Well this is a bit of a curve-ball, a Fear Ball, or that rare thing, an Amsterdam snowball.Because this week we end up chatting about F.E.A.R in the context of its importance as both a musical statement and also as a backdrop to the first Royal Albert Hall gig. I'm not quite sure how we got here but I have to admit it's certainly an interesting idea to explore, even though I keep repeating myself. (Nothing new there.) Ant thinks FEAR's important and I'm glad he does.The diary is a bit of a whistle-stop gad around France, Germany and the Netherlands involving a quest for just the right kind of eyewear, electric toothbrushes and trying to finish The Bonfire of the Vanities - such is my life.And apparently you have to get the balance of the ingredients right (crucially the sugar), have a steady hand, and employ the back of a warm spoon. (Not for a space-alien on toast obvs, a cold spoon will do for that)Love'n'furry dicehTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Admittedly we took the long way around, but with #172 we finally reach the end of our leisurely stroll around the FEAR album. I can’t actually remember how long ago it was that we started - seems like months if I am honest, but in podcasting circles Ant is known for his tenacity and I for my laser-like focus, obvs.So this week we are going to get into album-closer, White Paper and a lyric that was inspired by an event that actually couldn’t have been more literal. In other news, like Mary Poppins, Klaus arrives before we know we need him and makes his presence felt on the roof. He said he wasn’t a burglar, so that’s alright. There is an important social media update too!Love’n’long laddershTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

In the spirit of continuous personal development, and in recognition that every day is indeed a school day, I am in a position to reliably inform you that as far as TCD (sorry Lucy) is concerned 09:30 just doesn't work.Confused, let me explain.For reasons too numerous and mundane to mention, the recording slot for #171 had to be moved up to earlier in the morning. Not by much, just 30 minutes but lord, did it seem to make a difference. I was dropping stuff in left, right and centre that wasn't really suitable for broadcast, so in the end we had to start again and mark the first 25 minutes as private - approved ears only.Ant has managed to rescue some of it, so as a little patreon bonus he has included some of it after the credits.Love'n'slander-not-libelhP.S The wonderful Adam of Old Trafford is of course Adam Bostock. Sorry my friend, I am indeed a cabbageTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Wow, that was a bit of an adventure.If life is indeed a journey, and not a destination, then the route to this weeks episode has been like off-roading in an Austin Allegro with a duff clutch pedal. It is fair to say we have faced a few challenges this week, but in amongst it all we have also learnt three valuable lessons.As far as TCD (sorry Lucy) is concerned if the wi-fi connection ain't rock solid then we fade faster than the promises of a Brexiteer...Strange things happen in Phil Brown's hotel suite when he isn't looking.If you find yourself in a Swedish Burger King, try the Nuggets.Oh, and in amongst it all we actually had a semi-serious chat about The Leavers.See you on the road,hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

We are caught between a meatball and a clotted cream scone this week, with Ant squirrelled away in a corner of Devon and me in Sweden for a couple of weeks.It seems like an age since we last recorded one of these, so we eased ourselves back into the podcasting swing by catching up with my recent off-mic activities and reflecting on my recent natural show in Liverpool.And as a special treat the legend that is Lucy Jordache is on hand to tidy up some of the debris from Chapter 168 and generally sprinkle a light dusting of competence & clarity that The Corona Diaries (see what I did there) aspires to, but tends to lack - especially on the right-hand-side of stereo ...where I tend to reside.Keep on rocking and er.. Rickrolling..TooldeoohTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Break out the Berol felt tips for #168 and be careful not to go over the lines.If you cast your mind back to last weeks episode you may recall we got so deeply engrossed in chat about Living in Fear and the upcoming 'au natural by the seaside' shows that we didn't really talk about the diary. In hindsight this seemed a shame because it was a jolly interesting excerpt about a jaunt to Mexico.So this week we are going back to add a little colour about said trip (see what I did there) including the eventful journey over, and the days that followed. Oh, and there's a hill, and there's Macclesfield, and there's time-lag, and, there's Mike Oldfield's big recorder and there's me.. in a vest.. channelling Bruce Willis.Love'n buckets of ado...hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

In our distinctive haphazard style we finally got back onto a bit of FEAR chat for #167. After quite a deep dive into The New Kings & El Dorado a few episodes back, today was dedicated to Living in Fear. As you will hear I am still not quite sure if the lyric is fanciful, protest full or just a bit naive, but what I will say is there is a lot to unpack.And, if you are purple, and you live in close proximity to the coastal resorts of the UK you might want to get ready - your moment may well be nigh.Right I’m off to see if I can acquire an inverter and a deckchair from Mick & Keef in the village shop.Tiddely-om-pom-pom,hP.S Apols for the fact it is a little late this week, Ant rushed off on holiday before pressing the schedule button. What is the collective for a pair of cabbages?TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Now, there are two reasons why Seamus is all over #166.The first one you will find out pretty much as soon as you start listening, and tbh it’s a thing of beauty. No need to know the backstory, it is what it is and as you will hear, it moved me to oblige.Secondly he was one of the first (possibly the first) to vote for The Corona Diaries in the British Podcast Awards. And in this he is not alone.So thanks to all of you that have taken the trouble to vote, and if you haven’t as yet (but you are thinking about it) then remember It is as easy as 1-2-3Click the linkSearch for The Corona DiariesRegister your vote. BoomRight I am off to Italy to have dinner with, Perry and his comb-over.Love’n’lip sync-ing the WRONG SONG (!!!) with NO monitors.hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Let's break with tradition and explain ourselves.The dust has settled a little since we recorded #165 and as such I can provide you with a little bit of supplementary information.It turns out the Tempodrom was originally a venue housed in a large circus tent, and so when the current permanent venue was constructed in 2001 it was designed to echo that fact. On the Wikipedia page for the venue it has a section covering ‘notable performers’ and (blow me down with a feather!) Marillion are included! I really must write to them and complain. At this rate we'll end up famous...It turns out that Nik Kershaw also contributed to one of the tracks I sang on for John Mitchell. The song in question is Humans Being and it is on the Lonely Robot album . Ant gave it a listen and was quite gushing. Who would have thought it?As far as the British Podcast Awards goes, the closing date for the Listeners Choice award is the 5th September. They appear to have updated the website since we looked on Tuesday. You can vote here if you like. For God's sake DO!! :o]hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Left foot down, a healthy screech of brakes and before you know it we have done a complete one eighty in terms of the episode plan.Every once in a while we do a double-diary format, as cool as double-denim and a nice break from the norm. Often it’s because of a really lengthy entry. Typically I read a couple of pages a week, but on the odd occasion the text is four or five pages long and then we tend to split it.This week however it's to allow the narrative arc of a few glorious days in Mexico to be enjoyed in its entirety.Going with the flow is a wonderful thing and should be embraced. Umbrellas, stepladders, coffins and all.hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Seventeen points of seperation takes us from the beginning to the end this week.IvyNail-BrushLeft-HandedRight HandedNovemberHMRCChristmas Market Jon McClanePlaces that aren't TringLiver'n'OnionsSqueezeSteve GaddAerosmithSprinting spidersNial's 21stNasal-hair treatmentTony BennBoom.hJanie's got a Gun - AerosmithHearts & Bones - Paul SimonTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

There’s more than an end of term whiff to the this weeks instalment, and if you give me a moment I will explain.Firstly we begin by tidying up all the outstanding bits from #162, namely the curious incident around the diary reading, the unasked questions that were answered, and then the unasked questions that weren’t.And secondly, after a number of false starts, we actually manage to get a bit of chat going about F.E.A.R. Of course proper dialogue about that particular album means I tend to get a little ranty - but I think it will only be obvious to those of you who know me. (Ha ha ha...)What I really mean is..Get angry and demand more, because we all deserve better.hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

It’s been a fairly chunky edit this week because, as you will undoubtedly hear, we had a few challenges.If you weren’t aware we actually record TCD (sorry Lucy) over Zoom, just to allow me to see Ant & Ant to see me. The audio quality on Zoom is a little sketchy, so instead of using that we simultaneously record our conversation at either side of the screen.That means we have some technical jiggery-pokery every week as we attempt to piece it all together.Most weeks this is OK, but post the rigours of Les-tah and the flakiness of Ants internet provider meant #161 was more than normally troublesome.Love’n’jov-ialhTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Some crucial things ticked off the TCD checklist in this weeks episode;a) lengthy preamble that inadvertently details some aspect of my personal circumstances or health - tickb) not-so-subtle use of an audio sound effect, often crudely inserted - tickc) excessive 70s references and/or nod towards a national treasure - tick, tickd) never seemingly planned but nevertheless strangely insightful Marillion reference - ticke) pornographic reference - tickf) a general feeling of bewilderment - tickYou're welcome… It was effortless.'Might see you in Les-tah then...h TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

It's pretty much a single question episode this week."Did you have a nice birthday?!"Now as a concept you can spin that a couple of ways. Either, Ant followed his normal pattern of TCD prep and literally thought that would be enough to generate sixty minutes worth of something (and to be fair we do have previous...)Or, Ant made a calculation based on information previously gathered and assumed my capacity for rational chat, the day after both a birthday and the last night of a convention would be er.. patchy.The answer probably exists somewhere betwixt those possibilities, but then you knew that already because you are smart, sensitive, forgiving types and there's no wonder we love you madly.Basically I had much to recount, but I was too post-gig-spirit/body-traincrashed to express too many lucid memories. But I DID have a nice birthday. And in the morning.. a birthday is yet to come.Anyway I must dash, I have a plane to catch and I am not getting any younger. The whole truth..Toodleoo from Mr Taurus.h x

It’s a strangely hypnotic episode of TCD (sorry Lucy) this week and a complete antithesis to what was going down on #157.This is partly due to the slight otherworldliness that occurs when Ant & I attempt to Zoom over long distance, particularly when it involves Hotel wi-fi as it makes serious conversation a little trickier. Which means we tend to follow the path of least resistance and let the conversation wend as it wishes...So, after a jet-lagged mooch around old Montreal we begin by saying all is perfectly lovely whilst pondering the danger that Earl Grey presents in the workplace. We then have a foray into knitted characters, the old testament, a legendary attempt at joke-telling and the side effects of hormonal sleeping remedies, before settling on my plans for the week.Down at the sports-bar the ice hockey never ends...Love'n'Brazilians. In helicopters.h

An extra voice on the pod this week and one, that as you will find out, is normally banished to a darkened room to labour away on his near-never-ending task.A bit like TCD (sorry Lucy) it must have seemed like such a good idea at the time, I mean what could be better than getting to listening to, and then catalogue, all the bits of music that your favourite band has ever committed to tape...other than perhaps the sheer bloody scale of it.Anyway James kindly gave of his time to explain how his side-hustle came about, and what an important little cog he has become when it comes to both the 'remasters' and 'making-of' projects.No prizes for guessing how well I compete with catalogued hard facts. I wouldn't call me as a defence witness...Enjoy the coronation - I'm off to French Canada to swear allegiance to Quebec!hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Yet again we have been dropping distinctly British, distinctly men-of-a-certain-age, cultural references into TCD.We do try and be more 'global', but the fact remains that you can take the boys out of Yorkshire (though I am not sure why you would want to...) but you can't take Yorkshire out of the boys.Which means you are going to get references to Only Fools & Horses, Allo-Allo and The Two Ronnies this week - so for those of you operating slightly in the dark feel free to click through to a bit more information about each.Actually whilst we are on that subject, it turns out I was mistaken about which vocal take for STCBM I was recording when, in the diary this week. So to channel yet more comedy gold from Morecambe and Wise 'I did record the right vocal takes, just not necessarily in the right order...h :o]Fork Handles - The Two RonniesTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

It actually started out quite well this week, not only were we both in the same time zone (and the same country), but the early rambling recollections of Cleckheaton and custard were both lucid and choc-full of supplementary detail.But in a true TCD stylee Jim Broadbent brought it all crashing down. He was the northern actor I was grasping for, the chap that in my head was on screen with the likes of Olivia Colman & Helen Mirren. And if you aren't aware of Jim's work (and let me tell you he is rather wonderful) then all you need to know is that he was Bridget Jones long-suffering father....Have you got him now, can you see his face and his mannerisms? Well he reminds me of a fella I used to work with in Cleckheaton.Love'n' sleepy Wednesday afternoons...hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

The chat this week is that heady mix of sleep deprived and gin-fuelled. And not only was I part of the original conversation, but I have also listened back to it and I am afraid I still can’t offer any explanation for what you are about to listen to.Even the 'seven degrees of separation' theory is of no use in understanding how we get from Pigs down the Pit, to Tim Curry via the sunscreen habits of Californian Ducks.The diary is a bit of a sprawling East Coast romp as well, that takes me to the White House before ‘tearing the arse out of New York’ after visits to multiple medical professionals for a vasovagal episode and a steroid shot in the bum.And that is before we get onto Marillion tribute acts, and how I feel when I run into a me-that's-not-me.See you in Haarlem :o]hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Strange episode this week. Actually to be 100% accurate more of a strange recording process.In the wider context of TCD as a body of work it’s probably bang average, but the journey to get there was more than a little disrupted as you will hear.And to add to the slightly surreal, there is also the prospect of Showaddywaddy's rhubarb and the Hollies Christmas cards to contend with, not to mention being robbed on both sides of the world at once! For those of you further afield "the waddies" might be a cultural reference too far - so I have included some backstory here and a link to their biggest hit here. I have been singing it all week. Buddum-buddum...Oh and they are still touring! See you in Great Yarmouth on the 16th...Love’n’the-soft-dhTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

To help you navigate this weeks episode some of you may well need a little help.You see when you get a couple of blokes from loosely the same time, and roughly the same neighbourhood, and they get into a groove then they are going to drop in a few cultural references that are, for want of a better phrase, a little oblique.So you might want to have the following nuggets of information to hand;Basil Brush A children's TV character predominantly from the 60's & 70's. Basil was a Red Fox with a voice based around the actor Terry Thomas.More about BasilThe Three Bees of Napoleon Not necessarily as described in the episode, but then again what is. Certainly a link between the three bees and the the infamous Emperor himself.More about the three beesRod Hull & Emu Another puppet character (and puppeteer in this case) that transitioned from kids TV to light entertainment and chat shows. Generally remembered for leaving chaos in their wake, how apt.More about Rod Hull & EmuShure SM7B The recording microphone of choice for the Corona Diaries, and countless other podcasters, singers and content creators. No money changes hands between Shure and ourselves.More about the SM7BKeep it purple, keep it real, keep it on a clothes hanger.h

151 is an episode in several parts.It's partly post-PZ housekeeping, as we discuss what the hours and days look like for me after an event like that.But then it's partly a moment to enjoy the warm glow, and pick out a few highlights from what was an incredible weekend.And then there is the expected update to 150 as Ant completes the fashion circle and we discuss that 'coat' and those 'trousers'.Plus it would be remiss not to spend a few minutes on the new pre-order that has been announced this week.And you can't forget the door bell...Phew!hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Well we have only gone and bloody made it to one hundred and fifty.No one can be quite as surprised as us about this particular milestone because when we started this journey there wasn't a destination programmed in, and certainly not one so far on the horizon.The fact is that The Corona Diaries wasn't really much more than a concept, an idea that hadn't really developed into a firm plan. We had the notion to include the diary of course, but to be honest that was about it.So for the past 150 weeks TCD has just kind of found its own level, following the path of least resistance, being what it was always going to be. Sometimes it can be funny, occasionally it can be serious, often it is silly and every once in a while totally incomprehensible.But because it has plotted its own path, it will always be honest.Thank you for being part of the journey, and thank you for playing your part. You have influenced the outcome as much as we have, of course you have. Because when push comes to shove you are all bloody purple.To wherever it takes us next...h & Anth & AntTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

The episode title is absolutely nothing to do with either Ant or myself, but it was a phrase that our guest used and do you know what, it perfectly fits the bill.Wait a minute, a guest...whats that all about when we are so close to episode 150?Well, this particular week of the year in reality is the only week to cajole this particular person to pop her podcast cherry, because at this time of the season she really is the place to go if you want answers. Actually it is not as confusing as it sounds, but it did mean that 149 was the one for the "queen of who-goes-where" to take her place centre stage. Plus, by the time some of you hear this she won't actually be here, she will be there.Love'n'trestle tableshTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

You may recall that we had the legendary Lucy Jordache on the podcast a while back, and she pointed out that TCD (case in point) has a tendency to be a little bit niche and at times a little bit clique-y.Now we have tried to take her advice onboard, but I suspect Chapter 148 is definitely one for the hardened purple. "How so?" I hear you ask. Well let me give you a few examples..There is quite a bit of early-episode bants that revolves around the ongoing chat amongst the purple supporters.We refer extensively to a purple-only-prawn-cracker snap poll that took place last week.There is news of stealth-purple-only-merch available at PZ.Elitist and clique-y possibly, but fear not non-purples, there is still plenty to keep you amused, including three diary entries, a new 'soldering-iron advice and support lesson with Stephen' and information on how to apply to work in a large fish tank.Love'n'roulette wheels in the headhTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Let’s start with a shout-out to all those Purples who have offered up Limericks & Rhymes following the ‘capillary’ episode last week.The standard, overall, was most impressive, definitely a notch up from anything that could be described as 'enthusiastic' or (even worse) 'proficient'.However the recognition by name must go to Kester Roper, who provided a belter of a limerick that I, being a bit of a pedant, modified (slightly).Our joint effort therefore runs thus; There was a young lady called Hilary Who toured a Jamaican distillery She stuck her bare bum In a vat of dark rum And now has a burning capillaryHats off to you Kester. I think we can all agree on this being a truly epic outcome, and public service podcasting at it's finest.Love'n'scansionhSquaring The Circle Grr...TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Well that was a rum do.We had quite the epic trying to record Chapter 146. If it wasn't the microphone with the mind of it's own, it was the Zoom connection, and if it wasn't the Zoom connection it was the sound of mi goretex (and yes I know I've taken liberties with the spelling of rustle in the title...)And the fact I was struggling a little with the ol' synapses was just the cadburys flake on this particular 99. The one thing I will say in my defence is, well, I was in Denmark in a cold room and that by the time we actually got to the word I was struggling with, my understanding (as you will hear) was pretty much spot-on.********* action (is the process of a liquid flowing in a narrow space without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, any external forces like gravity. The effect can be seen in the drawing up of liquids in a thin tube. (source: Wikipedia)Love'n'chemistry-lab-flashbacksFleagle, Bingo, Drooper, Snork, Ant & hP.S If you're a patron there is a few minutes of extra content after the outro music.TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

The scene takes place in the kitchen of a traditional country cottage. A door at the front of the room opens into an entrance porch, and the back door opens to a garden with more than adequate quantities of lavender. There is a table and chairs, a Cappuccino maker and the the front window overlooks a village green. There is evidence of cricket, but no match is currently taking place.(sound of a front door bell being rung)h: Who the bloody hell is that?(incidental music wafts across the scene)Ant: Morning hh: Ah Anthony, how are we?Ant: I'm really well, how are you?h: Come on in...Ant: I will do thank you.(the incidental music gets a little more present, but quickly backs off again)h: Did that sound staged?Ant: Just a little, but it'll be fine.h: It'll be fine, yes.A short pauseAnt: I'm going to embrace the whole lounge pant thing next time, I'm going to put my University of New Hampshire lounge pants on.h: You should indeedThe dialogue fades away to a pre-recorded VoiceOver and the scene is set for another chapter of TCD (sorry Lucy)Love'n'mysteries solvedhTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

There are a couple of moments in this weeks chapter when I tried my hand at improv.Whilst answering a question about Pour My Love I decided (in the moment no less) to illustrate my point by playing a bit of the keyboard part. Not a bad idea you would have thought, especially as I had the piano on front of me - and do you know what, I absolutely nailed it. Boom.No more than five minutes later, another executive-on-the-fly-decision was made as we agreed not to bother with a diary reading. Ant suggested we should still have a little musical interlude and emboldened with my earlier success I decided to play that interlude live - which I did with a wink to the camera and a flourish at the end.Quality podcasting. Or at least it would have been if I’d been recording the output of the Keyboard. So where there should have been inspired brilliance, there was silence. Which means you will have to make do with the pre-records.Honestly, you should have been there…Love’n’fixing it in the mixhArecibo MessageTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

A chance exchange in this weeks TCD (sorry Lucy) resulted not only in an episode title, but also a little digital stroll where I chanced upon a whole new internet experience.The website in question is called RhymeZone and it is quite simply inspired. You merely tap in your chosen word, in this case Cowell, and before you can say "high waistline" you get the following response;Words that rhyme with cowell: (13 results)2 syllables:bowell, dowell, gowell, mowell, prowell, showell, sowell, stowell, towell, trowell, vowell, yowell 4 syllables:baden-powell Man that's cool - even though you'd only use most of those words in Scrabble, and it forgot owl (and most notably, FOUL)But that's not all. It even provides 'close but no Oscar' options called Near Rhymes and grades them according to how close they are. So for example 'shotwell' achieves a 92 near-rhyme-rating, but 'bombshell' only gets a meagre 84. If you're not impressed, imagine what A.I. algorithms are gonna do to your LIFE...Hmm... now what rhymes with Heidi Klum?..hRhyme Zone WebsiteTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

There's a point in this weeks episode where we find ourselves trying (and subsequently failing) to recollect the name of a particular procedure of chemical analysis. It will be blatantly obvious when you reach that point in proceedings, and as it would also be hard to class it as a spoiler, I will tell you it's that one with a splodge on a bit of blotting paper. Now the point I am trying to make is that it's not about the blotting paper (though you do know the one I mean don't you, in fact you are visualising it right now - I can tell by the expression on your face) but how we get to the blotting paper...Because we should have been talking about Sounds That Can't Be Made. So please forgive me but, as you will hear, I just can't help it.Now... can anyone tell me what I did with that seven and a half million dollars?Love, longitude n' treasure-maps, mi shivering purples,h xTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

For the purposes of reference this week (you may need to read back after you have listened).Staithes - Staithes is a seaside village in the borough of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, England. The name Staithes derives from Old English and means 'landing-place'. Staithes has numerous narrow streets and passageways; one of these, Dog Loup, with a width of just 18 inches (45.7 cm), is claimed to be the narrowest alley in the world.Old Jacks Boat - The CBeebies series Old Jack's Boat, starring Bernard Cribbins, is set in and filmed in Staithes, with Old Jack's house located at 4 Cowbar Bank in the town. The first two series each had two stories written by Russell T Davies, with whom Bernard Cribbins had previously worked on Doctor Who.Bernard Cribbins - Bernard Joseph Cribbins OBE was an English actor and singer whose career spanned over seven decades. His on-screen roles Albert Perks in The Railway Children, pretentious hotel guest Mr Hutchinson in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Hotel Inspectors", Alfred Mott in Doctor Who and as the narrator of The Wombles. He wasn't however in The Plank or A Hard Day's Night, which proves we haven't got a clue what we are banging on about. Well, bugger me!Love'n'wikipediah TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

I am not lying when I tell you that I learnt three things this week, whilst recording Chapter 140. And it wasn't just me, Ant picked up a couple of new nuggets of information as well.On the surface this would seem a good thing, however the danger of all this enlightenment is that when you have a limited amount of spare capacity (cranially speaking) you run the risk of discarding something important to make room for the new stuff.What that means in real terms, is that if you bump into me in Waitrose be sure to ask me about mystery flavours of old sweets in the seventies, the dictionary definition of Droll, Time Lord Appreciators, how best to soften a Spangle in a Parka - but don't ask me how old my children are or what I came to Waitrose for.HNY. Sun sun sun here it comes...Love'n'knob picshOh Parker, well done!TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

If memory serves, we haven't ever recorded an episode of The Corona Diaries between Christmas & New Year. Obviously I haven't gone to the trouble of actually checking that fact, I am relying purely on gut instinct and the lingering after-taste of industrial-strength descaler.Of course the beauty of this period of the year is that it's a bit like the twilight-zone, with nobody really quite sure why everything feels just a little bit off-kilter. You know the kind of thing I am talking about, when a Wednesday feels like a Sunday and nobody bats an eyelid if you want three shortbread petticoat tails and a glass of sherry for your breakfast. So if ever there was a podcast, perfectly suited to this point in the calender it would be TCD, proud to live all year-round wedged between the humps of a camel.I just can't believe it's taken this long to work it out.Keep it TCD in 23!hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

For this years Christmas special episode we decided to unburden ourselves from the shackles of pre-episode preparation and exacting production standards and show our rarely-seen playful side.And what better way to get the party started, than by welcoming Linette to TCD - even if that did mean distracting her with a glass of Kylie's Prosecco, whilst simultaneously placing a microphone into her other hand.And you know what?! She is a natural. From air fryers to elderflowers, Welsh footballers to high court judges, it's a freewheeling festive romp through the carefree joys of living with yours truly.What a girl!..Love'n'perfectly-prepared-sproutshTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

*excerpt from production notes, TCD chapter 1371: Preamble - use a bit of the Zoom audio from Tuesday, the audio quality isn't great but it sets the scene and if it turns out the episode is late for the purples it will add credibility to the excuse.2: Intro - try and 'Christmas' it up a bit, after all it's half way through December3: Main Section - we might be struggling for time a bit this week, so maybe see if we can riff on the patreon feedback for a bit. Speedway is always great filler if we are struggling for inspiration, the purples love a bit of speedway. If all else fails chuck in an erection joke.4: Diary - what with Gordon, Nicolas and Angela it all gets a bit Ben Elton this week...'little bit of politics, little bit of politics'. 5: Wrap - push the livestream a bit, and remember it's Saturday. Oh and see if we can do a bit of product placement for Paddington, somewhere close to the venue would work well. Might want to tee up the Christmas episode...6: Crooncast - recommend watching "Harold and Maude" this Christmas7: (don't forget to pop those links in the show notes)8: Finish with a limerick There once was an addled old brewer, Whose brain cells were fewer and fewer, 'quit drinking the day, He woke up in the hay, In a puddle of pee and manure. Hamblin Bread Book to watch the Oxford LivestreamTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Listening back to Chapter 136 of TCD (sorry Lucy) it struck me that maybe a few explainers were in order. Now that isn't because I think that any of you are anything other than fully-rounded citizens of the world, broad of knowledge and generous of spirit. Rather that there are a few references this week that may only resonate with a person of a certain time, from a certain place.So here we go...Ski Sunday - a popular Sunday night UK TV program from the late seventies. Quite why we all became a little fixated with skiing has been lost to the mists of time, but I can't be the only one who smiles when he hears the name Franz Klammer.World of Sport - a magazine style Sports program broadcast on ITV on a Saturday afternoon. Famous for its exposure of lesser known sports such as wrestling, stock car racing and water skiing, and the fact there appeared to be a typing-pool in the background.Dickie Davies - the near ever-present host of World of Sport, who became a household name due to his laconic style and a streak of silver in his neatly coiffured mane. Enigmatic just doesn't cover it as you can see.And there we have it, public service podcasting at its very, very best.Boom.hOh and it turns out the AC/DC thing is a bit of a TikTok trend...Take OneTake TwoTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Well we tried...Ant had a look under his bed, but couldn't find any mention of Less Is More in the back copies of The Web magazine he's been hoarding. And as promised I gave the album a listen through...but alas, it didn't provide the aural kick to my synapses that I had hoped.Of course we are nothing if not a pair of old pro's, and so when the red light went on we gave it our best shot anyway (even if there was some unabashed padding at the beginning). Hopefully you will still find one or two nuggets of as-yet-unheard insights as you work your way through.Sofia is the destination of my diary travels this week, and it turned out to be quite an experience. In fact I could have called the episode Cow Bells & Corpses, or even Getting Stiffed Twice in Sofia but they both seemed a little too 'on the nose'.Happy Advent,hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

After all the excitement of bus drivers and percussionists, long haired sound men and keyboardists this feels like a very run of the mill chapter of TCD (sorry Lucy).So for 134 Ant and I pick up on our semi-regular album chat feature, and for those of you who have been paying attention that means Less is More. Of course in our case it's a little bit more Less is Less as there is, at this point, a need for some serious listening and memory-jogging. We will return to it next week having done our revision.The diary takes me to Sweden, as we once again attempt to fit into one of those pre-defined boxes that just don't work for a band like us. Still it gave me an excellent idea for a crooncast, which I can dedicate to the legendary Phil Brown.As Lars Flintstone once said to his friend Arne Rubble..."Abbadabbadooo!"hBlack Sweden - Smoke on the Water

For those of us that lived through his achievements in real time, it's easy to close my eyes and be taken right back to the moment when Seb Coe lined up in the final of the 1500m at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.Middle-distance running took on almost rock'n'roll stature at the time in Britain, as Steve Ovett, Steve Cram & Seb Coe dominated both the centre piece events of 800 & 1500 breaking world records at every turn.We all got up in the middle of the night to watch that final, and be exhilarated by that truly epic last lap. But why am I reminiscing about that now, well TCD has just come around that final bend with Ant & myself doing a very good impression of Steve & Seb at their peak.Love'n'klaxons,hMens 1500m Final - 1985 LA Olympics TCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

One of the purples mentioned in the comments for a recent chapter (I think it was Paula Collewijn as it goes...) 'just curious, who is the creator behind these funny episode titles?'Well Paula it's a bit of a mixed-bag. Sometimes it's Ant, sometimes it's me, but more often than not they kind of come up in conversation - and when this happens it's because we follow a secret and special formula. Here's how it goes;The Episode Title Cocktail recipe4/6 measures of Tanquerey GinNot enough TonicA legendary Sound ManSome questionable (if historic) fashion choicesServe in a warm hotel room, wait about 30 minutes for it to enter the blood stream and work its magic, and then settle back and let the gold happen.Simple.hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

Recording The Corona Diaries on the road is a little challenging to say the least. You are always at the mercy of the local wi-fi connection, the rooms are often a bit lively (from an audio perspective, obvs...) and I am constantly a bit tight on time.There is however one definite up side, and that is the fact that a ton of interesting, funny and genuinely lovely people are also in close proximity.Which means for the third episode on the spin I have managed to cajole another one back to my room with the promise of a Walnut Whip. And before he had time to protest, a microphone was set-up in front of him, a sock was strategically arranged and the red light went on.Gold. hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

It's only taken 130 episodes, but we have finally completed the set.Backstage at the Tivoli Vredenburg in Utrecht, resplendent against the magnolia painted breeze-block walls, Mark Kelly himself became the final member of Marillion to pop his TCD cherry.As you would expect he was top value, fizzing between his take on the current tour, the development of the tech that drives the show and how he went about the process of collecting his thoughts to write a book.Lots of chat, giggles, and a few senior moments proving that Special K is indeed a perfect fit when it comes to The Corona Diaries.Love'n'apols for the slight echo (but then again it is Halloween, and it gave it a spooky vibe)...Cheeriogarth xTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

What a joy it was to hardly say anything on this weeks Chapter of TCD...One of the highlights (if not THE highlight) of the new album, and the current tour has been having the legendary Mr Luis Jardim in the building. And to top it off he only went and agreed to come and share the love on the podcast. What a guy...I managed to cobble together some microphones, and Ant squirrelled himself away in the depths of a deserted cafe-bar and we both sat, and listened to the musings and stories of a man who has literally played with everybody, and on pretty much everything in our collective lifetimes.Please allow me to introduce Mr Luis Jardim, the fixer of broken tracks, the shaker of all shakers, and the man who makes everything better. And funnier.Obrigado meu amigohTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

No time to chat this week because I am busy packing for the European Tour, so I am just going to leave the episode highlight in a succinct, bullet-point, stylee.Linette still has those amazing jugs, in fact I just reached up and grabbed 'em. Check out my instagram feed if you don't believe me.I do often think of myself as a victorian water-closet.Just because it has a key-hole, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a tug.I do indeed have an alter-ego with a cape, I try to use my powers for good and I have a huge A on my torso.You will be pleased to learn that I have stopped abusing the thin blue line, and now doff my cap at them. Particularly the incorruptible ones that speak Portuguese and arrive by pushbike.See you in Eindhoven, I will be the one attending to my stubble.Obrigado e boa noite,hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

After what Liz has managed to achieve in her first week on the job, we felt the least we could do would be to finish the backstory to the Dry Land Album.So for your delectation and delight, and not least as a reward for your patience, we will cover the last tree tracks on the album proper as well as a little curveball that Ant casually tossed in my direction to check I was paying attention.And talking about paying attention I need to remember to contact Colin W. and see if he might be free to join us for a natter. Oh, and I also need to make sure we don't let Luis J. return home without coming on to tell us a few stories. It's no joke this podcast lark...Love'n'cysts...hTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite

On location in the Steel City.Perched on seven hills like Rome, and with a river running underneath, it is the home of football (according to Ant), the only place to get a Hot Roast Pork sandwich and the place that gave me the moment I realised, NOTHING could be better than being in a rock'n'roll band.Of course when you take your recording studio and plonk it in a crowded restaurant you do place yourself at the mercy of fate, and in this case it was a couple of old friends enjoying an early afternoon tea. I think we just about got away with it, and by the sounds of their conversation we didn't disrupt them from having a lovely time (despite Vera's back-trouble)Back to normal next week, or whatever passes for normal.Keep it purple. Deep purple.hTamper Coffee CompanyTCD Merch StoreBecome Purple and support the showThe Invisible Man Volume 1: 1991-1997The Invisible Man Volume2: 1998-2014FacebookInstagramWebsite