Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Smell Of Bacon

The smell of bacon, the sound of Daughter’s vocal chords (still going strong after twelve hours) and the beginnings of a hangover get me up fairly early this morning. After serving notice to the hangers-on from last night’s party, I head off on to the park with the dogs and also fetch the car back from where we left it last night.

When I get back home we still have guests but the last few stragglers finally leave around midday. Son summarises the evening on his Facebook, his post apparently done using the on-screen keyboard because his got damaged mid-party, along with his bed and several other things. A pretty good night he reckons, hmmm.

We stay in for the rest of the day, to dry out and clear up. The amount of empties is staggering; I have a serious amount of glass recycling to do. Meanwhile my hangover appears to be working in reverse and getting steadily worse.

I am thrilled for one Derby County stalwart who has been named in the New Year Honours list and awarded an MBE. Gordon Guthrie has been at Derby for as long as anyone can remember. He certainly appears in every team photo taken since I’ve been supporting the club. Guthrie was formerly on the playing staff but then in the late sixties returned to serve as first second team trainer before becoming the clubs physiotherapist. Consequently he has served under over twenty different managers and was given a testimonial in 1988 for 20 years’ service. He is at the club now as kit manager. Gordon will probably never retire and he probably knows too much for anyone to dare to ask him to leave. If he did ever write his memoirs it would be a very revealing read but it won't happen, he’s not the sort of chap to dish the dirt.

Favourite Albums Of 2009

Third part of my review of the year, my favourite ten albums of the past year.

These are just my personal favourites of course and everyone will have their own opinions but then if we all liked the same thing then the world would be just like one big branch of Tesco, where everyone is told what to like.

There are probably some omissions form this list, just like last year when I missed out on some of the best albums of 2008 simply because no one told me about them.

10. A Balloon Called Moaning - Joy Formidable



A wonderful debut album from the Welsh threesome, with apologies to Matt, the Devonian drummer.

9. Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper - Julian Plenti



Him of Interpol, sounding very Interpol. Not doing much solo that is different from with his band but still doing it rather very well.

8. Sigh No More - Mumford And Sons



Brought to my attention by a sixteen year old with a guitar at a GCSE presentation evening but I'm not too proud to take advice from a teenager.

7. To Lose My Life - White Lies



A bit tired and old hat now, as this stuff harks back to early 2008 and the album would probably have made top three had it been released then. Still good though, now we await new material.

6. In This Light And On This Evening - Editors



Moodier than ever but just as good.

5. Fine Fascination - Red Light Company



Excellent new band on the scene and I guess the award for debut album of the year.

4. Kingdown Of Rust - Doves



In the days of vinyl, you would have kept moving the needle back to the start of side one because side one is awesome, side two less, so but still a welcome return from Doves.

3. Forget The Night Ahead - Twilight Sad



Possibly my discovery of the year, because obviously I fell in love with the pure misery of their lyrics. Sitting somewhere in Scotland between Glasvegas and Frightened Rabbit, they do epic sorrow. A must see live for 2010.

2. Face Control - Handsome Furs



Only a side project for Dan Boeckner and his wife but what a side project. More please.

1. Primary Colours - The Horrors



They dropped the goth parody, they laid bare their influences and they conquered. Excellent.