Spring

Over the last few weeks Spring has come to good ol' blighty - the gloom of winter has gone, the sun is shining, bushes and trees are greening, skylarks are singing. I love this time of year.

The obligatory film recommendation is The Departed, starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, and is a remake of Infernal Affairs. Its about two moles, one in the crime syndicate, the other in the cops, neither aware of the other. Watch both of them.

My first gig outing of the year is Chantel McGregor at the Roman Bath (14/3). She is an extraordinarily talented guitar player with a good voice. Solidly backed up by a drummer and bass player, who like the Jimi Hendrix Experience are overshadowed by the lead. About 100 minutes of faithfully reproduced superb blues/rock classics that looked effortless.

The following Saturday (21/3) has The Yards and Hope&Social at the Duchess. H&S played a short 20-25 minute set wearing their new blue blazers. They'd had a troubled day and seemed jaded as a result, but still good nonetheless. Tonight The Yards were launching Imperial Measures, their second album. Back to full strength (Jon Hargreaves on keyboards has been absent for the last few gigs while studying) and occasionally backed by 3 violins, a cello and 2 singers their set included songs from the new CD plus several favourites. They were so impressive I bought the CD.

Series 1 of the Wire has been keeping my evenings busy. Its violent, full of swearing, funny, sad and compelling. I'm glad my family live in this quiet village of Strensall.

As I decorate the bedroom of my youngest, the following music has been keeping me sane: Wake The Sleeper from Uriah Heep, Imperial Measures and Ring Of Fire: The Legend of Johnny Cash. I'm enjoying the music so much this room could take forever.