The good news is that you have just stumbled upon a futuristic and gripping concept album ‘Nanoalbum’ by the group ‘Tatabojs’. The bad news is that it is in Czech and you may have a hard time following the fascinating story line.
The story is set in the future and narrated by the robodog HAL9000. He will introduce the listeners to the concepts of nanotechnology, nanogamy and nanopilots. HAL9000 will also talk passionately about his owner iTom who has embraced technology and iTom’s sweetheart Elisabeth who is iTom’s complete opposite: a technophobic. A schizophrenic professor Dot, his assistant 90-60-90 and the C.V.A.N. (centrum for research and application of nanogamy) complete the cast.
Tatabojs sound is a mix of melodic rock a la U2, a splash of The Cure and a dash of Radiohead. Songs like ‘Virtual Duet’ and ‘To Elisabeth’ have become instant hits on radio due to their pop like, upbeat sound. I prefer some of the harder, darker songs like ‘The healer’ (Lécitel) and ‘Ill’ (Nemocná).
Nanoalbum is however not about single songs. Instead it is about the change in pace and mood between it’s songs and the complete story it tells. A story that can only be described as an utopian novel and from which I get goose bumps while listening to it over and over.
My cousin Rudolf made me aware of this album and it has sparked an interest in me for more local music; be it Czech, Swedish or London underground. A music genre I have neglected just because it’s not playing on MTV.
Tag: cd
Latin rhythms: Monica Vasconcelos and Nois
The other day we were invited to “a concert in a church” by some friends. To our pleasant surprise, it was Monica Vasconcelos and the group Nois (us) performing.
We were swept away by Monica’s smooth voice and passionate performance. The beauty of her voice is only rivalled by her own beauty.
As a guest, Monica had invited “Chinga” who turned out to be an exceptional guitar player. His two solos, accompanied by light percussion, were possibly the highlight of the concert.
The concert was performed at the Union Chapel, Islington, London and there was even a small bar where you could get a double scotch to go with the Jazz.
Make sure to check out some of the albums by Monica Vasconcelos and Nois.
HMV UK return policy – beware
You will probably be spending some amount of money on CDs, DVDs and console games this Christmas so please think twice before purchasing at HMV. Their return policy is not what you may be used to.
Basically, HMV offers no refunds or store credit; only exchanges are allowed and this only if the item is in “perfect condition and original packaging”.
The consequence is that if you purchase something wrong or get an unwated present the only option you have is to take it back to HMV and pick something else with “similar value”. If you don’t, or not to the full value of the previously purchased item, the money is lost. If you cannot decide on something to replace the item with (with the same value again) within 21 days, the money is lost… and, most annoying, make sure to carry the item with you at all times in case you happen to walk into an HMV that day and happen to find something you like.
This strict policy is printed on the back of the receipt but if you do have a read, it is already too late because the purchase has been made.
After the bad luck with the manager in the store I phoned up HMV head quarters (0207 467 1109) to confirm this strict policy. Yes, HMV changed their policy June 2003 due to “hard market conditions the passed year” was the answer.
I am not quite sure what it means but if it means that HMV has been affected by the recent recession in world economy let me just state that I too have been affected.
Apparantly it is up to the managers discretion to offer gift vouchers. I recall that when I mentioned this offer to the manager it was refused. I guess I was not representable enough or that the manager was having a bad day. Too bad that her bad day reflects this badly on HMV and will affect where I (and anybody I managed to inform) makes future purchases.
Update 15/12/03
I was lucky enough to sell on the unwanted purchase to a colleague. If similar has happened to you, you can help by linking to this story (http://www.davidkaspar.com/archives/2003/12/hmv_uk_return_policy_beware.php) on your website to make more people aware and to try to send a message to HMV….
Update 05/03/08
A reader has pointed out that the HMV return policy has changed. I have in fact not been shopping in HMV for the last 4 years so I cannot confirm this.
Best thing you can do is to ask a manager in the store about the return policy for “sealed items with original receipt” before you buy a present.