mjazzg

I'm following the evening highlights. They're plugging the WC hole That Alpes d'Huez stage was a great watch, attack and counter-attack and Thomas winning again. I loved his interviews where he appeared genuinely surprised and overcome by his achievement - it was a nice contrast to so much scripted sports interviews. Could this be the year the baton's passed as it was from Wiggins to Froome when it became obvious Froome was stronger. It will be interesting to see how it develops. Doumoulin's looking good too. It really does intrigue me how Sky always manage to ride as a team in a manner that no other team seems to do. I don't know enough to really understand why this is but I'm guessing it's money and rider recruitment. I'm with John on Froome and a feeling of disappointment (nothing much stronger than that at the moment). I can't understand the seemingly strong correlation between professional road racers and asthma...

I saw Kraftwerk last year, exceeded all expectations. I hope you enjoyed it

and I don't know the first thing about The Grateful Dead. Maybe that helps Warren Street Station, when I knew it

I never realised..no wonder he had that odd smile and continually rocked in his chair

Yes, I agree. Pleased to make its acquaintance

I was playing that at the weekend. The only one of the series I own

The Johnny Scott Quintet - Communication [Columbia] Tight arrangements, flute, harp and the marvellous Duncan Lamont. As it says on the sleeve "File under: Small Groups (Modern)"

The Herbie Mann Nonet - Flute, Brass, Vibes & Percussion [Verve]

The Afro-Blues Quintet Plus One - Introducing [CBS UK] Never heard of them before and purchased with the Thomas above. Reckon they must've come from the same collection. It's a Soul Jazz fiesta here this afternoon. Where's The Magnificent Goldberg when I need him for education about these albums?

The Joe Thomas Group - Comin' Home [Buddah/Polydor UK] impulse purchase in a shop this afternoon. Enjoying it a lot more on second spin

Ok folks, I've tried to find the online discussion about the Vick Pure Pleasure and completely failed, sorry. So I may have cast unfounded aspersions but I remember it was a discussion about the relative merits of PP reissues and the Vick wasn't getting the same positive responses that others were. It wasn't being trashed just "not as good as some of the others". I have to say that every review I've just now visited in an attempt to find these comments has been roundly positive. It may also be that this extended UK summer is getting to me

I'm looking now, will PM if I find it again. I know I'm not imagining it as I was really excited by the prospect and I'd been impressed by one PP reissue so was surprised

I hope I'm not too late here but I was all for doing the same until I read a number of comments about the quality of the PP reissue. I can't think where now but will see if I can find the references

Unbelievable! That's got to be worth a visit, lucky you if it coincides with your trip Some really good names in there that I recognise from International Anthem releases and elsewhere and a good number I don't recognise at all

It was surprisingly diverse club-wise wasn't it? You'd expect RM, Barca, PSG, Bayern (and maybe Atletico or Man City) to have more representatives in a WC final. Probably the Croatia effect, not so many of their players at the top rank clubs

I don't know about the final (my brain gave up) but the 3rd place play off was like a Spurs training match there were so many of them on the pitch This has long been a bugbear of mine for ages. The inability for English players to see beyond the Channel. I'm convinced our national team would have performed so much better over the years if more had exposed themselves to other cultures, footballing or otherwise. There really hasn't been any notable exports since the days of Lineker, Gascoigne, Waddle etc that I can think of However, only yesterday I was reading an encouraging article that listed at least six players from recent England age-group winning squads that are now playing in Europe, perhaps most notably Ademola Lookman at RB Liepzig. With opportunities for first team match time so limited at most Premiership squads I'm hoping this becomes a greater trend and that we see the the positive outcomes in the national team as soon as possible. I'm confident that Southgate's a manager who would encourage such development.

Me too. Once I heard it was them rather than some drunken fans I applauded the action from afar

That just makes my flesh crawl. Deserve each other but sadly neither of the countries that they "represent" deserve them. In all the football mania of the WC I for one was guilty of taking my eye off the huge propaganda coup it has been for Putin.

Thanks, onto the "investigate at some point" list it goes

Often wondered about that one. How is it?

surely you've missed one team off that list, Brad?

Conjoint - Earprints {Source Records] more Karl Beger with his Techno friends

Just listened, very good. Not sure a physical copy is a justifiable import given the price, sadly

Always good to read of recognition for this kind of music. McPhee's got to be a worthy winner, he's still releasing albums that surprise and stimulate. I only know Alcorn through one Halvorson album.

Yes, all over now. Very enjoyable competition. Thanks Brad for all your very informed posts through the competition. I've enjoyed this thread (mostly) for its enthusiasm, insights and fair-handedness (mostly). Now I can go and concentrate on a real summer sport...Test cricket. Anyone fancy a new thread? deafening silence ensues