Monday Long Song

I'm just back from Leeds, where a small group of us blogging types (and available partners) assembled for a couple of days to hang out, waffle relentlessly, amble aimlessly, imbibe fine ales and scoff top scran. These occasions are always over far too quickly and, before we knew it, hugs and handshakes were being exchanged as we headed off in separate directions for home. In spite of working in a busy supermarket, my life these days is a fairly solitary one, so I particularly treasure such get-togethers with like minded souls - a pinprick of brightness in an increasingly dark and unpleasant world.

As my train trundled south-eastwards out of Leeds, I cranked up some tunes to soundtrack the passing scenery and my melancholy mood. By chance one of the first to hit my eardrums was 'Spin Me Endless in the Universe' by Richard Youngs, which perfectly suited my disposition in that moment. As of 2026 Youngs has put out close to 300 albums, ranging from electronic squalls to banging drum & bass, musique concrète to epic ambient drones. This 2013 performance, however, finds Richard alone in a studio with just an acoustic guitar and his own untreated voice. It's a thing of beauty and is dedicated to the BlogCon'26 posse.

Richard Youngs - Spin Me Endless in the Universe

That Day Became a Year

The moment is almost upon us, the hostelries of Leeds are checking stock levels and polishing their glasses in anticipation of the latest instalment of the annual BlogCon, which commences on Monday. I understand that Alyson has already booked us into a couple of splendid looking eating establishments and I've no doubt at all that John Medd is ready to guide us towards the finest alehouses the city has to offer. C will be there, Ernie too and I believe that Walter is flying in once again. I'm a little hazy as to who else is joining in the fun, though needless to say everyone is welcome. Those that can't be with us this time around will be missed that's for sure and will have a glass or two raised to them over our three days together. As usual I've done little by way of research myself, I'm more than happy to go with the flow. As long as I have coffee in the morning, a beer in the evening and good company throughout the day, I'm all set.

Leeds born surrealist, absurdist and all round genius Glen Baxter died in March, a couple of weeks after his 82nd birthday. Baxter's work has loomed large in my life since the early 1980s and several volumes sit on my shelves to this day. I don't believe there's any official recognition of his heritage in Leeds, but there certainly should be.  

Be Bop Deluxe - Surreal Estate

Friday Photo #24

A couple of phone shots from my Edinburgh wanderings (click on either to enlarge)

Last week's Edinburgh blogging meet-up was an overwhelming experience for someone whose life these days usually revolves around either working, walking or sitting in a room listening to records. The whole trip has already attained a mystical status in my mind and I've thought of little else since arriving home. Half a dozen bloggers of this parish and a couple of their respective partners, the very finest of company one and all, some coming face to face in the real world for the very first time, others renewing old friendships. It really was was an absolute joy from start to finish. Then there's Edinburgh itself - what a magical place. I'd only visited the city once before, very briefly, about 15 years ago and had always wanted to return, though even with this longer stay I feel I've barely scratched the surface.

The Fall - Edinburgh Man