Friday, 5 August 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Wikipedia took this down!
Recently heard the godawful pap that is Nate Dogg and Warren G's "Regulate" on the radio.
I was reminded of how good the Wiki synopsis was, and searched for it - GONE!
Took me ages to find it again, but I reproduce it here for your entertainment:
On a cool, clear night (typical to Southern California) Warren G travels through his neighborhood, searching for women with whom he might initiate sexual intercourse. He has chosen to engage in this pursuit alone.
Nate Dogg, having just arrived in Long Beach, seeks Warren. On his way to find Warren, Nate passes a car full of women who are excited to see him. Regardless, he insists to the women that there is no cause for excitement.
Warren makes a left turn at 21st Street and Lewis Ave, where he sees a group of young men enjoying a game of dice together. He parks his car and greets them. He is excited to find people to play with, but to his chagrin, he discovers they intend to relieve him of his material possessions. Once the hopeful robbers reveal their firearms, Warren realizes he is in a less than favorable predicament.
Meanwhile, Nate passes the women, as they are low on his list of priorities. His primary concern is locating Warren. After curtly casting away the strumpets (whose interest in Nate was such that they crashed their automobile), he serendipitously stumbles upon his friend, Warren G, being held up by the young miscreants.
Warren, unaware that Nate is surreptitiously observing the scene unfold, is in disbelief that he’s being robbed. The perpetrators have taken jewelry and a name brand designer watch from Warren, who is so incredulous that he asks what else the robbers intend to steal. This is most likely a rhetorical question.
Observing these unfortunate proceedings, Nate realizes that he may have to use his firearm to deliver his friend from harm.
The tension crescendos as the robbers point their guns to Warren’s head. Warren senses the gravity of his situation. He cannot believe the events unfolding could happen in his own neighborhood. As he imagines himself in a fantastical escape, he catches a glimpse of his friend, Nate.
Nate has seventeen cartridges to expend (sixteen residing in the pistol’s magazine, with a solitary round placed in the chamber and ready to be fired) on the group of robbers, and he uses many of them. Afterward, he generously shares the credit for neutralizing the situation with Warren, though it is clear that Nate did all of the difficult work. Putting congratulations aside, Nate quickly reminds himself that he has committed multiple homicides to save Warren before letting his friend know that there are females nearby if he wishes to fornicate with them.
Warren recalls that it was the promise of copulation that coaxed him away from his previous activities, and is thankful that Nate knows a way to satisfy these urges.
Nate quickly finds the women who earlier crashed their car on Nate’s account. He remarks to one that he is fond of her physical appeal. The woman, impressed by Nate’s singing ability, asks that he and Warren allow her and her friends to share transportation. Soon, both friends are driving with automobiles full of women to the East Side Motel, presumably to consummate their flirtation in an orgy.
The third verse is more expository, with Warren and Nate explaining their G Funk musical style. Nate displays his bravado by claiming that individuals with equivalent knowledge could not even attempt to approach his level of lyrical mastery. He also notes that if any third party smokes as he does, they would find themselves in a state of intoxication daily (from Nate’s other works, it can be inferred that the substance referenced is marijuana). Nate concludes his delineation of the night by issuing a vague threat to “busters,” suggesting that he and Warren will further “regulate” any potential incidents in the future (presumably by engaging their enemies with small arms fire).
I was reminded of how good the Wiki synopsis was, and searched for it - GONE!
Took me ages to find it again, but I reproduce it here for your entertainment:
On a cool, clear night (typical to Southern California) Warren G travels through his neighborhood, searching for women with whom he might initiate sexual intercourse. He has chosen to engage in this pursuit alone.
Nate Dogg, having just arrived in Long Beach, seeks Warren. On his way to find Warren, Nate passes a car full of women who are excited to see him. Regardless, he insists to the women that there is no cause for excitement.
Warren makes a left turn at 21st Street and Lewis Ave, where he sees a group of young men enjoying a game of dice together. He parks his car and greets them. He is excited to find people to play with, but to his chagrin, he discovers they intend to relieve him of his material possessions. Once the hopeful robbers reveal their firearms, Warren realizes he is in a less than favorable predicament.
Meanwhile, Nate passes the women, as they are low on his list of priorities. His primary concern is locating Warren. After curtly casting away the strumpets (whose interest in Nate was such that they crashed their automobile), he serendipitously stumbles upon his friend, Warren G, being held up by the young miscreants.
Warren, unaware that Nate is surreptitiously observing the scene unfold, is in disbelief that he’s being robbed. The perpetrators have taken jewelry and a name brand designer watch from Warren, who is so incredulous that he asks what else the robbers intend to steal. This is most likely a rhetorical question.
Observing these unfortunate proceedings, Nate realizes that he may have to use his firearm to deliver his friend from harm.
The tension crescendos as the robbers point their guns to Warren’s head. Warren senses the gravity of his situation. He cannot believe the events unfolding could happen in his own neighborhood. As he imagines himself in a fantastical escape, he catches a glimpse of his friend, Nate.
Nate has seventeen cartridges to expend (sixteen residing in the pistol’s magazine, with a solitary round placed in the chamber and ready to be fired) on the group of robbers, and he uses many of them. Afterward, he generously shares the credit for neutralizing the situation with Warren, though it is clear that Nate did all of the difficult work. Putting congratulations aside, Nate quickly reminds himself that he has committed multiple homicides to save Warren before letting his friend know that there are females nearby if he wishes to fornicate with them.
Warren recalls that it was the promise of copulation that coaxed him away from his previous activities, and is thankful that Nate knows a way to satisfy these urges.
Nate quickly finds the women who earlier crashed their car on Nate’s account. He remarks to one that he is fond of her physical appeal. The woman, impressed by Nate’s singing ability, asks that he and Warren allow her and her friends to share transportation. Soon, both friends are driving with automobiles full of women to the East Side Motel, presumably to consummate their flirtation in an orgy.
The third verse is more expository, with Warren and Nate explaining their G Funk musical style. Nate displays his bravado by claiming that individuals with equivalent knowledge could not even attempt to approach his level of lyrical mastery. He also notes that if any third party smokes as he does, they would find themselves in a state of intoxication daily (from Nate’s other works, it can be inferred that the substance referenced is marijuana). Nate concludes his delineation of the night by issuing a vague threat to “busters,” suggesting that he and Warren will further “regulate” any potential incidents in the future (presumably by engaging their enemies with small arms fire).
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Turning 40
I dreaded turning 30 from the age of 22. It blighted my 20s. The 40 thing only really occurred to me at 39, and only really in the last week or two became an issue.
But I still wasn't happy about it. I wanted to bury my head in the sand and ignore it. Jess made me have a party. And I'm very pleased she did. It was just what I needed. A night of massive self-indulgence with friends happy to indulge me.
I started it off with my acoustic set. Many people hadn't heard Cold All Alone before, which seemed particularly appropriate on the night.
Dale did an acoustic set, thank you Dale. I only like 2 Tenacious D songs, but I do love those songs very much, so was very pleased he played them both. Many comments about his beautiful voice.
Then a comedy section. Laurence and Paul (Crooke) were excellent. I met Paul only this year on a comedy course Jess booked me on. Nice to have representatives of people I have met throughout life, from 11 (Carl) to someone new in my life. Friends are not just nostalgia, I can still function even at 39 and meet new people.
Laurence and PC played the song Bertie and Ru recorded with Paul (Carroll) for my birthday. Beautiful. I love it. Best gift I had.
Then Who (mostly) covers. The high point of the evening for many, it seemed. There was dancing occurring. Si made an excellent Townshend. PC was great. Kester and Carl were in my first ever band Give Way, over 20 years ago. Had a thoroughly bloody good time. Whilst the process of writing and performing my own material gives me massive spiritual fulfilment, it was fan-bloody-tastic to blast out some of the songs I love listening to. Can't explain, substitute, jilted John, pinball wizard, boys don't cry, I can see for miles and my generation were tremendous fun to sing. Well inside the comfort zone in a way, and yet the first time I think I've ever sung without a guitar on.
Fatbwoi. A friend whom I am a proper fan of. Chicken, zombies, a rare crack whore, a duet. I love his stuff. Its on my ipod and everything. I got to request the set list. I think I went beyond the half hour, oh, just a tad, and further knocked the evening back.
Boomshadow got on about midnight, I think, and when I looked up after the first song, half the guests had left. Last bus? Last train? I shall pretend it was that. I love Boomshadow.
So I had a thoroughly lovely night. Sunflower Lounge have decided not to give us our deposit back for not spending £350 even though we clearly did. But I'm going to ignore that for now. Masssive thanks to Jess, Dale, PC, Laurence, Paul Crooke, Simon, Carl, Kester, PC, Fatbwoi, Paul Harwood, Laurence, PC, Phil and Angela for coming down from Carlisle, and to everyone who came to celebrate with me. I thank you. It meant a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed it too.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Had a lovely gig with Less For Murder and Fatbwoi at the Hollybush Pub in Cradley last night. LFM have a CD out, do have a listen (see their Reverbnation, MySpace etc for where to find it). I remain in awe of Fatbwoi Dave as a live act. We each did half hour, like normal people, Fatbwoi was still getting encored at 1h 15min.
Anyway, I was marvellous, obviously, and you'll have to accept that unless you're prepared to come see me in person. Next gigs: Wednesday 1st June at Katie Fitzgerald's in Stourbridge (its NOT that far, and its worth the trip); Monday 6th June at Adam & Eve (Digbeth. That's handy and central. Nice pub. No excuses!); oh yes, and a stand up comedy showcase probably on Sunday 29th May, details tbc)
(Boomshadow 27 May cancelled)
Anyway, I was marvellous, obviously, and you'll have to accept that unless you're prepared to come see me in person. Next gigs: Wednesday 1st June at Katie Fitzgerald's in Stourbridge (its NOT that far, and its worth the trip); Monday 6th June at Adam & Eve (Digbeth. That's handy and central. Nice pub. No excuses!); oh yes, and a stand up comedy showcase probably on Sunday 29th May, details tbc)
(Boomshadow 27 May cancelled)
Friday, 22 April 2011
Thursday, 21 April 2011
And in a packed programme tonight .....
Sunday 1st May 4pm - Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge (Boomshadow)
Monday 2nd May 11am - Lightwoods Park (Boomshadow)
Tuesday 3rd May 8pm Yardbird (G solo)
Friday 13th May 8-11pm - Hollybush, Cradley (G solo, also Fatbwoi, Less For Murder)
Friday 27th May 8-11pm - Sunflower Lounge (Boomshadow)
Boomshadow for Picnic in the Park, Warley Woods - tbc
Sept 9-10 - Artsfest - tbc
Monday 2nd May 11am - Lightwoods Park (Boomshadow)
Tuesday 3rd May 8pm Yardbird (G solo)
Friday 13th May 8-11pm - Hollybush, Cradley (G solo, also Fatbwoi, Less For Murder)
Friday 27th May 8-11pm - Sunflower Lounge (Boomshadow)
Boomshadow for Picnic in the Park, Warley Woods - tbc
Sept 9-10 - Artsfest - tbc
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Monday, 4 April 2011
The revival continues
And there were more Boomshadow rehearsals. And a Fatshadow/Boombwoi gig on 28th March. And Gareth, Fatbwoi, Omar and PC for Jess' 30th on 2nd April. Boomshadow booked in for Picnic in the Park in the summer. Boomshadow 1st act on 2nd May for Lightwoods Park grand re-opening. G solo with Less For Murder and Fatbwoi on 13th May. An offer of a pub re-opening needing some music. Its all starting to come together a bit. Music is afoot!
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Gig alert, not really Boomshadow, not really solo
Fear not, dear readers, for Boomshadow proper will have their first rehearsal of 2011 in March!
But to whet your appetites for the upcoming album and world tour, there is a collaboration coming up. A Fatshadow Boombwoi production will be presented in all its glory on Monday 28th March at the Adam & Eve in Digbeth (8pm, free entry)
Should be an interesting partnership, with a blend of fairly diverse musical stylings and facial hair. And body mass. Fatbwoi being something of an ironic name, we shall look like the number 10 when standing next to each other.
Hope you can make it
But to whet your appetites for the upcoming album and world tour, there is a collaboration coming up. A Fatshadow Boombwoi production will be presented in all its glory on Monday 28th March at the Adam & Eve in Digbeth (8pm, free entry)
Should be an interesting partnership, with a blend of fairly diverse musical stylings and facial hair. And body mass. Fatbwoi being something of an ironic name, we shall look like the number 10 when standing next to each other.
Hope you can make it
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Happy New Year
Well, hello there.
Ok, so its now 2011. I was born in 1971. You do the maths.
So that's one thing that 2011 will definitely bring, but what else?
I have been hoping for an album for about 3 years now, 4 maybe. Will that happen this year?
Will there be gigs? Will they be solo and/or band?
Will we have something recorded and able to be played on the radio?
Solo albums?
Que sera sera.
I just hope 2009 wasn't the peak
Ok, so its now 2011. I was born in 1971. You do the maths.
So that's one thing that 2011 will definitely bring, but what else?
I have been hoping for an album for about 3 years now, 4 maybe. Will that happen this year?
Will there be gigs? Will they be solo and/or band?
Will we have something recorded and able to be played on the radio?
Solo albums?
Que sera sera.
I just hope 2009 wasn't the peak
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Bit short notice
We last played together in April 2010, when we did a bit of recording with Fatbwoi.
We had a reunion strum and bang with sturm und drang on Tuesday 7th December
As so often happens, this went with the gusto and joy of freshness and rediscovery
So we decided you should all have a chance to see a live reunion rehearsal and how much energy it has
We didn't play many songs, we mostly just played, so the songs will still be fresh to us
Lets just hope we remember them!
Next gig then:
Adam & Eve, Bradford St, Digbeth
Monday 13th December
Last act on, at approx 10.30
See you there!
We had a reunion strum and bang with sturm und drang on Tuesday 7th December
As so often happens, this went with the gusto and joy of freshness and rediscovery
So we decided you should all have a chance to see a live reunion rehearsal and how much energy it has
We didn't play many songs, we mostly just played, so the songs will still be fresh to us
Lets just hope we remember them!
Next gig then:
Adam & Eve, Bradford St, Digbeth
Monday 13th December
Last act on, at approx 10.30
See you there!
Thursday, 28 October 2010
I will be 40 next year
I will be forty years old next year. I can't say I'm particularly happy about that. From the age of 22 I dreaded my impending 30th birthday, and thus I wasted most of my 20s. 40 has only really started to loom in the last few months.
I am currently part way through reading Richard Herring's excellent book (particularly if you like Richard Herring. If you don't like him, probably won't be your favourite book) How Not To Grow Up, about his own struggles with turning 40.
30, to be honest, really was just a number. Whereas nearing 40 I am getting some tangible signs of ageing.
I have had "a bad toe" for about 3 months now. The nail went manky, and it was agony every time one of my spawn stamped on it. Its finally clearing up, but things never used to take that long to heal.
I've had a cough for about 4 weeks now. Its turned into a chest infection. I'm on antibiotics and I've had to admit defeat and quit smoking. I'm resting. I genuinely don't feel well. I passed out whilst coughing, which scared the bejesus out of Mrs Langston, as she had to pound on my chest to restart my breathing.
I'm never ill! Never! Even though I weigh as much as Rosie (from "Whole Lotta" fame, ie nearly 19 stone). But she was supposed to have breasts, and I'm not.
Found out this morning that a friend of mine who I've known for 30 years (and that's far too long a time to be applicable to any aspect of life) had 2 strokes earlier this year.
Signs of mortality are on the increase. Not just that we all die. I've known that to be true, logically, for some time. The problem is that it is increasingly applicable to me specifically.
Hence the reason for most mid-life crises, I suspect - a desperate attempt to milk the most from what remains of life before it is gone.
But I've already had a red sports car. Already had a busty blonde girlfriend 10 years my junior (now my wife and mother of my two boys - rock and roll!). I already play at being young again in a rock band.
What else is available to me?
I don't drink any more, really. I have no desire to philander - my life needs simplifying not more complexity. What else can one do to recapture lost youth if not go on a self-absorbed rampage of self-destruction with collateral damage?
As I write this, I really hate the only logical conclusion. Not self destruction but self improvement. Lose weight, eat better, jog, exercise. Its entirely possible that the signs of mortality (aches, pains, illnesses, general decrepitude) would ease (or at least be replaced by some new aches and pains).
What a depressing conclusion to reach. I may have to make constructive efforts instead of self destructing. That can't be right, surely?
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
I am currently part way through reading Richard Herring's excellent book (particularly if you like Richard Herring. If you don't like him, probably won't be your favourite book) How Not To Grow Up, about his own struggles with turning 40.
30, to be honest, really was just a number. Whereas nearing 40 I am getting some tangible signs of ageing.
I have had "a bad toe" for about 3 months now. The nail went manky, and it was agony every time one of my spawn stamped on it. Its finally clearing up, but things never used to take that long to heal.
I've had a cough for about 4 weeks now. Its turned into a chest infection. I'm on antibiotics and I've had to admit defeat and quit smoking. I'm resting. I genuinely don't feel well. I passed out whilst coughing, which scared the bejesus out of Mrs Langston, as she had to pound on my chest to restart my breathing.
I'm never ill! Never! Even though I weigh as much as Rosie (from "Whole Lotta" fame, ie nearly 19 stone). But she was supposed to have breasts, and I'm not.
Found out this morning that a friend of mine who I've known for 30 years (and that's far too long a time to be applicable to any aspect of life) had 2 strokes earlier this year.
Signs of mortality are on the increase. Not just that we all die. I've known that to be true, logically, for some time. The problem is that it is increasingly applicable to me specifically.
Hence the reason for most mid-life crises, I suspect - a desperate attempt to milk the most from what remains of life before it is gone.
But I've already had a red sports car. Already had a busty blonde girlfriend 10 years my junior (now my wife and mother of my two boys - rock and roll!). I already play at being young again in a rock band.
What else is available to me?
I don't drink any more, really. I have no desire to philander - my life needs simplifying not more complexity. What else can one do to recapture lost youth if not go on a self-absorbed rampage of self-destruction with collateral damage?
As I write this, I really hate the only logical conclusion. Not self destruction but self improvement. Lose weight, eat better, jog, exercise. Its entirely possible that the signs of mortality (aches, pains, illnesses, general decrepitude) would ease (or at least be replaced by some new aches and pains).
What a depressing conclusion to reach. I may have to make constructive efforts instead of self destructing. That can't be right, surely?
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Friday, 15 October 2010
Solo gig! Solo gig! Solo gig! Solo gig! Monday 25th October
8-11pm
5 acts on, FREE ENTRY!
My first ever solo gig without the comfort of a band around me
ADAM & EVE, BRADFORD ST, DIGBETH B12 0JD
Lovely gig venue, with proper PA and a good sound
Perfect for witnessing my live solo debut
Come along !
Free entry
What else have you got going on for a Monday night?
Friday, 10 September 2010
Open letter to John Spellar MP, sent 10 September 2010
Dear Blog readers (both of you)
I've just sent the following e-mail to John Spellar
In the unlikely event that he responds before the Pope's visit to Brum (Sunday 19 September) I'll let you know
Frankly, in the unlikely event that he ever responds, let alone does anything, I'll let you know
Bear in mind he only spoke in 6 debates last year, and asked 5 questions last year (http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/john_spellar/warley)
He responds to about half of people, making him number 434 in the chart (of 650 MPs)
Feel free to ask him the same questions - or ask your own MP
http://www.findyourmp.parliament.uk/ may assist in this
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: garethlangston@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:59:54
To:
Reply-To: garethlangston@hotmail.com
Subject: FAO John Spellar
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-catholics-its-you-this-pope-has-abused-2074029.html
Dear Mr Spellar
I read with interest Johann Hari's quite balanced article in the Independent (see above).
Surely, the Pope should be arrested rather than welcomed to neighbouring Birmingham?
I'd like to ask - is there not sufficient evidence of offences committed within the EU where he has been complicit in conspiracies to pervert the course of Justice? This man is no respecter of the law, and believes himself and his organisation to be above it.
Please can something be done to combat his sanctioning of paedophiles, his causing the spread of AIDS, his sexist and homophobic pronouncements?
Thank you for your time
Gareth Langston
I've just sent the following e-mail to John Spellar
In the unlikely event that he responds before the Pope's visit to Brum (Sunday 19 September) I'll let you know
Frankly, in the unlikely event that he ever responds, let alone does anything, I'll let you know
Bear in mind he only spoke in 6 debates last year, and asked 5 questions last year (http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/john_spellar/warley)
He responds to about half of people, making him number 434 in the chart (of 650 MPs)
Feel free to ask him the same questions - or ask your own MP
http://www.findyourmp.parliament.uk/ may assist in this
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: garethlangston@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:59:54
To:
Reply-To: garethlangston@hotmail.com
Subject: FAO John Spellar
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-catholics-its-you-this-pope-has-abused-2074029.html
Dear Mr Spellar
I read with interest Johann Hari's quite balanced article in the Independent (see above).
Surely, the Pope should be arrested rather than welcomed to neighbouring Birmingham?
I'd like to ask - is there not sufficient evidence of offences committed within the EU where he has been complicit in conspiracies to pervert the course of Justice? This man is no respecter of the law, and believes himself and his organisation to be above it.
Please can something be done to combat his sanctioning of paedophiles, his causing the spread of AIDS, his sexist and homophobic pronouncements?
Thank you for your time
Gareth Langston
Friday, 28 May 2010
Album thoughts
Was chatting (electronically) with our good friend Dave, and I thought I'd share some thoughts. Dave ( http://www.fatbwoi.com/ ) is a musician and producer who has very kindly begun to record our album for us, for those who don't know.
PLUG AHOY! :
Fatbwoi 5 are playing Glastonbudget this weekend, and gigging throughout the summer - a must-see show, so I urge you to see it, dear reader!
Anyway, I hope to have about 8 to 10 tracks in the "shops" (online) for xmas. Preferably xmas 2010. Dave as Fatbwoi is currently recording about 30 tracks for his own acoustic album. The Fatbwoi 5 have just released their excellent Relentless EP ( http://www.fatbwoi.bandcamp.com/ ). So I'd like to canvass the opinions of loyal readers - both of you!
Personally, I think you should mess about in the studio, not just slavishly record what you've got already. You make the recorded songs the best they can be, the album as a whole the best it can be, and you make the live performances the best they can be. But they don't have to be a faithful recreation of each other. You can add on parts in the studio if it sounds better, that you know won't happen live. Extra instruments or effects maybe. Doesn't matter about not recreating it live, live stuff will have the energy and volume and drama that you can't capture in the studio. Just as the full band and the acoustic versions are two different beasts, so the studio versions (band and acoustic) can add a further two beasts. It becomes an audio zoo, with a wide variety of beasts showing the wonder of "god's" creation. And I'm not comparing myself to god, I'm not saying that I'm god. That's for other people to say. (a Richard Herring gag there - aythankyew)
I'd quite like our album to have odd snippets and comments in between tracks if possible. Some throwaway remarks which made it to tape, or some very brief pieces of music, maybe. Then again, I may need to do a solo album for all the stuff the others reject, as I suspect they would with that idea! Something along the lines of The Who Sell Out or Ogden's Nut Gone Flake? Dark Side of the Moon even? That's the kind of thing I mean between songs, rather than Radiohead's Fitter, Happier (though I really really do like that track a lot) An album is not necessarily just a collection of songs, it can be a thing in itself which needs to be listened to as a whole. IPods and Shuffles, and even before them CD random sort buttons, have changed this. I rarely now listen to a whole album from start to finish - the technology just doesn't encourage you to do that any more.
In short, though, your album is your own album and is made primarily for you not the listener. So I hope we put together what we think is the best album we can, and give no thought at this stage to potential listener expectations.
Confound them!
In both senses of the word
That said, I now contradict myself, as comments are invited
I'm just curious, that's all
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Young Man Blues
Mose Allison wrote Young Man Blues when he was about 40. "Well a young man, he ain't nothin' in the world these days". The song laments that young men no longer have the respect, and older men have the power and money. A paean to teenage frustration and impotence.
Do Spotify (or equivalent) both his version with jazz piano, and The Who's version from Live at Leeds. Its a teenage anthem, and a call to arms against those who are too old to rock and roll.
Well now...
Rock and Roll has traditionally been the preserve of teenagers and very young men since its inception in the 1950s. With the exception of Bill Haley, of course, who was 29 in 1954 when he recorded Rock Around The Clock. Looked older than that, for me.
Jazz and Blues have always been happy to accept older performers - its more convincing to do world-weary in your 50's than in your teens perhaps - but rock and pop have always been a young person's game. If your parents don't hate it, its not rock and roll.
And the older bands get, the more they lose their mojo. Rock is anger and frustration and aggression. You calm down as you get older and the hormones settle down.
In my late 20s, I realised I was now too old to become a rock star, and gave up on the dream.
Recently though, I've begun to question this. Oh, not that I can seriously consider this band a career option. This band is 4 friends who enjoy playing together and putting on shows for their friends as a hobby. Its not that we're not good enough, I honestly think we make a really good band, but realistically nobody is going to buy our stuff in enough numbers to make any money out of it.
No, what I mean is this. Bands are hitting their peak and breaking through and being accepted much older now. Pulp released Common People after over 10 years together. Elbow, Doves, Seasick Steve even.
I believe there's a second age in life where there is a great deal of love, passion, uncertainty, anger, determination. And its your 30's and 40's. Puppy love, with its novelty, uncertainty, panic and insecurity, is replaced by parenthood. With it also comes a second age of anger, all-consuming love, break-ups, depression and all the other traditional emotions of rock music. It is still possible to be an "angry young man" in early middle age. There is a lot to be angry about if your life isn't turning out how you thought it would, and you're at the same time coming to terms with your own mortality and that of your parents.
And it needn't produce Dadrock, either. Sing along, everyone, I've got those residents parking permit blues! No, with a fresh wave of the traditional elements of rock and roll, older performers can create something genuinely moving, drawing on anger, frustration, birth, death, disillusionment, depression, unconditional love and all the rest of it.
We're not old, we're retro! And having seen a number of pub bands where we are old enough to be their fathers, I'm becoming increasingly convinced that many of them haven't been alive long enough to know what they're talking about. I don't mean to sound patronising or arrogant, but I am, so that's the way it comes out. We absolutely piss on most of the bands we play with. Not all, but most.
So don't write off older bands. We have more life experience to draw on in writing and in performance energy. We rock.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Song title
If you can't live without me, why weren't you dead when I met you?
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
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