End of the Blog.....

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.......

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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......