Archive for the ‘music’ Category

Hidden Mysteries of Meltonby: From Snowstorms to Elliot Minor

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

Once upon a time, all great stories start this way, and this one is no different.

Many years ago, Andy & Lindsey bought a house in a small hamlet called Meltonby, located just on the outskirts of the bustling city life, where the pace of life slowed down, and nature had a way of becoming a more prominent feature of everyday living.

We had asked the sellers the usual questions you ask when buying a house — Is it a quiet place? Does it snow in the winter? And do you get snowed in?
The sellers assured us, “Oh, it’s quiet here, and it never snows, and we never get snowed in.”

We exchanged contracts and got the keys in July 2006. But the property needed a bit of work: maintenance, decorating, damp-proofing, and some urgent fixes. Oh, and the Fish House had to move in — a story all on its own!


While carefully relocating tanks, checking filters, and making sure the fish were happily acclimatised to their new surroundings, I heard music drifting in the summer air. Parallel Worlds — the kind of tune that stops you in your tracks. At first, I thought someone had a great playlist on.

Then I noticed… it wasn’t being played.
It was being rehearsed.

I recognised the song straight away — it was by a band called Elliot Minor, who had supported McFly on tour in 2006. It was surreal, hearing that familiar melody not through speakers, but live, right there in the heart of Meltonby. The kind of unexpected discovery that made you feel like you’d moved into the middle of something quietly extraordinary.

I asked my neighbour about it, and all he could say was, “I think Tim’s kids are in a band!”

A few years later, Tim popped by to ask me to deal with some honey bee swarms that kept turning up at his property, and all became clear!

And a few years ago, I finally met Dan & Ed of Elliot Minor fame due to another swarm call. We spoke of the old days of Elliot Minor in the 20s, and they showed me the original drumkit lying dormant with cobwebs in the “barn.”

I asked them, “Would you ever reform?”
They replied, “NEVER!”


Fast forward to 2025, and to my surprise, Elliot Minor have released new music — “HOW DOES IT FEEL” — on a 7-inch limited edition vinyl, and announced a 5-night tour called “Once In a Decade”.


And as for the snow? Well, it does snow in Meltonby, and yes, we do get snowed in from time to time! That first winter, we had to walk 3 miles to the nearest town just to get supplies. It was an adventure of sorts — one that gave us a true sense of isolation and beauty in the winter months, even though it wasn’t quite what the sellers had promised!


And as for quiet? Well, not when Elliot Minor are back! Their rehearsals and music are anything but subtle, and Meltonby suddenly became the least quiet place we had ever imagined — but we wouldn’t have it any other way.


So what other hidden mysteries did the sellers not tell us?
The answer, it seems, is that you never quite know what surprises await when you step into a new chapter of life. Whether it’s hidden musical talents, unexpected snowstorms, or the constant buzz of a new adventure, life in Meltonby has been full of them.


 

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Creating My First Song with AI: “Rainy Day Love”

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

Hey, everyone! I’m excited to share something new and creative from Andy’s World. Over the years, I’ve explored many technologies, but today, I’m stepping into the realm of AI-generated music with my very first song titled Rainy Day Love. It’s an intriguing mix of poetry and technology, showing how artificial intelligence can help bring creative ideas to life.

The Song: Rainy Day Love

Here’s a sneak peek into the lyrics:

Drops tapping ‘gainst a cracked screen, drip like chaotic streams,
Met her past the puddles, goldfish swimming through my dreams…

Rainy day love in the air, clouds curlin’ up a flirty stare,
Thunder whisperin’ secrets, lightning with a dare…

This song captures the magic of a stormy romance, where rain-soaked streets and thunderous skies reflect the excitement of love. The imagery of puddles, lightning, and clouds all dance together in this AI-powered musical adventure.

What is AI?

For those wondering, AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. It ranges from simple functions like recognizing your voice in voice assistants (think Siri or Alexa) to more complex operations like driving cars or composing music.

When it comes to AI in music, the technology analyzes patterns in existing songs, lyrics, and rhythms, then uses that understanding to create something entirely new. AI learns from data—whether it’s a library of love songs or stormy weather—and combines these elements to generate original music, like Rainy Day Love.

How Did I Use AI to Create Rainy Day Love?

The process started by feeding the AI with themes and emotions I wanted to convey, such as love, rain, and the sense of a citys cape during a storm. The AI then helped generate the lyrical structure, offering up creative suggestions for rhymes, rhythm, and metaphors. After some tweaking and collaborating with the AI, Rainy Day Love was born!

The Magic of AI Creativity

Using AI doesn’t mean taking the human element out of creativity. Instead, it enhances our ideas by offering new perspectives and possibilities we might not have thought of. For me, this experience was like working with a collaborator who never runs out of inspiration.

So, whether you’re curious about AI or just love the sound of rain-soaked romance, I hope you enjoy Rainy Day Love as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Stay tuned for more adventures in tech and creativity!

Andy

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Meltonby Honey As Seen On Fish on Friday (FoF)

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

So you probably already know, I have a following for early Marillion (81-91), and after Fish split, I’ve followed Fish Solo career, and the latest and last albums arrived last week.

So last week on Friday 30th August 2024, Meltonby Honey appeared on the show!

The video is the right way wound now, and for those wondering “He Knows You Know” is a Marillion song, one of my favorites, and it still remains a mystery how Dr Emlyin Roberts knew!

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No Oasis Tickets for me! :-(

Sunday, September 1st, 2024

Well I tried and I tried, but I really needed to go beekeeping, and prepare the Summer Honey crop to be taken off.

Oasis Live '25

Oasis Live ’25

So no tickets for me! Everything I go to the option to purchase tickets, it could not find any availability, and this was at 9.30am in the morning!

 

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I always knew it! OASIS LIVE ’25

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

I always knew Liam & Noel would eventually re-unite! The Dream is a reality now! Just need to get some tockyn !

Oasis Live '25

Oasis Live ’25

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I unwrapped the long-awaited Fish album “Vigil in A Wilderness of Mirrors” “2024 REMIXED” Vinyl and CD/BLU-RAY

Friday, August 16th, 2024

fish logo

Today, my joy knew no bounds as I unwrapped the long-awaited Fish album “2024 REMIXED”, a masterpiece meticulously crafted by the exceptionally gifted Calum Malcolm. This latest offering from Fish is a true gem available in both vinyl and CD/DVD formats. The exclusive release of “Vigil in A Wilderness of Mirrors” brilliantly showcases Fish’s musical genius and Calum Malcolm’s unique artistic vision. This special edition allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the captivating world of the album through a variety of mediums, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience like no other. Whether you prefer the nostalgic crackle of vinyl or the pristine clarity of a CD/DVD, this album is sure to enthrall and fascinate listeners with its profound complexities. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the intricate layers of sound and emotion expertly woven together by Fish and Calum Malcolm in this exceptional musical journey. Dive deep into their creativity and let yourself be transported to a realm of unparalleled musical beauty, where every note and rhythm tells a story that resonates deeply with the soul.

Available to exclusively order from https://fishmusic.scot/

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Fish – Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors – 2024 REMIX

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

Look what dropped through the letter box today, well in fact the Postie gave it to me!

Vigil In The Wilderness of Mirrors Vinyl- Signed by Fish

Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors Vinyl- Signed by Fish

So I’ve been waiting for this album for a very long time, 34 years in fact !

This was the first Fish album after he went solo after leaving Marillion, I’ve been listening to and following Fish since, and not so much Marillion, in fact no “new” Marillion!

Fish has decide to retire, after his Farewell Tour “Road To The Isles Tour” starting in the Autumn 2024, and ending in the UK in Spring 2025.

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A New Cassette Tape to play in my car – Thanks Billie Eilish! @billieeilish

Thursday, August 15th, 2019

Today a NEW Cassette Tape landed in the post to play in my car tape deck! I bet most people purchased Billie Eilish new Album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? as a collectors item, and not to play!

Billie Eilish new Album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

Billie Eilish new Album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

My ICE!

My ICE!

and I can play it in the office on this

Panasonic Stereo Cassette Player

Panasonic Stereo Cassette Player

which reminds me of this Inbetweeners scene

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Goodbye Robert Miles and Thanks for the Anthem!

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Yesterday DJ Robert Miles aged 47, lost his battle with cancer, and if you under the age of 25 you probably have not got a scobby who I’m talking about.

So click play on the following You Tube music/video track

and I’m sure you will recognize it!

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Andy’s Mike Oldfield revival!

Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

I’ve renewed my interest in listening to Mike Oldfield again…so I’ve started off with

First

tubular_bells_2003_cd_front_cover

Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells 2003

You will notice Mike Oldfield, has been removed from the cover of the 2003 edition, and it’s been re-worked, as Mike Oldfield, was unhappy with the original 1973 recording, stating it was rushed and out of tune!

Second

v2013-hergest-ridge-rear

Mike Oldfield – Hergest Ridge

This is the 2000 Digitally Remastered edition.

Third

mike-oldfield-ommadawn-front

Mike Oldfield – Ommadawn

This is the 2010 Digitally Remastered edition.

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