The Weekend So Far

With the earthquake (8.9 on the Richter scale), tsunami and possible nuclear catastrophe in Japan it doesn't seem right to say that my weekend has been pretty good so far.  Watching the footage on TV makes me thankful that I live in a place that is, geographically speaking, pretty safe.

That said, my weekend started by taking delivery of a copy of Autopia, the new album by Eat Lights Become Lights.  I have to say that Enraptured Records have a great system. I ordered it on Tuesday and yesterday it arrived in sturdy packaging ensuring my new LP was in pristine condition. I haven't had time to listen to it yet but I am really looking forward to putting the needle on the groove and kicking my feet up.

Today, the postman arrived with a couple of DVDs which Clare had ordered for me (Y Tu Mama Tambian and Red Road). A nice surprise and a lovely way to start a Saturday morning.

We were meeting friends for a walk this morning.  Originally the plan was to head up to Shropshire but our friend up there cancelled so we decided to stay local.  We ended up wandering the fields and lanes around Barston, stopping to each lunch in St Swithen's churchyard in Barston. Spring was most definitely in the air and it was quite warm especially when the sun came out.  Unfortunately as we were making the walk up as we went along it wasn't quite as long as usual.  It probably wasn't a bad thing though as it seemed to get colder towards the end and as I write it has started raining.

Getting home early meant I was able to catch the second half of the Blues vs Bolton in the FA Cup Quarter Finals.  Blues lost 3-2 ruling out another trip to Wembley.  To be honest, I'm not too bothered as with the danger of relegation looming we need to concentrate on staying in the Premier League.

Round Up

It's been a strange old week, lots of chores, but I'm still buzzing from my trip to Wembley last Sunday.  I still can't believe that Blues will be in Europe next season!  I need to get my passport sorted!

Last night saw the return of the tawny owl. Sitting in the tree outside the window hooting away. This time though, there was no reply. He was there for a few minutes and we managed to get a good view of him before he flew off.

Eat Lights Become Lights' album was due for release on Monday but there seems to be some confusion.  A couple of record shop sites are now saying it will be out in March.  It will be available on green vinyl and download.  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. in the meantime I will have to make do with the videos.

This Week

It’s been a strange old week. With building work at the flat we have all had to relocate to my parents for a few days. As is usual with the building trade the job has taken twice as long as we were told. Still, it’s all done now and we can get back to normal.
It’s been a week of two halves. The latter part has been quiet (spending time listening to music) but I was out and about at the start of the week.

I met a friend for lunch on Monday and popped along to the cafe in Brueton Park. Whilst we ate I watched the birds come and go from the feeders outside the window. In the space of about an hour we saw Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Chaffinch, a Blackbird, 3 Robins, 2 Nuthatch and a Wren. It’s a lovely little place but the food is quite basic and not that cheap.

Afterwards I popped along to the lake to see the Bewick Swans that Clare and I first saw on New Year’s Day. They’re still there.

On Tuesday I found myself in Kings Heath and spent late afternoon early evening at a place I’d not been before. Cherry Reds is a cafe on York Road. I’m not sure how long it has been there but I imagine it’s fairly new.

Cafe by day and Bar in the evening it’s a lovely place to sit out the rush hour. I can’t comment on the food or the selection of drinks as I only had coffee and a blueberry muffin, both of which were lovely. The staff seemed friendly and helpful and although the place is very small the decor gave it a cosy feel. I will definitely head back there next time I’m in that neck of the woods.

I got home in time for the football and watched Blues lose 2-1 to West Ham in the first leg of the League Cup semi final. A dismal first half display but a much better second half saw Blues level the score with a Ridgewell goal. Unfortunately a rare mistake by Ben Foster (although I also blame the static defence) meant Carlton Cole’s tame effort trickled through his legs and into the net, giving ten man West Ham the lead. It’s still quite evenly poised for the second leg at St Andrew’s at the end of the month.

Wednesday and Thursday were quiet. It’s meant I’ve been able to catch up with some music. There are some great albums due over the next couple of months. I’m really looking forward to PJ Harvey’s new album. The tracks I’ve heard so far sound great! I’m also looking forward to Eat Lights Become Lights’ debut album which is due out at the end of February. If you don’t know who they are then here's a video. You can also check out their Myspace page below.



http://www.myspace.com/eatlightsbecomelights