Among Friends

The Lost Sounds of Stevie Wonder

2009-05-03T12:14:00.001Z

The Lost Sounds of Stevie Wonder
Video sent by FireMadeFlesh

These are two ghost tracks (unreleased songs) which recently surfaced online. They have no names, but it is believed they were recorded by Mr. Wonder sometime between 1974's Innervisions & Fulfillingness' First Finale albums. Unfortunately, whoever posted the tracks only posted snippets and not the entire songs. So, we're left to constantly replay these clips & "wonder" about the beauty that remains to be heard.

All of you out there who THINK you know what R&B/Soul is all about (fans of Ashanti, Omarion, Rhianna etc.) Take a listen then rethink your position.

Enjoy the slideshow (I created).
Turn your speakers up & drift away into solace.

Austin appreciation night - Raw August 20, 2001

2009-03-27T14:42:00.001Z

Austin appreciation night - Raw August 20, 2001
Video sent by silentrock06

WWF Raw August 20, 2001
Austin appreciation night

This is brilliant wrestling entertainment - absolutely brilliant!

Rock vs. Stone Cold at WM XV

2009-03-19T08:14:00.001Z

WWE-THE NEW ROCK DVD (08) PART 14
Video sent by JESSE-TV

Wow it's almost ten years ago since this match took place. Oh how the WWE desperately need men as charismatic and entertaining as these two today. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

WATCHMEN Movie Review - PonderPop - Blunty3000

2009-02-24T18:15:00.001Z

I heard a lot of glowing reviews for The Dark Knight. I'm not swayed by these kind of reviews often. When I watched it I was amazed by how much it actually exceeded what the reviews said and I will not forget that season of watching that movie.

In terms of how to do vlogging as personal communication this is a great example of how to do it. I like it. I was going to watch the movie anyway since the buzz of it began since last year, but it will be interesting now to see if it can surpass The Dark Knight. No pressure.

Shalom
dmcd

Christopher Cross Ride Like The Wind Live 1998

2009-02-23T23:19:00.001Z

To my enduring shame it has taken this long for me to put up here a copy of one of my favourite songs to be working to. The mood catches me, work is to be done and this song hits my head, I put it on and I'm away!! And it's taken so long - what kind of Cross fan am I? A cross one?? Nah, let's move on quickly I think I put my point across well. Actually this isn't my favourite version of the track, but it will do until I get to the better version and it's always better with Cross and MacDonald on the thing. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Get Smart - Jazzed Up

2009-02-16T12:23:00.001Z

So I was doing some research for the latest contribution to my life's journey note for today and the phrase that struck me was Get Smart. This cgave me the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane and at least remember the theme tune to a comedy that I'm not convinced was all that funny! So as ever the ol' YouTube had some things to contribute and I came across this expecting something and getting something very different. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Eva Cassidy-True Colours

2009-02-14T21:28:00.001Z

Thanks to the brother again I've been exploring some of the stuff that Eva's done. Some of her Beatles/John Lennon stuff doesn't work, but lyrically she does justice to this song and it's got a good message to start a conversation with. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Kathy's Song(Full Version)-Live by Eva Cassidy

2009-02-14T21:24:00.001Z

My brother is with me over the weekend. This means I get to appreciate quality music both that's been written by him and things he recommends. He pointed me to this really simple rendition and in his own words its about her 'sweet voice and guitar' and indeed it has a haunting quality that allows you to be captured in the web she weaves vocally. Cracking stuff all thanks to my brother. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

DMCD's Football Special

2009-02-10T23:42:00.002Z

This is absolutely disgusting. Listening to Tony Adams has only allowed him to grow in my estimation. To give a man three months and then sack him when he’s not even in the relegation zone is nothing short of disgusting. Results have been bad, sure. Relegation form, possibly. Put it this way though – West Brom, Stoke City, Middlesbrough are in a worse position. Blackburn will pull away and Portsmouth have the quality to pull away if they maintained faith in the man. To sack him just absolutely sickens me.

I was reflecting on the similarities between him and Paul Ince and at the end of the day those in charge of these clubs have acted absolutely irresponsibly. It just does not make sense to me how you can hire a guy and the first sign of things getting a bit rocky you sack the brother. If you’re that concerned about getting results then hire men of proven credibility who know the business inside out and give them the assignment. When you hire up and coming dudes like Ince and Adams you are saying to them here is your chance – so give them a chance for crying out loud! If I were an experienced wily manager and a club like Portsmouth came in for me I would stock up the contract in my favour so that if they show a similar gutless ability in management I can walk from there not only with my chin up but with a healthier bank balance as well.

I am still really livid at the treatment of the guy. Here’s the thing for me. This lark football is a learning thing for anyone no matter where you’re coming from. Benitez had to learn. Wenger had to learn. Mourinho should have learnt but he was too good. The obvious exemplar par excellence Ferguson himself was given a good few seasons to learn. Seasons. Not months. Nowadays the thinking has gone totally berserk and these people are running a business! These people are in charge of the business. Dear Lord help them.

It is not too dissimilar to the joke taking place at St. James Park. A team that should be entertaining people and exciting us with their football are failing in every area – their football leaves lots to be desired; their management leaves lots to be desired; their ownership leaves lots to be desired. Now no one worth his salt would be seen dead playing for Newcastle United. In the same way if I were Glen Johnson right now I’d feel a fool for having signed a new contract because the reality is the plummet for Portsmouth begins now. They are not good enough to stay up in and of themselves in this kind of predicament.

If I was a Stoke City fan I would rejoice because that’s made things a lot easier for them in their struggle. Don’t get me wrong, I still think they’re going down, but it will be a lot closer than previously scheduled. The greatest irony in all this is that the real outstanding chairman of a football team remains Steve Gibson who continues to back Middlesbrough despite the fact that the team are awful and would deserve to be relegated. I applaud the support Gibson is evidently giving to Southgate and I would hope that would continue at least for a season in the Championship to give the manager a chance to redeem himself – that to me is what good supportive encouraging developing club stewardship should really be about especially if you’re giving a young buck the chance to give the management thing a go. I so wish Portsmouth and Blackburn would take note.

The latest happenings at Fratton Park fulfil this prophecy of the full backing of the Portsmouth board.

So there I am writing about how ridiculous it is that Adams leaves the club and then I read this! I exclaimed a distinct ‘what!’ in horror when I read it. This football thing has gone crazy now, big time crazy. I tell you something in these actions what it sows the seeds of is its own downfall. The best years of the Premiership are over and a new era is about to begin where a number of clubs will have to take a more pragmatic perspective on their football. As I live and breathe trust me it will be so. Chelsea as a force in football again? In these conditions? Do me a favour. As well as that who in their right mind is going to accept the poisoned chalice that is moving into Britain’s own answer to Jesus Gil in Roman Abramovic?

Despite their accusations I have never had a problem with Chelsea especially seeing as though they were the nearest to toppling Manchester United. Now though I find it really hard to sympathise with their position. I find it hard to stick up for a club that has now treated three managers really shabbily. I don’t for one minute accept the reasons for the sacking. They do not make sense, even if in this silly world you sack a manager after a season at least you have a proper track record on which to base your ludicrous decision. What’s been won to date? It’s only February for crying out loud. You’ve only just shut the window. There’s a full third of the season left, you still have a potential treble on your hands, but everyone knows that you make things worse by sacking the guy in charge than by any other decision because whoever takes over will be looking after someone else’s team. In this case they are still really managing Mourinho’s side!! Grant and Scolari have never had the chance to make their own side in their own image playing their own way. They have not had the chance to do that because that does not happen overnight, it happens over the course of an entire season at the very least.

That’s what makes Mourinho’s achievements in England in his first season that bit more outstanding and it has also put pressure on everything that has been done since at the club. Someone somewhere has unrealistic expectations of the side and that is putting an unnecessary burden on whichever mug takes the job on. That’s why when people crack on about money and buying the Premiership I know that is a load of cobblers and not good ones at that. It is a man who makes a team that is why he is referred to as a manager. For all the players you have, the manager is the one who makes them gel together and brings out the best in them to perform in the unit to their maximum ability and get the results on a consistent basis. That is why to an extent the manager is held responsible when the players do not do that. It is not the players that are held responsible – however liable they are – the buck stops at the door of the manager. That is why it is ridiculous the amount of attention players get because they are only there through the grace of the manager.

Such is the stream of disgust I have over the latest developments that I am reminded of the sketch on the Catherine Tate show which depicts a couple outlining their disgust at some expression of nouveau riche that they come across and such is their level of disgust that they refer to the instigators of such cultural blasphemy as dirty, dirty father-less figures if you know what I’m typing. Just hearing about the decision making process at Blackburn and now Portsmouth and Chelsea leads me to a similar conclusion that people in these positions are devoid of sense that may have been received from a father figure.

I’ve read this article on the reaction to the sacking and the following is clear. Chelsea fans and ex-personnel on the whole are deluded. Deluded in the sense that having seen the Miracle Man Mourinho win six trophies in three seasons they expect every coach to be able to give them what they’re looking for and the quickest sign of failure you’re out. That is absolutely barmy. No football team will ever be truly successful on that kind of thinking and indeed no football team has ever been successful with that kind of thinking.

Man alive I really will be praying for the mug who takes over the team full time because the first t will need to do is get rid of the dead-wood and most importantly have the strength of character to shape a side who are hungry for success on his terms and conditions and not theirs and most certainly not on Mourinho’s or even Abramovich. That will take some manager and no such mug exists. Not a former Blue that’s for sure. Not even Ferguson could succeed under the conditions at Stamford Bridge. It is ludicrous. It will come to a head. As the money runs dry and the players get old and star players are not attracted to playing for the club they will regret their fickle nature and have to get a more realistic set of aspirations.

This is completely unlike a club like Aston Villa who in Randy Lerner and Martin O’Neill have a match made in heaven where the owner leaves it to the manager and the manager leaves things to the owner and they work in their area of expertise. Time is given, support is given where necessary but it is all done slowly and discreetly without being suckered into any media hype. Building proper foundations for success Villa show the way to a more stable approach to success than either Chelsea or Manchester City.

That’s why a club like Liverpool if they can get their own ownership business sorted could be a legitimate player in the race for the title with Manchester United. We can definitely steal a march on decrepit and dysfunctional Chelsea and as for Arsenal, unless Wenger takes drastic action his young pups will just wilt under the pressure as the stars desert. This leaves Villa, United and ourselves as the only serious title contenders. That’s a better place to be than struggling to make fourth. The joke is that this will be the case and we will STILL be underachieving!

Shalom
dmcd

In The Stone - Earth Wind And Fire(1979)

2009-02-09T20:31:00.001Z

You see it's one thing having the live version and a decent cover by a decent brass band, but the original is often where the true beauty lies and this does not disappoint in this regard. Just the time they take in the intro to establish the feel of the song is so sweet. I was thinking to myself that if I was ever to host my own show or whatever I'd want the music to be my theme - it is right on, man! Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Old Game of Life Advert

2009-02-02T22:08:00.001Z

Errrr ... we're getting closer to what we're looking for. IT's the right phase of life, but not quite the message I was looking for. Good voiceover work though - nice sinister edge to allow us to know some of the harsh realities behind the game of life. Endure rather than enjoy I say.

Shalom
dmcd

Parker Brothers Game of Life Commercial 1960's

2009-02-02T22:03:00.001Z

Welcome to my search for the 1980's/90's commercial for the board game Game of Life. As you'll notice, this is not the advert that I seek, but it is a good reason why I'm so glad I'm a child of the 80's/90's as opposed to the 60's. Talk about cheesy. But worth enjoying all the same.

Shalom
dmcd

Doobie Brothers - Jesus Is Just Alright

2009-02-02T20:17:00.001Z

I love seeing those gospel connections cropping up in the most unlikely places. I say that even though the likelihood is that when I investigate the issue actually the source is likely as they come.

I haven't done that much homework on this tune other than apparently The Byrds also did this tune. In any case it's one thing to have an attention grabbing song title it's another to have a good tune behind it, and I enjoyed this one as I hope you will too.

Shalom
dmcd

Doobie Brothers - Takin' It To The Streets (High Quality)

2009-02-02T09:35:00.001Z

To my enduring shame the last time you've enjoyed the great voice of Mike Mac was all the way back in September. Accept my humble apologies.

I love this track and it gives a good example of why people are big fans of Mike Mac's work. Solid stuff with great support from the Doobie Brothers. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

MARVEL/DC Season 2: Happy Hour #1 (1 of 2)

2009-02-01T20:54:00.001Z

I'm not sure if you're up on your term definitions but here's my entry to the definition of the term 'criminal activity'. That the latest series of Happy Hour has been going since last April featuring episodes periodically over the year and this coming Saturday It'sJustSomeRandomGuy is going to post the fifth and final part of the current series and I've not blogged on it once in all that time! For a series so creative, fresh and funny I deserve to have the proverbial book thrown at me for not alerting you to this. Obviously it has not yet been entered into the legal statutes so I can get by with a mere apology and this post to strongly urge you to check this and the other four posts in the series to catch up on what's been going on - this be good story-telling and you can't get enough good story-telling. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

The Damned United - At UK cinemas from March 27th

2009-01-30T17:40:00.001Z

I mean what a character Brian Clough was. What a character. So having seen this trailer I'd be interested to see how the portrayal goes. Sheen obviously has a lot going for him following his depictions of Tony Blair, Kenneth Williams and most recently David Frost, but it would be rather interesting to see how he takes on this character. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush Sr., and Carter meet for lunch

2009-01-29T23:48:00.001Z

Yeah this was unique. When he said thank you Mr. President, the then President-elect could technically have been speaking to any of the four men around him. Dude, though, Carter really didn't want to get close to the group at all. Also hilarious seeing the Bushes grinning inanely. Ahhhhhh Presidents.

Shalom
dmcd

Who Let The Jews Out?

2009-01-28T08:08:00.001Z

Now this is a great way of doing bible commentary in a fun and relevant fashion - brilliant. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

This Is How We're Jewish - Keith From Up Da Block (parody)

2009-01-28T08:03:00.001Z

I am rather hoping that this is not deemed to be offensive. I do enjoy parodies and with the whole humour thing about other people's cultures there's a fine line between light-hearted humour and prejudicial reinforcements.

I watched this parody though and enjoyed but will bring it down if viewers believe that it is offensive. Enjoy?

Shalom
dmcd

The Tomorrow Show (John Lennon) 1975 part 1

2009-01-28T01:07:00.001Z

One of my huge passions is interviews with people - conversations in getting to know people are fascinating and I loved being able to do that whilst at university. It's something I wouldn't picking up again.

In that light this is why I post the first part of this interview, you'll know where to go to watch the rest of it. Interviews are fascinating in the sense that they tell you almost as much about the questioner as they do about the interviewee. In this case for example Howard Snyder's professional personality comes across just as strongly if not more so than John Lennon's. It's also interesting to watch John's responses to cover cross cultural boundaries and the like. All in all, simply enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Jewish Reggae

2009-01-28T00:22:00.001Z

Well here's something I don't come across every day, one of my favourite cultural expressions with one of my most dismissed music genres in one place. Well who would have thunk it. I loved the way how the guy remained cool in the interview with some really inane questions coming across from the interviewer and the guests. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Incognito - That's The Way Of The World

2009-01-27T01:32:00.001Z

Yeah, the rate of posts have increased in recognition of the fact that unlike the prolific blue blog, this could do with some attention and it's easier to do.

So I was looking for the Dwele version of this classic EWF track, but came across this instead which is a cool faithful contribution to the great covers. It's chilled and mellow and right up my street with proper use of instruments.

All of which is to assure doubters that you can sit back and merely enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Randy Crawford - One Day I'll Fly Away

2009-01-27T01:17:00.001Z

This is being posted as the original post back on the Monday 15 December 2008 isn't working. Here are the key notes to remember from that entry

I have mixed memories of this track and will only post the positive ones here and leave you to enquire of the other memories at your leisure through the email medium.

In the innocent days of my early teens when my senses were being awakened to creative tendecies within me and a love of music, writing, drama and football (spot the odd one out) it was not unusual for me to listen to the radio on a Saturday night in my bedroom. I heard many tunes that I fell in love with but never knew who the singer was or even what the title was at times. This was one of those songs and so evokes those memories of the night having drawn in and me electing to be in the dark in me bedroom listening to those haunting chords and steady bassline wafting into my imagination. Good times. Good times indeed. Now as I said with regard to the other memories these bring up ...

Anyway. Enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Elton John - Your song

2009-01-27T01:10:00.001Z

So whilst on the EJ theme it made sense to post this up. I liked the song when I first heard, although now it sounds rather basic and laboured, but it's still a neat little simple song that I love dedicating to my wife because life is truly beautiful with her in the world! Enjoy

Shalom
dmcd

Elton John-Goodbye yellow brick road

2009-01-27T01:04:00.001Z

So here I am at the end of an eventful day where to be fair it's been very successful and God's grace has been abundantly clear. As I came to the end of it I was on such a rush enjoying a good time with my wife and eating a veggie pattie and blogging on the blue one that this song came to mind. No particular reason why it came to mind. Nothing particularly lyrical tying it to anything, but up it popped and having not blogged here for a while, it was about time. Therefore, enjoy.

Shalom
dmcd

Google Mobile (Part V of The Googling)

2009-01-14T23:31:00.001Z

Sometimes it's not always easy to know when to stop a good thing. This series knows when to stop and they finish on a good point all the way to the last point. It's not the best one in the series, but it's still funny and a worthy entry to a series of very funny episodes that I wholeheartedly endorse. Enjoy.

dmcd

Google SMS (Part IV of The Googling)

2009-01-14T23:28:00.001Z

The text that texts you back - spooky or what? Imagine if it really did answer ALL your questions - with a mind of it's own! Enjoy ... and look out for jealous girlfriends and ex's

dmcd

Google My Maps (Part III of The Googling)

2009-01-14T23:23:00.001Z

This one is truly hilarious for the connections between what was and what had as yet to happen!! Just gloriously funny stuff. Enjoy.

dmcd

Google Moon (Part II of The Googling)

2009-01-14T23:21:00.001Z

What I enjoyed particularly about this episode was the whole allusion to things not being quite what we thought in terms of our mission to outer space. Ahhh, yes sir, this is funny stuff. Enjoy.

dmcd

Google Maps (Part I of The Googling)

2009-01-14T23:20:00.001Z

This is seriously funny stuff and trust em it just gets funnier! Enjoy

dmcd

New York Comic Con 2009: Reverse Psychology

2009-01-14T23:16:00.001Z

People - the world is a better place for having this dude posting these kind of blogs. If I haven't done so already I'll look to make the time to post the series of his work previously. This is a great ad though for the event. Enjoy

dmcd

Time, Love And Tenderness - Michael Bolton

2009-01-09T01:50:00.001Z

Nothing heals the broken heart like the love of Jesus really, but I know that's what Michael would have said if given the chance. In the meantime what better way to say hello Among Friends in 2009 than what this year is all about - giving people the time to experience love and tenderness! Enjoy.

dmcd

Let it Be - The Beatles Story

2008-12-29T12:53:00.001Z

The Beatles were a crucial part to my upbringing and appreciation of music. This brief history of them is a good effort and encapsualting in less than 10 minutes what others have stretched to 10 hours of more! Enjoy.

dmcd

Jon Gibson Amazing Grace

2008-12-29T12:18:00.001Z

How to sing a gospel classic in an accessible way to those who don't do gospel classics. And do the guitar bit in a smooth way as well. Amazing indeed. Enjoy.

dmcd

There For You by Jon Gibson

2008-12-29T12:14:00.001Z

How to chill and still be seriously blessed by an all out good message by the man JG. Take notes all you wannabes! Enjoy.

dmcd

Jon Gibson Can't Live Without Jesus

2008-12-29T12:05:00.001Z

JG loves him his stories - pay attention to this good one he's heard that happens to be real. Enjoy.

dmcd

Found A Home by John Gibson

2008-12-29T12:02:00.001Z

So back with the JG theme. This track I believe is from the 90's - remember that decade? The feel of this tune is just right when you're busy doing some admin stuff, or whatever, there's a comfortable beat and then when you check the content as well it's all out quality good stuff for the soul. Enjoy.

dmcd

Jon Gibson Don't Ever

2008-12-29T11:46:00.001Z

Another JG beauty - to know he's just as much a blessing on the guitar as on the keyboards is one of those bonuses I love about these singer-songwriter types. Enjoy.

dmcd

Jon Gibson Get It Together

2008-12-29T11:38:00.001Z

Dunno if I've mentioned my love of most things Jon Gibson! He really is a delight to behold in his gifted music and this is not exception. This is another one of those chill but pay attention tracks. Enjoy.

dmcd

Jon Gibson The Best In Me

2008-12-29T11:15:00.001Z

I'm a Jon Gibson fan, I think it's a travesty that he has not got the props he desrves as a musician, songwriter and singer. He be no Stevie Wonder wannabe to me, he be a great talent in and of his own right.

The reason I enjoy this song is because of its simplicity both in lyrical content and musical structure. Chill and take some time to let it flow in and through you. Enjoy.

dmcd

Keith Green - Your Love Broke Through

2008-12-29T09:22:00.001Z

This is a beautiful song that means a lot to me personally. Enjoy.

dmcd

Marvin Gaye Come Live With Me Angel (Unedited, 1976)

2008-12-29T09:18:00.001Z

Welcome to my Monday. I hope to spend the majority of the day near a computer and so access this site for the soundtrack of my day.

this is the first track I played as it was the first one that came into my head even before I'd turned on the computer. I've never heard he unedited version and to be honest there's nothing that special about it compared with the edited, but it's a great song from a great singer. Enjoy.

dmcd

Randy Crawford -One day i'll fly away(Traducido)

2008-12-15T18:27:00.001Z

Yeah I just blogged on the same track, but this is not a cheat - the person who put this version of the track on YouTube did the world a favour. First it's a great tune as already established. Second I don't think there's a more naturally romantic language than Spanish (let's hope it is Spanish, or muggins me is in huge trouble with my Spanish readers!)

So what a glorious combination. Enjoy.

dmcd

Randy Crawford - One Day I´ll Fly Away

2008-12-15T18:20:00.001Z

It has been so long hasn't it? And I was making good progress with this blog as well. I think I'm on course to exceed the number of posts compared to last year, but I'll still like to make more contributions a bit more consistently than I have.

So what brings me back on the blogging scene is that I find myself in the crib upstairs in me bedroom, door shut, world outside, me inside. Just the way I like it a lot of the time. As I've been sorting through some administrative for various responsibilities I've had a variety of tunes playing either on the ol' Windows Media Player or through this online portal. It occurred that one tune I hadn't heard in ages was this one.

I have mixed memories of this track and will only post the positive ones here and leave you to enquire of the other memories at your leisure through the email medium.

In the innocent days of my early teens when my senses were being awakened to creative tendecies within me and a love of music, writing, drama and football (spot the odd one out) it was not unusual for me to listen to the radio on a Saturday night in my bedroom. I heard many tunes that I fell in love with but never knew who the singer was or even what the title was at times. This was one of those songs and so evokes those memories of the night having drawn in and me electing to be in the dark in me bedroom listening to those haunting chords and steady bassline wafting into my imagination. Good times. Good times indeed. Now as I said with regard to the other memories these bring up ...

Anyway. Enjoy.

dmcd

Inflation and the Dollar's crash

2008-11-30T18:13:00.001Z

This is fascinating. I wonder if the same applies to England?

Enjoy

da man cd

Seaman Backpedal with Assistance From Brazil Commentary

2008-11-24T23:53:00.001Z

This is the best commentary on one of the worst moments in the career of David Seaman. Yeah you feel for him, but you love the commentary. I'm no expert in Portuguese, but I think it's fair to assume the commentator is conveying to us that Brazil scored a goal.

Enjoy.

da man cd

Poor Paul Robinson

2008-11-24T23:50:00.001Z

Thanks to The Mirror for this link - it is hilarious, in terms of the captions. Worth reading. Glad to see that Robbo didn't allow it to get him down too much ... OK so no manager at Spurs had confidence in him afterwards, but he's back on track at Blackburn with Ince behind him every step of the way - good for you Incey!

Still. This is funny. Enjoy.

da man cd

Arsenal 4 Spurs 4 fanzone

2008-11-02T11:40:00.001Z

This for those who don't believe in people being worshippers. Enjoy.

da man cd

Cockney Music the Basis For Quality Classical Music

2008-10-28T16:42:00.001Z

I was wondering where I'd heard all this before when I was in an orchestra. Now Bill has made it plain for all to hear. Thank you good sir. Enjoy.

da man cd

Harry Hill Burger Barry hahaha

2008-10-28T16:00:00.001Z

This is funny. Take a concept, take it to hilarious ends. He's good at his job. Enjoy.

da man cd

Horny Harry Hill

2008-10-28T15:54:00.001Z

This is the best rendition of our glorious national anthem you are ever likely to hear in your life ... kinda. Enjoy.

da man cd

Harry Hill- biscuits

2008-10-28T15:43:00.001Z

Well ... why? Enjoy

da man cd

Harry Hill- Dogs

2008-10-28T15:42:00.001Z

This guy gives a good reason for why I don't have a dog. He's spot on when it comes to those beasts. Enjoy.

da man cd

Lookin' For Another Pure Love - String Trio

2008-10-26T11:34:00.001Z

Not an easy song to cover, but another good go by these French fiddlers. I love this version. Enjoy.

da man cd

That Girl - String Trio

2008-10-26T11:26:00.001Z

Brave cover version of the track - refreshing new direction for a song that I enjoy immensely. Enjoy

da man cd

Bird Of Beauty - String Trio

2008-10-26T10:56:00.001Z

Even I had seriously underestimated this track on the album. It's a fair song in its own right, but for me was crowded out by better songs on the album. That's why covers like this are so sweet to remind you of what a cool song it is after all. Don't just take my word for it, check it for yourself. Enjoy.

da man cd

As If You Read My Mind - String Trio

2008-10-26T10:43:00.001Z

Ahhhh hello there and welcome to a Sunday morning in the company of Chris Dryden just sorting through some stuff whilst listening/watching some quality stuff! And speaking of that here's a great example of it. Dunno who these fellas are, I guess they're french by the notes written on them. Either way they have done me the enormous favour of putting out a line on Stevie Wonder stuff as a string trio - and that's cool, so prepare to listen/watch a line of covers they've done of some Stevie stuff, and I'm cool with that!

As If is one of my favourite Stevie tracks and they've done a great job covering it. Enjoy.

da man cd

Bill Bailey - Mastermind

2008-10-24T17:38:00.001Z

Bill Bailey. Funny guy. Funny bit. Absolutely wrong with what to do with the Mastermind theme tune. Absolutely wrong. Keep the fear element in I say - good for the stomach! Enjoy.

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Harry Enfield - Scousers arguing over tea

2008-10-15T15:41:00.001Z

Brookside wished it was this good. Enjoy.

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Self Righteous - Davidson Out Of The Closet

2008-10-15T15:14:00.001Z

Obviously a good measure to clean up the television from Davidson. Enjoy.

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Self-Righteous Brothers - Parker Bowles

2008-10-15T15:10:00.001Z

Wonderful antidote to any suggestive moves to be made by the Duchess. Enjoy

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Self-Righteous Brothers - Mindless Acts of Violence from Celebrities

2008-10-15T15:06:00.001Z

It would be a risk for the nation alright. Quality laughs. Enjoy.

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Self Righteous Brothers - Armstrong

2008-10-15T15:00:00.001Z

We are fair people. He's made a giant leap for mankind surely he should be able to make a few steps up the stairs ... quality. Enjoy.

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Harry Enfield - Self Righteous Brothers - Jackson

2008-10-15T14:49:00.001Z

Of course he meant on separate occasions. Enjoy

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Self Righteous Brothers - Julio Iglesias

2008-10-15T14:46:00.001Z

Martin Samuel is a writer for The Times but has not lost touch with his roots. Whilst reading an article where he responds to the input by people about the Ashley Cole booing issue at the England-Kazahkstan match he referred me to this video. Which was nice. Enjoy.

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Brazil Football

2008-10-14T15:43:00.001Z

They may not be as good as they were or as glittering as the teams of 1982 and 1970 but there's still something so attractive about considering Brazil football. Enjoy.

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Footballs Worst Tackles

2008-10-14T15:36:00.001Z

Funnily enough I didn't let Deborah catch this. She's already into playing football, I want her to appreciate decent footwork with the ball rather than someone's ankles, or head. Endure.

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Bugs and Puma

2008-10-14T15:12:00.001Z

I did enjoy sharing this with Deborah! It's all about having the smarts that's why young Bugs is such a great mentor! Enjoy.

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Mexican Boarders

2008-10-14T15:04:00.001Z

It's obviously not all about speed - the eyes have it. Enjoy.

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Daffy Duck - To Duck or Not to Duck

2008-10-14T14:40:00.001Z

This is funny stuff. Good to show Deborah about some of the ways of life … errr … kinda. Enjoy.

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Comedy And TV Tunes with Mark Lowry

2008-10-14T00:39:00.001Z

I like it. You like it too. Enjoy.

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A Study In Sherlock Holmes/Jeremy Brett( BBC Show Excerpt)

2008-10-11T19:31:00.001Z

I find the story of Sherlock Holmes vastly fascinating. The portrayal of the detective by Jeremy Brett is arguably the definitive one and there is much tragedy about the link between him the character he played. Enjoy.

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Airplane! -- the wrong week to quit

2008-10-09T20:56:00.001Z

Sometimes it just feels like you just picked the wrong week ... Enjoy.

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Airplane -Roger-Victor-Over

2008-10-09T20:54:00.001Z

It's scripting like this that made the film so funny in my humble opinion. Enjoy.

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Airplane II: The Sequel - Black Witness Scene

2008-10-09T20:50:00.001Z

I never watched Airplane II and I'm sure it was nowhere near as good as the original. It was still good to check this little scene out! Enjoy.

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Black History Month Made Easy Thanks To Airplane!

2008-10-09T20:48:00.001Z

Some people wonder what one earth do I talk about when I'm at home. This beautifully summarises the lingo that takes place in the comfort of my own home and is a great insight into real black culture. Ya dig? Enjoy y'all.

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airplane! (1980) trailer

2008-10-09T20:44:00.001Z

One of the funniest movies I've ever watched. The trailer only hints at the hilarity that ensues. Enjoy.

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Opposites Attract - He's Dressed Like A Cat

2008-10-09T20:32:00.001Z

Funny. Enjoy.

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Green Lantern History

2008-10-06T17:02:00.001Z

I am more and more convinced that people love a good story. I’m also convinced that’s why people are taken into bad stuff because people are attracted to a compelling story where they are the centre of it where some perceived injustice is resolved even if it is at an imbalance with the truth.

Anyway, I’m also convinced that a good story is why people love movies, soap operas and comics. I love two of those three because I love a good story. As well as that I’m also fascinated with some of the issues behind a good story – good and evil, might and intelligence, power and peace, etc.

One of the underrated comic book stories is Green Lantern and this hombre Parker Morris does a great job in giving a history of the character – in itself it makes for a fascinating story. Enjoy.

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George Clooney Winning the Oscar

2008-10-06T16:34:00.001Z

George Clooney is a fascinating celebrity. He is well established in Hollywood. He does have a charm about him that resembles some of the classic older actors. All the best to him. Enjoy.

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Rolf Harris - Cartoon Time - 1980s

2008-10-06T15:17:00.001Z

Rolf is one of those characters who could go from BBC to ITV and not suffer too much. This is a good example of a show he did on the Beeb that I enjoyed watching and they had the good sense not to let him loose in a studio to do the theme tune for his show. Enjoy.

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Hartbeat - My Tribute

2008-10-06T15:06:00.001Z

So I read this message about Tony Hart and how he can’t do his art anymore – check me facebook page for more – and I came across this which was my introduction both to Mr Hart (really cool and convenient surname that). I post this then in tribute to a great influence in my appreciation of art, even if it did no good in making me an artist. The only drawings I do to this day are curtains. In any case when you get the chance check his web-site out and send him an email. I’m sure he’d be grateful to hear from you. Enjoy.

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Rentaghost

2008-10-06T14:57:00.001Z

Children’s programmes back in the day, man. Forget Charmed – this was the original spook televisual delight. What on earth were my parents thinking of when they let me watch this kind of programme? There it is, tough – check the eerie laughter at the end. As years went by it went even more eerie I’m sure. Enjoy?

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my childhood cartoon intros - Mr Benn

2008-10-06T14:47:00.001Z

Now here’s a blast from the past likewise. I’ve got a top bloke as a friend called Dermot who plays bass. He would slip in bits of popular music into riffs that him and his crew would do. I defy him and his top people like Nathaniel to slip this tune into their repertoire. That would be ace! Enjoy.

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Chockablock intro!!! 80s classic tv - high quality!

2008-10-06T14:42:00.001Z

Oh my days – this was school lunch time at its best. I’d nip off home for some corned beef sandwiches from my mum. Then whilst I was eating it I’d have the chance to watch this programme. Although I didn’t know they had a Chock-a-girl. I’m sure that was a stand-in. Maybe the chock-a-bloke was on holiday or had a hangover. Either way, it’s here for the theme tune, not the casting aberration. Enjoy.

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Harlem Globetrotters - Intro

2008-10-06T14:38:00.001Z

So I remember a lot of cartoons merely by their theme tune. This is a classic example. I’m sure the show itself was mediocre, but the theme tune captured enough of the ‘groove’ of the era to keep my interest. Enjoy.

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Heathcliff and Marmaduke Opening Theme

2008-10-06T14:30:00.001Z

Ahhhhhh yeah, this is where I’m coming from man – this is business at it’s best. I loved this theme tune. The programme wasn’t bad either, but the theme tune was so memorable! Enjoy.

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Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo intro

2008-10-06T14:27:00.001Z

This is the theme tune. I’m more interested in the introduction of Scrappy to the whole affair. This is what it’s all about. My wife reminds me of Scrappy. In good ways. Honest. Enjoy.

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Scooby Doo 1969 Theme Song

2008-10-06T14:24:00.001Z

Now to be fair I wasn’t really into Scooby until Scrappy came on the scene, but it’s still worth having the poppa before the son. Enjoy.

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Family Ties Theme

2008-10-05T12:02:00.001Z

Absolutely fantastic. I almost cried when I heard this again, it is without doubt one of the greatest pieces of songwriting wasted on a television programme - I mean where is Melanie Baxter Birney now? Who was she before? How was she ever a bigger deal than Michael J Fox?

Still, fantastic, gripping, emotional rollercoaster as we wonder what would we ever do without love? Enjoy.

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Family Ties - Theme Song (Scaryokie style)

2008-10-05T12:00:00.001Z

I'll put the original on in a minute, but this version is equally commendable on one of the greatest TV theme songs in the history of television if not songwriting itself! What a glorious tribute. Enjoy

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Steve Martin - Paul Simon Tribute - Kennedy Center Honors

2008-10-04T21:14:00.001Z

Because of the movies and writing and stuff I don't really appreciate Steve Martin's gift as a genuinely funny guy.

This has helped me out heaps. Thanks Steve, you are funny after all. Enjoy.

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Elvis Presley - Amazing Grace

2008-09-30T21:04:00.001Z

The spiritual commitment of rock/pop stars never ceases to fascinate me. The journey of Bob Dylan, the struggle of Marvin Gaye, the tragedy of Britney Spears, the resolve of Johnny Cash – these little sound-bites you get from time to time. I consume them with great interest.

I’m moving away from judgement and heavy criticism, but taking it all on board reminds me of the nature of this song. It’s about the force of God in grace rescuing me. This insinuates that I’m not in a position to save myself and am not in a position to keep myself rescued. So I need to remember that and keep that at the front of my life in remembering who I am and in engaging with others with a true spirit of grace.

I just wish that would be the case for all who love the themes in these songs so that we were singing our reality and not just a pleasant, inspiring melody. Enjoy.

da man cd

Spiderman Unmasked!

2008-09-30T20:54:00.001Z

Please give this some time. Really, you won’t get it the first time. Or the second. Maybe not even the third. It’s worth the wait, honestly. I mean the point behind it is true – you don’t have to put on a mask but you can be accepted as you are when you go to a church service, that’s assuming you’re in a proper church of real people who are at various stages of being comfortable without a mask. Trust me, this message works. Honest. Enjoy.

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Al Pacino Plays Devil's Advocate

2008-09-30T20:42:00.001Z

There is a profanity in this clip. Usually I wouldn’t allow it. I don’t condone it. I know it is common in the world we live in and few people can escape its reach, but that doesn’t make it right at all. I only post it on this entry because it plays its part in a great speech from a great performance in a great film.

If you ever get the chance I highly recommend you watch this film, with clear warnings. Like Godfather don’t watch it with the nippers. Unlike Godfather, I would seriously do some heavy protective praying before watching it. This film has some serious scenes that may cause offence and an upset stomach – it does not go easy in being graphic.

For all that the reason why I love the film is encapsulated in this speech. You don’t have to be a genius to guess the character that Al is playing and his argument is one genuinely spouted by those who would not claim to have any allegiance with the character. Some people genuinely hold to these views and think its OK. I genuinely believe holding those views puts you in sympathy with this character and on a slippery slope to a place you really don’t want to go.

In any case this speech is great, the film is great and the actor is great. Enjoy.

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Brazil 1970 World Cup

2008-09-30T20:32:00.001Z

I was born in 1977. That’s seven years after this World Cup. I have not watched and analysed each game played by Brazil in this competition. I haven’t even seen the final in full. All I do know and I’m happy to buy into is that this football is the best ever seen by any collection of players in a competition or game at any time recorded and known to man. It is simply beautiful to watch. Enjoy.

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Spitting Image - Thatcher Winding Up speech

2008-09-30T20:26:00.001Z

This one makes me laugh. I was looking for something about her resignation in 1990, but didn’t find the one where she can’t hold back the tears as she departs Downing Street one final time as Prime Minister. This one more than makes up for it and highlights the power of speeches not really for their content in as much as they can serve the appropriate style and charisma to keep your supporters onside and give opponents the impression that even if the content doesn’t stand up to much it won’t matter because the force of will brings about victory anyway. For all my opinions on the woman there is no doubting that the number of people who want a leader like her in charge would have risen considerably in the light of recent developments. Enjoy.

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The Fourth Doctor Regenerates

2008-09-30T20:07:00.001Z

I’m all for change. No, really I am. Only last night where usually before retiring to my bedroom after a night out with the Understanding Islam seminar I might have a sumptuous meal involving beans, a beanburger or some sausage rolls with a lovely Linda McCartney country pie, last night I satisfied myself with just the Linda McCartney country pie. That was different. That was change. That was also a lovely pie, thanks Linda.

Despite that, there are some changes that in retrospect prove to be more hassle than they’re worth. For reasons beyond the control of the programme, once Tom Baker left the role it’s almost as though the channel didn’t take the character as seriously anymore. Not so much with Davison who was a good antidote to people used to Tom, but a lack of true investment in the programme churning out quality episodes supporting the actor in the main role it would not be until a generation later with the portrayal by David Tennant that you felt the character was given what it’s worth. Still, Tom had set the bar pretty high and it would take something extraordinary to meet that standard. The guy himself may hold some opinions on which we severely differ, but he’s still my favourite Doctor and as necessary as it was for things to change, I was still sad that it happened. Enjoy.

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Real Benny Hill Chase

2008-09-30T18:40:00.001Z

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Benny Hill has a lot for which to answer. Back in the golden days of being brought up by my loving television I have clear recollections of seeing this in the 1980’s. Now Mr. Hill was a funny guy, a very funny guy, but there’s no denying that part of his humour was that of the seaside naughty postcard variety. Did that ever come back to haunt me. For all of that, one of the best bits of the show was the chases and that is why I’m posting this. Enjoy.

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Sir Winston Churchill Speech - We shall fight them on the be

2008-09-30T18:33:00.001Z

Freedom. In about six weeks time men and women around the country will wear a poppy to commemorate the millions of people who died to defend this country and maintain its freedom.

Now I could go on a whole philosophical and spiritual rant about whether it was really freedom they were fighting for. However, on this occasion I want to highlight how events of great adversity and warfare bring out some of the best in people who at least on the surface are committed to the principles of freedom. This is seen in no greater figure than the leader of Britain during the last World War.

This post is put up then in tribute to those who from their heart fought so bravely to uphold that ideal of freedom. Let us hope today that people will still be ready when it comes to the opponents of freedom to fight them on the beaches … and never surrender. Enjoy.

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