Just say no

I have a fear of lack of activity. This means that when there is a lull I take on work and projects that I should not be involved in. As I look at my diary for the next 9 days I see I am doing loads of stuff I do not want to do. It is not New Year yet but I resolve to learn to say ‘no’. I could be with my children and writing my next book. Instead I am in places like Birmingham doing ‘stuff’ that doesn’t interest me. Fool, Doug. And why do I feel ill all the time? 67 flights this year must have something to do with it.

Musically I have two new albums to recommend. The Robert Plant/Alison Krauss newie is one of those rare occasions where one plus one equals three rather than the usual one and a half. A gem of a record. Does Marc Ribot now play guitar on every album released by anybody?

And I am venturing into the new Sigur Ros. It hasn’t had great reviews but I cannot understand why. It sounds great to me. I will report more fully after a few more listens.