Suicide Is Not Painless

The sudden death of Actor Mark Priestly this week once again brought to the fore the terrible affliction of depression.

I consider myself very lucky that I have never been in such a dark situation as experienced by Mark. If anything, his death is yet another tragic reminder that if I needed it, there is someone there to talk to.

I am a big supporter of organisations like Beyond Blue and make every effort to support their cause - even if it makes me look like a seedy Mexican Pimp. But my hope is that, if I was ever in such a space in my life, that I could call upon my close family and friends to talk about things that were bringing me down.

I know that is easy to say with foresight, but when I see the consequences of such terrible actions, I believe the pain of discussing your demons is much more tolerable than the pain of leaving behind loved ones trying to make sense of it all.

In closing: Talk to one another more.

Why I continue to dig slacker rock

I was explaining to someone the other day why my Father refers to me as Garfield. During the mid-90s I spent far too much time on the couch on weekends watching Television when I should have been outside exercising. Luckily I am not obese these days (thanks to a gradual decline of decent programming) but the sort of songs and bands that epitomised that laziness I still hold close to my musical heart.

Nearing the top of that list is The Lemonheads. The song 'If I Could Talk I'd Tell You' from 1996 was their last big hit and is a great advertisement as to why crack is bad.



Top tune though...

Big Block Of Cheese Day Part 2

Over 2 years ago I wrote a blog called 'Big Block Of Cheese Day'. Inspired by the semi-regular event on The West Wing, the idea of the blog was to let out any inane and trivial thoughts previously lodged in my brain. Focused primarily on music, I made bold claims about not owning any Beatles albums (no change) and (very) loose connections between ABBA and Autism.

This time around I will touch on other areas of Pop Culture so that you may gain a further understanding of what goes on in that melon of mine. Or perhaps you couldn't care less.

I'm guessing the latter.

- More songs I can do without ever hearing again: 'Don't Dream It's Over' Crowded House, 'My Happiness' Powderfinger, 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' Anyone

- My favourite opening line of any novel: Evelyn was an insomniac so when they say she died in her sleep, you have to question that. Pontoon by Garrison Keillor

- Based purely on how many times I watched it at the movies (5), Heat is my all time favourite film. That's about 15 hours folks. I'm neither proud or ashamed at that.

- Why is it that more people would rather a new Lauryn Hill album than Guns N Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' yet the latter is more likely to happen?

- I take comfort in the fact that 'Chinese Democracy' can be nothing but a spectacular failure.

- As long as Danny Wallace and Dave Gorman keep writing about 'silly boy projects', I'll continue feeling comfortable about my lack of maturity.

- Midnight Run is a shining example of Robert De Niro at his comedic best, though he is clearly overshadowed by the delightful Charles Grodin.

- Essential live versions: 'Clarity' John Mayer (from As/Is), 'Round Here' Counting Crows (from Across A Wire: Live In New York City - 2nd disc), 'Bring It On Home To Me' Sam Cooke (from One Night Stand: Live At the Harlem Square Club)

- The Sopranos: Not one wasted word. Perfectly scripted right up to its thrilling end.

- Memo to the Dave Matthews Band: Stop entertaining stoned American college kids in never ending summer tours and record a new album. A new studio album.

- Diminishing returns: Chuck Palahniuk's novels

- Dramatically diminishing returns: Cameron Crowe's filmography

- Never ending returns: Bruce Springsteen's deep back catalogue

- If American sitcoms only lasted 2 seasons with 6 episodes per season like British sitcoms, do you think they would be held in higher esteem? Think about that one.

- Favourite songs that happen to cover the delicate issue of abortion: 'Brick' Ben Folds Five, 'Driving With The Brakes On' Del Amitri, 'Choir Girl' Cold Chisel.

- Once now occupies equal top ranking as my music film of choice. The other is The Commitments which also happens to feature Glen Hansard.

- Vampire Weekend? New York can keep them.