It might have seemed as unlikely as a dead parrot coming back to life, but next month, the team who have been described as “The Beatles of comedy” are set to return to the stage. 45 years after their TV debut, the Monty Python team will be reuniting for ten shows in London. The fiveContinue reading “Will Monty Python’s Return Give Satisfaction?”
The Polyphonic Spree – Live Review – 5/6/2014
I was on route from a meditation class. Sitting with my dharma chums before a golden buddha, I was on the verge of getting somewhere, but I had to cut short the session and catch a more immediate form of transcendence – the Liverpool return of The Polyphonic Spree. If you are a musician, there’sContinue reading “The Polyphonic Spree – Live Review – 5/6/2014”
Dance With My Shadow…
Fans of Tom Waits, Chet Baker etc. might like this clip – it’s one of my more jazzy numbers, filmed at Studio 2 in Liverpool. I wrote the song originally for a female vocal but I think it suits me pretty well; flute maestro George Roberts blows some serious stuff over the top…
Berlin’s Radical Underground
My first visit Berlin six years ago coincided with the global financial system going into meltdown. It was all over every screen in my hostel, with panicked-looking people in suits trying to explain incompehensible columns of figures. But I wasn’t there as a financial journalist; I was on a mission to explore a very differentContinue reading “Berlin’s Radical Underground”
Good Movies, New Friends…
One way of sharing your love of film is with a cinema collective. I’ve recently joined one with friends, which has around 200 members and organises via facebook. Here’s how it works: Every week or so, someone hosts a screening in their home, using a shared projector wired up to a laptop or DVD player.Continue reading “Good Movies, New Friends…”
Bands That Time Forgot #1
Once upon a time Black Kids were the band of the moment. Their debut album Partie Traumatic, released in 2008 (was it really that long ago?) was voted one of Spin magazine’s top 40 albums of that year and included catchy anthems of dancefloor angst like “Hurricane Jane” and “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your BoyfriendContinue reading “Bands That Time Forgot #1”
Bruce Springsteen – ‘Rosalita’ live
I’ve been listening to Bruce Springsteen recently so I thought I’d share a clip that is probably my favourite live clip by anyone. I’m not sure that Springsteen’s somewhat serious, brooding image does justice to his live performances, which are always packed with energy and fun. It’s all here in this epic and exhuberant performanceContinue reading “Bruce Springsteen – ‘Rosalita’ live”
Childhood Obsessions #1: The Motorcycle
When I was a kid I was in love with motorbikes – along with dinosaurs and knights, they were one of the great obsessions of my childhood. I can’t remember how it started, but by the age of nine my bedroom walls were lined with posters of Kawasakis, Suzukis and Hondas; I amassed a sizeableContinue reading “Childhood Obsessions #1: The Motorcycle”
Do You Listen to Song Lyrics?
Recently I was reading a blog post about the debut album by one of my favourite bands, Dire Straits. As well as celebrating the spell-binding guitar and characteristic vocal style of Mark Knopfler, Another Grumpy Commuter paid attention to the excellent lyrics on the album. “Down to the Waterline” is a tale of teenage liasonsContinue reading “Do You Listen to Song Lyrics?”
How to Beat Facebook Addiction – The Jack Kerouac Method
I must get back that copy of Jack Kerouac’s The Dharma Bums that I lent to my friend Tobias. I keep thinking about it – it’s one of the most significant books I’ve read recently, and here’s why: it cured me of my facebook habit. For the two or three weeks it took me toContinue reading “How to Beat Facebook Addiction – The Jack Kerouac Method”
Tom George 