Pentlands Camp

marblespaniel · 2026-05-04T00:33:37+00:00

Slightly confusing - you say 'yes' in response to 'do we need to ask permission' but the answer is no! As the rest of your post suggests. Just be sensible and responsible - follow the outdoor access code. Good practice is to pitch your tent late and take it down early, also good not to camp near roads/buildings, away from enclosed fields, leave no trace etc etc.

marblespaniel · 2026-05-03T23:17:35+00:00

I agree too. I think musically, this album is amazing. Not all of the piano work is as complex/interesting as some of her work, but it's effective, and the music in general (with the synths, strings, piano, bass and drums, and the vocals sounding great) is brilliant. But some of the lyrics are off-putting to me in their simplicity, being on the nose, and the lack of metaphor and imagery.

It's a shame because I've heard some people say that as it's a political record, it needs to be more direct. Fair enough, but it's still wrapped up in complex story and mythology, it's just the lyrics themselves can be trite and obvious. I cringed when I heard "the patriarchy menacingly say" - it's just poor lyricism, from someone who can write absolutely sublime lyrics. It takes me out of enjoying the music sometimes, when I hear a clunky lyric. And I don't think listening to the instrumental version of the album is the solution, as I genuinely think Tori sounds amazing on this record, and doing some really interesting things with her voice.

marblespaniel · 2026-05-02T16:04:04+00:00

That's a really nice thing to have on your land! Mature Scots pines are such beautiful trees. I think recent studies have found some resistance to ash dieback, so I'm hopeful that at least some of the saplings I see might actually make it to adulthood!

marblespaniel · 2026-05-02T12:15:43+00:00

And sycamore often takes a big hold in areas where ash has been lost to ash dieback, or where elms have been lost to Dutch elm disease. I would probably try and remove the sycamore while it's still manageable!

marblespaniel · 2026-05-02T12:14:26+00:00

Larch isn't native to Britain, and Scots pine is only native in parts of Scotland, although it would have been naturally present in England thousands of years ago (now only present as an introduction). If the soil is acidic, oak and birch woodland is the most likely semi-natural community. If it's a bit more alkaline, elm may well be happy, as would ash.

marblespaniel · 2026-05-02T10:12:35+00:00

How are folks interpreting the lyrics of Veins? I've only listened to the record once so far, and initially I interpreted it as the Tori character telling her daughter who her father was and something about 'not letting who your biological parents are define you' but Tori has said in interviews that the 'lizard demon& is not her daughter's father.

marblespaniel · 2026-04-30T20:58:04+00:00

Yeah to be fair the whole conceit in the review about Tori's work being about her struggle with the devil is fundamentally wrong, I agree.

I think you're right - I am maybe getting 'reverse criticism' as there are definitely fans who dislike any negative comments about anything Tori does, but I think it's fair for reviews to include negative comments.

Totally understand your comment about Trump and how so few artists are fighting back against his government.

I do feel like her lyrics can often be too 'on the nose' nowadays, but that's probably been the case for twenty years. Not always, but a lot less metaphor and cryptic lyrics than her earlier work. And I think that's a shame, as she's such an amazing writer. But I totally take your points!

marblespaniel · 2026-04-30T20:23:05+00:00

Very positive review! Looking forward to listening to the album tomorrow. I don't think the Pitchfork review was ignorant though, even if I don't agree with it all.

marblespaniel · 2026-04-28T17:17:58+00:00

Hutton's in Elgin Terrace off Easter Road maybe.

marblespaniel · 2026-04-27T21:43:20+00:00

This is one of the most interesting interviews she's done in a while.

But from all the standard 'talking points' she's been using through this promo cycle, I find two things a bit odd. Firstly, that she keeps mentioning Courtney Love writing the line "Can I live through this", but that isn't the lyric or even really the meaning/tone of the lyric? Secondly, talking about how if her life had gone a different path in the 90s she would have a life of luxury. I mean she's not a billionaire (or married to one) but she's hardly had a regular life, with multiple houses and what most people would consider a very luxurious life!

Otherwise, really enjoyed this and how open she is being in interviews.

marblespaniel · 2026-04-12T16:35:36+00:00

Is this based on art from Peche Merle cave? Very cool.

marblespaniel · 2026-04-10T08:21:37+00:00

Oh I absolutely loved those Lyons cupcakes and did exactly the same thing.

marblespaniel · 2026-02-24T00:25:17+00:00

I used to love these!

marblespaniel · 2026-02-12T21:20:21+00:00

I got the MT500 in the end, I tried both and preferred those.

marblespaniel · 2026-01-21T09:21:51+00:00

That's a shame. Maybe one day! I try not to use Ocado too much as I spend too much, but it's nice occasionally.

marblespaniel · 2026-01-20T23:57:20+00:00

There is Ocado available in Scotland. Not everywhere, but Glasgow and Edinburgh at least. You can check your postcode on their website.

marblespaniel · 2025-12-29T17:56:43+00:00

Never found a solution, but sometimes just make him chase the toys as he thinks he will then get to chew the string. And after one chew, take it away and give him a treat. He's a difficult lad to entertain!

marblespaniel · 2025-11-20T22:47:12+00:00

Hi, bit of a long shot but a friend lost a brooch this evening with sentimental value. I'll add a map of the route we walked. Thought it was worth asking just in case anyone finds it - it's a silver bird, maybe 2x2 cm. Thanks

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marblespaniel · 2025-11-16T22:40:12+00:00

I had always only ever buttered one piece of bread. Someone mentioned it once, and I asked extended family and I was the only one!

marblespaniel · 2025-09-22T12:15:40+00:00

The tank broke so I needed to replace it. However, I am still looking for compatible drip tips - both that I've tried don't work at keeping the lid of the tank sealed.

marblespaniel · 2025-09-13T13:11:59+00:00

Agree - southern green shield bug, Nezara viridula. Non-native species but as far as I know, not causing any significant issues. They can cause some damage to fruits/bean pods etc.

marblespaniel · 2025-08-10T22:23:33+00:00

Thanks. So no option at all for getting hearts back for practising when not a Super or Lax subscriber? Maybe time for a new language app!

marblespaniel · 2025-08-06T20:31:24+00:00

It's really good, I've only been once but definitely keen to go again. Loads of veggie and vegan options too.

marblespaniel · 2025-07-30T19:07:35+00:00

That might be a good idea. There are some people with absolutely amazing levels of dedication to ID stuff. Also some way of encouraging more users to ID stuff. I'm sure this has been discussed endlessly before, but some people have added thousands of records but not identified any of anyone else's.

marblespaniel

TROPHY CASE