Record Store Day

As April approaches it brings with it Record Store Day. I'll be heading over to Leamington Spa to see what Head has to offer. If you don't know what Record Store Day is all about then read on.

Record Store Day came into being in 2007 when over 700 independent stores in the USA came together to celebrate their unique culture.  The UK followed suit and 2011 will see the third celebration of the UK's unique independent sector. This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, meet & greets with artists, DJs, in store quizzes and many other events.

To find out more visit the website below.

http://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/home.aspx

The Wedding Present - Bizarro: Live in Tokyo 2010

My copy of Bizarro: Live in Tokyo 2010, the new album (sort of) by The Wedding Present turned up today!!  Limited to 500 copies this Japanese release was recorded on May 7 2010 at the Shibuya O-West, Tokyo.  Scopitones shipped 100 of these over and you can get your hands on a copy from their website below.

http://www.scopitones.co.uk/news/

The Weekend (part 2)

I spent the day in front of the TV yesterday.  Watched a bit of the football, England beating Wales 2-0 in a World Cup Qualifier and watched the news coverage of the anti cuts demo in London (wishing I was there but to be honest it had passed me by).  I also watched the Boat Race (Oxford beating Cambridge emphatically).

After the race it was time to get ready for Clare's works night out. This was a follow on from the Christmas meal for those people that couldn't make it last time. 14 of us in total, with one or two new faces.  The meal was at Anderson's Bar & Grill in St Paul's Square.  I've already mentioned it on this blog but just to recap it specialises in steak but also has a veggie option.  Last night I opted for the whipped goats cheese with cracked black pepper, marinated beetroot and truffle honey dressing as my starter and  a lovely tart tatin for my main. Just like last time I missed out on a desert and cheese board. 

I like Anderson's and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, not only was the food good but I met some really nice people as well.  All in all a really good night out.

Today started with breakfast and newspapers at the cafe in Sainsbury's before doing the shopping. Although I had a fair amount to drink last night I was tired more than anything else (losing an hour as the clocks went forward last night, BST begins!) and so have had quite a quiet day, catching up on the TV I missed over the last couple of nights (Friday Night Dinner, White Van Man).

Clare and I did pop out early this afternoon for a walk around the park. We took some bread to feed the ducks but they were not interested.  With the daffodils in full bloom and the trees in bud the park, well bits of it, looked lovely in the Spring sunshine.

A good weekend despite England's cricketers losing to Sri Lanka in the quarter finals of the Cricket World Cup!

The Weekend (part 1)

I'm having a lazy Saturday morning.  I haven't done this for ages.  I've nowhere I have to be and nothing I need to do.  It's great!  I'm out this evening so I'm making the most of it.

The weekend had started well weather wise. Yesterday, a chilly morning gave way to a lovely Spring day.  Clear skies, sunshine and temperatures of 16C.  I  found myself in Solihull in the afternoon looking for a birthday present.  I gave up and headed for the pub (Metro Bar) and waited for Clare to arrive.  We had a drink before heading back out into the sunshine to tackle the present shopping.  

Two of my freinds had a birthday yesterday and to celebrate (with one of them, the other stayed at home to baby sit)  five of us headed for The Rainbow Cantonese Restaurant on Kings Heath High Street.  I'd not been there before and though it doesn't look much from the outside I thought the food was really good and the service excellent.  I'm not the biggest fan of Chinese food but would definitely eat there again. 

We left the restaurant at around 10.30 and we toyed with the idea of heading into Moseley for a drink but as the Hare and Hounds was just up the road we chose there instead. As usual it was quite busy in there.  The evening flew by, it seemed like one minute we were heading in and the next we were heading out again to get a taxi home. All in all a good night.

This followed on from Thursday evening where I met a couple of friends for a drink in The Coach House in Solihull.  Taking advantage of the pleasant evenings, Clare and I strolled into Solihull via the park, watching the rabbits coming out to graze.

 I went to meet friends and she headed for the library before joining up with us at the pub.

We spent a couple of hours there, sitting outside as the sunset faded and dusk set in. By the time we left it was dark.  Clare and I decided we stop off at the chip shop.  We walked back home eating chips on a chilly but very pleasant evening.

Japan Relief Download

The news over the last couple of weeks has been dominated by two stories.  The uprising in Libya and the subsequent descent towards civil war.  The genocide that followed and now the introduction, by the UN, of a no fly zone. Britain, France and America have taken the lead and have targeted some of Colonel Gaddafi's military infrastructure.  There has been divided opinion on whether or not the west should intervene. This is due in no small part to what happened in Iraq when there was no clear strategy.  At the moment there are no plans to send in ground troops but I can see that changing in the coming months.

The second news story has been the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan.  The footage of the earthquake and tsunami has been staggering and the scale of the devastation is unbelievable.

The details about the nuclear plant at Fukushima seem to change from one day to the next with 4 out of 6 of the reactors in various states of meltdown.  The small team of workers still there are constantly being withdrawn as there seems to have been some radiation that has escaped.

Due to the nuclear problem there seems to be less aid agencies on the ground and Japan now needs all the help it can get.  This is why Audio Antihero have put together an album that can be downloaded for £3.99.  The proceeds of which go to a number of charities including Red Cross, Save The Children and The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

Details can be found here.

Antiques For Everyone, Not Quite

Yesterday, Clare and I headed to the NEC for Antiques For Everyone.  If you believe the write up then there is something to suit every budget.  This isn't the case.  What you get is a lot of stand offish dealers charging huge prices for silverware, paintings, glassware etc.

Don't get me wrong there are some lovely items and it's nice to have a stroll around looking at the stuff on offer.  My favourites being the art deco lamps and statues and a 17th century map of Warwickshire.  Yesterday was quite quiet unlike other events I've been to so it was actually quite a nice way to spend a Sunday. 

These shows run throughout the year and you can usually pick up free tickets.  The only thing I would say is, that unless you have a substantial amount of money, don't expect to come away with much.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Saturday started well, bright, sunny and mild. Clare and I walked into Solihull where I collected my winnings at the bookies.  A 50 pence each way bet netted me 11 pounds! Thanks to Boston's Angel that came in at 16-1 at Cheltenham the other day.

After the bookies we jumped on the train to Wolverhampton.  Clare wanted to have a look at the 60s exhibition.  Before we had a wander around the gallery we stopped at the cafe and had a coffee.  I like this place.  The cafe is on two levels with the bulk of the seating up in the roof space.  We sat and looked out the window at the daffodils in St Peter's churchyard next door.

Whilst upstairs we popped into a gallery which had an exhibition called Animals.  Most of the exhibition was by Robert Davies and consisted of pencil drawings on large pieces of paper.  The animals he has drawn are a combination of rescued farm animals and famous racehorses.  The idea behind the drawings is to explore our relationship with the animals, the personalities we project on the racehorses and the anonymity of the farm animals. 

The drawings are stunning and the detail is amazing.  Even up close they could be mistaken for photographs. To me it felt like the artist had even managed to capture some of the personality of the farm animals. In contrast, the racehorses seemed to have less of a personality.  I wondered how much of that was deliberate.

In a side room there was a film showing Robert at work as he drew a racehorse.  The film, sped up, shows him in his studio with a blank piece of paper and a picture of a racehorse.  It is fantastic to watch as the horse takes shape.  There is also a black cat that makes a cameo appearance which seemed to go down well with all who watched.

Apparently his main profession was as a photographer but there is no doubt that this man has a true talent.  You really should see this exhibition!  I have put links to the gallery and to Robert's website below.

Having spent ten minutes chatting to the curator we left the gallery and took a look at the other exhibitions.  The Pop Art exhibition was quite enjoyable and I particularly liked Cinema No 6 by Colin Self.  A study of art deco cinemas.  King Kong and Martians by Nicholas Monro were other highlights.

The Bostin 60s exhibition wasn't what I imagined and although it was nice to look at the period bits it didn't really do much for me.

Leaving the gallery we hit the shops and then headed for City Bar on King Street. We'd eaten there last time we were in Wolverhampton and enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere.  We had a drink and some food and listened to the bloke at the end of the bar.  He seemed to have an opinion on everything. Having no interest in anyone else he was quite happy to talk, loudly, at anyone unfortunate to end up at his end of the bar.  It made for great entertainment.

We headed home and as it was such a nice evening took a detour through the park where we watched the rabbits feeding in the fading sunshine. It was a really nice way to end the day.

Later we watched the Supemoon rising.  If you don't know what that is, here is a quote from NASA's website.

'On March 19th, a full Moon of rare size and beauty will rise in the east at sunset. It's a super "perigee moon"--the biggest in almost 20 years.'

It was a clear evening and the moon did seem bigger and brighter than usual, casting it's lights across the sky and illuminating the odd cloud that happened to pass.  A nice way to end the day.
http://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/wolves/exhibitions/004564.html

http://www.robertdavies.uk.com/index.html

Cherry Ghost @ The Glee Club Birmingham

I last saw Cherry Ghost about 6 months ago and thought they were fantastic and so last night I went to see them again. Although they are still touring the same album, Beneath The Burning Shoreline, they had a new set. Obviously it was predominantly songs from their current release but 4am, People Help The People and Thirst For Romance, all from their first sat nicely alongside the newer songs.

The crowd was slightly bigger than last time but still wasn't a sell out unlike their gigs in London and Manchester.

Support came from Drive Fast Driver who were OK.  They have some good ideas but I was left with a feeling that they're not quite there yet. One for the future maybe?

Cherry Ghost, however, were fantastic.  There is an ease about them onstage and their music has a lush quality.  I'm trying to remember the complete set list and if I can cobble one together will post it here later.  All in all a great night.

I also managed to get my hands on Companion, a CD containing alternative versions of some of the songs on Beneath The Burning Shoreline.  Limited to 200 and, as far as I know, only being sold at gigs.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Clare and I popped into Birmingham today for the St Patrick's Day Parade.  We got into town and after having something to eat and a wander around the shops we walked into Digbeth and found our pitch.

The morning had started wet and grey but by the time we got into Digbeth it was blue skies and was actually quite warm in the sunshine.  The parade lasted about an hour but there seemed to be less floats than usual. There was something that has been a theme every year though, each time a pipe band reached us they would stop playing.  It doesn't matter where we stand that always seems to be the case.

As the parade ended and everyone hit the pubs, we walked around, took in the  fun fair and poked our heads into the HMV Institute (live music) before deciding to head home.  I dare say the celebrations are still going on!

The Weekend So Far

With the earthquake (8.9 on the Richter scale), tsunami and possible nuclear catastrophe in Japan it doesn't seem right to say that my weekend has been pretty good so far.  Watching the footage on TV makes me thankful that I live in a place that is, geographically speaking, pretty safe.

That said, my weekend started by taking delivery of a copy of Autopia, the new album by Eat Lights Become Lights.  I have to say that Enraptured Records have a great system. I ordered it on Tuesday and yesterday it arrived in sturdy packaging ensuring my new LP was in pristine condition. I haven't had time to listen to it yet but I am really looking forward to putting the needle on the groove and kicking my feet up.

Today, the postman arrived with a couple of DVDs which Clare had ordered for me (Y Tu Mama Tambian and Red Road). A nice surprise and a lovely way to start a Saturday morning.

We were meeting friends for a walk this morning.  Originally the plan was to head up to Shropshire but our friend up there cancelled so we decided to stay local.  We ended up wandering the fields and lanes around Barston, stopping to each lunch in St Swithen's churchyard in Barston. Spring was most definitely in the air and it was quite warm especially when the sun came out.  Unfortunately as we were making the walk up as we went along it wasn't quite as long as usual.  It probably wasn't a bad thing though as it seemed to get colder towards the end and as I write it has started raining.

Getting home early meant I was able to catch the second half of the Blues vs Bolton in the FA Cup Quarter Finals.  Blues lost 3-2 ruling out another trip to Wembley.  To be honest, I'm not too bothered as with the danger of relegation looming we need to concentrate on staying in the Premier League.

SXSW Free Mixtape

Spring has arrived and although it is still a little on the cold side the first signs have been around for a couple of weeks with daffodils and snowdrops starting to bloom. Another sign of spring is the announcement of line ups for the summer festivals and, although one or two of the smaller festivals seem to have been lost this year, there is still an abundance to chose from.

Obviously, I will be heading for Moseley Folk Festival and each day finds me checking to see if any acts have been confirmed.  As yet it is all quiet.

Over in the United States SXSW is about to get under way in Texas and to celebrate FreeIndie are giving away a mix featuring a handful of the bands playing.  You can get it here.

World Book Night

Last night was World Book Night and in an effort to get people reading 1,000,000 books were given away nationwide.  40,000 copies of 25 titles that cover many literary genres.  A great idea in a time when libraries are under threat and the standard of literacy is declining. 

To celebrate World Book Night Birmingham Library were hosting an evening with local authors Mike Gayle, RJ Ellory and Catherine O'Flynn.  Clare and I headed into Birmingham to see what they had to say. 

If I'm honest, I only knew of Mike Gayle prior to last night. I listened to them all speak about books, their passion for reading as well as writing and about their lives generally. I was impressed by them all but RJ Ellory really struck a chord.  Not backwards in coming forwards he commandeered the stage and not only talked about books and authors but also put across his ideas as to why the education system was failing.  I have to say some of the things may have been controversial but on the whole I agreed with him entirely.

The session was just short of two hours and was entertaining, thought provoking and funny.  As we left we had the chance to lay our hands on some of the free books.  I had a copy of Seamus Heaney's poems and David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas.

We left the theatre and headed for the library proper for the second part of the evening.  Storytelling, poetry and a book reading in front of Birmingham's Central Library.  As it was chilly it was moved into the foyer. 

First up was Katrice Horsley, a storyteller.  She was very charismatic and completely absorbed you into the story.  Next up was Matt Windle, former Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, who recited 3 or 4 poems.  I really enjoyed his stuff and though he probably wouldn't thank me for it, his work reminded me of that of The Streets' Mike Skinner.  Paul McDonald read a passage from his book, Kiss Me Softly Amy Turtle.  Again, I really enjoyed this.  The final act was Birmingham Poet Laureate, Roy McFarlane.  He read 4 poems and although I could appreciate the verse I did not connect with the themes.

All in all a good night.  I learnt a few things, met some nice people and came away with some free books.

Below are a couple of  links to the sites of some of the people involved.

RJ Ellory

Matt Windle

Mike Gayle

Round Up

It's been a strange old week, lots of chores, but I'm still buzzing from my trip to Wembley last Sunday.  I still can't believe that Blues will be in Europe next season!  I need to get my passport sorted!

Last night saw the return of the tawny owl. Sitting in the tree outside the window hooting away. This time though, there was no reply. He was there for a few minutes and we managed to get a good view of him before he flew off.

Eat Lights Become Lights' album was due for release on Monday but there seems to be some confusion.  A couple of record shop sites are now saying it will be out in March.  It will be available on green vinyl and download.  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. in the meantime I will have to make do with the videos.

We've Never Won F*** All

On Sunday I got up early and headed to the train station.   I was on my way to Wembley for the League Cup Final between Arsenal and Birmingham City. Arriving at the station I rounded the corner to find a queue just to get on to the platform. Over an hour later I was on a train London bound. It was standing room only but the two hours passed quite quickly.  The atmosphere was fantastic.

Eventually I got to Marylebone and after a short walk to Baker Street met my brother and some mates. We found a small pub just around the corner (Bok Bar) and stayed there until it was time to head over to Wembley.

The weather, when I arrived, was lovely but by the time we left the bar it was raining and had become quite chilly. 

Before I knew it I was walking up Wembley Way and within minutes was inside the stadium.  It all seemed quite surreal.

I'd been to Wembley before to watch England but to walk in and see a sea of blue and white was something special.

The game itself seemed to pass quickly and a lot of it is still a blur. Luckily Clare has taped it for me so I can watch it back when I get the chance.  Standing behind the goal was a great place to see Birmingham's Zigic rise to head in the first goal after 28 minutes.  The Blues fans went wild but 11 minutes later Van Persie's great strike meant it was all level at half time. 

The second half saw Arsenal have a good spell and most of the Blues fans were getting frustrated.  We were expecting an Arsenal goal but as the time ticked away we were all thinking of extra time and penalties and then it happened. In the 89th minute a long ball from Foster is met by Zigic in the Arsenal area.  Koscielny (Arsenal defender) should have cleared the ball but Szczesny (Arsenal goalkeeper) came out to collect. The ball is miskicked and rolls to the feet of Martins (Blues on loan striker) who is faced with an empty goal.  He taps it home and the Blues fans cannot believe it. The 4 minutes added time seemed like forever but eventually the whistle blew.

Blues had won the the Carling Cup.  Despite being written off by the bookies and the media we had done it.   Our first major trophy in 48 years.  Everyone was ecstatic and as the Arsenal fans filed out of Wembley the Blues sang.  Keep Right On, Mr Blue Sky, Food for Thought.

When the team collected the trophy I don't mind admitting I had tears in my eyes (I wasn't alone).  Eventually we left Wembley and the party continued.

Blues were going to party all night but I was shattered so eventually made my way back over to Marylebone to catch the train home.  I could have caught it at Wembley but figured I had a better chance of a seat by heading back across London.  I was right. 

3 days later and I still can't believe we have done it.  It's not a cheap day out but it was worth every penny!