song #1 of what will be a far more diverse and weird "EP" can now be found on my MySpace page. also coming up include some classical guitar-influenced tunes/country stuff, samples etc as well as a couple of more traditional rock/pop songs. joy!
haven't got a name...
Monday, July 31, 2006
tears
new acoustic/weird song (with whistling bit... i'll explain*) - hopefully online soon at myspace
lyrics here
*ok basically i heard a flute part or something... maybe one of those japanese flutes (no idea what they're called) but then i just whistled the part and stuck a load of delay on it and it sounded really cool. so the main melody is in fact whistled.
also the violin melody has been supplemented by a guitar melody, as i can't find the damn violin (and the top string is broken... typical)
lyrics here
*ok basically i heard a flute part or something... maybe one of those japanese flutes (no idea what they're called) but then i just whistled the part and stuck a load of delay on it and it sounded really cool. so the main melody is in fact whistled.
also the violin melody has been supplemented by a guitar melody, as i can't find the damn violin (and the top string is broken... typical)
n.b.
in case you hadn't figured, if i write using words, and l-e-t-t-e-r-s, you shouldn't take anything i say too seriously
Sunday, July 30, 2006
t-r-i-p-p-y
woah... life is so damn trippy
guess i lost all my readers 'cept baz and tim... well you guys have always been true to me, even that time i left you for that other girl...
anyway, watching sad movies is another great way to screw with your head... as if normal life wasn't bad enough...
anything can screw with your head if you let it. even cubasis. take this picture:
i was all "woah, i hope that audio 1 isn't like my life" (i get very philosophical at 12am, take it from my roomie) 'cuz anyway audio one, it's on a roll, up-and-down waves and suddenly - bam - it stops. That's what happened in my recording, it just cut out on me. Hell, if life does that I'll be pissed off. Why did I start writing properly? I'm meant to use lowercase for thoughtful stuff oh dear god something has gone wrong STOP
guess i lost all my readers 'cept baz and tim... well you guys have always been true to me, even that time i left you for that other girl...
anyway, watching sad movies is another great way to screw with your head... as if normal life wasn't bad enough...
anything can screw with your head if you let it. even cubasis. take this picture:
i was all "woah, i hope that audio 1 isn't like my life" (i get very philosophical at 12am, take it from my roomie) 'cuz anyway audio one, it's on a roll, up-and-down waves and suddenly - bam - it stops. That's what happened in my recording, it just cut out on me. Hell, if life does that I'll be pissed off. Why did I start writing properly? I'm meant to use lowercase for thoughtful stuff oh dear god something has gone wrong STOP
Everyone's Favourite Latino/Jazz/Pop Fusion Band
You have got to hear Calexico. Every time I listen to them they get better and better. Let me explain:
Three or four years ago Steve Matthews (some guy) offered me and my dad tickets to see a little-known American outfit called Calexico at the Academy. It was my first gig, and still the best one I've been to. Joey Burns, the front-man, was lively and witty; the band were incredible (the drummer is blindingly good) and the songs were great. After that I got a couple of Calexico CDs and since then I've been living the Calexico dream and passing on the music to all who have ears to hear. Most of my housemates will undoubtedly be able to sing along to "Quattro (World Drifts In)," Calexico's most popular song.
Don't get me wrong, Calexico are pretty big in the world music scene and are well known in such music magazines as "Uncut" and "Word." However, they ain't a pop band and as such haven't really had mainstream distribution over here. That's why it's down to me to share the love. They really do have something for everyone: chilled, jazzy stuff; light rock-pop; mexican classical and much, much more. You could listen to 'em any time of day and they provide the best soundtrack to life.
If you area genuinely interested and promise to give them a good listen to let yourself warm to them, I will definitely not burn you a CD of some of my favourite songs as that would be pirating.
If you know what I mean.
That said, check out archive.org for a bunch of Calexico live sets to download totally legitimately.
Rock(/latino/jazz/pop) on!
Three or four years ago Steve Matthews (some guy) offered me and my dad tickets to see a little-known American outfit called Calexico at the Academy. It was my first gig, and still the best one I've been to. Joey Burns, the front-man, was lively and witty; the band were incredible (the drummer is blindingly good) and the songs were great. After that I got a couple of Calexico CDs and since then I've been living the Calexico dream and passing on the music to all who have ears to hear. Most of my housemates will undoubtedly be able to sing along to "Quattro (World Drifts In)," Calexico's most popular song.
Don't get me wrong, Calexico are pretty big in the world music scene and are well known in such music magazines as "Uncut" and "Word." However, they ain't a pop band and as such haven't really had mainstream distribution over here. That's why it's down to me to share the love. They really do have something for everyone: chilled, jazzy stuff; light rock-pop; mexican classical and much, much more. You could listen to 'em any time of day and they provide the best soundtrack to life.
If you area genuinely interested and promise to give them a good listen to let yourself warm to them, I will definitely not burn you a CD of some of my favourite songs as that would be pirating.
If you know what I mean.
That said, check out archive.org for a bunch of Calexico live sets to download totally legitimately.
Rock(/latino/jazz/pop) on!
URGENT
Saturday, July 29, 2006
*clears throat*
Sorry about that guys, illness (sunstroke or virus or something) causing mild delirium etc etc hence mildly bewildering content of last few posts. Bed now (shattered, believe it) but plans for tomorrow include attending grandad's 90th and writing a big plug about Calexico, soon to be everyone's favourite latino/jazz/pop fusion band. At least, if I have anything to do with it. More to point, have taken to writing in telegram form STOP ok, wasn't putting in the "STOP" before STOP makes things a little more telegrammy, probably still deluded STOP good fun though STOP
crazy?
lots of emotional mitchells, basking sharks, meeting other people, heat and sea-water, exhaustion
volleyball and body-boarding, card games, guitar
happiness, sadness, confusion...
but i'm still alive
(atm)
volleyball and body-boarding, card games, guitar
happiness, sadness, confusion...
but i'm still alive
(atm)
The Return of The Mitchell
can you believe it took us over five hours to get from north cornwall to bristol? can you believe i got ill and am dying? you should believe that i had one weird week (mitchell family holiday, what do you expect?) and that i'm gunna write funni 4 tha rest of ths post be cause it feels gd and im tired and stuf
so howre y ou all doimg? kmno i missed u lots, naturally... if i die memnba that i love y'all if i live then get back to work u slackers
robin out
*collapses*
so howre y ou all doimg? kmno i missed u lots, naturally... if i die memnba that i love y'all if i live then get back to work u slackers
robin out
*collapses*
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Hadrian's Wall
That's right folks, we did it - and extra, mind. Five days, five lads, five rucksacks weighing twenty kilos and thirty degree heat near SCOTLAND.
Something was clearly amiss.
Well, I won't talk you through the highs and lows, the long walks in sweltering heat, the relaxed pub dinners, the gay jokes, the rough-camping and the youth-hostelling, the sheep, the friendly Northerners, the rowdy London kids, the sheep, the cows, Ben Coles, the sheep and the wall. Instead I'll upload some photos that hopefully share a little glimpse of what it was like. Remember that the best things are kept in memory.
Companions
At the train station this morning (having woken at 6.30, bless 'em) and preparing to depart Carlisle for Bristol.
On the far left is Bencoles, a chirpy, high-spirited and committed team-member who doesn't like cards or being teased too much (and rightly so).
Mark was nominated "Team leader" - a bit like "milk monitor," so I'm told - which meant that he lead the actual walk with help from his friend and mentor Anthony Burton (in the form of the book "Hadrian's Wall: The Guide"). Mark is not at all geeky, honest, but has a good sense of humour. It's a shame he's ageist.
Ed Burke, probably the quietest and certainly the least annoying member of the squad, planned and organised the expedition. He kept us sane with his subtle jokes and his many blisters. Poor guy. He dates my sister, but I can forgive him with a surname like Burke.
Olly (far right) is Olly. If you don't know Olly you won't know what that means, but suffice to say he is a legendary guy in his own beer-loving, bear-like way. My time in the tent was mostly spent trapped between Olly and Bencoles. Yes, it was that bad.
The Wall
The first part of the wall was in the river Tyne, which seemed kind of stupid until we realised it hadn't always be there. Needless to say we didn't walk on the wall at this point (or most of it actually, sorry).
The next bit was slightly more wallish - little chunks of rock. It was only on day two that we finally encountered large stretches of wall - sometimes stretching many kilometres - which were still never more than six feet tall.
By Carlisle the wall had subsided to nothing again, but there was a nice pub at the end.
The Weather
Almost always too bloody hot!
Something was clearly amiss.
Well, I won't talk you through the highs and lows, the long walks in sweltering heat, the relaxed pub dinners, the gay jokes, the rough-camping and the youth-hostelling, the sheep, the friendly Northerners, the rowdy London kids, the sheep, the cows, Ben Coles, the sheep and the wall. Instead I'll upload some photos that hopefully share a little glimpse of what it was like. Remember that the best things are kept in memory.
Companions
At the train station this morning (having woken at 6.30, bless 'em) and preparing to depart Carlisle for Bristol.
On the far left is Bencoles, a chirpy, high-spirited and committed team-member who doesn't like cards or being teased too much (and rightly so).
Mark was nominated "Team leader" - a bit like "milk monitor," so I'm told - which meant that he lead the actual walk with help from his friend and mentor Anthony Burton (in the form of the book "Hadrian's Wall: The Guide"). Mark is not at all geeky, honest, but has a good sense of humour. It's a shame he's ageist.
Ed Burke, probably the quietest and certainly the least annoying member of the squad, planned and organised the expedition. He kept us sane with his subtle jokes and his many blisters. Poor guy. He dates my sister, but I can forgive him with a surname like Burke.
Olly (far right) is Olly. If you don't know Olly you won't know what that means, but suffice to say he is a legendary guy in his own beer-loving, bear-like way. My time in the tent was mostly spent trapped between Olly and Bencoles. Yes, it was that bad.
The Wall
The first part of the wall was in the river Tyne, which seemed kind of stupid until we realised it hadn't always be there. Needless to say we didn't walk on the wall at this point (or most of it actually, sorry).
The next bit was slightly more wallish - little chunks of rock. It was only on day two that we finally encountered large stretches of wall - sometimes stretching many kilometres - which were still never more than six feet tall.
By Carlisle the wall had subsided to nothing again, but there was a nice pub at the end.
The Weather
Almost always too bloody hot!
The Wall
The (Collective) Facts:
Gates/Styles crossed: 50000
Number of times slipped over: 1 (Olly)
Blisters: 13
Insect Bites: 35
Arguments: 50
Jokes: 120
Gay jokes: 150
Ben Coles gay jokes: 2500
Mars Bars eaten: 45
Kilometres walked: 150
£ spent: 150
Weight lost: -
Average temperature: 29 celcius
Average daily water intake: 5 litres
Average daily amount of wall seen: 2km
Deaths: 0
Johnny Wilkinsons seen: 1
*Some of these might be estimates
The Fiction
Robin did not complete the journey
Mark is a father
Ben Coles is gay
Anthony Burton is a legend
We saw Johnny Wilkinson on the plane (wait a second)
Olly is Mark's father
AND MUCH MUCH MORE
Gates/Styles crossed: 50000
Number of times slipped over: 1 (Olly)
Blisters: 13
Insect Bites: 35
Arguments: 50
Jokes: 120
Gay jokes: 150
Ben Coles gay jokes: 2500
Mars Bars eaten: 45
Kilometres walked: 150
£ spent: 150
Weight lost: -
Average temperature: 29 celcius
Average daily water intake: 5 litres
Average daily amount of wall seen: 2km
Deaths: 0
Johnny Wilkinsons seen: 1
*Some of these might be estimates
The Fiction
Robin did not complete the journey
Mark is a father
Ben Coles is gay
Anthony Burton is a legend
We saw Johnny Wilkinson on the plane (wait a second)
Olly is Mark's father
AND MUCH MUCH MORE
Saturday, July 15, 2006
It Is Finished
I think I already had a post with that heading quite recently.
Bothered.
What I achieved today:
1) Driving Theory Test complete (passed with flying colours, naturally)
2) Song writing session complete (kinda tiring, got about five songs down though)
Farewell, this is my last post.
Bothered.
What I achieved today:
1) Driving Theory Test complete (passed with flying colours, naturally)
2) Song writing session complete (kinda tiring, got about five songs down though)
Farewell, this is my last post.
Friday, July 14, 2006
It Is Finished
Well actually it isn't. Stew is mastering the recording at home, then we have to do the bleh and the fluh and the whatsit but essentially it's done.
Tracks online tomorrow. What have I achieved today?
- Haircut
- Studio
The Big Test Tomorrow
Tracks online tomorrow. What have I achieved today?
- Haircut
- Studio
The Big Test Tomorrow
The Plan
My dear readers, you will be interested to know that I will, as from exactly now, be extremely busy for the next little while.
This afternoon will be spent preparing to go into the studio, which I will then do from 1700 today. Tomorrow at 0930 I have my driving theory test which will be followed by a 2/3 hour songwriting session with my band. That afternoon I will be preparing for my trip to Hadrian's Wall, which begins 0500 Sunday. My train back from Carlisle leaves at 0830 Saturday, and Saturday evening/Sunday morning I will travel down to Cornwall for a week with the family in Port Isaac.
In short, I may be gone some time. Take care of yourselves and try to find some alternative entertainment (not that anything will be nearly satisfactory): I recommend The Times' obituaries for some pleasant light reading.
Ciao ; )
This afternoon will be spent preparing to go into the studio, which I will then do from 1700 today. Tomorrow at 0930 I have my driving theory test which will be followed by a 2/3 hour songwriting session with my band. That afternoon I will be preparing for my trip to Hadrian's Wall, which begins 0500 Sunday. My train back from Carlisle leaves at 0830 Saturday, and Saturday evening/Sunday morning I will travel down to Cornwall for a week with the family in Port Isaac.
In short, I may be gone some time. Take care of yourselves and try to find some alternative entertainment (not that anything will be nearly satisfactory): I recommend The Times' obituaries for some pleasant light reading.
Ciao ; )
A Word Of Advice
I think I may have talked about Lost on here before, and done all the non-TV explaining things and about how great it is and all that.
If you haven't started watching Lost yet, don't. It is brilliant - a work of art in the way it portrays people and society as well as landscape, music, love and violence - but it screws with your head. Don't.
If you haven't started watching Lost yet, don't. It is brilliant - a work of art in the way it portrays people and society as well as landscape, music, love and violence - but it screws with your head. Don't.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wooh! Go Me!
I'm actually the biggest gangsta to ever gangsterize planet earth. Innit.
Allow me to reiterate:
Rob: lalalala, got a new soundcard on, got a cake on my head...
Creative: lol
Windows XP: lol
Cubasis 4: lol
Rob: b******!
*several days later*
Rob: what do i do now?
Simon, John, Creative Technical Support: try changing the input settings...
Rob: YES, I KNOW THAT! I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW
Gollum: my preciousssssssssss
Rob: oh, shut up
*several years later*
Rob: *tampers with creative software* *locates console* *changes input*
Narrator: ...and they all lived happily ever after...
All: THE END
Rob: i'm amazing
*gets hit by a bus*
Allow me to reiterate:
Rob: lalalala, got a new soundcard on, got a cake on my head...
Creative: lol
Windows XP: lol
Cubasis 4: lol
Rob: b******!
*several days later*
Rob: what do i do now?
Simon, John, Creative Technical Support: try changing the input settings...
Rob: YES, I KNOW THAT! I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW
Gollum: my preciousssssssssss
Rob: oh, shut up
*several years later*
Rob: *tampers with creative software* *locates console* *changes input*
Narrator: ...and they all lived happily ever after...
All: THE END
Rob: i'm amazing
*gets hit by a bus*
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
LoL
I love it when guys cry. Not in a sick way or anything, but when people reveal that they do have emotions it makes them seem... well, more like people.
I nearly cried today, for no particular reason. I'd just watched a couple of fairly sad movies and I was feeling fairly stirred up about humanity (I like feeling like that) and then the Muse song "Falling Away With You" came on. It's a beautiful song, and it was pretty stirring. Made me remember lots of things.
Including how much I love that song.
Music is truly a beautiful thing.
I nearly cried today, for no particular reason. I'd just watched a couple of fairly sad movies and I was feeling fairly stirred up about humanity (I like feeling like that) and then the Muse song "Falling Away With You" came on. It's a beautiful song, and it was pretty stirring. Made me remember lots of things.
Including how much I love that song.
Music is truly a beautiful thing.
Introducing: English Language Class
Rob: you need to categorize. and summarize. and then emphasize, and philosophise, and compromise, and...
Teacher: i'm not entirely sure that's right
Rob: : (
Teacher: you started well...
Rob: ok, how about annotate?
Teacher: great
Rob: jeez, am i the only person in this class?
Jez: i'm here
Classmate1: me too
Rob: great, that makes three of us...
Teacher: ...four...
Rob: ...and it was a RHETORICAL QUESTION. NEED YOU BE SO IGNORANT?
Jez: no need to shout
Classmate1: yeah, we are here you know
Rob: all three...
Teacher: ...four...
Rob: ...of us. WHATEVER.
Narrator: i hate keyboard shortcuts. particularly the CTRL and SHIFT keys
Rob: hey, what a coincidence, so do...
*pause*
Rob: oh
Teacher: i'm not entirely sure that's right
Rob: : (
Teacher: you started well...
Rob: ok, how about annotate?
Teacher: great
Rob: jeez, am i the only person in this class?
Jez: i'm here
Classmate1: me too
Rob: great, that makes three of us...
Teacher: ...four...
Rob: ...and it was a RHETORICAL QUESTION. NEED YOU BE SO IGNORANT?
Jez: no need to shout
Classmate1: yeah, we are here you know
Rob: all three...
Teacher: ...four...
Rob: ...of us. WHATEVER.
Narrator: i hate keyboard shortcuts. particularly the CTRL and SHIFT keys
Rob: hey, what a coincidence, so do...
*pause*
Rob: oh
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A Brief Explanation
I need some light relief for my own sanity. Can't really resurrect Larry and Bob (and the goldfish) so this is a new thing. I had the idea a couple of days ago, which was refreshed by the post on Timmy's blog complaining about me. I figured I'd just take the mick out of a stupid, arrogant but harmless me cuz hell, what better way to have fun? In fact, why don't you join me?
Robin sucks.
Robin sucks.
Introducing: The Amazing Robin Mitchell
Rob: ...so I was all "my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard" and she was all "you can't even sing." so i slapped that bitch good
Fan: awesome
Rob's mum: did i just hear you using foul language and degrading women?
Rob: it was him *points at fan*
Narrator, hey wait, that's also me: so anyway...
Rob: how's it going?
Jez: i dunno, you tell me, you're narrating.
Bob: who the hell is jez?
Rob: i dunno, i always wanted a friend called jez
Jez: who the hell is bob?
Rob: bob is the third man. need a name? call him bob. simple.
Bob: i ain't so simple
Rob: damnit, our names look too similar. did i say that, or you?
Bob: i dunno, which one am i?
Rob: hell, this is too confusing already, go away and die
Bob: *goes away and dies*
Rob: so, jez... looks like it's just me and you
Fan: what about me?
Jez: well this is awkward
Narrator: THE END! HAPPYHAPPYJOYJOY :D :D :D COLON D
Fan: awesome
Rob's mum: did i just hear you using foul language and degrading women?
Rob: it was him *points at fan*
Narrator, hey wait, that's also me: so anyway...
Rob: how's it going?
Jez: i dunno, you tell me, you're narrating.
Bob: who the hell is jez?
Rob: i dunno, i always wanted a friend called jez
Jez: who the hell is bob?
Rob: bob is the third man. need a name? call him bob. simple.
Bob: i ain't so simple
Rob: damnit, our names look too similar. did i say that, or you?
Bob: i dunno, which one am i?
Rob: hell, this is too confusing already, go away and die
Bob: *goes away and dies*
Rob: so, jez... looks like it's just me and you
Fan: what about me?
Jez: well this is awkward
Narrator: THE END! HAPPYHAPPYJOYJOY :D :D :D COLON D
Syd Is Dead
That came as a shock. Admittedly I've always preferred the Waters/Gilmour co-writes, Gimour being my favourite Floyd, but it's still a damn shame. Without Syd there would be no Pink Floyd. Rest In Peace, Crazy Diamond...
The End Of The Scaffolding
Few of you are old enough to remember the fateful day that scaffolding was first erected (Barrie, say nothing) around my house. I'd link the post but I can't be bothered, so maybe google "Making sense of scaffolding" or something. No, don't do that. You'll get a "Scaffolding for Dummies" (wait a second...) website or something. Anyway, point is it is finally coming down! That's right, those little green fellas are back, swarming around outside ripping off poles (not Poles) and chucking them to the ground. Heh, mental image of a load of Polish people being hurled from my roof... ahh...
That reminds me of a couple of totally un-pc sayings I came up with in front of the bathroom mirror yesterday evening:
- Sometimes genocide is totally necessary
- Children should be illegal
- Emmigrants should be detained
- Immigrants should be shot
OK I actually came up the other three just now and the first one in a conversation at dinner but that's irrelevant, lists look cool. And make me sound like a psychopath.
Anyway, the scaffolding is coming down. My house is free. HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY.
That reminds me of a couple of totally un-pc sayings I came up with in front of the bathroom mirror yesterday evening:
- Sometimes genocide is totally necessary
- Children should be illegal
- Emmigrants should be detained
- Immigrants should be shot
OK I actually came up the other three just now and the first one in a conversation at dinner but that's irrelevant, lists look cool. And make me sound like a psychopath.
Anyway, the scaffolding is coming down. My house is free. HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY.
Bloggers
Word on the street is that the most hated bloggers are the outspoken, thoughtless, opinionated ones who talk but don't act.
I guess I fit pretty neatly into that category.
Hell, I can be totally unopinionated too. Like now. What should I write next? I don't know. No idea, no opinion whatsoever. I DON'T CARE.
Fact: If you press shift and ' you get @
I guess I fit pretty neatly into that category.
Hell, I can be totally unopinionated too. Like now. What should I write next? I don't know. No idea, no opinion whatsoever. I DON'T CARE.
Fact: If you press shift and ' you get @
Is Russia Eternally Screwed?
I was reading about the death of Shamil Basayev (on Wikipedia, of course) and it got me thinking about the Russia issue that bugs me every so often. I mean, I'm no politician and I don't know that much about the ex-Soviet situation but I can sure as hell see that something is pretty messed up. Eastern Europe/Eurasia is in a pretty bad way, and Russia is still rotting with post-Soviet corruption. They can't go back to Communism and they can't get their heads around democracy. Their citizens are poor, lacking in morality and still getting messed around by the FSB; businessmen and politicians are rich and corrupt and all the little countries are going nuts. Is there any hope?
Monday, July 10, 2006
rapper
me and my bro' are starting a rap group called g2g unit
our songs are gonna be about our bitchez on msn
our songs are gonna be about our bitchez on msn
a song about a struggle, and about life being chaotic and crazy
welcome to another day
i see you're still worn down
i wish that all of this would change
so i could help you out
looking forward through the rain
so far left for us to go
i wish it would all go away
leave us what we really know
looking for your hand
but i can't see through the smoke
this is worse than blindness
tied down, tangled up, choked
so real, so alive
this is us, we can survive
so desolate and deprived
we can seek and we can find
so real and so alive
you and me, yours and mine
misled by instinctive drive
together we'll find the light
welcome to another year
feeling like we're on our own
it's ok when we're together
so don't you leave me all alone
something slipping, losing grip
still struggling and still blind
still got my feet on the ground
and there's still time, we've still got time
what we were has gone
and fate written in the stars
made for something better
let's take what is truly ours
i see you're still worn down
i wish that all of this would change
so i could help you out
looking forward through the rain
so far left for us to go
i wish it would all go away
leave us what we really know
looking for your hand
but i can't see through the smoke
this is worse than blindness
tied down, tangled up, choked
so real, so alive
this is us, we can survive
so desolate and deprived
we can seek and we can find
so real and so alive
you and me, yours and mine
misled by instinctive drive
together we'll find the light
welcome to another year
feeling like we're on our own
it's ok when we're together
so don't you leave me all alone
something slipping, losing grip
still struggling and still blind
still got my feet on the ground
and there's still time, we've still got time
what we were has gone
and fate written in the stars
made for something better
let's take what is truly ours
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Disappointing (?)
I didn't even watch the game but for a World Cup to be won on penalties is always a shame. I am of course pleased for the Italians, who have been very unlucky in recent tournaments, but it's such a damn shame about the French. Particularly Zidane. Oh dear.
Thoughts, those who watched?
Thoughts, those who watched?
About Me
selfish
confused
disorientated
greedy
arrogant
lonely
satisfied
restless
exhausted
impatient
shy
ignorant
naive
possessive
hypocritical
prejudiced
excited
disillusioned
well-meaning
what a contradiction in terms eh?
confused
disorientated
greedy
arrogant
lonely
satisfied
restless
exhausted
impatient
shy
ignorant
naive
possessive
hypocritical
prejudiced
excited
disillusioned
well-meaning
what a contradiction in terms eh?
Rare Songs
I love rare songs. They're so exciting... it's always worth getting B-sides and rare releases because every now and then there are some beauties. I mean, to be honest I'm disappointed if a band bothers recording a bad song - therefore even the B-sides should be good.
I recently found a bunch of rare and live Calexico songs on their website including an unreleased vocal mix of one of my favourite songs, "Close Behind."
Today I came across some rare versions of Radiohead's "Talk Show Host," that classic which has been remixed by about everybody under the sun. The "Black Dog" remix is cool - odd timings, weird drums and the like; the Street Spirit version is also good, more rocky and upbeat than the original (Nellee Hooper mix) but the one I'm after is the live version, which is apparently The Business.
Speaking of rare songs, I've thrown a couple of acoustic tracks onto the new "Good Enough?" EP (which is the same as the old one but missing the some of the worse tracks - "Air," "Island" and "Another Lesson..."). Fancy a copy? Hunt me down and grab one.
Speaking of EPs, Protege Plan officially hit Stew's Studio THIS FRIDAY. We hope to record a Marshall/Mitchell co-write called "Stay" or "Hello" (I can't make up my mind), plus Good Enough if we have time. Copies of the 2-track demo will be available for £2 EACH (money goes towards cost of studio, CDs etc) and should be available when Robin returns from his holidays in two weeks time, give or take. Bag a copy now!
I recently found a bunch of rare and live Calexico songs on their website including an unreleased vocal mix of one of my favourite songs, "Close Behind."
Today I came across some rare versions of Radiohead's "Talk Show Host," that classic which has been remixed by about everybody under the sun. The "Black Dog" remix is cool - odd timings, weird drums and the like; the Street Spirit version is also good, more rocky and upbeat than the original (Nellee Hooper mix) but the one I'm after is the live version, which is apparently The Business.
Speaking of rare songs, I've thrown a couple of acoustic tracks onto the new "Good Enough?" EP (which is the same as the old one but missing the some of the worse tracks - "Air," "Island" and "Another Lesson..."). Fancy a copy? Hunt me down and grab one.
Speaking of EPs, Protege Plan officially hit Stew's Studio THIS FRIDAY. We hope to record a Marshall/Mitchell co-write called "Stay" or "Hello" (I can't make up my mind), plus Good Enough if we have time. Copies of the 2-track demo will be available for £2 EACH (money goes towards cost of studio, CDs etc) and should be available when Robin returns from his holidays in two weeks time, give or take. Bag a copy now!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Review
As posted on Amazon.co.uk but I thought I'd share it with you guys because I feel rather passionately about the poor reception the new Muse stuff has recieved
Still Going Strong: ****
From what I've read and heard regarding this album, it seems that too many people out there are adverse to change. I loved Muse's early sound, and Showbiz was so creative and innovative in a rock'n'roll way that it's up there with my favourite albums of all time. But Muse aren't the kind of band to try and repeat a classic, as can be seen by the notable change in each album. "Black Holes..." is no exception, and despite being distinctly Muse in tone and style it is a step in another new direction. THAT IS NOT A BAD THING. The dancey, tight-beat/hard-riff feel plus the inclusion of more synthesizers and effects calls to mind The Killers, early 90's U2 and the like but this is definitely still Muse. The melodies and chord progressions (and Bellamy's shrieking vocals) could be from no-one else. What many listeners fail to recognise is that all music is music and will undoubtedly sound like other music! This album is no exception; however, it is uniquely Muse and retains the Muse sound through and through. More than that, however, it is a damn good album: lively and thrilling with thoughtful, political undertones. Go buy it!
Still Going Strong: ****
From what I've read and heard regarding this album, it seems that too many people out there are adverse to change. I loved Muse's early sound, and Showbiz was so creative and innovative in a rock'n'roll way that it's up there with my favourite albums of all time. But Muse aren't the kind of band to try and repeat a classic, as can be seen by the notable change in each album. "Black Holes..." is no exception, and despite being distinctly Muse in tone and style it is a step in another new direction. THAT IS NOT A BAD THING. The dancey, tight-beat/hard-riff feel plus the inclusion of more synthesizers and effects calls to mind The Killers, early 90's U2 and the like but this is definitely still Muse. The melodies and chord progressions (and Bellamy's shrieking vocals) could be from no-one else. What many listeners fail to recognise is that all music is music and will undoubtedly sound like other music! This album is no exception; however, it is uniquely Muse and retains the Muse sound through and through. More than that, however, it is a damn good album: lively and thrilling with thoughtful, political undertones. Go buy it!
Busy, Busy, Busy
Y'all will be pleased to know that I've been up to no good, which means that I have no time. No time to blog, read blogs, write blogs, edit blogs, post blogs, mail blogs, subscribe to blogs, scribe blogs, eat, sleep, I think you get the picture.
What have I been doing? If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Suffice to say it has been fun.
Well, boring actually.
A bit of both.
Anyway, my point is that I can't blog. I'm not even blogging now. And I won't be able to for many years (hours) because of my Personal Problem.
My gamblign addiction that is.
Which is like gambling but better.
Y-E-S
What have I been doing? If I told you, I'd have to kill you. Suffice to say it has been fun.
Well, boring actually.
A bit of both.
Anyway, my point is that I can't blog. I'm not even blogging now. And I won't be able to for many years (hours) because of my Personal Problem.
My gamblign addiction that is.
Which is like gambling but better.
Y-E-S
Friday, July 07, 2006
"It's Only A Game"
That's the worst thing you can say to someone getting frustrated in sport. And it's a lie - sport is so much more than a game (yes, I'm specifically talking football here). Sports are not just games, they have an extra level of competitiveness. The whole point about sport is that you put in effort and gain a win. That is why people get frustrated in sport - when they put in effort and are let down by unfair play, or a bad team, or anything really. Sports were made to have a winner, and I totally empathize with people who get frustrated during sport (for the right reasons, of course).
The worst situation is when two people are in conflict and both are right - when two people genuinely believe that they are correct and that the other person is misled. There is absolutely no way of resolving such a situation but for one person to back down, which is incredibly hard to do - particularly as you are trying your best with the hope of winning. And that is why football, with its many twists and turns and ambigous decisions (particularly in informal games) is so damn difficult.
And people can be such prats eh?
Beautiful game though, love it to bits.
The worst situation is when two people are in conflict and both are right - when two people genuinely believe that they are correct and that the other person is misled. There is absolutely no way of resolving such a situation but for one person to back down, which is incredibly hard to do - particularly as you are trying your best with the hope of winning. And that is why football, with its many twists and turns and ambigous decisions (particularly in informal games) is so damn difficult.
And people can be such prats eh?
Beautiful game though, love it to bits.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Hmm...
Many of my posts begin with "Hmm..."
According to Howie, most people spell "Hmm" with two m's.*
So anyway, Firefox is great, the addons are brill but it is a bit rough-around-the-edges. It just doesn't feel quite as slick as IE. Furthermore, I hate how each browser has different settings so frames have different sizes, appearances etc. Gah! The frustration!
Nvu rocks tho', thanks Jammin : )
*Disclaimer: When I began using Howie around three or four years ago I was blocked on instant messenger by over seven people. They didn't get on (Howie was too damn smart).
According to Howie, most people spell "Hmm" with two m's.*
So anyway, Firefox is great, the addons are brill but it is a bit rough-around-the-edges. It just doesn't feel quite as slick as IE. Furthermore, I hate how each browser has different settings so frames have different sizes, appearances etc. Gah! The frustration!
Nvu rocks tho', thanks Jammin : )
*Disclaimer: When I began using Howie around three or four years ago I was blocked on instant messenger by over seven people. They didn't get on (Howie was too damn smart).
It's Been So Long...
For anyone who didn't discover weeblstuff back in 2002 you missed out on some good times. I recently hit back to catch up on some new weebl and bob episodes and this one is so worth a watch.
It Never Rains...
Over twelve hours of continuous rain - so much for "one of the sunniest cities."
Perfect Parking? My housemates were up 'til the early hours trying to get record times... beware, it's very addictive...
Perfect Parking? My housemates were up 'til the early hours trying to get record times... beware, it's very addictive...
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
C'est Les Francais!
Bien!
I was indeed rooting for the winners tonight, despite the fact that in my opinion Portugal were the underdogs. It was close, but not close enough. Nowhere near as tense as England vs Portugal. Shame about the awful diving, and although it did bring me a twisted sort of pleasure to hear Ronaldo being so thouroughly booed, I did feel sorry for the little... man. Nice one ZZ though, and onto what will undoubtedly be a storming final (pun intended) (we had a storm today) (oh wait, that was yesterday) (get it?).
I was indeed rooting for the winners tonight, despite the fact that in my opinion Portugal were the underdogs. It was close, but not close enough. Nowhere near as tense as England vs Portugal. Shame about the awful diving, and although it did bring me a twisted sort of pleasure to hear Ronaldo being so thouroughly booed, I did feel sorry for the little... man. Nice one ZZ though, and onto what will undoubtedly be a storming final (pun intended) (we had a storm today) (oh wait, that was yesterday) (get it?).
Shock Horror!
I did it! I went to Firefox!
The reason I'd held off for so long... well, there were a few, but mostly because I was waiting for something big to happen with IE (particularly due to the Windows Live initiative) but hell, nothing really happened so I thought I'd take the plunge, weigh up the pros and cons and if it all goes wrong... IE is right on my desktop anyhow.
So far Firefox seems cooler and with better features, though IE looked smarter and more aesthetically pleasing. I'm also unsure as to whether the Live toolbar and software will work with Firefox...
Time will tell.
The reason I'd held off for so long... well, there were a few, but mostly because I was waiting for something big to happen with IE (particularly due to the Windows Live initiative) but hell, nothing really happened so I thought I'd take the plunge, weigh up the pros and cons and if it all goes wrong... IE is right on my desktop anyhow.
So far Firefox seems cooler and with better features, though IE looked smarter and more aesthetically pleasing. I'm also unsure as to whether the Live toolbar and software will work with Firefox...
Time will tell.
Bristol: The Facts
I always wondered how big Bristol "officially" was; I wikipedia'd it today out of boredom and discovered many interesting things. You can spend hours on wikipedia. Seriously, Bristol has a pretty crazy history. I always knew it was a cool place, but still...
it is 6th biggest English city (400 000 populus with 550 000 metropolitan area) and, get this
"Bristol is one of the warmest cities in the UK, with a mean annual temperature of 10.2-12°c. It is also amongst the sunniest, with 1541-1885 hours sunshine per year."
What are we always complaining about?
You can also see a list of "People from Bristol" which contains 66 people (so much for 400 000). Disappointed to see that my name wasn't on there but they do still have a lot to learn...
it is 6th biggest English city (400 000 populus with 550 000 metropolitan area) and, get this
"Bristol is one of the warmest cities in the UK, with a mean annual temperature of 10.2-12°c. It is also amongst the sunniest, with 1541-1885 hours sunshine per year."
What are we always complaining about?
You can also see a list of "People from Bristol" which contains 66 people (so much for 400 000). Disappointed to see that my name wasn't on there but they do still have a lot to learn...
The Internet Is Free
Or is it?
Well this is an initiative I'd love to really take off. However, it would need 20 plus people to get started and it would have to spread to be effective. And I'm aware that not everyone has as much spare time as me. Well, it's in early stages and it's nothing special but if anyone is interested in sharing the love/thinks it's a good idea then linkies: http://z14.invisionfree.com/The_Internet_Is_Free/index.php?act=idx
Well this is an initiative I'd love to really take off. However, it would need 20 plus people to get started and it would have to spread to be effective. And I'm aware that not everyone has as much spare time as me. Well, it's in early stages and it's nothing special but if anyone is interested in sharing the love/thinks it's a good idea then linkies: http://z14.invisionfree.com/The_Internet_Is_Free/index.php?act=idx
The World Cup
"Basically i don't want to see the Portuguese go to the final, but god forbid if they do, [I want them] to get slaughered in front of millions like a televised Holocaust. Harsh? yeah i know, but its like 29 Deg C. and like 60% humidity so go suck a lemon." - Jack Barrie
I echo that statement fully with all my heart.
I echo that statement fully with all my heart.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
RE: Italians
Better eat my words, particularly as I didn't even watch the game...
I didn't mean them anyway.
I didn't mean them anyway.
My Favourite Kind Of Thunder
I love it when the thunder doesn't break properly, it just creeps across the sky, lapping at the edges of sound. That sort of pawing, growling thunder that pans across left to right, front to back, when you're right underneath it, before it starts raining. I like that kind of thunder.
Italians: Slimy, Parasitic Mamma's Boys?
I'd hate to generalise or stereotype, let alone be prejudiced...
Actually, I don't give a damn. The gloves are off. In world football there are four prominent nations similar in culture, fashion and most importantly style of football. These four nations are Italy, Portugal, Argentina and Spain (Spain being the lesser of the four, admittedly).
Perhaps with the exception of Spain, is anyone going to challenge the fact that each of these teams has a reputation - and not unjustly - for diving, harassing the referee, subtle fouls and handballs and long, greasy hair? No. Thank you. While they are all exceptionally talented teams, the level of basic cheating is, quite frankly, disgusting. Clearly not ever player is a dirty cheat, just as not every player has long hair. Even some of the long haired guys aren't cheats (don't ask me how). But in the most recent game of each of these teams there has been a notably excessive amount of diving, whining, play-acting, handballing and other nonsense.
Anyway, my point is that when that German paper called the Italians "Slimy, parasitic mamma's boys" they were being racist, stereotypist and very naughty. But perhaps they had a point?
Actually, I don't give a damn. The gloves are off. In world football there are four prominent nations similar in culture, fashion and most importantly style of football. These four nations are Italy, Portugal, Argentina and Spain (Spain being the lesser of the four, admittedly).
Perhaps with the exception of Spain, is anyone going to challenge the fact that each of these teams has a reputation - and not unjustly - for diving, harassing the referee, subtle fouls and handballs and long, greasy hair? No. Thank you. While they are all exceptionally talented teams, the level of basic cheating is, quite frankly, disgusting. Clearly not ever player is a dirty cheat, just as not every player has long hair. Even some of the long haired guys aren't cheats (don't ask me how). But in the most recent game of each of these teams there has been a notably excessive amount of diving, whining, play-acting, handballing and other nonsense.
Anyway, my point is that when that German paper called the Italians "Slimy, parasitic mamma's boys" they were being racist, stereotypist and very naughty. But perhaps they had a point?
Monday, July 03, 2006
BSM Hates Me
I've finally gotten round to booking my theory thest, and have been messing around with the BSM practice CD. On the Hazard Perception section, one video click won't give me any marks regardless of where I click, even though I get the timing perfect.
Needless to say it's quite a petty issue, but it saddens me : (
Needless to say it's quite a petty issue, but it saddens me : (
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Rooney Sees Red!
!Oh wait! That headline's been used a billion times already! GET A NEW HEADLINE!
my alternative suggestions:
"Rooney gets sent off for kicking someone in the bollocks"
"Wayne Rooney for President"
"Red, Red Rooney"
"Rooney"
"Rooney, show us your tits" (for The Sun)
"Rooney Sees Red"
"Shrek Three - The Return Of The Ogre"
and many, many more.
my alternative suggestions:
"Rooney gets sent off for kicking someone in the bollocks"
"Wayne Rooney for President"
"Red, Red Rooney"
"Rooney"
"Rooney, show us your tits" (for The Sun)
"Rooney Sees Red"
"Shrek Three - The Return Of The Ogre"
and many, many more.
Hmm-Hmm
That was quite an emotional post, wasn't it? Touching. I don't know what came over me but it will never happen again.
Anyway, one last England shoutout to the ex-Manchester duo, David Beckham and Gary Neville. No matter what people say or how little people see they both worked incredibly hard up the right wing and motivated the team with their relentless battling - despite injuries in both cases.
Now according to most newspapers, Rooney was sent off for pushing Ronaldo - presumably booked for the stamp and then booked again for the push. What do we think about that (and does any England fan out there actually like Ronaldo)?
Anyway, one last England shoutout to the ex-Manchester duo, David Beckham and Gary Neville. No matter what people say or how little people see they both worked incredibly hard up the right wing and motivated the team with their relentless battling - despite injuries in both cases.
Now according to most newspapers, Rooney was sent off for pushing Ronaldo - presumably booked for the stamp and then booked again for the push. What do we think about that (and does any England fan out there actually like Ronaldo)?
Saturday, July 01, 2006
England, England, England!
"Most boring team of the tournament." I beg to differ. Some might comment that I'm biased - possibly true, but despite the notable lack of goals England matches have been tense, skillful (unlike many others) and passionate. And our fans put even the Germans to shame. The first seventy minutes of Germany VS Argentina the stadium was silent. England? The chants rang to and fro all one-hundred and twenty minutes.
Now, penalties are a painful way to go out, particularly if you play with all your heart, mind and strength like England did. I've not seen them play so well for over six years, and in this game every single player gave his all. Man of the match? I'd have to say the whole team, although my man of the tournament is none other than Mr Owen Hargreaves, who despite the fact that everyone hated him battled in defence, helped in all the attacking moves and scored that penalty. What a star.
As for who to blame... Rooney? The boy did his job just a little too passionately. Maybe the red card was justified, maybe not but you can't blame him. Sven? Interesting decisions made at times, particularly regarding Peter Crouch (who made me so proud today, by the way), but he knows what he has to do (I should be using the past tense) and he tried his best. No-one was to blame: England did their best.
Well, I could go on but I think everyone knows how great the team were: Lennon, Terry, Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, even Peter Crouch... they all shone. And some heart-stopping saves from Robinson. I won't go on now cuz I have a party to attend but I have a lot to say should anyone disagree...
Two things: one, isn't it great how the players - strong, hard men - still cry at the end?
And shoutouts to Joey for shouting his heart out all through the game.
Now, penalties are a painful way to go out, particularly if you play with all your heart, mind and strength like England did. I've not seen them play so well for over six years, and in this game every single player gave his all. Man of the match? I'd have to say the whole team, although my man of the tournament is none other than Mr Owen Hargreaves, who despite the fact that everyone hated him battled in defence, helped in all the attacking moves and scored that penalty. What a star.
As for who to blame... Rooney? The boy did his job just a little too passionately. Maybe the red card was justified, maybe not but you can't blame him. Sven? Interesting decisions made at times, particularly regarding Peter Crouch (who made me so proud today, by the way), but he knows what he has to do (I should be using the past tense) and he tried his best. No-one was to blame: England did their best.
Well, I could go on but I think everyone knows how great the team were: Lennon, Terry, Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, even Peter Crouch... they all shone. And some heart-stopping saves from Robinson. I won't go on now cuz I have a party to attend but I have a lot to say should anyone disagree...
Two things: one, isn't it great how the players - strong, hard men - still cry at the end?
And shoutouts to Joey for shouting his heart out all through the game.
Soundcard Installed!
And it works!
Haven't tried any recording yet, but boy does it sound sweet. Potential for surround 7.1, digital out as well as two inputs (I have a mixer amp so make that a billion) and a remote control. Suh-weet.
Come on England!
Haven't tried any recording yet, but boy does it sound sweet. Potential for surround 7.1, digital out as well as two inputs (I have a mixer amp so make that a billion) and a remote control. Suh-weet.
Come on England!
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