And do you know...I've just moved to Japan from London, it's all very strange here. Earthquakes are officially grim, food is different would you believe it! AND if that wasn't bad enough, the people have the barefaced cheek to waltz, yes I said waltz, around speaking another language, as if the Queen's English (gawd bless her and all who sail, etc.) wasn't good enough. It's a bloody outrage.
But the trains DO play the beginning cascade chimey bit from LED Storm when they're about to leave the station so I guess all is forgiven. Hurrah! It's not grounds for legality I think, but it's wonderfully evocative of the original tune rather than a blatant rip off. Although if it did sound the same, I'd be wondering who ripped off who. Of course, when I become ruler of the planet, you can bet trains will play the entire Wizball suite before leaving the station, if only to annoy a certain German lawyer as he sits fuming in the cheap seats.
The biggest thrill of being here is walking around temple gardens that look exactly like the ones in Last Ninja. Whilst this is ludicrously satisfying, it is nothing compared to when I felt the urge for a bit of Last Ninja-ing and I have to admit that I started running in isometric lines around the grounds. Suh-weeeet!
I had the Last Ninja music playing in my mind (The Wastelands of course) and it was too good, dammit. Once I get an mp3 player and have the actual music playing as I stroll through these places, well I might just achieve enlightenment. I hear that's quite pleasant.
Anyway, I read Chris's editorial and all I can say is this...Chris you have given me and countless others so much pleasure and inspiration through your music and dedication to your art, to that essence which is true of you. Your tenacity coupled with your patience are a joy to behold in a world looking for quick shortcuts; the SID musicians who have benefitted by being rightly paid, the organisation behind the BIT events, the INSANELY BEAUTIFUL CDs you've produced, creating a forum where we could express our love and silliness and music...and yet I've barely scratched the surface; there's so much more.
I have just now listened to a huge chunk of your music and frankly I'm reeling. I still think you are the best at this whole remix/reinterpretation "thing", truly you are phenomenal. Working with cosmic SID originals you've realised a dream that I've been kicking around for ages but my instrument is electric guitar and playing most of these tunes has been flippin' difficult. There, that's my rationalisation for my lameness! And then one day at work, I found your website and my world was made undone. Thank you thank you thank you. Talent, humour, eloquence, follow-through, kindness, humility...a pretty lethal combination I'm sure we'd all agree.
Yes, you're absolutely right, children are our first priority and you should focus on your two angels and love them and adore them with all your heart. I for one do not feel as if you've promised us much and not delivered; if you never produce a single solitary note, I am incredibly grateful for all that you have done already. I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy your music forever. I feel blessed that I was touched in some way by your artistry.
Be good.
However based on pictures from BIT London 2004, Chris looks like he had a great time. 
