Season's Greetings & 2010 Review

NEWS.

Major news stories this year: the Pakistani floods, the Gulf Oil Spill, the Wikileaks scandal, the British coalition, Student fees, Obama's health care reforms, the Haiti earthquake. But my top story, simply because I found it so engrossing and heart warming was the Chilean Mine rescue in September.

SPORT.

It was a great season in F1. Wimbledon was very exciting, and the Ashes and the Ryder Cup were brilliant but of course the big sporting story of 2010 was the World Cup. Yet, I shall not simply focus on England's dismal showing in South Africa. In fact, the biggest sporting moment of 2010 was a moment of heartbreak for Ghana. Never had an African nation progressed to the semi-final stage of the World Cup. Cameroon in 1990 returned as heroes following their success in reaching the quarter-final stage. Ghana had a penalty in the last minute of extra time, the stage was set for Asamoah Gyan, to send his team through on African soil...

But what composure the striker showed, when after missing this kick, he slotted his penalty in the shoot-out, unfortunately it was not enough for Ghana, as Uruguay progressed to the semi final. Spain ultimately won football's biggest prize, for the first time in their history.

FILM.

2010 was the year in which 3D announced itself as a cinematic force. Avatar released at the beginning of the year broke all the box office records and ran riot at the Oscars. I personally thought it was a very disappointing film, which was utterly predictable over the 3 hours which it ran for. It relied on style and synthetics rather than substance of character development and plot. Of the other 2010 films I saw Toy Story 3 was fun, Devil was awful, Nightmare on Elm Street was just ridiculous, the Social Network was very good, Paranormal Activity II was surprisingly good, Due Date was very amusing and Saw 3D just made no sense. 3D films should simply be regarded as good simply because they're shot in 3D. My film of the year comes down to two films, both starring Leonardo DiCaprio - Inception and Shutter Island. I'm going to have to give it to Shutter Island simply because of Scorcese's directing. He is one of my favourite directors. Shutter Island is well worth watching twice and DiCaprio is brilliant.

MUSIC.

I can't even remember what music has come out this year to be honest. Rihanna has become huge, her duet with Eminem in the summer, Love the Way You Lie, was one of the most popular songs of the year. Example's Kickstarts was definitely a summer tune and more recently Duck Sauce with Barbra Streistand has become my winter 2010 part tune. Did Take That welcome back Robbie...? Oh well. Plan B announced himself on the scene in the summer with Prayin and Stay Too Long. King Blues released their third album in the summer, as did the Gaslight Anthem, both of which I can't get enough of. Florence and the Machine became THE band to like. Florence Welsh's rendition of You've Got the Love with Dizzie Rascal at the Brits was one of the highlights of the year for British music. Yolanda Be Cool & DCup had the huge hit, We Speak No Americano as well. Kasabian also hit the big time and headlined V Festival. 2010 was also the first time I went to Glastonbury, and it was fantastic. Probably the highlight set was Fatboy Slim to be honest. Either that or Shakira. I can't pick a song of 2010 so I'll just leave on this, it's such a sick mash-up -

On a personal level 2010 has been a funny old year. It started sober in a Wetherspoon's car park, has taken me to Barcelona hitchhiking, Cyprus, Middlesbrough, Brixton and Dawlish Road, all via Wilmslow. My 21st in June was a birthday to forget, but shit happens. This summer was fantastic, and things seem to be on track to graduate next June (touch wood). The Thursday Night Show has been great fun, as has playing football about 78 times a week. It's just a shame Ipswich are doing so poorly. But on a positive note, I couldn't have envisaged where I'd be now 6 months ago, so I must have done something right. Here's to a Merry Christmas and Happy 2011. More of the same please.

New Age Fun With a Vintage Feel!

I haven't done this thing for ages, so in theory I should have a lot to talk about, but I really don't.

Firstly - a shameless plug for my new radio show. The Thursday Night Show, every Thursday at 7pm on www.burnfm.com. We have a facebook group and our own show page. Check us out.

The only other thing I really want to mention is this. I was at a party the other night and I was trying to make friendly conversation with some people I'd just met. However, after about 3 or 4 minutes of trying to converse, I got the impression they just weren't interested in anything I had to say (this was either because I genuinely had nothing interesting to say or because I was very very drunk) so I just kind of wandered off. However, I think looking back these kids were just a bit too cool for school. You know what I'm on about, the whole why is life so hard look when smoking a rizla or the I can't speak any quicker than about 4 words a minute in a really depressing tone vibe. Yeah, this song is for you and it's complete and utter genius. I'm not a massive fan of deck shoes with no socks or 3D glasses with no lenses to be honest, although maybe I'm just jealous I can't grow a moustache.

Participate, don't spectate, Become the view.

When she kissed me it felt like a headbutt

I can't be bothered writing a lot for this blog. Current thoughts are as follows:

• The Rectory turning into a Steakhouse is just plain wrong. Working there this summer has been amazing.
• The taxpayer should not be funding the Pope's visit. Watch Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" for an insight into this opinion.
• C4, E4 and Film 4 are sick. This is England '86, the Inbetweeners, Once Upon a Time in the Midlands and the above mentioned Religion defying, Richard Dawkins' documentary.
• Times quick crosswords are a challenge, but do-able.
• Cyprus is really nice.
• The Sopranos is better than the Wire.
• This year is going to be carnage. I can't wait.
• The King Blues and Biffy Clyro are probably the two best British bands at the moment. Muse who?
• This summer I've earn't over £2500, of which I'm very proud. My overdraft is clear for several hundred, which is a good feeling.
• Ipswich aren't quite as good as their early form suggests.
• Philosophy and spirituality are both overrated. Sooner or later you've got to take a proper look at life. It is what it is.
• iPhones are very cool, but also quite pretentious. Blackberrys are better

This is the best song of the summer, in my humble opinion: The King Blues – Headbutt - Main Mix

This picture is from the first game of the Championship season between Ipswich and Middlesbrough at the Riverside. Ipswich won 3-1, scoring 3 goals in the second half. It was the 2oth league ground I've visited of the English League's 92 football grounds. Next on the list for this season are Gresty Road, Glanford Park, Vicarage Road, City Ground, Keepmoat Stadium and Loftus Road.

Here's a fun website to have a look at www.doingthe92.co.uk

Next summer I want to try and visit the gates of every single football league ground in the country in 72 hours with my general-up-for-anything mate Rick. Challenge accepted.

I'd rather go see Ipswich on a freezing, snowy January day at Bloomfield Road, not the best place to showcase the delights of football to your girlfriend (this may be a contributing factor to why I'm now single), than anything else.

Check out this new tune from the King Blues. Out on 29th August.

Female Vocals/Male Hip-Hop

B.o.B - Airplanes.



Eminem - Love the way you lie.

Glastonbury 2010.

After months of youtube videos and silly postsecrets, finally some actually reviewing of some music!

Well there's only one place to begin: the biggest festival in the world, Glastonbury Festival 2010 of Contemporary Performing Arts. It was an eagerly awaited weekend, all the more anticipated in light of recent personal events, as it allowed me 4 days of uninterrupted time with my 3 best friends, endless music and entertainment and that special feeling that only 175,000 people in a muddy field trying to use 30 toilets can bring to your psyche. It fact though, this year the field was not muddy, but dusty, it was the warmest weekend of the year so far and I actually made the brave move of leaving my wellies in the car, something which any Glasto veteran would argue was completely insane.

Following a 6am start cruising down the M6, the M5 and finally some A roads in the village of Pilton, me and my lovely travel companion arrived within the festival boundaries without a clue where to park. Eventually we found a spot, which inconveniently also happened to be the furthest parking spot from the festival available. It was closer to Bristol than the Pyramid stage. Anyway, after a good two hours were spent lugging our crates of beer, bags and sleeping bags from the car to the park we could relax, at least in the shade; it had turned out I had, in the first 2 hours of the festival, managed get myself sunburnt. I don't do sexy tans. At one end of my skin colour scale is ghoulish white, the other is beetroot.

That day/night was spent seeing acts such as Ellie Goulding (alrightish) and Florance and the Machine (good enough) before welcoming another of our crew to a smoking Barbeque. It was a great time, beers, clear skies, the five of us. Ah, I was finally experiencing the essence of Glastonbury; what all those hippies rattle on about and what cannot be experienced via pressing the red button; the simplicity in enjoying shared company and with no worries. It felt great to relax and to escape my thoughts and worries from home and from University.

I had no job, I did not know my second year result from Uni, my state of mind was not in the best of shape and I was feeling slightly depressed. It was good to relax and just think of nothing. No pressure, no responsibilities, no guilt, no pain.

Fatboy Slim was epic. The dance field was packed to the rafters and with a carton of 9 litre wine between 5 of us, it was fair to suggest we were all up for a decent time. Norman Cook was on fine form and the crowd wasn't lacking either. A great headliner and a great set.

The next day was spent wishing the world away and not doing a whole lot. An encounter with the old foe, Germany, was awaiting the England team in the World Cup the following day, and singing Three Lions, along with The Lightening Seeds on the Pyramid Stage was enough to stir some national emotion prior to the game. After exploring The Park and Greenfields we returned to the Pyramid Stage for Shakira (incredible), Scissor Sisters (bizarre) and Muse (out-of-this-world).

Sunday was football day. The cross of St. George was waving, England shirts were pulled over torsos and 80,000 supporters descended on a giant TV screen to watch the English beat the Germans. Except it didn't quite happen like that. It could have been the greatest party I'd ever been to, with more people watching the game in a field in Somerset than in the stadium itself. Alas, the players didn't show up, the officials forgot the rules and Heskey didn't score. There's something about football which means that holds you and stirs emotions which I'm previously unaware of. It is the only thing I've ever found in my life which will always be there. My love for football is probably the strongest emotion I will ever feel. It sounds sad in some respects, but my love for other things in recent times has failed to return any profit. Win or lose, in football there is always the next game, next season, some hope and eventual triumph. Stevie Wonder, Faithless and Jack Johnson followed in the evening. It softened the blow of England's exit to some extent, but it still hurt.

4 days with my 3 best friends, did me the world of good. I'm beginning to work things out, move on. Time (and Glastonbury) heals. They'll always be there for me and always respect and love me, for who I am and not who I try to be. That is a reassuring thought.

Summer '10

Between folding headrests for airplanes, serving Carlsberg and going South on the M6.



Example - Kickstarts



Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP - We No Speak Americano

Cover.

It's a very simple idea. One ball, two goals and twenty-two men. At least that's the theory. In practice, countless backroom staff, thousands of fans in the stadium, hundreds of cooperate guests, I refuse to label them as "fans", and millions watching on TV are also involved. And of course crucially, five officials, made up of one referee, two assistants, a fourth official and a fifth as back-up. England not so much crashed, but faded timidly out of the World Cup yesterday. It could of all been so different. If one of the four active officials had seen Frank Lampard's 39th minute lob rebound off the crossbar, spin a good 2 feet behind the line, and then finally back into the Neuer's arms. Goal given. 2-2. England are still in the World Cup.

England were beaten by Germany's youngest ever World Cup squad in the post war era. Since 1990, England's record at major championships reads as follows.

Italia '90 - Semi Finals

Sweden '92 - Group Stages

USA '94 - Did not qualify

England '96 - Semi Finals

France '98 - Second Round

Belgium/Netherlands '00 - Group Stage

Japan/South Korea '02 - Quarter Finals

Portugal '04 - Quarter Finals

Germany '06 - Quarter Finals

Austria/Switzerland '08 - Did not qualify

South Africa '10 - Second Round.

"History will be kind [for me], for I intend to write it" - not so here.

The history books will show that England's most successful period in the modern era was between 2002 and 2006 under the laissez faire guise of the Swede, Sven Goran-Eriksson, where the national team reached the last eight in three successive tournaments. In reality the only teams England beat at these tournaments were Argentina (the only goal coming from a David Beckham penalty), Denmark, Switzerland, Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay (again by a single goal from a David Beckham set-piece) and Ecuador (another 1-0, and the goal from a David Beckham free kick). This record this not reflect the assumption that England are a force at international level. In Italia '90, the most successful foreign campaign at international level by the England, all three of England's knock out games went to extra time, David Platt scored a 119th minute winner from a set piece against Beligum and they needed 2 Gary Linekar penalties to beat Cameroon in the quarter finals. England's international record is not good, in fact in is awful. The last time England defeated an international powerhouse in knock out football in open play was against West Germany, July 30th, 1966. Subjective I know, but consider that in the knock out stages of major tournaments since that World Cup, England have defeated Ecuador, Denmark, Spain (on penalties), Cameroon, Belgium, Paraguay, West Germany (after extra time), Portugal, Argentina. Eight teams, three in 1966. For a country behind only Brazil and Germany in terms of percentage of registered footballers by population, this is completely awful. Compare this record to those of Brazil and Germany in the last 20 years, with eight World Cups between them and both still looking lively in South Africa. Chile, Ghana, Germany, Turkey, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Chile, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands and the USA have all fallen to the might of Brazil, since 1990. England, Turkey, Portugal, Argentina, Sweden, South Korea, USA, Paraguay, Mexico, Czech Republic, England, Croatia, Belgium, Sweden, Argentina, England, Czechoslovakia, Netherlands have all fallen to the Germans, again since 1990. Impressive.

The Premier League is frequently cited as the "best league in the world" (copyright). In reality, it is the most profitable and most marketed, with huge audiences from Shanghai to Seattle. Foreign buyers from the wealth hotspots of the world invest and seek success, with no regard for the state of the game at a local level. And this is allowed to happen. I'm not saying that if this is stopped, England will win the World Cup, but the emphasis in England is on one thing: money. The emphasis should be another one thing and one thing only: football. Football for football's sake. For the fans, for the game, for the national team, for pride, for enjoyment. For that feeling when a team scores right at the death, against all odds and the emotions and feelings that brings to every single person who has limited appreciation for the game. For the fact that football united both German and Allied forces during the war. So for the once, the war and imperialist metaphors may actually be useful when discussing English and German football.

Germany do not cater their domestic league to foreign interests. Chinese advertisement hoardings are not regularly featured at the Allianz Arena or the Westfalenstadion. Clubs must be owned by a majority shareholder to ensure financial stability. In 2009-10 the Bundesliga had the highest goal and attendance averages in Europe. The league is not branded anywhere near to the extent of the Premier League, but the league also made more profit last season. Then again, the argument that it's not all about money comes into play, true and it is largely regarded that the Bundesliga is more competitive than English football, in contrast to Bayern's double last year.

This game isn't just a game. It's an art and it's warfare combined. It's technical and illogical. It's unfounded, complete outpouring of passion bridled with intelligence and canning. And every 2 years England goes completely nuts for football. Flags adorn churches, car windows and town halls. Crates of beer feature the faces of the national team (even if they're not in the squad, Theo Walcott/Carlsberg) and replica shirts are worn by everyone and anyone. Expectation increases. "This could be our year" It unites the nation. Everyone is backing the team, millions cram round the TV to see if our boys can finally do it. And yes!! England have done it!! They've beaten Slovenia, a country with 400 professional footballers!(!) This could be our year!!

In defeat we are further united, hours upon hours of TV and radio time are devoted to Glen in Leicester and why he thinks we should have played 3-5-2 or Caroline, a Grimsby fan from Swindon who just thinks they're all a bunch of overpaid prima donnas. Hundreds of journalists in thousands of column inches will slate the players and ask where the lion spirit and passion was when it was needed most, (and bloggers whose opinions will be seen by null are desperately to search for an answer.) This is more than a game.

Which is why the FA decided to hire Mr Fix-it. For £6million a year, to bring the World Cup home to England. Open top bus parades around London, ticker tape coating the countries streets. Something for the English to cheer. To give us some hope, and kick start the economy. To make believe that England is in-fact great and not a bit-part world leader whose powerful empire days are forgone. What the FA failed to understand is that England, just aren't very good at football. The players are brilliant. Terry, Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney. But England, aren't.

"And all you can do is just wait by the moon, and bleed if it's what she says..."

2 years ago, nearly to the day, I boarded a flight from Nadi, Fiji, a place which few people have knowledge of, to Los Angeles, USA, a city which undoubtedly a great deal more people have heard of.

Our plan for California was to somehow visit Los Angeles, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and two weeks later fly out of San Francisco. Whether this was by car, bus or train none of us knew. We landed to LA, possibly the most unfriendly backpacker city ever, at 2pm with no accommodation. Nevertheless we managed to find a hostel within a reasonable walking distance from Boulevards Sunset and Hollywood. We decided to rent a car and drive down to San Diego and stay with my family just outside the city in Escondido, then drive 10 hours North to Lake Tahoe, before finally driving down the I-80, over the Oakland Bay Bridge to San Francisco. We were greeted on our arrival by a fantastic panoramic view of the silhouetted skyline and Golden Gate Bridge, set against the perfect backdrop of a California sunset. Yet again we had no accommodation and no agenda.

These were probably the happiest two weeks of my life. A car, my four best mates, no agenda, endless roads and freedom. No-one can ever take away from me. I have since then changed, but I will come back. I will be that happy again.

The world can't change who I am or how I feel. Deep down, no-one ever really changes. Thanks for the memories.

Rico said, "I'ma turn you onto a sound, cool out your head"

I've not written on this thing for ages. The main reason is that this term has been so busy. Firstly I'm Head of Specialist programming for Burn FM, which is our student radio station. Our committee team has been working really hard this year to move the station forward and we've done a great job in the short space of time we've been there. We successfully have the radio playing in the University's catering area for the Vale Village which is home to thousands of students, increasing the exposure to an unprecedented level. We successfully organised an acoustic set by one of the country's best new bands; Bombay Bicycle Club on campus, which was also broadcast live and also been nominated for 'Most improved student group" at the SU's awards which are next week. The website is looking better than ever and it features show profiles, podcasts, sports results and the news headlines from university before any other source. All in all, the radio station is better than ever and everyone who has contributed has worked extremely hard to ensure that the station is as recognisable and prominent in student life as it possibly can be

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Check out the Burn FM website and www.burnfm.com

The fact I also have 8,000 words to write for next Tuesday may also have a small part to play in the lack of blogging, but I'm burnt out today, so I figured I'd write a post.

So, there's a lot to catch up on. Liam Gallagher making a mockery of the Brits puts him down as a complete knobhead or a hero rock star not giving a shit about a cheap award (winners included JLS, I'm just saying) depending on which camp you fall into. Personally I'm the latter. I know Liam Gallagher is an absolute twat, but the Brits....really? They're pretty worthless in my opinion and to be honest the best performance of the night came from two Americans. Anyway the night was overshadowed (again) by the ridiculous Lady Gaga. Stick to making pop music love. I don't care if you're wearing a sheep's skull on your head or covered in fake blood.

Elsewhere, the Rage against the X Factor campaign has lead to the band behind the song declaring a victory party in Finsbury Park on the 6th June this year. Luckily I managed to get tickets which is a pretty big deal to me. I'm a massive Rage fan and although they might not be all that in the political arena (Tom Morello wore Nike trainers last time I saw them) they're very very good live. Plus the gig is 3 days before I turn 21, so what better way to celebrate.

It's shocking that I haven't seen any live music this year yet, but the Gaslight Anthem and the King Blues are on tour, so I may go and see them.

Anyway back to writing these 8,000 words.

BURN FM

The Sound Avenue Live on Burn FM, Thursdays 8pm, www.burnfm.com.

This song is very special to me and it's everywhere at the moment including Match of the Day, Gavin and Stacy and even ITV's This Morning (can you tell I'm a student). I first heard it performed live on TV at Glastonbury in June and since then it has been a significant track in the soundtrack of the last 8 months in my life. It was an absolute highlight of Florence and the Machine set I saw in September.

Getting Left Behind

Los Campesinos are a Cardiff based electro-indie band. Their songs are primarily about being young. Lyrically very in touch with the current generation, they're one of the the best British bands out there, and certainly worth a listen. Their second album is due to be released in February of this year.

Currently on Repeat

Los Campensinos

The Bouncing Souls

The Replacements