organised chaos

Before I launch into this entry, can I just say something?

Putting American or Arab owners with big money at the Kop is not the X-factor in winning titles.

I mean, look at Manchester City.

So before we start selling our club to cash-laden Sheikhs (grimace), keep in mind that throwing money at a problem does not make it go away.

That is all.

Addendum: This just in - apparently the Kuwaitis have denied making a Liverpool bid. Just as well, since I’m not sure how you can save face and pump millions of dollars into a sport while your Palestinian counterparts are dying.

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In 2006, I discovered a music outfit which would eventually turn out to be the catalyst for my foray into the post-rock world. That band was Mogwai, and the song that reeled me in was Hunted By A Freak. It wasn’t love at first hearing, but I got curious, and curiosity turned into intrigue before blooming into full-blown interest. Ambient, experimental pieces..undoubtedly, Mogwai started it all.

That same year, I passed along the love to Ely. Sharing is caring, as I always say.

Earlier this month, Ajin comes along and makes an announcement. Guess who decides to come to town on Jan 21st? Need I even hint?

Long story cut short, Ely somehow got a ticket to go see the show, while I hummed and hawed, brooded and mulled before finally not going altogether. Some fan I am. But honestly, I had good reason not to go, and if I had, I probably wouldn’t have this to share.

I know Ely’s not the type who seeks publicity, but I’m going to promote her deed anyway, because what she did is just that newsworthy.

So what exactly did she do? Call me up in the middle of the concert to share Mogwai’s magic through the phone?

Well yes. And coincidentally, they were playing Hunted By A Freak, which sounds even better somehow, despite the scratchy static over the line. She was standing right in front of them, so I had the full audio effect. Ely says they sound much better live, and I don’t doubt it myself.

But that isn’t all.

Did she get me their autographs?

Well yes, she did. She was sweet enough to get all of them to sign an extra copy for me after the show.

But that’s not it either.

Imagine standing in front of all five of the founding fathers of post-rock after a great show, stealing a quick moment to talk to them (while trying not to sound ’spastic’, as Ely would say), concentrating on keeping your cool and generally soaking up all the buzzing atmosphere. Would you have the proper mind to think of a friend and fellow fan who couldn’t make it to the show with you? Most probably not. You’d probably be too excited and nervous and all muddled up to even remember where you are.

But Ely did.

And she did this for me:

Sorry for the pixellated quality, but it was shot from a camera phone.

I didn’t know what to say when she showed it to me. It was in AIKOL Cafe, and it was so hard to refrain from squealing like a schoolgirl. I had to watch myself hugging her too, since she’s tiny and I didn’t want to crush her from the force of it all.

I think what really left me speechless wasn’t the video itself.

It was the gesture. It was how unexpected it was. It was how unnecessary it was. When I found out she was going, I celebrated with her, but I didn’t ask for anything. I wanted her to enjoy herself and give the full report the next day, and she went one whole fat giant step further.

So readers, if you’re a big Mogwai fan, don’t be jealous because I have 5 of them (with delectable Scottish accents) saying my name.

Be jealous of the fact that I have a friend who’s crazy and awesome enough to do something like this for me.

Hee.

I’m going to have to ride this high out.

Ely, gua sayang sama lu. I know you’re sick of my thankyous already, but whatever man. Thankyou!! Haha.