IT'S NOT RAINING today, I want an explanation.  Apparently this is the wettest summer of the previous 6 consecutive wet summers we've had.  Last Friday was a particular low-point with torrential rain and flash flooding.  I've twice boated down the M1 motorway, never seen it that bad before.  Then when it finally stops raining we've had fog!  Damp and muggy, my crushed snail count is painfully high. (for the snails at least).

As you know, my favourite rugby league team (my only favourite) is cliff-hanging again.  It seems though that the administrator has at last found his voicemessages and contacted a potential buyer.  We now have a further 2 week stay of execution.  The interested party is none other than that fabulous Curry establishment Akhbars.  If they get us out of this mess I'll be straight down there.

GIGS
The time has at last come for me to do some solo gigs.  I've finally had the chance to practice and sort out some arrangements, so this Thursday (12th) I'm going to go to one of my favourite open mics venues The Chemic in Leeds.  This really will be like starting over as I've not done many shows like this in a long while.  It seems an age since I was doing them at the rate of 3-4 a week.

STUDIO
Work continues on various projects including the BitterSweetShop CD which is moving forward and will feature stripped down 'as you hear them live' versions of our set.

WEB
As mentioned last week, a new song I've co-written, 'Crude Oil Stains' was aired on Whistle Radio.  I''m struggling to find a link to where the show is archived at the moment, their site mentions it but there's no link.  I've already had word from across the pond that the song was well received though!

LISTENING
I've again listened to a fair old variety of music this past week.  Keane's new album 'Strangeland' was a pleasant one.  I particularly liked the opening track 'You Are Young' which built up nicely and was very uplifting, a truly positive song.  At times the songs are Beatle-esque but without ever quite achieving that level of potential.  But still enjoyed it and still no guitars in sight!! 
I also enjoyed the debut Texas album 'Southside' which still sounds fresh.  I like all the Scottish bands of that era, their music has worn well.  Very clear production and a driving rhythm throughout.
Then it was onto what I would term 'death by AOR' with the FM album 'Tough It Out' followed by Bon Jovi's 'New Jersey'.  Let's just say I don't like this type of music anywhere near as much as I once did, tastes change I'm afraid!  'You are sentanced to Death by AOR', ohhh nooo.....

I'm off to practice for the Chemic, see you next time.