[Whisht @replies]

@fatmaninabox – well done! And I didn’t know clover is a weed so thanks for that!

In terms of mud/soil etc this is the first thing that sprang to mind.

I’ve always loved this band – to me they’re ‘clever’ (which appeals to my chin-strokey ear-noodling) but more than that, their music just fills me with joy.

Good luck on the next modules and let us know what they are when you pass them in case it inspires any “ooh – fruit! Well, that’s just gotta mean…”

;¬)

[Whisht @replies]

wow @arbutus – that’s a really interesting take on that Dylan song!
Thanks for digging that out!! you’re right, its definitely different stylistically and its interesting. Funnily enough the excellent “cynicism” of the singer reminded me of Graham Parker!

Though I didn’t know of his music at the time I’ve come across it since and kinda like it when it pops up.
This studio version of his song has a brass section that may also be what made me think of him when I heard your song.

Here he’s playing it live and though there are no horns (economics! boo!), its got a great tight guitar and a bit more aggressive delivery.
And a really really embarrassingly bad bit from the pianist. [shakes head]

Thanks again for digging that band out!

[Whisht @replies]

@thekrynoidman – California Girls – re-listening now its strangely slower than in my memory! Wouldn’t it Be Nice is a great track and as with @arbutus ‘ – Sloop John B – I’ll admit that for me, The Beach Boys are always ‘impressive’ but I just don’t connect with them.
The melodies are catchy, the arrangements are interesting but… I dunno, maybe I need more of something. I guess I find them ‘nice’ (which is quite a damning word, but all my problem I guess; maybe I’ll one day ‘get them’).

And Arbutus – “Loads of choices obviously” – for Clara?? I have none!! Do share!
And enjoyed Elvis as you say “singing as if he meant it”.

That live version of Sloop John B is interesting to compare to the album version. Live its quicker (almost too much so!) and fills out the chorus to be sung along to which is a good illustration of how the live dynamic changes the performance.

Lumineers – Subterranean Homesick Blues
Difficult song to cover. You really have to bring something new to it just because its so ‘full’ – but there’s nowhere to squeeze anything in! Not sure he brings anything to the lyrics other than recite them but enjoying the cello – almost sounds like a sax!??!

“original” video of Dylan here (seems the label keep taking versions down? Convoluted story as to how the guy had to recreate the video!)

Blowing in The Wind – Stevie Wonder.
Wow – never heard that before! On first listen sounds like the arrangement is purely there to support his singing which is no bad thing.
In fact he brings quite a Gospel feel to it, and then very Soul with “…and the answer my friend is in the wind…” almost like Ben E King (Stand by Me).

oh and Arbutus and @Purofilion – Phil Ochs is a name I’ve heard of but not heard him sing before. I’m gonna have to listen to that a few times as its all lyric! Good sentiment though!
Arbutus – I had that “DJ” chat with my niece a while back! She said she liked a particular song that my brother and I knew, but claimed it was by [nameofDJfeat.ICan’tRemember].
“ooh we’d better get you to hear it properly!” we thought.
However, she was non-plussed by the original when I dug it out! Which is fair enough – it isn’t her or her friend’s song (I still think she’s at that age where she hasn’t found any music for herself yet – its still all whatever her friends are listening to, though she let on that there was a girl at school who listened to ‘weird stuff’ – “Befriend her!” I thought!) 🙂

[Whisht @replies]

ok – I’ll own up – I’ve not seen this before.
Not sure what I was up to the first time around (I was hardly the outdoor-football-playing-type) so must’ve been…. reading??

Anyway – apart from the flaws (brilliantly highlighted above so I won’t repeat) I kinda enjoyed this.

Yes – you heard me right. Why? Well because not long ago I watched the Black Orchid. And in Mark of the Rani we have an episode that I thought was (until the end) well judged in terms of pace. Starts leisurely, Romantic (great music background of quasi-period brass on synth) and soon ratchets up the pace.
And something effing happens!
In fact something effing happens a few times! Hurrah!!

I like that the Rani* underplays Ainley and points up the obvious stupidity of the (“The”) Master (his plans being “Something devious and over complicated”).
*btw is it the “Rani” (there are many Rani) or “The Rani” (there is one ‘Rani’)? Its seemingly said both ways in the episode.
oh and btw#2 – “Mark of The Rani” – or “Lovebites”? I’m surprised they didn’t crowbar in a gag for this (they did for other gags) – maybe episode two…

But…. yes, Baker is nasty toward Peri who we empathise with (no matter how whiny) which makes him unnapealing; Ainley is in Panto which suits the Princess costume Peri’s wearing.

And at the end it all goes a bit Frank Spencer… or actually Jim Dale (he was Doctor Nookey)

[Whisht @replies]

ok, as part of a random occasional series “Songs for Companions” how about this:

Still not sure if its better for Amy due to the lyric “When I was a little girl I had a rag doll…” but Amy’s had a song so far, so this is for River.

Anyone else got any suggestions for music inspired (no matter how tenuously!) by Companions?

[Whisht @replies]

ah @Purofilion – I wish had a teacher like you when I was a kid. Stooges? Rage Against the Machine??
No inspirational teachers at all even in Music or Art where you’d expect it!
The only time I remember a teacher using a song in a lesson was an English teacher trying to make poetry ‘hip’ (Gerald Manley Hopkins was the most contemporary we studied).
He gave us a poem that he wondered if we recognised… head shakes and dumbfounded looks all round the class of 14 yr old boys. He then said, “c’mon, its a song, don’t you recognise it?”

Again, we were a bit lost.

“When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical…”

Yes, it was The Logical Song

but… Supertramp were never going to be ‘hip’ for a bunch of 14yr old boys in a New Town school in the early 80’s! Why not try Madness or The Specials on us?
The lads just looked at each other a bit embarrassed and mumbled “right sir…”.

Its only now writing this and re-reading the lyrics, that I realise what he was trying to do – the lyrics just went over our heads at the time (and he never really connected with us as a teacher to help us ‘get’ it).

However, its nice to be proven wrong and that kids can ‘get’ the song!
Here’s a video that looks like it was made as a bit of fun by a couple of German teenagers! Maybe though, the catchy melody kinda makes the song listenable 🙂

[Whisht @replies]

ah @bluesqueakpip – isn’t that the weapon that Davros was going to use?

“Detonate…” no that wasn’t it… ah yes,

“Fire the Reality Cannon!!”

😈

[Whisht @replies]

he he @bluesqueakpip – it’d be fun to hear from the people at the Odeon whether demand for this showing was more than most premières.

Hey ho – popcorn on the Sofa it is!

[Whisht @replies]

btw @arbutus – there used to be a show in the UK called the Word (anyone of a certain age in the UK will now roll their eyes! 🙄 )

I was looking for where Dinosaur Jr played ‘Start Chopping’ live on the show and went on through the ad break and out the other side. It was amazing at the time but… memories seem to have coated the actual playing in a large dollop of nostalgia. If it was your first time hearing Dinosaur Jr it’d probably be the last and that’d be a shame!

However, again from the Word (which anyone who rolled their eyes will tell you was a piss-poor The Tube) is a great live performance full of energy by Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – rather than annoyed by the Elvis persona I kinda find it fun. He’s celebrating rock’n’roll rather than mocking.

[Whisht @replies]

@thekrynoidman – good work with the Lola link.

Some nice riffs too. Here’s one that has an instantly recognisable riff but I was looking for something from the last 20 years so chose this instead!

@arbutus – to be honest I’ve been listening to a lot of live (recorded) stuff – especially by Bjork and the Fall. Mainly as I’d overdone some of Bjork’s albums and sometimes the energy and passion she gets into her voice is astonishing. I’ve linked to it before but this live version of one of her songs is far better imo than the studio one (where they mucked around layering effects over her voice).

Interestingly I came across this last night – a ‘live’ set by Radiohead.
As you’d expect, all the songs are different to their album versions except one – Codex.
Its basically as true to the album version as is possible it seems. Maybe they just thought ‘we can’t do the song any better or any more justice than playing it this particular way’?

Glad people enjoying the 80’s Number 1s – just seemed like the ‘obvious’ thing to do for @Purofilion ‘s birthday(!) I was in my teens during the 80’s and usually thought/think of it as a horrible decade for fashion and music. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, there were some gems along the way (even if they didn’t make number 1 around July!).

[Whisht @replies]

@takemetomyraggedyman – to be honest I thought that was a picture of the actress on first glance!

Excellent – guessing the labcoat is next?
Hope you’re enjoying the forum – why not plunge in and let us know about your favourite Doctor(s) on the Faces of The Doctor thread!

[Whisht @replies]

@juniperfish

“Have we seen his sonic yet?”

And just when I thought that there wasn’t going to be any smut in the Tardis and then you come along…

😉

[Whisht @replies]

ah @thekrynoidman – they are indubitably great riffs.

Hopefully someone (other than my osteopath) can explain why my head rocks back on the Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac track. Every other one my head rocks forward on to hit the beat but that one my head rocks back.
Maybe just a thing tonight…

Oh and as I mentioned to @arbutus I prefer the version at Woodstock even though its flawed with gaffs, out of tune strings and stuff but just because it seems to have more energy.
But the riff is the same and this is about riffs. I’m sure that others will weigh in with stuff which we haven’t linked to!

[Whisht @replies]

ooh best guitar riff of all time this week – excellent!

Well it is great. No denying.

I’ve already linked to Roxette by Dr Feelgood so won’t embed again (though it is a great hook – less is more?!?).
Also I’m always slightly scared that the lead singer will actually beat me up. (eg I’ve heard no stories that they never got paid).

Interestingly there’s no guitar solo in the kinks link @thekrynoidman – it was a tad shoddy on the single (though who cares as its always seemed raucous and visceral).

so, a better riff?

There’ll be a lotta Love for this

Though to be fair this person may have listed a few (50!!!) and linked to appropriate YouTubes.

Can’t say they’re better but some crackers!

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @Purofilion – Happy Birthday!!

Sorry I’m late to the party!

As I am late I thought I’d do the obvious thing.
Yes, I thought I’d list every UK Number 1 from the 80’s for your birthday (ie Number 1 around July 28th)

There was an obvious ‘winner’ to embed but they’re all…. classic?

🙂

Odyssey – Use it up and wear it out (huh? oh… that one, actually its rather good)

The Specials – Ghost Town (that’s more like it!)

Charlene – I’ve never been to me (huh?? erm)

Paul Young – Wherever I Lay my Hat That’s my Home (ouch. Steady ladies…) [although I never thought it at the time, he actually has a very good voice).

Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Two Tribes* (for a staggering 9 WEEKS!!!!)
(* that’s a 12″ version)

Crap audio but this one is the original video for everyone who wants to re-live the wrestling.

From TotP – with added ‘tache and shoulder pads
(wow – memories! My music teacher put this on at the school fete and everything stopped as that air raid siren went off!)

Eurythmics – There must be an angel

Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach

Madonna – Who’s That Girl

Glenn Medeiros – Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For you (huh?)

Sonia – You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You

Jeezus Stock Aitkin and Waterman could really end a decade.

However – if Two Tribes is too…. warring for a Birthday (though what a bassline!) then how about this

though equally, if life’s what you make it isn’t life affirming enough (and actually I’m not a lyrics person, I just love that song and it has a special memory for me of a band who were mates of my brother playing it live in a tiny bar to ~30 people, even though only one of them had ever heard the song. It was awesome!)

But if not then… how about this one. I’ve been trying to learn more about music recently and I think crotchets are something musical but I’m not sure.
helluva song mind.

Happy birthday!

😉

[Whisht @replies]

excellent to hear the first day went well @fatmaninabox !

You do know of course that you could easily have a series on BBC or Channel 4 themed around Fat Man in a… for a couple of series at least?

Fat Man in a Seedbox, Fat Man in a Shed, Fat Man in a Hothouse… you could get Simon Fisher-Becker to guest or provide ‘expert’ advice (on stuff he knows nothing about)… as a head in a box.

Hm, methinks I’d better stop while I’m not a head.

😉

[Whisht @replies]

@Purofilion – really sorry to hear that the Crohns will keep you from travelling later in the year. Hope its not too bad at present.
December’s unpredictable (as is all English weather!). Best for them to pack for rain and sunshine!
As for footy, sounds like a divided household if there’s a Spurs fan and an Arsenal fan!
There’s a couple of possible matches but not cheap. There may be a Capital One Cup match around 17th December (if either team are still in it at that point), but it will include some ‘B’/youth team members (its not a major competition and used to give some fringe players some playing time).

[Whisht @replies]

I loved this serial. Great 2-parter!
Definitely think the Malus could be explored in the future – that almost-gargoyle in the Tardis as it turned its head was very creepy!

This is the first time I’ve seen Turlough – I have no memory of seeing him as a kid.
As a companion he’s interesting in that he’s similar to the Doctor. When he’s with Tegan’s grandfather he’s resourceful and smart – I could easily hear the Doctor saying the same lines.

Also was great to see the Doctor tearing through the plaster on the wall. If he wasn’t careful a lot more of the scenery might have come down! 🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Thanks @janetteb – to be honest I still feel like I just went off on one a bit and that’s unfair of me. @bluesqueakpip is far better at critiquing!
Also, I should have put this on the BO part2 comments – apologies to anyone if I put a spoiler in my rant!

[Whisht @replies]

oooookkkaaaayyyyyy…….

prompted by @janetteb I’ll post my thoughts – well what I can remember as I lost my notes while I watched back a few weeks ago.

However, I believe I have an idiosyncratic dislike of this serial, so in no way do I think I’m being ‘fair’, but… thankfully this isn’t the only serial!

Now, I really dislike the sound of cricket in TV dramas – the smatter of clapping, the sound of that leather on willow, the “I say” and “Good show” from the ‘crowd’.
Detest is a strong word… but I’m considering it. Not sure if its an aural thing, or a class thing I’ve picked up. I’ve seen amateur cricket in a park and have absolutely no problem with it – its the sound of it on TV; lets blame the foley artists!

I also dislike ‘murder mysteries’ in posh country houses (class thing again?). So the beginning of Black Orchid wasn’t set up to be in any sort of sweet spot for me!

Of course, we then have absolutely nothing effing happening! I don’t mind nothing haooening if we’re deepening our understanding of character or whatever, but we’re not – we’re padding out a thin story with an overly leisurely and indulgent scene of cricket and then other scenes of lost in the corridor, dancing etc.
For me there’s no real sense of jeopardy (even if people are seemingly being knocked off). The ‘monster’ is an annoyingly wheezing man (another bloody annoying sound!) that I just didn’t think would be that dangerous.

Other than that, we have a cold day on set, actors hanging about, dialogue which doesn’t further plot or character “I can dance the Charlestown” – well whoop-de-doo) and overall I was glad it ended.

I’m made of strong stuff so I also watched episode 2. I am so glad this didn’t drag out for even more episodes. It could’ve easily been a single episode.

Yet the Black Orchid itself could have been explored in the story, we could have been misdirected thinking it was the Indian who was the killer, or perhaps one of the gentlemen but no.

Its around this time that I started to stop watching Doctor Who as a kid (I have no memory of this episode and no memory of Turlough or even Adric much). It must’ve just clashed with something else… but I would’ve been 11 which would surely be a key age for watching!

But I’m even more glad that I didn’t let watching BO here put me off watching the next Davison serial as its really good!

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @janetteb – you’re absolutely right in that contrasting views make for great conversation, debate and even good arguing (“arguing without a capital ‘A'” as it were).

However, I din’t post about Black Orchid because I have a feeling my dislike of it is probably due to idiosyncratic reasons.

But… I’ll post my thoughts over on the BO thread.

eek!

[Whisht @replies]

ah @craig – I think it was me that mentioned GoT first.

My bad!

🙂

I must’ve got confused by the Sofa / Rose & Crown distinction (is this a reflection on the amount of beer I drink on my sofa?).
tbh the TV thread is best place for this – not sure we need a sub-thread for “shows where boobs and asses are shown where they needn’t be but we’re jolly glad they did”.

Liked your video btw, you may like this* but that is the last time I mention it on this thread!!

* has spoilers – would spoil just about everything even if you have watched the show. I’d avoid watching tbh as it truly spoils it as a show. Warned, y’know?

[Whisht @replies]

he he @phaseshift , you really don’t know how little I tweet.

ie never.

However, missive sent off.

Don’t hold your breath…

[Whisht @replies]

ah – glad I made the effort with this one!

I didn’t say anything about Black Orchid because “if you’ve nothing nice to say, best say nothing”.

I said nothing A LOT as I hated BO about as much as I hate…. BO.

But The Awakening was excellent – I thought they could’ve almost teased us with the confusion for the viewer as to “what century are we in?” at the beginning even more, but as has been said – its at breakneck speed and had to get on!

As well as Wicker Man, my own “ooh- Roundheads and demons!” call-out would be to The Witchfinder General with Vincent Price (A great Hammer film). But I say that whenever I see Cavaliers or Roundheads, even in documentaries. 🙂

btw, I’ve known a few Australian women (I even went out with one) and they’d all have absolutely destroyed the soldier making the aggressive remarks. In fact I almost shivered thinking how my ex would’ve just annihilated him.

He’s lucky it was Tegan!

😉

[Whisht @replies]

@phaseshift – should we ask Colin Baker via Twitter?

“If you had to watch either Vengeance or Mask, which would you choose?”

Mind you, he might not like the reviews after we watch….

[Whisht @replies]

@arbutus – Wow!!

That low brass version of GoT is amazing!!
The Guardian ran a list of covers of the theme and I certainly don’t remember this in it.

But I can’t find anything else this group of musicians did – I wonder if it was set up (by the sponsor) just to do this cover?
Anyway, you’ve given me my brass fix for the week (although…. after that rush I may need a bit more!)

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

@miapatrick – he he!!

Yep, speed reading while distracted on a phone isn’t the best way to consume information!
But I did think “you really just said that? That’s bizarre!? You’re normally great and this is… how do I reply…?”

🙂

I’ll admit that although the bibbity-bobbity-boobies are rather lovely in all their shapes and sizes, I actually like GoT for its actors and writing. I’ve never read the books so have no idea how it differs and am kinda glad I don’t have that distraction of literary precognition or disappointment.

Instead I just smile at the interplay of characters (eg the Hound), Peter Dinklage‘s interplay with everyone, and the plot surprises.

I’m utterly spoiler averse (I even avoid the Doctor ads on the BBC!) so all I will say about that link* for Dinklage is that it spoils your ears (in a lovely way).

(* obvious egg-sucking moment – but if anyone looks at the right hand side of YouTube and says “you didn’t warn me I’m only on season 2 of 4!” then… erm… its a YouTube link).

btw, I know you didn’t mention this and I’m being silly, but wouldn’t a mashup of GoT and Utopia be brilliant?

“You know nothing Cartmell”

“Where is Jessica Hide?” being asked of The Hound.

IwantIwantIwant. Do I have the software to make….?

😉

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @miapatrick – you’ll laugh at this, but I read your reply to me re: GoT on my phone and misread it as you saying “well, I don’t like it much, as its a bit like an american would imagine the medieval era and it isn’t realistic with its stuff about seasons and magic and stuff”.

I laughed and thought “is that miapatrick?? really? My god, how am I gonna reply..?”

Luckily I re-read your comment on a proper screen and realised my error!

🙂

Personally I just love all the boobies.

[Whisht @replies]

@fatmaninabox – fantastic news!

Hope you enjoy the course and in fact – that’s the main thing! Just enjoy the course.

Anything else “is just jam”.

well done!

[Whisht @replies]

@purofilion – you’re not behind at all!

I still haven’t started watching Sherlock (sticks fingers in ears as wisely suggested by @blenkinsopthebrave).

In fact, until recently I was waaaay behind on lots of shows, but due to slightly more time than usual/ late nights etc I’ve watched all of Battlestar Galactica, all of Game of Thrones (now there’s a great show) and just now munching my way through Firefly (never knew it was sooo Western!).

There’s far too much telly to watch, so you’re never as behind as others!

Hope you enjoy Sherlock but don’t want to hear a peep about it!

;¬)

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @phaseshift – its a tricky choice, but I’m gonna vote for Mark of the Rani.

@blenkinsopthebrave ‘s impassioned plea kinda tugged at my heart.

Also I can’t remember either of them (though vague memories of Sil are locked away somewhere), so look forward to whichever gets chosen!

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @purofilion – yep that’s the band in the photo. They were just kids at the time, teenagers.

Actually the photo was taken by Bonnie Prince Billie whose only song that I really know is a fantastic song but a bit ‘down’ for tonight (though one of the best I’ve heard describing depression).

It was covered by Johnny Cash and I think Bonnie Prince Billie even appeared on that version.

But your brilliant link to Jesus Christ Superstar (great spot!!) has given me very fun memories of playing Jesus in school plays age 8 or 9! (luckily I can’t remember singing in it, though now listening to the album I recognise songs that we sung!).

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

ah @arbutus that piece was lovely.

btw I came across this wonderful and touching portrait of Charlie Haden from NPR’s Fresh Air programme.

Terry Gross is an amazing interviewer and this was made up of some of the interviews she conducted with Haden over a number of years. At one point she gets him to sing – something he’s not done in 40 (50?) years after losing his singing ability to Polio at 15 (a tragedy as he was a singer since the age of 2! Though also incredibly lucky as Polio so often killed).

Hearing him sing is incredibly touching and shows that that was what he was doing through his bass playing.

[Whisht @replies]

Some ‘Music news’ that isn’t an Obit (hooray!).

Sadly it seems like the wonderful Hilliard Ensemble are having a farewell tour this year. Not sure why they’re wrapping up an incredible career, but perhaps age has simply caught up (there doesn’t seem to be any other reason).

I managed to snag a coupla tickets to their last concert of Officium with Jan Garbarek in King’s College Cambridge in December. My brother was most pleased!

I’ll admit I haven’t listened to it much since buying it way back when. However I have seen them perform it before (years ago) and it was amazing!

Here’s a piece from it:

In other Music news, it seems Slint are on tour (they split after releasing their 2nd/third album and have reformed and split since then – I haven’t been keeping up!).

They’re a different kind of intensity to Officium. Intense, edgy, claustrophobic – their album “Spiderland” is one of those that I rarely put on as it needs to be listened to in its entirety as it builds in emotion.

If you can’t give it the 40 mins of the whole album (in a dark room at full volume while regressing to anguished teenager), I’ll link to the final track Good Morning Captain.

Actually on second thoughts, I’ll link to this version of Rhoda – this should blast the cobwebs away.

(hm, you may need a bit more Hilliard Ensemble after that…)

[Whisht @replies]

@craig – I concur with the general sentiment, you should definitely tell them

“Don’t you know Who I am??!?”

If nothing else it ties in neatly with a Doctor losing his memory…

😉

[Whisht @replies]

Today would be Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

And for anyone needing inspiration, there are some quite amazing quotes here. as well as Google’s homepage of course!

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @arbutus – long time no hear! Glad you’re well!

That’s a lovely piece by Haden – I’ve not heard it before (I don’t really have any Pat Metheny – unless you count the Orb!).

I was looking for a piece Gavin Bryars wrote specially for Haden called “By the Vaar” from an album called “Farewell to Philosophy” but I can only find versions with other bassists playing it. Its only a distant memory as I don’t have the album anymore, but hearing it was the first time I thought “God that bass is sinuous and tender”.

Anyway, thought I’d post this for the final part of The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – pretty obvious I guess, in terms of “Disaster Area”, but still.
This is the Ummagumma version – I actually got this on tape from a girl at school and was where I first heard early Floyd.

Ah, to be given cassettes by girls with Goth eyeliner, because “I’d understand” (or somesuch).

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

For anyone in the UK, the second series of Utopia starts tonight on Channel 4 10pm.

For anyone who hasn’t seen the first series, I’d heartily recommend it.

If the second series is even half as good as the first it’ll be a treat, though I’m lowering expectations so I won’t be disappointed.

Lord knows if the second series will make any sense without having seen the first series, but then again, if its like series 1, it won’t make any sense for a while anyway!

😉

[Whisht @replies]

Thanks @craig for letting us know.

Not sure I can stomach Andy Townsend though.
I might have to suffer Mark Lawrenson…

You know, when they did the recent film remake of Hitchiker’s Guide, they really could’ve used Lawro’s voice for Marvin.

Maybe I’ll just try and sync to the radio and turn the sound down…

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @Purofilion – yes, Tommy Ramone also passed away on the same day.
He was the drummer and last surviving member of the original lineup.

I was thinking of linking to something by them too, but thought two obits a bit much!

Also I’ve never been as in to the amped-up-50’s-poprock Ramones as perhaps I should.

They’re always cited as a massive influence on the US Punk scene and who am I to argue?

They certainly have the energy, though they never seem to me as a “I can do that too” type band unlike the Pistols (and I guess I think of Punk as a mindset rather than just the music/noise).

But you’re right, now the original lineup are back together somewhere… so 1,2,3,4

\m/>.<\m/

[Whisht @replies]

btw – well done MiaPatrick – apologies for not saying so before, but that really is remarkable and you should feel genuinely proud!

Tweed you say… remarkable!

[Creative writing’s not bad either!!]

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

actually @phaseshift that list you linked to makes me think that there are ~4 qualities The Doctor needs (from an actor):
Innocence, Danger, Intelligence, Charm.

Makes me think there’d be a fun Top Trumps style idea with this (each actor having more or less of each).

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

@phaseshift – as @blenkinsopthebrave says, that list is inspired!
Had a real laugh reading it.

I can actually see Meredith grumbling and cackling his way through, but also turning on the charm when needed!

And Walkern is also a brilliant choice (if a bit A list for TV in the 80’s!).

The few missteps in casting are the ones that miss what has been identified on these threads before (was it @bluesqueakpip talking about Tennant that I’m remembering?) in that they’re the ones without charm. MacLachlan has none (though I love him as an actor), as with Cage all too often.

And Price – surely the Master?!?? (or Christopher Lee if we keep to the Hammer Price/Lee/Cushing trio?)

[and yes, I’m humming A World of Pure Imagination!
As a side note, although I love Fiona Apple far too deeply, she should never be allowed to cover songs again – her version of this and Across the Universe are awful. Yet her own stuff is so wonderful. hey ho]

[Whisht @replies]

Charlie Haden passed away.

Wonderful bassist.
Couldn’t find the recording of the piece that made me think “ooh – that bass is amazing” (which was a first time I ever thought of the bass rather than whatever was ‘lead’).
He played with many greats and on rifling through my iTunes I find he was on these.

and its rather lovely.

To my ears, it almost shares a melody of the more ‘awkward’ (but also wonderful) “Lonely Woman” from the ground-breaking album “The Shape of Jazz to Come” (though the rest of the album is a bit beyond the edge of me being able to listen).

[Whisht @replies]

Completely agree as to Colin Jeavons and Jack May – wonderful turns.

I’m also reminded of a book I got (either at xmas or birthday) when I was ~12 in the early ’80’s called “The Meaning of Liff” written by John Lloyd and Douglas Adams.
Its essentially a dictionary of real but odd-sounding place names in the UK, to which they give amusing definitions.
The fun they obviously had in the nature of reference books and the sound of words runs all through it, as much as the Hitchiker’s Guide.

Now, I was going to say something unremarkable about how John Lloyd’s humour tends to be around ‘interesting facts’, as seen in QI (for which he’s also responsible). Obviously his love of words is all through Blackadder as well.

To do that I took a look at his wikipedia page (to make sure I wasn’t misremembering stuff) and I discovered he and Douglas Adams also wrote two episodes of the awful cartoon Dr. Snuggles.

I say awful – I remember watching it as a kid and thinking “this isn’t very good” which is a bad sign from a kid.

[Whisht @replies]

he he @scaryb – yep me heartses were flummaxing during that match (you Gronk-luvvin’ fool!)

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Well its July 4th and so for something for the American audience.

I feel for the English, Americans have fallen into that “easy/’amusing’ xenophobia” that the French inhabit (for the English), but its insidious as all bigotry is.

So, something revolutionary in its way, anti establishment, patriotic, incredible and beautiful.
Because 65 or 300 million people aren’t all the same.

Their soccer team at the World Cup was also something to be proud of – fantastic team effort, and wonderful to watch!

[Whisht @replies]

ohhhh THAT’S Mark Sheppard (had to google).

As I’ve just come out of my Battlestar Galactica watch (hmm about that…) I see what you mean.

Now, I’ve just delved into Game of Thrones (just finished series 1)*.
I’m guessing Sheppard’ll turn up from the Oirish Oiles (hopefully not that bad) but I did like him in BG (if not the Oirish accent**).

*Why is it that I only ever get into shows ten years after? Yes, this will mean epic watches of Firefly in the future… I guess he’s in that too!!??

**and yes, I (now) know he’s of part Irish parentage, but my “ma and da” are both Irish and my accent is fully Estuary (unless I’m swearing for some reason – it just feels better).

btw as for westerns – I love westerns, so more than happy to watch that genre through the sci-fi lens and have some fun!

[Whisht @replies]

oohh the Dream Lord – nice jolt of the memory @fosterferris

Not that they have to be in everything, and I’d like to give them a long time before they reappear, but when they eventually return, I’d like the Dream Lord to be Leader of the Daleks.

Logically for them it makes sense (who else could defeat their most bitter enemy other than their enemy himself?). Also it would give us a chance for a DreamLord Davros face-off:”
“They have enslaved you Doctor – feel their contempt and weep”
“Davros – they have outgrown you, until they were ready to be led by me”
“You cannot lead my creations!”

etc etc and two great actors in Toby Jones and Julian Bleach.

hm…. that’d be tasty in itself and then we’d have the magnificence of Capaldi thrown in!

[Whisht @replies]

hey @arbutus – great song and hope you had a great Canada day (and I really hadn’t realised just how big Canada is!)

For no good reason other than… well, I had a ‘big idea’ and have now thought better of it.

Also I’d entirely forgotten about this remix of the song I had in mind:

(its kinda deliberately unlistenable at the beginning – if you’re willing, give it time and the unlistenable bit makes sense overall imho).

Its a remix of this song (here played live).
which is rather… different to the remix. I like how the remix is itself a ‘big idea’ that I’m quite glad the artist had, especially as its so cheekily not like the original!

hope you enjoy.

[Author]

Posts