Welcome back campers, let's get started.
I'm a bit run down but I'm OK
Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. And a shout out to my brother for the reminder that I am now eligible for accommodation specifically for those aged 55+. I celebrated by having brunch with two very good friends, a long walk in the nature reserve, and dinner with the Northside Velo crew. Given my lack of cycling for almost a year, I am slightly concerned that I may become the team mascot! Honestly though, I had a much, much better day than I'd expected and I'm very grateful for that. My birthday is the day of the year where I miss my immediate family the most. Somehow, even when I was unwell and difficult to live with, they managed to make it special.
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes - Better Days - https://youtu.be/bJnGv8M0v8Q
They could've been your mates
I recently watched the first episode of a documentary on the SBS about the work being done to extend and remodel parts of the Australian War Memorial. I shouldn't have read about it on one of the news pages that allows for comments because it made me sad. Seriously, if you think the War Memorial is glorifying war then you need to take a long hard look at yourself. Maybe head over there one day for the Last Post Ceremony, walk along the Rolls of Honour among the names of 103,000 Australians who died in war, and stand in the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. In the museum part, take a look at the conditions ensured by POWs, or read about the Bangka Island Massacre. Remembrance, respect, and commemoration are what this place is about.
The Externals - Edge of the World - https://youtu.be/Fg32Pvg1cU0
I know his name
I'm not sure whether this is good or bad news, but, in Scotland, filming is underway on a remake of the best motion picture ever made, Highlander. I saw the 1986 classic for the first time at the drive-in theatre in Moe and have since seen it far too many times for my own health. It features a Frenchman playing a Scot, a Scot as a Spaniard, and an American as a Russian. So, of course for the remake we have an Englishman as the Highlander, an antipodean as the Spaniard, and again an American as a Russian. For me, the only good news is that Queen will still be in the soundtrack and Karen Gillan (a Scot) got a starring role. I watched the film last week and I think it's time for me to at least consider a copy on BluRay as the DVD version is a bit of an average transfer.
The Proclaimers - Cap In Hand - https://youtu.be/DMMSndY7H5A
I thought I might explore the importance, or perhaps the influence, of album covers. I feel as if with the advent of streaming they may have become less important. Given the time I spent making sure that the right artwork appears in my online music library it would seem that they remain important to me. There are also seven LP sleeves in frames and on the walls in my humble abode. So, I'll start with one of my favourites. Stormwatch by Jethro Tull. I imagine there are two or three people in total reading this that may have listened to the record and that's OK. I challenge you to look at the album cover below and imagine what the music might be like. For those not in the know, Jethro Tull plays folk influenced rock music with a bit of a progressive bent. There's almost always a flute involved, and the flautist/vocalist often stands on one leg looking like a cross between a court jester and an olive drab flamingo. I see the artwork and hear crashing waves, I smell the oilskin jacket I once had, and I feel the cold sting of the North Sea when, as a wee lad, my Grandfather tries to assure me that I am NOT going in for a swim. And it all feels timeless.
Jethro Tull - Old Ghosts (live) - https://youtu.be/b6iwufdF0VY
I think that's enough for this episode. It looks like you're all stuck with me a bit longer as I begin my 55th revolution of the sun.
Keep smiling,
The Woozle (50 +GST)
"And now that I live to see my melodies betray me
I'm sorry the love songs all mean different things today"
Jason Isbell, Gravelweed, 2025.
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