Forget about the World Cup, let’s focus on Eurovision – surely a championship requiring greater talent (or maybe just producing greater laughs?).

At this stage of the race, I’m backing Finland (still waiting for Kazahkstan to enter!). Lordi – Hard Rock Hallelujah is an immense gothic monster rock anthem, supported superbly by an amazing video (Youtube link). Man, I though this sort of thing died out in the late 80s?

Amazing! On the official Lordi website, their videos carry an L rating, with a Strong Monster Violence & Gore warning!

Last night I ended up going to see Jose Gonzalez (him of that sony ad fame – hopefully he won’t be known as that!) at the Royal Concert Hall. Not the sort of venue I am used to. It has carpets and seats! I was puzzled at the lack of a sticky floor and a mosh pit! Even the door staff were dear old ladies…

So, it wasn’t going to rock! But I knew that already. Jose demonstrated exceptional skill on his guitar. He was ably supported by a couple of perscussion monkeys – who both had big bags of tricks! I could have done with a couch to laze on, it was very peaceful. Highlights were a Kylie cover and a Massive Attack cover, sweet!

is it me or dave? visit my other web site here.

thinking – about gareth n jane and how their wee seaside village has been transformed by swarms of news people over reacting to recent discoveries.

reading – northern sky by mark radcliffe. i do like mark. if you are a fan of his radio show, then this book will be good for you. it is definitely tinted with his style of humour. i can almost image him reading it in broadest lancashire twang.

watching – alias season 4 on dvd (eventually – sorry andrew for hanging on to it). great to spend the easter holidays with jennifer garner…

surprising – to hear portions for foxes by rilo kiley on the first episode of grey’s anatomy on channel 5. that was my brother’s single of last year – it gets better with every listen.

worrying – that the radio 2 playlist is becoming attractive. old age sets in…

hoping – that even after a poor 0-0 against an awful dundee team, ross county can beat st. mirren on saturday to delay the division 1 title race… (race? – more of a quick stroll to the shop)

not getting petrol or anything, but playing the Garage – “entertainment venue” … this was the second time I have seen them live this year.
To be honest, I preferred the first time! I think their set up and sound was better suited to the more intimate King Tuts. The Garage could be any old barn, anywhere.
Still, they were great, well polished, performers. I really do think they craft excellent lyrics and quality music.
We missed the support – The Upper Room. I was looking forward to seeing them, since I love their latest single – All Over This Town. But us giggers had to be shunted out the door so the clubbers could have their way!

You know when you are asking for a bit of guidance, help or direction? Well, what do you make of the answers that you get… today I had an interview that would keep me here, followed by emails from Australia, Cambodia and South Africa, which have fed my restlessness…

some dead keen bloggers have posted new snow patrol tracks … check out some of my links through my bloglines… well this one!

snow patrol make reference to sufjan stevens in one of their new songs… are they trying to be cool? relevant? why? am i cooler for liking him too or for hearing their tracks already?

their single is being played big style now too… sounds good… very much a final straw sequel! the tracks that are out there on the blogs reinforce that!

updated the four play on the right… getting back into some albums I received for christmas. the art of fighting album is highly recommended in a chilled out way – it contains a couple of the most beautiful song i have heard for a while.

things have been quiet on the blog front due to interviews, funerals, application form deadlines, birthdays, laziness, business… not in that particular order either

automobiles.. well a taxi, a cab to use the local lingo, a death cab, a death cab for cutie to be exact. Plans and Trans(atlanticism) being their most recent albums.

I blame the OC! How many 16 year olds can you get at a gig? Still the band played on… they played a healthy chunk of both Plans and Plans, generously seasoned with some of their older stuff, just enough to keep those “real” fans happy.

Barrowland is an interesting venue. I don’t think it has changed in years, although the floor seemed less sticky this time! The sound team could maybe work on their levels, as it was just bass-tastic.

The band were very accomplished and slick (a little too slick?). Perhaps I have been spoilt of late, I expect(!) generous helpings of banter, interaction and slightly different live versions… although we were treated to a drum duet… but perhaps that is standard!

A good gig. Ben has a superb, distinctive, voice which is as strong live as on the records. The band are thoroughly professional and together, you can tell they gig a lot, and like gigging! It just lacked that little something… not sure what that little something is… but I think their songwriting skills are excellent – lyrically and musically superb.

Photo’s courtesy of Calamateur

Let’s have a vote…

Shall I join a gym or make my house a gym?