I am going to be off and on for another year while restoring my health. Haven't decided whether or not to talk much as yet. However, I will be journaling the whole thing daily and perhaps see if it has a place via publisher. A way off in the future ... back to earth.

I shall make a lot more posting and updates via a Laptop. 

Thanks for your support,

Iain

"Special Surprise." Considering I could have been on the wrong end of a wrong end it was decide, as  a treat. A Camel Ride was in order. Unbelievable. Just go to bloody Egypt & discover for yourself how easy it is to find yourself in the Middle of a well planned Mess.

This, I cannot believe.. As soon as I was placed upon the Camels back. It's owner whacked it with his Cane an once again I was in flight.

Hurtling across the Sahara upon the most crazed Animal on the Planet Plus, I doubt this... was the Pretty One..

It was all too much by now, I'd had it..

I somehow grabbed and held on to the stinking creatures neck. With my right hand I punched the Monster in the Eye. It was a great punch. Connected well and had weight behind it. A great idea!!!

The Camel Screamed and proceeded to go in circles.

By now the owner was on the scene. As was my old man. The Picture?

Me being flung side to side as I hung onto that Camels neck. The owner screaming "Haji Walla. Hajiiii wallla." Which I guess was Camel for "Stop you Son Of A Motherless Camel."

Not far behind I could vaguely see dear old dad in high animation and  sweating profusely as once again his precious little chosen one was in the hands of another kidnapping.

I couldn't believe it. Didn't believe it and for the first time ever, I had thoughts of finding some form of weapon to carry at all times. Can you Imagine? Sure you can. As what we see on the TV News is pretty close.

In time the Camel began to make such a dreadful sound, I started to feel sorry for it. I started to talk quietly and calmly to this Desert Creature Down. I was surprised when it began to slow and gradually came to a Halt. Promptly sat down crushing my left leg into the Sand.

I could hear the  "Hajji Walli Unfuken Nalli Nalli." Screamed by the Camel owner and see clearly Dear Old Dad getting closer by the WallI...

That's was only the beginning of a life filled with the unbelievable.. not much has changed. I try to live quietly. However,someone has other ideas as it's hardly unusual to find myself in some sort of adventure. You know where I'm coming from.

Night... All...

Iain

"SEVEN"

Iain Mclennan/Oinkmuse/©

I was seven. The Humidity was getting close as I stood upon a Clay Road with Sand by it's edges. Side tracked I began looking up into branches of a large thirsty Tree. I could hear the voice of someone saying, "Don't move from that spot Iain." So I must have known them or they I. When I dropped my eyes from looking skyward, I was greeted by a group of young Ceylonese School Girls. All smiling and giggling. They came so close, I could smell them. A Nutmeg type smell. I could taste it.

My smile was as big as theirs as they reached out to touch my Face, Hair, Arms and giggle about my Freckles. Such Eyes I'd never seen. Pools of brown myst and white Cloud. Such beautiful skin. I knew from that day I was destined for a heady ride in this World. I also knew that from that Day each of the Girls would be with me somehow throughout my Life.

They have been. Yet at times I've not noticed.

I was in Ceylon. Head spinning from their intoxication and such innocent and open affection. Sometimes I am in Ceylon standing under the Tree. Kicking at the Road.

Waiting.

When I turn I see two Men standing under a Canopy Tree. One the Father. The other his Son. So Black. Leaning upon the trunk of the Tree. 

From behind them come the very same School Girls all giggling and smiling. At this moment, it is in my mind to go to them as they are my family and would lead me Home.

This happens when I go into a deep Meditation. My Centre.

You would think it would calm me... but I dare not sleep, in case, I miss something.

I was Seven and in Ceylon. The Humidity drained all my strength to prepare me for this wonderful meeting.

Today, I recall such moments in my Life. Incredible and Life affirming experiences. 

To wonder at or about this Life's outcome is fruitless.

To continue as an individual full of such wonderful moments is not something I have to think about. It is just a matter of placing these moments in order so as to clarify any doubts about one's destiny and how many forgo experience in the name of a memory.

Maybe, just maybe another will find solace in these events and begin to write their own.

If so, I would be more than pleased to hear about them.

Cheers,

Iain

Trying to keep a theme to this album is far more difficult than I thought as there are many more current songs in the can. It's always a trap to get precious about one particular track and feel it must go on. However, the constant element of this Album is Rhythm and Lyrics. Melody, one would hope. 2010 being rather a long way from the beginning of recording feels like I can be pretty liberal in my taste. Not being in the Playlist market gives you a certain freedom. One being any recording I do, I do for me. Don't really know the game of constructing a pre conceived idea. Each track tends to evolve spontaneously. If I sit down and say to myself.. "Right.. I'm going to write a happy rocky little number." I get trapped into a style or feel that tends to leave me in a corner. Can't write that way unless it involves others. The same goes for the playing. It would be a luxury to get a number of players in. However I don't feel comfortable unless I know I can pay them. It's tough out their and not a time where everyone is floating around with a full pocket. We'll see when I get closer to completion. If a track is lacking because of my Bass Playing or whatever, it will be time to call a couple of people to add their finesse.

The way I look at it is if I can play a simple riff into the song. No one with Bass or whatever as their main instrument is going to have trouble. It's the feel first. Musicality and Vibe that I'm after. Difficult to stand aside after a year or two of refreshed listening and feeling they sit well and to alter may well ruin what I already have. Never been one to edit or fix in the Mix I always re record if I blow it. Usually it's the first take. But with some Instruments, I risk the Learning As I Play Way. Mainly as I've fallen for a particular Instrument such as Bass. I now love playing Bass and find my parts exciting and new to work on. This in turn gives me that freedom and excitment I may not get from another who simply walks in.

It all comes down to timing and money and trying to find one or two guys can be a disruption. One day I do hope to have some form of floating Band as I really want to perform. At other times it's not even worth considering as then it's time to find work for all. Having a small profile demands you get out on the boards and hopefully build a following. I do hope to do this in the next few years as all are getting older and have commitments. Well and good for me as I have an investment and the tunes are mine. Not everyone can afford to drop everything for Peanuts on a wing and a prayer. So in my mind if I'm to ask anyone to do anything, the music alone has to be of interest to others. The enthusiasm can then be well sustained as like myself, I want to enjoy what I Play and why I play it with.

These are the questions everyone mulls over before hitting the Road... if there's any road to hit? The days of toughing it out with no money, hours in a cramped car and lugging gear about doesn't work very well and really cannot be expected to do by anyone else. Even at a younger age it took a toll. So to do the odd show as a newbie again is quite daunting. Yet, for me that's the way I like it. You don't get anywhere by accident or big talk. It's all a combined effort and a team is required. I just keep going as there is nothing I'd rather do and the biggest reason is my love of performing live. I feel at home on stage. Many are a little the opposite. For me not being out and about means I really don't go out as once I get wherever, I'm ready to start work again. The devil you do or don't.

For those who have asked... yes, I was disappointed not to be given the opportunity to play a couple of the Original Mondo Rock Tracks. Particularly as Ross Wilson is a great performer and I was the one that recorded the tracks. It's no wine or whinge. It's a real disappointment. Those songs are apart of me as was the experience. Non of the others were available and I feel that's the last chance to really show what sort of a Band that "Primal Park" Band were. Seems there's a lot of conjecture about whatever and to this day i cannot figure it out. Especially due to the fact "Primal Park" received the highest critical acclaim of all the subsequent releases. There's also some pretty inaccurate information that seems to be circulating and at this time it's about time some put up or shut up. I have never seen anything like it anywhere else and it all has no place or relevance today. Facts are Facts and there are some so called reports that are totally incorrect. That's the last I'll say about it. So if you don't mind, if you want to know.. you can read it here. I am far more interested in today as I am here today and don't intend going anywhere. Very plain text this is as it seems it has to be. End of Story...

On that note I'll get on with it as they say. I have the two short Movies almost complete and ready to be sent to friend in Perth and an Album to Mix. Completion being the vision as opposed to constant chatter. This final process I find the most difficult and it's now I start getting feed back on tracks and the feeling of the Album from a few others. Nothing will change unless there's a major problem. It's simply good to get a feel from others. Regardless of what they think it's feedback and either way some form of performance basically in a raw state. Sometimes a good idea. Others I won't even think about it. More than likely it'll be the latter so on it goes.

Cheers,

Iain

It has of course been some time since I posted anything. Mainly due to my hearing loss. I'm happy to say my left Ear has been restored to it's 30% which is simply sensational. As I mentioned earlier I mixed a track "Everybody Knows" mixed with my right Ear and I'm pleased to say it came up better than I expected (see music page).

It's a great reminder not to take anything for granted, particularly health. So, I move on. I still have the same vision as always. That being to complete that which I start. So far, I'm pretty much on schedule and at present am choosing songs for the new album. Another vision, which over three years I've completed. The vision is simply seeing where I'm going musically, then forgetting it so as to let the music come freely. Thinking about it does nothing. In fact, any thinking whatsoever during the process of writing really can block a hell of a lot out. Like putting on blinkers, there are many parts and ideas that are in the periphery. All sitting, waiting for you to notice. It can be a string arrangement, an image that spells out a song or at least perhaps a title.

After mixing, mastering and artwork is complete I'm seriously thinking of putting myself in a Van and taking the music out and about. To put a Band together is more than tricky as people need to be paid and to be frank... there ain't none unless you can guarantee a good turnout and generate the money to pay for all that goes with a Live show.

I'll keep you posted as things and visions, have a way of turning inside out just as you put the key in the ignition... You got it... BOOM and you're hurtling backwards down some darkened Lane.

I'm also writing or recounting the events of 2009 as for that year I made copious notes daily and quite a tale of mystery and mayhem I have to tell. Diaries really clarify your thinking as opposed to relying on memory, even though after so many years my memory is beyond my expectations. Comes from observing people, places & things all of which remain a timeline in this wonderful thing they call "The Brain".

Best to all,

Cheers,

Iain

I've thought "what else can I do?".. let alone want to do. But that not an option. I'm as stubborn as hell and been doing this far to long to even ponder whatever... So it's patience and that never ending sense of humour that keeps kicking in and restores the old saying.. "It could be worse."

I'll keep posting and of Monday after another bout of tests... we shall see... almost a joke in there somewhere?

Best to all,

Iain

The point being most people are more concerned with themselves than wasting time. Some however feed off it like it is a main Meal.

Made in a minuet relates to instant fame and glorification of the average. How in a moment a person is thrust into the chaos of professional performing. Many come undone and the song is written from the perspective of one such instantly famous person and life style they now are involved.

Regardless of my hearing being shot I can still manage a decent mix. Though I'm telling you it sends me nuts and distracts even more.

That's it as I'm on a tight leash and want to get back to work

Cheers to all,

Iain

Got the urge.

It would be wonderful to continue touring this vast Land Australia. WE don't have the "Battle Ground" once allowed to extend the performing life. I'm so Pro Original Music. Test it.

Especially with Australian Audiences.  Most of all when you've got the years up to push further.

I was fortunate enough to have the Seven Days & Nights per Week to really put my playing on the line.  The best Bit? It was so raw, powerful and fun.  

Getting "ROAD TUFF" is such a high and there are those nights when you levitate that edge higher as Bang!!!... The Band Hits 110%.

I'm fortunate to have my Studio so I can still let it go... For those younger players... Do A Gig. Any Gig. When you feel you may drop and the adrenalin kicks in yet the Groove sits like a Baby. That's the place you want to and have to go every night.

No one can take that from you as it's from then on your starting point. From this place you can relax and lean hard into every performance.

GET IT. HOLD IT and STAY WITH IT. AS your Heart will grow stronger and the Music will let your Soul breath freely.

What a Life... Is Music. Few Can. Few Do.

Cheers,

Iain

AS I was saying... when I returned home, I was greeted by two hefty blokes standing at my front door. "Mr Wallis, we're here to move your stuff as arranged....". "Mr Wallis? I replied?" "I'm not Mr Wallis and I don't particularly want my stuff removed." With this, one looked at the other and said... "Told YA!" "I Told ya this was the wrong place...!" Both looked at me as if I had something of value to add. I did... "So what's the address?" Both checked through the pink paperwork only to find they were not only at the wrong address... they were in the wrong suburb.

Once again... "Told Ya!" "Ten Bucks!"... I would go on ... needless to say bets were on that the driver had stuffed up big time even though his partner... (The High Roller) had given directions and with a "Gotcha Ya Bludger and Pay Up Me old Mate...!" echoing on the wind, I quickly made a run for the door thinking... Australia... You Beauty!!! As I hadn't heard this sort of lingo in years. Aussie Poetry. Even to these muffled ears... Wine and Bugga it, they still not happening. So off to more specialists.

Some good news and that is P Laffy is starting go hard nails to fight Lymphoma and urges young and old to hit the high notes as opposed the low. I concur as there is nothing worse than hearing"Oh Mate, I've been thinking of you for years... Oh Mate..."

I'll keep all posted yet keep it low profile as the vibe at present is strong.

Music wise... the song I recorded "Everybody Knows" Came out fine... the catch is... no loud anything for the old ears. So... Bugga!

The level I record at, particularly when tracking live drums is very loud even with my sofisticated "SHURE Inner Ear Headphones". It's not volume as such but definition of sound. By nature I like it loud as it gives you a real "IN THERE" feel as anything too quiet tends to feel quiet and doesn't punch the adrenaline.  AS I record all myself, I have to get the feel as if I am playing with others. I swap hats and become the player I need to be. (Some may disagree... But... HEY?) Plus it's the best fun I know on a vertical level...

I'll leave all with you for now. The guest book is up and running again as I had a hell of a time with Spam and all kinds of rubbish. So everyone is safe from the dreaded PORN sites and Chemical floggers...

There's also a new page. Simply a Blog Page where I can say whatever and comments are welcome from all.

Cheers,

Iain

I arrived and was greeted by an Angel... Yep... Wings and the whole bit. Looking  closer, I could see it was Kelly and asked if I should have worn something... Silly question and the night progressed from there. It soon became clear "The Girls" had decided to create another "Special Occasion"

The last one being most memorable with the classic theme "Bedtime Stories". My role was the story teller and a story I told, as my imagination was prompted by "Get to the good Bit." Low and behold... my role was once again... The Story Teller...

Without going into details one night led into two and half and fun was had by all.

I'd forgotten how good it is to get out and about. In fact it's been years since I've accepted an invitation. Mainly because I tend to work late and then go wandering. It's hardly surprising to find the streets barren and frankly it all looks a little like a "Ghost Town". One place remains open all night, that being Maceys, a coffee/eats place in Neutral Bay. You can sit outside and watch the traffic go by. On the odd night people wander in and out. But usually it's pretty quiet during this hour..

The question always comes up in my mind ... what do people in fact do on the weekends? Especially young people. Those I have asked have said much the same thing. That being... "We go out early and maybe go to a friends place late." Why? Because on the North Shore, there is nothing open. No music. Nothing. After Midnight everything winds down and people either go South across the Bridge to "The Cross" or head towards Glebe and other areas more people oriented. The Cross is not that popular as it remains very much the same and being more an observation destination than a place to go. It still gets ugly. In fact far more ugly than it was when it was a regular wind down destination after a gig. As far as I recall there were never any real problems and you could fall out of the place a 7AM and feel quite comfortable. If ever there was trouble it would begin and end quickly. The street would erupt into a battle zone between Bikies and those on the opposite side of the street. On for young and old for five minutes then back to a murmuring normality.

So the dilemma  for most people is where to go after any meal or show they may have been to. It goes on and I'm surprised there is so little available for people to do. Perhaps most stay at home. Watch Movies or play Video Games, which seem to be huge at the moment. As for live music, forget it. There is none. Not on the North side anyway. Perhaps a couple of Cover Bands. But that's about it.

For me, it's an issue as I'd like to be able to go somewhere with a bit of life. Relax and observe and return to my studio. Hopefully refreshed. You can understand why having a social night was such an occasion especially with a bunch of free thinking and imaginative people.

When I did get home, I was so stuffed, to sit in the studio was really refreshing and instead of staring into space, I found myself finishing more than I have in a long time. It was also a relief to let go of the past year and the present issues for a moment. Hard to remain optimistic and get a good view of what is happening and proceed.

Outside influences can really rock the boat, especially if they're uninvited.

So, it's onward and time to sort my hearing out as for one, it's my main issue and not something to be ignored.

Hope all is running smoothly for all,

Cheers,

Iain