The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Dec 9 2012
 

Getting close to Christmas, and some of our journals have a festive flavour about them. Well, okay, one does. Yes, okay. It's mine. Hey, you gotta get in the spirit, don'tcha?

I'm not sure whether to put him under T or B, but since "the" is generally disregarded when alphabetic order is used, I'm gonna go with B, which means it's a welcome return for TheBig3, and indeed he's first in our roundup this week. In his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ming-moon.html he's taken a comment made by Urban Hatemonger (to which I responded rather sharply) and run with it, asking what people consider their musical limits, and how they seek out new music? Interesting question. Find the answers (well, some of them) by clicking on the link.

A big apology and shout-out to Blarobbarg, whose journal entry in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...l-opinion.html I stupidly missed out on last week, as it was just on the deadline for that week, and should therefore have been included with this week's update. So here it is: he references two bands, The Ramones and Contemporary Noise Quintet, while explaining how he hates stereotypes and fights against them (not literally, you understand!) :D Great entry Blaro, and apologies for the omission.

Mankycaant, having started slowly, is updating more frequently and my advice is to check his entries in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-abroad.html, but prepare to have your mind blown! This time out, he's talking about gambling, and it's a totally fascinating read.

Waxing lyrical on all things psychedelic, our very own guru PoorOldPo is making some more entries in his journal, simply and aptly entitled http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ychedelia.html, very much worth a read.

And so we're back to me. Continuing my attempts to review the last of the current batch of 2012 albums before the year closes, you'll find in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html reviews of Neal Schon's latest solo album, one from Finnish prog rock band Status Minor and one of my albums of the year, the superlative new one from Ten. Also going full tilt now is "25 of the worst Christmas albums --- ever!" with contributions from, among others, Destiny's Child, Lionel Ritchie and ,er, the Disney Channel! There are only so many acceptable excuses for Christmas albums, and none of these qualify. More to come in the coming weeks. There's also a return for "Everybody gets the blues" and a new section about cheerful tunes. Hey, 'tis the season, y'know?

Not too much to write about in my other journal, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html, with the delayed review of Wolfsbane's "comeback album" and the new one from Colin Blunstone.

That leaves us with the two U's. Yes, I say two, because Urban is back this week, but first, alphabetically, is Unknown Soldier. It's 1972 in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html, and this week our resident expert on hard rock and metal is looking at albums by The Flower Travellin' Band (yeah, them again!), Dust and Blue Oyster Cult. Always learn something in his journal.

So finally, hail to the Hatemonger! Urban is with us again, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html he has a question for you. What is it? I'm not going to do your work for you: head there and find out!

And that, once again, dear members, is it for this week. Only fifteen shopping days left to go till Christmas, and only twenty-one to 2013. Here's hoping for some more journals to be updated before we close for the year, but whatever they are, wherever they are, we'll keep you advised about them.

Toodles!

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Dec 16 2012
 

Well, all I can say is that I believe in Santa Claus! I prayed for a miracle at Christmas, and so it has transpired. After a pretty slow start to the month, not only have journals been getting updated left, right and centre, but there's a new sheriff in town, and he's called the Batlord! For more, read on...

And it's to http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html that we first head, where a man who has been making a name for himself and gained almost unanimous nomination as "funniest member", the Batlord, has started his own journal, and it's, well ... it's ... how can I put this? It's .... it's over there. Seriously, you just can't prepare yourself for what you'll find. Just get a move on, there's a queue forming and some of us would like to get in before dark...

After some time away, Ki is back, and you'll find much of his favourite music, including some guy called M. Ward, at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html. Go on now, don't dawdle!

Again taking time out from her exams (or maybe they're over now?) Pedestrian has a hilarious story of not quite identity theft, but of having a new persona thrust upon her by the simple act of buying a mobile phone. Check http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sswalking.html here.

And Surell, who updates infrequently but whose updates are always welcome, has in his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nnections.html an article in which he's talking about Neil Young, D'Angelo and Miles Davis. Unconnected, you say? Tell him that!

I'm sorry to say there's absolutely nothing in "Bitesize" this week --- the new albums I was reviewing all seemed like they should get the full Trollheart treatment --- so instead, in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html you'll find reviews of this year's offerings from Primal Fear, Kamelot, Diablo Swing Orchestra and Gazpacho, as well as the continuing countdown-that-is-not-a-countdown of "25 of the worst Christmas albums ever". Getting close to the end...

Unknown Soldier is however firmly stuck in 1972, and we only hope he makes it back for Christmas! In his http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html he's looking at albums from Trapeze and Uriah Heep.

And for whatever reason, whether he's responding to comments I made/he made about my journal, or whether this update thread has stung him to get some work done in his journal, or maybe just because he ****in' wants to, Urban Hatemonger has some pretty amazing entries in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html. He's got an interesting and hilarious article about kitchens --- yeah, I said kitchens! --- as well as a review (sort of, more a savaging) of an album of pop and rock covers by a Hungarian singer. Seriously! Would I kid you? You obviously don't know Urban...

So things are hotting up for Christmas here in Journal-land, and as we head into the last week proper before the big day we can only hope for more of the same, and for others to come out of the woodwork and throw in a few updates before they head off for their holidays. See you all back here next week! Now, where's that Perry Como Christmas album?

Toodles!

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Dec 23 2012 (Ho ho ho!)
 

So here we are, the final round-up of journal entries before Christmas. And there's been some activity, I can tell you. Surprising really, as I've fallen short in my own efforts, what with Christmas shopping, putting up the tree and unsuccessfully trying to put up a shelf and nearly electrocuting myself, narrowly missing drilling through some live wires in the wall. Ah, the Yuletide season! :rolleyes:

We'll have one more update before the year ends, but whether there'll be much to write about I don't know, as people will be quite rightly concentrating on enjoying their Christmas --- unless they're lonely, crabby old Scrooges like me, that is! But we'll see. Right now here's what's been happening while you were all rushing from shop to shop, looking for parking and cursing the festive season.

The mighty Batlord continues his odyssey to the Land of the Poseurs in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html --- you don't have to be stoned to read his stuff, but I'm sure it helps! Expecting big things from ya in 2013, Yer Lordship! A real rising star in the world of music journals.

Seldom seen here due to her heavy workload, both here and in the real world, there's an unexpected update from Burning Down, in her journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sic-major.html where she talks about what some of the music she loves means to her, and how it reflects her mood, personality or the circumstances of the time. She's promised more updates soon, so we wait and hope.

Delighted to see a new update to Janszoon's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sible-man.html where among other things he's discussing the album "Broken love letter" by K-theI???" Great writing as always, and even if you're not into the music you'll definitely enjoy the prose.

Ki has updated http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html with an article about his favourite guitar players, among them Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

I don't know whether he's keeping the name, or if it's just for Christmas, but Mankycaant is now known as Merrycant, at least for now, and in his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-abroad.html he's looking at his top albums of 2011 (no, not 2012) and in his latest entry it's A$AP Rocky's "LIve.Love.A$Ap" that's getting his special treatment.

Afraid that thanks to those pesky Mayans he'd die (with us all) without talking about his favourite albums (a fate worse than death, surely, not to achieve such an ambition?) Surell is updating his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nnections.html with a review of his top album, Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange". Insightful stuff, I must say, and good to see him posting again. Also good that he's still alive. As am I. And you. Up yours, ancient civiilsations! Yeah!

Which invective brings us to me. Now, my "Bitesize" journal has been put on hiatus until after Christmas, while I try to plough through the last of my 2012 album reviews. So don't go there. It's boring. What do you mean, what's new? :eek: Anyway, in my current journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html the last of the "25 worst Christmas albums" are tumbling out like rotten Brussel Sprouts from the Christmas stocking of someone who's been very bad indeed, while there are also reviews of the new albums by Neal Morse, Europe and Witch Mountain. I've also managed to shoehorn in a very season-appropriate entry for "Rockaria!" in the shape of the soundtrack to "Jesus Christ Superstar". All this, and Christmas shopping too! Man, I'm tired!

Also tired no doubt is Unknown Soldier, who despite the season has another "double header" in his http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html, this one featuring Mott the Hoople. Don't know what I'm talking about? Head that way, my child, and all shall be revealed.

And that, my friends, is it. I'd advise all journal writers to hang up their laptops now and relax: Christmas is here and it's a time to spend with family and friends, not staring blankly into a screen and trying to impress people you've never met. Hey, I've been doing that for long enough! Your journals will still be there after Christmas, but who knows what the future holds, so enjoy it, make the most of it, and have a great time.

This is Trollheart, signing off until next week, when I'll have the final update of 2012.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...HMjifFcvl2fyOQ
A very Happy Christmas to you all!

Toodles!

The final Music Journals weekly update post for 2012, w/e Dec 30 2012
 

And so we come to the final update of 2012. Some movement, but not surprisingly not that much: most posters are probably trying to figure how to lever themselves out of the big comfy chair after that massive Xmas feed and drag themselves towards the computer, so understandable, guys and gals! Those who have managed updates before the year closes are detailed below.

The Batlord has now completed his mystical journal into lands unknown as a soldier of True Metal, but in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html I'm sure he's hatching some more, er, bitchin' episodes for us all to enjoy in 2013. Until then, he has a, well, review is not the word, but a lascivious drool over the female punk band Pussy Whipped before the shutters come down on 2012.

The Big3 has a really thought-provoking and quite humourous (though I don't think it's exactly meant to be) article on how Slayer fans behave. Check it out in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ming-moon.html.

Ki is taking a well-deserved break until January, but promises updates to his 100 favourite albums once the new year kicks in, so keep an eye on http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html --- lookin' forward to it, Ki!

And so we're back to me. As I mentioned, "Bitesize" is closed for another day or so, reopening in the new year. I'm also planning a third journal (providing it gets approved) which will be completely different to anything else I've done here. Until then, the Trollheart flag is being flown by http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html and in there you can find the last of my 2012 album reviews, including ones from Europe, another band from Sweden, called Villebrad and the new one from Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora. I'll be posting the final album tomorrow, which will be Two Door Cinema Club's second album, "Beacon". As well as that, we have the last few awful Christmas albums, Variations on a theme and Epics. Plenty more to come in 2013!

Still mired forty years in the past, Unknown Soldier continues to explore 1972 in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html where he's looking at albums by Night Sun, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. What a way to end the year! And he's got at least three more decades to go before he catches us up! Much excellent music on the way, methinks.

Normally US is the last in line, to quote Ronnie James Dio, but one of our favourite mods, who hasn't been updating as much as we would like her to, Vanilla has some entries in her journal, the interestingly named http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-eargasms.html about Lady Gaga and the Rolling Stones. Hopefully we'll hear more from her in the new year.

And that, my friends, is finally it. Tomorrow is December 31st 2012, New Year's Eve, and even if there are any new entries they will have to wait until the first update for 2013, this time next week. I'd like to thank both those who have maintained journals here and given us all hours --- in some cases days --- of reading and listening, and allowed us a peek into their private music world, in some cases even their personal lives, and those of you who read them, even if you don't comment. Your interest keeps us all going. Well, I know it does me anyway.

So Happy New Year to you all, and we'll see you next Sunday, next year, for a whole new round of updates, surprises, interesting music discoveries and no doubt many album lists of 2012.

Toodles!

http://www.empowernetwork.com/otep79...llpapers-7.jpg

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Jan 6 2013
 

Happy New Year to you all. Yes, I know it's now six days old, but this is the first journal update thread of 2013, so I wanted to say it. Anyway, let's have a look and see what your favourite journal authors have been up to as the year turns...

The controlled insanity of the Batlord continues in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html, and he's proposing no less than a full-on inquisition to determine how many poseurs are on the site, and who they are. Gulp!

Ki is back with the next part of his 100 favourite albums in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html, and he's also coming totally under the sway of those Beach Boys! I'm fairly sure that was him I saw ordering a brand new shiny surfboard online... :)

So we're back to me. Oh well. I've been as busy as I can be at any rate, but with 2012 now firmly behind us I'm relaxing for a while back into my favourite decade, the eighties. So in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html you'll find reviews of albums by Bob Seger, Dire Straits and Laura Branigan, while http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html is finally back open for business, with a review of "Lights out" by Antimatter. To add to this, I've started a new journal! Yeah, another one! This one's different though.

Take the weight off at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html where there'll be little or no music, but plenty of TV and film. To start off I'm looking at three of my favourite TV series, the first of which, Babylon 5, is now online. Watch for more in the coming week.

And so we come to the old reliable. Unknown Soldier is always http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html where he's reviewing yet more albums by Deep Purple (hey, it is 1972 there, after all!) as well as something called Bang, and a bunch of albums that didn't make his cut.

And finally, the lovely Vanilla is updating her journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-eargasms.html with some of her recommendations for bands and artistes from her homeland, including Kimbra and Strawpeople. Keep it up, girl! :)

So that's it for the first week of 2013. I'm sure there are great things to come in this year; keep reading! See yaz all next Sunday!
Toodles!

Every Beatles Album; Ranked

All 12 studio albums (And "Past Masters"), ranked from worst to best
http://www.musicbanter.com/album-rev...hy-ranked.html

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Jan 13 2013
 

Things are beginning to move on the journals front as we head into the second week of the new year! Some new journals, some updates to old ones, and something entirely different from yers truly. Let's dive in.

Anteater is back with http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ed-masses.html trying to convert us all to smooth jazz. His first salvo for 2013 begins with an album from Paul Hardcastle. Sorry mate, you're not winning me over, and certainly not with him! ;) But anyone who leans in this direction musically, or would like to, do check out Ant's thread.

Is there no end to the Batlord's insanity? OW! Sorry, I of course meant to say mightiness! In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html he's generously put aside some time to try to answer some questions that have been put to him on the subject of being less of a poseur. Hear his wise words!

A new journal up next, in the shape of http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...use-songs.html. Here, Gavin B will be listing his favourite perennials, talking about what they mean to him and giving us all an insight into his musical world. He's promised quite regular updates, and true to his word, to kick off this week there've been "Waterloo sunset" by The Kinks, Gang of Four's "At home he's a tourist" and Julie London's version of "Cry me a river". Nice stuff, Gavin! Look forward to more.

The Big3 has an insightful and hilarious look at how social media, metal and various things such as suicide and homocide all collide (yeah, that's a lot of -ides, I know: beware the ides of March! No?) in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ming-moon.html, well worth a look.

Thankfully, there's another entry in Janszoon's latest journal, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sible-man.html where he's looking at "Calypso" by the great Harry Belafonte. As I've said before, even if you're not into the music it's worth heading there just to read his prose, and the unfolding and ongoing story of the eponymous character is coming along really nicely.

Ki is back firing on all cylinders for the new year, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html we find him talking about Iron Maiden and their recent live video for the album "En vivo!" (reviewed last year by moi!) and also continuing his odyssey into the music of the Beach Boys, with a review of "Surfer girl".

A quick mention for Neapolitan, who tells us he may be getting back to http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-journal.html, though he's not sure what direction it's going to go in. Sounds intriguing...

I haven't been updating http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html as much as I normally do, or should, but that's because I now have a third journal to look after, of which more later. However, in my main journal you can still find reviews of albums by Bad English, Laura Branigan and Prince, to say nothing of the new section, "Music maestro please", wherein I'm looking at orchestral treatments of rock songs. Also, I've taken on the somewhat daunting task of reviewing one of the most seminal prog albums --- indeed, one of the most important rock albums --- of the seventies, or any decade, by attempting to write my thoughts and feelings about Floyd's "Dark side of the moon". If it's published before midnight, you'll also find 2013's first "Meat Grinder" in there too.

Meanwhile, about that other journal. Last week I mentioned I was starting http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html and that it would be based not around music, but television, with some movies thrown in later. It's gathering speed now, and this week you can find reviews and thoughts on the pilot movie for Babylon 5, plus part one of season one, as well as an intro and first episode for Red Dwarf. Just today I put up my intro for Supernatural, and there's so much more to come...

And so we step back in time to 1973 once again, where in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html, Unknown Soldier is looking at albums from Humble Pie and Captain Beyond, as well as running an article about bands influenced by the Big Black, Sabbath.

Which leaves us with http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html, where the Hatemonger is reviewing albums for people with ADHD apparently. Worth a look certainly.

That's it then for another week. Don't forget, if you want to start your own journal all you have to do is post a thread and if it's approved the mods will make sure it shows up on the members journals section, after which you're on your own. Well, not quite. You can always refer to http://www.musicbanter.com/album-rev...c-journal.html, created by me, for you, who want to start a journal but don't know how to. Read it, and it'll certainly help you on your way.

Till next Sunday then!
Toodles!

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Jan 20 2013
 

Well, it seem as a new year unfolds more and more people are taking the plunge and starting their own journals, which is never bad. We had Gavin B last week, this time round there's another "newbie" in Journal Town, of which more later. Also some favourites returning, and us old hands are here as usual. Let's get down to it then, shall we?

B is for the Batlord, and he's having one hell of a time in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html where he's recounting his amazing adventures. True Blood? The Walking Dead? Pah! You wanna see a REAL bitchin' hunter of the undead, look no further!!

B is also for Big Ears, who we're very glad to welcome back, and in his journal he is as ever http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-journal.html where he's reviewing the Hawkwind album, "Hall of the mountain grill", which he claims to be one of the best, if not THE best, space rock albums ever! Check it out! Allied to that, he also has a very interesting article about Barney Bubbles, the artist behind much of Hawkwind's cover art.

That brings us to that new journal I spoke of earlier. Anyone who read Joy_circumcision's list of best 2012 albums will know he has one hell of an eclectic taste, and he's riding that wave in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...day-today.html, bringing you artistes weird and wonderful, the first of whom are so eclectic they're anonymous! Don't believe me? Head to his brand spanking new journal and see for yourselves!

Ki is taking a break from his odyssey into the world of the Beach Boys in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html to tell us about "Swedish hits goes metal"?? I'm confused too. Better go check it out. Like now.

Merrycant (who appears to be sticking with the new name) is always worth a read, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-abroad.html he's discussing what he believes to be the WORST albums of 2012, or at least, the ones that disappointed him most. Surely worth a look.

And so, to me. I've tried to keep all my journals updated this week, and so in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html you'll find mini-reviews of albums by Bonfire and Raising Fear, while in my usual lair, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html there are reviews of Nick Cave's "The good son" and Sky's second album, "Sky 2", as well as that long-awaited (?) first trip of 2013 into "The Meat Grinder".

Then, where most of my energies are being expended these days, there's a lot happening at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html with episode 2 of season 1 of Red Dwarf, part two of season one of Babylon 5 and season one of Supernatural gets underway with reviews of the first three episodes.

Unknown Soldier is another hard worker, as ever, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html he's moved on to 1973 (last week I thought he was already there, but I was wrong), with reviews of albums by Montrose and Led Zep. Take a step back in time to the days when classic rock was just hard rock, and hear what you missed!

Leaving us with Urban Hatemonger, who's asking in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html that people vote on what album he should review next. Interesting choices. Wonder which one he'll end up doing? Well, no matter which, I'm sure it'll be a revelation.

And that's a wrap for this week's update. If you think "how come that guy/girl is able to write a journal and I can't?" stop thinking that and make the decision to try. No-one's saying it's going to be a great success first time, but you'll never know unless you give it a go!

Till next Sunday
Toodles!

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Jan 27 2013
 

And the new journals just keep coming! Another resident opens shop in Journal Land, of which more a little later. Other than that it's relatively slow this week, with the usual crop and the old reliables.

The indomitable Batlord has a rival!! Read all about it in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html

And Big Ears celebrates reaching the 1500-view mark in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-journal.html --- ah, that takes me back! ;)

Joy-circumcision's journal is becoming the place to go if you want to hear bands and artistes you more than likely never even knew existed, never mind heard! In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...day-today.html he's looking this week at Atom and His Package and Orthonics... go get educated!

And that new journal I spoke of belongs to Julian B. He's only just started so we don't know what http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...c-journal.html is going to turn out like, but :clap: to him for taking the first step, and we look forward to its development.

Neapolitan remarked a few weeks back about the possibility of restarting his journal, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-journal.html he's making the first move, with an interesting short piece on John Williams. No, NOT that one! :D

So that's back to me again, and although I haven't been keeping http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html anything like as up to date as I should, or would like to, there is a new entry there, a review of one of the earlier Porcupine Tree albums. In my main journal, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html there's another "Little bit of t'n'a" plus a new section called "The Albatross", with a lot more planned. I know I say that, but I am working on some pretty big pieces at the moment. It all takes time, so be patient. Hey! I'm talkin' to you!

Something else that's taking up most of my time is of course my newest journal, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html where there's another episode from Red Dwarf and, although at the time of writing it hasn't yet been approved, the third part of season one of Babylon 5 is waiting in the wings...

And my old buddy Unknown Soldier continues on his historical tour of music in the 70s in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html with reviews of albums by Buffalo and Grand Funk Railroad: these are the bands that shaped the future of rock music, guys! Go have a listen!

That then winds up another update. Hopefully we'll have a little more to report next week, in what will then be the first update of February. My, isn't time flying already? Who said Christmas? C'mere you!

Toodles!

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e Feb 3 2013
 

Well, contrary to what I had hoped, this week we've a real dearth of journal updates! Must be the cold weather... Anyway, you can always rely on me and Unknown Soldier, but the rest of you wanna get those fingers a-typin'! We can't be carrying you all! ;)

One of the newer journals started this year, and showing a lot of promise, is Joy_circumcision's really intereesting journal where http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...day-today.html and this week he's been looking at the work of Eldritch Anisette and Polly Bradfield. One thing you'll always be assured when reading J_c's journal is that you'll be going "Whaaaaa?"

The torch has been passed to a new generation. Or something. Jackhammer used to run a thread called "Send me an album and I'll review it", but it hasn't been that active for the past year or so. Now Powerstars, our resident Beatles fanatic, is taking up the challenge in his journal entitled, yes you guessed it, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-edition.html, so get sending him some albums so we can see some reviews people!

That leads us back to me already. I've been kind of concentrating on updating http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html this week, so in there you'll find reviews of albums by Black Sabbath, The Adventures, and Starbreaker. Meanwhile, over in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html there's another new section about songs I like but am a tad embarrassed about, as well as a review of "Heartbeat City" by the Cars.

In the world of television, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html has the second part of season one of "Supernatural", with part four of season one of "Babylon 5" uploaded but not yet approved.

And the other old reliable, Unknown Soldier completes our short(very short)list for this week. He's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html as ever, and looking this week at an album by Nazareth.

Oh, I nearly forgot! Someone who's been getting apparently on a few folks' wicks this last week is Whiskey, but nevertheless he's started a journal, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ws-thread.html he's already looked at albums by Metallica, Daughtry and Dream Theater. Good stuff, hope to see more in the coming weeks.

That's it then for this update. As I say, entries are thin on the ground so hopefully there'll be a better showing over the coming week. Don't forget if you want to start your own journal all you have to do is start the thread and if it's approved it'll appear in the journals section. After that, it's your show!

Till next Sunday then!
Toodles!

Considering your avatar, Yes Please!!! :tramp:

Well, I hate to disappoint you, but since I'm a dude, all you get is a sweaty ballbag.

BALLBAG?

:rofl:

I was obviously talking to your avatar... :)

The Music Journals Weekly Update Post, w/e February 10 2013
 

Apologies for the late update. Matters of state, don't ya know... ;)

In his eternal magnanimity, the Batlord is doing his best to come down to the level of us mortals and educate us on the, as he would say himself, most bitchin' of metal bands. Go to http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html, all ye who would not be poseurs, and thine eyes shall be opened to the glory that is metal, and the stunning glory that is the Batlord!

We have a new journal, from one of our longstanding and most respected members, who also happens to be a steam locomotive. Yes, Engine has finally taken the plunge and you can read his really interesting work in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...can-dream.html

Yay! Gavin B is back! He's got the keys out and opened up http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...use-songs.html to show us the delights within once again. This time he's looking at a version of Chris Isaak's "Wicked game" by Heather Nova and also the new album from My Bloody Valentine, which everyone seems to be talking about. Nice to have ya back, GB!

Another to take the plunge is Goofle11, who is highly regarded for his music knowledge and taste. He's doing http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lbum-week.html and it starts with "American radass" by Dads. Check it out.

Mankycaant (back to the old name, eh?) has one of his best and most insightful and passionate pieces of writing yet in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-abroad.html regarding what I also believe to be the bane of human society, social networks. You have got to read this!

Powerstars seems to have finally found an album to review after his two-week long plea http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-edition.html. He's first looking at Dream Theater's "When dream and day unite", as requested by Whiskey. If you have an album you'd like him to review, send him a PM and he'll get back to you.

And so we're back to me. I've been trying to balance out the three journals this week, so no huge updates in any of them but at least one in each. Starting with http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html, there's another tale of someone who's "Crashing solo", another "Album from Hell" and the return, finally, of the "200 word album review." In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html there's just the one, but it's a belter, from Dante Fox. While in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html, finally, there's the fourth part of season one of Babylon 5, which I mentioned last week was on the way but not approved, also another episode from season one of Red Dwarf, and an introduction to one of three new series I'll be doing over the coming week, Spooks.

Unknown Soldier tells me he was in the same boat as me last week, ie had an article posted but not approved, so this week in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html we find albums from Free, Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult, as he moves further into 1973.

Finally, there are more albums in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ws-thread.html, including ones from Overkill, Symphony X and Linkin Park. I note his account is disabled now, so I don't know if that means he's banned, in which case I would expect nothing more in this journal, unless the ban is temporary? Nevertheless, until I know for sure I'll keep checking his journal and note any new entries, should they appear.

That's it for this week. A special shoutout to Black Francis, who is uneasy about starting his own journal: let me just say that once you do, you'll never look back. It's a lot of fun and gives you a real chance to talk about the music that matters to you, so think about it. No-one's going to laugh at you, I promise...

So this past week we've had quite a lot of movement in the journals, with a few new neighbours moving in. Nice to see some very interesting journals starting up too. Keep it up guys! We need your thoughts, ideas and music!

Till next Sunday then.
Toodles!

And my awesome body, right?

If you follow up on Trollheart`s recommendations, that`s er... eleven journals to check out. Plenty of time left after that to nominate an album for the Folk And International Roots album club.

This club operates at a rather sedate pace, but examines a wide range of different sounds. If you want to add your contribution to the illustrious roll-call of artists that`ve been featured so far, if you have a more or less rootsy album that you`d like to see discussed, just add it to the end of this thread:-

http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...lbum-club.html

Those man tits are pretty impressive.

Can you believe we're halfway through February already? Soon be donnin' the Green for Paddy's Day --- yeah, not while there's breath in my body! :rolleyes: Anyway, here's what's been a-happenin' down here in Journal Land...

The Batlord gets us started on this update, and in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html he's musing on the best way to treat poseurs (not kindly, you can be sure!) and also giving us the top ten reasons why a metal show is better than sex!

A welcome return for Big Ears, whose journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-journal.html has a review of Pain of Salvations's "Remedy Lane". A great review, should be required reading.

Engine's new journal (first journal?) http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...can-dream.html is, like his alter-ego, gathering steam and pace, and the story is really developing. Pay him a visit and see what it's all about...

And it looks like there's been some overtime going on over at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...use-songs.html, where he's reviewing The Noisettes, Richard Thompson, The Strypes, Jolie Holland and the Go-Betweens, as well as waxing lyrical about Kevin Shields. Take a coffee break man! ;) Fine work, and definitely worth your taking your time to visit and check out.

Which takes us to Janszoon, where I'm delighted to report there's a new entry in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sible-man.html. This time our insubstantial friend is listening to music from --- let me see if I can get this right --- Robotobibok. Think that's it. Anyway, pretty eclectic as you'd expect from Jansz, always a great read and some great music coming your way.

I must also note the now-finished http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...e-all-die.html, which is still deservedly getting comments and praise even months after it was finally finished by Jansz. Rightly so: it has to rank as one of the best journals. Ever. If you haven't already read it, then by the gods you have a treat in store.

And so we're back to me. I must say, this week has been the busiest and most productive since I started my third journal, so much so that I've written a thread to the mods to apologise for all the updates during the week! And more to come! In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html I've looked at albums from Buckethead and Devil's Train, while in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html there's a new section called "Great moments in history set to music" --- snappy huh? I was trying to think of a cool title for it, but couldn't decide on one so just went with that. Anyhoo, it does what it says on the tin, obviously. The first edition features the Battle of Thermopylae --- yeah, the 300 Spartans thing. There are also reviews of the new EP from Eden Shadow and a very old Thin Lizzy album.

Over at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html there has been a lot of activity, with another few episodes from season 1 of Supernatural, an introduction to Love/Hate and The New Statesmen, both due to be featured soon, as well as a character profile of Arnold Rimmer from Red Dwarf. Oh yeah, and Series Link has shifted over to this journal too, migrating from my main one. Only made sense. Well, about as much as anything in my journals does...

Unknown Soldier continues to be http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html, and this week he's looking at albums from Budgie and Sabbath. Yeah! Rock on man!

WIth Urban then updating his journal, that leaves US for once not the last entry in this update. In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html he's ignored all votes for the next album to be reviewed by him and has gone for a 1968 outing by The Love Machine. Groovy!

And that's it once again. Plenty more coming your way, certainly from me and I'm sure from most if not everyone here. Don't work too hard (haha! I'll be thinking of you when I'm tucked up in bed listening to the wind howl outside!) and we'll see ya all on the next update, which will be the last for this month.

Toodles!

No, I once used a structured album review format but got bored of that. Here's my first.

Also, the imagelink to the hand-drawn Family Tree that I referred to in the initial post has died but for those interested, here it is:

http://www.chimpomatic.com/file-uplo...amily_tree.jpg

Something of a quiet one this week, with not too much in the way of updates. Here's what we have for you...

Yay! The Batlord is embarking on another kick-ass adventure! Check out his latest escapades here in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html --- but approach only if ye be true Metalheads, for his wrath towards poseurs is mighty and terrible!

Engine is still relating the story of Erik, Sergio and his family in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...can-dream.html; go see what you're missing!

Goofle11 has a new album to review in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lbum-week.html : it's from Kings of Leon. Why not visit him and check it out?

Although it's long finished now, Janszoon's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...e-all-die.html continues to garner praise and attention, showing why it was the obvious choice for winner of the Music Banter Award for Best Journal this year (fume, fume...) --- see what it's all about. You won't be disappointed.

And so back to me. I've been doing what updating I can, though truth to tell I'm more writing stuff to have in reserve at the moment than posting updates. But this week in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html there's a review of one of the better post-Roger Hodgson albums from Supertramp and one from Simple Minds, and a section that's been delayed, uh, a year in the implementation! Oh well: better late than never.... Over at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html there are reviews of the new album from Lacuna Coil, as well as ones from Texas and a weird little EP from Theatres des Vampires.

Hasn't been too much happening on the Couch this week --- again, more writing than posting --- but I've managed to slot in the first episode of Spooks so head to http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html to check it out. Hope to get more updates in the coming week.

Which takes us, inevitably, to our old soldier friend, where he's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html with albums by Rick Derringer, Uriah Heep and a pile of albums that he says didn't quite make the cut. Do we assume 1974 is on the horizon soon?

So that's it for this week. Not, as I say, too much on the books but as Urban once put it, quality above quantity. Of course, I try to strive for both. Watch for new things happening very soon in my journal, and keep an eye on this thread: you never know when someone will suddenly post in a journal that hasn't been updated in yonks.

Till next Sunday then!
Toodles!

The Music Journal weekly update post, w/e March 3 2013
 

THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN...:jailed:

Ah-hoy hoy! Monty Burns here! It's time you people stopped being mollycoddled by that Trollheart fellow and heard what people REALLY think of your --- ahem -- journals! From now on there'll be some changes around here, as I'll be calling the shots. Excellent!

More of your blasted scrawlings and scribblings that are clogging up the Inter-Net thing and making it harder for me to read how my stocks and shares are doing! Don't you lollygaggers have anything better to do? What? We do? We are? BAH! Oh all right then, for those of you who simply must know, here is the kind of drivel your fellow members are spewing out, preventing me reaching the Wall Street Journal website in a timely manner. Bunch of ingrates! Spell in the army would do you all the --- what? Oh yes, my medication. You're quite right there, Smithers. What would I do without you.?

And the rest of you: get back to work! Oh no, wait, I didn't mean .... damn and blast it Smithers! They're UPDATING again!


Anteater (Anteater? What in blue blazes sort of name is that?) is still trying to get us all into his confounded smooth jazz via http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ed-masses.html; never gonna work for me I have to say! But this week he has reviews from Kyoto Jazz Massive and Special EFX, so "check-them-out", as I'm reliably informed is the popular vernacular used these days, if that's your thing. Who knows? Maybe if it isn't he'll convert you... (not bloody likely...)

We've all been waiting for (What? I haven't been waiting for this juvenile, peurile drivel ... contract? What contract? Oh curse your eyes then, all right!) the, um, second instalment of the Batlord's latest crazy trip across time and space, and you'll find it in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html, so what are you waiting for? Begone, I say!

Ki's getting his journal back underway, (well whoop-di-doo! Sorry, sorry...) with reviews of albums by HIM, a look at his hometown of Seattle, and a more in-depth review of "Swedish hitz goes metal". Why are you still here? This http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html is where you need to be!

And lo! PoorOldPo is back with us! Poor indeed! I bet he couldn't afford ONE limousine, let alone --- what? IRS? Er, no, I can't talk to you just now. Very busy.... Check his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ychedelia.html for a taste of Donovan and lots of other cool psychedlic music. Man. :) (Come on: I'm meeting you lousy hippies halfway!)

Ah, some decent material at last! Excellent!

Trying to keep my --- er, that is to say, his --- journals updated, this is what I've come up with on http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html: A "rare" album by Asia, the new one from Kris Kristofferson (no, I'm not joking!) and another foray into lyrical heaven with "More than words". As for http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html? Well there's the fifth part of season one of Babylon 5, about halfway in now, and more from season one of Supernatural. Plenty more to come, of course. That hasn't left me any time to update "Bitesize" this week, but I'm stockpiling a lot of mini-reviews and there'll definitely be some updating done in the coming week.

1973 was a good year for hard rock, though I was more into the Mantovani sort of thing, you know. He gets a bad rap but ... ah, I digress. Like I say, a good year as you'll discover when you read the latest entries in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html, where Unknown Soldier has reviews of albums by, among others, Mott the Hoople, ZZ Top, New York Dolls and Iggy and the Stooges. There's also part two of his "In the shadow of Sabbath" article, looking at bands influenced by the godfathers of black metal. (Venom who?) ;)

And Urban(Hatemonger, eh? Excellent! I like the cut of this fellow's gib!) drops in to tell us about his regard for Charlie Brooker. Seriously. He says "I love this man" eight times! Hmmm. Watch that one, Smithers. NO NOT LIKE THAT! Oh Hell and damnation! Why couldn't I have a STRAIGHT bootlicker? Sigh! Check out http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html to read it.

And that would normally be it, but we're lucky to be favoured this week with an entry from the lovely Vanilla, who is so impressed by new female "rapper", I believe is the term, Iggy Azalea that she appears to have taken her image as her new avatar! Not my thing, rap music, but don't let that stop you checking out her journal here http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-eargasms.html. Ah, if only I were ninety years younger... :love:

And so we come to the end of another update, and move on into a new month.... What? I'm not reading that out! I do? Oh hell and damnation! Very well then...

A note from Urban on getting your new journal approved or indeed on getting entries in your existing journal approved: "Please use common sense when posting Youtube videos. I have gone into two journals to approve posts and both times the number of Youtube posts in them caused my computer to freeze. If you're posting multiple videos please post them under a cut and please use your brain. Even if you're only posting one per post that's still 10, 20 or 30 depending on how many posts per page people are using.
This isn't a rule, this is a polite request so that a rule doesn't have to be made.
Thank you."

Wise words, and ones I've had to heed myself (Er, I mean ones Trollheart has had to heed!) and which made me -- I mean, him --- (prior to this) look at just how many videos I was trying to post at once. Don't do that any more! Not entirely sure what "under a cut" means: I think it means with SPOILER tags? Urban, if you're reading this maybe you could clarify? Anyway, as he says, use your noodle: don't overload a mod's computer. They're less likely to want to approve your journal if you do that. (I'm assuming using SPOILER tags removes the problem; if I'm wrong someone please set me straight). But expect a visit from my highly-paid lawyers if you do...

So, until next time, same place, same, er, place...
Toodles!
Smithers! They're just standing there! Release the hounds...

You're kick ass Trollheart. Thanks for updating this all the time. :)

Ah, Trollheart has been let go, young lady, in the midst of massive layoffs. And by massive I mean total. I'M running the show now, and by jove we'll get things running properly around here or my name isn't Charles Montgomery Burnzzzzzzzzz..... smithers? coffee... quickly....

Yeah, I have no idea what "under a cut" means either. Anyway I think I'm gonna have to start updating more than once every seven days, since this new bit'd take like two months to post that way.

Sometimes the update is more entertaining than the journal.

Not fair Monty, not fair at all.

The Music Journals Weekly Update Post, w/e March 10 2013
 

ATTENTION WORKERS! STAND BY FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MISTER BURNS. DO NOT STOP WORKING DURING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ESPECIALLY YOU, UNKNOWN SOLDIER! THAT IS ALL.

Ah-hoy-hoy! Monty Burns here again, but you can call me Mister Burns! I want to make it clear to each and every one of you, this simply is not good enough! This is an organisation and everyone is expected to play his part. What? Seriously? Legal action, eh? Oh very well then -- or HER part. For the love of Peter! Anyway, there has been far too much slacking in recent months here and I intend to set this straight! A small handful of people cannot keep a company afloat, so I want to see more effort people! I know for a fact that Trollheart fellow has months of material stacked up, written just waiting to be uploaded, and the only reason he doesn't update every hour is because he's afriad of upsetting the poor mod-er-ators!

Oh boo hoo! You poor "mods", as I believe you wish to call yourselves (though personally I prefer the term "enforcers" --- yes, yes, much better, and more descriptive of your duties) might have to do a little work! For the love of Satan, people! This is not a holiday camp! What do you think I pay you for? What? I don't pay you? Well, good. That mansion on the hill doesn't run itself, you know, and the guards who patrol my grounds and keep the likes of you out don't work for free! I NEED my money. ALL of it. I mean, come ON! WHO can exist on a mere million a week? I'm practically living on the breadline!

So, more effort from you organbanks please, or I'll be going around poking you all with a sharp stick until you come up with the goods. Now, as for your current attempts at doodling in crayon in your so-called journals, in a pathetic attempt to impress your fellow inmates --- members, I mean. Did I say inmates? I meant members. Of course. Members. Not inmates. No. This is not a prison. Not at all. That guard tower and those high walls are there for YOUR protection. Yes. Indeed.

Well, glad we got all that sorted. Now, let's see what you slugabeds have been amusing yourselves with in the past week, shall we...

Ah yes. The Batlord. Look, there's only one lord of bats around here, and that's me. If you want to contest the title, I suggest a round-the-world balloon race, to start from London's Trafalgar Square and to return here not less than ... what? Money you say? Well, I'm always partial to a bit of bribery, er, persuasion! Very well then, you may keep the title. Oh blast it! Do I have to talk about your hell-damned journal too? Very well then: another episode of --- what's that? I'm not reading that! The lay of what? Surely that's illegal? Harrumph! You know the sort of thing to expect from the Batlord (TM: Approved by BurnsCo Legal, Attorneys-at-Law) by now, so why not just go to http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html and laugh yourself silly! Ah yes, laughter: I remember that!

Big Ears? Is someone trying to --- oh I see! NOT me. Someone else. All righty then. This particular pencil jockey has his journal here and apparently he's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-journal.html --- aha I get it! Most droll, most droll! In his latest godforsaken attempt at writing he appears to be warning people about some wild animal ... it bites eh? Well, I'd put it to sleep... what? Oh yes, the animal too, I suppose ... oh, how embarrassing! Silly me! It's the name of a band, I see! Just a moment! Isn't this the album being fought over by those geeks at the Prog Rock Album Club? It is? Isn't that against the rules? No? Well, it should be. Waste of time if you ask me ... anyhoo, you can check out that review in his journal, unless you've something better to do, like scrape the mildew off your bathroom tiles...

And we have a new victi --- ah, I mean recruit in the shape of Kelli, who has begun her journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...e-journal.html --- ah, yes: glad to see you're taking this seriously, young lady! Give it time I suppose. She already has reviews of albums by some gang called Foxygen and another called My Blasted Valentine --- oh sorry, My BLOODY Valentine. Charming. Well, always glad to welcome a new soul aboard: I need all the souls I can get! Satan doesn't give up easily you know: how do you think I've lived this long? Ah, yes, er, forget that ... moving swiftly along...

Ki is back with entries in his imaginatively titled http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html --- not too much creative brainpower going on there, hmm? He's running a new series called "Flashback", worth reading (it says here) and featuring bands he used to be into and which remind him of his youth. Ah yes! Nobody could rock like Al Jolson, if you ask me!

And another new journal from Maidahl, with yet another stunning title! People, people! Take a leaf out of that fellow Janszoon's book! Really! At any rate, in his, her or its scrawlpad http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...s-journal.html there are only some scribbled comments for now, but I'm expecting --- demanding! --- better things, and pretty damn sharpish too.

http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ychedelia.html is the journal of the oddly-named PoorOldPo --- don't believe a word of it! I've seen his bank balance! He could buy and sell most of you. Well, all of you. Except me of course. Anyhoo, he's bleating on about some Spacemen 3, Spiritualised and Sonic Boom. Who are these people? This world today, I don't know, standards....

Coming out of the mists of time is Roemica, who hasn't updated their journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...en-albums.html since 2009, and is now intending on resurrecting it. Hmm. Watch this space. All major credit cards accepted, you know... ;)

Gaah! Even Trollheart has been slacking off! What? I don't CARE if he has three journals to maintain! Nobody forced him to do that, did they? Well, not in any way that could be proven in a court of law, that is... I suppose you have to give him some kudos, as he's started a new section in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html called "Jumping on the Bandwagon?" where he looks at actors and the like who have crossed over into the field of music, taking that nice David Soul chap as his first example. Ah, another soul for Satan. What? Didn't say a thing! You must need your hearing checked, my friend... Oh and of course with Saint Patrick's Day only around the corner he has to go all Irish and review an album by Clannad! Heaven forfend! In his other journal, that http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html thing, he's reviewing albums by RoySeven and those nice Bon Jovi fellows. Excellent!

And finally, on http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html (you know, I think he just runs three journals in order to have the most attention devoted to him on this update! Narcissist! :rolleyes:) he's started writing about that splendid Irish show about a jolly gangster gang, "Love/Hate" I believe they call it. Now those are my kind of people!

So on we go to Unknown Soldier, still http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html and now making his way into 1974 with reviews of albums by Deep Purple and ... what? That's IT? I'm shocked! No more cafeteria food for you, sir, until you come up with the goods! Terrible, the things I have to put up with...

Well, that's it then for this week. Remember, we don't carry passengers here --- what? Yes I KNOW I also own Burns Coach Trips International Plc, and that they OBVIOUSLY do carry passengers, Smithers --- what? I TOLD you NOT to mention the DRUGS! You stupid --- ahhhh that's it for now, foodbags. Now just stand here on this spot. No, not that one. Move slightly to the left --- AHA!

What? Smithers! WHO moved the trapdoor AGAIN? I see. Well, I did want the floor retiled, that's true. I just WISH people would put things back the way they were when they finish. Sigh. What? Oh yes, very well --- release the hounds.
Toodles!

^ I come for the updates, but I stay for the Trollheart
:P

I stay for the updates, but I cum for Trollheart.

Can I just say, eeew!? :laughing:

lol thanks for the mention :D

The Music Journals weekly update, w/e March 17 2013
 

Famine, plague, fiscal meltdown, wars, religious scandals and human rights violations, and are we concerned about these? Heaven forfend! We'd rather read about what a bunch of lollygaggers and gasbags have been writing --- and I use the term very loosely --- in their so-called journals. Heavens to Murgatroyd! Surely you people can find something better to do with your time? Spell in the army would do you all the world of --- what? My medication, Smithers? No, I haven't, why? Ah ---

Tra-la-la! Time to see what you wonderful people have been writing in those oh-so-fabulous journals you so kindly update for us on an ongoing basis, with quite simply some of the finest prose and I really don't understand how such unmitigated drivel can pour from the pens of --- what, Smithers? TWO pills? Why no I believe you only gave me one ---

Tra-la-la! What a beautiful day! We should continue this out in the sunshine. Raining? Why, rain is just God's tears of happiness and I certainly don't mind getting wet if you don't. Now, let's get back to those marvelllous journals, shall we, while the medication lasts!

That jolly Batlord chap is back where in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html he's coming to the end of his adventurous capers --- note from the Batlord, you say? Hmm let's see... "so if you're a --" what? I'm not reading that! Oh, very well! --- "if you be a true Metalhead continue, if not then "**** off you pansy"? Can I say that here? Hmm. His Batship has also begun a second journal, copying such luminaries as Janszoon and Trollheart, and in his second journal, well http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lks-about.html apparently, and first off he's checking out, um, Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, and Sonic Youth. Um, yes, rather. I do like the picture he uses for when he's listening to the recordings, though. If you don't mind being constantly harangued and insulted, check out his musings.

The last time we heard from CanwllCorfe was over a year ago, and true to his journal's title he has up to now been http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...an-corner.html --- in fact, I wonder he hasn't fallen asleep? But now he's back, and writing about, (with no doubt the influence of the abovenamed Batlord) "anything the **** I like". What the **** he likes writing about this week is some EDM music, and how he feels it's changed over the last while. Yes, indeed. Not my bag, but worth a visit certainly, if only to confirm he's still alive...

Another one coming back after having taken a break is Engine, who last posted almost exactly one month ago. He's continuing his story in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...can-dream.html and if you haven't been reading, get yourself up to date now.

Newest member Kelli's http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...e-journal.html is coming along nicely, with a new review of Johnny Marr's solo album and promised looks at Palma Violets and BRMC (which I'm told by Smithers --- believe me, he knows these sort of people! --- stands for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club --- ah yes, those "Hell's Satans" fellows, eh?) to come...

Great news for Plankton, who has located his long-missing father and is arranging a family reunion. Good on ya guy! Check http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...um-bucket.html here and sure, leave him a message of congratulations; I'm sure it will be appreciated.

That lazy Trollheart has finally responded to my digs at him (yes, I dug a hole --- well, had Smithers dig it of course! --- and had him thrown in and left there until he promised to get his act together) and this week you'll find updates in all three of his journals. In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html he has reviews of albums by Sam Brown, Robbie Williams and the new one from Nick Cave, while in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html he's less than impressed by the work of Enchant and Coney Hatch. Finally, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html has another episode of Red Dwarf, the second Spooks episode and the first from The New Statesman. Excellent! Amazing what a little, ah, motivation can do, is it not?

Someone who may also benefit from spending some time in a hole is Unknown Soldier ! Only the one review --- a Kiss album --- in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html? Tut tut! We shall have to see how we can motivate you, young man! Smithers! Fetch the bottomless trousers and the bucket of soapy frogs!

And to finish us off for this week, the incomparable and lovely Vanilla has an entry in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-eargasms.html (wickedly funny title, young lady!) about a band from her native land called Bailter Space. Go there now. I command it! Heh. Sorry about that, drugs must be starting to...

So, once again a bumper crop of fine writing, articles, funny stories and album reviews that really are, I have to say, second to none on this interweb thing. I feel privileged to have --- SMITHERS! THE DRUGS ARE WEARING OFF-- What a total pile of nonsense! Never seen such inarticulate, pointless, self-indulegent twaddle in all my ---- TRA LA LA! Delighted to have been of service to such fine scribes, writers of the future oh yes.

SMITHERS! Get on the phone to that overpaid quack who calls himself my doctor! These pills have me up and down like ABSOLUE RUBBISH! WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER TO wonderful writing, carefully thought out, excellent designs TOTAL POPPYCOCK! SHOULD BE CONSIGNED EN MASSE TO the Louvre or the Tate Gallery, absolute masterpieces OF GARBAGE ---AAAAAARRRRGGHHHHH!!!!

Er, ahem! This is Waylon Smithers speaking. Mister Burns' various medications have rather alarmingly led to his taking a stroke, although whereas other people would consider this a major event, to Mr Burns it's just something that happens to him now and then. He lives with it. He IS on his fourth heart, after all, so such things are to be expected.

Before the ambulance came he dictated to me a note which he wishes me to read out to all your journal writers. Let's see ... hard to make out his writing ... hmmm...

"I expect to sew a hug --- sew a hug? Ah no, my mistake --- SEE a HUGE --- I expect to see a huge impoverishment --- sorry, improvement --- in the --- drills and nuns? --- ah, drivel and nonsense, I believe it says --- that (surely that can't be the word? Mister Burns would never ... oh!) passes --- for writing on this --- doubtful? Delightful? No, that's not it. Demeaning? No, no, it's damnable --- this damnable corner of the internet. Otherwise you may all console --- consider --- yourself feared. Er, fired."

Till next Sunday then, as Mister Burns would say, er,
Toodles.

Firstly you can't spell marvellllllous, secondly my Kiss review is actually two albums and I'm about to submit a review today, which was written yesterday. Thirdly saying I'm down in a hole, isn't that a terrible Alice in Chains song?;)

"Mister Burns would like it to be known that as his attorneys we have his full permission to respond to you.

Article 1: We do not see the word "marvellous" mentioned in the piece, and furthermore (1a.) we would submit that Mister Burns was, as stated in paragraph 13.2(c) on a strong cocktail of medication at the time, so can hardly be held responsible for misspellings. Also, as per his statement on March 18, 2013 at 14:56 BST, to wit: it was all Smithers' fault.

Article 2: Two Kiss albums is still one review. Mr. Burns would remind you that you are contracted to furnish at least three reviews per week, and the fact that your most recent effort did not make it in time for the update is simply another case of your not being able to work to a deadline, something he will address on his release from hospital.

Article 3: He advises us he was actually thinking of a Tom Waits song when he wrote that. Also, see (1a) above.

Please sign here, here and here to indicate you have received a response from Mister Burns and that it has addressed all your concerns. Thank you. And here. And initial here and (excuse me) ah, here, and finally here. And this is your copy, which you should retain for your records. Good day to you."

Note: None of the foregoing implies any liability on the part of Mister Burns, nor does it release the party of the second part from their obligations to the party of the first part. None of the above will be accepted as being admissible in a court of law.

First of all, it's "Down In a Hole", and secondly, that's actually one of their good songs.

Yes but I'm referring to myself being in that hole and if you think that's a good song then you're easily pleased.

You like Pearl Jam. Your opinion is irrelevant.

:laughing: well played.

The Music Journals weekly update post, w/e March 24 2013
 

Ah-hoy hoy! (COUGH!) Still feeling a mite under the weather after last week's, ah, unfortunate incident with my ex-doctor, whose bills will NOT be getting paid, so I've been advised to take it easy for a few weeks. A hard thing to do, for a young go-getter like me, but I must bow to the wisdom of those who are somehow against all odds keeping me alive, so I'm drafting in a replacement to review your journals this week. Smithers? Ah no, my friends. Smithers has ... ah, other duties. Hmm. So you DO go mad if subjected to nonstop Hannah Montana for a week, eh? Excellent! All worthy and noble research. Now then, let's just fill out some details on the old com-pu-tat-or, shall we and see...

DAMN AND BLAST IT MAN! I can't figure this confounded thing! It won't even switch on! Pathetic! What? Plugged in? Why of course it's plugged in you --- ah. Very good, Smithers. Hmm. That plug's a little heavy, would you...? Excellent. Now, let's fire this thing up and see --- password? Smithers? Alright then, spell it if you must. I, yes, L-O-V-E-M-R-B-U ... er, never mind: I think I can guess the rest. Huzzah! Success! What the blue blazes---?

SMITHERS! I TOLD you to get RID of that screensaver! Anyway, I'm much more handsome than that. Yes, at your earliest opportunity, if you would. Thank you. Now, let's pull up the employee files and see who would be best for a job like this. So many files! Better thin them out a little. Let's see, some parameters, yes. Alright, we don't want anyone upstaging us and taking our job now do we? So how's this?

Lazy. Stupid. Fat. Useless.
That should trim down the 600 files here a little --- WHAT? SIX HUNDRED RESULTS? BAH! Better add a few more requirements. Let's see: ugly. Incompetent. Malleable. Uninformed. Ah yes, that should sort out the --- DAMN AND BLAST IT! SIX HUNDRED RESULTS!!!

Oh to hell with it: Smithers! Get Homer Simpson in here!

Now, Simspson is it? Ah, we meet at last. Now, you know what to do. Just read through their paltry scribblings and --- ARE YOU SNORING! JAB! WAKE UP MAN! That's better. Now, pay attention. Read their articles, report back on how terrible they are, and there'll be a whole box of donuts waiting for you when you --- where did he go? Bless me, I have never seen that foodbag move so quickly before! He's a virtual blur!

Right then Smithers, let's leave him to it. Time for you to change my colostomy bag. Yes, that could be unpleasant for all concerned. I may need most of your skin too...

ZZZZZZZZZZ --- WHAAA? Oh, it's NOT a dream! D'oh! WHY did Mister Burns pick me for this job? He knows I hate working: that's why I work for him. Hey, maybe I can sneak a little nap here before I --- NO, nothing Mister Burns! Working away Sir! You got it! I'm on the case!

Oh, I wish I was at home with a big bag of potato chips! Mmmmmm... potato chips. Drool! Oops, better not get any of my slobber over Mister Burns's brand new comput --- oh oh! Why is it making that sparking noise? Ohhhhh crappp! Look, maybe if I just dab it off a little ---- CRASH! Oh why does everything bad happen to me! It's fallen off the table! This is the worst thing to happen to anyone ever in history! I'm missing my bowling night for this! Mmmmm... bowls....

OK Homer! Snap out of it! This is it! Mister Burns and all these losers -- sorry, writers (heh heh! Losers!) out there are relying on you to write this review, so let's go! But I've broken the computer! How will I --- wait a minute: what's that over on the other desk? That, er, much older looking computer, with something showing on the screen --- what the hell does that say --- Mu-zik ban-tur ---- Muzik Bantur? What the hell is a --- oh. So THIS is the computer I was supposed to use. But if that's so, then what was on the one I broke ---? Plans to de-stable-eyes the world econ...? Huh?

AH I'LL TAKE THAT SIMPSON! NOTHING FOR YOU TO WORRY ABOUT! HAVE YOU WRITTEN YOUR ARTICLE YET? NO, WELL, CHOP CHOP! TIME IS WASTING! Smithers, take this OUT! WHY was it left here where anyone could ...? Yes, you'd better hope you CAN get it fixed, or you can explain to President Amindej -- AMandai --- Amindin --- that Iranian guy why he won't be getting those nuclear centrifuges! Now come on: out of here, quickly! ON YOU GO SIMPSON, NOTHING TO SEE HERE. NOTHING, you understand me my friend? Excellent. Toodles then!

Oh this is so BORING! Hey, maybe there's a Rubik cube around here somewhere. Oops, better not: Mister Burns will be back soon and I need to have this done. Alright brain: you don't like me and I don't like you, so let's just get through this and I can get back to killing you with beer, deal?

Now, how do I start this thing? Oh yeah....

Right then let's see, Mister Burns left some notes. "Do reviews alfa-bet-ic-ly"? What the hell does that mean? Ah to hell with it: I'll just do them from A to Z in order. Now let's see... A ... Hmmm. No, not seeing any As! Woo-hoo! One less I have to do! Now, what's next? What comes after A? Hmm. A-B-C... but what comes after A? Oh wait! I'm such an idiot! Of course! All I have to do is ring Lisa! She'll know! She's clever. Hello, Lisa? It's your dad. I need to ask you a question. What? Why's the baby crying? What? I can't hear you! The mailman's what? A final demand for who? Mom is where? Bart did what? Look, the line must be really bad, I can hardly hear you. No, I'm calling from work. Yeah. I need to ask you a question. What was that noise? What? Never mind. What comes after A?

What? No, AFTER A! In the alpha-thingummy, you know, that thing Bart had trouble with in school. No, not Nelson! Nelson doesn't begin with an A! Hello? Lisa? What comes after A? Bee? Oh no I don't like them: they defend themselves somehow! Hello? Hello? Lisa? Hello? Dial tone?

Shoot! She must have got cut off. I'll have to ring back... wait a minute though. A, B! B! B is next! Hah! I figured it out myself, with no help from Lisa! Thanks a lot, poindexter! OO look at me, I'm Lisa! I play a saxamaphone and I've got a brain bigger than --- er, bigger than --- um --- Lard Lad! Yeah! Pfft! Great help you were! So B is next eh? Well, let's see if there's a B. Woo-hoo! D'oh! There is! Oh well, better look at it I guess...

Some loser called the Batlord who apparently lives in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html, yeah yeah, talking about some fruity sword and sorcery, harry-pottery quest. Sheesh! Don't these guys have lives? Oh wait, he has another of these jounal things, at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lks-about.html --- boy, this guy needs a job! Anyhoo, he's talking about DNA, Mars (mmm... Mars....) Tin Huey and a bunch of other crap I couldn't care less about, but if you're as bored as him go to his journal and knock yourselves out.

http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ming-moon.html eh? I've done that on occasion, usually after being thrown out of Moe's. But this guy, they call him Big3, hmm, he's talking about French and German and languages and pop punk and someone he wants to burn down... nah, it's all beyond me. Check it out if you wanna.

Okay, that's B then. What comes after B? Better ring Lisa again. Oh, no, wait: I remember dad talking about this in one of those rambles he goes off on. Edison on the radio, reading the alphabet he said. "A" he'd say, then "B". C would usually follow..." Woo-hoo! I did it! C is next! Let's see, C, C... D'oh! No Cs! How am I supposed to get through this awful, awful OH SURE MR BURNS, I'M RIGHT ON IT! Man, I wish I was in Barney's Bowlarama. The lanes there...

Ok, ok! Let's get this done! The H Man is in the house! Yeah, I don't know what it means either: my brain sometimes throws up these odd ideas, like that time it said I should wear a seatbelt! I mean, what am I, a DORK? SO, no Cs. What IS there then in this nerdhouse? How about ... hmm, what's next? D is for Donuts. Mmmm... donuts. D, yes. Hey! Wait just a moment! I've had a great idea! Just finish this and ... heh heh! The perfect crime! OH MISTER BURNS! I'M READY!

Let's see then Simpson: great job I --- WHAT? This so-called review just says "Dese jurnalz r all terribul" and --- oh, wait a moment: I see you've written much more at the --- WHAT? You idiot! You've just written "screw Flanders" 200 times! What is this supposed to be? Get back to work immediately, before I cut off your donuts! What? No, I don't mean I'll stop your supply of sugar coated treats, you nincompoop! I mean --- ah, that is to say YES, I WILL stop your donut supply! Hah! That's scared you, hasn't it? Now back to work, post haste!

Stupid Mister Burns, threatening to stop my donut supply ... grumble grumble ... take revenge on everyone soon ... mutter mutter ... make them all sorry.... Oh well, guess there's no avoiding it. So where was I? Oh yeah, D.

Woo-hoo! D is there! So, some nerdlinger called thedon89 has decided to start a journal here, don't ask me why. What do I look like, a nerd? Anyhoo, his journal starts here under the exciting title of http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ife-music.html --- yawwn! I need a nap! Oh no! There's more!

Some guy called Goofle11 (heh heh! Goof!) is doing http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lbum-week.html and looks like this week he's doing Justin Timberlake's new album. Boo! How about some real music, like Grand Funk or the Alan Parsons Project? Whaddya mean, oldies??

In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html (no, not mine! I don't have one: I have a life! It belongs to some loser called Ki) there'a s review of some band called Bozo Black. Heh. Sorry, I mean BONZO Black. Meh, same difference.

Another guy called Salami (shee, all this talk about food is making me hungry. There anything to eat in this place? Urgh! Prunes? Meh, why not?) hasn't been writing in his journal for a long time (like anyone cares, dude!) but has a note about some gig he went to by some guy called Robert Cray. Right on.

Man, this guy Trollheart's all over the map! What a total loser! He has THREE journals! Bet I can picture him now, skinny pale little nerd with glasses, crouched over his computer with piles of records on one side and a plate of white rye bread (ugh) on the other, scribbling down his thoughts as if anyone gave a crap. Oh well, in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html he's got "What's in a name"? (don't ask me, I don't work here!), "Nice song -- shame about the album" (heh: should be "nice article, shame about the journal!") and a review of Al Stewart's "Time passages" --- finally, some decent seventies music! Oh yeah, and something called "The Meat Grinder" --- they're all in on it: trying to distract me with food! Mmmmm... meat.... Oh yeah, he seems to think a lot of some guy called Rory Gallagher too; startin' a whole section on him. Man, this guy is a loser!

He also runs http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html --- I love potatoes, specially potato chips! In this he's got another rambling entry about Babylon 5, whatever that is. Not happy with all that, he's also updating http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html with an album by the Divine Comedy. Yeah? Well, I ain't laughin' pal!

Man, I'm tired after that! Maybe I'll just have a little ---- OH HELLO MISTER BURNS! NO, JUST RESTING MY EYES. Shoot. Who's left then? Unknown Soldier eh? Heh. He'll remain unknown, in this dump! His journal is called http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html and --- hmm, he's a fan of seventies hard rock. I could grow to like this guy. If he wasn't such a dork that is! Let's see what he's talkin about. Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Nazareth. Not bad, not bad.

This last guy sounds like Mr Burns' cousin! Urban Hatemonger? Well, his journal has, um, an interesting David Bowie picture. Yeah. Check here http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html. Or don't. I'm through with this; I'm off to Moe's! Just rest my eyes for a moment....

Ah, excellent, Simpson! All finished eh? WHAT! Smithers! Wake him up! How dare you fall asleep on the job man! I ought to club you and eat your bones, but I'm already in enough trouble with the Ogre Anti-defamation League as it is. I could crush you like an ant, but I'll just bide my time, let you twist in the wind, slowly, slowly, until.... SMITHERS! Wake him up! Now listen to me Simpson, you saw nothing on that other computer, you understand? In fact, there was no other computer. I don't even know who you are! Seriously Smithers: this is getting worrying! I DON'T know who he is. Simpson,eh? We meet at last. Excellent. A fine job you're doing. Now get out of here before I release the hounds!

That goes for the rest of you too! Everybody, off my property! I have an important phone call to make. Smithers, what's the dialling code for Tehran? Well, find OUT man! For the love of Peter! Do I have to do everything around here myself! Hello? NSA? CIA? FBI? You want to talk to the owner about supplying terrorist what? Aid and comfort? Me? No, no, I'm not the owner. I --- ah, I just come in occasionally to read the free newspapers. The owner? Ah (Smithers! Quickly! I need a patsy!) SIMPSON! OH SIMPSON! Blast it man, go stop him before he leaves... What do you mean, he ran into the restrooms? And who the sam hill ate all my prunes? Ah... Hello? Yes I'm still here. Er, no hablo inglese, senor. Hotdog, hotdog, I love New York, God Bless America ... SMITH-ERS!!!!!

The Music Journals Weekly Update Post, w/e March 31 2013
 

Ah hoy-hoy! After the shocking peformance of that Homer Simpson last week I've decided to draft in someone who knows what he's talking about and who --- what? For the love of --- he just gave you a basket of chocolate ovoids and hopped away? But this is HIS day, Smithers! How could he? Oh very well then, get on the blower to the other fellow. You have? Excellent. When will he be arriving? What? Too busy? Out showing off to his friends? Oh well that's just typical of him, isn't it? Look at me! I've risen from the dead! I'm the greatest! Pah!

Very well then, you leave me no choice: call him hence! What? I don't know how --- I thought you did ---? Look, he's bound to be in the book isn't he? No? Under D? B? S? Oh for the love of Peter! Wait a moment! Doesn't he have one of those Facing Book pages? Yes, yes, excellent. Summon him via that method then.

Hmmm? He did, did he? Good. Yes, he knows I won't bankroll his wife's screenplay if he doesn't play ball. Look, here he comes...

BWA HA HA HA! GREETINGS, PUNY MORTALS! ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF! I AM KNOWN BY MANY NAMES: MEPHISTOPHELES. ABBADON. LUCIFER. BEEELZEBUB. BUT YOU CAN CALL ME ... THE DEVIL! TREMBLE AS I POUR SCORN UPON YOUR PATHETIC WRITINGS WITH MY MIGHTY
is he gone?

Ah, wonderful. I hate all that shouting and posturing, you know, but it's in the contract. People have given me such a bad rap over the millennia, and really, if they just gave me a chance and got to know me they'd realise I'm GOING TO GRIND YOUR BONES AND SPILL YOUR BLOOD gone again is he? Thanks for that warning.

As I was saying, my reputation unfortuantely precedes me. And all because of one comment. I mean, I merely mention to God that he could stand to lose a few pounds, not getting any younger you know, and it's all "GET THEE HENCE" and "BEHIND ME SATAN!" I don't know why he has to shout: like I told him, I'm the Devil not the Deaf-il! Yes, terrible joke I know but Hell doesn't exactly lend itself to humour, terrible place. And I HATE the heat. Not to mention that if I see one more pitchfork...

But I digress. I tried to calm him down, but he was having none of it. Said I could leave if I felt that way and, well, you know how it is: things said that can't be taken back, feelings hurt, hormones raging, burly angels manhandling you out of the Gates of Heaven --- we've all been there. Personally, I think he was just upset when he found out about my life choices, but you know, to thine own self be true, and all that. Can't change who you are.

That's why it's nice to be able to kick back once in a while. I have quite the interest in music --- they do call rock and roll the Devil's Music, after all! --- so this should be interesting. Let me just pop some brownies in the oven --- you like the apron, do you? People say it brings out the fire in my eyes, heh heh. You'll have me blushing next! Now, let's just settle into a comfy chair and let me get my favourite My Little Pony pen and we can begin.

Seems the thing to do is go alphabetically, so we start off with the Batlord, who this week concludes his amazingly funny and well-written, not to mention hugely entertaining, account of the defence of True Metal in a faraway land. This is the kind of thing, apparently, that happens in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...t-schemes.html --- great stuff! I'm a fan...

And he also has a second, not quite so wordy journal here where http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...lks-about.html --- doing a lot of Cleveland art rock and such at the moment; bands like Electric Eels, Tin Huey and Uncle Tupelo. May add some of them to my infernal ipod... ;)

So we move on to Ki, who's still "flashing back" to the music of his youth in http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...er-things.html, featuring artistes like Ashley Parker Angel and Killswitch Engage: oooh! Last one too noisy for my tastes! Still, check his writing out; it's pretty solid. :thumb:

Pedestrian takes a more artistic approach in her journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...sswalking.html, where you'll find more examples of her excellent work on "Autotune the Unicorn". Some real talent there.

And staying with P, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...ychedelia.html is the journal of PoorOldPo, who is looking at artistes as diverse as Flying Eyes and Bibio to Charles Ives. Psychedelic man!

After an absence of FOUR YEARS Brad Stengel is back with us, and he's going through his 100 top Garage/punk bands in his journal http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...rgy-sound.html. Good to have you back Brad (it says here).

Trollheart's been doing a lot of work on his various journals this week. In the main one, http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...d-journal.html he's continuing his tribute to Ireland's favourite son, Rory Gallagher, and reviewing albums by Al Stewart, Illusive Mind and The Black Atlantic, while also posting a musical tribute to the Easter RIsing of 1916. And other stuff is in there too, like the 200 Word Albums Review, Reasons to be Cheerful and more.

In http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...i-reviews.html he's got reviews of albums by The Enid, Eric Clapton and Air, while over at http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...-emporium.html he's got the second episode of Love/Hate, and more to the point he's remembered the word "cinematic" is in the title, and reviews his first movie, "Dust Devil". Ooh! Scary! About time, too. He promises more film reviews soon.

Unknown Soldier is http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...y-history.html and will be for some time, as he's only just getting through 1974 as we speak. Check his reviews of albums by UFO and Aerosmith, and watch for more soon no doubt. This man has forgotten more than you will ever know about seventies hard rock and metal!

Which leaves us with http://www.musicbanter.com/members-j...nal-stuff.html, where Urban Hatemonger is worrying about Bowie in drag. Yeah, I'm serious. Head to his journal and all will be revealed.

It's really quite amazing how you people manage to write such wonderful material. I wish I could write like that, but of course Down There you can't use pens, they melt and the paper burns. So it's nice to get a chance to SPIT ON YOUR CARCASSES AND REND YOU LIMB FROM LIMB IF YOU DON'T SHAPE UP PRETTY DAMN FAST! YOU WOULDN'T WANT ME TO COME BACK AGAIN, NOW WOULD YOU? HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! (Ciao! let's do lunch sometime!)

Ah yes, wonderful, Satan, thank you so much. In your debt as ever. What? My soul? Why I believe you already own that ... Smithers' soul? Why yes I think that could be arranged. SMITHERS! Go with the Devil. Don't argue, just do it! And as for you people, I want to see much better writing next week or by thunder you'll have me to answer to! STOP stuffing those chocolate eggs in your mouths and LISTEN to me!

They are? Why, so they are. Just like the ones that Easter Bunny left -- well, couldn't hurt I suppose. MMMFFF! My goodness, these ARE tasty! Er, that's all for this week, see you all next week.
Toodles.

Note: There is no proof to support the statement that Smithers and Satan were seen entering a well-known gay hotspot, arm-in-arm, and any talk of a job offered to Smithers has been denied by the Burns Corporation as a baseless rumour, put about by his business rivals with the express intention of driving down his share prices.