For those of you who hadn't heard, the new Coldplay single is a free download from here. There's a bit more balls to this song, kinda. Seems to stop suddenly tho. Reminds me a bit of Genesis (I can't dance - I think it's that one anyway). I guess that's not too bad. Sort of.
Anyway, back to random iTunes strangeness (Bowie, The Killers, Oscar Peterson, Porcupine Tree, Gram Parsons - when will the metal turn up?!)
b
30 April 2008
27 April 2008
Of movies. tv, restaurants, Anzacs and music
I was thinking of dividing this into a number of posts, and that may still happen, but let us kick into things and see what happens.
My current rant consists of the commercialisation of Anzac Day. There was blanket coverage of various ceremonies, documentaries and 'we will remember them' ad nauseum on Friday. It will come as no surprise that I'm against war - but my major issue with the coverage was not so much the glorification, as the lack of perspective. All of the doco's were focussing on the 'heroics' of people running around in the line of fire, killing gooks/krauts/*insert offensive racist epithet d'jour*, without critiquing the twats who were sending them there. There is no-one out there who would describe the British generals in WWI as 'competent' particuarly those in charge of the NZ/Aus forces. So why not rip the crap out of them? Why focus on a bunch of ignorant displaced kiwi's who had never been out of the North/South Island who figured they were supposed to run into a hail of lead?
My other major problem with Anzac Day as it stands, is the insistence that it was the beginning of our nation. WTF? Stoically running into bullets at the behest of a bunch of dumb Brits doesn't sound nation defining to me. If a number of them had point-blank refused to leave the ships due to the stupidity of the operation, then yeah I would support that as nation defining. The fact that our government was so happy to send our youth over to fight a war is, I guess, noble, but selling it as everyone has to do their duty and go fight Harry Hun? Nah, not buying it. That way leads to radicalism and chauvinism (in its original meaning), which brings to mind a current conflict. During WWI/II this led to white feather postings (also see Marillion), but to my mind that would be a far better definition of a country - separating us from England.
This does raise questions as to what could define NZ as a country. I'd suggest something from: Sir Ed climbing a mountain; an early All Blacks team; John Walker; Peter Snell; possibly Katherine Mansfield; Colin McCahon; Douglas Lilburn. Aside from the sports examples, which do typify New Zealands focus, the others are all examples of where NZers began using their own voice, rather than reflecting a British focus.
Hmmm that rant went on a bit. Oh well, no major surprise there :)
Movies wot I watched over the weekend. First up was Charlie Wilson's War. First up, I avoided watching this at the cinema as it has Julia Roberts. And she is, as usual, mindblowingly bad and ugly. The best thing I can say is that she is a fantastic example of horrendous casting. Aside from that the movie is interesting and does critique America (sort-of). It's a lot better than I thought it would be, and largely enjoyed it. Philip S Hoffman and Tom Hanks work well together. It's like a hollywood version of Syriana (Syriana-lite). 7/10 (when I was expecting a 3/10).
I've already reviewed I bought a vampire motorcycle, so #3 was 'Conspiracy' which looked at the Wannsee Conference where the Nazi's sorted out the Final Solution for the Jew's. My there were a lot of capitals in that sentence! Brilliant performance by Ken Branagh as Heydrich who was running the meeting. At times a bit disconcerting hearing the British accents, but a fantastic movie. And should be compulsary for all budding meeting managers out there. Nicely laid out giving people the opportunity to complain, then gradually either pulling them in or bullying them in to get a consensus. Superb. Almost in real-time as well.
We went out to Charlie Bills for dinner on Saturday for S's birthday. It had a great write-up the other week. But all in all I can't say I'd rave about it.
Entree: Hot smoked salmon on a sweet potato parmentier, with an apple and cashew nut salad and curry vinaigrette The salmon was excellent, really good subtle smoking, but was over-powered by the curry vinaigrette which was disappointing. Even if it hadn't I'm not sure how well the two flavours would have combined anyway.
Main: Bûche de chèvre and basil pesto pastry parcel with manuka honey roasted pumpkin and cumin lentils This was very good. Nice strong flavours from the pastry parcel without being overpowering, and the lentils were excellent and added to the flavour nicely.
Dessert: Sweet cream cheese soufflé with cassis poached pears, spiced cake and hazelnut ice cream Yup this was great. Probably the best of the three.
Service was fine, food was good. But it was all lacking something. The entree smacked of the bad aspects of fusion, and the main was lacking a wow factor. Although I was impressed that their limited menu they had a vege option and a fish option, so half of the entree and main menu wasn't red meat. Cool.
Music: just been posting stuff overseas, the new Sam Flynn Scott, Shihad and Odessa. So I might review them soon. In the meantime I should review the new Mesuggah and Dimmu Borgir. Maybe later.
me xxx
My current rant consists of the commercialisation of Anzac Day. There was blanket coverage of various ceremonies, documentaries and 'we will remember them' ad nauseum on Friday. It will come as no surprise that I'm against war - but my major issue with the coverage was not so much the glorification, as the lack of perspective. All of the doco's were focussing on the 'heroics' of people running around in the line of fire, killing gooks/krauts/*insert offensive racist epithet d'jour*, without critiquing the twats who were sending them there. There is no-one out there who would describe the British generals in WWI as 'competent' particuarly those in charge of the NZ/Aus forces. So why not rip the crap out of them? Why focus on a bunch of ignorant displaced kiwi's who had never been out of the North/South Island who figured they were supposed to run into a hail of lead?
My other major problem with Anzac Day as it stands, is the insistence that it was the beginning of our nation. WTF? Stoically running into bullets at the behest of a bunch of dumb Brits doesn't sound nation defining to me. If a number of them had point-blank refused to leave the ships due to the stupidity of the operation, then yeah I would support that as nation defining. The fact that our government was so happy to send our youth over to fight a war is, I guess, noble, but selling it as everyone has to do their duty and go fight Harry Hun? Nah, not buying it. That way leads to radicalism and chauvinism (in its original meaning), which brings to mind a current conflict. During WWI/II this led to white feather postings (also see Marillion), but to my mind that would be a far better definition of a country - separating us from England.
This does raise questions as to what could define NZ as a country. I'd suggest something from: Sir Ed climbing a mountain; an early All Blacks team; John Walker; Peter Snell; possibly Katherine Mansfield; Colin McCahon; Douglas Lilburn. Aside from the sports examples, which do typify New Zealands focus, the others are all examples of where NZers began using their own voice, rather than reflecting a British focus.
Hmmm that rant went on a bit. Oh well, no major surprise there :)
Movies wot I watched over the weekend. First up was Charlie Wilson's War. First up, I avoided watching this at the cinema as it has Julia Roberts. And she is, as usual, mindblowingly bad and ugly. The best thing I can say is that she is a fantastic example of horrendous casting. Aside from that the movie is interesting and does critique America (sort-of). It's a lot better than I thought it would be, and largely enjoyed it. Philip S Hoffman and Tom Hanks work well together. It's like a hollywood version of Syriana (Syriana-lite). 7/10 (when I was expecting a 3/10).
I've already reviewed I bought a vampire motorcycle, so #3 was 'Conspiracy' which looked at the Wannsee Conference where the Nazi's sorted out the Final Solution for the Jew's. My there were a lot of capitals in that sentence! Brilliant performance by Ken Branagh as Heydrich who was running the meeting. At times a bit disconcerting hearing the British accents, but a fantastic movie. And should be compulsary for all budding meeting managers out there. Nicely laid out giving people the opportunity to complain, then gradually either pulling them in or bullying them in to get a consensus. Superb. Almost in real-time as well.
We went out to Charlie Bills for dinner on Saturday for S's birthday. It had a great write-up the other week. But all in all I can't say I'd rave about it.
Entree: Hot smoked salmon on a sweet potato parmentier, with an apple and cashew nut salad and curry vinaigrette The salmon was excellent, really good subtle smoking, but was over-powered by the curry vinaigrette which was disappointing. Even if it hadn't I'm not sure how well the two flavours would have combined anyway.
Main: Bûche de chèvre and basil pesto pastry parcel with manuka honey roasted pumpkin and cumin lentils This was very good. Nice strong flavours from the pastry parcel without being overpowering, and the lentils were excellent and added to the flavour nicely.
Dessert: Sweet cream cheese soufflé with cassis poached pears, spiced cake and hazelnut ice cream Yup this was great. Probably the best of the three.
Service was fine, food was good. But it was all lacking something. The entree smacked of the bad aspects of fusion, and the main was lacking a wow factor. Although I was impressed that their limited menu they had a vege option and a fish option, so half of the entree and main menu wasn't red meat. Cool.
Music: just been posting stuff overseas, the new Sam Flynn Scott, Shihad and Odessa. So I might review them soon. In the meantime I should review the new Mesuggah and Dimmu Borgir. Maybe later.
me xxx
25 April 2008
Of bikes, vampires and food
Word association time, I say Neil Morrissey, you all respond with 'Men Behaving Badly'. Prior to MBB Neil was in a Brit horror (?) flick called I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle. The plot is summed nicely by the title, although not quite as succinctly as Snakes on a Plane. An occultist is killed by a rival motorcycle gang, and bleeds into his motorcycle leaving his blood and the demon he was summoning. A motorcycle courier buys the bike (Neil Morrissey) and discovers it only really runs at night, and does 'odd' things. Including taking on the entire gang who killed it's previous owner. There are some peachy keen one-liners in it and the eating of a parking wardens hand is just wonderful. The bike doesn't like crosses or garlic either, and there's a nice smattering of sexist 70s Brit dialogue, although the movie was made in 1990.
The movie could have been absolute crap, but strangely it works - it's funny, it doesn't take itself seriously, and the priest scene describing demonic possession as being 'out of vogue' and Neil saying 'my motorcycle has turned into a vampire' is worth it. the priest yelling 'let's go kick some bottom' before the exorcism... even S enjoyed it. Dunno if i'd call it a b-grade, the scripting is actually OK and the editing isn't too bad either. There are big tributes to The Exorcist, and a variety of other horror movies of the 70s, but all done with cheesy goodness.
For those of you wanting the movie - AroVideo, but note that it's on video.
The last two nights dinners have been tasty. Last night was a fish, scallop, green tea soba noodle in a seafood broth which is one of my favourite dishes, it's very light and tasty. Filling without being too strong or overpowering. Tonight was a nice artichoke, cheese and rocket salad (I added other stuff I had lying around, tomatoes, avocado etc) was also refreshing, tasty, and probably would have benefitted from some blue cheese. Sadly I'd eaten most of the blue during the week.
And I've only had one beer tonight.
23 April 2008
Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte Whisky
Wow, fascinating tasting this one with the usual suspects of Blair and Nick. Preconceptions shattered and scores all over the place. Stupidly I left my tasting notes at Regional (gosh, it's like I was drinking!), but I grabbed Nick's. This was the first time I'd tried Bruichladdich (pronounced Brookladdie) and I'd never heard of Port Charlotte before. So yup an interesting time awaited us.
The original distillery was closed in 1994, reopened in 2000 and the distillation is looked after by Jim McEwan (ex Bowmore).
Port Charlotte is on the location of the Lochindaal Distillery that closed in 1929, and uses equipment salvaged from another distillery.
Being an Islay there was expectation of iodine/salt and bacon flavours, but Daniel had warned us that Jim has been doing some interesting things and has carte blanche on how the whiskys are made and finished...
So let's start with the biggest surprise, my first 4 (out of 10) -the first time I've 'failed' a whisky (to be fair, we didn't go to the Whisky's of the world, where things were so bad the tasting group had a whiparound to get a decent bottle).
Yup, the 35yo 40.1% 125th anniversary American oak finished in Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal. A snip at NZ $560. I thought the nose was good, certainly suggested age, but the taste - it had gone. Nothing - it was like drinking water. Shockingly bad in fact. Nick and Blair didn't finish theirs (I don't seem to suffer from that...).
So my second favourite: Bruichladdich Rocks, I gave this an 8.5-9. Complex nose, wonderful taste, strong and huge finish. Really good complex malt this one and at NZ $90, excellent value. I found strong overtones of cognac in there (described by website as 'red wine' or 'bourbon') and it felt lovely in the mouth. Very creamy in fact.
But the pinnacle, and the first 10 I've given (in retrospect the Brora 24yo I reviewed sometime ago deserved a 10 rather than a 9.5), was the Port Charlotte PC6 6yo 61.6%. Think about that for a moment, the distillery has only been going 6 years - this is the oldest whisky they have. Last year they released the PC5 (which we didn't have) - sense a pattern? This whisky had everything. We (the three of us) couldn't believe the complexity, the intrigue, the sheer volume of different things happening. Sure it tasted strong, but not as strong as some cask bottles I've had. Very creamy. Long lingering developing finish, salty strong nose (Islay!!!). And at NZ $165... for those of you who want a cask strength whisky go buy this (if you want a cheaper one, Glenfarclas 105 10yo would be my pick).
I can't get over the variety present here. There were unusual tastes in many of the whisky's and we noticed Jim McEwan is refusing to put age on many of his malts - as he's mixing quite a few together (Rocks being an example) with excellent results. And with the most expensive whisky being one of the worst I've tried (well TBH 'boring' rather than 'worst') it emphasised that the most expensive is not always the best, and at more than 25yo you seem to be risking a lot on whether the whisky will be any good or if it will have lost its character. But still, if anyone reading this wants to buy my a 40yo Black Bowmore, I won't say no.
For those of you interested we tasted:
Port Charlotte PC6 2001-2007 6yo 61.6%
BL Rocks 46%
BL Links 46% 14yo
BL 3D 2nd edition Moine Mhor 50% -- tasted and smelt like a 10yo Laphroig
BL 15yo (our mystery malt)
BL 18yo 46%
BL 1970-2006 40.1% 35yo
me
The original distillery was closed in 1994, reopened in 2000 and the distillation is looked after by Jim McEwan (ex Bowmore).
Port Charlotte is on the location of the Lochindaal Distillery that closed in 1929, and uses equipment salvaged from another distillery.
Being an Islay there was expectation of iodine/salt and bacon flavours, but Daniel had warned us that Jim has been doing some interesting things and has carte blanche on how the whiskys are made and finished...
So let's start with the biggest surprise, my first 4 (out of 10) -the first time I've 'failed' a whisky (to be fair, we didn't go to the Whisky's of the world, where things were so bad the tasting group had a whiparound to get a decent bottle).
Yup, the 35yo 40.1% 125th anniversary American oak finished in Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal. A snip at NZ $560. I thought the nose was good, certainly suggested age, but the taste - it had gone. Nothing - it was like drinking water. Shockingly bad in fact. Nick and Blair didn't finish theirs (I don't seem to suffer from that...).
So my second favourite: Bruichladdich Rocks, I gave this an 8.5-9. Complex nose, wonderful taste, strong and huge finish. Really good complex malt this one and at NZ $90, excellent value. I found strong overtones of cognac in there (described by website as 'red wine' or 'bourbon') and it felt lovely in the mouth. Very creamy in fact. 
But the pinnacle, and the first 10 I've given (in retrospect the Brora 24yo I reviewed sometime ago deserved a 10 rather than a 9.5), was the Port Charlotte PC6 6yo 61.6%. Think about that for a moment, the distillery has only been going 6 years - this is the oldest whisky they have. Last year they released the PC5 (which we didn't have) - sense a pattern? This whisky had everything. We (the three of us) couldn't believe the complexity, the intrigue, the sheer volume of different things happening. Sure it tasted strong, but not as strong as some cask bottles I've had. Very creamy. Long lingering developing finish, salty strong nose (Islay!!!). And at NZ $165... for those of you who want a cask strength whisky go buy this (if you want a cheaper one, Glenfarclas 105 10yo would be my pick). I can't get over the variety present here. There were unusual tastes in many of the whisky's and we noticed Jim McEwan is refusing to put age on many of his malts - as he's mixing quite a few together (Rocks being an example) with excellent results. And with the most expensive whisky being one of the worst I've tried (well TBH 'boring' rather than 'worst') it emphasised that the most expensive is not always the best, and at more than 25yo you seem to be risking a lot on whether the whisky will be any good or if it will have lost its character. But still, if anyone reading this wants to buy my a 40yo Black Bowmore, I won't say no.
For those of you interested we tasted:
Port Charlotte PC6 2001-2007 6yo 61.6%
BL Rocks 46%
BL Links 46% 14yo
BL 3D 2nd edition Moine Mhor 50% -- tasted and smelt like a 10yo Laphroig
BL 15yo (our mystery malt)
BL 18yo 46%
BL 1970-2006 40.1% 35yo
me
20 April 2008
So you've recorded an album...
For the ultimate in music cred, press on vinyl. Thanks to Nick for this link.
Our MMG is trying to work out what songs would work for a quartet of: harmonium, tuba, banjo and guitar.
Suggestions welcome. Smoke on the Water springs to mind...
b x
Our MMG is trying to work out what songs would work for a quartet of: harmonium, tuba, banjo and guitar.
Suggestions welcome. Smoke on the Water springs to mind...
b x
19 April 2008
Sam Scott and beer
Today, as I've mentioned, is Record Store Day where we celebrate the beauty, wonder and perfection of the Independent Record Store. They have a store, they know about music, they care about music, and they are more than happy to chat about music. I even selected my t-shirt with care, Tonefloat Records an indie vinyl pressing company which does a lot of PorcTree and offshoots vinyl albums.
I've been in love with Slowboat for years. Back when I found Slowboat there were more indie record shops in Wgtn, another 2nd hand store (just up from Slowboat), the one in Cuba Mall where I used to get all my Queen vinyl and found a vinyl copy of Marillion's Afraid of Sunlight . Which is my favourite album. It's perfect. And then there was Alan's (later to be SmokeCDs) in the AA Centre. Ahhh good times.
But most of these disappeared, leaving Slowboat alone to carry the Indie flag for Wellington. So that's where I do most of my CD and vinyl shopping.
So when Slowboat announced that Sam Scott from Phoenix was going to be doing an instore appearance for Record Day it was a no-brainer whether I'd go or not. Sam has a new album coming out on Wednesday called Straight Answer Machine on Loop Records. The gig was interesting with Sam and Ponies only playing stuff from the new album without (as the band said) much practice. The gig was loose, rough and wonderful. The new stuff has, on first listen, strong rockabilly influences, some lyrics were Dylanesque, elements of alt-pop (if indeed that's a genre) - sounds promising. Thanks to a delivery issues there weren't any CDs to purchase, sorry Neil!! but it'll be in the mail on Wednesday afternoon. Very relaxed gig and the lack of practice showed but it tightened up during the gig, it was similar to Phoenix gigs of a few years ago where excitement often consisted of who would finish together and what key they'd be playing in (awesome gigs tho' loved them!).
Good turn out of impassioned music fans, hopefully a sign that Slowboat will continue to do well.
Now beer: having a 10 minutes to fill in, I wandered into Rumbles wine sales to have a look at their beer and whisky. Whisky selection was reasonable, but the beer was interesting - different from Regional Wines (my local indie booze shop), I found Milestone Brewery "Dark Galleon". The rum overtones are quite prominent in the nose, as are the choc dark malt. Taste: a bit weak, choc dark malt taste is strong, but the body is weakish, more typical of an ale than a dark beer - although it is a dark bitter rather than a stout - so you wouldn't expect it to be too heavy. It's reasonable high alcohol (5.4%) for a bitter, but this isn't obvious in the taste - it tastes more like a standard British ale. It's quite drinkable, and I'll certainly try and find some on tap. Cost (in NZ) was $8.50 which is steep for a beer (admittedly 500ml) and if you have no standards bottles of wine (at 12%) can be found for less. Using that as a comparison, the beer looks much much better. I would drink again, but I'm not blown away by this one. I will try to get others from this brewery tho'. Their list on the website looks interesting.
Love, B
I've been in love with Slowboat for years. Back when I found Slowboat there were more indie record shops in Wgtn, another 2nd hand store (just up from Slowboat), the one in Cuba Mall where I used to get all my Queen vinyl and found a vinyl copy of Marillion's Afraid of Sunlight . Which is my favourite album. It's perfect. And then there was Alan's (later to be SmokeCDs) in the AA Centre. Ahhh good times.
But most of these disappeared, leaving Slowboat alone to carry the Indie flag for Wellington. So that's where I do most of my CD and vinyl shopping.
So when Slowboat announced that Sam Scott from Phoenix was going to be doing an instore appearance for Record Day it was a no-brainer whether I'd go or not. Sam has a new album coming out on Wednesday called Straight Answer Machine on Loop Records. The gig was interesting with Sam and Ponies only playing stuff from the new album without (as the band said) much practice. The gig was loose, rough and wonderful. The new stuff has, on first listen, strong rockabilly influences, some lyrics were Dylanesque, elements of alt-pop (if indeed that's a genre) - sounds promising. Thanks to a delivery issues there weren't any CDs to purchase, sorry Neil!! but it'll be in the mail on Wednesday afternoon. Very relaxed gig and the lack of practice showed but it tightened up during the gig, it was similar to Phoenix gigs of a few years ago where excitement often consisted of who would finish together and what key they'd be playing in (awesome gigs tho' loved them!).
Good turn out of impassioned music fans, hopefully a sign that Slowboat will continue to do well.
Now beer: having a 10 minutes to fill in, I wandered into Rumbles wine sales to have a look at their beer and whisky. Whisky selection was reasonable, but the beer was interesting - different from Regional Wines (my local indie booze shop), I found Milestone Brewery "Dark Galleon". The rum overtones are quite prominent in the nose, as are the choc dark malt. Taste: a bit weak, choc dark malt taste is strong, but the body is weakish, more typical of an ale than a dark beer - although it is a dark bitter rather than a stout - so you wouldn't expect it to be too heavy. It's reasonable high alcohol (5.4%) for a bitter, but this isn't obvious in the taste - it tastes more like a standard British ale. It's quite drinkable, and I'll certainly try and find some on tap. Cost (in NZ) was $8.50 which is steep for a beer (admittedly 500ml) and if you have no standards bottles of wine (at 12%) can be found for less. Using that as a comparison, the beer looks much much better. I would drink again, but I'm not blown away by this one. I will try to get others from this brewery tho'. Their list on the website looks interesting.
Love, B
18 April 2008
Fun night
Wrestling (blog to follow), now cheese (top quality blue - details to follow), chimay (2006 blue), and Edradour 24yo. Watching Bones.
Woohoo. if slighlty pished.
Woohoo. if slighlty pished.
International Indie Record Shop Day
Is tomorrow. Go support the local indie shop. Buy something. Chat to the nice people behind the counter. If in Wgtn go to Slowboat and catch Sam Flynn Scott.
In other news, I've started reading Joyce's Ulysses. I'm enjoying it so far, will let you know if that position changes.
B. x
In other news, I've started reading Joyce's Ulysses. I'm enjoying it so far, will let you know if that position changes.
B. x
16 April 2008
14 April 2008
Phoenix Foundation
Mainly for Neil, but the lads have put out a video for the second single "Bleaching Sun".
Enjoy. B.
Enjoy. B.
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