because I love this song at the moment...
something deep and meaningful coming soon...
Friday, 28 August 2009
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Some things Inside my head...
Below are some songs that have been stuck in my head as of late. Make sure you turn up the volume and enjoy.
and this one hasn't left my head in months...
Peace, love and repsect. as always.
-- Tom RDD
and this one hasn't left my head in months...
Peace, love and repsect. as always.
-- Tom RDD
Monday, 17 August 2009
World/ Inferno Friendship Society 16/8/09
Armed with a shirt and tie in the quest to become a true infinite (hardcore W/I fan) I ventured down to Brighton town with my wonderful girlfriend to see one of the most incredible bands I have had the pleasure to see live. Describing themselves as “Cult-Like, Circus related…” and a number of clever adjectives, The World/ Inferno Friendship Society are a band that you cannot pigeonhole into a certain style or genre. To date I’ve heard: punk, ska, swing, cabaret, show tunes, psychobilly and even goth thrown around in a vague attempt to describe World/ Inferno. But instead of trying to find a way to tie them down to something they might not actually be I find it easier to just go along to the shows and enjoy myself, even if dressed like a pretentious fan calling himself an “Infinite”.
Anyway back to the show. First on were a band (or part of a band) I like rather a lot. The band Sweet Sweet Lies have supported World/ Inferno the last few times I have seen them and they always bring something extra to the already wild show. As I said only part of the band were at the show, so the guitarist and pianist braved the stage alone and gave a SSL an acoustic show that was still a great experience. To give you a sense of what SSL are like, they are usually armed with a drummer, double bass, Guitarist and pianist and play songs (often about botched love experiences) in a mixture of folk, bluegrass, psychobilly and post punk. The set comprised of a fair few songs I knew (Overrated Girlfriend, No One Will Love (You Like I Do), A better You) and got the crowed bopping along in an appreciative way. Definitely a band to check out and go and see if possible.
Next up were possibly the biggest surprise, band wise, I have seen in a while. The female fronted “Bird Eats Baby” were comprised of a chello(ist?), pianist and a violinist (who looked like she could outstare a mountain and kill a man in ten paces) who all performed chilling vocals and stunning harmonies, and a bassist and drummer. The band, again, are hard to pigeonhole into a set genre. The band played horror songs about God, love, sex and hanging, none of which were the happiest of songs. But even so the band played well and with their catchy folk type rhythm and strings they got some of the crowed dancing along with them.
And now finally the moment we all had been waiting for. Jack Terrycloth gets on stage and addresses us all in his familiar suit and slicked back hair. His posture and attitude lets us all know we are in for one hell of a night. The drums start and the familiar intro to “Tattoos Fade” brings to crowed together as one as we all start to sing along. The crowed dance, jump, sing and “fuck shit up” to possibly the best live band I have ever seen. Guys in their suits and girls in dresses dancing like it’s a swing or jazz show not a punk rock cabaret. With Jack’s anecdotes added to the sheer enjoyment that is experienced when seeing World/ Inferno the night was another great show from the Brooklyn outfit. If I had a hat on at the time I would tip it to them in respect but as I didn’t I had to use my hands and voice to show my appreciation to an incredible show.
Peace, love and respect. As always.
-- Tom RDD
Anyway back to the show. First on were a band (or part of a band) I like rather a lot. The band Sweet Sweet Lies have supported World/ Inferno the last few times I have seen them and they always bring something extra to the already wild show. As I said only part of the band were at the show, so the guitarist and pianist braved the stage alone and gave a SSL an acoustic show that was still a great experience. To give you a sense of what SSL are like, they are usually armed with a drummer, double bass, Guitarist and pianist and play songs (often about botched love experiences) in a mixture of folk, bluegrass, psychobilly and post punk. The set comprised of a fair few songs I knew (Overrated Girlfriend, No One Will Love (You Like I Do), A better You) and got the crowed bopping along in an appreciative way. Definitely a band to check out and go and see if possible.
Next up were possibly the biggest surprise, band wise, I have seen in a while. The female fronted “Bird Eats Baby” were comprised of a chello(ist?), pianist and a violinist (who looked like she could outstare a mountain and kill a man in ten paces) who all performed chilling vocals and stunning harmonies, and a bassist and drummer. The band, again, are hard to pigeonhole into a set genre. The band played horror songs about God, love, sex and hanging, none of which were the happiest of songs. But even so the band played well and with their catchy folk type rhythm and strings they got some of the crowed dancing along with them.
And now finally the moment we all had been waiting for. Jack Terrycloth gets on stage and addresses us all in his familiar suit and slicked back hair. His posture and attitude lets us all know we are in for one hell of a night. The drums start and the familiar intro to “Tattoos Fade” brings to crowed together as one as we all start to sing along. The crowed dance, jump, sing and “fuck shit up” to possibly the best live band I have ever seen. Guys in their suits and girls in dresses dancing like it’s a swing or jazz show not a punk rock cabaret. With Jack’s anecdotes added to the sheer enjoyment that is experienced when seeing World/ Inferno the night was another great show from the Brooklyn outfit. If I had a hat on at the time I would tip it to them in respect but as I didn’t I had to use my hands and voice to show my appreciation to an incredible show.
Peace, love and respect. As always.
-- Tom RDD
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Voodoo Glow Skulls - 4/8/09
Firstly, a little side note before I begin. To people who have left abusive comments on my blog this is for you. If you do not like my blog or the things I write don't read the damn thing. If you don't like me then it's highly likely I don't like you, therefore I probably care as much about your opinion as I do about the contents of a McDonalds bin at the end of a long day. You're wasting your time, I delete your comments quicker than it takes you to write them, don't be a prick. the end.
Now that’s over with I can write about the gig I went to last night. Last night I went to my 4th Voodoo Glow Skulls show and as ever it was a great night. First I will set the scene so you can get a feel for what it was like to be at the show. Brighton town, The Prince Albert (tiny venue probably less than 100 people capacity max), full of big sweaty punk types and a band that will get even the most boring "I will stand at the back and watch" types dancing along. I arrived in time to see the first band (Those Damn Owls) finish their set. From the little I did hear they sounded pretty good. Going straight to the bar, I spent the next half an hour listening to a thrash metal band (whose name I can't remember) that were a pretty odd choice to open for a ska band, even if said ska band were darker and had a heavier sound than most. The band was pretty solid and got a few people attempting to use their heads as propellers but finished up rather early. Next it was time to watch VDGS set up and I tell you when you stand next to or anywhere near their guitarist you feel tiny! The guy is built like a brick shit house and had got to be 6"5+. The band set up (guitarist, bassist, drummer, saxophonist, tromboner (teehee)) the introduction to their set began with some jazzed up ska which eventually lead into one of VDGS's most well known songs "Human Piñata". The lead singer, all 6"4(ish) of him, bounces onto stage wearing a Mexican wrestling mask and begins their killer set list as people start jumping around and skanking their hearts out. Some crowed favourites make their way onto the list such as; Insubordination, Discombobulated, El Cooi Cooi, Charlie Brown, Fat Randy, Shoot The Moon, Left For Dead, Misunderstood etc. Even so I found the set list lacking to my personal VDGS taste. I shouted out for songs like Silencer and Fire In The Dancehall (neither of which they played) but as I was out of breath from dancing (that’s right I'm one those people who finds it more entertaining to dance to the music than stand near the back and watch from a far) my words were not heard. The set also missed off possibly their best song (In my opinion), which I found unforgivable. Missing "Band Geek Mafia" was a defiant no-no in my book. Even so the band played very well and got the crowed bouncing until eventually the incredibly hot room (no a/c) had to slow it down before it collectively passed out. The last song of the night (Goodnight) was dedicated to Cat, the birthday girl, and ended the great show. I left tired, sweaty, gasping for fresh air and a drink of water but immensely pleased to have seen VDGS yet again. Also to my delight they are playing ANOTHER show in Brighton on August the 18th, which I just might have to go to, in order to hear the songs they missed out the first time around...
Peace, love and respect (to a select few)
-- Tom RDD
Now that’s over with I can write about the gig I went to last night. Last night I went to my 4th Voodoo Glow Skulls show and as ever it was a great night. First I will set the scene so you can get a feel for what it was like to be at the show. Brighton town, The Prince Albert (tiny venue probably less than 100 people capacity max), full of big sweaty punk types and a band that will get even the most boring "I will stand at the back and watch" types dancing along. I arrived in time to see the first band (Those Damn Owls) finish their set. From the little I did hear they sounded pretty good. Going straight to the bar, I spent the next half an hour listening to a thrash metal band (whose name I can't remember) that were a pretty odd choice to open for a ska band, even if said ska band were darker and had a heavier sound than most. The band was pretty solid and got a few people attempting to use their heads as propellers but finished up rather early. Next it was time to watch VDGS set up and I tell you when you stand next to or anywhere near their guitarist you feel tiny! The guy is built like a brick shit house and had got to be 6"5+. The band set up (guitarist, bassist, drummer, saxophonist, tromboner (teehee)) the introduction to their set began with some jazzed up ska which eventually lead into one of VDGS's most well known songs "Human Piñata". The lead singer, all 6"4(ish) of him, bounces onto stage wearing a Mexican wrestling mask and begins their killer set list as people start jumping around and skanking their hearts out. Some crowed favourites make their way onto the list such as; Insubordination, Discombobulated, El Cooi Cooi, Charlie Brown, Fat Randy, Shoot The Moon, Left For Dead, Misunderstood etc. Even so I found the set list lacking to my personal VDGS taste. I shouted out for songs like Silencer and Fire In The Dancehall (neither of which they played) but as I was out of breath from dancing (that’s right I'm one those people who finds it more entertaining to dance to the music than stand near the back and watch from a far) my words were not heard. The set also missed off possibly their best song (In my opinion), which I found unforgivable. Missing "Band Geek Mafia" was a defiant no-no in my book. Even so the band played very well and got the crowed bouncing until eventually the incredibly hot room (no a/c) had to slow it down before it collectively passed out. The last song of the night (Goodnight) was dedicated to Cat, the birthday girl, and ended the great show. I left tired, sweaty, gasping for fresh air and a drink of water but immensely pleased to have seen VDGS yet again. Also to my delight they are playing ANOTHER show in Brighton on August the 18th, which I just might have to go to, in order to hear the songs they missed out the first time around...
Peace, love and respect (to a select few)
-- Tom RDD
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Tom RDD's Film Review: The Wrestler (2009)
I’ve been meaning to write on here for a while but I can never think of something really worth writing about. Most of what comes to my mind is complete ramblings but today I decided to take a leaf out of my friend Frank’s book and write a film review. So here it is, Tom RDD’s review of “The Wrestler”. *WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS!*
The film in question first needs to be put into context as to why I want to review it. Like many male kids of my generation I became transfixed with wrestling at about the age of 9. I would spend my weekday evenings and my weekend mornings watching wrestling in complete awe of the fetes being performed in front of my very eyes. Like many I grew up with the World Wrestling Federation (later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE for short) and later my interest branched out to other , sometimes independent, wrestling federations such as WCW, TNA (now a recognised Wrestling brand) and Ring Of Honour (ROH). As I grew older I kept my interest in wrestling to a degree and have never really been able to shake it off. Even to this day I occasionally watch wrestling to relive the awe I felt as a child, however I digress.
The film “The Wrestler” is a gritty portrayal of the life of pro-wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson. In the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler; however, twenty years later, he makes a living performing for handfuls of diehard fans in high school gyms and community centres around New Jersey. The film puts focus on some of the troubling things that happen in the real world of wrestling such as drug taking. In the film Randy succumbs to a heart attack because of his quest for strength and muscles which he believes he can achieve through the use of drugs and steroids. The side effects of drug use in wrestling are well know through the loss of wrestlers such as Eddie Guerrero who suffered a heart attack and passed away and Chris Benoit who was mentally ill and killed his family before taking his own life. The film also addresses the widely believed “fakeness” of wrestling. Many believe wrestling is fake (this is true to a small degree) whereas the film pushes the fact that wrestling is actually staged and pre-planned. Locker room scenes are used to show the wrestlers planning their matches and planning how they would either win or loose. The matches themselves are cleverly choreographed making them authentic and show the gruesome side of cutting (where a wrestler carries a small blade to draw their own blood) and hardcore matches where the wrestlers are put through tables, window panes and slammed onto barbed wire and thumb tacks (I defy anyway to say that is “fake”).
However, the fast paced wrestling scenes are only a small part of the film. After Randy suffers his heart attack he starts to loose his identity as he struggles to fight the loneliness and uselessness he feels within his life. In an attempt to fight against these and try to live a “normal” life he turns to an aging stripper who he has feelings for and his estranged daughter for help. At first Randy manages to rebuild his relationship with his daughter but before long his lust for in-ring action alienates him from her as he spends his nights partying with his fellow wrestlers (which include an appearance from Ron Killings aka R Truth). With his daughter refusing to see him he turns back to the only place he has ever felt he has belonged. His heart failing, he refuses to let down the fans that love and respect him and not even a last minute dash to the ring by his love interest (the stripper) can change his mind. His final match is fought against an age old opponent (which takes place in the ROH) in which Randy’s heart is seemingly giving up. The film ends with Randy jumping from the top rope whilst performing his signature move, The Ram Jam, his heart pounding and the crowed cheering we never find out if Randy wins his last match or even if survives.
The film uses impressive camera work which is more suited to independent films rather than Hollywood blockbusters and in all honest it looks better because of it. The lighting (often natural) is dark and bleak seemingly to portray not only Randy’s life, thoughts and feelings but the lives of wrestlers everywhere who fight day in and day out battling with depression, drug use and the immortally complex that the fans push onto them.
Mickey Rourke brings a quiet realism to the film and regardless of his faults is strangely likeable and brings moments of humour which are in contrast to the underlying sadness throughout the film. In my view Rourke makes this film what it is, superb. The film shows the grit and struggle of an aging, broken man and his struggle against the world outside the ring. A must see regardless if you are a wrestling fan or not, I highly recommend it. Tom RDD’s rating 9.5/10.
The film in question first needs to be put into context as to why I want to review it. Like many male kids of my generation I became transfixed with wrestling at about the age of 9. I would spend my weekday evenings and my weekend mornings watching wrestling in complete awe of the fetes being performed in front of my very eyes. Like many I grew up with the World Wrestling Federation (later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment or WWE for short) and later my interest branched out to other , sometimes independent, wrestling federations such as WCW, TNA (now a recognised Wrestling brand) and Ring Of Honour (ROH). As I grew older I kept my interest in wrestling to a degree and have never really been able to shake it off. Even to this day I occasionally watch wrestling to relive the awe I felt as a child, however I digress.
The film “The Wrestler” is a gritty portrayal of the life of pro-wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson. In the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler; however, twenty years later, he makes a living performing for handfuls of diehard fans in high school gyms and community centres around New Jersey. The film puts focus on some of the troubling things that happen in the real world of wrestling such as drug taking. In the film Randy succumbs to a heart attack because of his quest for strength and muscles which he believes he can achieve through the use of drugs and steroids. The side effects of drug use in wrestling are well know through the loss of wrestlers such as Eddie Guerrero who suffered a heart attack and passed away and Chris Benoit who was mentally ill and killed his family before taking his own life. The film also addresses the widely believed “fakeness” of wrestling. Many believe wrestling is fake (this is true to a small degree) whereas the film pushes the fact that wrestling is actually staged and pre-planned. Locker room scenes are used to show the wrestlers planning their matches and planning how they would either win or loose. The matches themselves are cleverly choreographed making them authentic and show the gruesome side of cutting (where a wrestler carries a small blade to draw their own blood) and hardcore matches where the wrestlers are put through tables, window panes and slammed onto barbed wire and thumb tacks (I defy anyway to say that is “fake”).
However, the fast paced wrestling scenes are only a small part of the film. After Randy suffers his heart attack he starts to loose his identity as he struggles to fight the loneliness and uselessness he feels within his life. In an attempt to fight against these and try to live a “normal” life he turns to an aging stripper who he has feelings for and his estranged daughter for help. At first Randy manages to rebuild his relationship with his daughter but before long his lust for in-ring action alienates him from her as he spends his nights partying with his fellow wrestlers (which include an appearance from Ron Killings aka R Truth). With his daughter refusing to see him he turns back to the only place he has ever felt he has belonged. His heart failing, he refuses to let down the fans that love and respect him and not even a last minute dash to the ring by his love interest (the stripper) can change his mind. His final match is fought against an age old opponent (which takes place in the ROH) in which Randy’s heart is seemingly giving up. The film ends with Randy jumping from the top rope whilst performing his signature move, The Ram Jam, his heart pounding and the crowed cheering we never find out if Randy wins his last match or even if survives.
The film uses impressive camera work which is more suited to independent films rather than Hollywood blockbusters and in all honest it looks better because of it. The lighting (often natural) is dark and bleak seemingly to portray not only Randy’s life, thoughts and feelings but the lives of wrestlers everywhere who fight day in and day out battling with depression, drug use and the immortally complex that the fans push onto them.
Mickey Rourke brings a quiet realism to the film and regardless of his faults is strangely likeable and brings moments of humour which are in contrast to the underlying sadness throughout the film. In my view Rourke makes this film what it is, superb. The film shows the grit and struggle of an aging, broken man and his struggle against the world outside the ring. A must see regardless if you are a wrestling fan or not, I highly recommend it. Tom RDD’s rating 9.5/10.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
the last day of being 19 years young...
Is it strange that with only hours before my birthday I find myself forgetting this fact? When I was a child I used to start compiling ideas for possible gift ideas almost straight after Christmas but as I reach the old age of twenty (I know it's not that old but when you're a kid turning twenty seems like turning fifty)I find myself less interested in gifts and more interested in the day after where I do not have to have endless phone conversations with relatives who only get in touch once a year to wish me an age which is never the correct one. I know this might sound ungrateful and miserable but getting older stopped being fun when I was 16. At 16 I was at the age where I could just about fool people into thinking I was 18 but still young enough to convince them I only had to pay child prices on the trains and in the cinema. But when I turned 18 and could drink and vote nothing else in my life really changed. My parents had been lenient about my curfew (or lack of) since I was about 16/17 so turning 18 and becoming an "adult" just meant when someone asked me for some form of I.D I didn't have to make up a story about me losing my wallet or something. So turning 20 isn't really all that exciting. It's just another age, another year closer to being an old man. But of course I will still live for the moment and enjoy my years of youth but the day of my birth is getting less and less appealing.
On a side note isn't Inland Revenue really gay? Not homosexual obviously as the Government doesn't have a sexuality, well at least not one I am aware of, but it's freaking annoying! Today I spent a good hour and half ringing Inland Revenue and my old employer trying to get a tax rebate. It just annoys me how the Government expect you to pay tax out of your hard earned cash each month and the money you owe THEM is expected it within days or weeks but when they owe YOU a couple of hundred quid it takes them months to sort it out! Not too shibby there Inland Revenue!
Peace, love and respect. As always.
-- Tom RDD
On a side note isn't Inland Revenue really gay? Not homosexual obviously as the Government doesn't have a sexuality, well at least not one I am aware of, but it's freaking annoying! Today I spent a good hour and half ringing Inland Revenue and my old employer trying to get a tax rebate. It just annoys me how the Government expect you to pay tax out of your hard earned cash each month and the money you owe THEM is expected it within days or weeks but when they owe YOU a couple of hundred quid it takes them months to sort it out! Not too shibby there Inland Revenue!
Peace, love and respect. As always.
-- Tom RDD
Saturday, 4 July 2009
I know it's not a cool thing to do, sing a sad song with a happy tune...
I've spent most of my day writing songs. These songs have not been very happy songs if I'm honest. I find sometimes I need to feel a bit sad and overwhelmed because other wise all my negative feelings build up and come out in a horrible way when I'm either really upset or angry. I know I spend too much time thinking about the past even though I have been trying my hardest not to. I can say in honesty that I have gotten better at it but there are still things from the past that upset me, make me angry and make me want to vent my feelings. So today I wrote a song about something that happened that wasn't a very nice experience. I mainly did this because I've been dreaming about it for the last few nights and it's been going round and round my head so it's pretty hard to ignore. So I turned to song writing to express some feelings I have on the matter. When I write songs I tend to write lyrics pretty quickly but because I can't play the guitar (I really want to learn to play the acoustic guitar just so I can blast out a song I write every once in while) it's very hard to transfer this into actual musical form. This frustrates me rather a lot but at least when I come to write songs when I'm in a band I have loads of lyrics at my disposal to cut and paste into a new song. Anyway, today's lesson. The past is what makes you who you are today. Every single thing, good or bad, makes you the person you see in the mirror every day. And the cold hard truth is that someone out there in the world always has it worse than you do. You can't change the past but you can do something about your future.
Peace, love and respect. Always.
-- Tom RDD
Peace, love and respect. Always.
-- Tom RDD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)