A Lark Ascending

Yeah Yeah Yeah

Deliberately so in the books. Enjoyed the TV versions but they don't quite catch the tongue-in-cheek of the novels. I'm planning on reading at least one of the books, so I'll found out what the differences are. You need to read them as if Atkinson is saying 'now how can I make the next step even more preposterous'. She's got a wicked sense of humour and the characters are beautifully drawn. I loved the relationship between the Scottish girl, the professor and the baby in one of the novels. The films miss out one of the daftest concepts - Brodie is bequeathed a fortune by a strange woman at the end of book 1; by book 3, after relocating to France, he's lost it all after marrying a woman who promptly absconds with all the money. You just have to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride - a bit like opera!

Deliberately so in the books. Enjoyed the TV versions but they don't quite catch the tongue-in-cheek of the novels.

Sip in a bottle:

Rumour has it that, with global warming, you'll be sending us those to.

I had one of those on my first two cheapo record players - only way I could keep the stylus in the groove.

Thanks to Simon Cowell & Elton John, we're still running at a deficit, though. Yes, sorry about that. I'm sure the Queen will apologise when we get round to apologising for burning down the White House. I thought that was the Appalachians? Texas too?

I suspect it's a pretty essential marketing angle for a lot of musicians. How do you get people into your concert rather than someone else's? How do you get them to buy your album rather than someone else's? You provide a hook, a point of familiarity. Reflective of the times we live in - the Retromania of Simon Reynolds book I mentioned a while back. Classical music is well ahead of the game on this. For decades it's convinced people to keep buying the same works on the grounds that the new version of Beethoven 5 is a stunning, innovative challenge to orthodox interpretations. All needs taking with a pinch of salt - I've enjoyed many a 'tribute' concert, hearing Ellington or Horace Silver tunes played live (or on record) by others (much of Britain's Alan Barnes career is built round such things...I suspect he is one of the few who can sustain a career in jazz in Britain playing jazz). I think it's the term 'tribute' that irritates - it's not a 'tribute to the music of...' but an understandable 'marketing angle making use of the music of...'.

'Trick or Treaters' on a spit over a large fire. Ranks with McDonalds, Starbucks and syphilis as one of the more unwelcome imports from the Americas.

I look forward to "Bill F and Eric Clapton Play Jimmy Yancey: Live at The Manchester Free Trade Hall' ***** I dabbled with a guitar for a few years in my 20s and can strum along behind raucous pupil Xmas carols. I do a mean 'Good King Wenceslas/Ghost Riders in the Sky' medley.

Another flying woman of service:

Ah yes...a couple of weeks early...half term this week I think?!? Maybe you could do your 'Tribute to Xmas' show in these parts from Dec 21st to Jan 2nd?

Do they do a pocket version for the iPod?

That thing could probably keep a small English town lit.

Just watched the last of the Krister Henriksson 'Wallander' series (2). Can't believe that's it. There were so many wonderful characters (including the beach at Ystad). However, 'The Killing II' is heading this way (November 12th, has been suggested).

Moi aussi. Enjoyed the Johnny Dodds starter. Not so keen on Blossom Dearie - much prefer the Irene Kral 'Spring Can...' played earlier in the year. And the Double Six of Paris are really setting my teeth on edge...though when they go for a Ricard and leave Dizzy to it things improve!