Ist up is (in my humble opinion) one of the most underrated records ever made. Sometimes, when people come round to Sensible Mansions I play a little trick on 'em and ask 'em to name the act... as I play 'In My Own Good Time', from this wonderful psychedelic pop album by the Bee Gees. Yes, you heard that correctly - I said the BEE GEES.

Has old Sensible lost his marbles I hear you mumbling in the back row there... well, actually no I havn't as the 'Bee Gees 1st' (to give it its proper title) is a masterpiece of wonderfully crafted, and occasionally quite eccentric songs of the utmost catchiness. Tunes that are nigh on impossible to dislodge from the old cranium... and not a disco beat in sight. If you come across a copy in the local charity shop overcome your natural loathing of all things falsetto and Saturday Night Fever and give it a go, I guaruntee you will be pleasantly amazed playmates.

Other standout tracks for me are 'Red Chair Fade Away' - quite literally drenched in luvverly mellotron; 'Cucumber Castle' - 60's quirkiness at it's best and the epic "New York Mining Disaster 1941'.... fantastic stuff.

Doncha just love the appallingly behaved Zippy? It has to be said that perhaps I have incorporated an element or 2 of his marvellous act into my own over the years. If you've gotta pilfer - nick from the best, thats my motto. Anyway... heres me hero Zippy starring in a little cartoon strip which I'd like to share with y'all.

Lets have a quick plug for one of the best 2nd hand record emporiums going - which just happens to reside in the wonderful Croydon too... so that makes it even more special dont it! Here's yours truly at BEANOS records with their top banana Ray (good name that...) who, when I asked him once if he could locate a copy of 'No Milk Today' by Hermans Hermits pulled out 11 copies and asked how many I wanted! Beanos is in Middle st, just round the corner from that fabulous spit and sawdust Youngs boozer the 'Dog and Bull' in Surrey st market - also well worth a visit for a pint of their excellant ale.