Cosmo Valdemar

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1404144114' post='2489723'] It isn't sport, it's murder. [/quote] It may not be sport, but it certainly isn't murder.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1404330868' post='2491704'] I've just been watching a few more acts on the I Player that I missed at the weekend, including Metallica featuring James Hetfield, who allegedly didn't kill a bear, but probably would if he got the chance. They churn out the same old racket in the same old relentless way . I am not surprised it is so popular, but what they create is mostly dreadful nevertheless. The old adage that no one ever went broke by underestimating the taste of the general public definitely applies. This is the biggest and best rock group in the world. but it is a world in which such an accolade only refers only to successful marketing strategy, not any enduring emotional depth or inherent quality in the music of such an act. Robert Trujillo with his " rad cool " reliced Jazz Bass slung round his ankles while he struck his disaffected teenage kid poses was particularly irritating, and the whole band look ridiculous. By contrast , the self-indulgent post -trip hop warbling of London Grammar was just as bad in its' own way, but at least it isn't the sonic equivalent of having a newly-sharpened pencil stuck up your nose. I have never heard this lot before , but they are sh*te of the first order and I recommend avoiding them at all costs. All the songs sound the bleedin' same ( , no really, I mean you can't remember if they finished the last one and started another, and then you just give up caring) .Absolutely dire. They must be quite popular because they were headlining the Michael Barrymore Stage , but I'm buggered if I know why anyone would willingly give up their time to listen to that drivel. And don't even get me started on Arcade Fire. So many of the lesser acts, particularly those from overseas just seem like they are going through the motions with full knowledge that no one is really listening to them or particularly interested. It must be a very difficult gig in that respect, but I suppose if you are on the festival circuit you must get used to it . In light of all that, I couldn't care less whether Dolly was miming or not, at least she was genuinely entertaining ,charismatic and warm , and she certainly knows how to put on a show. One Dolly Parton is worth ten Metallicas in my book, and long may she continue. I still think she is very sexy, too, albeit is a fairly post-surgical manner. I wouldn't judge her for that, though. Take away my hair care regime and moisturizing cream and my power over women would evaporate overnight, so Dolly can do what she feels is necessary to stay pert as far as I am concerned. . [/quote] I was going to take issue with your Metallica comments, but the I read your opinions on Dolly Parton and they put everything nicely into perspective.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1404141161' post='2489667'] Barre's been doing his own band mainly focusing on very old Tull tunes for over a year. Not sure of the details but it seems him and Anderson aren't really talking. It's a shame as he's been a cornerstone of the band for so long whilst the rest have come and gone at various times. There's really no difference between Tull and IA solo projects now which is a bit of a shame, as is the state of IA's voice. I could barely watch the last time I saw Tull about 3 or 4 years ago. He takes another singer on tour with him these days, at least for the solo stuff, to help out. It's all got a bit sad. Heard a pro recording of a solo gig on the TAAB2 tour and it was awful. [/quote] It seems he blew his voice on the Broadsword tour. He doesn't seem to have suffered a gradual decline - his style changed drastically from then on into a more grumbly half-spoken technique. It's difficult to watch him these days as every note seems like an effort, as if he can barely raise his voice above speaking level. My old singer cites Anderson as one of his greatest influences and he really struggles to listen to him nowadays. Having said that, I saw them at High Voltage a couple of years back and it was an excellent set, once I'd got over the discomfort of hearing his voice like that. Most of the songs have been heavily rearranged to focus more on the instrumental side of things which isn't all bad as his flute playing is as wonderful as ever.

My faves are Songs From The Wood, Heavy Horses and Stormwatch. Great bass presence and some very intricate and conplex playing from the late John Glasscock, old Brittledick himself. Although interestingly, due to Glasscock's illness, a fair bit of Stormwatch is actually Ian Anderson on bass. Talented man. For a very different approach I recommend the Live at the Isle of Wight set from a few years previous - Glenn Cornick playing a Gibson Thunderbird through massive overdriven Hiwatt stacks!

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1403727792' post='2485751'] Also Laney have emailed me back saying that they haven't got any information on it. [/quote] That's a bit disappointing. Smacks of 'can't be bothered'.

[quote name='dudewheresmybass' timestamp='1403303351' post='2481782'] Ben, I'm sure we could arrange for you to come overto me and spend some time playing with my many and varied toys [/quote] Sounds good! As soon as this baby arrives I'll be over!

[quote name='Cairobill' timestamp='1403800190' post='2486591'] I always loved his splashy 'hit snare drum/open hi hat' schtick. Odd stylistic flourish, but you can always tell it's him… [/quote] Me too! Highly distinctive. And what a great drum sound! Well in the 70s anyway...

Fantastic! A real piece of history. Can you post soundclips?

[quote name='darkandrew' timestamp='1403744172' post='2485928'] OK, I've just looked this up on the HMRC website. So, if the total price (including postage) is less than £15 then there's nothing to pay. Between £15 and £135 there's no duty to pay but you do have to pay 20% VAT on the total value plus £8 handling fee to the Royal Mail. Have I got that right? [/quote] If that's what it says I won't dispute it, but the strings I ordered came to around £50 with shipping and they were delivered straight to my door with no extra charges. so you might be lucky!

I hope it was well wrapped inside that case... Beautiful bass, though. I'm glad this side of things is taking off for Mark. Enjoy!

Might be worth getting them shipped over from the US. I had some La Bella flats sent over because everyone was out of stock over here, and it still worked out cheaper, even with the shipping cost. [url="http://www.bassstringsonline.com/"]http://www.bassstringsonline.com/[/url]

[quote name='BruceBass3901' timestamp='1403609963' post='2484371'] I have been led to believe by Mark (the owner of Ashdown) that they do not actually endorse bands the same way that other manufacturers do; everybody who plays Ashdown (where it isn't already at the venue/gig etc.) has had to pay for it. They may offer some form of discount for artists, but there is still a pricetag that needs to be paid. [/quote] True. I used to have an endorsement with Ashdown back in the day and I paid for all my stuff at discount. Incidentally, I used Ashdown because I wanted to, not because they chased me (not that they ever would!).

[quote name='Platypus' timestamp='1403602459' post='2484258'] Agreed, I think what separates the Gallery from other shops if been to London is having Martin and John on site. When you need something done with a bass you can call in and go down stairs to the workshop and talk to the guys that know. When it's time to collect it, they show what the've done and invite you to plug in and try it out. They have done some outstanding work for me over the years, all at very reasonable prices. None of this 'leave it with me and my tech will collect it next week'. [/quote] The exact opposite of my experience with them! I left a bass with them for a setup when Martin wasn't there, didn't hear anything for over a week. when I called for an update they said they hadn't touched it as they didn't know what I wanted them to do to it - despit my leaving written instructions Reports are very variable - some people find them helpful and friendly, others (like myself) have had nothing but bad experiences. I won't go into too much detail as I've said it all beofre and someone invariable jumps on me for being a trouble maker, or worse, a liar. As for the OP, I have in the past asked the Gallery to price match and have been met with point blank refusal.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1403539961' post='2483716'] Ok, he has taste in that he doesn't overplay and sounds the part..like a hundred and one zillion others. If you like the band or are a big fan, you'll think he/they are great and that is fine. For me, not so great at all.... (but then I thought the whole band were pretenders anyway. IMO.) Why is that so hard to understand ? [/quote] Not trying to cause an argument here but I am genuinely astounded by your point of view. Who else in popular music would you compare him to? In what way are the band 'pretenders'? Again, not trying to stir anything up here, just curious.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1403525980' post='2483519'] I think I know hundreds of guys ( well, not hundreds, slight exageration ) who could so the same if in the right place etc, and not discounting band chemistry etc .. [/quote] You must know some exceptionally talented players!

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1403509248' post='2483235'] When you read interviews from the other members they're very careful what they say. They avoid contact with him. The clear message is that he and Freddie were very close and he was devastated when Freddie died and went into depression. The most recent interview alludes to him being in a 'fragile' state. Very, very sad. [/quote] I've never got that impression at all. It always seems that JD simply chose to retire from the public eye after Freddie's death. He has given his blessing to the others for all their recent ventures, he just isn't interested in taking part. He was never a fan of touring as it kept him away from his family. I've certainly never seen him referred to as 'fragile', if this is the case it is indeed worrying - are you able to link to the interview?

I wish I could make this, it sounds like great fun!

[quote name='dudewheresmybass' timestamp='1403209149' post='2480868'] IMO the glove is a total sleeper of a pedal. Just awesome, and only £50! [/quote] That's really not helping my bank balance!