Nicha – Devices

Log out, turn off, step back.

That’s the message of the debut single by Nicha (top), a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Holywood, County Down.

A commentary on the negative aspects of social media and our growing obsession with our smartphones, Nicha takes inspiration from the likes of Moloko and Bonobo.

Nick says: The star of the County Down.

Nicha

a  meditative short film in which Japanese sculptor Etsuro Sotoo talks about how  41 years working as a sculptor culminated in a celebrated attempt to finish Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona. To wit:

In 1978 Etsuro Sotoo arrived in Barcelona. He had just graduated in Fine Arts, he had just one year of experience as an Art teacher. When impressed by the unfinished temple: “It was the most fabulous pile of stones I had ever seen” …He asked for a job as a stonecutter. He wanted to continue the Nativity façade (the only façade that, thanks to his work, would be declared by Unesco World Heritage). He did a test and they gave him the position. Since then, he has completed what Gaudí did not even have time to think about. When he finished with the gaps, he started with the architect’s notes. When the tracks are over, it’s up to him to make decisions (source).

kottke

The votes are in.

Last week, with a stunning €25 Golden Disc voucher on offer, I asked you to name a particular song you initially disliked but then grew to admire.

You answered in your tens.

But there could be only one winner

Third Place:

Honey Bear I Love You by Father John Misty

Friscondo writes:

I Did not know what to make of this, when I first heard it. His name, the song title and the lush strings really grated on my nerves. Just didn’t get it. The more I heard of him the more I liked his take on everything. Happy to now say I’m a huge fan of all Mr Tillman’s work, and I think I can see where he’s coming from….

Runner-up

The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash

Golden Brown writes:

I’ve always had an aversion to C+W music…probably because I’m rooted in Punk/Ska and my father used to be into it, would always have it’s whiney twangy assault on in the car or the living room and I hated him for all sorts of (resolved) reasons I’m not going to get into her, but you get the picture.

I also had mates at that time who would frequently nod appreciation for Johnny Cash (but only really because they believed it was a tosser nerdy NME subscriber badge wearer thing to do) but as it happens into my 30’s I mellowed to JC and at certain moments I’ll throw him on the deck (only JC mind no other C+W whine allowed!) I want thissong played at my funeral.

Winner:

Is This Desire? by PJ Harvey

Janet, I Ate My Avatar writes:

initially I didn’t like this at all, now I love the dark tones and the lyrics, every time I play it it brings me back to a different life…

Nick says: Thanks all.

Last week: Win Nick’s Voucher

Golden Discs

In fairness.

Meanwhile…

So, you went for the Dell.

*sucks teeth*

Your work view to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie titled ‘My Work View’.

Anyone?

Reopening of Phoenix Park perimeter gates (Gov.ie)

1964.

Seapoint, County Dublin.

Early ‘budgie smugglers’ (top left).

Last night.

Government Buildings.

A press conference announcing Minister of Finance Paschal Donohoe’s election as President of the Eurogroup of Finance Ministers with Mr Donohoe flanked by Taoiseach Micheál Martin (right) and  Tanaiste Leo Varadkar (left).

Meanwhile…

Bilderberg 2019, Montreux, Switzerland, May/June, 2019 (via @deyook)

Frank Armstrong writes:

It’s remarkable where a bit of social networking can get you…

Meanwhile…

Last night: President Paschal

Previously: Bilderberg-Bound

Rollingnews

Last night.

The Tonight Show on VMT.

GP, broadcaster and columnist, Dr Nina Byrnes calls for a mass vaccination drive to prevent the flu and Covid-19  ‘peaking together” in a deadly embrace.

Peaking together is lot of fun for the microbes, of course, but leaves us vulnerable to two lurgies at once.

Thanks, Doc.

*rolls up sleeve*

Broadsheet.ie