Hello all. More silence. Sorry! Just finished a period of assembling eight demos to play to the guys, which took up a lot of spare time. Finally got to do this last night, and got a good reaction. We may start looking at some of them soon.

It's always a strange occasion. Something like that, something you create, becomes very personal, and so you're very nervous. This manifested itself in me asking everyone if they wanted heating turned up, and when they said they felt fine, I realised my feeling cold was probably nerves.

The silences at the end of a demo mean a lot, usually, I think, that people didn't really go for a particular track! I say that because the ones where they do, it tends to happen in one of three ways:

1. Mayes starts talking about it at the end of the demo
2. Bean starts talking about it DURING the demo
3. Captain can be heard working out what drum line he'd like to add to it

I don't, historically, have a good record of knowing which of my songs the band or the public are going to like most. Odd. Ones I think are ace people think are fine, but not as good as others I didn't rate so much!

Love to all,

James

Boo! We'd gone all silent again. Mixing six songs (well, re-mixing one, it's Bad Streets). Nearly finished; I boldly predict they'll be done by the end of the year. Then a bit o'mastering and availability beckons in early January. Some great sounds we're really looking forward to sharing with you. Captain's biggest drum challenge. Bean's best vocals. Mayes's best guitar work. And I think I'm on there somewhere.

Love to all,

James

Good party, good night. Played two sets - acoustic and slower electric numbers (including one new, Wherever Days Go), and then a fast electric set (debuting Bean's great song All Washed Up), plus three covers - Strange Brew, Jumping Jack Flash and Ghostbusters (of course!).

Really sorry to hear Noel's leaving Oasis; I've always been a huge fan of the band. Him in particular, though; probably no one has made me persevere with music more than him. Any silver lining from this will be a solo album, which will probably be outstanding. Wish him all the very best - he's a legend.

James

Ace acoustic rehearsal, everyone on top form, every song examined in depth and sounding gig-worthy. Going to be a tough call - which is great.

xx

Consequently been playing How Soon Is Now a fair bit. Happens.

Another cricket entry - victory at Edgbaston this time please!

Enjoyed the Tuesday rehearsal/requests gig - also a good session on lead guitar with Mayes yesterday.

Meeting old friends at a Stag do tomorrow - football, clay pigeon shooting, etc.

But back to the cricket now!