Gigs of the year.

On to my favorite shows for the year

Thing is here it's not always about the actual performance of the band/artiste but everything that surrounds it.

So my top 10 gigs of 2007.
There is no real order here really just my more memorable shows.


1. Kristin Hersh - Sheffield, Leadmill, 9th March.

This was the first of three in a row seeing K. I think I enjoyed this one more because of the anticipation and excitement of the full trip. That said all three shows I really enjoyed.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/03/kristins-march-tour.html


2. Sky Larkin/YSPWSD/Los Campesinos - Night & Day, Manchester, 13th Oct.

This comes second because of three really enjoyable bands and a good night all round.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/10/los-campesinos-yspwsd-sky-larkin.html

3. The Victorian English /Vile Vile Creatures - Sheffield, Corporation, 13th Sept.

When the Creatures told me they were playing a show with TVEGC it was always going to be a good night. My two fave live bands, who cares that I had to travel to Sheffield for it. Part the fun really.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/09/victorian-english-gentlemans-club-vile.html

4. Electrelane - Manchester Academy 3, 28th Nov.

A band I'd been waiting to see all year more or less. They didn't disappoint either. With this being their 3rd to last ever gig they just went for it. Met a lot of familiar faces here too.http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/12/electrelane.html

5. Silversun Pickups - Night & Day, Manchester, 31st May.

I saw SSPU twice this year but the first time I saw them they were still relatively unknown. It was evident that night they would soon be playing bigger venues and they would even translate into a good festival/stadium band.

http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/06/silversun-pickups.html

6. Laura Veirs - Manchester Academy, 5th April.

This was the first time I'd seen Laura with her full band. Again everything that surrounded this gig was good and Laura herself, sweet & kooky.http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/04/sweet-kooky-laura.html

7. Pony Up - Night & Day, Manchester, 3rd Nov.

Again another band I was looking forward to seeing as I'd been loving their album for a while. Not disappointed either such a together band. An absolutely lovely bunch of girls too. And yeah I fell under the spell of the lovely Laura Wills.

http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/11/pony-up.html

8. The Victorian English/Sons & Daughters - Academy, Liverpool, 17th Nov.

This was the first of the TVEGC/S&D gigs, the other being a week later in Manchester. I'm going with the Liverpool one. In truth there is not much to choose between them. I think because TVEGC were just slightly on better form this night.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/11/victorian-english-gentlemans-club-sons.html

9. Blood Red Shoes - Liverpool, Barfly, 7th Oct.

The second time I'd seen BRS this year. It was evident their live reputation was growing. Believe me they are good. Having seen them several times now it was here that they first started to show a confidence in their own ability. Keep an eye out for these.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/10/blood-red-shoes.html

10. The Decemberists - Manchester Academy, 5th Feb.

Made a late decision to go to this, thank goodness. I'd always heard they were a good live band
and fair enough they did not disappoint.
http://slightmalecoyote.blogspot.com/2007/02/decemberists.html


So there we have it, I thought I'd done 52 this year but on a recount it turns out to be 53! The year has been dominated by 10 VVC shows, 5 TVEGC , Kristin 3. Others like You Say Party, BRS, Thea Gilmore, Land of Talk and Silversun Pickups all twice.

In all a good year, so many good shows and I've met some fine people along the way.

Here's looking forward to some good gigs next year.

My favorite albums of 2007

I've found it difficult this year to narrow down my fave's. I keep changing my mind basically so this is the one that's going to print (again) so to speak. My top 3/4 have not changed (I don't think!)


1. FIERY FURNACES - WIDOW CITY.
This wins the day because of it’s eccentricity. It’s a weird collection of songs of varying length. Every time you listen you pick up a different line or little lick. It’s quite a long album 16 songs but it’s the sign of a good record that they seem to fly by when you listen. A great collection of weird and wonderful tunes. Love the way Eleanor delivers her vocal too. Being so wonderfully eccentric I love it.

2. JETS OVERHEAD - BRIDGES
A close one, just pipped by FF at the final hurdle. Another long album, 15 songs and the fact is there’s not a duff one in there. Think somewhere between Arcade Fire and Midlake. A Canadian 5 piece who build their songs drop them down to build again. Classic rock format but it works because the songs are so strong. Excellent record.

3. LAND OF TALK - APPLAUSE CHEER BOO HISS.
With Jets my discovery of the year. Another Canadian band led by Lizzie Powell. What I love here is the slight grungy guitar sound Lizzie uses. It’s a seven song mini album but strong enough to be this high up the list. I saw them live twice and was really impressed with their musicianship. Again not a bad song on here.

4. THE PONYS - TURN THE LIGHTS OUT.
Again another album that has done well to stick around since the first quarter (Jets/ LOT) of the year. A fuzzy shoegaze (never liked that term) sound. I like the bass in here it really bolsters some of the tracks, live too Mel was super to watch playing bass. A good consistent record.

5. RADIOHEAD - IN RAINBOWS.
Forget all the hype and the focus on the “pay what you want” for this album. In the cold light of day when the dust has settled, it’s a great record. They have gone back to a concentration on song quality here. A direction they started on “Hail” in my opinion. This is just one of the best bands in the world delivering the goods in their own style and making everyone else start to play catch up.

6. MARNIE STERN - IN ADVANCE OF A BROKEN ARM.
One of the more interesting and original albums of the year. Marnie is a guitar virtuoso specialising in “shredding”. She takes a nod from Deerhoof as a lot of her tunes are off kilter and have strange arrangements. The off rhythms are certainly a nod to the "hoof". Amazing guitar patterns and a squeaky vocal. Still pickling my brain now.


7. ELECTRELANE - NO SHOUTS NO CALLS.
I’ve always been a bit not sure about E, but this album changed that. I can’t say why it just seems to feel more complete and together. Recorded in Berlin and has that essence of famous albums recorded in that great city. It ebbs, flows, rocks and chills. It’s their last too as they’ve just announced indef……. hiat.. Can’t say it, horrible expression. Sad.

8. KRISTIN HERSH - LEARN TO SING LIKE A STAR.

First major album of the year and of course was always going to make my list. I’m trying to be subjective here. Any album by K is an event to me as a hardcore fan. LTSLAS is an album that K made with a collection of friends and comes across as though there is an enjoyment in it’s sound. Of course songs are not always “happy go lucky” but her usual sub humour is very evident here. "The parrot looking up at me was so goddamn Disney” what a line.

9. SPOON - GA GA GA GA GA.
Spoon never let you down, such a consistent band. They don’t disappoint here again a good collection of tunes in their own very individual style. Key and bass led generally with an emphasis on melody and Britt Daniel’s distinctive vocal. They just don’t make bad records.

10. LOVE OF DIAGRAMS - MOSAIC.

Another band on Matador (Pony’s). Checked them and thought they sounded good. An Aussie band who play fuzzy guitar and strong bass lines. Like the vocal too, some of the tunes go a bit shoegazey but work in the context of the album. Antonia’s vocal is set down in the mix a bit but is powerful and pitched correctly.

11. THE HEDRONS - ONE MORE WON'T KILL US.
Just a basic four piece from Glasgow but again a solid no nonsense collection of songs. I love Tipi’s voice she has one of those rock vocals that borders on the fine tune/husky. A fine rhythm section too. In fairness the record has done well to stick up here almost all year. That means it’s good.

12, YOU SAY PARTY! WE SAY DIE! - LOOSE ALL TIME. Again another band that never let you down. One of my fave live bands, who do translate better live. Good album though.

13. VILE VILE CREATURES - WILDERNESS EP.

Firstly this is not here because they are friends and lovely people. It is here on merit as a fine record. Only a four song EP but good enough for the placing. The best bassline of the year on FF though courtesy of Sian and David’s drum fills on this are so good. Jens vocal through a megaphone adds to the record.

14. REVEREND AND THE MAKERS - STATE OF THINGS.
Social comment, great beats, at times funny. “What of woman who stands by her fella despite the bruises brought on by the Stella”. Alex Turners best mate delivers a great collection of tunes. I saw their set at Reading on TV and a super bunch of musicians too, such a tight band.

15. STUFFY/THE FUSES - ANGELS ARE ACE.
Came across these on a radio session and liked what I heard. Checked ‘em out, bought the album. Interesting band led by “Stuffy” the drummer who sets up at the front of the band and the rest play behind him. If you listen to the drumming here it is very good indeed.


16. LAURA VEIRS - SALTBREAKERS.
Laura had a hard act to follow in “Meteors” but in fairness has done a good job. Not as immediate as said previous but some great tunes here. Typical Laura really and Tucker Martine’s production is as super on the rhythm section as always. Great live, I cried!

17. THE SHINS - WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY.
Sub Pop, Portland, what do you expect? James Mercer has come up with so many fine melodies here. This is Shins best album to date and will put them to a bigger audience. A fine collection of songs some very wistful some that bounce with sing along value. Some of the best pop melodies of the year.

18. ENON - GRASS GEYSERS .... CARBON CLOUDS.
A late discovery, forget how I found them I think it may have been on a NY music site extolling their virtues. Needless to say I imported the album and loved it. A fairly standard rock band with hints of Deerhoof I think. I like the Toko’s vocal, actually the Deehoof ref is about right - nuff said.

19. PJ HARVEY - WHITE CHALK.

Brave move by Polly this. She's abandoned her guitar for a piano and uses a very sparse sound here. This may alienate many fans. I took me a while to grip it. At the end of the day her songs and the vocal delivery are just super. Fact is in 6 months time this may well have been no 5.

20. PRINZHORN DANCE SCHOOL - PRINZEHORN DANCE SCHOOL.
Just had to include this one of the years strange discoveries. The jury is still out on them in the music press. Some love them others dismiss. A minimalist approach of just drum and vocal on most songs make it such an interesting piece. I love it though.

So there we go final draft, honest!

A mention here to two other albums which would have made top 10 poss top 5.

Pony Up - Make love to the judges with you're eyes.

Wet Confetti - Laughing Gasping.

Fact is these were both released last year, therefore not eligible for this list.

Now for the best shows of the year.

Emily Breeze/Sad Sheilds/Vile Vile Creatures

Christmas Bloodbath, Castle Hotel, Manchester, 15/12/07.


This was my last show of the year and fitting it would feature VVC. This was going to be the 10th time seeing them too. As with a lot of things this year there was a twist in the tail. They (VVC) had invited a girl called Emily Breeze to come and play with them in Manchester. As it happens earlier this year I'd come across Miss Breeze on myspace and ordered her EP of her. It took an absolute age to arrive and after several mails and excuses. I got to the point where I just wrote of the fiver. I then noticed that VVC were playing with EB in Leicester I think it was so I mailed her again saying she could give the cd to them. I got a positive response this time and the cd turned up a week later.



So I was looking forward to meeting Miss B.


I got to the Castle, which is nothing more than a scuzzy pub really, at about 8:15. Jen was stood at the bar as I walked in we said our Hi's. I bought a drink and went through into the back room where the show was. As usual I knew a lot of the faces there. Then Jen walks in with Emily, and straight away introduces me to her. "Ah! I know you from the inside of my computer don't I?" she says. "Yes you do" I replied. I liked her immediately, brassy, very red lipstick and lots of hair. Very sweet underneath the visual persona though.
VVC stepped up to play first. Jen announced they'd be playing an Xmas cover to finish but would keep people guessing as to which song it would be. Interestingly here they played an upside down set ie: they opened with FF.

This was strange as Jen wasn't as pumped up as normal for FF and some bizarre dance moves ensued. Sian's baseline was as good as ever though, despite losing her glasses every other 2 minutes.


Being an upside down set meant finishing on Wilderness which Jen expelled her normal FF energy into. Then the Xmas song, hmm, we'll pass but it was a Chris De Burgh cover. In fairness it was a fun thing to do.

Next up were a band from the south called Sad Shields. I hadn't heard of these but was told by Jen I'd like them. A three piece, drums, guitar and keys. They play an upbeat pop/punk style some melodic some more screemy.

Jen was right though I did like them. Vicky was a good solid drummer and Aaron took lead on the first few songs with some good shouty lyrics and punchy guitar. The later songs seemed to be led by Laura who took lead vocal and came out onto the floor on some tunes. Yep I like these so I bought their EP off them after.

Emily Breeze then stepped up. It was a strange feeling here and I talked to David about this later that as soon as she picked up her guitar you just knew she was a talented musician. If the truth be known I was a little disappointed with her cd but live, which was mostly new material she was just superb.

As I said as soon as she picked up her guitar she came alive even more. She played a blistering set of sort of rockabilly/punk material. With mad hair and lipstick that got smeared over her face the more she yelled into her mike made it even more rock'n'roll.

A mention here to her band Dan on drums was very solid but the bass player John was a true rock'n'roll animal. He spent most of the set bent over his bass thundering out some fine lines. Yep these were three good quality musicians. Talking to Jen and David later they were really pleased EB came up from Bristol just to play with them.

After the show we moved through into the main bar and it was decided to move on to the Retro bar to carry on and well, party the night away so to speak. So the three bands and an entourage of myself and other friends of VVC made our way down to the Retro. It was a busy, loud night. There was a lot going on I spent a while talking to Laura, Aaron and Vicky from Sad Shields. We spent a while discussing our fave S-K albums when they noticed I was wearing an S-K badge.

In all an interesting drink laden night. EB and her crew were just great fun and went for it good style. I eventually got back to the Crown & Anchor at 4am.

So there we go the last show of the year and no 52 as it happens, that wasn't planned it just happened. A good night to finish on too. Thanks to Jen, Sian and David for their hospitality.

Fight Like Apes/Untitled Musical Project

Korova, Liverpool, 11/12/07.

This turned out to be one of the most bizarre but interesting evenings of the year. Got up to Liverpool handy and checked with the venue time of doors. Korova normally runs late anyway so a 9pm start gave me plenty of time to eat. I was also wondering how well this would be attended as Liverpool FC were playing an important European match this night.

I got back there at about 9:15 and went in, hmm! I was the only one there apart from band members and small entourage. Then another lad walks in and would you believe I knew him. I see him at a lot of shows and we always say hi to each other but I've never actually had a proper conversation with him.After a while it was obvious we were the only people going to turn up here apart from some friends of the bands themselves. One of the guys from Untitled Musical Project came out onto the floor and handed Chris and myself a beer and said "you may as well join us". It was literally a case of the 15 people in the room saying lets make the best of this and party it. Fight Like Apes came on first. A four piece (recommended by Julia) from Dublin at first I thought they were going to a bit "Los Campesinosish" but they soon got into a stride. Difficult to categorise really though. I really enjoyed them, MayKay at times came out onto the main floor, literally. In fairness to them they put on a good set of catchy electronica rock in front of a non audience.

Next up were Untitled Musical Project (UMP) I've seen these before supporting TVEGC at this venue as it happens. I found them a little too screemy last time but I took to them here.

Maybe it was the situation and a lot of banter between songs. Their vocal is a little too screemy for me generally but they were good fun and made the best of the situation.

After the show I bought the FLA EP of MayKay.
It was then that Kieran from UMP announced that it was his birthday. So up to the bar for everybody it was. We ended up having a really good night. I got talking to a guy who's name I forget now who was from a band called the Vagabonds. He said he has been recording the Victorian English recently so we had a good chat about them.
This was a strange but enjoyable evening.

Paradoxical Undressing

I'm really looking forward to this:-

http://training-22.sbc.signoff.info/music/productions/paradoxical-undressing-by-kris-19190

I'm not sure if the musical accompaniment is by K herself or takes the form of a backing track. Either way it should be an interesting show. I booked my ticket the other day. I'm two rows back (it's all seated) Janet to Carrie's side. I've booked a hotel but I'm wondering now whether to keep an eye out for any other shows in London the same week and maybe make it a trip for a few days. It's not 'till the end of March so I have a fair time to contemplate this one.

Foals (and the nightmare day from hell)

Wrexham, Central Station, 3/12/07.

Ok it may not have been a total nightmare day from hell, but it wasn't a good one. With the gig being in Wrexham I was going to crash at my sisters house and make my way back to work from there the following morning. This being the case I had to take a change of clothes etc to work with me.

Apart from leaving home without my umbrella and bus pass I also left my bag with all my change of clothes in it at a bus stop. I had to take a half day off work to go back home to get everything together again. Pissed off too that I'd lost my fave shirt and it had an S-K badge on it.
Anyway got up to Wrexham after two soakings in the rain. I got something to eat then went to Ruth & Pete's to drop my stuff and "check in" so to speak. Pete said he would give me a lift back to town. When I got out the car and went to check the time on my phone, no bloody phone, I've lost my mobile now. The only place it can be would be in the car, I'd have to check later.

Got to central station about 7:45 and they opened up at 8. I bought a drink and went down to the front, Corin's side. For this show they'd erected a metal barrier, great, my favorite.

First band on were Cage the Elephant an American band who played a sort of southern style punky blues, if that makes any sense.

Foals eventually came on. I'd seen these earlier in the year supporting The Noisettes. I thought they were pretty good so thought I'd keep an eye on them. The crowd here was really packed and I was crushed up against the barrier. They were super again, with the two guitarists set up to play at each other. This was a very lively show though every 5 mins a crowd surfer would land on my head. I didn't realize their profile would have increased so much in 6 months.

It has to said for the first time in my life I quit the front row with 2 songs to go. I found it was just too lively and I wasn't in the mood somehow after a shity day.

Electrelane

Academy 3, Manchester, 28/11/07.


This was a show I had been looking forward to for ages. I took a half day off work to get to Manchester in plenty of time to sort myself out etc.


Got to the Academy in good time as I had a venue pickup ticket. They opened doors a little late, nearer to 8 that 7:30 but picked up my ticket ok and shot upstairs to Academy 3. I got in handy and decided to go Carries side in front of where Mia would be.


As they opened late it wasn't long before Lonelady started setting up and ready to play. I then got a tap on my shoulder it was David the guy I met at the Sound Movement/Asobi Seksu gig in Liverpool last month. He was the guy who thought I was attached to the band or at least in the industry as I seemed to know everybody. We had a good chat and caught up on other shows we'd been too.

Lonelady played a good but fairly short 6 song set. She had her drummer and keyboardist with her so she had her full sound. As Julie (Lonelady) was clearing the stage she spotted me waved and said hi. David looked at me I just shrugged my shoulders and said "I know her".

Wasn't long before Electrelane set up, well their roadies did it for them.

They opened with "Bells" of Axes and immediately settled into a groove. The first song of the new album was "After the call". Verity played most songs from her keys but occasionally played out front with guitar.

I was stood right in front of Mia and she seemed to play most of the set head down with her fringe covering her face. Ros played most of the set with big smile on her face. You certainly got the impression they were enjoying themselves. This of course fed into the audience.

This made for a great atmosphere in the crowd and you could feel everyone was enjoying themselves.

A highlight for me was "Between the wolf" which they just rocked out too. There were several cries from the crowd of "don't break up" jeez flashback!!
They wilfully smiled and said very little.

They came out after the main set and played a storming encore of which I forget the tracks now but it was a super show. A band on top of their game and a responsive audience made for a very good evening. As they finished the main set I grabbed Mia's set list as it was literally two feet in front of me.


I also spotted and said hi to a girl I know who's a friend of V V C. I can't remember her name but we know each other by sight.
At present I'm putting together my fave albums and shows of the year. This is a gig that will feature in my top 10.
Thank you and goodbye Electrelane.

Somethings in life......... (no 2)

Are beautiful.

This is a children's book written and illustrated by Kristin Hersh. I ordered it from K's Throwing Music site.

It is a lovely little item, beautifully made and presented. Its colors are vibrant and contrast well on each page.

I have no 6/50 personally signed by Kristin with a Toby Snax logo too, cute eh!