Where have I been?

You don't hear from me for a whole month and then I turn up with fifty-something fave albums of 2014 ... where have I been?

I work in projects and on the last weekend in November we implemented a new system. The implementation went well (I was on call that weekend) but once the system was in place we experienced a number of issues that really affected performance. I've been working, as part of a team, to rectify this situation.

In addition to my day job ... I've been out and about as a photographer:



I was privileged to photograph the Salvation Army in the West of Scotland's Annual Carol Service at the City Halls in Glasgow (link) ...



... the dedication of Nathan Laird at Airdrie Salvation Army (link) ...



... and Airdrie Salvation Army's Annual Carol Service at the Town Hall in Airdrie (link).

I also released some new music on my netlabel: weareallghosts ...



"Curious Warnings (waag_rel060)" by Kevin Lyons (link) ...



"Tales of Space Exploration 25 - 34 (waag_rel061)" by Brother Saturn (link) ...



... and four instalments in a series celebrating an 'ambient Advent' from Simon Slator.







(link) + (link) + (link) + (link)



I also released a podcast - a guest mix by Michael Gaida - over on circumambient.

Circumambient 027 (Guest Mix by Michael Gaida) by Headphonaught on Mixcloud

So yeah ... it's been a very busy period for me. I haven't had the time to write and, to be honest, I haven't had the desire. I lost the 'want' ... and that really hurt.



I was able to celebrate Christmas with my work colleagues (most of my 'gang' are pictured above) and was able to see the third instalment of THE HOBBIT with my family ... all of which counts.

Anyway ... I hope normal service can be resumed. Thanks for sticking with me.

Tx

Photos from the Centenary Celebration for Airdrie Salvation Army's Brass Band

I was privileged to be asked to take photos at the Centenary Celebration for Airdrie Salvation Army's Brass Band, especially the Official band photo (above) with all the past and present members who performed later in the evening.

It was a great night and I was pleased with the shots I was able to get with my Canon 70d. I'm really loving the camera and hope to be able to do more with it in the days and months to come.



The remainder of my photos are over on Flickr > LINK

Please take a look and let me know what you think.

Tx

Pippin ... gone but not forgotten

Pippin, my loving Cairn Terrier, died on the morning of Wednesday, 5th September; she was only 10. She died in Olly's arms after midnight as we tried in vain to get her to the emergency Vet in Charing Cross, Glasgow; She was diabetic and we believe she died as a result of her long-term illness, an illness we were regimented against and did everything in our power to fight. As such, her passing came as a great shock and has hit our family hard.

One thing we've been able to take comfort in (other than our friends as the REM song goes) is the photos we have of her. I want to share some photos of her, including the last photo of her to be published (directly below).

Cherish your loved ones. We really don't know how long we have with them. Make sure they know they are loved and don't take them for granted. And take lots of photos ... lots and lots and lots!

Tx

What I listened to ... May 2014

The big discovery in May was The Tolkien Ensemble with their 'authorised' renditions of the songs contained with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. For a Tolkien geek like me, this was Christmas.

One thing to note:
No Cousin Silas ... why? because I've been listening exclusively to the pre-mastered tracks from 'The Sound of Silas' via Quicktime on my laptop. I cannot wait to share this album with you.

I also have been doing a lot of 'offline' listening while at home: bands like Sigur Ros, Tiny Leaves, Zenjungle, Snoqualmie Falls, Snowbird, Radiohead, Yes, Rustie, Jon Anderson, and Brian Eno ... have been consumed offline either on LP or CD.

- Tx

1,000,000 photo views on Flickr

Just after 12pm today my photos received 1,000,000 views on Flickr.

Wow ... simply wow!

Thank you all for viewing my photographs and following my growth as a photographer.

Tx

https://www.flickr.com/photos/headphonaught

Some photos from my recent Easter break

Last week I was off with my family for our Easter break. The weather was kind to us ... so we managed to get out and about.

I've posted a whole heap of photos over on Flickr > https://www.flickr.com/photos/headphonaught/ < and I thought I'd share a few on here in no particular order.

Tx


































https://www.flickr.com/photos/headphonaught/

Record Hunting in Edinburgh ... part 1

On Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting up one of my longest running friends - Robert Dailey. Olly and the we’ans were in town for something church-related, so I tagged along so I could see my old friend.

The plan of attack was simple: meet up, grab a cuppa & exchange belated Christmas gifts then go record / CD hunting.

It was at the first hurdle that I realise I had left Robert’s present in Motherwell ... so after apologising profusely I was given a suspiciously record-shaped present, which turned out to be “Mezzanine” by Massive Attack on heavy vinyl. I was delighted. Massive Attack are one of my fave bands and “Mezzanine” is an extraordinary musical journey ... “Teardrop” alone is worth the money.

We caught up over tea in the Starbucks on the Royal Mile or should I say one of the Starbucks on the Royal Mile. This was the less-busy one, I knew this because I could get a seat and the Tartan-clad tourists we conspicuously absent.



We then headed near-enough next door to Unknown Pleasures, a shop stocked with a well curated selection of second-hand vinyl & CDs as well as some tees and DVDs.



The vinyl selection was strong: big sections of soul, jazz, dance,and indie were apparent along with a varied selection of 7". The section i was interested in - the progressive / psychedelic / classic rock. This was full of individual sections for Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Yes and others. I found a number of albums that interested me but settled on “Abraxas” by Santana & “Albedo 0.39” by Vangelis. Both covers were in prime condition and the Santana vinyl was pristine upon examination. The Vangelis vinyl, in the other hand, needed a good clean upon my return to Motherwell but now looks / plays well.



From the Royal Mile we took a leisurely walk towards the Playhouse. Just beyond the Playhouse is the second stop on our hunt - Vinyl Villains.



Vinyl Villains is an institution in Edinburgh. I don't know how long it has been on-the-go but i’m convinced my peers spoke of it when I lived in Livingston 20 years ago. It is a small shop and seriously punches above its weight. One side is stocked with new and second-hand vinyl with the other side stocked with CDs and merchandise.



I don't know about you but when I’m on the hunt, I always check the reduced section. I am so glad I did while in Vinyl Villains - I picked up: “Hegerst Ridge” by Mike Oldfield & “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” by Rick Wakeman - both albums were on my wanted list and the Oldfield had nearly been purchased earlier in the day for twice the price. I then found “Olias of Sunhillow” by Jon Anderson in the main section and my hunt was complete.


^ “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” by Rick Wakeman ^

^ “Olias of Sunhillow” by Jon Anderson ^

All three albums were in very good condition - both covers & vinyl. I was particularly enamoured by the covers for “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and “Olias of Sunhillow” - they are fascinating pieces of product design ... with “Journey...” having a booklet attached inside the gatefold sleeve and “Olias...” having a triple gatefold sleeve. Both albums have exceptional artwork in their own way and I'm delighted to have them in my collection.



From Vinyl Villains we then headed to Fopp on Rose Street. We were in need of sustenance and Fopp is near the main eateries. I love Fopp, it's my fave chain. It is a faux-indie that celebrates music in all it's forms, a faux-indie that has embraced vinyl and has a rather enticing selection of new LPs. It also has some fab tees (see below). Whilst I was seriously tempted with “Moon Safari” by Air for £10 or the "Pet Sounds" tee for £15, I was only window-shopping. I had set a budget and had kept it - 5 LPs for £15 was pretty good going, if you ask me?!



I thorough enjoyed the trip and thank Robert for his hospitality. I will be back: Edinburgh has more to offer in the form of VoxBox and Oxfam Music, both in the Stockbridge area ... and the shops I visited today deserve more of my time (and money) too.

Tx