Rest in Peace Amy

I first heard about the late Amy Winehouse via an interview she gave to the Observer newspaper in 2004.  She came across as a feisty and voluptuous wee temptress and I thought that's the type of woman for me!  I immediately obtained her brilliant debut album 'Frank' and subsequently the incredible follow-up 'Back to Black'.  They are both classics.  Amy greatly amused me at a concert she gave in 2007 in Birmingham when many of the seated and besuited Guardian reading types put down their programmes and walked out en masse due to the allegedly sloppy performance.  Amy said..."Oh Boo me if you must!" And then launched into a ska medley.  I was dancing in the mosh-pit and thought it was brilliant.

The news of her death today at the age of 27 is a tragedy for her loved ones and my heart goes out to them.

To watch Amy performing the Marvin Gaye classic 'I Heard it through the Grapevine' with the Modfather... See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVT-BokwmWY

Amy gave so much pleasure to so many people, perhaps much to her own cost.

And a beautiful 'Don't go to Strangers' with the Modfather:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJscWYA-eI&NR=1

They wanted you to go to rehab but you said NO NO NO!

See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlRF43-xaYc&feature=fvst

Rest in peace sweetheart.

Nothings Too Much Trouble

The genius of the Two Ronnies meets the angst of the Man in the Sweet Shop.



See here for a rollocking old laugh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCQwAT_4--k&feature=related

Happy Jack


The foursome of Keith Moon, John Entwistle, Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend and Roger Harry Daltrey have had a profound impact upon my life.  Since I was 12 the 'ORRIBLE 'OO were the best thing that happened to me.  I learned to play guitar in the Townshend style and analysed his often wild lyrics with glee.  I came to the conclusion that Pete Townshend is a creative genius, but not only that it is a trusim that Moon, Entwistle and Daltrey were masters of the game.  If you don't believe me ask Irish Jack.


I have all their records and hope to carry them with me wherever I go.

See Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8t1AcXN_o&feature=related

The Rag 'n' Bone Man

I live in the English West Midlands, North of Birmingham, on the cusp of Staffordshire and in an area known as 'The Black Country'.  Lately, it has been impossible not to note the rise of early morning cries of 'OLD IRON' and horns blowing in my direction in that regard.

This morning, Quigsy had an appointment with the local Priest and as she took my buggy off the driveway to get upon her way she managed to avoid a pony and trap, with one adult, one lad, and a young child sat upon.  'OLD IRON'!  They cried.

And well they might.  An old working class uncle of mine has laughed about the quaint return of the TATTERS, TINKERS and HAWKERS - well I don't think it is funny at all.


It is a disgraceful indictment of a so-called civilised society that very enterprising and useful people have to sell their energies and dignity for a few pieces of scrap metal.

The Capitalist ruling class will never have to beg or hawk - at least not until we put a stop to their personal corruption and theft of our labour and dignity.  It will be my wish until I die that the Rag 'n' Bone man has the last laugh along with all the other workers of the world.

ANY OLD IRON? NO THANKS!  We have a world to win and nothing to lose but our chains.