A fine balancing act

Recently a friend asked if I was conservative when it came to politics. I denied this but it made me think. I think some people just want change for the sake of change and so that people will view them as progressive. I think this is a dangerous mindset because good politics is a fine balancing act between conserving what works well and reforming for the general benefit of all. This takes discernment and wisdom, qualities which is greatly desired in our present day politicians. We only have to look to the foolishness of Glasgow city council in the 1960’s when they pulled down many beautiful Victorian buildings and erected blocks of concrete in their place. This was all done in the name of progress. Thankfully there remains many building of impressive architecture in Glasgow but still significant damage was done by these politician who wanted to be hailed as visionaries and men of reform. Ego can often blind people and the politicians who could not see the value of conserving Glasgow’s beautiful architecture must indeed have been blind.

Ceremonials by Florence And The Machine

Ceremonials is Florence And The Machine's much anticipated second album. The follow up to her hugely successful debut album, Lungs, was always going to be a difficult task. Ceremonials is much in the same vein as Lungs: similiar sound and layers of instruments, and of course Florence Welch's powerful voice. But, although Ceremonials is a decent album and will please many Florence and the Machine fans, it does not quite hit the same heights as Lungs. There are a couple of great tracks, most notably the haunting ballad 'What The Water Gave Me', and 'Lover To Lover', a catchy number which allows Florence to show off her impressive vocal range and power. There is also 'No Light, No Light', full of emotion and energy, which strikes a tasty chord. The follow up to a successful debut album is judged to be something of a poisoned chalice but there are enough good songs on Ceremonials to keep Florence's mojo alive and well. An atmospheric, aspiring, bold album with some notable highlights. 7/10

Philharmonics by Agnes Obel

Agnes Obel, the Danish born, Berlin based singer/songwriter, is a quiet force of nature. A first listening of her debut album, Philharmonics, did not overwhelm me with bigs sounds and attitude. However, over the course of a few spins in my cd player I was gently won over by Obel's whimiscal, well crafted songs, warm vocals, and the bewitching rhythm's of her piano playing. All music is a expression of something human, but many pop acts are restricted by their lack of talent, their lack of vision and the big money of bland corporate shallowness. Stand up Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. But in Philharmonics there is a strong sense of freedom and integrity, of a young woman more focused on adventure and self-expression through her music. Agnes Oble is not alone in that sense, and the same accolade can be laid at the feet of many other modern alternative acts, like Fleet Foxes, PJ Harvey and Bat For Lashes, to cite some examples. It is ironic then that for a few years Obel struggled to get a recording contract until her breakthrough came when one of her songs was the soundtrack to a corporate ad on television. This got her the notice she deserved and her debut album became a reality. Philharmonics was recorded over three years but there is no sense of disjointment and the songs flow really well together. Obel produced the album as well, giving her more creative control, and maybe this is the reason that instruments are used sparingly and to very good effect. There is a sense of intimacy throughout the album that I found very comforting and appealing. I liked her lyrics without really undestanding them. They are enigmatic and tinged with melancholy, with strong images of nature. Philharmonics is a curious delight and a very promising debut. Standout tracks: Riverside, Brother Sparrow, Avenue, and Close Watch.

8/10

Condescending Cameron

I was watching breakfast television through bleary eyes this morning at the ungodly hour of 7.30AM and I listened with growing annoynace to David Cameron telling us that 2012 would a tough year in terms of the economy. Thanks David, for telling us something that is already painfully obvious and something that you personally will not experience, despite the fact that 'we are all in this together'. But don't worry, he assured, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics will help cheer us up and get us Brits through this difficult time of recession. I find this very patronising. We don't care about priviliged people spending tax payers money. What we want Mr Cameron is a stable economy, an end to small to medium businesses becoming insolvent, an end to corruption, more jobs and a better deal on pay and pensions. This is further evidence that David Cameron and the Conservative elite are totally out of touch with the ordinary working class man and woman. I am going back to bed. Maybe when I wake up this nightmare will be over.