Everybody who stayed on earth the last couple of weeks (I think most of you did), Christian or no Christian, does know pope John Paul II deceased. Although it is the second time a pope dies since I'm alive, it is the first time I experienced it consciously. That is why I want to write something about it, even though I am not a real Christian.

There are very few treasures that arrive with a battered acoustic guitar and open up the windows on basic lives with passion and grace. But when John Prine hits the road, the darkest corners and smallest joys get illuminated by the light of his gravelly, utterly American voice, his way with the plainest of language and the vintage Guild and Martin guitars he plays.

SPOOKIE DALY PRIDE is a four piece band from Boston Massachusetts that delivers high energy, joyful hip hop-infused roots rock, with deep soulful grooves and catchy, hookfilled songs. On the strength of their songs alone, SDP would be stylin', but their uplifting, live performances gives them that extra something that takes them to 11. The music and the show truly defy comparisons, though Tom Waits fronting the Muppet band keeps popping up!

Original title:  The Crimson Petal and the White

Translated in Dutch:  Lelieblank, Scharlaken Rood

Author:  Michel Faber