BEATS OF LOVE 

87. Long, Long, Long by The Beatles

I'VE NEVER been righteous or preachy about my Catholicism. 

Much prefer to talk about God and the Old Testament rather than Jesus with my Muslim friends. And much prefer nature to church architecture. However, it is deeply troubling that nobody except the missus in my life seems enriched by spirituality. 

The summer after my mother died, the Yukka flowered for the only time. I immediately took this as a sign she was at peace and wanted us all to be, especially as I had just poured some of her ashes at the foot of it weeks before. I was looked at like I was mad when I shared this thought. 

Sadly, most people want to see proof of miracles to even begin to find some spirituality.  Watching the smallest sparrow in the garden and the magical way it swings and darts around before flying high into the expansive sky until it disappears is truly amazing. Nothing manmade is as captivating or miraculous. This deeply spiritual song, with Ringo's inventive drum patterns swirling magically around Paul's rich hammond, comes mighty close.

Folk can explain how we were designed but not what designed us or why. Big Bang is a counterargument that explains the universe hotting up and transforming but not what created the Big Bang which heats it. A bit like explaining my gas central heating system but failing to mention the Russian pipeline supply. Assuming instead something will supply it.

Anyway, I'm not righteous or preachy, just happy walking about listening to this mesmerizing song in my head and looking at things in my natural surroundings. And discovering life itself is miraculous. 

BEATS OF LOVE

86. Sun Circles : For Leo & Ziggy (Alex Kassian remix) by Gratts featuring Nathan Haines & Mr Beale

AFTER FINISHING Emma's wonderful book twice, I've been in a 60s deep soul wormhole, which has been great for my body. 

However, a Richard Searling clip of Blackpool tower ballroom's northern weekender that reduced the daytime movers to robotic line dancers sent me back to the soulful present coz dancing should have more passion. Daytime dancing simply looks odd anyway. 

Berlin based Alex Kassian has delivered three absolute summer smashes in volley like succession, so this remix was always going to have my ears. I have to disagree with the insider who prefers the original version. I especially like the fact he prizes open the vocals coz they're simply sublime.

This remix flutters delightfully and has a more ethereal quality. Once again utilizing his genius use of the sampler and marvellous piano part. * It's infinitely better for moving to. 

Be Strong Be Free looks like becoming another essential label. It's off to a flyer. 

*He just sampled a chord from  BOC's Olson and recorded his own piano. - Gratts