PRETTY MUSICAL DREAMS IN CAMDEN

7 pm, Thursday 6^th of June 2013, The Barfly, Camden, London, the UK.

A small crowd is gathered; young and old, Londoners or foreigners; they are all here to celebrate the launch of Dave McPherson’s second solo album “Dreamoirs”.

Dave’s fans had to be a bit patient, though, to earn their prize in a very musical and pleasant way as they were offered to listen to two other artists: Hadleigh Ford and David Cavanagh (who came without his band “Anathema”).

Hadleigh Ford was a real treat and a great discovery. He had the tough job of breaking the ice and warming up a rather distracted audience. He started by telling us about Dave being his best man at his wedding and how their friendship was one of a kind. He then sang “Sounds like a Sunday” which caught the attention of the whole room. He got us all tangled with “My own worst enemy” and “Butterfly”. But it was really “My Biology” that left a mark in people’s mind: it is well written, catchy and the lyrics, which may appear light, hold a delightful second degree.

After assuring us that he would be “the drunk guy clapping and shouting at Dave in the corner of the room”, Hadleigh left the stage to Danny Cavanagh. He gave us an impressive reprise of the Pink Floyd’s famous track “Another Brick in the Wall”. The audience could not help but be impressed by the fantastic guitar solo of “Deep”. After a cover of “Big Love”, a song from the well-known rock band Fleetwood Mac, Cavanagh ended his performance with “Untouchable” getting us to sing and clap in time with him in some sort of warming up communion.

Then started what seemed to be a long waiting. The room was buzzing, the last spaces available filling in, the crowd slightly pushing to get closer to the stage, the Star Wars’ theme building even more the anticipation. At 9:30, casually arriving on the James Bond’s theme – “That wasn’t planned!” chuckled Dave – the InMe’s front man made his appearance! What I should let you know by now, and to give you a good idea of the atmosphere in the Barfly is that there was a drunk guy, randomly shouting. It was funny but could have become annoying if McPherson did not play the game.

After a great start to the gig with “Snowball”, a very rocky and touching ballad that satisfied the hungry audience’s appetite, our drunken friend started yelling again. Dave funnily complained about those “random noises” and our much-imbibed pal replicated “loud noises!” a reference to the comedy “The Anchorman” that made the whole room laughed warmly.

Ice broken, audience ravished and ready to give a great performance, McPherson accompanied by his band sang “Relics of Don Quichotte” and “Lady Luck”, one of my favourite songs from “Dreamoirs”. It goes about juggling between two different lives: being on tour and being home, being a much-acclaimed solo artist and a regular guy.

“Last year” is a song from Dave’s first solo album released in 2011, “The Hardship Diaries”. As a first solo record, it was mainly a break-up CD. Maybe that is why McPherson was a bit reluctant to play this song and we had to thank his band mates for pushing him to sing it again for us.

Wearing a colourful unicorn and rainbow t-shirt, InMe’s front man introduced his next song “Winter: Hibernation” by telling us it is about how he likes travelling, exploring new places, going to the beach, the countryside and walking in fields, adding that, because he doesn’t have a dog, he probably looks like a killer in the project.

Then came “The Wilderness” which is the first single of “Dreamoirs” that will be released soon. It is a very delicate ballad with a good rhythm and great drums. Definitely a good choice for a first single, if you ask me.

McPherson got us all dancing with “Before I even had you”, a song from his past solo record. He did bet that only ladies would move to this track but was wrong as we were all wobbling our heads, shifting weight from one leg to another in rhythm and shaking our behinds.

My ultimate favourite song from “Dreamoirs” was next! With some sort of counter time and very melodic changes, this tune definitely creates some sort of tsunami in my body. “Ambivert Melanconnoisseur” is about redemption and space travels, being some sort of musical U.F.O. And I suspect the author to be really proud of its weirdness.

Speaking of favourites, Dave’s own little personal pet of this album is “I’m Possible”. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful, telling us how it is like to see someone you really love and care about making mistakes in their life.

At this point, the band left: we gave Mike Curtis – Bassist, as tiny as a smurf (just quoting McPherson here!) -, Simon Taylor – Drummer, thanked by Dave for sticking around for so many years, which is quite rare- and Gary Marlow – guitarist and back singer – a round of applause for giving us such a thrilling evening.

It was just Dave left on stage. He got the crowd singing with “Love Rats”, a song he described to us like this: “first verse is about a girl that cheats on a guy, second verse is on a guy that cheats on a girl and the chorus gets a bit mixed up, we don’t know who cheats oh who!”

Finally, as a goodbye gift, InMe’s front man offered us a reprise of the famous nineties rap, “Boom shake the room”. Can I say that this last song was hysterical? It was a very special experience, very funny yet impressive that got the audience tangled and in need of more. Sadly, it had to end!

To be honest, I didn’t know much about Dave McPherson before getting the album and going to his concert. But he got me in!

Listening to the album is a totally different experience than seeing him live. The record makes it more personal and let you pay more attention to the beautiful lyrics and their meaning while the live performance carries you away with a more intense insight on the music itself. Dave McPherson is very laid-back and warm with his audience, talking about his life; giving away anecdotes and making the gig feel like an intimate reunion.

“Dreamoirs” is a very well dreamt and build album, giving food for thoughts, ballads for the heart, music to dance and many subjects to reflect on. Like a dream, this album will take you to unsuspected lands and to weird situations. You’ll wish you’d never wake up from “Dreamoirs”.

 Miss DiversiT

Do You Hear Miss DiversiT sing, singing a song of angry men

Hello lovelies,

Maybe you recognised the song and, therefore, know already what I'm going to sing about... Yes, you're right, my friend, I'll sing you a song about "Les Miserables"!

What you have to know, before paying £10 and buying your popcorn is that, they do sing. A lot. A hell of a lot! Every single sentence is sung. Every. Single. One!

Sorry about the emphasis. Understand me well: I LOVE musicals. I adore "Mamma Mia", "Hairspray", "Chicago" and even "High School Musical" (yes, all three of them)! But, this was too much!

A musical is a film when people talk and, then, suddenly, start singing about their feelings or their actions. Then, there's more talking and more singing. But there is some sort of balance between the blabla's and the lala's.

There is no such thing in "Les Mis". And, in all honesty, it gets quite boring after an hour. And the movie lasts 2 hours and a half...

When I got to the loo before hopping back on the tube to go home, I felt like singing: "Girls, I am peeing and the toilet paper is running looooow". I was mostly feeling a bit drunk from all the singing!

Anyways, when it comes to the cast, I have to say that Anne Hathaway blew my mind. She was amazing in the role of Fantine. Which I can quite relate to: she loses her job, has to send money to the people looking after her daughter so she sells everything she has (hair, teeth and, yes, her body). Ok, I'm not quite there yet. I don't even have a kid but still, times are hard, as hard as in "Les Mis"!

She goes to heaven quite fast; still, she delivered an amazing performance.

Hugh Jackman is great, playing Jean Val Jean. But, he's not the sexy, manly Wolverine. Which is not the point in this case. What I mean is that his physical transformation is overwhelming and a bit scary.

On the downside, I thought that Eddie Redmayne was a bit behind the others in terms of singing (remember that they sing all the time!): it felt like his voice was forced and that he was in pain whilst performing.

When it comes to songs, my mind caught two: the unforgetable - thanks to Susan Boyle - "I dreamed a dream" (song that I've promised myself to learn, just in case I have kids someday and they ask me why I look sad! Ha!) and "Do you hear the people sing?" because it's catchy and it makes me want to raise and rebel myself.

So, to conclude (and I would gladly sing it for you but I don't want you to go away forever, so I won't), it was a good film, with a great cast and a very effective scenery...but way too much singing; way too much! Now, you can't say you weren't warned ;-)

Miss DiversiT

Will you have a Bugg for Jake?

I heard about Jake Bugg just a couple of weeks ago. Story is: I had just gone to an Ed Sheeran concert and I was telling my friend how good it was and how I was impressed by how talented he was, despite his young age. She then told me about Jake, saying that he was just 18 and “talented as fuck” (just quoting her!).

Thing is, although I’m sure we all have a favourite musical genre, I think we should open our minds to any kind of music. I’m going to steal Morrissey’s answer when, during an interview, he was asked if he had a message for his fans: “Yes, don’t be a musical snob! Just because you like The Smiths music doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try listening to classical music or even heavy metal. The only way to build up your preferences is by listening to anything and everything. Don’t be narrow-minded and don’t listen to things just to be trendy. Hopefully you’ll remain loyal Smiths fans - but you’ll also gain a bit more musical knowledge”.

So, following these words of wisdom, I gave Jake a shot…

First, I wanted to find out more about him. It’s always good to have some background and it sometimes add more sense to the artist’s music. Jake Bugg is, indeed, 18 (or 19, there is no precise DOB given).

His interest in music blossomed when he was 12: he heard a song on “The Simpson’s” and started learning the guitar – I don’t know about you, but this kid is already growing on me! - He also began writing lyrics and developing his singing. He is British, from Nottingham to be precise. His career started when he was chosen by the BBC to perform at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. At only 17, he sang in front of the crowd as an “Introducing stage” act. And that is how he was discovered and signed by Mercury. His first eponym album was released just two weeks ago.

Now, I feel like I know enough about this enigmatic singer/songwriter/musician to actually listen to his album. His songs definitely are from another era: it seems like he is some sort of reincarnation of Bob Dylan! His voice is deep and warm and his music sounds like it’s been recorded 45 years ago…

I have a few favourites though: “Two Fingers” is a very catchy tune with a Sixties feeling. “Broken” makes me think of a sad love song; it’s quiet and a bit depressing (not too high on a scale from “Apologise” by One Republic to Adele’s “Someone like you”). Then, there is “Note To Self”, which is just amazing: very catchy, great lyrics and, again, that Sixties vibe. “Seen it All” is more of a rock and roll song, with fantastic drumming and a very-easily-stuck-in-your-head chorus. Finally, I’ll mention “Someone Told Me” because it’s exactly the kind of song I adore: it gives me that warm feeling in my belly and that sort of overwhelming emotional wave (does that make sense to you as well?!).

In the end, I’m really glad I got to listen to Jake Bugg’s “Jake Bugg”. His music has a Sixties vibe, his voice is incredibly deep for an 18 year old lad and the lyrics are very good, just like Jake had lived ten other lives before this one! He is a true artist who gives himself totally into his music. If you’re just a tad bit curious, go and listen to his album!

Finally, if I had to resume this record with one sentence, I’d say that it makes me want to book a flight to California and take a road trip all the way to New York. Hope you’ll get that same vibe!

Miss DiversiT

Miss DiversiT having a Calimero day

I guess you all know Calimero, that little black chicken wearing a broken egg shell as a hat and who keeps saying "That is so unfair" in a tiny voice.

Well, I'm having a Calimero day. I had a conversation about work with a friend a few days ago. I'm still haunted by the story she told me: she has two master's degrees and got offered a three months job as an exhibition watcher (you know, those poor people who are in the rooms of an exhibition and make sure you don't put your dirty fingers on the paintings; those people who might just die out of boredom!). Cherry on top of the scandalous cake, the lady from the museum said she read her CV with a great attention...

And then, you know, I thought about me...I have a master's degree in journalism. I got out of school five years ago (what? five? already? I thought it was just two!) and never got to work as a journalist! If it weren’t for that blog, I wouldn't be writing at all...

Still, I have worked as an administrative assistant and, now, I feel stuck in that kind of job because that's the only real professional experience that I have. And that's where I'm saying: "It is so unfair"!

Because, I was told when I was little that having a diploma would allow me to have a good job and, therefore, a decent and happy life!

Because, I want to be a journalist, not an administrative assistant, and I like people to consider that before telling me "ah, that's a shame you don't have any professional experience as a journalist". Still, I have a degree and a passion for this job...

Because, it feels like we're going to be the first generation to have a life worse than our parents'. The whole point is to have a better situation than your ancestors, to evolve towards a higher quality of life. But, I think I'll never have the chance to have a better life than my parents...

Because, I have no idea how to change this situation, how to make it better...

Because, I'm really worried about my future (and I'm taking immediate future, not like "far away" future).

For my friend, for me, for all of us who are struggling and who don't understand why their situation is so shitty and what they're doing wrong, I'm going to say: "That is so unfair"!

On that happy note, I'll leave you to your thoughts...

Miss DiversiT aka Miss Calimero 

From Hell...

Don't worry, the title is not reflecting a gloomy attitude or some sort of depression attack!
Let me explain it to you:

Last night, my flatmate and I went to the Jack the Ripper walk.
I don't think I ever mentioned my fascination for the Victorian killer on here. Well, there you go: I nourish an avid curiosity for this mystery. I've read books, have seen documentaries and done this walk once in the past.
My flatmate is soon moving out to another country where they certainly don't have a walk like this one!
So, before going, she wanted to step into Jack the Ripper's shoes!

We went for the serious, only facts and history one.
This one ---> http://www.jacktheripperwalk.com/
I have to say I loved it! You get to discover all there is to know about the victims, how they were atrociously murdered, where and when and you get to see a few streets that are left practically untouched since 1888 (of course, now, there is pavement, light and the prostitutes are gone...Like our guide said "this part of London is even trendy now").

Our guide was a fantastic story teller and, I have to admit that I was happy not to be alone on these streets: they are spooky, dark and (I do believe that places can have a memory) were the witnesses of awful murders.
More than about the Ripper and his unfortunate victims, you will have a good historic view on what was life like in 1888 in Whitechapel; well, if you were a woman, at least!
My flatmate and I thought about where and what we would have been if we had been living in 1888. For the anecdote, my flatmate would be up in North England, working in a mine and I will be in Belgium, working in a mine as well. We'd both have as many kids as physically possible and would be coughing our lungs out. In a word, we'd be dying...Interesting prospects, huh?!

My only regret is that we didn't get to have a drink in the famous pub where all the victims had a drink: the Ten Bells. Again, that place must have quite a heavy atmosphere and I would probably - well, let's face it - pee in my pants (yeah, I'm scared quite easily, I guess!).

What is trully great about this walk is that it gives you food for thoughts: we were elaborating theories on the way home! Who was he? Why was he never caught? He stopped (serial killers never stop killing unless something happens to them) so what happened to him? Was he wealthy and literate or was he a poor butcher? Was he living in the area?
What I can give you is this portrait the FBI made for the hundredth anniversary of the killings (yeah, that's a weird "celebration"!): he was a man, aged 27-34, living in the area and with a good knowledge of anatomy, meaning he was probably a vet or a butcher.

I hope you will want to take this walk as well, as it is interesting, fascinating, intriguing and, well, honestly, it's terrifying!

Now, good people, I have to go watch some documentaries on youtube...Sleep well!

Miss DiversiT

From Brussels to London

Hello to you, fellow reader!

I haven't write in quite a long time... Lots of things changed since my last post.
First (and most important) change: I've swapped cities! I was living in Brussels and I am now living in...wait for it...LONDON!
I've been wanting to live here for a while but didn't have the balls to actually do it. Then, about a year ago, it felt like things were falling apart and I decided it was the right time for a fresh start.
So, here I am! It has been stressful and, I have to say, I have cried a lot, being invaded by anxiety: what if I fail? What if I can't adapt myself? What if that? What if this? You know the song.

Things happened very fast which is great because I didn't have time to sit down and think. Whenever you're doing something big, something important and life-changing, don't think too much, just go for it!
I've been living here for 6 weeks now and I love it!
My life would be perfect if I had a job and/or a boyfriend (but that's coming, I can feel it!). I'm living in a nice area, with my dog (of course, he's mine so he had to come with his mum!) and I spent my days sending applications and reading. I have already found a pub which is now my favorite one and I'm used to go for a Sunday walk with Spot in either Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill (this is a picture of my little weasel in Primrose Hill :') ).

In a word, things are going smoothly...

All I need now is an exciting job: that wil make things even better! And a cute British boyfriend to take me out and have a nice cuddle (he better hurry up; it's starting to get cold!).

I'll try to get back to writing as well; this blog is now some sort of virtual CV. Still, I won't change my writing and will keep it light and funny :)

Wish me luck, guys!

MissDiversiT

Miss DiversiT is a great romantic…and movies are to blame!

That’s something you probably ignore about me…I’m a real marshmallow! I’m desperately romantic and sometimes, I am really cheesy. This situation often plays tricks on me as I tend to live in a wonderful world where people have values and men know how to seduce a woman without being rude or too bold. Talk about being adapted to the 21^st century…ha!

I blame the movies because they’re the ones that taught me about love. Like “Love Actually” where Colin Firth learns Portuguese to be with the woman he’s falling for and, as everything is always perfect, she learns English; you know, just in case! Or “Notting Hill” where Hugh Grant bumps into Julia Roberts who’s a huge film star…A glass of orange juice and love is in the air.

Even when things go wrong, films let you think there’s a way out. In “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Jim Carey want to erase all memories he has of his former girlfriend but, during the process, he realises that, even though it is painful to remember, he needs to keep and cherish his souvenirs. Or “Romeo and Juliet” (which is a book turned into several films – I’m talking about Baz Luhrmann’s version) where they tell you that love is so strong that it is better to die than to outlive your soul mate.

During years and years, I’ve witnessed that Hollywood version of love and I fell for it! Thing is, the world doesn’t work that way and love is not what it used to be anymore. Now, guys whistle at you in the street and if you don’t response, they insult you. And frankly, what do they expect? That girls will turn around and be flattered?! When you meet someone new who’s attracted to you, he’s not going to talk to you…No, he’ll add you on Facebook or follow you on Twitter! Besides, who need talking? You just go to a club, dance in a suggestive way and some random guy will come at you and…offer you a drink? Ask your name? No, he’ll just dance glued to your body, expecting a kiss and a one night stand.

But I won’t change my vision of love; I can’t act like I don’t care, like this is not important. And, even though this may take time, I’m sure someday somewhere I’ll find a guy who’s been raised with the same films as me and who has the same vision of love. He’ll be a gentleman and I’ll be a lady and we’ll be happy together ever after… :D

Miss DiversiT