Marathon Post #5

After a debauched Christmas period and a weight gain of roughly half a stone, it was time to get back into the running. You know that 'I don't want to go back to work on Monday' feeling? Well, mine was doubled by the 'I don't want to go for a freezing cold run in the rain on Monday' type of feeling.

However, once I got work out of the way and psyched myself up for a run, it wasn't too bad...

Deciding to follow a training plan for a sub- five hour training, my first run was suggested at 3mi in around 35 mins. Yeah, these seemed ridiculously slow to me, but I did a few stretches and set out.
Still running without a watch and only my phone (rolling Nike+) on my pocket, I had to estimate a 3mi course and run at what I felt might be roughly 11.5 mins per mile...


What I ended up with was 4.12mi at a pace of around 9.5 mins per mile. I am going to persevere with the current training plan for a few weeks, and then go back and review and maybe opt for a sub 4.30 plan if I feel like I have more in the tank.

Still, considering the indulgent Christmas and New Year period with the only exercise in the form one game of squash I felt good after the run and the following day (today).

No real muscle or knee aches - not sure if this is down the the whey protein shake or not, but I will probably keep drinking one after runs to be on the safe side.


Like everyone in January, I also have high hopes for my diet. No snacking, and balances of carb and protein heavy meals either side of runs. You know, except weekends on the piss. Kebabs are protein.

4mi at 11mins pace tomorrow... probably end up doing five at 10mins. We'll see.

Good start.

Marathon Post #4

Highs and lows

Monday 16th I had a great run, maybe the best ever I have felt during and after. I left my phone alone and got into the swing of my pace and breathing. I also kept a clear and positive head and let my mind wander. I ran a number of long straight roads so I could really switch off and it seemed to help maintain the can do attitude I will try to emulate.

I am finding that a smooth/juice an hour or so before a run gives an effective sugar rush as well as keeps me hydrated for the duration of the run - I did not take any water with me and was only really struggling towards the end. This one looks disgusting but was probably my favourite so far! Two satsumas, two kiwis and some fizzy water.

Though my recovery after this run felt good, my next couple of attempts at running were not. It was the following Saturday and it was freezing cold. Maybe I didn't warm up well enough but after not even 3km I couldn't run any longer and I had to walk nearly the whole 3km home. This was my first taste of disappointment during the few weeks I have been training, and obviously with 3 months of winter training to look forward to I feared the worst for me and my knee.

I tried again one night after work... about 200m this time I was stopped by my knee and blisters from the week before's 12km. This put me in such a bad mood.

I gave it a week before I tried again - that brings me to tonight's run. A milder 13.4km! I fuelled up with a juice (can of pineapple and a regular pine-less apple), put on a knee support and set out at a really slow knee testing pace. The result was my furthest and longest run ever - apart from the half marathon earlier this year. Buzzing again!

I ended my first month training with a November total of 56.4km!



I'm still yet to collect any sponsorship but I have five more months to come up with some fundraising schemes and pester my friends and family - you best be ready.

Marathon Post #3

More about Mind.

Mind are a wonderful charity that are committed to the ongoing support of anyone suffering with a mental illness. Please do click the below image to go straight to the Mind website to learn more!

They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and  promote understanding of mental illness, and to empower those suffering or who have suffered. Here is a breakdown of their goals from the website:

Staying well: Support people likely to develop mental health problems, to stay well.

Empowering choice: Empower people who experience a mental health problem to make informed choices about how they live and recover

Improving services and support: Ensure people get the right services and support at the right time to help their recovery and enable them to live with their mental health problem

Enabling social participation: Open the doors to people with experience of mental health problems participating fully in society

Removing inequality of opportunity: Gain equality of treatment for people who experience both mental health and other forms of discrimination

Organisational excellence: Make the most of our assets by building a culture of excellence.


 Presided by Stephen Fry, Mind has a high profile following that helps enormously to promote the cause, but they must still rely on donations to continue their work.

I decide to apply for a Golden Band place with Mind after failing to get a ballot place. Knowing that Mind would have been my chose charity had I got a ballot place it was logical to apply direct. The golden band place mandates that I raise £1750 - I know I can do it!

First run this week was a dip into interval training. I have heard that interval training is extremely effective for overall marathon training - especially if aiming for a time around four hours. Though I haven't yet decided on a target time for my first marathon, I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

It was hard work. The green parts were my 80% sprint nestled between a normal jog pace. Really tough, I felt like my lungs were on fire and as a result did not make it very far (had to walk home!). Still, after seeking advice from the guys on the Mind marathon 2016 Facebook page, I have decided to stick with them once a fortnight - and they will probably be a once a week mainstay in my January-marathon day regime.

Second run this week (just a couple of hours ago) was a more successful run with two friends, Ryan and Burton. Burton took us on an all terrain route in the pouring rain, which made it a bit more interesting. A nice pace.

This week I have had my first two smoothies. Only a basic concoction of banana, apple, yoghurt, milk and jam (I know right) and  I felt good going into the run today - if a little hungry.

Post run lunch today was more fried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and tuna; with scrambled eggs. The same high protein meal helped my recovery last weekend so I thought I would stick with it.

Overall feeling really positive about getting into shape in the run up to the new year. I think I need to do some weight training to strengthen my legs and core - shame I recently cancelled my gym membership!

Marathon post #2

So I am a week into the first stage of marathon training - operation get fit and strong before the regime starts from January. I have been on two runs and felt and changed my diet and I feel good.


Monday night I ran 6.16km (to be precise). I wanted to test out my knees and touch wood, no problems! It was a typical route around Joydens Wood, and I'm pretty sure it will prove a staple of my training to come. I didn't take a water bottle on this route and as a result I was gasping afterwards. A nice easy pace though. I'm not sure how accurate the cal counters are on these apps but I will use them as another reference point when thinking about meals and daily intake.


I at rice and veg for lunch pre-run and didn't have anything special for dinner after the run, but I have been more healthy than usual all week - apart from the weekend.





The second run of the week was something to be a bit more proud of. Registering as my longest run ever (I didn't run with my phone on the half marathon last year) on my Nike + app, I ran 11.8km (just over 7 miles) with Ryan on Saturday. The weather was miserable and I need to stop a couple of times on the tedious straights, but I am still happy with a pace averaging 6 minutes per kilometre. I took 500ml of water with me on this run and finished it at around 9k - I will need to work out exactly how much water I will need and to pre-hydrate more effectively for longer training runs.


Pre run: wholemeal toast with avocado - covered in chilli sauce. One banana.

Post run lunch: Fried up tomatoes and mushrooms with tinned tuna into a sort of hash - served with three scrambled eggs. My legs did not suffer as they usually do the days following this long run and I'm going to put that down to the high protein lunch.

Undone by the curry and beers on Saturday night and beery Sunday. but I'll forgive myself this one. I think I can get away with having indulgent weekends for now at least, as long as I am careful during the week.

Next post: More about Mind.

Marathon post #1

01/11/2015

So I did it. I have got myself a golden bond place with Mind for London marathon 2016. Mind are a great charity that offer valuable  support for those with mental health issues. The money I hope to raise through sponsorship will help to help the charity continue the support they offer to anyone who needs it.

Right. So how the shit do I run 26.3 miles?!

I will need a routine.
I think the most difficult thing for me to change will be my diet. And my drinking habits. I've done a bit of research and most seem to say lots of chicken, veg and rice. Gonna have to get some chilli sauces, yo. Preparing meals will be essential and I'll have to cut the snacking. Beers will be a hard one. I've been drinking too much lately and will have to start limiting myself to one debauched night per weekend.

I will have to come up with a running plan as well - very important. Most plans recommend running three times a week, with a mixture of long runs and interval training. A friend suggested running for specific time periods rather than distance, as it will be easier to increase.

As winter is fully on its way I think I need to get myself some tight garms.

Anyway I'm writing this for my own reference more than anything to track my progress. First run will be after work tomorrow - half an hour constant.

This should be fun.

The Magic Whip

As one of the few Blur fans not fervently salivating at the prospect of a reunion and a new album I have to question whether I am a Blur fan at all. So I sat down to The Magic Whip with an appropriate degree of intrigue for someone who knows... maybe ten Blur songs.  


You know the one with Phil Daniels talking about the "pigeons and sparras"? Haha. WOOHOO.
Coming about via a stroke of luck bit of downtime between dates in China/Indonesia, their first album with the original contingent since 1999 and 13 was written and recorded in Honk Kong - Asian influence is apparent particularly in the back half of the collection (and the album artwork...).

So, here is a short commentary on a few favourite tracks on the album, from the viewpoint of a Albarn layman not versed in the Tender intricacies of the London (almost) quartet. The opener, Lonesome Street, is definitely a Blur track. An upbeat morning skip along to rolling guitar work and synth accentuating vocal hoohooing. It's a nice nostalgic nod to the britpop early days from where Blur began their dynasty and has enough mood changes to be an advocate of the album to come - as the Blur catalogue seems to come with an equal share of fast and Mellow Songs.

Go Out is the first track I heard from The Magic Whip, seen played live on Jools Holland. The performance had all the energy and swagger expected from a group of forty-somethings trying their best to pretend the last fifteen years had not aged them at all - Alex James still pouts like he is twenty. That said, Go Out is a bolshy plod with the chaps and is one of my favourites on the album.

The role of 'mid album statement track' must belong to Thought I Was A Spaceman - also performed on Jools. The journey through space and electronic synth mastery was only ever going to draw comparisons with Bowie, but is worthy of this praise - though I do feel it lacks real crescendo and therefore could do with being a minute or two shorter.  I have read content comparing this album respectfully to an amalgam of all things Albarn, and this track definitely had a Gorillaz feel about it. Next, I Broadcast brings the pressure back up as one of the faster and more fun songs of the album and is again reminiscent of the few older and rockier songs I know and like.

Did you know that There's No Other Way was one of Kurt Cobain's favourite songs when he died. so there's a thing.

My Terracotta Heart is just lovely. a really delicate pluck through the high end of the fretboard - though no doubt Coxon looks his usual gormless self during performance. There Are Too Many Of Us has been included as a not subtle political commentary about overcrowding (in London perhaps) and mirrors Albarn's need to spread his wings and get away East. This makes the step to Ghost Ship practically seamless as he makes it to Hong Kong (its all in the lyrics). Ghost Ship might the song of the album for me - a funky fairground foray that I could happily listen to on repeat as a bob around the house in my pants. I'm not though, honestly.

From this point on the album, as many do, takes a more sombre turn towards denouement. Pyongyang and Ong Ong suggest pictures of the perfect eastern paradise at dusk. This is usually the point I would get bored listening to a fifty minute album, but there is something captivatingly resilient about this section of the album. The splashy ride cymbal is companion to rounding layers of vocals and keys as Pyongyang fades away.

It is clear from the first listen (though I enjoyed the second listen more) that the eagerly awaited LP is packed full of nostalgia and there are songs on it that sound like they could slot into other Blur age. So in that sense, it is a successful return release for the Mockneys that I am sure has left those thirsty Blur zealots satisfied. I would love to hear your opinions. 

I think I might be a Blur fan - its not too late is it?

I wonder when Blur met Dr House?

24.5

In the last few months, the thing I have been most excited about enthusiastic about is the digging, filling and populating of our new pond. Not sorry.

But I am coming up to 24 and a half, and I have started to feel like I might be getting old.

These days I would rather wander/cycle/run around outside than most other indoor pastimes previous, which is a far cry from my boxroom outlook no longer than two years ago. I am completely content right now getting some fresh air and planning what I can get up to outdoors next weekend.

I bought a bike on a whim. It’s a lovely bike. Though incidentally I am shit scared of cycling on the road – I’ve seen all the adverts. 

Last year I completed my first 10k run for charity, and this year I pushed that further and completed the Surrey half marathon (happy with my 2 hours 8 minutes) and am keen to do it again – as well as considering the a marathon a real possibility in the next couple of years.

I actually enjoy going to the gym and trying to eat healthily now as well!

Is this growing up?

I want to go fishing.

I want to buy a skateboard (a nostalgic plunge).

I want to climb a mountain. Or three.

Learn a foreign language.

Start a ‘dad rock’ covers band.

Take photos of myself pulling silly faces next to everything.

After a couple of trips to major American cities last year;  New Orleans, Nashville, Atlantic City, New York and Orlando, I now have a list of potential holiday and city break destinations as long as my arse - I guess I'll just need to find someone to go with me...

I immensely enjoyed the ‘lads holidays’ to Tenerife and Ibiza with 14 of my closest mates but I just cannot imagine taking this sort exhausting trip again – until potential nostalgic stag weekends in years from now.

Does make me an old man (my old man?!) to look forward holidays I will take with my family in ten/fifteen years time?

To think about the music room I am going to have in my house, and what instruments my sons are going to learn (at an early age), and what my garden might look like.

Am I going to suddenly interested in politics and current affairs? I kinda hope so.

It doesn’t really worry me that I have suddenly switched allegiances to the idea of exploring the world and forward thinking. If anything I think I am more comfortable away from my sofa/bed/house than I ever have been. Maybe I need to take the plunge and do something unexpected and scary.

At the end of the day, all I keep thinking is when will I get to dig my own pond?

Some anticipated releases of 2015

For the first time in a good while there are some musical releases on the horizon that I cannot wait to sink my teeth into. I have found myself in somewhat of a wilderness with my listening in the past few months, often just replaying my favourite albums over and again - and not necessarily engaging in anything current.

But my morning drives to work and a recent decision to switch to XFM breakfast show has put me back on the right track. John Holmes' hilarious listener interaction caught my ears and the music he plays kept me going back.

One song that featured as XFM's song of the week is the first single off Everything Everything's 2015 album, Distant Past. Not a band in was previously aware of, this track is a fun and funky furore into resurgent  electronic indie. The video is a bit of fun as well. The new album is out in June and I can't wait to check it out.

Muse are also back with a couple of new singles as an introduction to their upcoming politically commentary concept album 'Drones'. Psycho is excellent - it has powerful guitars and Matt Bellamy's ever present waving shriek. The commando shouting sampling is a bit over the top but it does set the scene for the album's themes. This said, the second song they have released, Dead Inside, is far more anticlimactic. Whereas Psycho sounds like roots Muse, Dead Inside shares more with their offerings of the last few years - and is a lot harder to get involved with. This paradox of genre between the two close singles sparks an intrigue into Muse' new album and the direction it will go in. Drones is also out in June.

Django Django are also back with more of the same funk- First Light and Reflection are from the upcoming album Born Under Saturn out early May.

The band that wrote one of my favourite ever songs and music videos (Dashboard) are back with a new album - Modest Mouse. The front man's vocals unlike any other, return with the excellent single Lampshades on Fire  and shows they have not lost their edge, and the album titled Strangers to Ourselves is sure to be a bit of fun.

Along a very different line, I keep hearing  of a Childish Gambino and Chance The Rapper collaboration - though nothing released yet and Gambino speaking of putting it on hold, two of my favourite hip hop artists working together on a surely innovative album/EP is one deserving of the buzz.

So there's an idea of what I'm listening to and what I'm anticipating at the moment. I'm happy to be listening to the radio again and extending my recently less eclectic music library. Any suggestions are always well received.

I have been wondering - will we see new Arctic Monkeys or QOTSA albums any time soon?

alright?

New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you got suitably banjaxed and sent off 2012 in style. New Year's Resolutions start now, and while I have made a few of my own (all the good ones) I can't help there is something fundamentally farcical about the whole idea of them.

Should you really need to wait until the beginning of a new year to put pressure on yourself to make changes, that in all honesty you probably won't stick to. Why not just try and be a little bit better all year round? And why commit to a whole year? It just seems so unnecessarily stringent.

It is probably a lot down to the gluttonous fortnight at the end of December where everyone overeats and drinks. Cheeseboards and 'real' butter guilt you into agreeing to being more careful in the new year.

I won't commit to stopping or giving up anything for the whole of 2013 as it just seems like too much of a  punishment for having an excellent (mostly) 2012. What I am going to do is make the most of myself and the opportunities presented to me or ones that I will fight for.

I am going to try and stop drinking for a bit, and get fitter so I can last more than an hour on the football pitch. But other than that I'm pretty content while I keep optimistic, hunt for a new job and try to see the positives in everything.

Life is platter.

Circling Vultures Seen At Comet Stores.

Having only worked there for around six weeks, my reaction to the news that Comet was being forced into administration was one of little emotion. I haven't even seen a pay day since being with the company, and I knew that there was other employees (and recently gained friends) that deserve to meet the news with more disdain than I did. The job is just a temporary bung for me, to earn me some money while I search and decide on a career to chase.

Sure it is a shame that the seemingly futile search for a buyer has reaped now rewards as yet, but my thoughts are not with the company itself - just with the employees that depend entirely on the wage and commission hard earned from the jobs.

What I cannot stand though is the unrelenting hoards of 'customers' that are dissatisfied with the preliminary reductions as set out by current administrators, Deloitte. This is not a 'fire sale'. There has been little comment from owners or administrators about whether any progress has been made in terms of new ownership. All we have been told is to start selling off stock at prices set by the head office.

Admittedly some of the point of sale advertisements and merchandising paints a picture of better savings, but again it is just stores following orders.



"You call this a sale? still more expensive than online"

Everything has at least 10% off the ticket price - Televisions, computers and most white goods are limited to 10%. However, kitchen goods and accessories have 20-30% off the ticket prices. Okay so it could be more, yeah. But it is not down to us as a store to decide this, we are just receiving orders from above. So far as we know the stores are not closing down yet, so we do what we can and get on with our jobs as if nothing is happening.

Comet has been screwed over by the press in truth. As soon as news spread of the entry into administration  news broadcasters where announcing that stores had been closed and massive sales were taking place. Neither true - Comet never said they were.

"I want to take away a TV today, and I'm paying in cash - but I don't want to pay these ridiculous prices, I want 50% off"
"I'm sorry sir but we physically cannot take any more money off the prices, it is out of our hands"
"Its cheaper in (insert competing store)...I want to speak to your manager"


If its cheaper elsewhere then get to fuck and let me help someone else.

One of my managers even got throttled and spat on during the first day of administration, after he relayed the bad news that we couldn't accept gift cards at that time. He was just doing his job the best he could, and was nothing but courteous.

At the end of the day, with commission all but suspended, I have better things to do than build rapport with leeches who only want a bargain. I even dealt with a man who just wanted a bargain, and he did not care what it was... He didn't even have anything specific in mind!

I struggle to understand how people can be so obtuse about the whole situation. Thousands of jobs are at risk and the most they can do is feign sympathy and ask when stock will come down in price. Its becoming hard to care and be accommodating at work, and I've only been an employee for a few weeks - must be even worse for Comet veterans and managers.

You'll hear about it when we are forced to clear the shelves for peanuts, it will be at the same time as the announcement of thousands of premature redundancies.

Fuck.

Injury plagued Arsenal hope to settle the score against Schalke.

After suffering a perhaps not-so shocking defeat at the Emirates, tonight Arsenal are looking to retaliate with a Champions League win against Schalke, at the Veltins Arena.

In the 2-0 defeat at home, two players who have admittedly been admired by Wenger  - Klaas-Jan Huntelar and Ibrahim Afellay - both scored past Vito Mannone.

The Italian goalkeeper has looked inconsistent a times, but  overall has deputised for  Wojciech Szczesny effectively - starting the Premier League campaign with three clean sheets in a row. With the Polish number one still a couple of weeks from fitness, Mannone  is expected to stand between the posts in Schalke. 

Arsenal have a few other injury worries. Aarron Ramsey is out after straining his groin during the loss at Old Trafford. As is Gervinho the 'goal machine', with an ankle problem. Other injuries include Diaby, Gibbs, Rosicky and The Ox.

One ray of light for the Gunners is the lack of unit centre-back Kyriakos Papadopolous, who suffered a blow to the face on Saturday.

Andre Santos has been slated since joining Arsenal, as his defensive prowess is continually questioned. This together with his bizarre choice to ask ex-Arsenal captain, talisman and goal scorer Robin Van-Persie for his shirt at half time during the Saturday derby at Old Trafford. He is expected to return at left-back again, and Arsenal fans will watch him with bated breath and think about Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal need a win tonight to re-take the top position in the group. A loss would see Schalke head to ten points, which would surely win them the group. It would also give Olympiacos the chance to close the gap  between the second qualification place and first runner up.

Expected Arsenal line-up:
Mannone; Santos, Vermaelan, Mertesacker, Sagna; Arteta, Wilshire, Cazorla; Podolski, Walcott, Giroud.

Prediction:
Podolski to score first, 3-1 Arsenal. Optimistic to the end.

Some Of My Favourite Films

Over the years I have had a lot of stick from friends about my taste in films. The first time this all came about was in the pub three or four years ago. I accidentally let slip that Transformers was one of my favourite films (at the time), as I had recently watched the underwhelming sequel.

Since then I like to think my taste in films has matured slightly. Here is a quick run down some screen shots of my favourites - in no stringent order.



















AND...



As always recommendations are welcome!

Paul McCartney - My Valentine.

Not necessarily that new but wow.
EVERYTHING about this song and video.

Paul McCartney, Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp in grey scale

And people say he has lost it.

RYDER CUP 2012 FINAL DAY REVIEW

Looking back at a wonderful three days of team golf, there is not a lot to complain about for Europe. With a seemingly impossible task on the final day singles, it looked like USA would take the Ryder Cup on their own Chicago turf. Davis Love's men only needed to find 4.5 out of 12 available points on the final day to take the ultimate prize in golf. With a nerve-racking start due to Rory McIlroy's late arrival, it seemed like Europe were set to lose it all.

However after sterling match wins by Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Paul Lawrie,  the job was looking a bit closer to possible.

One man in need of definite recognition is Ian Poulter - he is the definition of the modern Ryder Cup. So passionate and inspiringly emotional, he bagged 100% of his points from the games he played, holing many long putts and rallying the Europeans to no end. Celebrating every magnificent shot with a fist bump and a roar, his passion infectious throughout his team. He was also the only player on Team Europe to not concede any points. Let's hope he can keep up his emphatic form and come through and win a major or two.

Another exciting game was Sergio Garcia's narrow win over ever consistent Jim Furyk. Watching this game I found myself getting ever annoyed with how many greens and fairways Furyk hits, and how docile he was about it all (second only to Dufner, who's facial expressions suggested he didn't know where he was). The loopy-swinged veteran bore down on fan favourite Garcia, and often seemed to have the beating of him. With some uncharacteristic errors from Furyk, Garcia was handed the win on the 17th green.

Soon the score was 13-13 with two games left to finish, both at all square; Kaymer/Stricker and Molinari/Woods. Stricker, who's putting had been rocky all weekend, managed to pull off a few unlikely long putts to take the game to the end. Kaymer had only feature in one of the previous 4 matches over the weekend and looked uncertain. Suddenly he had a put for the championship, and thoughts immediately reverted back to fellow countryman Bernhard Langer's 1991 missed putt for the championship. But no such woe, Kaymer hit the ball true and it hit the centre of the cup at pace, sealing the championship at 14-13 to Europe with one match left to finish (A draw was enough for Europe to retain.

Now here comes the painful part for the remaining match. Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods had to finish their game, knowing that it was inconsequential and that they were missing out on the start of the Team Europe's celebrations. I feel for the pair, who had to wait a good fifteen minutes to play their approach shots to the green, knowing that Tiger could only try and halve the championship by winning his match.

Once they got to the green, they had to similar length putts to halve the hole, though Tiger had one shot in hand and putted to secure the match and the final point. He missed the putt and then to the world's surprise, Woods gave Molinari his not entirely unmissable three foot putt to half that match in the most sporting gesture in recent years. This secured a win - not just a half- for the Europeans at 14.5-13.5.

This sentimental sporting act may have got the one time world number one up in the world's estimations, but he was blasted by the bookies, who lost millions on paying out winning bets. Apparently no one bets on a draw for the championship, and a 14-14 finish would have upped the profits massively for many betting companies.


Woods said: "I went one up at 17, and I asked what was going on down at 18 because my responsibility was to be able to get my point.

“Then they said that Europe has a chance to win on this hole, or retain the Cup.

"Then after that all went down, my putt was useless. It was inconsequential. So I hit it too quick and gave him his putt and it was already over."

A special mention has to go to one of the most loveable characters in golf and the captain of the European team, Jose Maria Olazabal. He rallied his team with motivational speeches, and moved the record breaking television audience with a breathtaking emotional toast to former playing partner, the late Seve Ballasteros.

No more Ryder Cup for another two years, but plenty of exciting golf in between. Two years for Donald, Westwood and Poulter to get some major championship wins under their belts and battle to retain the cup in Scotland in 2014.

RUSH

One of my favourite comedy films at the moment is I Love You Man, starring the hilarious Paul Rudd and Jason Segal. If you haven't seen it already then I really recommend it. It puts a crude and blokey spin on the Rom-Com genre - it's one of those that you can convince your lady to watch on date night, as well as enjoy with your mates. It is one of the few films that I could feasibly watch every day.

The film however is not the main focus of this article today. This being (loosely) a music blog, I want to focus on the band that Peter Klaven (Rudd) and Sydney Fyfe (Segal) are both obsessed with - Rush. The duo's friendship blooms through their love of the band and their jam sessions to songs of which.

I am actually ashamed to say that it was the film made decades after the formation of Rush that made me have a listen to them. Originating from the same era as Sabbath, Purple and Hawkwind, the equally Daddish prog-rock trio are still going strong nowadays, and even appear in the film itself.

The two songs that were in the film and that convinced me to have a listen to some old Rush albums are Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Neither are as progressive and intricate as some of the other more complicated tracks - one particular symphony called The Necromancer (hmm) is a 12 minute journey that truly expresses the smokey intricacy of the band.

Neil Peart is one of the greatest technical drummers in the business, and it definitely shows in Rush's music. He is one of the drummers that actually uses every part of his behemoth kit, none of it for show. Every track is filled with impossible drum fills and double bass drum blasts - one of the aspects of any band that sucks me in consistently. This old video of the track YYZ is an exciting showcase of the talent of the trio:

Though this band aren't my favourite of my Dad's record collection, the technical brilliance of the band and prog rock genre has to be admired. I guess you have to be in a certain mood to listen back to any big rock band of the era, but if you have a classic/prog rock playlist, make sure you get a few of the mentioned key tracks on there. I find it great music to cook to for example.

Watch the film too if you haven't already. Actually watch any film with either of both of the main actors in it. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up, Anchorman, 40 Year Old virgin etc.

Breaking Bad - My new favourite thing ever.

You know when you have got some spare time and you want a new television programme to sit in front of? Well my favourite watches used to be Friends, Scrubs, Heroes, The Office etc., all great shows (in my opinion) but I have watched them all multiple times. Previously ignored suggestions from friends included The Wire, Californication, and most devastatingly Breaking Bad. but after hearing all about the series and being implored to watch it multiple times I decided to sign up for another free month with Netflix and get stuck in.

I was instantly and pleasantly surprised to learn that Bryan Cranston played the starring role of Walter White. Cranston most famously played Hal in the series Malcolm In The Middle, which used to be one of my favourite daytime programmes. after reading a brief synopsis of Breaking Bad, I was intrigued to witness how Bryan Cranston would play such a different character to Hal Wilkerson - a happy go lucky Dad of four boys who was endearingly clumsy and eccentric. Whereas Walter White is presented to start with as a meek and often frail fifty year old family man and over-qualified chemistry teacher. The simple premise of series is as follows: Walter White is giving only months to live, so he turns to cooking his own perfect recipe of crystal meth with his ex-pupil sidekick, in order to leave his wife, son and unborn daughter with enough money to get by once he has gone.

The partnering performance is put in by relative unknown Aaron Paul, playing Jesse Pinkman - the ex-pupil of Mr White and a slap-dash drug dealer who evades the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) by the skin of his teeth every time. Pinkman's character is oddly warming, as he yos and bitches his way through a never ending plethora of unfortunate events.

Now I don't want that guy that gives away the whole plot and spoils it for everyone, so I will try not to be. But one thing that strikes me now I am into the third series is how grippingly the characters are developed throughout the episodes. The transformation Walt goes on throughout is utterly compelling, as he battles through two jobs, illness and parenthood. And at the same time, Pinkman develops with his 'partner' and they go from being an unlikely pairing, to a couple of the most powerful drug lords in Albequerque, New Mexico.

The supporting performances have to commended too, without giving too much away. Mr White's son Walter Jnr. suffers with cerebral palsy. Actor RJ Mitte also suffers with the illness, but had to regress from his therapy in order to portray the heightened symptoms that the character is subject to. Walking only on crutches and slurring his speech, Walt Jnr. tugs at the tightest heartstrings and is the cornerstone of the White family, with his Dad and Mum thinking only of his comfort.

Mother Skyler White is played Anna Gunn. She is the only part of this series that consistently grates on  me - she always has something to complain about. And her eyes are really scary and off putting, and what a shit name.

Mary and Hank Schrader are Skyler White's sister and brother in law. They are the supportive secondary family to the Whites, and though seemingly minor irritant in the script to begin with, they become increasingly pivotal in later series. And you will also come to learn that DEA Hank Schrader is one hard bastard.


I'm not sure what else I can say about the show without giving the brilliance away. But it has become one of my favourite series of all times - up there with Scrubs and Friends, and if you know me, then you will realise how much of a big deal this is. It is not necessarily an easy watch, but it is as compelling as they come - every episode ends with a hook to keep you interested. Honestly, if you have 45 minutes to spare every day, you'll get through most of the episodes before your free month with Netflix is over.

And people doubted Netflix's value for money!

Back to blogging

It has been a fair while since my last blog and I really need to get back to it. I have had a load of shit thrown my way in the last few months but it is time to get back on the horse. I am going to open up this blog to more than just music, for when I feel like boring you lot with football, films or food.

Coming up is a generous post about my recent trip to Bestival, as well as some of the better films and or music releases I have listened to recently. I also want to give writing about my apparently experimental cooking habits recently, even if it is just to give me something to do while I'm being a bum/job hunting.

See you soon.

Wasting Light

My favourite album of this year so far is with out a doubt Foo Fighters - Wasting light. It is excellent from start to finish, and my favourite of all their albums. A opinion possibly not shared by the biggest Foo fans, as most prefer the early offerings from Dave, Taylor and co.

Bridge burning is a perfect opener to the album, introducing one of their highest octane albums so far - and I think this is why it is my favourite. It is on par as an opener with the anthemic All My Life and The Pretender. I'm glad Mr Grohl has included his fierce screeching ability in this song (and album overall) as it was fairly limited in Echoes... White Limo is one of their heaviest songs so far, and is much like Q.O.T.S.A's Six Shooter, which perhaps not at all coincidently, Dave drummed for.

I had the enormous fortune to see them play early July at Milton Keynes Bowl. Three hours of ferocious but utopian music, a proper gig experience. They even played old favourite such as Breakout, The One, Learn to Fly and the original version of Everlong - which had been replaced with an acoustic counterpart up until recently.With a guest appearance from Alice Cooper himself, this show was one to remember.

Dave Grohl is one of the greatest performers, and all round chaps around. Three or four songs in, he had a short breather and a sip of beer, and jeers from the crowd ended up with him seeing it gone. An act that would seal his place in my immediate social company forever. He's just one of those guys that I know would be a lovely bloke. One of them that you could sit with and have a massive laugh. Sigh.

Anyway, back to the album.
My favourite Foo Fighters track is now Rope. Before this it was Times Like These. I'm not sure many would agree with my choices as they have so many more famous and classic tracks. It would be interesting to know everyone's favourite. Rope wins my vote though mainly for Taylor's incredible drum track. The riding in the chorus is too much, together with some emphatic fills and a solitary cowbell hit for good measure. Foo Fighters is home to two of my favourite drummers anywhere, Dave and Taylor. Check this out...

Wonderful.

Arlandria is another favourite from the album. It is home to one of my favourite lyrics of the record:
"Shame, shame go away, come again some other day.
Memories keep haunting me, help me chase them all away."

I'm not sure why I like it so much, lyrics have never been the main thing to attract me to a song, but these say something. 

Admittedly Wasting Light falls away rather after Back and Forth, but is picked up again by the end track, Walk.

I have listened to this record everyday for the last few weeks. If you haven't listened to the album already, I implore you. Do it. 

Revision Music

It's that time again, time to knuckle down and think of new ways to procrastinate. I feel I want to tell you all about my favourite music to revise to, or in this case, write a 'useful' article to. I've never been one to revise particularly well, but I definitely cannot do it in silence.

I like to start with an epic song, something that will get you in the mood for a few hours of solid(ish) productivity. For me, Heather Small - Proud works. It is big song that guilts me into starting work. If you find yourself singing along, that's fine too. Don't stop until you get enough does the job just as well, it's all a personal preference.

After a bit of Heather Small I like to introduce a band that I know really well - I find it hard to revise while listening to something I have not heard before, as it takes more concentration on first listen. Take Kasabian, Three albums worth of music that seems to help  me work. The more mellow Club Foot and The Doberman are key tracks, but it pays to put the artists on shuffle so you don't keep fiddling about with it. The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love as an album is also an excellent and easy listen that you can nod your head too.

Massive Attack is another good shout, as it will soothe you into impenetrable calm, ready to work. I tend to try and stay away from music with big beats during revision, as I end up too involved with the music rather than the work in hand. So too is the case with Rap or anything with endless lyrics, as I know I will start trying listen to every word of it, taking my thoughts off of Bordieu's theory of Distinction.

Justin Timberlake, Fatboy Slim, Gorillaz, Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Them Crooked Vultures, Jamiroquai, and Elbow are all great, - as long as you mix it up a bit.

Most acoustic music will work too, as it is simple and calming, though too much of it leaves me bored and slightly frustrated, as some of the acoustic covers floating around on Spotify make me angry.

Anyway, I suppose you all already have your revision playlists sorted, so pay me no heed. I just wrote this to feel productive. GOOD LUCK!

Give A Little Listen

Do you remember the unbearably nineties boy-trio that gave us MMMbop , Hanson? Of course you do.  So they are back. Well, they never actually left, with 8 studio albums under their belt. However, I challenge anyone to name more than three songs.

The new(ish) single ‘Give A Little’ was released in February this year, and is definitely a million miles from my usual music taste. If I did not enjoy the song then I would feel really quite embarrassed about writing this. Actually no, I still feel a bit silly.

The song is simple, catchy and likeable, but I wonder if anyone would notice them had it not been for their exuberant bubblegum presence in the late nineties. The glib trio, now 31, 28 and 26, have grown into a suave bunch having lost the feminine hair styles and dungarees, and it is now evident that they are all definitely male.

Judge me if you will, I like it. The video is fun too, just lots of colourfully dressed people dancing around in an awfully contagious manor.  If you don’t appreciate it then put it down, I just think it’s worth a go, for nostalgia's sake.