They walk amongst us...

After the last entry, and associated texts to mates, I have not heard anything from anyone, apart from a comment added to this. Was it something I said, or are their messages being intercepted by the CIA? Again.

Maybe that's just the way of the world in these troubled times, where people cannot just be open minded and feel they have to shy away from things they think might be a bit "odd" or "weird".
I was talking to Shjgyutyt, my main man from over Neptune way about the same thing the other night...

Talking of Tranmere Rovers' fans, the image to your right is the cover of the new Half Man Half Biscuit album, and, from the tracks I've heard so far, it's a good un. "Joy Division oven glove" is all I'd hoped it would be, after getting to last year's Festive Fifty, with the lads sounding as fresh and cutting as ever. Like a lime scented Stanley knife, or Cif down your japeye. Have also been downloading Peel and other radio bits from the site, including the best cover of 'Song to the Siren' since John Barnes' radical remix in the style of his World in Motion rap.

Also, caught the last episode of the Boosh online and catch myself, bathroom mirror like, reflecting on the series and having a slash. There were a few moments when I wanted to text them asking "y kp ths knd crzy sht til lst ep, u mnky frglrs?" , but if I didn't know what I was talking about, why would they? Yes, it was frustrating that they'd kept the really out there, yet beautifully simple, ideas till the last episode, and yes, I did call them monkey frunglers. But that was because I was blown away by the child like invention in that episode.

I'd been worried at times when material in earlier shows had been based on earlier stuff, some going back to stage shows like Arctic Boosh. Ok, everyone does it, if you've ever seen John Shuttleworth you smile and groan at the same time (not to be advised in a job interview, unless it's for 'cider swigging tramp with hand in trousers, must have own imaginary friend') at some of the material. Alexei Sayle was once arrested for plagiarising himself but in the end dropped the charges and settled out of court.

No, the Booshy boys have been good, but I wonder if they have much more in the tank. Maybe a longer gap between the two series would make me appreciate them more. Maybe disappointment in Nathan Barley, and shows like Balls of Steel (Bag of Shite, more like) has made me really want the Boosh to be the show that makes me glad to be alive and own a telly. I wanted it to be essential, and it is, to me, but I don't see it making that leap to "must see tv" for others. It feels too safe and comfortable within the boundaries it has created for itself - we know the relationships between the characters and who will end up clearing up the mess and , yes, the situations will be exotic, but how many times do we need to be in the desert? Or a wilderness of some kind? And why does Naboo sound like Frank Lampard? No, really, try it next time you hear him/them. Alan Hansen discussing "the lad in the turban's great vision and use of space, but Bollo, in defence? Shocking, truly shocking. "

Having said that, the move away from the zoo was a brave one, even if it meant relocating to a sitcom flat/bedsit. It's like Rising Damp had never been away. The episode, The Beast and the Priest was only nominally about Howard and Vince, and was probably my favourite. But, again, the characters are following the same formula and we are stuck in the desert. It was good but felt too familar.

So, overall, I'm glad they're back and still doing the business, but would like to feel surprised more often. Maybe I've been spoiled by the radio shows. Either way, I wouldn't want them to stop.