Getting the job done

 Yesterday was a hugely productive day. Christine was sorting and repairing and I was fixing things and washing the car, cooking stuff ready for this week and planning. I also managed to squeeze in a little music time. It's 20 years since I recorded 'All About Life'. I can remember like it was yesterday trying to figure out how to use my Akai DPS12, what on earth was a compressor, and how much reverb was too much! All of that as well as trying to sing and play and sequence everything myself. True Faith had disbanded and Jimmy Two Times hadn't happened. I was struck listening to it how I was trying and succeeding to some  extent with all manner of things like bass playing and guitar solos. I think my confidence took a nose dive in Jimmy Two Times to be honest where I stuck to what I knew rather than trying to push on. Some of the songs on 'All About Life' are great and very personal. Can't wait to get it out on Spotify etc.

England were defeated by Italy in the Euro 2020 (played a year late because of COVID) 1-1 after extra time 3-2 on penalties. But they weren't defeated at all - thy and the manager - Gareth Southgate - have approached what they do with qualities that transcend simply the football. Southgate is a measured, responsible, ethical leader, who is kind, diplomatic, but strong in his own skin. It's been great to watch the Euro's - even the Italian's weren't like they used to be scrappy, play acting for fouls, and well a bit dirty in terms of their playing style - their captain was immense - joyful and pleasant and professional during and around the game. Great to watch. But disappointing in the end.