Wednesday, 29 December 2010

'A Chicken to Hug' - Caedmon Album 'Review'

Caedmon recently released their first album in decades after officially parting ways at the end of the 1970s. The album - 'A Chicken to Hug' - is a splendid collection of songs and music that had me finger tapping without realising I was until it was already far too late. Knowing the Wilson patriarch who plays bass throughout, provides vocals at times and words and music at other spots it was thankfully inevitable that I would be exposed to this new album.

Now, being both non-existent when Caedmon were originally performing/recording in the 1970s and also terribly musically unaware I can't really comment on the 'return' aspect of this album except to say there are less space battles and genetically augmented humans in it than other famous returns that I am more familiar with.

Returns and my ignorance aside I enjoyed this album a lot. I've listened to it a number of times now and enjoyed it each time so it is definitely a fine investment both of my (hard earned) student cash and of the groups time and energies.

The style is probably best described as folk although the band have also been classified as 'acid' folk (what??). The sequence of songs flows and range in style and theme as well. Songs range from tributes to musicians to faith, experiencing time to the experience of being childless. Thoughtful lyrics throughout that I'm sure will grow on me more and more.

Special mention to track 6 (Time Flies) for somehow reminding me of week day lunch time children's TV and yet not. Thumbs up to track 2 (still here) as well.

Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Thor Movie

And of course 2011's other great upcoming movie...


Tuesday, 7 December 2010

ID in the UK

Nice article here discussing the cool reception that Intelligent Design and its proponents tend to receive here in the UK. And some good thoughts on why.

Thursday, 2 December 2010

Upcoming NASA Astrobiology Announcement

Later on today apparently....

"WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 2, to discuss an astrobiology finding that will impact the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life. Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe."

The panel being assembled for the press includes an assortment of scientists including geologists, molecular biologists as well as NASA personnel so it is anyone's guess what could be announced. Michio Kaku has thought of a few possibilities though.

EDIT: And here is the news. Can you spell hyperbole? Sigh.