What To Think, What To Say, What To Do?

A week now after the earthquake struck off the coast of Japan - a week of almost unimaginable devastation and misery for the country. Horrific tsunamis, an escalating nuclear crisis and all I have been able to do is stay tuned to 'the news' here in the hope of hearing some positive turn of events. Feeling so useless, all I can do is hope. All there is is hope.
The Japanese are the most wonderful people I have ever had the fortune to encounter and be amongst. I love the country and a fairly recent visit had me wishing it was possible for me to live there. In the face of this dreadful disaster, there are extraordinary stories circulating that highlight the 'kokoro' (heart and soul) of these considerate people - stories of caring and sharing that put most other Western cultures to shame.
I wait with baited breath and (though I'm not religious) am praying that things will take a turn for the better.

I Hope Things Get Better Soon

(image from lost in stasis and I crave ballet)

Some BJM Bliss

The Brian Jonestown Massacre is, without a doubt, my favourite rock'n' roll band in the universe. On first listenings, it may seem as if they are doing a kind of pastiche of early Stones, Byrds, Beatles (with a hint of Spacemen 3) and other psychedelic bands, but they are so much more than this. I really admire the way that they keep it so real, raw and sexy and the fact that they are so generous in making their work available to the public.
I've only just heard this track, which is apparently a 'work in progress', but it's as gorgeous as usual - and the video? Just wonderful.
TBJM always manage to sound fresh and uplifting, even at their grungiest. They appear to really live their music, which often sounds as if it could fall apart at any moment - it's so dangerously chaotic in a way. The playing is so natural, it's as if these guys breathe their music. Lifts my spirits every single time.
Nobody should be without at least one of their records.

My Love Affair With Japanese Culture Continues

Just love those hairdos and colour combos in the '60s one and the big fluffy animals in the Red Riding Hood one. Also, I can vouch for the fact that the candy is delicious!