Take the last train to Neptune.

OK..continuing the 'interesting things you didn't know about me' theme, I'd like to share two very different pieces of music which though a millions miles apart in sound, are intrinsically important to me .As an seven year old school boy..(way back in 1968) my ears were already focusing on music. I remember the Beatles releasing songs..Penny Lane..Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds etc.But it was two different origins that gave rise to the way I listen to music today. the first was school..or rather the morning assembly.We'd all troop into the school hall in line to sing hymns , hear a story and celebrate any birthdays. but as we filed into the hall, there would be music played on a record player..usually classical it was often dull and boring. But to my ears, 'The Planet Suite' by British composer Gustav Holst immediately had me in it's spell. you must also remember that the NASA missions to the moon were gaining momentum and the first moon landing was only a year away..so all things spacey and science fiction were of the moment.

I've picked Neptune The Mystic, to present to you today..eerie, atmospheric, ethereal and when the beautiful women's choir come in towards the end it sends shivers up my spine.To this very day it the most listened piece of classical music for me which continues to inspire me.

The second piece is 'Take The Last Train To Clarkesville' by The Monkees.Why don't I chose a Beatles track yo umay ask?..Well, the studio bosses got it right when they marketed the Monkees as a television show.The first real manufactured Boy Band.Every Friday we'd sit in front of the TV to watch the latest hilarious adventures then go off and play at being The Monkees..(I was always Davey Jones!)

So, put together the mix of classical and pop..and you get progressive rock/art rock...the music I listen to today.So, here are the videos for delectation.

The Puppini sisters.

Still haven't managed to figure out that camera of Annie's..and missed the wonderful work done by a very nice man called Brian from Derbyshire Tree Services. He and his team came along to reduce the size of my enormous Willow tree..now it's looking rather bare and sad, but will fill out once spring comes along.

Today I've worked on both my commission and Cello girl..both of which are progressing nicely.So here is a video or two. I've decided that perhaps I'll set myself the goal of telling you things you regular readers don't know about me over the next few days. These two videos are of a group a lot of my friends wouldn't think of me liking. They're both by The Pupinni Sisters, a close vocal harmony trio ( think The Andrews Sisters)..the first song introduces the girls on a TV show I've never heard of ('The View' airs on ABC in America I think)

The second is a song called 'Spooky' and is by way of wishing Julie a very happy birthday for Saturday. If you're reading this..look out for the Skellys ..they reminded me of your embroidery!




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Snow man...

I've not got any real progress to post this evening..Annie's school was shut this morning so we spent time making a snowman..you'll find this hard to believe, but my first son was born in 1992..and since that time I've been promising to build a snowman when we have enough snow to do so...well, today was the day!...back to dotting tomorrow, but here's a track by my favourite band Genesis..it's called snowbound and it's about a snowman.

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Mirrorball

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Here for your delectation is a track by Elbow....never heard of them?...well click on the clicker and sit back to let this wash over you. It's taken from the album 'The Seldom Seen Kid'2008.

I was moved earlier today by a remark my son Sam made...(bear in mind he is only 16)...he related something he'd read and thought good. "when you discover that adults are imperfect, then you are an adolescent, when you forgive them for it, then you are an adult"..I'm truly and often moved when my son speaks to me like that....

All In A Mouse's Night.

OK..you know the drill by now...i like long progressive songs.....sometimes they're very long. This one is not so long..it's a brilliant story,here are the lyrics followed by the song on Youtube......I love it especiallly for the intstrumental piece at the end...wonderfull...!!!! After you've done with this one..enjoy 'Wot gorillla' also!

All In A Mouse's Night.

By Genesis.

Loving Couple: I can't see you but I know you're there.

Got to get beside you cos it's really cold out here.

Come up close to me you'll soon be warm.

Hold me tightly like we're sheltering from a storm.

Mouse: Think I might go out for a strollInto the night, and out of this hole.

Maybe find me a meal.Walking along this new shag pile

Presents a problem all the while.

Nearly the door.

Suddenly he bumps into wood, the door is closed.A voice from the bed, he'll be exposed.

Which way to run, must make for the hole,

The light's been turned on, he's blind as a mole in coal.

Now I can see they're coming at me,

They've blocked off my door, I haven't a chance in hell.

Couple: Come on baby let the poor thing go.

I'm not sleeping with that thing around here, no.

Alright then, I'll fetch a box from below,

Guard him carefully, they're very quick you know.

Mouse: The door's been opened, my chance to escape.

Must run out quick, better sorry than late

.I'm out on the stairs.

They won't catch me now, I've the run of the house now.

I'll make it downstairs and into the breadbin.

That would be nice.

Suddenly he bumps into fur, that's very unwise,

A cat is much quicker than men and their eyes.

The chase that ensues can have only one end,

Unless outside help steps in for our friend in need.

But now the cat comes in for the kill,

His paw is raised, soon blood will spill, yes it will.

Cat: Hard luck mouse, this is the end of your road.

The signpost says inside me, let me bear your heavy load.

But it's not to be, that final pounce

Knocks a jar upon his head, and lays him out.

But it's all in a mouse's night

To take on all those who would fight.

Cat's Story: There I was with my back to the wall,

Then comes this monster mouse,

he's ten feet tall,

With teeth and claws to match.

It only took one blow.

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Builders,Lintels and Breaking the Spell

Please excuse the absense of progress on my picture today..I've had some building work done at home which was necessary!..When we moved into our present house, it was pointed out that there was no Lintel over the window at the back of the property over the dining room.Over time, it has slowly become obvious that things were moving..and cracks had appeared in the brickwork above...thanks to my old friend Phil, it's now put right with new Lintel and brickwork.The window was just below where I work in my bedroom..so no work today.. you'll have to wait till tomorrow for the next instalment.

So for now..here's a piece of music by one of my favourite bands : Pendragon...'Breaking The Spell' is a gorgeous piece from 'The Window Of Life' album..let me know what you think!

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