Archive for 2010
December 20, 2010
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New Ghostface Killah.
By Ash in Musical Murmuringshttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr6hNjOLLeM&feature=player_embedded#!
Sounds amazing. Will be picking this up today. Merry Christmas.
December 18, 2010
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Goodbye, Don.
By Ash in RandomSo, here’s this Captain Beefheart song I had a hand in making a decade ago. Thanks for all the music, Don.
December 18, 2010
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Des hommes et des dieux.
By Ash in Film
‘Of Gods and Men’ arrives in time to take what remaining breath I had away, and bring this year conclusively to a halt. Set in a monastery somewhere in Algeria, this true story takes place during a time of Islamic terrorist militancy. Sound familiar? Beautifully shot, captured, acted and told, I can think of no finer film to see at this time of year. Absolutely humane, it came as no surprise to realise that I was watching the film with only three other people in the cinema. Later, when I went to see ‘Unstoppable’, there was easily double that number. If you are reading this, then please take the time to go and see ‘Of Gods and Men’.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNJNRFkiww8
December 16, 2010
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Happy Birthday, Bill.
By Ash in RandomAll quite timely, I think you’ll agree. Filmed two years before his death, this is one of his best, most quoted – and most savage – performances.
December 14, 2010
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Sodium Valproate
By Ash in Health
On Saturday, 11 December, I had two seizures concurrently in my front room. I called Kate after the first seizure, but I have no recollection of this. I spent the remainder of the weekend in hospital, where I was prescribed Sodium Valproate twice daily to control the seizures. It’s been 18 months since my last episode, and I thought I was getting by alright. Sadly, that’s just not the case.
The pain is subsiding from my damaged tongue, and my muscles are aching less, but I have to re-evaluate my relationship with alcohol and pretty much any substance that alters electrical brain patterns. I’d rather not be dependant on medication for the remainder of my life, but I also don’t want to be subject to sudden seizures – not least because it so affects those closest to me.
Anyway, I can’t drive for another year, but I can claim a disability pass for public transport. Not feeling particularly great at the moment, but I’m sure the feeling will pass. This is an odd end to 2010 – it’s been a fine year, otherwise.
December 10, 2010
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American: The Bill Hicks Story
By Ash in Filmhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fifayd7rIwY
OK, so I’ve been a Bill Hicks fan for years. When this documentary came around, I missed its limited run at the cinema. And then, when it came out on DVD, I wasn’t sure about buying it because of the few not-so-positive reviews. I know. I should be one of the last people to care about a review, but when funds are tight, there’s always an excuse. Right? Wrong.
This is a great movie. I finally bought it, and loved it. The clever use of photographs and animation really brought the traditional documentary narrative to life, and the wealth of extra features and unseen footage makes this a fantastic homage to both Bill’s life and work.
If you are a Hicks fan who ever had any doubts about this film, bury them and get involved. You won’t regret it. I can’t wait to watch it again.
December 5, 2010
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The 30 Best Albums of 2010 – Part III
By Ash in Music ReviewsHere we are, at the year end. It’s been a long journey – over 300 days in fact. Here’s my final selection of thirty albums that are among the best of 2010. More drone heavy than the previous 20, there’s plenty here that you should be allowing yourself to drown amongst.
I’ve included a Spotify list at the end, but it’s not like I could find all these records on the streaming service, so you’ll just have to take a risk on some of them…