A singing reaction to the sudden withdrawal witnessing a Taliban blitzkrieg-take over after the coalition's 20 year involvement in Afghanistan following 9/11.

 "It damn well looks like defeat to me".

.....A an ex-army combat veteran now a long distance lorry driver, recalling his friendship and fondness for one of the courageous woman broadcasters risking their lives every day to bring us news.



Being Wi' You

Just a year on and as predicted in the ballad, The Donald is running again in '24 and with his new controlled social media platform

Song generated by obsorbing and observing the US elections through out a long night in early November 2020; reaching for the guitar and singing a few lines in those hours, helped steady the nerves and to accept the incredulity of it all. One couldn't help being shocked at the polarizing views and opinions offered when shuffeling between Fox News and CNN presenters and their nominee guests.
A video to go with it!!
https://youtu.be/qLFpvkM_lzg

Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden (Nov 2020)

When James Marshall discovered gold at Sutters Mill on the South Fork of the American River in 1848, the impact was immense and still ripples today. People flocked to California from all round the world in their search for riches, fortune  and to make the American Dream. 

The best story and lesson of how greed can drive men and women to become obsessed and lose a sense of humanity in their quest  to obtain the glittering prize!

In 1935 B Traven wrote, one of the best treasure hunting stories ever after of course Robert Stevenson's Treasure Island, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". Exactly 100 years after the gold rush began, it was made into a film in 1948 starring the legendary  Humphrey Bogart. It was a favourite film of my  father's (he also often referred to his mother as the Treasure of the Sierra Madre !) and possibly sparked my interest in searching for lost treasures and panning for gold! I've been fortunate discovering some of these ghost towns and those places where fortunes were made, lives lost and lives changed forever. Discover the gold heritage trails and places for yourself and visit https://www.coloma.com/.  Or listen to the long established and excellent community radio station in the region. Playing 24/7 an eclectic mix of music and tales about the people who live around the county today!  https://www.kvmr.org/

Another modern phenomena of the legacy of the gold rush  evolved in California with the growth of 'silicon valley'.  California is the global centre of the internet and tech entrepreneurs, billionaires and risk takers! 

One thing to ponder, is the homicide rate in the USA today, any better than it was when the 49ers lined the banks On The American River?

California has been in the news a great deal in 2021, particularly around these gold mining areas like Tahoe and seeing the obliteration of 2.5 million acres of woodland and scrub. Truly devastating and climate change related forest fires   destroying homes, livelihoods and taking lives. If you want a touch of reality with shocking horror, please click on this link https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

From The Treasure of the Sierra Madre by B. Traven, published in 1935.
 
"Anyway, gold is a very devilish sort of a thing, believe me, boys.
In the first place, it changes your character entirely.
When you have it your soul is no longer the same as it was before.
No getting away from that.
 
You may have so much piled up that you can't carry it away;
but, bet your blessed paradise, the more you have, the more you want to add,
to make it just that much more.
 
Men, Christians and Jews alike, are so greedy or brave where gold is at stake that,
regardless how many human beings it may cost, as long as the gold itself
does not give out and disappear, they will risk life, health, and mind,
and face every danger and risk conceivable, to get hold of the precious metal.
 
Not dirty, baby. No, not dirty.
Only I know whom I am sitting here with by the fire and what sort of ideas
even supposedly decent people can get into their heads when gold is at stake.
 
The gold worn around the finger of an elegant lady or as a crown on the
head of a king was more often than not passed through hands of creatures
who would make that king or elegant lady shudder.
 
There is little doubt that gold is oftener bathed in human blood than in hot suds.
A noble king who wished to show his high-mindedness could do no better than
have his crown made of iron.
 
Gold is for thieves and swindlers.
For this reason they own most of it.
The rest is owned by those who do not care where the gold comes from or
in what sort of hands it has been."

On The American River


How can a vibrant port city of 430,000 people be virtually destroyed and most inhabitants flee with thousands of dead in just a few weeks in 2022? How could civilians be targeted in such an indescribably indescriminate way? Who are these murderous thugs to order this and carry it out on this scale? 

Marina Ovsyanikova, TV editor of state run Channel 1 risked her freedom in daring to tell the truth about the battle scenes to the viewers with her now famous placard declaring 'NO WAR' now seen by millions all over the world and this has began to symbolize Kremlin control over mass media. Eventually, most will realise this is not simply a 'special operation'. It's almost 50 days since the invasion of 24th February, thousands of innocent people of all ages and combat lives on all sides are being lost in the worst barbarism and despotism not seen in Europe since the 1940's. One glimmer of hope in this horrendous humanitarian crisis is that the wanton aggression will be repelled through the courage and mindset of the 'Aerorozvidka' brigade. 

An incredible group of IT and drone enthusiasts formed in 2014 is expanding rapidly in this henious all out war. Mainly deployed in reconnaissance but rapidly 'the brigade' is a leading light in providing resistance to being subsumed in a 'Novo Russia'. This is  becoming a high tech war where drones and their intrepid operators are supporting intelligence  and finding targets for the defence forces. With Ellon Musk helping with Starlink, this coordinated system is surprising everyone.  Drone marques like R18's, Switchblades, Bayraktar TB2's and so forth as these pilotless flying machines form a new stealth armoury and fight back.
One hopes that this incredible defense with anti-tank weaponry, Ukraine can make the Russian State realise rhe Ukrainian people will never surrender and they should cease fire immediately and return and be made to foot the bill for the unacceptable loss of life and to rebuild Mariupol and Kharkiv and tens of thousands of other homes. #standwithukraine.

In December, the last demo track 'will you love again' hoped the Slavic bonds would find a way to make peace. This demo is a nightmarish heartbreaking sequel to follow.

PLEASE, COME TO THE AID OF THE DRONE BRIGADE by clicking this link
https://aerorozvidka.xyz/

Thank you. Slava Ukraini!

NO WAR & The Drone Brigade

The Radio & 99.2 MHz – ‘Video killed the radio star’

We all have grown fondly familiar with voices from radio presenters or disc jockeys.  Devoted listeners hear often live on air their fond radio hosts retire or DJs move on. These relationships are intrinsically entwined emotionally in a radio relationship.  When their much loved or charismatic radio DJ retires as they close up their mic on their final broadcast loyal listeners often feel a sense of loss and sorely miss the dulcet tones, unique humour, eclectic words and accent in a diverse musical genre world. This demo ballad 99.2 tells maybe a possible experience of a DJ and a listener who knows? 

Some history perhaps? ‘Wireless Telegraphy’ was invented in the 1890s before the term ‘radio’ came into widespread use in the 1920’s. The chief pioneers of radio and discovery of electromatic radiation are the famous Scottish physicist and mathematician James Clark Maxwell (1831-1879) with his ‘A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field (1865) and proving radio waves existence.  Heinrich Hertz developed the ‘cycles per second’ and frequency (named Hertz) built on the Scotsman’s earlier work in 1888.  However, the father of modern Radio is widely heralded and belongs to Guglielmo Marconi and his Wireless Telegraph & Signals Company in 1897.

The BBC has been celebrating one hundred years of broadcasting in 2022. The corporation has witnessed huge changes on the airwaves and recently seeing a lot of their well-known radio presenters leaving enmasse and quite traumatic for presenters and the audience and also for the Controllers!! That most historic radio day on the 14th November 1922 from Marconi House on the Strand, where the first radio broadcast was made by Arthur Burrows with his first words announced live....“2Lo, Marconi House, London, calling”….. 

Wireless came back for a second time having been almost phased out in conversation it returned in the 80s and 90s in technology devices.  In the 2000’s the world has gone digital (DAB) and wireless tech is through mobile signals, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The analogue VHF world of the radio maybe over but incredibly communities in all parts of the world in rural and urban areas we see start-up internet radio and community radio stations reaching out over all the airwaves more than ever! 

The frequency of FM 99.2 MHz is a popular part 'on that little red dial’ in the FM frequency bandwidth! Why not visit just some of the many international broadcasters just using this exact frequency alone a few listed links below! :-

Tune in to 99.2 MHz and listen to:-

France   http://www.radiorgb.net/   http://www.radio-mega.com
South Africa, Dunkeld West   https://www.yfm.co.za/
Turkey   http://www.palfm.com.tr/
Greece  https://www.melodia.gr/player/   https://www.skyradio.gr/#
USA, Ohio   https://www.wtvkfm.com/
Thailand   https://www.clickfm.in.th/
UK, National Forest, Coalville   https://www.hermitagefm.com/
Bangladesh   http://www.radionalta.com/#about
Kenya   https://www.athianifm.co.ke/about.html
Palestine, Ramallah   http://www.wattan.net/ar/radio/live-radio
Belarus   https://www.racyja.com/player/online.php

99.2

Lamenting the First Minister of Scotland, her resignation and subsequent fall out.

The SNP'S obsession with independence is troubling when more focus should really be devoted to the pressing issues facing the people of Scotland.

Hopefully, this reset and as described by Mike Russell's (interim CEO) in his own words it, the party, "is in a tremendous mess" will pave the way to allow better governance and Spring sunlight can be shone on the financial records, 'lost' campaigning funds as well as the taxpayers contributions.

Ms Sturgeon says the party isn't in a mess but just going through some "growing pains". Let's see what the polls show and a rerun of the leadership faceoff must surely be on the cards.

I wrote this demo lament ballad in the final week of the leadership campaign. Result: 48% Kate Forbes, 52% Hamza Yousaf. Around 3% of the Scottish electorate voted for this. Lamentably, many paid up voting members were not told of the true membership total which had fallen by 30,000 in the last two years nor of the financial state of the party. Would the now elected 'continuity candidate' really want to be associated with that?

Ode to Nicola Sturgeon - Former First Minister of Scotland

A ballad about Hope-Faith-Love...
A couple's rocky relationship is suddenly transformed into a life or death survival as they experience a real life shipwreck together! Miraculously saved, they find redemption by reading the graffiti written on the wall of their makeshift sanctuary cave where they overnighted after their misadventure. 

"And now these three remain: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE."    
Corinthians 1:13

Writing On The Wall

In memory of Charlie Allan - 'a lad o' pairts' and immortalised now as bothy ballad royalty. Thank you Charlie for giving your unmistakable voice to these incredible bothy ballads  and your ain een, 'The Blue Grey Coo' and for your magnificent writing too. The very special culture of The North East of Scotland; its people, places and stories are packaged by the unique way in which you sung and performed. You are a legend and opened this incredible song genre to so many. You have been an inspiration and influence with your abundant talents (too many to mention but some links below try). We are all blessed to have known, watched and heard you over the decades - may you rest in peace. 

Thoughts are with his family and friends for their loss at this reflective and sad time.

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/obituaries/6294144/charlie-allan-obituary-methlick-farmer-caber-toss-champ-athlete-singer/

https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/charlie-allan/its-lonely-in-the-bothy.p/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixYE9Hc3l5s

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h3fb5j

Charlie Allan - A Tribute to The Bothy Ballad King

This demo track is partly inspired by Jens Hanning and his controversial artwork entitled ‘Take the Money and Run’ commissioned by the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, Aalborg, Denmark in 2021.  The artist delivered two blank canvases and when the museum demanded their money back, he replied, “This is only a piece of art if I don’t return the money”.

LINKS
http://jenshaaning.com/
https://kunsten.dk/en
https://youtu.be/eOjV6w1wA8U?si=i5vXiMivGiHZps6x

You Paint the Colour onto my Canvas

Another love - lost - love - found romantic, slushy demo!

Couldn't help weaving in the lines  'Comin thro' the Rye' spun from one of the greatest Scottish ballads written by Robert Burns in 1782.

Comin thro' the rye, poor body, 
Comin thro' the rye, 
She draigl't a' her petticoatie 
Comin thro' the rye. 

Oh Jenny's a' weet, poor body, 
Jenny's seldom dry, 
She draigl't a' her petticoatie 
Comin thro' the rye. 

Gin a body meet a body 
Comin thro' the rye, 
Gin a body kiss a body
Need a body cry. 

Gin a body meet a body
Comin thro' the glen; 
Gin a body kiss a body 
Need the warld ken! 

Oh Jenny's a' weet, poor body, 
Jenny's seldom dry, 
She draigl't a' her petticoatie 
Comin thro' the rye.

You Are The One

Love at first sight...on the beach! Another simple demo track....

Needed to sing a few topics as 2024 got under way namely:

1) The year that about half the world's population goes to vote but the world has still authoritarian regimes which increasingly stand against Liberal democracies, the rule of law and freedom of speech (and our human right to sing!). https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GLOBAL-ELECTIONS2024/gdvzmkejkpw/
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/06/elections-vote-women-gender-equality-leadership-harassment


2) AI (Artificial Intelligence) takes off to affect mankind and society.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/all-topics?topics=Artificial%20intelligence&sort=date%2Bdesc

3) increasing use of hate speech and rage over the Internet.
https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/online-content-moderation

I would like to acknowledge and promote the wonderful  Scottish artist, Jack Vettriano for the thumbnail image and do please visit his portfolio and buy his prints! 

https://www.jackvettriano.com

I Believe In You

As the exceptionally rainy Spring/Summer of 2024 heralds the Autumn chill and leaves begin to take on their golden and crimson hues, one reflects on summers past. Experiencing times with folk, the warmth and beauty on Scotland's west coast; those waterways and sunsets on this unique, famous Atlantic seaboard.

This demo ballad recalls a home coming of a Lochaber born and bred merchant sea captain. A career spent plying cargoes around the world through the maritime waterways, canals and crossing global oceans. He harbours a yearning to return to his precious native land and settle down with the love of his life who he left behind all those years ago.

If you need a reason to visit this extraordinary part of the world, here are some links to enhance your next visit! So let your journey of discovery begin and listen to the Sound of Mull and sail out onto those Hebridean waterways!

https://www.wanderwestardnamurchan.com/

https://www.ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/

https://ardnamurchandistillery.com/

https://www.ardnamurchancampsite.com/mobile/index.html

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/ardnamurchan-area-p2555641

https://www.westhighlandpeninsulas.com/about-the-peninsulas/ardnamurchan

https://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/

https://www.ardnamurchanestate.co.uk/

https://www.moidart.org.uk/datasets/tioram.htm#:~:text=James%20Wiseman%20MacDonald%20bought%20the,is%20a%20scheduled%20ancient%20monument

http://isleofeigg.org/

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/isle-of-eigg-p246981


I would like to credit Steven Marshall Photography https://www.smarshall-photography.com/
for granting the license to use one of his photographs for this track. Please be sure to check out his exceptional work and creative talent for capturing this glorious scenery and atmosphere of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Please consider making a purchase !

The Sound of Mull

Today, 3rd March 2025, a key debate on the e-petition will take place at  Westminster Hall. https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/c0367db8-6dfe-490d-99c9-7d422c75c586?fbclid=IwY2xjawIyQ-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSWMguH_T5yX7OfaGeh_RB4JBqfIP6jsQM76MtpC2pgX6RsiZRsjGs1FZg_aem_5XVLKKfkIzwrIJyzEclXOw
on the subject of VAT being added to independent school bills of 20% and rates relief. This educational reform is a key flag ship of the new labour government. Two court cases are due to be heard soon in support of children and their families being discriminated and charged an excessive amount on top of the school fee. The government claims it is a 'tax break' but education is never taxed as it is a 'merit good' for society and no European country can do this and this is enshrined in European human rights conventions. Greece is an example of where this experiment miserably failed. 

Some say that Change Labour's policy of closing down independent schools in the UK has been a long-standing ambition. Since July 2024 the Labour government has gone full steam ahead to bring this vision into reality with the imposition of VAT (20%) applied to school fees from January 2025. One of Change Labour's  leading proponents for implementing this policy has been Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education (MP for Haughton and Sunderland South 
https://www.bridgetphillipson.com/.) Some say she is driven by a Marxist ideology and cares little for the children, teachers, parents and schools in her pursuit to give the 'best life chances' for all children.  The aim is to use the VAT income -  some 1.6 bln per year, to take off those fees paid and put that unfair tax some to fund more teachers and improve standards for the 94% of children attending state schools. She has started in this vein to provide 'subsidised' breakfasts for some 750 schools in England recently.

However, mercifully we have two outstanding opposition groups standing against this insidious policy: ENT Education Not Education https://educationnottaxation.org/ (not to be confused with ENT.... Ears, Nose and Throat!) and the ISC Independent School Council  https://www.isc.co.uk/about-isc/ representing independent schools through out the United Kingdom.


Many smaller independent schools (including faith and SEND schools) are finding it difficult to balance the books. Notably over recent months almost weekly announcements are made of impending closures due in part made by the VAT imposition, NIC contributions and the increase in rates.  This is a cruel and vindictive policy which seeks to punish hard working parents who have already contributed their share of taxes for their children's education) and those making sacrifices for their children. Many are not rich but are working parents and want the choice and also enjoy wrap around care so they can work and contribute to the wider economy.  The additional burden of the VAT will put the cost beyond many and thousands of children will be impacted and be required to enter  State education which will put more pressure on the State and will be counter productive as this policy will end up costing more than it raises. It will guarantee the disruption of the lives of young people and bring closures to great organisations that contribute to their communities and have done so for decades.


Change Labour must be prevented from delivering their ideological crusade to eradicate our proud independent schools and hopefully these legal actions this year, will end the absurdity of adding VAT to school fees.

I would like to thank and credit the artwork used in the thumbnail image which was published by https://www.spectator.co.uk to accompany the article by Peter Jones on 16th January.

Change Labour

Enjoy listening and just occasionally singing (to myself) 'Bothy Ballads' from The North East of Scotland. Influenced in my teens by legendary folk singer Marc Floyd Ellington and Charlie Allan. 

'Written' a few very simple lockdown ballads in the 12 months since the global pandemic struck and tried to learn the guitar...it helps!

Nicholas

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks