up interesting meals, never mind make them! Vegetable stir fry and cous cous (no pasta, its got eggs) was the order of the day and if feeling ambitious, maybe Tofu as well, but only if I could stand the surreal mixture of its vaguely chicken-y taste, mixed with its jelly like texture. It might not have slipped through my system quite as pleasantly as Chicken, but there is every reason to consider how the Animals you eat have got to the Plate.
Animal rights is now a massive issue in this country and there are so many reasons why. Opposing eating any Animal products has many obvious reasons. The sanctity of an Animals life is the primary reason, but more and more philosophers are starting to argue that ‘Sentient’ animals should be treated more equally. Clearly a Pig isn’t going to defend itself in court or demand an education, but the idea we don’t kill animals when we might be able to avoid doing so seems fair. Some scientists have even begun to show how many livestock animals develop what appears to be a consciousness and even Emotions. One paper showed that Sheep could recognise an owner up to three years after seeing them, and become attached so much that they may become depressed. The cost of cheaper meat is often in the suffering of the Livestock, in cramped conditions and slaughter houses. All of these are difficult to avoid facts and certainly made me think about Morrissey’s accusation that ‘Meat is Murder’.
My weekend was spent in London, presenting a whole new multitude of difficulties. I foolishly hadn’t thought about the fact the people I was staying with would be eating ‘normal’ food and subsequently was forced to eating a vegetable thai curry on Friday which was scrumptious, but dubiously coloured bright green and probably stacked with various animal based E numbers), a concern I chose in desperate hunger to ignore. And despite being near Camden, the most pretentious part of the world’s most cosmopolitan city, it was far from simple to find Vegan goodies. There was one ‘organic cafe’ close by, but it wasn’t open and I had to stick to marmite sandwiches for Sunday Breakfast, which hardly packed my stomach for the Bus journey home.
By the time Tuesday came and a week had passed, I must admit I was rather keen on splurging on meat and eggs. However, the disappointment of a crusty fried egg and soggy ham toastie didn’t really convince me that meat is so essential. Being a vegan was hard and slightly torturous at times, but I think being vegetarian would be quite easy to even the most carnivorous students among us, and almost certainly will save you a bundle of cash, not to mention healthier for you and the environment as well.
Lloyd Griffiths
When starting this challenge I had some of the common preconceptions about vegans. I worried that after a week free of all animal related products I would turn into a tree hugging hippie or worse a pretentious guardian reader! I tried to think of inspirational vegan figures that would rid my mind of the stereotype I associate them; unfortunately the only vegan symbol I could think of was Heather Mills, Paul McCartney’s estranged ex-wife, I was worried. I could only compare going vegan with trying to speak without using vowels, it just seemed impossible and didn’t make sense.
After one quick late night fry up in which I probably consumed a weeks worth of sausages, eggs and bacon we were ready to change are ways, and embrace are inner flower children.
We began are ethical consumerism ironically in Tesco’s, by managing to fit a quick shop into almost three hours. Armed with a long list of the forbidden and a particularly short list of what was legit, we took to the aisles. I naïvely asked the information desk for some help, but alas Mr Tesco had hardly heard of a vegan and pointed me towards the vegetarian section. The process was not made easier by the packaging; on most foods a vegan symbol was obvious however on drinks there was no hint bar a list of E numbers. A few tedious hours later I had a (almost fully) vegan weekly shop done, consisting mainly of couscous and carrots.
I did not kick off the task well. On day one when offered an all day breakfast in town for only £2 (practically stealing) I was forced under the influence of my friends to be unfaithful to my new found diet.
Dejected and slightly embarrassed at my lack of dedication I decided I had to make up for my mistake and the easiest and most logical way was, in my eyes to make lentil soup, from scratch. It also provided an amazing distraction from that essay hanging over my head. In a moment of madness I had associated lentils with vegans in Tesco’s and invested in a pack. If there is one thing anyone learns from this article it should be this, lentils expand when heated in water. Naïvely I assumed the more lentils the better and ended up with about twenty pints of sewage like sludge.
This proved beneficial financially, as every time I wandered into the kitchen peckish, and saw the litres of soup perspiring on the windowsill I quickly turned around not feeling hungry! Instead of the disgusting mixture I turned largely to banana sandwiches, not the varied diet doctors would advise.
One reason I was interested in taking on such a challenge was to explore the claimed health benefits, or depending on who you believe costs. It seems obvious that with a vegan diet of reduced animal fat the chances of heart disease will decrease, but what of those who claim vegans cannot get the required proteins and other necessity’s found in meat. I certainly felt less energetic and generally unwell after a few days on the diet, however I had not lived on a varied diet, in all honesty it mainly consisted of banana sandwiches. However after I ran out of bananas and had to cast my eye around my fridge I began to feel much better.
Some attribute health benefits to the reduction of growth hormones and antibiotics which are found in a lot meat from outside the European Union and USA.
Generally doctors advise that with a varied diet incorporating plenty of nuts and seeds, and possibly dietary supplements, there is no reason a vegan should be any less healthy than someone on a normal diet. Indeed there is evidence that it can prevent prostate cancer.
One major problem I have with veganism is mainly breakfast. I confess if I miss breakfast I get an unattractive mix of stomach grumbling and crankiness, not what is needed when trying to behave intellectually in seminars to impress a) tutors and b) that girl that sits across from me (you know who you are). I’m a weetabix man, and I experimented with Soya milk on my daily dose of rocket fuel but it was so revolting (apparently due to the sweetened nature of the milk) that I had to dispose of it in the bin, and as usual substitute for the reliable banana sandwiches.
It is harsh to write of vegan food as disgusting, some of the best food I’ve had since coming to university has been vegan. It is possible for huge variations if you use you initiative, from mushroom burgers to tofu curries, there are many options, and due to the nature of the ingredients are very quick to cook.
It is also unfair to class all vegans as free range communists as well. Some notable exceptions include Bryan Adams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pamela Anderson (shock), and Barry White.
The process of becoming a vegan for a week has made me aware of just how much meat I eat, and how it is widely unnecessary. Although I believe becoming a vegan is probably too tough for the average student I would certainly not write of a move to a vegetarian diet. The process of walking around Tesco’s reading all the labels is also a worthwhile exercise; it is flabbergasting how many ‘E’ numbers are included in everything we eat. Above all I now a lot more respect for those fair-trade hippies I was before so sceptical about. Now where is my bacon sarny.
Vegan Facts
Incredibly, in a country with a waistline as big as it’s mouth, America has more vegans than ‘Liberal’ Britain, The U.S has up to 1.3% of its population and Britian between 0.25% and 0.4%, the times estimated it to be 250,000 in 2005.
Vegan diets are credited with lowering cancer, heart attacks, cholesterol and strokes but you may miss out on calcium, iodine and Vitamin B12 and D.
Egg hens are kept in battery cages, 4 or 6 to each pen, which gives them about the same area to stand on as a 12' record cover
The plot of land needed to produce food for one person on a meat based diet would feed 12 vegetarians, or 20 vegans. One acre of land can produce 165 pounds of beef, or 20,000 pounds of potatoes.
A website told me Vegans are better in Bed, but that doesn’t explain Morrissey, so it might not be a fact sorry .
Animals production requires 8 times as much fossil fuels and are only 1.4 times as nutritious
Beef requires an 54 times as much energy to get 1 unit of protein output.
Please visit the Vegan society website for more info.
Confessions Box
Simon’s
1 x All Day Breakfast
Day 1
10:00 AM
1 x slice of grated cheese
Day 4
2:00 AM
3 x Shreddies (dry)
Day 4
2:02 AM
1 x Mum’s roast dinner
Day 5
3:00 PM
Lloyd’s
1 x Pint of Brains Bitter
Day 3
9.00 AM(Just kidding)
4 x Shreddies (dry)
Day 4
2:02 AM
Honey
Several Times
White Bread
Day 5
10.15 AM
Simon Lucey
Forward Russia! Interview @ Barfly
Lloyd: How was it to Get Back in the Studio and record the new album?
Whiskas: It has been good fun, the recording is probably my favourite part of the whole thing, we basically did it all over 10 weeks in Seattle which meant we didn’t really get to do any festivals, meaning these run of shows are sort of the first time we have played the new songs to anyone live.
L: The newer material is sounding somewhat more frantic and Heavier, is that a natural progression, or something Matt Bayles (Producer, Isis, Mastodon) Brought along?
W: Well, to be honest the sound is slightly heavier on some songs but overall the style in which we have recorded the album was far more refined and less frantic, and it was nice to maintain some more control over what came out. I think this album is far more intended than the first one. Part of that has been Matt, but we like the way he manages to keep records sounding clean yet not processed more than any particular records he has produced before and I think that fitted in with what we are trying to do, and there definitely sounds like there is a depth to the production that we didn’t have before.
L: You’ve said before that you were sick of waiting around for labels to sort themselves out’, in what way exactly did you experience this?
W: Well, we were always sort of on the fringes of getting signed really, we had lots of times where we thought, this is it, thanks to various Industry figures or people telling us this guy or this label would be watching us at gigs or whatever. We had quite a bit of attention, but I don’t think anyone ever saw us as the sort of band who were going to sell 100,000 albums and it probably came down to that lack of marketability really. One of the bands we used to be in were close to signing a deal and we had NME Radar coverage but we never met the A&R men and just never happened. But back then I think we took it much more seriously, getting signed, maybe worried about it too much.
L: Since then of course, you have set up your own recording Label (Dance to the Radio!), What has it been like juggling the differing pressures of running the Label and recording/writing/gigging?
W: A Nightmare! It’s very hands on running the label, but a lot of the time I am getting other people to fill in when we are touring and so on, so it’s sometimes hard to give it my full attention. After touring the first album I had about 6 months without any gigs which was weird because we hadn’t stayed at home properly for 21 months I think but that gave me some time to dedicate to the label which was good with all the up and coming artists who were in the same position as we were a few years ago
L: With regards to Labels, what did you think of Radiohead ignoring Labels completely by releasing their album on their own, and allowing people to decide its ‘value’?
W: Well, Radiohead and probably about three other bands in the world could probably afford to do it, Economically and reputation wise. I think they have done it for their own reasons, to do something different, I think it has been good because it has raised the question of what value people actually put on music now. That was probably more why they did it rather than to avoid record labels. It’s an interesting point really, but Young people are those who tend not to value artistic effort by file-sharing, and you need a credit card to get it off the internet so it might not really encourage them to buy it. I think theres a bit of a sad general decline in in appreciation of artistic effort to be honest, Music is treated like a commodiy even though the internet makes it feel less so, less physical than on CD. Unfortunately it's treated like a commodity which is easy to steal.
L: How has the new material been received in the Smaller Venues?
W: Yeah, it’s been nice actually, it was hard to try and incorporate it into the few festivals sets we did in the summer, people tend to want to hear the most popular songs and it’s a far more separate atmosphere, you go on, you play your hits really loud and go home. That’s probably one advantage of playing as headliners, despite the pressure we put on ourselves, its so much better to be able to have time to do our own set up so we can get the sound right, especially for the newer songs, where people aren’t really familiar with them. Although we are playing smaller, more inclusive venues where everyone will know a lot of the tracks, the sound can tend to reverberate and not be as subtle as we like, but headlining really helps us to control that.
L: Which do you prefer then, Festivals or more intimate Bars like tonight?
W: Well, we have been bumping into each other quite a lot on these little stages, we all get quite raucous on stage and the tiny stages don’t facilitate that really, but its nice to know most people in the crowd will go for it as much as we do. It is a bit more pressure but we get to enjoy watching some music and having a nice evening, watching the support acts and this tour is quite off the cuff anyway, not as much pressure of a festival.
L: Most of the Bands on Dance to the Radio! (Forward Russia!’s self run record label) are from Leeds or really close. Do you see yourselves as part of a scene there because of this?
W: Well we are hardly in Leeds enough to think of ourselves as part of a scene. We always sort of bump into the same bands and people but I don’t think the fact we are all on the label necessarily means we are part of a scene. Leeds is quite weird, it’s easy to see the same bands when you go there but I don’t think there is anything parallel going on between any bands, most people are just doing their own thing but we still come together and do stuff like on the Dance to the Radio! compilation. When we with our old local bands we played more locally but we have got away from that a bit, but you do miss playing little venues and the experience of being in a little van going across the country and that, but having control over our own sound and set up is just as cool to us.
Lloyd Griffiths
China's disputed and controversial relationship with the Sudanese government has come under further scrutiny this week as Hollywood director Steven Spielberg and several leading international figures have voiced their opinions on the continuing genocide in the Darfur region of the East African country. While the run up to the Beijing Olympics has continued unabated with just a few months left, the preparations were hit when Spielberg announced he would not be taking up his role as 'artistic adviser' to the games, citing that his conscience would not allow him to continue, as "the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more".
In response, the Chinese foreign Minister said: "It is understandable if some people do not understand the Chinese government policy on Darfur", adding that "empty rhetoric" would not help the situation.
This will do little to convince Spielberg, as well as the 80 international figures, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that China's role in Sudan is anything other than suspect.
Sudan is filled with hints to China's role. Pagodas have sprung up the capital, Khartoum and Chinese buses and Business are everywhere, yet their relationship is clouded in secrecy, including a 'far reaching agreement' last year, which has not been allowed to leak to the press.
China exports a healthy amount of the oil from the country, as well as supplying Khartoum with arms which have been suggested are being used to drive people from their homes in the ethnic conflict. Last year, China imported a total of $4.1bn ($2.0bn) worth of goods from Sudan, mostly petroleum.
The events are sure to increase the pressure on the Chinese Government as the Olympics draw nearer, and China's poor human rights record as well as increasing contribution to climate change is sure to be scrutinised. Many have brought into question Spielbergs decision, suggesting that Sport and Politics should not mix, including U.S. President George Bush, who himself has been accused of ignoring international pleas for increased help in Darfur, where over 200,000 have now died. However, that seems unlikely to happen as The Olympics have long been an opportunity to express grievances, such as America boycotting the 1980 Moscow games in response to their invasion of Afganistan. That seems unlikely to happen, but as the Games draws ever nearer, the scrutiny is likely to increase on President Hu Jintao.
Lloyd Griffiths
Israel and The Beatles will Come Together later this year at last after they resolved a dispute about a Concert which failed to be staged over 40 years ago. The Israeli Newspaper Yediot Ahronot announced the news that Israel will write to The surviving members of the supergroup, Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as relatives of George Harrison and John Lennon in an effort to apologise over a Gig which was cancelled during the bands heyday in 1965. While the rest of the world happily accepted 'Beatlemania', the Israeli government could not afford to buy the foreign currency to pay the band for a concert which was meant to be in Tel Aviv. A Government Committee described the band as "not standing on a high cultural and artistic level and having a bad influence over youth" (This in the days before it was discovered they 'inhaled' in Buckingham Palace WC's).
In 1965, the band were at the peak of their powers, releasing Seminal Album Rubber Soul as well as the film A Hard Days Night (Mr. Starrs wooden acting accepted), but Israel, a country then suffocated by Economic woes couldn't afford to accomodate the band. In 1979, McCartneys bands Wings also cancelled scheduled dates, meaning when McCartney and Starr, who have been invited to attend Israel's 60th Anniversary celebrations in May, will be the first of the Fabs to set foot in the country, a gesture which is sure to leave the ardent Israeli fans Feeling fine.
Lloyd Griffiths
The Arcade Fire
Tuesday 30th October, Cardiff International Arena
There has scarcely been a band in the Noughties which has bridged the gap between underground Art-rock and the mainstream quite so spectacularly or precociously and that very troupe bring their transcendent brand of Euphoric Indie-Rock to Cardiff this week. If you know who they are, then it’s suffice to say that you probably won’t need convincing that Arcade Fire are utterly worth seeing. It would probably be difficult to name a band who are as universally respected and adored by both the alternative/leftfield and mainstream fans and press. Since the release of the second album, Neon Bible, Arcade Fire have exploded into a band which stuffs arenas even bigger than the size of the CIA (note their spectacular appearance on the Other Stage at Glastonbury in June).
Their meteoric rise may be a surprise to many of those who followed them since the release of their Debut album, which came out long ago in Canada in 2004. Funeral was released to little fanfare but those in the know unearthed an album that merged the innovative instrumentation of the Velvet underground with the primal rapture of Radiohead. Made after several of the deaths of family members related to the band, they project a cinematic yet intimate soundscope which is pervaded by the raw emotion of Win Butlers voice. Lyrically, it evokes desolation and fragmentation but somehow is joyous and evokes understanding. They are more than anything else, anthemic and theatrical.
Second Album Neon Bible has given them worldwide recognition. Much of the album features a full size church organ(look out for that on stage!) .They had been tagged the worlds biggest band before the release of it and it is as subversive as Funeral, even if its strangely more claustrophobic and bleak than funeral, indeed this may even suit the numb surroundings of the CIA, but its darkness is set against the same orchestral joy that they are known for and went to #1 In the US and #2 in the UK.
Live, Arcade Fire are all the aforementioned and more. Shows in Brixton earlier this year culminated in an eerily gothic take on the Clash’s Guns of Brixton. Outside a scenic church at a show in London in front of less than 500, they stood at the centre of a swathe of people and performed their biggest hit, Wake Up acoustically, with the same verve as if playing to 50,000. I’m deeply sorry if you haven’t got tickets, because Arcade Fire, on the melodramatic form they’ve displayed so far, should be unmissable.
Lloyd Griffiths
Emmy The Great- Hold On
Emmy the Greats’ single release on Kruger is a life affirming wander through wistful melancholia. The stripped down and candid mood lends her honest lyrics an almost naive kindness. She is however, a songstress who is far from gullible. Her embrace on the delicate art that is singer-songwriter is nuanced and clear to see.
Her mesmeric tone guides us around syllables with flawless intonation , and intimates meaning different to the surface . She makes “hollow horses full of metal wrapped in bows on our doorstep” sound romantic and nostalgic. It may sound like a song for late summer nights and Sunday mornings yet explores dperession with an outlook which is blue yet reassuring.
The semi chorus “hold on to what you own” becomes a persuasive mantra and When she says “Just sing the songs you’ve always sung...hope the day will come you’ll see the ground again” it is hard not to believe it will. Although soft and reassuring, Emmy the Great has more than enough talent to turn the kind of tune lesser performers may lose into an engaging and catchy pop song.
8/10
Lloyd Griffiths
Album Review
Buen Chico- Right To Rearrange
On first listen, Buen Chicos Debut album seems like a nice enough if a daintily timid mirror of many of the pop-indie-twee bands that have popped up, quite literally, this year. The Psychaedlelic rabbits on the front cover do nothing to hide the album will be full of rainbow licked guitar riffs and bouncy indie-pop.
The First few tracks are most immediate, the opening duo of Choosing My Religion and Giving Your Gifts bounce around like a 6 year old after Too many smarties. When they are good, their most gleeful songs remind you of the euphoric pandemonium of a later summer beach party. Great Pleasures shows talent for fitting one of their catchy hooks into a tune which is more indie-rock than the rest of the LP. Lead Single Gold From Lead manages to sound melancholic and joyous at once.
Despite setting course consistently down the rainbow bricked road of guitar-pop, their talent for shuffling skiffle rythym gives this album more lastability than most of the NME hyped indie pop around and makes their debut album interesting enough to make you give it more than a cursory dance at your local disco.
7/10 Lloyd Griffiths
Live Review- Attack + Defend @ Clwb
Despite the recent release of their Mashed-Up Pop L.P ‘Make’, the Atmosphere at Clwb begins less anticipatory than expected(half the crowd lain across the sticky floor). The band wander on nonchalant, almost embarrased at their headline status. But As soon as Attack and Defend launch into their concoctive mish-mash of Material, people stand up and listen. Their mix of broken beats and melodic riffs summons attention and gives them the ari of authority that unites the crowd.
The opening song sets the tone, flipping between the melancholic and euphoric with gay abandon. Single Garibaldi starts off wistful before dispatching a frantic bridge to the childlike and disneyesque refrain ‘Little Little Little Fishies swimming in the Deep Blue Sea’. DNA is them at their most accessible, but subversive nonetheless.
They emit a sound that amalgamates the best parts of The Furries and Architecture in Helsinki but this is no copycat band. Despite the similarities, they indulge the crowd in a sound which is very much their own. Towards the climax, it is easy to see why their frenzied and syncopated style works so well live, It’s impossible to know which way they will go next.
Live, A+D demonstrate a superb ability to throw Rhythms and Styles into the mix and not spoil the quality of the finished article.Tighter and closer than on record ,Attack + Defend = Fun
8/10
Lloyd Griffiths
Sunday, 20 January 2008
Reviews
Music 2007
Albums
#1 Beirut- The Flying Club Cup & Lon Gisland
I can't believe that Zach Condon didn't put the song Elephant Gun on this Album, but perhaps it doesn't fit entirely with the Parisian feel of the album, which i have to admit has really grown on me. The only track that stood out as similar to those on the Gulag Orkestar was the Penalty, but it didn' strike as particularly amazing, however after repeated listens, this album has rewarded me with the same feeling of upliftment that the previous work did. I used to think that lyrics mattered a lot in Music, but this music seems to be all about feel and texture, the way he makes so many intricate sounds is amazing. When i first heard it, i thought 'Nantes' was cumbersome and slow. Now the way in which the snare rolls into the song halfway through is more like a warlike call to arms. I don;t think there is a song i haven't loved on this album.
And Elephant Gun is probably my favourite song of all time, i think i've listened to it 150 times this year.
#2 Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam
I remember reading somewhere that one of the guys who are Animal Collective, wanted to make this album sound like strawberry jam. As stupid as it sounds, for some reason it does. Peacebone is stupidly catchy and makes me think of Petit Poit strawberry yoghurts. The way in which they use what are, isolated, strangely bewildering sounds to make childlike chaos would at length seem unnerving, but the songs are so amazingly involving and singalong that i forget that. The start of chores starts with a really cool childlike shout, as if they are singing at a baby or something.
#3 Eugene McGuinness- The Early Learnings Of Eugene McGuinness
I can't wait for his new album to come out, this mini album is probably my most played, but it still sounds awesome, and he is great live as well. Monsters in a Bed sums up wasting time on the computer in a somewhat less depressing way than i might put it, but thankfully, because it's an awesome song. I find the whole album, except the ballads towards the end, which are also awesome, really 'boppy' and bouncy but live it was stripped down but his voice really shone through.
#4 Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
Deerhoof should be a lot bigger than they are, they produce so many catchy yet mashed together songs. Perfect-Me has a ridiculously syncopated drum beat yet is infected with a raptuous stomp and +81 begins with a comical trumpet yet becomes an amazing song with a really cool bass beat. 3rd song Believe Me could have been on their previous album for it's childlike chorus lyric 'bookie-wookie'or it could be 'boogie-woogie'. Whatever, its awesome.
#5 Radiohead - In Rainbows
I feel a tiny bit guilty i got this for free but nevermind, i got most of my albums for free anyway. I cant hear what thom yorke says on 15 step but i still try and sing along because he melds the words with the melody so well. Bodysnatchers should have been on the bends probably but it sounds so much better with a little bit extra of distortion. The whole album is awesome.
Gigs
#1 Of Montreal @ The Point
Seeing this gig was like being really drunk at some gay pride parade but luckily i was a little drunk so i was able to take it in better. Their album this year was so catchy, Heimdeilsgate like a Promethean Curse is the cure for any blues, but i can't believe the album was about the guy getting over depression, because it's so happy and childike. Anyway, they were really good, and my favourite part was when one the keyboardists started reading the guardian and ripping his clothes off and jumping round manically.
#2 Los Campesinos! @ The Point
I hope they play cardiff again soon because they are gradually getitng bigger every time i see them, so maybe they will be in the CIA next time,i hope not though, because it's shit there. They were really popular with the crowd and i know the will be back sometime soon to impress again. Their songs sound so much fuller live too,probably helped by the fact that the point is an old church,but equally danceable.
Favorite Music I have (re)discovered
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Help I'm Scared!
The Zombies
Thank You! Now I am somewhat Joyous
Neutral Milk Hotel
Now i am a mix of the two above
Magnetic Fields
69 Love Songs sounds like being in love as a teenager i think
Albums
#1 Beirut- The Flying Club Cup & Lon Gisland
I can't believe that Zach Condon didn't put the song Elephant Gun on this Album, but perhaps it doesn't fit entirely with the Parisian feel of the album, which i have to admit has really grown on me. The only track that stood out as similar to those on the Gulag Orkestar was the Penalty, but it didn' strike as particularly amazing, however after repeated listens, this album has rewarded me with the same feeling of upliftment that the previous work did. I used to think that lyrics mattered a lot in Music, but this music seems to be all about feel and texture, the way he makes so many intricate sounds is amazing. When i first heard it, i thought 'Nantes' was cumbersome and slow. Now the way in which the snare rolls into the song halfway through is more like a warlike call to arms. I don;t think there is a song i haven't loved on this album.
And Elephant Gun is probably my favourite song of all time, i think i've listened to it 150 times this year.
#2 Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam
I remember reading somewhere that one of the guys who are Animal Collective, wanted to make this album sound like strawberry jam. As stupid as it sounds, for some reason it does. Peacebone is stupidly catchy and makes me think of Petit Poit strawberry yoghurts. The way in which they use what are, isolated, strangely bewildering sounds to make childlike chaos would at length seem unnerving, but the songs are so amazingly involving and singalong that i forget that. The start of chores starts with a really cool childlike shout, as if they are singing at a baby or something.
#3 Eugene McGuinness- The Early Learnings Of Eugene McGuinness
I can't wait for his new album to come out, this mini album is probably my most played, but it still sounds awesome, and he is great live as well. Monsters in a Bed sums up wasting time on the computer in a somewhat less depressing way than i might put it, but thankfully, because it's an awesome song. I find the whole album, except the ballads towards the end, which are also awesome, really 'boppy' and bouncy but live it was stripped down but his voice really shone through.
#4 Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
Deerhoof should be a lot bigger than they are, they produce so many catchy yet mashed together songs. Perfect-Me has a ridiculously syncopated drum beat yet is infected with a raptuous stomp and +81 begins with a comical trumpet yet becomes an amazing song with a really cool bass beat. 3rd song Believe Me could have been on their previous album for it's childlike chorus lyric 'bookie-wookie'or it could be 'boogie-woogie'. Whatever, its awesome.
#5 Radiohead - In Rainbows
I feel a tiny bit guilty i got this for free but nevermind, i got most of my albums for free anyway. I cant hear what thom yorke says on 15 step but i still try and sing along because he melds the words with the melody so well. Bodysnatchers should have been on the bends probably but it sounds so much better with a little bit extra of distortion. The whole album is awesome.
Gigs
#1 Of Montreal @ The Point
Seeing this gig was like being really drunk at some gay pride parade but luckily i was a little drunk so i was able to take it in better. Their album this year was so catchy, Heimdeilsgate like a Promethean Curse is the cure for any blues, but i can't believe the album was about the guy getting over depression, because it's so happy and childike. Anyway, they were really good, and my favourite part was when one the keyboardists started reading the guardian and ripping his clothes off and jumping round manically.
#2 Los Campesinos! @ The Point
I hope they play cardiff again soon because they are gradually getitng bigger every time i see them, so maybe they will be in the CIA next time,i hope not though, because it's shit there. They were really popular with the crowd and i know the will be back sometime soon to impress again. Their songs sound so much fuller live too,probably helped by the fact that the point is an old church,but equally danceable.
Favorite Music I have (re)discovered
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Help I'm Scared!
The Zombies
Thank You! Now I am somewhat Joyous
Neutral Milk Hotel
Now i am a mix of the two above
Magnetic Fields
69 Love Songs sounds like being in love as a teenager i think
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