I've never needed an excuse to post pictures of my friends on here. And today is no exception. Yvonne and her daughter Leoni, two of my dearest friends, came down for the weekend and I honestly don't think I've laughed so much in a 24 hour timeframe. (Just what I need right now - if you know, you know.) The diner where we went out for breakfast is directly opposite the Sherwood mural, so what better photo opportunity than directly in front of same. I also snapped Leoni in front of a random bush; she humoured me. She always does.
Monday 14 October 2024
Saturday 12 October 2024
South of the river
Wednesday 9 October 2024
London calling
Tuesday 8 October 2024
The Whole Point
Weller & Wyatt |
So today's offering, I think, knits quite neatly all of the above into one mini featurette. When Paul Weller finally freed himself from the shackles of the Jam he let the world know that beneath that pent up angry persona (administering corporal punishment to his guitar night after night and railing into a microphone) was not just a brilliant songwriter, but an accomplished musician with a surprisingly plaintive voice. And so the Style Council (and a future solo career) was born.
A standout track from Cafe Bleu, their debut album, was this astute slice of social commentary wrapped around some beautiful jazzy chords. Here's Weller playing it on his tod. But not until he tells the audience to shut up.
Paul Weller - The Whole Point of No Return (1984)
In the late 90s Robert Wyatt released a splendid long player (his seventh solo album) called Shleep. Interestingly, Weller plays on a couple of tracks. But not this one. I could listen to Wyatt's version of Weller's song all day long; he brought something new to it. And that's kind of the whole point.
Robert Wyatt - The Whole Point of No Return (1997)
Monday 7 October 2024
All set fair
Not that I go on the waltzers these days, or indeed any ride come to that. In the sixty minutes I give myself (thee's always a pint waiting at the Lincolnshire Poacher with my name on it), I've just got time to wade thru the hordes, reconnoiter the rim (Deadwood reference), dive into the middle at some point for mushy peas & mint sauce, whilst all the time pointing my camera at anything and anybody that interests me. And this year was no different...