Eighties Architecture

What the hell were they thinking?

What made them think that they were going to produce a piece of architecture with lasting lengevity, even though it looks like a piece of Lego?

Well, after reading an article from blog.davidteoh.com/archives/2004/11/, I now know.

It was an attempt to glorify the materials used in producing such a building.

In most ugly structures such as the one illustrated in the picture I've borrowed from said blog, the architect was supposed to be glorifying the materials used to build it by making them the main point of the design.

That is one hell of a schoolboy error.

Asking Joe Public to appreciate a building as art when all you've effectively done is take the shine off of it is always going to be a big ask.

People are critical of modern architecture anyway.

"It's too glassy". "It's not glassy enough. I like glass". "It's leaning too far to the left". "It looks phalic".

Nobody's happy with every building they see.

I think that there's something to be said about old school building design and producing breathtaking structures that still appeal to the general public and inspire photographers on a daily basis.

The BBC have just released a magazine article on this very subject. Have a read for some more information.

The Michael Bolton Formula

We already know that music has a formulaic pattern. If it was random noise (and we aren't on a recreational drug of choice) we wouldn't enjoy it. Music needs to conform to some sort of pattern.

And my god, does Michael Bolton stand up and accept the challenge like a man.

His music is worth hearing, because you are guaranteed to pick up the pattern.

The pattern has been in existence since time began, and I'm sure that around the time of Christ, Jesus was listening to music thinking "One day, somebody's going to pick up the pattern, and make me proud".

Michael (Jewish I might add) picked up the gauntlet.

I would like you to obtain three songs to compliment this blog. Trust me, it's worth it.

1. Steel Bars.
2. Sittin' on the dock of a bay.
3. How can we be lovers (if we can't be friends).

All three are textbook Bolton (some covered, I'll admit).

The three rules of Bolton are present in all of his songs from a period when we won the majority of his awards. At least one rule must be present in all Bolton songs from this time period.

Without one of these rules, it's simply not Bolton.

Bolton - The Three Commandments.

1. Your track should incorporate a gospel choir.
2. Your track should incorporate a key-change.
3. Your track should incoroporate an instrumental solo. Guitar or saxophone will suffice.

Granted, a lot of tracks have this stuff, but please. Contemplate listening to one of the three recommended tracks, and all will be come clear. You will become a follower in the Church of Bolton.

Come join us. Come join us.