Birkenadian

Just out walking Scully with Rhys

2011-12-19T04:47:00.001-05:00

Darth Vader conducts Christmas Choir Flash Mob - Carol of the Bells

2011-12-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

Band Aid - Do They Know Its Christmas

2011-12-18T08:14:00.000-05:00

Reds win the derby

2011-10-01T13:02:00.000-04:00

Waiting For The Great Leap Forward

2009-05-01T04:52:00.001-04:00

The Big Pink 'Velvet'

2009-04-26T01:23:00.000-04:00

Great tune!

Kind of Blue: Pushing Boundaries with Miles Davis

2009-04-13T11:08:00.005-04:00

Kind of Blue: Pushing Boundaries with Miles Davis

Q&A with: Robert D. Austin
Published: April 13, 2009
Author: Martha Lagace

Ask jazz fans the world over to name their favorite compilation, and chances are their response is Kind of Blue. With music that is sophisticated and sublime, spare yet complex, trumpeter and composer Miles Davis (1926-1991) reached dazzling new heights of creativity when the album was recorded in only two short sessions in 1959.

At the age of 32, Davis coaxed innovative ideas out of his players—among them greats including John Coltrane and Bill Evans—that took everyone by surprise. He also remade the industry, introducing longer, more contemplative songs like the now-classic "So What."

Since 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Kind of Blue, it's a good time to ask: How did he do it?

One of the answers is "radical simplicity," according to HBS professor Robert D. Austin and Carl Størmer, founding principal of JazzCode, a consulting and entertainment firm specializing in improvisational collaboration and communication in high-performance teams.

In their case, "Miles Davis: Kind of Blue", they reflect on the beauty of the music as well as the unusual story behind its creation. And they suggest that nonmusicians—such as managers who aim to spark and sustain innovation for competitive advantage—can learn a lot of new notes from Davis's example.

"The album Kind of Blue was also a commercial success—the most commercially successful jazz album ever, in fact, which makes it worthy of examination in a business context," Austin says.

Adds Størmer, "There are probably business benefits in relying on radical simplicity to free and empower employees in a similar way."

Our e-mail Q&A follows.

Martha Lagace: Miles Davis defied the critics who thought he had peaked with Milestones. With Kind of Blue he put aside his past success and strove for even greater heights. But what do his efforts for Kind of Blue have in common with business innovation?

Rob Austin: We conceived the case to get at questions about how the creative process "detaches" from past successes enough to leap to new levels of success. In product development terms, you might call this something like "jumping to the next S-curve."

By the "S-curve" we mean the pattern that new innovations typically follow when they are introduced. At first a few people, early adopters, take them up and use them (the relatively flat bottom of the S). Then more people jump on board, and the take-up of the innovation accelerates (the steep middle of the S). Finally, the innovation starts to saturate the market, as everybody who wants one gets one, or every product in the category comes to include the innovation (the relatively flat top of the S).

"Miles Davis forced the musicians to approach the music without any expectations or preconceptions, often by giving them minimal sketches and sparse instructions."—Carl Størmer:
Companies experience a lot of success on the steep part of the S-curve, but then need to figure out the next big thing as they flatten out at the top. Often companies that have become so geared around success from a particular innovation have trouble getting a new S-curve going. Artists do, too. People want to stay with the thing that has brought great success.

But there are some artists who seem to have a particular knack for moving on, jumping to new S-curves. These people—Miles Davis is one, but there are others, such as Pablo Picasso—seem to be willing to abandon past successes in the pursuit of something new and more exciting. They seem willing to disappoint their truest old fans—if that's what it takes to make something truly new. Miles had reached the pinnacle by playing and innovating in the bebop tradition. But in Kind of Blue he walked away from all that, in the direction of a very different sort of music called modal jazz. It's not a small difference. Listen to an example of each, and anyone can hear it. The case is aimed at trying to see how he did it.

Martha Lagace: What about the creation of Kind of Blue piqued your curiosity?

Rob Austin: A few things. The first is, as I've mentioned, that it was a dramatic break from his past, very successful style. How that break came about is interesting. Kind of Blue was also a commercial success—the most commercially successful jazz album ever, in fact, which makes it worthy of examination in a business context. Davis himself is a fascinating example of a "manager" of creative people and processes. His ability to nurture talent is legendary. Just about anybody who is anybody in jazz can trace some lineage back to "Miles University." Finally, the process that led to Kind of Blue is an example of pushing boundaries and taking experimentation right up to the edge of failure in the pursuit of something new; Davis pushed his musicians "to the edge," but he did it in a way that effectively managed the risks. This might be something we can learn from in business as well.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the release of Kind of Blue. And it still sells in huge numbers. Talk about a long tail!

Carl Størmer: There's an interesting question, too, about whether the seeds for your jump to the next S-curve are there in your past work, and how you might find and build on that. If you study Milestones, an album Miles made before Kind of Blue, you notice that the title track is a modal composition, a forerunner of what came into full bloom with Kind of Blue. How he found that seed, extracted it, played with it, built upon it—all fascinating stuff.

Also, Miles was on a trajectory, pushing the boundaries of bebop toward greater complexity in the music. He had a fantastic band, so nobody could take this trajectory where he and his band could. But when he jumped to the next S-curve, he actually turned around 180 degrees and went the opposite direction, toward simplicity—simplicity that empowered and freed his players to improvise and create, rather than pushing them to the limits of their technical mastery. He gave them some slack to work with, and asked them to do unusual things with it. It's interesting to think about and look at examples of companies that have the will to turn 180 degrees, of course, but also there are probably business benefits in relying on radical simplicity to free and empower employees in a similar way.

Q: Aside from inspired musical choices, what leadership decisions by Davis enabled this creation?

Carl Størmer: Davis was looking for ways to break out of the straitjacket of bebop. Even on Milestones it was evident that he was looking for something new, and that simplicity might be one way out of the current corner he'd worked himself into. Most of the songs on that album are based on a very simple blues structure. I also think he wanted to find ways to more fully realize the incredible potential of his team—John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, et al. How could he give them more freedom, more empowerment? Maybe he realized that playing easier material would in itself help emancipate the players—even if he was dealing with the best talent in the business.

I think the experience in Paris where he composed and recorded a film score for director Louis Malle (for Elevator to the Gallows, 1958) in a single night was important. There he might have realized that simplicity was one way to create great music in a very short time. Maybe he realized that this recipe could be improved further: get good songs, simplify them as much as possible, get the best players in the world, and force them to listen to the music by not telling them what to do.

Rob Austin: The "business" version of what Carl just said might be: get great materials, simplify the task down to its essential elements, put your smartest people on it, and force them to listen—to each other, to the interaction between the company and its customers, and to the market.

Q: Kind of Blue was recorded in two short sessions of only five and three hours, respectively, and Davis often used only the first takes. What about short sessions and first takes helped the musicians' creativity to flow?

Carl Størmer: As in conversation, everything in jazz is about the interaction that takes place between the players. The legendary recordings of jazz are the result not only of superb individual performances, but of great listening and interactions within a small number of improvisers as well. In order to make this work, the players adhere to a set of shared codes—almost like language—consisting of, among other things, key, tempo, groove, rhythm, song form, tradition, and harmony.

Miles Davis was known to have a preference for first takes. First takes often end up being the best takes because they have a magical quality that only exists when musicians are approaching something without an overly detailed plan. Working without a script or with a very loose script forces you to listen intensely to ensure that your own contribution is contextually relevant to what everybody else is doing in the moment. Very often, this openness is gone after the first take. On a second take, many musicians will try to improve their own performance, and just by focusing on their own performance they will lose some of their ability to listen to everyone else. As a result, each individual performance might be more perfect on a second take, but the enhanced individual perfection comes at a collective price often resulting in a decrease in the interaction quality. The end result is music less spontaneous, more stiff, less alive.

Rob Austin: This is something we've studied in other contexts as part of a larger project on innovation. One of the big problems in innovation is how to free yourself from preconceptions, to get outside your expectations and normal tendencies, so that you can create something really new, without creating more risk and problems than benefit. Often it can be risky to push people or a process to "the edge," so to speak—something might break. But what we've seen in various cases is people, teams, and companies coming up with strategies to get out to the edge, without causing a mess or without suffering serious damage when you do make a mess. We see, for example, people getting really clever at experiments with cheap parts, or doing the edgy, risky things inside a computer-based simulation.

Miles Davis shows us another way. Get really good people and put them in situations they can handle, but also circumstances that challenge them and their preconceptions. What would happen if you put great people on a business problem and refused to let them solve it in a habitual way?

Carl Størmer: Miles Davis forced the musicians to approach the music without any expectations or preconceptions, often by giving them minimal sketches and sparse instructions. He would more often tell them what not to play. Think about how valuable it would be for teams of business innovators to be free of preconceptions but as skilled at their task as Davis's musicians were.

One more thing: I think time pressure is also important. Often, short sessions are a result of busy players, expensive studio time, and booking schedules being made on short notice. Not so different from the way a lot of things happen in business. This results, sometimes, in mistakes. But in jazz, we often do something interesting in the aftermath of mistakes: we repeat them. For instance, on the song "Freddie Freeloader" Davis comes in one bar early at one point. The band adjusts to this unexpected entry by the leader in such a seamless way that very few people notice the subtle glitch. This is the power of collective improvisation: Everybody listens to everybody else and adjusts to what they are doing. In jazz, the short session has always been the norm.

Q: What aspects of Davis's innovation seem unusual compared with companies and creative enterprises you have studied? Are there aspects of intellectual property rights that arise from this case, given the contribution of all the musicians?

Rob Austin: Well, Miles Davis certainly had an unusual leadership style, if you think in a managerial context. For one thing, he often didn't say very much, and when he did speak, he sometimes provoked people. Provocation is, of course, one way of jolting people into doing something new. As I've mentioned, we've definitely seen some parallels between how Davis worked and how companies push to "the edge" in search of innovation. What is particularly remarkable about Davis in a business context, though, is how radically he detached from his past to make a more interesting future. The inability of business to do that has often resulted in infamous episodes. For example, IBM's refusal to "cannibalize" its success in mainframe computers by pushing PCs and the Internet eventually got it into really big trouble in the early 1990s.

Carl Størmer: On intellectual property rights, the extent to which improvisers should receive partial ownership is an unresolved issue in jazz. It is generally accepted that Bill Evans, the piano player on the session (except on "Freddie Freeloader," where Wynton Kelly plays), was the composer of both "Blue in Green" and "Flamenco Sketches" and an important collaborator on some of the other material. However, he never received proper credit. (Miles Davis is listed as the composer of all the songs on the album.) It's often been true that individual musicians don't receive royalties.

Rob Austin: Just as individual employees often don't when they invent something on behalf of a company.

I'd say there's also an issue that interacts with the inclination of people like Davis to try new things. What seems to matter most to Davis is pushing into new, interesting territory—creating something new. What matters as well to a business is capturing the value that is created by the new thing, or by its introduction. It might be hard to get people like Davis to care as much about "value capture" as they care about "value creation."

Q: What are you working on next?

Rob Austin: My work focuses on the role of aesthetics in business competitiveness, and I'm continuing to play around with the case as a literary form. I'm working on a project right now, for example, where we are trying to translate one of my cases into a "graphic novel."

Carl Størmer: I'll keep working on ways that jazz and improvisation inform management action and decisions.

Executive Summary:
Since it hit the airwaves half a century ago, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis has influenced the hearts and minds of jazz fans everywhere. Its songs became instant classics, and it has also converted many a nonfan to appreciate the music's subtlety and complexity. In a new business case, HBS professor Robert D. Austin and Carl Størmer highlight the takeaways for thoughtful managers and executives from this story of creation and innovation. Key concepts include:

With Kind of Blue, Miles Davis radically detached from his comfortable but fairly safe career to craft a more interesting future.
Simplicity was essential to the success of Kind of Blue. Simplicity empowered and freed Davis's players to improvise and create without requiring them to put their technical mastery on show.
As a manager of musicians, Davis sometimes provoked. Yet during his lifetime many benefited from their stint at "Miles University."

Q&A with: Robert D. Austin
Published: April 13, 2009
Author: Martha Lagace

Ask jazz fans the world over to name their favorite compilation, and chances are their response is Kind of Blue. With music that is sophisticated and sublime, spare yet complex, trumpeter and composer Miles Davis (1926-1991) reached dazzling new heights of creativity when the album was recorded in only two short sessions in 1959.

At the age of 32, Davis coaxed innovative ideas out of his players—among them greats including John Coltrane and Bill Evans—that took everyone by surprise. He also remade the industry, introducing longer, more contemplative songs like the now-classic "So What."

Since 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Kind of Blue, it's a good time to ask: How did he do it?

One of the answers is "radical simplicity," according to HBS professor Robert D. Austin and Carl Størmer, founding principal of JazzCode, a consulting and entertainment firm specializing in improvisational collaboration and communication in high-performance teams.

In their case, "Miles Davis: Kind of Blue", they reflect on the beauty of the music as well as the unusual story behind its creation. And they suggest that nonmusicians—such as managers who aim to spark and sustain innovation for competitive advantage—can learn a lot of new notes from Davis's example.

"The album Kind of Blue was also a commercial success—the most commercially successful jazz album ever, in fact, which makes it worthy of examination in a business context," Austin says.

Adds Størmer, "There are probably business benefits in relying on radical simplicity to free and empower employees in a similar way."

Our e-mail Q&A follows.

Martha Lagace: Miles Davis defied the critics who thought he had peaked with Milestones. With Kind of Blue he put aside his past success and strove for even greater heights. But what do his efforts for Kind of Blue have in common with business innovation?

Rob Austin: We conceived the case to get at questions about how the creative process "detaches" from past successes enough to leap to new levels of success. In product development terms, you might call this something like "jumping to the next S-curve."

By the "S-curve" we mean the pattern that new innovations typically follow when they are introduced. At first a few people, early adopters, take them up and use them (the relatively flat bottom of the S). Then more people jump on board, and the take-up of the innovation accelerates (the steep middle of the S). Finally, the innovation starts to saturate the market, as everybody who wants one gets one, or every product in the category comes to include the innovation (the relatively flat top of the S).

"Miles Davis forced the musicians to approach the music without any expectations or preconceptions, often by giving them minimal sketches and sparse instructions."—Carl Størmer:
Companies experience a lot of success on the steep part of the S-curve, but then need to figure out the next big thing as they flatten out at the top. Often companies that have become so geared around success from a particular innovation have trouble getting a new S-curve going. Artists do, too. People want to stay with the thing that has brought great success.

But there are some artists who seem to have a particular knack for moving on, jumping to new S-curves. These people—Miles Davis is one, but there are others, such as Pablo Picasso—seem to be willing to abandon past successes in the pursuit of something new and more exciting. They seem willing to disappoint their truest old fans—if that's what it takes to make something truly new. Miles had reached the pinnacle by playing and innovating in the bebop tradition. But in Kind of Blue he walked away from all that, in the direction of a very different sort of music called modal jazz. It's not a small difference. Listen to an example of each, and anyone can hear it. The case is aimed at trying to see how he did it.

Martha Lagace: What about the creation of Kind of Blue piqued your curiosity?

Rob Austin: A few things. The first is, as I've mentioned, that it was a dramatic break from his past, very successful style. How that break came about is interesting. Kind of Blue was also a commercial success—the most commercially successful jazz album ever, in fact, which makes it worthy of examination in a business context. Davis himself is a fascinating example of a "manager" of creative people and processes. His ability to nurture talent is legendary. Just about anybody who is anybody in jazz can trace some lineage back to "Miles University." Finally, the process that led to Kind of Blue is an example of pushing boundaries and taking experimentation right up to the edge of failure in the pursuit of something new; Davis pushed his musicians "to the edge," but he did it in a way that effectively managed the risks. This might be something we can learn from in business as well.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the release of Kind of Blue. And it still sells in huge numbers. Talk about a long tail!

Carl Størmer: There's an interesting question, too, about whether the seeds for your jump to the next S-curve are there in your past work, and how you might find and build on that. If you study Milestones, an album Miles made before Kind of Blue, you notice that the title track is a modal composition, a forerunner of what came into full bloom with Kind of Blue. How he found that seed, extracted it, played with it, built upon it—all fascinating stuff.

Also, Miles was on a trajectory, pushing the boundaries of bebop toward greater complexity in the music. He had a fantastic band, so nobody could take this trajectory where he and his band could. But when he jumped to the next S-curve, he actually turned around 180 degrees and went the opposite direction, toward simplicity—simplicity that empowered and freed his players to improvise and create, rather than pushing them to the limits of their technical mastery. He gave them some slack to work with, and asked them to do unusual things with it. It's interesting to think about and look at examples of companies that have the will to turn 180 degrees, of course, but also there are probably business benefits in relying on radical simplicity to free and empower employees in a similar way.

Q: Aside from inspired musical choices, what leadership decisions by Davis enabled this creation?

Carl Størmer: Davis was looking for ways to break out of the straitjacket of bebop. Even on Milestones it was evident that he was looking for something new, and that simplicity might be one way out of the current corner he'd worked himself into. Most of the songs on that album are based on a very simple blues structure. I also think he wanted to find ways to more fully realize the incredible potential of his team—John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, et al. How could he give them more freedom, more empowerment? Maybe he realized that playing easier material would in itself help emancipate the players—even if he was dealing with the best talent in the business.

I think the experience in Paris where he composed and recorded a film score for director Louis Malle (for Elevator to the Gallows, 1958) in a single night was important. There he might have realized that simplicity was one way to create great music in a very short time. Maybe he realized that this recipe could be improved further: get good songs, simplify them as much as possible, get the best players in the world, and force them to listen to the music by not telling them what to do.

Rob Austin: The "business" version of what Carl just said might be: get great materials, simplify the task down to its essential elements, put your smartest people on it, and force them to listen—to each other, to the interaction between the company and its customers, and to the market.

Q: Kind of Blue was recorded in two short sessions of only five and three hours, respectively, and Davis often used only the first takes. What about short sessions and first takes helped the musicians' creativity to flow?

Carl Størmer: As in conversation, everything in jazz is about the interaction that takes place between the players. The legendary recordings of jazz are the result not only of superb individual performances, but of great listening and interactions within a small number of improvisers as well. In order to make this work, the players adhere to a set of shared codes—almost like language—consisting of, among other things, key, tempo, groove, rhythm, song form, tradition, and harmony.

Miles Davis was known to have a preference for first takes. First takes often end up being the best takes because they have a magical quality that only exists when musicians are approaching something without an overly detailed plan. Working without a script or with a very loose script forces you to listen intensely to ensure that your own contribution is contextually relevant to what everybody else is doing in the moment. Very often, this openness is gone after the first take. On a second take, many musicians will try to improve their own performance, and just by focusing on their own performance they will lose some of their ability to listen to everyone else. As a result, each individual performance might be more perfect on a second take, but the enhanced individual perfection comes at a collective price often resulting in a decrease in the interaction quality. The end result is music less spontaneous, more stiff, less alive.

Rob Austin: This is something we've studied in other contexts as part of a larger project on innovation. One of the big problems in innovation is how to free yourself from preconceptions, to get outside your expectations and normal tendencies, so that you can create something really new, without creating more risk and problems than benefit. Often it can be risky to push people or a process to "the edge," so to speak—something might break. But what we've seen in various cases is people, teams, and companies coming up with strategies to get out to the edge, without causing a mess or without suffering serious damage when you do make a mess. We see, for example, people getting really clever at experiments with cheap parts, or doing the edgy, risky things inside a computer-based simulation.

Miles Davis shows us another way. Get really good people and put them in situations they can handle, but also circumstances that challenge them and their preconceptions. What would happen if you put great people on a business problem and refused to let them solve it in a habitual way?

Carl Størmer: Miles Davis forced the musicians to approach the music without any expectations or preconceptions, often by giving them minimal sketches and sparse instructions. He would more often tell them what not to play. Think about how valuable it would be for teams of business innovators to be free of preconceptions but as skilled at their task as Davis's musicians were.

One more thing: I think time pressure is also important. Often, short sessions are a result of busy players, expensive studio time, and booking schedules being made on short notice. Not so different from the way a lot of things happen in business. This results, sometimes, in mistakes. But in jazz, we often do something interesting in the aftermath of mistakes: we repeat them. For instance, on the song "Freddie Freeloader" Davis comes in one bar early at one point. The band adjusts to this unexpected entry by the leader in such a seamless way that very few people notice the subtle glitch. This is the power of collective improvisation: Everybody listens to everybody else and adjusts to what they are doing. In jazz, the short session has always been the norm.

Q: What aspects of Davis's innovation seem unusual compared with companies and creative enterprises you have studied? Are there aspects of intellectual property rights that arise from this case, given the contribution of all the musicians?

Rob Austin: Well, Miles Davis certainly had an unusual leadership style, if you think in a managerial context. For one thing, he often didn't say very much, and when he did speak, he sometimes provoked people. Provocation is, of course, one way of jolting people into doing something new. As I've mentioned, we've definitely seen some parallels between how Davis worked and how companies push to "the edge" in search of innovation. What is particularly remarkable about Davis in a business context, though, is how radically he detached from his past to make a more interesting future. The inability of business to do that has often resulted in infamous episodes. For example, IBM's refusal to "cannibalize" its success in mainframe computers by pushing PCs and the Internet eventually got it into really big trouble in the early 1990s.

Carl Størmer: On intellectual property rights, the extent to which improvisers should receive partial ownership is an unresolved issue in jazz. It is generally accepted that Bill Evans, the piano player on the session (except on "Freddie Freeloader," where Wynton Kelly plays), was the composer of both "Blue in Green" and "Flamenco Sketches" and an important collaborator on some of the other material. However, he never received proper credit. (Miles Davis is listed as the composer of all the songs on the album.) It's often been true that individual musicians don't receive royalties.

Rob Austin: Just as individual employees often don't when they invent something on behalf of a company.

I'd say there's also an issue that interacts with the inclination of people like Davis to try new things. What seems to matter most to Davis is pushing into new, interesting territory—creating something new. What matters as well to a business is capturing the value that is created by the new thing, or by its introduction. It might be hard to get people like Davis to care as much about "value capture" as they care about "value creation."

Q: What are you working on next?

Rob Austin: My work focuses on the role of aesthetics in business competitiveness, and I'm continuing to play around with the case as a literary form. I'm working on a project right now, for example, where we are trying to translate one of my cases into a "graphic novel."

Carl Størmer: I'll keep working on ways that jazz and improvisation inform management action and decisions.

Executive Summary:
Since it hit the airwaves half a century ago, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis has influenced the hearts and minds of jazz fans everywhere. Its songs became instant classics, and it has also converted many a nonfan to appreciate the music's subtlety and complexity. In a new business case, HBS professor Robert D. Austin and Carl Størmer highlight the takeaways for thoughtful managers and executives from this story of creation and innovation. Key concepts include:

With Kind of Blue, Miles Davis radically detached from his comfortable but fairly safe career to craft a more interesting future.
Simplicity was essential to the success of Kind of Blue. Simplicity empowered and freed Davis's players to improvise and create without requiring them to put their technical mastery on show.
As a manager of musicians, Davis sometimes provoked. Yet during his lifetime many benefited from their stint at "Miles University."

Fields of Anfield Road

2009-04-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

Fields of Anfield Road

COMIC RELIEF 2009

2009-04-03T02:41:00.001-04:00

COMIC RELIEF 2009 (RED NOSE DAY) James Corden "Smithy" talks to the England

Fields of Anfield Road

2009-03-27T07:42:00.003-04:00

Behind the Scenes: USC Trojan Marching Band + Radiohead - 2009 Grammys

2009-03-19T07:30:00.002-04:00

the real thing:

JOE STRUMMER'S LONDON CALLING

2009-03-05T03:14:00.003-05:00

DOWNLOAD PODCAST - Joe Strummer's BBC World Service broadcasts

Eight-part radio series features Joe Strummer from The Clash spinning his favorite tracks from around the world.

Joe Strummer, the legendary gravel-voiced punk-poet from The Clash, loved to listen to music on the radio. Even as he toured the world with "the only band that matters," he still had a dream to one day spin records for the BBC World Service, where he heard the latest UK hits over the shortwave band as a teenager in Africa.

He finally got his wish in 1999, when BBC World Service premiered Joe Strummer's London Calling. Between then and 2002, Strummer hosted a series of programs with a simple format - one man and his eclectic record collection. His globe spanning playlists included many of the rock, reggae and folk artists that inspired the Clash, plus many surprises.

These radio broadcasts inspired many listeners around the world, including film director Julien Temple, who prominently features these programs in his new documentary, Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten.

"Joe was the ultimate communicator," says Temple. "He made his global audience feel they knew him on a uniquely personal level?intimate, irreverent and inspirational at the same time."

Joe Strummer's London Calling is now available for broadcast on radio stations throughout the USA as eight one-hour episodes. Distribution will begin in July 2008, timely for the US DVD of Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten on Sony BMG Legacy Recordings.

The 14 original half-hour episodes have been edited for broadcast in the US as 8 one-hour programs. Interview clips featuring Joe Strummer, himself, his former Clash bandmates, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave), film-maker Julien Temple and others have been added to create two new 30-minute introduction and epilogue features. Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers) hosts these new segments and also introduces Joe before each of his original programs.

JOE STRUMMER’S LONDON CALLING – PLAYLISTS
Italicized tracks are excerpts (1:00 or less). All others are full tracks.

EPISODE 1 / DISC 1

1. PART 1 – INTRODUCTION (29:00)

• Rock the Casbah - Rachid Taha
• Omotepe - Joe Strummer
• Black Sheep Boy - Tim Hardin
• Minuit - Earnest Ranglin & Baba Maal
• This Is Radio Clash - The Clash
• Nervous Breakdown - Eddie Cochran
• To Love Somebody - Nina Simone
• Trash City - Latino Rockabilly War
• Willesden to Cricklewood - Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• Armagideon Time - The Clash

3. PART 2 – AUG 31, 1998 (29:00)

• This Land Is Your Land - Trini Lopez
• Small Axe - U-Roy
• Minuit - Earnest Ranglin & Baba Maal
• Lokoko - Thu-Zahina
• Long As I Can See The Light - Monkey Mafia
• Martha Cecilia - Andres Landero (y sus conjuntos)
• Symbolic Language – Pacou

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 2 / DISC 2

1. PART 1 – SEP 7, 1998 (29:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Elvis Presley
• Ah, Ngai Nzambe - Luyeye Gaston
• Daddy - Dust Junkies
• Da Camino a la Vereda - Buena Vista Social Club
• Carrick Fergus - Brian Ferry
• Ja Gaita - Orquestra Emisoras Fuentes
• Sandpaper Blues - Radar

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• Hitsville UK - The Clash

3. PART 2 – SEP 14, 1998 (29:00)

• Know Your Rights - The Clash
• Groovin’ - Young Rascals
• Natty Rebel- U-Roy
• Jullandar Shere - Cornershop
• Colours - Donovan
• To Love Somebody - Nina Simone
• Day-O - Harry Belafonte
• Izinkomo Zombango - Mzikayifani Buthelezi
• Ba Boo La La - The Lion

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 3 / DISC 3

1. PART 1 – SEP 21, 1998 (29:30)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Amazimuzimu - Dilika
• La Cumbia Primero - Fiesta En Mi Pueblo
• Domino - Van Morrison
• Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
• Boy In The Bubble- Paul Simon
• Take Me With You My Darling, Take Me With You - The Master Musicians Of Jajouka
(Recorded By B. Jones)
• Fever- Horace Andy
• Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World - Israel K.
• La Vaca Vieja- Rufo Garrida Y Su Orquestra
• It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels - Kitty Wells

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• The Magnificent Dance - The Clash

3. PART 2 – JAN 9, 2000 (28:30)

• The Killer - Big Youth
• Hang on Sloopy - The McCoys
• Nvule N’Delela - Brenda Fassee
• Little Old Wine Drinker Me - Dean Martin
• Y Su Conhuntos - Andres Landero (y sus conjuntos)
• Starting a New Cycle (Starting a New Life) - Van Morrison
• Sala Molende - Tabu Frantal

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 4 / DISC 4

1. PART 1 – JAN 16, 2000 (28:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Hit the Road Jack- Big Youth
• Fire in Soweto - Sonny Okosun
• Nursery Rhyme - Bo Diddley
• “I Got Life” (Ain’t Got No)- Nina Simone
• Crawfish - Elvis Presley
• Rez - Underworld

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• I Fought The Law - The Clash

3. PART 2 – JAN 23, 2000 (30:00)

• Cool Breeze - Big Youth
• Stairway to the Stars - Ella Fitzgerald
• Not Fade Away - Rolling Stones
• Up Around the Bend - Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Jeeny- Afel Bocoum
• Castles Made of Sand - Jimi Hendrix
• Shoba - A Sambe Siye E Goli (Let’s Go to Jo’burg)
• Swingtown - Steve Miller Band
• Junco Partner - The Clash

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 5 / DISC 5

1. PART 1 – JAN 30, 2000 (29:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Blitzkrieg Bop - Ramones
• The Freedom Fighters - The Upsetters
• Tous Les Garcons et Les Filles - Francoise Hardy
• Gwandir - Nasha
• Corinna Corinna - Bob Dylan
• Syncopate- The Astronauts
• Nguellel - Baba Sek
• Public Enemy #1 - Max Romeo

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• Straight To Hell - The Clash

3. PART 2 – FEB 6, 2000 (29:00)

• Ghetto Defendant - The Clash
• Mon Amour, Ma Cherie - Amadou & Mariams
• Do It Again - Beach Boys
• Baby, What You Want Me To Do - Jimmy Reed
• The Man Who Sold the World - LuLu
• Romal - DJ Gino's Gangsters featuring Surjit Bindrakhia
• Chimta -Tariq Lohar
• Mehabooba - Ravi Bal

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 6 / DISC 6

1. PART 1 – FEB 13, 2000 (29:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Feeling Time - Joy White
• Azara Al Hay - Rasha
• Tippy Toes - The Meters
• Cumbia Saramuya - Los Corraleros De Majagual
• Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor
• Tumbling Dice - Rolling Stones
• Hatisi Tose - Bhundu Boys

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• Clampdown - The Clash

3. PART 2 – JUNE 24, 2001 (29:00)

• Top Ranking - Johnny Clarke
• The Sunnyside of the Street - The Pogues
• Some Velvet Morning - Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood
• Sanga Mbele Mbele - Thu Zahina
• Gravel Pit - Wu-Tang Clan
• Long Side Of The Old Santa Fe Trail - Jules Allen
• Pennsylvania 6-5000 - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
• Free, Single and Disengaged - Huey “Piano” Smith and His Clowns

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 7 / DISC 7

1. PART 1 – JULY 1, 2001 (29:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Rock and Roll Music - The Beatles
• Couchie - Yellowman
• Umfaan - Ricardo Bornman
• Siwuhambile Umhlaba - Amaswazi Emvelo and Mahlathini
• Nervous Breakdown - Eddie Cochran
• Tell It Like It Is - Nina Simone
• Cinderella - Eric Monty Morris
• Long Hot Summer Night - Jimi Hendrix

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• English Civil War - The Clash

3. PART 2 – JULY 8, 2001 (29:00)

• Not Fade Away - The Rolling Stones
• Unza Unza Time - Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra
• Noisy Place - U-Roy
• Raise The Alarm - Big Dog
• Check Your Bucket - Eddie Bo
• Gotta See Jane - R.Dean Taylor
• Can I Get A Witness - Marvin Gaye
• Co-operation - Franco & Sam Mangwana

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

EPISODE 8 / DISC 8

1. PART 1 – JULY 15, 2001 (29:00)

• Radio One - Mikey Dread
• Global a Go-Go - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
• Good To Be On The Road Back Home Again - Cornershop
• Peno - Saban Bajramovic
• La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
• Roots and Culture - Shabba Ranks
• Aida Baoury - Orchestra Baobab - N’Wolof
• Beat on The Brat - The Ramones

2. MUSIC BED BREAK (1:00)
• Train In Vain - The Clash

3. PART 2 – EPILOGUE (29:00)

• London Calling - The Clash
• Armagideon Time - The Clash
• Washington Bullets - The Clash
• The Magnificent Seven - The Clash
• Johnny Appleseed - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
• Omotepe - Joe Strummer
• Rock the Casbah - Rachid Taha
• Keys to Your Heart - The 101'ers

4. PROMO SPOT (0:30)

from: http://www.prx.org/series/27024-joe-strummer-s-london-calling

Dave Brubeck vs. Radiohead: Five Step

2009-02-28T13:02:00.003-05:00

some favs - Live from Abbey Road

2009-02-19T13:22:00.002-05:00

Elbow: One Day Like This

Massive Attack: Teardrop

The Good The Bad and The Queen: Nature Springs

MGMT: Time To Pretend

where?

2009-01-22T06:43:00.001-05:00

View my profile

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Travel Info at TripAdvisor

You’re Gonna Wake Up One Morning And Know What Side Of The Bed You’ve Been Lying On!

2009-01-19T02:53:00.001-05:00

Happy Christmas - and now, The News

2008-12-18T10:33:00.002-05:00

Carbon/Silicon

Clash on Broadway

2008-11-13T04:27:00.001-05:00

The Killers - Human (Live at the MTV Awards), in Liverpool 2008

2008-11-13T04:23:00.001-05:00

Working Class Hero

2008-10-17T06:27:00.000-04:00

Westway to the World

2008-10-13T04:32:00.000-04:00

August Podcast 1

2008-08-27T05:04:00.007-04:00

Been a long time, but there are some great tunes out at the mo - to many to be missed.

Podcast Link: http://birkenadian.podOmatic.com

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - "Andrew's podcast" with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "August Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

Torres

2008-05-30T06:34:00.001-04:00

Radiohead - BBC Radio Theatre, 1st April 2008, Evening Performance - 9.00pm

2008-04-13T01:55:00.005-04:00

Pre-show interview - Radiohead
Intro - Radiohead
Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
All I Need - Radiohead
Nude - Radiohead
Airbag - Radiohead
Reckoner - Radiohead
The Tourist - Radiohead
House of Cards - Radiohead
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Radiohead
Lucky - Radiohead
Everything In It's Right Place - Radiohead
Outro - Radiohead

Podcast Link: http://birkenadian.podomatic.com/entry/2008-04-12T23_35_56-07_00

April Podcast 1

2008-04-12T12:14:00.005-04:00

Age Of The Understatement - The Last Shadow Puppets
I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (The Twelves Remix) - Black Kids
Liza Jane - Two Gallants
Glastonbury - Scouting for Girls
What Took You So Long? - The Courteeners
Just for Tonight - One Night Only
Until The Day Is Done - R.E.M.
Let's Dance to Joy Division - The Wombats
Here Comes the Tide - The Troubadours
Never Get Sick of the Sea - Lights
Is There A Ghost - Band Of Horses
Waving Flags - British Sea Power
Nantes - Beirut
Nude (Voice Stem) - Radiohead
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

Podcast Link:http://birkenadian.podomatic.com/entry/2008-04-12T08_17_33-07_00

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - "Andrew's podcast" with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "April Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

NSTM

2008-03-06T19:00:00.002-05:00

February Podcast 1

2008-02-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Young Folks - Peter Bjorn And John
Teardrop - Newton Faulkner
All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
Alarm Clock - The Rumble Strips
NW5 (Full Length Version) - Madness
A Sunday Smile - Beirut
Heysátan - Sigur Rós
Last Flowers to the Hospital - Radiohead
I've Underestimated My Charm (Again) - Black Kids
The Next Untouchable - Cajun Dance Party
Acrylic - The Courteeners
The Scale - Interpol
What Wolves Would Do - Les Savy Fav
Out of Dreams - The Rascals
Gimme Love (Long Version) - The Troubadours
Either Way (Streets Remix Feat Professor Green) - The Twang

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - "Andrew's podcast" with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "February Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

Happy Christmas

2007-12-18T06:46:00.000-05:00

From Maeve, Rhys & me

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

November Podcast 1

2007-11-17T02:49:00.000-05:00

1. You Sexy Thing - Stereophonics
2. Valerie (Version Revisited) [feat. Amy Winehouse] - Mark Ronson
3. The Airplane Song - Scouting for Girls
4. Lord Don't Slow Me Down - Oasis
5. Not So Lonely - The Coral
6. Wild Wood - Paul Weller
7. Hljómalind - Sigur Rós
8. The Night Sky - Keane
9. The Beep Beep Song - Simone White
10. Nude - Radiohead
11. The Funeral - Band Of Horses
12. A New England - Jamie T
13. Lovefool - Just Jack
14. Too Much Too Young - Kasabian
15. In Between Days - Mumm-Ra
16. Rehab - Paolo Nutini
17. Real Love - Regina Spektor

October Podcast 1

2007-10-13T01:17:00.000-04:00

1 Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Radiohead
2 Walls Fall Down - Bedouin Soundclash
3 Suburban Knights - Hard-FI
4 Jet - Paul McCartney
5 She's So Lovely - Scouting For Girls
6 Girls and Boys In Love - The Rumble Strips
7 He Said He Loved Me - Reverend and the Makers
8 Everybody's Changing - Lily Allen
9 What Will You Do (When The Money Goes) - Milburn
10 Delivery - Babyshambles
11 Music At Night - The Coral
12 We'll Live and Die In These Towns - The Enemy
13 Wrecking Ball - Interpol
14 Pushed Against The Wall - The Evens
15 Monkey Man - The Specials

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - "Andrew's podcast" with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "October Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

Rhys plays footie

2007-10-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

August Podcast 1

2007-08-13T11:44:00.000-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

1. It's a Boy - The Who
2. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon
3. Nothing Changes 'Round Here - The Thrills
4. Ghostriders In the Sky (Radio Session)- The Coral
5. Good Excuse- John Butler Trio
6. On Call (AOL Music Sessions) - Kings of Leon
7. Take Her Back - The Pigeon Detectives
8. Jacqueline - The Coral
9. Section 22 [Running Away] - The Polyphonic Spree
10. Surf City Eastern Bloc - Arcade Fire
11. Here Comes the Sun - Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
12. Hounds of Love (New Mix) - The Futureheads
13. Milanó - Sigur Rós
14. Real Love - Regina Spektor
15. Hey Jude - The Beatles

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.blogmatrix.com/index.xml/ click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - Birkenadian: Podcast with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "August Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

Rhys Jude Cashin

2007-08-09T17:48:00.000-04:00

Rhys was born at The Royal London Hospital at 6:20pm GMT, August 8th, 2007 - Weighing in at 9 pounds, 6 ounces. Maeve and Rhys are both doing very well.

July Podcast 3

2007-07-29T08:23:00.001-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

1. The Scale - Interpol
2. Who's Gonna Find Me - The Coral
3. Autumn Song - Manic Street Preachers
4. Around The Corner - The Evens
5. Lady Two - Gallants
6. Too Much to Ask - Arctic Monkeys
7. A New England - Jamie T
8. Love Song 43 - Guillemots
9. In Between Days - Mumm-Ra
10. God Only Knows - Athlete
11. This Charming Man - Stars
12. Two More Years - Bloc Party
13. Sea Lion Woman - Feist
14. Wide Awake (Acoustic Version) - The Twang
15. Soil, Soil - Tegan and Sara
16. Mountains of Navaho - Scouting For Girls

July Podcast 2

2007-07-22T17:13:00.000-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

1. The Bakery - Arctic Monkeys
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) - The White Stripes
3. Thirst For Romance - Cherry Ghost
4. Imagine - Jack Johnson
5. My Favourite Book - Stars
6. I Was Married - Tegan and Sara
7. Keep On Walking - Scouting For Girls
8. Everybody Knows - The Evens
9. No I in Threesome - Interpol
10. Away from Here - The Enemy
11. Black Thumbnail - Kings of Leon
12. The Racing Rats - Editors
13. I Still Remember - Bloc Party
14. Hot Knives - Bright Eyes
15. Kiss Kiss - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Jeff & Shannon visit the UK

2007-07-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

July Podcast 1

2007-07-07T03:45:00.000-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

1. Vandals - (We Are) Performance
2. Da Frame 2R - Arctic Monkeys
3. So Much Things To Say - Bob Marley & The Wailers
4. Jellybean - Happy Mondays
5. False Alarm - Cherry Ghost
6. Teenager - The Thrills
7. Pioneer to the Falls - Interpol
8. Had Enough - The Enemy
9. It's Not About You - Scouting For Girls
10. All Light Up - The Pretty Things
11. This Old Town - Paul Weller & Graham Coxon
12. England, Summer (In Black & White) Polling Day - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
13. Worried About Ray - The Hoosiers
14. Heavyweight Champion of the World - Reverend and the Makers
15. Torn On the Platform - Jack Penate
16. Memo from Turner - Mick Jagger
17. All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.blogmatrix.com/index.xml/ click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - Birkenadian: Podcast with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "July Podcast 1" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

June Podcast 1

2007-06-13T15:26:00.000-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

1. Icky Thump - The White Stripes
2. About Your Dress - The Maccabees
3. Ocean of Noise (Calexico Version) - Arcade Fire
4. Autumn Song - Manic Street Preachers
5. Everything Is Average Nowadays - Kaiser Chiefs
6. Into Action - Tim Armstrong
7. Fans - Kings of Leon
8. Seems Like Home to Me - Two Gallants
9. Motorcycle - The Rumble Strips
10. Bright Lights - Tom McRae
11. Walking With a Ghost - Tegan and Sara
12. Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors - Editors
13. Behind the Sun (Live In the Apple Store, NYC) - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
14. Transdermal Celebration - Ween
15. Starz In Their Eyes - Just Jack
16. Sheila - Jamie T
17. Solemate (Radio Mix) - The Mitchell Brothers
18. Do It Again (Audion's House Arrest Mix Edit) - The Chemical Brothers

Athens Update

2007-05-29T06:43:00.000-04:00

While the result did not go our way - the trip to Athens was great.

It was a wonderful experience.

Here are a just a few snaps:

May Podcast 1

2007-05-20T10:15:00.000-04:00

Haven't posted in sometime, but I think this podcast is one of best for a while, some great tunes out at the mo.

Ben was over and we had a great time in Liverpool - seeing Robbie's last official game at Anfield.

Robbie & Me

Robbie & Ben

Phil, Ben, Ron & Me

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Destroyer - The Stills
Heinrich Maneuver (Radio Edit) - Interpol
Broken Window - Arcade Fire
Rawhide - Jamie T
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough - Manic Street Preachers
Either Way - The Twang
Fluorescent Adolescent - Arctic Monkeys
Earth Intruders - Björk
Dashboard - Modest Mouse
Men's Needs - The Cribs
Stuck Between Stations - The Hold Steady
Release Me - Laura
Precious Time - The Maccabees
Books From Boxes - Maxïmo Park
She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra
Commercial Breakdown - The Sunshine Underground
Working Class Hero (Radio Edit) - Green Day

April Podcast 1

2007-04-07T14:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since the last podcast or update. All is well with us. We had a great weekend in Edinburgh a few weeks past and I had a week in Budapest in late Feb - great city. We were hoping to get up to Merseyside for Easter, but the trains are mental, so hopefully we'll get up soon to see little Ava Grace Cashin.

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Brianstorm - Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm: Single
A Kind of Peace (featuring Cat Power) - Faithless - To All New Arrivals
Adieu - Enter Shikari - Take To The Skies
Airbag - Easy Star All Stars - Radiodread
Disco Friends - Just Jack - Overtones
Brewster (Billy Bragg Version) - Milburn- Well Well Well (Digital Version)
Flathead - The Fratellis - Costello Music
The Don - The View - Hats Off To The Buskers
Golden Skans - Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
Nosebleed - Maxïmo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures
Hang Me Up To Dry - Cold War Kids - Robbers & Cowards
Knocked Up - Kings of Leon - Because of the Times
The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
Nature Springs (Live In the Apple Store, NYC) - The Good, the Bad & the Queen - Live from Soho (iTunes Exclusive) - EP
No Surprises - Thom Yorke & Jonny Greenwood - Artists Taking Action On Climate Change
Sheila - Jamie T - Panic Prevention
Wide Awake - The Twang - Wide Awake: Single

March Podcast 1

2007-03-13T11:08:00.000-04:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

The Well And The Lighthouse - Arcade Fire
The Navy Song - Billy Talent
I Slept With Bonhomme At The CBC - Broken Social Scene
Save Your Scissors - City & Colour
Draw Us Lines - The Constantines
Black History Month - Death From Above 1979
Adventure.exe - Final Fantasy
So Sleep (Disco Remix) - Junior Boys
The Police And The Private - Metric
Sing Me Spanish Techno - The New Pornographers
Rags 'n Bones - Nomeansno
The Gate - Sam Roberts
Ageless Beauty - Stars
Nature of the Experiment - Tokyo Police Club
The Lonely End Of The Rink - The Tragically Hip
I'll Believe In Anything - Wolf Parade

Arcade Fire - Guns of Brixton

2007-02-15T04:15:00.000-05:00

Wake Up, in Porchester Hall foyer

LFC New Owners: George Gillett and Tom Hicks

2007-02-07T03:49:00.000-05:00

To view the complete Investment Press Conference in Windows Media Player, click here. or visit www.liverpoolfc.tv

February Podcast 1

2007-02-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Features 3 tracks from the soon to be released Arcade Fire album - Neon Bible

Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
'80's Life - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Creepin Up the Backstairs - The Fratellis
Local Boy - The Rifles
The Boy Who Ran Away - Mystery Jets
Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs
Rec & Play - I'm From Barcelona
Cheshire Cat Smile (Single Version) - Milburn
Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys
Neon Bible - Arcade Fire
You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son - Wolf Parade
The Prayer - Bloc Party
Fit For A Fortnight - The Holloways
So Lonely Was The Ballad - Jamie T
Oh Creole - The Rumble Strips
Nature Springs - The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Annie, Let's Not Wait (Single Version) - Guillemots
No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
Fallen Leaves - Billy Talent

Liverpool 2 vs. Chelsea 0

2007-01-22T03:22:00.000-05:00

Great game, great atmosphere.

From my season ticket spec

Brain Hall, Ian Rush & Me

Phil Cashin & Daniel Agger

Phil Cashin & Dirk Kuyt

Rafa

2007-01-19T07:06:00.000-05:00

As Rafael Benitez prepares for his 100th league match in charge of the Reds he can justifiably look back with pride on a record that is superior to almost all of his recent predecessors in the Anfield hot-seat.

With 55 wins already under his belt, Benitez boasts a better record than that achieved by Bob Paisley (54), Gerard Houllier (49), Roy Evans (48) and Graeme Souness (40) over the same period, while victory over the Champions at Anfield tomorrow will see the Spaniard equal the tally of legendary Scot Bill Shankly (56).

By contrast Arsene Wenger won 54 at Arsenal and Alex Ferguson 45 at Manchester United.

Rafa's first 99 Prem games
Won: 55
Drew: 18
Lost: 26

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

2007-01-18T11:46:00.000-05:00

Tracklist:

1. Black Mirror
2. Keep the Car Running
3. Neon Bible
4. Intervention
5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
6. Ocean of Noise
7. The Well and the Lighthouse
8. Antichrist Television Blues
9. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Body Is a Cage

January Podcast 2

2007-01-09T16:06:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Roll Out the Barrel - Milburn
Bang Bang You're Dead - Dirty Pretty Things
Can't Lose - We Are Scientists
Starlight - Muse
Kingdom of Doom - The Good, The Bad And The Queen
Calm Down Dearest (Radio Edit) - Jamie T
Munich - Editors
Six Queens - Larrikin Love
If You Got the Money (Radio Edit) - Jamie T
Accident & Emergency - Patrick Wolf
All In My Head - Good Shoes
Poppy Bird - Bromheads Jacket
Send In the Boys - Milburn
I Found Out - The Pigeon Detectives
We're from Barcelona - I'm From Barcelona
Psychobaby - Love Minus Zero
Sheila (Radio Edit) - Jamie T
Sing Songs Along - Tilly and the Wall
Commercial Breakdown - The Sunshine Underground
First Love - The Maccabees
Last Bus - Milburn

Abbey Road

2007-01-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

January Podcast 1

2007-01-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Jolene - The White Stripes
Australia - The Shins
Baby's Coming Back To Me - Jarvis Cocker
Same Jeans - The View
Bigger Boys And Stolen Sweethearts - Arctic Monkeys
Winterlong - Pixies
Thank You Girl - The Beatles
Let's All Make Believe - Oasis
The Gunner's Dream - Pink Floyd
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star
My Lady Story - Antony and the Johnsons
Bigger Stronger - Coldplay
Desperation Made A Fool Of Me - Belle and Sebastian
celebration guns - Stars
Crazy - The Kooks
This Is The Dream Of Win And Regine - Final Fantasy
First Day Of My Life - Bright Eyes
Rebellion (Lies) (Live Version) - Arcade Fire
The World Turned Upside Down - Billy Bragg

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T05:32:00.000-05:00

Maeve & I are both well. We enjoyed wonderful Christmas up on Merseyside, yet it goes without saying that we missed all our family & friends back in Toronto.

We wish you all a very happy and fulfilling 2007.

* I will be posting a new Podcast today!

December Podcast 3

2006-12-31T05:42:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Little Bear - Guillemots
Bitter Sweet Symphony - Richard Ashcroft
Videotape - Thom Yorke
Milk - Kings of Leon
Wordless Chorus - My Morning Jacket
Sunset And Soon Forgotten - Iron & Wine
The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One - Neutral Milk Hotel
Intervention - Arcade Fire
Love You But You're Green - Babyshambles
Details of the War - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
What Sarah Said - Death Cab For Cutie
We Both Go Down Together - The Decemberists
Extraordinary Machine - Fiona Apple
C'mere - Interpol
Jackie Big Tits - The Kooks
The World At Large - Modest Mouse
Black Wave/Bad Vibrations - Arcade Fire

Happy Christmas

2006-12-20T04:04:00.000-05:00

Some Fav Music Vid's

2006-12-19T04:18:00.000-05:00

Fatboy Slim

New Order

Arcade Fire & David Bowie

Arctic Monkeys

Sigur Rós

Radiohead

John Lennon

Peter Gabriel

Joy Division

December Podcast 2

2006-12-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

I've Got a Feeling - The Beatles
Fine Time - Cast
Liezah - The Coral
Test of Time - The Crescent
Lips Like Sugar - Echo & The Bunnymen
Radio, Radio - Elvis Costello
All Together Now - The Farm
Rhythm & Blues Alibi - Gomez
Song For No One - Ian Broudie
Liverpool Girls - Ian McNabb
Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream) - The Icicle Works
Jumpin' Bean - John Power
Timeless Melody (Campbell 01/03/89) - The La's
Pure - The Lightning Seeds
Enola Gay - OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark)
Carried Away - Ooberman
Beautiful Love - Julian Cope
Mull of Kintyre - Paul McCartney
Heart As Big As Liverpool - Pete Wylie & The Mighty Wah!
Beautiful - Shack
You Will You Wont - The Zutons
Gin Gan Goolie - The Scaffold
You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry & The Pacemakers

December Podcast 1

2006-12-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

Click on "My Podcast" under Music Links

Arcade Fire & David Bowie - Wake Up (Live at Fashion Rocks)
The La's - Son Of A Gun (Liz Kershaw 31/05/88)
Babyshambles - I Wish
The Coral - Dreaming of You
The Dears - Ballad Of Humankindness
The Fratellis - Henrietta
The Good, the Bad and the Queen - Herculean
Guillemots - Annie, Let's Not Wait
The Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way
Madness - It Must Be Love (live)
Nouvelle Vague - Too Drunk To Fuck (Dead Kennedys)
The View - Superstar Tradesman (Radio Edit)
The Zutons - Valerie
Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle
Paul Weller - Broken Stones
The Ordinary Boys - Lonely At The Top
Snow Patrol - You Could Be Happy
Regina Spektor - Fidelity
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla
Thom Yorke - Atoms for Peace

* To subscribe, simply open your itunes, select the "Advanced" tab at the top, then in the drop down menu select "Subscribe to Podcast...", then just enter this URL: http://birkenadian.blogmatrix.com/index.xml/ click ok and there you go.

To listen - just select the Podcast tab under the LIBRARY heading, once that is complete you'll see - Birkenadian: Podcast with a little arrow before it. If you click on the little arrow, you should see a heading such as "December Podcast" - just click and listen.

Note: If you click on the the little "i" at the end on the podcast listing the Podcast Information will contain a Playlist.

Dubai will buy Reds

2006-12-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

Dec 4 2006
Exclusive By Chris Bascombe Liverpool Fc Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL Football Club is set to be taken over by the investment arm of the Dubai government, the ECHO can confirm.

Control will transfer into the hands of the world's fifth-richest man, whose personal fortune dwarfs that of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Barring a last minute hitch the stunning deal worth around £400m will go ahead in the next few weeks, taking Britain's most successful football club into a hugely exciting new era.

The takeover, which should ultimately delight supporters, represents a remarkable coup for the club and for Chairman David Moores and Chief Executive Rick Parry.

Both have worked tirelessly to ensure the Reds receive the huge injection of cash they need, from the right partner who understands Anfield's history and traditions.

The deal will fund the building of the Reds' new 60,000 seater, £200m stadium in Stanley Park, clear the club's £80m debt and bring significant funds to develop Liverpool on and off the pitch, enabling them to continue to compete for the world's top stars.

Dubai International Capital is today embarking on a process of due diligence at Anfield examining details of the club's financial affairs before they sign the ag reement.

Provided that proceeds without a problem, the takeover could be concluded either at the end of this month or in the New Year.

The club is unlikely to make any statement until it feels the time is right.

However, the Reds' battle for investment is now all but over following talks with DIC - a company which owns Tussauds and the London eye and which is linked to Dubai's ruling Maktoum family.

The Maktoums are one of the world's richest, owning the Godolphin Racing stables as well as governing one of the most rapidly developing, oil-rich countries in the modern world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum is Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Ruler of Dubai.

With an estimated personal wealth of $10bn, there are only four men on the planet with more cash than him.

Another Great Weekend on Merseyside

2006-11-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

It was great to see the family - as always. Enjoyed what is becoming a traditional drink in the Coach & Horses in Greasby - Barrie Mitchell, ex Tranmere Rovers (and LFC season ticket holder) is the Landlord.

Maeve & I both took in the match to witness another Stevie G class on how to play footie.

It was great to see Didi Hamann in the Carlsberg Lounge after the match - what a great player he was for us: Amongst the others in the lounge - Neal, Rush, Fairclough, Yeats, Aldo, Case, AK, etc - Didi is most definitely equal among these legends.

Back from Boston, looking forward to Sunday

2006-11-10T03:52:00.000-05:00

All is well back in London and I'm off to the new Arsenal ground on Sunday to watch the mighty RED men. I am sure Maeve and I will find something to do on Saturday.

Off to Boston & Maeve says "giza job"

2006-11-03T08:51:00.000-05:00

I'll be in Boston Saturday through Wednesday this week - on business. Must admit I am not looking forward to the cold weather, plus I am really disappointed to find that the Leafs play in Boston on the Thursday & now it seems I'll also miss Ben, who arrives in town on Thursday - bugger!

The great news is that Maeve has accepted a position looking after two Hilton Hotels in London, the Hilton Kensington & Hilton Olympia.

up to Merseyside

2006-10-27T05:24:00.000-04:00

Maeve & me are heading up to West Kirby thisavvy. I'm off to the match tomorrow and then Maeve and me are out to dinner in the evening.

More Random Pictures - a day out in London

2006-10-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

Tracks from latest Virtual "Mixed CD"

2006-10-20T01:23:00.000-04:00

The Zutons - Someone Watching Over Me
Razorlight - America
Oceansize - Music for A Nurse
Mates Of State - Fraud in the 80's
The Magic Numbers - Forever Lost
The Killers - Read My Mind
The Mitchell Brothers - When the Whistle Blows
The Holloways - Generator
The Dears - There Goes My Outfit
Eef Barzelay - N.M.A.
Bob Dylan - Someday Baby
Beck - Nausea
Muse - Invincible
The Good, the Bad and the Queen - Herculean
The Kooks - Seaside
Arctic Monkeys - Leave Before the Lights Come On
Audioslave - Somedays

Random Pictures

2006-10-19T04:31:00.000-04:00

Maeve in Spain:

From my seat at Anfield:

Maeve shopping:

25 Years Ago Today

2006-09-29T04:40:00.000-04:00

Bill Shankly died on this day in 1981. Undoubtedly the greatest ever influence on the reds, he arrived as Manager in December 1959 and shook the club to its roots. He took us out of the Second Division in 1962 as champions and three years later led us to our first ever FA Cup. He later went on to win three League titles, the UEFA Cup and another FA Cup before retiring in the summer of 1974.

Update from London

2006-09-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Haven't updated in a while, so came up with this video (below).

All is well in London for this Birkenadian and Maeve. We are off to West Kirby this weekend and then to the match on Saturday morning. I was going to go this evening, but I have an early meeting tomorrow, so it is infront of the telly for me.

I was at Stamford Bridge this past Sunday, thought we played well - best this season, it just wasn't our day. I will say though that Chelsea have poor support, sad really.

Maeve & me are listening to Radio One and there are some good tracks going around at the moment - you can see what I am listening to below.

Will try to keep this Blog updated.

You'll Never Walk Alone

2006-08-31T06:21:00.000-04:00

Fans' passion holds key to legend of the Kop

2006-08-22T09:07:00.000-04:00

Aug 22 2006
Liverpool Echo

Liverpool Correspondent CHRIS BASCOMBE captures the essence of the most famous stand in football in part one of a five-part series marking its 100th anniversary

WHEN former Liverpool ECHO Sports Editor Ernest Edwards attended Anfield in 1906 and glanced at the new, vast mount of terracing to his right, he was blessed by inspiration and premonition.

Edwards would write in this newspaper howthe structure evoked images of Spioenkop - the notorious hill in South Africa whichwas the scene of a British massacre during the Boer War six years earlier.

Christening the terracing Spion Kop would not only be a fitting memorial for the 300 casualties, many of whom served in the Lancashire Fusiliers, it would reflect the brutish appearance, as it cast an intimidating shadow across all before it.

Edwards drew from the recent past in identifying the as yet unnamed, still roofless, section of the ground as a shrine to those lost in tragic circumstances, and a suitable venue for the pitch battles to come.

Little could the scribe have known how poignant his vision would become.

In the 100 years which have followed the building of what would later become Anfield's Spion Kop, its purpose has far exceeded those original, noble intentions.

Today, the stand and those who occupy it sit in tribute to those lost in different circumstances.

The battles fought at its foot are of a less bloody, gruesome kind, but are as notorious in the sporting arena as those which inspired its name.

Rightly or wrongly, for a whole generation the name Spion Kop no longer summons visions of brave Lancashire soldiers trying to reclaim territory in a far, foreign land.

Now the immediate thoughts drift to thousands of red scarves and banners, waving in unison while a cacophony of noise inspires one of the most successful teams in Europe to another victory.

The Anfield Kop is much imitated by opponents, but never replicated.

Its uniqueness has been fed by the series of extraordinary circumstances which led Liverpool FC to the peak of European football triumph and the depths of human despair, while the city's social history has played its role in moulding a fanbase which has brought a particular, once peculiar way of behaving into its football stadium.

The arrival of Bill Shankly, allied to the Merseybeat boom and coming of age of singing Kopites, triggered a revolution on the terraces as well as on the park.

At Anfield fans not only roared their team to victory, they interacted with the players. They tried to be funny, and often were, and had Panorama

documentaries made about them. Without an all-conquering team to follow, it's doubtful The Kop would have found the niche which has inspired a plethora of books investigating its phenomenon.

The 1960s and 70s are widely regarded as the terrace's glory years, coinciding with many of the most memorable home victories.

Tales of Inter Milan, St Etienne and the rest can't be recalled without reference to the contribution of the supporters who queued for half a day to pack into the stadium, and sent the fear of God down the spine of the opposition (and the legs of the fans who knew the true origins of the smelly liquid squirting from the rolled up ECHOs).

As players lined up to thank their followers, the Anfield edict was set in stone that both needed each other for success to continue. The mythical '12th man' was unveiled.

"You'll Never Walk Alone," just like the name Spion Kop, became an anthem dripping in symbolism, foretelling the emotional repercussions of the Hillsborough tragedy which followed some 25 years after the song was adopted.

To Liverpool fans, The Kop and its anthem are astatement of what the club represents. Unity of purpose, passion, humility, endurance, pride in the past and the craving for a golden future.

When you're a member of the club, it's inevitable you'll get sucked into the sheer romance of it all.

Inevitably, what Liverpudlians cherish most is also a source of ridicule for rival supporters, who claim contradictions lie within the values preached by The Kop.

There's no question The Kop is selective inits application of its anthem. A self-congratulatory pat on the back is never far away, particularly when Gerry Marsden's epic is revived at the end of a particularly painful home defeat.

But a more honest Kopite would admit the sentiments of the tune would be more honest were a verse penned inserting the get-out clause Man United or Chelsea fans can walk a solitary path through the wind and rain from here to eternity.

After the halcyon days of the 1970s, the weekly nights of passion became more occasional. So consistent was the arrival of the League Championship or European Cup, Liverpool fans were struggling to fight off the symptoms of being too blasé, and the atmosphere suffered

long before The Kop's capacity was reduced for safety reasons, and eventually filled with seats in 1994.

There were those who feared the noise and passion had gone forever.

However, it could be argued the enforced period of abstinence from Premiership and European glory throughout the 1990s proved a necessary evil.

Theslightest hints of aLiverpool revival since the start of the Millennium have provoked scenes of euphoria which have matched, and some argue eclipsed, anything heard in the last 100 years.

Gerard Houllier's return from illness against Roma in 2002 was instantly compared to the atmosphere against St Etienne in 1977.

Liverpool's Champions League semi-final win over Chelsea in 2005 stands alone. For younger Kopites, it's that night which is the barometer for all those triumphant evenings which may follow.

Undoubtedly, The Kop is a different beast today. It's not better, nor worse, it's just a lot different.

All seater stadia have extracted the sense of camaraderie which queuing for four hours provides, but supporters are now treated like citizens, not cattle.

True, large portions of the ground are now filled by stargazers and the occasional fans who have timetabled the game between visits to the club shop and museum.

But Liverpool continues to be one of the few top clubs actively trying not to alienate its local following, whether they achieve this or not.

The wit is still evident with the banners and banter, even if, sadly, the most regularly heard retort to provocative away fans these days is the witless 'who the fxxxxxx hell are you?'.

However, as the most recent victories ably demonstrate, when The Kop's on form the 12th man is as visible today as at any point during the last 100 years.

Nowadays, it's not the appearance of the stand itself which is unique, but those on it who are aspiring to capture and retain its spirit. That task may become more demanding if plans to move half a mile across Stanley Park are ever realised.

If Ernest Edwards had not allocated the name at the start of the last century, it seems inconceivable the world' most famous terrace could have been known as anything else.

The origins of Anfield's shrine may be found in a notorious battlefield, but with all due respect to the good people of South Africa, as far as one half of Merseyside goes there is only one Spion Kop.

Footie & Music

2006-08-17T05:29:00.000-04:00

Well, had a great time last Sunday in Cardiff - it is always great to see Liverpool win and I hope we can continue with our winning ways as I will be making the trip up to Sheffield this weekend for the season opener - with the London Supporters Club

The following weekend is a long weekend, so I will be based with Aunty Ann & Uncle Ron in West Kirby for a few days of footie and music.

Liverpool vs. West Ham on the Saturday and the Matthew Street Festival on the whole weekend. Should be fun, with such acts as: Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Proclaimers, Lightning Seeds, Wonder Stuff, Shack - to name a few. With three points in the bag at 5pm on the Saturday, I am sure Saturday night will be a blast.

Just wish Maeve was here - soon though.

PS. Move into the new digs tomorrow - made up about that - will email the new deets to everyone.

My Maeve

2006-08-10T06:54:00.000-04:00

I was in Liverpool this past weekend - on Matthew Street.

I was able to locate the place where I had carved Maeve's name - this is great, considering I did IT some four years ago.

New London Supporters Club Crest

2006-08-03T02:58:00.000-04:00

Liverpool pip Manchester Utd in all-time table

2006-07-25T08:18:00.000-04:00

Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:28 AM BST

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool pipped Manchester United to top spot in an all-time league table dating back to the start of English League football and published by The Times on Monday.

According to the standings which awards three points for a win and one for a draw since the start of league football in 1888, Liverpool, who have won a record 18 titles, emerged with 5,927 points from their 3,643 matches - an average of 1.63 points a game.

Manchester United, who have won 15 titles, were second with 5,337 points from their 3,287 matches - an average of 1.62 points per game followed by Arsenal, champions 13 times, who totalled 5,780 points from 3,643 matches at 1.59 points a match.

Despite playing only 2,063 matches in the top division, Leeds United were fourth with 1.48 average points with Aston Villa fifth (1.47), Everton sixth (1.47), Tottenham Hotspur seventh (1.44), Newcastle United eighth (1.43), Wolverhampton Wanderers ninth (1.42) and Burnley tenth (1.41).

Chelsea, champions for the last two seasons, are 14th (average 1.39 points) and would have to total more than 90 points a season for the next 23 years to overhaul Liverpool's present average points per game.

Leyton Orient, who spent one season in the top division in 1962-63, placed 62nd and last in the list with 0.64 points a match.

Everton, founder members of the league in 1888, have played more top flight matches than any other club: 4,027 while Liverpool have won more than anyone else: 1,674. Everton also hold the record for drawn games (987) and defeats (1,402).

Liverpool get kitted out to revive past glories

2006-07-25T05:42:00.000-04:00

Jul 25 2006
By Nick Smith Daily Post Staff

LIVERPOOL launched back into their glorious past when they unveiled the new 2006-07 kit yesterday. But the buzz around Anfield is that their reunion with adidas will signal a future just as successful as their previous association was.

The kit manufacturers have won the club's sportswear supplying contract for the first time in more than a decade following a lucrative spell of sponsorship and success between 1985 and 1995.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "We had a very successful relationship with adidas in the past and we hope we can have an even more successful relationship going forward. It's early days but it feels very exciting.

"Adidas are the number one brand in football and the three stripes are amongst the most iconic symbols in the world and have always been hugely popular in Liverpool.

"We think the new kits are fantastic and are sure that our supporters around the world will feel the same way.

"We have no doubt that we are working with a company that is right at the leading edge in design and technology.

"And just as our focus is to be the best on the pitch, we want to work with partners that have the very clear aim to be the best in their field.

"Working with adidas, it's clear that they want to be the number one just as much as we do."

The three famous stripes are prominent on the arms of the new shirt, as is the new adidas football symbol that was introduced at the start of 2006.

Another new feature is a Liver bird embossed on the back of the shirt and a subtle pinstripe and collar on the red home strip.

The shirt also incorporates the latest in sportswear technology, like the ClimaCool and FlowMapping cooling system that allows sweat to escape while bringing cooling air into contact with the skin.

The previous adidas era spawned three league titles, three FA Cup wins and one League Cup, a well as four FA Charity Shields.

The away kit is also a throwback to the 1980s, a bright yellow with red stripe design, while the away Champions League shirt is white with green detail.

Bill Shankly calls it a day

2006-07-10T05:48:00.000-04:00

DOUG GILLON July 10, 2006

His gruff wit and sharply-perceptive philosophy deceived everyone about the stress which Bill Shankly felt as a manager, so it was a stunning shock to the football world when he announced 32 years ago this week that he was stepping down at Liverpool.
His wife, Ness, and their marriage, had been a fertile source of inspiration for classic Shankly-isms on football, but in the end, marriage was more important than that.
He was 60, and had been in charge at Anfield for almost 15 years. He took the club from the depths of second-division obscurity to three first-division titles, two FA Cup Final wins, and the UEFA Cup. In doing so, he founded a dynasty.
Shankly said he had to consider his family: "The pressures have built up so much during my 40 years in the game that I felt it was time to have a rest."
Later, he summed it up with more traditional eloquence: "When I went to tell the chairman, it was like walking to the electric chair."
He said he was Britain's best manager because, "I was never devious or cheated anyone. I'd break my wife's legs if I played against her, but I'd never cheat her."
Ness had surfaced in one of his most famous epigrams: "Of course I didn't take my wife to see Rochdale as an anniversary present. It was her birthday. Would I have got married in the football season? Anyway, it was Rochdale reserves."
This reflected a legendary obsession with the game and helped elevate Shankly as one of only three people inducted to the Scottish Sport Hall of Fame for their achievements as a football manager (Jock Stein and Matt Busby are the others). The HoF opened last month at the Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street where a shirt bearing an edited Shankly epigram is on display. It is distilled from the keystone of his philosophy:
"I believe the only way to live and be truly successful is by collective effort, with everyone working for each other, everyone helping each other, and everyone having a share of the rewards at the end of the day... It's the way I see football, and the way I see life."
This should be no surprise from a man born of a mining family near Cumnock, home of Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour movement. Shankly described Stein's great Celtic side as: "Socialism without the politics", acknowledging Stein's managerial philosophy was the same as his.
On standing down, Shanks briefly trained the reserves, but the board said his presence undermined his successor, and banned him. Later, as with many a happy marriage, there was resentment. "I've not been short of invitations to other clubs," said Shankly. These included Liverpool's arch rivals. "I have been received more warmly by Everton than by Liverpool."
Shankly's successor was his right-hand man, Bob Paisley, whom Shankly had retained while axing 24 players. He surpassed Shankly's achievements with six league titles in nine years. He won three European Cups, yet without the charismatic Shankly having paved the way, many believe Paisley might never have managed the club.

Mr. Cashin Goes To London

2006-06-04T11:45:00.000-04:00

A Year Ago Today

2006-05-25T07:50:00.000-04:00

All the best in your retirement Ron

2006-05-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

Toronto, March 17th, 2006

Radio City - Stevie G's 2nd goal - FA Cup, 2006

2006-05-16T14:34:00.000-04:00

FA Cup 2006 - BBC

2006-05-15T14:46:00.000-04:00

FA Cup 2006

2006-05-14T07:49:00.000-04:00

Jose Reina was Liverpool's penalty hero as the Reds won the most thrilling FA Cup final of recent times against a brave West Ham 3-1 on penalties at the Millennium Stadium.

There were scenes reminiscent of Istanbul as Rafael Benitez's side showed remarkable powers of recovery against Alan Pardew's fearless side, who this time last year were getting ready for the Championship play-offs as Liverpool prepared for the European Cup final against AC Milan.

An own goal from Jamie Carragher and Dean Ashton's toe-poke saw the Hammers take advantage of a slipshod first-half display from goalkeeper Reina, although Djibril Cisse's fine volley brought Liverpool back into the game before half-time.

Steven Gerrard then crashed in the equaliser for 2-2 before Paul Konchesky's cross caught Reina cold to put the London side back in front.

However, West Ham saw their dreams fade and die when, moments after the fourth official had signalled four minutes of injury-time would be played, the England midfielder smashed the ball in another equaliser from 30 yards to send the game into extra-time.

Reina made a fabulous save from Nigel Reo-Coker at the end of extra-time to send the final into a penalty shoot-out and he saved spot-kicks from Zamora, Konchesky and Ferdinand.

Carlsberg TV Ad - The Old Lion - Probably The Best Pub Team

2006-05-03T08:29:00.000-04:00

Steven Gerrard - PFA players' player of the year 2006

2006-04-24T08:19:00.000-04:00

Apr 24 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ today hailed new PFA Player of the Year Steven Gerrard - and urged his players not to miss the chance to add club honours to their skipper's personal accolade.

Benitez says Gerrard's award was a fitting climax to a superb weekend for Liverpool.

Liverpool are buoyant having dumped Chelsea out of the FA Cup, securing the club's seventh major final in just five years.

The Reds meet West Ham in Cardiff on May 13, and will enjoy a dress rehearsal at Upton Park on Wednesday.

Benitez, who celebrated victory with a flying visit to Spain, learned of Gerrard's honour this morning and was thrilled by his captain's success.

The voting related to the whole 12 months of 2005 - during which Gerrard inspired the team during the victorious Champions League campaign, leading the fightback with his goal and drive in the final in Istanbul.

"I congratulate Steven, because I know this is a very important award for all the players in England," said Benitez.

"It means a lot because it's the players he faces in the Premiership every week who voted for him.

"He fully deserves it because of his performances for the club. He works very hard and everyone knows what a fantastic player he is.

"We are all very proud because to win an award like this you also need to have good team-mates. Steven's victory is not only good for him, it is good for the whole club.

"I know it will mean even more to Steven to win another trophy with his team-mates at the end of this season."

Many of the Liverpool players celebrated their semi-final victory by joining Gerrard in London for the awards.

They'll return to training tomorrow as Benitez decides whether to rest players ahead of the return to the capital in midweek.

On receiving the honours, Gerrard said: "I am still in shock to be honest.

"If you look at the shortlist, there are five other guys who have so much talent. They are all special players.

"And then there are also the guys who have not made the shortlist - there are so many players who could have won this award.

"I looked at the list of past winners and there are some fantastic names on there - some legends, so I am really proud to have joined them, it is really special."

The Liverpool skipper added: "It has been one of the best weekends of my life.

"To go through to another FA Cup final and win this special award is fantastic for me."

VIDEO's - The best supporters in the weeeeerrrrrrllllddd!

2006-04-24T08:11:00.000-04:00

Liverpool vs. Chelsea - FA CUP Smei Final

Forget Madrid - Gerrard out to lead title surge

2006-04-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

Apr 21 2006
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD has predicted Liverpool and Chelsea are destined to become title as well as cup rivals in the season ahead - as he brushed off midweek speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

Gerrard said he sees tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final as the ideal opportunity for the Reds to under-line their re-emergence at the top of the domestic game.

Gerrard has quashed fears that recent comments by Real Madrid officials will stir up more worries about his future and today made it clear he's staying at Anfield, regardless of who would like to sign him.

"I'm not going to get involved in all that kind of speculation again," he said.

"I'm settled and happy at Liverpool, and I'm not going to go through another summer like the last two.

"I'll be staying here until the day someone tells me they don't want me."

Although Chelsea remain on course to retain the Premiership, Gerrard believes the gap between the Londoners and Liverpool is now closing.

"A few years ago everyone was talking about the big three, and we weren't included," said Gerrard.

"Although we won the Champions League, it's only this year we've broken that up domestically.

"Maybe we still need to go further to prove that.

"If we can show everyone how good we are tomorrow, I'm sure everyone will be talking about us as possible challengers next season."

Carlsberg Canada show their support of The LFC Supporters Club - Toronto

2006-04-20T14:07:00.000-04:00

Look for a beermat in a local near you.

We've won it 5 times!

2006-04-19T15:41:00.000-04:00

I was just talking with Ben about Liverpool's trip through the Champions League last year - it truly was amazing, beginning with beating Chelsea at Anfield.

LFC vs. Chelsea - a video from the Kop: http://www.lfctoronto.com/blog/LFC%20vs.%20chelsea.avi

To winning:

To kissing the cup:

To the tattoo:

All celebrated with the greatest supporters in the world!

Justic for the 96

2006-04-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

You'll Never Walk Alone

John Alfred Anderson (62)
Thomas Howard (39)
Colin Mark Ashcroft (19)
Thomas Anthony Howard (14)
James Gary Aspinall (18)
Eric George Hughes (42)
Kester Roger Marcus Ball (16)
Alan Johnston (29)
Gerard Bernard Patrick Baron (67)
Christine Anne Jones (27)
Simon Bell (17)
Gary Philip Jones (18)
Barry Sidney Bennett (26)
Richard Jones (25)
David John Benson (22)
Nicholas Peter Joynes (27)
David William Birtle (22)
Anthony Peter Kelly (29)
Tony Bland (22)
Michael David Kelly (38)
Paul David Brady (21)
Carl David Lewis (18)
Andrew Mark Brookes (26)
David William Mather (19)
Carl Brown (18)
Brian Christopher Mathews (38)
David Steven Brown (25)
Francis Joseph McAllister (27)
Henry Thomas Burke (47)
John McBrien (18)
Peter Andrew Burkett (24)
Marion Hazel McCabe (21)
Paul William Carlile (19)
Joseph Daniel McCarthy (21)
Raymond Thomas Chapman (50)
Peter McDonnell (21)
Gary Christopher Church (19)
Alan McGlone (28)
Joseph Clark (29)
Keith McGrath (17)
Paul Clark (18)
Paul Brian Murray (14)
Gary Collins (22)
Lee Nicol (14)
Stephen Paul Copoc (20)
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Tracey Elizabeth Cox (23)
Jonathon Owens (18)
James Philip Delaney (19)
William Roy Pemberton (23)
Christopher Barry Devonside (18)
Carl William Rimmer (21)
Christopher Edwards (29)
David George Rimmer (38)
Vincent Michael Fitzsimmons (34)
Graham John Roberts (24)
Thomas Steven Fox (21)
Steven Joseph Robinson (17)
Jon-Paul Gilhooley (10)
Henry Charles Rogers (17)
Barry Glover (27)
Colin Andrew Hugh William Sefton (23)
Ian Thomas Glover (20)
Inger Shah (38)
Derrick George Godwin (24)
Paula Ann Smith (26)
Roy Harry Hamilton (34)
Adam Edward Spearritt (14)
Philip Hammond (14)
Philip John Steele (15)
Eric Hankin (33)
David Leonard Thomas (23)
Gary Harrison (27)
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Stephen Francis Harrison (31)
Peter Reuben Thompson (30)
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Kevin Daniel Williams (15)
Arthur Horrocks (41)
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Class of '86 set to play it again in Cup classic

2006-04-06T08:24:00.000-04:00

Apr 6 2006
By John Thompson, Liverpool Echo

KENNY DALGLISH has had that familiar twinkle in his eye since he was knee high to a Scottish thistle.

But those famous eyes positively light up when asked how he would feel if he could put a football into the net at a packed Kop End just one more time in his life.

"It won't happen," he says. "But if it did .... well, I'd have to come off the pitch there and then."

It could happen, because at the age of 55, Dalglish is planning to run out at Anfield one last time.

The Liverpool legend, widely regarded as the greatest player ever to have represented the Reds, is restaging one of the most famous derby matches of all - the 1986 Wembley FA Cup Final.

It takes place on Bank Holiday Monday May 1 with a 2.30 pm kick off. Tickets, priced £15 and £5, are already on sale at both Everton and Liverpool's grounds and are going fast.

In recreating, as far as he can, the historic day when the 'Merseypride' chant rang out in unison around Wembley as fans mingled good-naturedly with each other, Evertonians and Liverpudlians are being given a rare chance to see some of their clubs' greatest heroes back in action.

It is a mouth-watering prospect, all in aid of the Marina Dalglish breast cancer charity, which is seeking to build a new oncology ward at Fazakerley Hospital.

Dalglish, the Liverpool player manager in '86, will take charge of the Reds side. Howard Kendall, who in the 80s became Everton's most successful manager of all time, will lead out the Blues

Behind Kendall will be the likes of Graeme Sharp, Peter Reid, Adrian Heath and Kevin Ratcliffe - while following out Dalglish again will be the likes of Ian Rush, Alan Hansen, Ronnie Whelan, Jan Molby and others who played in the '86 game.

Other Merseyside football heroes like Andy Gray will be involved too.

Liverpool's 3-1victory that day saw them land the League and FA Cup double for the first and only time. However, the occasion was special not only for that and because of the behaviour of the supporters, but because Everton and Liverpool were the two best teams in the land - if not in Europe - during the mid 80s.

Said Dalglish: "The result this time won't matter - well maybe once we get going it'll be a bit different for some of the guys!

"But what matters most is that on the 20th anniversary of the '86 game, we'll be back together again raising

money for Marina's charity, to get this ward and this facility up and running now."

Recalled Dalglish: "The thing I remember most about the whole occasion was the fans - they were incredible on both sides.

"One image I saw on TV of a dad with his two sons, one wearing blue and white and the other red and white - still sticks with me. It summed up the whole game, the whole day. "Then there was the joint homecoming tour with the two teams together parading around the city.

"The day, the whole weekend, was just a fantastic advert for the city of Liverpool because both sets of supporters did it proud." Added Dalglish: "I've already had fantastic support from Everton and Liverpool and must thank Keith Wyness and Rick Parry for their superb support.

"As for the ex-players, well I suspect a few of them will secretly be doing a bit to get themselves fit. No one wants to embarrass themselves, after all.

"I think the Everton mid-field players will be doing more than most to get into shape. They'll need to get their stamina levels up because it's a pretty long way around Jan Molby these days.

"Actually the banter between the lads on both sides has already started."

As for the prospect of Dalglish scoring that one last goal at Anfield?

"If it did, well I'd have to just come off there and then. But it's not about me or any of us as individuals.

"It's about staging something which will lead to the opening of the new ward at Fazakerley, and about celebrating what both clubs achieved during the 80s.

"Everyone loves a memory, don't they?"

Liverpool submits new stadium plan

2006-04-05T07:02:00.000-04:00

icLiverpool - Liverpool submits new stadium plan

We're Back

2006-03-28T16:19:00.000-05:00

Had a great trip to Liverpool with Ben, Brendan & Jeff - though what made the trip is how welcoming the family is - Thanks Cashin's (especially Uncle Ron & Auntie Ann) - pictures are now up on Ben's Blog.
The Dog House
Out & About
In Liverpool
Derby Day

RAFA BENITEZ has commited his future to Liverpool

2006-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Benitez joy at cash vow
Mar 16 2006

EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has commited his future to Liverpool after being guaranteed significant funds to rebuild his squad this summer.

Benitez held crunch talks with the Anfield board earlier this week, when he was convinced he would be provided with the resources he needs to challenge Chelsea for the Premiership in the seasons ahead.

A one-year-extension to his current deal has been widely reported but not yet signed. But it would be a symbolic gesture which eradicates Liverpool's genuine fears of losing their manager.

Both Inter Milan and Real Madrid made direct contract with Benitez's representative during the last month, and as late as last weekend the Anfield boss was keeping his options open until he spoke to the Anfield hierarchy.

Liverpool's guarantees to Benitez show how seriously the club considered the threat of losing Benitez, but how much work they've done behind the scenes in the last few weeks to ensure the manager will have the funds he requires.

Benitez and his coaching team have now been reassured about the future of the club and a summer of turmoil has been avoided.

Liverpool are not in a position to announce full details of their financial plans yet, but they confirmed at last month's AGM progress was being made in their pursuit of investment.

The ECHO understands the club is extremely close to securing the multi-million pound deal it needs in order to safeguard the future of the Stanley Park project and provide a transfer kitty for the manager.

They've been told a £10m grant from the North West Development Agency to regenerate the area around a new stadium will be withdrawn if Liverpool don't prove they have the private capital to pay for the £160m venue.

Alonso hails unique fans

2006-03-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

Mar 9 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO believes the Kop has played its part in convincing Rafa Benitez the future is bright at Anfield - despite the pain of last night's Euro exit.

Alonso says he's not worried about rumours linking Benitez with Real Madrid and Inter Milan, but he thinks the crowd's reaction to the end of their Champions League dream sent a message to the boss.

"The crowd was superb and you can't ask for more than this," said Alonso following defeat to Benfica.

"At 2-0 down they knew we were out of the Champions League, but they were still singing and making us feel their support.

"It's been a disappointing night for Rafa but I know he's really focused and committed to the club.

"He realises how passionate this crowd is and how much they adore him. It would be impossible for him to find another crowd like this.

"Our crowd is so special because they react as well when we're feeling low as when we've had success.

"I'm not worried about the situation with Rafa and the rumours. I know how he feels about the club."

Liverpool paid their price for failing to convert several early chances, and now Alonso is hoping the FA Cup will ensure the club wins some silverware this season.

He added: "The first 20 minutes we had a lot of good chances to score. When they scored they put themselves in a really good situation.

"By the end it was impossible for us and we're really disappointed. We wanted to repeat our triumph of last season.

"We feel we have a better team than last season and could have won it again, but in the knockout anything can happen.

"It's like Charlton in that we created a lot of opportunities but couldn't score the goal.

"We have to be worried about this. To win games, obviously, you must score goals. This is something we'll have to analyse and work on.

"Scoring is not just the exclusive job of the strikers. The midfielders have responsibility, too.

"We have to look forward. We want to finish second and win the FA Cup."

John Arne Riise will be out for at least two weeks with a muscle strain, but Sami Hyypia should be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.

New Kop Banner

2006-03-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

FANS TO UNVEIL GREAT NEW BANNER V BENFICA
Paul Rogers 03 March 2006

Liverpool will have a new supporter at Anfield on Wednesday as they look to turn around a one-nil deficit away to Benfica. The Kop will be transformed into a sea of colour as fans launch a giant surfer banner when the Portuguese side roll into town.

Funded through donations from hundreds of supporters worldwide, the 'Liverbanner' features the iconic Liverbird and celebrates Liverpool's status as the most successful British club in European football.

"The banner stands as a symbol that the supporters recognise the progress made by Liverpool and want to play their part in the rebirth of the club under Rafa Benitez," claims Matthew Owen, one of the supporters behind the project.

"We hope this is the first of many such banners. The Liverbanner features a reinterpretation of the iconic Liverbird grasping a Champions League ball detailing our five European titles. The message is clear - Liverpool FC under Rafael Benitez has reclaimed its place at the forefront of European football.

"As the Eagles of Benfica stand in the way of Liverpool's European progress, we hope Anfield will be inspired by our own Liverbird to sing the team to victory."

The Liverbanner concept was born in Istanbul, following the team's historic Champions League triumph, when a group of supporters decided to mark the historic achievement by commissioning a large format celebratory banner. A design competition was launched on independent Liverpool website Redandwhitekop.net and graphic artist Kit Nelson produced an original design based on the results.

"Hundreds of Liverpool supporters from across the world donated over £4,000 to fund production costs and Scanachrome, a large-format printing specialist business in Skelmersdale, produced the giant 22m x 15m banner at a special rate to support the project.

"The organisers, artist and production team are all keen supporters of Liverpool and hope that this new banner will be enjoyed for many years to come," continues Owen. "The banner features all five of Liverpool's European Cup titles but there's still room for a sixth date should Liverpool successfully defend their title in Paris.

"The banner also features an eternal flame to remember the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy. Rafa has already seen the design but we can't wait for him to see the real thing on the Kop on Wednesday night. Hopefully it can get the whole ground fired up for what could be a very special night."

The Pier Head has Gone!

2006-03-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

At the mercy of the Mersey
Mar 2 2006
by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S Pier Head landing stage sank beneath the waves today.

Windows shattered as the headquarters of Mersey Marine Rescue Unit disappeared and the attached landing stage slid slowly deeper into the River Mersey

The busy terminal was last night hit by extreme weather and low tides, sending it plunging into the icy waters

This afternoon, as crowds gathered on the Pier Head to watch the drama unfold, the rescue unit finally disappeared beneath the surface, leaving the landing stage mostly submerged and beyond salvage.

Onlookers watched as it disappeared at 12.30pm - just as heavy snow flurries began again.

Staff were evacuated last night and fire crews were called to help remove equipment as the stage partially disappeared under water.

Today Mersey ferry passengers faced chaos as services were suspended.

Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and officials from the Coastguard Agency are examining the damage and MDHC spokesman Eric Leatherbarrow said: "A section of the landing stage has sunk and engineers and marine experts are assessing the situation.

"It was caused by yesterday's extreme tides - the lowest of the year - and the extreme weather conditions, which put severe stress on the landing stage.

"The structure has failed and has completely submerged."

He added: "We are putting together proposals to solve the situation."

Onlooker Bill Humphries, 70, from Mossley Hill, said: "It is amazing to see something like this, I can't believe it's sunk into the sea.

"The last wooden landing stage was here for years and this was supposed to be stronger, but it's gone. It was very dramatic to watch."

Andy Fell, of the rescue unit, said teams would try and catch large floating debris strewn into the sea to protect shipping.

Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales said the weather and tides resulted in a 30m section of the landing stage sinking.

"Severe weather has been a very major part of the problems

"We are hoping to transfer operations to the Isle of Man Steam Packet landing stage.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt. "The landing stage was built in 1972. They generally have a 40-year lifespan so we will now have to look to see how we can move forward."

Merseytravel was laying on buses to replace the ferry service.

Merseytravel chairman Cllr Mark Dowd said: "The safety of passengers must come first, so we have had suspend Mersey Ferries services for today.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused."

It is hoped services will be able to resume tomorrow.

The life-saving gear stored by Mersey inshore rescue has been moved to a fire station in Kirkdale for safe-keeping.

Happy Birhday Linsey

2006-03-01T15:27:00.000-05:00

World Cup guide to etiquette - and insults

2006-02-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

A GUIDEBOOK sponsored by the Government for England fans at the World Cup this summer includes advice on where to find Nazi monuments and suggests German phrases for insulting the referee.

The Free Lions England Fans’ Guide to Germany 2006, which went on show at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London yesterday, is part of a strategy to bring the best out of England’s notorious supporters in Germany.

It offers light-hearted tips on where to eat, sleep and drink in each city hosting matches. Interesting cultural destinations such as the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, where England play Sweden on June 20, are highlighted in the hope that fans will pay them as much attention as more sensitive sites, such as the Nazi parade ground in Nuremberg, where England play Trinidad and Tobago five days earlier.

Vast numbers of England fans will travel to Germany and they are expected to outnumber all but the home support. Lord Tiresman, the Foreign Office Minister and a Tottenham Hotspur fan, said yesterday that if the team qualify for the knock-out stages up to 100,000 England supporters are expected to descend on each city hosting their remaining matches.

A fleet of Ford Transit vans restyled as Fans’ Embassies and staffed by volunteers from the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) will be available to provide on-the-spot advice for fans during the competition. Updated information on everything from extra tickets to traffic jams near the stadiums will be available on the website www.footballsupportersinternational.com and by text message alerts. The Nationwide Building Society, sponsoring the vans, is also distributing 100,000 free copies of the guidebook.

For fans lucky enough to have tickets to any of England’s games, the “Useful German Phrases” section at the back of the book explains how to say “Ref, we know where your car is” (Schiri, wir wissen wo dein auto steht) and “The linesman needs some glasses” (Der linienrichter braucht’ne brille).

The guide also addresses the spectre of unpleasant behaviour involving English fans and specifically the problem of anti-German sentiment among a hard core of supporters.

In an introductory letter to the fans, Sven-Göran Eriksson, the England manager, writes: “This rivalry [with Germany] must not be allowed to go beyond decent behaviour.

“I’d particularly like to call on you to avoid any anti-German singing and chanting during the World Cup. The song which we really don’t want to hear is the one about ‘Ten German bombers’.” The unsavoury chant, which celebrates the RAF’s success in shooting down Luftwaffe planes during the Second World War, was widely sung by England fans during the Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal. A later chapter in the booklet, written by the Home Office, emphasises the improved behaviour by English fans in recent years.

Banning orders will keep more than 3,000 known hooligans at home. Since they were introduced five years ago the reputation of England fans at international tournaments has improved dramatically.

Kevin Miles, the FSF’s international co-ordinator, said yesterday that Euro 2000 had proved England fans responded better to the tolerant policing methods of the Dutch than to the more hardline approach by the Belgians. He said that England fans had since gained a reputation for being “party animals instead of animals”.

The booklet also offers advice on where to find the cheapest pubs: “You are never more than a short stroll (or stumble) from the nearest bar.”

LFC AGM

2006-02-24T08:38:00.000-05:00

Last night LFC held their AGM in the Bill Shankly suite at Anfield. After scanning several of the news sources, I think the Echo's Chris Bascombe best sums up the evening.

Reds' change for the better
Feb 24 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

AFTER two years of dissent, the Liverpool board must have felt they were addressing a supporters' club meeting rather than shareholders at Anfield last night.

In recent times, the audience stood in line to register their concern at how Liverpool was being run.

The only queues last night included the hundred or so waiting for Rafa Benitez's signature, or those using their digital camera to be photographed with the manager and European Cup.

Such are the fluctuating fortunes of those in the firing line at top football clubs, not a single hand was raised in opposition to David Moores' re-election to the board.

The contrast to 2004 and 2005, when Moores felt under so much pressure he considered stepping down, couldn't have been more extreme.

The matter-of-fact reelection to the board of the chairman was secured without a squeak of opposition. What a difference a year, and a Champions League win, make.

Sadly for Moores, he wasn't well enough to acknowledge the ringing endorsement he received.

The chairman and director Noel White were forced to miss the meeting due to illness, forcing fellow director Keith Clayton to fill the void.

Liverpool expected a low key meeting, and that was partially guaranteed when Clayton read a prepared statement to pre-empt questions related to the search for investment and the new stadium.

"While progress has been made, unfortunately we are not in a position to give more information at this stage," said Clayton.

"We hope shareholders understand the issues regarding confidentiality. We hoped it would be possible to give more information. We know it's been going on a long time but this will be a critical decision in the club's history and we need to get it right. We will make a statement as early as possible.

"We are still committed to a new stadium as opposed to doing nothing, which is not an option."

Several questions on the issue did follow, but the board simply re-directed shareholders to the initial remarks.

Shareholder Steve Morgan, so often the most vocal of the board's critics in the past, echoed the conciliatory mood.

Morgan was the first shareholder to address the board and primarily used the opportunity to congratulate Benitez on his extraordinary success in Istanbul.

There was then a gentle but pointed reminder to the boardroom they still have a lot of work to do to avoid what he called 'financial dangers'.

"I'm sorry David Moores and Noel White are not here because it's a special night," said Morgan.

"Istanbul was the best ever. Thank you. We all remember our wedding day and our children being born. Now we have another day to remember."

Morgan queried Liverpool's claim to having debts of around £17m, suggesting the real figure was nearer £75m. Liverpool used their own figures to dispute this.

Morgan based his argument on the fact many of Liverpool's signings have been paid for on credit, with payments spread over numerous seasons.

"Given the debt we have, it's imperative we get this extra investment," said Morgan.

"I'm standing here to emphasise we are in a dangerous time. I'm sure Rafa will be keen to add to his squad. It's to the club's credit they have backed him so far.

"Manchester United takes well over double what we take on a match day and we need the cash in from match receipts to match them and Arsenal with its new stadium from next season.

"Please directors, we have been at this for two-and-a-half years. We need to put it to bed and sort it out."

Liverpool's directors were also asked if they have a 'Plan B' in place should their Stanley Park project fall through.

It emerged it could be as long as four years before a new stadium would be complete, even if the club do press ahead.

"There are other options we are looking at," revealed Clayton. "If they are without normal risk perimeters we will go down them."

In a meeting at least an hour shorter than the last two years, the other contentious issue surrounded the timing of this year's fixture at Blackburn, held on April 15.

Some fans registered their disapproval, regardless of the change in time to 5.15pm. "We've agreed the best of a bad range of solutions," said Rick Parry, stressing the club has been in constant dialogue with the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

Benfica v Liverpool

2006-02-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

Not sure if I'll make it to Scallywags for the game, so will be listening to Steve Hunter and Davey Fairclough on the e-season ticket.

I think a clean sheet is key and I hope we can knock in an away goal - that would set up the return leg nicely

And it was Phil Neal birthday yesterday - hope you had a good day Phil.

here we go . . .

2006-02-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

Enjoying a drink with our Paul in one of my fav places - Flanagan's Apple

This was a dumping ground for LFC news (and still will be) but I am going to start dropping things in.

The thing about a “blog” is – it never goes away, so there is always a fear of saying something and for it to come back to you – but who really cares – further – who really reads these posts. Plus, I have a strong feeling that smart people change their mind on certain things from time to time and if they can justify it to themselves as well as anyone else, should it be questioned - that is good enough for me.

I, for example, have no problem with elected officials “crossing the floor” – it can be the right thing to do, both politically and ideologically – Hey, Churchill did it twice.

Cheers,
AC

Further - as I listen to The Beatles, I am continuously stunned that all this great music was produced in just 7 years.