Top Twenty Albums of 2010

This year it was particularly hard to limit my selection to just ten, so I have decided to extend my list to twenty favourites. I Am Kloot top the list with the wonderfully evocative Sky at Night. It's also worth noting that the top three groups are from Manchester or at least have their roots in Manchester, but then again Manchester is and always has been at the forefront of great music.

Top twenty albums of 2010

1. I am Kloot - Sky at Night

2. Cherry Ghost - Beneath this Burning Shoreline

3. Everything, Everything - Man Alive

4. Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep

5. Villagers - Becoming A Jackal

6. Ed Harcourt - Lustre

7. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

8. Paul Weller - Wake Up the Nation

9. James - The Night Before

10. Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can

11. Midlake - The Courage of Others

12. Stornoway - Beachcomber's Windowsill

13. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

14. Badly Drawn Boy - It's What I'm Thinking Part 1 - Photographing Snowflakes

15. Cathal Coughlan -Rancho Tetrahedron

16. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz

17. Darkstar - North

18. Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM

19. Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner

20. Caribou - Swim

I'd also like to recommend the Rough Trade Top 100 albums listing which is available to play through Spotify - just follow the link
http://theofficestereo.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/rough-trade-top-100-spotify-playlist/

Enjoy!

I'm a fifty year old man and I like it

                                                                            I'm a fifty year old man and I like it.    

Another excellent turn out for the thirty second Open Neck Shirt, the only notable absentee was Phil who is now ensconced in Australia. Maybe you'll join us next year Phil? The day commenced at the slightly later than usual 1.30pm (we must be getting more restrained) at the Seven Oaks. We then progressed to the Circus Tavern - which is still one of the most unique and 'characterful' pubs in Manchester.

The Xmas Market was buzzing as usual and the City Arms served an excellent pint or two. Corbieres is still a great venue with a good jukebox but the bitter is not the best. The Briton's Protection is another good venue but once again the bitter was not up to standard. The next stop was the Peveril of the Peak and it did not disappoint, excellent Deuchers IPA bitter, good atmosphere, Table Football and Pool. As per usual the local 'professionals' bided their time and duly beat our best table football pair. Overall a very enjoyable and civilised event - see you all next year.

The Open Neck Shirt 2010

The Table Football connoisseurs pub.

The latest instalment of the Open Neck Shirt will commence in the Seven Oaks on Friday 19 November at 1pm. All the usual suspects are invited and the usual venues will be frequented. As well as the Seven Oaks, I'm sure we will be visiting the Circus Tavern, Corbieres, and the Peveril of the Peak.

The Manchester Christmas Market is also a particular favourite, who could forego the delights of a warming Gluhwein and humungous German sausage!


Bratwurst time.


Looking forward to another spectacular event, but please enjoy in moderation.

Harry and Paul - Northern Relief

The Harry and Paul Show can be a bit hit and miss, but we like this one.

Peace in Sheffield and No Redemption in Durham

As part of the Off the Shelf Festival the Shepley Book Club boys went to hear David Peace speak. Here's a photo of David with the group. David read from Damned United and talked about his Yorkshire based books. There was also an opportunity to hear from Keith Pattison who has produced 'No Redemption' a challenging book of black and white photographs of the Miners' strike in the Durham coalfield. As we enter a new age of austerity the images offer a stark reminder of the deep divisions that still exist in our society. You can view a slideshow of Keith's photographs here.

WinkBall! Wigan V Wolves

I was interviewed for 'WinkBall' prior to the the Wigan V Wolves game - here are the embarassing results. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

At least I 'nearly' got the score and scorers right.


The wink is purely involuntary!

Congratulations to Rochdale FC

Congratulations to Rochdale on their promotion to Division 1.

Last year I commented on Rochdale's disappointing end to the season and hoped they would finally get get promoted this year - well it has finally happened.

The club have played since 1974 in the Football League's bottom division, currently entitled League Two. This is the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the football league.

I have a great respect for those who support their local clubs. You have to be dedicated to support a team like Rochdale. It would be so easy to support Man Utd or Chelsea or one of the other big four. Well done to Rochdale and their fans, and good luck next season in Division 1.

Top Ten Albums of the Decade

After much deliberation here's my top ten of the noughties.

1. Arcade Fire – Funeral (2005)

2. Midlake - Trials of Van Occupanther (2006)

3. Paul Weller - 22 Dreams (2008)

4. Prefab Sprout - Let’s Change the World with Music (2009)

5. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid (2008)

6. The Decemberists – The Crane Wife (2006)

7. Sufjan Stevens – Illinoise (2005)

8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2006)

9. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That’s what I’m not (2006)

10. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver (2007)

Here to discover, enjoy, debate and criticise. Over to you.

Top ten Albums of 2009

Here's my top ten for 2009.

1. Prefab Sprout - Let's Change the World with Music
2. Florence & the Machine - Lungs
3. Doves - Kingdom of Rust
4. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
5. Noah & the Whale - First Days of Spring
6. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk
7. Echo & the Bunnymen - Fountain
8. Decemberists - Hazards of Love
9. Maps - Turning the Mind
10. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Hopefully that lot will stimulate a little debate. I'd be interested in hearing about your top ten's. I'll also be compiling a top ten of the decade in the next few weeks, so look forward to receiving some alternative suggestions.

Open Neck Shirt 2009 is nearly upon us. Another year, another Open Neck Shirt, Friday 4th December, no doubt in the usual places. Look forward to seeing 'most' of you then.

Yorkshire Futures website

To huge sighs of relief the Yorkshire Futures website is finally here. After 10 months from project initiation to go live, the Yorkshire Futures website is now up and running.

Our expertly written press release says it all.

New website for regional data and intelligence

Yorkshire Futures have launched their new website which has been re-designed in collaboration with Futurate, a Sheffield based digital agency. The website has been re-launched with a vibrant new look, new content, new features and provides the latest data and intelligence about the region.

The site is designed to be easy to use and informative, whether visitors want to find out about how the region is performing on the economy, environment and society, read about the latest published research and statistics, view and download images from around the region or find out about conferences and events.

The new design follows several months of research and development with website users and partner organisations, to find out what they wanted most from the site.

Ian Aspinall, Communications Manager at Yorkshire Futures said:
“Our aim was to develop a website that reflects our role as a provider of high quality, timely and relevant information. As well as providing key research, statistics and data, the site showcases good practice within the region, the changing economic, social and environmental life of our region through Progress in Pictures, as well as a new events calendar, RSS feeds, e-news bulletin and micro sites which all enhance the user experience.”

“This will significantly improve our digital presence and supports our mission to provide information and intelligence about the region, for the region, to improve decision making and better prepare us for the future.”

The site was developed in partnership with Sheffield based digital agency Futurate, who brought their award-winning creative design and innovative approach to the website, together with a fully integrated content management system, accessibility guidelines and website components.

Gill Osguthorpe, Operations Director of Futurate said: "It’s been great to have the opportunity to work with Yorkshire Futures to create an innovative new digital space. We’ve invested a lot of thinking in developing new ways to support their role as a key provider of research, information and intelligence in the region.”

Major new features on the Website include:

*Progress in Pictures - a longitudinal study of progress in the region through the medium of photography
*What Works Showcase - detailed case studies of best practice from around the region
*Tabbed News, Events, Research and Publications - Easy to use tabbed menu of news, events, research and publications means that finding the latest information is at the touch of a button
*Fully Integrated Search - includes searching of Yorkshire Futures partner sites

Talking about the new website, Simon Foy, Executive Director of Strategy at Yorkshire Forward and Chair of the Yorkshire Futures Steering Group, said: “ The new website is a great improvement on the previous site and provides a range of new features and services that will be extremely beneficial to our partners and other people working in the region. “

The new Yorkshire Futures website is now online at www.yorkshirefutures.com


ENDS
Note to Editors:
1. Yorkshire Futures is the region’s ‘Intelligence Network’. It seeks to help make Yorkshire and Humber a better place by bringing issues to the fore that need resolving; communicating solutions; and monitoring progress.
2. Yorkshire Futures commissioned Futurate at: www.futurate.com a Sheffield based digital agency to produce the website during 2009.
3. For more information, please contact Ian Aspinall, Communications Manager, Yorkshire Futures on 0113 394 9988; email ian.aspinall@yorkshirefutures.com
or Bea Jefferson, Programme Manager, Yorkshire Futures on 0113 394 9694 email bea.jefferson@yorkshirefutures.com

Bye Bye Brucie, Bring On Bobby

Bye Bye Brucie
3 June 2009 - Steve Bruce leaves Wigan for Sunderland. Bruce did a very good job for Wigan in the year and a bit he stayed at the club. An 11th place finish last season, not bad for a little club. Yet there was a certain inevitability about his departure. Many Latics fans knew that he would leave when he got a better offer. According to reports Wigan paid him £45,000 per week, but Sunderland are now paying £60,000 per week and have suggested a transfer kitty of £60million.

Bring on Bobby
4 June 2009 - Many Wigan fans could be forgiven for feeling disappointed and let down by Bruce's departure, but the mood was soon lifted by the news that the former Latics midfielder and fans favourite Roberto (Bobby) Martinez was coming back to the club where he started his British footballing career. Bobby spent six succesful seasons at the club, initially as one of the three Amigos. His success as a Manager with Swansea was well noted and as soon as Bruce left, Dave Whelan moved quickly to get his man. We wish him a very successful stay at the DW stadium.

David Byrne on tour

Looking forward to seeing David Byrne in Manchester on Monday night. He's playing songs from his collaborations with Brian Eno. Here's some photos from his world tour.

Adventures on the High Teas - In Search of Middle England

Following on from Cider with Roadies and Pies & Prejudice, Adventures on the High Teas - In Search of Middle England is due for launch on 5th March 2009. Can Stuart Maconie make it a trio of excellent books?

As with Pies & Prejudice - In Search of the North, Stuart goes on a journey of discovery - trying to find the real 'Middle England.'

"Is Middle England about tradition and decency or closed minds and bigotry? Is it maypoles and evensong, or flooded market towns and binge drinkers in the park? Stands the church clock still at ten to three, and is there honey still for tea? And is Slough really as bad as Ricky Gervais and John Betjeman make out? Does Middle England hark all the way back to Arthurian legend and Merrie England, or is it a modern concept borne of Top Gear and Princess Diana? From Shakespeare to JK Rowling, Vaughan Williams to Craig David, William Morris to B&Q, "Morte D'Arthur" to "Midsomer Murders", Stuart Maconie leads the expedition, with plenty of stop-offs for tea and pastries, to discover the truth".

Perhaps his book jacket copy is getting a bit formulaic, but I'm sure he will come through with the goods.

30 years in an open neck shirt

The Seven Oaks (fortunately not Paddy's Goose) is the start venue for the latest Open Neck Shirt event on Friday 28th November 2008. The usual suspects will be in attendance apart from Mr Clark who is away supporting a southern team in France.

Really 30 Years is quite an achievement for the boys - let the celebrations commence.

Albums of 2008

The best of 2008.

1. Paul Weller -22 Dreams

2. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid

3. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

4. Lykke Li - Youth Novels

5. Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of Understatement

6. Emiliana Torrini -Me and Armini

7. Noah & the Whale – Peaceful the World Lays Me Down

8. The Verve – Forth

9. TV on the Radio – Dear Science

10. David Byrne & Brian Eno – Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

David Byrne and Brian Eno and have recently finished their first collaboration in about 30 years. The name of the new record is 'Everything That Happens Will Happen Today'.

The album is available exclusively from this Web site. You can listen to all of the songs for free or purchase it in a variety of digital and physical formats. All formats can be downloaded immediately and physical CDs will be available soon. Enjoy!

The Word Magazine Album Map

Interesting developments on the Word Magazine website, they've added an album map.
The map in typical Google Maps fashion pinpoints the spots where iconic album cover photographs were taken. You can zoom in by double-clicking an area of the map or by using the slider on the left hand side. Click on a blue marker to see details of that album.
Some recommended locations for music connoisseurs are:

• The Smiths - The Queen is Dead
• Microdisney - The Clock Comes Down The Stairs
• London Calling - The Clash
• Heaven Up Here - Echo & The Bunnymen
• Coles Corner - Richard Hawley (It's not Sheffield)
• Spring Hill Fair - The Go-Betweens

But don't stop there - you can add your own favourites to the map. It's really simple to do - well for some people....
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/album_atlas/

By the way, there is a Summer Open Neck shirt on Friday 25 July 2008, I might go along...

Poor Rochdale

You have got to feel sorry for Rochdale fans. The club have played since 1974 in the Football League's bottom division, currently entitled League Two. This is the longest time any team has been in the bottom division of the football league. Rochdale looked as though they might finally escape from the endless disappointment, but lost 3-2 to Stockport in the in 2nd Division play off final at Wembley.

I have enjoyed many days out at Spotland as a Wigan Athletic supporter - we usually won. But if I had been born in Rochdale I would have been a Rochdale supporter and what a thankless cause that would be. However, I have a great respect for those who support their local clubs. You have to be a dedicated to support a team like Rochdale. It would be so easy to support Man Utd or Cheslea or one of the other big four. Respect to Rochdale and good luck next season.

The Wonderful North

The splendidly titled 'The Wonderful North’ at http://www.thewonderfulnorth.com/ is an innovative public art project created by digital media agency Numiko with Leeds-based artists Bryan and Laura Davies. The ‘Online Expo’ is a virtual art exhibition that communicates the artists’ experiences of the North gained during a month-long road trip undertaken in January 2008. The Davies toured the North; meeting the public and researching some of the regions’ popular landmarks and hidden treasures before creating the exhibition. The artists have created the ‘Expo’ to showcase their art.

The result is a series of themed virtual pavilions dedicated to ‘Geography’,‘Culture’, ‘Economy’, ‘Society’ and ‘International’, each containing 20 exhibits that convey the artists’ ideas about the things they have seen and experienced, indexing the background to their inspiration alongside the exhibits. The exhibition focuses on issues that pertain to the changing nature of everyday life in the North, such as new housing and architecture, transport infrastructure, established industries and traditions as well the current push for regeneration through cultural landmarks.

Public participation and ‘real world’ interaction are central to the Wonderful North project. The project focused on suggestions made by registered users during the road trip to guide the artists on their journey in which they met people and visited places nominated by the public.
Check out the site at http://www.thewonderfulnorth.com/

The Coming of the Messiah

To mass hysteria, not unlike Christ's entrance into Jerusalem - Kevin Keegan has been hailed as the new Newcastle United Manager and the saviour to all their endless suffering.
After a few months immersed in the madness that is north-east football, Mike Ashley Newcastle's owner, is sufficiently confused to give in to the clamour of the Geordie fans.
The appointment may not ultimately end in a crucifixion, but it will certainly end in tears.

The Keegan age has gone, football has moved on since Keegan was last in charge. The Big 4 dominate the game in England and Newcastle are unlikely to win a trophy in the forseeable future. And do not forget King Kev didn't win anything the first time around. Football Fans en masse are often like over excited children and Geordie fans in particular are the most delusional of any in the Premier League. The disappointment will be palpable.