For today's "You Choose" I've decided to bring us a little more up to date and look at the groups that came to the for in the 1990's. In Britain a lot of "Indie" groups appeared on the scene producing numerous good tracks and I've selected five today for you to choose a favorite from.
I think the tracks I've picked give a good indication of the style of music during that period but there are many more I could have picked.
As normal you can vote for the track you prefer on my sidebar as well as comment on this post.
1. Stone Roses "I am the Resurrection" - Although its a tough choice this is my personal favorite song of the 1990's although it has its roots in the late 80's. It was the final track of the groups first album in 1989 but wasn't released as a single until 1992. It is a great surprise it only reached No33 in the chart but later was rated by "Q" Magazine as No10 in its list of greatest guitar tracks of all time. Rolling Stone Magazine rated it No8 greatest Indie anthem ever.
2. The Verve "The Drugs don't Work" - This song from Richard Ashcrofts from their top class album "Urban Hymms" reached the top spot in the UK Chart in September 1987. It was credited on Channal 4's top 100 No1's as caputuring the spirit of the nation as it was released the day after the death of Princess Diana.
3. Manic Street Preachers "If You Tolerate This your children will be next" - This 1998 UK No1 single from this welsh group made the Guiness book of records. Apparently it as the longest title without brackets of any song making the top spot. The song is about the Spanish Civil war about rebels fighting Franco's facist regime and was inspired by The Clash song "Spanish Bombs".
4. Oasis "Wonderwall" - Although many fans of this Manchester supergroup consider this their best single it was actually kept off top spot in the UK charts by Robson & Jerome. It did reach No8 in the US Hot 100 so far the only Oasis song to break into the top ten. It has continued to sell since its 1995 release and has entered the top 100 selling songs of all time.
The song actually takes its title from the 1968 George Harrison album "Wonderwall Music".
5. Stereophonics "The Bartender and the Thief" - When we are talking 1990's groups we've of course got to mention the Stereophonis, hell their lead singer Kelly Jones is a Leeds fan.
For the record this song released in 1998 made No'3 in the UK Chart.
So what do you think ?
Monday 31 March 2008
Saturday 29 March 2008
My News Updates
First the big news and I'm going on my travels again, its all arranged and I've only to wait just 3 weeks before I am on my way. I'll be visiting two new Cities for me one I've always wanted to see, thats Austin, Texas "the musical capital of the world". I'll actually fly there on Monday 21st April for 7 nights.
I then fly to Chicago where I'll spend two nights before going to Kansas City for another seven nights, a place I don't know too much about but it sounds nice and I got a riddiculous cheap deal. Apparently its nicknamed "the City of Fountains" as only Rome has more. Lets not forget Jesse James came from there and of course wasn't it where Bonnie & Clyde had their shoot out.
I'm now doing my research on both Cities, what to see and do.
I know its a bit early for a big holiday but I may have to miss out with my summer trip as my father is due in hospital to have his hip done and I'll have to be available when he comes home to do a few jobs for him.
Tomorrow is a big day for me as I've entered the annual local town table tennis Championships, I've not played in them for a few years and really want to take the Mens title. I have won it 6 times in the past, first time in 1984 and been beaten finalist on at least six other occasions. The record for number of wins is seven so if I can take the title I'll become joint record holder, I'd be pleased with that. I'm also competing in the Veterans (over 40) and am very optimistic I will be able to win that event.
I've still not really looked to hard for any work, I've been signing on at the Job Centre, you have to do it every two weeks to get the "Job Seekers Allowance" if you have no income. However this week will be my last time because I'm signing off, I will have an income in the form of my works pension from 1st April so I wouldn't get the JSA. I thought I'd still have to sign on to get my National Insurance credits which you need to claim State Pension when you reach 65. However I phoned the Pension people and to qualify you only need 30 years in as the law as changed. I've got 33 years in so don't need any more, thats worked out well.
Taking my Works Pension at 50 was a big decision as I took penalties which reduced it significantly, however I invested a lot of my redundancy money (about 70%) into it to boost it back up so I'm confident it will easily cover my essential overheads, so basically I'm ok. It also saved me paying 40% tax on my redundancy so I'm sure I've taken the right option.
I then fly to Chicago where I'll spend two nights before going to Kansas City for another seven nights, a place I don't know too much about but it sounds nice and I got a riddiculous cheap deal. Apparently its nicknamed "the City of Fountains" as only Rome has more. Lets not forget Jesse James came from there and of course wasn't it where Bonnie & Clyde had their shoot out.
I'm now doing my research on both Cities, what to see and do.
I know its a bit early for a big holiday but I may have to miss out with my summer trip as my father is due in hospital to have his hip done and I'll have to be available when he comes home to do a few jobs for him.
Tomorrow is a big day for me as I've entered the annual local town table tennis Championships, I've not played in them for a few years and really want to take the Mens title. I have won it 6 times in the past, first time in 1984 and been beaten finalist on at least six other occasions. The record for number of wins is seven so if I can take the title I'll become joint record holder, I'd be pleased with that. I'm also competing in the Veterans (over 40) and am very optimistic I will be able to win that event.
I've still not really looked to hard for any work, I've been signing on at the Job Centre, you have to do it every two weeks to get the "Job Seekers Allowance" if you have no income. However this week will be my last time because I'm signing off, I will have an income in the form of my works pension from 1st April so I wouldn't get the JSA. I thought I'd still have to sign on to get my National Insurance credits which you need to claim State Pension when you reach 65. However I phoned the Pension people and to qualify you only need 30 years in as the law as changed. I've got 33 years in so don't need any more, thats worked out well.
Taking my Works Pension at 50 was a big decision as I took penalties which reduced it significantly, however I invested a lot of my redundancy money (about 70%) into it to boost it back up so I'm confident it will easily cover my essential overheads, so basically I'm ok. It also saved me paying 40% tax on my redundancy so I'm sure I've taken the right option.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
Three Weeks Running
For the third Weigh in running I've actually lost weight, ok its minimal and maybe not as much as I'd like but its gotta be better than an increase. The amount a staggering 0.2lb, yes in a full week I've reduced from 208.4lb to 208.2lb.
Considering the last 7 days have included my Birthday & Easter weekend I was actually quite pleased with the result, I did anticipate a gain.
Monday 24 March 2008
Music Monday - Cover Versions
To be honest I've always had the opinion that when Cover versions of songs are produced they can never surpass the origional. However thats probably not totally true although in the majority of cases possibly is.
So anyway that brings me to this weeks post, listen to these songs and the origionals then vote on my sidebar which you feel is best.
Song One - Route 66, of course everyone thinks of the classic Rolling Stones song but is the origional by Nat King Cole better, tell me what you think ?
Stones -
Nat -
Song Two - You'll Never walk Alone, yes the Gerry and the Pacemakers Liverpool anthem from 1964 was a cover version, the origional recording was by Frank Sinatra back in 1945, interesting one ?
Pacemakers -
Sinatra -
Song 3 - Finally Tainted Love that 1981 classic from Soft Cell was also a cover version of a recording back in 1964 by Gloria Jones, how do you compare ?
Soft Cell -
Gloria Jones -
So anyway that brings me to this weeks post, listen to these songs and the origionals then vote on my sidebar which you feel is best.
Song One - Route 66, of course everyone thinks of the classic Rolling Stones song but is the origional by Nat King Cole better, tell me what you think ?
Stones -
Nat -
Song Two - You'll Never walk Alone, yes the Gerry and the Pacemakers Liverpool anthem from 1964 was a cover version, the origional recording was by Frank Sinatra back in 1945, interesting one ?
Pacemakers -
Sinatra -
Song 3 - Finally Tainted Love that 1981 classic from Soft Cell was also a cover version of a recording back in 1964 by Gloria Jones, how do you compare ?
Soft Cell -
Gloria Jones -
Sunday 23 March 2008
Keep the Falklands British
Just read in this mornings Newspaper that the Argies are trying to gain sovreignty of the Falklands Islands once again, this time not by sending their armed forces to take the place by force (slipped up with that one last time), they are bringing it up at a meeting of World Leaders.
Now surely this as nothing to do with the fact Britain as discovered significant Oil and Gas reserves in the area.
Lets look at the important facts, the islanders themselves want to stay under the British Flag, they speak English, we fought for these islands and won, time to stop giving British sovereign territority back.
For the record our little country once ruled half the world and we still have 14 outposts left all of which want to stay under British rule, end of story.
Its just over 25 years since the Falklands War the last time British soil was invaded by a foreign power and wikipedia gives a good account of the War for those interested in history :-
Story of the Falklands War
And here is a tribute to the British Forces who won that War and took the Islands back :-
Now surely this as nothing to do with the fact Britain as discovered significant Oil and Gas reserves in the area.
Lets look at the important facts, the islanders themselves want to stay under the British Flag, they speak English, we fought for these islands and won, time to stop giving British sovereign territority back.
For the record our little country once ruled half the world and we still have 14 outposts left all of which want to stay under British rule, end of story.
Its just over 25 years since the Falklands War the last time British soil was invaded by a foreign power and wikipedia gives a good account of the War for those interested in history :-
Story of the Falklands War
And here is a tribute to the British Forces who won that War and took the Islands back :-
Friday 21 March 2008
Have I reached the twilight zone ?
"Is 50 the new 40 ?" well interesting questions for me, especially today as I've just reached that milestone. To be honest if you had asked my a few years ago I would have said 50 is the start of old age, today I would at least try put up a argument.
First thing I don't feel old, ok maybe not young but definately not old. Sure I show signs of ageing but don't we all, we are getting older thats a fact we cant hide from. However I don't feel like this is the time to go out buy a rocking chair & pipe just yet, I still think there is plenty of life out there.
So "Life begins at 50" as far as I'm concerned.
So what am I doing for my Birthday, well tonight I'm out on the town (no doubt I'll feel much older in the morning). Some of the lovely Ladies I used to work with have organised a night out for me so I'll be seeing a few faces I haven't seen for awhile, should be fun.
Then its just a matter of seeing what life no holds in store for me in the twilight zone.
First thing I don't feel old, ok maybe not young but definately not old. Sure I show signs of ageing but don't we all, we are getting older thats a fact we cant hide from. However I don't feel like this is the time to go out buy a rocking chair & pipe just yet, I still think there is plenty of life out there.
So "Life begins at 50" as far as I'm concerned.
So what am I doing for my Birthday, well tonight I'm out on the town (no doubt I'll feel much older in the morning). Some of the lovely Ladies I used to work with have organised a night out for me so I'll be seeing a few faces I haven't seen for awhile, should be fun.
Then its just a matter of seeing what life no holds in store for me in the twilight zone.
Wednesday 19 March 2008
On a Roll
A loss to report for the 2nd week in a row, ok I've only lost 0.8lb but its a loss. I've gone from 209.2lb to 208.4lb so I'm moving in the right direction.
Just got to avoid the Cocolate Easter Eggs this week.
Monday 17 March 2008
Music Monday - The Kinks
Again this week I'm going to ask you to vote, I'm featuring one of my favorite groups from the 1960's The Kinks.
The Kinks first gained prominence in 1964 with the hit single "You really got Me", written by Ray Davies (it was their third single). The band's name came from their "kinky" dress sense of leather capes and boots worn on stage. The group's original line-up consisted of Ray Davies on Vocals & rythem guitar, Brother Dave Davies on Lead Guitar, Peter Quaife on Bass and Mick Avory on drums.
The Davies brothers were known to be allways at war with each other and the increasingly deteriorating relationship, and a string of unsuccessful records brought a eventual break-up of the band in the mid-90s. Rumours of Kinks reunion are vague and bandmembers have since embarked on solo careers.
Ray Davies who is currently performing successfully as a solo artist, recently commented that he is very willing to reform the band; however, his morbid relationship with his brother is still an obstacle to an eventual reunion.
Whatever the band's fortunes, however, their influence on emerging artists has been a constant. During the New Wave era, groups such as The Jam, The Knack, The Stranglers & The Pretenders covered Kinks songs and Britpop acts such as Blur, Oasis & Supergrass have cited them as a major influence. Many modern bands such as The Killers, The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand also acknowledge The Kinks and Ray Davies' expert songwriting skills. As self-professed Kinks fan Pete Townsend said for The History of Rock 'n' Roll: "The Kinks were much more quintessentially English. I always think that Ray Davies should one day be Poet Laureate. He invented a new kind of poetry and a new kind of language for pop writing that influenced me from the very, very, very beginning."
For the record The Kinks had many chart hits especially during the golden years 1964 to 1972 including 3 chart toppers & no fewer than 10 others making the top 10.
Anyway I'm posting 5 of my favorite Kinks songs (although I could add a lot more)and todays choice which do you prefer :-
(You can vote on my sidebar)
1. Waterloo Sunset
2. Sunny Afternoon
3. Celluloid Heroes
4. Lola
5. All Day and all of the night
The Kinks first gained prominence in 1964 with the hit single "You really got Me", written by Ray Davies (it was their third single). The band's name came from their "kinky" dress sense of leather capes and boots worn on stage. The group's original line-up consisted of Ray Davies on Vocals & rythem guitar, Brother Dave Davies on Lead Guitar, Peter Quaife on Bass and Mick Avory on drums.
The Davies brothers were known to be allways at war with each other and the increasingly deteriorating relationship, and a string of unsuccessful records brought a eventual break-up of the band in the mid-90s. Rumours of Kinks reunion are vague and bandmembers have since embarked on solo careers.
Ray Davies who is currently performing successfully as a solo artist, recently commented that he is very willing to reform the band; however, his morbid relationship with his brother is still an obstacle to an eventual reunion.
Whatever the band's fortunes, however, their influence on emerging artists has been a constant. During the New Wave era, groups such as The Jam, The Knack, The Stranglers & The Pretenders covered Kinks songs and Britpop acts such as Blur, Oasis & Supergrass have cited them as a major influence. Many modern bands such as The Killers, The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand also acknowledge The Kinks and Ray Davies' expert songwriting skills. As self-professed Kinks fan Pete Townsend said for The History of Rock 'n' Roll: "The Kinks were much more quintessentially English. I always think that Ray Davies should one day be Poet Laureate. He invented a new kind of poetry and a new kind of language for pop writing that influenced me from the very, very, very beginning."
For the record The Kinks had many chart hits especially during the golden years 1964 to 1972 including 3 chart toppers & no fewer than 10 others making the top 10.
Anyway I'm posting 5 of my favorite Kinks songs (although I could add a lot more)and todays choice which do you prefer :-
(You can vote on my sidebar)
1. Waterloo Sunset
2. Sunny Afternoon
3. Celluloid Heroes
4. Lola
5. All Day and all of the night
Wednesday 12 March 2008
A Loss to report
PROFILEPOUNDER.COM
Last week I reported a slight increase of 1.4lb following my trip to Chicago, 6 nights eating & Drinking I was pleased with that. Well one week later I'm back moving in the right direction and I've lost most of the gain.
In fact 1.2lb of it cos my weight this morning was 209.2lb (on my dodgy scales - really about 219.2lb). So only 0.2lb above my pre Chicago trip weight and I'm quite happy with that.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Music Monday - Best Solo Beatle
Ok My friends for my music post here is one for you to give your opinion on -
Who is your favorite Solo Beatle (you can comment here and vote on my sidebar) ?
1. Ringo
2. George
3. Paul
4. John
Personally I'm voting for George, always liked his song writing skills and he was one of the great guitarists. Saying that its a tough choice, I'd probably go for John 2nd.
Who is your favorite Solo Beatle (you can comment here and vote on my sidebar) ?
1. Ringo
2. George
3. Paul
4. John
Personally I'm voting for George, always liked his song writing skills and he was one of the great guitarists. Saying that its a tough choice, I'd probably go for John 2nd.
Friday 7 March 2008
Time to stand up for the British
Today I've just heard on the UK news "Members of our Armed Forces have been told that they should go out in Civillian Clothes rather than their uniforms because its upsetting certain sections of the public". I don't care in you are for or against the various Wars but any protests should be directed towards the government not the lads & lasses who put their lives on the line.
Anyway I thought I'd post a tribute to our troops I found on Youtube, please watch and if anyone is offended I don't care :-
Anyway I thought I'd post a tribute to our troops I found on Youtube, please watch and if anyone is offended I don't care :-
Just about got away with it
Bravely this morning I jumped on my scales to see what damage I had done on my Chicago trip. Well I must say I was delighted to have only gained 1.4lb. Last weigh in was 209lb and today it was 210.4lb. I'll just remind everyone my scales are about 10lb out so this is really 220.4lb but as long as I use the same scales it doesn't matter.
So now I want to get motivated to lose some more weight making my scales dip below 200lb is a good target for the coming weeks, say before my next vacation.
So now I want to get motivated to lose some more weight making my scales dip below 200lb is a good target for the coming weeks, say before my next vacation.
Wednesday 5 March 2008
Back home & knackered
Just got home from Chicago and am absolutely knackered. We had a awesome time, watched some fantastic mucicians, drank a lot of beer, ate great food, met some real characters, just had loads of fun. As you all know I've visited the City a few times but it was a first for my mates Andy (Lofty) & Mark (Skid) but they both loved the place.
Arrived Thursday and got to the hotel at about 4pm after a power sleep, shower and change of clothes it was out for something to eat (and drink). We went to Fado's Irish Pub which is a Pub I've visited many times when in Chicago in fact two of the bar staff Phil & the lovely Teresa recognised me and came over for a chat. We had a few beers of course and went for typical Pub Grub (Bacon Cheeseburger & Chips), its the sort of meal that settles your stomach for a good nights drinking.
About 9.30 pm we moved on to Blue Chicago where one of my favorite local Blues singers "Shirley Johnson" was performing. Her group is really good, two lead guitarists, Sax player, Bass & Drummer acan all play solo's. Despite the 6 hout time difference we stayed right to the end of the performance and left at 1.30am (7.30am in our body clocks).
Arrived Thursday and got to the hotel at about 4pm after a power sleep, shower and change of clothes it was out for something to eat (and drink). We went to Fado's Irish Pub which is a Pub I've visited many times when in Chicago in fact two of the bar staff Phil & the lovely Teresa recognised me and came over for a chat. We had a few beers of course and went for typical Pub Grub (Bacon Cheeseburger & Chips), its the sort of meal that settles your stomach for a good nights drinking.
About 9.30 pm we moved on to Blue Chicago where one of my favorite local Blues singers "Shirley Johnson" was performing. Her group is really good, two lead guitarists, Sax player, Bass & Drummer acan all play solo's. Despite the 6 hout time difference we stayed right to the end of the performance and left at 1.30am (7.30am in our body clocks).
Friday the intention was to go up the Hancock Tower in the morning but the visibility wasn't great so we basically walked down Michegan avenue to Millenium Park getting a few photo's on route including the Trump Tower which is going to be an awesome structure when complete.
Millenium Park was as always a nice place to chill out (but I think Chill has a different meaning in February). Heres a photo of Cloud gate (you can see us three in the reflection.
In the afternoon Lofty wanted to find a Pub so he could watch the Rugby, Leeds Rhinos were playing Melbourne Storm in the World Club Challenge and it was on Sky Sports One. Alas despite forcing down a beer in numerous pubs the all seemed to have Setanta and not Sky Sports so we missed the match. When we left the last pub the visibility had cleared so we took the trip up the hancock before going to our hotel.
After a keep rest and change of clothes it was out for an evening meal, we went to "The Dubliner" Pub on Rush street where I had a Steak. The place was really busy so we had a few pints before the food came.
After that we went on the Underground Wonder Bar , which is a small music venue one of the people on my friends list on MySpace (Jen Porter) advised it was worth a visit(actually she sometimes sings there). She wasn't in town cos we would have loved to see her perform but decided we should go along anyway. It was a smallish venue and we arrived about 9pm, a lady Jazz singer was performing with a Piano player. The place was quiet but it was early and the main act was due at 11pm. When the time came the singer had sent message she wasn't well so we were thinking of moving on. Pleased we didn't cos the group played with the Bass player taking lead vocals and provided a real entertaining evening that we enjoyed a lot. We did leave early at about 2am cos we were really tired.
Saturday in the morning we took a trip to one of Chicago's best known sports stadium "Wrigley Field" home of the Cubs. Of course we went in Leeds shirts, me in my soccer one & Lofty in his Rugby one.
After lunch onto the Museum of Science & Industry, now this is a good day out and well worth the bus trip. In fact we spent all afternoon there but they eventually were kicked out cos the wanted to close.
Saturday night we decided to eat posh and go to a quality restaurant, I've forgot what the one we picked was called but it was packed and we had to wait for a table. While waiting and having a beer we got talking to another Englishman who was the spitting image of 60's singer Adam Faith. In fact we were convinced it was him despite him been dead & buried, the bloke though was a real laugh absolutely hilarious. Eventually we got our meal and I went for the Lamb Chops whiche were cooked to perfection.
After the meal we moved on to Howl at the Moon a duelling Piano Bar which is an great place to party. The players will play anything you request (if you pay) and it was so much fun, everyone here ends up drunk, singing, dancing, etc. Drinks are served by the bucket, coctails are forced down peoples throats just a great laugh. We met another Englishman from Portsmouth and nicknamed him Oddball (well he was from the south). We had a fun time with some locals, everyone was so friendly, one bloke even bought us a bucket of beer. The Club photographer was taking photos of everyone there to create a slideshow, check it out (especially photos 160 & 161) :-
Slide show
Eventually we left to find out hotel at 4am.
Sunday morning we walked to the Lake then onto the Pier, just a bit of site seeing. In the afternoon it was to the United Centre to watch the Ice Hockey Chicago Blackhawks versus Vancouver. I was impressed with the venue we had a great view of the action for $15 and they even gave us a free umbrella as we went in. Chicago played well and won the match 4-1 in front of a crowd of about 20,000. 
Sunday night we ate in the hotel bar then it was up to Blues Alley in Lincoln Park area. First we went to Kingston Mines where we first watched Charlie Love followed by Linsey Alexander, both were good and we enjoyed the show. However rather than watch each artists 2nd act we moved on to another Club "BLUES" over the road as our cover charge covers both clubs. This was a grotty little place but hell the music was fantastic, can't remember what the group were called but they were fantastic.
Monday we intended to go on the "Untouchables Tour" which takes you on a tour that tells the history of the prohibition era. However it was cancelled cos of a lack of customers (suppose its not the tourist season). So instead we took a ride on the subway to the White Sox stadium.
After that it was on to the Field museum but to be honest I thought it a let down, wasn't really for us but it filled the afternoon in.
With this been our last night we decided to go on a Pub Tour (pint in everyone British style). First Pub we went we were shocked to find a Table Tennis Table and as both Lofty and Me play the challenge was on. Well the rest is history 5-0 to me and Lofty wont want to talk about it. The 2nd Pub was called "Celtic Crossing" and we got talking to the owner and a few locals and they told us if we had been there the previous we would have met another Yorkshireman actor Sean Bean, apparently he's been making a film in Chicago and called in most nights for a couple of pints.
A few more Pubs we ended up in Mother Hubbards Sports Bar, got talking to a bloke at the bar who was the spitting image of Robert DeNero. He was Amercan/Italian from New York and was in town for his sons wedding. Apparently his son wanted a Soda and he had volunteered to go out and get one cos there wasn't a bar in their hotel. Nothing unusual there except that was 3 hours earlier and he had come out in his Pyjamas (ok with a coat on top). His family kept trying to phone him but he ignored the calls and kept ordering another drink. He did eventually move on and we got talking to another New Yorker called Eddie and I'm afraid Skid wont live this down. When we all introduced ourselvelves Eddie asked if his name was Mark with a "K" or "C", Skid looked at him as though he was daft and said its Mark with a "M", we just fell off the stool laughing.
Tuesday - Shopping Day then flight home - enough said.
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