Album of the Day: Radiohead - Amnesiac
I must have listened to this when it was first released. I probably dismissed it as art jazz wank. I rather like art jazz wank now. Artists that experiment are to be applauded. It takes some balls from being a big guitar band at the time to then take a different path. It sounds cinematic and a little hollow, despite so much going on around the edges. A welcome surprise.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Postman Delivers: a black head sweatband. I look like bloody Steve Ovett. Or even Mark Knopfler on a good day.
You do the Walk of Life, etc.
Or rather the run. The reason for the sweatband is to keep my left AirPod in place whilst running. My right ear is sculptured perfectly to fit the white plastic. But the left ear can’t keep it in place.
An email dropped from a source tipping me off that The Times piece that I was interviewed for has finally been published. I spoke with the journo almost two months ago. The news agenda for legacy media is slow turning.
It’s an interesting read on the many failures of Lambeth Council, but also disappointing. It was clear from my conversation that the journo was fishing for the active travel angle. That’s a complete non-story when it comes to the wider picture. I tried to steer him on to wider financial mismanagement, specifically HfL. But he knows his audience.
I have no real gripes with the story. You can’t sell the Lambeth Project as a good news story.
He didn’t mention to me the conversation would be on the record. I always make sure that whoever I am speaking with is aware of where we stand.
The quote he has pulled from me is fine. I quite like that. But it does confirm my suspicion when dealing with big media orgs. I prefer to avoid it.
I gave the Weller album a second spin. I have to confess *cough* slight disappointment. I read The Graun review. It suggested that’s it’s an understated but eventually a rewarding listen. I’ll persist.
I was free at lunchtime for another big old run. I didn’t fancy another half marathon, and so settled on the ten mile route instead.
There was freshly cut wet grass along the back of the University. I tried not to obsess and look down at what it was doing to my OCD box fresh running shoes.
I reached the Hythe and cut through The Moors. I gave Pam a wave and a smile as I passed her mural.
EVERY time.
Castle Park was empty in the lunchtime half term rain. The only action appeared to be from the Council gardeners and some bored tourists. It was most refreshing in the drizzle.
The last two ducklings from a local brood looked almost ready to leave Mama behind. We’ve been following their progress for a few weeks now as they become more confident in their surrounds.
I reached East Hill crossing for the return leg. I could see the train crossing barrier close in the distance.
Arse.
I didn’t fancy looking like a right twat running on the spot, waiting for a clear passage. Thankfully it was only a single train passing through. The gates opened once I reached them.
Not a bad run, albeit a minute or so down on where I want to be for ten miles.
I played the Chicago Transit Authority CD late afternoon. It’s absolutely BONKERS with all the brass going off. Gawd knows how Chicago regressed to become AOR sludge.
A decent track bike appeared in my daily ebay emails - collection from Herne Hill, natch. I’m tempted. VERY tempted. But I’m not around much at Le Velo right now. This might all change…