Thursday, July 24, 2008

Extreme Ways

In lieu of a proper post, here's Moby performing Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side", acoustic at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester last night.



And for extra comedy, here's Ring Of Fire. Yes, *THAT* Ring Of Fire.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

iPhone 3G Watch - Day Three

It's only bloody shipped.

One Down

Just back from another missed gig, thanks to my fantastic new car. Thank you, Volkswagen, thank you RAC and thank you, A1 for getting me home in just FIVE HOURS, quite a feat for a 20 mile distance.

On Friday, while awaiting the Bangles gig in Sheffield (I know, I know) the power steering went. This was theoretically fixed by the RAC on Saturday. Obviously it wasn't - and it went again while in Liverpool, having also wasted a half day holiday. I was the first person there, of course, would have been right at the front.

VW would like me to put a £150 deposit on the hire car (oh yes, I have that in my pocket, here you go) and I'm by no means confident that they're going to sort this out.

Happy? Not much.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Diary of a Madman.

Call O2 to ask what's going on with my order. "Oh, this is sales, you need to speak to customer services."

Call customer services.

"Oh no, you're a new contract, that's sales."

Call sales. Bit cross.

"We'll call the relevant department and call you back in 5 minutes".

Wait. Still cross. No answer.

Call sales. Quite cross.

"I'll call you back in 5 minutes."

- insert deafening silence -

Call sales. Speak to moron. 10 minutes on hold. "We don't have access to that system. Call customer services."

Call customer services.

"We're a bit behind, call tomorrow if you haven't heard anything."

*DIES*

Monday, July 7, 2008

Memories

Things I remember cleary about yesterday:

Being very tired. Waking up in a Travelodge. Rain.

Things I remember only vaguely yesterday:

Ordering 5 Rachael Sage albums, 2 Tristan Prettyman albums and the Fine Frenzy album.

My Mistake

Following on from my previous post about The Ted Baker Dress (tm), I finally ordered it today, having found it in their sale, only to find out I'd ordered it a size too small.

This is evidently a huge mistake. It looks like I'm insulting her (without meaning to) and as there are none of the next size up available anywhere in the country, it's this or nothing. Bugger.

How to go from nice gesture to fuck up in one easy step!

While we're on the subject of fuck ups, let's talk about O2 and the iPhone launch.

It's now been just five hours (!) since I started trying to order one. I finally managed to get an 8Gb unit, even thought I wanted a 16Gb - their systems got utterly screwed over by what was effectively a thorough DDOS attack. Ah well, I suppose it's cost me less, and I'll just not be retiring the iPod. Seeing as my N95 has committed suicide in protest, the sooner the better.

To add insult to injury O2 didn't just accept my application, but referred it for a credit check. A quick check of Experian shows my accounts to be exactly as I imagine them and perfectly in order. So we shall see what happens. If they don't want my custom, I guess it'll be a HTC Diamond and then an unlocked PAYG iPhone come December...

Honesty in advertising

This advert just seen on Facebook:

"Fat? You have parasites!"

Erm... okay...

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Sound of Silence

Back home from the Cornbury festival, having taken one look at the weather this morning and (I'm sad to say) decided not to brave the elements for the second day.

Thought yesterday was very good, by and large. An excellent opening set from the mighty Love Trousers (although many didn't get to see it, I imagine because the gates opened late) and managed to blag their double B-Side CD from Mr Ellen himself.

Half Man Half Biscuit were their usual selves, helped by the excellent sound ensuring their lyrics were audible. In fact, that was a recurring theme throughout the day - just how well things could be picked out in the sound mix.

The Bangles were better than I'd expected, and looking remarkably well preserved.

Toots & The Maytalls really got the crowd going - lots of call and response. Hadn't expected to enjoy it, but it was impossible not to be won over.

Beverly Knight was the one act I saw yesterday who didn't do it for me, especially following the energy of T&TM who must be at least 30 years her senior. I didn't think she really engaged the crowd, but I could be wrong.

Paul Simon - bit of a mixed bag. I know you can't have all the hits, but no Still Crazy, no Kodachrome, no Bridge Over Troubled Water? I guess the curfew might have had something to do with it, though. I was also a bit unsure about some of the arrangements, at points I thought he might be threatening to do a Dylan and really play fast and loose with melody and rhythm - seemed to disturb the crowd singalong for songs like Mrs Robinson. It was nice to see him again, but I've seen better performances.

Oh, and there's a few photos here, including several of the Love Trousers...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/m_g_gray/sets/72157606012177897/