My Back Pages

The album cover is a lost artform. These days, they seem to be nothing more than a generic picture photoshopped to within an inch of their life. But even more of a lost artform is the back album cover. With physical releases on the downward spiral, even the front cover can still seem like a small icon. The backalbum cover always for me had more charm than the front, with the pasted on texture in the 60s and usually black and white photos, free of a barcode. The album's move to CD in the 80's led to the re-release of rocks back catalogue, but the back cover suffered. They were ahrinked down to size, the pictures and the text often relegated to the inside of the booklet.

One such instance was the back album cover for Buffalo Springfield Again, released at the end of 1967. The front album cover holds no appeal for me, and is heavily dated. The back however is a beast, with a horizontal list of "friends, enemies and people we don't know from Adam" with the text layout by famed rock photographer Henry Ditz. Looking ath the list is an interesting experience, with most of the names from rock royalty (with the humerous aside of "Ringo"), various blues legends and even Fidel which seemed daring for the time. The five names larger than the others reveal their influences, Fred Neil and Bob Gibson being Stephen Stills' big folk incluences, Ken Koblum a bass player Neil Young knew who "Broken Arrow" is also dedicated too and finally Jack Nitzche the famed orchestrator who produced "Expecting to Fly" who would begin a long association with Young. The credits for the indiviual songs are also illuminating. Back in this era, it was important that bands seemed a unit, even if most tracks had sidemen in the backing. Here, not pretense is needed and it simply lists who plays, revealing that pretty much nowhere did the band play on all tracks. David Crosby was the uncredited write of "Rock and Roll Woman" alongside the credited writer and band member Stephen Stills, but as he was signed with Columbia he simply gets his own "inspiration" credit in the songs credit, a sort of "wink wink" to those who knew". The band shows its humouress side too, listing 11, 386 (sic) guitar parts for "Bluebird" and dedicating "Mr Soul" to the women of Hollywood. All of this charm is lost when relegated to the inside of a CD case, and even more so in the digital age. Sigh.

Still Stills

I still can't help, nearly a year after I wrote my first blog on him how much I think of Stephen Still's music and how much it means to me. Through the good and the hard times, his music pulls me through as I listen to his soulful vocals and pick up on his player. Unfortantly, he is too underrated in music these days, overshadowed by his more prodigious colleague in Buffalo Springfield and CSNY, Neil Young. Their love-hate relationship over the past 50 years has resulted in some excellant music, and heartworming tributes. I've often heard of Stills' less than stellar self esteem, which makes me empathathise through my own trials through life. Young sees Stills like his brother, and has said Crosby and Nash don't "get" him like he does. Young's recent Buffalo Springfield reunion and getting Stills to appear on Americana are his attempts to bring Stills (often) talent to the publics attention, as does this blog. I listen now to his soulful harmony on Young's version of "Oh Lonesome Me" and get shivers across me. How can someone sing that way? He has talked of a new album and I hope it comes to pass. Man Alive!, his last solo work came out in 2005 and it was pretty decent. His voice is unfortantly shot, but solo and without attempting the CSN harmonies it hides the limitations. He has even encouraged me to get a hollow body Gretsch. I can't get his white falcon one as it costs a fortune, especially left handed but I will give the orange glow one a go. Cheers Mr. Stills, and bring out the box set already.

A great feeling

I'm feeling very good at the moment; for the future and the present and it is the first time in a long time I have felt this way. I feel I can do anything. Thank you.

"remember me to one who lives there"

Travelling

I haven't travelled in a while now. The last time I went was to Mexico, which was over a year ago. That seems in the distant past now, so i'm itching to go somwhere new and have an adventure again instead of being stuck here. I've been to Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, the USA and Mexico. What next? Suggestions please.

Another gone

So, another relationship has gone. I was seeing the lady in question on and off for three months, and she says via the net (but of course in the digital world) that she can't be with me. She tried, but she just can't. I just hate this. My life in the last year seems to have been endless heartache at women not being able to decide what they want in their life. I know i'm abit needy, but I don't ask for anything special. Just for someone to like me for who I am, and not to hide me and be proud they are with me. I've been dumped 7 times in the last seven years and only one has done it in person, there seems to be a basic lack of disrespect in the digital age. She lives 20 mininutes away, is it that much trouble?

Most of the issues in this one revolved around me getting annoyed when she would cancel, or try and change plans at short notice. I don't think this is the worst crime in the world, it comes down to some respect for me and my time. If I have planned something, I just like that it is followed through. I also had issues that she would not tell her friends about me. We had been together awhile, why the big secret? When we were together though, we were special and had alot of chemistry and we had a good future together. It is a shame though those times seem so few now. I recognise i'm not the easiest person to get on with; i'm stubborn and often want my own way. But I am not a bad person, and I can be very affectionate and loving. I feel as if she is just clinging for excuses, the lady must be the only person I have heard of complain that I wanted to do something that was she wanted to do for no other reason that it interested her and I wanted to share. WTF? I was also dumped on this day last year, maybe August is not a good month for me. Maybe some Dylan can cheer me up, he's got a new album out next month dontchya know..

Sorry to vent.

Salvation

I finally have my laptop back after nearly 3 months without. Go me :)

My favourite scene in cinema history

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Well probably anyway, it certainly always makes me tingle with goosebumps. It;s from Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) by Sergio Leone. In the scene, Jill (Claudia Cardinale) arrived in Flagstone to meet her husband McBain who isn't waiting. The scene shows everything I love about the western. The isolation, the clothes, the music, the scenary. It is the ultimate tribute the western. Leone's previous films tended to be ona  smaller scale, so when the camera pans up he is showing off his town set. It is interesting to note that unlike most films, Ennio Morricone's score was actually composed before the film was shot after reading the script and instructions so Leone is actually able to stage it to the music which works up a wonderful moment as the camera finally pans up.

Also included are the only scenes shot in America, in Monument Valley. This setting was a regular feature in films by Leone's hero John Ford, and he is paying tribute to him as he allows the camera to capture the setting in all it's glory. Beautiful.

"take the ribbon from your hair"

Ok Ok. So I said I wouldn't do me updates on my blog for a while, but with my laptop still broke I could not help it :P Internet cafes are a fustrating experience of smelly old men looking at escorts and money down the drain, but I need to keep tabs on my life :D For some reason I am trying to grow a beard at the moment. It's been nearly 4 weeks now, and people are only starting too notice it which is a start. I've got the 'tash and bottom bits, but none of the connected parts. I'm going to keep it till my birthday and see how it looks.

The European Championships have been , and another German heartbreak for me as they excited at the semis again. I'm not genius, but even I could tell Low was wrong to stick an out of form Podolski and a pedastrian (no matter how hard my man crush for him is) Gomez. Gomez is a great finisher, but lacks the killer instinct and needs more than one chance a game. I still love his George McFly hairdo though. There is also a lack of men; one friend told me they just looked like nice pretty boys. I can see her point, there is no leaders like Effenberg and Kahn. It's hard to say what their chance will be in the World Cup in 2 years, especially with Spain creating history. Their 4-6-0 formation worked better than Roma's in 2008, yet I hope it doesn't take form in the rest of the game as forwards have been such a unique part of the game. Plus advertising would go down the crapper, defenders just don't sell shirts.

Life's been good

A quick update: Things are going pretty well at the moment. Enjoying the people at work, I have money to buy nice things and I can finally hear again! When they finally cleared, it was like swimming and your ears coming good again. I can't describe it, it is like I can hear better than I ever can; sometimes that is a curse and I'm still driving my colleagues nuts with my country music. On the downside, my old laptop died (luckily I saved all the info before) and my new one cracked it's screen after 9 days so it is out of commison. I also met a lady last month who chose to prioritise a cinema visit with nobodys over arranged plans with me, but it is her loss. I will get better luck soon i'm sure, but things are alright. I will write about something that is not me soon I swear :D

Common ground

For years, me and my Dad have struggled to find common ground. We never agree on most things, but we can carry a conversation well. He is money orientated, and is generally right wing. I am not, and am generally left wing learning towards socialism. He is emotionally distant, I lay mine bare. He is logical, I am not. He supports whatever I do which I am grateful for, but we never shared a passion until I discovered one we share.

You see, my Dad loves to collect vinyl records; a hobby I and also my twin brother share. Sure, we all collect different kinds, but it is so nice to actually share an interest and discuss it. My Dad collects northern soul records from his youth and then likes to sell them for a profile (see, money), my twin likes to collect hardcore/grind music to listen to where as I collect Bob Dylan vinyl just to say I have it. I don't even own a record player at the moment, but I have a ton of Dylan (and other truth be told) vinyl that I hope one day I will listen too. Because of my "issues", I tend to collect brand new releases only. My Dad has advised me on new places to get some, and just the joy of collecting. So, while we may not agree on everything it is nice to know that after nearly 27 years I can finally say me and my Father have the same hobby :D

P.S. I have been told many times recently I mince when I walk. I think that is rather endearing!

Being deaf

Well, for over the past week I have been deaf. Well I can still hear slightly, but with a 90 percent hearing loss as my ears are blocked. The pain of finally registering with a doctor, plus the incompitance of the A & E I went to is fustrating. Yesterday I thought to myself "oh I work in a hospital, why not go to A & E" now. I wait for 2 hours as you do, only for a 2 minute encounter with the GP who tells me "you need to go see your own GP". Well no shit, that is why I am seeing you! Gah the mind boggles. It was Iestyn's 3rd birthday on Monday, and I couldn't hear much of what he was saying to me. We had fun though, he enjoyed the Cars Duplo set I got him.

The one main advantage to being mostly deaf is that I get to avoid all the inane conversations on the tube. Trust me, you will be thankful for that one. The disadvantages fair outweigh that though. There is a constant ringing in my left ear that is surely torture in some form, I get to miss out on great music,  I keep on bumping into people as I can't hear them pass and my new favourite word is "what?".

Don Jupp's revenge

On Wednesday, Jupp Heynckes finally got his revenge. The FC Bayern manager finally got his revenge on Real Madrid, knocking them out of the Champions League. The same team where two players bought for near 150 euros couldn't score a penalty between them.  Back in 1998 he was Real Madrids coach when they won their first Champions League trophy in 32 years. The trophy that they always crave; and was sacked 6 days later for his troubles. That pales in comparison to the sackings of Del Bosque in '03 and Capello in '07. He still doesn't get the credit he deserves, with many stating the players coached themselves. The photo above proves the players admiration for the man named Osram and Don Jupp. This year he leads the FC Bayern players out for the final in Munich against Chelsea. This is the third time he has managed them, and his sacking in 1991 Uli Hoeness states is his biggest regret. He's provided a steady hand over Louis van Gaal's huge ego and defensive frailities, and hopefully will win in 3 weeks time. He often doesn't get the credit he deserves at both clubs, which is a testement to his unasuming character and lack of ego; his records in the CL over his club career reads: two semi finals, 2 finals only going out in '90 to AC Milan and '91 to Red Star Belgrade, two of the greatest club sides of any era. Tactically he is pretty astute preferring a passing game build around a strong central midfield, with plenty of width of the flanks.

Here's to one of football's nice guys.

P.S. Last time I did a football blog I fucked up pretty badly with the prediction. I won't make one for the final, I will just hope Bayern Win. a guy can dream right?

a quote

"Well, there are three things men can do with women: love them, suffer for them, or turn them into literature. I've had my share of success and failure at all three."

Stephen Stills gave this quote to Rolling Stone magazine in the early 70s, and it grabbed me when I first read it In this one quote, he shows how deeply someone can care for a woman, and experience three different and strong emotions for just one woman.

"You've got a friend in me"

"There's something happening here"

Stephen Stills is one of my favourite songwriters. I say that, because well at his peak during the late 60s till the mid 70s, he delivered guitar work and love song writing that was second to none. He started off as arguably the leader of the short lived but much influential Buffalo Springfield, and looked set for the better solo career than his bandmate Neil Young and it's not hard to see why. Gorgeous melodies, soulful vocals and sublime guitar playing. He wrote and sang lead on their only hit "For What it's Worth". At his peak he was the white Ray Charles.

When he joined forces with David Crosby and Graham Nash in '68, he referred to them as his harmony singers and he's not wrong, playing all the non strumming guitar, bass and keyboards parts on their landmark 1969 debut. In theory, the band shouldn't have worked. Still has an odd, gruff singing voice, Crosby has a poor rock and roll but gorgeous harmony voice and Nash sounds, well to be blunt a kid. Yet it worked. Crosby was used to singing the high parts in the Byrds, yet here he blended well with Stills' vocals. Yet the lyrics. Oh the lyrics. The opening on their debut "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" must go down as one of the best songs of the time. Stills has an unorthodox setting for the guitar. Most songs in popular music are set to EADGBE while for this, and many other Stills song it's set to EEEEBE. Check out the Woodstock performance for the proof.

Many critics, like Robert Christgau, dismiss Stills as a chauvinist but I think he has got it wrong. Still if anything puts women on a pedastal, constantly insecure in his songs and who thinks he is inferior. The songs where he seems to be full of it are just bluster. In "Change Partners", he seems to be wounded by the ladies dancing with others. Neil Young has actually said Stills is full of doubt and has low self confidence. Someone I can relate too. It's unfortanate he blew all his talent in coke binges. I saw him live in 2010, and while his voice is gone, his guitar playing was very good.


Oh yeah. and he also had kick ass side burns.