Musings on the byways of popular culture
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We’re being moved to a new Server today around 2pm GMT as the one we’re on is being retired. The site should stay online during the process but just a heads up there may be some loss of service this afternoon.
I dedicate this song to our outgoing Fileserver 57567 which (since we recovered after the crash) has dealt with 5,004 Afterword Blog Posts and a whopping 122,367 of your comments, clicks and clacks. Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdd5xI9l7Ns
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Well I hope not actually, but if All You Young Dudes/Dudettes can let me know if you have any problems with the new site format or any improvements like to see drop me a line. (n.b. I know you want comment editing so let’s take that as a given)
I’ve already been alerted to the lack of search function which will be returned asap.
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Anyone fancy reviewing the forthcoming ‘Best of Erasure’ and bonus mixes for The Afterword? First come first served but review needed asap. Please send me a DM if interested
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Up there you’ll see a new menu item – ‘Track’. This is probably the most requested feature. There are two ‘tabs’ one lists the most recent comment on your own Posts, the other should show the posts you’ve commented on and who last commented and when. It’s a little slow and at the moment the second tab only trawls through the most recent 1,000 posts. Anyway have a dabble with it and add a comment here with any feedback.
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As reported on this thread some users are finding blogs or posts fail to appear on the site when they press ‘submit’. This is still happening intermittently – you’re strongly advised copy posts to clipboard, or to another app such as Word or Notepad before posting. See Comments for further information.
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This site is built in WordPress which by default does not provide a facility for you to edit your own comments, so it isn’t just a case of switching this on. If it was that easy I would have implemented it by now. The principle behind the lack of editing in WordPress is that you can’t edit a Tweet/Email/Text after you’ve sent it although there are exceptions, Facebook being the obvious one..and of course we had one on the old site (did we have it on The Word? I can’t remember). I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find a workable solution, the only feasible one would be to integrate a traditional Forum/BB into the site. That would also address some other issues such as being able to see new updates on posts etc. The issue with that is that it risks hugely increasing the load on the server which is already hitting the limits on a regular basis, so effectively it may end up costing more to host the site. I think it’s worth doing but I need to find the time to test it properly and make sure it doesn’t end up pushing up the costs too » Continue Reading.
Test
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I’m aware people are having problems posting photos. It’s been said more than once that ‘it was easier on the old site’. I’ve not had any problems myself so I’m not sure what the difference is so please post in this thread how it used to work on the old site and tell me what problems you’re having now. What I do know is that it works best if you use a ‘direct’ link (ending in .jpg, .gif etc) and that Imgur.com is the sharing site that works best. Please share the issues and problems you’ve encountered in the comments here and I’ll try and get a proper fix sorted and improve the FAQ for image posting. Ta!
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Since we re-booted the site you good people have made 1,079 posts and 18,821 comments so we’ve built up a good head of steam I think. During the rebuilding of the site a lot of techie challenges we’ve encountered are due to the somewhat quirky foundations on which this site was built. We are a strange hybrid of social network, blog, online forum/message board and online magazine (reviews we write sometimes get cited in artists publicity!). We have doggedly stuck to the ‘blog & comment’ format which is one of the reasons it’s difficult to implement some of features you want as it’s a bit unorthodox nowadays, but to me it’s crucial to the DNA of the site and separates us from a mere ‘forum’. I was a relative latecomer to The Word site, I think I started posting mid 2009 so I’m a bit unclear as to the early days, did it start as a blog written by the staff which you commented on? Has anyone on here been blogging on the Word site right from the off?
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At present it seems that YouTube videos will not embed properly on the site. You can post links to YouTube but they will not display as a preview that you can click and play on the site. This would appear to be something YouTube have changed at their end. Please bear with me while I find a solution.
For the time being If you post the link in “Another Link” field it will at least be a ‘clickable’ link which will take the reader to YouTube so they can watch the clip there.
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Hi, just a quick reminder. If you want to share a link to another site in a blog post (other than a video or image) please copy and paste it into the box labelled ‘another link’.
That will make it ‘clickable’ so other readers can view the link just by clicking it.
If anyone is wondering why it’s set up this way, it’s because by default the site will strip out any code you enter in a blog post…this is to stop naughty hackers from trying to bugger the site up, so the only way to make Youtube, image and other links work is to have them in separate ‘fields’. Adding links to comments is easier, just paste them in after a carriage return. It’s just blog posts that are a bit fiddly for now.
I do try and fix links where I see them but it’d save me some time if you do it yourselves. I’m aware the current setup isn’t ideal and If I can find a way to make it easier to post I will.
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Hi, thanks for all your feedback on the new site. It’s been really helpful. I’ve now compiled the list of fixes from your comments and suggestions so please be assured these are in the works. These are roughly in order of priority based on the number of comments and suggestions. If I’ve missed anything please add to the list.
Please note, if you are having problems using the site or something isn’t working please see the FAQ page. If the answer isn’t there please Contact Us or send me a mention @tim_admin2-2
Well I think we’ve kept ’em waiting long enough. Hope you enjoy our new direction! p.s If you are wondering how to get in and missed the big button on the front page try this
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09/03/2015
Ashley Hutchings and Simon Nicol were founder members of Fairport Convention (in fact Simon’s never left), a band now cantering into its 38th year in support of its cracking new Myths & Heroes album. The pair were both part of the ’68 line-up (pictured above) that recruited Sandy Denny and made the three immortal records that sealed their reputation. Her life and sublime recordings are celebrated in a fascinating new biography by Mick Houghton called I’ve Always Kept A Unicorn So this next Word In Your Ear is a pioneering five-way special: Ashley, Simon and Mick – with David Hepworth and Mark Ellen. There’ll be arcane tales, fond memories, nice beer – and, if you bring them, meat pies. We’ll pretend we’re sitting round a bonfire. It’s at the appropriately folk-sounding Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell. Get in – and book early.
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Tim_Admin2 on Gerry Rafferty
Rafferty left St. Mirin’s Academy in 1963. He worked in a butcher’s shop, as a civil service clerk, and in a shoe shop, although as he noted in a later interview: “But there was never anything else for me but music. I never intended making a career out of any of the jobs I did.”[7] On weekends he and a schoolfriend, future Stealers Wheel collaborator Joe Egan, played in a local group named The Mavericks, mainly covering chart songs by groups such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.[8] In the mid 1960s Rafferty earned money, for a time, busking on the London Underground. In 1966, Rafferty and Egan were members of the band The Fifth Column. The group released the single “Benjamin Day”/”There’s Nobody Here” (Columbia 8068), but it was not a commercial success. The Humblebums/Stealers Wheel
In 1969 Rafferty became the third member of an existing folk-pop ensemble The Humblebums composed of future comedian Billy Connolly and Tam Harvey. Harvey left shortly afterwards, and Rafferty and Connolly continued as a duo, recording two albums for Transatlantic Records. A 1970 gig at the Royal Festival Hall, supporting Fotheringay with Nick Drake, earned a positive review » Continue Reading.
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It’s Burns Night and four wee beasties in the shape of Colin, Twang, Ganglesprocket and host DogFacedBoy hide in a cave to discuss their particular earworms du jour.
Phrases featured in this episode:
– I liked the flute solo– The most un-rock n roll artwork ever– This one as such a great surprise– Are they real horns?– You might want to close your ears but it sounds like U2– I thought “This is a bit gay for the 1970s”
A poetry reading from our Scottish correspondant and DFB’s pre-prepared joke.
Pull up a chair
Source: The Afterword Podcast
A stellar cast of Afterword regulars meet over two sessions to discuss their picks of 2014, their hopes, plans and fears for 2015, and a bit of a grumble. In podcast tradition, Fairport are mentioned. Twang is in the chair trying to control Ger the Boptist, DogFacedBoy, Pencilsqueezer, Beany, The Cheshire Cat, Retropath 2, Hannah, Drakeygirl, Phil Pelling and Steerpike.
In a podcast scoop Hannah gives the latest news on the recovery of our home at www.theafterword.co.uk/blog!
Source: The Afterword Podcast
There was a request that we have a WORD magazine podcast type that is ‘subjectless’. Well be careful what you wish for as they made this look easy
DFB, Springer Ball, Ganglesprocket, Leedsboy & Dr Volume taped on the the night that they drove old Afterword Blog down.
The Bingo Little Wall Of Death gives us
That best Single of 1987
NICE pop stars?
The worst song in the world
Ganglesprocket finally gets to talk about U2 on an Afterword podcast
Dirty Fan males first crushes
and the very moment that a Mod learnt the Afterword was in trouble
Let us never speak of this again
Source: The Afterword Podcast
APOLOGIES UP FRONT FOR THE VARIABLE SOUND QUALITY – IT IS WHAT IT IS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED SO NO PICKING OVER THE CARCAST
So after a hearty breakfast in Belfast and bidding a sad farewell to Casa Steven C, the fab foursome of Dr J , Springer Bell, John Connolly & Dog Faced Boy are in conversation en route to Dublin airport at the end of their Elvis Costello Irish Show 2014 adventure.
– Sketch reviews of Elvis Costello shows In Dublin & Belfast (painted from memory)– Authenticity in on stage storytelling– Springer, Elvis & The Miracle Of The Fly– The new Sky 1 show with the catchphrase “Hasn’t he Failed?”– The Ringo song that stunk out the place– Harry Nillson’s wife
Source: The Afterword Podcast
Realising that not enough had been said about country, country rock and Americana in the Country Rock Podcast, the quartet of Pencilsqueezer, Retropath2, SteveT with Carl Parker in the facilitator’s chair (with Twang toiling in the basement, turning a dynamo to keep the electricity flowing) reconvened to enlighten you, the Afterword blogger, about what’s hot and what’s not from Music Row in Nashville.
Paths are trodden, tangents taken, Taylor Swift gets a nod of approval from one of the Fantastic Four, JJ Cale and interpretations of his music argued over and an affable hour passed faster than a Nashville session player can knock out the rhythm line for the latest Garth Brooks recording.
The Afterword presents Country Rock Podcast Part 2 – saddle up the old Palomino!
Source: The Afterword Podcast
Welcome to Zoo Station
Let the Bono bitching commence! Representatives of the 7 families in Ireland – Pat Carty, Springer Bell & the mighty Vorgongod plus (trying to get a word in edgeways) Leedsboy and your moderator referee DFB who attempts to take a contrary stance due to the last minute exit of the anti-Bono, Ganglesprocket. This includes throwing in a few opinions that are meant to rile so don’t get fished in.
Among the high points were
– U2 as a socio-political cyclone during the 1980’s– The new album: any good and is it marketing success story?– Is the reaction to U2 for ver haterz akin to racism?– Ganglesprocket’s fence sitting email in full– Rattle & Hum: Is taht when the cool kids checked out and does it fucking matter?
He may have a Messiah complex but he’s not a naughty boy
Source: The Afterword Podcast
Twang, rec-room, Beany and Steerpike get back to the family and discuss the mighty Jethro Tull. From their origins to the extraordinary “Homo Erraticus” from main man Ian Anderson released earlier this year, the team marvel at the band’s evolution, their ever changing line up and ability to pick up influences from the mainstream whilst remaining resolutely apart from it.
From 60s blues act to 70s “biggest band in the world” (Time Magazine) and into the 80s with a synth based album (whilst popping in to beat Metallica for “Best Heavy Metal Album Grammy), shark like, they never stop moving and if they do they tend to start eating themselves.
Was Ian Anderson a “people person”? Why is Jeffrey Hammond Hammond called Jeffrey Hammond Hammond, and the link between the Tull and Benny Hill are all covered. When National Treasure badges are handed out one should certainly be coming the Tull’s way, though, as the panel would happily agree, it won’t be.
Source: The Afterword Podcast
The Afterword Podcast returns after a much needed post summer break to entertain you through the cold, dark evenings to come…
Twang, JohnA, Asquith and Raymond discuss the art and craft of songwriting, both from the perspective of their favourite artists and also from their own experiences struggling with the muse (and the frequent indifference of the rest of the world).
Where do songs come from? How do the greats and not so greats “do it”? What is the difference between a singer/songwriter and a singer who writes songs? Lyrics – ambiguous stream of consciousness or carefully reworded to perfection? And where does Bob Dylan fit in all of this? All this and more is explored by the team.
Features bonus tracks from our boys.
Source: The Afterword Podcast
Dogfacedboy sits down with film and TV director / producer Rachel Talalay about working with John Waters, Vic & Bob, Tom Baker, Freddy Krueger, Bob Hoskins, Courtney Love, the actor who cannot be named AKA Mr Bleep and Peter Capaldi.
– how she got her break in film by having a car & coffee making abilities – How Tank Girl was twerking the world while Miley Cyrus was still in Pampers– Her latest adventure directing Doctor Who Series 8 & what it’s like to have your birthday party in the TARDIS – Dealing with the Twittersphere, the lovers and haters & why YOU should avoid rumours and leaks.
You’re not going to get any spoilers on Nu Who & hopefully it isn’t just the sound of two friends gabbing away but shows an enthusiasm, honesty and passion that is rare in the corporate world.
Source: The Afterword Podcast
A truly continent spanning ‘cast this time, with Twang (Herts), Nick Duvet (Hong Kong, Junior Wells (Australia) and Asquith (Hampshire) looking at cult 70s band Little Feat.
Pondering the magic of the early albums, they dig into the frustrating loss of momentum when main man Lowell George rendered himself increasingly (and terminally) unfit for duty and the remaining Feats scattered, only to regroup decades later with an opinion dividing renaissance.
Finally the team consider the band’s legacy. Does anyone still play country with a boogie beat? Listen and find out. The boys get misty eyed about vinyl and the prehistoric days when bands actually played together in a room with soul, a groove and a dash of funk.
“The last of the analogue bands”, one of our panel wistfully remarks….
Source: The Afterword Podcast
