Peter Moore has a quick look at the evolution of one of our favourite festivals: Halloween

So, it’s the 31st of October. Better put, to me, you and all the card shops in the Western world, it is Halloween. Before you pull on all your costumes, chop up your pumpkins or knock on neighbours’ doors, it might be time to think about how Halloween came about.

Halloween evolved from pagan rituals in Ireland and Scotland. The pagans strongly associated winter with death (it was pretty cold up there) and by the end of October, summer was certainly over. Therefore the first of November came to symbolise the first day of winter and the previous day therefore became the last day of summer. This last day of summer became known as Samhain. This festival was the Grandfather of Halloween.

According to the pagans, survival throughout the harsh winters depended on the prophecies of the Druids, therefore in their honour bonfires were lit in the hope that they would help to protect them from evil spirits.

Ever since then, Halloween has retained its association with death. People remembered their dead, celebrated the lives of the dead and soon after the church got in on the act: the 1st November became All Souls Day.

Today’s incarnation of Halloween has much to do (like many other things it seems today) to do with the Irish. To this day the Irish take a day’s holiday on the 31st October; children across the land knock on neighbours’ doors to collect fruit and sweets; families make brambrack and eventually the tradition was carried by the Irish across the Atlantic Ocean and it became part of American culture.

Nowadays Halloween is a heavily commercialised holiday. Shops sell everything: cards, pumpkins, lights, hats, disguises and sweets. All designed to make things a little more exciting. A whole film genre has grown around the date. Harry Potter is one of the most recent books to add to the growing cult of Halloween: many of the most important plot lines in the books occur on the 31st October.

Right, time to enjoy yourself. Why not start with this lovely little song. Points for anyone who spots who the members of the band are.

Want to get involved in some football in Madrid? Why not try Luc Ciotkowski’s team with no name?

This is our new team shield. We haven’t got a name yet, but we’ve got a shield. I made it yesterday on Photoshop with different odds and ends off the internet. It’s made up of a football, a little Osborne bull, sinisterly butchered player from a Pro Evolution Soccer screenshot, a butchered Scarborough Football Club (a struggling English football team that went bankrupt this year) shield and a pint of Guinness. Not a classic piece of design I’ll give you that, but, to say I’m someone whose drawings of cats and horses can only be differentiated by their size, I’ve got limited resources to draw upon. Besides, I did it mostly to cheer myself up after the Santana debacle (see Santana Debacle post).

I think the different elements sum up pretty well what we’re about.That’s not to say the pint of Guinness and Osborne sherry bull mean that we’re Spanish Guinness drinkers or Irish sherry drinkers. No, that would be far too clever for me. It’s just football, Spain and beer. Now, that could start you thinking that we’re a group of drunken Brits vainly attempting to delay the onset of a beer-gut. That’s not the case. Well some of us are fighting off bellies and we probably all like to party, yes, but since I’ve played for the team I’ve counted 11 different nationalities and at the moment I think we’re made up of Spanish, Scottish, English, French, Australian, Cuban, Italian and Argentinian players.

It was over a couple of whiskies and coke at a European Vibe night on a Friday in January 2006 that I first got involved. I got introduced to Lewis Carroll (that’s his real name, and he’s definitely not a reverend) and, after a bizarre first twenty seconds that went, “Alright, I’m Lewis.” “How’s it goin’, I’m Luc.” “You what?” “It’s Luc” “No, I’m Lewis,” “Aye, and I’m Luc.” You’re Lewis, too?” “No, Luc.” “Nook??” “Naw mate, Luc” “Lu? Alright mate. Where you fae wi’ a name like that? China?” “Edinburgh.” “Aw, you poor bastard, never mind mate, eh?” (give a boy from Glasgow a few drinks and he thinks he’s Billy Connolly) I was invited to Saturday afternoon friendly football. (Anyone can go to this now and new players are welcome. If you are interested, you can sign up on this site. There are games on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Colegio Santa Maria del Pilar, metro Sainz de Baranda.

The outside rim of the shield is butchered from Scarborough F.C.’s badge; a team that was relegated from the English Football League in 1999 because of a goal scored by an on-loan goalkeeper, after five minutes of added-on time in the final match of the season. The only relevance of this was that I was unlucky enough to be a fan of this club. Although, I’ve just realised that our team has a peculiar end-of-season misfortune in common with Scarborough, it’s a story that deserves its own post (see post ‘Champions for 25 minutes’).

Coming back to the main point, though, we’re still looking for a name. We’ve had a few already; three in two years. We started out as ‘Los Vallecanos’ (although oddly there was nobody from Vallecas in the team), then briefly became ‘Deportivo La Latina’ and then, most recently, ‘Hot English’. The end of last season saw our Anglo-Italian founder/player/manager, Roberto ‘Gentle’ Savage, leave for warmer climates. (40° not hot enough for you in the summer, Robbie?) This season we’ve got Lewis Carroll and Angelo Cavallucci at the helm with a five-a-side team and a seven-a-side team and we want a new name for a new era.

So, any suggestions?

As our Anarcho-Syndicalist red and black colours suggest, we’re going to sit round a table and argue until the person who shouts loudest finally gets their way. Either that or we’ll just name ourselves after whoever gives us some sponsorship money.

Give us some options, whatever you think of can’t be as stunningly inappropriate for a football team as some guys in our league who are collectively called ‘Audrey Hepburn’.
I’ll start the ball rolling… Staying on the lines of red and black and Anarcho-Syndicalism, what about using the name of the trade union, CNT, but pronouncing it as a word and not separate letters, and with ‘United’ at the end?
Right your turn…

European Vibe’s Hip Hop expert Tahira Lindsay tells us all about Common’s latest effort.

I am not a big fan of hip-hop soundtracks in movies. The songs are boring and turn hip-hop into something it should never be: pop. Common stays true to his hip-hop roots by hitting hard with his lyrics, while Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am uses a rather melodic sound to add a little dash of Hollywood musical flavor. Although the concept sounds refreshing, the actual delivery is no head-turner.

Common’s lyrics are genius, as always. He makes a powerful statement about societal inequality by mixing issues of race, poverty and gender over a radio-friendly, mid-tempo, soulful funky beat. Common speaks about his life, about “being born on a black list” and having “struggle as his address”. Even though many of the references he makes deal with growing up as a Black man in America, he makes an honest attempt to keep his lyrics fairly relatable to every listener.
But some blame is due. This song is wack, by hip hop standards, but not because Common fell short with his delivery. Rapper-turned-producer will.i.am has to hold the torch for this one. What could one expect from a man who produced Fergie’s hit “My hump”? Will.i.am also has producing credits on this track and his generic and repetitive sing songie croon over the same beat does nothing more than attempt to pound a hole in your cerebellum.

Calling “A Dream” a hip-hop song would be blasphemous. This song is mediocre pop. Perhaps it would have been more powerful and successful if a member of Black Eyed Peas wasn’t involved. We will never know. Check it out the video anyway:

So, this question has been causing us a little bit of debate in the office. What is the oldest pub in the world? And where is it? Please add your answers below, everyone seems to have a different answer. So let’s get the ball rolling on this one…

Well, here we are getting all excited about Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton and what happens? Yes, you’ve got it. Some Fin called Räikkönen comes along and spoils our party. Well, well done Kimi, it looks like Ferrari team work triumphed over the squabbling McClarens. Maybe there is a lesson or two to be learnt from this Formula One season…

In just a couple of hours time we will know the result of one of the most fantastic sporting tussles of recent times: that of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

If he wins the Formula One World Championship today, Hamilton will become the first rookie ever to scoop the title. Alonso however is tantalisingly poised just four points behind and any slip up from Lewis could result in Alonso winning his third consecutive drivers title. If it all goes wrong for both of them, then the Iceman Kimi Raikkonen could pick up the title instead.

So we are all set up for emotional finale to the Formula One season this afternoon. Only time will tell…

The Vibe Box is a chance for members of the Madrid international community to make their very own play list. For any of you that missed out, here is the first every Vibe Box, from one of Madrid’s most recognisable personalities: Brendan Murphy.

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Hocus Pocus by Focus

The song that started me on the road to rock n’ roll. A demon anthem from a Dutch band which was aired in the early 70’s when I was being weaned off Gilbert O’ Sullivan. It was also the first concert I was allowed go to on my own, though my mother collected me. Definitely a number to listen to with the headphones on and the volume at max, oh and you can air-guitar too.

Aria from ‘La Wally’ sung by Wilhelmenia Fernandez

From a great French film called ‘Diva’ which I used to go and see several times at the late-night in the Alphaville when I first came to Spain when there were no DVD’s and the only English-speaking videos were ‘Muzzy’, this operatic piece HAS to be heard at full volumn, as my neighbours will testify, it gives you that back-of-the-neck tingling sensation – impresses the ladies in the morning too.

Mysterious Traveller by Weather Report

When I went to art-school, among the several new sensations I was introduced to was Jazz/Funk/Rock or however you want to pigeonhole it, but this track started me off on a long spree and a great vinyl collection – Joe Zawinul, Al Di Meola, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and the brilliant Jaco Pastorious among others.

Cena Recalentada by Golpes Bajas

I arrived in Spain in the mid 80’s when it was the ‘Golden age’ and this was my first Spanish cassette. I used to listen to it on a walkman played through car speakers and a little booster amp bought in the Rastro. Germán Coppini led this band and added a personal vocal style before going off to do dreadful things to great commercial acclaim.

Bitch Dub by Linton Kwesi Jonson

As an Irish person, London is a second home, and during many visits during the 70’s and 80’s and I was brought to Brixton where I was introduced to a whole range of musical and culinary delights – Dancehall, Rocksteady, Ska, Reggae and me favrit, Dub. Them were the days when a kebab was a ting to behold.

Cavan Potholes by Sharon Shannon

I had the priviledge of meeting this great musician recently when she played in Madrid. This was my first track every night when I started my shift in the Rover and what a great way to start. The woman is a marvel on the diatonic, a sort of squeezbox, we can’t forget our roots, and the lady likes cider.

The Sweetest Girl by Scritti Pollitti

Everyone has that memory album sparked off by a song, the smell of a mown lawn or burnt spaghetti, this is my romantic choice. After splitting up with my girlfriend, something I wasn’t too happy about at the time but you get over it – ha! She dumped me, yet all men are bastards?

Summer in Siam by The Pogues

Raw drink-powered celtpunk has kept me going through many a long night in the Rover. This is a personal favourite, Shane McGowan’s signature vocals and the video’s good too. Another personal anecdote; I was in a dressing room alone with him and we polished off a bottle of port while shootin’ the breeze. I asked him what his favourite Pogues track was and yes, it’s this one.

Persian Love by Holger Czukay.

One of my favourite tracks of all time from one of my favourite albums of all time; ‘Movies’. This is one of these ‘knock on’ effects, someone had turned me on to a band called ‘Can’ and some pre-internet investigating got me a copy of this jewel. I have played this to so many people over the years and (nearly) everyone just has to go out and get it. Spread the word.

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And here is one of the tracks for you:

Technorati Profile

FrankT Presenta showcases a mix of jazz classics by distinguished artists of the past including The Commodores, Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons, and more. The two CD set includes over thirty-five songs, all of which encompass a mellow, self-expressive beat. The songs keep the listener interested with slight variations between slow and moderate paces, and between lyrical and instrumental tunes. Songs like Theme From Shaft (Isaac Hayes) and Machine Gun (The Commodores) offer a passive break from the overwhelming rap that usually blares from club speakers nowadays.

The recognizable hits such as Le Freak (Chic) and We are Family (Sister Sledge) are surrounded by less renowned, but similarly enjoyable beats. Songs like Blame it on the Boogie (The Jacksons) inspire not only head-bobbing, but shoulder-rocking and an overall comfortable mindset. The various beats and lyrics appeal to crowds of all ages, and can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere at home, via Ipod on the metro, or in a social setting at a café. Overall, the combination of artists in FrankT Presenta creates a perfect blend of downbeat jazz and passive lyrics to leave an audience of any age in a tranquil mindset.

Ellen Marks

Two months ago European Vibe was lucky enough to scoop an interview with the captain of the England rugby team, Phil Vickery. Back then, few commentators would have given the English team much of a chance of progressing in the tournament, however, a few months on the World Champions have found themselves back in the final. Not only this, but they have the significant scalps of in form Australia and hosts France to their name.

So here for you to enjoy, in anticipation of a World Cup final with France, is Phil Vickery’s July interview with European Vibe.

(The interview was conducted with Vickery’s ex-Gloucester team mate and European Vibe boss, Scott Edwards)

It’s been a long time since we last spoke Phil, and it’s great to see how much you’ve achieved. Did you ever think you’d achieve so much in rugby when growing up in Cornwall?

My upbringing in Cornwall on my fathers farm taught me a lot of things, the main one being that you only get out of life what you put in. I have worked hard to achieve what I have, and I’m very proud of it.

How have the training camps been this summer, and are they different to your previous pre-World Cup camps and why?

The camp has been good for several reasons, one being to create a team spirit amongst the squad and the management alike. We have that bulldog spirit, and a will to do very well as all the squad recognise that we are representing our country and do not want to let the supporters down. The build-up has been slightly different as there are different personalities involved this time, but the general template was made before the last World Cup (the one which we won).

I heard that training with the Royal Marines was tough. How did the boys get on?

It was very tough to say the least, but all the guys bought into it, and it’s made us all the stronger for the experience!

It’s been a tough few years since the last World Cup. How testing has that time been, and are England back on the right track?

It’s been tough, but it was something that was always going to happen and the England management will have to learn to deal with that. The England team will always evolve in some way, as does every team. We just have to make sure that everything is in place to cope with the change. We are now getting there and will just have to time it right to make sure that we are all fully prepared.

There is a lot of potential in this new England side. Which of the younger guys is going to make their mark?

I’d say Tom Reese, Toby Flood and Mathew Tate could potentially make a great impact.

One of the main problems that England has had more than any other international team has been an enormous amount of injuries. Why do you think that is?

Several reasons. The amount of games, the intensity of the games, and just good old-fashioned bad luck. These days a player definitely has to look after himself like never before.

How did you react when told by Brian Ashton that you were going to captain your country?

I was deeply honored. It was an over-whelming feeling of pride.

What do you think makes a good Captain and who has been the best you’ve played under?

Martin Johnson definitely. I believe a good captain should never ask other people to do things that he will not do himself, and he very much epitomised that.

Phil Vickery 2007 Rugby World Cup Predictions:

Who do you think is going to win the trophy this time?

Well, England to win of course, with the All Blacks coming in a close second.

New Zealand have been the outstanding side of the past few years, and hotly tipped by the pundits, including Martin Johnson. Are they such hot favourites?

They have to be on current form, but they have to carry that into the World Cup, something that they have traditionally not been good at. They will be very strong if they can stay away from injuries.

What about a dark horse to look out for?

Ireland look very strong and are in with a shout of going all the way, but they’ll need a tad of that Irish luck.

How do you see the other Six nations teams doing?

France will always be strong on home turf and they have a very partisan crowd. Scotland have exciting players but may struggle up front. If they get good ball they should be able to play fast and wide.
I think Wales will do well but they have a lot of injuries, if they can get their best XV on the park they will be a match for anyone.

Players to look out for?

Dan Carter and Carl Hayman have been playing very well but Jonny Wilkinson will be up there with them if he can stay fit, which he has been up until now.