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Tomorrow morning I am departing on another magical journey, only this time to Munich, Germany, where I shall be meeting up with the lovely folks from the Sony Ericsson Fanwalk that way back in October of last year. However, the main thing is the album launch from German Brit-pop band, Pardon Ms Arden, who were the “official band” of the Fanwalk. Their brand (spanking) new record is out on Friday, and we’re heading from across Europe to be a part of this important occasion.

Speaking about the band, I’m going to start getting their name out here in Ireland, and along with my fellow fans in the United Kingdom. They are really a talented group of musicians who offer an upbeat, well crafted show and provide truly excellent, lively music. They are undoubtedly radio worthy, and if their album isn’t a hit I’ll be genuinely shocked.

Since travelling to Germany last summer for a holiday glorified piss-up with friends and from returning (unexpectadly) for the Fanwalk, I’ve grown to love the nation. The people are lovely, the scenery and the varieties of city are incredible and the overall experience is most enjoyable. Even thought I speak Spanish, I enjoy what Germany has to offer.

As usual, I will try to update my Twitter account on the go, along with my Foursquare (for those who I really know). I will also attempt to drop a Blog or two on the weekend. But, for now, I leave you with some videos and songs from Pardon Ms Arden- your new favourite band.

Auf Wiedersehen.

“This Ain’t Indie/This Is A Revenge”

“Let’s Get It On”

(You may not be able to see these glorious videos because you’re on Facebook or in a RSS Reader. Pop along to www.davidokeeffe.com to check them oui. Stat!)

It’s been another week, and maybe some more ramblings in cyberspace or in the real-world. Here are a list of things that I did…

For a first-timer in Scotland, I already know that I will be  coming back here again- in particular to the city of Edinburgh, where I am living for the next two days. It’s got all the great features- nice people, a good mix of traditional buildings and attractions as well as modern ones, and it’s got cracking nightlife. All the things you need to have a good time.

Grassmarket is a fantastic place where I have been enjoying relatively cheap food (and great beers and whiskeys, naturally). The actual castle itself is majestic, and the cobbled streets, the old style taxis and the many, many little side streets concealing something interesting and new have brought me great joy over the past few days so far.

As I sit here in the hotel writing my Blog, taking a few minutes of time out before another jam-packed day, I am looking forward to everything ahead. There’s always something going on (Annie Mac from Radio 1 was playing last night, live) or the millions of gigs in pubs. Quite simply, it’s a great place.

Now, I’m off to get a badly needed early lunch: hopefully a somewhat traditional (apparently) battered mars bar later and some “salt and sauce” for my chips.

photo credit: Richard Milnes

Marketing Magazine selected their Worst 9 Adverts of 2009. They are mostly from insurance companies, and they’re not all that bad, but overall, it seems last was all about price comparisons, “real people” and selling gold.

1. Go Compare

2. Cash4Gold

3. Glade (Where the little boy wants to “poo in Paul’s”

4. Iggy Pop sells insurance

5. Confused? Real people aren’t.

6. Yellow Pages 24/7 (As made by that BadgerBadgerBadger guy)

7. “Oh Yes!” – Churchill

8. WeBuyAnyCar

9. Ant & Dec want to train your brain – Nintendo

10. County Life butter is Johnny Rotten’s dairy product of choice

(If you can’t see the adverts, you should visit the website at www.davidokeeffe.com and watch them there.)

If you’re in Scotland any time soon (I am), then you should check out this cracking event- the (First, and hopefully annual) Scottish Alternative Music Awards, organised by student Richy Muirhead.

As a lover of rock and all things loud, he’s gone off, and as part of his University project, organised an event and awards show whereby the best of alternative music in Scotland will battle it out to be crowned winners in their respective categories. Nominations are open, and their looking for votes online, so get behind your favourite band now, and also book your ticket.

Categories and nominations include:

Best Rock/Alternative: This Familiar Smile, Make Sparks, Trapped In Kansas, Energy

Best Metal: Paridian , Promised Only Lies, Alba Gu Brath, Rip in Reality

Best Live Act: The Lafontaines, The Ray Summers, Bleed from Within, Expanding Demands

Best Newcomer: – Bronto Skylift, The Darien Venture, As Darkness Falls, Make my Day

But, no awards show would be the same without some great live music, so some brilliant bands will grace the stage on the night, such as This Familiar Smile, Make Sparks, Bronto Skylift, The LaFontaines, who are all nominated themselves.

Let’s hope they don’t lose, get moody and refuse to play.

Comedian Billy Kirkwood and BBC Radio DJ Jim Gellatly will be appearing on the night as special guests.

When: Wednesday, February 24th 2010

Where: Classic Grand, Glasgow, Scotland.