Hello blog readers,
Got through first week of having to work despite being redundant (what the bejesus are they thinking?) and have managed to resist the temptation of industrial sabotage thus far. However a sickening thing happened today which I now feel the need to share with you. Our workplace has the dubious privilege of the radio. On said boombox we often listen to Jo Whiley's 'live lounge' sessions. I have no objections to mediocre bands covering the songs of other mediocre bands, its like a normal exchange of goods/services. But today the imbalance was noted. Simon Webbe ex of boy band Blue covered the new meatloaf-alike single of dubious quality by the Killers (the one that mentions not looking like Jesus).
Now, I'm not sure if anyone's head has exploded already at the thought (apologies), but said performance was really sinking to new depths. Firstly, it seemed to my ears that Simon Webbe himself was responsible for the horrible acoustic guitar playing which was the basis of this abomination. If not - session musician, give it up. Then there was a Hawaiian Lighthouse Family element to the proceedings which was plainly out of place, even in the studio that recently saw Keane cover Bootylicious. Plus, the backing vocals seemed to come from a confused barbershop quartet which had stumbled into the studio accidentally (entirely understandably - BBC Maida Vale is a maze.)
Lesson - do not pay too much attention to the live lounge or in fact anything on Radio 1 whilst bored or you will be drawn in.
Caroline xx

Okay, so if you've never been made redundant it feels kind of wierd. like, you dont want to stay in a place that has no use for you any more, but also you feel kind of rejected and miffed they chose you - whats so bad about you? Grr.
Anyway i have the perfect antidote. firstly, on the day you get the letter which tells you yup you're probably getting the boot but not definitely, go and see a band called CSS. they will make you want to dance, and revel in the pure silliness and joy in pop music, and you will forget all about the other thing because your smile is bursting out of your face.
then on the day you actually get the boot, try not to cry and go see the lovely Neko case playing live. let her firstly remind you that its a good day cause Donald whatsit resigned and america seems to be slightly sane for once, and also revel in the absolute darn beauty of the sound coming out of her wee lungs. and chuckle cause she is wearing a tshirt which says 'lick it' right over her very nice boobs.
Thats the best way to deal with it i think.
Caroline x

Hot damn, I hope Caz doesn't mind me posting this, but I just want to rave about this here record:



One of England's greatest folk singers, Nic Jones does traditional songs in a modern setting, his brilliant, rhythmic guitar picking both tough and elegent. Tragically, a road accident left him unable to perform, and record company issues mean that only this album from the early 80s is available on CD. It's a beauty though, full of beautiful, colourful, and dark songs of the sea and land.
James Yorkston is a big fan and Dylan "borrowed" Nic's own arrangement of Canadee-I-o in the early 90s. That song, and the incredible Humpback Whale are the two songs to download (although you should really get the whole lot) The latter I find particularly striking. Jones strikes his guitar hard, the low strings buzzing and droning like the ships lurching steadily through the waves as they "forget your snapper and your prawn" and strike out into deeper waters to fish for the humpback whale. It's so powerful and evocative. Majestic.