Album of the Year 2011

Through a Crooked Sunset by Rich Robinson

I love Rich Robinson; he’s such a wonderfully simple, down-to-earth Rock Star! In fact, he probably doesn’t put Rock Star down when filling out a form for something; he probably puts Farmer or Dad as his occupation

Another thing I love about Rich is his singing voice. Like his Brother Chris its plain to hear there’s no way on earth he has the greatest singing voice, and he clearly knows this! It could actually be best described as a voice only his mother could love! That, I greatly admire in any singer in a world of perfect and manufactured pop stars who scorn upon us mere ‘below par’ singers for not being in tune (especially one like myself – although my band members wouldn’t admit it due to the amount of love and utter respect the hold for me) Haha

So, to the album – it was hardly what I was expecting from such a seasoned Stoner like Rich and nothing like his previous brilliant offering Paper From 2005. That was a very serious guitar album. Through a Crowded Sunset though is very much a more experimental album that branches further away from his guitar blues-based roots into the realms of folk-based rock and roll. I thought I’d pick a few tunes out:

“Hey Fear” is an example of this. The song starts with a lovely acoustic intro with Rich’s voice gently entering the fray followed by a background string section not too similar to The Stones’ Moonlight Mile.

“All Along the Way” is another similar song to “Hey Fear” with a strong country feel to it, almost Neil Young like in its style. It’s when listening to this track you realise how such a good lyricist Rich really is.

“Fire Around” is almost Shadows like in its intro (yes, I did mean Hank Marvin and the boys) then bursts into a kick ass hillbilly rock out! Excellent guitar work on this one showing Rich isn’t just a tender hippy, but can kick off the shackles and play with the roughest when he feels like it

So there you have it. Give it a listen as it’s a brilliant album ideal for spending a night in with your missus with a few glasses of wine with a few candles on

Chill, peace and skin up!

Have a good new year

Mol

Careful What You Wish For

Isn’t it strange how things you EXPECTED to happen really do happen!

This week saw our illustrious leaders finally reveal their true allegiance towards the banking sector and Europe and, more importantly (ahem) see the X Factor Winner show their true colours

In case you didn’t know, the most famous talent show on the PLANET was won by a bunch of teenage rats called Little Mix (and no, they’re not a bunch of Irish Midgets) And, in case you didn’t know, this merry bunch of future contestants of ’16 and Pregnant’ were put together by none other than the Prince of Darkness himself – Cowell. Isn’t that a surprise?

The final of this year’s X Factor also coincided with a rather superb programme from the brilliant Charlie Brooker on Channel 4 called Fifteen Million Merits, part of the Black Mirror series. The programme was a satirical look at the future of reality TV with a sinister twist at the end (basically - everyone has a price). A superb piece of programming timing and a master stroke by Channel 4 and the perfect swipe at the failing aspirations on reality talent TV programmes

So, where does this leave the producers and so called fans of X Factor and where their die-hard loyalty lies after this obvious bout of ‘match fixing’ that would put Vladimir Putin and his merry gang of Russian Mafia bosses to shame?

Well, the truth is, exactly the same place they have always been – in the sand and in the gutter denying all knowledge that the majority of public opinion thinks its utter fucking wank!

Everyone knows my utter distain, dislike and utter disgust at the way X Factor is produced, distributed and talked about within this pathetic celebrity obsessed country/society and it will probably take my last whim and dying breath before the entire nation realises it and understands it!

But, with some public support and, above all, some publicity, we can prove to the people who watch this crap that it is nothing short of fixed, over-hyped utter shit (and I haven’t even got on to the subject of the singers yet!!!)

So, everyone, do me a favour and watch Black Mirror on Catch-Up TV and tell your friends and most of all the blerts who sit with you in work who think X Factor is sooooooo good and have a look at their faces the next day

Thats is, if they understood what it was about!

Mol