It's that time of year again!
Yes, I'm still here but I'm in the middle of moving house and I've been completely bogged down with collating the reader's poll/ albums of the year - it will be up here on the 1st or 2nd along with my own review of the year. I never see the point in posting these things til the year is finally over. There are some very bizarre choices in a lot of end of year polls and Peel's Festive 50 was disappointing too [No web link to it yet I'm afraid]. The Wire have Sonic Youth's Murray Street at number one, which is weird because alothough it's my most listened to record this year I didn't think it was that highly rated.
Just about recovered from Christmas festivities, two great nights at Auntie Annies in particular - the long awaited debut of Josh Mills and the Olympic Lifts Xmas party with Go Commando and Tracer AMC.
Monday, December 16, 2002
Well and truly into the silly season
Lots and lots of going out to do, and a website to update before the end of the year! Polls are happening left, right and centre - details of ours is on the message board. If you want to know what all the other zines and weblogs are choosing there's a good thread over at I Love Music which collects a lot of the lists together.
I went to a great show last night - The National, Desert Hearts and Barry Peak played Auntie Annies - the sound was the best I had ever heard in there and all of the acts were great. The National had driven from London to Belfast and hadn't had any sleep, despite this they won a lot of people over, though I think their record is even better than their live show. Desert Hearts were also the worse for wear, but they were stunning - the best gig I've seen them play although I'm sure they won't believe me!
Lots and lots of going out to do, and a website to update before the end of the year! Polls are happening left, right and centre - details of ours is on the message board. If you want to know what all the other zines and weblogs are choosing there's a good thread over at I Love Music which collects a lot of the lists together.
I went to a great show last night - The National, Desert Hearts and Barry Peak played Auntie Annies - the sound was the best I had ever heard in there and all of the acts were great. The National had driven from London to Belfast and hadn't had any sleep, despite this they won a lot of people over, though I think their record is even better than their live show. Desert Hearts were also the worse for wear, but they were stunning - the best gig I've seen them play although I'm sure they won't believe me!
Thursday, December 12, 2002
December always turns out to be a bit busy on the events front. Tonight our work Xmas party conflicts with Suede and Doves free Witnness bash at the Mandela Hall (all tickets snaffled I'm afraid) and the very tempting Monkey vs Robot club at the Menagerie. Don't forget to check out our gig previews forum for details of events - and post your own as well!
Hopefully some site updates will happen tomorrow as my keyboard has now come back to life and the E, D, and C keys are working at the moment.
Hopefully some site updates will happen tomorrow as my keyboard has now come back to life and the E, D, and C keys are working at the moment.
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Mary Hansen of Stereolab has died
I'm very sad to hear that Mary Hansen of Stereolab has been killed in a cycling accident in London. I had met her on both Stereolab's visits to Belfast, and then when I moved to London she seemed to be an ever present fixture on the gig going front. I know a lot of people are going to miss her.
A formal announcement is on the Stereolab site, the news story can be found at the NME.
I'm very sad to hear that Mary Hansen of Stereolab has been killed in a cycling accident in London. I had met her on both Stereolab's visits to Belfast, and then when I moved to London she seemed to be an ever present fixture on the gig going front. I know a lot of people are going to miss her.
A formal announcement is on the Stereolab site, the news story can be found at the NME.
Sunday, December 08, 2002
BelFEST
This year was the first time I had been in Belfast for BelFEST and I made the most of it, I saw around 15 acts. It was odd that I thought a lot of the solo acts stole the show - Kidd Dynamo on his own, Robyn Shiels and Barry Peak in particular. One negative side to the whole thing is that the accompanying CD hasn't made into the shops yet and the festival is over. It's quite ironic that when I lived in London people had no trouble getting me copies!
It's nearly end-of-year round-up time, although I always refuse to publish mine until January in case I discover something too late to include. We're running a reader's poll as opposed to a simple albums list like last year, the details are on the message board now. Closing date 31 December.
This year was the first time I had been in Belfast for BelFEST and I made the most of it, I saw around 15 acts. It was odd that I thought a lot of the solo acts stole the show - Kidd Dynamo on his own, Robyn Shiels and Barry Peak in particular. One negative side to the whole thing is that the accompanying CD hasn't made into the shops yet and the festival is over. It's quite ironic that when I lived in London people had no trouble getting me copies!
It's nearly end-of-year round-up time, although I always refuse to publish mine until January in case I discover something too late to include. We're running a reader's poll as opposed to a simple albums list like last year, the details are on the message board now. Closing date 31 December.
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Post-Mascis, pre-BelFEST
I thought that J Mascis was great at Belfast Limelight last night - excellent guitar playing, some strong new material and classic Dinosaur tunes to keep everyone happy. Spotted in the crowd - Kevin Shields and Ryan Adams. Kevin was there because his brother Jimi was the support act and he didn't join in with Mascis's set as many had hoped. In fact the whole Shields family were there and were sitting right in front of me. I hadn't heard of Jimi Shields since the demise of his band Rollerskate Skinny, and now that he is back in business I'm tempted to upload an old interview I did with them (Weedbus 7 I think).
Tomorrow (or later today by the time I post this!) BelFEST kicks off. There are 16 bands playing for free at four venues on Wednesday 27. For more details check their website. It looks like we'll be doing something like this....
9pm Empire - Somedaysbetter, maybe watch a bit of Panda Kopanda
10.15 Katys - Go Commando, maybe catch a bit of Los Cabras
11.15 Auntie Annies - Kidd Dynamo
12.30 Limelight - Olympic Lifts
... and that's probably as much as I can manage!
I thought that J Mascis was great at Belfast Limelight last night - excellent guitar playing, some strong new material and classic Dinosaur tunes to keep everyone happy. Spotted in the crowd - Kevin Shields and Ryan Adams. Kevin was there because his brother Jimi was the support act and he didn't join in with Mascis's set as many had hoped. In fact the whole Shields family were there and were sitting right in front of me. I hadn't heard of Jimi Shields since the demise of his band Rollerskate Skinny, and now that he is back in business I'm tempted to upload an old interview I did with them (Weedbus 7 I think).
Tomorrow (or later today by the time I post this!) BelFEST kicks off. There are 16 bands playing for free at four venues on Wednesday 27. For more details check their website. It looks like we'll be doing something like this....
9pm Empire - Somedaysbetter, maybe watch a bit of Panda Kopanda
10.15 Katys - Go Commando, maybe catch a bit of Los Cabras
11.15 Auntie Annies - Kidd Dynamo
12.30 Limelight - Olympic Lifts
... and that's probably as much as I can manage!
Thursday, November 21, 2002
Gig previews page - now working
Post your own event details at the new previews page. The suggested format is "Name/ Venue/ Date" in the subject line, with prices, times etc in the message. I'll also be using it to post info that I have been emailed as well, but feel free to post your own!
Post your own event details at the new previews page. The suggested format is "Name/ Venue/ Date" in the subject line, with prices, times etc in the message. I'll also be using it to post info that I have been emailed as well, but feel free to post your own!
Friday, November 15, 2002
The Feline Dream - now in Belfast Limelight
Yes, the Feline Dream show this Sunday (17th Nov) has been moved from the Empire to the Limelight. More details at www.felinedream.co.uk.
Apologies for the lack of updates, but I've been tinkering around with the inner workings of the site. The first results of this are the imminent reintroduction of the 'previews' page, where you can post your own event details. It should be ready to use early next week.
Other developments? Well, in the next couple of weeks you can expect some pruning of the archives, some new reviews and interviews, maybe even a new front page! Hopefully we will be able to include some audio on the site - specifically from unsigned bands who lack a bit of web presence. More info soon.
Yes, the Feline Dream show this Sunday (17th Nov) has been moved from the Empire to the Limelight. More details at www.felinedream.co.uk.
Apologies for the lack of updates, but I've been tinkering around with the inner workings of the site. The first results of this are the imminent reintroduction of the 'previews' page, where you can post your own event details. It should be ready to use early next week.
Other developments? Well, in the next couple of weeks you can expect some pruning of the archives, some new reviews and interviews, maybe even a new front page! Hopefully we will be able to include some audio on the site - specifically from unsigned bands who lack a bit of web presence. More info soon.
Thursday, November 07, 2002
Monkey versus Robot
News of a new club - 'Monkey vs Robot' which starts in the Menagerie on Thursday 7th November. They say the music features 'robotic exotic' & 'simian sound rock'n'roll': a mixture of stuff really: see their website for more details of the music they feature.
Admission is £3.00 and the club runs 9pm-late.
I am thinking about re-opening the Previews section of the site now that I'm back in Belfast and I'm getting emails almost every day about interesting events. You would use it this time wouldn't you???
News of a new club - 'Monkey vs Robot' which starts in the Menagerie on Thursday 7th November. They say the music features 'robotic exotic' & 'simian sound rock'n'roll': a mixture of stuff really: see their website for more details of the music they feature.
Admission is £3.00 and the club runs 9pm-late.
I am thinking about re-opening the Previews section of the site now that I'm back in Belfast and I'm getting emails almost every day about interesting events. You would use it this time wouldn't you???
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Max Tundra - Halloween night
I should have plugged this before now, but just a reminder that Max Tundra is playing the Menagerie, University St, Belfast, tomorrow night, doors 8.30pm, dress freaky, £7 on the door. He will be playing a live set with Becky Jacobs, presumably concentrating on his new album 'Mastered by Guy at the Exchange' (Domino). Support comes from Clone Quartet (live set) and Jupiter Ace (DJ set). Looks like I'm going to miss it, which is a shame....
Culture?? What culture?
As you may have noticed in the news today, Belfast has failed to make the shortlist for the European City of Culture 2008. Despite being an early bookies favourite, Belfast lost out to Birmingham, Bristol/ Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Oxford and Newcastle/ Gateshead. The obvious reason seems to have been the ongoing sectarian violence and collapse of the power-sharing executive, but the committee must surely have been aware of the flipside to the much-hyped Cathedral Quarter/ Waterfront Hall story. The closure of the Arts Theatre, the lack of decent rehearsal space for bands and artists, the absence of major art galleries, theatre companies and the inability to see a film in the city centre after 9pm on a weeknight were surely contributory factors in the decision.
Everyone that lives here knows that there are a lot of good things about the arts and culture in Belfast. The fact that most of it remains at a relatively underground level is a shame though. One piece on the television even used Van Morrison to illustrate Belfast's culture, and while I don't expect them to latch on to the latest unsigned bands I should expect them to at least have heard of David Holmes!
If the powers that be ever decide to bid for this again let's hope it's not as blinkered and highbrow as this attempt.
28 Days Later Q+A at the QFT
This Northern Ireland premiere of the latest Danny Boyle movie was well worth the effort. Without wishing to spoil it for people who have yet to see it, the movie is set in a plague infected Britain where most people are either dead or zombies. It is certainly not an easy view and in the wrong hands it could have been a disaster, but it's a credit to both Boyle and the screenwriter Alex Garland that it succeeds. In fact the deserted central London scenes are near-genius, an empty capital revealed to the soundtrack of 'East Hastings' from Godspeed You Black Emperor's first album. Boyle, Garland and the two stars (Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris) all hung around afterwards to answer questions and give us a bit of insight into the making of the movie. Tales of early morning filming in central London and remote locations in the Lake District, the influences of Nicholas Roeg, the Dogme school and George Romero, and a detailed denial of why the title isn't connected to the menstrual cycle (you can always trust a Belfast audience to ask an odd question!). However, it was noticeable that Boyle and Garland didn't seem that comfortable together and perhaps their blending of disparite influences hasn't led to a happy working relationship. Whatever, it turned out fine in the end, go and see it.
I should have plugged this before now, but just a reminder that Max Tundra is playing the Menagerie, University St, Belfast, tomorrow night, doors 8.30pm, dress freaky, £7 on the door. He will be playing a live set with Becky Jacobs, presumably concentrating on his new album 'Mastered by Guy at the Exchange' (Domino). Support comes from Clone Quartet (live set) and Jupiter Ace (DJ set). Looks like I'm going to miss it, which is a shame....
Culture?? What culture?
As you may have noticed in the news today, Belfast has failed to make the shortlist for the European City of Culture 2008. Despite being an early bookies favourite, Belfast lost out to Birmingham, Bristol/ Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Oxford and Newcastle/ Gateshead. The obvious reason seems to have been the ongoing sectarian violence and collapse of the power-sharing executive, but the committee must surely have been aware of the flipside to the much-hyped Cathedral Quarter/ Waterfront Hall story. The closure of the Arts Theatre, the lack of decent rehearsal space for bands and artists, the absence of major art galleries, theatre companies and the inability to see a film in the city centre after 9pm on a weeknight were surely contributory factors in the decision.
Everyone that lives here knows that there are a lot of good things about the arts and culture in Belfast. The fact that most of it remains at a relatively underground level is a shame though. One piece on the television even used Van Morrison to illustrate Belfast's culture, and while I don't expect them to latch on to the latest unsigned bands I should expect them to at least have heard of David Holmes!
If the powers that be ever decide to bid for this again let's hope it's not as blinkered and highbrow as this attempt.
28 Days Later Q+A at the QFT
This Northern Ireland premiere of the latest Danny Boyle movie was well worth the effort. Without wishing to spoil it for people who have yet to see it, the movie is set in a plague infected Britain where most people are either dead or zombies. It is certainly not an easy view and in the wrong hands it could have been a disaster, but it's a credit to both Boyle and the screenwriter Alex Garland that it succeeds. In fact the deserted central London scenes are near-genius, an empty capital revealed to the soundtrack of 'East Hastings' from Godspeed You Black Emperor's first album. Boyle, Garland and the two stars (Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris) all hung around afterwards to answer questions and give us a bit of insight into the making of the movie. Tales of early morning filming in central London and remote locations in the Lake District, the influences of Nicholas Roeg, the Dogme school and George Romero, and a detailed denial of why the title isn't connected to the menstrual cycle (you can always trust a Belfast audience to ask an odd question!). However, it was noticeable that Boyle and Garland didn't seem that comfortable together and perhaps their blending of disparite influences hasn't led to a happy working relationship. Whatever, it turned out fine in the end, go and see it.
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
28 Days Later- Special Screening
The eagerly awaited new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle will get a special preview screening tomorrow night at the QFT in Belfast. Both Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland will be taking part in a Q+A session afterwards. Booking is essential as less than 30 tickets were left at lunchtime today. More details here
The eagerly awaited new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle will get a special preview screening tomorrow night at the QFT in Belfast. Both Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland will be taking part in a Q+A session afterwards. Booking is essential as less than 30 tickets were left at lunchtime today. More details here
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Would you buy a used car from Belle and Sebastian?
Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch is selling his classic Ford on eBay! All proceeds to Friends of the Earth. The auction link is here.
Belle and Sebastian singer Stuart Murdoch is selling his classic Ford on eBay! All proceeds to Friends of the Earth. The auction link is here.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
A slight update - and some Chris Morris news
Some reviews added to the database - not one but TWO Embers reviews, an updated Olympic Lifts page, and the long-awaited Brian Wilson review which have people have been regularly googling their way here to read. The wait is over!!
Interesting news from Warp Records about the latest Chris Morris adventure. His short film "My Wrongs Nos 8245-8249 and 117" will be shown at the London Film Festival on November 14 and 15. More details on the Warp website.
Some reviews added to the database - not one but TWO Embers reviews, an updated Olympic Lifts page, and the long-awaited Brian Wilson review which have people have been regularly googling their way here to read. The wait is over!!
Interesting news from Warp Records about the latest Chris Morris adventure. His short film "My Wrongs Nos 8245-8249 and 117" will be shown at the London Film Festival on November 14 and 15. More details on the Warp website.
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
How indie are you?
This seems to have turned into a news-based front page rather than a journal of rambling self-indulgence. To try and redress the balance a bit I took the 'How Indie are you?' test, here's the result!
i am a scenester!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
You are so indie it hurts. You hang out with the coolest people in your city. It doesn't even bother
you that none of them know your name. You know lots of bands personally, you know a couple of
guys from We Hate The Mainstream Records, and you blag your way into getting almost
everything for free. That fanzine you write gives you extra kudos. You probably don't
even care that non-scenesters think you're a pretentious fuck.
(ha!)
[mrs thrills fared somewhat differently!.....
i am not indie at all!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
Who are you trying to fool? Just because you own a couple of Weezer albums
doesn't mean that you're uberindie. Indie people don't hear about cutting edge
new bands from MTV. At least the ignorant don't know what they're missing...]
This seems to have turned into a news-based front page rather than a journal of rambling self-indulgence. To try and redress the balance a bit I took the 'How Indie are you?' test, here's the result!
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
You are so indie it hurts. You hang out with the coolest people in your city. It doesn't even bother
you that none of them know your name. You know lots of bands personally, you know a couple of
guys from We Hate The Mainstream Records, and you blag your way into getting almost
everything for free. That fanzine you write gives you extra kudos. You probably don't
even care that non-scenesters think you're a pretentious fuck.
(ha!)
[mrs thrills fared somewhat differently!.....
How indie are you? test by ridethefader
Who are you trying to fool? Just because you own a couple of Weezer albums
doesn't mean that you're uberindie. Indie people don't hear about cutting edge
new bands from MTV. At least the ignorant don't know what they're missing...]
Thursday, October 03, 2002
Cornershop statement
They're still very much an active group according to this statement released to the NME.
More news on the Hydropnic night on Sat 12th Oct at the Front Page, Donegall St, Belfast. Admission £8 / pay at the door 9:30 - 2:30
It features Cornershop: Exclusive DJ Set + Braille Acoustics (Live) + Hydroponic DJ's.
From the press release...."Cornershop main man Ben Ayres will be performing for the first time in
Northern Ireland. He will be mixing up a set of all the genres that
have influenced the band, including funk, house, breaks, dub and electro."
Should be a good one.
They're still very much an active group according to this statement released to the NME.
More news on the Hydropnic night on Sat 12th Oct at the Front Page, Donegall St, Belfast. Admission £8 / pay at the door 9:30 - 2:30
It features Cornershop: Exclusive DJ Set + Braille Acoustics (Live) + Hydroponic DJ's.
From the press release...."Cornershop main man Ben Ayres will be performing for the first time in
Northern Ireland. He will be mixing up a set of all the genres that
have influenced the band, including funk, house, breaks, dub and electro."
Should be a good one.
HOWL - back in a new venue
From 4th October, HOWL will take place in The New Orpheus (University St) on the first Friday of every month. Their press release says
The premises may have changed but the HOWL ideology remains the same. HOWL still inhabits a universe a million light years from the commercial gay scene. HOWL is a space for queer folk and their friends who get off on a different kind of beat and a much more left of centre attitude.
Our agenda is simple.
To hell with the "pink pound" sheep mentality - create your own imaginative queer culture.
The vibe will remain an eclectic mix of indie, rock, funk, hip hop and a bit of whatever, brought to you by people who love the music as much as you do. On top of that there’s the free HOWL zine, bringing you the best in avant garde nonsense with a queer bent.
HOWL - Alternative Music Queer Club
Friday 4th October
The New Orpheus, University St, Belfast
9pm - late, £4
From 4th October, HOWL will take place in The New Orpheus (University St) on the first Friday of every month. Their press release says
The premises may have changed but the HOWL ideology remains the same. HOWL still inhabits a universe a million light years from the commercial gay scene. HOWL is a space for queer folk and their friends who get off on a different kind of beat and a much more left of centre attitude.
Our agenda is simple.
To hell with the "pink pound" sheep mentality - create your own imaginative queer culture.
The vibe will remain an eclectic mix of indie, rock, funk, hip hop and a bit of whatever, brought to you by people who love the music as much as you do. On top of that there’s the free HOWL zine, bringing you the best in avant garde nonsense with a queer bent.
HOWL - Alternative Music Queer Club
Friday 4th October
The New Orpheus, University St, Belfast
9pm - late, £4
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
Cornershop dropped
The NME reports that Cornershop have been dropped by Wiiija. A full statement is expected soon, but it seems this was a less than amicable split. They're still DJing at Hydroponic at the Front Page in Belfast on October 12 though.
The NME reports that Cornershop have been dropped by Wiiija. A full statement is expected soon, but it seems this was a less than amicable split. They're still DJing at Hydroponic at the Front Page in Belfast on October 12 though.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
David Grubbs, Belfast, tonight!
I can't believe I forgot to plug this during the week, but David Grubbs is playing a solo show in Auntie Annies in Belfast tonight (29th). Support comes from Barry Peak (Backwater/ Torgas Valley Reds), £4 on the door. We interviewed David Grubbs once y'know.
Radio 2 week is all over now, the highlights for me were undoubtedly Suede and James Yorkston, and the gig I wished I had gone to see would have been Somedaysbetter. A 'digested' round-up of the shows we went to see will be online on the next couple of days.
I can't believe I forgot to plug this during the week, but David Grubbs is playing a solo show in Auntie Annies in Belfast tonight (29th). Support comes from Barry Peak (Backwater/ Torgas Valley Reds), £4 on the door. We interviewed David Grubbs once y'know.
Radio 2 week is all over now, the highlights for me were undoubtedly Suede and James Yorkston, and the gig I wished I had gone to see would have been Somedaysbetter. A 'digested' round-up of the shows we went to see will be online on the next couple of days.
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
Radio 2 so far....
Halfway through Radio 2 week in Belfast, still quite a lot of shows to get though. The highlight so far was undoubtedly Suede who played a storming set on Sunday night in the Limelight. I was half expecting a showcase of new material with a few old tunes at the end, but I was proved wrong as they mixed the new tunes with old classics - even 'My Insatiable One'! The encore is available to watch on the Radio 2 site.
Also worth a mention are the Amazing Pilots, who played a fine show in Katy Dalys on Saturday.
Tonight is a bit oversubscribed with Desert Hearts, Kidd Dynamo and Corrigan in the Limelight and Indigo Fury, Go Commando and Panda Kopanda in Katys - I suspect there will be a bit of venue hopping going on. Both events start at 9pm and are free.
Halfway through Radio 2 week in Belfast, still quite a lot of shows to get though. The highlight so far was undoubtedly Suede who played a storming set on Sunday night in the Limelight. I was half expecting a showcase of new material with a few old tunes at the end, but I was proved wrong as they mixed the new tunes with old classics - even 'My Insatiable One'! The encore is available to watch on the Radio 2 site.
Also worth a mention are the Amazing Pilots, who played a fine show in Katy Dalys on Saturday.
Tonight is a bit oversubscribed with Desert Hearts, Kidd Dynamo and Corrigan in the Limelight and Indigo Fury, Go Commando and Panda Kopanda in Katys - I suspect there will be a bit of venue hopping going on. Both events start at 9pm and are free.
Friday, September 20, 2002
Weblogger doesn't post for a whole week...
I've a good excuse this time as the back bedroom (where the slowthrills computer lives) was flooded and had to be abandoned. We've since got a new ballcock and all is back to normal.
Last week's Butterflies of Love/ Desert Hearts show was a helluva good night though, and whilst I enjoyed the Butterflies, I think everyone agreed that Desert Hearts blew them offstage.
Not much else happened in the rest of the week but the next seven days are busy busy busy, largely due to BBC Radio 2's visit to Belfast. All events are free, but all the larger ('On-Air') events are sold out and only people with tickets can attend. The smaller 'fringe' events will be filled on a first come first served basis.
The bands that interest me are...
Sat 21st The Amazing Pilots, Katy Dalys, doors 9pm show 10pm
Sun 22nd Suede + Electric Soft Parade + Goldrush, Limelight, 7.30pm, free - advance tickets only
Sun 22nd Robyn Shiels (supporting Veronica Rivera), Auntie Annies, 8.30pm, free - first come first served
Tues 24th Somedaysbetter (supporting Invinyl) Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Wed 25th Desert Hearts + Kidd Dynamo + Corrigan, Limelight, 9pm free- first come first served
Wed 25th Go Commando (supporting Indigo Fury), Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Thurs 26th James Yorkston and The Athletes + Stephen Hero (ex-Kitchens of Distinction), Errigle Inn, 8.30pm, free- first come first served
All information is based on the Radio 2 official listings, and don't forget that there are a lot more events on than I've mentioned on this site.
I've a good excuse this time as the back bedroom (where the slowthrills computer lives) was flooded and had to be abandoned. We've since got a new ballcock and all is back to normal.
Last week's Butterflies of Love/ Desert Hearts show was a helluva good night though, and whilst I enjoyed the Butterflies, I think everyone agreed that Desert Hearts blew them offstage.
Not much else happened in the rest of the week but the next seven days are busy busy busy, largely due to BBC Radio 2's visit to Belfast. All events are free, but all the larger ('On-Air') events are sold out and only people with tickets can attend. The smaller 'fringe' events will be filled on a first come first served basis.
The bands that interest me are...
Sat 21st The Amazing Pilots, Katy Dalys, doors 9pm show 10pm
Sun 22nd Suede + Electric Soft Parade + Goldrush, Limelight, 7.30pm, free - advance tickets only
Sun 22nd Robyn Shiels (supporting Veronica Rivera), Auntie Annies, 8.30pm, free - first come first served
Tues 24th Somedaysbetter (supporting Invinyl) Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Wed 25th Desert Hearts + Kidd Dynamo + Corrigan, Limelight, 9pm free- first come first served
Wed 25th Go Commando (supporting Indigo Fury), Katy Dalys, 9pm, free- first come first served
Thurs 26th James Yorkston and The Athletes + Stephen Hero (ex-Kitchens of Distinction), Errigle Inn, 8.30pm, free- first come first served
All information is based on the Radio 2 official listings, and don't forget that there are a lot more events on than I've mentioned on this site.
Thursday, September 12, 2002
Butterflies of Love gig
The excellent Butterflies of Love make a welcome visit to Belfast on Friday 13th September when they play the Menagerie as part of their UK and Irish tour. More details here. A old gig review from Notting Hill in 2000 is in our archives.
It looks like being a great night as Desert Hearts and the Language of Flowers are also on the bill. Desert Hearts debut is one of my most listened to records of the year, and although Language of Flowers are new to me, their website is pretty good with some MP3s which are worth a listen.
The excellent Butterflies of Love make a welcome visit to Belfast on Friday 13th September when they play the Menagerie as part of their UK and Irish tour. More details here. A old gig review from Notting Hill in 2000 is in our archives.
It looks like being a great night as Desert Hearts and the Language of Flowers are also on the bill. Desert Hearts debut is one of my most listened to records of the year, and although Language of Flowers are new to me, their website is pretty good with some MP3s which are worth a listen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Yakuza - new split single launch night
this from Jamesy from the band....
"Yakuza will make their debut on a genuine slab of waxy vinly next week with the release of a split 7" with Scottish post-hardcore yelpers Mercury Tilt Switch through Per Piranha/1970 Recordings. Featuring two tracks from each band, the single has already received positive reviews from the Irish News and the Belfast News and will be distributed througout the UK and Ireland next sometime this month, there is a distributor I just can't remember who at the moment. Anyway, we are launching the record with a gig on Thursday 12th September at The Front Page in Donegal St, Belfast as part of the Invasion Earth club night. The line-up is:
Yakuza (duh!)
The Coldspoon Conspiracy (awesome lo-fi blather from Dublin)
The Killing Spree (killer screamo-core from Belfast)
Linus (from Belfast hammering their Nine Inch Nail with a giant Tool)
It all kicks off at about 10pm and costs £3 in."
If you can't make it or can't find the record in the shops it's available by mail-order through the band's website
this from Jamesy from the band....
"Yakuza will make their debut on a genuine slab of waxy vinly next week with the release of a split 7" with Scottish post-hardcore yelpers Mercury Tilt Switch through Per Piranha/1970 Recordings. Featuring two tracks from each band, the single has already received positive reviews from the Irish News and the Belfast News and will be distributed througout the UK and Ireland next sometime this month, there is a distributor I just can't remember who at the moment. Anyway, we are launching the record with a gig on Thursday 12th September at The Front Page in Donegal St, Belfast as part of the Invasion Earth club night. The line-up is:
Yakuza (duh!)
The Coldspoon Conspiracy (awesome lo-fi blather from Dublin)
The Killing Spree (killer screamo-core from Belfast)
Linus (from Belfast hammering their Nine Inch Nail with a giant Tool)
It all kicks off at about 10pm and costs £3 in."
If you can't make it or can't find the record in the shops it's available by mail-order through the band's website
Friday, September 06, 2002
The Feline Dream - new EP and London gig
Hot on the heels of their best release to date - the 'Fashion Music' EP - the Feline Dream return to the Fan Club at the Verge, Kentish Town on Saturday 7th September. More details on our pop-up infested message board or at the Feline Dream site. You can buy the new release from the website as well.
Hot on the heels of their best release to date - the 'Fashion Music' EP - the Feline Dream return to the Fan Club at the Verge, Kentish Town on Saturday 7th September. More details on our pop-up infested message board or at the Feline Dream site. You can buy the new release from the website as well.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Bright Eyes to play Belfast!
Well, I had seen all their London gigs so far, but I thought I would have to give this tour a miss. Happily not, as Witchita Records have confirmed dates in Ireland in November.
Bright Eyes play Belfast Queens University on 8th November, Dublin Whelans on the 9th. Not to be missed!
Well, I had seen all their London gigs so far, but I thought I would have to give this tour a miss. Happily not, as Witchita Records have confirmed dates in Ireland in November.
Bright Eyes play Belfast Queens University on 8th November, Dublin Whelans on the 9th. Not to be missed!
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
More Godspeed news...
Apparently Godspeed you Black Emperor! have their music used extensively in the new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle. The movie, entitled 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie wioth an original screenplay by Alex Garland. I'm not sure how much GYBE material is used in the movie, or even if it will be exclusive tracks, but it will receive a UK cinema release in early November. More details are found here, including some reoprts from test-screenings. One comment is The first twenty minutes are absolutely superb, including some amazing footage of an empty and ravaged London set to the music of the Canadian group Godspeed You Black Emperor. Judging from the first 20 minutes, this film has the potential to be the best British science fiction film in many, many years. Can't wait to see the whole thing!". I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Apparently Godspeed you Black Emperor! have their music used extensively in the new movie from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle. The movie, entitled 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie wioth an original screenplay by Alex Garland. I'm not sure how much GYBE material is used in the movie, or even if it will be exclusive tracks, but it will receive a UK cinema release in early November. More details are found here, including some reoprts from test-screenings. One comment is The first twenty minutes are absolutely superb, including some amazing footage of an empty and ravaged London set to the music of the Canadian group Godspeed You Black Emperor. Judging from the first 20 minutes, this film has the potential to be the best British science fiction film in many, many years. Can't wait to see the whole thing!". I'm certainly looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
News of some forthcoming albums...
Firstly, some relief for those of you who keep hitting this site when you're looking for details of the new Godspeed you Black Emperor! album. I mentioned in a recent live review that it may be called 'New York' but this was only a rumour, as the title has now been confirmed as 'Yanqui u.x.o'. Recorded with Steve Albini, and released in Europe on November 4, 2002 (coincidentally my birthday!). More information and cover art can be found at Constellation Records, as can their 'map of evil' artwork.
Secondly, the Delgados have finished recording their new album 'Hate'. It'll be out on October 14, but on Mantra Records - NOT on their own label Chemikal Underground! I realise some of our indier-than-thou readers may have fainted at that news, but for a full explanation (and track listing) read the final instalment of the Delgados diary.
Firstly, some relief for those of you who keep hitting this site when you're looking for details of the new Godspeed you Black Emperor! album. I mentioned in a recent live review that it may be called 'New York' but this was only a rumour, as the title has now been confirmed as 'Yanqui u.x.o'. Recorded with Steve Albini, and released in Europe on November 4, 2002 (coincidentally my birthday!). More information and cover art can be found at Constellation Records, as can their 'map of evil' artwork.
Secondly, the Delgados have finished recording their new album 'Hate'. It'll be out on October 14, but on Mantra Records - NOT on their own label Chemikal Underground! I realise some of our indier-than-thou readers may have fainted at that news, but for a full explanation (and track listing) read the final instalment of the Delgados diary.
Sunday, September 01, 2002
The 'new content' initiative was halted by my relocation, but I'm back to regularly uploading material. In the past couple of days gig reviews of Mum, Ten Benson, Sophia and Oxbow have all been uploaded. Check the index or the links in the column to the left for more. The plan is to get things up-to-date before I switch to the new hosts.
Also, I'm introducing a CD reviews section as I've been sent a few good ones lately. I'm particularly interested in self-released stuff, and the first installment is likely to feature the Feline Dream, the Embers and Robyn G Shiels, amongst others. Email me if you want our postal address.
Also, I'm introducing a CD reviews section as I've been sent a few good ones lately. I'm particularly interested in self-released stuff, and the first installment is likely to feature the Feline Dream, the Embers and Robyn G Shiels, amongst others. Email me if you want our postal address.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
One thing I thought I might miss when I moved from London to Belfast was the amount of gigs happening. I've been proved wrong, as I've not only seen to great shows in one week - Go Commando and Guided By Voices - but there are tons of shows taking place in September. The best source of information on this is the gigs page at Fastfude, so go there and see for yourself.
Friday, August 23, 2002
Site migration is underway - it could take a while!
Meantime, don't forget about the following shows...
Sun 25th August Andy's Factory, Queen's Film Theatre, £5, doors 10pm
Mon 26th August Ladytron, Madison's Hotel (Botanic Avenue), £6 (more details on both these shows here
Mon 26th August The Dangerfields + Rikamandu + Abase + Star Residue, The Front Page, £3, 9pm
Tues 27th August Guided by Voices, Belfast Limelight, £10 - please note this is an early show and GBV will be on at 9pm.
Meantime, don't forget about the following shows...
Sun 25th August Andy's Factory, Queen's Film Theatre, £5, doors 10pm
Mon 26th August Ladytron, Madison's Hotel (Botanic Avenue), £6 (more details on both these shows here
Mon 26th August The Dangerfields + Rikamandu + Abase + Star Residue, The Front Page, £3, 9pm
Tues 27th August Guided by Voices, Belfast Limelight, £10 - please note this is an early show and GBV will be on at 9pm.
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Couple of shows you should know about, both FREE ADMISSION....
Wednesday 21st August, 9pm, Belfast Empire Music Hall
Some Days Better/ Leya/ Gentle Ben
Thursday 22nd August, 9pm Belfast Limelight
Creative Controle/ Astromech/ Tristen Polar
It's unlikely I'll be able to go to either, but this free thing* should be actively encouraged so get down to the shows.
(*free thing made possible by Skibunny/ NIMIC/ Across the Line I think I'm right in saying)
Wednesday 21st August, 9pm, Belfast Empire Music Hall
Some Days Better/ Leya/ Gentle Ben
Thursday 22nd August, 9pm Belfast Limelight
Creative Controle/ Astromech/ Tristen Polar
It's unlikely I'll be able to go to either, but this free thing* should be actively encouraged so get down to the shows.
(*free thing made possible by Skibunny/ NIMIC/ Across the Line I think I'm right in saying)
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Thanks to the attentive people amongst you who noticed that the links page had vanished into thin air. A temporary links page is now up at geocities, although the whole site will be moving to a new pop-up free home from tomorrow (thank god!).
Friday, August 16, 2002
Another new festival is happening in Belfast next week - it's Rhythm in the City, which has a very varied programme of events between 20th-26th August. Check out their website for full details. Particularly interesting is 'Andy's Factory', which will attempt to recreate Andy Warhol's legendary Factory in the QFT, with multiplicity screenings, DJs and a Velvet Underground tribute set by Go Commando. It's on Sunday 25th August, £5, doors 10pm.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
In advance of the site overhaul which will taking palce over the next couple of weeks, I just though I would mention how much I enjoyed Chris Brokaw on Sunday night in Katy Daly's. Chris is probably best known for his work with Come, but his solo set really showed him to be a very gifted guitarist in the vein of the late John Fahey. 'Dresden Promenade' was particularly outstanding.
Thursday, August 08, 2002
Well, I had forgotten how noisy Belfast audiences were until last night at the Menagerie when Jeffrey Lewis and Jacob Golden battled against some quite appaling audience chatter. Most people had paid a fiver in, in fact most people seemed to enjoy them, but at the slightest hint of a drop in level from the stage, up went the chatter. I've seen Jacob play against noisy crowds before (though London noise is a much tamer beast than Belfast noise), and he can handle them very well, but Jeffrey's more subtle solo stuff got a bit lost. Thankfully his band managed to make everyone sit up and take notice. The crowd didn't actually spoil the show for me, but I now understand why the Smog show I went to late last year in the Empire (before I lived here) had 'please be quiet' notices on the tables.
Unfortunately, as I legged it just before the end due to having a seriously early start this morning, I missed the PA falling to bits and Jeffrey Lewis leading the audience outside to finsih the gig in the car park! I'd thought that by staying until he'd played 'The Chelsea Hotel Oral Sex Song' I had seen all the best bits, but apparently not!
By the way, an interview with Mr Golden will be on this site very soon.
Unfortunately, as I legged it just before the end due to having a seriously early start this morning, I missed the PA falling to bits and Jeffrey Lewis leading the audience outside to finsih the gig in the car park! I'd thought that by staying until he'd played 'The Chelsea Hotel Oral Sex Song' I had seen all the best bits, but apparently not!
By the way, an interview with Mr Golden will be on this site very soon.
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
You may want to hit me (or at least avoid me!) because I have seen the last episode of 24 which was shown on RTE last night. I promise not to breathe a word of it on this site though!
Meanwhile just a reminder about Jeffrey Lewis and Jacob Golden at the Menagerie in Belfast tonight. Special guests and various DJs are also involved and there are special goodie bags which include stickers,badges, sweets and a special and totally amazing 21 track Rough Trade compilation CD (featuring David Kitt, Desert Hearts, Hope Sandoval, Beechwood Sparks and loads more) to the first 40 people through the door. Only £5 in, doors open at 9pm.
Meanwhile just a reminder about Jeffrey Lewis and Jacob Golden at the Menagerie in Belfast tonight. Special guests and various DJs are also involved and there are special goodie bags which include stickers,badges, sweets and a special and totally amazing 21 track Rough Trade compilation CD (featuring David Kitt, Desert Hearts, Hope Sandoval, Beechwood Sparks and loads more) to the first 40 people through the door. Only £5 in, doors open at 9pm.
Tuesday, August 06, 2002
Yesterday was the day that the consortium judging the bids for European City of Culture 2008 visited Belfast, and although the shortlist has yet to be drawn up, it seems that Belfast is the bookies favourite.
I wasn't really expecting much to happen here music-wise over the summer months, but I've been proved wrong. Some events happening in August...
Event list - August
7th Rough Trade night: Jeffrey Lewis and Jacob Golden, the Menagerie, 9pm £5
9th My Electric Life, new club night at the Edge featuring Jean Jacques Smoothie and residents Jupiter Ace and Mark Gordon, 9pm - late, £5/£4
10th The Streets, Limelight, £11, 9pm
11th Chris Brokaw, Panda Kopanda (acoustic), Robyn G Sheils, Katy Dalys, £4/£3
13th Kidd Dynamo + Drat, Auntie Annies - apparently it's only £2 in!
20th Royksopp + support, Shine at QUB Mandela Hall, £10
26th The Dangerfields+ Rikmandu + Abase + Star Residue, the Front Page, 9pm-late £3
27th Guided By Voices, Limelight, £10.50
I wasn't really expecting much to happen here music-wise over the summer months, but I've been proved wrong. Some events happening in August...
Event list - August
7th Rough Trade night: Jeffrey Lewis and Jacob Golden, the Menagerie, 9pm £5
9th My Electric Life, new club night at the Edge featuring Jean Jacques Smoothie and residents Jupiter Ace and Mark Gordon, 9pm - late, £5/£4
10th The Streets, Limelight, £11, 9pm
11th Chris Brokaw, Panda Kopanda (acoustic), Robyn G Sheils, Katy Dalys, £4/£3
13th Kidd Dynamo + Drat, Auntie Annies - apparently it's only £2 in!
20th Royksopp + support, Shine at QUB Mandela Hall, £10
26th The Dangerfields+ Rikmandu + Abase + Star Residue, the Front Page, 9pm-late £3
27th Guided By Voices, Limelight, £10.50
Monday, July 29, 2002
I know I haven't lived in Belfast for over four years, but I don't remember the weather being this crap! The last two days it has rained constantly, while London is having an absolute heatwave. Still, I always thought it was too warm over there!
I'm about to migrate this entire site over to NTL (my new broadband hosts) so expect some changes, and a few hiccups along the way I suppose. If there are any broken links you know to drop me an email. The move should make the site pop-up free and the ezboard will finally vanish, because let's face it, nobody really wants it.
Other stuff - congratulations to Olympic Lifts for getting their debut album 'Do One' out at last. It was XFM's album of the week last week. Here's what Rough Trade says about it - "as slick and interesting an album as you'll hear all year - catchy hooks,cut up samples and breaks, a dose of attitude and a pop twist. the betas vs the beasties." - reviews of it and their launch night in London will be on here soon.
Also, the tracklisting for Blue Jam series 3 mentioned below is now up at Cook'd and Bomb'd - an excellent Chris Morris archive site.
I'm about to migrate this entire site over to NTL (my new broadband hosts) so expect some changes, and a few hiccups along the way I suppose. If there are any broken links you know to drop me an email. The move should make the site pop-up free and the ezboard will finally vanish, because let's face it, nobody really wants it.
Other stuff - congratulations to Olympic Lifts for getting their debut album 'Do One' out at last. It was XFM's album of the week last week. Here's what Rough Trade says about it - "as slick and interesting an album as you'll hear all year - catchy hooks,cut up samples and breaks, a dose of attitude and a pop twist. the betas vs the beasties." - reviews of it and their launch night in London will be on here soon.
Also, the tracklisting for Blue Jam series 3 mentioned below is now up at Cook'd and Bomb'd - an excellent Chris Morris archive site.
Friday, July 26, 2002
So here I am in Belfast, still surrounded by tons of unpacked crates, but hey, at least the computer is back to life (and connected to broadband - hello 21st century!). I have had a reasonably hellish time getting here - one damaged van, one missed flight and one bastard of a tube strike - but I'm nearly back to normal now.
July isn't known for having a major events calendar in Belfast but I ventured out last night to see the Embers and Drat in the Front Page. I was very impressed with the Embers and they got a really warm reception for what was in reality their first show in six years (they used to be Nations Spies). A full review is imminent, as is their second show in six years, tonight at Morrisons with Colin Campbell (Kidd Dynamo).
July isn't known for having a major events calendar in Belfast but I ventured out last night to see the Embers and Drat in the Front Page. I was very impressed with the Embers and they got a really warm reception for what was in reality their first show in six years (they used to be Nations Spies). A full review is imminent, as is their second show in six years, tonight at Morrisons with Colin Campbell (Kidd Dynamo).
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Don't expect too much activity here over the next couple of weeks, as I'm relocating from London to Belfast!
I'm aware that there are a lot of live reviews to upload and these will be sorted as soon as possible, but there certainly won't be any new interviews or features until I've settled.
I've found few things whilst I've been packing.
First of all, I have a TON of black-and-white promotional pics of all sorts of bands from the 90s which I will endeavour to upload as soon as we get a scanner sorted out. I reckon enough people are interested in them to make this worthwhile.
Secondly, I have unearthed FIVE copies of Weedbus issue 13 dating from December 1997. If anyone wants these please email me before Monday 15 July and I will post you a copy. It's 32 packed A4 pages, mint condition (!), a lovely cover by Ruth McCarthy, an absolutely shocking amount of reviews plus interviews with AC Acoustics, Archers of Loaf, Baby Bird, Built to Spill, Griswold, Labradford, Luna, Stephen Pastel, Salaryman and Tunic (all by me), Gene (by Elena), the Make-up (by Iain) and Sugarplant (by Terry). The Tindersticks are also interviewed but I can't remember who did it!! Free to a good home if you catch me before I pack up my van on Monday....
Thirdly, I found my sad trainspotter list of all the music used in Chris Morris's excellent third series of Blue Jam (Radio One 1998). These details seen to vanished from the internet, but I found a list safely stored away under the sofa. I'll either post it here, or offer it to one of the Morris fan pages, very soon.
Finally, I recovered the Guardian reprint of Don De Lillo In the Ruins of the Future, which was his response to the attacks on the World Trade Center on the 11th September. I knew I hadn't thrown it away, but couldn't find it for ages (even on the net!). It was safely hidden with the Blue Jam stuff.
I'm aware that there are a lot of live reviews to upload and these will be sorted as soon as possible, but there certainly won't be any new interviews or features until I've settled.
I've found few things whilst I've been packing.
First of all, I have a TON of black-and-white promotional pics of all sorts of bands from the 90s which I will endeavour to upload as soon as we get a scanner sorted out. I reckon enough people are interested in them to make this worthwhile.
Secondly, I have unearthed FIVE copies of Weedbus issue 13 dating from December 1997. If anyone wants these please email me before Monday 15 July and I will post you a copy. It's 32 packed A4 pages, mint condition (!), a lovely cover by Ruth McCarthy, an absolutely shocking amount of reviews plus interviews with AC Acoustics, Archers of Loaf, Baby Bird, Built to Spill, Griswold, Labradford, Luna, Stephen Pastel, Salaryman and Tunic (all by me), Gene (by Elena), the Make-up (by Iain) and Sugarplant (by Terry). The Tindersticks are also interviewed but I can't remember who did it!! Free to a good home if you catch me before I pack up my van on Monday....
Thirdly, I found my sad trainspotter list of all the music used in Chris Morris's excellent third series of Blue Jam (Radio One 1998). These details seen to vanished from the internet, but I found a list safely stored away under the sofa. I'll either post it here, or offer it to one of the Morris fan pages, very soon.
Finally, I recovered the Guardian reprint of Don De Lillo In the Ruins of the Future, which was his response to the attacks on the World Trade Center on the 11th September. I knew I hadn't thrown it away, but couldn't find it for ages (even on the net!). It was safely hidden with the Blue Jam stuff.
Thursday, July 04, 2002
I now have a place of abode in Belfast which is great. Once I've gone through the ritual of playing 'My New House' by the Fall it'll really sink in! I'm due to leave London week beginning 15th July.
Meanwhile, I'm thinking that All Tomorrow's Parties have had a great idea.
Meanwhile, I'm thinking that All Tomorrow's Parties have had a great idea.
Thursday, June 27, 2002
It is a terrible habit, but I always seem to start these posts with an apology. That's what years of fanzine editing does to you!
You might think that because the World Cup is nearing an end I would be able to get on with this site (I have almost given up on Big Brother thankfully), but oh no, I have to prepare for my move to Belfast in the next few weeks.
Despite shirking my responsibilities here, we spent last weekend in Paris (pour l'anniversaire!) doing all sorts of touristy things as we'd never been there before. We returned knackered and I had to go into work and then go to see Sonic Youth. Thank God I had a seat! I'm also glad I'd heard 'Murray Street' before I went as they played ALL of it, in fact the set was almost entirely different from the one I saw in the same venue two years ago. Nothing from 'Goo' or 'NYC Ghosts and Flowers' (odd considering I thought it was part 1 of a trilogy of which 'Murray St' is part 2) but lots of old stuff too - 'Eric's Trip', 'White Kross', 'Shadow of a Doubt', 'Candle', 'Skip Tracer', 'Drunken Butterfly'.
You might think that because the World Cup is nearing an end I would be able to get on with this site (I have almost given up on Big Brother thankfully), but oh no, I have to prepare for my move to Belfast in the next few weeks.
Despite shirking my responsibilities here, we spent last weekend in Paris (pour l'anniversaire!) doing all sorts of touristy things as we'd never been there before. We returned knackered and I had to go into work and then go to see Sonic Youth. Thank God I had a seat! I'm also glad I'd heard 'Murray Street' before I went as they played ALL of it, in fact the set was almost entirely different from the one I saw in the same venue two years ago. Nothing from 'Goo' or 'NYC Ghosts and Flowers' (odd considering I thought it was part 1 of a trilogy of which 'Murray St' is part 2) but lots of old stuff too - 'Eric's Trip', 'White Kross', 'Shadow of a Doubt', 'Candle', 'Skip Tracer', 'Drunken Butterfly'.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
World Cup fever today with the Turks honking their horns all around Green Lanes this morning, and the Koreans running about all over central London in a state of near hysteria! Where were they watching the match I wonder?
I'm guilty of neglecting this site again, but the World Cup has just taken over everything. Still, two days without football may give me the chance to do something.
Meanwhile, last week I went to see the very brilliant Brian Wilson at the Royal Festival Hall who was absolutely head and shoulders above most things I've ever seen and miles better than his televised jubilee performance. 'Cabinessence', 'Sail on Sailor', 'Surf's Up', 'Heroes and Villians' were all in the first part, and the second part was ALL of 'Pet Sounds', played exactly as it is on the record! Lots of the hits at the end too, and he left us with a lovely version of 'Love and Mercy' from his first solo album. I was expecting great things and he delivered.
Tomorrow, I am going to see another old favourite of mine - Television- who are playing David Bowie's Meltdown festival.
While I'm in retro mode I noticed a this bizarre story about Arthur Lee of Love, who has been honoured by some British MPs. After six years in jail I bet he thought it was odd too.
I'm guilty of neglecting this site again, but the World Cup has just taken over everything. Still, two days without football may give me the chance to do something.
Meanwhile, last week I went to see the very brilliant Brian Wilson at the Royal Festival Hall who was absolutely head and shoulders above most things I've ever seen and miles better than his televised jubilee performance. 'Cabinessence', 'Sail on Sailor', 'Surf's Up', 'Heroes and Villians' were all in the first part, and the second part was ALL of 'Pet Sounds', played exactly as it is on the record! Lots of the hits at the end too, and he left us with a lovely version of 'Love and Mercy' from his first solo album. I was expecting great things and he delivered.
Tomorrow, I am going to see another old favourite of mine - Television- who are playing David Bowie's Meltdown festival.
While I'm in retro mode I noticed a this bizarre story about Arthur Lee of Love, who has been honoured by some British MPs. After six years in jail I bet he thought it was odd too.
Saturday, June 08, 2002
This World Cup tends to really eat into your day, doesn't it?
Anyway, I noticed that rumours about the White Stripes relationship (brother/sister or ex-husband and wife?) have been in the news again. For those of you who haven't seen it yet, here is a copy of their 'alleged' marriage certificate. There are claims that it is genuine.
Anyway, I noticed that rumours about the White Stripes relationship (brother/sister or ex-husband and wife?) have been in the news again. For those of you who haven't seen it yet, here is a copy of their 'alleged' marriage certificate. There are claims that it is genuine.
Tuesday, June 04, 2002
Sorry, I am rubbish, but the relentless march of new content has been halted because I've got flu. Also, I had to completely rearrange the archives as they all vanished from the blogger site. The last three months can be found at the bottom of the left-hand column, the rest of them have gone forever. By the way, that column seems to have narrowed itself in the process...
Old farts at play in London during June => Damo Suzuki, New Order, Brian Wilson, David Bowie, Television, Sonic Youth, Arthur Lee and Love....
Apart from Bowie (which is well sold-out) I'll probably go to most of these. Mainly due to the rave reports from everyone I know who saw Brian Wilson in January, I am still looking forward to his show, although at his brief appearance at the Jubilee nonsense yesterday he looked kind of spooked. I suppose after years of mental illness and inactivity I guess it's amazing he's even doing these shows again.
I'm off to an Irish- Australian wedding in Donegal tomorrow, back to "normal" on Saturday. My flight lands at 12.30 which is the exact kick-off of the Ireland-Germany match, which is mildly frustrating to say the least!
A few new releases to look out for -
Piano Magic - Writers Without Homes Debut full length for 4AD at last. Also playing the Spitz in Spitalfields tomorrow (5th)
Olympic Lifts - Horizontically Vertical 12" and Cd single out at last in UK, album follows on July 8, big launch in London July 6th.
Dj Shadow - The Private Press Mixed reviews so far but I like it! Long awaited follow-up to the classic 'Endtroducing'.
Old farts at play in London during June => Damo Suzuki, New Order, Brian Wilson, David Bowie, Television, Sonic Youth, Arthur Lee and Love....
Apart from Bowie (which is well sold-out) I'll probably go to most of these. Mainly due to the rave reports from everyone I know who saw Brian Wilson in January, I am still looking forward to his show, although at his brief appearance at the Jubilee nonsense yesterday he looked kind of spooked. I suppose after years of mental illness and inactivity I guess it's amazing he's even doing these shows again.
I'm off to an Irish- Australian wedding in Donegal tomorrow, back to "normal" on Saturday. My flight lands at 12.30 which is the exact kick-off of the Ireland-Germany match, which is mildly frustrating to say the least!
A few new releases to look out for -
Piano Magic - Writers Without Homes Debut full length for 4AD at last. Also playing the Spitz in Spitalfields tomorrow (5th)
Olympic Lifts - Horizontically Vertical 12" and Cd single out at last in UK, album follows on July 8, big launch in London July 6th.
Dj Shadow - The Private Press Mixed reviews so far but I like it! Long awaited follow-up to the classic 'Endtroducing'.
Friday, May 31, 2002
Feeling a bit under the weather this last couple of days, I struggled out to see Múm and Four Tet in an excessively hot, sweaty packed Dingwalls, both acts were well worth it. In case you don't know Four Tet is Kieron from Fridge, whom I may have been a bit hard on the other week, because his solo laptop/ turntable set was great yesterday. I found Múm absolutely fascinating, although they didn't live up to their recorded work. I took about 15 minutes to really click, and the crowd had dwindled a lot by the end, but I'm glad I stuck with them.
As for this site, the blogger archives can now be accessed in a tidier form from this page. World Cup and Big Brother stuff is on the discussion board.
As for this site, the blogger archives can now be accessed in a tidier form from this page. World Cup and Big Brother stuff is on the discussion board.
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
The archives should be back to normal tomorrow. This means that the new-content-per-day has fallen behind, though here's a review of Ballboy to keep things ticking over...
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Slight panic today when I realised that a lot of the blog archives have vanished. Although anything before February seems to be lost forever, the rest is being backed up right now. Hopefully this will also mean that those archives will be more manageable.
I seem to have a compulsive urge to talk about Big Brother and the World Cup at every opportunity, but I've decided to take it to the discussion board in an attempt to keep this blog page a BB/WC free-zone, and also to breathe a bit of life into that ailing message board!
Oh yeah, and the DJ Shadow sample I've been curious about seems to be from a record by Colonel Bagshot - thanks to the Audio Galaxy discussion page for helping solve that.
I seem to have a compulsive urge to talk about Big Brother and the World Cup at every opportunity, but I've decided to take it to the discussion board in an attempt to keep this blog page a BB/WC free-zone, and also to breathe a bit of life into that ailing message board!
Oh yeah, and the DJ Shadow sample I've been curious about seems to be from a record by Colonel Bagshot - thanks to the Audio Galaxy discussion page for helping solve that.
Monday, May 27, 2002
Sunday, May 26, 2002
How am I supposed to concentrate on this when the World Cup, Big Brother and best of all 24 seem to taking over my life. I spent a while last night trying to work out some complex spread betting on the group stage of the world cup, but I haven't committed to anything yet. I'm not sure if I should fill this site with football when you can get that all over the web, so I'll try and stay off it here.
Despite all this, I have updated the Yo La Tengo gig page with a review of their fantastic "Sounds of Science" show in London recently. Incidentally, if anyone is having trouble getting a 'The Sounds of the Sounds of Science" CD try the band's own website.
Despite all this, I have updated the Yo La Tengo gig page with a review of their fantastic "Sounds of Science" show in London recently. Incidentally, if anyone is having trouble getting a 'The Sounds of the Sounds of Science" CD try the band's own website.
Friday, May 24, 2002
Happy birthday Mum (and Bob Dylan!)
I still haven't resolved that DJ Shadow puzzle but I'm now convinced it isn't Jon Anderson, although it must be from an early 70s prog tune. By the way, there's a rumour that the 'Six Day War' will be Shadow's next single, although the title will be changed to 'Six days', I imagine because of the sensitive nature of the Middle East at the mo. (The Six Day War was the point when Israel claimed its current territories from Egypt and Jordan.)
Anyway, back to more trivial matters - new reviews of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Joie/ Dead Blonde Girlfriend have been uploaded.
Don't forget that this weekend in London sees a lot of gigs organised by the fine Track and Field Organisation. Check their website for more details.
I still haven't resolved that DJ Shadow puzzle but I'm now convinced it isn't Jon Anderson, although it must be from an early 70s prog tune. By the way, there's a rumour that the 'Six Day War' will be Shadow's next single, although the title will be changed to 'Six days', I imagine because of the sensitive nature of the Middle East at the mo. (The Six Day War was the point when Israel claimed its current territories from Egypt and Jordan.)
Anyway, back to more trivial matters - new reviews of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Joie/ Dead Blonde Girlfriend have been uploaded.
Don't forget that this weekend in London sees a lot of gigs organised by the fine Track and Field Organisation. Check their website for more details.
Monday, May 20, 2002
Funny, I was just listening to the aforementioned John Kennedy show (yes, Desert Hearts are on in about half an hour) and he was singing the praises of DJ Shadow as he had seen him in the Astoria tonight. He played an almost soft-rock tune called 'The Six Day War' from the forthcoming Shadow album, which sounds a bit like Yes if you ask me, but who is that singing - surely it's not Jon Anderson? Does anyone know?
After four years in London I finally got to a test match (England v Sri Lanka) at Lord's. I should really make a list of things I haven't done, and do them before I move away. That's one down today!
After four years in London I finally got to a test match (England v Sri Lanka) at Lord's. I should really make a list of things I haven't done, and do them before I move away. That's one down today!
Sunday, May 19, 2002
I forgot to mention how good Desert Hearts were the other night. I haven't seen them in about four years and they really have gone up a few gears. The new drummer (well, he's new to me but he plays on the album) is outstanding. I'll put up a review soon but hopefully you can hear the gig this week on XFM. It'll be on the John Kennedy show on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (check the XFM listings for proper details). Don't forget you can also get XFM if you've got Sky Digital.
Saturday, May 18, 2002
Well, I could have spent tonight uploading new stuff but Geocities are doing "scheduled system maintenance" so I can't even amend the A-Z !!! Anyway, I'll update the links tonight and try to get this blogger archive into decent shape as well.
I've had a funny week actually.
In the course of my work I spoke to Bono (!) on Wednesday and I was on Thai TV on Friday. Oxbow at the Verge on Wednesday night was actually quite an unnerving experience (Jason from Wolf Colonel said afterwards that he was "scared pretty much all the way through it"!), and most bizarre of all I found a broken folk fiddle on the tube on the way home! If anyone genuinely wants it back please email me.
I've had a funny week actually.
In the course of my work I spoke to Bono (!) on Wednesday and I was on Thai TV on Friday. Oxbow at the Verge on Wednesday night was actually quite an unnerving experience (Jason from Wolf Colonel said afterwards that he was "scared pretty much all the way through it"!), and most bizarre of all I found a broken folk fiddle on the tube on the way home! If anyone genuinely wants it back please email me.
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Gigs to go to in London over the next few days-
tonight: Wolf Colonel + Econoline + Stanton + Oxbow, the Verge, Kentish Town £5
tomorrow: X-FM XPOSURE LIVE: Ten Benson plus 80's Matchbox B-Line Disaster / Desert Hearts £5.
Wolf Colonel are great, with a kind of Guided By Voices/ early Lemonheads influence, and I think the Desert Hearts show is their London debut, so get there early!
Meanwhile Lambchop play the Empire in Belfast, maybe that's an excuse to dig out both of our Kurt Wagner interviews, one of which was actually never published come to think of it.
tonight: Wolf Colonel + Econoline + Stanton + Oxbow, the Verge, Kentish Town £5
tomorrow: X-FM XPOSURE LIVE: Ten Benson plus 80's Matchbox B-Line Disaster / Desert Hearts £5.
Wolf Colonel are great, with a kind of Guided By Voices/ early Lemonheads influence, and I think the Desert Hearts show is their London debut, so get there early!
Meanwhile Lambchop play the Empire in Belfast, maybe that's an excuse to dig out both of our Kurt Wagner interviews, one of which was actually never published come to think of it.
Friday, May 10, 2002
Hmmm, too zonked to add new stuff as I'm inbetween nightshifts and I'll be en route to Belfast for the weekend very shortly. I'll be at the Sun Ra Arkestra show on Saturday night, which is also the finale of the most successful Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival to date. Gillian was at the sold out David Kitt show last night, apparently it was brilliant so she may even write a review of it for this very site.
Thursday, May 09, 2002
A new live review of the Feline Dream has been added. If you go to their own Gigarama pages you can see some of the stunningly repetitive photos I took that night with their disposable camera.
I had a strange coincidence the other night as I decided to go and see Cornelius in the Royal Festival Hall (capacity 2,600) and my ticket number meant that I was sitting beside Nick from the Feline Dream, although neither of us knew the other was going! Cornelius was fantastic, gig of the year so far and all that, although the Gentle People (main support) wore the crowd's patience very thin with their Rod Jane and Freddy shenanagins. Oh boy.
More reviews tomorrow hopefully, I really should have added Jon Spencer and Joie tonight but I'm using the PC in work and they're on the Mac at home - doh!
And finally, it looks like I will be living back in Belfast from mid-July onwards.
I had a strange coincidence the other night as I decided to go and see Cornelius in the Royal Festival Hall (capacity 2,600) and my ticket number meant that I was sitting beside Nick from the Feline Dream, although neither of us knew the other was going! Cornelius was fantastic, gig of the year so far and all that, although the Gentle People (main support) wore the crowd's patience very thin with their Rod Jane and Freddy shenanagins. Oh boy.
More reviews tomorrow hopefully, I really should have added Jon Spencer and Joie tonight but I'm using the PC in work and they're on the Mac at home - doh!
And finally, it looks like I will be living back in Belfast from mid-July onwards.
Sunday, May 05, 2002
I'm a bit behind as usual, not least because I've been going to a lot of gigs. Friday saw a great show from Clinic, which somehow turned into a bit of an all-nighter with Jarvis Cocker DJing at Electrowerkz. I realise that this sounds highly glamorous but it meant that I spent most of Saturday in bed!
Recieved safely but drifting aimlessly amongst the backlog is the first demo from Belfast band the Embers (ex-Nation's Spies) which I promise I will do a review of very soon. Meanwhile this glowing review can be found on Fastfude.
Finally, I've been very distracted from the site as I am planning to move back to Belfast quite soon. Expect proper details later in the week, as I'm just awaiting for dates to be confirmed. Whoooo-hoooo!
Recieved safely but drifting aimlessly amongst the backlog is the first demo from Belfast band the Embers (ex-Nation's Spies) which I promise I will do a review of very soon. Meanwhile this glowing review can be found on Fastfude.
Finally, I've been very distracted from the site as I am planning to move back to Belfast quite soon. Expect proper details later in the week, as I'm just awaiting for dates to be confirmed. Whoooo-hoooo!
Thursday, May 02, 2002
Web hosting news - GeoCities will be performing scheduled maintenance starting Friday, May 17th, 2002 at 3:00 pm BST (GMT+1). Service will be restored the morning of Sunday, May 19th, 2002. What this means for us is that most of the reviews and interviews will be inaccessible for that time, therefore it would make sense to come back on Sunday night with the reviews completely up to date. The blogger pages, discussion board and link page will be unaffected.
Another thing is that, if you visit the message board without being logged in to ezboard you won't see the most recent announcement at the top. Strange.
Another thing is that, if you visit the message board without being logged in to ezboard you won't see the most recent announcement at the top. Strange.
Sunday, April 28, 2002
Wow, that was a good one, ESG were totally great last night. On the downside, the Mantronix DJ set was a disappointment - it started OK but descended into a hellish mid-80s electro nightmare. I have over-indulged a bit much so I won't be able to go to Bootylicious (a night of the best bootleg mixes) in 93 Feet East between 7pm and 10.30. I may be bored and in a very fragile hungover state today, but hey, i'm Kermit!!
 | You are Kermit! |
Saturday, April 27, 2002
I got my tickets for ESG and Mantronix (Bagley's, Sat night) but whilst searching for more info on ESG I found two bands of the same name - the other are a bunch of scary gangsta rappers not to be confused with the infamous Bronx electro-soul-funk-punk pioneers. This promises to be a really good night.
I spent the entire afternoon in Curzon Soho cramming in movies. I saw Y Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mama Too) and 24 Hour Party People. The first one is currently the second highest grossing movie in London, and is rare in that it's actually a thought provoking sex comedy about coming-of-age. With this and last year's Amores Perros, Mexico is fast becoming a film industry to be taken seriously.
I really enjoyed 24 Hour Party People, probably helped by the fact that I saw it in a cinema with a great sound system. I thought Steve Coogan was great as Tony Wilson, playing him as an idealist gone askew, or a 'prat' if you prefer. Some great music and great cameos too (Mark E Smith!).
Full marks for BBC2's Snooker coverage (which I caught by accident of course!), who opened the show with Jimmy the Exploder from the first White Stripes album! Apparently Mr Jimmy White had a bit of an outburst yesterday or something....
I spent the entire afternoon in Curzon Soho cramming in movies. I saw Y Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mama Too) and 24 Hour Party People. The first one is currently the second highest grossing movie in London, and is rare in that it's actually a thought provoking sex comedy about coming-of-age. With this and last year's Amores Perros, Mexico is fast becoming a film industry to be taken seriously.
I really enjoyed 24 Hour Party People, probably helped by the fact that I saw it in a cinema with a great sound system. I thought Steve Coogan was great as Tony Wilson, playing him as an idealist gone askew, or a 'prat' if you prefer. Some great music and great cameos too (Mark E Smith!).
Full marks for BBC2's Snooker coverage (which I caught by accident of course!), who opened the show with Jimmy the Exploder from the first White Stripes album! Apparently Mr Jimmy White had a bit of an outburst yesterday or something....
Thursday, April 25, 2002
Feeling a bit flu-like today - I've obviously been out too much in the sunshine. I compensated for this by staying in, sleeping a bit, sorting out my mess of mini-discs (that explains why there's so much old stuff in the 'current tunes' list opposite!) and writing some new content. New reviews of Danish band Diefenbach and Godspeed You Black Emperor! are online now.
Monday, April 22, 2002
Amongst the obvious search words, recent site statistics tell me that some people found this site by typing "index of drunk girls" and "arab courtship rituals". I hope they were satisfied with the results.
Surprisingly I have quite a lot of time off this week, so I have no excuse for not getting the site updated. I may even stay in the odd night, although I have engagements with Teenage Fanclub, Jad Fair and Arab Strap tonight, and Do Make Say Think and the Rock of Travolta on Tuesday.
Apart from going to three gigs on Saturday I have spent most of the weekend getting my MP3s back in shape after a long period of neglect. I followed the advice of Wisdom Goof on our discussion page and I've been downloading like mad (well, as mad as a 56k modem will allow).
(and coming soon to the review pages - Godspeed You Black Emperor, Riviera, Diefenbach, the Feline Dream, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Ballboy, Joie/ Dead Blonde Girlfriend, Yo La Tengo, Solex - so much material in fact, that the eagerly awaited (cough) record review section may be on hold for a while)
Surprisingly I have quite a lot of time off this week, so I have no excuse for not getting the site updated. I may even stay in the odd night, although I have engagements with Teenage Fanclub, Jad Fair and Arab Strap tonight, and Do Make Say Think and the Rock of Travolta on Tuesday.
Apart from going to three gigs on Saturday I have spent most of the weekend getting my MP3s back in shape after a long period of neglect. I followed the advice of Wisdom Goof on our discussion page and I've been downloading like mad (well, as mad as a 56k modem will allow).
(and coming soon to the review pages - Godspeed You Black Emperor, Riviera, Diefenbach, the Feline Dream, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Ballboy, Joie/ Dead Blonde Girlfriend, Yo La Tengo, Solex - so much material in fact, that the eagerly awaited (cough) record review section may be on hold for a while)
Friday, April 19, 2002
Nope, I'm not at All Tomorrow's Parties - I'm back to normal after a fine few days in Belfast. I have also become an uncle since the last time I posted here!
My gig-point-average may be greatly increased after tomorrow when I am attempting to attend three gigs in a day -
Joie and Dead Blonde Girlfriend are doing their anti-folk thing for free at Notting Hill Arts Club between 4pm and 7.30pm, then it's Yo La Tengo improvising soundtracks to underwater nature movies at the Barbican at 8pm (£10- £17.50), then Solex (it's not a secret anymore) at the free aftershow at the Barbican from 10.30pm. Phew!
(and I really will get the site updated over the next week..)
My gig-point-average may be greatly increased after tomorrow when I am attempting to attend three gigs in a day -
Joie and Dead Blonde Girlfriend are doing their anti-folk thing for free at Notting Hill Arts Club between 4pm and 7.30pm, then it's Yo La Tengo improvising soundtracks to underwater nature movies at the Barbican at 8pm (£10- £17.50), then Solex (it's not a secret anymore) at the free aftershow at the Barbican from 10.30pm. Phew!
(and I really will get the site updated over the next week..)
Friday, April 12, 2002
Happy birthday Gillian (mrs slowthrills)
This week's excuses for not posting....
Out a lot, I managed to see shows by the Feline Dream (a successful London debut!), Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Ballboy and I've been madly busy in work - I've been technically directing a radio play believe it or not!
Internet highlights - this Onion piece has had everyone in hysterics this week, and I got to watch the video for Olympic Lifts 'International Hex'. They're on tour in England at this very moment.
Anyway, I'm off to Belfast for five days, so expect tons and tons of new stuff when I get back (cough...)
This week's excuses for not posting....
Out a lot, I managed to see shows by the Feline Dream (a successful London debut!), Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Ballboy and I've been madly busy in work - I've been technically directing a radio play believe it or not!
Internet highlights - this Onion piece has had everyone in hysterics this week, and I got to watch the video for Olympic Lifts 'International Hex'. They're on tour in England at this very moment.
Anyway, I'm off to Belfast for five days, so expect tons and tons of new stuff when I get back (cough...)
Friday, April 05, 2002
Hmmmm, my plug for the Feline Dream show should have gone up last night (note the time it was written!) but somehow didn't. Oh well, you all know now anyway. I shall be there as my dental drama went without a hitch.
I've been in such a good mood since yesterday, maybe it's due to the weather, maybe it's because I bought the Desaparecidos CD (listened to it 3 times in a row!!) AND Arthur Mathews's 'Well Remembered Days' which had me grinning away like a lunatic on the tube home last night. I'm always a bit put off when people say that books are "hilarious", but this really is a funny satire.
I've been in such a good mood since yesterday, maybe it's due to the weather, maybe it's because I bought the Desaparecidos CD (listened to it 3 times in a row!!) AND Arthur Mathews's 'Well Remembered Days' which had me grinning away like a lunatic on the tube home last night. I'm always a bit put off when people say that books are "hilarious", but this really is a funny satire.
Thursday, April 04, 2002
In case you don't know, this Saturday sees the London debut of the Feline Dream. They're playing the Fan Club at the Verge, 134 Kentish Town Road, Camden Town, NW1. More details from Feline1 himself on our discussion board. They are actually headlining I believe, though Marcel and resident band Riviera are also on the bill. Follow the links above for more info.
I hope to be there, but it depends on what happens at the dentist on Friday morning!
I hope to be there, but it depends on what happens at the dentist on Friday morning!
Tuesday, April 02, 2002
Monday, April 01, 2002
Whilst I was at the aforementioned Diefenbach gig on Saturday, Marina from Organ sold me a copy of their latest issue. Amazingly they're up to number 73 !! I've been reading it on the tube the last couple of days and it really is brilliant to find that they're so enthusiastic after all these years. It puts me to shame for only producing 13 issues of Weedbus and it actually made me a bit nostalgic for print fanzines in general - there's nothing to stop me putting out Slow Thrills issue 1 very soon though (nothing except laziness that is!).
Anyway, Organ is fab as ever, lots of positive reviews of unknown bands (Stoopi, HHH, Percy, the Dukes of Nothing etc, etc) as well as established stuff like Bad Religion and the Cardiacs (well they have to sell copies you know!), so grab a copy if yoou can. no doubt there'll be another one along next month.
www.organart.com in case you missed the link above.
Anyway, Organ is fab as ever, lots of positive reviews of unknown bands (Stoopi, HHH, Percy, the Dukes of Nothing etc, etc) as well as established stuff like Bad Religion and the Cardiacs (well they have to sell copies you know!), so grab a copy if yoou can. no doubt there'll be another one along next month.
www.organart.com in case you missed the link above.
Sunday, March 31, 2002
Hopefully April will see more action on these pages. Coming soon, reviews of Godspeed You Black Emperor and Diefenbach, and in the course of the next month, some new interviews - I promise! I'm still thinking about the print edition too. I may have more time towards the end of the month to put it together. more later....
A curious coincidence happened yesterday. I listened to 'Deja Vu' by Crosby Stills Nash and Young for the first time in YEARS in the morning, then went to a gig in Notting Hill Arts Club where te first band on played a decent cover of 'Almost Cut my hair' off that very album. Spoooooky. I didn't catch their name though - anyone know??
A curious coincidence happened yesterday. I listened to 'Deja Vu' by Crosby Stills Nash and Young for the first time in YEARS in the morning, then went to a gig in Notting Hill Arts Club where te first band on played a decent cover of 'Almost Cut my hair' off that very album. Spoooooky. I didn't catch their name though - anyone know??
Thursday, March 21, 2002
A couple of new reviews added before I take myself to Belfast for a www-free weekend. The Church of Simian and Fridge are online now.
Tuesday, March 19, 2002
Godspeed You Black Emperor!
I saw this lot for the first time since Nov 2000 last night at Hackney Ocean, and once again I was amazed by them. It is only the start of the tour so I won't give too much away, but if you're going to see them you may witness...
1. a 2hr 30 min set
2. a superb 30min+ new piece which starts with what sounds like guitar strings being wound in a spring, and goes into ambience and relatively straightforward rock riffs
3. some new visuals (mixed, cut and looped live as usual) - this time it's proper colour film as well
4. an experimental cut-up of a George W Bush speech
On a good night (and believe me this was yet another good night!) they are one of the best live bands in the world. Don't miss them.
I saw this lot for the first time since Nov 2000 last night at Hackney Ocean, and once again I was amazed by them. It is only the start of the tour so I won't give too much away, but if you're going to see them you may witness...
1. a 2hr 30 min set
2. a superb 30min+ new piece which starts with what sounds like guitar strings being wound in a spring, and goes into ambience and relatively straightforward rock riffs
3. some new visuals (mixed, cut and looped live as usual) - this time it's proper colour film as well
4. an experimental cut-up of a George W Bush speech
On a good night (and believe me this was yet another good night!) they are one of the best live bands in the world. Don't miss them.
Monday, March 18, 2002
I'm off to see the mighty Godspeed You Black Emperor tonight in Hackney. Although I'm a bit puzzled at them touring without any new material on release I really don't need any excuse to go and see them. Hopefully a review of that (as well as overdue reviews of Simian, Fridge and Riviera) will be up before the weekend. Some record reviews too if I really get on a roll!
I haven't posted here since I went to see Mulholland Drive last Wednesday. I know that most people who are at all interested in it have seen it by now, so I won't go at length about it even though it has haunted me all week. The guy who sold me my ticket has never heard of the movie so he asked me what it was about. Two and a half hours later I couldn't have given him a concise answer. Without wanting to spoil the plot, I would say that It's a mix of dream and nightmare which deals with the themes of loss, regret and ambition, and it also manages to be a homage to the Hollywood of old. I can see why some people think it's a mess, but I loved it and look forward it to seeing it again. Will it make more sense next time? Will it still haunt me as much as this first encounter? I don't know.
Installed a new search gizmo up at the top of the page - it seems to work! Basically I was finding that a lot of people were Googling their way here and couldn't really pick stuff out of the blogger archives that easily. The entire site has been indexed by it (300+ pages) so finding stuff is no longer a problem (let me know if it screws up though).
I haven't posted here since I went to see Mulholland Drive last Wednesday. I know that most people who are at all interested in it have seen it by now, so I won't go at length about it even though it has haunted me all week. The guy who sold me my ticket has never heard of the movie so he asked me what it was about. Two and a half hours later I couldn't have given him a concise answer. Without wanting to spoil the plot, I would say that It's a mix of dream and nightmare which deals with the themes of loss, regret and ambition, and it also manages to be a homage to the Hollywood of old. I can see why some people think it's a mess, but I loved it and look forward it to seeing it again. Will it make more sense next time? Will it still haunt me as much as this first encounter? I don't know.
Installed a new search gizmo up at the top of the page - it seems to work! Basically I was finding that a lot of people were Googling their way here and couldn't really pick stuff out of the blogger archives that easily. The entire site has been indexed by it (300+ pages) so finding stuff is no longer a problem (let me know if it screws up though).
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
We visited London Zoo yesterday and in true Slow Thrills style, the Two-Toed Sloth entertained us in slow-motion. Which reminds me that I must post a few new reviews up over the next few days.
Since I got this Sitemeter gizmo on this site I've been able to see particular internet searches that have led people here. Someone even translated it into French today!
The most popular searches have been for the Ninja Tune act Fog and Northern Ireland band the Amazing Pilots, which is unfortunate as there isn't really much info on here about them - just some old gig listings.
Since I got this Sitemeter gizmo on this site I've been able to see particular internet searches that have led people here. Someone even translated it into French today!
The most popular searches have been for the Ninja Tune act Fog and Northern Ireland band the Amazing Pilots, which is unfortunate as there isn't really much info on here about them - just some old gig listings.
Monday, March 11, 2002
It seems the self-created hype around the pornographic pictures on the sleeve of the forthcoming Oxes album has caused problems for online music zine Pitchfork. The zine has been taken down by its ISP for posting some of the pics. Is this for real or just a promo gimmick??
For what it's worth, the Oxes label Monitor Records would appear to have withdrawn the artwork. I smelt a rat over the whole thing when I saw this picture of the public protest!
For what it's worth, the Oxes label Monitor Records would appear to have withdrawn the artwork. I smelt a rat over the whole thing when I saw this picture of the public protest!
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Thursday, March 07, 2002
I haven't really felt like posting much as I'm on heavy penicillin to treat a dental abcess - ewww!
Anyway, I've been to see a few things -
1) the Church of Simian last Saturday in Brixton. I should be uploading a proper review of this very soon, but suffice to say it was as good as everything they promised, with the addition of a man in a monkey suit who scared the life out of me when he was wandering through the dimly lit crowd!
2) In the Bedroom. I wasn't really in the mood for this quiet and depressing Bergmanesque movie, although I can see what the fuss is about. It is very well made (and it's the director's debut, isn't it?), and in terms of delicately creating the overall mood of the family's grief it really works.
3) Fridge at the Scala last night. Mixed reactions here. A 70 minute set which had some fine moments, but I have to say about 20 minutes of it was absolute tosh. The jazzier, dubby stuff worked well but some of it stretched the audience's patience too far. Full review very soon.
Anyway, I've been to see a few things -
1) the Church of Simian last Saturday in Brixton. I should be uploading a proper review of this very soon, but suffice to say it was as good as everything they promised, with the addition of a man in a monkey suit who scared the life out of me when he was wandering through the dimly lit crowd!
2) In the Bedroom. I wasn't really in the mood for this quiet and depressing Bergmanesque movie, although I can see what the fuss is about. It is very well made (and it's the director's debut, isn't it?), and in terms of delicately creating the overall mood of the family's grief it really works.
3) Fridge at the Scala last night. Mixed reactions here. A 70 minute set which had some fine moments, but I have to say about 20 minutes of it was absolute tosh. The jazzier, dubby stuff worked well but some of it stretched the audience's patience too far. Full review very soon.
Friday, March 01, 2002
A few corrections to the Church of Simian details - this Saturday at Mass in Brixton, £7 adv.
live (the old testament) features Simian, Minotaur shock and Chinese Burn
DJs (the new testament) features David Holmes, Alison Goldfrapp, Simian mobile disco, Appliance, Corporate hospitality, Eat your own ears Djs, Foundsounds, Capitol K, Source djs
on til 3am, so I imagine they'll fit most of it in!
live (the old testament) features Simian, Minotaur shock and Chinese Burn
DJs (the new testament) features David Holmes, Alison Goldfrapp, Simian mobile disco, Appliance, Corporate hospitality, Eat your own ears Djs, Foundsounds, Capitol K, Source djs
on til 3am, so I imagine they'll fit most of it in!
Well I did say get there early to avoid disappointment, but didn't take my own advice. I also didn't realise how small Cherry Jam is, so when we walked past just after 7pm and the rope was across we just assumed it wasn't open yet. Actually that meant that it was full, and although we queued until 8.15pm we were told there was little chance of getting in unless a lot of people left. So no Clientele gig for us then, and we ended up in the Coach and Horses in Soho instead!
Thursday, February 28, 2002
Short notice (!) but the Clientele are playing in a few hours at the Rough Trade night at Cherry Jam, 58 Porchester Road London W2
Line up is....The Clientele + VV Hotel, DJ 11 till 2 Erol Trash £5 or free 'til 8pm, £7 after 11pm
Get there early to avoid dissappointment, nearest tubes Royal Oak, Bayswater or Paddington.
Line up is....The Clientele + VV Hotel, DJ 11 till 2 Erol Trash £5 or free 'til 8pm, £7 after 11pm
Get there early to avoid dissappointment, nearest tubes Royal Oak, Bayswater or Paddington.
Tuesday, February 26, 2002
That Kidd Dynamo review is online at last - I've even given them their own page this time!
Nearly two weeks since I posted here - I've no excuses really, just laziness.
Over the last few days I have been very active though. I've been out a lot, went record shopping in Soho (which mean there'll be some reviews on here too!), and finished recording a radio drama. Which was nice.
I also installed a sitemeter on here, so I can see where you're all coming from.
Oh yeah, and I made an appointment with the dentist I met at the Kidd Dynamo show. Isn't it fantastic when a plan comes together.
Some gigs coming up in London...
Saturday 2 March - the Church of Simian - special event at Mass in Brixton featuring Simian, Minotaur Shock, Appliance, Capitol K and Dj sets from Simian, David Holmes and Alison Goldfrapp. Only £7 (shurely shome mishtake???) and open from 10pm til 3am.
Sunday 3 The Notwist 93 Feet East - £8, 7.30pm
Tuesday 5 The Walkmen Barfly at the Monarch - £5, 8.30pm
Wednesday 6 Fridge Scala - £8.50, 7.30pm
I was mildly miffed that I missed the White Stripes 'secret' show in 93 Feet East on Saturday, especially as I got an email telling me about it. Despite the fact that I was in work about 5 minutes away from the Rough Trade Shop I didn't have enough free time to get out and get a ticket (priced at the princely sum of £5 !!), and no-one else was around to get them. Oh well.
Nearly two weeks since I posted here - I've no excuses really, just laziness.
Over the last few days I have been very active though. I've been out a lot, went record shopping in Soho (which mean there'll be some reviews on here too!), and finished recording a radio drama. Which was nice.
I also installed a sitemeter on here, so I can see where you're all coming from.
Oh yeah, and I made an appointment with the dentist I met at the Kidd Dynamo show. Isn't it fantastic when a plan comes together.
Some gigs coming up in London...
Saturday 2 March - the Church of Simian - special event at Mass in Brixton featuring Simian, Minotaur Shock, Appliance, Capitol K and Dj sets from Simian, David Holmes and Alison Goldfrapp. Only £7 (shurely shome mishtake???) and open from 10pm til 3am.
Sunday 3 The Notwist 93 Feet East - £8, 7.30pm
Tuesday 5 The Walkmen Barfly at the Monarch - £5, 8.30pm
Wednesday 6 Fridge Scala - £8.50, 7.30pm
I was mildly miffed that I missed the White Stripes 'secret' show in 93 Feet East on Saturday, especially as I got an email telling me about it. Despite the fact that I was in work about 5 minutes away from the Rough Trade Shop I didn't have enough free time to get out and get a ticket (priced at the princely sum of £5 !!), and no-one else was around to get them. Oh well.
Thursday, February 14, 2002
Last night I went to see Kidd Dynamo's 'proper' London debut - the first time over here with a full band. I haven't had time to add a full review, but in brief I'll tell you that it was damn good and they got a really enthusiastic reception from the decent sized crowd. The review won't be posted til Tuesday as I'll be in Belfast this weekend. (that's still pretty quick work for me though!)
One thing I was surprised by was the state of Camden High St these days. Although I don't live that far from it, I hadn't been there for a while, and I noticed it's got even more sleazy and run down than ever.
The other thing that surprised me was that I found a dentist's business card in my pocket this morning. I remember talking to her at the gig, but I'm wondering now if I've actually made an appointment. Huh?
One thing I was surprised by was the state of Camden High St these days. Although I don't live that far from it, I hadn't been there for a while, and I noticed it's got even more sleazy and run down than ever.
The other thing that surprised me was that I found a dentist's business card in my pocket this morning. I remember talking to her at the gig, but I'm wondering now if I've actually made an appointment. Huh?
Wednesday, February 13, 2002
The Dido Demographic (from the Guardian). I should dedicate it to the guy who has just moved out of the flat above me. I can't be too cheeky as I actually have 13 of the 20 CDs mentioned - although I don't play them over and over again!
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Monday, February 11, 2002
Gig-going drought nearly over! I may go and see Death Cab for Cutie at Camden Monarch on Tuesday 12, and I'll definitely be at Delta + Kidd Dynamo in the same venue the following night.
Also in London on Wednesday 13 is the return of Cornershop (at the Scala) and a Strange Fruit night featuring Electrelane and Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia at 93 Feet East.
Isn't it funny how you don't notice some things until it's too late. Last week French composer Yann Tierson played the Royal Festival Hall on the strength of his soundtrack work on Amelie and the Dream Life of Angels, and I gave it a miss. I've only realised that he also wrote 'La Dispute' on Third Eye Foundation's recent remix album, which is enough reason for going to see him on its own! Oh well, maybe next time.
Also in London on Wednesday 13 is the return of Cornershop (at the Scala) and a Strange Fruit night featuring Electrelane and Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia at 93 Feet East.
Isn't it funny how you don't notice some things until it's too late. Last week French composer Yann Tierson played the Royal Festival Hall on the strength of his soundtrack work on Amelie and the Dream Life of Angels, and I gave it a miss. I've only realised that he also wrote 'La Dispute' on Third Eye Foundation's recent remix album, which is enough reason for going to see him on its own! Oh well, maybe next time.
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
Gigs!!
Much NME related activity - tonight is the Aphex Twin at the Astoria (it's sold out), and tomorrow is Trail of Dead/ Clinic/ The Faint/ British Sea Power, also at the Astoria. I think you may be able to locate tickets for this (£11) but the damn thing starts at 6pm!!
Saturday's freebie ROTA session at Notting Hill Arts Club is a bit of an epic with Kranky artistes Amp headlining, ably supported by Portal, Teleran records acts 2 By Bukowski ('a Greek GYBE' apparently!) and Yellow 6, as well as Goddie Pal and Lucky Dragons. Starts at 3pm, over by 8.30pm, all free.
More later....
Much NME related activity - tonight is the Aphex Twin at the Astoria (it's sold out), and tomorrow is Trail of Dead/ Clinic/ The Faint/ British Sea Power, also at the Astoria. I think you may be able to locate tickets for this (£11) but the damn thing starts at 6pm!!
Saturday's freebie ROTA session at Notting Hill Arts Club is a bit of an epic with Kranky artistes Amp headlining, ably supported by Portal, Teleran records acts 2 By Bukowski ('a Greek GYBE' apparently!) and Yellow 6, as well as Goddie Pal and Lucky Dragons. Starts at 3pm, over by 8.30pm, all free.
More later....
Monday, February 04, 2002
Disco 2002 ! Nick Cave will cover Pulp's Disco 2000 in a waltz style for the B-side of their new single 'Bad Cover Version' (you see!?). At least that's what it says here.
Anyway, I've had a very relaxed weekend in Belfast - apart from the return of my notorious hypochondria as I visited the doctors with what I thought was the onset of DVT. Predictably, I am absolutely fine. Back in London now, bored in work, so hopefully able to get some new stuff onto the site this week.
Anyway, I've had a very relaxed weekend in Belfast - apart from the return of my notorious hypochondria as I visited the doctors with what I thought was the onset of DVT. Predictably, I am absolutely fine. Back in London now, bored in work, so hopefully able to get some new stuff onto the site this week.
Thursday, January 31, 2002
I've added a list of "other music related blogs" to the menu on the left. I've actually only met two of the bloggers in question (Anne Marie and Nine), so it's not some sinister clique - actually they're just good pages that I found whilst browsing about on a nightshift!
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Coming soon: new links, including a lots of music-related blogs that I have stumbled across in the last month.
I have to mention The Church of Me in advance though, as it is so well written it has actually made me keen to investigate So Solid Crew (specifically the 'Fuck It' mix CD) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; two slices of popular culture which I just do not get. His piece on Kate Bush is also great, so pay him a visit.
Plenty more blog related links on the way!
I have to mention The Church of Me in advance though, as it is so well written it has actually made me keen to investigate So Solid Crew (specifically the 'Fuck It' mix CD) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; two slices of popular culture which I just do not get. His piece on Kate Bush is also great, so pay him a visit.
Plenty more blog related links on the way!
Some decent records actually came out this week (!), here they are...
ALBUMS
the Chemical Brothers Come with us
less collaborative than earlier, pushing more into warped psychedelic stuff.
Neil Halstead Sleeping on Roads
Unfairly under-rated Mojave 3 singer/songwriter's debut solo album - he plays everything on it as well.
Nobukazu Takemura Sign
digital companion to the limited 12" released in late 2001 - guest appearances from John McEntire and Douglas McCoombs of Tortoise
Steve Reich Triple Quartet
excellent new cd from the king of minimalism - rave reviews in the wire and the guardian - his best for years apparently
SINGLES
Fog Pneumonia
a one man band and Ninja Tune’s first ever singer/songwriter/producer - acoustic strumming meets turntable action -a bit like Neil Young meets Coldcut! Great debut single.
the Clientele / Clock Strikes Thirteen split single
another in the drive-in series of reverse split singles , where each band covers the other in this case Clientele cover " six foot drop' and cst perform "we could walk together"
the Cooper Temple Clause Film maker / Been training dogs
more energetic than the stuff I usually listen to but this is really good stuff- tipped for great things this year.
ALBUMS
the Chemical Brothers Come with us
less collaborative than earlier, pushing more into warped psychedelic stuff.
Neil Halstead Sleeping on Roads
Unfairly under-rated Mojave 3 singer/songwriter's debut solo album - he plays everything on it as well.
Nobukazu Takemura Sign
digital companion to the limited 12" released in late 2001 - guest appearances from John McEntire and Douglas McCoombs of Tortoise
Steve Reich Triple Quartet
excellent new cd from the king of minimalism - rave reviews in the wire and the guardian - his best for years apparently
SINGLES
Fog Pneumonia
a one man band and Ninja Tune’s first ever singer/songwriter/producer - acoustic strumming meets turntable action -a bit like Neil Young meets Coldcut! Great debut single.
the Clientele / Clock Strikes Thirteen split single
another in the drive-in series of reverse split singles , where each band covers the other in this case Clientele cover " six foot drop' and cst perform "we could walk together"
the Cooper Temple Clause Film maker / Been training dogs
more energetic than the stuff I usually listen to but this is really good stuff- tipped for great things this year.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
January - what is it good for? I've even been driven make up a lovely new A-Z index (long overdue) which collects our 60+ interviews and 80+ reviews into a single table. Thank God that's done!
Monday, January 28, 2002
Stepping the production drive next month - lots of new stuff on the way. Meanwhile, I'm treating this like a proper weblog and putting in links to stupid stuff like this. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 26, 2002
In the last ten days - hardly any hits, hardly any posts, no interesting records released, no gigs to go to.
Hopefully, this will change soon. Today (if I wasn't working!) I would have gone to see Fog at the Notting Hill Arts Club, then Stars of the Lid and Fuxa at Kosmische (Upstirs at the Garage). Next weekend I will be away so I will miss Stars of the Lid again (31st - Arts Cafe, E1), Stereolab + Brigitte Fontaine (1st Feb - Royal Festival Hall), High Llamas and Simian (2nd - Queen Eliz Hall) and Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia (2nd - ROTA show at NHAC). Maybe I'll not go to any gigs at all this year!
At least I've managed to solve my home ISP problem as I have defected to the corporate might of AOL, although I wouldn't dream of using their browser. You should see what it does to some people's pages!
There are actually some decent records coming out this week, so a new release update will follow when I get time.
Hopefully, this will change soon. Today (if I wasn't working!) I would have gone to see Fog at the Notting Hill Arts Club, then Stars of the Lid and Fuxa at Kosmische (Upstirs at the Garage). Next weekend I will be away so I will miss Stars of the Lid again (31st - Arts Cafe, E1), Stereolab + Brigitte Fontaine (1st Feb - Royal Festival Hall), High Llamas and Simian (2nd - Queen Eliz Hall) and Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia (2nd - ROTA show at NHAC). Maybe I'll not go to any gigs at all this year!
At least I've managed to solve my home ISP problem as I have defected to the corporate might of AOL, although I wouldn't dream of using their browser. You should see what it does to some people's pages!
There are actually some decent records coming out this week, so a new release update will follow when I get time.
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
If anyone who can't get MTV2 wants to see the White Stripes 'Lego' video for 'Fell in Love with a Girl', go here.
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
Across the Line (BBC Radio Ulster) has put together a list of acts from Northern Ireland who might establish themselves in 2002. It paints a broad picture, taking in everything from metal to dance music. I would have added the Amazing Pilots, the Feline Dream, Some Days Better and Torgas Valley Reds in place of a few of their choices, but overall it's pretty spot on.
Right, no football today, so I've had plenty of time to get on with Slow Thrills stuff. At least I would have had if VirginNet (my home ISP) hadn't decided to suspend the freephone number I've been using for over a year. At least I assume that's what they've done, but I can't receive emails on my home Virgin account so they can't tell me! I had to resort to using AOL this afternoon, which does such funny things with certain page design and jpgs that I'd rather not use it. Although VirginNet seems fine at the mo, if anyone has been emailing myself or Gillian on our home Virgin Net addresses, please use another method to contact us! The search for a new ISP gets underway tomorrow.
Sunday, January 20, 2002
I've been very busy with the African Cup of Nations - still at least has work has got interesting again! Obvious bets - Nigeria and Cameroon, outside bet - Senegal.
As for this website, I should be able to upload a fully updated index very soon, together with some news as to the content of Slow Thrills issue one.
As for this website, I should be able to upload a fully updated index very soon, together with some news as to the content of Slow Thrills issue one.
Friday, January 18, 2002
I've just returned from a quiet few days in Belfast. I finally got to see Lord of the Rings (in the fantastic new Warner Village cinema at the Odyssey) and bought a load of CDs from a big bargain bucket in Our Price. I got Tom Waits 'Asylum Years', Pere Ubu 'The Modern Dance', Lou Reed 'Berlin' (all vinyl replacements y'see), Stereolab 'Sound Dust', Kingsbury Manx 'Let You Down' and Swans double CD incorporating Cop/ Greed/ Holy Money/ Young God (that's four albums!) - all priced at £3 each - and 'Eph' by Fridge for £2 as it has a slightly damaged sleeve.
No music news of any description to report, but then I have only logged back in for the first time in a week. More later.
No music news of any description to report, but then I have only logged back in for the first time in a week. More later.
Friday, January 11, 2002
News of the new season at ROTA, the free Saturday afternoon showcase at the Notting Hill Arts Club. Fog (on Jan 26th) and Meanwhile Back in Communist Russia (on Feb 2) look like they could be worth checking out.
Jan 12th Reverend Pike, The Blue Minkies
Jan 19th Good Time Pony (+ more TBC)
Jan 26th Ninja Tune presents: Fog
Feb 2nd Shifty Disco birthday celebrations: Theremin, Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia, Eeblee
Feb 9th Teleran Records (Japan) present: 2 Bybukowski, Yellow 6 (+ 1 more TBC)
Jan 12th Reverend Pike, The Blue Minkies
Jan 19th Good Time Pony (+ more TBC)
Jan 26th Ninja Tune presents: Fog
Feb 2nd Shifty Disco birthday celebrations: Theremin, Meanwhile Back In Communist Russia, Eeblee
Feb 9th Teleran Records (Japan) present: 2 Bybukowski, Yellow 6 (+ 1 more TBC)
Although the news seems to have gone unreported for nearly a week, Esquivel (the octagenarian Mexican much beloved of Stereolab and Cornelius) died in early January. I've posted a full report on the discussion board.
Thursday, January 10, 2002
The new index will have to wait, but I've uploaded a review of the Feline Dream's Kill a Spyde show at last.
I seem to have overlooked it, but the Track and Field Organisation have been having their annual Winter Sprinter in London this week. I didn't even know about the Amazing Pilots on Monday night, I still haven't seen them! Anyway, arguably the best show of the week is on tonight (Thurs 10th) - when Electrelane and Saloon play the Toynbee Hall Arts Cafe in Commercial St (E1). £5 in and it kicks off at 8pm.
Tuesday, January 08, 2002
I've added a review of Belle and Sebastian's Christmas show in Belfast to the gig pages. I'm not deliberately ignoring the Frames I just didn't get there in time to see them!
So the tube fare has gone up? Thankyouverymuch London Underground.
Today I ventured into central London and i couldn't believe how quiet it was around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Tourists are so thin on the ground that a couple of the 'souvenir shops' (where you buy the tacky union jacks and big ben replicas) have actually bitten the dust.
Anyway, my main purpose was to see the movie Ghost World, which I was kicking myself for missing as loads of people have put it in their end of year lists. I have to say that I think it deserves the praise. It's basically the story of two recent high school graduates Enid and Rebecca (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansen) who are pretty disillusioned about what to do next. Reebecca takes a job in a coffee shop while Enid takes "a remedial art class for retards and fuck-ups" and ends up making friends with Seymour (Steve Buscemi) a middle-aged loner who prides himself on his collection of 78rpm records. It isn't just a movie about adolescent rebellion, and it's clear that while Rebecca may just be going 'through a phase', Enid's constant striving for individuality and rejection of the mainstream is more than likely going to be a permanent part of her life.
It will also strike a chord with anyone who has read 'No Logo' as it makes a lot of points about mall-life, McJobs and corporate culture (the Masterpiece video store is one memorable scene). The decline of American culture and traditions is one of the main concerns of cartoonist Daniel Clowes, author of Ghost World, the comic book on which the movie was based. This story could be taking place in Anytown, USA where the malls are filled with Starbucks and Gap.
This is a very original and thought provoking film, it's funny too, and the characters are very well portrayed, particularly by Thora Birch.
Today I ventured into central London and i couldn't believe how quiet it was around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Tourists are so thin on the ground that a couple of the 'souvenir shops' (where you buy the tacky union jacks and big ben replicas) have actually bitten the dust.
Anyway, my main purpose was to see the movie Ghost World, which I was kicking myself for missing as loads of people have put it in their end of year lists. I have to say that I think it deserves the praise. It's basically the story of two recent high school graduates Enid and Rebecca (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansen) who are pretty disillusioned about what to do next. Reebecca takes a job in a coffee shop while Enid takes "a remedial art class for retards and fuck-ups" and ends up making friends with Seymour (Steve Buscemi) a middle-aged loner who prides himself on his collection of 78rpm records. It isn't just a movie about adolescent rebellion, and it's clear that while Rebecca may just be going 'through a phase', Enid's constant striving for individuality and rejection of the mainstream is more than likely going to be a permanent part of her life.
It will also strike a chord with anyone who has read 'No Logo' as it makes a lot of points about mall-life, McJobs and corporate culture (the Masterpiece video store is one memorable scene). The decline of American culture and traditions is one of the main concerns of cartoonist Daniel Clowes, author of Ghost World, the comic book on which the movie was based. This story could be taking place in Anytown, USA where the malls are filled with Starbucks and Gap.
This is a very original and thought provoking film, it's funny too, and the characters are very well portrayed, particularly by Thora Birch.
Monday, January 07, 2002
Finally putting last year to bed.
Our albums of the year, gigs of the year and review of the year are all on-line now.
Some other sites year-end round-ups are listed below....
John Peel's Festive Fifty
Pitchfork top 20 albums of 2001
Rough Trade shops top 100 albums
the Onion's Best albums of 2001
the Onion's Least Essential albums of 2001
NME top 50 albums
NME top 50 singles
Our albums of the year, gigs of the year and review of the year are all on-line now.
Some other sites year-end round-ups are listed below....
John Peel's Festive Fifty
Pitchfork top 20 albums of 2001
Rough Trade shops top 100 albums
the Onion's Best albums of 2001
the Onion's Least Essential albums of 2001
NME top 50 albums
NME top 50 singles
Sunday, January 06, 2002
One New Year's Resolution I completely forgot about - get a job which doesn't involve nightshifts, or try everything in my power to get out of them! Yep, the last ten hours have been very tedious, only saved by watching Raging Bull on the telly and making up some CDRs. And of course, having my own free desktop theremin. It rocks.
Friday, January 04, 2002
New content at the weekend, ok folks?
Meanwhile some news from the Yakuza/ Nova Wreck camp. They've started a label called Nova Wreckords (clever huh?) and the first release is a 5 track CDR EP from Yakuza called "Silent Violent." There are 100 copies each in a hand made sleeve and you get it by mailorder by sending £3.50 to:
Yakuza, 2 Agincourt St, Belfast, BT7 1RB.
And there are actually some gigs in London this weekend:-
Tonight (Fri 4th) Part Chimp + Reynolds, Upstairs at the Garage, it's a Silver Rocket night so I imagine it's £4 or £5 8pm-3am.
Tomorrow (Sat 5th) Britt Daniel (Spoon singer solo set) + Wisdom of Harry + Kimberly Rew (Soft Boy guitarist solo set), the Borderline, £8, 8pm.
Meanwhile some news from the Yakuza/ Nova Wreck camp. They've started a label called Nova Wreckords (clever huh?) and the first release is a 5 track CDR EP from Yakuza called "Silent Violent." There are 100 copies each in a hand made sleeve and you get it by mailorder by sending £3.50 to:
Yakuza, 2 Agincourt St, Belfast, BT7 1RB.
And there are actually some gigs in London this weekend:-
Tonight (Fri 4th) Part Chimp + Reynolds, Upstairs at the Garage, it's a Silver Rocket night so I imagine it's £4 or £5 8pm-3am.
Tomorrow (Sat 5th) Britt Daniel (Spoon singer solo set) + Wisdom of Harry + Kimberly Rew (Soft Boy guitarist solo set), the Borderline, £8, 8pm.
Thursday, January 03, 2002
The wildly eclectic albums of the year list is published below. Cheers to those of you that voted, although I am a bit surprised that so many had Jay-Z on their lists. Variety really is the spice of life - a good selection, including some stuff that I haven't heard yet, so thanks!
1. The Avalanches - Since I Left You
2. Bjork - Vespertine
3. Radiohead - Amnesiac
4. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - No More Shall We Part
5. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells
6. Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein
7. The Strokes - Is This It?
8. Bonnie Prince Billy - Ease Down the Road
9. Fennesz - Endless Summer
10. Pulp - We Love Life
11. Jay-Z - The Blueprint
12. Daft Punk - Discovery
13. Beta Band - Hot Shots II
14. Kings of Convenience - Quiet is the New Loud
15. Simian - Chemistry is what we are
16. Gillian Welch - Time (the Revelator)
17. Squarepusher - Go Plastic
18. Missy Elliot - Miss E... So Addictive
19. Tindersticks - Can Our Love...
20. Mercury Rev - All Is Dream
21. Le Tigre - Feminist Sweepstakes
22. Fugazi - the Argument
23. Stephen Malkmus
24. Sparklehorse - it's a Wonderful Life
25. Low - Things We Lost in the Fire
26. Lift to Experience - the Texas Jerusalem Crossroads
27. Electrelane - Rock it to the Moon
28. Roots Manuva - Run Come Save Me
29. Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions - Bavarian Fruit Bread
30. Ed Harcourt - Here be Monsters
close... Aphex Twin, Bows, Red House Painters, Kristin Hersh, Minotaur Shock, the Dismemberment Plan, Autechre, Smog, Arab Strap.
I've been fiddling with the review of the year I uploaded before Christmas, and I may amend it tomorrow. I promise it's the last list of the season!
1. The Avalanches - Since I Left You
2. Bjork - Vespertine
3. Radiohead - Amnesiac
4. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - No More Shall We Part
5. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells
6. Cannibal Ox - The Cold Vein
7. The Strokes - Is This It?
8. Bonnie Prince Billy - Ease Down the Road
9. Fennesz - Endless Summer
10. Pulp - We Love Life
11. Jay-Z - The Blueprint
12. Daft Punk - Discovery
13. Beta Band - Hot Shots II
14. Kings of Convenience - Quiet is the New Loud
15. Simian - Chemistry is what we are
16. Gillian Welch - Time (the Revelator)
17. Squarepusher - Go Plastic
18. Missy Elliot - Miss E... So Addictive
19. Tindersticks - Can Our Love...
20. Mercury Rev - All Is Dream
21. Le Tigre - Feminist Sweepstakes
22. Fugazi - the Argument
23. Stephen Malkmus
24. Sparklehorse - it's a Wonderful Life
25. Low - Things We Lost in the Fire
26. Lift to Experience - the Texas Jerusalem Crossroads
27. Electrelane - Rock it to the Moon
28. Roots Manuva - Run Come Save Me
29. Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions - Bavarian Fruit Bread
30. Ed Harcourt - Here be Monsters
close... Aphex Twin, Bows, Red House Painters, Kristin Hersh, Minotaur Shock, the Dismemberment Plan, Autechre, Smog, Arab Strap.
I've been fiddling with the review of the year I uploaded before Christmas, and I may amend it tomorrow. I promise it's the last list of the season!
Wednesday, January 02, 2002
Belated happy new year! I must admit that I haven't had internet withdrawal symptoms at all during my twelve days in Northern Ireland, but I'm getting back to normal again. First priority is to get the A-Z and indexes up to date to include the new December content, second priority is to get cracking with the print edition.
A few new things will be added over the next few days - reviews of Belle and Sebastian and the Feline Dream, a generalised albums of the year feature and a composite list of your albums of the year. Ten people have sent in their lists and I've compiled a master list out of those - the winner isn't a surprise, but at least it isn't the White Stripes or the Strokes like every other list around! It might even be finished later on today.
Anyway, I had a fine time in Northern Ireland. I went to see Belle and Sebastian who still play too quietly for my liking. They were in their silly cover version mode, which kind of comes with the season I suppose. 'The Boys are back in town' was an unlikely choice though! I also saw the Feline Dream at last, who were loads better than I expected, really entertaining. Met a few people from the world of the internet at that show, including Nine who I hadn't seen in about five years! She has a new weblog Jinx Removing which I've just spent the afternoon reading.
Didn't do too much after Christmas except generally over indulge myself. We'd hired a car but then Gillian developed a chest infection, and as she didn't feel like drinking, she ended up driving me around everywhere. Naturally this meant we could visit loads more people, and we actually went to four different places on New Year's Eve, which was a good idea at the time, except I had to fly back to London at noon on New Year's Day and go straight to work - I was a bit groggy to say the least. After all these festivities I have seriously considered not drinking during January, but today one of my friends is leaving work so I guess I may be tempted. Naturally I would have hoped to hold out longer than the 2nd of January but these things happen!
in 2001 I
- completely failed to relocate from London to Belfast
- set up slowthrills.com as a domain name, as a precursor for the print edition which will appear early this year.
- didn't travel as much as I wanted, but still got to go to Tunisia in January, Sudan in May and Dublin in October.
in 2002 I
- will publish issue one of Slow Thrills (at least!)
- will write more
- will travel more
- will keep any New Year's Resolutions deliberately vague.
A few new things will be added over the next few days - reviews of Belle and Sebastian and the Feline Dream, a generalised albums of the year feature and a composite list of your albums of the year. Ten people have sent in their lists and I've compiled a master list out of those - the winner isn't a surprise, but at least it isn't the White Stripes or the Strokes like every other list around! It might even be finished later on today.
Anyway, I had a fine time in Northern Ireland. I went to see Belle and Sebastian who still play too quietly for my liking. They were in their silly cover version mode, which kind of comes with the season I suppose. 'The Boys are back in town' was an unlikely choice though! I also saw the Feline Dream at last, who were loads better than I expected, really entertaining. Met a few people from the world of the internet at that show, including Nine who I hadn't seen in about five years! She has a new weblog Jinx Removing which I've just spent the afternoon reading.
Didn't do too much after Christmas except generally over indulge myself. We'd hired a car but then Gillian developed a chest infection, and as she didn't feel like drinking, she ended up driving me around everywhere. Naturally this meant we could visit loads more people, and we actually went to four different places on New Year's Eve, which was a good idea at the time, except I had to fly back to London at noon on New Year's Day and go straight to work - I was a bit groggy to say the least. After all these festivities I have seriously considered not drinking during January, but today one of my friends is leaving work so I guess I may be tempted. Naturally I would have hoped to hold out longer than the 2nd of January but these things happen!
in 2001 I
- completely failed to relocate from London to Belfast
- set up slowthrills.com as a domain name, as a precursor for the print edition which will appear early this year.
- didn't travel as much as I wanted, but still got to go to Tunisia in January, Sudan in May and Dublin in October.
in 2002 I
- will publish issue one of Slow Thrills (at least!)
- will write more
- will travel more
- will keep any New Year's Resolutions deliberately vague.
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