Musica

Gillian Glover interview

2007-10-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can be a nuisance some times. Like the uninvited visitor who pops up all of a sudden, this creative arousal of the mind has the disturbing tendency to showcase its dazzle entirely out of the blue. Yet singer/songwriter Gillian Glover was more than quick-witted when this bewildering intruder crossed paths with her. “I was walking through Soho in a rush to get somewhere, and I had this tune going through my head, and as I didn’t have my little dictaphone, I called myself on my answering machine and I sung this tune and the first two lines of the song. Then I hung up, kept walking and then another two lines came, so I scribbled them somewhere, kept walking and then another two lines came, so, literally, “Go” was written all through Soho and different doorways,” Gillian says about the penultimate song of her debut album entitled “Red Handed.”
Although eerie “Go” is doubtlessly one of the songs that Gillian is most proud of, it is not the only highlight of her 11-track album. From the groovy “Serpentine” and “Made You Look” to the darker “Red Shoes” and the moving “Singing You To Sleep,” “Red Handed” is an album that steps into several territories, with each song having a story to tell and an emotion to stir, driven by Gillian’s powerful and diverse vocal style. “I’m slightly dubious about people who only listen to one kind of music, because you experience a range of emotions every day, not alone in a lifetime, so the ideas for the songs come from everywhere! I mean, literally, it might be something I overhear somebody saying on a bus or any visual and auditory experience. It’s only natural that the album would end up being very emotional and with a varied music style,” explains Gillian, daughter of Deep Purple’s bass player Roger Glover, about the album that is best heard “with a nice glass of red wine.”
In “Red Handed” Gillian’s voice merges wonderfully with the fine playing of first-rate musicians, such as drummer Woody Woodmansey, (David Bowie, Art Garfunkel, Paul McCartney) and pianist Rod Melvin ( Ian Dury, Brian Eno, Kilburn & The High Roads) among others. “They were totally wonderful and behaved like professional musicians. At the beginning I was a bit intimidated, I thought ‘what am I doing, I’m so out of my depth,’ but they immediately put me at ease. And it was a great learning experience to work with them and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
Although “Red Handed” is her first solo endeavour, Gillian is not a new-comer in music. She’s been singing and playing live with London-based Beat:Root for about six years now, and before that she was having a weekly gig, or “a party” as she says, with her first band ever in Dahab, Egypt. “The first time I sung live was scary!” she says with a smile, “I was really sick the first time, but the show must go on! I still got up there and sung, and then it just became a regular, it was great, lots of fun that lasted about a year. With Beat:Root we gig more regularly probably than my solo project, it’s more funky and you dance to it more. There’s nothing more rewarding than people having a wicked time and dancing with you! With Beat:Root it’s very much a democracy, we all pretty much write the parts that we play or that we sing and we work very well as a team together.”
Yet, she was introduced to a wider audience in 2002, when she did her first studio recording at her father’s solo album “Snapshot,” in a song that Roger Glover had written in the 70s, but never recorded it – maybe because it had to be sung by a unique voice. “I was very nervous in the studio environment, because everyone is looking at you and is concentrating on you and what you sing is going to be recorded and can’t be changed forever. To be honest, we did one take and my voice was wavering, so we went downstairs to a bar and had a quick drink to calm my nerves a little bit and then went back and sung it again.” The result was a shining performance of “The Bargain Basement,” a song that is still a part of her live set list.
One would expect that growing up in such an environment, music would be Gillian’s first and only choice. Nevertheless, things had taken a different turn at the beginning. After studying painting in New York, she went to Egypt where “I painted murals and advertising billboards in order to get my divemaster, so rather than money exchange I gave them paintings and became a divemaster.” The unavoidable affair with music came a bit later, and immediately grew into a relationship of love. “I kind of came to music late, because I probably thought that I had big shoes to fill. It wasn’t a conscious decision not to follow music, but once I ended up doing some music with a friend of mine, just in his basement for a laugh or to pass the day, I understood that this is much better than painting. With music I get to make stuff with somebody else and I realised that two heads are better than one, rather than making this thing on your own you come up with something totally different that you couldn’t do if you were solo,” says Gillian. It was those recordings that Gillian did at her friend’s basement that Roger Glover heard and asked her to sing at his album.
Roger Glover returned the favour to his daughter by helping her very discreetly, only towards the end of the recording of “Red Handed.” “He would never step on my toes and try get involved where I wouldn’t want him. I don’t want to push him away but I don’t want to rely on that help either. It is great working with him, he’s really complimentary and everything is very rewarding and easy. But this whole project was completed as far as I see and only at the very end my father said ‘I think it’s about 90 per cent there - would you let me help you and getting a string quartet and stuff like that,’ but he’d let me do it on my own and that’s how I would like it. In a way, if you rely on that kind of help too much, you end up shooting yourself in the foot, because of how people perceive you and expect that to be how your music or part of your music is. It shouldn’t be like that and I don’t want it like that,” says Gillian decisively.
When talking about her father, Gillian subtly assumes a more defensive stance, mostly because the comparisons drawn are usually both prejudiced and unjust. Yet, the path she chose to follow leaves no room for doubts.
Without the backing of a major record label, Gillian acknowledges the difficulties but refuses to retreat or compromise. “If you don’t have the support of a big record label, it’s very difficult to do anything, just to get people to hear the album, just to get it in shops. I’m aware that it’s a long, big struggle, but at the same time it can be a blessing in disguise, because it is very independent and there are no compromises. I think it’s gonna have to be one of those projects that will make its way through time, from mouth to mouth,” she says. “Music in its best form is really about being cutting edge, a combination of self expression and reaction to things happening around the people that are writing most of the music. I think that is kind of lost a little bit now, it certainly is still there, I just want to see more and it makes me more determined to write more music and hopefully, good music.”
For the time being, the promotion of “Red Handed” is relying mostly on the buzz that is created after her live performances, where a group of excellent musicians, including electric violinist Sim Jones, are accompanying her on stage. In a typical Gillian Glover gig the approach is similar to “Red Handed;” various alterations in style and moods delivered with quality and passion. “The stage is a magical place,” she says. “I always feel nervous before a gig, but a few songs into it I’m fine and I get to enjoy it. For a gig to be successful it is essential to know that we’ve all played a good gig together, to have communication between everybody who’s playing, you have to have that connection. I love watching world music musicians when they play, most of the times they have a real rapport with one another, looking each other in their eyes, they nod, and 'how that was a nice solo you just did there,' real respect for one another. I love watching that as a person off stage and I think it’s important to have that kind of connection with the people that you’re playing music with, because if you don’t have that, it won’t be good music and it won’t be received the same way by the people in the audience.” Her next two London gigs are in December, followed by a few more dates in little venues, solely around the UK.
“I would love to play anywhere, at all those places that I travel to. I like to travel quite simply, small towns, lots of us running around barefoot, being happy, just on the beach. I would love to play in that kind of an environment, to sort of have a regular gig. I see bands there that have a regular gig, they play every week in just a small community, and that would be fantastic, but right now I can’t see myself moving away from London.”
There are already plans for a follow-up to “Red Handed,” where Gillian admits that she’d like to explore new sounds and musical areas. “I would really like to have some more percussive kind of quality to this album. I have a nice little collection going of African percussion instruments and I spent some time last summer at a couple of festivals that were all workshops based around drumming and singing and dancing, very small, very kind of hippie. Currently I am writing, I’m starting to think more and more about it, I am constantly carrying around my notebook, getting down in paper the ideas that float in my head, and I think we’re going to start soon. We book a studio every couple of weeks and just start jamming. We’ll see what we can come up with and hopefully early next year start recording.”
In between performing live as a solo artist, playing with Beat:Root and writing new songs she found the time to co-write and sing on Roger Glover’s next long-awaited solo album, expected to be released some time in 2008. On top of that, she continues painting and making jewelry, which is her main business, having incorporated music to that as well, as she uses guitar and bass strings for her jewelry. “I think it’s all connected together somehow. I need to do something visual and creative too, whether it’s jewelry or painting. I would like to think that any good piece of art, whether it’s a painting or a piece of music or a photograph, can put the viewer or the listener into another place for a minute. I love it when a piece of music makes me cry or gives me goosebumps, then it’s done its job, and that’s been a wonderful feedback with “Go” for example, a lot of people felt that emotion come through which I’m very pleased, even though I’ve made them cry!”

For more information on Gillian Glover, check: http://www.myspace.com/gillianglovermusic

Dim Sum

2006-05-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in Hong Kong, and even though Canto-pop is not my bag baby, I highly recommend you check out this excellent blog about the ins and outs of the former British colony. The blog is run by Jessica Au.

Playground live every Thursday at 103,3

2006-02-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

If you don't have to go to a concert on a Thursday night, you can tune in to 103,3 LGR from 22.00 to midnight and listen to the radio show "Playground."
At some point of the show a certain Greek guy, who blogs in his free time, goes on air babbling about music. But the most important thing is that you'll get the chance to listen to the enchanting voices of Nadia Papanikolaou and Rene Maltezou, who with their exceptional reporting give a unique note to the show!
Ah, a necessary requirement in order to understand what is said is that you must know Greek...If you don't, you can always enjoy the great music that Jason and Ioanna, hosts of the show, select.

Violent Femmes - Live in London (26-02-2006)

2006-02-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

Just came back from the Violent Femmes concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. Having a great view from the first floor that I was standing, I can say that it was a great concert, full of good songs that were played with a lot of energy by a band that wanted to response appropiately to the warm welcome of the London audience.
They played all their most-known songs, along with some more obscure ones. I really enjoyed the version of "Children Of The Revolution"- brilliant!
Brian Ritchie was changing numerous instruments throughout the concert, and as the show was progressing everyone could witness his exceptional talent. His best time of course was when he was soloing with his bass guitar, and he did a lot of that!
The band was driven by Victor de Lorenzo's enthusiastic drumming and Gordon Gano's voice and guitar playing. However, it wasn't just that. Femmes were joined on stage by various musicians who added to the sound with mandolins, saxophones, guitars, even by whistling!
There were times during the concert that Violent Femmes were transforming into a bluegrass band, or to a jazz and fusion outfit, all delivered with excellent style.
The audience was a mixture of young and old fans. Everybody was participating from the very first note until the ending of "Kiss Off," the last song of the concert. Even the people that were on the seating stalls couldn't resist to the band's rhythmic sound and almost all of them would be up on their feet dancing and singing.
I had a chance to meet the members of the band after the show and speak to them for a while. They looked relaxed, pretty happy and satisfied with the performance. Brian Ritchie even mentioned the great gig that Femmes played last week in Thessaloniki, Greece, the one that my friends back home kept talking to me about!

I wait your comments regarding the London gig!

The Strokes Live - Review of the Hammersmith gig (17/02/2006)

2006-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

On Friday 17th of February I had the chance to see live The Strokes at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was their first out of two sold-out appearances in London. In fact, their whole U.K. tour has been sold-out a long time before the concerts. This was the first time that I caught them live and I must admit that I had a great time.
The procedures begun with a band called Movement Of A Rose, which played for around half an hour. Then, Adam Green came to the stage and with his peculiar presence got a warm response from the audience. He didn't avoid also some -not polite!- comments about the rumoured Coldplay quit..!
Around 21.30, and after 45 minutes of waiting, The Strokes hit the stage and for the next 90 minutes they created a wonderful atmosphere. They managed to fit 23 songs in just one hour and a half playing fast and tight.
They played songs from all the albums they have released. The set begun with "Ize of the World" and finished with "Reptilia". There were also three encores, "New York City Cops", "Someday" and "Take It Or Leave It".
It was a very "live" gig, with the audience - extremely young, many 15-year-old boys and girls - dancing and participating throughout.
All in all, it was a very good concert, ideal for those who appreciate this kind of direction that rock concerts and rock music in general has taken the last years.

The entire set list of the Hammersmith gig on the 17th of February 2006:

Ize Of The World
The Modern Age
Red Light
Juicebox
The End Has No End
12:51
Heart In A Cage
Razorblade
Soma
I Can't Win
Hawaii
Trying Your Luck
Last Nite
Hard To Explain
You Only Live Once
Barely Legal
What Ever Happened?
Ask Me Anything
Vision of Division
Reptilia

encores

New York City Cops
Someday
Take It Or Leave It

If you were at the Hammersmith show, or in any other Strokes concert, feel free to send your comments!

Ragged Words

2006-02-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Check this excellent site of my good friend Padraic Halpin. In Ragged Words you can find many exclusive interviews, live reviews, latest releases, gig guides and many many more. This site must be a regular visiting point for all the music fans out there, especially those who are interested in the contemporary rock scene and its young artists. It is regularly updated, and has content that satisfies every music fan that wants to know everything both about the the current stars and the up and coming artists.

http://www.raggedwords.com/

Enjoy!

P.S. Nice photo Padraic, he he!

London concerts in February

2006-02-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some of February's most important concerts in London:

February 7: The Darkness - Alexandra Palace
February 10: Belle & Sebastian - Hammersmith Apollo
February 13: Simple Minds - Astoria
February 13: Helloween - Koko Camden
Febryary 17,18: The Strokes - Hammersmith Apollo
Febryary 18,19,20: James Blunt - Carling Academy Brixton
February 25: Toto - Hammersmith Apollo
February 26: Violent Femmes - Shepherds Bush Empire
February 27,28: Beth Orton - Shepherds Bush Empire

I hope we'll be able to go to as many as possible!

CrestFallen - The Interview

2006-01-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the honor and pleasure to speak with Achilleas Schizas, the bass player of CrestFallen, about their debut EP "Lose My Mind," the recording process, the current status of the band, the future, the bass guitar and many more.
Here is the interview:

Q:Hello Achilleas,would you like to introduce the band and give us a brief CV of the band?
A: Sure,we are a 6 piece band,we've been around since 2002 and finally after a long time manage to record our first demo entitled "Lose my Mind."
Q:Was this the fist time you recorded in a studio enviroment?How was the experience?
A:Yes it was, it was an amazing experiense working in a professional studio, R-Mic Studios in Cyprus. Our producer,Michael Russos was fantastic at his job and was able to advise us on certain aspects of our music.
Q:How long did you play the songs before entering the studio?Did they take a different shape in the recording process?
A:Most of the songs have been around since the band started. Ever since we started we've been working on the songs and combining ideas and finally we ended up with all the tracks of "Lose My Mind."Several songs like the title track and "Spawns of Society" were around since before CrestFallen were formed but after they were played and experimented with they ended up as something which everyone contributed to. During the recording process our producer recommended many things such as the intro to Spawns of Society which used to be played on the guitar. We also experimented on violins which we decided against in the end.
Q:But do you leave this possibility open for the future?
A:We would definetely consider it and also depending on how the band evolves and which direction we choose to take.
Q:How was the reaction so far from the people that have heard the CD?
A:We have very good responses from the metal community in Cyprus but we are still in the process of trying to promote it abroad, we've already had a couple of very positive reviews and more is still to come!
Q:Are you trying to find a label? Have you send the cd to them?
A:We think it's a bit too early to start label-hunting, although we probably wouldn't turn down an opportunity. At the moment it's probably more important to create a stable fan base and then we'll see what destiny has in store for us.
Q:I like your approach!
A:Me too!
Q:How difficult is it for a band to operate when the members don't live in the same country?
A:It's not so much the distance as the compulsary military service some of us are currently serving. It's easy to send emails and ideas to each other but when you don't have the time or the opportunity to work on those ideas that's where the problem lies. But we seem to be handling the situation. Plus we're not in a hurry since we are quite confident that everything will somehow fall into place if we stick to it.
Q:How would you characterise your music? Which bands are your major influences?
A:People have different opinions on what style we play. Some people tell us we sound like In Flames or Children of Bodom, while others say we sound more like early Paradise Lost or Anathema. Our influences all vary but between all the members of CrestFallen We listen to anything from classic rock to black metal.
Q:This diversity can be heard in your cd. What is your biggest dream regarding music?
A:To become the greatest band of all time! But seriously, I think most of us will be content knowing that some random person in some random country has heard our music and liked it, after all that's what it's all about.
Q:I have a couple questions about the bass. How did you start playing it?
A:Before I say anything, I have to add that the bass parts on the demo were recorded by Mario (keyboards) due to my absense from Cyprus at the time. Now, to answer your question, my first band back in '97 needed a bassist and I offered to learn, it's as simple as that!
Q:Did you find that so easy?
A:(Laughs) It is my humble opinion that the bass guitar is easier to pick up than a guitar but harder to master.
Q:Do you feel that you've mastered it?
A:I've hardly learnt it! (Laughs)
Q:Which are the bass players that you admire?
A:There's the usual like Steve Harris and DiGeorgio, but who really influenced me was Timmy Grabber of Mercyful Fate, someone who I consider an underdog in the bassist community.
Q:All right,what are the next plans of CrestFallen?
A:I'd like to say a world tour but the truth is that for the moment we don't really know. We're going to start talking soon about composing new tracks and stuff and hopefully our next release will be a full length album.

Exclusive interview with Brian Ritchie of Violent Femmes! Part 2

2006-01-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the second part of the interview with Brian Ritchie:

Q: A film of 1994 called "Reality Bites" presents the troubled American youth of 90's. One of the characters, Roy, in one scene, plays in a concert the song "Add It Up" devoting it to his love, Lalena. How much do the lyrics and music of Violent Femmes represent the 1990s and what do you believe binds in your music the 1980s, 1990s and nowadays?
A: We think our music and lyrics are timeless and that is why we have such longevity. Our music will probably last for another 50 years, at least.
Q: Most artists are devoted in one specific instrument. In the band's biography there is a phrase that says: "Ritchie devours other instruments like a football fan devours potato chips." What is an instrument for you?
A: For me an instrument is a tool. If you are building a house you need more than just a hammer. So you get as many tools as you want or need to accomplish the task. All instruments are related, so after learning a few it is easy to expand to the others. I love playing the bouzouki for example.
Q: How many instruments do you have in your possession?
A: I have over 100 instruments from all families (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion) and my collection is growing all the time.
Q: Isn't it about time that Violent Femmes released a new album, after five years?
A: Victor (De Lorenzo, drummer) and I think so, but Gordon Gano (singer) is afraid to make an album. He is worried his mother won't like it. This is not a joke.

Deep Purple - Live In London 2006

2006-01-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

There are bands that can play. And there are bands that PLAY. Deep Purple always belonged in the second category. They built their reputation on their ability to deliver great music on stage. From the long, almost jazz, improvisations of the late 1960s to the rockier aproach of today, Deep Purple always were a LIVE band. It's no surprise that Made In Japan, the legendary live album of the 1970s is mentioned by almost every musician as his favourite live album.
Deep Purple kicked off their new world tour in London's Astoria on the 17th of January. The show was sold-out from early November and the anticipation was big, especially after the release of the excellent new album "Rapture of the Deep."
There was only one fear. The fear of relying too much on their older, classic but too-much-heard material of their back catalogue. But this was not the case this time. The band seemed to trust the new album and decided to perform live most of its songs. In addition, some of the forgotten "diamonds" of the past like "Living Wreck" were played, adding to the excitement of the audience. The show was a pure delight both for the hard-core fans and also for those who went for the first time to a Purple concert.
New songs like "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye," "Wrong Man," and "Rapture of the Deep," sounded really impressive and can easily become classic live tracks.
Others highlights of the evening were the new intro to "Highway Star," along with the always great live "Perfect Strangers" and "Space Truckin'."
Time really seems to have no bad effect on this band, just look at the way Ian Gillan performs (Ian Gillan became 60 last August). The "Rapture of the Deep" tour will probably last for the next 2 years, passing from almost every country, as usual...Don't miss the chance to see them live!

The Astoria setlist:
Pictures of Home
Things I Never Said
Wrong Man
Ted the Mechanic
Living Wreck
Rapture of the Deep
Back To Back
Before Time Began
Contact Lost
Well-Dressed Guitar
Lazy
Keyboard Solo
Perfect Strangers
Junkyard Blues
Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
Space Truckin'
Highway Star
Smoke on The Water

encores:
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
Black Night

Deep Purple in 2006:
Ian Paice: Drums
Roger Glover: Bass
Ian Gillan: Vocals
Steve Morse: Guitar
Don Airey: Keyboards

You can find pictures from the show here.

Exclusive interview with Brian Ritchie of Violent Femmes! Part 1

2006-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I had the honor and pleasure to interview Brian Ritchie (with my good friend and colleague Renee Maltezou), the founder and multi-talented bass player of the legendary Violent Femmes, the revolutionary American band of the 1980s.
Violent Femmes start a new European tour in February, playing in Greece, Ireland, U.K. and Norway. On the 26th of February they are playing in London in Shepherds Bush Empire.

Here is the first part of the interview, I hope you'll enjoy it!

Q: What is the thing that gives a band after 25 years inspiration and motivation to continue touring and composing songs? What are your plans for the future (tours, albums)?
A: We probably have different motivations for the three of us. Mine is to play the wildest bass anybody has ever heard. We have no real plans, but hopefully we will continue touring. It is my belief that it is our obligation to the fans for the decades of support we have received from them.
Q: Do you ever get bored playing in concerts?
A: It is an honor to play music for people. Anyone who gets bored should quit. I never get bored.
Q: In order for a band to survive today, is it necessary to compromise?
A: It is totally up to the musician whether or not they want to compromise their musical principles. There is always pressure from the outside, whether it's the public, record company or media, to compromise. We think we have maintained our style well.
Q: Is there any new band that has impressed you and why?
A: I respect the White Stripes for bringing minimalism back into rock.
Q: As a musician do you feel threatened by the intrusion of technology in music? How do you think music will sound 20 years from now on?
A: There is always a lot of good music going on in the world from primitive to highly technological. The main difference is that the focus is on the techno stuff right now. The pendulum always swings back and forth, so I think we'll be seeing a lot of variety from artists. Hopefully the radio and other media will accomodate this.
Q: You have played in some of the most extreme places and occasions. If you were asked, would you go to :a) Live8 b)Elton John's wedding c) an American base in Iraq?
A: It is our policy to play anywhere we are asked to. If you stay around long enough you will play some interesting gigs. For example, we played at the North Pole with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Maybe Elton John should get married at an American base in Iraq!

The second part of the interview is coming really soon!

Crest Fallen - Rising from the South

2006-01-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

They are young and talented. Devoted and ambitious. They are called Crest Fallen, and they are the band that I am introducing this month. Crest Fallen is a six-piece Cypriot band that has selected the loud music and the English language to shelter its music quests. They have managed to overcome a handful of obstacles that stood in their way (distance, army duties) and remained faithful to their aim. After many years of playing live and various member changes the group entered the studio last July and has finally now released its first demo CD, entitled "Lose My Mind."
In this new release there are four songs (I Lose My Mind, Obliterate, Spawns Of Society, Confined) of total duration 22.25 minutes. From the first notes, it is easily understood that Crest Fallen can be both melodic and loud. The band plays with sheer energy, while at times it brings out a darker, melancholic side. The compositions are strong, well-structured and can demonstrate the talent of this band.
High Points: The band’s attitude, the great intro to Spawns Of Society.
“Lose My Mind” can be bought, for the time being, through the band’s website http://www.rock-metal.net/crestfallen and at certain music stores in Cyprus.
Check them out, and stay tuned because I am preparing an interview with Crest Fallen in order to know the band better!

You can find another review of the demo here.

Bryan Harvey killed on New Years Day

2006-01-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

As it seems, 2006 didnt start very well.Bryan Harvey, singer-guitarist of House of Freaks (1980s rock) was murdered along with his wife and his two daughters in his house, in Richmond, Virginia, on New Years Day. The family was found dead in the basement of their burning house. The police is still making investigations about the crime. There are some local reports saying that the throats of the victims were cut. There was also evidence, according to sources close to the case, that some of the family members had suffered injuries resulting from blunt-force trauma.
Bryan Harvey was member of the American rock group of the 1980s House of Freaks and in the past he had formed with Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate) the group Gutterball.
I would like to express my sympathy and deep condolescenses to Bryan Harvey's family.We will always remember him through his music.

Echoes of 2005

2006-01-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all the music fans out there, and I hope all the best of things come your way! Certainly, there are many music events that we are looking forward to take place in 2006, but let's remember for a while the year that we just left behind.
2005 was a year full of music and it will be remembered for many different reasons that vary from person to person. For me, there is undoubtely one specific moment that defined the way I will remember 2005 when it comes to music.And this could be nothing else than the long-awaited - and often waited in vain - reunion of Pink Floyd at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park at the 2nd of July.Even if that brief reunion doesn't become a full-scale reunion, the evening of the 2nd of July will be etched in our memories forever.
To say that the moment that Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason appeared and performed on the same stage after 1981 was an important event is pointless.It was the moment that all the Pink Floyd fans around the world were hoping for the last 24 years,but the truth was that as the years went by,the hope was giving its place to disappointment.Yet,the dream came true and the band played again together,even only four songs.
The performance started with "Breathe", from the "Dark Side Of The Moon" album, and from the first note it was evident that these guys were enjoying playing together again.The next song was "Money", also from the same album.Then Roger Waters dedicated the next song to former member Syd Barett, and the song was no other from "Wish You Were Here" - one of the highlights of the evening.The performance ended with a stunning version of Comfortambly Numb.
Their historic appearance at Live8 was definitely a sucess and now the millions of their fans around the world hope for a new album and tour,something that right now doesn't seem very likely.But who knows what the future holds?If the impossible happened once,why not happen again?Therefore,2006 might be an even more exciting year!!

Twisting and shouting..!!

2005-12-02T04:17:00.002-08:00

It's never easy to be a hard-core fan of the Beatles..Every now and then a new recording is being discovered, a new compilation and a new DVD are being released. Also, every couple of months another magazine or a radio station is having a tribute to them or publishes an interview of them. Like the BBC Radio 4 has this Saturday at 19,00! A -never heard before- interview of John Lennon, done way back in 1970, just 8 months after the band split. OK, 'another interview, we've heard it all before', some unfaithfulls would argue..And maybe I'd be with them, if some bits of the interview weren't revealed today. John is really 'twisting and shouting' on this interview, saying things we've never heard before. I don't want to give too much information, but I know what it means to be a fan, so here are some bits of the interview:

"the circle around the band was a "portable Rome" of money, sex and drugs. "Everyone wanted in"
"We got fed up of being sidemen to Paul after Brian Epstein (Beatles manager) died, Paul took over and supposedly led us. What's leading us when you wander round in circles?"
"I'd like to list what we did and what the Stones did two months later on every album, "Mick imitates us."

I hope these bits got you excited..They surely got me!!