So it all started early 2009. I scrolled through my Ipod and decided to listen to Sufjan Stevens. I wondered how long it was since I’d listened to him? At best months ago, probably years. In fact, when was the last time I listened to anything other than what I’d recently bought and a handful of old favourites? You carry most of your record collection with you at all times in your Ipod but you could just as well have a walkman with a few cassettes rattling around in a bag the amount you explore your own music. I wanted to listen all of the music of varying quality I’d gathered over the years. But I wanted it to be structured (if there’s one thing I love more than music it’s structured fun) and I wanted to be something that I could show off about (if there’s one thing I love more than structured fun it’s being the centre of attention). Artist of the week was born.
It’s a simple idea: listen to everything you own and can gather by that artist and, if you can be bothered, anyone they have collaborated with or are influenced by. By the end of the week you really know how much you like the artist and what their best work is. My rules don’t mean that you have to exclusively listen to the artist of the week; you should listen to other stuff as well. So although Sufjan Stevens was a decent first week it is quite telling that I have barely listened to him since.
The second week was dedicated to Franz Ferdinand because their underrated album ‘Tonight’ had just been released and I was keen to keep on listening to new music alongside my old records. Another good week, but things only got astonishing and turned from sad-music-fan experiment to sad-music-fan-way-of life in the third week. Listening to all of PJ Harvey’s records reminds you of how talented she is and how lucky we are that she’s around. I didn’t realise then that later in the year Peej would hammer this point home, like Jermaine Defoe scoring a fifth goal, with the unhinged brilliance of her latest collaboration with John Parish.
All very nice, but a bit introspective? Not if you start shouting about it to friends and on social networking websites. This is where the attention seeking part fits it. Some of the best fun I’ve had comes from producing a fanfare and announcing what week it is on Facebook. It’s always interesting to see who responds and what they say, whether they are interested and interesting, like a furious debate between friends about what was The Cure’s best album, or amusing and sarcastic: Elbow week prompted someone to say ‘Why? Has your Ipod broken?’ When I’m not sure which artist to go for I sometimes put it to vote on FB or twitter. I now know that my friends really don’t like Bob Dylan but seem to be all about Belle and Sebastian.
I also know that, secretly, some people I know are really annoyed about me going on about something as mundane as what music I am listening to, and that makes me enjoy it even more. There is an easy way to get me back though. I received a text at two o’clock one morning from my dear friend Dave imploring me to have a Manic Street Preachers week. He later admitted that he was drunk and belligerent and knew that I wouldn’t shirk a challenge even though it meant me wading through a lot of mediocre stadium rock to get to the odd gem. It was the worst week I’ve had, but I still take suggestions. I told my good friend at work Vicki about the weekly ritual and got the impression she considered it (perish the thought) a little bit sad, but approved of that week’s choice, Johnny Cash. I asked her who I should listen to next, she went for Dolly Parton which made for a corking week.
Sometimes I go for concepts (as if this piece could not get any more wanky…) Covers week and gay week were both fun. Sometimes more than one artist; a recent week was White Stripes and Strokes week. The White Stripes won this contest easily, with the Strokes limping in third behind The Raconteurs. Otis Redding and Dusty Springfield week was an odd pairing that worked, The Bluetones and Gene week was a chance to revel in one of my very favourite genres: division 2 Britpop.
I save my favourite artists for special occasions - Pulp week was very fitting for my birthday weekend in Sheffield. I haven’t had a Beatles or a Stones week yet. I’ve done Morrissey week (no surprises, Maladjusted and Southpaw Grammar still appalling, the new one not great) but not the Smiths. The recent birth of my first child, Juno, has meant that I’ve not been as disciplined in the last few weeks, but I did manageto have a week dedicated to Radiohead (brilliant, and still maintain that OK Computer is at best only their fourth best album). Not sure what will be up next, open to suggestions.
So what have I learned? Lots: Richard Hawley’s new one is fantastic, Lady’s Bridge is terrible. Elliott Smith is better than Nick Drake. Disintegration is The Cure’s best album and The Eels deserve much more praise than they get. David Bowie’s last two records stand up rather well, the Manics’ don’t. Like all years there’s been a lot of good music released this year. I have also pledged to myself that I’ll only stop doing this when I have scraped the barrel so much that the only artists I haven’t played are Jamiroquai and U2. Either that or I’ll go back to the start and listen to Sufjan Stevens again, he might have even done a record about another American state by then.
Friday 1 January 2010
Wedding in Seoul
[First posted on Facebook October 2008]
Before we left London for Seoul my new boss at work, someone I don’t know too well, gave me some simple but good advice about getting married. ‘Try and enjoy every moment of the day’, she said, ‘try and remember everything. Write it down. It will all happen so quickly’. It’s early a week after the wedding day. Hyun Sook and I did enjoy every single moment of the day, it did happen very quickly – for me even the hours waiting around in the hairdressers before the ceremony flew by. I’ve tried to remember everything, all the photographs help as a prompt, and this is my attempt to write it down – not just the wedding day, the whole amazing trip.
The flights, from Heathrow to Helsinki then Helsinki to Seoul were fine, comfortable and enjoyable even. I watched ‘sex and the city’ and read one and a half books. I’ve read so much during the trip (9 so far) my best man Stuart had to bring reinforcements. Hyun Sook, wisely, got some sleep. So it was a tired Englishman and a well rested Korean woman who arrived at about 8am into Seoul. We had quite a busy day ahead of us.
Previous trips to Seoul had always been in the winter, it was nice to see the big clean roads and buildings bathed in sunshine I thought, as I dozed off for the first of many times that day. We went to try on the traditional Korean and wedding dress, you rent rather than buy in Korea, did some other jobs, I fell asleep, and went to the jewelry shop to choose our rings, mine a white gold platinum band, Hyun Sook’s a white gold diamond ring. Then I fell asleep on the way back to Hyun Sook’s parents house where after some lovely food I crashed out. It had been a long day.
It took me a few days to get over jet lag, days we spent doing jobs, relaxing, and spending time with Hyun Sook’s parents and brother. They were, as always, so kind and welcoming, I’m very lucky to have in laws like them. I also met some of Hyun Sook’s extended family. I especially enjoyed meeting Hyun Sook’s paternal Grandmother, a warm and spirited 88 year old who unexpectedly and happily made it to the ceremony.
Just as I we were getting over jet lag we have to wake up one morning at 4am to go to the hair dressers before our 6 hour photo shoot in a studio. I don’t usually get out of bed for less than 50 million Korean Wan so this was a bit of a shock. I had been warned by a friend who’d done this that it might be the worst day of my life; it wasn’t anywhere near that but it was incredibly grueling, and even a big show off like my baulked at some of the strange things we had to do in the name of photography. ‘BIG SMILE OLIBU’ was the constant shout from the over bearing but very talented photographer. My big cheesy smiles strained my face muscles but we’ve got some great photos from the session.
A day or so later people from the UK started to come over and the whole thing started to feel very real. Hyun Sook’s parents and Mum, Mike and Francesca had met before so the dinner together at a Korean BBQ was relaxed and convivial, and it felt like the party had started. It continued into the night, after Hyun Sook’s parents left and we retired to a Korean bar then an Irish bar.
Friday morning, two days before the wedding, we meet Stuart, Guy, Dan and Emma, Ben and Beth at the airport and go to central Seoul for lunch. I go back to the airport (all by myself!) to pick up Olivia. We went back into town and settled into a place called ‘Wa Bar’ which means ‘come here’ in Korean. All the UK people, apart from Auntie Debbie who arrived the next day, had arrived and started to drift in. I always thought that the Shepherd and Wosskow sides of the family would get on with each other, but it was good to be proved right. I’m lucky to have such a good family. Friends as well, It was great to see Dan and Jude, Rebecca and Dave and hear about their adventures traveling through Japan and South Korea. Dan and Dave were worryingly keen to get me to come to the public baths; they seemed to have enjoyed getting naked a little too much.
The night went on, I was strongly advised by my Mum and Hyun Sook not to go with the younger crowd to a karaoke bar, excellent advice as it turned out considering how hungover I was the next day. It was worse for Dan Light who sadly broke his leg in the early hours and had to go back home. Ben didn’t know what he was saying when he claimed ‘notwithstanding Dan’s accident we had a great night’.
Next day, Dad, Clare and Francesca made the 23 second taxi journey to meet up with the Shin family for lunch, the first time Dad and Clare had met them. Again, we had a great time, even if my hangover made me a little subdued. Presents were exchanged, food appreciated, waves, smiles, photographs, oh my God we’re getting married tomorrow!
So, a quiet night with Hyun Sook’s family and I thought about what they must be feeling. Nervous? After all they had very generously paid for and organized this massive event happening the next day. Sad that their daughter was marrying this chump? Excited about a day that brings together two cultures in a way that most of the guests will not have seen before?
The next day the only one of these emotions I felt was excitement. I’m quite a nervous person, particularly at weddings as anyone who has seen me fidgeting or stumbling through speeches will tell you, but I felt pretty calm through the whole day. I don’t know whether this was because I was so ready to get married - I had no doubts at all, or whether it was because I’d spent the whole day with Hyun Sook, in Korean weddings there is no tradition of bride and groom not meeting until the start of the ceremony, or that I had at last achieved Zen. I think Hyun Sook was more nervous than me, but she looked calm, and she looked absolutely gorgeous. Stunning in her wedding dress, beautiful hair, just the perfect bride. I looked OK as well, happy with my hair and make up (men wear make up on Korean weddings, I recommend it) and liked my tuxedo, but I was not so sure about the white gloves that people suggested made me look like a magician or a snooker referee.
My first impression of the venue was very good, such a lovely place in central Seoul called Memoris. We went up to a holding room on the fourth floor with a regal looking seat for photographs and the guests started to arrive. Then I saw the room where the ceremony would take place. It struck me how many seats there were and how big this wedding was. There were 16 people from the UK and around 250 from South Korea. It also struck me how little I knew about what was going to happen next, people kept asking me questions about it that I couldn’t answer, it was the only stressful part of the day. Thankfully So Young was there to help – I sang the Suede song of the same later in the trip as a tribute.
So it started. Thee room was beautifully decorated and the two mothers walked down the aisle hand in hand lighting candles to warm applause. Me next. I walked slowly down the aisle with my two excellent best men, Ben and Stuart, behind me. I walked up the steps and gave a half bow to the audience. There are two kinds of bows that I learned, the half bow where you bring shoulders forward and head down, and the full bow reminiscent of the Pope on a runway. I’m still not sure whether I did these at the appropriate times, but everyone watching the ceremony seemed to appreciate the attempts. The full bow to Hyun Sook’s parents was a particular crowd pleaser.
First bow accomplished with aplomb, and I look down the aisle to see my bride, accompanied by her father with her bridesmaids (Francesca and Moon Ju) behind her. Hyun Sook looked even more beautiful than before. We faced the man we called a minister, although it wasn’t really a religious ceremony, a kind and thoughtful man who had worked with Hyun Sook’s father. He read his thoughts and advice about marriage in Korean; the translation into English had been printed out for the UK contingent. Hyun Sook and I exchanged our vows in English and the minister pronounced us married.
Francesca then delivered her excellent speech with confidence. It was translated into Korean by So Young and read by Hyun Sook’s cousin. She ended the speech by quoting Ogden Nash:
"To keep a marriage brimming, with love in your loving cup. Whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up." Being polite people, the Korean translation said ‘whenever you’re right please don’t mention it’ which might not have quite the same impact.
The music was brilliant, a small band played jazz and we had a good think about what we’d done. Then we went to cut the cake, but something was missing, we hadn’t swapped the rings. This was an expensive oversight. And my poor best men were standing, confused, holding the rings. So we walked down the aisle and back again to exchange the rings. It was at that point that I felt properly married. It also gave me an excuse to take the gloves off.
Photos next, and I didn’t have to fake any smiles this time, I could not have been any happier if I tried. After that, the fun bit, the traditional Korean ceremony. We changed into our traditional Korean costume, the Han Bok. I chose a big gown in Sheffield Wednesday blue with a very tall black hat. I looked like a funny little wizard whereas Hyun Sook looked stunning in her red, white and green outfit.
Family were there, we performed the ritual to the three sets of parents in turn, but the UK friends had been sent to the naughty corner by over officious venue staff. We managed to get them back for the start of the festivities. The ceremony starts with the full bow, twice, then we give Korean Sake to the parents. We then held part of Hyun Sook’s Han Bok between us and the parents threw dates and chestnuts that we attempted to catch in the material. The amount we catch is supposed to correspond to how many children we’ll have. I stopped counting at 50…
Then siblings and other family members got involved in the ceremony and we melted under the lights. Afterwards I managed to have a small plate of the lovely food but Hyun Sook didn’t have any.
On our way to the A Bar for our party. After some difficulties with taxi drivers finding the place, all the Brits and some of Hyun Sook’s family and friends enjoyed the riverside views and the free-flowing drinks. Soon time for the speeches, Stuart made a fine, off-the-cuff MC and my Dad made a warm and funny speech without notes. Me and Ben had both prepared our speeches in advance; Francesca read out some messages and Hyun Sook translated her Father’s kind words. Everyone agreed that all the speeches were excellent, but as it was my wedding I think it’s fair to say mine was the best…
The whole evening was great, everyone was on top form and when me and my wife (my wife!) left some time after midnight we’d had an incredible day. What we didn’t expect is that Mum and Mike, Chesca, Guy, Stuart, Dan and Jude would keep going until the 6 in the morning. Some seemed fresher than others when we had lunch and wandered around Seoul with Hyun Sook’s parents the next day.
Then onto the Korean Island Je Ju for a short honeymoon. Some of the family were also on the island, we met up a couple of times for a great karaoke session and happy hour, but it was also great to spend some time together exploring the scenery of the island and eating the wonderful seafood and pork. Dan and Dave will be happy to learn that there was a sauna with dipping pools at the hotel, it did feel liberating walking around naked, I had the phrase ‘wedding tackle’ in my mind most of the time.
So, a great trip with everything we wanted and we are very happy.
Before we left London for Seoul my new boss at work, someone I don’t know too well, gave me some simple but good advice about getting married. ‘Try and enjoy every moment of the day’, she said, ‘try and remember everything. Write it down. It will all happen so quickly’. It’s early a week after the wedding day. Hyun Sook and I did enjoy every single moment of the day, it did happen very quickly – for me even the hours waiting around in the hairdressers before the ceremony flew by. I’ve tried to remember everything, all the photographs help as a prompt, and this is my attempt to write it down – not just the wedding day, the whole amazing trip.
The flights, from Heathrow to Helsinki then Helsinki to Seoul were fine, comfortable and enjoyable even. I watched ‘sex and the city’ and read one and a half books. I’ve read so much during the trip (9 so far) my best man Stuart had to bring reinforcements. Hyun Sook, wisely, got some sleep. So it was a tired Englishman and a well rested Korean woman who arrived at about 8am into Seoul. We had quite a busy day ahead of us.
Previous trips to Seoul had always been in the winter, it was nice to see the big clean roads and buildings bathed in sunshine I thought, as I dozed off for the first of many times that day. We went to try on the traditional Korean and wedding dress, you rent rather than buy in Korea, did some other jobs, I fell asleep, and went to the jewelry shop to choose our rings, mine a white gold platinum band, Hyun Sook’s a white gold diamond ring. Then I fell asleep on the way back to Hyun Sook’s parents house where after some lovely food I crashed out. It had been a long day.
It took me a few days to get over jet lag, days we spent doing jobs, relaxing, and spending time with Hyun Sook’s parents and brother. They were, as always, so kind and welcoming, I’m very lucky to have in laws like them. I also met some of Hyun Sook’s extended family. I especially enjoyed meeting Hyun Sook’s paternal Grandmother, a warm and spirited 88 year old who unexpectedly and happily made it to the ceremony.
Just as I we were getting over jet lag we have to wake up one morning at 4am to go to the hair dressers before our 6 hour photo shoot in a studio. I don’t usually get out of bed for less than 50 million Korean Wan so this was a bit of a shock. I had been warned by a friend who’d done this that it might be the worst day of my life; it wasn’t anywhere near that but it was incredibly grueling, and even a big show off like my baulked at some of the strange things we had to do in the name of photography. ‘BIG SMILE OLIBU’ was the constant shout from the over bearing but very talented photographer. My big cheesy smiles strained my face muscles but we’ve got some great photos from the session.
A day or so later people from the UK started to come over and the whole thing started to feel very real. Hyun Sook’s parents and Mum, Mike and Francesca had met before so the dinner together at a Korean BBQ was relaxed and convivial, and it felt like the party had started. It continued into the night, after Hyun Sook’s parents left and we retired to a Korean bar then an Irish bar.
Friday morning, two days before the wedding, we meet Stuart, Guy, Dan and Emma, Ben and Beth at the airport and go to central Seoul for lunch. I go back to the airport (all by myself!) to pick up Olivia. We went back into town and settled into a place called ‘Wa Bar’ which means ‘come here’ in Korean. All the UK people, apart from Auntie Debbie who arrived the next day, had arrived and started to drift in. I always thought that the Shepherd and Wosskow sides of the family would get on with each other, but it was good to be proved right. I’m lucky to have such a good family. Friends as well, It was great to see Dan and Jude, Rebecca and Dave and hear about their adventures traveling through Japan and South Korea. Dan and Dave were worryingly keen to get me to come to the public baths; they seemed to have enjoyed getting naked a little too much.
The night went on, I was strongly advised by my Mum and Hyun Sook not to go with the younger crowd to a karaoke bar, excellent advice as it turned out considering how hungover I was the next day. It was worse for Dan Light who sadly broke his leg in the early hours and had to go back home. Ben didn’t know what he was saying when he claimed ‘notwithstanding Dan’s accident we had a great night’.
Next day, Dad, Clare and Francesca made the 23 second taxi journey to meet up with the Shin family for lunch, the first time Dad and Clare had met them. Again, we had a great time, even if my hangover made me a little subdued. Presents were exchanged, food appreciated, waves, smiles, photographs, oh my God we’re getting married tomorrow!
So, a quiet night with Hyun Sook’s family and I thought about what they must be feeling. Nervous? After all they had very generously paid for and organized this massive event happening the next day. Sad that their daughter was marrying this chump? Excited about a day that brings together two cultures in a way that most of the guests will not have seen before?
The next day the only one of these emotions I felt was excitement. I’m quite a nervous person, particularly at weddings as anyone who has seen me fidgeting or stumbling through speeches will tell you, but I felt pretty calm through the whole day. I don’t know whether this was because I was so ready to get married - I had no doubts at all, or whether it was because I’d spent the whole day with Hyun Sook, in Korean weddings there is no tradition of bride and groom not meeting until the start of the ceremony, or that I had at last achieved Zen. I think Hyun Sook was more nervous than me, but she looked calm, and she looked absolutely gorgeous. Stunning in her wedding dress, beautiful hair, just the perfect bride. I looked OK as well, happy with my hair and make up (men wear make up on Korean weddings, I recommend it) and liked my tuxedo, but I was not so sure about the white gloves that people suggested made me look like a magician or a snooker referee.
My first impression of the venue was very good, such a lovely place in central Seoul called Memoris. We went up to a holding room on the fourth floor with a regal looking seat for photographs and the guests started to arrive. Then I saw the room where the ceremony would take place. It struck me how many seats there were and how big this wedding was. There were 16 people from the UK and around 250 from South Korea. It also struck me how little I knew about what was going to happen next, people kept asking me questions about it that I couldn’t answer, it was the only stressful part of the day. Thankfully So Young was there to help – I sang the Suede song of the same later in the trip as a tribute.
So it started. Thee room was beautifully decorated and the two mothers walked down the aisle hand in hand lighting candles to warm applause. Me next. I walked slowly down the aisle with my two excellent best men, Ben and Stuart, behind me. I walked up the steps and gave a half bow to the audience. There are two kinds of bows that I learned, the half bow where you bring shoulders forward and head down, and the full bow reminiscent of the Pope on a runway. I’m still not sure whether I did these at the appropriate times, but everyone watching the ceremony seemed to appreciate the attempts. The full bow to Hyun Sook’s parents was a particular crowd pleaser.
First bow accomplished with aplomb, and I look down the aisle to see my bride, accompanied by her father with her bridesmaids (Francesca and Moon Ju) behind her. Hyun Sook looked even more beautiful than before. We faced the man we called a minister, although it wasn’t really a religious ceremony, a kind and thoughtful man who had worked with Hyun Sook’s father. He read his thoughts and advice about marriage in Korean; the translation into English had been printed out for the UK contingent. Hyun Sook and I exchanged our vows in English and the minister pronounced us married.
Francesca then delivered her excellent speech with confidence. It was translated into Korean by So Young and read by Hyun Sook’s cousin. She ended the speech by quoting Ogden Nash:
"To keep a marriage brimming, with love in your loving cup. Whenever you're wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up." Being polite people, the Korean translation said ‘whenever you’re right please don’t mention it’ which might not have quite the same impact.
The music was brilliant, a small band played jazz and we had a good think about what we’d done. Then we went to cut the cake, but something was missing, we hadn’t swapped the rings. This was an expensive oversight. And my poor best men were standing, confused, holding the rings. So we walked down the aisle and back again to exchange the rings. It was at that point that I felt properly married. It also gave me an excuse to take the gloves off.
Photos next, and I didn’t have to fake any smiles this time, I could not have been any happier if I tried. After that, the fun bit, the traditional Korean ceremony. We changed into our traditional Korean costume, the Han Bok. I chose a big gown in Sheffield Wednesday blue with a very tall black hat. I looked like a funny little wizard whereas Hyun Sook looked stunning in her red, white and green outfit.
Family were there, we performed the ritual to the three sets of parents in turn, but the UK friends had been sent to the naughty corner by over officious venue staff. We managed to get them back for the start of the festivities. The ceremony starts with the full bow, twice, then we give Korean Sake to the parents. We then held part of Hyun Sook’s Han Bok between us and the parents threw dates and chestnuts that we attempted to catch in the material. The amount we catch is supposed to correspond to how many children we’ll have. I stopped counting at 50…
Then siblings and other family members got involved in the ceremony and we melted under the lights. Afterwards I managed to have a small plate of the lovely food but Hyun Sook didn’t have any.
On our way to the A Bar for our party. After some difficulties with taxi drivers finding the place, all the Brits and some of Hyun Sook’s family and friends enjoyed the riverside views and the free-flowing drinks. Soon time for the speeches, Stuart made a fine, off-the-cuff MC and my Dad made a warm and funny speech without notes. Me and Ben had both prepared our speeches in advance; Francesca read out some messages and Hyun Sook translated her Father’s kind words. Everyone agreed that all the speeches were excellent, but as it was my wedding I think it’s fair to say mine was the best…
The whole evening was great, everyone was on top form and when me and my wife (my wife!) left some time after midnight we’d had an incredible day. What we didn’t expect is that Mum and Mike, Chesca, Guy, Stuart, Dan and Jude would keep going until the 6 in the morning. Some seemed fresher than others when we had lunch and wandered around Seoul with Hyun Sook’s parents the next day.
Then onto the Korean Island Je Ju for a short honeymoon. Some of the family were also on the island, we met up a couple of times for a great karaoke session and happy hour, but it was also great to spend some time together exploring the scenery of the island and eating the wonderful seafood and pork. Dan and Dave will be happy to learn that there was a sauna with dipping pools at the hotel, it did feel liberating walking around naked, I had the phrase ‘wedding tackle’ in my mind most of the time.
So, a great trip with everything we wanted and we are very happy.
Wedding Speech
[First posted on Facebook January 2009]
This is the speech I wrote for mine and Hyun Sook's wedding reception held at Baldwin's Omega on 3rd January. It doesn't capture everything that I said because I didn't stick to the script all the way through. I mention the other speakers in the speech, but what I didn't know was just how brilliant they all were - as were the band and Djs. For some reason I started the speech by morphing into Sheffield comedian Bobby Knutt by shouting 'AY UP KIDS!'. I'd had rather a lot of wine....
My wife and I have so many people to thank for being so generous with time, money and support - through the whole of our relationship in general and for the wedding in particular. I want to thank all of the people that I mention today. Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
So, guess where me and Hyun Sook met? That's right, we met in a pub. We got to know each other at a weekly meet up of friends called 'pub club' where each week someone would nominate a drinking den that they hadn't been to before and we'd all pile in. The great conceit was that it was a way for us to discover new parts of London - the fact was it was a great excuse for us to meet up and get drunk. HS and I were introduced to each other by our mutual friends Neil, who can't be here as he's in his hometown of Japan, and Sook Young, who I'm proud to announce was voted LG's employee of the year 2008. Neil and Sook Young helped us out during the early stages of courtship when some of our signals to each other got misunderstood. I thought that when Hyun Sook told me that she didn't want me to wait with her at a bus stop that it meant she didn't want to ever see me again, when in reality it meant that she DID want me to wait with her at a bus stop! I had a lot to learn...
I was with the other Neil, and Lucy (happy birthday Lucy), in a pub, when I plucked up the courage to call Hyun Sook out and ask her out on a date. Guess where we went on our first date? That's right, we went to a pub. Now I don't want you to think that we spend all of our time in pubs, but I can't really think of a reason why you shouldn't. Especially as the next people I want to mention are Stuart and Ben.
It was these two fine men who organised my stag do. Actually, they called it a 'hen do' because it might not surprise you to learn that me and my male friends are not the most masculine and laddish in the world. I thought me and Mark were about to get gay bashed by the Southend locals for enjoying a hug at one point . We spent most of the weekend, in pubs naturally, sharing our experiences with each other, talking about our feelings and how men are from venus and women are from Seoul and performing karaoke. But we showed just how rock n roll we are when we had to deal with the police after a fight! Unfortunately for our street cred it was us who approached the officers to report the affray that we had witnessed. I did open my account of the incident by saying 'I'm quite drunk so I'm not sure I'll be the most credible witness'. We gave our phone numbers but, strangely, didn't hear from them again. Thanks to Stuart and Ben for organising such a great weekend.
Hyun Sook's hen do was brilliantly organised by Tracy, who also managed the impossible by designing and putting together a wedding invitation which made me look like an athlete. There are some theories about how I appear to have jumped so high; I was not bouncing on a trampoline, falling off a tall building or trying to jump up for a bottle of wine just out of shot. What had actually happened is Hyun Sook had simply said 'jump' and I did what any sane man would do! I didn't even need Sook Young to explain it to me this time.
Me as an athlete then? Well, try telling that to former England captain Michael Vaughan. Anyone who has mentioned the word cricket anywhere near me will know that I grew up knowing Michael Vaughan. He was a year ahead of me at school and we played in the same teams - he is the most talented sportsman I have ever met. I was very proud of my association with Vaughan and used to brag about it a little, to the extent that at a text match Jamie and Phil ran a sweepstake about how many times I would mention this in the first session. But what does pride come before? My brother in law, Chris who can't be here because, as a former aide to Margaret Thatcher, his safety cannot be guaranteed in Sheffield, met the struggling batsman at a cricket dinner and asked if he remembered me. 'Oh yes', said the weak-chinned yesterday's man, 'I bet he's really fat now!'
I think Chris mentioned something about 'big bones' and 'glandular'. Vaughan also remarked to Chris that we had grown up together on the same 'estate'. I don't know if the struggling weak chinned former England captain was trying to set himself up as some kind of working class hero, but Wyvern Gardens, a cul de sac in Dore village, is hardly the mean streets of Toxteth or Moss Side. In fact, it's about the only place in Sheffield where Chris would be safe from attack.
Mentioning Dore brings me onto my family. Dad and Clare, Mum and Mike have all been so brilliant at making Hyun Sook feel welcome and we'd like to thank them so much for their generosity in arranging such a fantastic party. In my speech in Korea I talked about how different Mum and Mike are from Dad and Clare, it was comedy gold I tell you, but today I just want to say how similar you all are in the love that you've shown me and Hyun Sook. Nothing can go anywhere close to thanking you for all you've done for us, but we've got some flowers for Mum and Clare as a token. Dad might want to put Clare's in the car. Mum, special thanks to you for teaching Hyun Sook about the important things in life: port, brandy, cheese, Robert Taylor hairdressers and high heels.
We are very lucky to have four wonderful loving parents in Sheffield and two wonderful loving parents in Seoul. Hyun Sook's parents can't be with us but are being represented by Hyun Sook's brother, Hyun Sup. Everyone who went to Seoul appreciated how hospitable and generous Hyun Sook's parents are and we both wish they were here with us today. I'd also like to thank everyone who made the trip to Seoul - , Dan Fordham, Guy. Rebecca, David , Stuart, Emma, Ben, Beth, Jude, Debbie, Olivia, Francesca, Mum, Mike, Dad, Clare. Have I missed anyone out? Dan Light? I thought it a bit too insensitive to mention his name in the same sentence as trip. But I'm not going to make any jokes about Dan breaking his leg in South Korea - mainly because I'm sure Michael will have done loads of them already. I likened the idea of doing a speech after Michael to the moment when Brett Anderson of Suede went green at the thought of following a legend like Bob Dylan on stage. Well, today I've also had to deal with Francesca and Kim - the cheeky girls, Uncle Stuart - Benny Anderson from Abba, my Dad - Barry Manilow, and Stuart and Ben, Jarvis Cocker and Benny Anderson from Abba (or Leo Sayer) . Thanks to all of the speakers.
I've already mentioned Hyun Sup, it's great to have him here for a few months to learn English. We have already shown him the cultural sites of London - yes, the pub - where he's learned the following important phrases: 'It's your round', 'I got the last ones', 'make mine a double' and 'not this place, Steven Gerrard's drinking here'. It is so great to introduce him to his siblings in law - Francesca and Kim who are doing such a great job as masters of ceremony, as well as Ben, Emma, Beth and Dan. I hope he'll get a chance to meet Debbie, Chris and Victor soon. I also want to mention my sister Sam, we love and miss her so much.
We would also like to thank the band, Michael, Jude, David and Dan, and our DJ Rebecca, for the music. The song's they're singing. And thank them for all the joy they're bringing. I'm not so worried about being on the same bill as them to be honest....
It's customary for the groom to thank the bridesmaids and say how fantastic they are looking, whilst remembering that they do not look quite as amazing as the bride. Well, in Korea Francesca and Soojin, who can't be here. were bridesmaids, in London Tracy organised the stag do and today Sook Young is sitting on the top table with us. That's a bit confusing, so I just want to say how wonderful all the women here are looking, but not as wonderful as Hyun Sook. And, why not, the men are all looking pretty handsome too, but not as handsome as me.
And thanks very much to all of you good people for attending, especially just after party season. It's great to see you all and we're lucky to have such good friends.
Which leaves me with one person to thank. When I did my speech in Korea I wrote some things to say about my beautiful and wonderful wife Hyun Sook, but it didn't seem right to read things out. It's better to speak from the heart, so that's what I'll do now. (which is what I did).
This is the speech I wrote for mine and Hyun Sook's wedding reception held at Baldwin's Omega on 3rd January. It doesn't capture everything that I said because I didn't stick to the script all the way through. I mention the other speakers in the speech, but what I didn't know was just how brilliant they all were - as were the band and Djs. For some reason I started the speech by morphing into Sheffield comedian Bobby Knutt by shouting 'AY UP KIDS!'. I'd had rather a lot of wine....
My wife and I have so many people to thank for being so generous with time, money and support - through the whole of our relationship in general and for the wedding in particular. I want to thank all of the people that I mention today. Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
So, guess where me and Hyun Sook met? That's right, we met in a pub. We got to know each other at a weekly meet up of friends called 'pub club' where each week someone would nominate a drinking den that they hadn't been to before and we'd all pile in. The great conceit was that it was a way for us to discover new parts of London - the fact was it was a great excuse for us to meet up and get drunk. HS and I were introduced to each other by our mutual friends Neil, who can't be here as he's in his hometown of Japan, and Sook Young, who I'm proud to announce was voted LG's employee of the year 2008. Neil and Sook Young helped us out during the early stages of courtship when some of our signals to each other got misunderstood. I thought that when Hyun Sook told me that she didn't want me to wait with her at a bus stop that it meant she didn't want to ever see me again, when in reality it meant that she DID want me to wait with her at a bus stop! I had a lot to learn...
I was with the other Neil, and Lucy (happy birthday Lucy), in a pub, when I plucked up the courage to call Hyun Sook out and ask her out on a date. Guess where we went on our first date? That's right, we went to a pub. Now I don't want you to think that we spend all of our time in pubs, but I can't really think of a reason why you shouldn't. Especially as the next people I want to mention are Stuart and Ben.
It was these two fine men who organised my stag do. Actually, they called it a 'hen do' because it might not surprise you to learn that me and my male friends are not the most masculine and laddish in the world. I thought me and Mark were about to get gay bashed by the Southend locals for enjoying a hug at one point . We spent most of the weekend, in pubs naturally, sharing our experiences with each other, talking about our feelings and how men are from venus and women are from Seoul and performing karaoke. But we showed just how rock n roll we are when we had to deal with the police after a fight! Unfortunately for our street cred it was us who approached the officers to report the affray that we had witnessed. I did open my account of the incident by saying 'I'm quite drunk so I'm not sure I'll be the most credible witness'. We gave our phone numbers but, strangely, didn't hear from them again. Thanks to Stuart and Ben for organising such a great weekend.
Hyun Sook's hen do was brilliantly organised by Tracy, who also managed the impossible by designing and putting together a wedding invitation which made me look like an athlete. There are some theories about how I appear to have jumped so high; I was not bouncing on a trampoline, falling off a tall building or trying to jump up for a bottle of wine just out of shot. What had actually happened is Hyun Sook had simply said 'jump' and I did what any sane man would do! I didn't even need Sook Young to explain it to me this time.
Me as an athlete then? Well, try telling that to former England captain Michael Vaughan. Anyone who has mentioned the word cricket anywhere near me will know that I grew up knowing Michael Vaughan. He was a year ahead of me at school and we played in the same teams - he is the most talented sportsman I have ever met. I was very proud of my association with Vaughan and used to brag about it a little, to the extent that at a text match Jamie and Phil ran a sweepstake about how many times I would mention this in the first session. But what does pride come before? My brother in law, Chris who can't be here because, as a former aide to Margaret Thatcher, his safety cannot be guaranteed in Sheffield, met the struggling batsman at a cricket dinner and asked if he remembered me. 'Oh yes', said the weak-chinned yesterday's man, 'I bet he's really fat now!'
I think Chris mentioned something about 'big bones' and 'glandular'. Vaughan also remarked to Chris that we had grown up together on the same 'estate'. I don't know if the struggling weak chinned former England captain was trying to set himself up as some kind of working class hero, but Wyvern Gardens, a cul de sac in Dore village, is hardly the mean streets of Toxteth or Moss Side. In fact, it's about the only place in Sheffield where Chris would be safe from attack.
Mentioning Dore brings me onto my family. Dad and Clare, Mum and Mike have all been so brilliant at making Hyun Sook feel welcome and we'd like to thank them so much for their generosity in arranging such a fantastic party. In my speech in Korea I talked about how different Mum and Mike are from Dad and Clare, it was comedy gold I tell you, but today I just want to say how similar you all are in the love that you've shown me and Hyun Sook. Nothing can go anywhere close to thanking you for all you've done for us, but we've got some flowers for Mum and Clare as a token. Dad might want to put Clare's in the car. Mum, special thanks to you for teaching Hyun Sook about the important things in life: port, brandy, cheese, Robert Taylor hairdressers and high heels.
We are very lucky to have four wonderful loving parents in Sheffield and two wonderful loving parents in Seoul. Hyun Sook's parents can't be with us but are being represented by Hyun Sook's brother, Hyun Sup. Everyone who went to Seoul appreciated how hospitable and generous Hyun Sook's parents are and we both wish they were here with us today. I'd also like to thank everyone who made the trip to Seoul - , Dan Fordham, Guy. Rebecca, David , Stuart, Emma, Ben, Beth, Jude, Debbie, Olivia, Francesca, Mum, Mike, Dad, Clare. Have I missed anyone out? Dan Light? I thought it a bit too insensitive to mention his name in the same sentence as trip. But I'm not going to make any jokes about Dan breaking his leg in South Korea - mainly because I'm sure Michael will have done loads of them already. I likened the idea of doing a speech after Michael to the moment when Brett Anderson of Suede went green at the thought of following a legend like Bob Dylan on stage. Well, today I've also had to deal with Francesca and Kim - the cheeky girls, Uncle Stuart - Benny Anderson from Abba, my Dad - Barry Manilow, and Stuart and Ben, Jarvis Cocker and Benny Anderson from Abba (or Leo Sayer) . Thanks to all of the speakers.
I've already mentioned Hyun Sup, it's great to have him here for a few months to learn English. We have already shown him the cultural sites of London - yes, the pub - where he's learned the following important phrases: 'It's your round', 'I got the last ones', 'make mine a double' and 'not this place, Steven Gerrard's drinking here'. It is so great to introduce him to his siblings in law - Francesca and Kim who are doing such a great job as masters of ceremony, as well as Ben, Emma, Beth and Dan. I hope he'll get a chance to meet Debbie, Chris and Victor soon. I also want to mention my sister Sam, we love and miss her so much.
We would also like to thank the band, Michael, Jude, David and Dan, and our DJ Rebecca, for the music. The song's they're singing. And thank them for all the joy they're bringing. I'm not so worried about being on the same bill as them to be honest....
It's customary for the groom to thank the bridesmaids and say how fantastic they are looking, whilst remembering that they do not look quite as amazing as the bride. Well, in Korea Francesca and Soojin, who can't be here. were bridesmaids, in London Tracy organised the stag do and today Sook Young is sitting on the top table with us. That's a bit confusing, so I just want to say how wonderful all the women here are looking, but not as wonderful as Hyun Sook. And, why not, the men are all looking pretty handsome too, but not as handsome as me.
And thanks very much to all of you good people for attending, especially just after party season. It's great to see you all and we're lucky to have such good friends.
Which leaves me with one person to thank. When I did my speech in Korea I wrote some things to say about my beautiful and wonderful wife Hyun Sook, but it didn't seem right to read things out. It's better to speak from the heart, so that's what I'll do now. (which is what I did).
My favourite albums of 2009
[First posted on Facebook December 2009]
Some people have said that, because of downloading, the X Factor etc. that the album is dying. I say balls. Like every year there were plenty of good records in 2009 (a very significant year for me with the birth of Juno). On this list the top 15 could be rated as really really good and the top 8 as brilliant. I don’t claim that this is comprehensive in any way; had I heard more stuff released this year I’m sure the Mozzer album would have been in an even more lowly position than it is now. These are simply the albums that I have listened to and enjoyed this year. I’d be interested to hear what people think I’ve missed from the list.
Oh, and just like there are several ‘fifth Beatles’ there are three ‘twenty fifth albums’ missing from this list: I really enjoyed ‘The Singer’ by Teitur but it was released in a previous year; the ‘Dark Was The Night’ compilation was very good but under my strict rules compilations are not allowed. Similarly I had to declare a conflict of interests and leave the room when The Fighting Kites’ record ‘The Vlaam Tapes’ came up for discussion in the meeting that I held with myself. All of these would have occupied a mid-table position had they been allowed.
Here’s the top 24:
24. Years of Refusal by Morrissey
Two cracking singles in ‘…Paris’ and ‘Something is Squeezing My Skull’, a couple of half decent tracks that were on a greatest hits compilation and not much else of quality. Moz has said that following this and the previous two albums he can retire happy. Perhaps he should.
23. Oh My God Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem
Enjoyable folky Americana. ‘To Ohio’ is one of the warmest songs I’ve heard all year.
22. Slow Attack by Brett Anderson
At last, Brett has made a solo record that die-hard Suede fans like me can stand behind without any shame and with some real pride. Folky and pastoral, some beautiful song (‘The Hunted’, ‘Hymn’, ‘Scarecrows and Lilacs’ ) and nearly an absence of lyrics that make you want to chop your ears off and bury them at sea.
21. It’s Blitz by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Got this record earlier this week so don’t know it that well, but it’s energetic electro pop impresses on the first couple of listens and I get the impression it will be a grower as well as a shower.
20. Kingdom of Rust by The Doves
Tipped by some to ‘do an Elbow’ this year – but The Doves don’t have as much crossover appeal as their Manchester pals. This was an good attempt though, full of good songs and more invention than you might imagine.
19. Tonight by Franz Ferdinand
Seems like it’s all over for bands like FF, but this record would not be a bad way to bow out gracefully. Franz were always more interesting than most of their peers and they are willing to try and innovate on this record even if it doesn’t always come off. When it works, ‘No you girls’ and ‘What She Came For’ for instance, they still sound absolutely vital. The mini album remix ‘Blood’ that came with the record was good as well.
18. Far by Regina Spektor
A collection beautifully sung piano songs pitched somewhere in between Tori Amos and Joanna Newsome. No come back, honestly, it works. ‘Eet’ and ‘Dance Anthem of the 80s’ are particularly good.
17. Wilco by Wilco
Upbeat country rock as you’d expect from Wilco. As best pal Stuart Evers would say, there’s not enough country in it, but it’s still impressive. Homage to George Harrison ‘You Never Know’ is one of the highlights.
16. The Spinning Top by Graham Coxon
Coxon provided a live music highlight of the year with Blur’s Hyde Park show, and quietly released this little gem of sweet songs sung sweetly. First track ‘Look into the light’ is a good ‘un.
15. Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle – Bill Callahan
Quite a dark sounding record from the ex-Smog man and perhaps not one to put on at your New Years Eve party, but a special record that highlights what a good singer he is.
14. The Duckworth Lewis Method by The Duckworth Lewis Method
The centre of the venn diagram showing Divine Comedy fans and lovers of cricket might be quite small and would certainly include me, but you only need to like one of those to appreciate this witty, clever and musically diverse concept album about cricket by Neil Hannon and the fella from Pugwash. At the start of this year I never thought I’d write the following sentence: I loved the Noel Cowardesque song ‘Jiggery Pokery’ about Shane Warne’s ball of the century that pokes fun at Mike Gatting’s waistline throughout.
13. Further Complications by Jarvis Cocker
Is it only me and Stuart that like this record? Even Jude Rogers, who I agree with about most matters musical, doesn’t like this one. Well I love it. It has a harder edge and some of the lyrics are a bit unforgiving but surely they’re good things? ‘I Never Said I was Deep’ and ‘Hold Still are amongst his best work. SO THERE!
12. My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
Tip-top indie-pop.
11. The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists
There is rather a lot going on in this record, I checked the sleeve notes to see who was playing the kitchen sink. This is high concept stuff, perhaps a little pretentious at times but impressive and enjoyable throughout. Works best as an album rather than as individual songs but ‘The Rakes Song’ is about the best track.
10. Merriweather Post Pavillion by Animal Collective
The title annoyed me and I was disappointed with their previous offering ‘Strawberry Jam’ so I nearly didn’t bother, but I’m glad I did. Like lots of bands at the mo they’ve turned up the Brian Wilson dial to 11 but they get away with it through the quality of the songs. ‘My Girls’ might have been ubiquitous this year but it’s still damn good.
9. Still Night, Still Light by Au Revoir Simone
Old friend Rebecca Bream introduced to these indie popsters and I’ve loved them ever since. This is a great collection of songs. You should listen to ‘Take Me As I Am’, ‘Anywhere You Looked’ and ‘Another Likely Story’ or I’ll be forced to put insects in your breakfast cereal.
8 A Woman a Man Walked By by PJ Harvey and John Parish.
Unhinged brilliance, that is to say: mental. But brilliant. Single ‘Black Hearted Love’ is the closest thing to normal. We should appreciate Polly Harvey much more in this country. Naming a park after her, a postage stamp in her honour and a national Polly Harvey holiday by the end of 2009 would be considered a start.
7. Humbug by Arctic Monkeys.
I wasn’t convinced that working with Josh Homme was a great idea but whilst Humbug is darker and rockier than the first 2 records it’s still got some top tunes. ‘Cornerstone’ is one of my favourite songs of the year and ‘Dance Little Liar’ is a triumph. I agree with the reviewers who said that the next one could be amazing.
6. Trueloves Gutter - Richard Hawley
Despite one of the songs - ‘Open Up Your Door - being used in an ice cream advert this is less commercial, more orchestral than before with some beautiful songs, especially ‘For Your Lover Give Some Time’. Makes last album ‘Lady’s Bridge’ look like a load of old rubbish. Which it was.
5. Dark Days/Light Years by Super Furry Animals
Lots and lots of fun, lots of different musical styles, great songs and the best song title of the decade: ‘The Very Best of Neil Diamond’. We should appreciate SFA much more in this country. Naming a park after them, a postage stamp in their honour and a national Super Furry Animals holiday by the end of 2009 would be considered a start.
4. Noble Beast by Andrew Bird
First record of 2009 that I really liked when the aforementioned Jude played it to me, and I’ve kept going back to it all year. Gentle and folky and extra points for using the word ‘sociopath’ in a pop song in the brilliant ‘Oh No’.
3. The xx by The xx
I’ve come to these a bit late, but as soon as I heard this debut I loved it. Difficult to describe, how about about indie tinged R&B/electronica? Or maybe R&B/electronica tinged indie? Inventive, good lyrically and they are only about twelve years old. Lots of good songs, ‘Islands’ is one of the best.
2. Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
A real slow burner this one, another that might have enjoyed the benefit of a Beach Boys song or two, but a proper brilliant collection of songs, Two Weeks being an obvious example.
1. Hombre Lobo by Eels
Haven’t really seen this in many end of year lists, seems to have been ignored by everyone except me and Eels-drum-banger-in-chief David Stewart (another old friend) which is a shame because it’s a fantastic collection of blues rock songs and tender ballads. The single ‘The Look You Give That Guy’ is about the best thing I’ve heard all year. Not a barrel of laughs maybe, but certainly a barrel of brilliance.
Some people have said that, because of downloading, the X Factor etc. that the album is dying. I say balls. Like every year there were plenty of good records in 2009 (a very significant year for me with the birth of Juno). On this list the top 15 could be rated as really really good and the top 8 as brilliant. I don’t claim that this is comprehensive in any way; had I heard more stuff released this year I’m sure the Mozzer album would have been in an even more lowly position than it is now. These are simply the albums that I have listened to and enjoyed this year. I’d be interested to hear what people think I’ve missed from the list.
Oh, and just like there are several ‘fifth Beatles’ there are three ‘twenty fifth albums’ missing from this list: I really enjoyed ‘The Singer’ by Teitur but it was released in a previous year; the ‘Dark Was The Night’ compilation was very good but under my strict rules compilations are not allowed. Similarly I had to declare a conflict of interests and leave the room when The Fighting Kites’ record ‘The Vlaam Tapes’ came up for discussion in the meeting that I held with myself. All of these would have occupied a mid-table position had they been allowed.
Here’s the top 24:
24. Years of Refusal by Morrissey
Two cracking singles in ‘…Paris’ and ‘Something is Squeezing My Skull’, a couple of half decent tracks that were on a greatest hits compilation and not much else of quality. Moz has said that following this and the previous two albums he can retire happy. Perhaps he should.
23. Oh My God Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem
Enjoyable folky Americana. ‘To Ohio’ is one of the warmest songs I’ve heard all year.
22. Slow Attack by Brett Anderson
At last, Brett has made a solo record that die-hard Suede fans like me can stand behind without any shame and with some real pride. Folky and pastoral, some beautiful song (‘The Hunted’, ‘Hymn’, ‘Scarecrows and Lilacs’ ) and nearly an absence of lyrics that make you want to chop your ears off and bury them at sea.
21. It’s Blitz by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Got this record earlier this week so don’t know it that well, but it’s energetic electro pop impresses on the first couple of listens and I get the impression it will be a grower as well as a shower.
20. Kingdom of Rust by The Doves
Tipped by some to ‘do an Elbow’ this year – but The Doves don’t have as much crossover appeal as their Manchester pals. This was an good attempt though, full of good songs and more invention than you might imagine.
19. Tonight by Franz Ferdinand
Seems like it’s all over for bands like FF, but this record would not be a bad way to bow out gracefully. Franz were always more interesting than most of their peers and they are willing to try and innovate on this record even if it doesn’t always come off. When it works, ‘No you girls’ and ‘What She Came For’ for instance, they still sound absolutely vital. The mini album remix ‘Blood’ that came with the record was good as well.
18. Far by Regina Spektor
A collection beautifully sung piano songs pitched somewhere in between Tori Amos and Joanna Newsome. No come back, honestly, it works. ‘Eet’ and ‘Dance Anthem of the 80s’ are particularly good.
17. Wilco by Wilco
Upbeat country rock as you’d expect from Wilco. As best pal Stuart Evers would say, there’s not enough country in it, but it’s still impressive. Homage to George Harrison ‘You Never Know’ is one of the highlights.
16. The Spinning Top by Graham Coxon
Coxon provided a live music highlight of the year with Blur’s Hyde Park show, and quietly released this little gem of sweet songs sung sweetly. First track ‘Look into the light’ is a good ‘un.
15. Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle – Bill Callahan
Quite a dark sounding record from the ex-Smog man and perhaps not one to put on at your New Years Eve party, but a special record that highlights what a good singer he is.
14. The Duckworth Lewis Method by The Duckworth Lewis Method
The centre of the venn diagram showing Divine Comedy fans and lovers of cricket might be quite small and would certainly include me, but you only need to like one of those to appreciate this witty, clever and musically diverse concept album about cricket by Neil Hannon and the fella from Pugwash. At the start of this year I never thought I’d write the following sentence: I loved the Noel Cowardesque song ‘Jiggery Pokery’ about Shane Warne’s ball of the century that pokes fun at Mike Gatting’s waistline throughout.
13. Further Complications by Jarvis Cocker
Is it only me and Stuart that like this record? Even Jude Rogers, who I agree with about most matters musical, doesn’t like this one. Well I love it. It has a harder edge and some of the lyrics are a bit unforgiving but surely they’re good things? ‘I Never Said I was Deep’ and ‘Hold Still are amongst his best work. SO THERE!
12. My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
Tip-top indie-pop.
11. The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists
There is rather a lot going on in this record, I checked the sleeve notes to see who was playing the kitchen sink. This is high concept stuff, perhaps a little pretentious at times but impressive and enjoyable throughout. Works best as an album rather than as individual songs but ‘The Rakes Song’ is about the best track.
10. Merriweather Post Pavillion by Animal Collective
The title annoyed me and I was disappointed with their previous offering ‘Strawberry Jam’ so I nearly didn’t bother, but I’m glad I did. Like lots of bands at the mo they’ve turned up the Brian Wilson dial to 11 but they get away with it through the quality of the songs. ‘My Girls’ might have been ubiquitous this year but it’s still damn good.
9. Still Night, Still Light by Au Revoir Simone
Old friend Rebecca Bream introduced to these indie popsters and I’ve loved them ever since. This is a great collection of songs. You should listen to ‘Take Me As I Am’, ‘Anywhere You Looked’ and ‘Another Likely Story’ or I’ll be forced to put insects in your breakfast cereal.
8 A Woman a Man Walked By by PJ Harvey and John Parish.
Unhinged brilliance, that is to say: mental. But brilliant. Single ‘Black Hearted Love’ is the closest thing to normal. We should appreciate Polly Harvey much more in this country. Naming a park after her, a postage stamp in her honour and a national Polly Harvey holiday by the end of 2009 would be considered a start.
7. Humbug by Arctic Monkeys.
I wasn’t convinced that working with Josh Homme was a great idea but whilst Humbug is darker and rockier than the first 2 records it’s still got some top tunes. ‘Cornerstone’ is one of my favourite songs of the year and ‘Dance Little Liar’ is a triumph. I agree with the reviewers who said that the next one could be amazing.
6. Trueloves Gutter - Richard Hawley
Despite one of the songs - ‘Open Up Your Door - being used in an ice cream advert this is less commercial, more orchestral than before with some beautiful songs, especially ‘For Your Lover Give Some Time’. Makes last album ‘Lady’s Bridge’ look like a load of old rubbish. Which it was.
5. Dark Days/Light Years by Super Furry Animals
Lots and lots of fun, lots of different musical styles, great songs and the best song title of the decade: ‘The Very Best of Neil Diamond’. We should appreciate SFA much more in this country. Naming a park after them, a postage stamp in their honour and a national Super Furry Animals holiday by the end of 2009 would be considered a start.
4. Noble Beast by Andrew Bird
First record of 2009 that I really liked when the aforementioned Jude played it to me, and I’ve kept going back to it all year. Gentle and folky and extra points for using the word ‘sociopath’ in a pop song in the brilliant ‘Oh No’.
3. The xx by The xx
I’ve come to these a bit late, but as soon as I heard this debut I loved it. Difficult to describe, how about about indie tinged R&B/electronica? Or maybe R&B/electronica tinged indie? Inventive, good lyrically and they are only about twelve years old. Lots of good songs, ‘Islands’ is one of the best.
2. Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
A real slow burner this one, another that might have enjoyed the benefit of a Beach Boys song or two, but a proper brilliant collection of songs, Two Weeks being an obvious example.
1. Hombre Lobo by Eels
Haven’t really seen this in many end of year lists, seems to have been ignored by everyone except me and Eels-drum-banger-in-chief David Stewart (another old friend) which is a shame because it’s a fantastic collection of blues rock songs and tender ballads. The single ‘The Look You Give That Guy’ is about the best thing I’ve heard all year. Not a barrel of laughs maybe, but certainly a barrel of brilliance.
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