2014 That Was The Year That Was

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

Lists etc.

There's a trend over on Facebook for putting up lists of favourite movies, albums etc. so in the interests of posterity I am reposting the 'best albums' one here. Cheers!

A mate asked me the question, what are my favourite albums and why so here we go..

1. Sticky Fingers - Rolling Stones. A far more concise, tough and solid album than 'Exile' which always gets the attention. It's full of great riffs and in 'Sway' has the best guitar solo of any Stones tune.

2. Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne. If I could write just one song one tenth as good as this collection, I'd die a happy man.

3. Fire & Water - Free. The best album by my favourite (british) guitarist. Only 7 tracks long and each one is a blinder. Side one opens with the title track, side two opens with 'Mr Big' and the whole thing ends on 'All Right Now'. Top stuff.
4. Tunnel of Love - Bruce Springsteen. A hugely underrated album by the Boss and one I keep coming back to. 'Cautious Man' is probably my favourite song of his entire catalogue.
5. Southern Harmony & Musical Companion - Black Crowes. Best guitar sounds of any album ever. If you're a sad '70s rock head, you'll love it.
6. Boomers Story - Ry Cooder. It's hard to pick a single Ry Cooder album but at gun point I'd choose this one. Although even as I type this I'm thinking of changing it to 'Paradise & Lunch'.
7. Freewheelin' - Bob Dylan. I learnt every track of this album. 'Girl From the North Country', 'Hard Rains Gonna Fall', 'Don't Think Twice It's All Right' etc. I was tempted to choose 'Blood on the Tracks' but I think this one just shaves it because its influence on me as a young man.
8. Rain Dogs - Tom Waits. The great starting point for anyone wanting to get in to the crazy world of Waits. It's one of those rare albums that gets better with every listen. It's worth the price of admission for 'Time' alone.
9. The Bends - Radiohead. A nostalgic choice for the memories it conjures up when ever I listen to it. Undoubtedly Radioheads most melodic album.
10. Hideaway - Freddie King. The most influential guitarist on me. My uncle Rob sent me this on cassette when I first started learning the guitar. I listened to it until my walkman chewed it up. I have subsequently purchased several more copies on different formats. I know it's a compilation but I don't care. It's bloody brilliant.

So there you have it. This list is only the tip of a huge iceberg and is subject to change at any time depending on my mood. Feel free to criticise, question or otherwise stick your oar in.
x

The Best Laid Schemes o' Mice an' Musos

I was recently involved in an experience that many musicians will relate to. I was asked to be involved in a gig that was being put on for a friends birthday. The date was a long way off and we only had to play for half an hour or so. Ok so far. The line up was to be various friends of varying ability. I agreed on the understanding that I am busy with my own bands so wouldn't be able to rehearse much. This was accepted, I put the date in my diary and thought no more about it.

Over the next few weeks, I bumped in to various members of this 'band' and it became apparent that not everyone was on the same page. Some were super eager, while others were.....less so. I shrugged and ordered more beer (there are few things in life that can't be made better by ordering more beer).

Anyway, last weekend it was decided to cancel the whole thing. We all got a text (well I did anyway) saying that it was not working out and it was best if we knocked it on the head. This made me smile a little as it's certainly not the first time this has happened to me and I'm sure it won't be the last. My musical history is littered with stillborn projects and forgotten ideas. What seems great on Friday at 11pm, soon becomes a bit of a pain when you can't be arsed to rehearse on a Tuesday night. The obscure tribute act that everyone wants to be part of is destined to get a name but no more than that.

What it boils down to is the fact that musicians are terrors for being lazy, egotistical, stubborn and (most importantly) easily distracted. We are constantly talking a good fight and then having our head turned by another offer. It's not our fault. We are artists (except drummers) and we have brains that don't like to stay still. I'm sure there is some science to it but I'm a musician, not a scientist so I shall leave that one for someone else.

Suffice to say I'm sorry to everyone I ever included in any of my half-baked musical ideas and I hope that you don't hold it against me. Maybe we could get together and have a jam? Not next week though as I'm quite busy....how about Tuesday week?.....I'll give you a shout....soon....

Ok Is Still Great

I'm writing this on a Monday night. Monday is a strange day for musicians. No one really plays gigs on a Monday so it's kind of like a 'Sunday' for performers. The problem is it gives you a chance to contemplate what has been and what will be. To think about the gigs you've played recently and the ones you have coming up. A chance to build up (in your mind) things that need not be built up.

I was recently speaking to a much younger musician who was saying how much they were looking forward to their up coming gig. I realised I wasn't looking forward to mine at all. It made me sad, guilty and surprised all at the same time. When did I stop enjoying gigging?!?!

The answer is that I haven't stopped enjoying it. I still love playing music with my friends. It is one of life's great pleasures. The problem is that it is no longer an occasional thing. It happens all the time. Therefore it's understandable that the novelty wears off. You can't expect to feel that buzz forever. It's sad that the post-gig downer is still very much present but I guess you can't avoid that if you go from a large crowd of people to no one in the space of an hour or so.

It makes me think that I must do more to reignite my excitement. What can make the ordinary extraordinary again?

I was speaking about this problem to a friend the other day. He pointed out that not many people can go out on a saturday night to a pub, have a few beers, be the centre of attention all evening and then get paid for it. I should stop looking a gift-horse in the mouth and be grateful for what I have.
He is absolutely right. I have nothing to complain about. Once again I have let my wandering brain take me to a place I have no right to be.

This famous quote sums it up perfectly.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

So if anyone sees me at a gig, looking like I'd rather be somewhere else. Feel free to remind me of how lucky I am. I do need to be reminded from time to time.

x

A Few Words About My Dad

As it's 'Fathers Day' today I thought it would be fun to have a little reminisce about my dad who passed away back in 2005. No depressing stuff, just a few choice memories about one of my best friends.

Brian Cookman was a lanky bugger (which explains where I get it from) who liked hats. He had a lot of hats. In fact we had drawers and shelves full of hats at home. This fact is of no importance or relevance but it makes me chuckle. If you 'google' my old man, you will find pics of him in a variety of head gear.

Brian Cookman played the guitar and harmonica. I play the former but have never mastered the latter. I was always jealous of my dads ability with the harp-on-a-rack thing. He could play the face-piano in various positions (seated, standing etc.) which never made sense to me. I always thought 1st position was something to do with ballet but it's also a harmonica technique apparently. He was a left handed gent who learnt the guitar right handed. His explanation was that it was almost impossible to find a left handed guitar in Pinner in the early sixties. I like that attitude. "Oh well. I can't be bothered to restring it so I'll just learn it backwards".

One of his most common remarks (after all the usual stuff aimed at me, my siblings and my long suffering mum) was "Oh England!" This was groaned out and usually followed by him placing his head in his hands. Every time we batted badly, bowled badly, got knocked out of a world cup etc. he would start shouting about how they get paid for this and if I was crap at my job I would be fired so how come they get paid to be useless?!?!?
His logic seemed sound enough.

His long term influence over his family and friends is immeasurable. This is my happiest feeling about my dad. Whether it's the records I listen to, the books my brother reads, the attitude my younger sister has or the parenting skills my older sister employs, they all have a recognisable touch of 'Dad' in them. Many of my best friends who I see all the time started out as friends of my mum & dad. Likewise, many of my social group from my youth ended up being friends with them. Even after all this time, a week won't pass when I don't hear someone say a kind word about Brian. How cool is that?

I could go on and talk about his musical influence on me. Our various road trips to crap gigs in folk-clubs and beer festivals. How we shared a love of silly films. His readiness to wax poetic about sunlight streaming through a pint of bitter. His Tai Chi obsession. His use of made up swear words. If I did, we'd be here all day and I have things to do so we shall leave it there.

He also told a lot of really bad jokes that made lots of people laugh.

Show off.

xx

Personal Best of 2012

As the year draws to a close, peoples thoughts tend to drift over the previous twelve months and assess the highs and lows. As this is my blog and I can write what I want, I thought I'd put together a little list of my personal moments of the year. Feel free to disagree or remind me of things I may have forgotten. I am not the most memory-savvy guy around.

 - Gigs, gigs and more gigs.

I know this is a bit of a cheat but if I separated all of the gigs I have been to this year, they'd take up the whole bloody list. Over the last year I've seen Dawes at Dingwalls, The Boss, John Fogerty etc. at Hyde Park, Gary Clark Jr. in Shoreditch, Rival Sons at The Electric Ballroom and The North Mississippi Allstars at The Borderline. There were others but you get the idea. I didn't see a single duff gig all year. My eyes and ears were opened to some great talent and most importantly it made me realise that I must always be trying to raise my game. As a musician this is vital. If you stop being inspired, you might as well give up. There is so much great live music out there so there should never be any excuses. Look, Listen and Learn as they say.

 - The Cricket

Anyone who knows me will know that I do get a bit obsessed by watching the game and this year was no different. England had a very topsy turvy year and Kent didn't do the business so it wasn't a vintage year. We lost the top ranking to South Africa and then went on to beat India in their own back yard. Go figure. The highlight for me though, was going to see England play S.A. at the Oval. My sister got me tickets for christmas last year and it was an inspired gift. I had a lovely day, Cook scored a ton and the sun even came out. To top it all off, I got followed on Twitter by 'the beer snake'. Result!

 - Great albums

It was a good year for Milos ears, this year. The new Rival Sons album was a belter, as was the latest Justin Townes Earl, Ryan Bingham, Howlin' Rain, Tedeschi Trucks, Black Keys and Tom Waits. One of the great things about the internet is the choice it gives you and the access to such a broad spectrum of music. I wouldn't have been aware of half the stuff I now listen to on a daily basis if it weren't for the web. I just wish that there was more time in the day to listen to it all.

 - Family and Friends

When it comes down to it, this is the most important. I'm a lucky bugger to have such good mates and to be part of such a talented family. It never ceases to amaze me that I haven't pissed them all off by now. I really must try harder to be a better human being.
In the last week or so I have managed to spend a great deal of time with my loved ones and it has been an absolute treat. Friends have returned from far flung places and we managed to get the family all in one room which is a rare thing indeed.
The family have outdone themselves again. One of my sisters has been off singing professionally  around the world while the other one has played some very high profile gigs and can even be seen on the BBC over christmas. My brother released his second album and I had the privilege of playing at his launch party in Manchester while my mother continues to write bestselling books at an alarming rate. My pride in their achievements can never be overstated.
As for my friends, they know who they are and what they've done. I only hope they know how much they mean to me.

So that is it for 2012. Lets see what the new year has in store. As Tennessee Williams wrote:

The future is called "perhaps," which is the only possible thing to call the future.  And the only important thing is not to allow that to scare you.  

Cheers!

Did you ever have one of those nights?

I know that I've covered a lot of this ground before and lots of other people have too. It's nothing new to have a spectacularly bad gig but when it happens, it always takes you by surprise. You can't prepare for it and the psychological fall-out is bloody huge....for about five minutes.

Last night we played a town about 30 miles away from where I live. It's a very different place to the town I live in. Where I live, not a great deal happens (in an arty way) and everyone desperately tries to be as laid back as possible. (you should see the london types wearing massively expensive 'sruffy' gear) The place we played last night was not like this.

On the way to the gig, we discussed the strange feeling known as 'The Nameless Dreads'. That odd feeling of apprehension that you get despite not having anything to worry about. A feeling of blameless anxiety and worry. Most people suffer from it at some point, don't they? I often end up worrying about the fact that I have nothing to worry about. Second guessing your conscience is never bright.

Anyway, we arrived at the pub and got shown to where we would be playing. We've played the pub before but only as a duo and never in the same position twice. Each time, we have been put somewhere else and this time was no exception. We were placed 'down the end' in what felt like a shoe-box. A tight space with walls both sides and a low ceiling. I don't want to get technical but that is not an acoustically promising space.

Kellys Heroes are a loud band. I wish we weren't but we are. We have tried to calm it down but it never works. We all plead innocence and say, "It's not me!" but we all secretly know that it's all of us. The drummer hits the drums like he's playing 'whack-a-mole', the bassist has so much low-end that we all need surgery on our knees, the guitarists genuinely believe that they're playing Wembley and the singer shouts and screams like a man possessed. All in all, a noisy bunch of bastards.

I could write a whole book on the inner workings of band volume but I can't be arsed. Every gigging muso knows what I mean and every one of them is guilty of the same crimes.

So we set up, all agree it's far too loud and then retire to the bar. One of our number has to 'work' the room as about five ex-girlfriends have turned up (mostly with new blokes) and the rest of us slink off to the garden. We sit and discuss how loud it is, how bad it sounds and how it'll deafen everyone. We still do nothing about it but it's always good to talk about these things.

None of this is helping my feeling of unease.

We start playing to about ten or twelve people and after the first few songs we get the sort of applause that you usually hear at a village cricket match. All rock & roll so far. About six songs in and people start to show up. As soon as this happens, the band play louder. God knows why but it always happens. We finish the first set, hide in the garden and throw beer down our necks. So far so normal.

By the time we come back inside to start the second set, the place has filled up. It's busy with all sorts of different groups. Great, at least some of these people have to like us. We start the set and immediately my heart sinks. Right in front of us is a group of 'ladies' on a girly night. Oh joy!

A lady with big bones and even bigger tattoos decides she's my best mate. She repeatedly shows off her pole dancing skills to my mic stand. She drags various friends to the front and then flings them about but most of all, she stares. For whole songs she stands right in front of me and just stares. Basically what this means is that no one else can see anything of me except the top of my head. This gets me annoyed.

You can't tell a woman to f*ck-off over a microphone. You can do it to a man but for some reason you can't do it to a woman and if ever there was a time I wanted to, it was now. The nameless dreads had turned in to full blown anger. I was in a proper diva huff. Nothing was going to change my mood and all I wanted to do was go home. If nothing else than to give my ears a rest from the immense racket.

My mood was not helped by the guitarist introducing me as gay, before accidentally dropping a stage light on my head. It never rains........

Normally these things in isolation wouldn't annoy me but for some reason, it was one of those nights. A night that you wish had never happened. A night that made me think I need to change professions. A night that made me want to quit bands for good and take up darts. A night that for no good reason, sucked.

And then I realised I was being a twat. Bloody musicians. Everyone has bad days. Stop being such a drama queen and get over yourself. Chalk it up to experience and move on to the next gig.

It's all part of being a gigging musician and we all go through it. I'm sure the audience had a whale of a time and that is all that matters, I guess. If it were not for this blog, my memories of this gig would fade quickly and be replaced by ones of great gigs yet to come.

Having said that, if that woman with the tattoos turns up at the next gig........