All of This Awaits You

Last night was special. Steve came up. We'd got a pair of tickets to see Swami a.k.a. John Reis a.k.a. Speedo. He used to be the frontman for Rocket From the Crypt. We used to follow them all over; back when we were both fit and well (if you had have eavesdropped on us in the bar beforehand you'd have heard us exchanging war stories and the medical demons both of us are currently dealing with. A trouble shared and all that). But we won't dwell on such matters.

The band - full moniker Swami & The Bed of Nails - were playing Nottingham's legendary Boat Club. And they were sensational. Off the f**king charts. Plugging their latest album - All of This Awaits You, comprising nine songs and weighing in at just 23 minutes - it's probably one of the finest recordings Reis has ever put his name to.

This is from earlier in the year in Philadelphia (and with a slightly different lineup) but you certainly get the picture. Watch the band as Reis finishes his Popeye impression and they prepare for the onslaught they are about to unleash. A small snatch of Doo Wop a Capella before that first power chord hits you like a truck. I don't think I've ever seen a tighter band than this. As I texted Ernie Goggins this morning (he's a Londoner) they're playing in Hackney on Saturday night. You really should go.

Swami & The Bed Of Nails - Do You Still Wanna Make Out? (2024)

 

Watford 4

Finding myself with an hour to kill before I was due to take my seat at the Palace Theatre last Wednesday, I wandered the mean streets of Watford and fired off a few shots. The sun was a demon, as Bobby Goldsboro once commented, so all was set fair - quite literally. With apologies to any Watfordians reading this but there ain't a deal to the town and, with the clock ticking, I think this quick quartet summed up WD17. 

Easy

Between 1971 & 1974 veteran easy listening star Andy Williams was mining a particular rich seam of form. Three of the albums he put out on the Columbia label during this period ('Love Story', 'Solitaire', and 'The Way We Were') form something of a trilogy his fans not only bought by the shed load (they all went Billboard Top 10) but were also critically well received.

His choice of material (Williams was a great interpreter of others work as well as having bespoke stuff written for him) was razor sharp: he was equally at home with a tight band format as he was with the lush, string heavy, orchestral arrangements that became his trademark. On 1973's Solitaire, for instance, among the musicians credited were Klaus Voorman on bass, Nicky Hopkins on piano and Jim Keltner on drums.

I could wax lyrical about all the songs on each of these albums (buy me a drink next time you see me and I'll probably do precisely that). In the meantime I'm just going to pin the tail on the the donkey and give you one cut from each which probably encapsulates the essence of what this troika was all about.

1971's Love Story is middle of the road nirvana. Rose Garden and (Where Do I Begin) Love Story sit check by jowl with James Taylor's Fire and Rain and George Harrison's Something and My Sweet Lord. However, I've gone with a typically jaunty version of I Think I Love You which had put David Cassidy and the Partridge Family on the map earlier that year. 

            

Solitaire was  probably his most diverse album including as it did material from Nilsson, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. I've gone for his interpretation of another George Harrison song - That is All (from George's Living in the Material World) a love song addressed to a woman and/or a deity (typical George) that Williams expertly wraps his vocal chords around.

The Way We Are from 1974 is probably the seminal Williams platter (it was in my parents' record collection and I'm guessing that's where a lot of people came across it. And who was the mystery woman locked in his embrace? My money was always on the oriental girl on the Mastermind board game box). As well as the title track, Killing Me Softy and Touch Me in the Morning, it was the mid 70s and maybe Williams could see that the tide was turning; with disco fast approaching, Williams rather adventurously covered the vocal version of Love Unlimited Orchestra's soul and funk workout 'Love's Theme'. A master stroke.

Williams was never fashionable, never cool. He never fitted the Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett crooner tag and always got lumped in with yer Matt Monroes and yer Mel Tormés. But as a practitioner of popular song he was in a league of his own. He was and probably still is filed under 'Easy'. I can live with that.

★

Andy Williams (1927-2012)

Planet earth is blue and there's nothing I can do

Discovering new authors, both new and new to me, is a thrill that never goes away. My last couple of reads both fall into that category and have recently given me many hours of pure joy. As ever, I won't give away plot spoilers as I know some of you go on to read these sporadic recommendations I post from time to time. 

Tom Cox is an author whose writing I find enchanting, haunting, funny and unnerving - often at the same time. Centred around a village in the southwest of England, Villager, his 2022 novel, will pull you in much like a centrifugal force. Told from the perspective of many of its protagonists (including the village itself), not everything is as it seems. My copy, bought seconhand on eBay, is signed (to David) and its inscription tells David and indeed his wider readership all he/they need to know - 'Don't disturb the dolls in the wall!" A terrific read.

Next up is a compact & bijou novel that we read for this month's Book Club. Orbital tells the tale of five astronauts (and one cosmonaut) who work aboard the International Space Station circumnavigating the earth some sixteen times a day (yep, clocking up sixteen sunrises and sixteen sunsets every day). It explores quite beautifully the fragility of both planet Earth and the crew's joint experiences as they float 'round their tin can, far above the world. It enthralled me, I don't mind telling you. Samantha Harvey's writing and the imagery she lays out before the reader is flawless. This is a book I shall come back to often. 

Here's to happy endings

I mentioned recently a little showcase gig I was playing last week in town. In what was probably my last performance for a little while I thought I'd mark the occasion by posting a couple of snaps taken on the night by local toggy (and poet) Andy Sutton. The whole evening was filmed so when that becomes available I'll probably put that up too, together with some of Andy's other photos of the other acts on the bill. Anyway, the evening was a resounding success and, hopefully, I'll be doing another one as soon as I can... 

 ★

From New York to Watford

Back in 2009 I received a rejection letter; a very nice 'Dear John' letter, but a rejection letter all the same. The BBC had passed on a radio play I'd written depicting the last ever meeting between John Lennon & Paul McCartney in New York in 1976. I mention this only because I received a text from James yesterday with the following flyer attached.

In his WhatsApp missive James said - "Dad, didn't you write this play fifteen years ago?" Indeed I did, James. Indeed I did. Which is why, a week on Wednesday, I'll be sat in row G of the stalls at Watford Palace Theatre making copious notes. And muttering a lot. 

★

Postscript 22.9.24

As I mentioned above, I went to Watford last Wednesday to see the play. There were some overlaps with mine (there had to be) but the writers took the production in a slightly different direction. And I enjoyed every minute of it. The two thesps who played John & Paul were superb. Will it transfer to the West End? Probably not. But I'm guessing they may take it on the road; in which case I'll definitely go and see it again. Anyway, you'll be pleased to know I've stood my legal team down!

Big cat

The last E-Type Jag rolled off Jaguar's production line in Coventry half a century ago. Between 1961 & 1974 what is arguably the most iconic classic car was guilty of turning heads the world over. And those remaining roadworthy still continue to do so. Not least earlier in the week when Steve and I met at The Gate Hangs Well for a beer and a bite to eat - in the paddock at the back of the pub on a glorious late summer's evening a number of enthusiasts were showing off their cherished chariots. It was like being on the set of The Avengers.

Tunnel vision

I live in a world seemingly full of Bruce Springsteen devotees. Which is fine, however, please don't try and doorstep me; I won't be hoodwinked by the (almost religious) fervour he brings out among his faithful disciples. That said, I am rather partial to a couple of his songs. Just not when he's singing them. In particular I absolutely love two of the numbers from his Tunnel of Love album: the imagery he evokes, if not directly tangible, is certainly very believable. The first, One Step Up as covered by Gregson & Collister, is sublime. Not a word too many not a word two few in this slice of Americana - a Goldilocks song and no mistake.

The second is one that appears to have been aped a zillion times, not least by Everything But the Girl who covered it on their 1992 tour when promoting their Acoustic covers EP. It's a double rebound song given the full country treatment here by one of Scotland's finest.

★

Camera Obscura - Tougher Than the Rest 

Strong bench game

Site of former RAF Newton (1939-2000)

Welcome to September's Photo Challenge. I was asking for benches. And did I get benches! Nearly 70 of 'em. And from all over the world. Thank you to everyone who took the time to point and shoot. You've certainly set the, er, benchmark for future challenges; I couldn't do this without you. Anyway, let's press on. Rol, what have you got for us?

"Hey John, here are a couple of benches for you. I like the sky in this one. It can be found at Road Moor reservoir, near Penistone."

"The Sunset Bench above Holmfirth makes me laugh because, although it's on top of a hill, it doesn't face the sunset. You'd have to sit on it and crick your neck 90 degrees to the right to watch the sunset." Thanks, Rol. I feel like a sit down already. 

From north of the border it's Charity Chic up next: "Hi John, here's a bench outside Tinto Tapas bar on Glasgow's Battlefield Road. Rioja, anyone?" Thank you, CC. If I could quote Tim (see below) - "strong bench game." Or SBG as I shall now call it.

Slight change of order this month - I've gone bench crazy so have split mine in half. Here's Part 1. This is outside Hatchet Harry's in Nottingham city centre. Even thru closed doors all you can hear is the thud of axes being thrown at walls. Not for the feint hearted.

A random couple on Worthing seafront. Probably pondering life, the universe and everything.

Ditto, Gateshead, ditto.

Ventura Beach in California. With the flag at half mast I can only think Trump was in town. Only kidding, he wouldn't be seen dead in California.

My favourite launderette in Sherwood. Also, the only launderette in Sherwood.

Hockley, Nottingham: I'm still looking for that elusive Hopper painting.

C from Sun Dried Sparrows has got one for us: "Hi John - a photo from the archive. It's part of a bench at the top of the hill near me - a lovely, quiet place to sit for a marvellous view. But it was what's on the ground which caught my eye! C x." Thank you, C. Picnic time?

The lovely Jo from Cornwall came back to me "Ohhh, I have a few benches! x." She starts with a couple of churches: "This is Buckfastleigh Abbey - I love the light in this!"

"A visit to Exeter Cathedral to se the Gaia." (A stunning artistic representation of planet Earth.)

"Benches in the caves of James del Agra, Lanzarote."

"Little Ezmay watching the sunset at Mullion Cove."

"A bench view on our boat trip up the River Fal."

"Me trying not to be sick on the Scillonian passenger ship (the 'Vomit Comet') to the Isle of Scilly!" I know that feeling, Jo - I'm a crap sailor!

"And I just had to send you this!"

"Perranporth beach - seats with a view!" Thank you so much, Jo (and Ezmay). A great collection. You've probably got more benches than me!

The Swede makes a welcome return: "I live very close to the river - closer still whenever it bursts its banks, as it has done over the past couple of winters. The unique crinkle-crankle bench on the meadow survived the floods, in spite of being submerged more than once, but what it couldn't survive was vandalism. Several months ago, a bunch of ne'er do wells, carrying little more than primitive tools and a box of matches, had themselves a fine old time virtually destroying what had become something of a local landmark. Fortunately the craftsman who'd originally created the bench retrieved the remnants and carried out a quite miraculous repair. The bench is now back in its rightful place on the meadow, a perfect spot to sit and watch the river flow." Great stuff, TS! You had me at 'crinkle-crankle'!

Khayem next, our intrepid chronicler of all things Cotswoldian: "Hi John, these are fun to do and it makes me take a break from work so it's all good. This is Newnham - on the bank of the River Severn & the edge of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. The benches and the telescope give way to the the fact that it's a great spot to watch the Severn Bore."

"Stroud - a bench next to the Car Sidi (Castle of the Fairies) gift shop and the Swan Inn."

"Possibly the most uncomfortable bench in the whole of Gloucestershire. Avoid!"

"In the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral where I spend many a lunch break when I'm working in the city." Thank you so much, K. You certainly live in a pictureesque part of the world

The delightful Miss Turner has also got a few for us: "Two of my favourite people in one of my favourite places." (I couldn't possibly comment.)

"Spotted in Amble on the last full day of our holiday."

"Alfie, bench and the River Trent! x." A great combo.

"Another one from Amble." I can't read the plaque, Miss Turner, but I'm guessing this is Stu's bench!

"A beach bench at Cresswell - low tide." Thank you, Miss Turner. Got any in your collection of Alfie sitting on a bench?

My friends Kate and Vaughan are currently in Vietnam where I learned via a late night text that they had 'Thai'd the knot.' So imagine how delighted I was to receive these bench photos from the Orient on what is, effectively, their honeymoon. A couple from each of them...

Kate: "A bench at night in Chiang Mai xx."

"Benches in Phnom Penh, with a bonus bench behind a TukTuk!"

"A park bench in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh."

Vaughan: "Municipal bench on Huey Kaew Road in Chiang Mai, Thailand."

"Bamboo benches at War Sri Siphon (Silver Temple), Chiang Mai, Thailand.

(Swiss) Adam once again keeping it real: "Hi John, my favourite benches. A pair facing four lanes of traffic in south Manchester with a small patch of grass and a substation behind them. A triumph of hope by the bench planners."

"For context, this is the view from the benches. Sit for a moment and take it in." This is so Manchester. Thanks, Adam.

Martin, currently in Denmark, sent me this fine specimen from Horsens in Denmark.

Our Highland lassie, Alyson, has spotted an oddity: "Here's an interesting looking bench on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Think the creature is a duck, but can't really be sure." I don't mind telling you, Alyson, I find this a tad disturbing!"'

Riggsby's dialling in from California: "Hi John, for this month's theme I've got two pictures that were taken while scouting for previous month's themes!" The first is the waiting room at Santa Fe Depot - from the 'Public Transport' theme.

"This mosaic bench is fromJames Hubbell's installation on Shelter Island." 

"And finally here is the bench on the patio of our apartment in Pacific Palisades. I find this very peaceful." It certainly looks tranquil, thank you Richard.

Dave pinged this to me from Spain a couple of weeks back: "Spotted in Sóller train station."

Ernie next - the man, the myth, the legend: "From the exotic Canvey Island..."

"...to the mundane Penang in Malaysia..."

"...via Rockaway Beach in NYC (which was not hard to reach from Joey Ramone Place in the Bowery - I was on a pilgrimage)." A stunning trio, Ernie. SBG, for sure.

Our very own Alan Whicker next, a.k.a. David Cooper. Wot ya got, Coops? "The first is from India at Salogra Station on the line up to Shimla."

"The second one was taken a few weeks back in Niton on the Isle of Wight - where my mother lives."

"And the final pic is of Norman Wisdom on a bench in Douglas on the Isle of Man." Cheers, David. You certainly don't let the grass grow.

Like Jo, Tim has gone from newbie to seasoned pro in no time at all and really grasped this project: "Goths on a bench in Dam Square in Amsterdam late 80s - Kingston Poly Underground Music Society on manoeuvres. I may or may not be present."  

"Bit of a curveball - here's the 2019 Hucknall Town 'bench' in full action mode."

"I loved this bench at Rufford Abbey, though I think it might have gone now. This was from the early 90s. Loving the practical nature  of the old school bench & surreal additional sculpture."

A bench with a view. My morning run went up to this one  in Kos from our accommodation at sea level. The seat was definitely required to get ny breath back."

"My guilty pleasure is craft beer consumption so benches crop up quite regularly on my travels. This is Howling Hops Tank Bar in Hackney. Cracking establishment. Strong bench game."

Tim - this is a great collection. I very rarely give out trinkets on Photo Challenge but, ladies and gentleman, in 'Dam Square' I think we have a winner. 

Pete Zab has been to the seaside: "Here you go, John - a selection of Llandudno benches from a few weeks ago. Take your pick." I will, Pete. I pick all four. However, IMHO, I think the red roofed shelter just shades it.

George from Portugal is next: " Hi John,  I have been told the theme is benches. So here is Fennel modelling two of our three benches at the farm. The first is one I stole from my last place of employment (it was being thrown out, along with a pile of wooden work benches from the biology labs, and the principal of the college had emailed every member of staff that we were forbidden from removing anything from the skips. I still don´t understand why). The second is a bench we bought from a small DIY shop near our house in Wolverhampton. It has no chewing gum stuck on the underside. The third bench was left here at the farm by the previous owners. Best wishes George." Thank you, George. Fennel looks like a real sweetie.

As promised, here is Part 2 of my selections for this month: I can often be found in graveyards at lunchtime. Just visiting.

A bench outside a leisure centre in Bingham. It's all over the place.

No prizes for guessing where this was taken. The night before we'd seen Dodgy doing a warm up gig for their latest tour; I'm wearing the ubiquitous tee. 

A bench outside the Paul Smith shop in Nottingham.

The Humber Bridge from a couple of years ago.

So there you have it. Our biggest collection yet. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who, like me, gets a kick from taking pictures of random stuff. Until next time... 

 ★ 

 Postscript

My friend Neil recently lost his mother and as part of the will he inherited her garden bench. With a bit of TLC and a tin of external paint it's been transformed. 

...

October's Photo Challenge

October's PC is trees. Get them to me by the 1st. I may even revisit that tree!