Music to Study to

Recently I've started a MRes Global Politics degree at Birkbeck, University of London which requires a huge amount of reading. A great excuse to post a photo of the beautiful building containing the fourth floor Senate House Library. As a student you can register here as well as the multi-floor university library.

Obviously the studying requires a lot of critical reading. Therefore I have to switch my playlist away from more vocal dominated artists who interfere on my fragile concentration. The artists who bang on about how they're not in love or in love or whatever. Drums > Lyrics.

Here are some academic friendly suggestions:

The Books - "Lost & Safe"

It's not much of a coincidence that such a playlist contains an artist called The Books. This duo make music that resembles a student art project, in the nicest possible way. Classical strings, glitchy beats, looping folk and random dialogue from what seems like dismembered radio and TV shows collide and beguile at once.


Oneida - "The Wedding"

Another great album from the ex-nineties rock band. It seems they can turn their hand to anything from the psych pop in High Life to medieval revery in August Morning Haze. Vocals feature on some tracks but not instrusively. Possible vinyl magic!


mum - "finally we are no one"

Lush etheral vibes from mum's orchestral electronica. More human noises rendered abstract in Icelandic; thus facilitating the contemplation of post-colonial free trade.  Accent on the 'u'? Still working out how to do it.


Mark Hollis - s/t

Formerly of Talk Talk whose Spirit of Eden is also great. Very soothing with a classical jazz quality through beautifully played instruments including trumpet, piano, double bass and drums. Not heard an album as intimate.

In fact talking of jazz, Miles Davis' - ESP is a pleasant listen while mulling over the merits of a mixed-method approach to a social research case study.

A Decade of Independent UK Guitar Noise

Since arriving, Dick Whittington-style in London during Prince's favourite year, I've tried to go to as many gigs as money and time allows. My North American-centric taste (possible future post on why) means that artists coming from these shores have always struggled for my attention. Tellingly local acts often play second fiddle to prestigious transatlantic visitors at London gigs and in the media.

Having attended my friends' Hired Geeks all dayer, I revisited some good old UK guitar noise types. Here is a list of my favourites:

Charlottefield (1999-2008)

Featuring the greatest drummer I've ever seen live, Ashley Marlowe. They mix punk and post-rock to visceral effect. [ p o c k e t s ] supported them on New Year's Eve 2006.

Billy Mahonie

Named after a character in Flatliners, they had been going for a few years when I encountered their . Dusseldorf was the first post-rock disco single ... in my room.

That Fucking Tank (1991? - present)

These krautrock kids come from Leeds and they've recently added elements of techno and prog to their sound. Unfortunately I couldn't see them standing far back at the alldayer so I'm not certain whether they were wearing their trademark masks or outfits although the photo suggests it was a more sober affair this time round.

Part Chimp (2000-2010)

These rock bonobos have been doyens of the UK noise scene delivering solid albums and pummelling live shows throughout their lifespan, sadly ending soon. After many line up changes the originals probably felt it was time.

Giddy Motors (now Poino)

Despite being one of only about four people to own their first album on release I never saw these sickos but Poino carry on their legacy with menacing frontman Gaverick, the fulcrum of the twisted trio. Drumming also amazing.

DIY Music Festival Alert

London DIY music promoters Upset The Rhythm put on their eqivalent of ATP in March of last year. Replace the veteran indie gods with a roster of underground British acts, the Butlins with an old car showroom; add homemade food, a non-profit bar and video installations and you there. Talking of video ...



It was busy and obviously a success so they went and they did it again last weekend, perhaps to honour the upbeat festival name YES WAY. They kept the name and added another evening on Friday but Saturday was our chosen era.

Highlights:

Golden Grrrls



Waiters



School Tour



Hype Williams

Fair Ohs



Islet

Please



Cleckhuddersfax

London Cycle Hire LAUNCH DAY!

I registered for an annual pass and my obscenely branded key dutifully arrived on this very day.

With this good fortune I went to investigate. I rode my brand new birthday bike courtesy of my insurance, having had my previous one stolen. See photo later.

The first docking station I found didn't release the bike and the attendant was a bit surprised when I said I could just ride to the next one. I chose one outside the new monorail style Shoreditch High St station because it's relatively spacious and clean ... for London.

After inserting my key and finally getting the green light this time, the first bike I tried didn't disengage. It requires a bit of force. Once on the road they are pretty relaxed to ride, I suppose the hire scheme didn't want to exclude certain demographics by only catering for seasoned pedallers and this is evident in the bike's build.

Their sturdiness and comfort design means you can't go very fast. But compared to typical consumer bikes you don't have to put your foot down as often to balance because it has such thick tyres and you feel the overall extra weight might give you a chance against even a jugganaut. Ok, exaggeration. Because of their frumpy looks I did feel a bit self-conscious and had a few people try to get my attention but I'm sure we'll all get use to them.

Finally the highest gear is like the lowest on most other bikes so expect to be leg pumping like a toddler on the smallest cog. They're not for long journeys anyway because you can only do London zone 1, see limited geographical spread of docking stations. All in all, a pleasant ride with neat extras like a bell, dynamo lights and a not-quite-a-basket carry area; all for free if under 30 minutes.

Bike I'm more proud of riding

Here's the shop I got the sexy bastard from.

Back In The Vinyl Groove

Like a proud father here are pictures of my new record player. It is anything but an infant.

Record not included.

The speakers are surprisingly powerful at 20 Watts. RMS? I'm not that techy. It's loud enough and they also slot neatly on top as a lid for portability. Not that I'm carry it around because it runs on mains. There is a quirky autoplay function that lets you perch a record on top of the spindle, as that contracts the record drops down onto the rotating surface before the stylus moves onto the groove.

Make sure you have it set to the correct size otherwise the needle will could miss it's mark causing all sorts of unexpected noises. Perhaps I should just post a video!

It was purchased from the amazing vintage shop Speedie's on Redchurch St. Anything older than 20 years is vintage.

Roger The Bike: In Memorandum

My bike was stolen outside the otherwise great Shakespeare pub on Allen Rd in Stoke Newington N16.  Luckily my friend Tom kindly let me borrow his stylish vintage racer, photo to come.

Meanwhile here's the Hollywood style gallery, imagine "memories" playing.

 December 2008

Tyre upgrade.

Handlebar upgrade.

Cup Du Monde

It's a bit late (see timestamp) on the other hand not all the teams have played ... semi final predictions are:

1. Argentina
2. Spain
3. Brazil
4. Netherlands 

England to fail dramatically in the quarters. Probably to Argentina and probably on penalties. It just wouldn't be us otherwise. Negative? As if what anyone says has any affect on the final outcome

Sorry I googled images under "England football success" and this photo was in the first page.