Well at least the weather is a bit better today… I missed the season finale of Bad Girls last night so I will have to try and catch up on it this weekend sometime. I had the most visitors ever to my site yesterday which was very nice. If you are new – hello! Right then – straight on with todays random musings…

Must Get Out:

Oh my! Popping up rather quietly on maroon 5's myspace page was the following message from drummer Ryan…

" Due to the rigors of touring, I have sustained joint and nerve injuries that have made me unable to continue performing as a drummer in a touring rock band. I am therefore leaving Maroon 5 to pursue songwriting and producing on my own, a process I have already begun with much enthusiasm.

The split is amicable, and I have made my peace with this unfortunate reality, because I feel that I have a lot of music still to make. I worked in the creative process and production of the new M5 album with the title Musical Director, and I hope to collaborate with the band again in the future. I am still close friends with the guys, including my replacement, Matt Flynn, to whom I wish good luck and much success.

I would also like to thank all of you who have supported me for many years, and I hope to create music for you in the near future. Its been an incredible twelve years since Adam, Jesse, Mickey and I started this band. Now I begin a new phase in my life, to which I look forward graciously. Thank you, and I love you all."

Maroon 5 were one of the four bands I fell in love with in 2004 and are still my favourite, even over the mighty Scissters and killers. It was quite a shock to read this news and wish Ryan all the best with his new path in life. It must have been a difficult decision to leave. Apparently the band are close to finishing their sophomore set – I for one can't wait to hear it…while we are waiting for that, here are a couple of demos from Songs About Jane…

MP3: Maroon 5 – Thats Not Enough (unreleased demo)
MP3: Maroon 5 – Shiver (demo)

Return To Oz:

Over the past two days, I have developed quite an unhealthy addiction to Ta-Dah, which I wrote about yesterday. I just can't seem to get enough of it. And the more I listen to I Can't Decide the more I want it. I think it’s the piano in it as well – I'm very into piano in songs at the moment (see below for why) and think this track would be a riot for my fingers on the keyboard. Plus what's not to love about a song that promises to "fuck and kiss you both at the same time"?? XO has weighed in with his opinions on the album so be sure to check that out. And if you get chance to buy the limited edition box set with extra songs – do so! Those songs are a lot of fun, particularly Hair Baby (again which I heard and loved at V Fest 2005) and Transistor (almost sorry is almost lovely too)…

MP3: Scissters – hair baby
MP3: Scissters - transistor

Piano Man:

Back in school (so many moons ago, sob) I used to be quite good at piano. I had lessons, worked my way through exams and then went to university and gave up on it all. That's not to say I didn't play, but I didn't practice as much and my skill level dropped significantly. So recently, I decided I wanted to go back to having lessons to brush up on my talent again. I was lucky enough to get some lessons from Brian Woulfe who is an extremely talented young man whose done lots of professional classical work in the past. He's quite encouraging and creative so I look forward to my next few lessons (though he did criticise my fingering – DazPhallic has never had any complaints ;) )

Over the weekend: Well I will be in London all day tomorrow for this (finally!) so expect a detailed review late Saturday evening. And probably some more stuff on Sunday - including who i am starting again with in 2007 and maybe some stuff from my archives :) Don't leave me hanging! Ps - what do we think of the new sugababes track? A grower??