Wednesday 31 March 2010

Electioneering

I've been feeling highly politicised of late, taking an interest in many current affairs. I realise though, that to a certain extent, I'm alone in this interest. Often over the years, when discussing politics with family and friends (that eternal taboo), I'm met with heated debate commonly ending in a statement along the lines of, "Well, none of it makes any difference anyway. They're all the same."

I sympathise with this view. In a world where the media focuses our attention on political scandal in favour of real policy issues and with political parties moving ever closer to a common, central grounding, experiencing a sense of helplessness from time to time is somewhat to be expected. However, to disengage from mainstream politics completely as a result, will only help to maintain the status quo, or worse, increases votes for the BNP!

Contrary to this belief, there are quite a few things happening in the political world which I'd argue actually are making a difference, that are a pretty "big fucking deal"!

President Obama delivered on one of his major election campaign promises in recent weeks. The American people, having voted for 'change', now have a truly significant amendment to their law that ensures everybody has a right to healthcare. A change that effects the lives of all US citizens.

"Well that's in the US, it doesn't affect me." I hear you say. Okay, well how about this? Currently, members of the RMT, British Airways Cabin Crew and staff at the Richmond Upon Thames College in Twickenham (where my good friend Gareth Watts is a lecturer) are all fighting, through their respective unions, to protect their livelihoods and the standards of service and education they are employed to provide.

Active participation, involving political representatives that could make a big difference to many peoples lives. Not just those who's jobs are at risk but the students, commuters and the jetsets too.

"So what?" - Well, if that isn't enough to convince you, then here's my parting shot. Come May, the UK will be on the eve of a General Election, most likely to be the closest run thing since a 'Heat' magazine poll on who's the more annoying Cheeky Girl.

The possibility of a hung parliament is increasingly likely but, with the polls showing the Conservative lead diminishing rapidly and with the country in its most delicate economic state for many a year, this could be the most vital vote cast in recent memory.

I realise that it's contrary to popular opinion for me to say I find this all fascinating and I'm not saying you have to agree with anything I say here, you don't even have to take an interest, just don't tell me that it doesn't make a difference!

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Tokyo Pirates


"Destroy All Bands" - The New Pirates
I've spent many a wistful moment over the recent years reminiscing about my one and only foray into the the world of 'live performance'.

That foray was as a short lived member of the 'New Pirates' (circa 2002-2004), a ragamuffin indie band, part The Clash, part The Specials.

I've never been particularly interested in becoming a dynamite guitarist, undoubtedly I don't have the skill or the application, but to my mind, chopping away agriculturally at a lump of wood with strings is a means to an end, not the end in itself.

As a New Pirate, I always enjoyed the message, the confrontation and the aesthetic of the band as much as anything. The sloganeering, the customised t-shirts, the lyrical statements and the posturing were all vital compared to how we actually sounded musically. Luckily the musical talent lay elsewhere in the band to hold things all together.

The New Pirates
Tokyo Beatbox
Once leaving the group to return to London, the renamed 'Tokyo Beatbox' with new front man Chris "Chopper" Harris, multiplied their appeal tenfold as live performers, the song writing flourishing as a consequence. It was a wonderful blend of 'New Pirates' angst with 'Tokyo Beatbox' craft - fabulous!

Imagine my excitement therefore at the possibility of a reunion (albeit for one rehearsal day in the summer) under the obvious but excellent moniker of 'Tokyo Pirates'. Discussions are underway and still it sets the heart racing.

Take one rehearsal room somewhere in London, a set list of Beatbox/Pirates classics and the band, reformed for one night (day) only and you truly have a nostalgic experience to cherish.

I couldn't imagine being in a band with anybody else and to be honest I don't think I ever will be. Even in those New Pirates days, there was a collective spark that I truly felt could achieve anything. Having read a fair bit about Tony Wilson and considering the nature of some of his 'Factory' label acts, I'm convinced, convinced he would have loved us!

As it is I only hope I can polish up my hacking to 'Beatboxesque' levels of subtlety for our rehearsal day. Failing that, I'll simply don the t-shirt, swing a guitar round my neck and pogo as if my life depended on it....

Fail better.

Tokyo Beatbox - Maggie's Last Dance

Tokyo Beatbox - Aftermath

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Album Review: Contra - Vampire Weekend


****
A rich honeypot of influences is the recipe for another self assured success from the preppy popstrels of NYC.

Vampire Weekend's latest long player is as trim as an album can get. From the opening chimes of 'Horchata' to the soothing shades of title track 'Contra', you'll find a collection of clean cut gems.

There's an effortless simplicity here which is truly refreshing and the lightness of touch found in the arch melodies of 'Holiday', 'California English' and stand out track 'Giving Up The Gun' are exquisite.

The lyrics too, although sometimes sounding too knowing for their own good, remain wonderfully individual. Note the references to the font typeface 'Futura' or a 'Saudi satellite dish' and of course the afore mentioned Mexican vegetable beverage 'Horchata'.

It's all so perfectly crafted it barely feels like a surprise to hear classical influences next to afrobeats next to spiky guitar. It's wound together so tightly and polished to a sparkling diamond finish.

Thursday 4 March 2010

In the Army now


Last weekend saw the Dedication of my wee lad George at the Salvation Army in Sutton.

It was a special day with family and close friends and it made me very proud of my son. I'm glad too that when we are older, together we can look back on his Christening as symbolic of just how important he is to us.

The day itself, I hope, was all about him, this blog post on the other hand is all about me.

Obviously, as someone who has never called himself a Christian, it was a day that brought with it some personal perils. I'm aware of a certain hypocrisy in standing on a platform and promising to be to my child an example of a true Christian - although clearly being married to one allows me at least a little slack I like to think.

Both ministers too, are aware of my unspoken spiritual misgivings so offered their words knowingly. To satisfy myself though, I paraphrase Stephen Fry in defending the harbouring of two seemingly contrary views, "I am human and thus I am complicated".

It's clear to me that an environment such as that cultivated by this truly welcoming church community can only be beneficial for a young person to grow up in and the majority of the moral grounding I hope he will receive is vital regardless of religiosity.

To deny him this, when the opportunity is afforded by his mother's beliefs, would be nothing short of cruel. It's certainly not like he'll be lacking in secular influences on his life. Ultimately, from both mine and Laura's point of view, the decision, we know, will be entirely his.

Album Review: In Ghost Colours - Cut Copy


***
An album chock full of electro pop delights, yet, like a sweet tasting candy floss, its appeal dissolves all too quickly to have truly substantive impact.

There is however still much to cherish. The infectious dance floor dreams of 'Lights and Music' and 'Out There On The Ice' are hard to beat whilst 'Unforgettable Season' too provides evidence of an undoubted ear for melody and arresting pop hook.

Much of the album though fails to leave a lasting impression and frustratingly it's hard to fathom why. 'Hearts On Fire' to all intents and purposes, sounds like a perfectly crafted arrangement, awash with musicallity and pinpoint synthesized majesty; yet as you try to fathom where the heart of the album lies, you start to realise that the digital wizardry is masking a fatal flaw.

There's no bedrock upon which this etheral wonderment is founded. Lyrical focus is missing and a sense of purpose is lacking, ultimately denying the album that lasting effect it so nearly deserves.

Much like the devotees who will flock to the dancefloor when 'Feel The Love' surges through the indie disco, this album invites a one night stand but won't entertain ideas of any meaningful, lasting relationship.