Vinyl – I am Ashley Elsdon

Blancmange in Electronic Sound Magazine

Posted by ashleyelsdonon November 20, 2022in MusicLeave a comment

If you’ve been here before you’re probably aware that I am a big fan of Blancmange, which is why I bought this issue of Electronic Sound. I used to be a subscriber to the publication, but realised that the issues were pilling up and I was simply to getting through them. So I stopped. However, some issues grab my attention occasionally, and this one did.

The issue also came with a 7″ record.

Which is pretty nice all in all.

The interview was insightful, interesting and charming. A lot of the detail I knew already, but there was plenty of stories in there that made me smile.

I don’t know if you can still get this copy online, but if you’re a fan I would recommend it.

Blancmange Private View

Posted by ashleyelsdonon November 16, 2022November 9, 2022in MusicLeave a comment

This is the latest album from one of my favourite bands, and released 40 years after their first album. I bought it on vinyl, CD and cassette. It is a good album and there are some good songs on there. I’ve played the vinyl, which is always a lovely experience, but I doubt that I will ever play the cassette though.

As an album it is good. Some songs are better than others of course. A few are excellent.

Over the years I have listened to almost everything that Blancmange have made, and I hope to continue to do that, and I hope that Blancmange will release many more albums in the years to come.

Escape from New York

Posted by ashleyelsdonon June 25, 2022June 24, 2022in Films, MusicLeave a comment

I first saw this movie when I was in my early teens. It made a very big impression on me, as did the soundtrack. Since then I’ve watched it a few times.

Recently I have found myself listening to the main theme track so I decided to buy a copy of the DVD. It is still good, at least it is in my opinion anyway. I remembered most of the movie, so nothing really came as a surprise. I actually think that the original movie is better than the remake in 1996, although I did enjoy that too, albeit to a lesser degree.

After watching the original I kept hearing the theme tune for days, so when it turned up on record store day I knew I had to get it.

It’s a lovely record and a great piece of music, from a great film.

Mindset from Blancmange

Posted by ashleyelsdonon June 6, 2020June 6, 2020in UncategorizedLeave a comment

I can’t exactly remember when I started liking Blancmange, but it was pretty early on. Probably when they first appeared on something like ‘Top of the Pops’. I’ve liked them ever since. When they made they’re somewhat unexpected comeback I was very happy indeed. Since then the output has been steady and I believe I’ve bough everything.

This latest release, ‘Mindset’, arrived this morning, although it was actually released yesterday. I listened to it yesterday, and it is a solid album. My initial impressions are it is very good and will probably grow on me.

I’m pleased that Blancmange is still going, and pleased to be able to support them wherever I can. In the current climate there are many artists who are suffering and those of us who love and appreciate music need to do whatever we can to support the people who help to give meaning to us. It’s important.

Blancmange’s latest album ‘Mindset’ in yellow vinyl

David Sylvian reissues

Posted by ashleyelsdonon January 3, 2020November 3, 2020in MusicLeave a comment

I meant to post this ages ago as I got these in 2019, so I thought I’d post the pictures. They’re a nice bunch of reissues. Very beautifully designed and produced.

Record Store Day 2019

Posted by ashleyelsdonon December 1, 2019November 10, 2020in Events, MusicLeave a comment

I do realise that this was quite a long time ago now, back in April in fact. But it is an event that I like to celebrate and, when I can, be a part of. This year I was again. However, in terms of how many things I got from my list, I wasn’t very successful at all. In fact, it was a bit of a bust to be honest.

Whilst that was a shame, I did manage to get a few bits and pieces, and I was pleased with that. I plan to go again in 2020, but I won’t be sure until I can see what’s on the list, and that won’t be for a few months yet.

Back in 2018 I decided that the simplest way to do Record Store day was to stay in a hotel around the corner, and I think that might be my best bet in 2020 if there’s enough on the list to actually tempt me.

Delia Derbyshire

Posted by ashleyelsdonon November 21, 2019November 10, 2020in Music, PeopleLeave a comment

This is the latest edition of Electronic Sound magazine. It comes with a copy of her version of the Doctor Who theme, presented on some very nice looking yellow vinyl. I’m not sure why it’s yellow, but it is.

Now I’ve played it. It’s pretty good. Great to hear that track again. Such a milestone in electronic music history. Such a hugely creative endeavor. Just so impressive.

I haven’t read the magazine as yet, but when I do I might post a few thoughts on their take on Delia. I’m not committing to it right now. We’ll see.

Record Store Day 2018

Posted by ashleyelsdonon April 22, 2018December 15, 2020in MusicLeave a comment

Last year I skipped record store day as I’d been queuing at Sister Ray Records in Soho for about 3 hours and at the end of the process I’d got 1 7″. That was all. I wasn’t terribly happy about that at all, as you can imagine. So I said to myself that I wouldn’t do it any more. I’d give it up. And I did, I didn’t go in 2017. Then I saw the list for this year, and on it was a David Sylvian album that I really wanted to get, and that I knew I would be really annoyed not to own.

So I decided to do it again. However, as I was going to be out late in London the night before I thought that the most civilised way to accomplish the task was to get a hotel room nearby and stay in town. So I did. I stayed at a very nice hotel on Brick Lane which was very reasonably priced too. It meant I could get up really early and walk down to Rough Trade East before 6am.

And my forward thinking paid off. I was probably around the 100 mark in the queue and got inside at about 8:30am. Not bad. I also got everything that I wanted too.

The most important of course being “Dead Bees on a cake” by Sylvian.

So maybe I will go again next year, at least I’ll give it a chance anyway.

Music from the Forbidden Planet

Posted by ashleyelsdonon October 29, 2017January 5, 2021in MusicLeave a comment

The Forbidden Planet is one of the most amazing science fiction films. One of the best elements is the music, or rather the soundscapes. From when I first saw the movie I loved how it sounded. Electronic Sound magazine published this 7″ and I knew I had to have it. It’s a lovely disk.

They also published a piece on the music in their magazine. It was a really good read too.

Just some more vinyl

Posted by ashleyelsdonon September 30, 2017September 24, 2017in MusicLeave a comment

My most recent additions to my collection. Nothing startling really, but some fun stuff.