Paulus was originally a Dutch Newspaper comic strip and also book character created by Jean Dulieu. Paulus the Woodgnome was broadcast in the UK from 1967 to 1968 and was narrated in the UK by Arther Lowe. The story of Paulus is this, Paulus is the keeper of the wood and is assisted by all his animal friends. Out to get him is Eucalypta the witch. Thats it really story wise. I remember watching this on what must have been re-runs in the 70s. And I can tell you now that Eucalypta the witch scared the hell out of me. In hindsight of course Eucalypta the witch does not look that scary, in fact she just looks like a character out of the Muppets. But to me at the time as the intro song said "she's out to get you" I am sure she was, and still is.
I have been asked to play a live set at Splitting the Atom VII at The Green Door Store in Brighton on Saturday June 23rd. I have not played live for about year so a tad nervous, but also a tad excited. Have been to a couple of these Splitting the Atom events with my friend Mr Stevens who was playing there himself. Really enjoyable event, with 1st class atmosphere, so very pleased to given the chance to play at one myself. You can expect all sorts of strange noise, drone and electronic oddness to go on. For more info go to Splitting the Atom Facebook.
I have had the good fortune to have known and worked with Mr Heartfield for about 25 years, and in that time I do not think there has not been a moment when Simon has not stopped recording and writing music. Mr Heartfield recently remixed my album trackHighdown and I still am one third of Seatman Separator with Simon and Mr Packer. I also did the vocal duties on Simon's track Once at the Border of his Venom and Eternity album. Simon's new Album Secret Self on Wolftrap records has just been released, and the other night I went to Simon's album launch, which was very packed. Personal album favs of mine are the tracks Under the Beach and the haunting and errie Babal Stalker. Simon's meticulous remix of the Ipso Facto track Six and Three Quarters (Six Point Seven Five on the album) is yet another fine remix by Simon. The slow teasing build up and climax on the track Greenwood Place just leaves you wanting more and checking over your shoulder. In the words of John Le Mesurier "Its all been rather lovely"
At the weekend I attended The Festival of Beltain (spelt Beltane or Beltain) at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire. The highlight of the event was the burning of the Wickerman at 9pm. Beltane is a celebration of the glory of spring at its height and also marked the beginning of the summer. Beltane translated means "fire of Bel" or "bright fire" A wonderful time was had, and the burning of The Wickerman was very spectacular and quite eerie, and no one mentioned Edward Woodwood which I was expecting. With a beer tent selling lots of strange ales and cider everyone seemed in very good spirits (I was driving so a tiny tiny sip of Cider was all I had) I will def go again next year, just have to work out how to get there without driving. For more images go to my flickr page
