A Boy Named Goo

I recently crossed off one of my lifetime ambitions, I got to see the Goo Goo Dolls play a set at the O2 wireless festival on Sunday and they rocked or as Tukac put it 'Played great rock you can dance to'. As I grew up in Singapore and Malaysia, the influence on my music tastes were not that diverse considering that whatever talent or inspiration you were given was whatever their radio stations fed you. Having said that, i stumbled across the Goo around 1995 when 'Name' was receiving enough airplay and hype in the States to warrant the local pop radio station to play it late at night along with 'Peaches' by the Presidents of the USA and 'Hey man,nice shot' by Filter. It started a non specified legion of music fans with a liking for the genre 'Alternative Music' which had many levels but broken down simply to music that was alternative for the current style of the generation. On hearing 'Name' i was hooked, the opening acoustic arpeggiated intro created an image of lonely optimism that transcends the whole song all the way to the crescendo mini solo where Johnny Rzeniks guitar skills are subtly shown. Since then I have avidly followed their music as 'Dizzy up the girl', 'Gutterflower' and 'Let Love In' have never disappointed but always deepened my liking of the band and what they stand for. I have always had an affinity for college radio music, being that you identify it as a time when everything is possible and life can be anything you want it to be,Plus it stands for a time when jobs,mortgages,rent and other 'adult' problems are so distant.

The Goos create great radio music and epitomise alternative rock in the late 90s as'Iris'(the one song everybody knows) dominated the airwaves along with 'Slide' and 'Black Balloon'. On Sunday they rocked the stage with the above hits among others such as 'Broadway' 'Stay with you' and 'Let Love in'. The crowd braving the impending thunderstorm sang in delight to all the hits as Johnny and Robbie reeled of their best stuff and even showcased a new song which smacks of 'Better Days' so should be a hit with Goo fans. All in all, it was a great day out, the counting crows were on the bill as well but after seeing the Goos I was shattered as the set ended with the Grey sky looming ever ominous and Johnny taking a break for the last verse of 'Iris' for the crowd to sing in unison which led to a crescendo of lights and music and Johnny running over to thank the fans. The Goos sing about love, loss and hope though as always, music is interpreted by the individual but in years to come I hope that The Goo Goo Dolls can be recognised as more than just a college radio band or as a replacement for 'The Replacements' as they are so much more than that, they are a great rock band. Johnny's lyrics aswell as his voice sound out a greater meaning for the band, but it doesn't really matter what happens as they have influenced my musical life for the better and the chance to see them live is indescribable. Rock On.

A Day In The Life - Part 2 -

Waking up on Monday morning I broke into a smile, my bet placed on the Spanish winning the Euros will richly reward me for my tactical nous and belief in putting my money where my mouth was. Entering the bookies is a strange experience, outside in the summer the sun radiates brightly and touches everything across this vast land, walking into this room of seasoned gamblers only the light beaming out of the many televisions hooked up on every wall mumble Horse results and the latest tips on Wimbledon. In the middle of the room there is a bunker-like structure which houses the tellers of fortune who listen to the hope of every man in this place and place their faith accordingly. I half expect them to turn to ash when I hand over my betting slip with the words 'Spain to win' scribbled across it. That did not happen as the teller unduly checked the date and reached into the cashier for some notes to give back to me. Riding on the crest wave of my flutters, Im pondering the next move for my millions. Should I invest it in a High yielding bond? Change the scope of third world nations for the better? abolish child poverty with a pro active communist verve where instead of the people suffering together for the good of the nation to instead bask in their new found wealth and just enjoy themselves for the riches I have passed to them? all these dreams seem possible when you have amassed new wealth.

Alas of course realistically I should be thinking about paying back my loans or saving the money for a rainy day. Looking across at the newspaper on my desk I see that Andy Murray is ready to give England new hope after his amazing comeback against Gasquet. I think to myself that Ill use whatever stake I had at the beginning to spread my bets with Wimbledon. There is something about adding to what you have. Who knows,come 4pm today, maybe I might be a step closer to that last dream.