Entertainment For Lively Minds
Intervention
I was going to talk a little bit about Arcade Fire's Intervention from 2007's Neon Bible. "Awww" I said to myself, back then. "That sounds Christmassy!" Before I'd heard the lyrics, obviously.
I was going to offer my sub-Greil Marcus theory on Intervention. About how it must be one of the most terrifyingly prescient songs ever written. Historically, it lies at a precise intersection between post-War trauma and financial ruin. Win Butler's radar appears to have anticipated the coming Crash - karmic payback for the Middle East, perhaps - and the timely lyrics seem to bear this out ("The useless seed is sown"; "There are some debts you'll never pay").
As my Canadian aunt points out, Canadians do a really good line in malaise.
So, I was going to suggest Intervention as the unofficial anthem for 2011. And also say that if, as some of us suspect, the unspecified Bad Thing that's going to happen to the UK is going to happen in 2012, then: fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
But sod it. I've got some good news for a change. I've been holding off posting this, as I'm mindful that some here are facing redundancy in the New Year. I'm so sorry. I hugely hope your fortunes change.
But after the kind of year I've had (break-ups / suicides / generally screwed over), I can only think God must be a fan of the naffest and most contrived Docu-soap 'Journeys'.
After 2 years unemployment, I start work on 9 January, for a magazine.
More than that, on the 5th Jan I've a job interview with a well known listings mag for a major editorial post. Down to the last 8 people for interview, which is extraordinary and fantasy land in itself, but made even better (and a fraction more relaxed) by knowing I'll have the buffer of a real-life job to fall back on if I don't get it.
Dunno how long this luck will last. Dunno how long this *job* will last. But it'll make things slightly more comfortable in the short term.
I'm seeing out 2011 tonight with my mum, who's similarly taken all this filthy year had to chuck at us and then some. Enormous hugs to those suffering in their own way during what has proved, for quite a few, to be a deeply appalling 12 months.
Huge thank yous to those who gave support, comfort and friendship during this time - it meant, and means, more than you could know. This Blog is filled with warm and decent people. You.
So. Happy New Year. May 2012 treat you with love, kindness and respect.
xxx
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Great stuff Stick - made up for you
I don't think there's any one here who - knowing what you've been through recently - wouldn't be wishing you all the best, whatever their personal circumstances.
Intervention is a great song off a much maligned album. Nice pick for anthem of the year.
All the best to you and yours mate.
Thanks Paul
Absolutely same to you :)
Right back 'atcha Stick.
Let's hope your well deserved good fortune is long lasting and infectious. Happy New Year everyone.
You have taught me a lesson this year
(amongst many other members of the massive) and that's to count my blessings. Good luck with the interview and or the job, glad you're getting some good fortune. Long may it continue. Happy new year to you and any other massive members reading this and may all your troubles be small ones x
Good Luck
for your future, and that 2012 is a better year for you
Good luck Stick, hope it all
Good luck Stick, hope it all goes well for you and the same to the rest of the Massive, good luck and hope you all experience happiness in 2012.
All the above echoed..
..from up here. Very glad to see you've come through it all Stick. All best for 2012.
Hi mate
Great to hear that life is looking up.
I enjoyed the time we spent twitting around in the studio this year and took some real inspiration away from the sessions with you and the others that I hope to turn into something tangible next year.
Have a great 2012 and I look forward to more happy posts.
Good to hear that things are looking up
And always glad of some respect for Neon Bible, which I reckon is a fine album, far better than their most recent.
If a lyric sums up what it is to live in the West in late 2011 better than "nothing lasts forever, that's the way it's gotta be, there's a big black wave in the middle of the sea", then I have yet to hear it.
Merry New Year everyone.
Congratulations, Stick
Enjoy the future!
We're just off down the village pub for an hour or two.
It's going to be a difficult stagger. And I mean on the way there, not on the way back, because we'll have all our fingers and toes crossed for you, Stick. All the very best for the rest of this ghastly year, and even more for the one to come.
Brilliant news.
Congratulations. And I look forward to hearing that you fucking NAILED the other interview when I see you at the Mingle on Friday!
Arcade Fire are bloody rubbish
But with that out of the way, I wish you the best of luck in 2012. Hope you get the other job.
Delighted for you Stick
Have a wonderful, fulfilling 2012.
Excellent!
Congratulations on the job and good luck on the amazing one!
You deserve it all.
instant karma
Being fairly new here
I haven't been following your story but boy do you deserve this break. I hope 2012 brings you and your mum some Good Things. The best to you, Stick. Cheers.
Hey Stick
I was really moved by your recent dignified posts re working for the post office so am DELIGHTED at this news. All the best to you and those you hold dear x
Thank you Susie
And a magnificent 2012 to you and yours x
This has really made my day
Good news at last - and best of luck for the interview. Let's hope this is only the the start of better things in 2012 for everyone.
I've never been a huge fan of Arcade Fire but (thanks to Little Steven) the one song of theirs I am particularly fond of is Intervention.
That's great Stick
An uplifting story to start the year - all the very best
Nice one Stick
I've only just seen this, lovely news. All the very best for the interview on the 5th, you'll be fab.
Great news -
and good luck on Thursday! Will be thinking of you.
*puts up bunting*
Rah rah rah! X