Monthly Archives: September 2013

From the Basque Country to the Holy Waters: December 1989

Posted on September 25, 2013 by westiedad

When I visited France in late 1987, ETA, an armed group of Basque nationalists, were active in Spain with 44 deaths in the previous twelve months from car bomb attacks in Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza. Almost 200 others have been … Continue reading →

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Musical Micropause: L

Posted on September 20, 2013 by westiedad

Luna: 23 Minutes In Brussels (1995) My introduction to Luna was their 1995 CD, “Penthouse”, which includes this track. A lot of bands claim to be influenced by the Velvet Underground, but with their relentless chug I think these guys may … Continue reading →

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Rocamadour and the Black Madonna: December 1989

Posted on September 15, 2013 by westiedad

There isn’t much that can be said about the origins of Rocamadour with certainty, but it can’t be denied that the setting is stunning. I’ve taken the train from Bordeaux to Brive-la-Gaillarde, and then on to Rocamadour Padirac station. From … Continue reading →

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Musical Micropause: K

Posted on September 10, 2013 by westiedad

Kings of Convenience: I’d Rather Dance With You (2004) My favourite act of 2013. The Kings of Convenience produce beautiful melodies, but how do two guys from Bergen, Norway, come up with such intricate lyrics? With a tall blond guy leading the … Continue reading →

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Cave paintings and Chocolate croissants: November 1989

Posted on September 4, 2013 by westiedad

One advantage of Google Maps is that I finally have a map with enough detail to show me exactly where I was on my travels over twenty years ago. Places in France like Bénesse-lès-Dax or Condat-le-Lardin; I’ve always known which train … Continue reading →

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Musical micropause: J

Posted on September 3, 2013 by westiedad

Joy Division: Disorder (1979) Disorder opens Unknown Pleasures, Joy Division’s debut studio album from 1979. Until the last few years I’ve only been vaguely familiar with their story, knowing only “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, and that they became New Order … Continue reading →

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