Well, got a hint from Janet last year and here it is. A reunion,an album and a world tour. YAAAAAY!!

Sleater-Kinney Announces New Album, ‘No Cities To Love’

Sleater-Kinney is excited to announce the release of No Cities To Love, out on Jan 20, 2015, on Sub Pop Records. The first glimpse of the new album was revealed through a 7″ of the new song “Bury Our Friends” hidden in the limited-edition colored vinyl box set, Start Together. The track is available for free download for all below!

No Cities To Love is available for preorder in CD, LP, and Deluxe LP formats on the Sleater-Kinney webstore, along with exclusive t-shirts and other items, including the box set.

The band is also embarking on a North American and European tour next. Full tour dates are here. For North American dates, a special fan presale is starts Tuesday, October 21 at 9am local, via the Sleater-Kinney Tour page. General onsale for all dates starts Friday, October 24 and Saturday, Oct 25.

No Cities To Love tracklist:
Price Tag
Fangless
Surface Envy
No Cities to Love
A New Wave
No Anthems
Gimme Love
Bury Our Friends
Hey Darling
Fade

A new dawn - with Warpaint

So a new dawn beckons as I begin a journey with a new partner. A lady much more into the good music, art and creative lifestyle that had been so suppressed by my last partner.

So after some lame attempts to reinstall the enthusiasm for this blog, I feel now is the time to take it forward.

So without further prattling I present my review of the Warpaint gig at Liverpool O2 Academy Feb 20/14.

It's fitting and quite spooky that the Warpaint lady's would be our first gig as they are the first band either of us introduced to one another. I'd booked my ticket many months ago as soon as the tour was announced but Michele's late decision to come along meant buying a ticket online the morning of the gig, luckily there were still tix available.

We had a nice afternoon in Liverpool, bit of shopping bit of coffee and a bit of beer. Got to the O2 about 6.30 pm where there was already a queue. We devised the strategy of me getting to the front to secure a good vantage point and Michelle doing the important job of going to the bar.

We secured a good spot stage right. Secured some necessary wine and a nice photo of our first gig.

The support were a band called 'All we are' (yep a crap name that one) a three piece. A stand up drummer a guitarist and a female bassist. My first thought was tat they were a Scandinavian band but turned out to be Irish, ah well close. They were pretty good, they cut a good groove so certainly a band to check out.

I was telling Michelle the last couple of times I'd seen them they always cut a good groove and did extended jams in their songs.

The ladies came on and took positions as previous times I'd seen them. They cut straight into the opening two tracks from the new album. They were on very good form with Jenny on bass realy grooving and dancing to every beat, and every non beat come to that. One strange thing when they introduced "undertow" the lead song from the first album the introduced it as a cover. I've double checked this and it is definately credited to Warpaint themselves, strange!

The main set ended with an extended jam version of Disco//very, from the new record. After the enthusiastic crowed brought them back out they encored with Drive and another song from their first outing Elephants.

This will be the third time I've seen the ladies and yeah they are getting better and more proficient, I dare say they will move up the order to bigger venues next time around.

WILD FLAG

NOTTINGHAM - RESCUE ROOMS

The mighty WF hit the UK so I decided to do Notts as it was the Sat night I was off the weekend so I could stay over and have a weekend away. Booked a hotel a mile from the city centre and a train ticket. So all set for the first travel gig of the year and for quite a while too. So off to Nott's I tootled.

Got to the hotel from the station via taxi by 2:30. Into town by 3 and got my bearings, found the French restaurant I'd eaten at before and checked the venue. Phoned the restaurant to book a table only to be told "fully booked"damn! As it happened I found another restaurant round the corner and booked there, done. Off to the Bell Inn for a pint then. The Bell is one of Nottingham's oldest and finest pubs and a true gem. I got to the Rescue rooms in good time as the ticket said doors 7pm.

Sure enough they let us in a few minutes after 7 from the bloody freezing cold too. The Rescue rooms has had a refurb they have moved the bar from the left hand side to the back of the room, Hmm not sure but hey the rest seems the same from when I was last here, still have the small balcony on the right where WF have put the merch table. Staked my claim stage left, Corins side where strangely Carrie will be. Support was from Peggy Sue who I've heard do sessions for Riley in the past but never investigated further. They have a similar set as SK had two guitarists (female) and a drummer (male). They were ok too moved their tunes from loud to quiet etc. must check them out a bit more.

The venue had filled up a bit by now so good to see WF getting good crowds I think I actually filled up a bit when the ladies came on. I was seeing Carrie for the first time in five and a half years. There she was in front of me and hasn't changed a bit. She looked exactly the same as she did in Portland.

Janet counted them in and they launched 'Electric band' wow they were making a great noise. I has to be said it was Mary who was the most animated. Carrie still had her rock star posture but it was Mary who moved round the stage alot more. In the middle of the set set they announced two new songs, the fist of which was a straight forward rocky affair the second more psych but rocked out good style.

In all a great set by the ladies they came on for an encore and played a couple of tunes then Carrie said night took her guitar off Mary looked at her and said I thought we were gonna...... Carrie said "oh yeah" she strapped her SG back on and they ripped into a version of 'Do you wanna dance' to end.

I nipped up to the balcony to see if Janet was doing the merch table as i got up there I got a tap on the shoulder to be greeted by Julia. I knew she'd be at the gig and hoped I would bump into her to say hi. She was a furious the gig started so early and had got in 3 songs into the WF set. Anyway it was lively to see her and Alice looking so well. Got to the busy merch table and Janet was there but busy so I had a chat withe the girl from Peggy Sue and bought a 7" single from her. Janet then spotted me and came over to say hello told her I enjoyed the gig and would see her in Manchester on Tues.

MANCHESTER - SOUND CONTROL.

It was a bitterly cold day this Tues so I wrapped up warm and set out for Manchester. I've been to a couple of gigs at sound control not a bad venue and right next to Oxford Rd station which is handy, so getting back to Chester was ok. Took my usual pilgrimage to Piccadilly records I was good only bought one cd. Had myself a fairly basic pub meal but it was ok and did the job. Got to SC just before 7:30 as I didn't want to hang round in the cold for too long.

This time I positioned myself on Mary's side to get a better view of Carrie's movements. Support was from Peggy Sue who again were good. By the time WF came on there was pretty good full crowd.

Again they opened with Electric Band which is a great opener. A similar set to Nott's with the two new songs in the middle of the set. I think Carrie was a bit more animated here that Saturday. When they played 'Racehorse' they extended it to what seemed like a 10 min jam which was ace, both Carrie and Mary giving it psych overload. During the encore they played a cover which for the life of me I can't remember what it was. They again finished on their version of 'Do ya wanna dance'. As the roadies came out to start clearing the stage I shouted for one of them to get me Mary's set list.

It was great to see WF for the first time, hopefully it will be two shows of many. And great to see Carrie and Janet sharing a stage again.

Five Play Rule

Whilst going through last years cd purchases last month it became apparent that some albums I hadn't given enough attention. I always used to work on a five play rule, for some reason there were albums last year I barely played more than twice. This is bad
So note to self, revert back to the rule and preferably all within a week of purchase.
I'm currently listening to the 'Trailer Trash Tracys' and an 'Oh Sees' record from 09.

Also still pondering whether to squeeze the Wild Flag Leeds gig in, got my tix for Manchester but would like to see them more than the once. We'll see.

Happy New Year

Well here we are 2012. As I said earlier I'll endeavour to do a weekly post this year, subject matter will be be whatever is relevant in my own head.

So I'll start the year with a bit of a rant. As someone who constantly buys and researches new music I'm just getting a little tired of too much being offered as "melodic electronica". All well and fine but this has been the same more or less for 2 years. So what! if it's good then fine, but the fact is it's getting fucking monotonous and boring. Punk only lasted 2 years before it morphed, so "melodic electronica" it's time you morphed.
The world is facing social economic and political war so why is nobody talking about it? are we burying our heads in the sand or is it a case of we need escapism.
Perhaps it's just me not dropping on the write stuff.
Whatever people can we move on from "ME" at least just for now.

Fave Albums of 2011

Well it's this time of year again, I know I haven't been here for a while but hey busy life etc.

I do intend to start a new format in the new year though where I intend to do a weekly post. It may be about a gig an album/song I've come across or something culinary or whatever may seem important enough to log. As this was set up to be an online diary that it shall be more geared to.

Enough rambling, so fave records of 2011. A pretty good year me-thinks most of the good stuff this year has been from known artist though. That said the winner is a sublime debut mature beyond belief.

1.

Miles Kane - Colour of the trap.

A superb album full of upbeat 60’s pop elegance. Walker-esque balladry and Mersey beat meanderings. All the more astonishing for a debut album. Every song is a belter.I feel I should say more about this but I think I've summed it up quite well. A local lad from the Wirral too!

2 P J Harvey = Let England Shake.

This seems to topping every list this year and so it should another superb release from Polly. Not a concept album as such but the subject matter is all related to England’s relationship with war and conflict. LES won Polly her second Mercury prize and confirms her as the most important British female artist.

3 The Horrors - Skying

The Horrors come of age on this their third album. Far more mature than their Mercury nominated second in my opinion. It's the sound of a band who know what they want and where their going with it. They even go on extended prog meanderings and get away with it.

4 . Wild Flag - Wild Flag

I think this was pencilled in as a top five before I even heard it. With Carrie and Janet working together again and the addition of long time fave Mary Timony it couldn't’t fail, or could it? Thankfully it doesn’t. A full on straight at ya slice of rock n roll. Phew! Shake shimmy shake.

5. Baxter Dury - Happy Soup

Contains probably my fave single of the year ‘Isabel’. The Dury drawl and sideways wit is very evident throughout the record. Littered with wonderful balladry aided by some fine backing vocals. A fine album that just feels so comfortable in the ears.

6 Deerhoof - V's Evil

Probably the hoof's most accessible album but fear not still some barking mad signatures. The thing about DH is that they put a smile on your face, well mine anyway. I think it's because they are true masters of their own trade.

7 Jeffrey Lewis - A Turn in the dream songs.

Must admit I'm fairly new to Mr Lewis material, but I love this record. The deadpan delivery goes super with the witty songs all on a sparse acoustic soundtrack.

8 The Kills - Blood Pressures

Jamie and Alison are back with another spot on album. Full of good heavy beats and edgy guitar riffs. Thing about the Kills is they sound like the Kills and have a sound all of their own.Still one of the best live bands around too.

9 Dengue Fever - Cannibal Courtship

A super hypnotic psych-out from Algerian/ Californian based band. Think these are my new discovery of the year. Think I heard Gid play a song on 6 Music and investigated further. I had to import the album but glad I did.

10 Victorian English Gentlemans Club - Bag of meat

Veg club return as mad as ever. I think it's the reason I love this band as they're not always easy on the ear but after a while you get it. This is a slightly more beefy album for them (get it!!) the drums seem a bit more heavy the the last record a sound which seems to suit the chaos. Carry on Gentlemen.

11. Drive by truckers - Go Go Boots

Really good album this not as rocky as their earlier work but the songs are good helped along

by some great grooves.

12. The Black Keys - El Camino

Garage rock at its best. This album would have probably made the top ten but it only came out a couple of weeks ago.

13. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues.

The much anticipated follow up to their great debut album. Luckily they didn't disappoint.

Even though it's as good as their first somehow it didn't have the same impact, if that

makes sense.

14 Young Knives - Ornaments from the silver arcade.

Always had a sneaky regard for YK. I just like their no nonsense approach. Good driving hooks

and melody's

15. Iness Mezel - Beyond the Trance.

Another new one to me cant remember how it was recommended. An Algerian singer backed

by some great African guitar and rhythms.

16. The Time & Space Machine - Turns you on.

Weirdly I know very little about this record and can't find much either. Can't even remember

where I got it from. It's a compilation of serious psych wig outs, but its great listening.

17 The Lovely Eggs - The Lovely Eggs

Great little quirky album from the Manchester duo. Some singalong pop chants, grungy guitar

and the unforgettable "sausage roll thumb"

18. Jonny - Jonny

A collaboration between Eros Childs (Gorkys) and Norman Blake (Fannies) Sounds exactly as

you would expect, rather good.

19. Beirut - The Riptide

Third Beirut outing (I think) sees Mr Condon make use of trumpet this time and makes it sound

cool. Though only a short album about 33 mins it,s a lovely one.

20. Yuck - Yuck

Debut from London four piece. Full of bright breezy indie pop. I like the light fuzzy sound

they use on the guitar. Full of good driving indie pop goodness.

Wild Flag premier first song

Get yr' denim jacket and Lionel Blairs were gonna rock !!

Happy New - Er ! Febuary.

I meant to do this post in Jan and welcome in the year and give hopes and fear, state of play etc. Hey 6 weeks late ain't too bad, Ahem!!
Firstly it's been quite a prolific year for new releases, normally Jan/Feb are slow on new stuff but this year loads of known artists have released stuff. Decemberists, Polly Harvey, BSP, Wire, Gang of4, JAPW, Gruff Rhys and Deerhhoof. Some good discoveries along the way too incl Anna Calvi, Jonny and Tu Fawning. Lots to go at for the first weeks of the year really.
On the minus point no gigs !!! there has just been nothing I have been able to get to. There have been some shows I would have liked to have seen but couldn't make them for whatever reason. I'm sure things will pick up in this department as some faves come out of hibernation, are you listening Veg Club!!
As I post I'm only a few weeks away from my 50Th birthday, it doesn't feel an issue in terms of me being depressed or down about it. In fact I'm quite looking forward to it. Karen and I are going to Paris for 5 days so I will spend my birthday in Paris and we've booked an evening dinner cruise on the Seine (of course). We intend to have a bit of a family get together over the weekend before but details yet to be finalised.
So there we go quite a full on start to the year hence the late post (well it's the only excuse I can offer)
All being well I'll get a gig in shortly and post that, until then I'll just update with stuff.

Fave Albums of 2010

Here we are again end of another cd buying 'season'. Little down on previous years, not due to finances but I've just found it difficult getting hold of the more obscure stuff for some reason. I've then given up and just added it to 'the list'.
An interesting year really as there have been a high proportion of very good albums mostly from already know artists, and artist I've had my ear on waiting for for a full long player. My main problem was there was no absolute standout so I'm not putting this list not in order of preference just a list of my preferred listens of the year. In honesty they're all as good as each other.

John & Jehn - Time for the Devil.

French duo return with a more poppy sound but still retain that Gallic eccentricity. The songs are really strong and make the album flow very well. Stand outs are the title opener with a wonderful 'countdown' bass line. 'Down our Street' is another excellent pop song , 'Vampire an eerie Gothic chant. Another great record from J&J.

Lonelady - Nerve Up.

Having followed Julie since I saw her supporting Quasi in '06 her debut album finally lands. Well worth the wait too. Sharp guitar sharp vocal at times not coherent but all the same a really good sound The title tells its story it's nervy, up and down but has a real heart and soul. Glad Julie has got this record out finally.

The Jim Jones Revue - Burning your house down.

Rock'n'roll as it should be straight at ya from the hip. Pure energy from the word go. JJ's vocal screams and rips into every song full with honkytonk keys. As with all good records it flows well. If Little Richard and Jerry Lee were making music today this is how it would sound.

Warpaint - The Fool.

The band of the moment, a lot of hype surrounding these ladies. The LA based four piece serve up dreamy shoegaze pop. Its main attribute is that you lose yourself and get sucked into every song. The main thing for me is that they were very good live and nailed it spot on. Debut of the year.

Stornoway - Beachcombers Windowsill.

Sun baked 'nu folk' courtesy of not an Arran jumper glad quintet but an Oxford based sextet. Excellent song content, there ain't a dud on here and they all amble along with great timing. Super sounding record.

Foals - Total life forever.

When I saw these as a support band to the Noisettes (who?) 3-4 years ago I picked up on them straight away and eagerly awaited their debut. When it landed to me it was so disappointing, I thought they're a better band than that. The deserved Mercury nominated second is the band I've seen on three occasions. I'm so pleased they got it together on this supper record.

Spoon Transference

Spoon return with another very accomplished album. Their typical soulful rock style still very evident. Consistent as ever Spoon seem to never make a bad record. Stand out track is 'Mystery Zone' with its wonderful hypnotic rhythm and Brit Daniels distinctive vocal. Another great release from the Texan band.

The Coral - Butterfly House

Never been sure whether I like the Coral or not, but this is a very good collection of songs. It has the trademark sound, 60's psych folk. I think the songs may be stronger this time though and they seem to have a confident swagger that I don't think they have captured before.

Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record.

BSS return with a much better collection of songs than their previous effort in my opinion. When they get it right they're a great band using their typical full on sound and sonic assault. Like all good records though it's the songs themselves that make the record stand out. Good to have them back on form.

Field Music - Measure.

Another band returning after solo projects. An ambitious double album of superb pop songs all with the Brewis brothers unique stamp. The only thing is being a double album the odd weaker song creeps in. If this had been condensed into a 12 - 14 song single disc it would have won album of the year hands down. Still a great record though.

Grinderman - Grinderman 2.

Classy mean bluesy rock courtesy of the prolific Nick Cave. I think I prefer this record to their debut just seem a bit more meaner to me. Lyrically it's innuendo is at times hilarious but Cave is probably the only guy in the world who could and does get away with it.

Other noticeables this year :-

Corin Tucker Band - 1000 years

The Soundcarriers - Celeste

Quasi - American Gong

Effi Briest - Rhizomes

Call The Doctor - CTD

I Will Be - Dum Dum Girls

In all a good year I could have listed another 10 - 15 albums here but I won't so roll on 2011.

You Say Party

You Say Party - Manchester, Sound Controll - 3-12-10.

"It's been an emotional journy for us - Thank you all for coming" - Becky Ninkovic

Lovely to see YSP again still remain one of my fave live bands. I may be and hope I am way off mark here but I got the feeling this may well be the last we see of them. There was an underlying struggle here. Yes vibrant as ever but the cloud of Deven's passing was hanging very large over them and they hsven't recovered and who can blame them. Becky's quote said it all for me.

John & Jehn

Deaf Institute, Manchester, 18/11/10.

Having caught up with J&J at Liverpool sound city earlier in the year I now found them playing as a four piece. Their album was still recorded as a two piece I believe but they needed the extra personnel to expand their sound live.

Got up to Manchester late pm to spend a small fortune in Picadilly records, nipped into the Night & Day for a coffee. I then remembered I needed to book the Crown & Anchor for two weeks Fri as I have the You Say Party gig then fly off to the island for a long weekend. Job done, so off for sustenance.

Deaf Institute is now becoming my main venue in Manchester. Seems to have become the venue of choice for many bands. I've seen the likes of Malkmus, Quasi also now Warpaint.

J&J were on fairly sharpish and opened with the wonderful title track to the new album. It's countdown bass line is I think my fave piece of music of the year. Other stand outs were Vampire with Jehn doing a great shriek vocal.

Down our street was also superb, they have developed into a really good live band. Not that they were not before but when I first saw them they were much more primitive if that makes sense.

After the show Jehn showed up behind the small merch desk so I went up to have a chat. During the show she announced this was only their second visit to Manchester. I spoke to her and told her I was at the N&D show and that John had asked if anyone in the audience had sunglasses for the version of 20L07. Yep I was that guy. Jehn said thanks for coming back to see them and signed a poster for me.

I think this is my fave band of the year.

Review of first Wild Flag gig

Click on title.

warpaint

Deaf Institute - Manchester 24/10/10.

Forget how I came across this bunch of girls but I got their debut EP earlier in the year and really liked it. When they announced a short tour and the release of an album I penciled in the dates immediately.

An LA four piece who play a form of rhythmic psych jams have caused a bit a stir purely by their live work. The fact that this and the other UK dates were sold out prior to the full album release was testament to the "buzz" that seemed to be following them.

Got to the DI in good time to check with a guy stood at the foot of the stairs what time doors were. Turns out he was a punter not a doorman, oops! Anyhow got chatting to the guy and it seems he has done many of the Manchester gigs I have been to over the years. We found it strange our paths hadn't crossed before.

The two support bands who played were a band I think called 254, (can't seem to find them anywhere tho) and Fiction. Both were pretty decent and made it a good bill of bands.

Whilst talking to new found friend between bands some of his mates turned up, who I knew, from loads of other gigs happy family's.

My position (Corin) just left of Emily is always ideal at the DI. The girls came on to a full enthusiastic crowd and opened with "warpaint". They played a 9 song set including the much played single "Undertow", which they took of into a great jam. almost prog at times.

They encored with a couple of songs to a very rapturous reception.

Warpaint I have to say are one of the best new bands I have seen in many a while. Their musicianship was very good and just came across as a band well together and in tune with each other. They also can hold an audience just with their charisma.

Now I like the sound of this

Corins new song & Band

A link to Cornis first release as a solo artist, rather fine it is too.

http://pitchfork.com/news/39605-new-corin-tucker-riley/

.

Half Term Report

Well it's that time of year again, so how we doin' ? In general not too bad though my fear that the "Government" are fucking up the the country with remarkable speed. They're turning a recession into a depression very fast. Those people who voted for them serves you fuckin right. That apart due to financial restrictions gigs have been at a minimum but some good stuff has been attended Liverpool Sound City was good also Quasi in Manchester (both of which I still have to post). I go to see Kristin next week too.
In terms of record buying, held up quite well a little down on the last few years but not bad. Major discoveries of the year being a couple of American bands 'Uuvvwwz' (yes really) and 'Warpaint' and a London folk band called 'Stornoway' lots other good stuff too.

In conclusion I still have gig posts to get up on here, must do better. A decent music year up to now I think though it's difficult to pin a fave list. Great news that 6 Music is being saved due to it's "cultural importance".

I thank you.

6 Music SAVED

You Say Party drummer dies

Very sad news. met him on several occasions my thoughts go to family and friends.

Ah well at least she didn't come last!!

And if she haddn't beaten those five well....

Corin anounces album

Click title for article.

Carrie's new band (incl Janet)

Sounds interesting, an S-K reunion within five years too !
Will have to have a word with Janet when I see Quasi next month.
click on title for article.

Now the Guardian has picked up on Carrie's words
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/mar/22/sleater-kinney-form-new-band

Cate Le Bon

Central Station, Wrexham, 2/3/10.

A late decision to go to this though I don't know why as I loved Cate's album from last year. So I got the train to Wrexham as it's much quicker than the bus at that time of the day.

Wasn't sure whether there were going to be many attending this with it being a Wed night and loads of footie going on. When I got into the venue there were a few people hangin' round but they were probably the support acts and Cate's band. Most of them were as it turned out.

First up was a young girl backed by a guy with a laptop, yeah well felt sorry for her really.

Next up were a Welsh band called Y Niwl, who played a sort of surf rock set totally instrumental. They were quite good too.

Cate started to set up on the tiny stage which in truth was to small for her and the band, but she just got on with it. Her band included a couple of members of the support band on guitar and bass. Her set comprised of most of the album and a couple of songs I didn't recognise. She was fairly laid back in her delivery but I think that's just the way she sings. That saying her voice was as haunting as it is on the album and the dramatic soundscapes were well performed. Because of the tight space onstage at times one of the guys had to kneel down to play keys as Cate played guitar. In all very enjoyable gig, on my way out I bought a 7" single with a hand painted sleeve by Cate.

http://

BBC 6 Music to be axed

Announced this week was the awful decision to axe 6 Music. In the present economic climate and the 'cut back' society now ingrained in all walks of life, I'm not that surprised. However I am devastated by the decision.

As someone who does not have a television I do listen to a lot of radio. This is coupled with the fact that I refuse to listen to commercial radio, so I'm gonna be fuct!

I will argue here that 6 Music is more culturally important than Radio 3. "Here's Beethoven's 5th in C minor". That's fuckin' new we haven't heard that before. In fact more important than 1, 2 and 3 put together. Its strength comes from not just the music but the quality of its presenters. The people here know what they're talking about when it comes to good music. Why? because they are musicians themselves. Look at the roll call - Jarvis Cocker, Huey Morgan, Guy Garvey, Tom Robinson, Marc Riley, Bruce Dickinson, Cerys Matthews and Lauren Laverne. Included are also long time music journalists like Steve Lamacq, Stuart Maconie and Gideon Coe. Not one of these people was picked for the job because they are a 'personality' or 'celebrity' they know what the fuck they're talking about.

PLEASE KEEP 6 MUSIC ALIVE.

Spoon & White Rabbits

Manchester Academy 3, 15/2/10.

Here was a rarity Spoon playing the UK and even more rare in Manchester. So off to Manchester I toddled. It was a bitterly cold night again so the door staff let the early few of in to wait in the bar before going up to Academy 3 on the top floor. It was a sold out show so this helped.

I'd found out earlier that the support was going to be a band called White Rabbits from NYC. I had heard of them but hadn't really checked them out. They are a six piece guitar based band who were quite eclectic in they're sound due to the fact they did swap instruments with almost every song. They were fairly entertaining though.Spoon came on and I found myself more or less in front of Brit Daniel. They opened with "Mystery Zone" probably the most immediate song on the album. They went on to play most of their well known songs.

On a couple of songs too they brought on a couple of members of White Rabbits to help out with percussion. One highlight was "Turn my camera on" which they seemed to really beef up and extend the musical passage.

At the end I got Daniels set list and he came out to the front of the sage and chatted to the fans still hanging aroun. I shook his hand and told him it.s good to see them play Manchester.

Laura Veirs

Manchester Academy 3. 19/1/10.

A good start to the year with LV touring her new album, due out the week of the gig. I couldn't get the album in metropolis Chester so ended up buying it at the show. Fortunately I'd heard most of the record from steaming so wasn't going in blind, or is that deaf ? whatever.

With Karen being over from the IOM I'd booked 2 tickets to introduce K to Laura live, a rather pregnant Laura too.

We drove up to Manchester and parked behind the Academy and went for a Danish inspired meal further up Oxford Rd then made our way back to the venue. True to form as we approached I spotted a couple of guys I know outside just as we got there security opened the door and said to us you can wait inside as it's so cold out. We waited in the bar area for 10 mins then went up to Academy 3. Karen wasn't too happy with the suspended spiral staircase though.

Nobody was sure if she was playing with full band or solo acoustic as it turned out she played somewhere in between. A striped down band, a violinist and two guys (both played solo support slots) who swapped between bass, stand up drum, keys and guitar. Having seen Laura with a full band and just solo acoustic several times I wasn't sure how this would work. With the new album being a fairly striped down affair it worked perfectly. I'd go as far as to say it was one of the most enjoyable LV gigs and I've seen her several times now. Highlights included 'Wide - eyed, legless' and the title track 'July Flame' as most of the new record was played.
On the way out I congratulated Laura on her expectancy and got her to sign a copy of the album "Hi I know your face but can't remember your name" she said, you can call me anything you like I thought.

Albums of the Decade

Being the sad git that I am I thought I should also list my fave albums of the decade as we come to the end of the 'noughties' not sure if I like that word. What other word is there to use ? hmm we'll stick with that one then!!
Ok then albums of the decade? Decided to limit it to a top ten as opposed to a 100 or something like that cuz that would have taken too much time as I'd keep changing my mind. I also decided to limit only one album per artist otherwise it would just be a list of SK/Kristin/TM/Wave/Laura Veirs/Radiohead albums. It is anyway though I've limited K to one entry. Hey come on that was tough for me.
Not going to give a review just a straight list, so here we are my fave albums of the 'noughties' (as of time of going to press!!)