Sharon L O'Connell

I need fresh air, so am diving into Bluesky. Not sure whether I'll still be checking in on this site but if our paths have crossed amicably/entertainingly here, then I hope they might over there. I'm at messyectomorph.bsky.social

How the hell is @SouthernWater permitted to increase my bill by 47 PER CENT? It's a bogglingly unconscionable hike. As serfs, we're shafted any time some corporation, public or private, smells an opportunity. (Rather than say, illegally discharged sewage.)

Much as I love Neil Young (dearly), the mere possibility that his new album will be called ‘Talking To The Trees’ strikes fear into my heart.

Early contender for Confounding Interaction of the Year award: CS guy at utility company who genuinely did not know what “better late than never” means. No clue.

Birthday best to the extraordinary Marianne Faithfull. Here’s hoping she’s well enough to celebrate, big time. #majordame

Strewth! Dig the new (accidental) breed: every avo lover’s dream, weighing over 1kg & slow to oxidise. theguardian.com/science/2024…

How did I not know that Thursty is writing a novel?(Cute Harry Crews anecdote here, alongside the general book love.) newyorker.com/magazine/2024/…

I’d forgotten just how sweetly easygoing this album is. ‘Deacon Blues’ now playing...

London an exhausting ‘mare BUT The Unthanks delivered both beatific calm & sweet solstice uplift in their Winter Song set @cadoganhall. They’re so very lovely...

So Bryant is keen to “improve access to content by AI developers” - because atm it’s too difficult for them to steal content from its owners? Ffs. This proposal is all kinds of shitty wrong. theguardian.com/technology/2…

When are they sending Prince Andrew to the Tower?

‘Black Doves’ is insanely watchable. Heart & wit along with all the executions, brutal reprisals & deadly betrayals. Strong storylines, both Wishaw & Knightley excel & the evocation of old-school spookage is terrific. Bingeing like a good ‘un...

If you’re doing Christmas lights, make ‘em Knightsbridge. I struggle with the “festive” season but have always been a sucker for illuminations & these are top-notch. (Props also to Tim Burton-themed window display.)

In a Whisky wormhole & found this great pic (📷 not credited) from 1965: Richard Burton getting down with Tammy Grimes. That’s a teenage Sally Field behind him, too, pretty sure. Groovy Hollywood scene, man.

Seems that 16 years ago this w/e I was at ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas, thrilling to Butthole Surfers, Fennesz & a ton more my memory has failed. But I vividly recall Fantômas, whose s/track set was 11/10 for drama & intensity. Nostalgic? Just this once.

Yesterday: a short ’n’ sweet set from Pete Astor, in a (v cold) 12th-century church in the middle of a (v muddy) field in Romney Marsh. Plus dulcet folk-ish duetting, a solo oud set & some fine poetry. Props to @SkepArts for this lovely event.

Righteous, super heavy rock at their usual bone-shattering volume from the mighty Part Chimp last night. Left exhilarated - with an excellent tea towel.