365:2

External factors
that restrict our happiness;
would it were not so.

365:1

No drink and no drugs;
I'll stay under the shower
to escape the world.

The Cultural Year Ahead

In 2009, I'm looking forward to...

albums from Bob Mould (title: tba; release date: April 06 2009) and Pet shop Boys (title: 'Yes'; release date: March 23 2009)

and the latest offering from Pedro Almodovar (title: Los Abrazos rotos; UK release date: August 28 2009)

That's all for now.

2008:Year in review

A review of 2008, originally posted over on wherediditallgoright.com/blog

albums of 2008
'Wilderness' by Brett Anderson (yes, I'm still banging on about that one, using every opportunity I get to do so becaue the press coverage is destructively negative or barely there; the album is a heartfelt, moving, brave and uncompromising piece of work).
'Seventh Tree', Goldfrapp (listen to it as a whole rather than cherry picking tracks; atmospheric and soothing, and deserving of acclaim)
'District Line' by Bob Mould (at least 3 tracks on here would be welcome on a best of compilation- surely a sign of a strong album)

Tracks/singles of 2008 (in alphabetical artist order)'Chinese Whispers', Brett Anderson'A&E', Goldfrapp'Paris is Burning', Ladyhawke'Tell Me What It's Worth', Lightspeed Champion'Kids', MGMT'Very Temporary', Bob Mould'Supernatural Superserious', REM (arguably, too little-too late, but it reminds me why REM's music touched me so much all those years ago)

Films of 2008 (alphabetically)
'Caramel'
'Couscous'
'Juno'
'Persepolis'
(I'm sure there are others, but I only managed to watch 6 or so new ones... 'Lust Caution' and 'Happy-Go-Lucky' were disappointing)

more songs of the year

'Paris Is Burning', Ladyhawke
'Kids', MGMT

As a Smiths 'devotee', should I buy the 2cd version of the forthcoming compilation? Decisions, decisions. "Reissue. Repackage. Repackage. Re-evaluate the songs. Double-pack and a photograph. Extra track and a tacky badge." I wonder if Morrissey realised just how ironic those words would become years later in the light of the extensive repackaging of his solo back catalogue and that of The Smiths.

Where It's At

Favourite singles of 2008 , to date
Black Kids, 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You' (check it out: it'll make you smile; great video too)
Goldfrapp, 'A & E'
Lightspeed Champion, 'Tell Me What It's Worth'
REM, 'Supernatural Superserious' (arguably, too little-too late, but it reminds me why REM's music touched so much all those years ago)

I own records by:
Brett Anderson
Antony and The Johnsons
Badly Drawn Boy
Belle & Sebastian
Ben & Jerry
Black Kids
Frank Black
David Bowie
British Sea Power
Kate Bush
Bernard Butler
CSS
Camera Obscura
Captain Beefheart
Cherry Ghost
Cocteau Twins
Leonard Cohen
The Cure
Depeche Mode
Desert Sessions
Dexy's Midnight Runners
Nick Drake
Electrelane
Brian Eno
Franz Ferdinand
Futureheads
Future Pilot AKA
Husker Du
Serge Gainsbourg
Beth Gibbons & Rustin' Man
Grandaddy
Johnny Boy
Keane
Lightspeed Champion
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions
McAlmont & Butler
Natalie Merchant
Joni Mitchell
Morrissey
Bob Mould
Nada Surf
P J Harvey (arguably, a group, not a solo artist!)
Pet Shop Boys
Peaches
Pixies
Placebo
Prince
Pulp
Radiohead
REM
Ride
Patti Smith
The Smiths
Sonic Youth
Suede
Super Furry Animals
The Tears
Television
10,000 Maniacs
Ultrasound
Suzanne Vega

2007

Yes, yes, I know it's been a while since I last wrote anything on here. Blame workload! Or maybe that's just an excuse? Let me get the following stuff down before I forget it all:

Singles of the year (in alphabetical order)
'Love Is Dead', Brett Anderson
'No Cars Go', Arcade Fire
'Thursday', Asobi Seksu
'The Bomb', New Young Pony Club (and I really love the Tiga remix of 'Ice Cream')
'Gravity's Rainbow', Klaxons
'Don't Lose Yourself', Laura Veirs

Another posting to follow in quick succession?

Work beckons...