Friday, May 10, 2013

Song of the Week #245

I had an hilarious conversation with one of our major phone companies this week. To cut a long story short, Angus' mobile contract was up for renewal and they wanted to get me to sign up for another 24 months. I did - the deal was solid. But then came the funny bit - they wanted me to have a new handset. After explaining that Angus has a pretty new one that we spent ages researching they still really didn't care - it was gratis and we we having one whether we wanted it or not!

These events led to me comparing the specs of both my kids' phones against the new one. After eventually seeing sideways as a result of reading too many phone reviews I've come to the conclusion that no-one really makes one that's particularly good. Sure, they all do bits and pieces and have a range of features but there's always something missing. I've had an iPhone for a while and I love it. But I don't like the way that the interface is locked down or the fact that they are pretty fragile (mine's been wrapped up in bullet proof covers since I got it). And who has decided that phones need to get bigger and bigger and bigger - ridiculous.

If I was designing the iPhone 6 and the associated software here's a few things I'd think about including:
  • a decent browser (Safari is very average)
  • completely sealed unit - waterproof/dustproof etc. - we know it can be done
  • touchpad charging to keep the unit sealed
  • bluetooth headphones only - again, keeping the unit sealed
  • the ability to customise the home screen
  • tons of storage - an iPod can have up to 160Gb so let's get on with it

That'll do to start with.

Mi-Sex - Computer Games - http://youtu.be/-m8IOD-wk9g

I heard this next song for the first time yesterday. I must admit that I have tried on a number of occasions to get into PJ Harvey's work and I'm always left underwhelmed. But this track is a cracker.

PJ Harvey - This Is Love - http://youtu.be/Z9Y_PUCzGZ4

I finished reading Nick Kent's autobiography this week. Entitled, "Apathy For The Devil", it follows his life as a music journalist for the NME in the 70s. It's not an easy read as Kent ends up a heroin addict among other things before coming out the other side alive. But if you're interested in a range of bands from that time it is well worth checking out. He certainly doesn't hold back on bands that he either loves (The Stooges, Led Zep, Rolling Stones, Stiff Little Fingers) or despises (Blondie, Talking Heads).

Iggy Pop - The Passenger - http://youtu.be/S0nlygb1Qfw

Stiff Little Fingers - Barbed Wire Love - http://youtu.be/7NCXCOLuzsc

And now, from the "where did he find that one?" category - please give this next track a spin. It's interesting to say the least. I found it through a suggested link in ThisIsMyJam and I'm really not quite sure what to say. Hypnotic? Weird? Definitely awesome. Certainly this is an album I'll be ordering very soon.

Public Service Broadcasting - Spitfire - http://youtu.be/_u4Md_aXVJE

As a result of learning all the songs for the Midnight Oil show (one week until the first gig) I delved into their back catalogue. I wasn't a big fan as a teenager. This next track is from their second album and I think it has all the elements of a great track. It grooves, it rocks and it makes me feel like getting up and moving around (I can't dance!) See what you think.

Midnight Oil - Cold Cold Change - http://youtu.be/iZTX1po5ec0

This next song isn't in the show either but I really like it for a number of reasons both lyrically and musically.

Midnight Oil - Truganini - http://youtu.be/_C0ZXvH1cww

Now, I'm not a big fan of the Royal Family. But I was very impressed with Prince Charles today as he spoke out (again) about climate change sceptics and businesses ignoring the environment. He said, "we can't wait until we are absolutely sure that the patient is dying." Nice one.

And just to close off, a song that came around on the iPod in the car. It doesn't matter if you're religious or not, these lyrics have something to say to everyone. In a week where elite German cyclist Jens Voigt tweeted his disgust about the rates of children living in poverty in his country this song resonated with me.

Johnny Cash - All God's Children Ain't Free - http://youtu.be/AM4lxPcUozw

Bye for now,

DJ Rob


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