Posted: 13 November 2012 at 5:07pm | IP Logged

Hello you beautiful people,

I think this book looks a bit difficult for me.I have always been a bad musician and rely on on the vicar each Sunday to wow me with theological insights on stuff.......I have a plan though.I'm going to buy the book for my vicar,Max. He has been in Rock/Blues bands all his life(saw his latest band in the pub only a few weeks back) and is an extremely acomplished musician. He will read it and no doubt think it's excellent.....I then have a beer with him one evening and he explains the book to me....simples.

Sounds like it might suit students on University challenge than the likes of me. 

Posted: 13 November 2012 at 11:01pm | IP Logged

Hey, Mark, I thought you'd hibernated!

You're right - this book is far too difficult for you! 

If you have enough beers,  though, it might even make sense when your vicar explains it to you!

I'm half way through it, but have already recognised that a 2nd reading will be necessary. There's quite a few echoes from Banksy's blog themes (and general outbursts) over the last couple of years. If you just enjoy music without being too analytical about it, then it may not grab you. For someone who treats music as art, as something to be understood as an art form within a particular context etc etc, or someone who is themselves creatively active, then it's certainly interesting and worthwhile reading. You might have an epiphany!

Hope you're doing well - family too.  Have you heard Rob's new CD yet

It's

Posted: 15 November 2012 at 4:15pm | IP Logged

Just went to order the book but £4 postage when the book is only £6 seemed a tad high.Is it available from any other outlets?

Seagull, old chum...thanks for your synopsis. It fits really well with my plan.

With all that has been busy in my life I must have overlooked the latest Rob offering.....off to order it now........hopefully postage will be less than £4......I don't want to sound miserly but it is a matter of principle,,,,it doesnt cost four quid to send a paperback book 2nd class.

Is it good and what are the highlights?

Everyone fine at Marks' Towers and heres hoping the same with you and yours.

mark  

Posted: 15 November 2012 at 11:39pm | IP Logged

It's very good! I'm not just saying that. The songs are varied in style and content, but as ever, some are personal or draw on his experiences, whilst others have strong biblical content. The title track (Another Fine Mess) and the final song both see Rob candidly sharing with us his ponderings on where he's at, and where he might be going in his life. They are like still moments amongst other more upbeat tracks which do not disappoint. Thematically, we possibly see Rob preparing to move on from a phase of life that has defined much of his music, as hinted a in a beautiful song to his Father, but there is also the acknowledgment that he can never forget him. Musicianship is very good - some familiar sounds there - and it is melodically and stylistically rich.
It's difficult to pull out a favourite, but I think mine is "Foxes have Holes", because it's the one I keep hearing in my head!

One curious inclusion is a new recording of "All we need is Love" - an old song of Rob's from the New York Sessions. I haven't read the book, so I don't know what Rob's thinking was about including it. It feels a bit incongruent. I prefer the original recording. The new version is good, but weighed down by heavy, sluggish drums which do the song no favours. This is my only criticism of the album.

Regarding the "Secret Chord" - it's not just about music, but the arts in general. I'm gettig a bit bogged down... but I've almost finished!

You can get the Kindle version as a download, but it's not so suited to your plan....

Posted: 18 November 2012 at 6:56pm | IP Logged

Tried Waterstones previously - no can do.

Initially tempted with the Kindley thing, but then I realised it wouldn't help start my wood burner. So ordered off the ATF shop.

Await with interest.

ATF Lincoln Branch