• New Laptop Reset

    Out 12 2009, 11h56 por biggayscarecrow

    Just downloaded Last.fm for the new laptop (was too lazy to do it earlier...)

    10,004 plays
    Reset on 12/10/09

    1. Jeniferever
    2. L'Arc~en~Ciel
    3. Patrick Wolf
    4. KAT-TUN
    5. Bloc Party

    6. Boom Boom Satellites
    7. LUNA SEA
    8. SUGIZO
    9. Dir en grey
    10. INORAN
    11. Mew
    12. HYDE
    13. Blonde Redhead
    14. 雅-miyavi-
    15. Epik High
    16. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
    17. Klaxons
    18. ガゼット
    19. Simian Mobile Disco
    20. World's End Girlfriend

    21. 雅~みやび~
    22. FAKE?
    23 . The Smashing Pumpkins
    24. 3A Network
    25. Paul Marshall
    25. SuG
    27. Scraps of Tape
    28. Minna No Nihongo 1
    29. Audrey
    30.Asobi Seksu

    (Why is Miyavi on there twice? I really need to check my filenames! And... also remember to turn off scrobbling when i'm listening to study material. haha!)
  • live

    Mai 19 2009, 17h17 por motionpicture

    To replace all those lost ticket stubs and lost memories over the years, a list:

    12/12/03
    The Strokes
    Support: Har Mar Superstar
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    03/04/05
    Athlete
    Support: Iain Archer
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    08/04/05
    Daniel Bedingfield
    Support: Onehundredhours and Lucie Silvas
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    14/06/05
    Dinosaur Jr.
    Support: Modey Lemon
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    12/07/05
    Bright Eyes
    Support: The Faint
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    13/07/05
    Sigur Ros
    Support: Amiina
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    --/08/05
    James Blunt
    Virgin Records
    Sydney

    03/09/05
    KT Tunstall
    Support: La Kidda
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    12/09/05
    Wilco
    Support: Johnathan Rice
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    19/10/05
    Editors
    Support: Howling Bells
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    25/10/05
    Tom McRae
    Support: Joe Purdy
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    02/11/05
    Oasis
    Support: The Coral
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    03/11/05
    Maxïmo Park
    Support: 2nd Place Driver
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    20/02/06
    The Subways
    Support: Jeff Caudill
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    09/04/06
    Es, Islaja and Kiila
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    28/04/06
    vive la fete
    Koninginnenach, Spui
    Den Haag

    09/05/06
    Radiohead
    Support: Willy Mason
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    25/06/06
    Parkpop, Zuiderpark, Den Haag
    Di-rect
    Ilse DeLange
    Kaizers Orchestra
    Kelis
    The Kooks
    Melanie C
    Postman
    The Sheer
    Ziggi
    29/06/06
    Pretty Girls Make Graves
    Support: glenister
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    02/07/06
    The Spinto Band
    Metropolis
    Rotterdam

    11/07/06
    The Strokes (2)
    Support: South and Adam Green
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    Lowlands, Walibi World, Biddinghuizen
    18/08/06
    Bloc Party
    Jose Gonzalez
    Matisyahu
    Mew
    Razorlight
    Snow Patrol
    The Magic Numbers
    19/08/06
    Be Your Own Pet
    Dirty Pretty Things
    Gogol Bordello
    Guillemots
    Massive Attack
    Noisettes
    Psapp
    Scissor Sisters
    20/08/06
    ¡Forward, Russia!
    Arctic Monkeys
    Broken Social Scene
    Hot Chip
    Lostprophets
    Muse
    Nizlopi
    28/08/06
    Radiohead (2)
    Support: Deerhoof
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    08/10/06
    Mogwai
    Support: Eugene Kelly
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    11/11/06
    Sufjan Stevens
    Support: St. Vincent
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    25/11/06
    London Calling, Paradiso, Amsterdam
    Bromheads Jacket
    Jamie T
    Guillemots (2)
    The Maccabees
    The Pigeon Detectives
    26/11/06
    Guillemots (3)
    Support: Roosbeef
    Tivoli
    Utrecht

    28/11/06
    Muse (2)
    Support: Noisettes (2)
    Brabanthallen
    Den Bosch

    15/02/07
    Guillemots (4)
    Support: Christopher Cundy, Mat Martin and Alex Ward
    The Octagon
    Sheffield

    11/03/07
    Brakes
    "Support": Saxon
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    23/03/07
    Hayko Cepkin
    Support: Portecho
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    31/03/07
    Bright Eyes (2)
    Support: Malcolm Middleton
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    14/04/07
    Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam
    Jamie T (2) - Off_Corso
    Midlake - Rotterdamse Schouwburg
    19/04/07
    Maxïmo Park (2)
    Support: Hasselhoff
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    28/04/07
    Bloc Party (2)
    Support: Biffy Clyro
    Vredenburg
    Utrecht

    29/04/07
    Freestylers
    Koninginnenach, Spui
    Den Haag

    12/05/07
    Herman Düne
    Support: Turner Cody
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    03/06/07
    Willy Mason (2)
    Support: Elvis Perkins
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    03/06/07
    Mike Patton and Fennesz
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    11/06/07
    Bryan Adams
    Support: SheSays
    Ahoy
    Rotterdam

    24/06/07
    Parkpop, Zuiderpark, Den Haag
    Air Traffic
    Beef
    The Family Stand
    The Frames
    Kim Wilde
    Marc Ford
    Maria Mena
    Sneaker Freaks
    28/06/07
    Pearl Jam
    Support: Satellite Party, Incubus and Kings of Leon
    Goffertpark
    Nijmegen

    Lowlands, Walibi World, Biddinghuizen
    17/08/07
    Damien Rice
    Devendra Banhart
    Editors (2)
    Heideroosjes
    Jamie T (3)
    The Rakes
    Rodrigo y Gabriela
    18/08/07
    Adept
    Brand New
    Jimmy Eat World
    Modeselektor (DJ set)
    Patrick Wolf
    The View
    19/08/07
    Arcade Fire
    Funeral for a Friend
    Groove Armada
    Kings of Leon (2)
    LCD Soundsystem
    Patrick Watson
    Sonic Youth
    The Enemy
    21/09/07
    Feist
    Support: Bob Wiseman
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    11/10/07
    Guillemots (5)
    With: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
    Birmingham Town Hall

    23/10/07
    Animal Collective
    Support: Islaja (2)
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    27/10/07
    Arbouretum
    Support: Beach House
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    29/10/07
    Arbouretum (2)
    Support: Beach House (2)
    WORM
    Rotterdam

    31/10/07
    Liars
    Support: White Circle Crime Club
    Waterfront
    Rotterdam

    13/11/07
    Arcade Fire (2)
    Heineken Music Hall
    Amsterdam

    23/11/07
    Crossing Border, Koninklijke Schouwburg, Den Haag
    Adapter with Asgerdur Juniusdottir
    Ghostigital
    The New Pornographers
    Okkervil River
    Sjon
    Yeasayer
    01/12/07
    St. Vincent (2)
    Support: Windmill
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    08/12/07
    Utrecht Boft, Theater Kikker
    boy ler
    L'Usine
    St. Vincent (3)
    Windmill (2)
    Wouter van Veldhoven & Mark Versteegen
    14/12/07
    Scout Niblett
    Support: Castanets
    De Nieuwe Anita
    Amsterdam

    09/02/08
    Kaki King
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    20/03/08
    Patrick Watson (2)
    Support: Voicst
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    23/03/08
    Marissa Nadler
    Patronaat Cafe
    Haarlem

    25/03/08
    Jack Rose
    Support: Hush Arbors and Corndawg
    Helbaard
    Den Haag

    04/04/08
    Eagles
    Ahoy
    Rotterdam

    11/04/08
    Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam
    Be Your Own Pet (2) - Off_Corso
    Jamie Lidell - Rotterdamse Schouwburg
    Guillemots (6) - Rotterdamse Schouwburg
    Pivot - Rotterdamse Schouwburg Kleine Zaal
    05/05/08
    Juliette & The Licks
    Bevrijdingspop
    Haarlem

    07/05/08
    Xiu Xiu
    Support: Why? and Dirty Projectors
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    13/05/08
    Broken Social Scene (2)
    Support: The Brunettes
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    02/06/08
    Cat Power
    Support: Appaloosa
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    07/06/08
    Guillemots (7)
    Support: The Dodos
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    13/06/08
    The Music In My Head, Paard Van Troje, Den Haag
    The Notwist
    Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
    Sinead O'Connor
    24/06/08
    Radiohead (3)
    Support: Bat for Lashes
    Victoria Park
    London

    25/06/08
    Radiohead (4)
    Support: Bat for Lashes (2)
    Victoria Park
    London

    29/06/08
    Radiohead (5)
    Support: MGMT and Bat for Lashes (3)
    LCCC
    Manchester

    01/07/08
    Radiohead (6)
    Support: Bat for Lashes (4)
    Westerpark
    Amsterdam

    06/07/08
    Main Square Festival, France, Arras
    Vampire Weekend
    The Wombats
    The Dø
    Sigur Ros (2)
    Radiohead (7)
    13/07/08
    De Affaire, Valkhof Park, Nijmegen
    Why? (2)
    Liars (2)
    30/08/08
    Festival De Beschaving, Utrecht
    Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly
    Adam Green (2)
    The Dodos (2)
    Mystery Jets
    Babyshambles
    Mogwai (2)
    02/09/08
    Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band/Conor Oberst
    Support: Sky Larkin
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    19/09/08
    Bon Iver
    Support: Bowerbirds
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    24/09/08
    Kaki King (2)
    Support: Habiba
    Tivoli de Helling
    Utrecht

    03/10/08
    Islands
    Support: Sid Delicious and Married to the Sea
    The Cooler
    Bristol

    06/10/08
    Lykke Li
    Support: Yoav
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    07/10/08
    Amanda Palmer
    Support: Jason Webley and Zoë Keating
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    08/10/08
    Pivot (2)
    Support: Bronnt Industries Kapital and Snowman
    The Louisiana
    Bristol

    17/10/08
    Camera Obscura
    Support: Britta Persson and Attic Lights
    The Trinity Centre
    Bristol

    18/10/08
    Anni Rossi
    Support: James Blackshaw and Duane Pitre
    The Redland Park United Reformed Church
    Bristol

    21/10/08
    Los Campesinos!
    Support: Times New Viking and No Age
    The Fleece
    Bristol

    29/10/08
    Githead
    The Arnolfini
    Bristol

    This Town Needs Guns
    Support: The Jelas and The Light Sleepers
    Start the Bus
    Bristol

    05/11/08
    Built to Spill
    Support: Disco Doom
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    08/11/08
    Micah P. Hinson
    Support: Retribution Gospel Choir
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    12/11/08
    Mercury Rev
    Support: Howling Bells (2)
    Carling Academy
    Bristol

    13/11/08
    Clinic
    Support: Threatmantics
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    14/11/08
    GZA/Genius
    Support: Richie Royale, K.Ners, Skinnyman, Cool Ninja
    Carling Academy
    Bristol

    16/11/08
    Death Cab for Cutie
    Support: Frightened Rabbit
    Colston Hall
    Bristol

    17/11/08
    The Notwist (2)
    Support: Markmake and ....
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    26/11/08
    Chad VanGaalen
    Support: Women and Mr. Bennett
    The Cooler
    Bristol

    01/12/08
    Wolf Parade
    Support: Dag för Dag and Chad VanGaalen (2)
    Electric Ballroom
    London

    07/12/08
    iLiKETRAiNS
    Support: Hazel Mills and Jeniferever
    The Louisiana
    Bristol

    08/12/08
    Joan as Police Woman
    Support: Amelia Something
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    12/12/08
    Coldplay
    Support: The High wire
    MEN Arena
    Manchester

    14/12/08
    Joan as Police Woman (2)
    Support: Blue Roses
    Academy 2
    Manchester

    16/01/09
    The World of Arthur Russell, The Cube, Bristol
    Chipper
    Max Milton
    Alexander Thomas
    22/01/09
    Sky Larkin (2)
    Support: Pulled Apart By Horses and mr_hopkinson's computer
    The Louisiana
    Bristol

    Haunts
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    29/01/09
    Wolves in the Throne Room
    Support: Ghast and Final
    The Croft
    Bristol

    zZz
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    05/02/09
    Justin Townes Earle
    St. Bonaventure's Parish Social Club
    Bristol

    07/02/09
    The Liftmen
    Support: Rozi Plain, Sam & The Plants and Magpie
    The Cube
    Bristol

    15/02/09
    Secret Machines
    Support: Countryside and Filthy Dukes
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    16/02/09
    Black Lips
    Support: The Wailingest Cats
    The Fleece
    Bristol

    19/02/09
    Wild Beasts
    Support: olo worms and Napoleon IIIrd
    The Louisiana
    Bristol

    24/02/09
    M. Ward
    Support: The Lost Brothers
    Bush Hall
    London

    28/02/09
    Kyte
    Support: Apache Beat
    Start the Bus
    Bristol

    03/03/09
    Howling Bells (3)
    Support: Chew Lips and The Joy Formidable
    The Fleece
    Bristol

    09/03/09
    Patrick Wolf (2)
    Support: Craig Template
    The Guildhall
    Gloucester

    16/03/09
    Noisettes (3)
    Support: Emily Breeze
    The Cooler
    Bristol

    22/03/09
    Animal Collective (2)
    Support: Dent May
    The Trinity Centre
    Bristol

    24/03/09
    Animal Collective (3)
    Support: Pantha du Prince and Dent May (2)
    HMV Forum
    London

    01/04/09
    Jessica Lea Mayfield
    Support: Benjamin Winter
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    03/04/09
    Elvis Perkins in Dearland (2)
    Paradiso Kleine Zaal
    Amsterdam

    08/04/09
    Alela Diane
    Support: William Elliott Whitmore
    Paradiso
    Amsterdam

    10/04/09
    Motel Mozaique, Rotterdam
    Darker My Love - 3voor12 Podium, NAi
    Grampall Jookabox - 3voor12 Podium, NAi
    Handsome Furs - Rotown
    The Invisible - WATT Basement
    The New Wine - 3voor12 Podium, NAi
    Nico Muhly - Rotterdamse Schouwburg
    The Whitest Boy Alive - WATT
    15/04/09
    Bat for Lashes (5)
    Support: Caroline Weeks and School of Seven Bells
    The Anson Rooms
    Bristol

    18/04/09
    John Parish & Polly Jean Harvey
    Support: Howe Gelb
    The Anson Rooms
    Bristol

    20/04/09
    John Parish & Polly Jean Harvey (2)
    Support: Howe Gelb (2)
    Shepherd's Bush Empire
    London


    21/04/09
    St. Vincent (4)
    Support: Paul Marshall
    Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
    London

    22/04/09
    ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    24/04/09
    John Parish & Polly Jean Harvey (3)
    Support: Howe Gelb (3)
    The Ritz
    Manchester

    26/04/09
    Gomez
    Support: Fink
    O2 Academy
    Bristol

    27/04/09
    Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    28/04/09
    Bob Dylan
    Cardiff International Arena
    Cardiff

    02/04/09
    Themselves
    Support: Michael J Rocks and SJ Esau
    The Croft
    Bristol

    ATP vs. The Fans II, Butlins, Minehead

    08/05/09Devo
    Edan
    Electric Wizard
    Fuck Buttons
    HEALTH
    M83
    Pink Mountaintops
    09/05/09
    The Acorn
    Beirut
    The Cave Singers
    Grizzly Bear
    Marnie Stern
    Nico Muhly (2)
    Retribution Gospel Choir (2)
    Sleepy Sun
    10/05/09
    !!!
    Future of the Left
    Grails
    Hush Arbors (2)
    The Jesus Lizard
    Parts & Labor
    Shearwater
    Spiritualized
    11/05/09
    Zach Hill
    Support: Mike Bones
    The Croft
    Bristol

    16/05/09
    Metric
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    24/05/09
    Antony and the Johnsons
    Colston Hall
    Bristol

    03/06/09
    Titus Andronicus
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    07/06/09
    Omar Souleyman
    Support: Group Doueh
    WORM
    Rotterdam

    13/06/09
    I Heart Hiroshima
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    25/06/09
    Atmosphere
    Melkweg
    Amsterdam

    28/06/06
    Parkpop, Zuiderpark, Den Haag
    Boris
    Buzzcocks
    Pretenders


    04/07/09
    St. Vincent (5)
    Support: She Keeps Bees
    Rotown
    Rotterdam

    05/07/09
    Why? (3)
    Support: The Burning Hell
    Tivoli de Helling
    Utrecht

    06/07/09
    St. Vincent (6)
    Support: Blue Roses (2)
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    07/07/09
    Cymbals Eat Guitars
    Support: Joe Gideon & The Shark and Terry Lynn
    The ICA
    London

    08/07/09
    St. Vincent (7)
    Support: Blue Roses (3)
    The ICA
    London

    09/07/09
    Cymbals Eat Guitars (2)
    Support: Arcs and Fireworks Night
    The Windmill
    London

    13/07/09
    St. Vincent (8)
    Support: Table and Blue Roses (4)
    Night & Day Cafe
    Manchester

    19/07/09
    Deerhoof (2)
    Support: What's Up
    Tivoli de Helling
    Utrecht

    20/07/09
    De Affaire, Valkhof Park, Nijmegen
    Caribou
    Death Sentence: PANDA!
    The Mad Trist
    Sleepy Sun (2)
    St. Vincent (9)

    10/08/09
    The National
    Support: Broken Records
    Royal Festival Hall
    London

    La Route du Rock, St. Malo, France
    14/08/09
    Deerhunter
    Marissa Nadler (2)
    Mark Kozelek
    My Bloody Valentine
    Tortoise
    15/08/09
    Camera Obscura (2)
    Four Tet
    The Kills
    Papercuts
    Peaches
    St. Vincent (10)
    16/08/09
    Andrew Bird
    Bill Callahan
    Dominique A
    Grizzly Bear (2)


    Green Man Festival, Glanusk Park, Wales
    21/08/09
    Animal Collective (4)
    British Sea Power
    Broken Records (2)
    Emmy the Great
    Gang Gang Dance
    Roky Erickson
    22/08/09
    Beach House (3)
    Blue Roses (5)
    Cate Le Bon
    Grizzly Bear (3)
    The Leisure Society
    Peter Broderick
    stornoway
    23/08/09
    Dirty Three
    Player Piano
    Rodriguez
    Scott Matthews
    She Keeps Bees (2)
    Trembling Bells
    Wilco (2)
    Zun Zun Egui
    25/08/09
    Wilco (3)
    Support: Blitzen Trapper
    The Troxy
    London

    26/08/09
    Bill Callahan (2)
    Support: Sophia Knapp
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    04/09/09
    The Antlers
    The Lexington
    London

    05/09/09
    Dinosaur Jr. (2)
    The Anson Rooms
    Bristol


    End of the Road, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset
    11/09/09
    David Thomas Broughton
    Dirty Projectors (2)
    Explosions in the Sky
    12/09/09
    Alela Diane (2)
    Blitzen Trapper (2)
    The Broken Family Band
    Efterklang
    Fleet Foxes
    J Tillman
    The Leisure Society (2)
    The Low Anthem
    Motel Motel
    Peter Broderick (2)
    13/09/09
    Au
    Brakes (2)
    Joe Gideon & The Shark (2)
    Magnolia Electric Co.
    Neko Case
    Richmond Fontaine
    She Keeps Bees (3)
    Steve Earle
    The Tallest Man on Earth
    The Whispertown 2000
    20/09/09
    The Fiery Furnaces
    Support: Talk In Code and InLight
    O2 Academy
    Oxford

    22/09/09
    The Temper Trap
    Support: Goldhawks
    The Thekla
    Bristol

    24/09/09
    Howe Gelb (4)
    The Watershed
    Bristol

    26/09/09
    Invada Invasion, Colston Hall, Bristol
    Crippled Black Phoenix
    Fuck Buttons (2)
    Joe Volk
    Mogwai (3)
    Team Brick
    Zu


    08/10/09
    The Fiery Furnaces (2)
    Cargo
    London

    09/10/09
    Bat for Lashes (6)
    Support: Yeasayer (2)
    Colston Hall
    Bristol

    13/10/09
    dälek
    Support: Charles Hayward
    The Croft
    Bristol

    16/10/09
    Girls
    Support: Swanton Bombs
    The Cooler
    Bristol

    17/10/09
    Themselves (2)
    Support: Manyfingers
    The Croft
    Bristol

    24/10/09
    Juliette Lewis (2)
    Support: Officer Kicks
    Fiddlers Club
    Bristol

    30/10/09
    Handsome Furs (2)
    Support: Substatic and Countryside (2)
    The Cooler
    Bristol

    06/11/09
    Grizzly Bear (4)
    Support: St. Vincent (11)
    The Anson Rooms
    Bristol

    08/11/09
    Daniel Johnston
    Support: Laura Marling and The Wave Pictures
    The Trinity Centre
    Bristol

    12/11/09
    Cymbals Eat Guitars (3)
    Support: Two Door Cinema Club and North Atlantic Oscillation
    The Lexington
    London

    13/11/09
    Tegan and Sara
    Support: Astronautalis
    Shepherd's Bush Empire
    London
  • 2009-03-21

    Abr 2 2009, 2h51 por MarkOnTour

    At my final day and night of SxSW I started at Palm Door to see Hey Marseilles moved on to Latitude to see Paul Marshall, Stubbs for Parachute and White Lies, Maggie Maes for the Asteroids Galaxy Tour, and Bat Bar for Late of the Pier.
  • Gig reviews: From Europe (May-July 2008)

    Dez 26 2008, 12h32 por jarmac

    Finally after nearly five months of being back in Australia I have completed a review of all the gig and festivals I saw over in Europe, I had already posted reviews from T In The Park, Hurricane Festival and The Wombats gig at Brixton; now here is the rest.

    ------------

    Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong
    Monday, 5th of May, 2008 – Carling Academy 2 , Liverpool, UK

    Support: The Federals and Beggars

    Notes about the gig:
    *Beggars showed to be a great support act.
    *Joe Lean only played for a short amount of time (about 40 minutes), although it was a good performance. Joe Lean played newest single ‘Lonely Buoy’, ‘Where’d You Go’ and crowd-favourite ‘Lucio Starts Fires’. The crowd got a new lease of energy when the band played ‘Lucio Starts Fires’ and didn’t stop moving until the end of the set from the London indie rockers.





    Overall (Based on Joe Lean’s performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 6
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 5
    Setlist (0-5): 3.5
    Live sound (0-5): 2.5
    Total: 17/30



    ----------------------


    Royworld
    Wednesday, 7th of May, 2008 – Liverpool Barfly , Liverpool, UK

    Support: Babylon Pink and The Addiction


    Before this gig I had not heard of any of these bands, but since I was looking for a gig to go to in Liverpool on this certain night Royworld appealed to me. Sure it’s a pretty poor name for a band, but since they were classified an “indie” band I gave them a shot. The crowd attendance was disappointing, as only about 30 people showed up. And only a few months later Royworld would be in the UK’s top 20 singles chart.

    The support acts were highlights of the night, young teenagers ‘Babylon Pink’ showed an impressive effort, as did ‘The Addiction’. The vocalist from Royworld had a deep and powerful voice (which reminded me of Meatloaf, but not quite as impressive as the pop-icon), and the band sound was great, as it sounded very sharp and seemed as if they were in a recording studio performing. Although the sound was ace, I felt their was no connection from the band to the crowd, and the songs were quite average.



    Overall (Based on Royworld’s performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 4
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 3
    Setlist (0-5): N/A
    Live sound (0-5): 3
    Total: 10/25



    ----------------------




    Scouting for Girls
    Tuesday, 27th of May, 2008 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK

    Support: Go:Audio and Clocks


    Setlist Featured: (Not complete setlist)
    It’s Not About You
    Keep On Walking
    I’m Not Over You
    The Airplane Song
    Elvis Ain’t Dead
    Glastonbury
    I Need A Holiday
    James Bond
    Heartbeat
    She’s So Lovely



    Support acts Go:Audio and Clocks were nothing fantastic, although Go:Audio had a more enjoyable performance due to the amount of cult followers they had at the gig, which improved the atmosphere.
    Scouting For Girls put on a great show as they made sure the crowd were having a fun time. Their set included many sing-alongs to their pop tunes. ‘Heartbeat’, ‘She’s So Lovely’ and ‘James Bond’ were my personal highlights for the night, the entire crowd at Sheppard’s Bush Empire were up dancing. This homecoming gig for the London pop trio was their forth and final show at the famous Sheppard’s Bush venue. Scouting For Girls are one of my few guilty pleasures, and it was great to see a pop artist exceed expectations during a live performance.





    Overall (Based on SFG’s performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 8.5
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 8
    Setlist (0-5): 4
    Live sound (0-5): 4
    Total: 24.5/30



    ----------------------





    Lightspeed Champion
    Wednesday, 28th of May, 2008 – Carling Academy 2, Liverpool, UK

    Support: Sons and Daughters, Wild Beast & Eugene McGuinness


    Setlist Featured: (Not complete setlist)
    Dry Lips
    Galaxy of the Lost
    Happy Birthday
    Marlene
    No Surprise (For Wendela)
    Tell Me What It’s Worth
    I Could Have Done This Myself
    The Imperial March (Star Wars Theme)
    Midnight Surprise

    Officially Sons & Daughters headlined the Liverpool gig, but it was Lightspeed Champion that made it their own. Lightspeed Champion is the name of Devonte Hynes’ current musical venture. Hyne’s brilliant debut record, ‘Falling Off The Lavender’ featured help from friends of other indie bands, including Emmy The Great.

    The two first supporting artists were entertaining. Wild Beasts’ performance was notable, the lead singer featured a powerful spine-chilling husky vocal. The third act for the night was the reason I was attending this ‘Liverpool: Sound City’ (Liverpool Sound City is a new four day event which features dozens of concerts each night from young indie musicians, clever idea) concert. Hynes was welcomed to the stage by the Liverpool indie kids, as the man behind Lightspeed Champion greeted the fans with an unusual fur hat on his head.

    Unfortunately, Lightspeed Champion’s setlist was not long enough for me…but with a good reason though, as four bands had to fit sets in as well. Lightspeed Champion saw this opportunity to showcase some new material at the gig, which included the new songs, ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Marlene’. The UK indie-folk rockers made sure they fitted in the classic tunes that the crowd wanted to hear, including; ‘Galaxy Of The Lost’, ‘Tell Me What It’s Worth’ and ‘I Could Have Done This Myself’. But most importantly I was over the moon to hear my favourite track of 2008, the ten minute long ‘Midnight Surprise’. The roadies were signaling to Lightspeed Champion that they had to get off stage after one final song…so the band made it a pleasing lengthy finish. ‘The Imperial March’ (Star Wars Theme) was played as an intro to their amazing finish, the orchestral sound featured Hynes guitar as well which sounded amazing. The cover was then followed by Hynes vocals echoing “Shoot me into sleep / Your beauty is so close to me” to begin ‘Midnight Surprise’.

    Next-up were the Scottish ‘Sons And Daughters’, which only half the crowd remained for the final act of the night. But I cannot be too judgmental towards the early-leavers as I left within the first four tracks from Sons And Daughters. The band begun with one of my favourite tracks by them ‘Gift Complex’, but the live performance didn’t do the band too much justice. I wasn’t feeling entertained and I was worn out, maybe it was due to my tight travel schedule as only two days prior I was in France, and the night before I was over the other side of the country at another gig in London.
    Overall (Based on Lightspeed Champion’s performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 9
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 9
    Setlist (0-5): 3
    Live sound (0-5): 4.5
    Total: 25.5/30




    ----------------------




    The Zutons
    Monday, 2nd of June, 2008 – HMV Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    SETLIST:
    Harder and Harder;
    Dirty Rat;
    What’s Your Problem
    Bum Bag
    Always Right Behind You

    Liverpool’s own, The Zutons played a special intimate gig at HMV to celebrate the release of their third studio album, ‘You Can Do Anything’. I was not a ‘massive fan’ of the band, but the meet-and-greet after the performance made me interested and so I awaited for quite some time outside the store to line up to get a prime position. Although due to the awkwardness of the crowd setup prime position was not giving to a first-come first served basis.

    The five-song performance featured only tracks from the latest album, such as first single ‘Always Right Behind You’. I was hoping for some tracks from the previous album but they were not delivered. The new tunes were average, nothing special. And as for the meet-and-greet, well it was very rushed by security…and the security would only let copies of the album signed.


    Overall
    Artists Performance (0-10): 3
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 3
    Setlist (0-5): 1
    Live sound (0-5): 2
    Total: 7/30



    ----------------------



    Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
    Tuesday, 3rd of June, 2008 – Barbican Centre, London, UK

    Support: Liam Ó Maonlaí

    Setlist Featured: (Not complete setlist)
    Say It To Me Now
    All The Way Down
    This Low
    If I Leave
    Lies
    Falling Slowly
    When Your Minds Made Up
    What Happens When The Heart Just Stops
    True
    Once
    Star Star
    Your Face
    Fitzcarraldo
    Forever Young (Bob Dylan cover)



    Tonight’s sold out crowd at London’s Barbican (which is a huge 1000 seated venue that usually holds classical/world music concerts) are here to watch two magnificent musicians, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová showcase songs from the Once soundtrack. Although, throughout the night Glen would throw in songs from his own band, The Frames into the setlist.

    The performance begins with Glen Hansard standing solo and belting out the highly emotional ‘Say It To Me Now’. And fortunately the amazing performance did not end there, it kept going until the final tune of the night. Glen than brought out his fellow members from ‘The Frames’ and co-star of the arthouse film Once, Markéta Irglová. Throughout the night Glen did not disappoint the crowd with his never-ending story telling (which never failed to get a from the audience).

    Musically the concert was perfect; Glen and Markéta have a wonderful chemistry. Of course the biggest cheer from the night was during Oscar winning, ‘Falling Slowly’, which was flawless. After a enduring setlist the night came to a close when Glen and Markéta asked the support artist, Liam Ó Maonlaí to help with vocals and piano for a cover version of Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’.

    Overall
    Artists Performance (0-10): 10
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 9.5
    Setlist (0-5): 4
    Live sound (0-5): 5
    Total: 28.5/30



    ----------------------




    Noah and the Whale
    Wednesday, 4th of June, 2008 – Scala , London, UK

    Support: SoKo, Slow Club, Golden Silvers

    I came to this gig to especially to see support act, Soko. I was pleased with the opening supports (Slow Club, Golden Silvers), although Soko’s performance was umm, interesting. Slow Club had a few hiccups early on but showed potential in their catchy tunes. Likewise, Golden Silvers also showed a bright future, even with their unusual dress style.

    Usually singer/songwriters are proven to be lyrical genius, but Soko is no lyrical genius, as proven by songs such as ‘Wet Dreams’ and a song about Peanut Butter. The latter song’s lyrics explain that she likes any kind of peanut butter whether it is crunchy or peanut. Throughout her 30 minute performance Soko seemed to be making up the setlist as she was going. Sure, she tortured her guitar, and her songs may be weird (especially one that featured backing vocals of ‘Meowing’), but you cannot help but love Soko.

    After playing songs such as ‘I Will Never Love You More’, ‘Shitty Day’, and ‘Mental Breakdown’ she was planning to finish off with ‘I’ll Kill Her’ but opted not to. This disappointed me as it was one of her few GREAT songs. I left the gig after the Soko performance, so didn’t get the chance to check out Noah And The Whale.

    Overall (Based on Soko’s Performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 3.5
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 5
    Setlist (0-5): 2
    Live sound (0-5): 2
    Total: 12.5/30





    ----------------------




    The Pigeon Detectives
    Friday, 6th of June, 2008 – Brixton Carling Academy, London, UK

    Support: Sergeant and Cage the Elephant



    The first support act for the night, ‘Sergeant’ were quite dull. Although ‘Cage The Elephant’ brought some excitement and a whole lot of energy, thanks to their entertaining frontman. They performed their first single, ‘Out One Ear’ which sounded very promising.

    The Pigeon Detectives put on an amazing show at the Brixton Academy. I had a perfect spot at the front row of the first tier of the venue. The band’s frontman, Matt Bowman, was recovering from an injury but still managed to run across the stage with maximum energy, and throwing his microphone all over the stage. The band played songs from both their two released albums, the setlist featuring songs; such as the set-opener ‘This Is An Emergency’, ‘I Found Out’, and ‘You Better Not Look My Way’. Overall it was a solid set, and I highly enjoyed the performance (even if I hadn’t even heard the newest album). The highlight of the set came when Matt Bowman offered his guitar to the first person who successfully stepped onto the main stage. This created a warzone in the mosh, featuring the security and fans, quite funny to watch indeed.




    Overall (Based on The Pigeon Detective’s Performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 7.5
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 7
    Setlist (0-5): 3.5
    Live sound (0-5): 3.5
    Total: 21.5/30



    ----------------------





    The Kooks
    Wednesday, 18th of June, 2008 – Columbiahalle, Berlin, Germany

    Support: The Holloways

    Setlist Featured: (Not complete setlist)
    Mr. Maker
    Ooh la
    Always Where I Need To Be
    One Last Time
    She Moves In Her Own Way
    See The Sun
    Do You Wanna
    Naïve
    Shine On
    See The World
    Sofa Song
    Jackie Big Tits
    Sway

    The Holloways, a four-piece indie band from North London, opened for the Brighton boys, The Kooks. The Holloways put on an average set which included my favourite tune by the British Band, ‘Dancefloor’. By this point I had a spot about 20-25 rows back to the right of stage as I awaited for The Kooks.

    The sold out crowd loved every moment of the concert, including old favourites (such as Ooh La, See The World) and the new hits (Sway, Always Where I Need To Be). One of my highlights of the night was Luke Pritchard acoustic performance of ‘One Last Time’. Overall it was a fun night, and an amazing atmosphere to support the rocking tunes.




    Overall (Based on The Kook’s Performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 8.5
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 9
    Setlist (0-5): 4.5
    Live sound (0-5): 3.5
    Total: 25.5/30




    ----------------------





    Paul Weller
    Wednesday, 2nd of July, 2008 – Koko, London, UK

    Support: Glasvegas


    SETLIST:
    Peacock Suit
    From The Floorboards Up
    All I Wanna Do (Is Be With You)
    Out Of The Sinking
    Sea Spray
    Have You Made Up Your Mind
    Wild Wood
    Broken Stones
    Picking Up Sticks
    Wild Blue Yonder
    Shadow Of The Sun
    Invisible
    You Do Something To Me
    The Changingman
    22 Dreams
    Come On/Lets Go
    Eton Rifles
    --Encore--
    Whirlpools End
    All You Need Is Love (Beatles Cover)

    For those of you who don’t know the iTunes Festival is a month-long event (throughout July). It is hosted at London’s Koko venue, which holds about 1400 people. Each night in July two bands play at the venue, a support act and a headline act. But the only way to get tickets is to win them via the iTunes website (unless you are a celebrity of course). I was lucky enough to win tickets to the Glasvegas/Paul Weller show. I had recently been listening to Glasvegas before my trip to Europe, but as for Paul Weller I was not familiar with his music.

    Scotland’s Glasvegas showcased to the crowd their material, which featured ‘Geraldine’, the sad self-inflicted ballad, ‘It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry’, and the catchy set-closer ‘Daddy’s Gone’. The performance was decent, nothing spectacular, but they defiantly have an original sound.

    Next-up was Paul Weller, who was most famous for his part in popular punk-rock band, The Jam. Weller put on an average show, but only for the reason that I wasn’t aware of many songs at all. New material such as ‘Have You Made Up Your Mind’ and ’22 Dreams’ were catchy, although it was huge sing-along would finish the gig. Paul Weller covered ‘All You Need Is Love’, as made famous by The Beatles.


    Overall (Based on Paul Weller’s Performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 6
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 3
    Setlist (0-5): 2
    Live sound (0-5): 4
    Total: 15/30







    ----------------------






    O2 Wireless Festival
    Friday, 4th of July, 2008 – Hyde Park, London, UK

    Bands performing at the Festival:
    Morrissey, Beck, The Wombats, Guillemots, Dirty Pretty Things, Lightspeed Champion, The National, Siouxsie, The Courteeners, Black Kids, The Racals, The Hosts, Kristeenyoung, Howling Bells, The Whigs, Nicole Atkins and the Sea, mon Ouisch, The Fashion, New York Dolls, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Noise Is The Best Revenge, Liam Finn, Apollo Sunshine, Sea Wolf, Jaguar Love, The Duke Spirit, Emmy the Great, Paul Marshall, The Burning Leaves.


    The Wireless Festival is a four day event, which is held at London’s most famous park grounds, Hyde Park. However, one ticket cannot gain you access to all four days, each festival day is treated different, and each day is a different genre. Headlining acts of the 2008 edition of London’s Wireless Festival were; Jay Z, Counting Crows, Fatboy Slim and Smiths frontman Morrissey (who headlined the Friday festival, which I attended).

    The weather was nothing but sunshine for the entire festival. The day begun with an easy walk through the entrance gates, this is unusual for a festival…although because the festival was on a weekday, a lot of people would turn up to the event later in the day.


    Lightspeed Champion : 15:00-15:30 (Main Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    The main stage kicked off with Lightspeed Champion who provided a great set, which included the Star Wars theme song and the nine minute long music masterpiece, ‘Midnight Surprise’. Lightspeed Champion’s Devonte Hynes, wore his trademark fur hat which drew some attention to the crowd, as people were questioning where Hynes purchased his hat from. Hynes explained to the Londoner’s that he had found Jay Z’s setlist (which he proclaimed as ‘Ebay Gold Rush’) from the night before.
    Rating: 8/10


    The Rascals : 15:40-16:10 (Sandisk Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    The Rascals delivered a very average set, although it featured a very surprising moment. Alex Turner from Britain’s “it” band, the Arctic Monkeys, came out and performed the set-closer ‘Is It Too Late’ with The Rascals.
    Rating: 5/10


    Black Kids : 16:25-16:55 (Sandisk Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    With a front-spot position I had perfect viewing for one of 2008 hottest newcomers, the Black Kids. The set up of the performance reminded me of Australian pop band, Operator Please. The American indie-pop band put on a very enjoyable performance playing songs such as; ‘Hurricane Jane’, ‘I’ve Underestimated My Charm Again’, ‘Hit The Heartbrakes’ and the anticipated ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend…’. Overall it was a very upbeat and fun set, one of the highlights of the day!
    Rating: 8/10


    The Courteeners : 17:10-17:55 (Sandisk Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    I stepped back to the middle of the crowd to watch The Courteeners, and thankfully I did, as there were many beer beverages being thrown (one of UK’s negative festival trends) into the front section of the crowd during this set. I was expecting The Courteeners front man, Liam Fray, to make more “knobbish” comments as the media have potrayed The Courteeners as an attitude similar to Oasis’ Gallagher Brothers. The set was very good, with many crowd sing-a-longs and they had the crowd jumping about for singles ‘What Took You So Long’ and ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ which were both amazing to hear live.
    Rating: 7.5/10


    The Wombats : 18:00-18:50 (Main Stage)
    Watched: 18:05-18:50
    The Wombats put on a great set, as always. Playing songs such as Kill The Director, Moving To New York and Let’s Dance To Joy Division.
    Rating: 7.5/10


    During The Wombats’ set and The National’s set, I caught five minutes from Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly’s performance, which seemed decent.


    The National : 19:40-20:40 (Sandisk Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    I opted to see The National rather than see Beck on the Main Stage. Although I was glad I saw The National as it was a terrific relaxing and beautiful set. The deep vocals of the band’s frontman were amazing to hear live. The band played a range of songs from their albums Alligator (Secret Meaning, Abel) and Boxer (Mistaken For Strangers, Squalor Victoria). The set featured the brilliant ‘Slow Show’, which was just perfect live, and the set closer ‘Fake Empire’ was exceptional.
    Rating: 8.5/10


    Morrissey : 20:45-22:15 (Main Stage)
    Watched: All Of Set
    I quickly rushed to the Main Stage and managed to get a spot about 20-25 rows left of stage. I wasn’t too familiar with Morrissey’s solo work, but the tunes managed to get me dancing. The set begun with Morrissey’s hits; 'Last Of The Famous International Playboys' and 'First Of The Gang To Die'. It wasn’t long into the night when The former-Smiths front man blasted out his two new tracks 'That's How People Grow Up' and 'All You Need Is Me'. During the performance much to my dislike, Morrissey would not stop talking about his ‘Meat Is Murder’ bullshit, and putting down people who eat meat or as he calls it, “Putting death into your mouth”. Morrissey even tried to go to the extent to make the food vendors at the festival not serve any meat, and also had posters backstage reading “Meat Is Murder”. Now I don’t mind if people decide to not eat meat, but don’t try to put your views on others...we can make our own minds up.

    Also during the night, the singer sarcastically congratulated the Australian singer at the gig in Festival, which got laughs and cheers from the crowd. Morrisey ended the night with songs from his previous band, The Smiths, ‘How Soon Is Now?’ and ‘What She Said’. Overall Morrissey does have many catchy songs, and is a good live performer as he has a huge amount of character.
    Rating: 8.5/10

    SETLIST:
    'Last Of The Famous International Playboys'
    'Ask'
    'First Of The Gang To Die'
    'That's How People Grow Up'
    'Irish Blood, English Heart'
    'I Just Want To See The Boy Happy'
    'Sister, I'm A Poet'
    'Vicar In A Tutu'
    'All You Need Is Me'
    'The Loop'
    'The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores'
    'Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself?'
    'Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed'
    'Billy Budd'
    'Death Of A Disco Dancer'
    'You Say You Don't Love Me'
    'I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris'
    'Stretch Out And Wait'
    'Life Is A Pigsty'
    'How Soon Is Now?'
    'What She Said'/'Rubber Ring'



    ----------------------



    Band of Horses
    Wednesday, 9th of July, 2008 – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK

    Support: The Virgins

    SETLIST:
    The Snow Fall/ The First Song
    Ode To LRC
    Wicked Gil
    Is There A Ghost
    Too Soon
    Trudy
    Marry Song
    No One Goes Out
    The Great Salt Lake
    Weed Party
    13 Days
    Older
    No One’s Gonna Love You
    House
    Writers
    ----
    Bass Song
    The Funeral
    ----
    Detlef Schrempf


    On the night before my departure for Scotland’s T In The Park Festival I ventured into London’s inner-west to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire to see Band Of Horses. They show was enjoyable, and I had a perfect position of the band sitting down in the first row of the first elevated level. The support act, The Virgins (from America) were average, but it was the Band Of Horses (also from America) who had the crowd at their feet. The indie-rockers played their popular hits such as ‘Is There A Ghost’, ‘Ode to LRC’ and my personal highlight from the gig, ‘No One’s Gonna Love You’. It was also funny to see the lead singer forgetting lyrics to songs from the band’s debut album.




    Overall (Based on Band Of Horses’ Performance)
    Artists Performance (0-10): 7
    Self-Enjoyment (0-10): 6
    Setlist (0-5): 3
    Live sound (0-5): 4
    Total: 20/30




    ----------------------




    Ben & Jerry's Sundae On The Common
    Sunday, 27th of July, 2008 – Clapham Common , London, UK

    Bands performing at the Festival:
    Ash, The Lemonheads, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Slow Club, Parka, The New York Fund,The Vivians, Flight Like Apes


    The day-long festival could not have been chosen for a better day, blue skies and a wonderful thirty degree day in London. And with only 8 days left of my European Holiday the Sundae On The Common festival was a lovely end to the trip, as at the festival it was FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for the entire day. Ice Cream stations were set up across the festival park grounds, there were mascots roaming around, and some fun activities (including a super slide, Pimmes bus, toe wrestling, egg/spoon races, and a petting zoo). The festival contained a very relaxed environment, with most of the festival go-ers sitting under big trees. For the majority of the festival I focused on eating as much ice cream as I could, rather than the bands.

    After one of the bands pointed at Ben & Jerry’s co-owner, ‘Jerry Greenfield’, he was exposed to the crowd and had a bunch of people asking for photos (including my friend Paul and I). The entire festival was great P.R to celebrate Ben & Jerry’s 30th Birthday, the food/drink vendors were surprisingly at a low price (which is unusual for any music festival).

    As for the bands, during the day I watched Parka, Slow Club, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Lemonheads, and headlining band Ash. Scottish up-beat indie band, Parka had a fun set, which featured people on stilts and confetti guns. Slow Club put on a solid set, likewise with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Although I found The Lemonheads’ set quite boring, and not very entertaining…but then again I am not a fan of The Lemonheads. Ash put on a fantastic set which got the crowd pumping, and wantin more. They played most of my favourite tunes including; ‘Shining Light’, ‘Walking Barefoot’, along with hits from the 1977 album, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Oh Yeah’ and the popular ‘Kung Fu’. Although it was the beautiful ‘Twilight Of The Innocents’, which was the top moment of the set. Ash closed the festival with their first ever single, ‘Jack Names the Planets’. Unfortunately, Ash failed to play ‘Sometimes’ which I am dying to hear live.


    Ash’s SETLIST:
    Gonna Explode
    Burn Baby Burn
    Shining Light
    Goldfinger
    Renegade
    Kung Fu
    Itchy Bun
    Orphans Orphus
    Walking Barefoot
    Oh Yeah
    Twilight Of The Innocents
    Jack Planets


    Ice cream flavours available on the day: (YUMMY)
    Fairtrade Vanilla
    Caramel Chew Chew
    Cherry Garcia
    Chocolate Fudge Brownie
    Baked Alaska (mashmallow ice cream!)
    Chunky Monkey
    Cookie Dough
    Chessecake Brownie
    Phish Food (mashmallow ice cream again!)
    Mint Chocolate
    Vanilla Toffee Crunch
    Bohemian Raspberry
    Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz
    Jamaican Me Crazy
    Mango Berry Swirl
  • Instant Classic Podcast: Christmas Cracker 2008

    Dez 11 2008, 0h56 por pennybroadhurst



    The third annual Christmas special from the Instant Classic podcast is out now, hosted by Penny Broadhurst. Almost as eagerly anticipated as the Christmas issue of the Radio Times. With music from Stars, Pete Green, Paul Marshall, The Middle Ones, MJ Hibbett, Headlights, The Lodger, We can't sleep at night, A.Human, Chris TT, Candypants and Penny Broadhurst & The Maffickers.

    Instant Classic Podcast

    Tracklistings and links can be found at http://www.pennybroadhurst.com/instantclassic

    Feedback to info@pennybroadhurst.com
  • Tanned Tin 2008

    Nov 25 2008, 10h55 por Suarezmanlanz

    Llegaba a esta edición del Tanned Tin sin haber hecho los deberes, predispuesto a ser sorprendido y con tan sólo un puñado de grupos de los que se pueda decir que soy seguidor acérrimo. Con un cartel que sobrepasa los treinta es bastante sencillo encontrar propuestas que no son del agrado de uno, aunque sinceramente el nivel este año ha sido exageradamente alto, con sólo un par de conciertos que no llegaron a dar la talla.

    Por otro lado, y como novedad, en esta edición se prescindía del Auditori, concentrando toda la actividad conciertil en el Teatro Principal y en el Casino (para las sesiones matinales), todo un acierto ya que así todo está muy a mano y vas a los conciertos caminando tranquilamente desde tu hotel. También destacar los semi-improvisados miniconciertos de diez minutos que tenían lugar en los descansos entre grupo y grupo en la segunda planta del Teatro Principal. Allí repitieron muchos de los artistas del cartel de este año, como Paul Marshall, Ora Cogan o Barzin, pero también hubo sorpresas como la de David Thomas Broughton, que ya debe de tener contrato fijo en el Tanned Tin.

    También es digno de mención el impresionante sonido del que disfrutamos todo el fin de semana, sobresaliente, sin apenas problemas técnicos destacables, al menos a simple vista. El punto negativo se lo lleva la imposibilidad de tener asiento numerado (debido a la introducción de abonos por primera vez en el festival), algo que no supuso un problema el jueves y el viernes, pero sí el sábado con una mayor afluencia de público y con multitud de asientos ocupados por chaquetas durante muchos conciertos. De todos modos, da gusto ver como se subsanan errores de pasados años, como la agresiva y molesta presencia de guardias jurados que no permitían estar de pie durante los conciertos, o la escasa oferta culinaria dentro del Teatro (este año afortunadamente había algo más que rosquillets).


    Jueves 13

    Es difícil afrontar un concierto media hora después de haber cruzado la península de punta a punta tras más de diez horas al volante. Pero más difícil es aún si el concierto es de Jana Hunter. La de Arlington (en algún lugar perdido de Texas) tiene un repertorio introvertido y depresivo, digno de hacérselo mirar. Afortunadamente su set a dos guitarras y batería duró apenas media hora, por lo que mi frágil psique no sufrió en demasía. La cosa mejoró (y mucho) con el concierto de The Strugglers, que se convirtieron en la primera sorpresa del día principalmente porque, al no haberlos escuchado antes, con un nombre como ese me imaginaba una banda de garage. Nada más lejos de la realidad, ya que el grupo de Randy Bickford ofreció un muy buen concierto de rock americano de toda la vida, muy cerca de Damien Jurado o Dolorean aunque más acelerados. Excelentes melodías y una muy buena voz, que desafortunadamente sonó muy baja la mayor parte del concierto.

    Llegó la hora de los Radar Bros y llegó la hora de cenar. El caso es que tras una experiencia culinaria un pelín accidentada, llegó la segunda sorpresa del día, aunque en esta ocasión el motivo no fue el rango estilístico del grupo (ya que me había escuchado el “Devotion” de Beach House unas cuantas veces) sino el descubrir que el portador de la impresionante voz que se oye en el disco no es un portador, sino una portadora. En fin, estupendo concierto con un arranque exclusivamente centrado en su último disco, y con un órgano omnipresente capaz de transportarnos a una playa desierta en una remota isla del Caribe. Casi sin quererlo, el concierto de Victoria Legrand y Alex Scully se convirtió en el momento cumbre del día, y tan buen sabor de boca me quedó, que me atreví a sacrificar el concierto de Cass McCombs en pos de una de esas agradables charlas, cerveza en mano, y apoyado en la barra del bar, tan comunes en estos años de Tanned Tin. La tercera sorpresa del día fue darme cuenta de que estaba sacrificando también a los Wave Pictures por otra ronda de cervezas. Sin embargo, una hora después el raciocinio entró en en funcionamiento y mi regreso al Teatro Principal fue a lo grande, ya que el concierto de Retribution Gospel Choir fue, nunca mejor dicho, enorme. El (otro) grupo de Alan Sparkhawk, en el que se hace acompañar del ya nuevo bajista de Low, consigue transformar la tristeza tan característica de sus canciones con Mimi Parker en erupciones de rabia e inconformidad, con un sonido envidiable y una ejecución impecable.

    Dos rápidas cervezas más tarde dio comienzo el concierto de Mahjongg, en el que ya desde el principio, y oliéndome lo que nos venía encima, descarté sentarme. Los de Chicago son el cruce perfecto entre Battles y Village People, con un pedigrí tal que sus cinco componentes pasaron en algún momento por alguna de las dos baterías que comandaban el escenario. Sudor y desenfreno, con invasión de éste incluída, para cerrar la velada, ¿qué más podría pedir? Pues Jana Hunter llamando a la puerta de mi habitación a las cuatro y media de la madrugada preguntando por un tal Fernando, desde luego que no entraba en mis planes.


    Viernes 14
    La resaca del vienes por la mañana hizo que madrugase más de la cuenta. Así, a las nueve y media ya estaba levantado, y tras un tranquilo desayuno y un paseíto por el centro de Castellón, nos dirigimos al Casino para disfrutar de la primera de las jornadas matinales. Ahí nos encontramos con Paul Marshall, su guitarra y su estupenda voz de trovador medieval. Una estupenda sorpresa, la verdad. Mayoritariamente tocó temas nuevos de su próximo disco, aunque mi favorita fue una arrolladora "We could use your blood". Por su parte, Voice of the Seven Woods siguió en la misma línea que su paisano inglés, aunque sus canciones quizá pequen un poco de falta de diversidad. Así, los temas en los que no cantaba se hacían algo largos y cansinos; de todos modos resultó bastante disfrutable. La cerveza fue la culpable que escuchase a R.G. Morrison desde la distancia, y no lo suficiente como para poder siquiera juzgarlos.

    Ya por la tarde, la obligada siesta y la crónica del jueves me hicieron perderme a Ora Cogan. Llegué justo para Barzin; los de Toronto son de esos grupos que sin practicamente esfuerzo consiguen que disfrutes su concierto, pero sin llegar a niveles de emoción que ofrecen grupos como Red House Painters o Codeine. Así a todo, casi se me cae la lagrimilla con "Let's go driving". Pasé de Thalia Zedek y la tarde noche continuó con The Declining Winter; debido a mi pasión por Hood, suelo ser bastante escéptico con todo lo que los hermanos Adams hacen en solitario. Sin embargo, una vez más mis recelos rápidamente quedaron olvidados ya que las canciones de "Goodbye, Minnesota" ganaron, y mucho, con un set analógico, en formación de seis y acompañado de dos violines; uno de esos conciertos en los que la imaginación suple con creces las carencias técnicas y falta de ensayo.

    Todo lo contrario se puede decir de Audrey, un grupo sueco muy falto de ideas y de canciones, y cuyo final de concierto acabé sacrificando por otro par de cervezas. Poco importó, la verdad, ya que la tripleta que vino a continuación fue digna de un festival del tamaño del Primavera Sound. Zu, dälek y Neptune ofrecieron una contundencia en sus shows pocas veces vista en el Tanned Tin. Abrieron la recta final los italianos, con un bajista que no es de este mundo y un sonido primigenio sólo comparable a Shellac. Continuaron los americanos Dälek; una auténtica apisonadora ritmica que, sin duda alguna, se convirtió en el concierto más bailado de la historia del festival. Para cerrar, los también americanos Neptune, que aunque no me gustaron tanto como los anteriores conseguían sacar unos sonidos inverosímiles con sus instrumentos reciclados. La verdad es que parecían sacados de Mad Max.

    En fin, el caso es que el subidón fue tal que acabé subido en un taxi con David Thomas Broughton y Gareth y Elaine de The Declining Winter, en dirección a un garito de mala muerte en los polígonos. Aparentemente el único local abierto a esas horas en Castellón.


    Sábado 15
    De camino a un tardío desayuno me encontré, sentado en un banco en la pequeña plaza en frente al Teatro Principal, a un taciturno Phil Elverum (aka Mount Eerie); probablemente el principal motivo de mi desplazamiento a Castellón. No pude reprimir mis ansias de saludarlo y rendirle pleitesía, y curiosamente acabamos desayunando juntos. Creo que jamás he desayunado con alguien tan extremadamente tranquilo.

    Tras apurar los últimos minutos de compras por Castellón, me acerqué al Casino justo con el aplauso final a Mary Hampton. Tampoco se puede decir que viese el set de Benjamin Wetherhill, ya que estuve de cháchara en un salón anexo. Sí pillé un buen rato de Tara Jane O'Neil, y la verdad es que me sorprendió; recordaba su actuación en un Tanned Tin de Santander como una experiencia extremadamente aburrida, pero los 20 minutos que la estuve escuchando me agradaron bastante.

    La sesión de tarde empezó a primera hora con Samamidon y no tuvo desperdicio. Acompañado de Doveman alternándose a la batería y al piano, el de Vermont sorprendió con su poderosísima voz y entrañable caracter, bromeando entre canción y canción, o acompañando las mismas con divertidas coreografías que arrancaron más de una sonrisa. Todo lo contrario ofreció P.G. Six en el que probablemente fue el concierto más flojo y aburrido del festival; su folk urbano con un ligero aire celta no llegó a conectar con el público en ningún momento. Tras él, le tocó el turno a sr.chinarro, que armado únicamente con su acústica deshojó el temario de sus días en Acuarela ante un entusiasmado público.

    El concierto de Doveman estaba en el horario ideal para disfrutar de una magnífica cena en un excelente italiano a sólo un paso del Teatro Principal. Regresé con Deer Tick ya comenzado, pero decidí hacer la digestión charlando animosamente en la barra del bar. Sorprendentemente desde allí pude oir cómo los neoyorquinos cerraban con una versión de "La Bamba". Oir para creer.

    Y así llegó el que probablemente era el concierto más esperado del festival, la reunión de Come, uno de los referentes del indie rock americano de principios de los noventa, y del que curiosamente nunca llegué a ser fan. Si unimos eso a que literalmente no soporto la voz de Thalia Zedek, me costó meterme en el concierto y disfrutar de él. Aún así, el grupo parecía relamente compacto y para nada daba la impresión de ser su primer concierto en muchos años; por su parte, la mayoría del público parecía gozar de lo lindo en el concierto más abarrotado de todo el fin de semana.

    Con Mount Eerie sí que tuve conexión desde el primer momento. Independientemente de mi pasión por la música del de Anacortes, es innegable que su timbre de voz es como un jarabe para el dolor de garganta, capaz de engancharte y transportarte entre susurros al interior de sus canciones, dejando que tu mente ponga la instrumentación a tan bellas melodías. Con guitarra eléctrica y camisa a cuadros (algo recurrente en esta edición), ofreció cincuenta minutos de gloria cargados de temas de sus últimas publicaciones, “Dawn” y “Lost Wisdom” (en el que está acompañado por Julie Doiron).

    La noche (y mi fin de semana) terminó con The New Year, que aunque no estuvieron al impresionante nivel de su actuación en el 2004 en Santander, sí dieron un más que digno concierto, con varios momentos de piel de gallina y tan sólo lastrado por algunas de las flojas canciones de su homónimo último disco, que presentaron casi en su totalidad. Broche de oro para otra estupenda edición del festival más arriesgado de nuestra geografía.
  • Paul Marshall: Bandstand Busking

    Nov 23 2008, 16h09 por samsaunders

    I have really liked Paul Marshall's subtle, rich and unsettling songs since I first heard and reviewed his solo album Vultures.

    The Bandstand Busking people have just put up three videos of him singing in Greenwich Park in London this summer. They are all good, but the third outdoor recording: We Could Use Your Blood is absolutely outstanding. When you watch (toggle to whole screen, obviously), turn it right up and hear the bird song and the childrens' voices, somewhere else in the park. It's glorious stuff. And a very good tone on the guitar too.
  • Brainwashed

    Out 20 2008, 13h18 por littlealligator

    Fri 17 Oct – Brainwash Festival

    from me blog:

    Brainwashed: pt.1
    Just got back from the first night of this year’s Brainwash festival, held in Leeds at the Brudenell & Royal Park Cellars. Its a festival held between two tiny (but excellent) venues, and is playing host to some fantastic bands up till Sunday Night. Find out more here.

    Tonight had two higlights for me. Both were the first times I had seen either of these artists. Acoustic Guitar virtuoso Jon Gomm, blew my mind over in the cellars. It was like Acoustic folk music with both a sence of dark humour, with this brilliantly crafted flow held together by Jon’s fantastically percussive sound.

    What was left of my mind was then blown by That Fucking Tank, along with my body, and hearing apparently. The Math/Riff infused Grunge duo held their set on the floor of the Brudenell, un-aided by the PA. That is because playing so loud, they didn’t need one. Since I was excited about seeing them - I suggested to Will that we stand right at the front. Bad Move. Once the Drummer had convinced us all to ‘get closer’ I was practically stoon in amongst the drums. Literally, I could/should have massaged him gentley for the whole set. Unfortunatley, said set was far too mesmerising (and loud) to do anything but watch, nod and occasionally twitch uncontrollably for the whole set. Fucking Tank indeed.

    iForward Russia! played their last ever gig in the headline slot tonight. Their last ever gig was made even shorter for me, since I left after three songs. They were bad. In that kind of “Are these guys being serious… Shit, I think they actually think they’re good… Oh fuck, the audience thinks they’re god too… Oh fuck, they’re going to discover I am the only person left who thinks these guys are a joke and hence am not dancing/waving my arms like a retarded monkey…” sort of a way. So yeah, not my thing there.

    Tomorrow however, LITE headline. Oh yeah, mother-fucking LITE.

    Brainwashed: pt.2

    Phwoar, today was a long one. The day started at about half 2, but there wasn’t really anyone worth note until Maybeshewill, who played a fantastic set in the dingy Royal Park Cellars. Really cool, they played a heavy set, but for some reason it never made me think “Cwoar, this is heavy!”. I like that, that despite the instrumentation, a song can make you calm and still head-bang. Bought their 12″ split with Her Name is Calla (who, sadly, I found out are going on hiatus due to illness).
    Okay, perhaps the most incredible thing that happened today - I was not expecting in the least. We went over to the Brudenell, I wanted to catch the band 54-71, who had travelled over from Tokyo, Japan with LITE (Tonight’s Headliners). No idea what was about to befall me, there weren’t many people watching so I stood riiiight at the front. Band start as a trio and 10 seconds in you know these guys are good. They’re tight, and funky… but there’s an edge. 30 seconds into the first song, the stage door opens and something runs out. Well, not really runs, it kind of skips, waving its arms and screaming. The singer then stands at the front of the stage for us all to see: He’s wearing tights, hot-pants, and a see-through sequined top that shimmers purple. Oh, and he’s dripping all over in what only looks like Vaseline.
    Over the tight band’s groove, this guy, Sato Shingo, proceeds to roar these semi-aggressive Japanese lyrics over the top in a manner not dissimilar to a rapper. At this point its like if Shellac or Big Black started played songs by The Roots! (Strangley, I found out after their most recent album is produced by Steve Albini). Then the singer, who looks like he’s in a trance and trippin’ serious balls starts miming and writhing around the stage. He begins to motion various sexual acts and wraps the Mic cable around his neck. At one point he stands on the edge of the stage right in front of me and begins to mime a diver, setting up on the diving board. Then all of a sudden he literally dives off the stage and land in a crumpled heap by my feet. I think he must be hurt, so I try to help him up - but the Vaseline means he slips straight out of my hands. Then to my absolute disbelief the guuys starts to army crawl through my legs… right to the other end of the Brudenell before getting up and mimiking his audience’s dancing. This guy is fucking nuts!
    After their set, I was speaking to one of their promoters and he said the first time he saw them it was like a ‘69 Stooges gig. I can’t imagine him to be far off. Apparently in Japan, these guys are pretty big, and for them to be on a bill under Lite is crazy. Still, not as bat-shit insane as the singer appeared to be.
    There were other acts after this, but to be quite honest - they didn’t really compare to what I’d just witnessed. These Monsters were pretty fucking good. The headliners, LITE, however were the band I was most excited about and boy did they live up to my hopes. Got right to the frnt for this one and they were seriously intense. They’re part of a Japanese Math-y sound that I really like and they transfer live really well. I was so happy, like a kid who got given exactly what they wanted for Christmas. So much so that now, I feel slightly spoilt!
    One more day of Brainwash tomorrow. Ólafur Arnalds is headlining, should be a much mellow-er affair I think.
    Will’s been taking pictures of some of the bands from this weekend, so I’ll see if I can nab some and put them up on here for y’all to see soon.

    Brainwashed pt.3 (Fin)

    Dreamy, Dreamy. Floaty, Floaty.

    Four words that I think quite effectively sum up today. The final day of Brainwash and we're all feeling the effects of an awesome Friday and Saturday. Today was on the whole, a lot mellower.

    Fran Rodgers played a gorgeous set, 7 Hertz really captured their audience's imagination in the Cellars, and Paul Marshall was phenomenal despite, as he put it, "shitting himself all day".

    My personal highlights of today were Vessels (surprise, surprise), and Ólafur Arnalds.

    Vessels played a blinder of a (albeit short) set tonight, bringing out some lesser played-live songs whilst making some definite converts in the crowd. I've seen these guys 3 or 4 times in last few months, and every time they've blown me away, whether its a 30 minute set like today, or their own Album launch party. There aren't many bands who are this consistently brilliant, it almost begs the question: Are these guys human at all?

    Second highlight of the night has got to be the headliner. Ólafur Arnalds, is a young chap who plays fucking beautiful Ambient music. And he's lucky enough to play it with a live string quartet. Oh, and he's Icelandic - which in the world of Ambience has got to count for something. The Lucky bastard.

    Ólafur played a truly transcendial set, to which the entire crowd sat transfixed by the Dreamy music. For a few songs, I gave in and lay right down staring up at the Brudenell ceiling whilst pondering the bigger questions in life: Is there a God? Why Fourty-Two? Why would anybody vote McCain? Is this music making me hallucinate, or is the ceiling dripping with love and peace? Dreamy, Dreamy. Floaty, Floaty.

    So yeah, I think its safe to say this weekend was a success. With about 47 bands playing across the weekend, it went so fucking smoothly and at the head of it my Brain does indeed feel washed.

    Dreamy, Dreamy. Floaty, Floaty.
  • On The Bone Compilation - Number Two - Released: April 7th, Monday, 2008

    Mar 25 2008, 21h11 por jamesbonebrown


    On The Bone Compilation - Number Two
    Released: April 7th, Monday, 2008
    Cat: OTB009
    Formats: CD/DL
    Price: £4.99

    (19 UNRELEASED TRACKS, REMIXES AND RARE TRACKS!)
    from the likes of - Wintermute, Grammatics, This Et Al, Mucky Sailor, That Fucking Tank, Fran Rodgers, Napoleon IIIrd, i concur,These Monsters, Paul Marshall, The Twilight Sad and many more........

    This compilation is our most diverse and solid yet, with some of the most popular local and well-established artists from around West Yorkshire and more. From Benjamin Wetherill’s percussive nu-folk ditty to the rough and ready 9mins of riffing from the new That Fucking Tank track and from Napoleon IIIrd’s prince like pop song mayhem to the stellar rock sounds of This Et Al’s new awesome track ‘Special Bear’. We even have a track from the incredible histrionic rock act from Glasgow ‘The Twilight Sad’.

    There is a little something for absolutely anyone here we can guarantee that (if we sent out guarantees).

    Pre-order your copy today here - http://www.onthebonerecords.com/releases.htm

    The compilation will be officially released on April 7th, through all good record stores and for digital download through all major download services.



    http://www.myspace.com/leedsonthebone

    This Et AlPaul MarshallMonty CasinoThe Twilight SadPulled Apart By HorsesNapoleon IIIrdThe LodgerFran RodgersWintermuteTwo Minute NoodlesThese MonstersBilge PumpThat Fucking TankI ConcurMucky SailorDinosaur Pile-upworriedaboutsatanBenjamin WetherillGrammatics
    on the bone records
  • On The Bone Compilation - Number Two - Released: April 7th, Monday, 2008

    Mar 25 2008, 21h10 por jamesbonebrown


    On The Bone Compilation - Number Two
    Released: April 7th, Monday, 2008
    Cat: OTB009
    Formats: CD/DL
    Price: £4.99

    (19 UNRELEASED TRACKS, REMIXES AND RARE TRACKS!)
    from the likes of - Wintermute, Grammatics, This Et Al, Mucky Sailor, That Fucking Tank, Fran Rodgers, Napoleon IIIrd, i concur,These Monsters, Paul Marshall, The Twilight Sad and many more........

    This compilation is our most diverse and solid yet, with some of the most popular local and well-established artists from around West Yorkshire and more. From Benjamin Wetherill’s percussive nu-folk ditty to the rough and ready 9mins of riffing from the new That Fucking Tank track and from Napoleon IIIrd’s prince like pop song mayhem to the stellar rock sounds of This Et Al’s new awesome track ‘Special Bear’. We even have a track from the incredible histrionic rock act from Glasgow ‘The Twilight Sad’.

    There is a little something for absolutely anyone here we can guarantee that (if we sent out guarantees).

    Pre-order your copy today here - http://www.onthebonerecords.com/releases.htm

    The compilation will be officially released on April 7th, through all good record stores and for digital download through all major download services.



    http://www.myspace.com/leedsonthebone

    This Et AlPaul MarshallMonty CasinoThe Twilight SadPulled Apart By HorsesNapoleon IIIrdThe LodgerFran RodgersWintermuteTwo Minute NoodlesThese MonstersBilge PumpThat Fucking TankI ConcurMucky SailorDinosaur Pile-upworriedaboutsatanBenjamin WetherillGrammatics
    on the bone records