Jimmy Campbell - "Michaelangelo". I know at least one person who blogs here who might like it too (Hello Carole).

As you were.

(like mum would have wanted me to write)

It took me a while, but I finally got round to sticking those mix CDs from the last Mingle into my crusty old stereo. I just wanted to say thanks to those who took the time/trouble/care. Each one was much appreciated.

Sadly, I must admit I'll never be a huge fan of modern Pop (sorry, Bob) but a couple of tracks stood out, notably Keren Ann and Robyn. It's not them, it's me, he whispered tearfully... Anyway, many thanks for the generous gesture.

Whoever did the mix with the picture of a psychedelically-painted van on the cover (and no username credit) - I loved it! Apart from anything else, it introduced me to the unexpected delight of "C'mon" by Man, a band who I'd never have thought I'd like (the "welsh Grateful Dead"? Away wi' ye...). I also loved "Small Car" by Marvin Pontiac - ounds like a Ze records track from c.1979? (I could be horribly wrong, possibly not for the first time...)

I've also very much enjoyed DFB's mix - the Joe Pesci track was a highlight, but it was all interesting.

Rosbif's CD had some lovely as well - need to listen over time to digest it all properly.

Thanks again, all.

I've just read the 100th issue.
The Pierces. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh.

Life isn't fair, is it? I need a lie down now. *fans middle aged self*

The suits! The Shirts! The cheesy showbiz intro! The bored-as-hell session cats in the background! It's perfect.

And the song's great.

I could really do with cheering up.

Split this week with my new girlfriend (that lasted less time than some showbiz marriages). Feeling bored, depressed, frustrated in general, never mind my ineptitude with relationships.

Sorry folks, I wasn't going to post this, then self indulgence won over good sense. Anyway, it would be very cool if anyone can help cheer me up. If not, no worries - I'm heading down the pub soon and alcohol will (of course) cure everything.

Oh, and if this bores the tits off anyone, well, can't say I blame you entirely. But please, keep it to yourself. Trust me, I don't need to know.

This morning, at work (for the Community Equipment Service, part of Adult Social Care), I noticed an equipment requisition for a Mrs Evelyn King, with the filename: "Req (for requisition) King Evelyn".

My first thought (misreading "req"):
"Wow - Reg King! Wasn't he the lead singer with The Action?"

2nd Thought (on reading it properly):
"Evelyn King! Do her friends call her "Champagne"?"

This is probably a very silly question on this website, but:-
Does anyone else out there suffer from Involuntary Pop Obscurity Name Recognition Syndrome?

Is it so very wrong to see a double CD of "SEVENTIES POWER BALLADS!" in HMV and *really* want to buy it?

Must... resist...

In her obit this morning, I read that she was a victim of a gang rape as a young girl. She told an interviewer that later on, she had tracked down each of the five attackers, and taken a horrible (unspecified) revenge.

Respect, frankly.

- The Word Massive mingle in London on 7th, especially the cake, free CD, and great company

- the Egyptian revolution. Isn't it glorious?

- this extract from a tweet, reprinted in the paper, by an Egyptian protester: "I feel like even the wind, the wind is new and the wind is different. Even the wind and the ground we walk on has changed". That's fantastic. Can you imagine any British protester - anyone in Britain, come to that - expressing such sentiments in such a way?

- seeing Patti Smith at the Art Deco masterpiece that is the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, along with half of my local friends from Hastings, and every lesbian in a 10-mile radius. Patti was even better than I expected - and I expected much.

I've had a trying week (work and family "issues" which, however tempted I feel, I'll decline to bore you all with)... Also, I hate January. It's a looming ogre of a month, stooping to bite into my well-being and positivity (a meagre bite at the best of times).

Luckily, this exists, and life has suddenly become a little more bearable:
The Association - Come On In

These men strike me as splendid coves and well worth your attention. "Tactical Nuclear Penguin" anyone?

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/give-us-...

I realise that this is unbelievably self-regarding as a first "proper" blog post, so apologies in advance.

Today, Election Day, is also my birthday (also Tony Blair's and George Clooney's - make of that what you will...). I'm 43, friends tell me I look 10 years younger, still have at least some of my own hair and teeth. I've already voted, as I have the day off - Labour, since you asked.

Simple Question 1: can you recommend a piece of music, book, film, or maybe even a piece of art, to me? Ideally something new/unheard, but it really doesn't matter. Just a random selection would be fine.

Simple Question 2: can you give me a piece of good advice?

Simple Question 3: can you tell me something nice about your day today?

Thank you gentle ladies, gentle men...