MadAboutGigs

End of the Blog.....

2007-10-16T02:24:00.000-12:00

It's time to call time on this blog. I've started a writing course at University and am unable to keep up with work for that and posting on here. So long Blogworld, for now.

BTW Prince was the most amazing thing I have ever seen, Maximo Park were superb and Ed Harcourt was very sweaty. End of the Road Festival was a wonderful experience again, so, looking forward to next year's event. Most looked forward to gig for the rest of the year is I am Kloot at 93 Feet East in November. I'll be down the front!

Up and coming gigs.......

2007-07-20T03:11:00.000-12:00

Lloyd Cole @ Cambridge Shed - should be a blinder - saw him about 3 years ago at Hammersmith Apollo and thought he was ace.

Summer Sundae festival in Leicester - one of my favourite festivals around. Particularly looking forward to Cud as they were a favourite when I was in my late teens, Cherry Ghost because they're are great live and the album is amazing, and, Echo and the Bunnymen.

Tokyo Police Club @ Cambridge Soul Tree - I'm very intrigued.....

The Gossip @ Cambridge Corn Exchange - will she keep her kit on or not?

End of the Road festival in Wiltshire - can't wait to see the Bees again!

Prince at O2 Arena - OH MY GOD. You have no idea HOW excited I am about this.

Erasure @ Cambridge Corn Exchange - should be hilarious!

Jack Penate @ Cambridge Junction - he's such a cheeky chappie, who could resist?

The Enemy @ The Junction - again, I'm intrigued.

Maximo Park @ Cambridge Corn Exchange - give me those high kicks Paul.

Editors @ Cambridge Corn Exchange - fourth time and I still can't get enough. One of the most fragile yet booming voices ever.

OMD @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, June 2007

2007-07-20T03:02:00.000-12:00

I wasn't a massive fan when I was a nipper but there were certain tracks that gave me goosebumps so I thought I'd give them a whirl. For once the Corn Exchange's sound was spot on and the first half of the gig was superb - they played "Architecture and Morality" from start to finish and it sounded so fresh and experimental and new. Quite an achievement considering it was released in 1981! And then things went a bit downhill - for me. They played a "Hits" set and it sounded so unbelievably middle of the road and uninspiring. I couldn't actually believe it was the same band. The only tracks that really got me going were Enola Gay and If you Leave, (the latter due to my utter love of Pretty in Pink). But essentially a great night out - felt weird being one of the youngest people in the crowd too ;0)

Stuffy & the Fuses @ The Portland Arms, Cambridge, June 2007

2007-07-20T03:00:00.000-12:00

Energy, bounce, fun, riffs, LOTS of drums ;0) Tip top fun all round. Go see them and buy their album "Angels are Ace" - I guarantee it will make you smile.

Happy Mondays @ Cambridge Junction, May 2007

2007-06-14T00:21:00.000-12:00

Having seen the Mondays a couple of times before, I was a little unsure of what to expect at this gig. They've always been good fun but often a bit shambolic - Shaun forgot what song he was singing or what the words were and the band had to try to fit in around him and his (lack of) timing. However, tonight they were on top form. All the singing and Bezzing and music was in time, in as much tune as can be expected and, I happily danced my little heart out. Loose Fit lifted me up into a frenzy and I was thinking "This has to be one of the best songs ever written" but, when Hallelujah kicked in I started to think "No, THIS has to be one of the best songs ever written!" All in all it was a superb show and if only the crowd of largely beered up men had been friendlier, it could have been a perfect night out.

Low VS Diamond @ London Water Rats, May 2007

2007-05-16T06:02:00.000-12:00

Jesus this band are good. They know how to hammer their instruments, they know how to write, they know how to sing - they know it all. They played magnificently tonight; really looked like they were enjoying themselves and certainly looked comfortable onstage. I feel like I could happily see them every week and not get bored right now. Can't wait til the album comes out. They should be huge, huge, huge. Look out for them at the festivals this year - hopefully they'll be playing some - pop along and see them and be stunned.

Officer Kicks & Steriogram @ The Portland Arms, Cambridge, May 2007

2007-05-16T05:52:00.000-12:00

Officer Kicks were a tad late arriving - most of the band had been bamboozled by the Blackwall Tunnel closing - but they soon got it together and belted through a great set. They seemed a little rushed and flustered, understandably, but I think they still pulled it off. I still firmly believe that they are an excellent band with solidly written songs. I thoroughly enjoyed them - although I could have done without the constant arse cleavage from Fisher. Will someone please tell him to put some pants on at least!

Steriogram were just not my cup of tea. Plus they were killing my ears - it was SO loud. So, I didn't stick around. If you like Offspring and Rage Against the Machine and that kind of thing, you'll love 'em.

Mr Scruff @ Cambridge Junction, April 2007

2007-05-16T05:49:00.000-12:00

I danced and danced and danced ;0) There's not a lot esle to say really except the place seemed really busy. Excellent turn out for a Thursday night in Cambridge.

Fields @ Norwich Arts Centre, April 2007

2007-04-29T23:13:00.000-12:00

I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say they rocked and I sang my heart out :0)

Manchester VS Cancer @ the M.E.N. March 2007

2007-04-29T23:03:00.000-12:00

There was so much that was great about this gig: Echo and the Bunnymen were amazing -particularly Ian's voice - and when Hooky joined them onstage to do a New Order cover, I was bowled over. Paul Weller singing A Town Called Malice with the Charlatans was stunning but the Charlatans' own set was a real pleaser too - they played hit after hit. Ian Brown really connected with a lot of people, not with me unfortunately, but Noel Gallagher pulled me right back into the realms of awe. He really does know how to sing a song and came across as a very humble man. This event seems to be going from strength to strength and I can't wait to see who gets involved next year.

Cherry Ghost @ The Loft, Cambridge, March 2007

2007-04-29T22:54:00.000-12:00

Cherry Ghost hail from Manchester and you could therefore believe that this lot will have a certain sound. But, drop that assumption. Their sound is mesmeric, layered, melodic and extremely accomplished; along the lines of Elbow I think. It certainly wasn't a normal pub gig because I felt like I was in the presence of some extremely talented musicians! I was over-awed by how good they sounded in such a small space and the tunes floated and pounded in equal measure. A tip top gig.

Low VS Diamond @ The Portland Arms, Cambridge, March 2007

2007-03-27T02:27:00.000-12:00

Boy, do these American boys know how to play a tune! They nearly tore the roof off the Portland with their anthems and it was such a shame that there weren't more people there to witness it. They reminded me of the Strokes and the Killers but with their own twist on that kind of sound, and, the song construction was much more complex and sophisticated. I'm expecting big things from these guys and look forward to seeing them again sometime soon.

Buena Vista Social Club @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, March 2007

2007-03-27T02:23:00.000-12:00

Oh my word - what a gig? What a night? I had high expectations of this gig and in no way was I disappointed. The stage was full of talented musicians and singers and every small sound was a true moment. If you know any of the recordings you will know what to expect but seeing them performed live is one hell of an experience.

Gruff Rhys @ The Shed, Cambridge, March 2007

2007-03-27T02:16:00.000-12:00

This gig was entirely seated and it suited the "show" style of the "gig". Gruff waltzed up to the stage, via the audience, in his Candylion Airways Captain's uniform and it didn't take him two seconds to launch us off into a world of music created just by him, various musical toys, some kind of looping machine and a lovely lady whose name I shamefully can't remember. His laid back banter and Welsh explanations added to the intimacy of the event and every song was a real little wonder. I've never seen anyone build up a song from nothing, recording layer upon layer live and then playing it all back and singing over the top as if a whole band were right there with him. I felt like I was present at a very special occasion.

Eagles of Death Metal @ Cambridge Junction, March 2007

2007-03-21T21:39:00.000-12:00

I wasn't sure what to expect with this gig. EoDM can come across as a bit of joke at times but they have some great tunes so I gave them a go and it was more rocked and pumped than I could have possibly imagined. The sold out crowd were totally up for it and Jesse made everyone go wild with his excited banter and stage theatrics. I've never been to a gig where I have seen the rock fist before and it's quite a thing to behold! If you can ignore the fact that three quarters of the band look like, um, freaks, and you can appreciate a grinding guitar riff, you really can enjoy a pure wigged out night. Not sure I'd run back for more but it was definitely an experience I won't forget in a hurry.

Pure Reason Revolution @ The Loft, Cambridge, March 2007

2007-03-21T21:32:00.000-12:00

Either PRR have changed their style over the last three years or the last time I saw them I wasn't really paying attention! Either way - at this gig, they rocked in a big, big way. Imagine Rage Against the Machine mixed with Fleetwood Mac and you'll start to get the idea. Really. It was absolutely mental - like nothing I have ever seen. The lead guitarist had a whole bank of effects pedals that he used, well, to full effect - I managed to count 12 from where I was standing! It was just pure power, never mind a reasoned revolution. Throw all the rock/nu metal cliches out the window and go see them - they could change your life.

The Bees @ Cambridge Junction, March 2007

2007-03-21T21:27:00.000-12:00

The Bees were on fighting form. Proud of their new material they played it faultlessly and also gave the old tracks their all. The new stuff had more of a latino feel with lots of trumpets and raucous rhythms and so I danced, I sang, I smiled and I cheered. The band seemed impressed with the Sunday night Cambridge crowd and vowed they would be back. Let's hope it's not too long......

New Young Pony Club, Sunshine Undergound, CSS & The Klaxons @ Cambridge Junction, Feb 2007

2007-02-28T02:30:00.000-12:00

An interesting gig which completely freaked me out because of the number of children there! It just confirmed my suspicions that the NME has turned into the new Smash Hits - do they print lyrics in there now? (I guess I'm just showing my age). When I used to go to gigs at 14 or 15, I would be one of the youngest people there. At this gig I would have been a veteran! That aside, all of the bands were great. Nothing to make me wax lyrical but still good solid performances. I'd like to see NYPC and CSS in a dingy adult club to get the full effect.

Fields & Bloc Party @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, Feb 2007

2007-02-20T00:11:00.000-12:00

So I guess you know I only went to this gig to see Fields right? But I guess I ought to tell you about the whole gig.

Fields were all I hoped they would be; marvellous and beautiful, given the sound problems they were obviously having. It should have been a glorious, huge open space filled with their soaring sounds but as is often the case at the Corn Exchange, the sound gremlins were out to get them. Having said that, it didn't sound too bad, just a little distorted and overpowered at times. They only had 25 minutes to drown us in sound but, that they did. Starting off with the blistering "If you fail, we all fail", they then twiddled around in the middle with a couple of pretty songs, (I shamefully can't remember which ones), and ended on the monolithic Song for the Fields. I was pleased to see a lot of the crowd swaying around and smiling - hopefully it means a few more people out there have been converted to the way of Fields.

Bloc Party were much better than the last time I saw them. They have grown in terms of stage presence and actually looked like they were enjoying themselves - they looked comfortable and belted out each tune as if they really meant it. Sadly for me, I still felt that the hour long set was very patchy. I still think they have some fantastic songs but they also have a lot of "filler" tracks. Consequently they only excited me for about fifteen minutes. But hey, I can't love everyone! If you like Bloc Party and like they're albums, you won't be disappointed. If you're on the fence about whether or not you like them, I think you should save your money and energy in trying to get tickets and go see Fields on their own instead! Their headline tour starts in April! Hurrah!

Dan Sartain @ the Loft, Cambridge, February 2007

2007-02-08T06:27:00.000-12:00

I didn't really know what to expect at this gig but I thought I'd pop along. It was nicely busy and pretty much everyone there was really into Dan's music - it was real thrill for me to feel the buzz. He was rock n roll, blues, rockabilly and 50s swing all in one and it was a great combination. The sound was smooth and raw in all the right places and what with people dancing and smiling and singing all over the place, I got whipped up into the fun of it all. I really must buy the album to give it another listen. If you like Gallon Drunk and Nick Cave and Holly Golightly, you'll love him. If you don't, you should give it a go anyway - it's good to try new things ;0)

I am Kloot @ The Loft, Cambridge, Jan 2007

2007-01-28T07:16:00.000-12:00

This was the first gig of the year for me and I was very excited. But, being a new convert to Kloot I wasn't expecting to be moved all that much. How wrong was I? Extremely. I was knocked off kilter by how....... I can't quite find the words ....... how unbelievably talented, witty, intimate and accomplished all of the songs sounded. It was a stripped down Kloot, just John and Pete playing an acoustic style set, and it worked perfectly. The songs shone out as poetic, dark, bruised and real - and I felt every single sentiment. The fact that they played "Dead Man's Cigarettes" just because I shouted it out made it even more special. A superb start to the year; a gig that's going to be hard to beat.

Badly Drawn Boy @ Cambridge Junction, Nov 2006

2006-11-23T21:41:00.000-12:00

All I can say is draw droppingly great. No faults to find, no gripes and groans - the perfect gig. He played for 2 hours, he interacted with the crowd, he looked like he was enjoying himself, he gave it his all, his voice sounded wonderful, old and new songs sounded equally as beautiful. The man is a god. Nuff said.

Howling Bells @ the Junction Shed, Oct 2006

2006-11-23T21:31:00.000-12:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to go to this gig or not. I'd seen HB a couple of times and, although they'd always been great, I couldn't see what more they could offer - with only one album, I guessed they were just gonna play it again. But, I'd never been to the Shed before so I thought I'd give it a go. And the amazing sound made it all worthwhile. It was loud and clear with no distortion what-so-ever and I there were backing vocals and keyboard sounds that I'd never heard before. It gave the music a whole new lease of life; a real lift, and I was glad I'd made the effort. If you see a gig that you're not sure about and it's on at the Shed, I'd say it's worth going.

Fields @ 93 Feet East, London, Oct 2006

2006-10-25T00:27:00.000-12:00

I apologise now for my gushing but this band truly are spectacular.

The sound was a little dodgy in the venue but once that seemed to get sorted (or my ears adjusted), they knocked me sideways again. An unbelievably powerful wall of sound just hit me from every angle with every tune, and the melodies and harmonies swirled around on top like a snow flurry. It's phenomenal, the sounds that they manage to make and I can't see how I'll ever get bored with watching or listening to them play. Bring on the album - it can't come soon enough ;0)

Think of Ride and My Bloody Valentine and the Cocteau Twins all in a room together and you come somewhere near to their sound - but in actual fact, I think they're pretty unique. There's no-one out there doing what they're doing right now. And judging by the amount of press photographers at the gig, they're creating quite a buzz in the music world and, for once, it's deservedly so.

CORD @ The Portland Arms, Cambridge, Oct 2006

2006-10-17T21:26:00.000-12:00

I've been hearing "Sea of Trouble" on Radio 6 for a weeks now and every now and again, I still think it's Echo and the Bunnymen. That's why I wanted to go see this gig. I wasn't heartened by the horrendous review the album received in the Observer this weekend but I still gave it a go. And I'm glad I did. A huge amount of energy, excitement and sweat went into the gig and it drew me in to the stuff I probably wouldn't normally appreciate. Lots of influences seemed to be there from Radiohead, Muse, Echo....., Glam rock (!) - and even though I'm not running out to buy the album, I still enjoyed being entertained by a band who put their heart and soul into their whole set.

The Lemonheads @ Cambridge Junction, Oct 2006

2006-10-17T21:17:00.000-12:00

At this gig, they played a lot of semi old stuff - Ride with me, Bit part, Drug buddy, Rudderless, It's a shame about Ray, Into your arms, The great big no, Alison's starting to happen. That's all I can remember off the top of my head. The new stuff seemed to sit really nicely in amongst it all and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I guess it's good in that they're still doing what they do best or, is that bad because they haven't moved on........ Hmmm, I'll sit on the fence with that. It was all very frantic with barely any gap in-between songs and no banter. One hit after another - bang bang bang. That may have been because the set list ran to 2 sheets of A4 mind and they had to get through it!

I was amused to see that Evan's hair was still shoulder length and that he looked exactly the same. But, the best thing of all was that there was a lot of love on the stage - lots of interaction between the three musicians, which is always nice to see, and, essentially, they rocked. There was also a lovely acoustic set by Evan for about 15 minutes. It all made me smile :0)

Public Enemy @ Cambridge Junction, October 2006

2006-10-12T04:08:00.000-12:00

This was the best of gigs, this was the worst of gigs. The best bits were when Chuck D and the whole gang were on the stage making an almighty racket together. The worst bits were when Flavor Flav was left on his own to play drums, play far too many sh*te tracks from his solo album and generally talk twaddle at the end of the set. Shame......

The Big Ask @ Cambridge Junction, Sept 2006, Rotating Leslie and The Dogs

2006-10-09T20:37:00.000-12:00

"The Big Ask" is a Friends of the Earth Campaign to take the government to task over the issue of Climate Change - if you want to find out more check out the website at : http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/big_ask/

This gig was one in a series to raise money and awareness for the campaign, but I think that most people were there to see the bands - both of whom had a hefty fan base present. I knew very little about both bands but found the whole night "interesting".

Rotating Leslie really got me going. There was a lot of energy and passion in their set and the vocalist had a hugely powerful voice. I'm writing this retrospectively and I'm finding it difficult to describe what they sounded like but I seem to remember that there were lots of tight guitars and thumping drums to get your heart racing. The Dogs were a very different kind of band. At first I thought "It's the Jam fronted by Rhys Ifans", then I thought "They're telling stories like the Streets". But halfway through their set, the tempo was upped and the kids were in pogo and mosh pit heaven. All very strange to watch from a sober sideline and it completely distracted me from the music. I just remember a lot of aggression - not such a bad thing in music. I can't really say I enjoyed the gig, but like I said, it was "interesting".

The Pipettes @ Cambridge Junction, September 2006

2006-10-09T20:32:00.000-12:00

For those of you who don't know the Pipettes are a girl group of the old school. Think "Leader of the Pack" stylee with a modern twist. With their impeccable style and perfectly choreographed dance routines - these sexy, sweaty ladies were everything I hoped they would be. There was lots of singin' along, dancin' around and generally smiling all over. Great entertainment and a pretty much faultless show. My only gripe would be that one of the mics was a bit low in the mix.

End of the Road Festival, Dorset, September 2006

2006-09-26T05:53:00.000-12:00

This was the most perfect weekend of the year so far. A beautiful festival in a stunning setting with the friendliest festival crowd I have ever met. Thanks to Dan for the stolen rider beer - I hope you found your mate after the disco!

I was thoroughly wowed by the great and the good - Ed Harcourt, Badly Drawn Boy, Micah P Hinson, The Boy Least Likely To, Hush the Many, Stuffy and the Fuses, Chris T-T, Holly Golightly, Paris Motel, British Sea Power, Absentee, Superthriller and Dan Arborise. All were great but some were greater than others. Real highlights were Chris T-T, who made me laugh and cry in equal measure and reminded me how thought provoking and uplifting songs can be; Absentee who had me bobbing along and singing and dancing and smiling; Stuffy and the Fuses who made my Sunday bounce in all the right places; Superthriller who got me going when I was about to get "afternoon drinking" sleepy; Ed Harcourt who was an energetic maniac and, of course, Badly Drawn Boy who treated us all like we were his long lost mates round for a bit of a sing song.

Biggest thanks has to go to the organisers who managed to really set the tone at the perfect level. Somehow they managed to attract a crowd who loved music and being with people. I can't wait for next year's event and hope that it goes from strength to strength in all the right ways.

Secret Garden Party, August 2006, near Huntingdon

2006-09-14T22:23:00.000-12:00

More an adult fancy dress party than a festival, and all the more fun for it. Music was the background entertainment. Highlights were Officer Kicks, Holly slightly, Howling Bells and Robots in Disguise - although the latter was more for the entertainment they gave by running around on stage like lunatics and yelling, rather than any kind of musical ability - Oh yeah, and the fact that they had Noel Fielding from the Mighty Boosh with them did help - swoon :0) If only the camping field hadn't been so over crowded, it could have been the perfect weekend.

Summer Sundae, August 2006, Leicester De Montfort Hall & Gardens

2006-09-14T22:20:00.000-12:00

Always my favourite festival. Only managed one day this year due to other commitments but it was still a corker. Real ale tent, Cocktail bar, great music and lovely intimate site. Liam Frost and the Slow Down Family blew me away and Elbow were on good form as usual. I was mainly just glad to be there and take it all in.

Officer Kicks & Giant Drag @ Cambridge Soul Tree, July 2006

2006-08-08T22:05:00.000-12:00

Went to this very sweaty gig just before heading off on holiday and, it was a corker. Officer Kicks had the wit, confidence and savvy to pull off a string of catchy tunes. Verging on old school rock and early brit pop they really made an impression. I'm looking forward to checking them out again at the festivals to see how they rise to a bigger crowd.

Giant Drag were a real pleasure to watch. Just two in the band - one taking control of the vocals and guitar and the other with the drums and keyboard. Yes, you did read that right - he played drums and keyboard, at the same time! Incredible in itself but made even better because the music was great. Don't really know how to describe them but suffice to say they were so good that I bought the album the very next day.

The Bees @ Cargo, London, June 2006

2006-06-12T22:08:00.000-12:00

This was a very exciting gig - a small and intimate affair where the band debuted material for their upcoming third album, "Octopus". It was sweaty as hell but both the crowd and the band were full of energy. A few hiccups like a couple of broken strings and a mini power cut didn't stop the fun fest from gathering momentum. Favourites like We are the Ghosts, Horsemen and Wash in the Rain hyped everyone up to the max but the six new tracks, including The Listening Man and Who Cares also hit the spot. A fun night out was had by all.

Mr Scruff @ Cambridge Junction, May 2006

2006-05-30T00:19:00.000-12:00

One of the best nights out ever. From the minute I walked in to the second I left, I couldn't stop dancing and smiling. For those of you who don't know, Mr Scruff plays everything from reggae to funk to soul to Jazz and, erm, everything in between. There's no time to be bored or complacent and you never know what's going to crop up next. This night was no exception. I truly hope he comes back to Cambridge to treat us to some more movin' and a groovin'.

Average White Band @ Cambridge Junction May 2006

2006-05-30T00:17:00.000-12:00

Top fun night out with seasoned musicians making it all look far too easy! Yes they played their old funk classics but they also played some really cool soul music. It was great to see some straight looking people really letting their hair down.

NME New Music Tour - The Long Blondes, The Automatic, Forward Russia & Boy Kill Boy @ Cambridge Junction, May 2006

2006-05-22T00:01:00.000-12:00

Unfortunately, the only words I can bring myself to utter about three quarters of this gig are dull, boring, pants and uninspiring. Oh, and dated, over produced rubbish. I don't know why I bothered going.

The only band that captured me and saved the evening from being a complete non-event were Forward Russia. As usual they were magnificent. It was the third time that I'd seen them and I found that I had really warmed to their eccentric stage presence. But not only that, their music sounded so alive and inventive and raw.

If the other acts are what is being lorded as "New Music", god help us all.

The Howling Bells @ Cambridge Soul Tree, May 2006

2006-05-21T23:28:00.000-12:00

I liked this gig - a lot. I'm really looking forward to buying the album today so I can hear the songs again and I fully expect them to become firm favourites. The vocalist's voice was utterly beautiful and the whole band had a really gentle, calm and confident way about them, like seasoned professionals. Many songs were really "up" but there were a real mixture of darker, atmospheric offerings too - all of which were great. If I had to explain their sound I'd say think of Dolly Parton's voice singing Nick Cave's songs.................no, really. They're fab.

Fields @ Cambridge Soul Tree, May 2006

2006-05-10T20:43:00.000-12:00

OH. MY. GOD. Stop what you're doing. Right now. Go to www.myspace.com/songsforthefields and listen to the music there. Now imagine it played live. I guarantee you can't even come close to how good it sounds.

Last night Fields blew me away and became my new favourite band. Their songs sounded uniquely beautiful with soaring harmonies and huge, swirling guitars. They created a wall of sound that was made of flowering hedgerows, full of nesting birds; and then they made it bigger and more beautiful. They played confidently and majestically and they made the whole room buzz and glow. Do you get what I'm saying here? They truly were marvellous. They are marvellous. Please. Get into them. Love them. Let their music love you.

We are Scientists & Forward Russia @ Cambridge Junction, April 2006

2006-04-12T21:43:00.000-12:00

Forward Russia have that fantastic quality of being horrendously enthusiastic and chaotic. But, they have the talent to keep it together just enough to also sound superb. The energy with which they played tonight was astounding and seeing them for the second time made me realise what superb songs they write too. Can't wait to see them again in May. We are Scientists were pure entertainment from start to finish. Each song sounded like a classic and was played well. Totally infectious riffs and melodies with belter choruses. The added fun of the banter made me smile and laugh and love them more. They truly deserve their devoted following - I just hope that when Keith managed to get out of the mob at the end of the gig that he wasn't too damaged!

Graham Coxon @ The Junction, Cambridge, March 2006

2006-04-12T21:39:00.000-12:00

All I can say about this gig is that I left feeling utterly gutted. I saw Graham about 2 years ago at Camden Electric Ballroom and thought he was breath-taking. But, tonight, I felt let down by a poorly chosen set that went on and on and on and on. It was full of one self indulgent guitar solo after another and was quite frankly, boring. He plays well, his band are tight but I can't help thinking that a bit of editing on the set would have improved the show ten fold.

The Organ @ The Soul Tree, Cambridge, March 2006

2006-04-12T21:27:00.000-12:00

In my humble opinion this female Canadian band should be "way up there" instead of the likes of half the trash on the market. They play 80s inspired new wave music that would keep most Blondie/Smiths/Cure fans happy for hours, but they do it with a new edge. I was concerned that they wouldn't be able to cut it live but was pleased as punch with their performance because they managed to be mesmeric and understated and they just oozed nonchalant charisma. I swear to god that when I closed my eyes I felt like I was listening to Peter Hook, Debbie Harry, Robert Smith, Depeche Mode and Editors playing songs with lyrics written by Morrissey. And what made it so much more startling was that you could tell that the vocalist (Katie?) meant every single word of what she was singing. Stunning.

The Evens @ The Portland Arms, March 2006

2006-03-21T02:40:00.002-12:00

Anyone who remembers and loved Fugazi would instantly recognise Ian MacKaye - one half of Washington's The Evens. Last night he and Amy Farina created some beautiful and angsty tunes on their guitar and drums respectively. They shared the singing role but most importantly, they connected with their audience and created an intimate and friendly night. Sing-a-longs were encouraged, as were heckling and dancing. The entire audience was in awe and adulation and it was quite something to behold. I got caught up in the moment and bought the CD direct from Ian's sweaty paws - I'm looking forward to listening to it time and time again in an effort to relive the night.

Nine Black Alps @ Cambridge Junction, Feb 2006

2006-02-28T04:28:00.000-12:00

Having been blown away by Nine Black Alps twice, as a support act, I was really looking forward to this gig. Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that a great support act is all that they will ever be to me. They came out guns a-blazing and, for thirty minutes or so, were extremely exciting and visceral. But after that, I felt like they had nothing left to give me. I left just before the encore. However, you can't deny that they do have some cracking tunes up their sleeve. If you have the album, it's worth seeing them live. Personally, I think the album is over-produced and much too clean. I much prefer the raw, sweaty, dirtiness that is Nine Black Alps, but not for an hour....

Elbow @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, Feb 2006

2006-02-21T21:43:00.000-12:00

Another magnificent performance from the Bury boys, (maybe that should read men but it doesn't sound so good). They make it all look so effortless it beggars belief. High points for me were Newborn, Puncture Repair and Fugitive Motel but, it was all great. The audience were hanging on every word from Master Garvey and there were the usual cheeky words from the chatty chappy. I took along a few Elbow newbies and they were all suitably impressed. Why everyone in the world isn't whiled by the charms of Elbow I have no idea.

NME Tour: Mystery Jets, We are Scientists, Arctic Monkeys, Maximo Park @ Cambridge Corn Exchange, Feb 2006

2006-02-21T21:06:00.000-12:00

The buzz and excitement surrounding this gig was palpable and understandably so. NME had gathered all the bands that they had been hyping over the last few months and thrown them all into the mixing pot. Did it work? I think it did.

The Mystery Jets were an excellent warm up act - lively and entertaining with catchy tunes. We are Scientists had hilarious American bitchy banter and sounded superb. They were so powerful with crystal clear vocals that I just couldn't help but love them. Arctic Monkeys created one hell of a stir. People were literally desperate to see them and the mayhem that ensued in the biggest most pit I've ever seen was testament to that. I thought that they played well but there was little entertaining going on and as a result I got a bit bored about 20 minutes into the set. Luckily Maximo Park whipped up the excitement again to frenzied proportions and blinded me with their energy and showmanship. Anyone who can get that many high kicks and Elvis hips into one show deserves respect! They really made the show a live experience. It was one of those face achingly good gigs that really gets your heart pumping. For days after I was waking up with lyrics in my head and a smile on my face.

Nick Cave, Jan 2006 @ Cambridge Corn Exchange

2006-02-05T08:27:00.000-12:00

One of the most amazing musical experiences of my entire life - Nick Cave really does have to be seen to be believed. Looking like a country and western sheriff from the 1940s in his pin striped skinny fit suit and brown zipped boots, he had more stage presence than anyone I've ever seen before. He pounded the piano with all his might and controlled the crowd in their frenzied appreciation like a true pro. We were treated to the likes of Mercy Seat, The Lyre of Orpehus, Abbatoir Blues, Rock of Gibraltar, Red Right Hand but the finale in the second encore of Jack the Ripper totally blew me away. I've come to the conclusion that I could quite happily be entertained by Nick and his piano every day for the rest of my life and never be bored or any less stunned.

Manchester v Cancer, Jan 2006 @ M.E.N.

2006-02-05T08:16:00.000-12:00

As a 13 year old I was obsessed with New Order. As a 16 old the obsession moved to the Smiths, and, just when I thought musical obsessions were a thing of the past, I became obsessed with Doves and Elbow. I never thought for one moment that one day I would see all of them, along with the likes of Badly Drawn Boy and 808 State on one stage, but this night, all my wildest fantasies came true. Suffice to say the evening surpassed all of my expectations and made my face ache from smiling so hard, my throat sore from singing so loud and my hands sting from clapping for so long. Johnny Marr was a genius and New Order's pure Joy Division set was inspired. But,the moments that will live with me forever were those of Doves in collaboration with BDB, Bernard Sumner, Johnny Marr and Guy Garvey - surely a once in a lifetime experience. Photos are thanks to Sam again - I was nowhere near enough to get such good shots.

The Kooks, The Automatic @ Anglia Ruskin, Jan 2006

2006-01-30T03:38:00.001-12:00

The Kooks were captivating tonight. Well crafted sing along ditties were delivered well by a tight unit and inspiring front "man". They were a joy to watch and be nudged around to. The Automatic were competent musicians but their music wasn't anything new or inspirational. The mad keyboardist who was jumping all over the stage was more than irritating too. (Photo thanks to Sam).

David Ford @ the Soul Tree, Cambridge, Jan 2006

2006-01-17T06:32:00.000-12:00

First gig of the new year and I went on a whim - I'd heard that demand for tickets was high so thought I'd pop along. This lad has an amazing voice and is a fantastic musician, so I guess that's what all the fuss is about. Oh yeah, and he's a great performer too. A couple of the songs were a bit too MOR for me but mostly I was reminded of Damian Rice - which can't be a bad thing in my book. If you like singer songwriters who have more to offer than your average whingers and whiners, (no need to mention names here I guess?), then Mr Ford is for you. I suggest trying to see him whilst you still can without taking out a loan.

Elbow, Brixton Academy, November 2005

2005-11-28T18:32:00.000-12:00

I couldn't resist going to see Elbow performing stuff from their new album, so off I toddled to London. I've never been to a huge, exclusively "Elbow" gig before but it was great. I was surrounded by people who loved them just as much as me and I almost made myself sick by singing along so loud! The set list was well chosen with a good mix of powerful and beautifully delicate stuff and I honestly can't think of one song I wish they hadn't played and one I wished they had. As uplifting as ever. They're the only band I've ever seen who manage to make you feel like you're watching your mates play down the local pub.

Gorillaz, Manchester Opera House, November 2005

2005-11-28T18:18:00.000-12:00

This inspiring performance began with a daffy duck cartoon, just to get us in the mood, and then the stage was taken by a huge amount of performers - choirs, orchestras, guitarists, guest singers. Everything ran very smoothly, (apart from the beautifully shambolic performance from Shaun Ryder), and I just got blown away by the creativity of it all. It takes a special group of people to come up with something like this - I feel honoured to have been there. The pictures give you an idea of how great things looked.

Hard-Fi, Cambridge Junction, November 2005

2005-11-03T12:16:00.000-12:00

I had my reservations about going to this gig - I've been told they are terrible live. But, I'm a fan of the album and decided to give it a go - and I'm really pleased I did. The band had energy and presence onstage and really worked hard. They may not be the most gifted musicians but they put a lot of effort into giving it their best shot. As a result they came across as really genuine and honest and I wanted to urge them on and encourage them. I felt proud of them. The crowd were hanging on their every word and and chanting out the infectious choruses and I happily danced around in my own little world. It just goes to show that some bands with one album to tour can pull it off.

Magic Numbers, Cambridge Junction, October 2005

2005-10-17T15:07:00.000-12:00

These people love what they do and they're having a very good time - consequently, that meant I had a great time! Their voices have to be heard live to appreciate how gorgeous they are. High points? There's too many to mention them all but, their cover of Beyonce was way up there. See them live if you can - you won't regret it.

Bloc Party, Cambridge Corn Exchange, October 2005

2005-10-12T06:12:00.000-12:00

The atmosphere at this gig was fantastic-the crowd were desperate for the band and the majority of them loved every minute. I, on the other hand, didn't. The sound was pretty dire-Kele's vocals and Matt's drums were way too high in the mix for most of the night. Having said that, the stand out tracks on the album really blew me away but the bad sound made the "album filler" tracks pretty much unbearable. My photos are dodgy because I couldn't get anywhere near the stage to take a decent shot!

Editors, We are Scientists, The Cinematics, Cambridge Junction, October 2005

2005-10-06T09:47:00.000-12:00

My Camera decided to pack up on me at this gig so no photos - grrrrrr! Caught the last two tracks from The Cinematics and they sounded promising. Solid, tight guitars and all that. Have heard great things about We Are Scientists and I'm pleased to say I wasn't disappointed. They managed to mix poppy vocals with angular/spikey guitar sounds well. Lots of their songs start off sounding like one thing and then morph halfway through into another - then they go back again! All very interesting. Comes across great live but not sure how it will sound recorded. Editors were on fighting form. They seem to be able to adapt their sound to suit the size of the venue and it was amazing to hear them fill the Junction with a cacophony of sound. Trouser flapping bass, ear splitting guitars, smooth vocals and militaristic drums - perfect! They make it all seem so easy too.

Elbow, Blueroom Studios, Manchester, May 2005

2005-10-05T03:43:00.000-12:00

Part of the Carling live event in Manchester, this gig was in Elbow's recording studios. A beautiful place which was great for filling with beautiful music. If you don't know any of Elbow's stuff, shame on you - get out there and listen to some - they will blow you away with their power and emotion. Incredible musicians and songwriters like these are few and far between.

Doves, Cambridge Corn Exchange, March 2005

2005-10-05T03:33:00.000-12:00

A much bigger gig and I think the sound was all the better for it. Doves have such a huge wall of sound that trying to cram it into a small space can make it lose some of it's impact. (I got to jump around a bit more because there was more space too which is always good!).

Doves, Nottingham Social, November 2004

2005-10-05T03:20:00.000-12:00

This gig was mental - upstairs at the Nottingham Social which is about as big as a normal pub back room. They played lots of new songs from the then, unreleased, Some Cities. I think that they may have been extremely nervous but they managed to pull it off.

Rob Gretton tribute, Manchester Ritz, May 2004

2005-10-05T03:09:00.000-12:00

Here are some photos from the gig - 3 Doves and 1 ACR with Peter Hook. Doves played acoustic and the sound was great. I was particularly excited when Bernard Sumner joined Doves onstage to sing Bizarre Love Triangle!