not been near a computer for a while....
spent five days in Czech republic - with four friends, staying in the country, more to follow
went to a truly fab gig, originally turned down tickets but soooo glad I went - again more detailes to come.. edwin Collins (I'll write my own version but in the meantime here is a taster)
All things considered, he's doing fantastically well. In February 2005, Edwyn Collins was hospitalised with two cerebral haemorrhages. The very worst seemed a very likely possibility but with the help of the finest surgery the NHS could offer, his family and his iron will, he survived.
Two years later, he has a new album - mostly recorded before his hospitalisation - and he's back on stage. So far, so miraculous, but, despite his plainly sincere assertion that "I'm enjoying this gig immensely" and the manner in which he couldn't stop himself laughing like Basil Brush's giggly cousin between songs, I'm not wholly sure whether performing is the ideal way forward for him right now, despite the wishful thinking of a crowd willing him to be further into his recovery than, for the moment, he actually is.
The effects of Collins's condition were plain as he sat before his lectern and sang his 50-minute set, accompanied a band led by former Aztec Camera leader Roddy Frame: he cannot walk unaided and the right side of his body is seemingly partially paralysed.
Although a wretched, ear-splitting sound distorted everything, as Collins smiled his way through his best known Orange Juice songs What Presence?, the deliciously languid Rip It Up and even a punky Blue Boy, his voice was shorn of its pre-illness wry warmth.
There is always hope though and the man who had surprised the medical profession surprised the Arts Theatre shortly before the end when Collins, accompanied only by Frame, unveiled a brand new song (the first written since his return from hospital) provisionally titled Some Sweet Day and, magically, Collins found his voice. When, clear and true, he sang "I've always been lucky in my life ... some sweet day we'll get there", it was as moving as anything I've ever seen. He hasn't beaten his body yet by any means - but he'll get there at his own pace and in his own time.
Two years later, he has a new album - mostly recorded before his hospitalisation - and he's back on stage. So far, so miraculous, but, despite his plainly sincere assertion that "I'm enjoying this gig immensely" and the manner in which he couldn't stop himself laughing like Basil Brush's giggly cousin between songs, I'm not wholly sure whether performing is the ideal way forward for him right now, despite the wishful thinking of a crowd willing him to be further into his recovery than, for the moment, he actually is.
The effects of Collins's condition were plain as he sat before his lectern and sang his 50-minute set, accompanied a band led by former Aztec Camera leader Roddy Frame: he cannot walk unaided and the right side of his body is seemingly partially paralysed.
Although a wretched, ear-splitting sound distorted everything, as Collins smiled his way through his best known Orange Juice songs What Presence?, the deliciously languid Rip It Up and even a punky Blue Boy, his voice was shorn of its pre-illness wry warmth.
There is always hope though and the man who had surprised the medical profession surprised the Arts Theatre shortly before the end when Collins, accompanied only by Frame, unveiled a brand new song (the first written since his return from hospital) provisionally titled Some Sweet Day and, magically, Collins found his voice. When, clear and true, he sang "I've always been lucky in my life ... some sweet day we'll get there", it was as moving as anything I've ever seen. He hasn't beaten his body yet by any means - but he'll get there at his own pace and in his own time.
then the other night.... Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - he was on form.... more to follow
on the home front - rugby season has now finished, sunday mornings are mine again!
here I am looking best and describing the underhand trick of hair pulling!!!!currently my two laptops are causing me problems and have had to resort to using Jos, nothing of mine is stored on it so at present things are a little thin
hope to be fully upto speed by the weekend
