A Bit of History and March 2017 Book Purchases

Bonnie and Clyde having a nap... sometimes they are quiet.

Today is a typical spring day in the Valley, windy, rainy and mild. The missus and I spent the night trying to get poor Bonnie to relax. Her allergies seem to have flared up and Jo gave her some ear drops just before bed time. That calmed her until about 3:30, then she couldn't relax; she just gets so itchy when they act up. Finally gave her an antihistamine, which, after 30 minutes or so, seemed to help her finally relax. Now we've got her spring allergy meds, which seem to work. *fingers crossed*. Poor little thing. She's now just as you see her in the photo above, curled up in the study with me as I write this. I think Clyde, who rarely seems to get sick, must be upstairs with the missus. :)

So toddling along to my ongoing excerpting of Treasures of Use and Beauty, a Canadian book published back in 1885. In the last entry of Great Historical Events, I stopped in Dec 24, 1492, where Christopher Columbus received aid from natives off the coast of Hayti. So moving along, we finished the 1400's

Great Historical Events

"1493. Columbus leaves Hayti for Spain, leaving behind him a colony of thirty-eight men; March 15. - He arrives in Spain and is received with every mark of gratitude; September 25. - He returns on his second voyage to the West Indies with a larger fleet consisting of seventeen ships and fifteen hundred persons; November 22. - He arrives in Hayti and finds his colony destroyed, but plants another, naming it Isabella.
1494. Columbus suppresses a conspiracy at Hayti and sends the leader to Spain. He discovers gold in large quantities; May 4. - Continuing his voyage among the West Indies he discovers Jamaica and Porto Rico; September 27. - He returns to Hayti and finds his brother Bartholomew whom he had sent to the Court of England in 1481.
1496. June 11. - Columbus learning that enemies in Spain were working his overthrow repaired to court with products of his adventure in gold from the New World, and convinced his patrons of his success and the value of his enterprise.
1497. June 24. - John and Sebastian Cabot, Italians, sent out by Henry VII and discover Labrador and Newfoundland.
1498. May. - Sebastian Cabot sets out upon his second voyage to the New World and explores the coast from the extreme to Florida.
May 30. - After a delay of nearly two years Columbus sails from Spain on his third voyage with ten ships; July 31. - He discovers Trinidad and the Orinoco; August. - He discovers the continent of South America.
1499. May 16. - Americus Vespucius, after whom America is named, sailed from Spain to explore the new world. He follows the course of Columbus."

So there you go, the last entry of the 1400's. Looking ahead, events start happening fast and furious now. The 1500's next.

Letters of Affection

The following is a letter written by John Wesley, an Anglican cleric who founded Methodism. The letter was written in his 70th year to Mrs. Eliza Bennis, Feb. 12, 1773. Her daughter gave the letter to Dr. Wm. Gray of Philadelphia as compensation for medical services. Dr. Gray willed the letter to Julius King of Cleveland, Ohio, and he presented it to Mr. Lou Burt of Detroit Michigan, who had possession of it at the time of its inclusion in this book.

"Feb. 12, 1773

My Dear Sister:

When we draw near unto God in His appointed ways He will surely draw nigh unto us. Pray remind Mr. Glasbrook of using the same means and you will find the same blessing, and when you write, encourage Mr. Slater to do at Waterford as he did at Limerick. I am glad Mr. Scott has so much courage as to receive the preachers, and still more so, that Mr. Fleury is rather a friend than an enemy. This hath God wrought!

I can observe by Mrs. Dawson's manner of writing, a very considerable change in her spirit; more acquaintance with God; more humility, and more artless, simple love. She is an amiable woman. I lover her much, and so I do all of the family that I know.

Charles Harrison does not see with my eyes or he need have gone no farther than Athlone. I wish he does not make a foolish bargain at last, one that he will repent of as long as he lives. He surely will if he does not acknowledge God in His way, but lean to his own understanding.

As long as you trust, not in yourself, but in Him that has all power in Heaven and in earth, you will find His Grace sufficient for you and His strength made perfect in your weakness. Look to Him continually and trust on Him, that you may increase with all the increase of God. I am,

My Dear Sister,

Your ever affectionate Brother,

J. Wesley"

March Book Purchases

I've just got a very short list this time. I do have a couple of books on order that have not yet arrived. I'll include them in a future list. So here we go.

1. Gold from Gemini by Jonathan Gash 1978). This is the 2nd book in the Lovejoy mystery series.

"To my mind, making love is a lot like picking blackberries - you need both hands and a lot of skill to do it properly and get away unscathed, yet your mind can be miles away.

When my mind wanders, it's invariably in the direction of an antiques deal, and what could attract an antiques dealer's mind more irresistibly than a trail of clues leading to a treasure trove of Roman gold?

It might have put me off a bit had I known that following the trail would involve violence and murder, but I doubt it would have put me off for long. And when your friends are in the firing line, you have to make sure your enemies get what's coming to them..."

2. Cast, in Order of Disappearance by Simon Brett (1975). I read the 5th book in the Charles Paris mystery series in January and enjoyed it very much. I finally found a copy of the first book and just received it. I'm looking forward to reading this.

"Who killed Marius Steen, the theatrical tycoon with a fortune to leave to his young mistress Jacqui? And who killed Bill Sweet, the shady blackmailer with a supply of compromising photographs? Charles Paris, a middle-aged actor who subsists on booze and women, takes to detection by assuming a variety of roles, among them that of a Scotland Yard Detective-Sergeant ... and the results are both very funny and highly dramatic."

3. The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane (2008). I've had the 2nd book in this trilogy for ages and haven't been able to find the first so I could finally read it. As luck would have it, I finally found a copy. Oh the excitement!

"Tarquinius, Etruscan warrior and soothsayer, Brennus the Gaul, one of the most feared gladiators in Rome. And Romulus, the boy slave, sold to gladiator school, but dreaming of vengeance for himself and for his twin sister, Fabiola.

Fabiola, sold into prostitution at thirteen, loved by the second most powerful man in the Republic, driven by hatred for the unknown father who raped her mother.

Their destiny is bound and interwoven in an odyssey which begins in a Rome riven by political corruption and violence, but ends far away, at the very border of the known world, where the tattered remnants of a once-huge Roman army - the Forgotten Legion - will fight against overwhelming odds, and the three men will meet their destiny."

4. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (1968). Another book I've been looking for, for awhile. My local book store, The Laughing Oyster, had a copy.

"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived alone... so she ventured out from the safety of the enchanted forest on a quest for others of her kind. Joined along the way by the bumbling magician Schmendrick and the indomitable Molly Grue, the unicorn learns all about the joys and sorrows of life and love before meeting her destiny in the castle of a despondent monarch - and confronting the creature that would drive her kind to extinction."

5. Death at the Bar by Ngaio Marsh (1939). This is the 9th book in the Inspector Roderick Alleyn mystery series. I've enjoyed every one so far. They seem to get better as the stories develop.

"At the Plume of Feathers in south Devon on midsummer evening, eight people are gathered together in the tap-room. They are in the habit of playing darts, but on this occasion an experiment takes the place of the usual game - a gruesomely fatal experiment which calls for investigation.

A distinguished painter, a celebrated actor, a woman graduate, a plump lady from County Clare, and a Devonshire farmer all play their parts in the unravelling of the problem."

There you go. As I said, not too many this time. Next entry might not be for a couple of days as I wind up my March reading. We'll see though. Have a great safe week!

A Bit of History and Currently Reading

Continuing my perusal of Treasures of Use and Beauty, the Great Historical Events portion, I move now in the 1400's. One of the most famous personalities of this period, especially in respect to the Americas is the one and only, Christopher Columbus. The majority of entries in this book relating to this century feature Columbus. I'll probably provide two entries for the 1400s as it is a bigger entry than the preceding ones. So here you go, the 1400s

"1447. Christopher Columbus is born at Genoa - exact date disputed
1461. He goes to sea at the age of fourteen - his first voyage on the Mediterranean
1467. At the age of twenty he visits Iceland and the Northern Seas
1470 - 74. He conceived the idea that by sailing west he would reach the East Indies - that continent must lie in that direction
1471. He applies to the Senate of Genoa and the courts of Portugal, Spain and England for aid. He is refused.
1492. April 17. - Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain grant him a commission. Isabella fitting out the expedition at her own expense; August 3. - He sails from the port of Palos with three small vessels and ninety men; August 13. - He arrives at the Canary Islands; September 6. - He left the Canaries, and, when out of sight of land his men become dejected and beg of him to return. He encourages them and restores confidence; October 1. - Not having discovered land his officers and crew threaten mutiny, but with great effort he quiets them; October 12. - Land discovered, when his men prostrate themselves at the feet of Columbus and beg his forgiveness. On landing he finds the shores lined with naked inhabitants. Columbus named this island San Salvador, and continued his voyage in search of gold; October 28 - He discovers Cuba and numerous other small islands, all of which are inhabited, and fins small quantities of gold; December 6 - Columbus sailed eastward; December 24 - One of his vessels is lost in a storm off the coast of Hayti. The natives assist him in landing and treat him with kindness..."

I'll continue with the 1400`s in my next post. More excitement from Columbus and other famous explorers.

Letters of Affection

As I've been reading through these letters from historical personalities, I have been thinking of our daily news coverage of the current President of the US and his proclivities toward Twitter usage and the thought of future generations reading them to get a perspective of our time, makes me shudder. People knew how to correspond back then, how to write letters, to put two sentences together without making one cringe. Maybe 45 would learn something by reading some of the letters and correspondence from his earlier predecessors in the Presidential office. I doubt it though. Anyway, I shouldn't rant, it wouldn't achieve anything but some minor self-satisfaction. :)

So today, I present an extract of a letter from then Gen. George Washington to Miss Nellie Custis (his step-daughter), providing some advice in selecting a husband.

"Men and women feel the same inclination towards each other now that they have always done, and which they will continue to do, until there is a new order of things; and you, as others have done, may find that the passions of your sex are easier raised than allayed. Do not, therefore, boast too soon, nor too strongly of your insensibility. * * Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted. This is true in part only, for like all things else, when nourished and supplied plentifully with aliment, it is rapid in its progress; but let these be withdrawn, and it may be stifled in its growth. Although we cannot avoid first impressions, we may assuredly place them under guard. * * When the fire is beginning to kindle and your heart growing warm, propound these questions to it. Who is this invader? Have I a competent knowledge of him? Is he a man of good character? A man of sense? For, be assured sensible woman can never be happy with a fool. What has been his walk of life? * * * Is his fortune sufficient to maintain me in the manner I have been accustomed to live, and as my sisters do live? And is he one to whom my friends can have no reasonable objection? If all these interrogatories can be satisfactorily answered, there will remain but one more to be asked; that, however, is an important one. Have I sufficient ground to conclude that his affections are engaged by me? Without this the heart of sensibility will struggle against a passion that is not reciprocated.

Yours affectionately

George Washington."

As a matter of interest, Nellie married Washington's nephew, Lawrence Lewis, in 1799. Throughout her life she regarded herself as a preserver of George Washington's legacy.

Currently Reading

As always, I have 4 books on the go. I hope to finish one more before the end of March, that being Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves. This is the second book in the Vera Stanhope mystery series. The Crow Trap was the first and most enjoyable. I'm about 1/3 of the way through this second book and, like the first, I'm enjoying the story, the characters and the way that Cleeves develops her plot.

2. The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper. I have started this already but haven't made quite as much progress as I'd have liked, but I have been focusing on one book at a time to finish some off by month's end. This was Cooper's last book in the Leatherstocking series, written in 1841, but, in order of the adventures of Natty Bumpo, The Deerslayer, it is the introduction to his story. I'm enjoying what I've read so far, very much. It's nicely accessible for a book written almost two centuries ago.

3. The Wrong End of Time by John Brunner. This is the 2nd last book in my 12 + 4 Science Fiction challenge.

"The time is the future. The place, an America so isolated by fear (hmmmm) that it is cut off from the rest of the world by a massive defence system. Into this armed, barricaded state comes a young Russian scientist bearing a strange - and almost unbelievable story.

Superior, intelligent life - of a far higher order than any on earth - has been detected near the planet Pluto. Immune themselves by virtue of their far greater intelligence, these Aliens are about to destroy the planet Earth."

4. Tender Death by Annette Meyer. Back a few years, I read Free Love, a detective mystery by Annette Meyers and enjoyed very much. I bought this book shortly afterwards and unfortunately it has sat on my bookshelves for about 7 years or so. This is the 2nd book in the Smith and Wetzon mystery series.

"Xenia Smith and Leslie Wetzon. "Executive search specialists." Boardroom detectives. They seek out Wall Street's top guns and steal them away from their employers. They're headhunters - and they go for the big game.

When a wealthy Fifth Avenue widow takes a walk out of her twentieth-story window, Wetzon suspects that the old lady's Russian immigrant nurse may have given her a nudge. And Peepsie Cunningham's death is just the tip of the iceberg. Soon the body count is rising faster than the Dow Jones average, as Wetzon struggles to uncover a billion-dollar scandal in the booming home health-care business - a scandal that somehow involves Wetzon's own partner... in a scam that could get two experienced headhunters killed.

Next up will be my March purchases and then my monthly summary. Have a great week!

A Bit of History and 2017 Reading Group Challenges

Continuing my perusal of Treasures of Use and Beauty, I move on to the 1100's in the Section entitled Great Historical Events. Clearly as I look at this period of North America's history, the original inhabitants were living relatively peaceful lives, uninterrupted by explorers that would begin hitting their shores and disrupting their lives in future centuries. There is one entry for the 1100's;

1170 - A Welch (as it is spelled in the book) prince, named Madoc, supposed to have discovered America.

(Next entry will cover the 1400's)

Letters of Affection

I had posted some correspondence between Napoleon and Josephine in my previous posts. This next letter was written Feb 8, 1813, from Andrew Jackson's wife to Andrew, himself.

"My Dear Husband

Your letter of 18th January from the mouth of the Cumberland River came safe to hand. It was everything to  me. I rejoiced, I was happy to hear you were in health. It was my nightly prayer to the Almighty God. My thoughts are forever on thee. Where'er I go, where'er I turn, my thoughts, my fears, my doubts distress me. Then a little my hope revives again, and that keeps me alive. Were it not for that I must sink; I should die in my present situation. But my blessed Redeemer is making intercession with the Father for us to meet again, to restore you to my bosom, where every vein, every pulse beats high for your health, your safety, and your wishes crowned. Do not, my beloved husband, let the love of country, fame and honor make you forget you have one. Without you, I would think them all empty shadows.
May the Almighty God of Heaven shower down His blessings, His mercy on you, assist you in the ways of life, in the ways of righteousness, be your shield in the time of danger, support you in all things and keep you in the paths of wisdom, - the ways thereof is peace afar. Well, think on me, your dearest friend on earth.

Rachel Jackson"

(I believe Mrs. Jackson loved her hubby. :))

2017 Reading Group Challenges

 I've progressed very nicely with my 12 + 4 Reading Group challenge. I've read all but the final 2 Alternates. I'm about to start The Wrong End of Time by John Brunner next. Since it's so early in the year, I've been going through my book lists to see what books I might pick for a follow-on 12 + 4 challenge for the 2nd half of the year. At the moment, I've got two in mind. I'll pick one or the other when I finish my last book in this challenge.

Option 1 - Continuing my Science Fiction book challenge

 My current challenge features Science Fiction novels, my oldest published to one of the more current. If I decided to continue with Science Fiction books. This time I thought what I would do is make a Science Fiction / Fantasy / Horror challenge, with 6 fantasies, 5 Science Fiction and 5 Horror books. These are the books I've tentatively picked if I go with this challenge. (If I go with the other, I would read these anyway in my Individual challenges.

Fantasy

1. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris. This is one of the Sookie Stackhouse series.

2. King Kull by Robert E. Howard. I've read all of the Conan books by Howard. I thought it would be worthwhile to try one of his other series.

3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I got this book for Christmas a few years back and have heard very good things about it.

4. Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed the movie very much. I've also enjoyed other books by Gaiman.

5. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher. The Dresden Files is one of my favourite fantasy series. This is the 4th book in the series.

6. Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I have previously read Burroughs' John Carter of Mars series a couple of times and enjoyed very much. I've avoided the Tarzan books, for some reason, but I'm looking forward to starting the first one.

Science Fiction

1. Concrete Island by J.G. Ballard. I've read quite of few of Ballard's unique views of Science Fiction. This is one of two or three awaiting my attention on my book shelves.

2. The Kingdom of the Cats by Phillis Gotlieb. Canadian writer has become a favourite Science Fiction writer of mine. The Cats series are especially fun reads.

3. Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks. The Culture series is one of the great Science Fiction series. I've read 3 or 4 so far and enjoyed them all.

4. Venus on a Half Shell by Kilgore Trout. Trout was a character in books by Kurt Vonnegut, supposedly based on his friend Theodore Sturgeon. This book was written by Phillip Jose Farmer using the pseudonym of Trout. Interesting eh? I hope the book is as well.

5. The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock. I read this many years ago and just want to see if it's as good as I remember it.

Horror

1. Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton. It's been a few years since I picked up an Anita Blake horror adventure. At one time I used to read one after the other. I think when you've got to wait for a couple of years for the next one that your patience is tested somewhat. At least in my case anyway.

2. Cold Streets by P.N. Elrod. I've read three or four books in The Vampire Files. It's a combination hard boiled detective story / vampire story, set in Chicago during Al Capone's time there. A neat concept and interesting stories so far.

3. Someone Like You by Roald Dahl. This is a collection of horror short stories by a talented writer. I've read others and enjoyed.

4. Forever Odd by Dean Koontz. Forever Odd is the 2nd book in the Odd Thomas series. I read the first one last year and was very impressed. I hope this sequel is as good.

5. Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry. Super zombies... woo hoo!! I read the first book in another Maberry's series a couple of years ago and liked his style. This one sounds cool.

Option 2

I'm leaning toward Option 2 for my next challenge. This challenge would be books published between 1900 and 1950, including 1950. As well, I vetted against how long I've had the books on my shelves. The 16 books below have been waiting my attention for a very long time.

1. Night Walk by Elizabeth Daly (1947). This is one of the Henry Gamadge mystery series.

2. Death and Letters by Elizabeth Daly (1950). Another of the Gamadge books.

3. A Wreath for Rivera by Ngaio Marsh (1940). Another of the classic mystery writers, Marsh wrote one of my favourite mystery series, that featuring Inspector Alleyn. I usually try to read one or two a year.

4. Most Secret by Nevil Shute (1945). Some of my favourite books of all time have been written by Shute; On the Beach, Pied Piper and The Far Country. I've been collecting his books for awhile now; I'd like to read everything he's written eventually.

5. Maigret in Exile by Georges Simenon (1940). Simenon wrote so many of the Inspector Maigret books. I've enjoyed the ones I've read so far.

6. Maigret Meets a Milord (1931). An earlier Maigret mystery.

7. To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey (1950). Josephine Tey was one of the female mystery writers who made up the golden age; Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, etc. She wrote the Inspector Grant mysteries.

8. The Chequer Board by Nevil Shute (1945). Another of Shute's war period books. I am really looking forward to catching up on his stories.

9. The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1905). A self-explanatory book. The continuing adventures of one of the world's most famous sleuths.

10. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902). One of Holme's most famous cases.

11. The Commodore by C.S. Forester (1945). Forester has written so many excellent stories; the Hornblower adventures, mysteries and many excellent war stories. I'll get a chance to read a few of his books if I do this challenge.

12. The Happy Return by C.S. Forester (1937). The continuing adventures of the intrepid Horatio Hornblower.

13. Blondie and Dagwood's Secret Service by Chick Young (1942). This is a bit of fluff that I found many years ago in an antique store. Based on the comic serial that used to show up in the daily newspapers.

14. The Isle of Sheep by John Buchan (1936). This is the 4th book in the John Hannay adventure series that started with The 39 Steps.

15. A Gun for Sale by Graham Greene (1936). Besides Nevil Shute, I hope to eventually find and read all of Greene's stories. I've enjoyed all of Greene's books so far whether fiction or non-fiction.

16. The African Queen by C.S. Forester (1935). My 3rd Forester book in this challenge, this was also a classic movie.

So there you go, my two options for my next 12 + 4 challenge. Of course, I've still got to finish my first one.. Take care.

A Bit of History and some Music

Yesterday, I mentioned a book I'd found down in Nanaimo, Treasures of Use and Beauty, published in 1885 by F.B. Dickerson. I also quoted a couple of passages from the book, the first from the section titled Great Historical Events and the second from the section titled Letters of Affection. I'll continue with that today.

From Great Historical Events (those dealing with North America in this book), I'm moving up to the 1,000's A.D. These are the events that affected North America, according to this book, in that Century.

"1002. Biron, an Icelander discovers Newfoundland and Nova Scotia (the good wine country) supposed to be the coast of New England.
1004. Natives discovered in Newfoundland.
1002 - 1006. Adventurers from Iceland repeatedly visit the New World, explore the country and barter with the natives.
1006. Thorin Karlsefni, a wealthy Icelander spent three winters on the coast of Massachusetts. His wife bore him a son whom he named Snorri, supposed to be the first child born of European parents on the American continent. " (Ed. Note. I wonder if J.R.R. Tolkien got the names of some of his dwarfs from Iceland?... :))

So what happened in the 1100s you ask? Wait until next time.

Letters of Affection

Yesterday, I posted a letter that Napoleon wrote to his wife Josephine. Historically, their marriage dissolved in December 1809. The letter below, from Josephine to Napoleon, was written in March 1811, after their split. Interesting to read.

"Navarre, March 21, 1811

Sire:

Amid the numerous felicitations you receive from every corner of Europe, from all the cities of France, and from each regiment of your army, can the feeble voice of a woman reach your ear, and will you deign to listen to her who so often consoled your sorrows and sweetened your pains, now that she speaks to you only of the happiness in which all your wishes are fulfilled? Having ceased to be your wife, dare I felicitate you on becoming a father? Yes sire, without hesitation, for my soul renders justice to yours, in like manner as you know mine.
*      *      *      *      *      *       *
But it is from you that I desire to know if your child be well, if he resembles you, if I shall one day be permitted to see him; in short, I expect from you unlimited confidence, Sire, of the boundless attachment I shall cherish for you while life remains.

Josephine"

Napoleon's response -

"March 22, 1811

My Love:

I have received your letter. I thank you. My son is stout and very well, I hope he will be prospered. *** He has my chest, my mouth and eyes. I hope that he will fill his destiny.

I am always pleased with Eugene. He has never caused me any dissatisfaction.

Napoleon"

So there you go, your touch of history for today.

Music Stuff

Now on to some music. My usb stick is a constantly changing thing. Either mine or Jo's is always found in the usb port in our car and that is the music we listen too when we go for a drive of any length. We rarely listen to the radio. I've had it for five or six years now and I regularly update it with new songs and remove older songs. Some I just add to the Walkman I use when I go for my morning run.

Anyway, I scrolled through the list I keep of the songs that I currently have on the usb. I also keep the songs on the list that I've removed, just so I don't start repeating myself when I add new songs. And, yes, I love making lists. It's one of my favourite things.

So, as I went through the list I thought it might be interesting (to me at any rate) to see if there are any artists/ bands that I've preferred over the years since I started the list. And that is the point of this article, to provide my Top Ten 'usb' artists, as of today. You'll note in the list that some of the songs will be bolded. They are songs that are currently on my usb by the applicable artist. If you click on the bolded area, it will take you to a version of the song on You Tube; if you want to hear what music I like. No pressure. ;0)

Top Ten List

10. London Grammar. This English group formed in 2012 and released their first album in 2013. The group consists of singer, Hannah Reid, and band mates, Dominic Major and Dan Rothman. I love Hannah's voice, which can be haunting, and just the style of their music, a very ethereal sound. I currently have 3 of their songs available on my usb. These are the songs I've enjoyed thus far.

1. Strong (2013)
2. Wasting My Young Years (2013)
3. Wicked Game (2014)
4. Hey Now (2014)
5. Rooting for You (2017)
6. Big Picture (2017)

9. Beverley Knight. Beverley Knight has been an active recording artist since 1994. She was born in Wolverhampton in 1974. I discovered her music a few years back and have enjoyed it ever since. I love her voice and her bluesy style. I currently have 4 of her songs on my usb.

1. Come as You Are (2004)
2. Shoulda Woulda Coulda (2002)
3. Middle of Love (2016)
4. Private Number (2016)
5. Made it Back (1998)
6. Cuddly Toy (2011)

8. Shawn Escoffery. English soul singer, Escoffery, is the only male solo artist on my list. He's just so cool and smooth. His first major release was in 2001. I've liked every song of his I've heard. I have 3 of 7 songs on my usb.

1. Days Like This
2. Nature's Call
3. Nobody Knows
4. Love Shine Down
5. Perfect Love Affair
6. Healing Me

7. Prefab Sprout. This is one of those groups that I first heard of from my wife, Jo. This is definitely her favourite music period. I also check the play lists of various BBC Radio 2 shows to see what they are playing and have gathered some of my song choices from there. Prefab Sprout has been active since 1978. The bands name was formed from the misheard lyrics of a Nancy Sinatra/ Lee Hazelwood song, Jackson. The lyrics were "We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout", which Paddy McAloon heard as 'hotter than a prefab sprout'. (Thank you Wikipedia). They have such a unique sound. I've had 7 songs on my usb over time, with one currently in place.

1. Cars and Girls (1988)
2. The Best Jewel Thief in the World (2013) (a favourite of mine)
3. The King of Rock and Roll (1988)
4. Appetite (1985)
5. When Love Breaks Down (1984)
6. Hey Manhattan! (1988)
7. Electric Guitars (1997)

6. Sophie Ellis Bextor. English singer, Bextor, was born in Hounslow and has been active since 1998 and is another artist I first heard of from my wife, who played me Murder on the Dance Floor. I've had 7 various songs on my usb. Currently, I have two of her newer songs.

1. Come With Us (2016)
2. Runaway Daydreamer (2014)
3. Love is a Camera (2014)
4. Murder on the Dance Floor (2001)
5. Bittersweet (2010)
6. Crystallize (2016)
7. The Death of Love (2017)

5. Squeeze. This is another of those groups that came out in the '70s when New Wave was so hot, but for some reason back then I just didn't really listen to them. I had my favourites and there were so many excellent bands. They have been active during various periods since 1974. In the past few years, I've had 7 of their songs on my usb and currently have 2 on my usb.

1. Satisfied (1991)
2. Up the Junction (1979)
3. Hourglass (1987)
4. Happy Days (2015)
5. Pulling Mussels from the Shell (1980)
6. Nirvana (2015)
7. Labelled with Love (1981)

4. Lisa Stansfield. Stansfield has been performing since 1981 and I readily admit that I came late to her musical prowess. She has a fantastic voice and I love the jazziness of her music. One of those fantastic female singers like Tina Arena and Belinda Carlisle who I enjoy listening to so much. I've had 7 of her songs on my usb at various times. Currently there are 2.

1. The Rain (2014)
2. Change (1991)
3. Face Up (2001)
4. Live Together (1990)
5. This is the Right Time (1989)
6. I Will Be Waiting (1991)
7. The Real Thing (1997)

3. Spandau Ballet. I'm repeating myself here. Yup, this is another of those New Wave bands that I didn't follow originally. Maybe it was as simple that I liked ABC, The Police and The Cars and didn't explore quite so much. Who knows. All that I can say is that I'm so glad that I've become familiar with their excellent sound. Spandau Ballet has been around since 1979. They took a hiatus between 1990 and 2009 but have reformed since then. You'll never hear a better voice than Tony Hadley's. Great singer. Mind you so many of those bands had great singers. I have 3 of 7 songs currently on my usb.

1. Through the Barricades (1986)
2. Instinction (1982)
3. Communication (1983)
4. This is the Love (2014)
5. Heaven is a Secret (1983)
6. Steal (2014)
7. Lifeline (1982)

2. The Veronicas. Australian band, formed by twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Ogliasso, has been a favourite of mine since I first heard Untouched on one of my trips from Comox to Victoria when I was stationed down there. They are a great pop/ rock band and have such great musical sensibilities. I've had eight songs of theirs on my usb at various times. Currently I have one. I've noticed recently that they've released a couple of new songs. Will have to check them out.

1. Leave Me Alone (2006)
2. Revolution (2006)
3. This Love (2008)
4. When It All Falls Apart (2006)
5. Everything I'm Not (2005)
6. Untouched (2007)
7. 4Ever (2005)
8. Popular (2008)

1. Simple Minds. OK, OK... I didn't really know the band before when they were popular... *sigh*. I'm starting to sound like a broken record. I did live in Cold Lake Alberta.. Anyway, I'm glad that have become familiar with their music the past few years. Such a great band. Great singer, great powerful sound. A Scottish band that formed in 1977 and are still going strong. I've had 9 of their songs on my usb, with 3 currently there for my enjoyment.

1. Let the Day Begin (2014)
2. Someone, Somewhere in Summertime (1982)
3. Honest Town (2014)
4. Broken Glass Park (2013)
5. Glittering Prize (1982)
6. Promised You a Miracle (1982)
7. Alive and Kicking (1985)
8. Midnight Walking (2015)
9. The American (1981)

OK, so there you go. Check out the bands/ artists and the songs if you're not familiar (or even if you are) with them. Such excellent artists. Here are a few others of my favourites.

- Tina Arena
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
- Pet Shop Boys
- Kaiser Chiefs
- Clean Bandit.

Have a great day!!