Very Tired And It's Work Tomorrow

So a very short post. Then I'm straight to bed.

The (non) Christmas related song has nothing to do with Christmas barring that Santa must draw rings round the world in his sleigh as he delivers his presents, so it has to be....


Super Furry Animals are cool

Tenuous Connections (Only Dogs and Water Horses)

All The World's A Stage

So Kelpies are water horses and Sheepdogs and I'm posting a seasonal song a day, and this is my most tenuous one so far , "By-Tor and The SNOW Dog" by Rush , the version is the one from the brilliant "All The Worlds A Stage" album. It has some wonderful guitar soundscapes by Alex Lifeson. It's today's tune. It's amazing what sort of connections our minds can make.

In the seventies I was listening to John Peel and a song came on called "Finding My Way". At first I thought it was a new Led Zeppelin offering, but no, it was by a Canadian power Trio called Rush, the singer Geddy Lee sounding like a cross between Zep's Robert Plant and Yes's Jon Anderson , a power falsetto.

I checked out the album "Fly By Night" but felt it was a bit wooden , barring "Finding My Way" , however when the live album "All The World's A Stage" was released that all changed and this was a real loud and impressive band.

I've always likened Rush to Abba , both have produced some of the greatest music ever, but often their lyrics let them down. While Abba have the excuse that they were Swedish writing in English, Rush are Canadian , and , unfortunately found inspiration in Ayn Rand. I think they've outgrown that now and are still touring and producing some wonderful music.

Anyway I hope your Christmas is still causing you lots of happiness and hope you have a brilliant weekend.

Tiring Week and No Show Snow For Christmas

Kelpie

 

I've been told by a good authority that Kelpies , as well  as being mythical Celtic Water Beasties are also a sheep dog, more information here. You learn something new everyday , or you can do if you are willing to listen, and that was something I didn't know, but brightened my day as I love dogs.

I've not seen much snow, just a little dusting the side of the road in the Scottish Borders.



Unfortunately I am titally shattered after this week , so this is a short post. Todays seasonal tune is "Snowman" by XTC and hopefully you can see the the time lapse video I did for it in my back garden. Love the song and love the album.

Enjoy

Motorway Kelpies

Yesterday and today I was amazed to pass two 30 metre high sculptures of what I though were horses heads. They are actually Kelpies and you can read all about them here. The main problem is that you see them as you are driving on the motorway (M8 or M9 can't remember) but they are majorly imp
ressive. I actually stopped on the hard shoulder to take some pictures one of which is below:

Kelpies on the Motorway

Anyway, I need to keep the seasonal songs going and thought maybe Can's treatment of "Silent Night" which I have always loved.

Christmas Has Come

..and actually there are still a lot of great seasonal and Christmas records to go and this gem by Saint Etienne is very appropriate for today. About six months back I was in the Opencast Software's offices and their CEO showed me the brilliant map below, a worthy addition to any wall and Saint Etienne used for one of their album covers (words and Music).

Also today is a great time to hear from friends and contact friends and bring each other closers. I've had some lovely messages already and expect to have more during the day.

So have a great day! Anything you like do it more, anything you don't like , find a better way or change it , and always be nice and look out for others less fortunate than yourself.

Have a brilliant Christmas.

As used on Words and Music

Christmas Eve

.....and this is a beautiful seasonal song, which caused me to buy the first album by the Fleet Foxes. I can hardly believe that this song is four years old.

Some wonderful things have happened today and I hope they keep on happening, that makes life the wonderful adventure that it is. I have now to work out seven more seasonal  songs to see the year out and was contemplating have The Muppets' "Ringing Of The Bells", which turns out to be just another reason to put a smile on your face.

So look after yourself, be happy , do things to put a smile on your face and make sure you have a wonderful Christmas.

Today we have had four seasons in one day, blue skies, bright sunshine, rain, snow, leaves falling , wind blowing , sleet, a lot of weather.

A Smile Before Christmas

This song came completely out of left field, suggested by a good friend. It's not that seasonal but embodies many of the qualities that should be encapsulated in the season's spirit. Caring for others and not being afraid to show your own feelings. Prefab Sprout while not my favourite band, have always produced music of excellent quality (though I never liked "King of Rock and Roll").

It also means the song I had for today will now be pushed back til tomorrow, so it's amazing how good things can slowly snowball, and before you know where you are there are lots of good things happening.

Our weather is getting worse but still not absolutely terrible and I have a feeling it will blow over, but I feel for anyone out on nights like this.

I hope you are warm tonight on pre Christmas Eve Eve , so have a great time and always have a smile for someone.