Bongo Mangos or something like that

I described them as this for a week before we actually went to the Dirty South last Friday (sorry, slacking on the write up this week).

They are actually called Los Mondo Bongos and consisted of Mike Peters (the Alarm), Pablo Cook & Smiley (Mescaleros) / Derek Forbes (Simple Minds) and Steve Harris (Gary Numan). They were quite entertaining for Friday night down the pub and I liked the pub itself and was ashamed I had not managed to make it there sooner. I should start a new campaign to drink local - maybe I need some help from the Man from Catford on this.

The support band were the recommended Penny Black Remedy. I thought they were interesting and the cowboy style boy and the gypsy style girl made an interesting mix. My only complaint is that there set wasn't long enough.

All in all a good night. I thought I had pulled at the end of it, but that's a different story...

Kiss my buttocks

A bit rude I know, but this was the catchphrase for Buttocks - one of the characters in the alternative panto in Brighton - Sinderfella.

I went to see it on Friday and really enjoyed it. Especially Sinderfella on a mobility scooter - you shall go to the ball - and Dave Lyn as Amy Winehouse.

It sells out every year and deservedly so. Although its all over until next year there are still the monthly absolutely dragulous performances to look forward too.

They are bunch of very clever boys - oh yes they are.

Magic numbers hoedown

Saturday night saw me at the Conway Hall, a venue I have never been to before but ideally suited to the charms of Betsey's Winterlude. Run by the Betsey Trotwood pub it was a folk based affair which seemed to consist of the magic numbers (who played their first ever gig at the pub) and all their mates (namely Danny and the Champions of the world - who at one count had 15 people in their band).

We missed the first couple of acts but I enjoyed the Moon Music Orchestra, despite the fact that the lead singer accessorised her dungarees with a cap which cast an unfortunate shadow on her face - it gave the impression that she had no teeth. A proper hillbilly.

I also thought the See See were very professional, not so much my cup of tea though, or fitting in as much with the theme of the day.

Danny and the Champions of the world arguably have the best band name in music, and they seemed to take their music very seriously. I liked them, but they had the magic numbers chap on stage to and all seemed content to play facing each other, and looking like they were enjoying themselves much more than we were. Good on them.

Milk of magnificence

Last night I went to see the marvellous milk. What a fantastic actor Sean Penn is. My friend asked afterwards if he really was gay. Maybe Madonna turned him but as far as I know he is as straight as a die.

The acting was truly great and the characters sensitively portrayed with all their flaws. I cried a bit at the end and didn't fidget too much (it was quite a long film). I would recommend going to see it and its definitely worth some Oscar mentions.

It's just a shame his life ended so tragically and that of the Mayor (freaking me out a bit as he is the boss in Eli Stone!)

It was one of those films that makes you want to do something with your life when you see it. Except get shot of course!

The goddess

Last night I rediscovered my age old awe for Grace Jones. That woman is amazing. It was like 30 years had not passed, she looked great, strong, confident and very fit. With a nice line in hats and her trademark feistiness she could have been singing anything and I still would have been stood there with my mouth open.

Luckily, her songs were great too, and I liked most of her new album and the laser off her hat effect and the hurricane final song - which saw her flying across the stage, without the aid of a safety belt - were brilliant.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PcsXHywptHk&feature=PlayList&p=5904C22DEACB8AB8&index=124
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5cHLYMl6t0&feature=PlayList&p=5904C22DEACB8AB8&index=126

The drumming in my head

I have been back from Spain for a few days now and still I can hear it. The magnificent tunes that accompany the drumming festival The Tamboradda. The Spanish really so know how to party and running through the streets following increasingly intoxicated chefs and Napoleon's was good fun.

For those who think I have lost my mind this should explain some of it:
http://www.spanishunlimited.com/spain/fiestas/tamborrada.asp
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bSv1PcM_qXg

It was a great holiday. San Sebastian was beautiful despite increasingly bad weather and the pinchos were pretty good too. We also went to Bilbao and did the nerdy stuff, going across a 100ft transporter bridge - the world's oldest - and having a ride on the funicular.

Here are my photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=71619&l=52c7b&id=611030754

Bits and bobs

I've been a bit quiet of late. Mainly because I have had the plague, and now the famine is following in the form of the so called 'credit crunch'.

I haven't been out too much doing exciting things, instead I have been nesting, with my new cookbook from Christmas on frugal food and my new wii games.

Hopefully service will be resumed soon as a) I actually went out last night to see Slumdog millionaire - storyline is a bit far fetched, how many horrible things can happen to one person! The cinematography of India is beautiful though. b) I am going with my mum and Aunties to see the filming of loose women tomorrow - god help us. c) I am off to Spain Friday.

Hurrah for holidays but boo for the Euro.