#1 - WHAT IS THE ONE ALBUM (OR EP OR SONG) THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE THE VERY NEXT MUSICAL THING THAT EVERYONE PRESSES PLAY ON THE NEXT TIME THEY FIND THEMSELVES THINKING “WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NOW”?

Back in the times of baggy jeans and longboards a friend of mine gave me a copy of this EP by Paul Thomas Saunders. From the first moment the sounds just blew me away. I had it on repeat for months. The beautiful songwriting, soaring vocals and immersive production really transported me into another dimension, not to mention being the perfect soundtrack for bombing down hills in Yorkshire.

To my disbelief, some years later, I found myself sharing a pizza with Paul and a mutual friend. The biggest takeaway from that conversation was that Paul had recorded the whole thing himself, in his home studio. I was completely blown away. I thought a sound like that meant big studios, big producers and big money. Hearing this really lit a fire under me to learn this art. In the years since, I’ve spent countless hours honing my skills as a recording engineer and producer as well as a songsmith. Having the tools to take the sonics of a song in a chosen direction is invaluable. Not having this is akin to an artist only drawing with pencil, there is a whole world of colour out there and I have PTS to thank for that.

#2 - WHAT IS THE ONE MOVIE OR TV SHOW THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE NEXT IN EVERYBODY’S NETFLIX QUEUE (OK, DOESN’T HAVE TO BE NETFLIX, WE’RE ALL INTERNET ADULTS HERE AND KNOW HOW TO FIND ANYTHING ONLINE, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER)?

That is a very close call between Point Break (The original) and The Thing (The John Carpenter version). I think I'm right in saying both these films Mike and I watched for the first time together.

The Thing is just a masterpiece, from the incredible score, Kurt Russel's delivery and wardrobe (best hat to feature in a movie ever?) to the tense and escalating nature of the plot. I hope Mike wont mind me saying but he's prone to involuntarily getting an early night, the fact he was wide awake until the credit role speaks buckets about how highly we recommend this film.

Point Break also has to be up there. Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze going toe to toe in this adventure sports, crime flick. Possibly the best finale to ever hit the screen *Spoiler Alert* 'Ah, we'll catch him when he comes back in', 'he's not coming back'. Righteous!

#3. I (AND BY “I” I MEAN “THE PERSON THAT IS READING THIS”) AM GOING TO THE LOCAL BOOK STORE (OK, MAYBE THE LOCAL LIBRARY FIRST) TO FIND THE VERY NEXT BOOK THAT I WILL BE PUTTING SOME EXTREMELY VALUABLE ‘ME-TIME' ASIDE FOR. WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU GET, IF YOU WERE ME (AND, I SUPPOSE, YOU HADN’T ALREADY READ WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO SUGGEST)?

If you are into a bit of sci-fi I would certainly head down to the library to pick up a copy of Leviathan Wakes. Reading this felt like I was watching ‘Heat’ with De Niro and Pacino unravel in space. Some immense characters, plot twists, politics and adventure.

If Non-fiction is your thing then sign out a copy of The Coastal Kayakers Manual by Randel Washburne. Even if you don’t intend to do any kayaking simply reading the descriptions of some of this chaps adventures is pure adventure escapism bliss:

“I hang inverted in the cockpit and gaze through my mask at fish wandering through the weeds below. I extend my arms, paddle in one hand. Relaxed and seemingly weightless, I expend no energy and am amazed how long I can hang there, chuckling silently about the nearby sunbathers wondering if I am dead. Eventually I will Eskimo roll up to rejoin their world. But for now, this timeless one is mine.”

#4 - WHAT IS THE ONE WEBSITE (OR JUST ANY OLD INTERNET THING: APP, GIF, SERVICE, WHATEVER) THAT YOU WOULD GET REALLY DOWN IN THE DUMPS ABOUT IF IT WERE TO SUDDENLY GO AWAY?

I've narrowed this one down as best as I can but have still ended up with three I'm afraid!

First one is the KEXP Live Sessions. What a treat to the universe. Being able to watch some classy live acts at the top of their game, recorded wonderfully is a firm staple in our monthly diet. Such a source of inspiration and motivation. Whether it's kicking back and enjoying the performance or going through frame by frame trying to catch the model or make of a certain piece of audio gear, we'd be devastated to see it go.

Second would be gearslutz. Amazing community of gear heads, so so helpful when trying to figure out what kit to buy and how to do all things audio. We've learnt so many invaluable tools from that site.

Lastly, is the climbing site, Evening Sends. Specifically the feature entitled 'The Day I Sent...'. Stories of people who have set their sights on climbing a route which is outside their current ability or comfort zone. I love reading how these individuals overcome challenges and obstacles in order to push the grade and realise their dreams.

#5 - AND FINALLY… PLEASE GIVE ONE COMPLETELY UNAIDED RECOMMENDATION THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD START DOING / USING / WATCHING / EATING / THINKING / QUITING / ETC-ING TO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LITTLE BIT MORE BETTER AND/OR BEARABLE.

I've always been drawn to the cold taking dips and wild swims in cold waters since being a nipper. Subsequently I found that all of this actually has some substance as proved by good old Wim Hof. If anyone out there is looking to boost their immune system, energy levels and decrease anxiety I can't recommend Wim Hofs methods enough.

OK folks, there you have it. Things that Hanging Valleys thinks you should consider incorporating into your day/life. Before you log off and go take a dip in some cold water, make sure to follow Hanging Valleys on the Facebook / Instagram / Twitter and then also give ‘Behind the Backs of Houses’ a listen below…

…and if you like what you’re hearing, go do some further hanging-valleys-flavoured audio exploring over on the Bandcamp / Spotify.