No sure if anyone else has posted this (I had a look but could not see it anywhere) - but here is Bobby McFerrin at the World Science festival shwoing the power of the pentatonic scale - really interesting.

As it's the last day of January & it's usually quite a bleak month (new year resolutions were broken on the 5th, post Christmas blues, freezing cold etc. etc.), I thought I would try & spread a little joy amongst the massive.

What songs have you enjoyed listening to this January? Pick one or two that you have liked & I will compile it all into one Spotify playlist & then post the link for your perusal. It doesnt have to be a new song, just anything that has staved off those January blues.

Here are mine;

The Maccabees - Pelican

The Human League - Seconds

As I bagsied The National in the Claim Your Artist thread, here is some news;

The National will curate this year's Nightmare Before Christmas edition of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival, which takes place December 7-9 at Butlins Holiday Centre in Minehead, England.

In addition to the National, the Antlers, Owen Pallett, Tim Hecker, Sharon Van Etten, Lower Dens, Wye Oak, My Brightest Diamond, Megafaun, Kronos Quartet, Suuns, Dark Dark Dark, and Buke and Gass are also confirmed to play, with more to be announced.

I can't wait!

I was sent this link today & am mightily impressed with it so thought I should share. Apologies if someone has beat me to it - I couldn't see it anywhere.

I just can't picture turning up for a band practice & saying 'let's all 5 of us play the one guitar' without being lambasted by my bandmates for being daft!

I also love this video of the Ukes incorporating 5 songs into one & it not sounding rubbish.

Does anyone have any other great examples of these clever music ideas?

I have been in work for the last 3 days(boo!) & these songs have been keeping me going. I thought I should share the love and hopefully spread some joy to anyone who is either bored at work or sick of daytime TV at home!

Does anyone have anything they would like to share? Anything to make the day go quicker :)

The 2 Bears - Take a Look Around

Wilco - One Sunday Morning

Agnes Obel - Just So (I heard this on the latest version of the Borrowers that was on TV over Christmas & loved it)

Exactly what it says - What's the most expensive gig you have been to?

I'll get us started;

Leonard Cohen - I've seen him twice & each time it's been £75 for the tickets (not including the extortionate booking fees!) I am happy to report that even at those prices it was value for money & he did an excellent show each time.

Prince - The ticket price wasnt much (£31.21 if I remember correctly) but if I factor in the drive down to the 02 arena from Manchester & then back again straight afterwards it was a steep one. I only mention this as out of the 21 nights he did I happened to be at the one that was regarded as the worst (10th August if you want to know) so it hit the pocket that bit harder.

I once got tickets to see the National at the Scala in London and the booking fees & postage ended up being more than the ticket! It ended up being about £28 for a £13.50 ticket!! They must wear stripey tops & masks at these booking agencies.

New series starting tonight;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0155h78

Nick Lowe on next week too

For me I would have to pick Michael Nymans 'Wonderland' for the score as i contains most of my favourite pieces of his.
Soundtrack wise its a toughie. It's probably between Amelie or Trainspotting. Although there are a few tracks on each that I skip, I still think that the soundtrack is hugely important to both films & very well chosen.

Any particular favourites amongst the massive?

Michael Nyman - Dan (OST - Wonderland)

Me & the future Mrs seanioio have decided to get some cats & are struggling with the naming! We definitely want names with a music or literary theme but have not agreed on anything yet so the help of the massive would be appreciated.
Originally we were quite keen on Bernard & Hooky as we are both fans of New Order. However, we have put some money down on female cats so the names dont really go! I am keen on Aretha & Martha whereas Belle & Sebastian is the choice for Mrs S.

Anyone any ideas?

Apologies if this has already been posted, but this did impress me;

http://worldfamousdesignjunkies.com/posters/beer-chart-rap-chart/attachm...

Shorty Shitstain is a personal favourite!

Good morning,

Whilst on the MP3 store on Amazon last night I came across an excellent free album. Its a Sub Pop sampler & has some great tunes on by The Vaselines, The Shins, The Postal Service, Iron & Wine, Nirvana etc. Its called Digital Bang: Sub Pop's Amazon Sampler & is well worth downloading, seeing as its free & everything! :)

Enjoy!

I have 2 tickets for sale for K’Naan at the Hoxton square bar & grill for tonight (Monday 6th Sept.) The face value of each ticket is £15 but I am selling the pair for £15……what a bargain I hear you cry!

Unfortunately I can no longer go which is a real pity as he is one of the best live artists around & it’s a good opportunity to see him in such a small venue. I'm not a ticket tout, I just really don’t want the tickets to go to waste which is why I am selling them at less than face value.

If you are interested I work on the southbank near blackfriars bridge so could meet after work or this afternoon.

On the way to work this morning I had the ipod on random & ‘Coma’ by Guns N Roses came up. I do appreciate a bit of G’N R when the mood takes me, but in this case I fast forwarded immediately! The reason was that as at over ten minutes I do find that it grates a bit after a while & quite frankly bores the hell out of me!
This got me thinking, are there any ten minute + songs that I do genuinely enjoy listening to. I can think of 3; Anyone else any ideas??

1 – Babe I’m On Fire – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

2 – I Dream A Highway – Gillian Welch

3 – Emily – Joanna Newsom

Anyone else any ideas??

Not a band that I would consider myself to be a fan of, but I felt I must share this new song.
A colleague of mine (who is a big AF fan) introduced me to it & I was very pleasantly surprised;

I have just been listening to a bit of James on Spotify & came across this number;

I know that Morrissey can be self pitying, but come on Tim Booth, this is pathetic!! Man up will you!!

Can anyone do any better?? I’m sure the massive will provide many more whiny tunes. Come on, do me proud!