Taped the Olympics opening ceremony, wasn't too sure it was going to hold my attention but of course it did. It was measured and masterful, executed with jaw dropping precision. It all looked like a Playstation game. The costumes and pyrotechnics were as you would expect. The music, as stange as it was to Western ears, was compelling and made for a atmosphere of 'other wordliness'. A triumph I would say in spite of the political background.

Afterwards I flipped over to BBC4 and watched the glorious Joan Armatrading at this years Glastonbury. I have never been quite sure of her voice but as time goes on it is very commanding and more than anything, unique to her. She looked and she said she was having fun and she was playing that guitar real well. As well as the old stuff she did tracks from what I consider to be one of her finest albums; Into The Blues, best track: Something's Gonna Blow.