I found a Doves EP on Soulseek, which has 4 tracks - Hit the Ground Running, Far From Grace, Northenden and Willow Song. Have to say it is amazingly good. Very melancholic. Don’t think it’s possible to buy it anywhere (cos it was deleted on day of release) but really worth a listen if you can. (Oh yeah, I was star-spotting in Asda in Manchester over Christmas and I saw Jimmy Goodwin out of the Doves in the chilled foods aisle - hence I was cheesy enough to congratulate him on his albums and his gigs @ Glastonbury and Brixton….)
I’ve also been listening to Autumn Shade which is the second track on the Vines album - Highly Evolved. Doesnt seen like it should be on this album as most of the other tracks are post-grunge and aggressive, this one is much more atmospheric and reflective - it’s too short though, needs a second verse.
I’ve sat here in work for the last few weeks being brainwashed by Rubert Murdochs personal propaganda machine that is Sky News. Not only is the format of the programme in the mornings like some sort of gameshow, but the tone of their questioning and reporting is incredible.
They have huge plasma screens in the background with captions like “Target Iraq” and the presenter, Martin Stamford, has one of those wireless headsets strapped onto the side of his face that wouldn’t look out of place in the Eurovision song contest. Big graphics, sound effects and general dumbing down appears to be the way to attract the 21st century TV viewer who (presumably according to sky) isn’t able to stand an unbiased politicial debate or a soundbite longer than 10 seconds.
Then they have online votes that are always phrased in a certain way to enduce people into voting the way the pollster wants the outcome. Like “Given the brutal murder of a police officer in Birmingham, should Police be armed?” You see what I mean.
Finally the adverts are enough to drive me insane. Every advert is for compensation claims and Loans. Scenario : Typical 2.4 family household realise they have huge debts, ring Ocean Finance (1 call is all it takes), and package existing debt into 1 easy loan over 15 years at 36.8% APR - suddenly everyone is happy and the kids can go to Disneyland…..
Kiff was mentioning how good the New York Times can be. I found this editorial :On Media Giantism, an interesting read… You have to register though.
