My Top Ten – David Bowie

Posted on May 10, 2012 by John S

I’m setting myself a near-impossible task with these top tens!

David Bowie is one of the great originals. From “Hunky Dory” in 1971 to “Let’s Dance” in 1983 he released a string of albums which are unsurpassed in their combination of invention, variety and sheer pop power. Always one step ahead of the game. Challenging, fascinating, , innovative, funky, foreboding, electro, brilliant rock’n’roll. He has done some good things since 1983, like the “Black Tie, White Noise” album, but it is those twelve years  from 1971 to 83 that were exceptional. All my choices come from that period – when Bowie could genuinely lay claim to being  the greatest pop artist of all time.

I’ve set myself one rule: only two tracks from any one album.  Makes the selection reasonably varied, but in some ways even harder!. But here goes, anyway.

10. Queen Bitch, from Hunky Dory (1971)

There are so many tracks I could have chosen from “Hunky Dory”, Bowie’s first great album. “Life on Mars” would be a big one, for many, and I really like “Andy Warhol’. But “Queen Bitch’ has a wonderful, dirty rock’n’roll riff, and some some of Bowie’s seediest singing.

9. Let’s Dance, from Let’s Dance (1983)

Bowie’s always moved with the times. This was his shiny disco hit, as pop, soul and dance really started to come together in the eighties, Michael Jackson to the fore. His last truly great record?

8. Rebel, Rebel, from Diamond Dogs (1974)

“Diamond Dogs” is an extraordinary album, one of Bowie’s best. It works as a piece, a disturbing piece. “Rebel, Rebel” juts out, stand-alone, his Rolling Stones tribute, his teenage angst song.  Got your mother in a whirl, not sure if you’re a boy or a girl… In ’74 this was revolutionary.

7. Hang On To Yourself, from The rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)

This selection process is brutal. This is my only track from Ziggy. How can that be? “Hang On To Yourself” is another of those rasping rock’n’roll songs with a twist, which Bowie was so brilliant at in the first half of the seventies. It’s as simple as that.  It rocks!

6. Golden Years, from Station To Station (1976) 

Bowie made some brilliant funk tunes, including “Fame” and  “Fashion”, but this is the standout, for me.  It’s funky, slinky, and unmistakeably Bowiesque.

5. Sound and Vision, from Low (1977)

“Low” was a total groundbreaker, as Bowie retreated to Berlin, drew the curtains, called up Iggy Pop and embraced Germanic electro. “Sound And Vision” is a story of depression, but extraordinarily uplifting at the same time. Because of its vision and sound.

4. Panic In Detroit, from Aladdin Sane (1973)

This is a track that has grown and grown on me over the years.  Powered by another great rock’n’roll riff, it is an extraordinary tale of urban paranoia. Shaky…

3. Jean Genie, from Aladdin Sane (1973)

Bowie’s greatest pop tune?  Enormous piledriver riff.  That edginess that pervades all of “Aladdin Sane”. Competed at the time with the Sweet’s “Blockbuster” which had a remarkably similar riff. I had this on my 50th birthday party playlist.  Everyone – all ages – rocked to it! Primal…

2. Heroes, from Heroes (1977)

The Berlin Wall song.  So poignant, such an anthem.  Presaging the fall of the wall. Tragic and uplifting. Ordinary people fighting the Machine. Bowie’s electro perfection and an inspiration to so much pop music thereafter, not least the New Romantics.

1. Station To Station, from Station to Station (1976)

Bowie as the Thin White Duke wasn’t exactly a role model.  Coked out, Nazi salutes at Victoria Station. But the music was on another planet.  Station to Station is an epic, building slowly from the sound of the incoming train, the stabbing piano, the return of the Thin White Duke, throwing darts in lover’s eyes, the frantic, pounding finale.  It’s too late!.. Mysterious and magnificent, I still find this song the most powerful in the Bowie canon. And that is saying something…

You can listen to the top ten on Spotify at TFW510-Bowie

As ever, so many near misses. They include: “John,  I’m Only Dancing”, ” The Man Who Sold The World”, “Andy Warhol”, “Ziggy Stardust”, “Starman”, “Rock’n’Roll Suicide”, ‘Aladdin Sane”, “Cracked Actor”, “Sweet Thing/ Candidate”,  “The Chant of The Ever Circling Skeletal Family”, “Young Americans”, Fame”, “Right”, “Stay”, “TVC 15”, “Breaking Glass”, “Always Crashing In The Same Car”, V2 Schneider”, “Ashes To Ashes”,  “China Girl”…. and beyond.

All I can say is listen to all the albums!

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

Sportsthoughts (23) – #COYQ, #COYI !

Posted on May 7, 2012 by John S

You ain’t seen nothing like the mighty Quins!

Quins beat Sale away on Saturday to secure top place in the Rugby Premiership.  A fantastic achievement with a still very young team. Throughout the season they have played fast, exciting rugby, always looking to run it, getting in the face of the opposition. It has been a privilege to be a season ticket holder at the Stoop. There have been so many brilliant individual performances, but above all it is the team spirit that has shone through.  The backs-to-the-wall defending against Saracens at Wembley is maybe the most memorable example of how the team have played for each other.

Nonetheless, I’d name full back, Mike Brown, as my player of the year.  Always making the hard yards, ferocious and unflinching in the tackle, always on hand to support the attacking move, quick to the breakdown.  Fearless and never less than 100% commitment.

On the left in this photo. Matt Hopper, one of the great young players in there with him.

It’s the season too, when the mighty Chris Robshaw has got the recognition he deserves. He inexplicably didn’t make the England squad for the World Cup; but, under the new management, was made the captain of the new England team for the Six Nations.  He led by example and England were reborn, coming second, within a whisker of beating the champions, Wales. Sometimes you don’t hear his name much in the commentary, because he is always there, in the dark recesses of the rucks and mauls, fighting for that ball, doing the stuff that eventually creates the space and possession for the backs to flourish.  I don’t understand half of what goes on, having been a fancy-dan back myself when I played at school, but I admire whatever that stuff is!

So, it’s Northampton in the play off semi at the Stoop.  Won’t be easy. The Northampton scrum rolled ours over in the game at Franklin’s Gardens. Not many have done that to the Quins forwards this season – Toulon were the other team that did a demolition job. And of course they have some scorching backs, not least the England pair, Ben Foden and Chris Aston.  So it will be a tight game, but I’m reasonably optimistic about the outcome.  A final against Leicester or Saracens, if we make it through, will be another challenge altogether. But the team have shown so many times this season that they can rise to the occasion. Fingers crossed they will do it again;  but whatever happens, we must not forget that Quins won the league!

Come On You Quins!

#COYI on Twitter…

Big Sam’s Happy Hammers cruise to Wem-ber-ley!

It was so frustrating to see West Ham miss out on automatic promotion from the Championship, back to the Premier League. Most people would agree we had the strongest squad.  But the team underachieved in February/March, drawing loads of games at home.  The fans got edgy and so did the team. Southampton had a wobble too, but came out of it sooner and deserved to have one of the two top slots.  The joker in the pack was Reading, who embarked on an amazing run of victories – I think it was something like 51 points out of 57. And they beat the Hammers at Upton Park, 4-2, during that run. You cannot knock that.

So into the playoff purgatory. Except, it turned out to be a bit of a doddle in the semis, against Cardiff.  West Ham were on a run of good form, which had started with a 6-0 thrashing of Brighton. As a West Ham fan, it is impossible to feel truly confident about the prospects for the team, after 40 odd years of dashed expectations, but objectively we were in good shape to take on Cardiff.  And so it showed.  2-0 in the away leg, 3-0 today, at home. The big match experience of Nolan, Green, Noble, Taylor, Cole; the promise of Tomkins, Lansbury, Reid, came together and it was a bit of a stroll.

Photo: Noble – Cole – Nolan.  Backbone.

The final at Wembley will be different. Birmingham or Blackpool. We seem to have a bit of a problem with the Brummies, so I hope Blackpool will retain their first leg lead, but I do not underestimate them, either. West Ham did beat them 4-0 twice in the regular season, but they have an attacking elan, as Ian Holloway’s teams always do. Whoever the opponent is, 19 May will be a tense and nervous time!

Come On You Irons!

#COYI on Twitter…

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Sportsthoughts (22) – Another visit to the London Olympic Park, for Water Polo and Wheelchair Tennis

Posted on May 5, 2012 by John S

The “London Prepares” series of events continues and this afternoon we took the Central Line to Stratford to see some water polo and wheelchair tennis. When we got there at about 1.30, it was raining and the tennis was off, so we went straight to the water polo, starting 2pm. This was the first time I’d been to the site in daylight so I thought I’d take a few pictures on the way to the water polo arena.  iPhone quality. Double click for full pics.

First up, Anish Kapoor’s “Orbit”. A remarkable construction, but what on earth is it meant to be? Maybe it’s left to us to decide.  I keep thinking of a coffee pot! Or is it an upright wasp?

Foreboding against the gloomy skies…

Detail.

Wouldn’t it be great if the grey spiral was a helter skelter? I think it’s the steps.  Can’t wait to climb them!

The main stadium is pretty much completed.  Looking good. Not exactly the Beijing Bird Nest, but it will do the trick, and I look forward to watching my football team, West Ham, playing there one day.

I wrote about the Aquatic Centre before in my Sportsthoughts 13 post (see right toolbar), so just a single photo reprise.

I like these lights that look like mini wind turbines.  Maybe they are mini wind turbines.  We were speculating that they might generate enough power to light themselves.  Green.

The water polo centre is a temporary structure.  Seems a bit of a shame…

Inside it looks great.  Here’s the pool before the action started.

I’ve never watched water polo before, but my son plays it for his school and I know what the physical demands are like.  Ever tried to raise yourself out of the water, arms raised high? I just sink. I need my arms to float! At this international level a game lasts 32 minutes: four 8 minute quarters.  Players come on and off, and frequently get sin-binned for 20 seconds, but still, this is tough.

And the skill level is high. Catching that ball one handed in the water all the time.  Throwing a hard, accurate pass. Leaping out of the water to aim a shot at goal. Phew!

We watched the last round of the women’s four team group competition: Great Britain, USA, Australia, Hungary.  First game was Australia vs Hungary. Both teams had previously beaten GB but lost to the USA.  They were fighting for the right to play the US again in the final.  The Aussies won 17-12 and looked fast and slick.  I loved the way they surged forward if they regained the ball near their own goal, the Hungarians desperately trying to get back with them.  Worked the other way round too, but there was something dolphin-like about the Aussies.  This photo sort of captures it, but you need to be there really, seeing the back wash of the water as 10-12 people go for it.

Another fun bit is the beginning of each quarter.  The ball is placed in the middle. The teams are all on their goal line. Whistle blows and all six outfield players rush, in arrow formation, to get to the ball first. I think the Hungarians (right, white caps) might have stolen this one.

And then it was time for GB vs USA. On the form of the previous games, it looked like our girls were in for a drubbing. But they got a big, big cheer. And on the first start, they got there first! Right, white caps again.

The US immediately showed their power and quickly drew into a 4-0 lead.  It looked ominous for Team GB.  They got a goal back, let another in and then started to take the Americans on… and clawed it back to 4-5 at half time. There were a couple of guys in the crowd really leading the the GB chants.  The place was rocking.  The sound resonates in these swimming venues.  The team must have been inspired by the support. They kept going in the second half. The US had more chances, but it stayed close.  With two and half minutes left, GB were 6-5 down and had a shot which hit the post! Could have been 6-6. The US then went down the other end and made it 7-5.  Game over, or was it?  GB came back again and got a sixth, but time ran out. 7-6 to the USA.  I suspect the US probably always had another gear if necessary, but my guess, as a non-expert in the game, is that this will be hugely encouraging for the British team. And the crowd, all of us, loved it. Really exciting stuff.

Photo of GB on the attack.  Sorry to American readers for my bias here! USA were worthy winners.

So, the water polo over, and the weather improved, we thought we’d seek out the tennis. Not many of the guides in the park seemed to know much about where it was located and the one thing the park doesn’t yet have is good maps and signage. But we got there in the end.  On the way, we took in two of the most interesting structures on the site, the basketball arena (left) and the velodrome (right). The latter may be the jewel in the crown. Both on design and as the venue where we may have our greatest success.

And some good views of the main stadium.

There’s a multicoloured cork/rubber carpet as you can see.  We were wondering what that might be for.  Maybe for some children’s activities, cushioning the inevitable falls?

In close up. Could be in the Tate Modern!

The wheel chair tennis was amazing.  The mobility of the players, in specially designed chairs, extraordinary.  And their tennis shots were top notch too. Some superb rallies. It was 5.30 and freezing cold, so there weren’t a lot of viewers. But I reckon it could be a big hit in the Paralympics.  The match we watched a part of was between McCarroll and Reid, both British,  and Ammerlan (Dutch) and Simpson (British). What was also striking was how good humoured it was. Doubles always lends itself to that spirit.

On the way back we came close to the basketball arena.  Another temporary structure, I believe.  Even more of a shame than the water polo, if this one is taken down. Close up it is a work of art!

It’s all in the detail.

And roll on August 2012!

Posted in London, Photos, Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Blue Bell Dell, Kew Gardens

Posted on May 3, 2012 by John S

It’s now, in the cusp between April and May, that the Bluebells are at their finest.  We have some stragglers in our messy garden (see my my blog, an (Un)English garden), but the place to see them, in West London at least, is the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. There is a lovely area to the west of the gardens which is called “Bluebell Dell” and it’s just very blue!  Kew do a nice May Day celebration, with Morris dancers – a fine English tradition – and lots of stalls selling natural wares. And just down from them is the Dell. Always worth a stroll. It is such a beautiful demonstration of the seasons. Serene, calming.  You can lose yourself in the simple beauty.

But this year it has been raining and raining and raining.  The great irony is that most of England is officially in DROUGHT at the moment, according to the water companies. There are big adverts everywhere – as the rain buckets down. OK, two weeks of deluge doesn’t change things completely, but it’s fair to say that it has raised the scepticism levels. Britain, small island on the east side of the Atlantic, buffeted by the South West trade winds from the sea, habitually carrying a lot of rain. DROUGHT.

Oh well, it means I’m going to cheat here and show you a few photos from May 2011, when the weather was beautiful. And the Bluebells blazed their blue-violet hue. Just wonderful. No close ups as my camera refused to focus on the small things.  But I hope these shots give you the sense of simple beauty.

Note

My blog, “An (Un)English Garden” can be found in the right hand toolbar under London and Photos.

Posted in London, Photos, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Staves at the Tabernacle, Notting Hill

Posted on May 3, 2012 by John S

Yesterday I and a couple of friends went to see The Staves at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill, West London. The Staves are three sisters, Emily, Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Cooper, hence the band name) from Watford.  They sing what I guess you’d call modern folk songs, with simple backing and the most beautiful harmonies. They are in their twenties, I think, and I imagine they’ve been singing together all their lives.  You can sense that in the way that their voices interact so perfectly.

The Staves first came to my attention in March this year, as the result of a retweet by Whispering Bob Harris, doyen of rock radio, now residing on BBC Radio 2, playing the music he loves. He retweeted the video of the band’s single, “Mexico”. I really liked its poise, its simplicity, the vocals and the insistent but low key guitar rhythm. I checked out their music on iTunes, and found two wonderful EPs:  “Live at Cecil Sharp House” and “Mexico”.  I found that I couldn’t stop listening to them.  Such beautiful, understated music and those harmonies.  The song I liked best of all was a cover of the old folk song, “Silver Dagger” where the harmonies were at their very best. Just entrancing.

Since then there has been another EP, “The Motherlode”. I only downloaded it yesterday, when I thought, blimey, I haven’t heard it yet and the concert’s tonight! I was immediately taken with the third track, “Wisely and Slow”, again with those lovely harmonies.  I think it’s my new favourite song, especially after last night!

There’s an album due in July, I think.  For now, there are the three EPs, and you can hear them all on Soundcloud.  Better still, get on iTunes, Soundcloud, or wherever, and buy them!

The Tabernacle is a lovely venue.  I can’t believe I’d never been there before, me a West Londoner. It’s in the heart of Notting Hill, which is an area of London that combines extreme poshness,  artiness,  musicality (with the annual carnival the expression of Caribbean roots and culture in London) and deprivation at its edges. The Tabernacle is a grade 2 listed building which has had a big makeover in recent years. It has been a community arts centre for many years, and I have to say that I was really impressed by the venue last night.  The bar and restaurant was a lovely space, the food looked great, the beer was fine, the concert/theatre hall was spacious and airy and there was a really nice space outside to sit and chat. It’s nestled between some residential blocks and there are some strict rules: everyone has to clear out of the external space by 9pm and concerts have to end by 10pm. So it’s never going to be a major venue. But it was a real find for me last night.

The support was provided by Christof, an Irish folk singer.  He was good. Played a lovely acoustic guitar and had an effortless, tender voice.  He dressed like a seventies Bob Dylan and had a good line in humour, with a funny story about sausage sandwiches on the road, amongst other things. (Yes, really!) For his last song he got out the harmonica and sang a beautiful song which reminded me of “I’m Gonna Be Lonesome When You Go”, one of Bob’s great songs from “Blood On The Tracks”. Mostly, his sound was closer to Nick Drake or John Martyn than Dylan, but the fact that these are the artists I’m comparing him with is proof, I hope, that I really liked what he was doing. I’ll be checking out his recordings.

And then the Staves. Aaaah.  I just love their sound at the moment. It’s not breaking the mould, it’s just very good music. It’s a mix of folk with a modern pop sensibility. And those voices!  I’d had the impression that Jessica did most of the solo singing, as well as playing the guitar, but live they shared the lead vocals and the playing.  They also had a bass and drum backing, where it was needed. They played pretty much all the songs they’ve recorded so far and a few new ones. “Silver Dagger” was missing, which I regretted, but I can understand that with only an hour to play, they needed to focus on their own songs.  Highlights for me were beautiful renditions of “Icarus” and “Mexico”, and maybe best of all, an acappella version of  that new song, “Wisely and Slow”.  For that the three of them crowded round the one microphone and just sang the most heavenly harmonies.

The gig was sold out and the vibe was good.  The band were in good and quite robust humour.  As their London gig (Watford being just North of London for those of you not familiar with the geography) it felt like A Sort of Homecoming (thanks U2!).  And I felt good to be there. In the book I’m writing about my musical journey, I have a chapter about what I call celtic soul. The Staves may be from Watford, but I feel they have that soul. There were times when I was reminded of some of the Irish singers I remember from a wonderful compilation album called “A Woman’s Heart”, released in 1992.  Featuring the likes of Mary Black, Eleanor McEvoy, Dolores Keane and Sharon Shannon.

It feels like momentum is building for the Staves. They’ve already had a successful tour of America before this one, and they are soon going off to support the brilliant Bon Iver in the US.  Their sound is rooted in traditional music, but it does read across to the melodic, acoustic music that is popular today.  (Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, Ellie Goulding for example. ) I’m incredibly wary of making any generalisations in this field given my age, but I’m observing my own kids and their friends, as well as following new music myself.  And at the concert last night it was telling that there was a real mix of the generations.  Plenty of oldies like me, but also a lot of people in their twenties, relating to The Staves as contemporaries.

But hey, let’s cut to the chase.  It’s just wonderful music – age is irrelevant – and I can’t wait to hear The Staves’ first full album. Last night was just a great musical experience.  A celebration.  I felt privileged to be there, and it felt like the start of something…

So here’s a link to The Staves website and, just for fun, a couple of rather duff photos I took on the iPhone last night.  These are the best ones!  It was a bit dark and there were lots of heads in front. One is of the band singing that song, “Wisely and Slowly”; the other is one of the encores with Christof.

I was there!

Notes

Photos copied from Google Images. The first photo is by Rebecca Miller at rebeccatakespictures.blogspot.com. Second, not sure, but from a publicity poster.

I previously wrote about the Staves in my blog from March called Two Gigs and Three Discoveries. You can find it in the Music – concerts, lists, reflections section in the right hand tool bar.

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Sportsthoughts (21) – Evolution or Revolution?

Posted on April 29, 2012 by John S

Chelsea beat QPR 6-1 today, after their amazing 10 man triumph over Barcelona – sacred Barcelona – in the Champions league semi final last Tuesday. Torres scored three, after his breakthrough against Barca. All is well in the Chelsea camp.  The players are lobbying through the media for Roberto di Matteo’s temporary managership to be made permanent. Such a far cry from the agony and strife that characterised the final weeks of Andre Villas Boas’s tenure (see my Sportsthoughts 15).

So what changed? I was taken by a quote from Branislav Ivanovic, which I read in today’s Observer. With respect for the fact that English is not his first language.

His [di Matteo’s] tactics are more natural… he organised our team to get the best from the players. He does not try to put a strategy on the players, he does the opposite: his approach is that if the players have these qualities, then we must do everything to show these qualities.

Now this could be used as evidence that player power has triumphed at Chelsea.  Or has it?  Is it actually something much more basic – just getting the best out of what is before you?

AVB inherited a squad that was talented, but beginning to age.  There are good youngsters coming through the system, but they seem to be not quite ready.  A few players were brought in, but not enough, of sufficient quality, to shape the team and its way of playing. So AVB wanted Chelsea to be the new Barcelona, pressing, defending high up the pitch, passing short, patient, incisive. But the players weren’t ready, not enough of them. He tried to impose a revolution, clearly failed in some basic man management, and paid the price. The existing players couldn’t cope with his strategy, or tactics, or style.  There are strong, well-established characters there, and they revolted back, or just sulked.  It was all going horribly wrong.

Di Matteo was already on the management team. He has Chelsea history: a fine, dynamic midfield player whose career was cut short by injury.  He had started well in management, first at Milton Keynes Dons, then West Brom, whom he took into the Premier League, playing attractive football. He got the sack after a run of defeats about half way through last season.  Harsh, but effective, because Roy Hodgson – himself sacked by Liverpool – came in and kept them in the PL.

It was a surprising appointment to the top job at Chelsea, big, brutal Chelsea. People assumed the likes of Lampard and Terry must be pulling the strings behind the scenes. Maybe they are; but whatever is happening, it is working, big time.  Chelsea have lost one game since di Matteo took over and they are now in the FA Cup and Champions League finals.  They have rediscovered their essence, their power, their solidity in defence, their midfield elan, their speed on the break.  Drogba is marauding again up front (when he isn’t writhing on the ground), Torres is revitalised, Frankie L is bossing the midfield.

So what has di Matteo done? Judging by the Ivanovic quote, he has simply listened to the players, treated them as individuals, designed systems that play to their strengths. He has used the materials at his disposal to shape the team, rather than decide the shape and try to fit the players into it.  Organic, evolutionary, effective. If he gets the job permanently, he will no doubt seek to bring in younger players to realise his vision.  But for now, that vision, whatever it might be, is married to pragmatism.  Getting the best out of the people you have.

I can relate to this.  It’s how I approach work, as a fairly senior manager.  When I move to a new post, with a team already in place, it’s pretty clear right away what is working well and what needs improving.  It’s rarely a complete disaster, but there is often scope to do better. But if you go in and say, “this is how I do things so you had better do so too”, you will get nowhere. People will resist, maybe pay lip service, or in some cases overreact in trying to meet your wishes. No, my approach is to go in, get to know the people, find out what makes them tick, and slowly but surely, when you have their confidence and trust, start to suggest how things could be different. Share your vision and values, but listen to theirs. Make it a joint enterprise.  That way, when people look back, and think about how much has changed, they can say:  we did it ourselves…

This, I think, is what Roberto di Matteo is doing at Chelsea, and he seems to be doing a very good job of it.  I hope he gets the chance to see it through.

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

My Top Ten – Air Guitar: the alt.selection (readers’ choice)

Posted on April 28, 2012 by John S

I’ve had so many fantastic responses to my air guitar classics top ten.  People just loving it, and others also offering alternative choices.  Exactly what I hoped would happen. So many that I hadn’t thought of, a few I didn’t even know about. And some that just missed out on my original selection. So today I thought, let’s do a Top Ten from all those suggestions.

So I went through all the brilliant comments and pulled out all the songs that people suggested. Way too many for a ten, but in the selection below, I’ve tried to capture the spirit of the suggestions.  If the band were in my previous selection – Metallica for example – I’ve left them out this time.  I’ve only allowed one song for any one band. And if I’m likely to do a top ten on them in the future – U2 and Prince and Bowie spring to mind – I’ve left them out of this top ten.

So after all that agonising, this is what makes the Top Ten from people who commented on my original blog.  Some of you might think it rocks harder than my original selection.  I wouldn’t deny it. There is so much to choose!

And SORRY to anyone whose choice hasn’t made it.  It’s a pretty random affair and I love them all.

So here goes….

10. Accept – Princess of the Dawn

I include this, not only because it is a good song, but because a blogger called Whatsitallaboutandotherstories did a very good top ten of her own in response to mine and this was her favourite track of all time.

9. Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train

Had a fair number of Ozzy suggestions. I’m not not an expert, but “Crazy Train” appealed to me most.

8. Deep Purple – Highway Star

One of the classic 70s metal bands.  This one is my favourite and was most suggested. But we can’t forget “Smoke on the Water”….

7. Judas Priest – Breaking The Law

Classic metal from the overblown genre.

6. Iron Maiden – Wasted Years

This was the most mentioned song, although my own fave is “Number of the Beast”. I’m representing the choices of the people here! Great band. West Ham fans – this is a good thing!

5. Slayer – Behind The Crooked Cross

You don’t do air guitar with Slayer, you do air sledgehammer.  This track is proof!

4. AC/DC – Riff Raff

There were a variety of AC/DC tracks put forward. “Hells Bells”, “Highway To Hell”, “It’s a Long Way To The Top…”, “Back In Black”. I chose “Riff Raff” because katkasia said that her husband was adamant that it was the best air guitar riff ever.  I loved the fact that she read my blog and then consulted her partner. Respect!

3. Van Halen – Erupt

This got a few mentions. I didn’t know it, I confess, but it is an absolute classic metal guitar work out, fingers going all over the fretboard. A wig out of a special kind.

2. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Freebird

This was a major candidate for my Top Ten.  It has one of the great slow builds and then guitar solo frenzy. Three guitarists in Skynyrd’s case, I think. A few people suggested it – I was only too happy to oblige!

1. Guns’n’Roses – Sweet Child o’ Mine

If there was a band that I should have found space for in my Top Ten, but didn’t, it was GNR. Other songs suggested in the comments included “Welcome To The Jungle” and and “Paradise City. Both brilliant, but I settled on “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. The solos soar and the rhythm rocks.  It is perfect heavy rock’n’roll.

What a selection!  And I’ve still had to leave so much out.  I’ve discovered some great new tracks, not all of which are in this ten.  Songs by Motley Crue (Kick Start My Heart) and Anthrax ( A.I.R), for example, which could so easily have been in the ten. Thanks to everyone who made suggestions. Please comment on this one too and…. do your own and share it with us!

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Sportsthoughts (20) – Two Great Games: Quins v Tigers and Barca v Real

Posted on April 23, 2012 by John S

This time of year there is so much great sport, especially as the football and rugby seasons head towards a climax. Nerves are shredding, the results are getting wackier.  Take the football. Arsenal losing at home to Wigan last Monday, Man Utd drawing 4-4 at home to Everton after being 4-2 up. Barcelona losing to Chelsea! (Maybe not so surprising). Tottenham imploding after looking like a shoo-in to the Champions League.  Newcastle transformed under Pardew from joke team to slick passing Champions League contenders. Liverpool losing at home to West Brom – revenge for Roy Hodgson, sacked by Liverpool last year.  Must be sweet.

But I want to focus on two games I saw on Saturday. Both of the highest quality. Engrossing examples of the best in sport. Punch and counterpunch. Technique and passion. Faltering and coming through. But not over yet.

First the rugby. I was at The Stoop on Saturday afternoon to see Quins take on the Leicester Tigers. Quins top of the Premiership, but Leicester gathering force as the season comes to a conclusion. With all their players back after injuries and international calls.  Quins hanging on in there, but battered and bruised after some tough, tough games. Saracens (won – just), Toulon (thrashed).

It was the best game of the season.  The atmosphere was electric, helped by the huge number of Leicester fans. Real passion on both sides. The Tigers started the game assuming they would win it in the forwards, but Quins took the first scrum. Punching the air! But Leicester won a lineout and grimly forced their way over the try line.  It felt like their superior force was going to win the day. Toby Flood looked like he had his kicking boots on. 10-3 Tigers.

Then Ugo Monye intercepted a Flood pass and hurtled down the pitch for a Quins try.  The biggest roar of the season. Ugo-Ugo!  Quins into the ascendancy. Suddenly Leicester couldn’t cope with the pace and variety, the ferociousness at the breakdown. Nick Easter bustled over for another try and it was 23-10 to Quins! Leicester flanker Tom Croft was injured badly in the process and the game stopped for about ten minutes. Think he is OK and I’m glad about that.  On the day though, it took away Quins’ momentum and Leicester clawed ten points back, against three from Quins.  First a penalty, made easier by Joe Marler – superhero thug prop – giving the ref some lip. Stupid. Ten metres forward – you don’t argue with the ref in rugby. 23-13. Then they scored a try and Flood converted. 26-23 at the break. Feeling nervous!

In the second half Leicester got another penalty – both fly halves were kicking beautifully – but the Quins broke through and scored. George Lowe, latching on to a lovely dinked kick by Nick Evans.  33-26.  Looking good! Or was it?  All the time we felt, this is Leicester, they always come back. And they did.  The game slowed a little as Quins tired and Leicester took control. When you can bring on the hairy Italian monster Martin Castrogiovanni as a replacement you have squad depth!

After ten more minutes or so I was thinking, why is the entire game is now being played in our half?  It stayed that way.  Leicester were pounding the Quins defence. It held for a while, then cracked.  Two tries for Leicester and they won 43-33.

What a game! Exhausting just writing about it. Quins played really well.  It’s just that Leicester played even better. They are an awesome team, coming to a peak just at the right time.  They are probably favourites to win the play offs now, but we can hold out hope.  Quins have had some fantastic results against the odds this season.  Toulouse away, Saracens at Wembley.  But it is going to be really tough. Probably Saracens or Northampton in the semis. Both great sides. This is what the business end of the season is all about.

After that, I managed to persuade the family that I could watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid on the telly at peak time Saturday evening.  It was El Clasico after all! A fascinating game, not with the passion that I witnessed in the two pre-season Supercopa matches in the open air on the Costa Brava, but a turning point.  Barca looked tired, their focus perhaps on Chelsea this Tuesday. They had 70% of the possession as usual, but Real looked sharper, more incisive. What I couldn’t understand was why Barca came into the game with no striker – apart from 60 goal Messi of course! But he drifts behind the main man usually. The “false nine” as they like to call it in Spain. Helps if you have a real nine too. There was no-one for the first 60-70 minutes, Messi was triple-marked and even Xavi and Iniesta seemed out of sorts.  The best chances fell to the youngster on the left wing, Tello, who snatched and blasted off target. Madrid took a first half lead and sat back.  Barca finally brought on Alexis and then Fabregas, to sharpen up the front line. They equalised. But it was short-lived relief.  Ronaldo scored with a superbly clinical jink and pass into the net.  2-1.  Final result.

A hugely symbolic victory for Real.  Since Mourinho has been in charge they have lost every game to Barca. Now they have their victory – in the Camp Nou – and are guaranteed to win La Liga.  Has the baton passed to Madrid, or is it just a blip for Barca?  Has Mourinho climbed to the top, as he always does? Will he stay there or leave for England again? But hey, let’s focus! We have Champions league semis this week.  Real are 2-1 down to Bayern Munich, Barca 1-0 down to Chelsea. We could have the ultimate fantasy El Clasico – a Champions League final – or an England v Germany tussle.  Or something in between.

I’m torn between wanting the classic confrontation and some patriotic support for Chelsea, especially as they have rather done it against the odds. I think I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the football!

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sunset, North Ealing

Posted on April 22, 2012 by John S

On my way way home from taking Art Deco shots around the A40 in late February (see photo archive), I cycled along a path that took me alongside Ealing Golf course, before reaching Pitshanger Park.  The sun was going down and I stopped on a little wooden bridge, where the backdrop of the setting sun, with the silhouettes of the trees and the reflections in the stream looked quite beautiful. Here are a few shots – some taken with my digital camera, some with the iPhone.

Starting with the camera…

From here it’s the iPhone with the blurry zoom, for artistic effect.

Nature paints its own pictures…

Posted in London, Photos | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

My Top Ten – Reggae Music!

Posted on April 19, 2012 by John S

The opposite end of the musical spectrum to air guitar metal and rock!  But I love it just as much. Like most kids of my generation, it was Bob Marley who first drew me into reggae – the “Live!” album of 1975, with “No Woman No Cry” as the lead single was crucial. But even more it was the affinity between punk and reggae.  My favourite punk band was the Clash and they really did have a feeling for reggae.  See my “Have You Heard – Clash Reggae” on the subject – check the sidebar.

Like all these tens, it’s almost impossible to narrow down.  I could easily do a fifty. I’ve been strict and only allowed one track per artist. Otherwise Bob Marley could swamp the whole thing.  Or Sugar Minott in his rub-a-dub style.

Hear any of this out of some massive speakers and if you don’t want to dance I’d be so surprised. The bass will probably hit you hard in the rib cage and your feet won’t be able to stop moving.

You can hear all of the following tunes on my Spotify playlist TFW510 – Reggae Music

10. Zungguzungguzungguzeng – Yellowman

Just trying to remember how to write the title makes my brain hurt!  This is just one of those pure feelgood reggae records.  It’s veering towards the dancehall sound. Yellowman is an Albino Jamaican and a bit of a lad, as the lyrics suggest…

9. MPLA Dub – Tapper Zukie

The MPLA were the freedom fighters/ terrorists (depending on your perspective) in Angola in the 70s, as the Portuguese influence was shaken off. This track has no lyrics – it’s just a mighty piece of dub, that makes you want to stride that bit harder as you walk along the street. So the MPLA connection is non-existent really.  But was a good title at the time, the late 70s.  I have this record on a wonderful collection complied by Don Letts, called “Dread Meets Punk Rockers Uptown”, a celebration of the reggae music that the punks were into. A double hit!

8. Man In The Hills – Burning Spear

Burning Spear is the sound of rural Jamaica.  Spiritual music.  “Man In The Hills” epitomises that sound.

7. Max Romeo – Chase The Devil

I remember popping into a record shop in Ealing with my kids when they were little and this song came on over the PA.  All three of them started rocking… and rolling. I think the whole shop was skanking!  The rhythm is so infectious. The Prodigy sampled this song for their early track “Out Of Space”.

6. Augustus Pablo – King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown

There well may be a consensus amongst afficionados that this is the signature dub record. The inspiration for many others. I have a couple of dubby tracks even higher on my list, but I accept that this is the template.

5. Althia and Donna – Uptown Top Ranking

This was a number one single in the UK in 1978. It has such a wonderful rhythm, slightly off-tune musical backdrop and lyrics: See me in me ‘alterback, see me gi’ heart attack!

4. Talkin’ Blues – Bob Marley and The Wailers 

Bob Marley is one of the absolute greats.  When I do my top ten of his music I must remember to put this number one!  Or maybe I won’t because there are so many songs I love that I don’t know where to start. He, along with Michael Jackson, must be the most truly international artist. (Oh yeah, the Beatles too). Find yourself in a beach bar anywhere in the world and I’ll bet there is Bob Marley playing. This is a song from his album “Natty Dread”. Just before he hit the big time. Maybe his best?

3. Sugar Minott – Inna Dance Hall Style 

In the UK Sugar Minott would be best known for his lovers reggae hit “Good Thing Going”.  He has the sweetest soulful voice.  The Smokey Robinson of reggae. But like most reggae artists, he churned out loads of music in all sorts of styles in the Jamaican studios. In the eighties,  I bought loads of  reggae albums, hoping to find the absolute classics. One such was “Slice Of The Cake”by Sugar Minott.  It had this track on it. The most wonderful dubwise tune.  Like all great dub it’s all about the space and echo.

2. Mi God Mi King – Papa Levi

Eleven minutes, including the dub version, on a white label twelve inch single. Which I bought from Virgin records, so it wasn’t that exclusive at the time. A brilliant rolling reggae rhythm, a kind of reggae rap, which in the reggae world is more likely to be called toasting, and some dub interventions.  It has everything. For me this is one of the greatest records ever, reggae or otherwise. It has such a vibe.  I’m not sure whether the singer is actually Maxi Priest, but it could be. The voice is similar. I found a version on You Tube, which is good, but you can hear the full version on my Spotify playlist.

1. Junior Murvin – Police and Thieves

This is such a wonderful tune. Junior Murvin is another singer with the sweetest of voices. But the subject matter is dark.  The tragedy of the political conflicts in the 70s in Jamaica.  I heard the Clash version, off their “1977” album, first. That is magnificent too and it inspired me to investigate the original. So I bought a four track twelve inch single by Junior Murvin from a record shop in Oxford, where I was studying.   Four versions of this fantastic song: dub, saxophone, toasting as well as the main track.  It is so powerful, so cool.  You can dance to it and be hugely moved.  Probably my most treasured vinyl record.

I can’t believe that I’ve left out these songs…

Under Mi Sensi – Barrington Levy

Dub Fi Gwan – King Tubby

I Need A Roof – The Mighty Diamonds

Two Sevens Clash – Culture

Night Nurse – Gregory Isaacs, The Cool Ruler

Water Pumping – Johnny Osbourne

Those Tricks – Carlton Livingstone

Done with It – Michael Palmer

Back To Africa – Aswad

Wolves and Leopards – Dennis Brown

Girls Wear Yuh Size – Lt Stitchie

Well, that’s cheating because that makes it twenty-one, but really, they are all so good, and there are so many more!

And here again is the link to the Spotify playlist, which gives you these wonderful songs as I remember them. I’ve limited the No 1, “Police and Thieves” to the first track, the main song, but if anyone would like to hear the full 12 inch single let me know.

TFW510 – Reggae Music

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments