I was thinking that me trying to stay away from blogging for a whole week would be difficult, given how music-centric this trip was going to be, but I stayed busy enough that it wasn’t an issue. There will be several posts upcoming that were inspired by the trip, but here are some quick thoughts and observations.
– Much thanks to everyone who made suggestions about where to go and what to do while there. Special recognition goes to XO for pointing out Video and Music Exchange, where I found a lot of good stuff, including souvenirs for friends at home. Record shops ended up being a bit part of the trip.
– Speaking of record shops, I got to spend Wednesday afternoon with Paul, talking music and other assorted topics. Great to meet someone in person and find that they are just as cool in real life as they are online. For some reason, I didn’t even think to take a picture until after the fact.
– Good Lord…is Star Pilots really going to be a hit? Because I heard that track A LOT!
– I have been fully won over to “Number One” and “Tiny Dancer”. In the end, resistance was futile.
– “Heartbreak Make Me a Dancer” sounds amazing on the radio. If there is any pop god in the world, they need to ensure that this is a proper hit.
– In a small souvenir shop in Sluis, Netherlands, I heard Lily Allen’s “Fuck You” uncensored on a local radio station. Instantly I loved the Netherlands.
– Much disappointment in the fact that several releases I would have bought (Gary Go, Daniel Merriweather) weren’t coming out until well after my departure.
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
These upcoming posts inspired by your trip can’t come soon enough! I’m very pleased by the news that the Star Pilots song is everywhere and that you were won over by “Number One.” I think I’d have to take an extra suitcase to have room for all the CDs I’d have come back with, but even more than that, those cases where you hear songs on the radio that you’d never get to hear in the U.S. might be the best part.
My suitcase was so heavy on the way back that they had to tag it in order to warn the bag handlers. I did a little damage between CDs and Doctor Who items.
i AM cool aren’t i?! 😛 😛 HAhaha, glad you had a fun time 🙂
I had a blast. And your modesty overwhelms me.
Number 1 was a grower for me, but I have to admit its awesomeness. Glad you had a great time and that you got to meet up with Paul. So you went to the Netherlands too? Wow, quite a trip you had there sir.
It is. I’m still having nightmares from the dude in N-Dubz, though.
Welcome home! Sounds like you had a nice time. How fun to get to meet Paul in person. I sympathize with just missing new releases–Sugababes Catfights and Spotlights was due out the day after I returned to the US in October. I bought Change at the Heathrow HMV just before catching my flight to try to compensate.
Let’s put it this way…chatting with Paul was just as entertaining and informative as his blog is.
Damn, you’re looking fine there!
I was equally music obsessed in Europe last year. I ended up buying new luggage to bring home all my trashy CDs!
Glad you enjoyed yourself and it’s good to have you back online.
Okay…maybe I didn’t buy THAT many items. Everything fit in what I have. And thanks for the compliment! I give full credit to the shirt.
ooh, what did you but at the exchange in Notting Hill? Did you find the place that has old mags?
Some DVDs, some CDs. Favorite pickup was the first Mister Hudson CD. Note to self…HMV is cheaper at the airport, due to no taxes.