I is for Iggy Pop

As I write this post I am listening to the CD version of Raw Power by Iggy and the Stooges. It reminds me that the vinyl version, which I have in my collection, is responsible for me having a slightly irrational dislike of David Bowie.

Iggy and Bowie have a history of working together which has produced some very fine work, but Bowie's mix on Raw Power, which he did in collaboration with Iggy, makes it sound as if you're listening to it through a wall. I bought the vinyl version many years ago having read that it was a must-have for anyone who liked ballsy rock'n'roll. I liked it and still sing the songs to myself while walking my dog, but there was something missing from that recording. And then came Iggy's remix and lo! there was the most wonderful noise and Raw Power had turned in to what I was expecting all along.


In the sleeve notes for the CD Iggy Pop admits that a lack of technology, money, time and equipment led to the original version so it's fair to say my dislike of David Bowie, which is only slight really, is completely irrational, but I'm only human. On the back of the CD, Iggy says: "Everything's still in the red, it's a very violent mix." Yes, it is, it's brilliant. Let's listen to some of it.

You might want to sit quietly for a while after listening to that. Or try the Also-Rans.

Also-rans: Easy one, this...Summer Breeze by the Isley Brothers. It's a beautiful summer tune, even in winter.

I'm sorry, I must have nodded off for a while

So, where was I? Wherever it was, it wasn't in front of the keyboard writing this blog. Many apologies for the gap, sorry, that should read yawning chasm, in service. You know what they say: you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.

Anyway, the seasons are showing signs of changing. Things are, how can I put it, modestly autumnal here. There are still days that are warm enough to sit outside and drink coffee and say rather smugly to one's companions "Yep, it's incredible, isn't it.....November 25 and we're on the terrace."

But then every now and again we have a day to remind us that when winter does get going here in a few weeks' time it is likely to be cold, wet and windy with the possibility of snow. A local shopkeeper recently regaled me with tales of a winter only a few years ago when there was thick snow on the ground for two weeks and no power for days on end.

After a pep talk like that I always check to see that we have plenty of logs, candles and gas canisters for our camping stove. A reliable electricity supply to this island is still quite a recent innovation and it is best to have some sort of alternative should the worst happen. Until then, though, I try to make the most of living in such a beautiful place and here are some pictures to show you what I mean. All were taken in the last month or so during various walks around the island.