November 10th, 2017
CAROL'S SONG
Jel penned this one 26 years ago long before the internet and mobiles phones. On Christmas morning, in Britain, TV was full of folks from all over the world in strange places wishing those back home a 'Merry Christmas', along with presenters in stupid jumpers and endless 'Specials'. Christmas day is the oddest of them all - so many people are lonely and so many relationships break under the financial pressure of the ultimate consumerism. For many people it's just an ordinary day because it has to be - that's the only way to survive it for some. The homeless spend it still homeless and the troops are a long way from home facing danger. We are not against Christmas, but we do look forward to switching off and ignoring the world for a few days .... and especially the TV. So what was written in '91 hasn't really changed 26 years later...
Released 10 November 2017
LYRICS
Hey it's late I've been working hard
I can see you're tired too
Please don't try to talk about those things
I don't want to fight with you.
So while you sleep I'll watch the late night TV
Tonight the world will fall apart, for you and for me.
I light a cigarette and pour a drink
I can feel it going wrong
Please don't try to reach me now
I've been far away too long.
So while you sleep I'll watch the late night TV
Tonight the world will fall apart, for you and for me.
Between the rock stars with a temporary chart reprieve
And the token seasonal offerings they schedule Christmas Eve
Everyone is finding the time to stop and think
Of all the Yule Tide greetings free with every drink.
On channel 3, a sermon, rallies around the nation
On channel 2, a man in blue talks of low inflation
The troops say hello to mum and wave to girlfriends missed
And Harris found a crate or two to help the lads get pissed.
And friends from 40 years ago, are 20 second stars
Reunited with a lost one living life on mars
The newsman with a straight face, who tells us life is grim
Is dancing on the specials and advertising gin.
The saviours of the needy remind us of their cause
The refuges are freezing, it's Christmas in the wars
And there's a man with a cardboard house, it's built between the breaks
An ideal gift for mother, from the box a home he makes.
On channel 4, a classic, a favourite family show
The one that has the tears falling in the snow
I can't believe this is happening, I can't believe this is real
Tonight I held you for the last time, you'll never know how I feel.
Hey it's late I've been working hard
I can see you're tired too
If we never get to talk again
At least I'll never fight with you.
VIDEO
November 1st, 2017
MR BREEZY
"Storm clouds gathering in far away lands. Take the moments while we have them in our hands." The world is getting unsafer by the day. Little did we imagine, having lived through the heights of the Cold War and the end of nuclear proliferation, that it would come to this. For years no one mentioned nuclear weapons, they were a part of a frightening history. Now nations threaten to use them as children throw firecrackers. Maybe here in NZ we will miss the initial worst of it, but it's not all about us, there are millions who won't if it happens. Besides it will affect everyone on the planet, and so we remember the unpublished 'Protect and Survive' UK Government booklet from the 1980s. 32 pages to strike fear into anyone's heart. Those times were real, and they are again. This is our take on it - we used to say 'kiss your arse goodbye' if it ever happens, now we say go to the beach and enjoy the last few moments.
Released 1st November 2017
LYRICS
We've awakened from a dreary haze
A drunken slumber that's stretched for days and days and days
Both barrels burnt. no caffeine in sight
Yesterday is dusted, the sun is shining bright
No time for sleep, no missing treats
No holding horses
Count to three, kick back the sheets
Make mine over easy, Mr Breezy
Your grab the key, I'll find the Keates
Not forever, can feel it in my bones
I'll pick the flowers, you pick the skimming stones
Tame the tide for hours and talk of Rubenstein
Laugh until the tears fall, and be glad we are alive
No time for sleep, no missing treats
No holding horses
Count to three, kick back the sheets
Make mine over easy, Mr Breezy
Your grab the key, I'll find the Keates