The Besnard Lakes @ The Hare and Hounds

Hailing from Montreal, The Besnard Lakes are a 4 piece indie band.  They make great music.  Brilliant harmonies with distorted guitars and driving bass lines. Very atmospheric and at times, nothing short of beautiful.

Having only heard a couple of their songs prior to last night, I booked tickets and headed along not knowing what to expect.  Could they recreate their recordings live?  Yes they could!  It was brilliant!

From the opening song to the end of the set, the fairly large audience were captivated.  A good hour and ten minutes later they left the stage.

I would love to be able to give you the set but unfortunately I don't know their catalogue well enough.  I will by the time I see them play live again!

The Specials @ Plymouth Pavillions

Having seen them a couple of weeks before in Wolverhampton I knew exactly what to expect! A great night with a great performance of great tunes. They didn’t disappoint. Although the songs were the same (all the tracks from their 2 albums) they did move the odd track around. Highlights for me included Little Bitch, Blank Expression and Nite Klub.

The crowd were a strange mix and seemed much friendlier than the Wolverhampton lot. Although friendlier they were a lot less lively when the band took to the stage with a large amount around us content to stand and watch.  This surprised me as I had seen The Specials on their last tour in Plymouth and the crowd that night was just one big sweaty mosh pit from front to back.

Prior to arriving at the gig the first part of the evening was spent at the Jury’s Inn bar. A great atmosphere with a group of us who were there just for the gig. We watched the football (QPR beating Chelsea 1-0) and talked about Man Utd's defeat to rivals Man City 6-1.  It's funny how a result like that can bring people together! Afterwards we ended up back there for a nightcap before heading to bed in the early hours.

Monday arrived far too quickly, no sooner had I gone to sleep and it was time to get up again. We checked out, found somewhere for breakfast. Afterwards it was a mad dash up to Bristol to get my train back to Birmingham.

As expected the train was overcrowded and there was a delay whilst the powers that be added more coaches. I got chatting to the woman next to me who was trying to get back to the Isle of Man. She had been performing at a music festival somewhere in Cornwall.  Chatting away made the journey so much quicker and it wasn't long before I was back in Brum.

The Specials @ Wolverhampton Civic Hall

The room dimmed and the backdrop came alive with a video montage of historic events of the last 30 years. Margaret Thatcher appeared on the screen to a chorus of boos and jeers. The other Prime Ministers (Major, Blair, Brown & Cameron) faired little better. The images lasted for about 2 minutes before the band took to the stage and launched into Gangsters.  The crowd dancing and singing along from the off.  Do The Dog and (Dawning Of) A New Era followed in quick succession.

Terry Hall, chattier than usual, eventually addressed the crowd asking a member of the audience her name before dedicating It's Up To You to her.

The set comprised of both their albums but wasn't in strict running order, saving some of the songs for the encore.

After the initial excitement the crowd seemed a bit subdued and they took a while to warm up.  Although this didn't stop Clare dancing her way through the set. 

Standing next to me was a bloke in his 50s who stood stock still throughout the majority of the gig suddenly decided to launch his pint into the crowd.  He soaked a good majority of the people around him including Clare and myself.  Although I half expect this sort of the thing a lad in front of me took exception.  He marched up to the bloke and pushed him in the chest (despite being half his size).  It looked as if a fight was on the cards until someone pointed out they had their young daughter with them and the lad made his way back to his mates.  The big bloke next to me disappeared all together and it wasn't until we were making our way out at the end of the night that we saw him again, looking a bit sheepish.

This bloke, however, was completely outdone by the grotesque woman (in every sense) in front of us.  Downing pints of lager and hurling her plastic cups into the crowd, she seemed to think that Friday Night, Saturday Morning was an anthem. All traces of irony were lost on her.  She stood there waving her arms in the air (too big to dance) getting more and more drunk. When she sparked up a cigarette it wasn't long before security came over and had a word.  I had hoped they'd kick her out but unfortunately they let her off with a warning.

The band were storming through their set and it wasn't long before the encore. Ghost Town, Little Bitch and You're Wondering Now.  I had hoped they might have come back and treated us to a few others, Skinhead Moonstomp for example but it wasn't to be.

At the start of the show I'd bought a voucher for a CD of the night's performance.  It's amazing to think that you can watch a show and five minutes after the end a recording of it is available. As the lights came up we made our way to the foyer and queued up to get our copy.

It wasn't long before we were back at the hotel with a CD of the show, two commemorative pint glasses and a poster that Clare liberated during the last song!

The night itself had started well.  Having complained to the hotel following our last visit there (when we went to see Beady Eye back in April) we were promised an upgrade on this trip.  True to his word the manager had booked us into the bridal suite and having walked into the bedroom we wandered through to the living room to find a bottle of sparkling wine on chill and two glasses.

Once we had settled in and got changed we headed out for a bite to eat.  If we are in Wolverhampton we always head for City Bar.  With the exception of a couple of blokes we were the only people there.  It's not a grand place but is a step up from most of the other bars around the town centre so I was surprised at it's lack of after work clientele. 

Having had a veggie burger and chips, washed down with a couple of gins & tonic, it was a short walk over to The Civic for the gig.

The support came from The Stone Foundation. More Mod than Ska they seemed to go down OK with the crowd and had one or two decent numbers.  I wasn't really in the mood and preferred the reggae played through the sound system rather than something that sounded more akin to The Kinks. Were I to see them on their own I would probably enjoy them.

Emmy The Great - The Glee Club Birmingham

October 4th is a cool day, so says Emmy The Great.  She was referring to the changing of the seasons and not my birthday but that was why I was at The Glee Club on a Tuesday night, for my birthday.

It had been a nice evening.  Having a drink and a bite to eat at Poppy Red before heading up stairs to The Glee Club.

Having arrived pretty early we were treated to The Horrors' Skying album being played through the PA in it's entirety before the support act took to the stage.

Stealing Sheep hail from Liverpool (I think).  I'd not heard them before but as their set went on I really grew to like them.  Great harmonies and quirky little songs.  Follow the link to their website below and you can download a free song.

http://www.stealingsheep.co.uk/Site/Home.html

Emmy The Great took to the stage about 9.10.  Without saying a word she walked out picked up her guitar and played Eastern Maria before her band joined her onstage.   

I am not sure of the set list but songs included First Love, We Almost Had A Baby, 24, MIA, Cassandra, Iris, Dinosaur Sex, Easter Parade and Paper Forest.

I really enjoyed the set.  Having left the stage the encore consisted of 4 songs finishing on Canopies and Grapes.  These songs had been requested by the audience and although she played all 4 she did say that people could leave after 3 and only hang around for Canopies and Grapes if they really wanted to.  The band left the stage, the audience didn't.

http://www.emmythegreat.com/default.aspx

Dry The River @ The Hare & Hounds

Having missed their set at End Of The Road (managing to hear some of it from our tent), Dry The River played the Hare and Hounds last night and Clare and I went down to see them.

I didn’t know much about Dry The River prior to last night but Clare assured me I’d like them. She was right! Taking to the stage at around 10pm they played for about an hour, great tunes and fantastic harmonies. I don’t know their material and it seems that they are yet to put an album out but I will definitely be buying when it is released! Last night I came away with the 7” single of No Rest which was the only record on offer.

Although not full there was a decent size crowd who really enjoyed it and although they might not have sold many records yet, they haven’t done badly in the T-shirt market!

Having had a look around the internet I have managed to track down a few more of their songs and these, in my humble opinion, are definitely ones to watch. If you get the chance go to go and see them you should! Highlight of the evening was a song they performed in two halves. They started without the aid of microphones and instruments (other than a guitar) before launching into the song proper. It sounded fantastic and for a couple of minutes the room fell silent.

Support came from Tropicaux and Worship. Goodnight Lenin’s DJs kept the music going between the bands playing an eclectic mix of music. I remember hearing Bruce Springsteen, Belle and Sebastian, The Cure, The Destroyers and The Walkmen amongst others.

I wasn’t too impressed with Tropicaux. Stop/start jerky pop. I’ve heard too many bands like it in recent years and to be honest, have heard it performed better.

Worship were better. Electronic beats with guitars and a decent vocalist. I quite enjoyed their set although it was patchy in places. A few fantastic tunes and a few that sort of meandered along and seemed to go nowhere. The crowd seemed to enjoy them and I think Worship will go on from strength to strength. At least I hope they will.

All in all a good night and well worth making the effort for.

http://www.myspace.com/worshipuk

http://www.myspace.com/tropicaux

http://www.drytheriver.net/

Half Man Half Biscuit - The Assembly Leamington

I went to see Half Man Half Biscuit at Leamington Assembly last night and what a good night it was!

Nigel and the boys were on form and played a great set where the new songs sat nicely alongside the greats. Joy Division Oven Gloves, Fred Titmus, Bob Wilson Anchor Man and The Trumpton Riots were all present. New songs like Tommy Walsh’s Eco House and Left Lyrics in the Practice Room made up the rest of what was nearly a 2 hour set. Another crowd favourite Dukla Prague Away Kit also made it into the set with a large proportion of the crowd sporting said shirts.

I bought a vinyl copy of the new album, 90 Bisodol (Crimond), which, apparently is not scheduled for release for another couple of weeks. The reason I went with the vinyl was because it also came with a copy of the CD. I also picked up a 12” copy of Dickie Davies Eyes (£2) and a couple of HMHB lighters.

Before the gig Warwickshire Cricket Club had thrown away their chance of the Division 1 title in the last game of the season (away at The Rose Bowl against Hampshire) and Nigel made a reference to this. Actually, sport wise it was a bad evening as Blues lost 3-1 to Braga in the Europa League.

If you’ve never seen HMHB live you should. They are a fantastic live band and not only do you get to hear some great tunes you can have a laugh as well. The only thing I would say is it is not the place to go to meet women as the audience is predominantly male and middle aged.

Support came from JD Meatyard. I only caught the end of their set but they seemed OK.

Art Boys Collection - Free Download

The memories, photos and signed CDs aren't the only thing I brought back from End Of The Road. Nope, I also brought back a cold and so today, rather than head out into the countryside, I have decided to spend at home. Instead of exploring the great out doors I stayed in bed and explored the net and here is something that I found.

I haven't posted any links to music for ages and so it feel good to point you in this direction.

http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Art_Boys_Collection/Stoned_Wall/

If you haven't come across FMA before have a look around. You never know what you will find!

End Of The Road 2011

Last Thursday Clare and I picked up our rucksacks, headed for Solihull train station and jumped on the train to Salisbury (changing at Leamington Spa and Basingstoke). Once at Salisbury we caught The Big Green Bus for the last 15 miles of our journey to Lamar Tree Gardens.

We were here for End Of The Road Festival, which has been running for 6 years and has built a reputation as being one of the best festivals on the circuit. You can see why. It’s location, line up, organisation and all round intimate vibe made it undoubtedly one of the best I’ve been to.

Having arrived we headed for the Tangerine Fields campsite and found our tent. In an effort to travel light we hired a pre pitched tent. I can recommend this and will definitely use them again. The staff were friendly and helpful and while others struggled to put up their tents we were free to go off and explore the site. I think it’s a good sign, when you are walking across a field under a large expanse of sky, and you look up to see two parrots flying off into the sunset! It happens at End Of The Road and is one of the first things I saw.

The festival itself starts on the Friday but there are usually a couple of unpublicised acts on the Thursday night. This year we were treated to sets by The Cornshed Sisters, Junip (Jose Gonzales’ band) and Herman Dune. Not a bad start!

Friday morning came around and the haze soon burned off to reveal a beautiful blue sky. It turned out to be a scorcher of a day. My itinerary meant a 1.30pm start, Caitlin Rose on The Garden Stage, but whilst exploring I stumbled upon a band who were new to me, The Growlers. I really enjoyed their show on the Woods Stage. Not only was the music great but their whole look and demeanour really worked for me.

Later that day, whilst Clare went for a cup of tea I popped into the Big Top to see HEALTH. An onslaught of gorgeous noise. Fantastic! When I came out I could hear something that sounded pretty good on the Woods stage and headed over to catch the end of Lykke Li’s set. A great show, much better than I expected and I imagine that, for many, it would be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Other bands that day included Best Coast and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Best Coast were pretty good. Their sound was better than I expected but as the set progressed each song sounded more and more like the one before. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were fantastic and a definite highlight! I was expecting them to be a bit shambolic on stage (I don’t know why) but they turned out to be really tight. At one point being joined by Gordon Gano. Gordon was playing the Big Top and we ventured over and caught a bit of his set later on that evening.
 I also managed to see sets by The Secret Sisters (country duo from Alabama), a bit of Cambodian Space Project (very odd ensemble consisting of a female Cambodian singer, a Cambodian drummer and some Australians from what I could gather). The start of The Walkmen’s set (seen them a few times now and never disappoint) and The Fall (say what you like Mark E Smith is a legend). Micah P Hinson (who I’d been looking forward to but frankly disappointed).

Further highlights that day were meeting Zach Condon of Beirut and having my CD signed. They played a great set on the Friday night opening with my favourite, Scenic World.

Saturday and another good day weather wise (although not quite so hot) and it was back along to the Garden Stage to see Beth Jeans Houghton. I’ve seen her twice before and I like both her voice and music however I always come away thinking that something’s lacking.

15 minutes later and I was in the Big Top for Allo Darlin’. A great indie band who seemed to enjoy every minute of their set as did the crowd. At one point, lead singer, Elizabeth Morris apologised for seeming a bit overwhelmed “because we’ve not played to this many people before”. Clare was in two minds about going to the festival and it was the chance to see Allo Darlin’ that eventually swung it. Down at the front she and the bloke next to her created their own two person mosh pit!! She had a great time!

Later that day we had the chance to meet Elizabeth et al and found them all to be lovely. Signing our records and chatting for a good ten minutes. She asked about my Moseley Folk 2010 T-shirt and remarked upon a great line up. I told her she needs to play there or at least somewhere in Birmingham. She signed my record with a promise to come to Birmingham soon.

Bands I saw that day also included Bob Log III (great musician and spectacle). Gruff Rhys (great tunes and witty banter meant that you couldn’t help but enjoy his set which ended with the Super Furry Animals’ song The Man Don’t Give A Fuck). Wild Beasts (who were fantastic and far better than I expected). Phosphorescent ( a solo show which was a bit too downbeat for my liking despite having some great tunes). Wooden Shjips (can’t remember much about these which is a shame as they are going to be big!).

Into the evening and Mogwai took to the Woods stage. It’s the first time I’d seen them and it was really hard to tear myself away after half an hour or so to go and see Okkervil River at the Garden stage although I’m glad I did. They played a storming set that had everyone screaming for more at the end. Unfortunately there was to be no encore.

Sunday and a grey, wet start to the day. It didn’t last long and although it threatened to rain most of the morning the afternoon turned out to be quite nice. The rain returned later in the evening but didn’t last long. Clare and I headed over to the Tea Stop, a double decker bus with a kitchen downstairs and cafe upstairs. We ordered breakfast and headed to the top deck to eat. This place was fantastic. Formica tables and original bus seats. At one end, a mono record player and a rack of vinyl albums. Choose your breakfast soundtrack. Mine had already been chosen. Whilst I tucked into my egg sandwich I was treated to the sounds of Chuck Berry. A great choice!

Band wise the day started in the Big Top with Lanterns On The Lake. I had been looking forward to these ever since I first discovered them last year (I think I posted a track on this blog somewhere). They were everything I’d hoped for, creating beautiful soundscapes and haunting melodies. Their set past all too quickly!

Afterwards it was off to the Tipee Tent for Kathryn Calder. Still jet lagged from her flight she played a fantastic set made up mainly of songs from her first album Are You My Mother? As with most of the bands, she remarked upon how great the festival was and joked that she’d played with her other less well known band, The New Pornographers, last year. Afterwards I bought her album and Clare managed to get it signed for me.

Later that day I managed to catch Tinariwen (great look and great sound as well as a great back story). Kurt Vile (I’d been really looking forward to his set and he didn’t disappoint). Towards the end of the set the band left the stage and he played a great tune. I’ve no idea what it was but I really loved it). I also managed to catch the end of Emmy the Great’s set (sounded good) and some of Woods’ set (I wish I’d caught all of this as it sounded really good).

The highlight of the day, however, was Wild Nothing (another band who I’ve posted a track by). I thought their set was outstanding. Great tunes that have the bass lines of New Order and a feel of The Cure, at the same time, sounding fresh and original.

After their set it was back to The Woods Stage for Midlake who were far better than I’d expected (despite knowing they were a good band). The audience seemed smaller than some of the other acts but this may have been down to both the fact it was a Sunday night and that the rain had returned.

Having headed back to the tent for a bit of a break I braved the weather and went over to the Big Top to see Brakes. I’d forgotten how good this lot were live. They played a storming set and although I’ve seen them before they are still one of my highlights of the festival.

I woke up Monday morning feeling chilly. There was quite a breeze blowing across the campsite. It didn’t help my mood. It was time to go home. Helping some friends take down their tents meant we were away slightly later than we’d hoped but it wasn’t long before we were heading towards Salisbury on the coach. The driver had made a good call with Bob Marley on the stereo. It suited the subdued mood.

The trains home fell nicely changing at Banbury rather than Leamington meant we got off one train and five minutes later jumped straight onto another without having to move from our spot.

The journey took around 3 hours. Once back on home turf we collected the cat from my parents and headed home. It’s a strange feeling getting back from a festival. On the one hand it’s great to have running water, a bath/shower and a comfy bed but on the other you don’t half miss waking up with nowhere to be other than in front of a stage with host of great bands to see.

Despite seeing some great bands I also missed a host of others but with 87 acts on offer as well as lots of impromptu performances and secret gigs it is impossible to fit it all in. I think I managed around 30 odd this year. Roll on End Of The Road 2012!

Tuesday Nights

The last couple of Tuesday nights have been pretty good. Last night I went along to HMV Institute to see The Jayhawks.  The week before and it was a night in Brueton Park for an outdoor production of Pinocchio.

Clare and I have been to the outdoor theatre for the last few years (last year's production of The Secret Garden  is on here somewhere) and thoroughly enjoy it.  Last week's performance wasn't my favourite but was still a good show.

Heartbreak Productions deserve a lot of credit.  With minimal props they still manage to draw you into the story and keep both the adults and kids entertained.  It was quite a cloudy day and as evening fell so did the temperature.  It's a shame it couldn't have been last night as it was one of those muggy summer evenings.

Saying that, if it had have been last night I wouldn't have been able to go along to see The Jayhawks.

If I'm completely honest I knew nothing of this band despite them being around since the 80s.  A friend asked me to go and I said yes. 

I'd not been to The Institute since it reopened under the HMV brand but despite my reservations about corporate venues the Library (formerly Barfly and before that Dance Factory) has had a decent makeover making it a nice little venue.  The sound wasn't too bad either but apparently that depended on where you were standing.

I arrived later than I would usually  and so missed Mark Olsen's support slot, arriving during the last song of the set.  By the time I'd got a drink and found a spot to stand he was back onstage with the rest of The Jayhawks. Despite not knowing any of their stuff I was bobbing along to their blend of alt. country and was impressed with the harmonies. They haven't rewritten the rule book and I've seen and heard many a band in the same vein but I thought their songs had great melodies.

I haven't been to a venue were they were packed in that tightly since I saw Nick Cave a few years ago.  It seems there have been quite a few waiting for this show and the audience received them really well.  The venue, size of the audience and weather all came together to make for one loud, hot and sweaty evening.  A good old fashioned gig, you can't beat it! 

I have no idea of the set list but the few songs I remember them introducing or have since discovered included Wichita, Two Hearts, Tampa To Tulsa and  Miss Williams' Guitar.  Hopefully, I'll find a full set list on the net but if not I'll be delving into their back catalogue over the coming days and if I recognise any of the songs I'll update my list.

Wet Weekend

I'm still waiting for the summer.  The weekend plans to explore the great outdoors were ruined when I awoke on Saturday morning to a torrential downpour.  Believing it was in for the day I decided I wouldn't venture far and opted for a bit of shopping, followed by an afternoon of listening to music.

Popping into Solihull with Clare we popped to the bookies, library and browsed around the shops.  I picked up a couple of CDs at HMV.  The Phantom Band's The Wants (£3) and The Horrors' Primary Colours (£7).  I also bought their new album, Skying.

Since it's release last week it has been getting some decent reviews and so I was looking forward to getting home and having a listen.  I've played it a couple of times over the weekend and so far it hasn't disappointed.

When Primary Colours was released a couple of years ago they had completely reinvented themselves and two years later their new album has a new sound again.  This time they have gone for a more 80s synth soaked theme. On first listen I could definitely hear Simple Minds, circa 1981.   Despite their shift in style it seems there is a natural progression which for me at least works.

They are playing Birmingham in a few months time and I hope to be there. I hope their live performances are as good as their records.

Yesterday, was another quiet day, due to the weather.  Breakfast at Sainsbury's and then over to my parents' for a few hours.

All in all a quiet weekend.

John Grant at Leamington Assembly

John Grant used to be in a band The Czars.  I used to like them and so when a mate asked if I fancied popping over to Leamington on Thursday to see him I said yes. I'm glad I did too.

I'm not familiar with his solo work but on the strength of this gig his new album would be worth shelling out for.  His songs seem to be autobiographical and talk about love, loss and a childhood, growing up in small town America.

It's the first time I'd been to a seated gig at Leamington Assembly but thought it worked really well. 

John took the stage along with his sidekick ( a local lad from Coventry apparently) and they worked their way through a great set which included songs from his time with The Czars as well as his new stuff. 

Support came from Daughter.  A female solo artist whose voice and one song I'm sure I recognised.  We arrived halfway through her set but the bit we caught was fantastic. 

All in all a good night.  Set highlights were Marz, Chicken Bones, Vietnam and Little Pink House.

Daughter's website

Bella Union John Grant Page

Leamington Peace Festival

Leamington Spa's Peace Festival has been running for the last 32 years.  It's free and has plenty of stalls and two stages for live music.  It is spread over two days and on Saturday Clare and I happened upon it by chance.

Saturday, we had planned on a day of shopping and milling about but when we arrived we came across the festival setting up in The Pump Room Gardens. 

We wandered around the shops and picked up some bits n pieces. I managed to buy the Franz Ferdinand Covers vinyl that I didn't get on Record Store Day and we stopped off at Delicious by FT for a bite to eat.  The food was fine but the homemade lemonade not only looked fantastic but tasted great as well.  If only the weather justified such a lovely drink!

Having finished the shopping we headed to the festival (by passing the record fayre).  We wandered around the stalls looking for stuff that might come handy at End Of The Road, whilst keeping an eye on the main  stage. 

The band playing were called The Powderblue Band who were pretty good.  We also caught some of TenSheds on the bandstand. Another good band. 

Other acts throughout the weekend included Rory McLeod and Attila The Stock Broker.  Guest speakers and workshops are also on offer.  The strangest thing I saw other than the Hunt Saboteur Stand was Gong Massage.  You lean with your back against the gong and some one plays it up and down your back for ten minutes! Very relaxing apparently.  Having toyed with and then dismissed buying a poncho we left. I still can't believe I'd not heard of it before but we will be going back next year.

You can find their website below along with Tensheds and The Powderblue Band's sites.

http://www.peacefestival.org.uk/

http://www.thepowderblueband.co.uk/

http://www.tensheds.com/

Sunday and we headed to Blakesley Hall for their Falconry Day.  It was quite busy and we arrived after the first display had started so we opted for the cafe instead.  Eventually we wandered over to catch the end of the display.  We arrived as the crowd was being introduced to Scratchy a hybrid Falcoln (part Gyr part Sekar),  The plan was that Scratchy would fly off and catch his food (attached to a lure) in the air.  As it happened and soon as Scratchy was airborne he was attacked by three gulls and a crow and so flew off behind the house and just kept going!  No amount of calling or whistling could get him back! Luckily he had a radio tag on so his handler could track him for up to 5 miles.  It wasn't long before the signal disappeared altogether. 

The shows continued and we were introduced to an Eagle, Perrigrine hybrid, a couple of owls and a Kestrel but I kept wondering about Scratchy.  We went home not knowing if he had been lost forever. 

Clare mailed the Falconry Centre the following day and apparently Scratchy had been found at 7pm the same evening 2 miles away. All's well that ends well.

The birds came from The Falconry Centre in Hagley.  When we get the chance we are going to visit properly and if possible do one of their handling experience days.

http://www.thefalconrycentre.co.uk/

Dandelion Radio Free Download

I've not posted any music related stuff for ages!  To make up for it if you follow the link below you can download a couple of free albums. 

To celebrate Dandelion Radio's fifth birthday Five Years is a free compilation on the Unwashed Territories netlabel. It is available until the end of July so you have plenty of time to grab it! 

I've not listened to it properly yet but I'm enjoying the bits I've heard and the Martin Carr track is fantastic!

http://www.dandelionradio.com/fiveyears.htm

Bank Holiday Weekend

It's a grey and wet Bank Holiday Monday and so I'm not venturing out today,  Instead I'm going to stay at home and spend the afternoon listening to music. I'm going to do an End Of The Road playlist as this year I have decided not to go to Moseley Folk Festival and head off to Dorset instead.  With the likes of The Fall, Mogwai, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Allo Darlin' and Beirut it is too good to miss.

Despite the weather it hasn't been a bad day so far.  Earlier Clare checked her bank and it looks like we've been allocated tickets for the Olympics although we have no idea which event we will be going to (don't get me started on the whole ticket process thing. The way it has been handled is terrible but out of the 3 or 4 events we applied for we have managed to get tickets for one at least).

Although the rest of the weekend has been dry it has been grey, windy and a little on the chilly side and so we haven't ventured far. 

Friday, I met Clare and my parents at All Fired Arts before heading to the Kitchen Garden Cafe for afternoon tea.  It's not the cheapest but the sandwich was lovely. You also get a scone and a slice of cake, washed down with a large cup of coffee.
Saturday, Clare and I went into Knowle, bought bread from the The Bread Collection bakery and had a look around the shops.  On the evening we settled down to watch the Champions League Final between Manchester Utd and FC Barcelona.  A good game, held at Wembley, which Barcelona won 3-1 (which I was chuffed about). Rodriguez put Barcelona ahead after 27 minutes. Rooney levelled the score 7 minutes later.  In the second half  goals from Messi (54) and Villa (69) put the game beyond Man Utd.

Sunday, Clare and I went to Solihull Nature Reserve. We stopped at the cafe in the park before following a footpath alongside the River Blythe. It takes you through the woods and out into an open field alongside the M42.  We followed the path for a bit and then took the bridge over the motorway and onto the fields beyond.  We decided to turn around and head back, saving the footpath for another day.

Whilst following the path we came across a Greater Spotted Woodpecker nest.  A hole in a dead branch of a tree we could hear the chick calling from some way away.  As we stared up at the tree a small red head popped out of the hole! We watched for a while before moving on.

We saw about 30 species of bird including Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch and Bullfinch.

After the walk we headed back to the cafe where we met my parents for a bite to eat. They said they would like to see the Woodpecker and so we headed back along the path.  When we reached the field we found the gate was blocked by cows who had no intention of letting us into the field.

Having been over the reserve for over six hours we decided to head home, my parents joining us for coffee.  Not long after they had left my brother arrived. He stayed for most of the evening and when his girlfriend picked him up she also popped in for a bit.  It was a lovely day spent with my family.

Gone In A Flash

Where's the weekend gone?  I can't believe it's Sunday evening already.  It's been a good one and quite a quiet one compared to the last couple of weeks.

Yesterday we went to Sandwell Valley.  Waking up to grey clouds and quite heavy rain we wondered whether it was worth heading over but decided we should make the effort.  It rained all the way there but there were signs it was easing off as we arrived.

I think the weather put a lot of people off and so it was just seven of us who accompanied the guides around the reserve.  After a heavy downpour about half way round the sun started to break through and by the time we finished the walk I had completely dried off.

In the end it was worth the effort as we managed to see over 40 different species of birds.  These included Little Ringed Plover, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Tit, Oyster Catcher, Lapwing, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Swallow, Swift and both House and Sand Martin.  All in all a very good day.

Today was also a grey and wet start but again has brightened up considerably.  Not that it makes a difference to me as I've not ventured out.  Clare, however, has been off doing the BRMB Walkathon (having text not long ago to say she has completed it, in a decent time as well!). For those who don't know the Walkathon is a 26 mile sponsored walk around Birmingham. It follows the 11 bus route which is the longest route in Europe.  She'll be shattered when she gets in and it means I'll have to cook dinner but I don't mind as she's done really well. 

Whilst she's been off walking the streets I've spent the day listening to music and going through CDs, keeping one eye on the football.  It's been a good day as I don't often get the chance to do it these days.

One final thing.  The British public voted against electoral reform so we keep the current system and the Liberal Democrats suffered heavy losses as expcted.  Nick Clegg really messed things up when he started going back on his word.  During last year's election I think the public thought that he might be different from the other politicians, that was his strong point and what got him the vote.  Now they realise he is just like all the others if not worse, he sold out and now he is paying the price.

Beady Eye - Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Beady Eye at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.  Clare booked this some time ago and although I've never been a big fan of Oasis or the Gallagher brothers I was looking forward to it.

Having booked an hotel for the night I had imagined the evening as follows.

A pleasant train journey to Wolverhampton. Once we'd booked into the hotel and got settled we would then take a pleasant stroll to City Bar for something to eat and drink before making our way over to the Civic for the gig. Afterwards we would head back to the hotel and maybe get a drink in the bar before heading to bed.

In reality this is what we got.

We arrived at New Street to find that the pleasant train journey I dreamed of was in fact a replacement bus service due to engineering works. 

Having arrived in Wolverhampton we booked into The Britannia Hotel and headed for the room.  Now, I'm all for a bit of faded glamour but what we ended up with was a run down and unclean room.  The bed linen seemed clean (despite the tears in the sheets) and so I just went with the flow. After all it was only for one night.

After we had settled in we headed to City Bar but as it was Easter Sunday it was closed.  The food and leisurely drink that I had hoped for became a Coke and a spicy veggie thing from McDonald's.  With plenty of time to spare we decided to head back to the hotel for a bit.

Once in the room it dawned on me that we backed onto some sort of conference suite which seemed to be holding an Indian wedding reception.  The music was so loud that, even though I couldn't understand the lyrics, I could hear them perfectly!  I figured that it would go on quite late but reckoned that by the time we got back it would be getting on a bit anyway and so it was nothing to worry about.

We got to the Civic and after a short while Steve Cradock took the stage (to an equal measure of cheers and boos).  I have never been a fan and on the strength of his performance last night I am yet to be converted.  In a nutshell it was bland and unimaginative and with a stage presence to match.  Oh, and the sound was terrible. Luckily his set passed by quickly.

As we waited for Beady Eye the crowd sang along to the tracks being played through the PA.  The Beatles, Stones, Sex Pistols, The Jam and The Stone Roses' I Am The Resurrection.  As that ended they took the stage.

Four Letter Word opened the set and as Liam swaggered onto stage the pints started flying as the crowd got into the mood.  What surprised me the most was their sound.  Compared to Steve Cradock it was crystal clear.   Liam already had everyone eating out of his hand but with each track the crowd got livelier.

The night flew by and in no time at all they were finishing their set. They played The Morning Son and were gone.  A couple of minutes later they were back. Wigwam and a decent cover of World of Twist's Sons of The Stage and the night was over.

Highlights for me Standing On The Edge Of The Noise, Kill For A Dream and Sons Of The Stage. I'm still not a big fan of either of the Gallagher brothers but if you want a solid indie rock gig you could do a lot worse than Beady Eye

We headed back to the hotel. With the bar closed we went to our room and lay there listening to the wedding reception guests  (in the conference suite adjacent) singing along to Bob Marley, UB40 and so on.  The party eventually wound up around 12.30 am. Peace and quiet and, at last, the chance to sleep.

Dropping off sometime between 12.45 and 1.00am I found myself jumping from my bed and running around the room grabbing what I could with the fire alarm blaring.  I dashed out into the corridor, passing old ladies in their nightdresses as I headed for reception.  30 minutes after going to sleep I found myself outside having a cigarette with two Dutch blokes as Clare tried to establish what was going on.  It turns out it was a false alarm. We all headed back to our rooms.  Lying in bed I was too wound up to sleep. It must have been about 4am by the time I eventually got off.  I woke up naturally at about 6.30am.

Showered, we headed down for breakfast. All you can eat for £5. The hotel went a little way to redeeming itself (despite the dirty crockery).  Back to the room, we packed and headed to reception to check out and fill in a complaint form.

At the station we found that there was a train back to Birmingham.  Getting home around 10.30ish I have spent the day lounging around.  I reckon I'll sleep well tonight though!

Set list for Beady Eye

Four Letter Word
Beatles and Stones
Millionaire
For Anyone
The Roller
Wind Up Dream
Bring the Light
Standing on the Edge of the Noise
Kill For A Dream
Three Ring Circus
The Beat Goes On
Man of Misery
The Morning Son
Wigwam
Sons of the Stage (World of Twist cover)

How Time Flies!

Blimey, over a week since my last post!  I'd like to say I've been really busy but the truth is I just haven't got around to posting anything.

After a relatively quiet week the weekend was upon me once more and Friday afternoon I headed over to Kings Heath to celebrate a friend's daughter's first birthday. 

Rather than a traditional party she had decided to have it at All Fired Arts in Kings Heath. This is a fantastic place!  The idea is that you can go and design your own ceramics.  You buy the pottery and paint the design. When you are happy with it the shop will keep hold of it and fire it for you.  You then go back and collect the finished project about a week later.  Parties are catered for and while some people create at the front of the shop the rest can sit around in the back room.  You can take your own food and from what I can gather music is provided courtesy of Spotify.  The staff are  friendly and really good with the babies that were having their hand and footprints plastered over the ceramics.  It's a great place and if you feel the creative urge coming on you should head on down.

http://www.allfiredarts.co.uk/index.php

Afterwards we headed to the park so the kids could play on the swings.  All in all it was a lovely afternoon.

Record Store Day.  Saturday saw an early start as we caught the 8.05 train from Solihull to Leamington.  Clare had shopping to do and was then heading back to Birmingham to go to the theatre. My plan was to buy records as part of Record Store Day and head home to listen to them whilst I had the house to myself.  Head Records was my shop of choice.

With over a hundred titles to choose from, many of them limited to small quantities, I decided not to have anything in particular in mind, although I quite fancied the Tallulah Gosh 7".  Unfortunately they didn't stock it but I still came away with a few good records including stuff by Deerhoof / Xiu Xiu, Toots & The Maytals, KORT, Clinic and Edwyn Collins & The Drums amongst others.  The record shop also threw in a couple of CD samplers as well including Terminal Sales Volume 4 (a Sub Pop compilation).

After breakfast we did a bit of shopping (where I picked up a Gorky's Zygotic Mynci single and a Tapes n Tapes album from a charity shop).

I left Clare on the train to go to the theatre whilst I headed home to spend an afternoon with my vinyl, cds and mp3s.

Speaking of mp3s, over at North Country Bhoy blogspot you can download Toots & The Maytals Live At Jamaica World Music Festival circa. 1982. Get it here. 

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/

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.