For someone who claims to be a lover of science fiction writing it seems mighty strange that it has taken me this long to discover the literary brilliance of Welsh author Alastair Reynolds. Part of the problem is undoubtedly a long held prejudice, fostered primarily by the Potter novels, that anyone who needs more than 400 pages to tell a story isn't a particularly good writer. … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2016
Gekko Projekt: Reya of Titan
The art of good storytelling is notoriously difficult. Telling a story in and through music raises that bar even higher. And when the music is prog and the story is a work of science fiction it would appear the odds of success become almost impossible. Yet this is exactly what Reya of Titan, the second release from Californian based band Gekko Projekt, attempts to do - and does … [Read more...]
Louis Jadot Chapelle aux Loups, Beaujolais-Villages: 2015
Louis Jadot Chapelle aux Loups Beaujolais-Villages, France 2015 Waitrose £8.99 (reduced from £11.99) Gamay: Vegetarian The Gamay grape is vastly under-rated in the present market and its history certainly hasn't been helped by association with the Beaujolais Nouveau circus which came to a peak at the turn of 2000. But don't let that put you off. Wine from the Gamay is … [Read more...]
Seven Steps to the Green Door: Fetish
I will make no secret of the fact that I am a long time admirer of the truly remarkable Seven Steps to the Green Door. From the double award winning debut album The Puzzle (2006), to the tour de force of inspired musical excellence embodied in Step in 2 My World (2008), to the beautifully crafted and lovingly composed journey that is The?Book (2011: complete with painted nail … [Read more...]
Most Wanted: Albarino: 2015
Most Wanted: Albariño Rias Baixas, Spain 2015 Sainsburys, The Co-Op £8 Bronze Medal: International Wine Challenge (2015 vintage). Spur of the moment purchases can sometimes deal an unexpected and quite delightful surprise. Casually browsing the shelf in Sainsburys, spotting a reduction in price (combined with an additional 25% discount for purchases of 6 … [Read more...]