A Wee Cough!

Well I'm off for a 6 night well earned break in Lisbon, before my October assault on the venues of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Wrexham(!!) and Chester(!!!). Still not sure which shows to leave out, if any.
I think I'll go with the mood (and wallet) though most shows I've booked tickets for, so well see.

Anyway I'm looking forward to a restful week in the lovely city of Lisbon. No planned travelling round just a walk through the sights and sounds and smells. Some good food and wine, galleries, and museums.
How the hell I keep up to date here when I get back is a problem. I'll be three shows behind before I start, ah well, such is life.
Yay! I'm in holiday mode already, nothing matters. Good start.

My Brigtest Diamond.

My Brightest Diamond, Roadhouse, Manchester, 21/9/07.


The band I was coming up to see Violet Violet, the support to MBD had cancelled. Because I had pre booked the hotel I had come up to this. I wasn't sure about MBD their Myspace page didn't really suggest I'd like them.

Anyway got the train and got my hotel by ten past seven. I dumped my stuff and nipped for something to eat at a restaurant I know round the corner from the Roadhouse. I felt as I had plenty of time here and I wasn't particularly looking forward to this show.
I got to the venue about 8:40, just as the first band were finishing their set, damn they started early, ah well!.
The next band, well artist was a solo acoustic guy called Paul Frith. I like watching acoustic guitarists, if their good. Fair play to this guy he was ok. I love when acoustic guitarists pick from the top and bottom to create a dual sound if you like.


By the time MBD came on I'd settled on a position almost at the side of the stage. There wasn't a big crowd but I've never stood and viewed from this angle at the Roadhouse before. MBD are a three piece led by singer/guitarist Shara. They came over more upbeat than their Myspace stuff, obvious too they are excellent musicians.

After a few songs I was really enjoying them. Shara is a curious little thing. She has a good banter with the audience in a squeaky New York drawl. I obviously didn't know the material but found myself enjoying anyway. Shara reminded me alot of Lizzie from Land of Talk, she had a way of "bobbing" about whilst playing and also jumped around the stage quite a bit.

In all they exceeded my expectations so I can't ask for more than that.

The Victorian English Gentlemans Club & Vile Vile Creatures.

Corporation, Sheffield. 13/9/07.

I've been looking forward to this gig since VVC told me they were playing with TVEGC, who are my fave current band. I had to switch my work schedule and arrange to be able to get away about 3:30 ish on the day. The trip to Sheffield takes about 2 hours from Chester via Stockport. I had booked to stay in the same Travelodge as I stayed when seeing Kristin here in March (Leadmill though).
Arrived in Sheffield about 6:15 pm, about a 10 min walk to the hotel, a quick freshen, then out. I needed to check where the venue was as I hadn't been there before. Map in hand I found it ok, about 20/25 mins walk. I thought about giving David (from VVC) a ring but thought I'll get some food first then find out where they are. I walked round the corner from the Corporation and who was walking down the road, guitars and drums in hand? Jen, Sian and David. Spooky.
They were going to set their gear up and sound check. Jen said they were then going to go to a pub round the corner called the Washington, which has a Pulp connection and is a good music pub. I said I'll go get something to eat then join them. The place I wanted to eat at for some reason was not serving food!! so I had to settle for an Indian restaurant. Very good though.
Met them all at the Washington and Jen introduced me to The Millipedes (the other band on the bill) who all seemed nice people. While talking, Sian asked me if I'd seen the stage at the Corp. It's really high she told me and she felt as though the audience were in a pit. She also said that TVEGC were feeling a bit tired as they had driven all the way up from Cardiff for the show.

We all got back to the venue about 9:20 ish. VVC said they were on at 9:40. Sian was rite the stage was really high, about neck height to me. Anyway they all went off to get ready. I bought a drink and settled on the best spot to view. After a few moments TVEGC came in by the bar area and had a look round. Emma spotted me and waved over and smiled. Oh damn! I'm getting the hots for Emm's now. VVC took the stage and it was evident the sound was excellent. Their usual set punctuated by a new song. They announced that it may go wrong but fair play a brave move. I had nothing to judge it by though, but it sounded good. I asked Sian it's title later, but she said they haven't a name for it yet. They finished as usual with FF which was really good. Sian's bass line sounded so good here, in fact it has to the bass line of the year. Thus decided on this night. They were
very good here. Next up were the Millipedes, a five piece pop/rock local band and friends of Jen's. They were ok, the guitarist had an interesting sound, I must check them out properly to form a real opinion.

TVEGC took the stage whilst setting up Lou hung a Russian flag over the front of the stage. They do this sort of thing often. I've seen them use German and Welsh flags in the past. They played a similar set to Liverpool but changed it round a bit. With the stage being so high I couldn't see Emm's much but her drum sound really stood out. Again the new single "La Mer" stood out, I think they enjoy playing that at the moment. Every time I've seen TVEGC they have good banter between each other onstage, but rarely with the audience. Tonight though they did a rare exchange with the crowd. I take this as a growing confidence and an attempt to reach out. Though they've always come across as a very confident, know where they're going bunch. I found it strange they chose here to communicate with their audience. That said they were excellent again and I found myself thinking I would travel anywhere to see them. Damn! that's a dangerous thought.

After the show I congratulated VVC on a well executed set. I had a chat with Emma and told her the drum sound was super. I also said that she presumably had turned down the call from Plant and Page to sit in for the Led Zep gig!!. She laughed and said "of course we're busy". Obviously Dame Janet turned it down too, well she would have been first on the list surely? Later David introduced me to Adam and we had a chat about the way they set up differently at each gig. Adam explained they go by the venue and choose how best it'll be. That's what I love about them.

I came across some pics taken at a recent London show. I thought these were obviously professional shots. I asked permission to use some to post here. Turns out they they were taken by a passionate amateur photographer called Jacqui Sadler. She granted me permission to use them. Thank you again Jacqui.

Ok we all know I have the hots for Lou, but Emm's, jeez. This ain't fair. It struck me talking to Emma this night how lovely she is. The first time I met her she seemed very stand-off ish. I think she realises I'm a genuine harmless fan (idiot) now.

This was an excellent night, we all said our goodbye's outside, VVC were driving back to Manchester as David had work at 9am the next day.

I wandered off into the night a happy bunny!

Opperator Please

Barfly, Liverpool, 9/9/07.

I wasn't sure about going to this. Operator Please are a young Aussie band who play upbeat pop/punk stuff. Anyway made the decision to go. Got the 5:15 train to Liverpool, being a Sunday I checked the times of trains back. Last train 11:30, so I should be ok for the last train. I couldn't see this one overrunning.
Doors opened on time with a smallish crowd 20 - 30 people gathered. By the time the first band came on a decent (very young) crowd had gathered. K115 were the firs band they were ok a four piece with a lead singer/guitarist who probably played on her sexuality a bit too much for my liking. Though probably a lot of the young guys in the audience had tight pants by the end. Next band I didn't take to as they were too sugary. At this point I actually thought I'd made the wrong decision to come and if the truth be known I considered leaving. I didn't, next band were better, Johnny Foreigner, a three piece who were good and loud. They had good stagecraft without being overt.

By the time Operator Please came on there was a good crowd. It was interesting to see what a good audience they drew as they are not that well known here. Anyway they're a five piece young Aussie band who play with a violinist. They were actually very good and I'm glad I hung on to see them. They really got the crowd going with some good upbeat pop/punk tunes. They were good to watch the lead singer/guitarist was energetic and gave her all. The violinist was a cute little thing and the rest were a solid foil. As I thought they ended well on time and I was able to nip across the road for a quick drink before getting the last train home.
It had been a long tiring weekend but fortunately I was off work Mon so I could have a good rest and recuperate.
Again I saw and had a quick chat with Sakura (photo girl) she seems to do the same shows as me, nice to see her though.

The Victorian English Gentlemans Club.

Liverpool, Korova, 8/9/07.

Usual routine left work and got the train to Liverpool, got there about 7pm. I'd arranged with Nath to crash at his flat for the evening. Nathan was away so he said I'd have to contact his flat mate Gilbert to arrange to get in etc. I contacted Gilbert when I got to Central station and he said just call him half an hour before getting to Nath's. Sorted.

I had plenty of time here as doors were not till 9pm so I decided to eat. I couldn't get a table at my fave French restaurant so I went to a South American restaurant recommended to me by Tim. Very good too it has to be said.

I got to the Korova about 8:45, it's a bar with the venue downstairs. So I bought a drink and milled around seeing if there were any faces I knew. If I'm honest the Korova is my least

favourite venue, it has a non stage lip! and narrows to the front. Anyway they let people in at about 9:20. Not many about either. I can't understand why the Victorian English don't draw more people. Perhaps it's just me but they are probably my fave current band (with Blood Red Shoes). They are one of the bands that are trying to be different and succeeding in my opinion. Ok we all know I have the complete hots for Louise, that's not why I like them. People who know me will know that's true.

Anyway, things were running late here the first band didn't hit the stage till gone 10:30, a young bunch of 3 who played a pop/punk set enjoyed by a young fan club. Er! next. Then up stepped a duo of a young spiky haired girl and a guy playing guitar. They were ok the drummer especially was very good. I told her latter if she carried on she could some day rival Janet. Next up the Untitled Musical Project. These were ok, a three piece of shouty punkish tunes. Problem here was some idiot in the crowd close to me who kept shouting "turn the guitars down and the vocals up". This prompted a lot of banter between the band and said person which was amusing most of the time.

The Victorians didn't get on till 1:15 am. Worth the wait though. One of the reasons I like them is that they are different every time you see them. This time they started with Em's walking from the back of the venue clanging a bell (see pic) They opened with a new song I didn't know then played the latest single "La Mer" which was really good live. In total they played five new songs all of which had the trademark TVEGC stamp of eccentricity. They also had a new gadget set up on a pillar at the front. A radio type thing that made weird noises, seen bottom left of above pic. Again I really enjoyed them, they never fail to disappoint. After the show Emma and Louise came out to their small merch table so I went over to say hi. They have a book now (last 3 times I've seen them) that they ask people to put comments in. I have my own page that I put a comment in the last 2 times, so I added to it. Ok I'm a total sad case. I told Em's the new stuff was sounding good, she told me they were still working on other new material too. When speaking to Louise I told her I was making the trip to the Sheffield show as they are playing with some friends of mine VVC. Lou said she was looking forward to seeing them as she hadn't seen them live before. She asked me if they were good. Of course. I told her of Sians thick bass lines, Jens chunky guitar and stage presence and Davids solid rhythm, sold to gorgeous Louise Mason, I thank you.

Oh, I forgot during a gap between bands I got chatting to a girl photographer who I rcognised from most Liverpool gigs I go to. She was at the MM show last week and the Silversun show. We had a good chat and she gave me her web ad so I can view all her photies. A lovely girl who's head I have captured on many occasion in shots at shows as she's in the front line.

Modest Mouse

Academy, Liverpool 2/9/07.

Left my hotel at 11am Sun morning, raining, well it is Manchester. Got up to Piccadilly to check the times of the trains to Liverpool. I decided to aim to get there about 2 ish. I hung round Manchester and popped into a couple of my fave pubs and got the train at about 1:30 ish.

Got to Liverpool, still raining. I decided to ring my nephew Nathan. He lives in Liverpool so I thought it would be nice to catch up and say hi. I rang Nath and got a taxi round to his flat, about 3 miles from the city center. Still raining, after a tour of his new flat we decided to pop out to the local hostelry.

After while chatting I asked him how Natallie was (my niece, his sister who also lives in Liverpool) He said even though they live about a mile apart they don't see each other that much. Nath then phones Nat and she comes to join us for a drink. I was lovely to see them both, specially as these days we only ever see each other on Xmas day.

I set off back to town after saying my goodbye's as I wanted go get to the Academy about 6:30 ish. Got to the Academy in good time there were just a couple stood in the doorway entrance so I joined them. There was a huge tour bus parked right outside, obviously belonging to MM. I stood chatting to the guy and his girlfriend when suddenly this guys facial expression changed, excited bewilderment!

Next thing I know Issac Brock and Johnny Marr were just stood next to me. Er!! what!! I said hi and shook hands with Issac then Johnny. They opened the bus door and went in. The guy his girlfriend and I just looked at each other and said did that just happen? Then 5 mins later the bus door opens and out steps Issac, with a cigarette in his hand. Ha! not allowed to smoke in his own tour bus. He just leant out the bus chatting to us for a while, mainly saying about the weather. Again when he went back in we just looked at each other and said "cool!"
Doors opened in good time and I got to the front Corins side as usual. I wasn't sure how MM would set up but I was center right so ok. The support band came on a rag and tag collection of people. A band called Port O'Brien from Alaska. Er! Alaska?? yep! They ripped into a set of acoustic based punk folk (new genre?) and were excellent. They are one of the best supports for a main act I've seen in ages, yeah ok the girl was cute. I forgot to post a pic I'll put it at the bottom.
MM came on and it turned out I was right in front of Issac. Johnny setting up stage right (my left). They took ages to come on as Issac is notoriously fussy about his guitar tunings, he was using four I think. They eventually came on and played a great set mostly the new album, obviously. It was interesting to see what role JM was going to take but Issac was certainly the main man. If I was to be critical his guitar was just a tad too loud, but that may have been because I was right in front of him. I'm glad that the band has remained Issac's and it seemed to me as though he made a point of it by playing all the lead. A great set though a few old fav's were played, I can't remember the listing now. One thing to point out though, they didn't play "Cockroach" which was a shame, there were numerous shouts for it, but alas.
In all a great gig, so good to see MM finally and they didn't disappoint. Issac is superb to watch and damn what a fine guitarist he is. A good support too -

V V C

Vile Vile Creatures, Contact theater, Manchester. 1/9/07.

After a late night on the Fri, I don't think I went to bed till about 4:15 am. I shot up to Manchester on Sat lunchtime. I there at about 2pm and booked into the Grafton. The Contact theater is next to the Academy therefor literally across the road from my hotel. I nipped across to have a check soon after as the event was an all day job though the Creatures were not on till 11pm. I went in and there was a band playing with 1/2 dozen people watching. I stood and watched for a few minutes then decided to go up into town. I wanted to have a mooch round Piccadilly records and pop into the Night & Day. I got the bus up to Piccadilly and walked up Oldham St. I came to the last cross road waiting for the lights to change and opposite me coming in the other direction was David from V V C. What were the chances of that? I only know 1/2 dozen people in Manchester but to bump into David on Sat afternoon was weird. We had a chat and said we'd catch up properly later.
I popped into Piccadilly records and had a quick scout round, but didn't buy anything. I went across the road and had a coffee in the N & D and then went for something to eat at my usual restaurant, blah! blah! blah!
I got back to the contact theater about 6:30 ish. I walked in and Jen and Sian were stood there so we had a quick chat and I asked what time they were due to play. They said about 11 ish, so I told them I was going back to the hotel just to freshen up and I'd be back later.

I got back about 8:30 ish after a shower and a little siesta. I watched a couple of bands had a chat with a few people. The bands got better as the evening wore on, the two bands before VVC were quite good. One called Drag and I can't remember the name of the other one, but watchable.

Talking to Jen earlier in the evening she was saying she was really tired. VVC came on and played what is now a familiar set to me. It was obvious Jen was tired she was not her normal self. Her playing was fine but she didn't seem to have her usual energy. That said they were ace as normal, and Ghosts & Ghouls is a firm fave now.

There were another two bands on after the Creatures the first a trio, sort of Bloc Party type, ish, ness. Midway through their third song I think the guitarists guitar just packed up. He then spent ages just fiddling around trying to get sound out of it. Jen came to the rescue and loaned the guy her guitar much to his relief. As the last band was setting up Jen came over to me and said they were packing up outside, so I went and joined and we and a couple of others stood chatting for a while. I decided then it was time for a photo shoot the result some nice pics.

Thanks people, see you in Sheffield.

Silversun Pickups

Barfly, Liverpool. 31-8-07.

Got away from work in good time to catch the 5:45 train to Liverpool. First leg of what promised to be a good weekend with three gigs in three nights. The travel up to Liv'l back to Chester up to Manchester then across back to Liverpool and back down home was going to tough schedule. Seeing SSPU, then catching up with the Creatures (I never know what to call them these days, VVC, or just Jen, Sian and David, whatever)

I got to Liverpool fine time and went to check the venue and confirm the time of doors. I had a feeling the Silversun's would attract a bigger crowd than the N & D gig earlier in the year. Their profile has upped over here with TV appearances etc.
I got told doors were 7:30 so I went to the bar across the road and had a drink while keeping an eye on the venue. About 7:25 there were a couple of people stood outside so I wandered across and joined them. After several minutes we started chatting, the guy I was talking too was a big "Brummie" guy who looked, well, older the me to be honest. Turns out he is a kindred spirit, same age as me and does as many gigs as I. To top it he travels more than me. He is a big Hedrons fan and has been all over Europe to see them this year. It was really interesting meeting someone with a similar passion, and believe me to look at this guy you would never put him down as a dedicated gig goer. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover etc, but hey it's great to know I'm not the only 35 year old (hic!!) idiot out there.
Doors eventually opened at 8:10, Hmm, this may run late. Anyway first band on have the most crap name "We are foxes"? what? that said they weren't that bad. Lead singer was a bit too "Liamesque" but they were ok. Next up Sonic Flyer, again these were ok a female lead singer who played guitar. The drummer was pretty good here too and you could see they too their name from a major influence!

I saw SSPU in Manchester earlier in the year. The crowd there was a front row with room to move of about 30/40 people. How 3 months exposure can change a band. This time it was rammed up the front. I was Corins side, as usual, but even there pushed up against the barrier. The Barfly has a slightly smaller stage than the N & D so Brian did not have as much room to work in as last time. Niki again was great. I love the way she jumps in and out of her bass lines. They played more or less the same set but ah! a new song in there. Brian did not announce it's title, saying that it may be an old song that was not on the album.
Again they were great to watch and the crowd was really into them and pretty lively. Unfortunatly as they were playing the encore I had to run out to get to the last train at 11:28. I shook hands with Ian and ran out.
Made the train, just, phew!