They loved colour and they let it show

Thanks to those who clapped, tapped their feet and cheered at the gig on Friday night. It's either a sign of our genius or stupidity that a lot of people picked up on the krautgrass version of 'Das Fable' as their favourite of the night. It always feels worth it when people come up afterwards and say nice stuff.

For the first time I feel as though the album is making headway. We had Verity in from Delta Mainlineat newly-refurbished Red Button studios putting down some organ and piano on The Fable, and some piano on People Steal Things From You. I had that hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck feeling when the piano went down on The Fable. Completely transformed the song and energised the album's progress. We are getting there.

We'll also be playing with Lucky Luke in September at friend Andy & Chris' night, Pop Theory where we'll be pulling out all the stops to rise like a well-worked loaf from a 3-piece into something more elaborate for the night. Feeling good about the songs this week.

It will go without saying to the few that read this diary of sorts that current listening is Barret, The Madcap Laughs and the compilation Opel. Without reverting to faux poetry seen around may other sites and obituaries I'll dispense with the "shine on you crazy diamond" crap, although there's a good piece by Vicious-victim Nick Kent in the Guardian today. It took me a while to get Syd Barret's solo stuff but when I did it was completely rewarding. I'll compare him to Vincent Van Gogh. Finally seen some of his Arley and Saint Remey work at an exhibition in Dean Gallery. I love them both.