Let it snow

Not done much with me Flikr account for ages, but tonight have uploaded some photographs of snow taken recently go here for a slide show or alternatively go here to see the set

A bit of Tom Jones

Went down to Chapter Arts tonight to see A bit of Tom Jones. Thoroughly enjoyed

It is a low budget (£100,00) film made in Tredegar (south wales) and was originally only intended to be shown in Wales, but i understand there are a handfull of cinemas over the bridge now showing it (Bristol, Manchester and Sheppards Bush). I reccomend you get along if you have a chance.

The basic plot is a guy buys Tom Jones cock in a pub and spends the rest of the film trying to sell it to rich perverts that collect celebrity body parts. It is a cross between twin town, sattelite city and a carry on movie. On times the plot is - well - just plain silly, but there are a considerable number of scenes that produce all out belly laughs. I can't remember the last time i laughed out loud so much in the cinema.

The mixture of familiar (to me) locations and valley humour make it quite unique and will be of special interest to valleys bods; although anyone with a wicked sense of humour will enjoy

Guardian article here

CHELSEA 4 CARDIFF CITY 1 (FA Cup round 4)

We managed to knock Leeds out of the FA cup when they were top of the Premiership and we got to the FA cup final in 2008 (after beating Barnsley in the semi-final, who had knocked out Chelsea en route). The chances of repeating this sort of success are pretty slim, but they are always in the back of the mind when travelling away to a big club. So, full of vim and vigour, we set off for the big smoke with our hearts full of hope. Although, with a team littered with injuries and a reputation for inconsistency, it was mainly hope that we did not get an embarrassing thrashing.

The 12 noon kick off meant an outrageously early start for a trip to London. On the bus stop by 06:30 and ever so slightly tipsy by ten of the clock, at which time we were in Heston Services just out side London.

After a short ride through London's west end, the busses were all parked up in the car park for Earls Court


Then it was just a short walk around the corner for the first refreshments, an off licence next to the car park. Just as well, cos it turns out most of the pubs in the area were closed.


We then had to walk through Brompton Cemetery. It is an impressive Victorian park full of lovingly crafted mausoleums, it would be interesting to visit it properly some time, but I am not sure it is appropriate to use it as a route for football fans heading to and from the football ground.

Then it was into the legendary Stamford Bridge. This was my first visit to the ground since the days when Chelsea were in the old second division, back in 1983. Things have changed a bit since then, both on and off the pitch.

Chelsea is one of the most expensive grounds to visit in the country, which has led to it becoming very much a ‘prawn sandwich’ venue, many of the old ‘working class’ fans that would sing their heart out being replaced by a more sedate crowd. Today the place was very much livened up by 5,800 boisterous and vocal Cardiff city fans. The usual we love Cardiff type songs would today be supplemented by cheeky songs about John Terry’s philandering and ultimately, “Four One - and you still won’t sing”.



We lost, but it was no walk over. Despite them scoring within two minutes (shocking refereeing to allow a goal so obviously off side) we kept them on their toes for much of the first half and eventually Chopra banged in an equaliser. At half time we were full of hope but it was no real shock when Chelskei went up a gear to eventually knock us out of the cup. The score line was slightly flattering to them though and Cardiff can be proud of their performance. BBC REPORT HERE


Then it was out of the ground for the walk back to the bus. Despite the biggest police presence at Stamford Bridge for 15 years (allegedly) the crowds pretty much mingled and there was quite a lot of ‘robust interaction’, many of Chelsea’s old Head Hunters coming out of retirement to say hello to their old friends the Soul Crew. Having seen it all before many times it was not too difficult to get back to the bus unscathed ready for the journey home.

One day a real rain is gonna come and wash all the scum off the streets.

For some pictures taken nearer the pitch with a better camera and by a more sober photographer, go to Urban 75

FREE COSMO ALBUM TO DOWNLOAD

Cosmo, Cardiff’s very own ‘Rebel without Applause’, has put a free sampler album on line for peeps to download and consume at their leisure. Think you have heard it all before? Well you haven’t (unless you have already heard this album, obviously), cos there are two new and exclusive tracks. Oi Mush, Suicide Bomber in your Heart, F@ck the BNP…. All the classics are here; and more.

We have given him some stick in the past, but that is just cos we love him. The guy really is a diamond; his combination of social insight, philosophical musings, political awareness, cultural appreciation, poetic genius, self depreciating humour and drunkenness, together with a natural talent on the guitar, provides us with a treat for your head heart and feet. He makes Billy Bragg look like a Tory and makes Jasper Carrot look like a comedian.

Download it, bung it on ya MP3 player and get strangers wondering why you are smiling to yourself while walking down the road.... GO HERE INNIT

Shatter The Hotel: A Dub Inspired Tribute To Joe Strummer by Strummerville

Only just discovered this. It is what is says on the tin, a dub tribute to the late great Joe Strummer. Proceeds from the sale of this release will benefit Strummerville: The Joe Strummer Foundation For New Music, a registered charity that aims to create new opportunities for aspiring musicians. Set up by the friends and family of Joe Strummer in the year after his death, the charity seeks to reflect Joe's unique contribution to the music world by offering support, resources and performance opportunities to artists who would not normally have access to them.

Clcik on the tracks in the player below and hear for your self what it sounds like, then go and buy the CD and help out the charity.

Shatter The Hotel: A Dub Inspired Tribute To Joe Strummer by Strummerville

SONCI ROCK SOLSTICE 2010

Just noticed there is to be a psychedelic space rock extravaganza up the road in Builth Wells over the summer solstice. Sonic Rock Solstice includes our old mates Omnia Opera, Litmus, Hawklords, Bridget Wishart and Pre-Med, with loads more already booked and to be confirmed. If you get ya tickets before the end of February they are a snip at £35. At that price you cant afford to not go!

NEW OMNIA OPERA TRACKS TO DOWNLOAD

Omnia Opera, proabably the greatest plasma rock band ever to hail from Malvern, have two tracks from their forthcoming album available for you to down load fro free, gratis, nout.

Go to http://www.omniaopera.co.uk/news.html .. innit

We think they are rather splendid