One of my favorite bands of all time have called it quits after 19 years of music. The Beautiful South rose out of the ashes of The Housemartins in 1989 when Paul Heaton and David Hemmingway (drummer turned vocalist) decided to form a different group. Another of their former band mates had far more success in America — Fatboy Slim.

I found Welcome To The Beautiful South in the CD bin in the on-base store in Keflavik, Iceland and bought it solely for the cover (yes, I’m that adventurous). I had no idea that it was former Housemartins, whom I was a fan, until I put the CD on and Heaton’s extremely distinctive vocals came out of my speakers. Along with XTC’s Oranges & Lemons, it became one of my two favorite albums of 1989. They won me over completely with their biting, ironic and bitter lyrics put to 70’s-era, happy arrangements. In fact, they are masters at the musical juxtaposition. It’s amazing to listen to.

[Continued on Waking Up With Morning Song]

When the notification came that Apple had put up a trailer for the new Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) film which just happens to be sci-fi, my fingers shot for the mouse faster that a hungry snake. The trailer is a series of fast dissolves and it’s hard to see the actors, but I recognized one face, so went over to IMDb.com to see who is in the cast.

Let me tell about the hotness all up in this man-tourage:

Chris Evans
He played Human Torch in Fantastic Four and the following pun is intended like no other — he is hot.

Cillian Murphy
The hero of 28 Days Later and the creepy guy from Red Eye. One word for him: beautiful.

Cliff Curtis
He played Pai’s dad in Whale Rider and was so yummy especially with his tribal tattoos glistening in the sun when he helps push Pai’s ceremonial boat to the sea. Love me some Kiwi.

Hiroyuki Sanada
Hell, even the 47-year-old Hiroyuki Sanada, who was so good in Twilight Samurai, is looking good.

And it’s all science-fiction. Can you say geek-gasm? I knew you could. Let’s just say you may want to sit a few seats away as I may pull a Paul Reubens while watching it.

Plus I love, love, love Michelle Yeoh, but in a respectful and honorable way.

Listening to: Going Through The Motions (Acoustic Version) - Aimee Mann

The line:
“I’m like Floam, baby — fun you can feel”

The comeback:
“Yeah, and probably just as soft and salty.”

The retort:
“Naw, baby, all you have to do is pull it out of its container and just mold it.”

The finish:
“And once it’s set-up, dried and flakey, who’s gonna wanna touch it. Nice try, loser”

Does anyone have a contact with Clint Eastwood? I need to pitch a movie idea to him:

It’s the story of a group of women who love gay men and the relationships between their parents and the queers they are always hanging around. It’ll be called…

I smell Oscar!

…or is that the Claire’s grape lip gloss my fag hag is wearing?

Listening to: Cutie Pie - Of Montreal