Slide Pheromone

Dodge this

I watched The Matrix last night, for the first time in a long while. As I was watching it I found that I noticed far more that during previous viewings. The comic-book style shot composition, the foreshadowing in the script ("You're my saviour, man..."), the marvellous sound design. The length of time since I last watched it had let me come back to the film almost as a new viewer.

Something similar happens to me when I take a break from playing drums. I've not picked up a set of sticks for nearly two weeks, just to give my body a rest. When I come back to the instrument I have loads of new ideas, keeping my playing fresh. I'm looking forward to getting behind the kit at rehearsal this evening...

Posted by Martin
16:16 29 Apr 2003

The Perfect Manhattan

(Recipe stolen from about.com)

"1 1/2 oz. Whiskey or Bourbon, 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth*, Dash of Bitters (if desired)

Build in a rocks glass or Stir over ice & Strain into a chilled cocktail glass to serve up, Garnish with a Cherry, *Perfect Manhattan: use equal parts of sweet & dry vermouth, Garnish with a Lemon twist"

According to legend it was originally mixed in 1846 to revive a fallen duellist. What that doesn't tell you is how much your head will hurt the next day.

Why don't Anadin make Easter Eggs?

Posted by Neil
12:17 20 Apr 2003

Lamb-a-likes?

Lamb-a-likes?

One of the things which has characterised our existence these last few years is that people seem to have a tough job characterising the music. This has got to be a good thing (right?). In the past people have made comparisons such as Chumbawumba (thanks Bulaka!), James Taylor Quartet, Morcheeba and the usual barrage of female fronted rock acts (Alanis Morissette to name but one). Sarah is so obviously raawwwk. But one band that is getting mentioned more and more often in association with us is Lamb. Which is odd because until a couple of weeks ago less than half the band had even heard of Lamb. So do we sound like Lamb? Answers on a postcard.

Posted by Tristan
14:32 16 Apr 2003

Working abroad

I thought it about time to put some words down - partly because I'm fed up with the des page saying 'it says : nothing to say' - which although may seem fairly appropriate due to my quiet nature, is not true. Well, not always anyway.

I'm off on my holidays this week. Wine and cheese. I have a dilemma though: shall I take any music-making machinery with me or just Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit?

Posted by Des
10:51 12 Apr 2003

Thoughts in Deja Vu

…ah here’s the second chorus and my right arm is feeling a little tired now tempo’s good that fill was a little sloppy damn it’s hot in here my arms are covered in sweat nearly at the solo remember to breathe properly wonder whether I should play something different to throw them off no better not and here’s the solo good snare sound there nail the triplet on the kick drum yes that was good funny rhythm between that and the hi-hat damn this drum workshop pedal makes the solo easy get in unison for the band hits yes that was good coming up to the fast bit think portnoy and go sextuplets keep it smooth and even hmm not bad could be better must work on that wonder if gary thought it was alright go cymbals and guitar solo…

Posted by Martin
11:50 11 Apr 2003

Super Chops!

Bought a copy of Yank drum magazine Modern Drummer today. Yes, I read drum magazines sometimes. Yes, some drummers can read.

This issue was the 'Technique' issue, and it got me thinking about the kinds of chops and rhythms I play in SP. When I first met Neil, Tris & Des I was a very technically-obssessed player with something to prove to every other drummer I came across. Lots of technique, not a lot of restraint. Am I any better now? I'd like to think that I've matured, but every now and then the urge to get technical gets the better of me. Just check the end of the Deja Vu drum break...

Posted by Martin
22:23 6 Apr 2003