Prompted by watching that Go -betweens documentary, where the band kept going, kept going, kept going , despite commercial failure and indifference from the public. They must have incurred some quite serious costs over the years, recording, touring, etc. Even just flying between London and Sydney must have cost a pretty penny.

So how do bands survive if they’re not successful ? Other jobs? Parents with deep pockets. Or do they exist in artistic poverty?

Recorded it months ago and finally got round to watching it. 30 minutes in…it’s absolutely brilliant and I can’t really put my finger on exactly why as I’m not actually a huge fan of them, 16 Lovers Lane excepted which is a sublime album.

Anyone else out there seen it?

Did we know this?

Looking forward to it and England are many people’s favourites. Probably rightly so. Not sure why we’re playing Australia so close to the start though.

The drummer has fractured his foot so the forthcoming UK gigs are cancelled. Really gutted, was the highlight of my year.

I have a postal vote and made the mistake of opening the envelope late last night. Clearly I’ve not been paying attention up here in the North West of England as there are any number of Parties on the ballot slip I was unaware of, up to 8 candidates in each Party – most of whom I’ve never heard of – APART from the last (hopefully) candidate on the list…Robinson, Tommy.

I have no idea who is favourite for my region (and it must be a big region, the North West) but I think I need to wake up. I’ve never voted tactically in my life but think this could be a first.

To prove my hypothesis, here’s a live version of “As the Dragonfly flies.” Plus excellent tub thumping from Chris Sharrock.

https://youtu.be/7PTb4a4nxUc

…but I’ve got this idea.

We know a lot of stuff at this place. A vast range of knowledge on just about every type of music. Whenever I’ve posted something I usually get a reply or response from someone somewhere who likes or knows something about the band or song I’ve posted. And I kind of get the idea that’s pretty much so for most of us.

So is there a track or band out there that no-one on here has heard about? It’ll bring out the real elitists, extremists and obscurists and I’ve no idea how we’ll police it and we’ll have to rely on honesty and no googling.

The track I’m posting is something I heard on Tommy Vance’s Friday Rock Show sometime in the early 80’s. It called The Plague and it’s by Demon. It’s not cool but I still love it.

So , anyone here know this song?

https://youtu.be/qEYm1anvavQ

So, all you Kid Dynamites and Pogo Johnnies out there, which album can you honestly say, hands on heart, is all killer no filler?

* “Islands” doesn’t count, it was on a re-issue *

Ok, it’s not current or Christmassy but there’s definitely nothing on TV.

Happy Christmas to you all, this is a pretty lovely place you know!

https://youtu.be/DwpvHJN3QvI

Watching them on Sky Arts at the moment recorded at Austin City Limits.

I can’t imagine too many here particularly like them and they’re definitely not cool, especially the geeky gawky gauche singer. But they do seem to enjoy being what they are, whatever that is, and don’t seem to care about “coolness,” whatever that is. Some good solid rock (ish) tunes and some weird almost tuneless pop ones. Not too keen on their styled look tbh but I find them…strange.

Shoot me down!

Why has this not been brought to our attention eh?

https://youtu.be/6YBC3ZVo7R0

…bloody hell.

Eeeeek.

I’m contemplating treating myself to a new tuner, something I haven’t done in about 30 years or so and guess what, technology has moved on.

So, any recommendations? I don’t play much these days so it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It’s for a bass, if that makes a difference. What on earth are those things that attach to the headstock…how do they work? I think they spoil the look of the guitar. And what about apps? Why isn’t life simple?

Thanks in advance etc

Only been a couple of years since Silver Bullets but there is a new album out called Snowbound. Only on my second play but it’s sounding pretty fab. Alas, they are no longer on Flying Nun, the world’s favourite record label.

https://youtu.be/zYSPDQQAi8Q

In a couple of weeks I’m due to have an operation on my knee that in all likelihood will lead to 6 weeks on crutches and off work . I have had the same op three years or so ago but that was in summer and I seem to recall there was some sort of major sports event on, possibly the Ashes, that helped fill my time.

So, bearing in mind that I’m going to struggle just to make a cup of tea and the weather will be unwelcoming, does the Afterword have any suggestions of anything that will occupy my time? I’m toying with the idea of having a good session on my bass guitar, providing I can sit comfortably with it, we have Netflix etc and I’ve just signed up to Spotify Premium.

Can you learn a language in six weeks these days for instance . I guess I’ll be doing a lot of reading too.

Any other thoughts?

Three bottles of Aldi’s Steinhaûser Lager and half a bottle of a French Sauvingnon Blanc (Bit of a snob, I much prefer New Zealand Sauvingnon) and a bowl of Singapore Noodles. Wife has the drabs and I can’t see the way forward.

https://youtu.be/nkIfMfWKYBA

He was some player. This goal against West Brom, THAT goal against Scotland. Could do with him now at Fortress Portman Road.

https://youtu.be/PkGf1-5g4Ck

Been bugging me for years.

Before the song gets going properly there is one (at least) spoken word. To me it sounds like “Galtieri” but I’m not sure why they’d be writing about an Argentinian General.

Maybe I’ve just got cloth ears.

https://youtu.be/7pGxJDmVkIk

Too much pressure to grow up these days.

Without trying to sound like my dad…it is harder being a yoof innit?

I love pottering. I can potter all day. Stuff still gets done but in a slow relaxed way. The current weather helps with potterage…it’s an under appreciated art.

Anyone else like to potter?

Well, for the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2 etc.

My team Ipswich has a new young manager, a host of new lower league signings plus some returning from long term injuries.

We’re everyone’s favourites for relegation. I’m quite excited!

PS The test match against India is fantastic!

….a Les Dawson spesh.

Snork!

…I played this.

Winter Hill by Doves. I love the slightly wonky vocals and bass.