What Made You Smile Today?

[snaps]

If you never listen to anything else this year .. listen to (and watch) this. (It will only be available for a few more days) YOHIO live on Swedish TV with an acoustic version of 'Rain' This is pure Jacques Brel. It would be a fitting backdrop to a revisited SML/FA (from Agnes POV).

His new album 'Break The Border' has had quite negative and unfair reviews. It is VERY eclectic demonstrating his encyclopaedic knowledge of music. Basically they don't want him to move outside the framework of being a (to their minds) 'gay pop-tart'. Thus the irony. The album title is NO accident. It is about breaking down boundaries, sexually and musically.

I hope you enjoy as much as I have.

http://www.tv4play.se/program/nyhetsmorgon?video_id=2315160

[DMt.]

An old A&R rule-of-thumb is that if a tune doesn't work with just a simple guitar or piano backing, no amount of arrangement/production will make it work.

Likewise, the severest test of any muso's talent is, can they cut it when live and unplugged?

Yohio seems to comfortably handle both of these criteria, on this showing.

[fish]

Excellent performance. Great clip.

Thanks Snapsie.

[snaps]

Oooooh! Thanks for those nice comments. I think it is a lovely if sad song, and one of my YOHIO favourites. I have heard (via the inside) that the track is actually about his departed grandmother. Hence, some of the oblique lyrics like 'You won't see the seasons change again' 'I wonder if you can still see me' etc. The one Japanese refrain line 'Mata Ne' means 'I will see you again'. A lovely thought to hang onto. What a lovely boy

[DMt.]

So have you got Yohio's Big Bang Theory script notes together yet, snaps, or am I going to have to do it?

I sort of had you slated for the job, though. I mean, you know, you're younger than I, it's more your arena, it's comedy...

A Yohio appearance on BBT, done right, would be like being fired from a cannon, no?

[There are several cast members who are musos, you know, including Jim P, Mayim B and, errm, Wolowitz. There could be a jam, even.]

Don't tell me that, after holding that standard for that long, the BBT production team wouldn't welcome good new input.

Also, Britishisms are hot in the US just now, and you know all that stuff like a native...

Gimme a sketch, upfront; go on, I dare you.

"How Yohio enters the BBT universe, and what happens."

[snaps]

Hi Dave. I'll have to leave the honours to you. I don't think I've ever seen BBT. I had to look it up. I hardly ever watch any UKTV these days. I just use the TV for playing DVDs mostly. The only real TV I watch is the Swedish channels on my puter.

[DMt.]

I greatly approve of people not having/using a TV, and have felt much better ever since I gave mine the elbow, many years ago.

Friends and family cued me to BBT, and I got the DVDs out of the library [all except Season 2 ].

Highly recommended.

[Ian]

It would help if there was anything ON TV.

[DMt.]

How many channels of shite would Sir like to purchase...?

I still get Virgin Media agents from the Philippines ringing me to say I've been selected for a 'premium deal' or a 'wonderful new offer' and it often takes several repetitions for them to Get It...that's right, I don't have a TV...

[snaps]

I have sorta recently rediscovered the joy of reading. (Yes I know that is a challenge to our Australian followers ) inky bits on paper. Lots of Scandinavian authors. Some is is so-so, others when you discover them, you just know you have put your life on hold and do nothing but read, the storyline is so captivating. I haven't felt that feeling in so many film/TV series. It's just OK to watch an hour or so.

Probably most recently for me the exception is the TV serial 'Kingdom' by Lars von Trier. True horror combined with dark humour. Fucking more hilarious than Doctor Fucking Who. Centres on a manic failed Swedish surgeon, who is consigned to practice in Denmark (which he loathes). It exploits the fear we all have of being placed in a hospital when the doctors are crazier than we are . This is Stephen King on toast. When I visited Copenhagen I went to the Film Instute just to buy the second series. Fuck what DDD

The prospected third series was never made, as two of the principal actors had died. No-one felt confident enough to step into those shoes. Masterpieces of acting, that have you crying one moment then pissing your pants laffing the next.

I seriously recommend 'Kingdom'

[Dahls]

Ah, yes. I discovered Riget (Kingdom) a couple of months ago (I belive I posted it somewhere here on the forum too ), and instantly considered it a favorite.
Simply brilliant.


You forgot to mention exactly which books you have been reading. You got me all curious now!

[fish]

... inky bits on paper...

My psychiatrist shows them to me all the time.
Wants me to say what I think they are.

Not my fault if he keeps showing me dirty pictures.

[Ian]

Already seen it.

Cheeky bugger, snaps. I read all the time. Granted, most of it so I can live vicariously through Harry Potter fan-fic, but that's beside the point.

[Ian]

Happy birthday to Emma Watson, who turned 23 in the week. And was also given the "Trailblazer" award at the MTV Movie Awards.

[DMt.]

John Cooper Clarke's List of Things You Never See;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=k3uuWxGmHyA&feature=fvwp