DiggsUK

I love the live version of that, on the double album with the glove on the front (name escapes me). Must buy a new record deck, as I haven't had a working one for about 10 years and haven't listened to any of my albums since. Looking forward to listening to Berlin also. Regards

Before we get into this one again MT, what I meant was that God's representative on earth said it was ok to go. As he was supposed to have had a private line to the big man, the Christians of the day naturally accepted him at his word. I was demonstrating a difference between that series of conflicts and the present one. I don't recall his Papalness giving express consent to Mr Bush - but feel free to correct me if he did. Regards

Gisela, the story had a happy ending. He survived the war, came back, married her and they lived happily ever after. Apparently he was a bit of a hero in that part of Eire for what he did. I lived in Germany myself as a kid. I lived on the base at Gutersloh for 6 years from 1968 to 1974. My kid sister was born in the military hospital over there, and apparently has the option of dual citizenship should she want it. My Mum speaks fluent German, and does a bit of translation on the side. I myself speak 'kleiner Deutch', but I have big problems writing or reading it. Shame, as I had a good start but insufficient foresight to learn more as a teenager. Regards

CD, you are quite right to bring up the Crusades, after all this was another example of western Christians having a 'willy nilly' go at Muslims, albeit nearly 1000 years ago. There are some fundamental differences though: The Crusades were undertaken by multi-national forces, with no lead from a major power. The Crusades were ok by God, as the participants had to get the blessing of the Pope beforehand. The Crusaders were in the main upper class idiots out on an adventure, together with servants and a few paid troops. Oh, and the earth was flat, women were burned alive for 'witchcraft' and common folk (ie the population of Europe) didn't know what was going on. To call yourself 'civilised' suggests an ability to learn from the mistakes of others. Regards

Gee-zel-er, but I was only little. BTW, given the German name and the Irish nationality, were you by chance the result of a union between a German sailor and an Irish lady? I only ask because I have a friend from the West coast who is a quarter German. Apparently his Gran was given the pink torpedo by a visitor to those shores during WWII. The gentleman used to alternate between torpedoing the convoys and the Irish ladies by all accounts. Regards

Funnily enough, my first crush was on a girl called Gisela. She was my German babysitter. Regards

Hi Ali, One of my all time fav. albums is Lou Reed's 'Rock & Roll Animal', recorded in 1966 (I think from memory). Give it a spin and I am sure you will see why, despite the arty-fartyness and smack, this band were so important. Compare this to what the Beatles for example were doing in 1966. Regards

I read about Leo Strauss recently, and a lot of what he said seems to be at play here. The need for a 'common enemy' to unite the US population is something the Neo-Conservatives are very good at playing up, irrespective of the facts. Regards

I agree it is a top film. Steve Coogan rarely does anything wrong, for me. I disagree with XXX about the music however. It is about the Manc music scene primarily, which was a dance one as opposed to a 'new romantic' thing. The clothing was sports-casual and catalogue primarily, not a great deal of make-up and no 'Hammer' pants if I recall. The film tracks a progression in music from Joy Division, Magazine and the Buzzcocks, through to New Order, Stone Roses and the Happy Mondays, through the eyes of the great (but flawed)impresario Mr Tony Wilson. My wife used to go to the Hacienda, but to my regret I never did. Silly really as it was only 40mins by train. Top film. Regards

I think she is a honey, in a plastic/denim kind of way. We get the odd single over here, and from my very limited perspective of 'country' music, she strikes me as a female Garth Brooks. To me a real female country singer is somebody like Tammy Wynette, who has maximum credibility due to her mixing with the KLF. What do I know.... Regards

It is 'Buffalo Gals' by Malc Mc, I think. There was a perculiar song about skipping out around the same time too, something to do with 'double-dutch' if I recall. Regards

Anything by Atomic Rooster? Regards

The 'party animal' to which you refer is the Cane Toad I think, JR. Judging by the free-style of your last post, I guess you have been down the pond already today! Regards

I'd agree with that, Gisela. For another try Tim Buckley - 'Sweet Surrender' of the 'Greetings from LA' album. It will burn into your soul! Regards

'Sour Times' is my fav. Regards

You would think we four had nothing better to do. Regards

If you are thinking about a 'rain' CD, you could do a lot worse than include 'Tinsletown in the Rain' by The Blue Nile IMO. Regards

Off topic so I apologise, but there was a debate on the radio today about the US election. A phone poll was held on who British people would vote for if they had the chance (on the premis that the result will affect us too, so why shouldn't we have a say?). The result was 6 to 1 in favour of Kerry. Carry on. Regards

Well you only have yourself to blame TP, as you did ask! I would back away very quickly indeed if I came across a slapping huddle such as this too. Oh, I meant bumping foreheads by the way. Your mental picture must have been a lot more disturbing than mine, and I apologise for contributing to your thought. Regards

Hey TP, I'm not saying I know anybody who has done it you understand. Personally I cannot understand how somebody could hit the biscuit without bumping heads with the person opposite! Regards

'Subtle sleaze' TP? I'm offended (almost)! Apparently the game of 'soggy biscuit' is played in English public (fee-paying) schools by future leaders of the country. Without getting into too much detail, the contestants form a circle around a digestive, drop their pants and glomp like there is no tomorrow, with the looser the last to finish. The looser gets to eat the soggy snack. I hope this clarifies matters. Enjoy your tea. Regards

I'm starting to like a bit of 'proper' soul, jazz and R&B, so I may well give it a whirl. Thanks TP. Regards

I dunno what you have been doing recently CD, but you have gone from the bad boy of Songfacts to the most popular poster here. Did I miss the free BJ? Regards

Let me see, in no particular order: Led Zep (up to IV) Deep Purple (with Ian Gillan) Black Sabbath (with the Prince of Darkness) Oasis (despite the Manc prat at the front) The Stooges Rolling Stones (up to mid 70s) The Faces/Small Faces (despite dodgy hippy bits) Rush (up to and inc. Moving Pictures) The Jam Free Lots more besides, but these were the originators of something special. I could add bands like Joy Division, New York Dolls, The Clash, Bowie/Ronson, Charlatans, The Smiths, Velvet Underground and many others but I can only choose 10. Regards

Yes, probably. I do think elevating John Lennon to god-status is a bit much though. If he hadn't died, would he be so revered? His 'working class hero' ethics would probably look a bit hypocritical by now, given his wealth. There is an exhibition of his drawings in London at the moment, and he is being hailed as a great artist in this context also. I saw some of these on the telly, and they looked just like my doodles. Can't knock his ability to write a song though. Regards