Mark Northfield is an old friend of this blog, and I have been happy to share his politically themed songs for some time.
This is his latest. I offer a very mild language warning, although why I feel the need to do so, I now wonder:
As Mark noted in his mail to me:
Not an esp cheery number, I'm afraid (even if it is using Do-Re-Mi from 'The Sound of Music'), because there's no way to sugarcoat this subject.
Melodic additions in the central instrumental section are from Sousa ('The Stars and Stripes Forever' - the official national march of the USA), Britney Spears' song 'Toxic', and the theme tune from the chillingly prescient Gabriel Gatehouse BBC radio series 'The Coming Storm'.
The only hope I have atm is that something worthwhile - like much greater cooperation in Europe with the UK an integral part - may eventually come of this terrible situation. Vance's vile speech in Munich really ought to have dispelled any illusions. How the US can still be treated as any kind of reliable security 'partner' while the Trump/Musk regime hastily goes about dismantling their democracy, threatening invasions of neighbouring territory and giving Putin what he wants in Ukraine is beyond comprehension.
Anyway... Grrrr. On we go. Giving up is not an option.
As I am apt to often inclined to say, much to agree with.
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As much as I love my guitars, amps and effects I do sometimes wish I had played the piano. What an instrument (my son has done his Grade 8 though, which I’m very proud of).
As Richard says, much to agree with, notably Mark’s conclusion in his email. Could Vance’s incredible speech be a real turning point? We have to hope so, though I fear Starmer & co will again fail to react.
Indeed, the so-called special relationship has never looked so…non-existent. It is questionable whether the US should even be considered an ally in 2025, let alone a friend, let alone a country we are in a ‘special relationship’ with!
Well done to PSR’s son for achieving his Grade 8 piano – I achieved all my Grades whilst at school and then went on to study under someone from the then Manchester College of Music (now the Royal Northern), ultimately not with a view to making it a career, but it broadened my appreciation of all (or most) types of music, both modern and not so modern, and which I still enjoy – I hope that PSR’s son continues with piano and an appreciation of music. But moving on the the video ‘song’, whilst at school (St Trinians) only 1 book was banned – Nicholas Monsarrat The Cruel Sea – because of the bad language – of course we all read it in the holidays. I remember checking stocks and WIP at various building sites during my working life, when an edict was sent to all the sites that a woman is coming so ‘watch your language’. My Mother was a JP and sat on a bad language case (the use of f–k), which was written on a piece of paper and shown (initially) only to the 2 male JPs – she insisted on seeing it, and brought the piece of paper home and asked her daughters if we knew what it meant – we all denied any knowledge, but we asked what became of the accused – reply was that he was ‘sent down’ – how times have changed! A ‘mild language warning’ was given to the video; people did not have to listen; however I believed it to be ‘appropriate’ despite my schooling and upbringing.
Thanks!
Thanks again, Mark.