February 2018.

Cabins. These are my thing at the moment. We have been rebuilding (completely) an ancient cabin in Scotland and in so doing creating a modern building in vernacular materials (wood and corrugated iron) in a very wild landscape. It's been a joyful project, particularly clearing all of the scrub and trees around the cabin by hand. And trying to burn a whole load of damp wood.

So little time, so much great music.

Valentine's Day got me thinking about the most romantic songs ever. There's a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths, A Case of You by James Blake and Fake Empire by The National would be my top 3 choices today. Talking, as I was, of James Blake, we saw an astonishing show by him at The Roundhouse this month. One of my favourite ever shows. The new album is sounding astonishing. Hurry up, Mr B.

Other great new music:

The new MGMT lp. Possibly as good as Kids. Empire of the Sun meets Bowie meets almost every good pop song from the 1980s. On repeat tonight.

ACIDBOWIE. I am not quite sure what this is (except good) or who it's by. It seems to be a sort of trip hop/Ibiza tribute to Ziggy Stardust. I was sold it as a remix album, but it isn't. Slow, textured, addictive.

Everything is Recorded by Richard Russell.  The label boss of XL and producer or Messrs Albarn, Scott Heron et al has released his own album. Try it!