Finding sense in this messy but often lovely world. Enjoying what I find; responding to it; sometimes simply capturing moments from it. I share what I find as honestly as I can. The ‘Unstated’ web site is free. I hope you enjoy it.
Alabama 3 – Exile On Coldharbour Lane
I’ve been listening to the Alabama 3 since before their first album, this one, came out. Some of their albums are great, one or two – in my view – less so. But I’ve never regretted owning them. And this record, their first, seems to me to be as close to perfection as it’s reasonable … (Read More)
What’s New: A Getting Directions Update
Another update for the Unstated offshoot Getting Directions. This one, slightly longer than most, tries to explore (to use an over-used word) and understand how to know and manage your emotional limits. In this entry it’s been applied, particularly, to an individual’s relationship with a third party (in this case, an artist and musician, Sam … (Read More)
Julianna Barwick – The Magic Place
Well, as the name suggests – this strikes me as, well, quite magical. It’s very gentle but a long way from boring – slow moving music that’s relaxing but not soporific. (I’m also enjoying her 2019 EP, Circumstance Synthesis.) Her web site is here. There’s a Wikipedia entry here, which seems reasonably up to date … (Read More)
What’s New: Getting Directions Updates
There are four recent updates for one of the Unstated off-shoots – Getting Directions. Topics range from acting on the basis of old memories to taking the effort to appreciate some colour; from being in public and dealing with the attendant, unavoidable vulnerabilities to the death of a good man and what’s to be learned … (Read More)
Jimi Hendrix – Band Of Gypsys
There are plenty of well-known Hendrix records but I have to say this album is probably my overall favourite. I was given the original as a vinyl record more years ago than I care to recall, by someone who I’ve long ago lost touch with. By accident, it became the album I always play first … (Read More)
When You Need To Get Directions
(Why ‘Getting Directions’ is being written.) If, for whatever reason, you’re unsure about yourself – your life to date, who you are – then it’s probably inevitable that you’ll try to find things out. You’ll try to find out what’s made you who and how you are – what’s been formative. At its most simple, … (Read More)
OTT – Skylon
I know pretty well nothing about the artist, and calling the album ‘ambient dub’ means nothing to me either. But I’m happy hearing this. It’s interesting and inventive enough without being an aural nag. That sounds dangerously like faint praise, but it’s not intended to be. This can be good music to work to on … (Read More)
Djivan Gasparyan & Michael Brook – Black Rock
Refreshingly different (to my ears). I can’t remember where I first came across Djivan Gasparyan. I was led to Michael Brook via his ‘Hybrid’ album with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. This is the kind of music I’ll play when I want something that’s somehow refreshing to listen to; when my ears are jaded. (Click … (Read More)
If Liberalism Is Obsolete …
Today was the day I wondered what will happen if liberalism is ‘obsolete’. The track record for the alternatives is dismal. And I know enough to know that first you have to question the motives behind the opinion. Who’s gaining?
