Hello everyone, how are you all? I see there's been more hits from Asia since my last post, keep it up! I'm hoping to get some hits from Norway and Iceland, where are you all? I know you have the internet.
Been listening to the new Malcolm Middleton album a lot this week. It's a good effort, lots of synth and slap bass in all the right parts as well as those miserable ballads we all love him for. The cover is pretty fantastic too, everyone wanted to see Malcie's face on the moon. I managed to score one of those lovely LPs limited to 500, you get a bonus 7" too with the last two tracks off the album. Down side to that is you have to change the speed on your deck to listen to those. I don't have a speed changer you see, manual all the way for me it seems. (Project Debut III, btw).
Been shopping for some other musical treats this week. Tracked down a 2LP copy of Sigur Ros's debut album 'Von' in a brilliant purple sleeve to match the CD version. It's been remasted and pressed on heavyweight 200g vinyl. Jealous? Don't be, go buy one yourself if you're that bothered.
Other purchases...
Luna - Romantica
Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass
Prepare yourselves for Blur specials pretty soon. All the info from Blur's shows in Manchester, London and Wolverhampton. Feel free to leave me any comments and more followers are always welcome! Here's a question for you...
Anyone else sick of waiting for the new Mew album?
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
17: 11 Countries in 2 days
Thanks to everyone from all over the place that have been reading my blog. Got my first hit from Thailand which I find exciting, maybe you can spread the good word whoever you are. Hope you enjoyed your visit. Greece, Romania and Portugal are new ones for me too, so thanks to the people there for reading.
EDIT: Hello Argentina and Columbia!
Also had a hit from Vermont today. I have my suspects...
Just been loading up an old russian camera with some expired film, I'm not sure if either work but mixing them together could be interesting? Not sure I want to waste money getting it developed but I should probably take a risk. Who gets anywhere without taking a risk?
Hoping to sort out some more trips for concerts soon. Looks like I might visit Brussels again soon, I can't get enough of the Delirium Cafe and getting mugged, obviously.
Trip to Ireland for the Kilkenny Festival of Arts too I think. Not certain about who's appearing yet apart from 1 band. Malcolm Middleton (Arab Strap) and Jason Pierce (Spiritualized) are rumoured though.
Anyone logging on around the US should remember to check out the Meat Puppets/Retribution Gospel Choir tour. Meat Puppets are that band that Nirvana covered a bit. Not The Vaselines or David Bowie though... You knew that already... surely...?
Support quality music...
www.subpop.com
www.killrockstars.com
www.flemisheye.com
www.piccadillyrecords.co.uk
www.roughtrade.co.uk
RIP Jeff Hanson
EDIT: Hello Argentina and Columbia!
Also had a hit from Vermont today. I have my suspects...
Just been loading up an old russian camera with some expired film, I'm not sure if either work but mixing them together could be interesting? Not sure I want to waste money getting it developed but I should probably take a risk. Who gets anywhere without taking a risk?
Hoping to sort out some more trips for concerts soon. Looks like I might visit Brussels again soon, I can't get enough of the Delirium Cafe and getting mugged, obviously.
Trip to Ireland for the Kilkenny Festival of Arts too I think. Not certain about who's appearing yet apart from 1 band. Malcolm Middleton (Arab Strap) and Jason Pierce (Spiritualized) are rumoured though.
Anyone logging on around the US should remember to check out the Meat Puppets/Retribution Gospel Choir tour. Meat Puppets are that band that Nirvana covered a bit. Not The Vaselines or David Bowie though... You knew that already... surely...?
Support quality music...
www.subpop.com
www.killrockstars.com
www.flemisheye.com
www.piccadillyrecords.co.uk
www.roughtrade.co.uk
RIP Jeff Hanson
Monday, 8 June 2009
16: Post-Primavera dread
Hello all, I am back from a week in Barcelona for the Primavera Sound festival and general pissing around. Whilst I was there, Barcelona beat Manchester United in the Champions League final, so that was an added bonus. One of the best nights I've ever had, in fact.
So... Primavera? So much to talk about really. First off I want to start with what a dreadful waste of time it was Wavves even showing up. He basicly just acted like a twat and played really bad renditions of songs that were just ok to start with... Youtube and Pitchfork can tell you all about that. Mind you, I don't think Pitchfork are much better.
Spiritualized? OK. What a set, the light show and freak outs were blistering. They drew a big crowd too and for the most part it was a good crowd to be in (unlike Jarvis, more on that later). The setlist was pretty much the same as the last couple of tours for A&E, still, they were tight and this line-up has really taken it's live show up a scale since its first outings. Setlist and picture...
Amazing Grace / You Lie You Cheat
Shine A Light
Cheapster
Soul On Fire
Walkin With Jesus
I Think I'm In Love
Ladies & Gentlemen...
Lay Back In The Sun
Take Your Time
Come Together
Take Me To The Other Side
The New Year... Mostly stuff off their latest album (The New Year), they played in the Auditori on the last day of the festival to a fantastic crowd in a fantastic venue. The sound and lighting was a particular highlight on top of what was a brilliant performance. Kinda made me wish I'd seen Bedhead but it's not like it matters too much when they're so good doing this show. No setlist to share for these, although they definitely played Folios (started with this), The Company I Get, The Door Opens, Wages Of Sleep and The Idea Of You (ended with this).
Jarvis Cocker seemed to be having a nice time wandering round the festival site checking out the sounds before his set on the main stage. He seemed in a strange but entertaining mood (what's new there?). Mostly stuff from his new album Further Complications but that didn't matter for me, he jived away and was full of that energy he always had. Shame the crowd were pretty unresponsive to his set, I assume it's because of the amount of new material played which most of them wont have heard yet. Setlist and photo...
Pilchard
Angela
Further Complications
Fat Children
Slush
Big Julie
Leftovers
Dont Let Him Waste Your Time
I Never Said I Was Deep
Home Wrecker
Fuckin' Song
Black Magic
Discosong
Neil Young's headline show was an obvious highlight. A mix of expected and unexpected hits made for a hugely enjoyable evening. I had to leave for a few songs before I pissed myself but at least I didn't miss too much. I could still see him whilst I was at the strange urinals anyhow... Do you really want to know about my pissing habits? No. Anyway... Yeah, Neil seemed in a surprisingly good mood. Wavign a Barca flag, interacting with the crowd and actually seeming really happy to be there. His enjoyment seemed to catch on with the crowd even when he was playing less well known material. Ended with a great Beatles cover. Here's a setlist and a picture...
Mansion On The Hill
Hey Hey, My My
Are You Ready For The Country
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Pocahontas
Spirit Road
Cortez The Killer
Cinnamon Girl
Mother Earth
Needle & The Damage Done
Unknown Legend
Heart Of Gold
Old Man
Down By The River
Get Behind The Wheel
Rockin' In The Free World
A Day In The Life
This is hard work isn't it? The Jesus Lizard put on an energetic and great performance on the ATP stage. SunnO))) played well but the album choice still isn't the best for me, same with a lot of other people I think. Aphex Twin just served to prove to me why everyone is on drugs when they go to see him. Sitting there with nothing but beer in your system doesn't really work, maybe that's just me though. Saint Etienne were a whole load of fun on the RockDelux stage. Nothing better than a bit of cheesy indie-dance by the beach to get a party going, yunno?
Spectrum played an awesome set full of Spacemen 3 hits as well as his best work like How You Satisfy Me. Also played a pretty good Red Crayola cover (War Sucks) from their new EP, War Sucks. Finishing with the space-rock/shoegaze masterpiece Suicide, you realise why S3 were so important and why Sonic continues to be. Don't make me choose between Spectrum and Spiritualized's S3 renditions..
Chad VanGaalen opened the RockDelux stage on the last day of the festival playing most of his album 'Soft Airplane'. The crowd went mad for Willow Tree but I have to say I think Bare Feet On Wet Griptape was the best song of the set. Nice way to start the day, a good mix of chilled out folk and poppy indie. Again, helps to be able to look out of the sea and drink beer in the sun whilst watching.
Sonic Youth were the biggest disappointment of the festival... The set just seemed to plod along at the same pace not really going anywhere. The old hits seemed to be lost in all the new stuff and it didn't really work at all at that time of night after a world beating set from Neil Young. I came away wondering if people go to see Sonic Youth purely so they can say they have seen them? I enjoyed them at the Daydream Nation shows in London, shame they didn't grab me this time because I do quite like the new album and the last 2 were great.
Bloc Party played so dreadfully it doesn't need discussing...
Yo La Tengo were the surprise package of the festival for me. Just chilling out before MBV, I knew they would be good but they really took me by surprise. I don't have a setlist or any idea what they played because I only had one album before seeing their show. Needless to say, I have bought 4 more since getting back. Great show and I hope they play again soon.
Deerhunter and Marnie Stern put on good shows, nice to just sit back and listen after some pretty tiring days and nights.
My Bloody Valentine? I don't think you need to wonder what they were like. Played the same setlist they've been touring and it was pretty good despite me having seen it before. Watch out for that noise at the end... Youtube will help you out if you honestly, really, actually don't know what I'm talking about.
I have missed lots out, expect some more stuff about this later. Thanks to everyone reading and enjoying. Really appreciated!
So... Primavera? So much to talk about really. First off I want to start with what a dreadful waste of time it was Wavves even showing up. He basicly just acted like a twat and played really bad renditions of songs that were just ok to start with... Youtube and Pitchfork can tell you all about that. Mind you, I don't think Pitchfork are much better.
Spiritualized? OK. What a set, the light show and freak outs were blistering. They drew a big crowd too and for the most part it was a good crowd to be in (unlike Jarvis, more on that later). The setlist was pretty much the same as the last couple of tours for A&E, still, they were tight and this line-up has really taken it's live show up a scale since its first outings. Setlist and picture...
Amazing Grace / You Lie You Cheat
Shine A Light
Cheapster
Soul On Fire
Walkin With Jesus
I Think I'm In Love
Ladies & Gentlemen...
Lay Back In The Sun
Take Your Time
Come Together
Take Me To The Other Side
The New Year... Mostly stuff off their latest album (The New Year), they played in the Auditori on the last day of the festival to a fantastic crowd in a fantastic venue. The sound and lighting was a particular highlight on top of what was a brilliant performance. Kinda made me wish I'd seen Bedhead but it's not like it matters too much when they're so good doing this show. No setlist to share for these, although they definitely played Folios (started with this), The Company I Get, The Door Opens, Wages Of Sleep and The Idea Of You (ended with this).
Jarvis Cocker seemed to be having a nice time wandering round the festival site checking out the sounds before his set on the main stage. He seemed in a strange but entertaining mood (what's new there?). Mostly stuff from his new album Further Complications but that didn't matter for me, he jived away and was full of that energy he always had. Shame the crowd were pretty unresponsive to his set, I assume it's because of the amount of new material played which most of them wont have heard yet. Setlist and photo...
Pilchard
Angela
Further Complications
Fat Children
Slush
Big Julie
Leftovers
Dont Let Him Waste Your Time
I Never Said I Was Deep
Home Wrecker
Fuckin' Song
Black Magic
Discosong
Neil Young's headline show was an obvious highlight. A mix of expected and unexpected hits made for a hugely enjoyable evening. I had to leave for a few songs before I pissed myself but at least I didn't miss too much. I could still see him whilst I was at the strange urinals anyhow... Do you really want to know about my pissing habits? No. Anyway... Yeah, Neil seemed in a surprisingly good mood. Wavign a Barca flag, interacting with the crowd and actually seeming really happy to be there. His enjoyment seemed to catch on with the crowd even when he was playing less well known material. Ended with a great Beatles cover. Here's a setlist and a picture...
Mansion On The Hill
Hey Hey, My My
Are You Ready For The Country
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Pocahontas
Spirit Road
Cortez The Killer
Cinnamon Girl
Mother Earth
Needle & The Damage Done
Unknown Legend
Heart Of Gold
Old Man
Down By The River
Get Behind The Wheel
Rockin' In The Free World
A Day In The Life
This is hard work isn't it? The Jesus Lizard put on an energetic and great performance on the ATP stage. SunnO))) played well but the album choice still isn't the best for me, same with a lot of other people I think. Aphex Twin just served to prove to me why everyone is on drugs when they go to see him. Sitting there with nothing but beer in your system doesn't really work, maybe that's just me though. Saint Etienne were a whole load of fun on the RockDelux stage. Nothing better than a bit of cheesy indie-dance by the beach to get a party going, yunno?
Spectrum played an awesome set full of Spacemen 3 hits as well as his best work like How You Satisfy Me. Also played a pretty good Red Crayola cover (War Sucks) from their new EP, War Sucks. Finishing with the space-rock/shoegaze masterpiece Suicide, you realise why S3 were so important and why Sonic continues to be. Don't make me choose between Spectrum and Spiritualized's S3 renditions..
Chad VanGaalen opened the RockDelux stage on the last day of the festival playing most of his album 'Soft Airplane'. The crowd went mad for Willow Tree but I have to say I think Bare Feet On Wet Griptape was the best song of the set. Nice way to start the day, a good mix of chilled out folk and poppy indie. Again, helps to be able to look out of the sea and drink beer in the sun whilst watching.
Sonic Youth were the biggest disappointment of the festival... The set just seemed to plod along at the same pace not really going anywhere. The old hits seemed to be lost in all the new stuff and it didn't really work at all at that time of night after a world beating set from Neil Young. I came away wondering if people go to see Sonic Youth purely so they can say they have seen them? I enjoyed them at the Daydream Nation shows in London, shame they didn't grab me this time because I do quite like the new album and the last 2 were great.
Bloc Party played so dreadfully it doesn't need discussing...
Yo La Tengo were the surprise package of the festival for me. Just chilling out before MBV, I knew they would be good but they really took me by surprise. I don't have a setlist or any idea what they played because I only had one album before seeing their show. Needless to say, I have bought 4 more since getting back. Great show and I hope they play again soon.
Deerhunter and Marnie Stern put on good shows, nice to just sit back and listen after some pretty tiring days and nights.
My Bloody Valentine? I don't think you need to wonder what they were like. Played the same setlist they've been touring and it was pretty good despite me having seen it before. Watch out for that noise at the end... Youtube will help you out if you honestly, really, actually don't know what I'm talking about.
I have missed lots out, expect some more stuff about this later. Thanks to everyone reading and enjoying. Really appreciated!
Sunday, 24 May 2009
15: Time to dig out my travellin' socks...
Hello everyone, my computer is sort of back from the dead but I have lost about 11,000 songs unless I can get them off my iPod onto my computer. I think that is possible though.
Still, I have a lost a lot of good stuff. All my photos have gone but I think I managed to back up most of them before the trojans took them. Time will tell...
So yeah, better late than never here is the Retribution Gospel Choir setlist...
Workin' Hard
White Wolf
What She Turned Into
Breaker
For Her Blood
Hideaway
They Knew You Well
Your Bird
Easy Prey
Poor Man's Memory
Kids
Electric Guitar
Take Your Time
----------------
Destroyer
The new stuff sounded good, more out and out rock n roll than the old stuff. The version of Poor Man's Daughter was mind expanding stuff and Destroyer was always going to be a treat. I had a video of Easy Prey, might still have it somewhere... Also some pictures with Ste and Eric but I'll spare them any shame by not posting them. That and I look stupid on them.
Jarvis Cocker played a good show at Rough Trade for his album release. All songs were new, here is the setlist (roughly) in order.
Further Complications
Leftovers
Hold Still
Caucasian Blues
I Never Said I Was Deep
Homewrecker!
Slush
Angela
Short but sweet. According to what he wrote on my record, "It's Official". What he means I don't know, but one thing that is official is that he's still the coolest man to come out of Sheffield.
Expect updates about Primavera when I return a week tomorrow. Spain will be sunny and I will come back with a sexy tan... I'll try and post some RGC photos before I leave on Wednesday. Enjoy your Bank Holiday, England! Enjoy your week, ROW! x
Still, I have a lost a lot of good stuff. All my photos have gone but I think I managed to back up most of them before the trojans took them. Time will tell...
So yeah, better late than never here is the Retribution Gospel Choir setlist...
Workin' Hard
White Wolf
What She Turned Into
Breaker
For Her Blood
Hideaway
They Knew You Well
Your Bird
Easy Prey
Poor Man's Memory
Kids
Electric Guitar
Take Your Time
----------------
Destroyer
The new stuff sounded good, more out and out rock n roll than the old stuff. The version of Poor Man's Daughter was mind expanding stuff and Destroyer was always going to be a treat. I had a video of Easy Prey, might still have it somewhere... Also some pictures with Ste and Eric but I'll spare them any shame by not posting them. That and I look stupid on them.
Jarvis Cocker played a good show at Rough Trade for his album release. All songs were new, here is the setlist (roughly) in order.
Further Complications
Leftovers
Hold Still
Caucasian Blues
I Never Said I Was Deep
Homewrecker!
Slush
Angela
Short but sweet. According to what he wrote on my record, "It's Official". What he means I don't know, but one thing that is official is that he's still the coolest man to come out of Sheffield.
Expect updates about Primavera when I return a week tomorrow. Spain will be sunny and I will come back with a sexy tan... I'll try and post some RGC photos before I leave on Wednesday. Enjoy your Bank Holiday, England! Enjoy your week, ROW! x
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
14: So, sorry for the delay?
Long time no speak. My computer has given up on me... I was trying to listen to Silly Love Songs by Wings and all of a sudden I have trojan horses grazing all over the fucking thing.
RGC in Manchester was a great show! Hope some of you caught them on this tour. On Saturday I went to see Jarvis Cocker in London, got to meet him, what a great guy he is!
Obviously, this is very brief and doesn't tell you too much, all the photos and stuff I had are saved on my broken computer, a virus scan has been working its way through all that for about 5 hours and still hasn't stopped. I'll update again as soon as I can and let y'all know the fakts about the gigz.
Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona next week, look forward to that!
(Hi Steve!)
RGC in Manchester was a great show! Hope some of you caught them on this tour. On Saturday I went to see Jarvis Cocker in London, got to meet him, what a great guy he is!
Obviously, this is very brief and doesn't tell you too much, all the photos and stuff I had are saved on my broken computer, a virus scan has been working its way through all that for about 5 hours and still hasn't stopped. I'll update again as soon as I can and let y'all know the fakts about the gigz.
Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona next week, look forward to that!
(Hi Steve!)
Saturday, 9 May 2009
13: Unlucky for some?
The weekend is here unless you work weekends, I don't at the moment.
I've been checking my stats and there's a lot of people reading, particularly you Australians this week. Seems a shame there's only 1 follower and so many readers... maybe you don't want people to know you're reading! Don't worry, I can't see you or anything, just a little dot on a map telling me how many people in that city have been on here.
I'm listening to Deja Vu by CSNY, it's good Saturday afternoon music. The calm before the storm or something.
Hoping to have some new interviews to share soon. Like I said, there is a Retribution Gospel Choir gig on Tuesday in Manchester so i will get back to you about that. Can't make it to the London show on Wednesday anymore (poor me), Graham Coxon is playing The Lexington too that night so make your choice! The Lexington is a great little venue, saw The Thermals there a few months back. RGC is at Water Rats, so, not too far from each other if you wanna dart between?
If you go to any gig ever, please remember not to talk all the way through it.
If you're a youtube user, there is a fantastic Low show from The Knitting Factory up on there, all pro-shot from the Curtain Hits The Cast you... enjoy!
I've been checking my stats and there's a lot of people reading, particularly you Australians this week. Seems a shame there's only 1 follower and so many readers... maybe you don't want people to know you're reading! Don't worry, I can't see you or anything, just a little dot on a map telling me how many people in that city have been on here.
I'm listening to Deja Vu by CSNY, it's good Saturday afternoon music. The calm before the storm or something.
Hoping to have some new interviews to share soon. Like I said, there is a Retribution Gospel Choir gig on Tuesday in Manchester so i will get back to you about that. Can't make it to the London show on Wednesday anymore (poor me), Graham Coxon is playing The Lexington too that night so make your choice! The Lexington is a great little venue, saw The Thermals there a few months back. RGC is at Water Rats, so, not too far from each other if you wanna dart between?
If you go to any gig ever, please remember not to talk all the way through it.
If you're a youtube user, there is a fantastic Low show from The Knitting Factory up on there, all pro-shot from the Curtain Hits The Cast you... enjoy!
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
12: This week
Hello! Sorry I've been slack this last few days, I've started a new job so I just go to bed if I'm not there...
Quick mention to Kadman. I got sent their album (sing to me slower) last week... Finally... someone wants my opinion! It's a good record, especially considering what little they probably had to work with. It's minimal but melodic, great low-fi and acoustic with clear influence from the likes of Mark Kozelek, Alan Sparhawk, Leonard Cohen and even some hints of early Death Cab For Cutie. There's a lot of positives to take from this record, but at times the drums let it down and sound very programmed. Still, great little album!
Thursday night is One Step More... at Tiger Lounge so you can hear me play lots of great tunes from the sorts of bands I'm talking about on here. If you're not in Manchester don't worry, I'll play Wish You Were Here just for you.
Sunday is Manchester City vs Manchester United, that's nothing to do with music so I wont get too serious about that just yet... blue side for me, by the way.
Tuesday is Retribution Gospel Choir in Manchester, that's a week away so trust I will write again before then! Should be a good one, especially now I've assured my entry. Expect pictures, setlist and maybe even videos (high class entertainment!). Wet your appetite for RGC goodness by checking out some videos on youtube, there's some new tracks on there!
Here's my weekends playlist...
Swans - White Light...
Red House Painters - Songs For A Blue Guitar
The new Mars Volta single
Arab Strap - Philophobia
Blur - CD Single Box Set
Saint Etienne - Foxbase Alpha
Quick mention to Kadman. I got sent their album (sing to me slower) last week... Finally... someone wants my opinion! It's a good record, especially considering what little they probably had to work with. It's minimal but melodic, great low-fi and acoustic with clear influence from the likes of Mark Kozelek, Alan Sparhawk, Leonard Cohen and even some hints of early Death Cab For Cutie. There's a lot of positives to take from this record, but at times the drums let it down and sound very programmed. Still, great little album!
Thursday night is One Step More... at Tiger Lounge so you can hear me play lots of great tunes from the sorts of bands I'm talking about on here. If you're not in Manchester don't worry, I'll play Wish You Were Here just for you.
Sunday is Manchester City vs Manchester United, that's nothing to do with music so I wont get too serious about that just yet... blue side for me, by the way.
Tuesday is Retribution Gospel Choir in Manchester, that's a week away so trust I will write again before then! Should be a good one, especially now I've assured my entry. Expect pictures, setlist and maybe even videos (high class entertainment!). Wet your appetite for RGC goodness by checking out some videos on youtube, there's some new tracks on there!
Here's my weekends playlist...
Swans - White Light...
Red House Painters - Songs For A Blue Guitar
The new Mars Volta single
Arab Strap - Philophobia
Blur - CD Single Box Set
Saint Etienne - Foxbase Alpha
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