DJ Rhythmbandit

22/07/2021

Happy Fry-Day peoples....

Following from last week's "Address to the Nation":
I was concerned to learn that there's a growing trend for young people doing selfies of themselves...while standing on railway tracks.
Even to the point that toddlers and babies were being used in this "sport".
As a four year old I remember seeing a certain public information film that delivered the warning "Stay off the Track".
Such was its effect that when it came one TV I dived for cover behind the sofa.
A few decades (and a few close encounters) later, I still regard trains with a form of respect.
I've had photographs taken of moi, in the relatively "safe" environment of railway open days.
But Selfies taken on live railway tracks? You vs train? Serious?
Maybe we need to remember how valuable we all are . Hence my Freedom Five for Friday :-

1. Sting "Fragile"
2. Chesney Hawkes "I am The One and Only"
3. Glenn Jones "I am Somebody"
4. Gabrielle "Sunshine"
5. Lighthouse Family "You're a Star"

And as for trains - Top Gear shared the following message. Make of it what you will.
Life sounds better to music - but Stop. Look. Listen. Live...
https://youtu.be/ue61c6MZNQw

13/07/2021

THE SOUL SHACK IS BACK AND EXTENDED!

Has Last Sunday's "Italian Job" left you feeling on edge?

Well...
It's time to make that Getaway to the Soul Shack!
Happy Hour extended on Wednesday 14/7/2021 from 830pm-1030pm
Soul, Disco and Dance Music from the 60s to the 80s and beyond.
Let the music Transport you, lift your soul and Mini-mise your blues.
Get your skates on, mate! Looking forward to greeting you all.
PS Requests taken in advance PM me for access details.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4648095348?pwd=c2ZQWEl0MXJyV01DMDlkU05pYWdDUT09

09/07/2021

Welcome to the Thought for Friday Spot!

There's been several historical happenings that have taken place in my lifetime that were once thought to be impossible.
Here is just a selection:-

The Channel Tunnel was built.
The Berlin Wall came down.
The Apartheid regime ended in South Africa.
Mike Tyson was defeated as World Heavyweight champion.
The England football team have reached a major final in a tournament.
Helen completed a solo Aerial and zipwire challenge. Well done Wifey!
(I did it too - but I was more "vocal" with it - I screamed a lot)

All of these events had this in common. Somebody had a vision / dream, that person / persons took action, one step at a time, and...over time, amazing things happened.
I'm re-learning that what I want is possible - and am turning the dreams to action. Looking forward to the results!

Here's the Friday Five to get you at it:

1. Viola Mills "Dare to Dream"
2. Linx "Don't Get In My Way"
3. Jimmy Cliff "Special"
4. Lighthouse Family "Raincloud"
5. Level 42 "Turn it On"

(I know, I could add "Three Lions" but you've probably thought that anyway)

Have a great weekend - Amazing things will happen. And life sounds better to music!

17/06/2021

Happy Football Friday Everybody!

My Friday Freedom Five has to acknowledge the Euros so here's my 35-yard volley for starters :-

1. Gerry Raffety "Get It Right Next Time" (For Germany's game against France)
2. Phil Collins "I Missed Again" (for the many teams that created chances but didn't score goals)
3. Frankie Goes to Hollywood "Two Tribes" (England vs Scotland - nuff said)
4. Chas n Dave "Rabbit" (For the commentators )
5. Gary Shearston "I Get a Kick Out of You" (For those n million questionable dives and falls will happen and will help to win / lose games)

May your energy have an impact like Dumfries. Life sounds better to music!

Ok the picture a local offering from the 2014 World cup but it still makes me smile...

11/06/2021

Happy Friday Everyone,
Here's trusting for better days ahead, and that the way forward is not another false dawn.

Last Friday a follow up eye examination (following the laser surgery a few weeks ago) resulting in further treatment. Unexpected.
Trusting the follow-through (next week) will bring better news.

Here's my Friday Freedom Five - may they be a musical blessing to you all:-

1. M People "Search For The Hero"
2. Level 42 "Turn it On"
3. Ronny Jordan "Get to Grips"
4. Maurice White "Switch on your Radio"
5. Basia "New Day For You"

Life sounds better to music. Have a great weekend!

03/06/2021

This is just a wee shout out to those great people who have been a source of encouragement and support over the years.
If I list them by name I'll be here all week.
But at this stage of time when I'm in the process of building a business, I welcome the help and assistance and instruction I have received thus far.
As the attached link shows, it's good to know that you are ultimately supported. It helps you to achieve great things...
Here's to sharing, and here's my Freedom Five to launch this month:-

1. Shalamar "Friends"
2. O'Jays "Put Our Heads Together"
3. Sister Sledge "We Are Family"
4. Bette Midler "Wing Beneath My Wings"
5. Al Jarreau "I will be There for You"

Boldness changes everything...and life sounds better to music.
Have a great weekend!

DJ Rhythmbandit takes on the Zip Wire Challenge for MS Society

28/05/2021

It's Friday again.....

I'm missing all my wonderful friends and family members on the other side of the sea.
I give thanks for those whose vision and courage built bridges and tunnels that brought people and nations together.
We need someone with the same vision and courage to Bridge The Gap between this Province and the mainland
I had this notion of listing songs with a "Bridge" theme - and - true to form - the idea hit a recall failure.
(Yes there's "Bridge over troubled waters" but that doesn't cut it.)
So I've combined the feelings of frustration and hope and behold your Friday Freedom Five for this week.
Looking forward to the days when we can see each other without a 2 metre ruler stuck between us.
That time is coming closer, people...in the meantime, enjoy...

1. Jimmy Cliff "Many Rivers To Cross"
2. Dire Streets "So Far Away"
3. Brenda Russell "Get Here" (This version preceded that by Oleta Adams - take your choice)
4. Paul Johnson "Half a World Away"
5. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway "Back Together Again"

Reach out to someone and "bridge the gap" to their lives by any means possible.
And remember- life sounds better to Music!
Have a great weekend!

20/05/2021

Hello my neighbours!
For those who can remember the radio days pre-DAB, pre-shazam, pre-spotify, pre-streaming, and that irritating phenonenon called "The Unknown Song"?
The one that you hear on the radio and, for some illogical reason, the presenter never broadcast the artist or the title?
And it just happened to be that one song in the playlist that you really, really liked?
Can you remember what lengths you would go to find out what that song was...?
My Finally Found Friday Five has a sense of history of searching behind them.
I have been able to track down these tunes and make them mine. One of these songs took me nearly 40 years to "identity and obtain".
You may not like them, but that's ok - getting them gave me that "top of the bridge" buzz
And how did I find the tracks out? Well, that's another story...

1. Mass Production "Shanté"
2. Cygnus X "The Orange Theme"
3. K-Ci and Jo-Jo "Tell Me It's Real"
4. Tom Petty "I Won't Back Down"
5. Buena Vista Social Club Feat. Coldplay "Clocks"

Happy Friday. Have a great Weekend everyone. Life sounds better to (Hard sought) Music!

13/05/2021

It's Friday once again, friends!

One of my favourite times in Barbados was being at the South and West Coast beaches and watching the sun go down.
The picture below is one of many that says it all.
It was always a great time to stop, watch, be and reflect.
Sometimes it was the only place to be to achieve five minutes of peace.
I trust you will all have a sunshine moment in your life.
To all those who have brought sunshine to my life - Thank you.

Here's five little rays of sunshine music for you all.
1. Osibisa "Sunshine Day"
2. Gabrielle "Sunshine"
3. Roy Ayers "Everybody Loves The Sunshine"
4. Central Line "Walking Into Sunshine"
5. Stevie Wonder "Happier Than the Morning Sun"

May your radiance be evident to everyone around you. Have a great weekend. Life Sounds Better to Music!

12/05/2021

Greetings from the Rhythmbandit!
Feel like you're stuck on the edge?
Would you like a little pick-me-up?
How about some uplifting soul songs to help you through?
Come visit the Rhythmbandit's Soul Shack for a Happy Hour of music here tonight.
Join a good crowd and spread the buzz.
Can't deliver the heavy lifting team but the music will help get you back to a better place.
SOUL SHACK HAPPY HOUR IS GO!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4648095348?pwd=c2ZQWEl0MXJyV01DMDlkU05pYWdDUT09
Meeting ID: 464 809 5348
Passcode: Soul

06/05/2021

Welcome back to Friday, Friends!

Really hit a brick wall zero inspiration to share with you this time.

But sometimes you need something (or someone) who can just push you over the edge and thus drop you into something amazing.
So a big shout for all those people who have supported, encouraged, and pushed me into something special.
So why the choices of Music? Gotta make the moves while we still can.
Make time for your friends. Take a chance and do something different.
The right action is always good - and some actions are even better with music.
Have a great weekend!

1. Van Morrison "Precious Time"
2. Light of the World "Time"
3. Brass Construction "Movin'"
4. Van Halen "Jump"
5. Reel 2 Reel "Move it"
Let the train vibes transport you. Have a great weekend. Life Sounds Better to Music!

[Almost as satisfying as abseiling the Forth Bridge]

30/04/2021

It's Friday....and I'm lost for ideas.
A big THANK YOU to those who commented on our wedding photo posting - I will get to respond soonest.
Been so excited about a new way to make my money work for me I've lost my train of thought for music ideas.
Train of thought???
How about using that for a cheesy theme?

Try these songs to get you moving - unless you're stuck at a red light on the Underground. Do I miss those days? No...

1. O'Jays "Love Train"
2. Doobie Brothers "Slow Train Coming"
3. Katie Melua "(Life is like a slow train) Crawling up a hill" (Tenuous link but worth the listen)
4. Loose Ends "Rainbow / Take the A Train" (Brilliant Blues re-working)
5. Madness "Ghost Train"

Let the train vibes transport you. Have a great weekend. Life Sounds Better to Music!