tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85327053316079679222024-03-18T01:00:32.572+00:00The world of Joanne-chanA super awesome alg/asg blogJ C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.comBlogger1145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-21460906023157443842024-03-18T01:00:00.002+00:002024-03-18T01:00:00.133+00:00Getting set to nip out edition<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's Sunday as I'm typing this after much rain that woke me up twice as it landed on the window so I'm a bit low on spoons today so will deal with that with emergency rations before setting off to the park where it was warm enough yesterday not to bother with any coat.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6S5huL4bIq1lH1u5WkEz_piI7axhIv_HpkTBvGkEs8smY5kTK8nEPwmncLWdfKOGvHI_Y2Xx-kcZMvDjUkQsiDSniFfPX9jHUrSoCDhq5q76CSd2-UOsFzqS3S6k27SxmaEQb3O412x-GKovr2vHlW7YA6L99lsiSl2DQT0jV2rMFIVc6SFzd5Yv3Fw/s534/f167847_1321405651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6S5huL4bIq1lH1u5WkEz_piI7axhIv_HpkTBvGkEs8smY5kTK8nEPwmncLWdfKOGvHI_Y2Xx-kcZMvDjUkQsiDSniFfPX9jHUrSoCDhq5q76CSd2-UOsFzqS3S6k27SxmaEQb3O412x-GKovr2vHlW7YA6L99lsiSl2DQT0jV2rMFIVc6SFzd5Yv3Fw/w480-h640/f167847_1321405651.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We're a bench or two short and one situated to the side of area for football and netball so if it is in use you're likely to have the ball come near you and our juniors can kick a ball quite high!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIM8RQG9dsLcS19cW8gAWGWO9LhhpODiMzzoA9k9nDiskLRA2IkdsdCUCKeY7uBodyDmsRCY6GW3FcP72_FRQdQFBk7vlD4yR5Oc3mXAmsQ2l01FcqIjPW2CwAWJnQNm2pkvaX_rgMvABnZGGkwI6siIFTNZwOL3qKYubDUs9H0KryawZON9gx-V_BM/s753/huge-lovely-pink-teddy-bear-toy-bear-doll-with-pinkbow-skirt-bear-doll-gift-doll-about.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="753" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJIM8RQG9dsLcS19cW8gAWGWO9LhhpODiMzzoA9k9nDiskLRA2IkdsdCUCKeY7uBodyDmsRCY6GW3FcP72_FRQdQFBk7vlD4yR5Oc3mXAmsQ2l01FcqIjPW2CwAWJnQNm2pkvaX_rgMvABnZGGkwI6siIFTNZwOL3qKYubDUs9H0KryawZON9gx-V_BM/w640-h478/huge-lovely-pink-teddy-bear-toy-bear-doll-with-pinkbow-skirt-bear-doll-gift-doll-about.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd love to set up a candid camera thing and see just how people would react to seeing a life sized dressed teddy on a bench.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Would they engage with it, talking and playing with it, would they leave it alone, that's what interests me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had to redress the bunny at the top of the stairs where the Grump seems to have caught it, knocked it over flat and somehow pulled its skirt down!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIgi4CMkLAgF3PPT_4PaewY76lWhBlYi8QXH0c-VE9p2yFb0EgbEALyTwIcAlzvdgBWjAARkDzimIvxFDuZPRa29gyR2YwZDEmOT43BQ0GDGekILuaHiZydd3XSXHm5OcVmtEHnYyMJl0Jw4Z1AhucIjuqcb20k0lhB5MWrviseiTMUtIuLK6QbTT3fw/s478/easter%20bonnet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="478" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIgi4CMkLAgF3PPT_4PaewY76lWhBlYi8QXH0c-VE9p2yFb0EgbEALyTwIcAlzvdgBWjAARkDzimIvxFDuZPRa29gyR2YwZDEmOT43BQ0GDGekILuaHiZydd3XSXHm5OcVmtEHnYyMJl0Jw4Z1AhucIjuqcb20k0lhB5MWrviseiTMUtIuLK6QbTT3fw/w640-h424/easter%20bonnet.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Easter isn't far off which with me is something I'd associate with school Easter Bonnet making, egg decorating and yes a certain type of bunny who brings gifts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well he managed it last year all right!</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-89411747901494520632024-03-11T01:00:00.001+00:002024-03-11T01:00:00.121+00:00At rest edition<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's a week after the birthday, a cooler weekend as I type this out sat waiting for a few things to arrive before venturing out to the park after just dealing with the washing.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBTt6T4uG-SfK71uUVyz1a6IaUz0k0TjENb3PlErh0a5s66UVZKv1LVtuqE0gZFtt5h6BP_JQRZ_tPS_qbt-yFRl4fRpV-U6Y2Qi7a4KGay7cxOd51X2t6dF8bTusoQUsKG_Pvq_Bbe8/s1600/Jo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBTt6T4uG-SfK71uUVyz1a6IaUz0k0TjENb3PlErh0a5s66UVZKv1LVtuqE0gZFtt5h6BP_JQRZ_tPS_qbt-yFRl4fRpV-U6Y2Qi7a4KGay7cxOd51X2t6dF8bTusoQUsKG_Pvq_Bbe8/s1600/Jo.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">First off, I'd like to thank everyone at FA, GT and EBS for their birthday wishes and friends elsewhere for theirs including my BFF's Moonpig unicorn card which was very much appreciated.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Arrangements for Easter and Summer are underway with discussions being finalized and talk around next year too with all that may bring.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Unfortunately I hadn't been too good with a really bad bout of migraine that's still hanging over the left side of my brain, affecting things like remembering day to day details even the other day looking for switch on a kettle near the base forgetting ours is like many a cordless one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thus to a large extent I've be mainly resting this week, somewhat dazed, just keeping things tidy and sorting through anything arriving although one immediate family member hasn't realized that there was a birthday hence no card and the other despite calling round never knocked and even wished me a happy birthday in person!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Families,eh?</span></div><div>
<br /></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-79880497522859959622024-03-04T01:00:00.002+00:002024-03-04T01:00:00.130+00:00Birthday edition<p>Officially we're slightly ahead of time but what's worse, being behind it and maybe you have an idea of what it will be like given that's so relevant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRmCt871GEG_7rANs2Yg4tOpP8rCguRJdH-BToc_5Ic1LpepoaqljbX-VFCA31cicjJDH5xyP_Ih9CGo3t0AK_j3jap5cLPGHo5KsBePlPcR6z7QpA-5HdsOV5YD4hbvZ0v8LNNAVmAFBGDK7s2stgf8g5L6fB_lXWVOn6aodJPsz_Jyzvf97y0hHmqY/s450/shopping.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="450" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRmCt871GEG_7rANs2Yg4tOpP8rCguRJdH-BToc_5Ic1LpepoaqljbX-VFCA31cicjJDH5xyP_Ih9CGo3t0AK_j3jap5cLPGHo5KsBePlPcR6z7QpA-5HdsOV5YD4hbvZ0v8LNNAVmAFBGDK7s2stgf8g5L6fB_lXWVOn6aodJPsz_Jyzvf97y0hHmqY/w400-h325/shopping.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>There will be cards as much as cards got crowded out last year with the events of just under three weeks before everything was on pause so the small number cards wee just in a bit of a corner rather than a central position.</p><p>That one fills the girl of the family slot doesn't surprise most given the craziness of our family, doing stuff and trying to smooth things over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLAIobK-QZv704tXY903PQnihMvafoF_hMB_-U6u8HksiPwvyhL7S-aWNXAeb-99D3MN5621hPycLHEx3xpz-qhcmMBgNsT067MNBguowCOsxQd1BK9DIybQWIE-Z1Tjc96lC9RZq1PA_2RF9CxyrMgv6M8CZUn3ZU8tSao8TkJRiWvtq9tbjGh0Rbdk/s1280/s-l1600%20(11).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLAIobK-QZv704tXY903PQnihMvafoF_hMB_-U6u8HksiPwvyhL7S-aWNXAeb-99D3MN5621hPycLHEx3xpz-qhcmMBgNsT067MNBguowCOsxQd1BK9DIybQWIE-Z1Tjc96lC9RZq1PA_2RF9CxyrMgv6M8CZUn3ZU8tSao8TkJRiWvtq9tbjGh0Rbdk/w640-h640/s-l1600%20(11).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>While I don't know about any other presents and they can always be added as an update I do the know the Super Audio cd of Genesis's Selling England By The Pound by Analogue Productions as part of the Atlantic 75 years anniversary delayed from last November is here.</p><p>Given the record version was acclaimed, I'm looking forward to spinning this disc.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtxTYKw9SWST_MF8XxI-w7YFHEV_qSbxUyKwtGLXFkMmntsTiaviAjCwyEU-RAwH2AEfhc7XzZ8TPG4DBMcJ1LhuG7J7UTbSTKkD0MbWOkvlkZlNorsfcH0N8RVA53Qq2WGyngOmZPuHhN4dyHLFnftF_uN4AaktHVRUp4Q6G_xw2fo39LKwXi70mv7E/s1500/s-l1600%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1500" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtxTYKw9SWST_MF8XxI-w7YFHEV_qSbxUyKwtGLXFkMmntsTiaviAjCwyEU-RAwH2AEfhc7XzZ8TPG4DBMcJ1LhuG7J7UTbSTKkD0MbWOkvlkZlNorsfcH0N8RVA53Qq2WGyngOmZPuHhN4dyHLFnftF_uN4AaktHVRUp4Q6G_xw2fo39LKwXi70mv7E/w640-h458/s-l1600%20(12).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There will be a fuller write up around the 2004-2005 installment of Now Millennium but this gathering of notable tracks from those two years will help bringing back the sounds of that era coupled with a book about the artists and times.</p><p>I'm sure there will be some money to put towards a few other purchases looking towards Easter and Summer get together and unlike last year we'll have a small meal together at a local pub, something we always did when Mom was alive and something that didn't happen last time as that's been booked.</p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-40187133742977416092024-02-26T01:00:00.005+00:002024-02-26T01:00:00.136+00:00Updating The Now's - Now Eighties Dancefloor Soul & Disco<p><span style="font-family: arial;">A return to the series we commented upon on January 29th so near enough a month on we have another lp only selection that looks at Soul and Disco which was popular and with a number not on original now albums although these aren't the extended version these have some tracks that weren't on original now albums.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY8K2tFuA4Y9sWfiRtXjBhXbEETBeak1hnHS5NMsQsu4qdPDutLG0AZ_u8S1rKd9JWTjsweTZzb5VVZiwWMg0za3raAwf3Dp_kr2yd3ApsLbpwhz61B8sj9kTtHndVNqnVIF4up3PT3lJISk9lt2sqPTd4L7pkiiAtDYJqmKbih4biJGKzm_6W8hHMTI/s1500/913SQWu0SgL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY8K2tFuA4Y9sWfiRtXjBhXbEETBeak1hnHS5NMsQsu4qdPDutLG0AZ_u8S1rKd9JWTjsweTZzb5VVZiwWMg0za3raAwf3Dp_kr2yd3ApsLbpwhz61B8sj9kTtHndVNqnVIF4up3PT3lJISk9lt2sqPTd4L7pkiiAtDYJqmKbih4biJGKzm_6W8hHMTI/w640-h640/913SQWu0SgL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Released on Friday, as with the others we get two well packed discs on coloured vinyl at a discounted price the sleeve is nothing special lacking any kind of liner notes.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWlBlGDl4IGn2uoxFyMpc8PwEP2M2xeSlYfVkYxS43hOFXU2YphygGG4d2kwRfSAdulWft47pHH63Xft4FRqAn9-18u948JyjmklsqQbCr0EtUOJs3xMsw2kscKMAsTpGRO2DbCp1KqJGHCyTS_nBUO1fNqXFXHkPPqeU6s76QDlbai9ACLcXBZwue8c/s1500/91ynQaPnxOL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWlBlGDl4IGn2uoxFyMpc8PwEP2M2xeSlYfVkYxS43hOFXU2YphygGG4d2kwRfSAdulWft47pHH63Xft4FRqAn9-18u948JyjmklsqQbCr0EtUOJs3xMsw2kscKMAsTpGRO2DbCp1KqJGHCyTS_nBUO1fNqXFXHkPPqeU6s76QDlbai9ACLcXBZwue8c/w640-h640/91ynQaPnxOL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first disc in this set kicks off with Tina Turner's iconic remake of 'Let's Stay Together' - a testament to her timeless vocal prowess. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Jocelyn Brown's 'Somebody Else's Guy', brings a fabulous fusion of Funk and Soul that I originally bought on a 45, followed by Gwen Guthrie's anthem 'Ain't Nothin' Goin' On But The Rent' from 1986.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Womack & Womack's 'Teardrops' blend of captivating lyrics and rhythm, leads into Joyce Sims' 'Come Into My Life' from 1989 before the Stock Aitken Waterman written & produced 'Say I'm Your Number One' from Princess leads us to Loose Ends' 'Hangin' On A String' offering a smooth, jazz-infused sound, echoed by Will Downing's very first hit, 'A Love Supreme', which concludes that side.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The second side takes you on a whirlwind trip around the dancefloor with Whitney Houston's 'How Will I Know from 1985, Alexander O'Neal's 'Criticize' and Aretha Franklin's 'Who's Zoomin' Who?' bring a blend of irresistible beats. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lionel Richie's 'Dancing On The Ceiling' takes us to Laura Branigan's 'Self Control', alongside Imagination's debut single, 'Body Talk', offers a cross of Hi-NRG Disco with a sensual groove while Hi-Gloss's 'You'll Never Know' is a gem of smooth, elegant Soul to finish the first LP. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first side of the second disc begins with the iconic duo Ashford & Simpson's 'Solid,' a celebration of enduring love I originally bought the extended version of on 12" single.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is followed by #1 Disco anthem 'Fame' from Irene Cara featured in the Tv show and Diana Ross's 'My Old Piano' that showcases her unique ability to blend Pop with Soul on this Chic-produced classic before we move on to Donna Summer's Grammy-nominated single 'Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)' fusing Disco with a Funk edge, while Odyssey's 'Inside Out' provides a smooth, and melody filled dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Terri Wells's 'I'll Be Around' is a soulful delight, and Hall & Oates' 'I Can't Go For That (No Can't Do)' mixes Rock with Soul and was sampled ands the side closes on a romantic note with Fat Larry's Band's 'Zoom' a personal favourite from 1982.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The final side opens by showcasing Rufus and Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody,' a masterpiece of Funk and Soul synergy while Womack & Womack make their second appearance with 'Love Wars', followed by Steve Arrington's 'Feel So Real' - a true example of the era's crossover with Disco and Soul. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Miami Sound Machine's 'Dr. Beat' injects Latin-infused Pop rhythms at the core of a cool sound , while Jermaine Stewart's biggest hit 'We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off' became a global dance-floor smash hit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Billy Ocean's Grammy award winner, 'Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)', blends Soul, Disco and Pop which I remember buying a special four mix cassette single of while Sister Sledge's 'Thinking Of You' is the perfect closer, uplifting and full of joy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a great fun packed compilation that'll bring back many memories.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-30282637749713664442024-02-19T01:00:00.002+00:002024-02-19T13:13:12.696+00:00Little Camp Winter 2024<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was away last week at Littles Camp Tm which for me involved a train journey to Miss Green's where then we picked up Katie enroute before arriving at base camp in East Anglia which would of been quicker had we'd not of had delays going through Wednesbury, South Staffs but given there was bigger trouble involving the M5 and 6 we probably had the least imperfect route arriving before four in the afternoon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For me it was the first time since the Pandemic I had returned to this venue missing the first opportunity two years ago when I was seriously unwell so I was interested to see what the new operators had done (or not).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So after getting a room I got changed in one for skirts I had with me as I don't like having my legs encased apart from bad memories associated with trousers that can trigger negative responses that may require attention.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While most people had various curries we opted to have a chicken salad that just required said chicken breast cooking as people started to arrive and rooms were being allocated with Barbie themed room signs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZqQ_spnIame2ag0TQEBaWNF7NWQL59Xv4fQdd0oHQRLK9BeLqns-_g6P6x6k9WnZ09A2VmEZoiCS90F08FBEnF_Pm2u7Eipe35uBYVjNPOJuMDRckD75hZJ7BMi11FOYG-9bV_YeG9IxZqC7AWJ3KcBBZkqP64nP2kLEMMuviOtiLlFUDR86NxqQT1w/s4896/DSC01260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZqQ_spnIame2ag0TQEBaWNF7NWQL59Xv4fQdd0oHQRLK9BeLqns-_g6P6x6k9WnZ09A2VmEZoiCS90F08FBEnF_Pm2u7Eipe35uBYVjNPOJuMDRckD75hZJ7BMi11FOYG-9bV_YeG9IxZqC7AWJ3KcBBZkqP64nP2kLEMMuviOtiLlFUDR86NxqQT1w/w640-h426/DSC01260.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday saw the morning Arts and Crafts session where in teams we made Viking boards from card, dowlling and sticky tape which were sailed on Tuesday with Mine and Jennifer's second from right managing to stay up well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkVl0JaxUrsqpGOE28pSzo6vYTs7aGjYiv5EkXwoFMn33_k657OzM3mxP3ydN5k8fR2xEyQYRkhOnqkdfyj9_6CxAIjwZNHGupPhu5-uvxiS8B99XDMNu3yszbFUK2601FJIyyjbLvy7OI-Fdi3ym93npFGlqXha61YIidh6vkOuR3TSZ_rou1yGnVhc/s4896/DSC01280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkVl0JaxUrsqpGOE28pSzo6vYTs7aGjYiv5EkXwoFMn33_k657OzM3mxP3ydN5k8fR2xEyQYRkhOnqkdfyj9_6CxAIjwZNHGupPhu5-uvxiS8B99XDMNu3yszbFUK2601FJIyyjbLvy7OI-Fdi3ym93npFGlqXha61YIidh6vkOuR3TSZ_rou1yGnVhc/w640-h426/DSC01280.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a Barbie themed Colour Game in the afternoon with well hidden clues as in on the ceiling before the legendary "all purrpuss nekomimi music quiz" took place covering a variety of genres and eras after the pie evening meal which went down well.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNWvunX9wpk5eDHDJ7Lze7tLM_MLmhcHx85jJHGccfTzDOGcnBc7AgddCqVodBKxS1waCFT_05KROw_KQJoznT4IGNeR3Ed_D6RKRzC3Vmclba-ztkEQlK2cByOQTTNDq0KnkjOybnN4gGZGmKgnjAsxS5aDeozGOLX6Hz263jKPcC_ZDbseFJl2Dmvg/s4896/DSC01285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNWvunX9wpk5eDHDJ7Lze7tLM_MLmhcHx85jJHGccfTzDOGcnBc7AgddCqVodBKxS1waCFT_05KROw_KQJoznT4IGNeR3Ed_D6RKRzC3Vmclba-ztkEQlK2cByOQTTNDq0KnkjOybnN4gGZGmKgnjAsxS5aDeozGOLX6Hz263jKPcC_ZDbseFJl2Dmvg/w640-h426/DSC01285.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday saw Miss Green's cake making class where things for the party the next day were made and I made some with Alice that turned quite well given measurements were estimated on the fly while in the afternoon Samantha run a Hair Band making session.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After Mary and Iris's mouth-watering Beef Stew with dumplings evening meal, Miss Green read a story from the farm.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Across the week various jigsaw's were made, some easier than others.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyjGSC2YBHMsj-qAau0R1j2EobgT26JhYmAjB9VxP7WViEqtZ4jzp4sS2YgxwDltBW2cSEpatBBvu-umcTIzKy1TVjQP7WY-zmqAtSAroS_5GcoVva_Cdyx2kyC_1wFnPu6xPkgYNmLstkYdDcD6EneY_CQH2zvOJum9jXIiTvEdBmrIXxifoMpRzlmc/s4896/DSC01288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyjGSC2YBHMsj-qAau0R1j2EobgT26JhYmAjB9VxP7WViEqtZ4jzp4sS2YgxwDltBW2cSEpatBBvu-umcTIzKy1TVjQP7WY-zmqAtSAroS_5GcoVva_Cdyx2kyC_1wFnPu6xPkgYNmLstkYdDcD6EneY_CQH2zvOJum9jXIiTvEdBmrIXxifoMpRzlmc/w640-h426/DSC01288.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesday saw the indoor sports which being somewhat unco-ordinated I didn't do too well at including Magnetic Darts, Skittles and making and flying model airplanes from paper which was more me being the sort of thing I did back in the day and the Barbie party was held with sausage rolls, cakes and games such as pass the parcel and musical chairs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After the delightful fish and chip evening meal that had to be picked up, we were treated to the Barbie Movie after Jillian's rather good general knowledge quiz.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We did change the midday meals compared to previous years to deal with a few interconnected things like them that stepped up to make food did lose time from taking part in activities, there tended to be a fair bit of waste as people didn't need a substantial midday meal and in the current climate of increasing food costs we could save some money.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This did work out pretty well and we tried to keep evening meals relatively simple rather than things that require lots of supervision.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7-Yg-pW8XK7hYCt9QjqRIJ-0wuHE6-QR-MjIhQmn3Sgprk6ejuLoDd4Wd-MRM7WtHGgCNX5aPJRTsUz1qnZ0n2M2hpljQj3_YriVIMwUsT9DSqhGg-HsYnW0wjc7EZYQ_Q5B2HELcI8kesvsa6Fpo9Ks6BPD-j7tQv9fQDA998fT2VjGH4vkBPtobE0/s4896/DSC01322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7-Yg-pW8XK7hYCt9QjqRIJ-0wuHE6-QR-MjIhQmn3Sgprk6ejuLoDd4Wd-MRM7WtHGgCNX5aPJRTsUz1qnZ0n2M2hpljQj3_YriVIMwUsT9DSqhGg-HsYnW0wjc7EZYQ_Q5B2HELcI8kesvsa6Fpo9Ks6BPD-j7tQv9fQDA998fT2VjGH4vkBPtobE0/w426-h640/DSC01322.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Some people left first thing Wednesday but a number of us went to a Castle in Suffolk which wasn't far away which was very enjoyable, exploring before making our way back which was a bit late due to two road incidents and major traffic issues that were to delay Miss Green's, Katie's and my return home which rather tried our patience.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I stayed overnight given we were back late before Miss Green went with me into town, seeing me off before I caught the train back home which had some fun such as person who refused to give up a seat for wheelchair user leaving her parked by the very side of the train I needed to get off!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Not her fault, just an atom of humanity that wasn't being considerate so I had to make my way down the corridor to another set of doors to get out but thankfully there was cab on the Taxi rank waiting for me so I was at home in time for midday meal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks to every one who ran an activity, provided food and otherwise contributed to making our little gathering a great success.</span></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-17554092599834345852024-02-12T00:30:00.001+00:002024-02-12T00:30:00.134+00:00Getting set to go<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Actually as you read this entry I'm not really here just with other girls and given for one thing I can't carry the proverbial kitchen sink with me and that I don't wish to be distracted by the infernal net tm the Chromebook isn't with me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I mean even if I wanted a million dresses with me there's no way I carry them with me on the train as we're doing well I'm carrying anything given how things panned out back in 1994 and that diagnosis.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQuvJ_sf5NtUt0D1NGGtUg5KWBv8puZSajSerkThUH_zgi44tq_DAKORa0tCfInlFngYCx3TSQLnwmDQIVv8W9SWcap6ir4ZBQKdBv9UuXw8mtv1nOKzEpZtbKpvrxnyZV6Rp3afbauUmADTLdPZzKQ45JEs3dv8WP6nNvm9eVuxsLZa_SalZQC1nrJQ/s750/pexels-photo-10646435.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQuvJ_sf5NtUt0D1NGGtUg5KWBv8puZSajSerkThUH_zgi44tq_DAKORa0tCfInlFngYCx3TSQLnwmDQIVv8W9SWcap6ir4ZBQKdBv9UuXw8mtv1nOKzEpZtbKpvrxnyZV6Rp3afbauUmADTLdPZzKQ45JEs3dv8WP6nNvm9eVuxsLZa_SalZQC1nrJQ/w426-h640/pexels-photo-10646435.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The whole point is really being together enjoying each others company playing, having fun than anything really competitive or being a how many dresses you put on in a day challenge never mind staring into the monitor every spare moment.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SqcFYzoo6bwF34L_VvSRYWt9qC7WYJkp3vrR5PJQoj6s3UJM4NVJTArKB1syHM3WzofvcdMvMgrEIzNnLalRQlxQleUa5Tswx8pQYAvWZHCHlsv9SmXEiue3rnORxhexXyhHqH8rhT5i2zFI29q8koX3Y8_C2-O0RkLgTy8A70b8vFRs_Oo1kx7TbhA/s1067/free-photo-of-girls-playing-football-on-pitch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SqcFYzoo6bwF34L_VvSRYWt9qC7WYJkp3vrR5PJQoj6s3UJM4NVJTArKB1syHM3WzofvcdMvMgrEIzNnLalRQlxQleUa5Tswx8pQYAvWZHCHlsv9SmXEiue3rnORxhexXyhHqH8rhT5i2zFI29q8koX3Y8_C2-O0RkLgTy8A70b8vFRs_Oo1kx7TbhA/w360-h640/free-photo-of-girls-playing-football-on-pitch.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">With me play is a bit less traditional being more in tune with modern girlhood so the idea of say informal all girl kickabout is very much me in way somethings may not although outdoor stuff is at the mercy of the elements of which there's much speculation as I type this.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However that goes, it'll be good to be away with friends.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-75883696507366167782024-02-05T01:00:00.002+00:002024-02-26T02:35:56.951+00:00Updating the Now's - Now Yearbook 1990<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just before off if not frozen over by the Beast From Norway our favourite series makes a return.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_MaI6B_GtDHzkrMyxuGmjV608zlcT7VXhiwL7HU8AwU7IXEG_zkZi3T19IUC2Pi-_jcF8MmacY_4vf3a7KS-QSFvVfTsxIsIhKqoms3uy2M335JgTIrbrQGGvx07s_opQPub0kdEdD-YMFlrJsuk7ZkEHewwAIlqpTNOs20r2_c6KLPNvoOLWM9ZH_U/s1500/614oM3XazhL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_MaI6B_GtDHzkrMyxuGmjV608zlcT7VXhiwL7HU8AwU7IXEG_zkZi3T19IUC2Pi-_jcF8MmacY_4vf3a7KS-QSFvVfTsxIsIhKqoms3uy2M335JgTIrbrQGGvx07s_opQPub0kdEdD-YMFlrJsuk7ZkEHewwAIlqpTNOs20r2_c6KLPNvoOLWM9ZH_U/w640-h640/614oM3XazhL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We last touched base as the cool kids say with Now Yearbook last September with the 1973 issue as I missed off the 1992 issue on vinyl as by that point I'd stopped buying compilations like the Now's apart from the mid to late 90's Shine Indies ones.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1990 was a transitional year format wise was as I'd moved from lp with Early 1989 with Now 14 to cd by Summer's Now 15 and that was to run on 1991 and many of main trends of 1989 continued into 1990.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBjch08UNwiKW8hD2a56n_xWUGeYPkKlfACrAvh3Fh7Vw4lF7ECGxmLeT9hfwWmqi3SYOU9OGTuz5L7k6nFJZV7DL0ro8ovbg7skJYKqEkPfjG7Wml3Xl2UFQZtmfGGTStWxHW_6bUjmzbQXEl8fWF8n1P5QpZhgPK67abEfLKZJ-Lgc6t9kSYvFZtEc/s1500/81nBaSX6qKL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBjch08UNwiKW8hD2a56n_xWUGeYPkKlfACrAvh3Fh7Vw4lF7ECGxmLeT9hfwWmqi3SYOU9OGTuz5L7k6nFJZV7DL0ro8ovbg7skJYKqEkPfjG7Wml3Xl2UFQZtmfGGTStWxHW_6bUjmzbQXEl8fWF8n1P5QpZhgPK67abEfLKZJ-Lgc6t9kSYvFZtEc/w640-h640/81nBaSX6qKL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Although 1989 will need to be sorted out on vinyl at some point or other, this Now Yearbook does fit in well and makes for a good end chapter to those original numbered 1980's now's.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As with the other titles it is also available in deluxe 4 cd book form and cheaper fold round card cd versions with more tracks but sometimes less is more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting the rewind back to 1990 are iconic legends George Michael with ‘Praying For Time’, and Elton John with his #1 single ‘Sacrifice’, followed by top 10 smashes from The B-52’s with ‘Love Shack, a personal favourite’ and Kylie Minogue’s ‘Better The Devil You Know’, plus timeless Pop from Belinda Carlisle, Kim Appleby and Roxette’s ‘It Must Have Been Love’ from the soundtrack to ‘Pretty Woman’. We then flip the first LP over for a stellar line-up featuring The KLF, New Order, Duran Duran, the theme from ‘Twin Peaks’, Julee Cruise’s ‘Falling’, Chris Isaak with ‘Wicked Game’ and Pet Shop Boys defining ‘Being Boring’.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dance floor-fillers kick start record two from Deee-Lite with ‘Groove Is In The Heart’, and the #1 debut from SNAP! with ‘The Power’. Legendary names fill this side including Whitney Houston, Dusty Springfield, Paul Simon and the remixed version of ‘Englishman In New York’ from Sting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Turning over the other side features club classics from Adamski & Seal and Bass-O-Matic, followed by a run of Indie-Alt legends including Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, The Charlatans, and Candy Flip’s cover of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, before finishing with ‘Birdhouse In Your Soul’ from They Might Be Giants, and the #1 ‘A Little Time’ from The Beautiful South.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The tenth consecutive Top 10 hit for Pet Shop Boys ‘So Hard’ opens the final LP, followed by the superb cover of the Disco classic ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ from Jimmy Somerville, before a second appearance from Kylie Minogue with her Disco anthem ‘Step Back In Time’ and one of Stock, Aitken & Waterman’s greatest dancefloor tracks ‘Happenin’ All Over Again’ from Lonnie Gordon. More dancefloor smashes follow from Adventures Of Stevie V, Blue Pearl, and the unexpected collaboration between DNA & Suzanne Vega, before closing with one of the biggest debut #1s of the year, ‘Ice Ice Baby’ from Vanilla Ice that sampled Under Pressure by Queen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The collection’s final side opens with the still-breathtaking interpretation of Prince’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ from the late Sinéad O'Connor. Also included are film related hits; Maria McKee’s ‘Show Me Heaven’, from the ‘Days Of Thunder’ soundtrack, and the ‘Young Guns II’ track ‘Blaze Of Glory’ from Jon Bon Jovi. The Grammy Award-winning US #1 for Alannah Myles ‘Black Velvet’ appears alongside the smash ‘Just Like Jesse James’ from Che before closing this collection is a brilliant interpretation of the classic ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again’ which gave Deacon Blue their highest singles chart position in a year filled with Pop highlights.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Track Listings</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 1</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 George Michael - Praying For Time</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 Elton John - Sacrifice</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 The B-52's - Love Shack</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Belinda Carlisle - (We Want) The Same Thing</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 Kylie Minogue - Better The Devil You Know</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Kim Appleby - Don't Worry</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 Roxette - It Must Have Been Love</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 1 Side 2</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 The KLF - What Time Is Love (Live At Trancentral)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 New Order - World In Motion</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 Duran Duran - Violence Of Summer (Love's Taking Over)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Halo James - Could Have Told You So</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 Julee Cruise - Falling</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Chris Isaak - Wicked Game</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 2</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 SNAP! - The Power</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 Whitney Houston - I'm Your Baby Tonight</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Dusty Springfield - Reputation</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 Go West - The King Of Wishful Thinking</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Paul Simon - The Obvious Child</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 Sting - Englishman In New York (The Ben Liebrand Mix)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 2 Side 2</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 Adamski & Seal - Killer</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 Bass-O-Matic - Fascinating Rhythm</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 Happy Mondays - Step On</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 The Stone Roses - One Love</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 The Charlatans - The Only One I Know</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Candy Flip - Strawberry Fields Forever</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">8 The Beautiful South - A Little Time</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 3</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 Pet Shop Boys – So Hard</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 Jimmy Somerville - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 Kylie Minogue - Step Back In Time</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Lonnie Gordon - Happenin’ All Over Again (Hip House Radio Mix)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 Adventures Of Stevie V - Dirty Cash (Money Talks)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Blue Pearl - Naked In The Rain</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 DNA & Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">8 Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disc: 3 Side 2</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1 Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2 Jon Bon Jovi - Blaze Of Glory (From "Young Guns II" Soundtrack)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3 Tina Turner - Steamy Windows</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Alannah Myles - Black Velvet</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5 Cher - Just Like Jesse James</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6 Maria McKee - Show Me Heaven (From "Days Of Thunder" Soundtrack)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7 Deacon Blue - I'll Never Fall In Love Again</span></p><p><br /></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-67486504541506956102024-01-29T01:00:00.002+00:002024-02-26T02:38:35.633+00:00Updating the NOW's - Now Eighties Dancefloor Disco & Electro<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We've looked a bit a Now's, mainly from the Updating the Now's angle as the original Now That's What I Call Music series started in late 1983 so there was a period before of less good compilations and certainly a lack of Year based Greatest Hits sets so we've been going back so far in to 1973</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The last Updating post was from June last year looking at Alt Rock.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now these days is a massive brand when it comes to compilations so there are a few others on compact disc dotted about but one recently did come out on December 1st last year which does slot well within the vinyl Now collection here.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif7qil33Cqnbr2sg6Z6H-JhBo7hWWoV0jhysfla2GM6kXEa0g6aWPXgIfFw-5avFnZc4Y-3aJGSC9-GQWq_5uqRZosh0aGIjTBqxa26LYSju_P_yUBT4mKvuk3I6uahVcgeoh8toaNISluQhljoyQkX8xNyVD4WcS0UmQdX_m8S0-FlC08KuCVxu7L6w/s679/71TMl9dpGHL._AC_SX679_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif7qil33Cqnbr2sg6Z6H-JhBo7hWWoV0jhysfla2GM6kXEa0g6aWPXgIfFw-5avFnZc4Y-3aJGSC9-GQWq_5uqRZosh0aGIjTBqxa26LYSju_P_yUBT4mKvuk3I6uahVcgeoh8toaNISluQhljoyQkX8xNyVD4WcS0UmQdX_m8S0-FlC08KuCVxu7L6w/w640-h640/71TMl9dpGHL._AC_SX679_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Now have a few vinyl only series releases and one series is Now Eighties Dancefloor which so far has two issues an another due at the end of February.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The main aim of the series is gather up 80's dance music within genre specific issues and for these they are either regular single or radio edits rather than 12" remixes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This appealed as it has a high proportion of tracks I don't have on vinyl albums and covers a period where I used to make my own compilation tapes from singles.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIy_pfyCJk1xyTAlUzPJbV6oycB3W90lr0rdKUXIBg60cvGFIdAKrUFzCX_6dPn8GJGLMoEYsQ3MfF0bJE46oz5MFVQmvZnPPc7VTvgpVXFbM92tDiDs6cYmEqleI8bIX3XFE4TYXjMsjhxSLFJOGtssukwaCBxzC5xniFEUB7Bt5sly2fYmuw2HSEN4/s1500/81lVkx-tCXL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIy_pfyCJk1xyTAlUzPJbV6oycB3W90lr0rdKUXIBg60cvGFIdAKrUFzCX_6dPn8GJGLMoEYsQ3MfF0bJE46oz5MFVQmvZnPPc7VTvgpVXFbM92tDiDs6cYmEqleI8bIX3XFE4TYXjMsjhxSLFJOGtssukwaCBxzC5xniFEUB7Bt5sly2fYmuw2HSEN4/w640-h640/81lVkx-tCXL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Following the height of its’ popularity in the late 1970s, Disco in the early 1980s retained the irresistible melodies and beat but became primarily synth driven. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The era saw some of the genres’ biggest hits including this collections’ opener ‘Flashdance…What A Feeling’ from Irene Cara – this theme from the film ‘Flashdance’ was not only a massive selling single, but the song also won multiple awards including an Academy Award. Lipps Inc. produced a timeless hit with ‘Funkytown’, and Shalamar with ‘A Night To Remember’, Odyssey with ‘Use It Up And Wear It Out’ and Indeep’s ‘Last Night A DJ Saved My Life’ were all huge commercial Disco hits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Disco masters Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic feature here in their roles as producers and writers with Diana Ross’s massive hit ‘Upside Down’, ‘Why’ from Carly Simon, and the peerless ‘Spacer’ from Sheila & B. Devotion and in 1984 remixed Sister Sledge’s ‘Lost In Music’ which became a massive hit again and is included here in its full 12” version.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Amii Stewart’s classic version of ‘Knock On Wood’ was remixed too joining it, Donna Summer enjoyed huge success with ‘She Works Hard For The Money’ in 1983, and other established Disco superstars celebrated returns to the charts with an 80’s Disco sound including, and featured on this collection, KC & The Sunshine Band and Evelyn “Champagne” King.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The prevalence of the synth in the 1980s gave rise to new and exciting sounds and to tracks that were created with fusions of genres. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing I liked about it was on this collection it celebrates ‘ELECTRO’ – a sub-genre of Electronic Dance music that combined elements of Disco, Funk and Hip-Hop and featuring a heavy synth backing, and the commercial Electro-Pop hits it produced. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1984, Chaka Khan who had achieved huge success with the Disco classic ‘I’m Every Woman’, had a worldwide smash with a cover of Prince’s ‘I Feel For You’ which combined Disco, Funk, R&B, Synth-Pop and Hip-Hop – to stunning effect. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition 1984 saw Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced a classic fusion of Disco, R&B, Funk and Synth-Pop for the S.O.S Band with ‘Just Be Good To Me’ and also included here are hugely influential Electro-Pop gems from Freeez, Rockers Revenge feat. Donnie Calvin, Malcolm McLaren, Break Machine, and Rock Steady Crew.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the latter half of the 80s, Disco and Electro-Pop continued to evolve and fill dance-floors. Taking influences from both genres, Expose and Company B enjoyed ‘freestyle’ hits and DJ, remixer and producer Jellybean had a string of hits including ‘Just A Mirage’, and Whitney Houston became a global superstar. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One of her signature tracks ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ serves as a stellar example of how Dance music had evolved through the decade and remained as vital and uplifting as ever.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This usefully expands upon my original NOW and HITS compilations and their Ronco and KTel predecessors.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-27865063889258995032024-01-22T01:00:00.001+00:002024-01-22T01:00:00.126+00:00Resting after a busy weekend<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJjB-aFLPU-oXR4FBTdWJPQq8-_OQwWxowQ6-YMXYtZGo9c9Fthb6U5YrF7uQHxEFHZlTNUSFa9AOb1_OiyqppfXj3tKfjEYX25BIgOVC_zA6Omfg8EZGVopcWUfG6dY6oRrAqAp-xhOanfUjVLM9r2a0JPEaT4qOmGV05QQzB4K9dZ2hZttnisqWBL8/s634/tumblr_m8bbzqwp4f1rubpomo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJjB-aFLPU-oXR4FBTdWJPQq8-_OQwWxowQ6-YMXYtZGo9c9Fthb6U5YrF7uQHxEFHZlTNUSFa9AOb1_OiyqppfXj3tKfjEYX25BIgOVC_zA6Omfg8EZGVopcWUfG6dY6oRrAqAp-xhOanfUjVLM9r2a0JPEaT4qOmGV05QQzB4K9dZ2hZttnisqWBL8/w504-h640/tumblr_m8bbzqwp4f1rubpomo1_500.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">Odd sort of a weekend that didn't start too well from feeling a bit rundown which I'm prone to through a whole lump of Grump craziness featuring a phone call that was obviously a scam, then a mad session hunting for one one of FOUR cellphones of the smart variety that he uses for banking which needless to say was missing.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We then enter the steam snorting mega rant mode rambling on about too much stuff about - pretty much all his one might add - before it appears on the couch in a pile not before I could sense my blood pressure rising in my arm and a miagraine coming on which hasn't quite left.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That confirmed what I said:Total scam with no personalization, no item details or anything relying on the dial 1 for exploitation routine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the other hand the sort of planned freezer replacement went better than expected with no nasty surprises like being wider than stated so it got through the front of house given the backdoor opens inward for some odd reason without much fuss.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just the usual clean and tidy around the old before manhandling (or girlhandling?) it into place after unplugging and moving the other.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So yesterday I spent time with teddy reading comics and playing music resting a bit after all that activity before more storytime in the afternoon with Watership Down.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-3856508379531418502024-01-15T01:00:00.001+00:002024-01-15T01:00:00.134+00:00Preparations for being away<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Plans are slowly coming together for Camp having worked on my direct contribution to events and got the prizes all sorted out but beyond clothes which probably be finalized a week or so before hand given the somewhat variable and extreme weather we've been having of late with me specifically there are other things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Because of what happened to me in the work place I have difficulties with both my hands although the right hand one is more affected which both limit in the absolute sense the amount of use in total from getting up through doing things across the day to getting myself changed for bed at night and that at least one needs to be be splints whenever it is being used.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's to prevent actions that would cause further inflammation and injury and provide support around my wrist(s).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGg4UXc5uVAGCJYnBvPlARikek8prv4IoaWn5IDAPKiDZKg73maoM_oCcPUwliiSTdnIzWKPkZyew4pnygxGfARVdLoGoVcF7jgBvJKaImUsS0xYFsI237jGxwGD7rFPYdxCqhI_H3byM0HdyNDHTGGmNlhRx8N8QEnp7eDdxVNpiJAWs4lojlNbWgMk/s1373/61LFiH7WddL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="1255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGg4UXc5uVAGCJYnBvPlARikek8prv4IoaWn5IDAPKiDZKg73maoM_oCcPUwliiSTdnIzWKPkZyew4pnygxGfARVdLoGoVcF7jgBvJKaImUsS0xYFsI237jGxwGD7rFPYdxCqhI_H3byM0HdyNDHTGGmNlhRx8N8QEnp7eDdxVNpiJAWs4lojlNbWgMk/w365-h400/61LFiH7WddL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">While physical therapists tend to say you should only wear them while undertaking things, reality is most of the day you just are from picking things up to attempting to get the washing up done so I usually take a spare for those sorts of activities.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thus I needed to get a new one for less messy uses sorted so I needed to check my hand measurements as mine are more like a teenagers than an adults so they are a snug fit<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The other thing is because of my migraines I need to keep a whole box or two with me in case any come on to aid my recovery although a significant number of people misunderstand them and how they leave you, wanting you to pick up from where you left off focused more on the idea you let people down rather than you had a urgent medical need that needs appropriate treatment including recovery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's not midge season so there's usually stuff for them while it's not their season generally speaking and anti hystermines for other things like nettles</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-32685566234506881722024-01-08T01:00:00.005+00:002024-01-08T01:00:00.129+00:00Erasure - Always<p><span style="font-family: arial;">This week we're going to look at one present I had this christmas.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLN7yv36mL1MsoHT4fx3cv0qyNQ-U9bHBMqLztkcmvgTpGiPqxEDVJB1skuJx7djafYADOokWP-T49PaqnwhfiyVPba12_WFT0dT-HbN6ezgPdnATHXhOtmlPbG0eUBeAJaQXp07cjC7IEx7Vb6cmjQ-7ES2Wa0-8asHpiQqVxODgKmAdkFkWOyeCb4M/s1500/91dsWEplYcL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLN7yv36mL1MsoHT4fx3cv0qyNQ-U9bHBMqLztkcmvgTpGiPqxEDVJB1skuJx7djafYADOokWP-T49PaqnwhfiyVPba12_WFT0dT-HbN6ezgPdnATHXhOtmlPbG0eUBeAJaQXp07cjC7IEx7Vb6cmjQ-7ES2Wa0-8asHpiQqVxODgKmAdkFkWOyeCb4M/w640-h640/91dsWEplYcL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sometimes although I may of liked an artist but for a variety of reasons I may not have an album solely by them and that can be for a variety of reasons such as during the mid to late 1980's the decision buying may be influenced by what format it was issued in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then sometimes an album may of had different versions with either a twelve inch single added or as with one of this groups albums a remix album being added too and Erasure were a good example of that with many tracks on compilations and the odd single.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erasure arrived in 1985 via Depeché Mode where Vince Clarke was a early member before forming Yazoo with Alison Moyet who knew Andy Bell and formed in London signing to Mute records who had signed the other bands.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From 1986 to 2007, they achieved 24 consecutive top-40 entries in the UK singles chart. By 2009, 34 of their 37 chart-eligible singles and EPs had made the UK top 40, including 17 climbing into the top 10. At the 1989 Brit Awards, Erasure won the Brit Award for Best British Group.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Erasures hits include "Oh L'amour", "Sometimes", "Victim of Love", "The Circus", "Ship of Fools", "Chains of Love", "A Little Respect", "Stop!", "Drama!", "Blue Savannah", "Star", "Chorus", "Love to Hate You", "Breath of Life", "Always" and "Run to the Sun". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What this compilation, in reality a reduced version of the three cd set in record form issued in October 2015 that included remixes but issued on vinyl only recently does is just compile the hits you remember some from albums like Wild! and The Circus and others from single only releases in chronological order in fine fidelity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It also is more up to date from 1992's Pop! The first twenty hits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It doesn't just take you back in time but does feature some of the finest 80's and 90's synth pop in double gatefolded lp pack</span>age.</p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-90557483138196037762024-01-01T01:00:00.001+00:002024-01-01T01:00:00.258+00:00The 2023 Review<p>As I type this I'll attempt to do a mini review of the year but today I'm feeling proper pawley, wasn't up around the usual time and running on just one cylinder.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFyX8w1snbcvWFrFJ9NjznuGykzjYLtKiyc3ajiR57Tyk5Zbl365B-01vymxRsTC3zmHEyvsWk116tYWDscevMrXJ7ei7fWt0j72mXXbWMxPS1fORx__VmG_8fPoYN1yXb5xLNj-k81bgZVr075EXUkODSNQvGRu60pi-TxawrIFagRGFQBoznI9ZKuo/s1500/6116aPGgLpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1500" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFyX8w1snbcvWFrFJ9NjznuGykzjYLtKiyc3ajiR57Tyk5Zbl365B-01vymxRsTC3zmHEyvsWk116tYWDscevMrXJ7ei7fWt0j72mXXbWMxPS1fORx__VmG_8fPoYN1yXb5xLNj-k81bgZVr075EXUkODSNQvGRu60pi-TxawrIFagRGFQBoznI9ZKuo/w640-h518/6116aPGgLpL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Last year had not started well well with Mom and I having really bad covid before she started to get extremely ill and I started going off my feet, being virtually unable to walk far and not at all using the stairs in this two storey property just that between two hospital visits I needed to attend to her being mainly bed-bound.<p></p><p>Unfortunately ten days after admittance for the second time she died from complications from Covid on some of her pre-existing conditions such as those affecting breathing although looking back there had been some signs of issues with memory retention and coping with varying temperatures for a few months before as we went through a spate of cancelled hairdressers appointments as things weren't just right for her to be out and she needed to reminded about anything involving longish sequencing</p><p>Much of the early part of the year was dominated by the impact of that.and the practicalities of arranging the funeral, dealing with effects not being helped by the poor communication between siblings and trouble making, me-me-me tendencies of one in particular.</p><p>We did eventually get all of that sorted albeit with frayed tempers and high levels of anxiety.</p><p>Some of the impact of that showed as with issues around numbers at Camp I wasn't able to go in the Winter although it would of helped a fair bit, when I did get to the GHS Easter event around April frankly I just wasn't there.</p><p>I'd emotionally shut down not been helped by the physical exhaustion that had left me too gone to even have a last moment with Mom.</p><p>As things had moved on I slowly started to recover although some issues with the Grump who was having massive mood swings didn't really help.</p><p>I started to see some people I'd know for a number of years here, renewing connections that lead to a few invites for coffee and the odd community based day trip just get a break from things apart from going out exploring which really helped with getting past some of the depression I was going through.</p><p>I did get to the first Ikklespace picnic in ages Sammy had laid on which did see things improve with me, being able to contribute more with the group and act more from the fun loving side rather than feeling a sad, lost child.<br /><br />On the upside, I
did redo much of my littles outfits to match more where in my head I
am, however others may see it, were more of an emphasize on quality
sometimes more tradition, other stuff more what modern school girls wear
such as in sports wear.<br /><br />I'm less interested in exact replication of a period so much as just being the little side of me taking the benefits of the modern era, more in tune with the spirit of modern co-ed prep schools with the mix of ancient and modernity.<br /><br />Not everything of the past was great although much is worth keeping if not defending.</p><p>Some of that was visible when much against the odds and with a bit of work from Jennifer and Katie I did actually get to Summer Camp where I felt the most relaxed for a long time just getting along with play, having fun and helping out a bit.</p><p>Eventually some of the clothes I'd bought for Winter 2022 camp actually got worn as some of the changes I had been going through over the last few years finally came together even if they may not be what some might as above all I just need to be me and not someone elses idea of what littles is.</p><p>I continued to enjoy the women's soccer and their young following seeing girls going to the park for a kickabout tearing up the old gender divides. <br /><br />I don't feel inclined to play by the rules of the past anymore than today's girls and that runs beyond groan up talk to littles life. <br /></p><p>I hold with inclusiveness for all, girls and boys of all shades and tastes not being told what a girl should be or do either in the Big or Little worlds.</p><p>That's my take on this thing as show not just at Camp but the Halloween party from start to finish which I quite enjoyed not just with littles activities but socially too.<br /><br />We did get Christmas sorted here and it worked well enough which is all that matters even if of course some things could never be the same.</p><p>This year has been very challenging and some and while obviously somethings cannot be the same and anniversaries are likely to bring back memories, I do feel I'm moving on, getting my life back being the eternal little I am.<br /></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-43542956092969156762023-12-25T01:00:00.001+00:002023-12-25T01:00:00.152+00:00Christmas 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">So it is Christmas, not that is the same Christmas as in the past as with one Aunt unwell and of course Mom not being here that's two faces missing, two hugs less apart from the rituals before that you are abruptly reminded.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Still despite everything there is Christmas, tree, nativity scene and fairy is out plus cards arranged across the window sill and mantle place and dinner is underway.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5LEmrTGvtbpZIeo6EmGuJlPoZqsZgGfjookaArfW6kMecpPKNy6llYPCE9PRV2oMxEbcGuXNrH9S1rpX_b4j_RdE9VC5oG6i7wTgZ33EtvEpD3evexjxUDrz16rn7jwTtMHoGtdNdmaq0Xk2_k8NfKz10FEmoVDwjG8z7cpnuQhS6Xech5DJF0Lruck/s1500/71UyqOKooEL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1500" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5LEmrTGvtbpZIeo6EmGuJlPoZqsZgGfjookaArfW6kMecpPKNy6llYPCE9PRV2oMxEbcGuXNrH9S1rpX_b4j_RdE9VC5oG6i7wTgZ33EtvEpD3evexjxUDrz16rn7jwTtMHoGtdNdmaq0Xk2_k8NfKz10FEmoVDwjG8z7cpnuQhS6Xech5DJF0Lruck/w640-h458/71UyqOKooEL._SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCfeHJ3U4XgDc7RVncZ1gKTLaNoHDq9wk6oj8Qz9-4W5FCBze6yVYONPWtwbhYmAe9z8paVbIcq65-O0UOi9TKvF2JQBIFSS1Hea-NAoPcxqbdg038H_4U7R3vM9ysnRMwNQruxMcqG1blXisR9_sjd4qlYxaYuXqLzO7ZtNRkrUGoWJgAC_z1da-v_U/s1500/81qhZKMtH3L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1098" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCfeHJ3U4XgDc7RVncZ1gKTLaNoHDq9wk6oj8Qz9-4W5FCBze6yVYONPWtwbhYmAe9z8paVbIcq65-O0UOi9TKvF2JQBIFSS1Hea-NAoPcxqbdg038H_4U7R3vM9ysnRMwNQruxMcqG1blXisR9_sjd4qlYxaYuXqLzO7ZtNRkrUGoWJgAC_z1da-v_U/w468-h640/81qhZKMtH3L._SL1500_.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There were some presents such as the Triple Pack of Beano and Dandy annuals from past and in the case of the Beano very modern and present day.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfDiGXljo73baGlGdwKlcBI50kVT1bAMoZADfcZGqKBMMz6OH4oDgVtHpGO6d6rH8o3giJ5MFVRuzjjUtPrW0pzAsIS7zmUbJjLB1ekqTHdhs_VwTN3sYhLs0qGi0c0kkWaCW7M7diaX4Z0b5hnCFGTp-TWQ1pr-BjYihyphenhyphenGMNyBOf4Hr3f0fqmYZatqQ/s1500/91dsWEplYcL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfDiGXljo73baGlGdwKlcBI50kVT1bAMoZADfcZGqKBMMz6OH4oDgVtHpGO6d6rH8o3giJ5MFVRuzjjUtPrW0pzAsIS7zmUbJjLB1ekqTHdhs_VwTN3sYhLs0qGi0c0kkWaCW7M7diaX4Z0b5hnCFGTp-TWQ1pr-BjYihyphenhyphenGMNyBOf4Hr3f0fqmYZatqQ/w640-h640/91dsWEplYcL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">For enjoyment later is this up to date compilation of eighties synth pop from Erasure taking us from O L'Amour to the mid twenty tens via unforgettable songs like Stop! spread across two lps.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And then there's a Winnie the Pooh dairy which given my brain is invaluable for noting what is happening when as I forget.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I had some money to put toward some feature purchases in the new year which should see me away earlier on the year.<br /></span><p><br /></p></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-3557224205161192852023-12-18T01:00:00.005+00:002023-12-18T01:00:00.126+00:00Christmas edition<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the norm on this blog for as many years as I care to remember to pause matters just before Christmas as I have more than enough to do as people come and those we used to visit are no longer around.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For some of us Carolling was always a thing and to hear at least traditional carols being sang if not to join in community singing for me is a magical recreation I love as an adult little girl that runs through the core of Christmas.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeb8jAGZjZm9-bkBwkVqfzUNaK9T8lFib2ctcHblTtJx-pGp5Le5Hwp3_heHJfVCaO0NcTdebg1A5w4EmS-fYEQSYr1e264ZddkLMbJN0UadshEqL1yceT6Pcg64FAF56wiPXewscE3EpQs5ejoTDhSa3ZJ_4eg0-_2P1ai1EBz64bQBJzVk_Wya8-hs/s865/71s7RcbrytL._AC_SL1024_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="623" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeb8jAGZjZm9-bkBwkVqfzUNaK9T8lFib2ctcHblTtJx-pGp5Le5Hwp3_heHJfVCaO0NcTdebg1A5w4EmS-fYEQSYr1e264ZddkLMbJN0UadshEqL1yceT6Pcg64FAF56wiPXewscE3EpQs5ejoTDhSa3ZJ_4eg0-_2P1ai1EBz64bQBJzVk_Wya8-hs/w460-h640/71s7RcbrytL._AC_SL1024_.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>*** HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE ***</b></span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-36032174939525243132023-12-11T01:00:00.001+00:002023-12-11T01:00:00.131+00:00The tree is out!<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">After last weeks music post we'll start the countdown toward Christmas as I work the blogging schedule as I'm usually pretty busy but i think it should be two full posts and something on or around Christmas Day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmXCrSOjCWMBtwV1W043DRevOX4BFZDlETUmemhuo4SJNMVPO4HQgqe4dPvFAjuA9ENRrsUvHrLUk3huaqt7n4pFJXphqo-YGZfv5x7d5vtgS1pH-jHHoyPrl5EZ0cKDyZxaltO6RcYk/s1600/IMG_1587scorr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmXCrSOjCWMBtwV1W043DRevOX4BFZDlETUmemhuo4SJNMVPO4HQgqe4dPvFAjuA9ENRrsUvHrLUk3huaqt7n4pFJXphqo-YGZfv5x7d5vtgS1pH-jHHoyPrl5EZ0cKDyZxaltO6RcYk/s640/IMG_1587scorr.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> At the start of last week, our Christmas tree came which in this age of elf and safety had to planted and wired by people with certificates not sophisticats lest somebody either climb up it or try stealing the bulbs whilst turned on.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The people here have a collection to pay for the tree which is as well as we do want something <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">like this at Christmas and keeps the lights that have to put on it.</span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I think every town and estate should have one.</span></span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzxKrLy8RPw8FdjDXnca4bjQBK5csOdqvBzmXv2Rm1wBWBdvtmK_C3nDzHNNo_rkh68wCOY44ajcvFooecEb0OWv_N-oN2eumefKTaMG09RjWv1T67uTw5k5c-6y4YI7DJn5oCuhu6FnJYIUmJpDsoSdm2vL71qEbxmsknMotCTgtrErSIDefrdEqYxw/s473/tumblr_68563d7a1d80977d0bbfd9b443917c54_64b2d733_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzxKrLy8RPw8FdjDXnca4bjQBK5csOdqvBzmXv2Rm1wBWBdvtmK_C3nDzHNNo_rkh68wCOY44ajcvFooecEb0OWv_N-oN2eumefKTaMG09RjWv1T67uTw5k5c-6y4YI7DJn5oCuhu6FnJYIUmJpDsoSdm2vL71qEbxmsknMotCTgtrErSIDefrdEqYxw/s16000/tumblr_68563d7a1d80977d0bbfd9b443917c54_64b2d733_500.jpg" /></a></div><br />Obviously it isn't going to be the same as Mom's not around anymore as messed up as last Christmas was with both of us very unwell although I have got The Grump tm to bring out the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene Mom and I so looked forward to setting up plus things like the milk and a Turkey have been sorted out.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It's just the memories of going around the shops looking for gifts, trying out clothes, seeing Santa Claus on the district shopping centre and walking to visit family and friends with presents and cards that I'll miss.</span></span></div></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-69252731023864261982023-12-04T01:00:00.005+00:002023-12-04T01:00:00.140+00:00Warming up with Genesis<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Brr it's very cold and has even snowed here so we're going to be in and rather wrapped up so it's time to spin some discs, keeping occupied.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nearly all of my albums by progressive rock group Genesis are on cd as the few I had on tape got converted over the decades but the sounds a bit hit and miss on some of those early titles so I have a few on vinyl.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3UOSs1yOFf1g-OLA60ulo2oKq61AYdKl0UhvauytrDrVWYs8neblo7wCXzSZjYHmgdSA0wbCkat9l-XZLBINrWxHnbo5r3_OthvXLNVagi2piWUU6Mb0oqPsfsdWFtvxnSgsUxoKTwWJZMh1WnyXN92J5n41p8BmtezlN7f3YUi0iWutG2pFVshz8ls/s1138/71GMz+kKK+L._AC_SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1138" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3UOSs1yOFf1g-OLA60ulo2oKq61AYdKl0UhvauytrDrVWYs8neblo7wCXzSZjYHmgdSA0wbCkat9l-XZLBINrWxHnbo5r3_OthvXLNVagi2piWUU6Mb0oqPsfsdWFtvxnSgsUxoKTwWJZMh1WnyXN92J5n41p8BmtezlN7f3YUi0iWutG2pFVshz8ls/w640-h574/71GMz+kKK+L._AC_SL1200_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a epic story of Raul a Porto Rican boy finding himself spread across four sides of vinyl which was remixed in 2007 by Nick Davis as the original was rather flat sounding.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This to my ears does work bringing tracks like The Carpet Crawlers to life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQI__p_QjSRabA0aPZ5jrwIwPWboYP1xz1NAuaGFL76DbkyOZ7TItTgEM6B09qsymIig03RgB0ick8O-Cb9M3gUciQu9OEecxMDQYRz7b3QiPcaQ8jjpTNsPNjGbLpko3k3RBzHIxNuqHXRDnWs5UlCMQ3_qEbWxRw96lbqODy97x_rophBc0O_fvO6U/s1200/61f9JWdhYgL._AC_SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQI__p_QjSRabA0aPZ5jrwIwPWboYP1xz1NAuaGFL76DbkyOZ7TItTgEM6B09qsymIig03RgB0ick8O-Cb9M3gUciQu9OEecxMDQYRz7b3QiPcaQ8jjpTNsPNjGbLpko3k3RBzHIxNuqHXRDnWs5UlCMQ3_qEbWxRw96lbqODy97x_rophBc0O_fvO6U/w640-h640/61f9JWdhYgL._AC_SL1200_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Duke was a bit of an event in early 1980 coming out around the same time as Rush's Permanent Waves which was the first call on my pocket money.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had a friend who was heavily into the group and played it to me for most of that year before I got around to getting my own copy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It found a way of mixing long tracks that segue into each other on a concept album with hit singles such as Misunderstanding and Turn It On Again which I did like.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What went wrong recording and mixing this remains a mystery but the production just doesn't expand having a cardboardy feel to it and next to no bass.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While nothing can rectify all of that the 2007 remix does bring some bass, better projection of Phi Collin's vocals and inner clarity.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This will do very nicely until someone does any better at fixing this album.</span></div><br /></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-67651755416308771962023-11-27T01:00:00.001+00:002023-11-27T01:00:00.135+00:00Advent 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">While I'm wrapped up with fleecy top and bottoms with hot cocoa with the minus temperatures here waiting for the postman to call collect a parcel return as Amazon goofed up totally and being smartphone free return options as most now use QR codes at the collection point it kind of reminds you we have only so many days to go before CatMas.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQgf9vLymV13bjtEkDjKrAmBi2hs3LPbaUvPACnBN9u7Oz_6wHqiarwnSdTz_pMb4vxrssnLgBshrf5nljgtgsEsUiNnl_-freSFJKZ9lLf3hs03yrgQ1_31wYncB6uHpJOz-FIs5IroTweah-SRTtdhDNzeL5ZyEq2TZS9Bg56JQLtpkzRhJg-IBgWs/s1500/718tmUX43nL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQgf9vLymV13bjtEkDjKrAmBi2hs3LPbaUvPACnBN9u7Oz_6wHqiarwnSdTz_pMb4vxrssnLgBshrf5nljgtgsEsUiNnl_-freSFJKZ9lLf3hs03yrgQ1_31wYncB6uHpJOz-FIs5IroTweah-SRTtdhDNzeL5ZyEq2TZS9Bg56JQLtpkzRhJg-IBgWs/w550-h640/718tmUX43nL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Usually like most littles I countdown the days and traditionally that involves an Advent calendar with chocolate to be revealed as the days get fewer and fewer.</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This years is a little different for being that of the arch nemesis of CatMas, the Grinch who as you'll remember tried to steal Christmas but included with this is a Happy Christmas greeting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps the Grinch gets the point?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway get set to enjoy the countdown yourself!</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-78013228986209771582023-11-20T01:00:00.001+00:002023-11-20T01:00:00.139+00:00Taking stock of the found records<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been another damp weekend not being helped here by having NO Beano although I have a subscription and another comic was a few days late too so it was find something useful to do time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One strange quirk since the events of earlier this year has been the sporadic reappearance of things from the past presumed lost or chucked out and this has included a clutch of records but some go back ages so in order to sort them into those to stay and any that might need replacing you do need to not just look at them but play them too.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjzLi_aTZhAGF8NeEd_wjVTkXhuhf_qgSLhbfBgXQM4iyDqYjOiBSkJIujI7ZFS-GBtn1eV87-OyZdkuy_60a_Gd_J2LsGo2qdJtG1iDOj6VQLy3Nkhg0ta7-G7P74m0iQURYnwOJO6wDUk2MuWjrKXVOFADEX3GGVmU-Rv6JRg6kKpyN-HoJ7Nw36k4/s600/R-3811397-1555498904-2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjzLi_aTZhAGF8NeEd_wjVTkXhuhf_qgSLhbfBgXQM4iyDqYjOiBSkJIujI7ZFS-GBtn1eV87-OyZdkuy_60a_Gd_J2LsGo2qdJtG1iDOj6VQLy3Nkhg0ta7-G7P74m0iQURYnwOJO6wDUk2MuWjrKXVOFADEX3GGVmU-Rv6JRg6kKpyN-HoJ7Nw36k4/w640-h640/R-3811397-1555498904-2896.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This three lp set was one on the list to check over so seeing this was going to take time I did play.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These accounts of Beethoven's later piano concertos are amongst the finest ever recorded but playing them did reveal some wear - constant noise in the groove - from the earliest record player I had apart from some wear and tear to the actual box so I think I'll replace this set as the playing is enrapturing rather like I did with the odd Beethoven symphony from the whole set I bought in the 1970's.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This will be used as the amount of new vinyl reissues for classical has been lower pop and rock although it is starting to show signs improvement.<br /></span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-6133721604108247592023-11-13T01:00:00.001+00:002023-11-13T01:00:00.137+00:00Remembrance<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Weekend whatever the popular press was focused on for some of us is about Remembrance when we remember all who served, the dead as much as the living however they served our country.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCouryZGONdsrBpWZ5GWAjm2ng1dZbuUeG37GaLdma8hHz0Zi1y7-c76UnPVPxDrU8AVOrDceOj_Z5Iuh8BCST3wt1RpjFgwwX4JHzAzE0O7DmssqbTyL9_rJwaIHdN8rEESFfV3wAwhp-o4n1MaN7q0ss6-ZgUbWt8vAphWDqkhFDrP6J18erfGsecY/s1640/399357133_682045477258915_112803951957035347_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCouryZGONdsrBpWZ5GWAjm2ng1dZbuUeG37GaLdma8hHz0Zi1y7-c76UnPVPxDrU8AVOrDceOj_Z5Iuh8BCST3wt1RpjFgwwX4JHzAzE0O7DmssqbTyL9_rJwaIHdN8rEESFfV3wAwhp-o4n1MaN7q0ss6-ZgUbWt8vAphWDqkhFDrP6J18erfGsecY/w640-h360/399357133_682045477258915_112803951957035347_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>That link between those who served and those of us who gained from their sacrifice the peace and freedom we benefit so much from is one of the most profound links which for all who served in guides, scouts, boys brigade and so on honour through marching and taking part in the remembrance service while leaders teach as we we taught about it and what as guides and scouts we contributed ourselves on the home front.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw-MvibEL-3APgjO5UOhHC9kwbkFK4Pc2vFva2NOdzBtU5dOQ0rTdOvAYkky5BlcnAzzVw4vKHkIxvBYi2phdrw8EdF9A-ykOIP53rHLwJZNa1U-tDhQVQS96x_iGYiHyVZkxT7DIKOgHAOdCdymVd-k4LipWn9e4ScpGIGt2KJuElY6an_9WXxdZSf4/s300/IMG_0489-300x225.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw-MvibEL-3APgjO5UOhHC9kwbkFK4Pc2vFva2NOdzBtU5dOQ0rTdOvAYkky5BlcnAzzVw4vKHkIxvBYi2phdrw8EdF9A-ykOIP53rHLwJZNa1U-tDhQVQS96x_iGYiHyVZkxT7DIKOgHAOdCdymVd-k4LipWn9e4ScpGIGt2KJuElY6an_9WXxdZSf4/s1600/IMG_0489-300x225.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The cenotaph is where we lay our wreaths as some of us recall doing forming a line with other representatives to lay them in order. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I like many others this weekend will remember them.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-10521367381118046842023-11-06T01:00:00.001+00:002023-11-06T01:00:00.140+00:00Now And Then<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Some years stick in your mind for events that happened within them and within music which has always played a part in this blog from the start years such as 2004 and 2006 covered in the early days of this blog took in the the release of the Beatles 1964 and 1965 Capitol Albums Vol 1 & 2 sets which growing up with them on record was much anticipated.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Equally 2009 and 2012 were major years as they saw the new remastering of the Beatles album catalogue and its issue in the Mono box and in stereo as a box and individually as compact discs and in 2012 (and 2014 for the mono's) on record.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2014 also saw the U.S. Albums set that was supposed to make available all the 1964 to 1970 U.S. only albums from the cleanest sources and with high quality presentation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In more recent years attention has been more on deluxe sets that saw the main album remixed although for most the jury is still out as to in the case of Abbey Road it was even needed and with Sgt Pepper it really achieved the notion of getting the feel of the mono without some of issues of the original stereo mix being somewhat extreme left/right positioning of backing and vocals.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Revolver, done using Artificial Intelligence (A.I) technology though did turn out well sufficient I have that on both cd and vinyl. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8BuPN9XYPbE5hSS5bCvwW_zSwseVyM20dotnQe9wcxqb8B9MSzb5xlVq7hdgFkGIeTgx6rOKj8G1uPHkrasR7CrTlRJkn_8DqXI2XX5L1xSUt0qNWnb6mg-F_bmXhl2l8uT_3j1WRsuL7k-uJI24Ca9l6IW6jqP_JVPsLgQM55JsHxOXSbK0xUhB56k/s600/R-28783315-1699013343-2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8BuPN9XYPbE5hSS5bCvwW_zSwseVyM20dotnQe9wcxqb8B9MSzb5xlVq7hdgFkGIeTgx6rOKj8G1uPHkrasR7CrTlRJkn_8DqXI2XX5L1xSUt0qNWnb6mg-F_bmXhl2l8uT_3j1WRsuL7k-uJI24Ca9l6IW6jqP_JVPsLgQM55JsHxOXSbK0xUhB56k/w636-h640/R-28783315-1699013343-2273.jpg" width="636" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This week, November 3rd to be exact, saw a new single release that used the same process and that's what we're covering this week even if the cover doesn't exactly grab me by the lapels.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Beatles’ double-A-side single for “Now And Then” and “Love Me Do” pairs the last Beatles song with the band’s first UK single. Powerful musical bookends to The Beatles’ recorded canon, both songs are also featured in the expanded Anniversary Editions for 1962-1966 (‘The Red Album’) and 1967-1970 (‘The Blue Album’).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I will most probably write something around the 1962-1966 "RED" alum as I have ordered that at some point on here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Now And Then” is the last Beatles song, written and demoed by John Lennon in 1978. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With John’s voice now pristine in the mix, “Now And Then” features elements from the 1995 sessions including George Harrison’s guitar parts, and vocal and instrumental parts recorded by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in 2022, along with a new arrangement for strings. Produced by Paul and Giles Martin, “Now And Then” is the last song recorded by all four Beatles, a powerful and fitting finale for the band’s timeless recordings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A much better attempt at fleshing out what was a demo recording made on decent stereo radio cassette recorder on top of John Lennon's piano was achieved using this technology than was possible in 1995 for Real Love and Free As a Bird.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9GXgMRe22H-arwi7Lz7qRWwVSwOO3_lyujnWEt3oLMlrZAPzYhR6rIf_m4LD1ObOLrt2_3nL6eiqTWikL6eQLRUOpbv-stJ0yzZUWiU9PAKZ7RYA0sCdF0CWiFaH95yOT2dtNhJuIRRF3poNeBOLz1TzaKuvKXfbIbCg5iKHCOR4EKmZkf_9TDGRKs4/s599/R-28783315-1699013360-1376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9GXgMRe22H-arwi7Lz7qRWwVSwOO3_lyujnWEt3oLMlrZAPzYhR6rIf_m4LD1ObOLrt2_3nL6eiqTWikL6eQLRUOpbv-stJ0yzZUWiU9PAKZ7RYA0sCdF0CWiFaH95yOT2dtNhJuIRRF3poNeBOLz1TzaKuvKXfbIbCg5iKHCOR4EKmZkf_9TDGRKs4/w638-h640/R-28783315-1699013360-1376.jpg" width="638" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is rear of the single which on vinyl I have ordered on seven inch black vinyl although somewhat late in the day a cd version was also announced which also has is coming.</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rather like 2012 Past Masters album that features a Parlophone label on one side and the "Granny Smith" Apple one on the other for Now and Then.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifbSWzd4dPwjSWyQYlh1jNM0b5apqGdBb8-usrAHUm5NiKpFswwsMEolSxBVpsFn1iYKiTGfuniyWvuH2gs5HV4IgAHtUjXKafxsMlqhfejkBe1Kh-aOY36Bxn3DGU95eOXbDL8CcSjok7P9FinzRufZvkuuz0trjRuUJfclTjX8ujvoZsbijD4iX1Kc/s500/R-28783315-1699013362-8586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="486" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifbSWzd4dPwjSWyQYlh1jNM0b5apqGdBb8-usrAHUm5NiKpFswwsMEolSxBVpsFn1iYKiTGfuniyWvuH2gs5HV4IgAHtUjXKafxsMlqhfejkBe1Kh-aOY36Bxn3DGU95eOXbDL8CcSjok7P9FinzRufZvkuuz0trjRuUJfclTjX8ujvoZsbijD4iX1Kc/w622-h640/R-28783315-1699013362-8586.jpg" width="622" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcsylxcXFhKQmqXGUrEf_EwhQZGrWCNeDc-krLtECAT1kHNSgo9d3DzUoCsUcboUXxdALorUOCrZL_wjpMun46abK8x32N2s1f_0FcHxPgS4sFD_Mm_bsy_b_-1kTnmib2ZbH3b1BVK7_Nq0s4RHiZacsfNbsEtDWxUjwEhyphenhyphenDeSlZeMuaF4WG-trcDfo/s507/R-28783315-1699013365-1652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcsylxcXFhKQmqXGUrEf_EwhQZGrWCNeDc-krLtECAT1kHNSgo9d3DzUoCsUcboUXxdALorUOCrZL_wjpMun46abK8x32N2s1f_0FcHxPgS4sFD_Mm_bsy_b_-1kTnmib2ZbH3b1BVK7_Nq0s4RHiZacsfNbsEtDWxUjwEhyphenhyphenDeSlZeMuaF4WG-trcDfo/w634-h640/R-28783315-1699013365-1652.jpg" width="634" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That label is similar to that of the very first Love Me Do single that reached #17 in the UK charts in 1962 but whose impact propelled them to topping the Merseybeat poll at the end of that year and getting to #2 some four months later with Please Please Me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">An amazing feat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The eagle eyed will have noticed on the right hand side of the label underneath the 45-R catalogue number the word "STEREO" and in someways as a more old school beatles fan that sees things not recorded past 1970 as interesting curios than core catalogue, that's more interesting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For one thing this is the 1962 hit recording with Ringo on drums with a more blues feel than the remake with Andy White where Ringo is relegated to playing a tambourine used on the Please Please Me album from March 1963 and used to replace the original on all subsequent copies of the single.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Because they threw away the actual tape - which is really crazy - ever since 1980 when the original surfaced a copy from a clean record had to be used and cleaned up taking out any tics and pops.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The other thing was like every UK Beatles single until The Ballad of John and Yoko in 1969 it was recorded and issued in mono.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For this issue the same A.I technology that cleaned up Now And Then was used to isolate all the individual elements, rebalence and then remix to stereo which to my ears worked really well with a good sense of stereo image but not too wide to lose impact.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That we believe will be featured with She Loves You for the first time in stereo on the upcoming RED album on two cds and three lps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That is something I'm looking forward to come November 10th</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-52950747488983813532023-10-30T01:00:00.101+00:002023-10-30T10:19:20.285+00:00GHS Halloween special 2023<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today's entry will be work in progress as normally a blog is written before publication date and as I won't be around until late Sunday today's entry won't be fully prepped until later on today.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTjo893GZmxhSAqCTqnAkVle-loNbrHv6A4r27FDAHCsYvQ9J7X8K8rc1KD_jyPgcY0-Z6QC1HV_JI965BaFWgG_RCNdVH_wiWgq6tfxhHjbfnq8M48IWqod3yiJwORqxxM765qG-Z7lUtanX1N2nwPUlIuEtcX_q_EojR3Y3crLYQaZzi_E0hnAEqaw/s700/adobestock_178870396_halloween1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTjo893GZmxhSAqCTqnAkVle-loNbrHv6A4r27FDAHCsYvQ9J7X8K8rc1KD_jyPgcY0-Z6QC1HV_JI965BaFWgG_RCNdVH_wiWgq6tfxhHjbfnq8M48IWqod3yiJwORqxxM765qG-Z7lUtanX1N2nwPUlIuEtcX_q_EojR3Y3crLYQaZzi_E0hnAEqaw/w640-h426/adobestock_178870396_halloween1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>This is the most spookiest time of the year where around this neighbourhood we decorate our gardens with all manner of ghoulish from lanterns made from Pumpkins and massive spiders webs ready for parties which is where I've been for the last few days.</span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqP7YhAue9aPd2PR7wNVqTesp-7b3BmgC0H-nCWEr_L8QTMvI1hQ5ZOzzPVNa2Ns8XoHjoiNAdizcLJcDJiRAAc3n4ScnurcDTl3ER2ljeW4ZwuejwO0eeq4BMGWpWrf8vokKvc2nMdT4_YOkUIgJEq6uTn86Lc6RvBeZOOhIDx9fxERcbRqTTGqGz0/s4896/DSC01051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqP7YhAue9aPd2PR7wNVqTesp-7b3BmgC0H-nCWEr_L8QTMvI1hQ5ZOzzPVNa2Ns8XoHjoiNAdizcLJcDJiRAAc3n4ScnurcDTl3ER2ljeW4ZwuejwO0eeq4BMGWpWrf8vokKvc2nMdT4_YOkUIgJEq6uTn86Lc6RvBeZOOhIDx9fxERcbRqTTGqGz0/w426-h640/DSC01051.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span>An interesting take on decorations of which there were a good many around the venue in places you might not of noticed.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">All having arrived by around 1pm BST on Saturday we had a homemade burger before starting on the treasure hunt finding well hidden candy cones - one was in in the bonfire! - with the aid of clues.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After that we decided to make our lanterns ready to light in evening, that bit did prove more a challenge given the weather but everybody put a lot into it.<br /></span><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr_qS4wml0wuluU7_GnJ_-I9eMXPag9v8Ct_lqs5f3S2GmfCN-rZVJIfDeqiJqER4uh0tLSfz8FIfrmaINYjlIbviOTaQMoXrGU_nQkYTtsuqrlzCdQk22vxKW1WLPbjTA3Xza5glp2YHMnqbtugEgO1oS3KI1sPP90sL8dYiII-Pol7WeENaiwpbFnA/s4896/DSC01076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr_qS4wml0wuluU7_GnJ_-I9eMXPag9v8Ct_lqs5f3S2GmfCN-rZVJIfDeqiJqER4uh0tLSfz8FIfrmaINYjlIbviOTaQMoXrGU_nQkYTtsuqrlzCdQk22vxKW1WLPbjTA3Xza5glp2YHMnqbtugEgO1oS3KI1sPP90sL8dYiII-Pol7WeENaiwpbFnA/w640-h426/DSC01076.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*Photographed in spookyography.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yaDGrpEqw4r8audw8XbcaqIoVGlEVvmgw_RgEgLlknXYE3FglDmQm_TzPg4ajGs5nlJtVqMyeIQOEvNQdcPki5OkCOlmepoYmkIqdc3ERwNcSqM4_cjENCqvkPvWaUtowtnQzyS-EcBZHxZNj42ZKqcprOaFF2H1iyUiH1LrfgTKH_GcbloNgbgoaQU/s4896/DSC01070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yaDGrpEqw4r8audw8XbcaqIoVGlEVvmgw_RgEgLlknXYE3FglDmQm_TzPg4ajGs5nlJtVqMyeIQOEvNQdcPki5OkCOlmepoYmkIqdc3ERwNcSqM4_cjENCqvkPvWaUtowtnQzyS-EcBZHxZNj42ZKqcprOaFF2H1iyUiH1LrfgTKH_GcbloNgbgoaQU/w320-h213/DSC01070.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Some used templates to make cats' -how apt! - and they turned out well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After painting the halloween gingerbread with icing it was time to light the bonfire and start the fireworks show.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Unfortunately it was raining hard so we had to stay in a gazebo to keep dry apart from two that went to an adjacent greenhouse.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu4GrorTKPsPnBuXz15-JfOkJx8K2VaCAAKipZB-796V1PgAsc4USJ_kTQv93VBBeAaLEzYtRnDu6XFzp3CrR17mYOs16HrrC55RnrBoYsYN3p9mfbY0y8i642w3tIxnuV_daIhSOlRq4bSHK1D5TsOoSihsCJtTubFk9YS_7no6kVfNbWXQkgXpATDw/s4896/DSC01113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghu4GrorTKPsPnBuXz15-JfOkJx8K2VaCAAKipZB-796V1PgAsc4USJ_kTQv93VBBeAaLEzYtRnDu6XFzp3CrR17mYOs16HrrC55RnrBoYsYN3p9mfbY0y8i642w3tIxnuV_daIhSOlRq4bSHK1D5TsOoSihsCJtTubFk9YS_7no6kVfNbWXQkgXpATDw/w640-h426/DSC01113.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family: arial;">The rain caused a few issues with a couple failing to stay lit but when you saw spectacular effects like this it kinda made up for it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a diy buffet meal with everybody bringing or making something toward it which was delicious and then a quiz with a general knowledge and music sections with clues which was fun.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There was much talking around various things until around 2am BST when miraculously we lost an hour and I got to sleep facing the fire. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday morning we all emerged for losing that hour and had a smoked bacon sandwich before going to the pub for a meal where I had turkey roast, sticky toffee pudding with cream and a pint of orange as I don't do alcohol.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We mainly walked back before sorting upcoming meet ups together for next year before making my way to the train station to go home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A splendid time was had by all and thanks to Miss Green, Andi and everyone for a great time together</span>.</div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-36085082867739918552023-10-23T00:30:00.001+01:002023-10-23T00:30:00.137+01:00You can't argue with a storm<p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a wild and wooly week in the week before I'm away for a couple of days with very strong wind requiring bins to be rescued before the heavy rain landed causing some localized flooding here but major issues not so far.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For instance at my older brothers farmhouse on the North Shropshire/South-east Cheshire boundary a nearby river burst its banks across one of his fields and flooded the stable block where the horses and crazy pony live and they sandbagged the doorways.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Trainlines were affected too with the Transport for Wales service from Crewe to Mid Wales, the Crewe-Chester line and Stafford via Rugeley on the Trent Valley to Walsall all off due to flooding.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yFOjr3y6eGniYkcdmRyPeFUKfTafKqOqJvWw5ukLGp0Ic99iAHU_BPouHRUQdO5g5nY38n1bGKp1cXNsQ0DA-zBZDaXrrujvGBGdUBbBtqoNhewJav9I6ZnEjRqOXFkPskLlu1gzfRl-mev_YyviofOtLA_1jFqXxcJk8ezm9UZgzN1dvJ-0b6y_OE/s1841/0_sow1jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1841" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yFOjr3y6eGniYkcdmRyPeFUKfTafKqOqJvWw5ukLGp0Ic99iAHU_BPouHRUQdO5g5nY38n1bGKp1cXNsQ0DA-zBZDaXrrujvGBGdUBbBtqoNhewJav9I6ZnEjRqOXFkPskLlu1gzfRl-mev_YyviofOtLA_1jFqXxcJk8ezm9UZgzN1dvJ-0b6y_OE/w640-h426/0_sow1jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This was central Stafford on Saturday by Riverside and in the Black Country one person travelling in Wombourne got stuck when the Ford flooded.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Apart from concerns to peoples welfare in the aftermath of the storm, one hopes the train network can be restored as although most of my route avoids the most affected areas it's possible a speed restriction may be in place between Stafford and Penkridge later on the week when I'm off.</span></p>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-4402478815456257802023-10-16T01:00:00.001+01:002023-10-16T01:00:00.142+01:00New -old things and that<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Hello there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was apparently as I hadn't been born then 65 years last Friday that that iconic BBC tv children's show Blue Peter first began and so on friday's show they looked at past shows and presenters most of whom were known to me ever since I first watched it.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn1S1KVmCUtM9y7zU6KNkEH1QYIdrNbKl2IN2QTzHjgtBxHyLWc-17CbRavLw-ZNULpSV4_e4ajGi1Ij_QOjC3fDNYWcX-0BFPV0Th_bdsogm8IwsgDDhhvTNShE1zno4l7TppQ1t-Ob8lNNS0KpW6i0mvBQvO0aUHBwKqc9XOwOte1AkzIYklZeuaFo/s1344/p0gl37yk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1344" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBn1S1KVmCUtM9y7zU6KNkEH1QYIdrNbKl2IN2QTzHjgtBxHyLWc-17CbRavLw-ZNULpSV4_e4ajGi1Ij_QOjC3fDNYWcX-0BFPV0Th_bdsogm8IwsgDDhhvTNShE1zno4l7TppQ1t-Ob8lNNS0KpW6i0mvBQvO0aUHBwKqc9XOwOte1AkzIYklZeuaFo/w640-h360/p0gl37yk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Henry the dog was as good as gold throughout the show as makes and challenges were performed before the cake was cut.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Monster Fun in all its ghoulish fun is being enjoyed here as is the Beano which is actually the oldest British in production comic even though the life of a child has changed in many ways since the late 1930's and today apparently they don't "do" phone calls.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A few more records were cleaned across the week as some were not cleaned at the time and a clean groove is a prerequisite for clear crackle free sound from them as I played a few this weekend for the first time in ages. </span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3M3ySoRMfAiyc8bf8ziVbQc2JDLCupplEgWmQn8L0rjFkbhBBId3kt6TVVnzuYWuRwguvxfW6a-qT4SfwfX3vUgNTRPRYsZ5_yQ06rAIxn-cpdzBSo3yvzPOBer6RxzlQCorxJBvkSGU0miGHEqgTvgjiEUQLPQKP3SKocMLFPYrArhMnIIOJ4xl4DY/s1080/61sW8mjEF4L._AC_SL1080_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3M3ySoRMfAiyc8bf8ziVbQc2JDLCupplEgWmQn8L0rjFkbhBBId3kt6TVVnzuYWuRwguvxfW6a-qT4SfwfX3vUgNTRPRYsZ5_yQ06rAIxn-cpdzBSo3yvzPOBer6RxzlQCorxJBvkSGU0miGHEqgTvgjiEUQLPQKP3SKocMLFPYrArhMnIIOJ4xl4DY/w400-h400/61sW8mjEF4L._AC_SL1080_.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />We don't normally mention the cd only Extra editions of the Now yearbook series only normally looking at the regular three lp version instead as for me handling and playing records is linked to the period but this is worth picking up as it has a great collection of glam rock, soul and pop which shows what a great year for music 1973 was.</span><p></p></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-72206366569239611102023-10-09T01:00:00.001+01:002023-10-09T01:00:00.135+01:00Yes Singles and thoughts on the vinyl revival<p><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a time when vinyl records were expected to be just a memory removed from shops as a new item with just few used ones traded more as mementos of the past in "Olde World" shops.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Equally many of us expected and went through the process of converting our record and tape collections to compact discs as I recall going on Friday afternoons with bags of records to part exchange for new cds or credits for any they held.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">By the mid nineties I had just a few left usually where a title hadn't been issued on cd (some early Rolling Stones titles were not) or where I wanted mixes not issued on cd such as the stereo Beatles first four UK albums and the original stereo Help and Rubber Soul.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But in the main all new titles and back catalogue was now bought on the cd thus all my Yes progressive rock lps went for compact discs either regular ones or the audiophile issues on labels such as Mobile Fidelity and Audio Fidelity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Things as you may of noticed are different today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Your record shop has a lot of brand new records, not just old classic rock or soul but todays artists too because many have rediscovered over twenty years the vinyl record and buy them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6yqBPcTs4BEFX7b6UlcrjrW0D0BgYf4t8ck_W6ocd7cqMvfR0fmlwRWaINGk5XycM4hu7YpHPjforg1kuv7wDk0HWNYRpGn2gqlKx2jkdTcXbTuJrqrOEl0YBNj6N2KMTXbNlgUJVrxF9Av1A4yazRmGCfPPI3odZz_wQS1D2Wg7iQQi0un1y8ITFN8/s1500/A1ISIEUL8FL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6yqBPcTs4BEFX7b6UlcrjrW0D0BgYf4t8ck_W6ocd7cqMvfR0fmlwRWaINGk5XycM4hu7YpHPjforg1kuv7wDk0HWNYRpGn2gqlKx2jkdTcXbTuJrqrOEl0YBNj6N2KMTXbNlgUJVrxF9Av1A4yazRmGCfPPI3odZz_wQS1D2Wg7iQQi0un1y8ITFN8/w640-h640/A1ISIEUL8FL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I haven't been immune from that virus having upgraded my record playing equipment and buying brand new discs and rebuying some favourites from the past, hearing more of the playing than I did back in the day.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That you see is where Yes Singles fits in, a single disc of single edits that capture them from 1969 to 1984 which is really where my interest in this prog rock band stopped as much as I did get Big Generator on vinyl in 1987.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The full track list is here and if you know this music, you can see why I'd want it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Your Move (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Starship Trooper: Life Seeker (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Roundabout (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>America (Single Edit)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And You and I (Part One) [promo Radio Edit]</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Soon (Single Edit)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sound Chaser (Single Edit)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">8<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wonderous Stories (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">9<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don't Kill the Whale (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">10<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Into the Lens (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">11<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Owner of a Lonely Heart (Single Version)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">12<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Leave It (Single Remix)</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">While some are not whole works - and with Yes some do run to over 20 minutes! - it reminds you of their achievements in their single forms that are otherwise stuck on many pieces of seven inch plastic so I got this on Friday, day of release.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was cleaned before playing and it does sound great and just hearing Roundabout and Wonderous Stories on vinyl takes me back years.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Recommended even if you may want Classic Yes for the full length versions of some tracks.</span></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532705331607967922.post-428820220620554912023-10-02T01:00:00.003+01:002023-10-02T01:00:00.137+01:00HK and the Millennium Now series revisited.<p><span style="font-family: arial;">This may be a "wrapped up" edition but there's a few things going on such as the closure of Sanriotown.com and the associated email service some of us adored in the earlier part of this century where we could play games and talk about everything in the Hello Kitty world.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CvirvePWMBAuK3Vo3ur9sgEdITX96UiN1Ga-Wg9EzmhvWlXsNJpav7FVm8eWQzhwTWUn5dRHadl5Cajvr6A8b-JAAn_2Ajh5IbipEFAg6d6DoV6yNygnN7xdxT-azd7tpAEVv7e0MBHU2cxzXDeMVIsl9rpg6elrwBnRW6EtLlStS0q7Df7rmA3aMmk/s430/tumblr_lmc39yQ7YC1qbr0eeo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="430" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CvirvePWMBAuK3Vo3ur9sgEdITX96UiN1Ga-Wg9EzmhvWlXsNJpav7FVm8eWQzhwTWUn5dRHadl5Cajvr6A8b-JAAn_2Ajh5IbipEFAg6d6DoV6yNygnN7xdxT-azd7tpAEVv7e0MBHU2cxzXDeMVIsl9rpg6elrwBnRW6EtLlStS0q7Df7rmA3aMmk/w640-h638/tumblr_lmc39yQ7YC1qbr0eeo1_500.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A few months back Now who gives many hundreds of compilations resumed a series originally undertaken in 1999 called the Millennium Series that covered 1980 through 1999 in two cd sets.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWWihHCA9F94b3PCSUX-WXYHuQl2LmJYvosRG2jQrqnXObKIe_xGfX9rBZ9mppJWJZpSGT158OS5rh5yTzkMJV-XC29yJAdR2-FcKqTz0wad5pJ-afrLmSHN3wpM0w1LBJUDR6r_Y17MBmMy4-z7ibi3WrtFe4GWIvqnIm1mUxxY0WRsUz-3GnxSp4yo/s1147/61Rx1KxqIiL._AC_SL1216_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1147" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWWihHCA9F94b3PCSUX-WXYHuQl2LmJYvosRG2jQrqnXObKIe_xGfX9rBZ9mppJWJZpSGT158OS5rh5yTzkMJV-XC29yJAdR2-FcKqTz0wad5pJ-afrLmSHN3wpM0w1LBJUDR6r_Y17MBmMy4-z7ibi3WrtFe4GWIvqnIm1mUxxY0WRsUz-3GnxSp4yo/w640-h456/61Rx1KxqIiL._AC_SL1216_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They decided logically to start at the year 2000 but strangely rather than having stand alone editions per year decided to make each set a pair so we have have on the third and forth cds, 2001</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO745-QWxPDshppwhBjdrpf6yh8oc3yorrfJ8QvQCpqMAUqcc9ZUqnQNLC5IbcVwp6bL3rW3iiLwMusKL9QAtjRlz6tQzRSB2AzUDCpNPXScJezDXeL4i3S-9dzHvrGR6k7obi4uior1mGXv8_U_8h2DiP_BeFL1pw9xENDjCEs8KNWpwVF2Aq2xRiuo/s1200/Standard_20CD_20Back_20Cover_f3e52ae1-3ef3-453d-9331-3d12dd08b7f3.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO745-QWxPDshppwhBjdrpf6yh8oc3yorrfJ8QvQCpqMAUqcc9ZUqnQNLC5IbcVwp6bL3rW3iiLwMusKL9QAtjRlz6tQzRSB2AzUDCpNPXScJezDXeL4i3S-9dzHvrGR6k7obi4uior1mGXv8_U_8h2DiP_BeFL1pw9xENDjCEs8KNWpwVF2Aq2xRiuo/w640-h640/Standard_20CD_20Back_20Cover_f3e52ae1-3ef3-453d-9331-3d12dd08b7f3.webp" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I did buy a fair bit of music during this era but I never bought the Nows as much of the chart music they featured was Electronic Dance and HipHop which generally doesn't do much for me but as a reminder of what those hits were like and there are some I really did like it's a handy set.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On Friday the follow up emerged which pairs 2002 and 2003.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu37tSPTO87nfejZLOBKV3c5Y10oFDDCF_JPEzV31KWyMUpDyRx2eWu_idK1ZzEukv4HvCIbHOTiueAeq7EGWrXRkuZOBh7y4-uXFym85qfwEWaXyO-jCnT_nph9UXMyUBb9yIBI5SHNSU398Y1bv4cw16ZZ14kYJPF2FRHb8Ev7gzMe-pTilx19P3vR0/s1500/817F2EELB6L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1500" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu37tSPTO87nfejZLOBKV3c5Y10oFDDCF_JPEzV31KWyMUpDyRx2eWu_idK1ZzEukv4HvCIbHOTiueAeq7EGWrXRkuZOBh7y4-uXFym85qfwEWaXyO-jCnT_nph9UXMyUBb9yIBI5SHNSU398Y1bv4cw16ZZ14kYJPF2FRHb8Ev7gzMe-pTilx19P3vR0/w640-h456/817F2EELB6L._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There is actually more on this set I do like although as before I tended to buy individual artist albums by people I liked such as Jamiroquai and Katie Melua so I can see this being played a fair bit.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcfaTryPH-y4cjqv4fHqyz4IvLXPp8UWNslpymg0oMYauVi_Oq_OT7AsYKQ7mdYGme4EeMDJzNrtl3P4KsEr6XzcKyfVJAuF9WoP89cht5-34uryqoE1y_NlvvTjoIYGmnrHi1y9U26JyUoNMhWGfwUwx8ySARnHXQsQrFv8_48EeeCFKMRaws6oNJos/s1500/815bVnW11gL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcfaTryPH-y4cjqv4fHqyz4IvLXPp8UWNslpymg0oMYauVi_Oq_OT7AsYKQ7mdYGme4EeMDJzNrtl3P4KsEr6XzcKyfVJAuF9WoP89cht5-34uryqoE1y_NlvvTjoIYGmnrHi1y9U26JyUoNMhWGfwUwx8ySARnHXQsQrFv8_48EeeCFKMRaws6oNJos/w640-h640/815bVnW11gL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the things I noticed in the early two thousands was the wide gap between sales between the most popular albums artists and what was in and promoted for the singles charts, wider than it was between 1971 and 1974.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was the start of the TV talent show acts being pushed into the charts often by producers and labels owned by the tv production company</span></div>J C Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11808214205524433352noreply@blogger.com0