As I lay here in bed with the best part of two weeks worth of washing surrounding my bed, I decided in the spirit of procrastination to write a year in review instead. This might seem a little extreme when you think that it'd take about five minutes to gather up some clothes and chuck them in the washing machine but that would require moving and I am an extremely lazy man.
So... what has happened in 2014? I'll tell you one thing that has and that's the use of the word 'So'. Some of my chums have become SO addicted to using it to start sentences that my inner grammar-gerbil has fallen off his wheel and is now spasming on the floor of his cage. I'm not sure where this vocal tic has come from (although I have my suspicions) but I wish it would bloody go away again. It's up there with Australian cricketers starting every statement with the word 'Look'.
Ok, the rant is out of the way now. What else..?
As far as books and films and music is concerned it has been a mixed bag. I watched a lot of films but didn't enjoy a great deal of them. I read only a few books but didn't really get inspired by them. On the other hand I listened to a great deal of music and was genuinely inspired. I didn't go to as much live music as I would have liked (that is the curse of the gigging musician) but what I did see was of top quality. As a lifelong Fabulous Thunderbirds fan, seeing Jimmy Vaughan was a dream come true and he didn't disappoint. Both Ryan Adams and Robert Plant at the Roundhouse were excellent.
As for recorded music I discovered several new bands, a few old ones and rediscovered many that I had forgotten about. Hooray for the joy to be had in music.
On a personal musical level, it was another good year for the band. Regular gigs, new venues and plenty of new friends has made our job as musicians that much easier. It's always a delight to be greeted with warmth on the return to a venue. Us musicians are an insecure lot and things like that make all the difference.
I've also been writing a lot this year and have several things in the pipeline. If I can get my arse in gear, expect some exciting news in 2015. That said I can't even be arsed to do my washing at the moment so don't hold your breath.
Looking back on 2014 I can't in all honesty say it was a great year for me. I had some horrible ups and downs. I was shunted from pillar to post by the doctors and have just been informed I must go through the process again. My diary is as full of NHS appointments as it is gigs at the moment. One of the many joys of getting old I suppose.
On the other hand I met some truly lovely people and did some truly lovely things. Beer festivals, cricket matches, weddings, barbecues on the beach etc. Most of these were limited to summer but isn't that always the way?
One should never underestimate the great qualities of sunshine and friends.
One last thing before I go and finally put the washing on and do the vacuuming and the washing up and the dusting etc. and that is to raise a glass to my wonderful family who keep getting better and better. The sheer amount of talent in my Mum and my siblings is astonishing. I only wish my old man were still around to see it.
So (gah!!!) take care in 2015. A little more love and a lot less hate. Whatever happens, try and be one of the good guys.
Miles x
