Once every four years for a month or so, a number of football teams each representing a nation assemble in a pre-appointed host country and play some games of football. For one month goals will be scored, heroes will be written into folklore, villians will be spited hereon and forever after, tears will be shed for joy, for misery, pundits will analyse, fans will over-analyse, column inches will be read and re-read and most of all the world will stop. For one month every four years, the world and all that it is takes a backseat, in place of it, a simple game involving two teams, two goals and most importantly a ball takes centre stage. The FIFA World Cup, the showpiece of humanity and the greatest event in the history of mankind. For anyone reading this and thinking I'm being ironically sarcastic, please don't.
192 nations in qualification. 32 at the finals. 64 games. 8 groups. 1 winner.
Football is more than a game and The World Cup is more than a tournament. Football has the ability to united nations, united the world, through a common ground. The beauty of the beautiful game lies within its simplicity. One method of scoring, one instrument, one goal. I cannot explain how much joy I gain from this sporting extravaganza. I love football every season, and I love my club, but The World Cup is something different and unique. There is nothing quite like it. For me there is nothing more exciting, anticipated or superlative in my life. The chance for my country to prove itself undisputedly as the best in the world. I look forward to this the day after England get knocked out of the previous tournament. And for a month every four years, there is literally nothing else to watch, think about or consider in my life. June 2010 is a write off. I've watched England at 3 previous World Cups, I've believed we can win everyone, but just this time is different. Maybe. Maybe we will. It sends shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes to think of Owen scoring against Brazil in 2002 and throwing it away, or the pain of defeat to Argentina in '98 or Portugal in '06. Even memories from before I can remember anything hurt. Brazil in '70, Maradona in '86, West Germany in '90. You've got to believe. 11th June Johannesburg, South Africa. The World Cup Final.
One thing that is proving different with current bands attempting to get signed compared with previous generations is the dotcom revolution. I fear I'm stating the obvious when I say music is more accessible through many more mediums than ever before. In a way parallels can be drawn between The Beatles and the Arctic Monkeys and how they changed music history. The Beatles will live a greater musical legacy than the Monkeys, but both re-shaped the status quo. The Beatles redefined how bands behaved and conducted themselves. They reshaped how bands could be perceived. It set the path for every single band today. Pre-Beatles, bands were not seen as artists or pioneers but entertainers. This was their job. They performed. They recorded what the record company deemed popular. I'm not undermining The Beatles musical talent in any way, but they were in the right place at the right time to gain the exposure they did. Four plucky lads from Liverpool, looking to make a name for themselves. The Beatles brought some sex, an attitude and a confidence that, aside from Elvis, had not been seen my musicians previously, certainly not in Britain. Beatlemania grew and the world changed forever. Now music is probably the most widespread and enjoyed form of expression and art in the world.
The Arctic's followed suit. Four cocky lads from Sheffield, writing songs about saturday night fights with bouncers, the Sheffield gig circuit and getting too drunk to stand up. Mix in some funky bass lines, a Smiths-esque lyrical frontman and a cult following and the Arctic Monkeys had the press-coverage that signed bands had been after for years. All this was achieved unsigned, simply by posting links on myspace and handing out free CDs, as word of mouth spread popularity increased. It was the dawn of music being easily accessible via electronic mass communication. When they did finally record and release "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" it outsold "Definitely Maybe" and became the fastest selling British debut album of all time.
Which is why the music industry has changed forever, and why the Arctic Monkeys may have done more for music than any other band in history. It's a bold statement, and I'm not even sure if I agree with it. But the fact is they represent a shift in how bands can sell records without being marketed endlessly or promotional stunts. Independent record labels have the ability to reach audiences never possible before and bands music can be distributed at the click of the button. From teenage garages or bedrooms in Camden and California, songs can be posted and then downloaded anywhere, the ability to promote music independently is easier than ever, this is a revolutionary event in the history of recorded music. Of course this was not all because of four lads from Sheffield, however they acted as the pioneers and catalysts, and for that reason, may have done more for music than The Beatles. It's a controversial idea. 70% of bands are still controlled by the big four record companies, but maybe, hopefully, this figure will start to reduce as the internet age of music continues.
On the subject of which, check out BlankTV's Channel on YouTube and this song from None More Black, signed to Fat Wreck Chords.
"Country BlueGrass Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers" known as CBGB's for short was the legendary club on Bleecker Street in New York City and has become famous as the home of underground rock. The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith and The Velvet Underground all contributed to the cult status the bar earned over the years and which helped attract so many artists, musicians and poets to the Lower West Side. Anything was accepted. Drugs were freely available, bars were open into the early hours and people could express their souls however they felt the need. Founded in 1973 it was inspired from the bohemian alt lifestyle that New York provoked at the time, it was the place in Greenwich Village in the 70's and 80's which helped spawn East Coast cult alternative rock. This was a unique time in New York's history. As well as these alt-lifestyle tortured souls such as Bob Dylan and John Lennon moving to Manhatten, hip -hop was emerging in black neighborhoods such as Harlem and Alphabet City. Disco was becoming the scene to be seen at in Mid-town and providing the city with a Mo-town vibe. New York in the 70's and 80's is still an overwhelming influence on today's American music. However, this did bring sociopolitical problems for the city. There were high crime rates, a huge sex trade and neighbourhoods were often perceived as lawless. Cab drivers wouldn't venture into some areas for fear of racial or xenophobic attacks. This is the side of the city which Martin Scorsese portrays in his film "Taxi Driver". The city wasn't in the best condition, but it still managed to produce some musical legacies which will always will remembered. Unfortunately CBGB's was abandoned by the owners a few years ago, and is now a fashion boutique. The spirit lives on at www.CBGB.com where you access a virtual tour of the club in its heyday. And I want this t shirt.
Summer 2009. What a time. I tend to approach life with a philosophical view and try to not let little irrelevant details, which tend to get blown out of proportion, spoil my life. I try to be as optimistic as possible, and draw upon some things I've seen and experiences I've had in countries such as China and Thailand, to never lose perspective of just how fortunate I am in relation. I'm extremely lucky to live my life. But even so, this summer was amazing. After speaking to two of my housemates today I literally cannot wait for 2nd year at University. To all the good times of the last 3 months. Newquay, the USA, Manchester, Sutton Hall, 5th Avenue, Font Bar, The Rectory, Tiger Tiger, Vodka Revs, Rymans(!) and Leeds Festival. To Europe and then University.
