Carl Sagan - 'A Glorious Dawn' ft Stephen Hawking (Cosmos Remixed)

big thinking on a day off

pop crisis

I am having a pop crisis! The king of pop is dead and her 'mag'esty (madonna) has seriously lost the plot. I went to see Madonna last night at the MEN and it was a fright...she went on very late then she mimed her way effortlessly through the first section of the concert. She danced like a 12 year old (and dressing like one!), she even tried to fool us with costume changes and at one point we were supposed to believe it was her singing under a full cape whilst sat on a grand piano (I am pretty sure it was a body double whilst she put her feet up in the dressing room drinking pop). The most grotesque spectacle was the unpleasant display of wealth and bizarre obsession with showing us her pants. Though there was a pretty good middle section where she seemed to have joined the fair and became incorporated into a Hispanic gypsy family even this was marred by slightly a preoccupation with death and the 'cult of the child'. Madonna needs to spend some quality time coming to terms with her shift from youth to middle age, enjoy being an older woman and not see herself as having to prove herself as a sexual being...there is so much more to her than this but at the moment her pain at the loss of youth is unnerving and slightly disarming. As an audience member it makes for uncomfortable viewing (and not in a useful challenging way). Because she started so late we missed most of the last section - because we had to catch the last train home - which if she went on to demonstrate that she was in a transition and was seeking a new phase in life would have been encouraging - but I suspect it went on to be more of a cry for help!

I don't want to walk away from pop. I want to see something useful, challenging, musically inspiring in the mainstream but at the moment I am really struggling to find anything in the charts that makes me want to celebrate life. I know Philly J will help me through this crisis...but I have seriously hit a musical wall. We need Cathy Dennis to write a great pop song NOW!

infant baptism and eurovision

...An unlikely combination but that is what my day will be focusing on (what's left of it). I have a strict revision regime to stick to and if I haven't don't know enough about infant baptism by 8pm then I am in for a sad eurovision night. So, I am not going to hang about here...I am just going to play you what Phil Jackson and I think will the winning song (well hedging our bets it should come in the top 3).

Eurovision 2008 Sweden Charlotte Perrelli - HERO (performance in the semifinal)



please pay no attention to the Latvian Pirates

eurovision countdown

Eurovision is next week and Philly J has started the countdown (he actually started a few days ago but I have been a bit lax and not let you know). If you have even a passing interest in Eurovision then Phil is your man. What he doesn't know isn't worth knowing. He will keep you posted about the runners and leaders. What's more he will be in attendance this year and will be blogging from Belgrade, with live streaming from the event.

I am at college - my aim for the day is to plan my revision for this exam. I have a pile of books, a load of past papers and a good idea of my interests. I also could do with a bit of a rest. My head is a bit full. I need a cup of tea.

We are off to Bruce and Sara's for dinner tonight. I am very much looking forward to the foodolution.

two things

I have been busy dealing with a migraine and writing an essay over the last 48hrs. Not a happy combination but 'thems the shakes'. I have managed to get a draft of the essay despite the headache and am now in a position to say that I have written all my Trinity college essays and only have an nasty exam to go.

So, just two pieces of action that you might like to engage with. The first is a Avaaz petition to the UN. I received this email from three people today and rather than sending it on I will print it here and you can take whatever action you feel appropriate:

I'm sure you've heard about the world food crisis in the news. Some 100 million people from the continent of Africa are likely to die of starvation if nothing is done. The UN have responded in part but more is needed. You can read a report here

If you want to sign a petition which will be given to G8, UN, and EU
leaders, then click this link.

This video is a Food crisis appeal from Sierra Leone foreign minister




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The other is a pop related link. You can vote for your Most Musical City by choosing your favourite from the ten nominated cities on the Take it Away website. I voted for Liverpool (of course).

Ting Tings vs Shampoo

St Claire of Toxteth thinks that the Tings Tings are the children of Shampoo (circa 1994). I am sure this pop analysis will shock the Salford Duo as I suspect they may be basing their career on a far more credible pop pedigree. However, I will let you be the judge...

2 Shampoo videos for you as evidence in the pop trial

Trouble



Girl Power (way before the spice girls had the 2nd hand idea)



I must not be distracted by pop music today!

Daft Bodies - Harder Better Faster Stronger

I know I am supposed to be working but whilst I was traveling round the blogging world I found this...Thanks Julian

Ting Tings

Eva has a new favourite band - The Ting Tings. I am sure you re all plugged into this sound but I found this acoustic version of That's Not my Name, which I though was very good.



Some credit should go to Katie for pulling off wearing a tabard as a fashion item. Not many girls can do that!




If you want to see the lastest video for the single Great DJ you have to go to the Columbia Record Co. youtube bit...they don't want us to embed it - meanies!

I am trying not to be distracted by pop music this week as I press on with another essay. Just 2 more to do. Best be off then.

lazy sunday

What a lazy day. I have been struggling fighting a cold all day so spent much of it in bed or thereabouts. But, I think I might have beaten it because I am feeling much better as I am just about to get back into the beautiful bed again. Eva has been out with her friends all day and I have watched tv, cleaned about a bit, read and slept. I had to go to the shops for some food but other than that it really has been a very lazy day. Just what I needed after a busy few days in Liverpool. On of the things I have been up to is listening to my Larry Norman CD which arrived in the post while I was in Liverpool. Larry Norman died 24th Feb 2008 and I wanted to reacquaint myself with his work. It has been a strangely moving re-awakening of my youthful exuberance and love of Christian music. I don't have the same feelings for many Christian artists these days - old a cynical, finding hard to find anything with a bit edginess. Whatever it is Larry Norman had it - as he said "why should the Devil have all the good music'. Here are a few Norman youtube videos. Enjoy.

pop music

The BBC has a series of programs running at the moment on pop music called Pop! What is it Good For? Obviously for pop fans and scholars it is a feast of loveliness which is the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas lull. Last night I watched Paul Morley speak to popticians about some pop songs of his choice. He looked st the way these songs reflect something of the concerns of the artists, the impact they had on culture and the way they draw on and develop a pop music cannon. The BBC website writes:

At 50 years of age, Morley is just about as old as pop music itself and in this film he argues that pop has played a central role in the culture of the nation over the past half century. In the post-empire era, pop music has helped give the world a sense of Britain and Britain a sense of itself.

I know I am a complete sucker for pop music and I love it so much it sometimes hurts but I got quite emotional about the way Morley drew out the lyrical content of The Smiths This Charming Man, the iconic shifts of the female image in Madonna's Like a Prayer, and the simplistic complexity of Kylie's Can't get you out of my Head. I think pop music is important and to hear Morley interrogate the three minute pop song in such a loving and creative way was both moving and challenging.

With that in mind I will leave you with The Smiths seminal This Charming Man.



This Charming man

A punctured bicycle
On a hillside desolate
Can nature make a man of me yet?

And in this charming car
This charming man

Why pamper life's complexity
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care"
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...
Na, na-na, na-na, na-na, this charming man ...


A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But I haven't got a stitch to wear
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man ...
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man ...

A jumped up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things


Morrissy is a Genius.

Stevie Wonder - Superstition live on Sesame Street

given that I featured James Blunt on Sesame Street the other day I thought I should put this up as well - Mark sent it to me the other day as the antidote to the JB appearance.

ken dodd on songs of praise

I don't usually watch Songs of Praise but tonight was an exception. The thought of seeing the Bishop of Liverpool and Ken Dodd on the same show, in the same room and nearly on the same couch was enough to keep me tuned in. I can tell you that it was one of the most entertaining TV shows I have seen for quite some time (Strictly Come Dancing apart). It was a tribute to Ken on his 80th birthday. Ken was on top form (so was the Bishop) and he sang two songs (Ken not the Bishop) - the Footprints songs which was filmed on Formby Beach with the sea out (so no sea to been seen) and Happiness accompanied by a gospel choir and assorted children from the Cathedral Choir. It was one of the most extra-ordinary things I have ever seen on the BBC. If you missed it you really should try to watch it on catch up. If anyone records it could I have a copy.

I have tried to look for a recording of the show on youtube but there really isn't very much Doddy stuff on there at all. This is the best I could do. Here is Ken with Dickie Mint...

spicegirls - headline

I heard this for the first time today - is it me or does it sound like they are singing about headlice...? Well most of them have children now so perhaps it is an issue that is close to their hearts. To be honest I think it is a bit rubbish. It doesn't do anything for me, doesn't break any new ground and I am not getting the spice girls retro thing at all - just doesn't sit right with me (unlike the Take That effort which just felt so right). Anyway if you need to hear it go to PopJustice.

This is the video, what are they doing? what are they wearing? Good pop videos have a point but I have no idea what is going on here...

busy

As the half term break rushed toward me I found myself very busy. Very busy indeed. So,dear reader I must update you with some of the details. I was on survival mode at college last week. Just trying to get over 'the lump' - I can report that it has gone down quite a lot and when I saw the doctor on Friday he didn't look as worried but did still want to see me again next week. That's ok, I have to say it really has gone done quite a a lot and my arm isn't as tingly - so that's good. I am going to try to do some resting this half term. Not quite sure when but I plan to have at least one lie-in and a few early nights.

My plan to cut down on worrying about stuff was thwarted by some irritating news from The University of Liverpool - the powers that be have decided that despite negotiations with my supervisor her decision to allow me to be registered there as well as at Bristol Uni now has to be reversed. So, I have been suspended! It isn't as bad as it sounds and in fact will mean I have more time before I submit but nevertheless it is very stressful. My supervisor and I have spent a lot of time over the weekend putting a good spin on this and have rationalised the situation but on Friday I was gutted and very very angry (It would have been useful if they has spotted this earlier and reversed the decision in a more generous way - an email informing me of the decision was not the best way to find out - but, hey ho!).
I had a few Trinity friends over on Friday night which was the best way to take my mind off it. We had a great time. I felt very relaxed and chilled. A good start to the holidays.

Since then I have (amongst other things) been to an internment of ashes of a much loved parishioner at St Peter's Lawrence Western, taken Eva to dancing at the Rock, been to tea with Jenny Low (Vicar at Lawrence Western), and watched Strictly Come Dancing with Eva - our favourites are Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler. Their jive was fantastic - Here it is:


I went to church this morning and my Mum arrived shortly after we got back. She is here for a few days - and I won't lose her! She is downstairs having a little sleep on the sofa, Mark is Making Sunday dinner and Eva and Elise are playing nicely (I think they are skipping). So, all is well. I hope we can get a break from stuff and just get on with being a family over the ext few days. I really feel like we need some time out. If you get a moment and could pop us in your prayers that would very much appreciated.

Anyway, I thought I would share some of the music that has captivated us in the lest few weeks. The Lovely, if not a bit odd, Roisin Murphy's new album is a triumph. She never fails to impress.



We have been enjoying the Radiohead Album, In Rainbows - which we paid £3 for (This is not enough because it is very good) This is a track, Jigsaw Falling Into Place, to listen to - no video.


Kate Nash - Mouthwash. As Bridget Shepherd points out, proves that the themes of Psalm 139 are alive and kicking in popular culture. Loving it.


That's it for mow. Lets get on with it. xxx

PJ Harvey

last night Mark and I went to see PJ Harvey at Colston Hall. Sometimes you need to go and see someone perform who is confident in their creativity. It reminds you how confining culture might be if we all saw things in the same way. PJ Harvey has this ability to shift into the character of her songs and become the subject as well as the object. Being alone on stage she is so small and last night she wore a Chekhovian black dress - as if she was 'in mourning for her life' (see Chekhov - The Seagull). She was able to effortlessly shift from Polly to PJ - she generously gave us insight into her humour between songs then, after being lulled into a false sense of security, plunged us into the depths of PJ's inner world. Bonkers and beautiful, exhilarating and painful.

This is Mansized (an old song)


This is the title track from her new album 'White Chalk', this version was recorded for Danish TV - she did this last night and it was haunting powerful.



and this is a review of the new album on late review - Aired 2007-09-07.

Jack Rokka Vs Betty Boo - 'Take Off'

Loving their work...

big bible day

Tomorrow is big bible day at Trinity (it appears that we will be covering the bible in a day - I mights be a bit tired tomorrow night) and it is too tempting - I have to reprise 'I Like Big Bibles'. The last time I posted this was November last year...blimey. Seems like just yesterday. Which reminds me that I missed this blog's birthday - which was on 5th Sept!

Anyway, this is a classic and well worth seeing again.

after greenbelt - s club worship...

It has been nearly 48 hours since I got back from Greenbelt. I have had 3 showers, 6 poos, 3 proper meals (with vegetables), 4 sleeps, lots of cups of tea, a curry (which took ages to arrive), a trip to ASDA and watched lots of TV (including seeing High School Musical twice - once was the singalong version). I am now nearly back to normal. Tomorrow I am planning further reintroduction into polite society by visiting friends and sharing cake (I brought back a whole fruit cake from Greenbelt which I may need help with).

I had a bit of an S Club 7 moment at Greenbelt and have devised an S Club alternative worship service - based entirely on s club tunes and including a singalong and dance spot. The whole service starts with the following:


then there is a meditative bit in the middle which will have as its musical interlude:


and a prayerful section that will include:


ending with the uplifting classic:



I wonder if together (me and S club) we could put the fun back into alternative worship?

mark

I had to post the picture of mark taken on our yurt trip. He looks so happy and ready for anything. he has been away at Scot's wedding - which I couldn't go to because I have work to do and Phil J visiting. Eva is still a my mums. It sounds like they are both having a lovely time. All three of us having different adventures.

Anyway, I have had a great weekend with Phil. We have had two drinks and nibble parties and some shopping trips. He helped me wash silk cushion covers and we have watched loads of TV and listened to pop music. It was great to just hang out and chat about stuff. Seems like a long time since we had the chance to do that.

Anyway, the weekend musical memory will be Robyn's singe - which got to no. 1 last night. This isn't the official video. That is a bit rubbish and distracting. This one is ok.

i fought the law

I can't believe how things turn on a pin. Particularly feelings. I came back from my holidays, had a great time in Liverpool, was feeling really optimistic. Then last night I read through the days 3,000 words and felt truly wrung out. I feel like I am not winning the fight to write this phd. I have worked so hard all summer and I feel like it is never going to get done.

I had a wave of freedom the other day. I was putting Eva to bed and I thought 'when this phd is done I will just be able to get on with my life, it will be over and I won't have it hanging over me any more. It won't steal any more of my time, my thinking or my feelings.' But, I can't see the end at the moment.

When all else fails listen to the Clash...