Friday 13 March 2015

What we've been listening to this week. Randy Newman 'Little Criminals'.


We put this on because we were still in that 1970's vibe, this from 1977.

When we now think of Randy Newman in here, the 'Lion King' gets mentioned (!) but he is an extraordinary songwriter. 

On this album, all of The Eagles play on the tracks (betcha' didn't know that) who were probably America's biggest band at the time, having just released 'Hotel California'. Ry Cooder also plays on it as does guitarist Waddy Watchtel. He was known for his association with Jackson Browne so we guess that's The Eagles connection here?

'Short People' always gets a smile on 'Little Criminals' but 'Jolly Coppers on Parade' and 'Baltimore' are superb nevermind the chilling song about a child killer, 'in Germany before the war' (check out Ireland's Freddie White's superb version of this).

Anyway, it's been a lovely listen all week in Streamabout. Really has.

Here's 'Baltimore' as a taster......."man it's hard just to live"....





Monday 9 March 2015

Apple's Watch is on time. Today.





The launch today of The Apple Watch, is another milestone in the history of the company introducing, their first foray into wearable tech. It's as significant as the Ipad, Itunes or Iphone.

It's going to be available mid-April but with a starting price of about 350 usd and upgrades to about 550 usd. Not cheap.

Built into it, are a whole series of clever bits which no doubt, will extend in time but it does need to be paired with an Iphone 5 (or better) to work. 

It has a fitness app so you can "watch" (ha!) the calories you burn and select a goal every day. It also keeps track of heart rate for training. An easy interface allows you to swipe for weather, your calendar, your music and other stuff, like Uber.

Siri is in there too, so too email and instant messenger (text in effect). Plus you can take calls with an in-built mic. 

Many different faces too combined with an 18 hour battery (so you'll have to recharge your watch at night). And it tells the time - in whatever zone you move to.

Bizarrely it doesn't take pictures or video. You'd have thought there was a great GoPro opportunity there! 

But this will be a standard - we'll all have one - and possibly soon!