book 6 - Ian Stewart "Calculating The Cosmos"

Ian Stewart "Calculating The Cosmos" (Profile Books)







From space exploration to astronomy to astrophysics to cosmology these are unusual topics for prominent mathematics popularizer Stewart. However, it almost seems that his real purpose here is to express scepticism about dark matter, cosmological inflation, dark energy, the Big Bang itself, and "fine-tuning" arguments. Sure, he says a lot about the role of mathematics in the various topics, but almost entirely using words rather than symbols and equations. This does make the book more digestible and informative for many readers but is not rigorous for those like myself who prefer it chunkier with the equations thrown in. Personally, I would opt for the Roger Penrose book "The Road To Reality" to give me the real meat of the subject.  

Kate Bush

In the current Wire magazine  (February issue) in the review pages looking at reissues, there is a whole page devoted to the two box set reissues of the oeuvre of Kate Bush.




However, as one Amazon purchaser mentioned it is less than what it seems.

I hate to burst people's bubble when it comes to someone as gloriously special as KATE BUSH - but on receiving this 'Remastered Part 1' box set today, day of release, Friday 16 November 2018 - I have to say that apart from the James Guthrie and Joel Plante Remasters of the seven stunning albums from 1978 to 1993 (this duo of Audio Engineers did all the Pink Floyd albums in 2011 to universal praise) - I'm massively underwhelmed.

Let's be real about this. There is nothing new here - at all - and in some cases, there's actually less. These albums should have been remastered decades ago and the new Fish People variants (her own label) offer only a tri-gatefold card sleeve with an 8-page booklet inside each that contains the lyrics, session credits, artwork and absolutely nothing else. The only words added are 'Remastered by James Guthrie and Joel Plante at Das Boot Recording' inside every one of the booklets (Doug Sax was also involved in "The Red Shoes"). The inside box ‘two worlds’ artwork is nice, the tri-folding gatefolds are pretty and each Fish People Logo Picture CD reflects the album artwork – but in truth not so you’d notice that much. There are no new photos - no essays - no history - no sense of place - and worse of course - having waited decades - there isn't a single outtake or unreleased anywhere."

On further inspection though, all the reworkings and alternatives are on the second box set - 11 CD's in total but at around seventy quid it is not cheap. Yet another Amazon buyer said "After the mildly disappointing presentation of the first box, things go downhill further still here. As someone else has pointed out, the lack of consistent presentation within this set makes it appear as though no thought has gone into it at all."

They could have done so much more, and in fact, perhaps it would be better to purchase the individual albums on CD or if you wish, the remastered vinyl. However, this review in Wire has allowed me to re-assess her work and to fill gaps in my own collection. 

Good Morning

Jazz Reissues

Other reissue reviews in Wire magazine are the first time vinyl reissue of Bheki Mseleku "Celebration" album from 1992, which I have in my collection.

Bheki Mseleku - Celebration

Also in the same pages is a review of five LP releases by Jazzman Records of classic sixties British jazz albums by Ian Carr and Don Rendell which I have on CD, except for Change Is.


Don Rendell Ian Carr - Black Marigolds

Discog Sales

Been busy on Discogs again, sold two CDs and a slab of vinyl on the site. The vinyl went for £17 including postage, the CDs were £9 and £18 respectively including postage, and so
I hope, may this upsurge continue.

Just Wondering

Did you get everything done that you needed to do today?

What is something that is really popular now, but in 5 years everyone will look back on and be embarrassed by?

If animals could talk, which one do you think would be the rudest?

Way Out There Selection

Time for some music that is more outta there  -

Tim Hecker - This Life

From the album Konoyo.

Myra Davies - Burrough's Bunker (2008)

taken from the amazing "Cities & Girls" 2008 album, released on Moabit Musik and produced by Gudrun Gut.

Gregory Whitehead - Twilight For Idols

"The Respirator And Other Outcasts", Cassette, Label: Minerva Editions, US, 1989

Gregory Whitehead & Dan Lander - Here Comes Everybody

Hakim Bey & Bill Laswell - Amour Fou

Little Annie - The Good Ship Nasty Queen

M.J. Harris & Martyn Bates - The Cruel Mother

Enjoy