Welcome back and thank you to all my regular readers, listeners and correspondents. Your cheques are in the mail.
This is a public service announcement, with guitars
I don't know how to live but I've got a lot of toys
For those following along at home, by the time this is published I will be two-thirds of the way through re-digitising my entire CD collection. There are about 1300 albums to get through. I've got plenty of time on my hands at the moment and once you get into a groove it's just a matter of cycling the discs through the computer. So far, only two CDs have failed to cooperate. They will be replaced post-haste.
Along with this, I have to say a massive thanks to DJ Chippy and DJ Pat who answered my calls for old iPods to use. Getting the devices to talk to the newer version of Apple's software is a bit of a fiddle but I seem to have it sorted out now. Between those two iPods and a couple of small ones I still have here, I reckon I'll get the whole collection offline. The fun now is splitting it up in some kind of fashion that makes sense only to me!
Stars on 45 - https://youtu.be/7skQvj-aBV8
So your bags are packed and you're ready to go
Last weekend Zoë and Zac were here in Canberra. It was only a few days over two years since I'd seen them last. And then on Friday, Angus popped in to see me on his way through town. Living away from them is challenging at times but hearing about all the good things in their lives really helps to give me some perspective. I'm an extremely proud old Dad.
Neil Young - Comes A Time - https://youtu.be/qxH_4e7W7hc
There's only one way to rock
I've been distracted by the release, finally, of Van Halen's expanded edition of the 1986 classic LP, 5150. Thanks to DJ 3825 for hooking me up with a way to listen to a super high quality version whilst I wait patiently for a good deal on the physical media. To me, this record is one of the best that the band made. Everything is strong here; the players, the songwriting and the production. Nothing is perfect, but in terms of hard rock music, this comes very close. It's worth buying for the live concert video alone. Seeing a band playing so well and having a ton of fun is what this kind of music is all about. The concert footage also highlights how important Michael Anthony's high backing vocals are to the Van Halen sound. There are a few issues though. I mean, why do we only get three 2026 remasters of live tracks from the concert video when the whole thing is also on another CD and sounds quite different? Hmmmm.
Van Halen - Best of Both Worlds (live) - https://youtu.be/xs7v7qEyldY
I was a high school loser
It's no secret that I do a lot of walking. At the moment it's around 50km a week (more if I'm not feeling all that happy). Frankly, I'd much rather be mixing that up with some cycling but you all know the story about me having to be patient. There are upsides to walking. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts, and I know all the local dogs. I'm sure the whole neighbourhood recognises me as well. After seeing Zac using his drone last week I am seriously considering getting one to get some cool photos and maybe video of my favourite nature reserve. I can walk for a couple of hours there and see no-one except kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and, if I'm lucky, a quokka! The issue I am having is shoes. They simply don't last! I have wide feet and that, coupled with the need for orthotics, makes it hard to get good footwear. Yeah, yeah, yeah; it's a first world problem.
Steven Wilson - Personal Shopper - https://youtu.be/sX22dFMSNcg
This year gone by ain't no piece of cake
Today is the birthday of Bing, the gentle pusher of prog. We've been mates, no brothers, for many years now. I've lived at his house on two separate occasions, we've played many gigs together, and he's a generous spirit. So do me a favour and click HERE to listen to one of his great songs. Happy Birthday Bro.
Porcupine Tree - Time Flies - https://youtu.be/JTEWlSTQ1RI
That's it. Thanks for reading and hopefully for listening as well. Stay tuned next time to see my new Jeep!
The Woozle
"And you can shake your fist at the TV set
And you can slam your hand in the table
And you can cry and curse through tight, locked teeth
Just as hard as you are able
But you can't run away from trouble
'Cause there ain't no place that far
No fuel left for the pilgrims
That's just the way we are..."
And you can slam your hand in the table
And you can cry and curse through tight, locked teeth
Just as hard as you are able
But you can't run away from trouble
'Cause there ain't no place that far
No fuel left for the pilgrims
That's just the way we are..."
D.A.D., Jihad, 1989.
