So What To Do...

[GazzaBTFC]

When it's cold outside, no football to go to.

Well, you could go to the pub (the choice of some) but that may prove a little wearing in the health and on the pocket. But if you are stuck at home with the papers and want something to fill the vacuum, well, you could post a blog or listen to some music...

 

Recently I have decided to go back to my old haunt Slipped Disc, in Billericay. Really, I shouldn't have stopped because the personal touch counts and the impersonal experience of Internet shopping may be convieniant, with Amazon and Royal Mail deciding to deliver whenever they feel like it (no criticism of our posties who do a great job in all weathers... But your organisation is letting you down), I find it more tiresome... So, with the innovation that you can now enjoy a skinny cap or latte and browse or chat to the proprieter Karl, the experience of choosing the sounds and cd's is a lot more enjoyable than of the last couple of years.

 

So, what would I recommend to listen to over the next couple of weeks, should you find the time or wish to steal an hour or so of quality listening time (or even listen on the go).

 

Well, over the past week I have re discoverd a couple of gems worth looking into as well as a couple of new releases...

 

First off, a classic band, Earth, Wind and Fire. Illumination, their 2006 release keeps up the quality of this bands legacy. And it is as fresh sounding as their classic '70's and '80's output with those horns stabbing and punctuating the music as ever. It's also an enjoyable Listen which is what music is supposed to be (in my opinion). A great cd.

 

If you like your r&b and soul a little more blue eyed, then try Mayer Hawthorne's How Do You Do. This is a Slipped Disc recommendation and again, it's a great find. Certainly wears it's influences on it's sleeve and in the drought of any new material from Hall & Oates, I cannot recommend this highly enough.

 

Of the new releases, there is Everything Everything. I have played this once and enjoyed it. There is also I Am Kloot cd which is playing as I type.

 

Another Slippes Diac recommendation is Dennis Coffey's self titled cd. Anyone in the know will know that this guy is the guitarist with the Soul Brothers who backed many soul legends of yore and this is a great find. Some great old soul updated for the present listening taste the cd boasts guest vocalists. In my humble opinion a must buy and I shall be plundering the disc over the remaining season for the play list.

 

On the progressive side, I have re discovered Can's Tago Mago. If you like your music serious and alternative, then this hits the spot. Released in the early '70's, I am surprise how good this cd sounds. Almost shor gazing..

 

There is also Chas and Dave's greatest hits which went on for a little bit of fun as well as the Talk Talk compilations which are out. Natural Order is listed to be played later.

 

So, if you can steal a few minutes, grab a listen or better still, pop into Slipped Disc (shameful plug I know but it is a great shop) and have a try at the above.

 

See ya next week