Rothko

Rothko-esque, rather... Actually this is the dark room window in the roof of one of the rear attics at Bromley House. This part of the building was once the first commercial photographers' premises in Nottingham and there are still some old fittings - plate drying racks, and the like - in place from that time.

I've been enjoying the new Spiritualised album today - though it took me a little while to get round to it - and I must say I echo middleman's opinion of the recent 'Hey Jane' single and the rest of it. They're a group that it's been easy to let slide since 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' (especially since they were pretty disappointing when I got round to seeing them live around then...),but this latest, ahem, mature work is pretty good. Lots of the classic Velvets/Suicide Jesus and Krautrock tropes are present and correct but Mr. Spaceman has upped the ante on his groups more soulful side: there's plenty of gospel backing, sloppy stonesy piano and soaring seventies guitar. Plus J's voice has gained in character as it has aged and hoarsened slightly - possibly as a result of his recent health issues but nonetheless to the benefit of the overall sound (I'm reminded somehow of Malcolm Mooney's vocals on Can's 'Monster Movie, but that might just be the way he cries 'Mary'...) Anyway, here's a good one.