Iain Mclennan: OINKNEWS

It's 8:51PM. Dark. There's a light in the corner. A TV. Some Gaffa Tape. Remote control which in fact controls nothing. Mind you, if I need it, I have to find it. So, I guess it controls me. What the rest of the night will bring forth is to be seen. One thing, I won't be moving. Two Movies I have had for many years I may watch though it's most unlikely as more often than not my mind wanders off to corners. Some of which I can pass by. Others which bring me to a stand still. I have a call to make but will simply make the call in an imaginary state. Talk of all things bright and beautiful and listen. Maybe I'll keep it light. Far removed from that which is in fact real. Knowing full well the reality will permeate my whole being no matter how I may struggle to, as they say... place it elsewhere. If. A word often used in many a conversation may come to mind. However there will be no why. This Mind full of so much yet so little. Understood by few as few do. Many talk on a level far from lively, passionate.

I have an old Radio. There's a Ship, lost at Sea. A crackling voice disturbs the silence. I have no idea why this thought has come to mind as it actually occurred over forty years ago. The Radio, my contact with the World as I lay in a hospital bed. Just like this moment when to make a phone call would be so calming. The Radio babbles on until I reach for it and hurl it through the window.

How is it out there for you all tonight? Someone. Something babbling in your ear?

I hope not.

Cheers,

Iain

Michael Jackson will remain forever in many peoples minds. Hopefully for the Music he left for us all. His personal troubles extend way back. The fact he accomplished so much in his 50 years is incredible. I hope the media don't dwell on the Medication side of the man. However, to deliver a lethal dose such as he received was a shock. Surely the Dr knew his tolerance level? I read headlines such as "From Genius to Whacko.' Most of all I saw so much footage of live performances, it reinforced the absolute talent and years of dedication the man had devoted to his work. I imagine there'll be opinions galore? Perhaps he chose to slip away quietly? A mere request to the Dr?

We'll see.
The reality is his achievements. His Life. Not his end.

Bloody quiet weekend, that's all I can say. I don't know what's happened? Mosman doesn't give you many choices and what choices you do have are quickly stomped on by large signs essentially telling all to do next to nothing. Pathetic really and a waste of space and money. Fortunately I had a chance to get stuck into the studio. Mind you, all I wanted to do was get out somewhere? Did my usual run/casual hobble to the Park. Looked around, took a few pictures and wandered back up the hill. My Mobile spoke to me once, which was absolutely over the Moon. Life has changed in so many ways over the last few years. It comes in schedules. Time allotted for a call or a message. Geez, people must be busy doing something more fascinating than picking the fluff out of their Navels? I heard not one bit of loud Music. Saw not one crazy wandering up the road in a Vampire suit. In fact, the place seemed deserted.

So much to do if your removing the fluff from a lovers Navel. Let alone, a lot of fun? Yes, this is the level I have sunk to. Navel Diving. Any diving in fact.

I think I'll leave it at that as I don't want to overexcite you with the wild and willing ways of my weekend.

I do wonder what others do? All those families arguing and piling into cars. Couples, either hands on or past there use by date, each in their own" wish I were somewhere else" or whatever. God, it's far too much to think about and I'm having far too much trouble trying NOT to think.

Here's hoping to a laugh, a voice and if lucky, a tender hug and a smile.

Cheers,

Iain

Fridays used to be something of a novelty. Mainly because the Weekend followed. There'd be a couple of gigs to do and a time was had by all. I've noticed over the years how any time that is available as "Spare" time has become almost like a couple of days you have to somehow fill in.

Sure, if you get your jollies watching the footy and cracking a few coldies... well, happy days. These days I lead a pretty solitary life. I do my own thing. However, it's the weekend, I'd really like to spend a good few hours in bed and not just with my Pillow and then kind of walk about. What I'm saying is to be able to share the time with another in that kind of blissful, zombie like state. Talking. Not talking. Getting real close. Talking some more. Mainly time spent with that special other. Regardless of having the studio almost at completion stage it doesn't necessarily mean I want to be there 24/7. Have someone over sure or maybe do a bit of teaching.

It's 2:30AM and this Friday night & Morning have been dullsville, the one positive being I got the recording side of Pro Tools happening and added tracks to a couple of songs. Sooner than later I got itchy feat and wanted to get out. As usual.. Down the hill and into the sanctuary of the Park. Sometimes, it just doesn't work. There's something missing. That something is a shared thought or just the simplicity of nerve endings reacting to a cheeky word or action from... yea,,,, I know.... you've heard it before... well tough... another like soul. That person that makes you stupid. Makes you talk non stop. Makes you feel alive and opens you up to all the good things that are around you.

Of course you can do this alone and that's fine. But with that other.. the sparks fly.

Today, although I had a lot to do, was like watching Grass grow. Each hour seemed to take 24. I called a few people but hey were doing their Baby thing or watching the bloody footy and that was it. Without question, I was forced back into isolation. Well, on one hand, it worked as I got Pro Tools up and running and did some recording. On the other... watching Paint dry. Could be something to do with Winter. The fact that I may need intensive enjoyment therapy or blimp Blimping is not for me, so working and thinking was the only thing for it. A dangerous conversation, to say the least.

To end this unfortunately lifeless Blog... I did little and regret it. As the evening settled in I slowly came to Earth with a thump. This being the reason I started recording. Funny thing is I kept thinking in terms of not being isolated.

As I type this lot, My thoughts are already in Saturday. Positive thinking pays another will pop up to boot me into Life... in turn I'll take Polly for a walk. Tell her my secrets and watch her run into the Distance. Onr oc them in the noe...? may yse

Time for another walk. First of all a Coffee. I have one chunk of Dark Chocolate left. In goes the Coffee as does the Chocolate. Not so good for you I suppose. However, I'd rather live/do it, than not. Oh the thrill of it all....

After a day of a lot of walking and some removal of wood and cut offs from the Studio update, it helped rid a lot of the fiery energy remaining from the night before. There's so much stuff lying about to clear up. Be prepared if you're having any alterations being made. Funnily enough I found a whole lot of items I thought I'd lost. Mic leads, Baffles, a couple of Amplifiers and one of my Trumpets. Stil there remains a hell of a lot of stuff to be thrown out that I've collected over the years. Always thinking I would use whatever at some stage.

Such a quiet day and plenty of time to reflect on many things.

It's this process that usually leads me to a song or at least the feel of one. By the afternoon I'd scribbled a line or two and picked up the Guitar to find a chord structure and Melody line. Came quite quickly really and low and behold today was the first time I fired up Pro Tools and began the learning curve needed to use Pro Tools 8. If you're thinking about recording, I can highly recommend Pro Tools. As usual I use it exactly as I would a Multi Track Tape Machine. Midi for me is something I've never really used as I tend to play everything in part by part. No cutting and pasting. If I make a mistake. I'll either Drop In or do the part again.

Later in the day I wandered down to the beach and for the first time in months took some shots. The place was deserted. Which suits me fine. Perhaps people are still concerned about Sharks? The water was cool but refreshing to say the least. I'll post some of the shots for our International visitors and those who get to wander Chinamans Beach. Usually in the Summer months, it's packed with every kind of Weekend Warrior known to man. The worst bit is, you can't take your Dog down until after four. In fact, there's not much you can do as they have signs specifying how much fun you cannot have. God, these are conservative times. I've never known of so many rules and don't really take much notice. The peace and quiet was so calming. Still, it would have been good to bump into someone for a chat or whatever.

After walking back home I got on with recording. As I've been doing of late I've been posting Lyrics as the recording process wasn't available. That's what these pages are for. To make notes and basically talk about whatever is on my mind. Forgive me if it gets a little boring
. However, I'd rather write about a walk or whatever than rave on about myself. I've got nothing to sell and it's a relief. Thanks to those who have written re some of the Lyrics and especially those who suggested a few chords. Like you, I have to do it my way and try to let the flow go. Keep those chords for some of your other songs. You know, when you get stuck and everything sounds the same?

I dunno, I hope all is well with you out in cyber land. We've got a full Moon approaching, so I know I'll be Barking mad by then.

Cheers to all.

Iain

Almost forgot my new ritual. That being to post new Lyrics I shall upload the Demo in later weeks after I've got the Outboard gear fully wired and I can present a reasonable Demo.

THE WAY THAT IT IS
Iain Mclennan/Oinkmuse

Will you walk down the road
with me tonight?
Seems the years have passed
overnight.
In our minds, nothing really matters
Just the sweetness of your eyes
You let your hair fall back
fall into a kiss.

Oh Glory Glory Glory Glory
Glory Glory Glory Glory
Where have you gone?
Oh Glory Glory Glory Glory
Oh Oh...

IT'"S JUST THE WAY THAT IT IS
IT"'S JUST THE WAY THAT IT IS.
AS YOU FIGHT ANOTHER TEAR
IT"'S JUST THE WAY THAT IT IS.
NO YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYTHING BACK
BUT YOU YOU CAN SEE THAT SAME FACE
SMILING BACK AT YOU
MMM MMM
SMILING BACK AT YOU.

You know sometimes I wonder
what would happen
If we all stood back awhile.
Let each other breathe
Into the Wind.
I believe nothing will really change
Simply it may be rearranged.

IT'"S JUST THE WAY THAT IT IS
IT'"S JUST THE WAY THAT IT IS.
AS THE YEARS....
ONCE I WAS A FIVE YEAR OLD BOY
YOU A FIVE YEAR OLD GIRL
THAT"'S THE WAY THAT IT IS
THAT'"S THE WAY THAT IT IS
THE WAY THAT IT IS.
Mmmm

Yes I wonder what would happen
in another day.
All the worries and those fears
May just float away
Still your eyes are just the same
So innocent, not full of blame

That's the way that it is
That's just the way that it is
After all these years
After all these years

As we smile away
any fears
That's just the way it is
The way that it is
Just the way that it is....

It's been several hours. Not able to sit still or release the energy that was exploding inside. Wound up to that point is not a good place. The spring breaks. I've simply destroyed my Drums. Shredded them! The energy should have gone else where and far longer than the two hours I spent at my kit. It's been with me for over a month. The rest has been with me for more than seven years though in those years I could spend each and every hour letting out and breathing evenly. I'm not the only one. Another had a touch of this energy also. Another love. A power. It was when I fully absorbed where that energy would go that the flood gates exploded. Denied thoughts of another life. Don't let them in. I let them in.The pounding and compounding of tightness and a dull ache laughs at me. My energy, being transferred to another, who wouldn't be able to draw breath if possessed by this spirit. Let alone after three days of continuum. That's how long it will take to place the power. I think.. "What a waste of raw passion" Something I should, in my mind be able to put in perspective. Something that experience could surely deal with. But no, I went to the place of another and stepped into the room. My mind fuelled with imagination and sucker nice guy.

In the background the bloody Tv dulls the brain. A Drama, I presume. Then click. Lights out and nothing. When I wrote "Let's Get Down" the subject was all about turning off the bland box in the corner with people acting out other peoples Lives. Miss one moment of your own Life to watch what some dip stick has written up involving Sloth & Slither? Then to wake in the morning only to ... Ahh forget it...

There are times when it is plainly clear why I do what I do. Why to self combust would be such an explosion that anyone involved would be beyond the beyond. That, being the whole point. Like anyone else, it's the me that has to switch off any thoughts. Any presumptions and feelings. But to take it to another dimension with another is the very thing of Music. Playing the Song 'til Dawn. Healing that which can only be healed by connection, Love and a deep trust. Others, will be taken care of and more than likely think they may have gone to Heaven. Heaven is the beginning. There are many floors to explore and it goes way beyond several Sun Rises and Sets.

Perhaps a little Tea will do the trick? Perhaps a Sledge Hammer to the Head? I know different as this storm sits under the surface even on the sweetest days. I'll shut up as it's not something I share with the timid. It's part of Life. Music and Improvisation. A Meditation. An Exorcism of that which can, if simply performed without limits being explored can change the Cells in our Bodies, which in turn attack themselves. Rock & Roll. To & Fro. To Share is the most powerful place known to any man or woman.

Rest well, all of you.

Cheers,

Animal

When you become used to taking risks on a daily basis and I'm talking about the simple acts of crossing the road or jumping in the Car. What happens? Basically, nothing. You get from A to B or cross the road. Some people will not risk Life or Limb for fear of being judged, criticised or talked about. Why? I have no idea. As what I loosely call the "Entertainment Industry", it's a risk if you fear, feel or speak. To some, that is. After many years of having music rejected after submission to 1 or 2 Companies, you soon get used to the fact that regardless of any feed back, positive or negative it means absolutely nothing. Not a Bean! Zilch. In fact, the risk is that you may in fact believe some Gimp and his or her opinion. Very dangerous and a psychological game played by young and old in families, relationships, sport... you name it! If you start to believe or become the owner of others opinions, I'm afraid you have risked all and possibly you may become the opposite to the very you that began on the face of this Earth to start with. Sure, it might hurt for a time or kind of send you down that dark place of self doubt. Both of which if looked upon as facts or fiction can be dealt with with that great motivator.... self belief. It ain't about money, fame or Men & Women falling about your feet. It's all about you and making choices. My point is, if you reach one person in a lifetime and move them in some way, you are on track. Those people take risks also. To praise another is a risk. "Oh my God, I just told the Dipstick that I enjoyed whatever."
He or she may not in turn leap to the floor and lick your boots with hails of personal praise re your bravery, honesty. He or she may in fact log into their capsule a more dangerous thought. I've heard the words.... sure, so and so likes such and such only to have it returned as Gossip and innuendo. If believed it may lead a person to remain in a safety zone of discontent. Regardless of being unfulfilled in whatever relationship, job or home they may live. Misery. Bitterness. Blame and ultimately a waste of many a good day or night with no ill will. No stand over. No.. should, could or must. All Tyrannous and controlling words and all aimed for a purpose.

Each and every day someone, somewhere is putting up with some form of negative controlling influence, ultimately to end either tragically or to say the least wastefully. People will kill for Money and that which they perceive to be their fix. Can you imagine? I can't. Yet time after time someone has hit the wall. Turned about and demolished the building in a flash. Sentence? Another Life of enforced control only this time there is good reason for it.

That's what I love about writing, playing and believing. To make your move one way or the other, you have to be bloody sure that you are the you that shall remain and move forward to give whatever another full blooded chance at finding the next step in moving forward. You risk nothing unless you believe you are nothing. Oh, I couldn't do that! Oh, it's too late. I'm too old or the great one. I was told when I was a kid, I would amount to nothing and couldn't ever expect to do what it was that I really enjoyed. I've taught the odd eighty year old male or female either the Drums or some basic Guitar. As they waited a lifetime for their self made walls to be taken care of. The change in these people is wonderful to see. Laughter. Smiles and absolute bloody madness. The very heart of a child kept well in check for more than enough years.

Lately, I've found myself on the wrong track, which for me, normally the right track. I won't follow unless my gut, heart or common sense tells me. I've unlocked the door as holding all inside had become poison, acid eating away at the very heart. For what? A little self doubt. A little memory of one negative or another. No longer. As I've found I still make my move, regardless of perceived fear or risk. The taste of Life and Living is not something to give up. As they say... "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." I'd reframe that by saying it makes you more aware.

It goes like this. If you love someone, tell them. If it's too much for them... let them go or stay where they believe or choose. Hope like hell, their hearts are in it and repetition is not the set up for the remainder of a Live that has one very pertinent ending. The one thing we know about Life, is Death. Hardly a morbid thought. But a hell of a good reason to Live, Love boots and all.

If you're going to kick on? Kick hard and straight. If not accept it and hope like hell you will never repeat the unrepeatable.

Love to all. Be kind to one another. We are all we have.

Cheers,

Iain

Why_Why Not

I assume most have experienced the pain and life of love. The ache when a connection is made from beyond time, knowledge or experience. Experience can have it's place and in many serves them well. However, the absolute de-fragmentation of that feeling, knowing yet not knowing goes far beyond experience.

I have mentioned some time before a love experience which lives as then with me to this day. Leo, A Cockatoo. Who came my way after being caught and caged. He was not only angry, he was hurt. In my mind to help Leo the first thing I would have to do was create enough space for him to live with a sense of freedom. Obvious. The only thing to do was pull the Garage down and use the existing struts and outer shell to create a World for my friend to feel a part of. Not caged, yet not with a door through which he may pass and find himself in an unfamiliar and never experienced "WORLD". Many Months passed.

On a New Years Eve fifteen Cockatoos landed on the next door neighbours roof. All bobbing and Strutting. The Sun was setting. Leo screeched. A call of both recognition and the unknown.

One hour & I could face it no longer. I opened the door and let Leo decide what was to be. He stuck his head out. He stuck it back in. Bobbed and bowed. Stuck his head out. Screeched. An hour passed. The visiting Cockatoos had gone to their resting place for the night. The Barbecue I had lit earlier was now more a Camp Fire. Flames licking the nights air.

I sat on a step. In one movement Leo flew directly at me and within an inch, sailed into the night sky. Returned to fly over me three more times to then settle in an Apricot tree only yards away.

In half an hour I had been transformed to a freedom loving man to a mess. His freedom was mine. yet I remained upon the step.

Midnight. New years Eve. Leo had been gone for some time. I was gone.
From no where Leo swept once again across my head. Circled the house three times and was gone.

What had I done. Why was I such a mess. I had set my dear friend free. Yet left myself, with myself. At 2Am, I began to find myself. The me that had always been. Yet in so many ways had been caged.

That experience was the one of deep love. To let my friend go and be free from his pain helped me let myself be. Free to love all that I had known as a young man. That self. That place of places. Alone, yet at peace and involved with my imagination and the sounds and sights that were about me.

I had learned nothing I now know from my future experience with Leo.

As once again I open a door to let love remain yet continue independently. Never to walk away. Never to run. Simply, to let the act of breathing take place and know that to ask why is an answered question.

It's Saturday. Raining. It's now and then and forever blessed in my heart.

To you all. Each and every living thing, I wish you well in pain and happiness. As we all, step by step make a journey.

Cheers

Iain

Just got word from Ross (Wilson) that Primal Park will be to be released officially on CD. Yea Bloody HaH!!!

The best bit was, I had something to offer. That being my Original EMI Cassette Tape I picked up in Melbourne over twenty years ago. Somehow Gill Mathews is going to re thingo it and away we go.

It was only a spur of the minute thing that I got Ross's gig list and decided to send him a Hi. I'd almost let go of the idea of PP being re released on CD as it's been going on/off for some time. Not that it's so important in the scheme of things but, to me it's really a product of it's time. There are a couple of Live tracks that really hit hard and bring back the very moment we were being recorded at Le Bombay Rock in Melbourne. "The Mood" for example is a very tight piece of out the window/in your face, peak playing. For years I'd been waiting to throw such a feel into a number as it's a sophisticated type rhythm where timing, or the sense of time and rhythm has to be totally free of thought. When we hit the breakdown and head into the Solo, I still vividly remember being in top shape as far as fluidity was concerned. No thought... just go for it. If any thought whatsoever came into the fray the whole dynamic and spark of the track would be diminished. I still use the feel today as it's both hands and feet doing individual patterns. In other words the HH may be playing 1&a 2e&a 3e a 4e&a with the snare playing or accenting the 2 & the 4, whilst the Bass Drum pattern punches in 16th notes & accents the 1 & the 3&a. Combine that with HH accents and you've got the sucker. So any conscious thought as to counting is dismissed. For you Drummers out there, doing your Single & Double Stroke daily four hours with a hefty amount of Accented Parradiddles with time to work on your Independence is it! After four hours, you're pretty loose and the blood flows as does the sense of a Meditation. I don't do that amount of practice these days but from 16 years of age onwards, it was my daily routine. An hours break for Lunch and another four of simply letting go and playing the Kit. When I think back to the Seven night a week schedule of gigs from North East South & West touring Australia, without those very early days of routine practice, my playing would not have developed to the stage I expected. The whole notion is NOT to be consciously thinking about anything but communicating, listening and feel. Occasionally in Ariel, I would get the chance to use similar feels. "Amazon", a song written by Glyn Mason was a perfect chance to lay a Rolling Shuffle type feel to a song. Bernard Purdie, calls it the "Bernard Purdie Shuffle" which he used on numerous occasions with Steely Dan. It's such a fluid pattern to play the groove becomes infectious with many Grace notes notes essentially going unheard.

Anyway, I'm getting carried away. However, if you have the time to work on your independence whereby each Limb is doing something in Harmony or against the time and separately creating another rhythm.. Get into it now, as starting late, with few gigs about these days, you will never have the time to really sort your Chops and then... IN TWO WORDS.... FORGET THEM and play.

That's enough from me as I'm very side tracked at present, the details of which I find all consuming. Life affirming... in fact. My thoughts and sense of discipline are being tested. But I assure you for the best reasons any of us can experience.

Love to Ya all,

For those close in my life... you know well where I'm coming from.

Cheers,

Iain

BEAT UP.
Mclennan/Oinkmuse

Well I guess you wonder how I know so much, so much about you.
I guess I know so much because I know little about me.
Then I could be guessing on a torn up sea.

I went to hair dresser but they didn't know which hair to cut
I tried to point it out, but man I had no luck.
So I left it for a week so they could do their stuff.

I want to roll all over you I want get so deep inside
Like you're the sweetest mystery we roll we could hide.
Don't care what no one thinks they just take your smile.

No body at my window. No body at my door.
I don't know what to do what to do anymore
Just wanna hold you so close to me
Surely that's what I'm here for?

Went down to the Bank to see how much interest I could stir
Kind of cute little thing said that's what we're hear for.
I looked her in the eye packed my things and went next door.

No body at my window. No body at my door.
I don't know what to do what to do anymore
Just wanna hold you so close to me
Surely that's what I'm here for?

I dreamed you let your hair down let it down for me
I rubbed my grubby hands through it I would not let you be.
You know how much I love you like my life I give it free.

Don't know what to do no more. Don't know the roof from the floor.
I see your sweet brown eyes your open lips in every door.
Wanna come and see you but that ain't what friends are for.

Well I guess you wonder how I know so much about you
I guess I know so much because I know little about me.
Then I could be guessing darling broke up on an angry sea.

I howl as the dawn come in praying that you may hear
Cut my hand to see my blood see my blood is running clear.
How could this have happened baby? I feel the weakness of my tears.
How could this have happened baby? I feel the weakness of my tears

I ain't felt so beat up
so beat up in all my years.
I ain't felt so beat up
so beat up in all my years.

WORLDS AWAY.
Mclennan/Oinkmuse/2009

So you found your lifetime on a piece of paper
So you found a mirror, a mirror just like you
Hidden in a suitcase
Not suitable to view.

So you did your research to find an agenda
So you poked around a little while.
Made the first connection
No arms or welcome smile.

Worlds Away
From anywhere
Worlds Away
From anyone that cared.
Worlds Away
From those who may have mattered
Worlds Away
Worlds Away.

So you searched for treasure anywhere you could.
So you searched for love to simply please anyone.
Gave it up so freely. Gave it up so easy.
Gave it up, up to anyone.

So you became a member of everything left around you
So you paid in Pennies you bet your pride and place.
Some thought it so easy
Behind that winning face.

Worlds Away
From anywhere
Worlds Away
From anyone that cared.
Worlds Away
From those who may have mattered
Worlds Away
Worlds Away.

So you hit the Highway to see what you could find.
So you traipsed the shadows looking for the Sun.
The nothing came so easy
Between a shadow & a con.

So you became insightful you could read anyone.
So you became a Gypsy, though not your chosen way.
Changed your imagination
Let go almost every day.

That's what you remember
In kind an Enigma.
You would appear
although you'd ready gone.
Memory like a razor,
Sharp. Well honed.
It served you
Cut down to the Bone.

Worlds Away
From anywhere
Worlds Away
From anyone that cared.
Worlds Away
From those who may have mattered
Worlds Away
Worlds Away.

BLUE J WAY

/Mclennan/Oinkmuse/2009

He could not understand his obligations
for those were made by another man
All in all ended complicated
He went the only way that was at hand.

Blue J Way
Blue J Way

Tried to pay for mistakes that he'd been makin'
Made his bed and set it to the Sun.
Understanding don't come so easy
Mistakes you find have been and gone as one.

Turn the lights out in the Tavern
Rest the stools upon the Bar.
Take your leave as you know it
Hit the the street but where you going to run?

Blue J Way
Blue J Way

Phone so many times hands were shaking
Phone but forget he got redial
A word or two was all in his asking
So close, yet felt so many miles.

Blue J Way
Blue J Way

"Tears on the Pillow
Tears on the Phone
Tears as he punched every line.
His eyes were dry
His eyes were dry."

Asked himself how could this happen?
Asked himself how once again could he fall?
Asked a stranger, if he knew a way?
"You got directions, go follow,

go follow as you may."

Blue J way
Blue J Way....

Is often the most difficult process. Although the studio is moving ahead well. Now I find myself with hundreds of Back Up Files to go through and restart the process of editing, mixing etc. In hindsight, my thoughts are more wishes than practical doing . It's like, OK, for reasons beyond control everything had to stop. The stop was a huge stop. No half measures. Just stop.

Many find to regain momentum time and time again pretty much impossible as the momentum itself propels you forward with energy and enthusiasm. I allude to wishes that I had never stopped, despite the pile up that occurred. We shall see what we shall see as they say, even though I don't like to use the term "WE". I shall see what I shall see. Far too many thoughts. Too many threads of ideas that came whilst in the process of working now seem so far behind and in many cases are not as relevant to my current thoughts. Over the weekend I had the thought to simply put a Mic up and do an album of Gtr/Vocs tracks. Even that option at present seems daunting.

Time will tell as always. Time being the motivation for so many things. To love, Live, Eat & Sleep may be the natural thing to do. In all that, nothing stops regardless of what I or any of us may wish.

Just thinking and making notes as to where and what goes which way is enough for today after a long and silent weekend.

Cheers,

Iain

Do they ever. One day on fire. Next kind of exhausted from all the preparation and reinstalling bits and pieces. Someone once said to me many years ago... "And how are WE today?" Where the hell they get the "WE" to me, is a little confusing and at worst, condescending.
You hear it all the time. Particularly in Hospitals and those places where someone is not on the up. First time I heard it was at an early age. One thing I couldn't understand was how they knew I had an imaginary friend. Which at the time was a small transistor Radio. An impossible question to answer I remember thinking. My answer was less than forthcoming as the men & women in White Hospital Starched and Pressed Uniforms stood with Teeth exposed looking down and obviously expecting a plausible answer. It came without thinking. "I want to go home & so does my friend." Open a bag of worms I did as question after question were fired about this other... other.... "WE".

Today I still cringe when hearing these words and basically explode within the bounds of my own body. We today are quite well. Except the other isn't as hubbly bubbly as the othery. I digress. To get back on the the subject completion of all wiring begins tomorrow as WE enter a so called Long Weekend. Perhaps it's not having a day gig that throws me off when any such weekend comes around. Anything required in the name of Tech stuff is not available. Of course for others it's a great break.

6AM it will start as ton by ton of metal and rubber head to the Northern Beaches for picnics or simply a short getaway. Hopefully, the Sun willl shine for one and all and tempers will remain in order?

I do hope all have a great long weekend in whatever it is that you may or may not have planned. My luck is that only across the way is a long winding road leading to a quiet Park. Full of the tallest Gums, Willows and thick cool Grass complete with it's on suite Beach and clean, cool Water.

Cheers,

Iain

What a few days! People dropping in to check on the progress of the Studio. Me being concerned that Oinkmuse may have caught "Swine Fever?"

To a degree, swine fever is all about. Those whom I call friends are the Swine of life for me. To begin with, friends are few. Acquaintances many. I, like most choose my friends or vice versa. Over the last few years, many folk have come and gone.... not literally, just continued on their way in the company they chose. We are all much the same however, there is one difference. That being these few and much loved new friends are like parts of me. They with their ideas, skills and humour trigger the parts that at times I think I have misplaced. It's a rare find. That being, a friend. Warts and all. Swines, each and every one of them. Without doubt one of my favourite creatures is the almighty PIG. When together in the fellowship of Swine-hood much mirth, mayhem and exuberance is forthcoming. Yep, they are a creative bunch and most have been through the Minefield of professional entertainment. The common denominator being... Survival. That uncanny ability to carry on when many would pass by and let well alone.

Music and Musicianship cannot be left alone as it to, becomes alone. Out there somewhere in the minds of clouds, wind & rain. It waits. It stalks. Pursues your inner most thoughts until there is no way possible to rest easy. It's that wonderful place that all are touched by. That Cubby House you may have had when a kid. Fighting off invaders of all description. Not with slings and arrows but with a beat, a chord, a note sung or screeched into the Forrest. At times every sound known to Mankind could be heard from high in the Gums behind fence palings nailed one by one to the tallest Gum creating the Supper Cubby! Many an invader, upon hearing such ranting, ravings and melodies would be stopped dead in their tracks, look about and inevitably retreat. Only to the sound of the Bush, Birds and that wonderful quiet that gives the mind a chance to catch a melody and hopefully calm the Great Warrior of imagination. Yes, a song. A word or simply a peaceful nights sleep.

Yes, I do rave and have been raving with each and every visitor to enter my gate with wide eyed smiles and calls of HI YA! See new picks posted and you will get an idea.

Never is it all wild eyed and full of enthusiasm. Such is life. To have that hour or two during the day or night, lasts for a lifetime. The River becomes calm, knowing full well it will never be complete until it falls into the arms of the Sea.

Today, being Wednesday, was a special one for reasons... Well... I have my reasons. An energetic and disconcerting aliveness. For some time I have had my doubts about many things. Puzzlement. One wonders why and for what reason any questions may arise when from what you once thought was a distant fancy becomes a deep sense of being complete. Coffee tastes as it's aroma suggests. Laughter, silence... in fact all senses are shared in a look. A look into the eyes of another. The look of such depth that all questions, answers, knowledge are totally unnecessary.

That look, is another day on the river, but one so easily missed in a Lifetime.

Nice talking and I must say for the first time, hits to this site have eclipsed those of the USA. So finally, I must be doing something right as the USA has had the majority as far as interest is concerned since the site was first created. It may not mean much to some but to me, after so many years of unreturned mail, CD send outs, reviewer send outs... it's thanks to those of you in Australia who may take the slightest interest that is most gratifying. To the unbelievable amount of contact with the rest of the World, regardless of me gigging or not, I'm dumbfounded. I cannot forget the very first hit and the country it came from..... Poland. You can read the correspondence on the reviews page. I still have to kick myself to think people take the slightest notice of some of my ranting, imaginings and thoughts.

To All, Love to you and yours,

Iain

That's what so many say and so many hang their dreams upon. What isn't said is what exactly is just around the corner. I guess for most it's the hope of happiness, fortune and for some even fame. Each corner we turn presents a new dimension. A new space that we in turn take in and wander into. Whether or not you are aware of what you are wandering into is purely up to each and every individual. Another saying that I hear often is... "It Will Pass".
Generally speaking whatever may be ailing you will pass. Not so with the spirit. Our spirit is such an unknown. Has no will, ego or planning. It just is. In saying this I mean it's the very core of our being. To break someone's spirit is to crucify the hopes, dreams and imaginings of all things. The spirit becomes bombarded with negatives of which it has no way to deal with. The spirit of us in my mind is the child. The child being inquisitive, questioning and for most totally enthralled by the new. News of late is full of stories of broken children whose "Just Around The Corner" has been shattered. For those lucky enough to survive childhood and all the adult drama that goes with it. To reach an age where the spirit can still dance into each day without regret or fear is a spirit in deed.

So many deny the humour and openness of which a free spirit can live in peace. Thereby allowing the adult to maintain a sense of life despite any tragedies, mistakes or unfulfilled hopes and dreams.

Wisdom, is a healthy spirit. One that can absorb all human emotions without the mortal side of us collapsing. A kind of optimism that remains with us through every moment.

What is around the corner? What do we foresee? Many know and many subscribe to Astrology day after day to read what perhaps is in store. What's around the corner is a state of mind. Depending how you approach each turn. Some go hell for leather and completely miss the turn. Some about face and chose another direction. Some go freely into a new perspective. A new energy. One that may challenge as never before the very core of each of us.

In my mind to avoid or not step freely into the new experience is a loss. Though at times the experience rips the carpet from under our feet and just as we were once children we are free to stand, look and decide what it is that we have just experienced. I like the thought. I like the experience be it as we may like or not. The one thing that remains a certainty is it will remain with us for all time. It is to be seen how this in turn affects the spirit as the spirit is not controlled by will or any form of self talk or fix it up. That is why we are alive. Alive to feel that which we may have forgotten or pushed aside as being childish.

To all, cherish the spirit and love the love as so many forget how powerful it is to love and be loved freely and with no conditions.

Thanks for listening as this outlet allows me the freedom to communicate and discover.

Cheers,

Iain

It's all well and good writing and recording songs. Any songs. It's not so well and good when emotions are conflicting in the real world. For so many years we tend to build a resilience or inner strength to help us make it through those times of the unexplainable. To find a treasure in life. Unknown for so long, yet only moments away. Like most treasures, they are kept well hidden unless you have the fine tuning to actually see without looking and know without knowing. Some say it's a gift. Others the fine art of fishing. I don't fish, so that's out. Of course the oddest thing is at any time you may hear the note which resonates most deeply within you. Many hear nothing and perhaps they are blessed. Free of life's pain and exquisite happiness as you cannot have one without the other.

I sat in my car. Lights out. Radio off. To say I'd been moved is an understatement. The hair on the back of my neck jumped. My heart barked at me like a Junkyard Dog. Yet I sat as if I'd been struck by lightening. What had happened? One of my songs had become a reality. Some songs are imagined or simply fall into place. The reality was beyond any song I could possibly write with an ending that completely went against the grain. Like any song, painting or sculpture. They touch a part of us we quite often have not fully experienced. Of course, we can walk away and return at will to gaze upon that which has changed that inner self. Answered unanswerable questions.

Life, is a different and far more challenging form of art.

In saying this, it helps me understand that which I cannot. Helps me respect the wishes of another even though to let such treasure free will cost more than any so called treasure I know of.

I shall write. Attack my Drums. Make the Guitar scream in hope that I may be strong enough to let another breathe and rest easily. This is my hope for me also. It's so simple it confounds the very core of Human Interaction and like boiling water, you stand within each bubble as it escapes into the humid night.

Love to all near and far,

Iain

It's been so long there's Moss growing on the rocks. The old Beach will never be returned to and the waves never ridden again. It used to be catching and riding the wave was life itself. The energy, adrenalin. Holding your breath as your face was buried in the sand.

The sand has vanished. The deep water that would surround and let you rest in it's arms. There was trust and awareness. Unspoken. Just the rise and fall.

It's time to return to the deepest water. Take the risk. Enter the rise and fall and fight the swell. Easy words when spoken in a mumble to yourself. To find that illusive new spread of sand. The welcoming heat that in turn, keeps the blood surging through veins that none lie barely visible.

What to do? Wait and hope that the tide may change? All you're doing is waiting for anothers Sea Change. Most I speak with have chased the beach many a time. Only to return, broken and weary.

The young, wild & free ride on until as is life they too are dumped with no thought. Washed up. Dressed up. Patched up. In new stitched with a new tribe. On the prowl. The prowl became a saunter. There was an odd look to these new beaches. Almost too new. Eventually, not having much choice each and every one of them turned to these new waves. Shock shuddered through each and every one of each individual. The first set were huge and propelled rider after rider headlong onto the beach. Only one thing for it. Go out for another set. In they rolled as with grateful enthusiasm each and every rider assumed position ready for the ride of his life.

Some ride>. As every wave dropped, flattened leaving all and sundry in the doldrums. No interest, no drive and the sound of laughter. Not one wave appeared as it seemed. Soon, it was clear. The only choice remain was to hang up the boards. It was done. Finished. All the experience. Everything learned and experienced. Washed away.

Days by the Beach were idol. Talk of the old sets were the main topic.

Time marched on. A new breed of riders emerged. Young men. Women. Would ride the surf without care. No skill. No experience. Didn't take long as each new day the two groups came together. Young asked questions and were answered. The life this breathed into each and every member mixed on common ground. Relationships between old and new formed.

Life began again and again.

A time of both extreme pleasure mixed with confusion and of course observed by older waves. Older and far from happy. It wasn't right. Unhealthy. Generation gap. Worst of all rumours began. "Unhealthy behaviour" became the catch cry. The result? Old riders were scorned. Once again, the beaches remained empty. Moss grew once again on rocks.

It seems the confusion, the loss continues. No one dares. Bodies drop and the thought of risk becomes out to Sea.

May you all find your deeper Sea.

Cheers,

Iain

6AM and the chill in the air seemed to be inside my bones. Walking the four t o five hundred yards to collect the Paper, Milk did nothing to rid the ache. There's a reason for this. Namely I haven't been sitting at the kit on a daily basis and letting go. A routine of forty years and one that on most days centres me. Helps me focus on what's important. A Meditation if you like as every limb finds it's place as the brain starts to operate on both right and left sides.

Days like today, there's a feeling of running short of a Cylinder or two. From what I have read over the years, this is not uncommon with many musicians or performers. Needless to say it remains quite alarming, particularly when you reach the shop and stare vacantly in the hope you will in fact remember why you are there? Upon returning home, I dumped the Paper, made Coffee and wandered around the house. As I have mentioned the Studio update has required much moving of boxes from one area to another. I moved nothing and simply took in what in fact had changed. This is the rewarding part of discarding that which you don't need to discover that which you do. In a few words the vision I have had in my mind is becoming a reality and in that there's a deep sense of satisfaction. Moving forward, when it seems you going in circles. With each twist and turn I noticed some more predominantly than others. Some turns could have been twisted and vice versa but as I said, I felt out of sync and remained chilled.

The day progressed and towards twelve midday I became less distracted and more concerned with the way in which we can excuse such things as cold bones for more deep seated thoughts. The odd thing was, the thoughts were happy and connected.

To keep a long story short, by five PM, my gait had steadied and my head had some clarity.

I am grateful for this day and it's events more than I can express.

This all may sound a little disjointed to some, however to another it will resonate as to will the future of friendship, understanding and the truth of how fragile we are at times.

If you have a friend, new or old, in my opinion this is the success of Life and Living.

Cheers,

Iain

For so long I have had an image of the studio in my head. It'd turned out far better than I could have imagined. Just goes to show, if you keep your mind focussed on what is you would like to achieve... it will happen. Hard work and belief pay off. No good continually thinking "IF ONLY" It's a matter of continuing regardless of how your head can play havoc with what and how you think.Needles to say, so many new ideas are starting develop and of course my attitude has returned to the place of calm.

Prior to the studio upgrade, I felt so lifeless. No place on silence or believing "It's just too hard."

Not ting this mach.

Short but sharp