Downtime

Hello, hello!

So, it's been a little while. I'd like to say I've been busy but I haven't. But...I could also use that as my excuse. That it's been so quiet there hasn't been anything to say. That's probably more like it. And the fact I keep forgetting I have a blog. And that it should be updated now and again.

Since my last post, I've been to some gigs. Not as many as I would have liked!

There was:

Iglu & Hartly (photos / video), lots of fun, despite the small crowd, they got us moving and we enjoyed it.

British Sea Power (photos), I didn't know their stuff at all, just one song I think - so this was a "try it and see" gig for me. They're very good at what they do, but I just don't get it. In the words of the Kaisers "it did not move me, it's not the kind of thing that I like - na na na na naa!" Seriously though, the best bit for me was the end - when the big ol' bear came onstage!

Elbow (video), bloody amazing. That is only the second time that I have heard the sound in the Cambridge Corn Exchange as near as dammit perfect. Editors was the only other time. It was the first night of the tour and there were a couple of hiccups, but no-one cared. The whole room loved them. I love them. It must have been a great gig...'cos I cried. That's always the mark of quality! And I think I've got a little girlie-crush on Guy Garvey...his voice is stunning. Forgot to mention...BIG RESPECT to them for winning the Mercury Music Prize for "The Seldom Seen Kid". Well deserved. Definitely one of my favourite albums of the year. More on that later...

Russell Howard. Oh, where to begin? Well, first of all, it was a comedy gig, hence no photos or video. Russell is so funny. It's observational, silly comedy at it's best. And he's quite cute to boot... ;) Check him out if you ever get the chance. I used to listen to him on BBC 6 music, but he's no longer on there. Very daft, but not over the top. This has got to be one of my favourites from him:



The Rifles (photo), they were okay. Good when they got going, which nearly didn't happen at all. The band took to the stage, tinkering with their instruments. Joel, the lead singer, put his guitar on and stepped up to the mic. He uttered the immortal words "Hello Cambridge!" and promptly got lamped squarely on the top of the head with a half-full pint pot. He took off his guitar and walked off stage. What a load of idiots...I don't get it. I never have. Why do people throw things (mostly unpleasant things) at a band they have paid to see and are supposedly fans of?? Anyhoo, about five uncomfortable minutes went by...I thought the gig might be off. I think it was their Tour Manager who came onstage and announced the band will be back on providing everyone behaves themselves. Everyone cheered and the show went on. They were a good band.

The Jesus and Mary Chain (photos), were absolutely brilliant. I'm so glad I got to see them. I hadn't planned to go, but a ticket became available and I took a chance. Wow, glad I did. Their sound is just immense. I can't really describe it. Maybe like a "wall of sound" and very, very loud. Brilliant!! I had heard of them, but their era was a bit before I got into music. I'd expected the music to be dour and miserable for some reason and I was pleasantly surprised. It was at The Forum, Kentish Town where I hadn't been before, so that was another reason to go. I like trying out new venues! I had a week to listen to their material before the show and I made the effort and downloaded (legally) about ten tracks to give me an idea. I like. Quite a lot. I can understand why they were influential to many other bands including the Pixies, Stone Roses and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Glad I took a chance on them. The downside was they were supported by none other than British Sea Power (yaaaawwn!!).

Black Kids (photos), YAY!! Black Kids are so much fun. They were superb live. Ladyhawke as support was a bit special too. I'm really loving her stuff at the moment. It was packed out in there. Can't wait to see them again. Alot of fun and sounding great! Woop woop!

Hot Chip (video / photos), amazing. Didn't expect to be jumping about from the off. But we were. We ALL were!!! Dance-tastic. Turned into quite a messy night. Note to self: Don't drink on a school night. Just say no to cider... :)

Phew! That's all for now... xx