Albums
Skyscraper - David Lee Roth
Skyscraper - David Lee Roth
I originally purchased this album as a result of a discussion about Steve Vai. I have often come across people who think he is a top notch guitarist and as I hadn't really heard much of him, I asked someone to recommend an album on which he was at his best, and this one came up, rather handily it happened to be in an HMV sale at the time. David Lee Roth is probably better known as the front man of Van Halen, and on this album Vai plays the guitar parts.
The album itself is reasonably passable eighties rock, in the tradition of such groups as Whitesnake and I presume Van Halen as well. It isn't bad, some good tracks, some pretty poor ones and a Beach Boys cover as the opening song. I didn't really get the point of that, I suppose Roth just felt like singing a Beach Boys song. There is nothing spectacular, Roth doesn't seem to be the greatest vocalist in the world, but he isn't offensively bad, the artists who recorded with him seem to know their jobs.
Which brings us back to the original question, Steve Vai. I am not convinced I understand why people get so excited about him, but he is pretty good. Steady riff work, reasonably solos, a very good widdler, although on the basis of this album it may be his only trick. Reasonable, but not special. A bit like the album.
Recommended to:
-eighties rock fans
-David Lee Roth fans (probably)
-Steve Vai fanatics
Not recommended to:
-anyone with limited resources
-people who are offensive about Whitesnake and their peers
-those looking to escape averageness
Laser Squad Nemesis
So, the clans are analysed and that just leaves my final table predictions. This may not entirely tie up with my discussion of the clans, as clearly that was written over a protraced period and results are flooding in now (in division two at any rate). So:
Division One:
the Faceless Consortium
The Dragons Rising
Anaraknaphobia
99ers
8-bit Fanatics
Grunts On The Edge
Rogue Element
Invincible Crazy Fists
---
Crimson Scales
The Worms That Turned
Alice's Mighty Dischord
Division Two:
Doomed
Aftershock Reloaded
Bouncing Krauts
---
Rock N Roll Suicides
Phoenix Rising
Brigantes
Alone It The Dark
Disciples of Grammer
A.B.C. Warriors
Cursed Clowns
Hippo Squirrels
Other People's Mistakes
Eating cold food when you have a bad tooth.
31 July 2004
30 July 2004
Blondie Strikes Again
Albums
Abraxis - Santana
Laser Squad Nemesis
The last of the clans tonight, The Worms That Turned from division one and Phoenix Rising and the Rock N Roll Suicides from division two.
Worms:
One of the great old names and the clan of Alliance's founding father, DoctorWorm. Not what they once were. Line up troubles have plagued the clan and they look more than a little shaky. Barring dramatic recruitment turn arounds, I fear they will end up the whipping boys of division on this season. A shame, but is has to be someone.
PR:
Home of thegoblin, a walking one man conversation who fills the forums with joy. The clan isn't too bad either with a good mix of experience and talent. They might manage promotion this season, but it might take a little luck against the top ranked clans.
RNRS:
A fighting finish last season didn't save them from the drop. The original season line-up looked powerful, with three top thirty elite players and experience, if a lack of form, in the middle order. With names dropping out, things look a little rougher now and the old hands will need to pull their weight even more. At the start of the seasonone of the favourites for promotion if not the title, now, maybe a top three spot is dubious.
Other People's Mistakes
For a change, another trampolining mistake:
Forgetting to kick out of a tuck front, still landing just about on your feet but driving your knees into your chest. Badbadbadbad.
Abraxis - Santana
Laser Squad Nemesis
The last of the clans tonight, The Worms That Turned from division one and Phoenix Rising and the Rock N Roll Suicides from division two.
Worms:
One of the great old names and the clan of Alliance's founding father, DoctorWorm. Not what they once were. Line up troubles have plagued the clan and they look more than a little shaky. Barring dramatic recruitment turn arounds, I fear they will end up the whipping boys of division on this season. A shame, but is has to be someone.
PR:
Home of thegoblin, a walking one man conversation who fills the forums with joy. The clan isn't too bad either with a good mix of experience and talent. They might manage promotion this season, but it might take a little luck against the top ranked clans.
RNRS:
A fighting finish last season didn't save them from the drop. The original season line-up looked powerful, with three top thirty elite players and experience, if a lack of form, in the middle order. With names dropping out, things look a little rougher now and the old hands will need to pull their weight even more. At the start of the seasonone of the favourites for promotion if not the title, now, maybe a top three spot is dubious.
Other People's Mistakes
For a change, another trampolining mistake:
Forgetting to kick out of a tuck front, still landing just about on your feet but driving your knees into your chest. Badbadbadbad.
29 July 2004
E-Bay Ahoy
Albums
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath's first album and for me one of their best. It has one of my favourite opening track openings (one day I shall write a list) and great tracks. Some of Sabbath's most famous moments are hear, the harmonica in The Wizard and the opening and riff of N.I.B. for example.
Because of the age of the recording and the nature of production the album does sound a little rough at times, but I think the rawness can be an asset in places, some of the cleaner sounds of later albums don't entirely match the songs or the atmosphere. The songs themselves are pretty good; none are poor by Sabbath standards and some of the classics are here.
Ozzy is Ozzy, sounding as good as he is able (bless his socks), Tony Iommi shows off some of his best work, unfortunately in future albums he didn't always live up to his early standards. Geezer is good, giving us an early taste of his abilities. Bill Ward is, umm, well a reasonable drummer.
A very solid album and one that should be high on the list in the Sabbath catalogue.
Recommended to:
-Sabbath fans
-classic heavy rock/metal fans
-anyone looking for a good introduction to Sabbath
Not recommended to:
-people who don't like metal/rock
-those who like ultra-clean and precise production
Laser Squad Nemesis
Tongiht under the spotlight are the Faceless Consortium and the Hippo Squirrels.
tFC:
The undisputed rulers of Alliance. A line-up that is close to being unmatched, now well blooded as well as talented. There were some questions at the end of last season as to whether the clan would stay together long enough to defend their position, but if this was unfounded there are potentially only one or two clans who can touch them (on a good day).
HS:
They beavered away last season and looked to have good fun awith a good team spirit. Unfortunately, the lack of big names cost them dearly and there is a slight question over their lack of subs. One of the dearly loved clans who unfortunately probably won't manage too much in the trophy cabinet.
Other People's Mistakes
Getting carried away. By everything. All the time. For pities sake sit down and think about it first boy.
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath's first album and for me one of their best. It has one of my favourite opening track openings (one day I shall write a list) and great tracks. Some of Sabbath's most famous moments are hear, the harmonica in The Wizard and the opening and riff of N.I.B. for example.
Because of the age of the recording and the nature of production the album does sound a little rough at times, but I think the rawness can be an asset in places, some of the cleaner sounds of later albums don't entirely match the songs or the atmosphere. The songs themselves are pretty good; none are poor by Sabbath standards and some of the classics are here.
Ozzy is Ozzy, sounding as good as he is able (bless his socks), Tony Iommi shows off some of his best work, unfortunately in future albums he didn't always live up to his early standards. Geezer is good, giving us an early taste of his abilities. Bill Ward is, umm, well a reasonable drummer.
A very solid album and one that should be high on the list in the Sabbath catalogue.
Recommended to:
-Sabbath fans
-classic heavy rock/metal fans
-anyone looking for a good introduction to Sabbath
Not recommended to:
-people who don't like metal/rock
-those who like ultra-clean and precise production
Laser Squad Nemesis
Tongiht under the spotlight are the Faceless Consortium and the Hippo Squirrels.
tFC:
The undisputed rulers of Alliance. A line-up that is close to being unmatched, now well blooded as well as talented. There were some questions at the end of last season as to whether the clan would stay together long enough to defend their position, but if this was unfounded there are potentially only one or two clans who can touch them (on a good day).
HS:
They beavered away last season and looked to have good fun awith a good team spirit. Unfortunately, the lack of big names cost them dearly and there is a slight question over their lack of subs. One of the dearly loved clans who unfortunately probably won't manage too much in the trophy cabinet.
Other People's Mistakes
Getting carried away. By everything. All the time. For pities sake sit down and think about it first boy.
28 July 2004
Funky Monkey
Albums
The Ladder - Yes
Supernatural - Santana
Poland - Tangerine Dream
Supernatural - Santana
This was an album hat caused a little bit of a stir when it was released (in 1999 I think). It had several top selling singles on it and made a bit of a splash with the public, a bit of for a latin-blues guitarist who had his British heyday in the seventies. Part of the success was because of some superb marketing from BMG, part because many of the tracks were collabarations with other well known artists spanning many boundaries (Wyclef Jean, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill and so on) and partly because there is some great music on there.
Sanatana is a great guitarist, not maybe as good as he thinks he is, but pretty good all the same. He is backed up with some atmospheric bass and organ work that fatten out the sometimes sparse guitar parts. The songs are strong and consistant, full of energy but relaxed, an oxymoron that the latin style really can pull off.
It does feel a bit like an ego trip for Santana at times, but that is to be entirely expected of course. And E.C. shows himself to be the better guitarist in the last track (entirely my opinion of course...).
Recommended to:
-those looking for a good long album to relax and get funky to
-Sanatana fans
-people who buy few albums but want some good latin style music that is both good and popular
-fans of skillful guitarists (who don't already own some Santana)
Not recommended to:
-fans of proper blues
-people who think ego and music don't mix
-snobs who think popular equals bad, you deserve to miss out on a good album
Laser Squad Nemesis
The LSN meet was a grand time, lots of brilliant people and fun to be had. More details when I get my photographs processed.
Tonight's clans are Rogue Element and The Dragons.
RE:
Last season's shock promotion, no-one rated RE but they won matches. They look underpowered to be taking on division one, but a confident start may reap rewards. It is hard not to see them dropping back to division two, but they took us all by surprise last time.
Dragons:
The Dragons took a beating last season. In part this was due to line-up problems and too many players defaulting games, but even with that taken into account, it wasn't pretty. With a stabilised line-up things should be better in division two and they have no little strength. I don't think it will be quite enough to face down the main contenders in the end, but this season will be a good confidence booster.
Other People's Mistakes
Don't take on more than you honestly think that you can handle. It is better to let people find alternatives at the start than to let them down and break your word at the end. It could end up costing you anything and maybe everything. Do enough well, rather than too much poorly.
The Ladder - Yes
Supernatural - Santana
Poland - Tangerine Dream
Supernatural - Santana
This was an album hat caused a little bit of a stir when it was released (in 1999 I think). It had several top selling singles on it and made a bit of a splash with the public, a bit of for a latin-blues guitarist who had his British heyday in the seventies. Part of the success was because of some superb marketing from BMG, part because many of the tracks were collabarations with other well known artists spanning many boundaries (Wyclef Jean, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill and so on) and partly because there is some great music on there.
Sanatana is a great guitarist, not maybe as good as he thinks he is, but pretty good all the same. He is backed up with some atmospheric bass and organ work that fatten out the sometimes sparse guitar parts. The songs are strong and consistant, full of energy but relaxed, an oxymoron that the latin style really can pull off.
It does feel a bit like an ego trip for Santana at times, but that is to be entirely expected of course. And E.C. shows himself to be the better guitarist in the last track (entirely my opinion of course...).
Recommended to:
-those looking for a good long album to relax and get funky to
-Sanatana fans
-people who buy few albums but want some good latin style music that is both good and popular
-fans of skillful guitarists (who don't already own some Santana)
Not recommended to:
-fans of proper blues
-people who think ego and music don't mix
-snobs who think popular equals bad, you deserve to miss out on a good album
Laser Squad Nemesis
The LSN meet was a grand time, lots of brilliant people and fun to be had. More details when I get my photographs processed.
Tonight's clans are Rogue Element and The Dragons.
RE:
Last season's shock promotion, no-one rated RE but they won matches. They look underpowered to be taking on division one, but a confident start may reap rewards. It is hard not to see them dropping back to division two, but they took us all by surprise last time.
Dragons:
The Dragons took a beating last season. In part this was due to line-up problems and too many players defaulting games, but even with that taken into account, it wasn't pretty. With a stabilised line-up things should be better in division two and they have no little strength. I don't think it will be quite enough to face down the main contenders in the end, but this season will be a good confidence booster.
Other People's Mistakes
Don't take on more than you honestly think that you can handle. It is better to let people find alternatives at the start than to let them down and break your word at the end. It could end up costing you anything and maybe everything. Do enough well, rather than too much poorly.
22 July 2004
Bye Bye Quick Ben
Albums
Snow - Spock's Beard
Laser Squad Nemesis
First of all, a big hearty round of applause for Quick Ben. One of the real old timers of the game, he is leaving us for his future. He will still be helping out with Alliance and fulfilling obligations for a while, but it still a sad day to see an old face move on. Lots of hugs and kisses for him and the very best wishes for the future.
The Invincible Crazy Fists (division one ) and Doomed (division two) tonight.
ICF:
This clan is a team. They fight hard, getting results that may seem well out of their reach and quietly getting the job done. There may be more surprises this season, but division one is a different prospect to division two. They will fight hard still and get good results, but I think not as many. Not challengers without an extra top ranked player or so, but potential giant killers.
Doomed:
Doomed look to be clear favourites in division two. They are enough of a division one clan to be well clear of the typical division two clans and past history shows that they should have the edge over the other challengers. A line up of solid, consistant and well respected players with a small dose of bruised pride from demotion will see them clear at the top.
Other People's Mistakes
Heart and head are two different things, but both know their stuff. Try not to follow one or the other exclusively, the extremes aren't always entirely pleasant, although some lucky few manage to pull them off.
Snow - Spock's Beard
Laser Squad Nemesis
First of all, a big hearty round of applause for Quick Ben. One of the real old timers of the game, he is leaving us for his future. He will still be helping out with Alliance and fulfilling obligations for a while, but it still a sad day to see an old face move on. Lots of hugs and kisses for him and the very best wishes for the future.
The Invincible Crazy Fists (division one ) and Doomed (division two) tonight.
ICF:
This clan is a team. They fight hard, getting results that may seem well out of their reach and quietly getting the job done. There may be more surprises this season, but division one is a different prospect to division two. They will fight hard still and get good results, but I think not as many. Not challengers without an extra top ranked player or so, but potential giant killers.
Doomed:
Doomed look to be clear favourites in division two. They are enough of a division one clan to be well clear of the typical division two clans and past history shows that they should have the edge over the other challengers. A line up of solid, consistant and well respected players with a small dose of bruised pride from demotion will see them clear at the top.
Other People's Mistakes
Heart and head are two different things, but both know their stuff. Try not to follow one or the other exclusively, the extremes aren't always entirely pleasant, although some lucky few manage to pull them off.
16 July 2004
Too Tired
Hm, my blog entry just changed lots. New toys to play with.
Albums
Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Rick Wakeman
Far too tired to write an album up tonight, if you are nice I will do Six Wives for you tomorrow. Ha, in my dreams.
LSN
A double dose of predictions again to make up for my laziness above. The Dragons Rising and Grunts On The Edge from division one and the Cursed Clowns and the Disciples Of Grammer in division two.
Dragons Rising:
Last season's run away division two winners, and for good reason. A very good line up with big guns who have a habit of getting Alliance results. It is hard to see more than one or two other clans being able to consistantly match the power and I think Dragons Rising are in with a very good chance of taking the title.
Grunts:
Two season ago they were the kings, last season they were close, but things seem a little tougher for the Grunts this time. Top players aren't quite getting the results they should and a little tiredness seems to be settling in. Not out of the action by any means, but I doubt there will be a top table finish this season for the Grunts.
Clowns:
A mixed debut season for the Clowns. To be honest, I can't see too much hope of a promotion scrap for these guys, but thankfully they are one of the clans who take Alliance not so very seriously and we are all the better for it. And probably capable of the odd surprise result wise as well.
D.O.G:
The first clan to disband (at the end of season 0) returns to the fold. A mix of very experienced players (founding members) and very new players makes them an interesting beast. This season they probably won't push the top clans in division two, but who knows what is in the future (if they can stay together).
Other People's Mistakes
Don't push a good idea too far.
Albums
Six Wives Of Henry VIII - Rick Wakeman
Far too tired to write an album up tonight, if you are nice I will do Six Wives for you tomorrow. Ha, in my dreams.
LSN
A double dose of predictions again to make up for my laziness above. The Dragons Rising and Grunts On The Edge from division one and the Cursed Clowns and the Disciples Of Grammer in division two.
Dragons Rising:
Last season's run away division two winners, and for good reason. A very good line up with big guns who have a habit of getting Alliance results. It is hard to see more than one or two other clans being able to consistantly match the power and I think Dragons Rising are in with a very good chance of taking the title.
Grunts:
Two season ago they were the kings, last season they were close, but things seem a little tougher for the Grunts this time. Top players aren't quite getting the results they should and a little tiredness seems to be settling in. Not out of the action by any means, but I doubt there will be a top table finish this season for the Grunts.
Clowns:
A mixed debut season for the Clowns. To be honest, I can't see too much hope of a promotion scrap for these guys, but thankfully they are one of the clans who take Alliance not so very seriously and we are all the better for it. And probably capable of the odd surprise result wise as well.
D.O.G:
The first clan to disband (at the end of season 0) returns to the fold. A mix of very experienced players (founding members) and very new players makes them an interesting beast. This season they probably won't push the top clans in division two, but who knows what is in the future (if they can stay together).
Other People's Mistakes
Don't push a good idea too far.
15 July 2004
It's All Too Late
Albums
News Of The World - Queen
News Of The World - Queen
An album of songs at last. And some pretty good ones at that. As ever with Queen albums the great tracks are the album tracks as opposed to those that were released as singles. We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions are not to be discarded of course, but they are a little overplayed at the expense of some very good music.
The styles are well mixed, from the gentler Spread Your Wings and It's Late to the punky Sheer Heart Attack and the hard corners of Fight From The Inside and slightly more offbeat Mercury tracks like Get Down, Make Love.
There are no real explosions from any of the band members, Freddie's voice is fairly subdued, May's guitar work is as versatile, entertaining and good to listen to as ever without being virtuousic, Deacon and Taylor do what is needed and a little extra here and there. There is a fair bit more piano from Freddie than on a lot of the other albums and it works well and adds a nice sound.
A solid Queen album then. Not their best, but a long way from their worst.
Recommended to:
-Queen fans
-fans of easy to listen to guitar based rock
-pretty much everyone else
Not recommended to:
-people surprise by the revelation that Queen recorded tracks that weren't on the three Greatest Hits compilations
-those who think it isn't music without at least three key changes and time signatures with 11s in them.
Laser Squad Nemesis
As a special treat to make up for my absence, a double helping of Alliance predictions, Anaraknaphobia and the Crimson Scales from division one and the Bouncing Krauts and Brigantes from division two.
Anaraknaphobia:
Named after a Marillion album (possibly), their good taste may see this clan do well (possibly). A strong finish last season and a hat full of highly ranked players make this line-up one to be feared. Probably not quite strong enough to take the title, but I would be surprised to see them finish outside of the top three or four.
Crimson Scales:
One of the handful of season 0 clans still fighting, age seems to have wearied the Scales. They have made some good moves in the recruiting game though and are looking stronger than the line-up that was struggling badly at the end of last season. I am not convinced that this will be enough though and it will be another season of struggles to survive in the top flight.
Bouncing Krauts:
The second new clan this season and another one lacking some top flight names to give early confidence. Still a team to watch out for though, maybe next season rather than this, which will probably see steady games for a mid table finish.
Brigantes:
Another very experienced clan, but that didn't count for much last season with the Brigantes being clear wooden spoon winners. I think that was a harsh end result and they be boosted to do better this season, reaching a mid-table position that more accurately reflects their dedication to the competition.
Other People's Mistakes
And a double dose here as well:
Never be afraid to admit a mistake. Everyone really is very nice, and the
handful of bastards, well, they will meet their judgement one day. It
makes you feel so much better than sinking down in pointless blame
shifting and covering up.
Don't take little things too seriously.
News Of The World - Queen
News Of The World - Queen
An album of songs at last. And some pretty good ones at that. As ever with Queen albums the great tracks are the album tracks as opposed to those that were released as singles. We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions are not to be discarded of course, but they are a little overplayed at the expense of some very good music.
The styles are well mixed, from the gentler Spread Your Wings and It's Late to the punky Sheer Heart Attack and the hard corners of Fight From The Inside and slightly more offbeat Mercury tracks like Get Down, Make Love.
There are no real explosions from any of the band members, Freddie's voice is fairly subdued, May's guitar work is as versatile, entertaining and good to listen to as ever without being virtuousic, Deacon and Taylor do what is needed and a little extra here and there. There is a fair bit more piano from Freddie than on a lot of the other albums and it works well and adds a nice sound.
A solid Queen album then. Not their best, but a long way from their worst.
Recommended to:
-Queen fans
-fans of easy to listen to guitar based rock
-pretty much everyone else
Not recommended to:
-people surprise by the revelation that Queen recorded tracks that weren't on the three Greatest Hits compilations
-those who think it isn't music without at least three key changes and time signatures with 11s in them.
Laser Squad Nemesis
As a special treat to make up for my absence, a double helping of Alliance predictions, Anaraknaphobia and the Crimson Scales from division one and the Bouncing Krauts and Brigantes from division two.
Anaraknaphobia:
Named after a Marillion album (possibly), their good taste may see this clan do well (possibly). A strong finish last season and a hat full of highly ranked players make this line-up one to be feared. Probably not quite strong enough to take the title, but I would be surprised to see them finish outside of the top three or four.
Crimson Scales:
One of the handful of season 0 clans still fighting, age seems to have wearied the Scales. They have made some good moves in the recruiting game though and are looking stronger than the line-up that was struggling badly at the end of last season. I am not convinced that this will be enough though and it will be another season of struggles to survive in the top flight.
Bouncing Krauts:
The second new clan this season and another one lacking some top flight names to give early confidence. Still a team to watch out for though, maybe next season rather than this, which will probably see steady games for a mid table finish.
Brigantes:
Another very experienced clan, but that didn't count for much last season with the Brigantes being clear wooden spoon winners. I think that was a harsh end result and they be boosted to do better this season, reaching a mid-table position that more accurately reflects their dedication to the competition.
Other People's Mistakes
And a double dose here as well:
Never be afraid to admit a mistake. Everyone really is very nice, and the
handful of bastards, well, they will meet their judgement one day. It
makes you feel so much better than sinking down in pointless blame
shifting and covering up.
Don't take little things too seriously.
14 July 2004
Libera Me
Albums
Requiem - Gabriel Fauré
Pavane - Gabriel Fauré
Magnificat - Johann Sebastian Bach
I have been away for a couple of days and am a little short of time, so just a quick run on Alliance predictions and a Mistake. I shall prepare some extra for a later date.
Laser Squad Nemesis
Division one tonight give Alice's Mighty Dischord and divsion two Alone In The Dark.
AMD:
A respected clan with one or two strong players and a lot of experience, but performance was weak last season and with division one looking as strong as ever, especially with some of the chaff removed, it will take consistantly good results to save AMD from relegation. I remain to be convinced that they can sustain themselves over a full season.
AITD:
A reasonable performance last season for a new clan, AITD seem to lack an edge. Increased experience will help them, but the descending division one teams will have more of it and with some better players. Good enough to avoid the bottom, but I don't think quite sharp enough to be challenging for the top.
Other People's Mistakes
The first of some specialist ones from the world of trampolining:
When belt supporting or stepping in for front somersaults (if this happens when you are hand supporting, you are doing something wrong, other clues to this case will be the snapping of bone), mind your head. Bouncers of a gangly nature or those generally wobbly in the air tend to wave their arms about a bit. Having an elbow make contact with the side of your head as it tries to propel its owner through the somersault is not pleasant (although it can make a great noise).
Requiem - Gabriel Fauré
Pavane - Gabriel Fauré
Magnificat - Johann Sebastian Bach
I have been away for a couple of days and am a little short of time, so just a quick run on Alliance predictions and a Mistake. I shall prepare some extra for a later date.
Laser Squad Nemesis
Division one tonight give Alice's Mighty Dischord and divsion two Alone In The Dark.
AMD:
A respected clan with one or two strong players and a lot of experience, but performance was weak last season and with division one looking as strong as ever, especially with some of the chaff removed, it will take consistantly good results to save AMD from relegation. I remain to be convinced that they can sustain themselves over a full season.
AITD:
A reasonable performance last season for a new clan, AITD seem to lack an edge. Increased experience will help them, but the descending division one teams will have more of it and with some better players. Good enough to avoid the bottom, but I don't think quite sharp enough to be challenging for the top.
Other People's Mistakes
The first of some specialist ones from the world of trampolining:
When belt supporting or stepping in for front somersaults (if this happens when you are hand supporting, you are doing something wrong, other clues to this case will be the snapping of bone), mind your head. Bouncers of a gangly nature or those generally wobbly in the air tend to wave their arms about a bit. Having an elbow make contact with the side of your head as it tries to propel its owner through the somersault is not pleasant (although it can make a great noise).
Albums
Requiem - Gabriel Fauré
Pavane - Gabriel Fauré
Magnificat - Johann Sebastian Bach
I have been away for a couple of days and am a little short of time, so just a quick run on Alliance predictions and a Mistake. I shall prepare some extra for a later date.
Laser Squad Nemesis
Division one tonight give Alice's Mighty Dischord and divsion two Alone In The Dark.
AMD:
A respected clan with one or two strong players and a lot of experience, but performance was weak last season and with division one looking as strong as ever, especially with some of the chaff removed, it will take consistantly good results to save AMD from relegation. I remain to be convinced that they can sustain themselves over a full season.
AITD:
A reasonable performance last season for a new clan, AITD seem to lack an edge. Increased experience will help them, but the descending division one teams will have more of it and with some better players. Good enough to avoid the bottom, but I don't think quite sharp enough to be challenging for the top.
Other People's Mistakes
The first of some specialist ones from the world of trampolining:
When belt supporting or stepping in for front somersaults (if this happens when you are hand supporting, you are doing something wrong, other clues to this case will be the snapping of bone), mind your head. Bouncers of a gangly nature or those generally wobbly in the air tend to wave their arms about a bit. Having an elbow make contact with the side of your head as it tries to propel its owner through the somersault is not pleasant (although it can make a great noise).
Requiem - Gabriel Fauré
Pavane - Gabriel Fauré
Magnificat - Johann Sebastian Bach
I have been away for a couple of days and am a little short of time, so just a quick run on Alliance predictions and a Mistake. I shall prepare some extra for a later date.
Laser Squad Nemesis
Division one tonight give Alice's Mighty Dischord and divsion two Alone In The Dark.
AMD:
A respected clan with one or two strong players and a lot of experience, but performance was weak last season and with division one looking as strong as ever, especially with some of the chaff removed, it will take consistantly good results to save AMD from relegation. I remain to be convinced that they can sustain themselves over a full season.
AITD:
A reasonable performance last season for a new clan, AITD seem to lack an edge. Increased experience will help them, but the descending division one teams will have more of it and with some better players. Good enough to avoid the bottom, but I don't think quite sharp enough to be challenging for the top.
Other People's Mistakes
The first of some specialist ones from the world of trampolining:
When belt supporting or stepping in for front somersaults (if this happens when you are hand supporting, you are doing something wrong, other clues to this case will be the snapping of bone), mind your head. Bouncers of a gangly nature or those generally wobbly in the air tend to wave their arms about a bit. Having an elbow make contact with the side of your head as it tries to propel its owner through the somersault is not pleasant (although it can make a great noise).
11 July 2004
I Want You To Know I'd Die For One More Moment
Albums
Since the last quack I have listened to:
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe - Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater
Another double album to look at, although this one is very much two CDs as opposed to two sides of vinyl. In fact, this is very much two CDs sold as a sinlge album by Dream Theater. The first CD is half a dozen ten or twelve minute tracks and the second a single piece, forty minutes or so.
The first CD is mostly from the heavier end of Dream Theater's repertoire (see below for utterly divergent rant). You wouldn't be blamed for thinking that the opening of the first was from a Metallica album, at least until the keyboard part kicks in. The tracks are all well written and sustain their length very well. Instrumentally things are superb, Jordan Rudess in particular merging his more proggy keyboard style in well with John Pretrucci's thrash lead and Mike Portney's heavy drumming.
My only reservation about the first CD is track four, The Great Debate. Politics and music have been bed fellows forever and music can be a powerful voice for thoughts and ideas. Sometimes however, it can feel a bit forced and unfortunately I think that this track does. The music is grand, but the lyrics seem shoehorned in and as important as the issues raised are, it does cut the enjoyment for me a little.
The second CD is a single piece and palys well as such. It leans much more in the progressive rock direction than the first and shows that the whole band are capable of thoughtful and gentle playing that you might find unexpected having only listened to the first CD. That isn't to say that it doesn't have its heavy moments though. As is to be exected from Dream Theater, the story of the piece is dark in places but has some lovely light moments and is written with a sense of humour (which can only be a good thing in my mind). At some points there are hints of Lake/Sinfield style lyrical desperation, but I'll let Dream Theater off.
A corking album, in particular I love the second CD, but both are great. One I shall keep close by me for a long time to come.
Recommended to:
-Dream Theater fans (and anyone who has heard from any of Mike Portnoy's many projects)
-Metal/rock fans who would like to try something a little more thoughtful and varied
-Everyone who can cope with slightly louder music
Not recommended to:
-Prog rock fans who think the genre (poor pigeon) finishes at the end of Rick's Moog (even though Jordan R does have his moments).
-People who think amplification is for degenerate philistines
Utterly divergent rant:
In my first year at secondary school (around the age of eleven for those as don't know the Enlgish school system) my English class was asked to produce an A to Z list of the form 'She had the aspect of an angel', the key points being the words starting with the letter a. My attempt for r was heartlessly rejected by my teacher, for which I was most miffed for I thought it was one of my better ones. 'He had the repertoire of a rat'. And exactly how many rats have you heard that can sing more than one tune? Hmmm?
Laser Squad Nemesis
Tonight we have the 99ers from division one and Aftershock Reloaded from division two.
99ers:
A clan to be wary of. Although they lack top fifty elite players, the 99ers line up has depth, with several players with a great deal of experience who are never far away from the top of the table. They should be capable of holding their own against the main contenders and I expect them to be one of teams fighting hard for a high ranking place.
Aftershock Reloaded:
For the players they have, Aftershock always seem to have under achieved a little. They have the quality to take it all the way, and are by far the strongest of the division two clans that weren't promoted last season. Even if they don't manage to beat the better of the demoted division one clans, they should be top three finishers this season.
Other People's Mistakes
Pay close attention when you first ride a bicycle with pedal clips. This is espescially important when slowing or stopping the bike. Although it is immensely amusing to slowly topple sideways (it really is), it is also quite dangerous and may damage the bicycle.
Since the last quack I have listened to:
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe - Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater
Another double album to look at, although this one is very much two CDs as opposed to two sides of vinyl. In fact, this is very much two CDs sold as a sinlge album by Dream Theater. The first CD is half a dozen ten or twelve minute tracks and the second a single piece, forty minutes or so.
The first CD is mostly from the heavier end of Dream Theater's repertoire (see below for utterly divergent rant). You wouldn't be blamed for thinking that the opening of the first was from a Metallica album, at least until the keyboard part kicks in. The tracks are all well written and sustain their length very well. Instrumentally things are superb, Jordan Rudess in particular merging his more proggy keyboard style in well with John Pretrucci's thrash lead and Mike Portney's heavy drumming.
My only reservation about the first CD is track four, The Great Debate. Politics and music have been bed fellows forever and music can be a powerful voice for thoughts and ideas. Sometimes however, it can feel a bit forced and unfortunately I think that this track does. The music is grand, but the lyrics seem shoehorned in and as important as the issues raised are, it does cut the enjoyment for me a little.
The second CD is a single piece and palys well as such. It leans much more in the progressive rock direction than the first and shows that the whole band are capable of thoughtful and gentle playing that you might find unexpected having only listened to the first CD. That isn't to say that it doesn't have its heavy moments though. As is to be exected from Dream Theater, the story of the piece is dark in places but has some lovely light moments and is written with a sense of humour (which can only be a good thing in my mind). At some points there are hints of Lake/Sinfield style lyrical desperation, but I'll let Dream Theater off.
A corking album, in particular I love the second CD, but both are great. One I shall keep close by me for a long time to come.
Recommended to:
-Dream Theater fans (and anyone who has heard from any of Mike Portnoy's many projects)
-Metal/rock fans who would like to try something a little more thoughtful and varied
-Everyone who can cope with slightly louder music
Not recommended to:
-Prog rock fans who think the genre (poor pigeon) finishes at the end of Rick's Moog (even though Jordan R does have his moments).
-People who think amplification is for degenerate philistines
Utterly divergent rant:
In my first year at secondary school (around the age of eleven for those as don't know the Enlgish school system) my English class was asked to produce an A to Z list of the form 'She had the aspect of an angel', the key points being the words starting with the letter a. My attempt for r was heartlessly rejected by my teacher, for which I was most miffed for I thought it was one of my better ones. 'He had the repertoire of a rat'. And exactly how many rats have you heard that can sing more than one tune? Hmmm?
Laser Squad Nemesis
Tonight we have the 99ers from division one and Aftershock Reloaded from division two.
99ers:
A clan to be wary of. Although they lack top fifty elite players, the 99ers line up has depth, with several players with a great deal of experience who are never far away from the top of the table. They should be capable of holding their own against the main contenders and I expect them to be one of teams fighting hard for a high ranking place.
Aftershock Reloaded:
For the players they have, Aftershock always seem to have under achieved a little. They have the quality to take it all the way, and are by far the strongest of the division two clans that weren't promoted last season. Even if they don't manage to beat the better of the demoted division one clans, they should be top three finishers this season.
Other People's Mistakes
Pay close attention when you first ride a bicycle with pedal clips. This is espescially important when slowing or stopping the bike. Although it is immensely amusing to slowly topple sideways (it really is), it is also quite dangerous and may damage the bicycle.
10 July 2004
Faces Smiling In The Gloom
Albums
CD Review, BBC Radio Three
A Passion Play, Jethro Tull
Passion, Peter Gabriel (music from Martin Scorsese's film The Last Temptation of Christ)
Crest Of A Knave, Jethro Tull
A Passion Play, Jethro Tull
A new album for me, I am writing part way through my second listening. A Passion Play is an album of two tracks, both just over twenty minutes. Let me warn you know, I am no fan of pigeon holing, I don't the idea of putting birds where they are free not to spread their wings. So, Jethro Tull's concept album then, he he.
I am just starting my exploration of Tull's music, so my comparisions on that front are not backed by any great knowledge. In instrumental terms, the album seems to make greater use of keyboard instruments, piano, organ, synths than other albums, but certainly not overly so. All of the other instrumental hallmarks that you would expect of Tull are there, lots of accoustic work, simple but effective bass work, flute and Ian Anderson's rather unique voice are all there and as good as on any other album.
The music itself then. The album is quite an experience. It is very much written as a single piece but moves around with a great freedom, although some may say insanity instead. Parts are very complex, parts very simple but it does hang together very well. I suspect when I know it well enough to start putting the lyrics in place as well, the sense of unity will only increase.
Apparently, Tull fans are quite divided by the album and I can understand that. It certainly seems to be fairly unique in their output and in a very different style. A lot of people just won't like the type of music, comparible as it is to the standard view of progressive rock of the seventies in a way that other Tull really isn't.
However, I love it. I loved it the first time I heard it and can only imagine that my love will only increase as I know it better.
Recommended to:
-Jethro Tull fans (with the warning that it is quite different)
-King Crimson and prog rock fans in general
-Those with a taste for the bizarre
Not recommended to:
-People who like their music straight forward
-Those for whom prog rock sends a shiver down the spine.
Laser Squad Nemesis
The first clans that fall under my beady eye are the 8-bit Fanatics from division one and the A.B.C Warriors from division two.
8-bits:
One of the best clans, active in the LSN community and with what seems to the outsider a brilliant team spirit. Some of them are even vaguely amusing. In game terms, maybe they aren't so strong. Lacking many top fifty elite players, they will find it difficult to crack the top teams in division one. They do have depth and shouldn't founder however. Scrapping it out mid-table seems likely, and one of the clans that with some lucky results might do a little better.
A.B.C Warriors:
A self-declared clan of rookie players, formed from fresh players. For that reason, they are difficult to judge. However, a good proportion of their players can be expected to start their climb to the top ranks here so good results are a distinct possibility. Inexperience will probably have a dulling effect however, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were mid-table at the end of the season, and outside chance for top tableness.
Other People's Mistakes
Mistaking perturbed for preturboted is a grave mistake. To confuse the feeling of being mentally agitated or being thrown into disorder with the shock and horror felt in the fraction of time before being slapped in the face by a large flat fish is a mistake many have made and to their great cost.
Quack!
CD Review, BBC Radio Three
A Passion Play, Jethro Tull
Passion, Peter Gabriel (music from Martin Scorsese's film The Last Temptation of Christ)
Crest Of A Knave, Jethro Tull
A Passion Play, Jethro Tull
A new album for me, I am writing part way through my second listening. A Passion Play is an album of two tracks, both just over twenty minutes. Let me warn you know, I am no fan of pigeon holing, I don't the idea of putting birds where they are free not to spread their wings. So, Jethro Tull's concept album then, he he.
I am just starting my exploration of Tull's music, so my comparisions on that front are not backed by any great knowledge. In instrumental terms, the album seems to make greater use of keyboard instruments, piano, organ, synths than other albums, but certainly not overly so. All of the other instrumental hallmarks that you would expect of Tull are there, lots of accoustic work, simple but effective bass work, flute and Ian Anderson's rather unique voice are all there and as good as on any other album.
The music itself then. The album is quite an experience. It is very much written as a single piece but moves around with a great freedom, although some may say insanity instead. Parts are very complex, parts very simple but it does hang together very well. I suspect when I know it well enough to start putting the lyrics in place as well, the sense of unity will only increase.
Apparently, Tull fans are quite divided by the album and I can understand that. It certainly seems to be fairly unique in their output and in a very different style. A lot of people just won't like the type of music, comparible as it is to the standard view of progressive rock of the seventies in a way that other Tull really isn't.
However, I love it. I loved it the first time I heard it and can only imagine that my love will only increase as I know it better.
Recommended to:
-Jethro Tull fans (with the warning that it is quite different)
-King Crimson and prog rock fans in general
-Those with a taste for the bizarre
Not recommended to:
-People who like their music straight forward
-Those for whom prog rock sends a shiver down the spine.
Laser Squad Nemesis
The first clans that fall under my beady eye are the 8-bit Fanatics from division one and the A.B.C Warriors from division two.
8-bits:
One of the best clans, active in the LSN community and with what seems to the outsider a brilliant team spirit. Some of them are even vaguely amusing. In game terms, maybe they aren't so strong. Lacking many top fifty elite players, they will find it difficult to crack the top teams in division one. They do have depth and shouldn't founder however. Scrapping it out mid-table seems likely, and one of the clans that with some lucky results might do a little better.
A.B.C Warriors:
A self-declared clan of rookie players, formed from fresh players. For that reason, they are difficult to judge. However, a good proportion of their players can be expected to start their climb to the top ranks here so good results are a distinct possibility. Inexperience will probably have a dulling effect however, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were mid-table at the end of the season, and outside chance for top tableness.
Other People's Mistakes
Mistaking perturbed for preturboted is a grave mistake. To confuse the feeling of being mentally agitated or being thrown into disorder with the shock and horror felt in the fraction of time before being slapped in the face by a large flat fish is a mistake many have made and to their great cost.
Quack!
The First Quack
Introduction
Music
Laser Squad Nemesis
Other Peoples Mistakes
Quack! Welcome to the first post of the Duck Quacks, possibly the first DuckBlog. I shall be writing initiall on three main subjects.
Music
Music is one of the great passions of my life. I shall comment primarily on individual albums, but may stray into other areas as well.
Laser Squad Nemesis
LSN is a computer game designed and written by the Gollop Brothers, the creator of many classic games including the X-COM and Rebelstar series. I have spent more time with this game than any other, barring possibly the Civilisation and X-COM games. My first series of posts will concern LSNAlliance, one of the premier player run competitions. I shall have a look at the clans and make some predictions on this season's ultimate result.
Other Peoples Mistakes
Following a conversation with a good friend, I shall be expounding a few mistakes that you really shouldn't make. Some may be slightly strange.
To quote myself:
"The only thing better than learning from your own mistakes is learning from other people's ;) I'd be more than happy to share mine to save you some effort, but you's probably get bored after a couple of days."
That isn't a strict quote, as I corrected some spelling mistakes, but never mind.
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