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THE SMITHS.

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I was sad when the queen died.

I’m kinda indifferent about the Royal Family, as it goes.

But as with all nice(ish) people.

I don’t welcome sadness or sad events.

The Queen is Dead.

There’s an obvious, 30-year-old Smiths reference.

And I did smile wryly at two consecutive comments that I saw on some online forum or other this week.

The first comment was:

“How poignant that Morrissey. 

Over 30 years ago. 

Was able to predict this week’s albeit very sad events. 

‘Quite the Nostradamus.”

The second comment:

“Yes but Morrissey doesn’t always get it right, does he?

‘There is a Light that Never Goes Out’ is on the same album. 

And with the cost of fucking electricity that will clearly be proven a load of old bollocks this winter.”

Aww.

How sweet.

Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS7wF2E9-GQ.

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In BUSINESS

AGAIN.

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Everyone’s whispering.

Leaning in to each other.

And whispering.

Which is unfortunate for some.

Because some are wearing hats.

And their hats bump gently against the forehead of the person they’re talking to.

It’s OK though.

They both just smile.

Today is no day for battling.

You. 

You watch this happen from above.

Well.

It feels like above.

The only thing you know for sure is that you can see them.

All 30 of them.

But they can’t see you.

30.

By the way.

30.

30 is a good number, right?

Although hang on.

You knew a shitload more than 30 people when you were alive.

But people are busy, aren’t they?

So for 30 of them to come out today is, ‘a good show.’

Right?

Sad. 

The bit you feel most sad about.

Most stupid about.

Most frightened about.

Is the song you chose.

Because you know what’s coming.

Because you know the lyric.

And the lyric reminds you of the times you chose to stare at your fucking laptop.

And got tetchy with your 6 year old daughter.

When she asked you to help her make perfume.

From petals.

And you said no.

Because you were in the middle of corralling your very important thoughts for your very important presentation.

Fire and Rain.

It’s not the whole song that makes your breath shiver as you breathe in.

Then hold that breath.

And close your eyes.

And think back.

It’s just the bit where James says.

And keeps fucking saying.

“But I always thought I’d see you again.”

www.50odd.co.uk/again

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In CREATIVITY

THOM.

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When an artist starts repeating themselves.

Because they think that’s what people want.

It’s all over.

That’s what Thom says about art.

And it’s what I say about business.

Thom.

Here’s Thom Yorke on Desert Island Discs.

Extended version.

It is early morning.

Or lunchtime.

Coffee.

Pottering.

Background listening.

https://www.50odd.co.uk/thom/.

 

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In MUSIC

SILENT.

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The first 20 seconds of this song are silent.

It’s the kind of thing Mark did.

And since Mark died in February 2019.

No music quite like this will ever be made again.

I imagine his two sons listening to this.

Feeling proud.

Forget our fate
The pedlar sings
Set up to sell my soul
I’ve lived a life for wealth to bring
And yet I’ll gaze
The colour of spring
Immerse in that one moment
Left in love with everything
Soar the bridges
That I burnt before
One song among us all
Soar the bridges
That I burnt before
One song among us all

Here: https://www.50odd.co.uk/silent

 

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In CREATIVITY

UP IN A BALLOON.

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When I made music in my 20’s and 30’s.

It was fun.

Pete and I wrote songs with great care.

Influenced by The Gin Blossoms.

Oasis.

And Iggy Pop.

Careless.

Sometimes, however.

We cared less than that.

Sometimes.

We relaxed.

And that’s when we wrote songs for Buff Carradine.

And lead guitarist Tommy ‘Salt & Vinegar’ Timpson.

(We never addressed or explained the ‘Salt & Vinegar’ part).

Buff Carradine.

Buff Carradine is.

(In his own mind).

Errol Flynn.

Buff wears smart shirts.

Cuban heels.

Lots of aftershave.

Cufflinks.

And he winks at people.

Sleazy.

Buff sings about magicians.

Pink and yellow balloons.

Black bow ties.

Chandeliers.

And his sleaziness creeps unapologetically into the lyrics of every song.

It’s just the way Buff is.

Up In A Balloon.

Anyhow.

Have a listen.

(Pete (Tommy) sings the first two verses.

I (Buff) sing from the first chorus to the end).

Up in a balloon (original).

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In MUSIC

THE GREEN LINE.

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For a year of my life.

Up here in Newcastle upon Tyne.

I travelled The Green Line.

About 5 times a week.

Every week.

The Green Line.

I lived in Kingston Park.

I worked in South Shields.

That meant I travelled the entirety of the Z-Shaped green line on The Metro.

One end.

To the other.

Kid A.

As I travelled.

I snoozed.

As I snoozed.

I listened to Kid A.

One end.

To the other.

Radiohead. 

I listened to this Radiohead album as my sheepdog, Colin, now listens to me talk.

His head twisting slowly.

Clockwise.

Then anticlockwise.

As I converse with Colin.

His eyes on mine throughout.

As he tries.

Hard.

To fathom the noises I make.

That. 

That’s how I listened to Kid A.

2021.

I listened to it again.

Just now.

And yes.

I listened just the same as I did 20 years ago.

Here it is:

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In MUSIC

REMEMBER ME.

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OK here are the lyrics.

For the whole song.

See if you can remember them all.

Ready?

Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes
Remember me?
I’m the one who had your baby’s eyes

Bit repetitive, that.

Nice song though.

https://www.50odd.co.uk/remember-me/.

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In MUSIC

BITTER SWEET.

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You know the video.

Where Richard Ashcroft sings a great tune.

(Bitter Sweet Symphony).

And simultaneously behaves like a very rude bastard.

By bumping into people as he walks down the road.

A Simple Concept.

The video is a simple concept.

Exploring what happens when a man walks in a straight line.

Down a busy high-street.

Regardless of who else is there.

Alternative Ending.

Anyhow.

If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if Mr. Ashcroft did actually walk down a street just bumping into people.

In real life.

Here’s the answer.

https://www.50odd.co.uk/bitter-sweet/.

 

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