like the band said, “Ramble On”

An article in today’s Daily Mail, which I shan’t link to (see this one instead ) suggests that the late Stephen Gately died an “unnatural death” as a result of his

(a) Homosexuality

(b) Civil partnership

I have for many years refused to touch the daily mail without gloves for it’s highminded, bigoted right wing view of the world, but this is the final straw.  I am not Homosexual (as if that mattered), I also didn’t really enjoy the music of Boyzone, and was astonished to hear that Gately had a solo career, but for one ill informed journalist to suggest that “33 year old men don’t simply put on their pyjamas and fall asleep and die” is factually incorrect – sadly, many men (and women) do, every year – and Jan Moir does each and every one of them a disservice and a disrespect by suggesting not.

The Daily Mail whipped itself into a frenzy about the Ross/Brand baiting of a member of the band, the “Satanic Sluts” – core DM territory, I know.

May I propose that a campaign is now launched to force the resignation or sacking of Ms Moir immediately.  Not least because of the clear breach of 4 sections of the PCC code.

But given that Paul Dacre is chairing the PCC now I won’t hold my breath for any strong action.

I’m off racing at Spa next week, and on the way intend to do a little respect paying at Dunkirk and Ypres.  I have recently unearthed the military history of my Great Grandfather (an Irish Republican) who served with the Royal Munster Fusiliers through Gallipoli, Palestine and the Western Front – being Gassed and eventually sent home to die 6 years later.

In advance of my crossing to Dunkirk I have been re-watching “Atonement” – a film I avoided through a general dislike of Kiera Knightly’s work.  I wish I hadn’t.  It’s an absolute gem of a film, and what really stands out for me is one particular scene, which is an equal to anything by David Lean, in which a full 5 minute 20 second steadicam scene is run across the evacuation beaches at Bray Dunes.  What really makes this scene of absolute pathos – the bottling up and attempted destruction of Britain’s regular army, is the absolutely perfect music which accompanies it.

Bray Dunes - as seen in "Atonement"

It’s a piece entitled “Elegy for Dunkirk” by Dario Marianelli – which, as a function of the action on screen segues through a group of soldiers singing “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”  It’s perfect, and comes close to bringing a tear to my eye every time I hear it.  It’s so linked into the real horror of war – not the short stint of uniformed service put in by me, after the Cold War and before the present disaster in the Middle East.

I’m trying to think of another piece of Music which so captures the mood of a scene and point in history, and I’m struggling.

OK, so I only bought two of the albums for comparison purposes (Abbey Road and Revolver since you ask  – my two favourites) and I have to say, that despite my reticence, they’re pretty good, a bit like when the 60’s Bond movies got “done” a couple of years back – although the change there was magnificent and visual cleanups are easier to spot than audio ones.

A Masterpiece in vinyl, acetate, Polycarbonate or bits

However, I miss something about the imperfection of vinyl, i know all the bits on my copies of Abbey Road, Revolver and Rubber soul where there’s a little crackle, a hint of pop and I quite like it.  I have my father’s copy of Revolver, which is frankly shagged, and every time I hear Taxman I expect it to get stuck repeating “Mr Wilson, Mr Heath” until I reach over and move the stylus.

No, I’m delighted that the remasters are here – if it means that a new generation can understand REAL pop and in a deeper way, the disintigration of human relationships.

All I want now is for someone to buy me the Beatles Rockband with all the instruments – you know my name (look up my number)

I’ll advance that it’s when a person who has invested in technology then fails to use it.  Specifically, it’s when you try, at a reasonable hour of the day to get hold of someone with a blackberry, a mobile phone and numerous other means of communication to find only that they are forwarding to that work of beelzebub, voice mail (and with a dash of Mephistopheles in that there wasn’t even a personalised message!).

The creator of voicemail hard at work

I remonstrate with this friend of mine, and hear that the core “benefit” of technology 2.0 is that it can be switched off! – Now this would be a convincing argument if it weren’t for the plaintive way in which the mobile (the acquisition of which was a major event) was brandished as if it’s very presence in the room was proof of its’ worth.

Well – I say, if you have the technology, and you make people aware of your ownership; it is only right that they can assume that your non response is a deliberate snub – you know I’m right

My old chum the Brandy Balloonist has asked formore thoughts and ramblings from me.  So I feel inclined to offer them.

I have of late been living my life through the cinema – rather like something from the dreadful Schwarzenegger film “the last action hero” – except I see myself, not as an overmuscled Austrian peculiarity, but rather through the prism of TE Lawrence, Mr Bridger, Lt Chard and most presciently “The Godfather”.  You see I’ve just found another job, and will shortly be ready to settle all “family business” before I go.

He even looks like someone I work with...

This is something of a worry.  Not because I don’t want to descend into the realms of being a complete Walter Mitty (God knows there are enough of them in my locale) but because try as I might, I just can’t do the sinister, brooding intensity of a Marlon Brando.

No – family business aside, I have to say that today’s comparison of me to Mr Bridger is probably closer the mark – and I’m not sure I like it all that much!

Don't worry, they'll get better

Anyway, heres to a weekend of practising regal waves and tossing off a quick song at the piano…

Noel – they will get better – I’m very tired though!