EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS

Packing for a cottage getaway is an exercise in logistics above and beyond your average holiday prep. It’s an opportunity to clear the fridge and take the food which would otherwise collapse to mush—the likelihood of that happening in somebody else’s kitchen is one we don’t talk about. You need to pack clothes for every eventuality rain to shine, you often need to take your own bedding and towels, and maybe bring board games or a stack of books in case the weather closes in. In short, the Cut Carrier is so full of stuff we’re starting to worry whether we’ll fit the staff in. Going on holiday is haaard.

And yet we’ve still pulled together an episode of our usual foolishness while tucked in a corner by the suitcases. This week—all of the marvels! Pre-MTV music videos! And the honky-tonk nun of Ethiopia!

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

This time next week we shall be on a scheduled team get-away, somewhere in the wilds of Norfolk. Don’t be surprised if episode 38 comprises of a postcard of Blakeney beach and a recipe for a decent crab sandwich. We badly need the break. Our brains are mush, our souls are weary. We need time by the sea and the solace of old friends.

But today we can still offer up some treats. Racing samurai, the biggest potato hotel in the world and the musical stylings of Brushy One-string await.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

We lost Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Texas turned into Gilead. The New York subway system turned into a sewer. Look at the world a certain way and you can feel it slipping out from under you. But then witness the triumphs of the Paralympics or the return of Abba and know there’s good news out there. You just have to see with the right eyes.

This week: how caffeine lit the spark to the fuse that blew up the future, the logical endpoint of the square meal and the Rainbow Connection between Miss Piggy and Yoda.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

A tough month for rock ‘n’roll, with the passing of both Dusty Hill and Charlie Watts. Both guys knew how to get the funk and grind into their music, and both understood the essential ridiculousness of the life. Charlie in particular offered up a ‘don’t give a fuck’ attitude that was no affectation. For the most part, he knew there were better things to be doing. We could all use a little more of that perspective on the life/work balance.

Anyhoo. Join us this week as we thumb through cookbooks, consider the most influential band ever and yes alright talk a bit more about Ted Lasso.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The year continues to flap around in unexpected and bewildering ways like an uninvited squid in the bathtub. The Great Game in Afghanistan moves into a new, ugly phase. A beloved comedian dies, leaving us in fits of giggles at his legacy while calling for the revival of his long-forgotten sitcom. The nation realises just how dire the supply chain problem is as the unthinkable happens and Nando’s runs out of chicken. Boy howdy, it’s been a week.

We’re here to offer some respite, with more base level comics instruction, an admiration of The Madonna With The Long Neck and a chat to the guy who brings the good vibes to the ball game.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

It’s been a strange and unsettling week. We have been to the cinema and eaten out. Three times! We have been to Ikea to sort out bits and bobs for a badly-overdue refurb of Cut Central. We even went to the launch night of a swinging new arts hub in the middle of Reading. Sitting on the first floor terrace, enjoying the views of Crispy Dosa and the Oxford Road Travelodge while sipping a glass of wine we thought to ourselves ‘Is this how it used to be? Is this what normal feels like?’ It’s been so long. Kinda nice to crack open the airlock. But, yes, strange.

This week we go lowbrow with the comics coverage, extremely geeky with the music bit and go wild in a famous bathhouse.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

A week of freedom, and to our eyes little seems to have changed. Most people are still wearing masks and socially distancing. We went to one of our favourite pubs in Reading (The Fox And Hounds in Caversham, try the loaded fries) which was table service only and all the more pleasant for it. It feels like we’ve heard the official advice, saw it for bullshit and decided to stay safe. Well, for the most part anyway. It could all shift again by this time next week.

But hey, at least we have links for you. Comics chat, saving chocolate and a disagreement about vinyl.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

(featured image from our pal and X&HTeam-mate Dominic Wade).