MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!

First of all........a huge big thank you to everyone who has sent a lovely Xmas message, either through a comment these past few days or via an e-mail. I promise I will respond to all of them....just a bit tied up just now trying to keep going without any running water thanks to frozen pipes.

So here it is.....Merry Xmas Everybody.

And keeping with the spirit of the day, TVV is handing out some goodies.

Last week, I offered the chance to win a copy of the 12” single My Beloved Girl by Edwyn Collins. Contestants were asked to give me the name of Edwyn’s wife. The answer is Grace Maxwell. Incidentally, I'd like to remind everyone that Grace was the TVV person of the year for 2009. The reasons why are here.

I’m pleased to announce that of the eight people who sent in an e-mail, the name plucked out of the hat is Richard Cundill. I say pleased, not because I wanted Richard to win ahead of anyone else, but for two reasons.

Firstly, he’s entered every competition I’ve ever set and this is his first success. Secondly, it gives me the chance to plug something he’s responsible for, namely a very well-written and informative biography of Martin Stephenson which I reviewed on publication in 2009. Click here for a reminder.

And now, its time for what I reckon will be the biggest ever giveaway on TVV.

I’m a huge fan of the way a number of bloggers such as Ed at 17 Seconds, Jim at Aye Tunes and Lloyd at Peenko have branched out and set up record labels/hosted radio programmes/promoted club nights and gigs. I got a little taste of thing earlier in 2010 when Drew from Across The Kitchen Table put a lot of work into setting up Blog Rocking Beats at The Flying Duck in Glasgow and allowed me to be part of it – and this was one of many musical highlights in 2010.

But more than anyone else, I’m a huge admirer of Matthew Young who is responsible for Song By Toad. His blog sets standards the rest of us can only ever dream of aspiring to while his weekly podcasts are works of art. He’s set up a critically acclaimed record label and having been successful in holding the occasional special night around the acts on his label, he’s now going to branch out and promote a monthly live event in Edinburgh from January 2011 onwards. And he’s a thoroughly decent bloke as well…..

Matthew is TVV’s Person of The Year for 2010. He has taken the incredibly brave decision to give up his regular job and become self-employed in the music industry in an effort to turn Song By Toad Records into something substantial. It won’t be easy, but that won’t detract Matthew from giving it a real go….

And in recognition of this award, TVV has arranged to provide one lucky reader with a copy of the entire back catalogue of Song By Toad Records – well the parts of the catalogue that haven’t sold out. I’m purchasing everything you can from Matthew, and he’s also agreed to throw in a couple of other things not otherwise readily available, and it will all be lovingly packaged and sent to someone who correctly answers this really tough multi-choice question.

What is the name of the first band to sign to Song By Toad Records:

A. Buckfast
B. Meursault
C. Sauvignon Blanc

All you now have to do to have a chance of getting your hands on this prize is send an e-mail to thevinylvillain@hotmail.co.uk giving your answer and your own name and address. The competition is open to all and sundry, no matter where you live. The closing date is Friday 7 January 2011. Good luck.

And that dear readers is the last of TVV until 31 December when I’ll share my thoughts on 2010 with anyone who is interested. I’ll end today with three tunes selected at random from the i-pod.

mp3 : Ash - Angel Interceptor
mp3 : The Horrors - Who Can Say
mp3 : Michelle Shocked - When I Grow Up

Happy Listening.