Exaltations of the Season

I've managed to avoid hearing all sorts of Christmas lovelies until last Wednesday. It's the latest I've ever gone, but 'A Spaceman Came Travelling' by Chris de Burgh was playing in the restaurant we had our Team Christmas Dinner in. It was quickly followed by The Pogues and Kirsty McColl 'Fairytale of New York'. My personal favourites Chris Rea and Greg Lake cannot be far behind now.....

However, to wish you all what you'd wish for yourselves during this Winter Season, here's one from Pure Reason Revolution that you'll definitely not hear on a radio anytime soon. It won't be unknown to you:

If you're spending the (ahem) "Holiday Season" with your family, here's one from Radio 2's Bob Harris last night. I give you "One More Christmas Beer" by Sunny Sweeney:

And finally something to warm the cockles of your heart (or maybe not). The Goodies "Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me"

Merry Christmas and may your dreams come true

Built on trust

As I was busy making my evening meal last night - Branston's macaroni cheese on buttered, cold, anaemic toast since you didn't ask - this tune came on Absolute 80's. I don't think I've heard it since I played it via a link on the blog of someone else back in 2007. After the events of the last month, it's kind of apt that I heard it.

Bless you, bless you

As I drove home the other night I heard this from Jim Moray at the start of  Mark Radcliffe's Folk Show

It reminded me that you never hear this on the radio these days. Not that I remember you ever did.

Anyway, take your pick

Oh it's been so very long

I meant to post this a few months ago, but life got in the way.

So, November 1980 and we sat our GCE 'A/O' level General Studies exam. It was an exam all those in the VIth Form had to sit at that time. This was mainly due to the fact that it had been a compulsory qualification for those wanting to go to University. I didn't. I also knew I wasn't bright enough. So, in effect for me it was pointless as it didn't count towards the qualifications I needed for Polytechnic. That said it was nice to see the shock on the Head of Years face when the results came through. I was the Queen of re-sits, so apparently he was expecting more of the same from me.

Besides my English Language 'O 'level it was the easiest exam I ever sat. Two Grade A's coming right up...

Please enjoy one of my revision tunes courtesy of an outing on Q Radio's Q The 80's , but in the unfamiliar (to me) 12" version.