January 21st, 2008
More ways to waste time: desk bells
After the disaster that was Friday *, the weekend has been spent with a new distraction. First it was the Omnichord, now it’s one of the late-arrival Christmas presents (ferried over by a visiting pal from London) I bought for himself. Inspired by Amiina’s gig, this set of eight C-C chromatic deskbells (similar to the ones pictured here) are so damn lovely. They can be rang in the traditional way or played by pressing down the button on the top. Much addictive tinkering (in between cursing airports, trains, Aer Lingus, people who run around on train lines with the police chasing them) has gone on.
*Friday Hell:
- Flights delayed on way there by an hour and a half.
- Train in from Heathrow delayed due to “intruder on the line”.
- 50 minutes late for Goldfrapp interview - who was at the tail end of five days of promo all over Europe and completely knackered - who actually waited for me and kindly offered me tea and biccies.
- Almost bump into Jade Goody and Fearne Cotton (not together, you understand) on the street.
- Train problems on way back, cue massive dash to airport in cab, only to have plane delayed by three and a half hours. Cue trips to the bar for Old Speckled Hen ale.
- Three and a half hour delay includes 30 minute stint sitting on runway RIGHT BESIDE the plane from the previous day’s crash landing. There was no missing it, because it was lit up with forensic types crawling all over it. Very reassuring when you’re waiting to take off.
- Taxi queue at airport of about 250 people. At 00.15am. It’s hardly July is it?
January 21st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Please tell me you gave jade Goody a slap…
When’s the Goldfrapp interview coming out?
January 21st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Chancer, I wish I had, but I was stressed off my eyeballs about being late. She looks a lot thinner in real life. Fearne Cotton was talking loudly about how she watches her diet and exercises.
Not sure of the date of Goldfrapp interview (will let you know), but I think it’ll be in the first issue of the new music mag State.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
March 6th!
Sorry about all the hassle you had…:)
January 21st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Wurrghh, sounds horrid. I’d say you were never as happy to see your home as when you eventually got home that night.
January 21st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I fear that my other half is about to leave me for you . Nick Cave , Ghost Stories on BBC4 and now Old Speckled Hen.If only I were as in touch with his taste as you.
January 21st, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Niall, ta, I figured it was the first week in March. Looking forward to seeing the website!
Edel, yucky it twas. Wish I’d had my ruby slippers on for a bit ‘There’s no place like home’ action.
Little Red, sounds like a man with impeccable taste. Hang on to him.
January 21st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Cool present. I saw that Amiina gig too. Weirdly, the Icelandic ambassador sent us a letter telling us it was on. I guess he’s not that busy.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 am
yikes! Rough day dude!
Bells are awesome though.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:32 am
Annie, apparently the Heima tour in Iceland was attended by all top government folk. The band are viewed as ambassadors, it’s great. Imagine the Irish government being like that about a band?
If I’d known you were at that gig, I’d have said hello.
Una, they’re great fun. The little guy is fascinated by them too.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Saw David Pajo playing these bells at his gig last year in Whelan’s. He’d carefully position his foot over each one, then play a melody to accompany his singing and guitar playing. Like a (very quiet) one man band.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
‘Friday Hell’ - excellent description!
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Ouch to Friday hell, hurrah to the bells. Hope the goldfrapp interview went well in the end, looking forward to reading it!