All entries for January 2006

Approximation of an amendable playlist §1

Mr and Mrs
(initial homage to Villa Pia nights)

Don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington – Vic Reeves
Frankly, Mr Shankly – The Smiths
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Mr Jones – The Psychedelic Furs
Mr Pharmacist – The Fall
Mr Robinson's quango – Blur
Mr Sellack – The Roches
Mr Writer – Stereophonics
Mr. Tambourine Man – The Byrds
Mrs. Bartolozzi- Kate Bush
Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel

Any more for any more?

: 31 Jan 2006 20:35 |  Tags: Music Playlist |  Comments (6) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

In decline…

Read this one rather quickly as was feeling a degree of residual guilt for (a) really not enjoying Scoop and (b) having read hardly any Waugh (but see (a)). Anyway, I was genuinely surprised that I did quite enjoy it. It is a pretty unlikely set of scenarios and some fantastically absurd names (especially liked Lady Circumference) and scenes (delightful setting of Scone College).

But it did all feel pretty dated in a way that other period novels somehow don't. Anyway, an amusing enough diversion but not exactly the non-stop hilarious romp promised in the blurb.

: 23 Jan 2006 20:49 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Quality Assurance in Higher Education

Follow-up to Dangerous Medicine from Prole Art Threat

In an attempt to promote further sales and to encourage people to get hold of what will no doubt become a prized first edition, it seemed sensible to issue a reminder of this purchasing opportunity!

Unmissable… buy it from link

: 23 Jan 2006 17:15 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

All white now

It's a few months now since I read this but feel legit to offer a belated reviewlet on the basis that it is pretty darned good. Poet/journo goes to small Turkish town to cover elections, gets snowed in and there is lots of intensity, intrigue, and plotting. Oh, and lots of snow too. But it is the language and pace and depth of some of this which make it very enjoyable.

: 22 Jan 2006 07:06 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Incomparable

This is genuinely one of the best books I have ever read (top 10, anyway). It is a while since I have picked up but I would heartily recommend it as I would any of his other books (think there are only five novels in total and some poems, a travelogue and some other fragments).

His work is difficult to categorise but seems to me to be just staggeringly original and distinctive.

: 21 Jan 2006 07:37 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Trackbacks (1) |  Report a problem

Paving with local interest

Follow-up to World's dullest photo? from Prole Art Threat

Just for completeness – this is an easy to identify spot of more local paving (shortly after a shower). Note general higher standard of finish, although some minor damage is evident.

: 21 Jan 2006 07:25 |  Tags: Diversions |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Vonnegut's A B C

Writing about web page http://books.guardian.co.uk/extracts/story/0,,1685955,00.html

I liked this article in Saturday's Grauniad. The typology of storylines (Man in a hole, Cinderella and Metamorphosis) is particularly entertaining. Type C just seems like real life.

: 15 Jan 2006 20:53 |  Tags: Diversions |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

World's dullest photo?

I'm quite pleased with the sheer banality of this.

Bet no-one can guess which seat of learning owns it (it's not us).

: 15 Jan 2006 18:20 |  Tags: Diversions |  Comments (9) |  Close comments |  Trackbacks (1) |  Report a problem

Not Kafkaesque but…

Entertaining stuff nevertheless. And certainly thought provoking. And a real page turner. It's kind of reminiscent of early Iain Banks (that's without the M). Anyway, a bit spooky in places but genuinely worth it I think.

: 15 Jan 2006 12:54 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Set aside some time

At least a couple of wweks needed to get through this extremely long book. However, extremely worthwhile and highly recommended (perhaps for summer holiday). A range of wonderful characters, storylines and much to say. Having avoided this one for about 20 years I did feel a sense of obligation to get through it but I have to say it is utterly compelling and repays the effort.

: 15 Jan 2006 06:59 |  Tags: Book Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem