Category Archives: Gigs & Reviews

a Police song, solo with his guitar. He looks like he belongs in Bowling for Soup but has a sweet sweet voice. Hes then joined by various members of The Easy Star All-Stars (including the Sax player who has an uncanny resemblance to Big Brothers Preston). A great set which finished with a version of Peter Toshs Legalise it.

2 years ago I saw the Easy Star All-Stars and they were amazingly good. If you dont have their Dub side of the moon Id urge you to get it. The Floyd classic reimaging as a dub reggae album pure class! The woman who sang great gig in the sky note perfect was AMAZING and sadly not in residence tonight.

Then came Radiodread Reggae versions of Radiohead songs. Good, but not in the same league. Then at last years Glasto they did a whole set comprising of Sgt Peppers lonely hearts dub band.I wasnt that impressed.

Tonight.well.there were flashes of genius but I was, Im sad to say a bit disappointed. The new original stuff I liked. The bits of dub side of the moon still sparkle live – but the Sgt Pepper stuff was just..awful. I quite liked Shes leaving home but thats only cos that song has vivid memories for me. I remember hearing it as a kid and asking my mum (who married a man from the motor trade by the way) how can someone be living alone when they live at home? She just looked at me, gave me a half smile and said Youll understand one day.

The other highlight was when Cas joined them for one song. My tip ask him to join the band and drop the Sgt Pepper stuff.

Bob the chiropodist Continue reading →

We all agree that the Brudenell is a great place to see a gig. It’s also a great place to bump into nice people. Take tonight –  we sit next to a guy with a “No, I’m not Johnny Ramone” … Continue reading →

It’s been two years since the last Newcon and the gang reconvened at the wonderful ‘Fishmarket’ arts centre to talk Science Fiction, watch classic TV, listen to live music and drink real ale. Paul Cornell was one of the guests … Continue reading →

ck them out. It was the same night as The Vaselines but Hughsie H assured me they wouldnt be on until after 11. So, after one of the best nights out in a long time (The Vaselines and Haight-Ashbury were awesome!) I dutifully got myself along to Santiagos in town.

I got there about half eleven and as I entered there was a rather unusual act on – looked like someones mum/aunty, singing along to a 77 Iggy Pop soundtrackcouldve been interesting..but after what Id just seen at the Brudenell.. I asked the very competent DJ (anyone who plays Jonathan Richman is alright by me) if Id missed them No, they should be on in half an hour.

Ive not been upstairs at Santiagos in a long time but assume that the soft furnishings, the underwear dotted about, the soft toy filed sofa, were all the doing of the band (they had a rather cool furry backdrop). I didnt recognise Hughsie in the frightfully young and well-dressed crowd until the band squeezed past the crowd to get on stage. Hughsie was wearing a spangly silver jump-suit and tiara and the whole band looked very RocknRoll!

As for the music Think The Stooges – Raw Power tinged with a psychedelic undertone. The lead singer didnt do it for me unfortunately but then I guess Im not their target audience. Still, I look forward to hearing the single when it finaaly arrives on my doorstep. My ears were complaining of too much noise after a few numbers so I had to leave still without meeting Hughsie. Next time!

Bob the chiropodist Continue reading →

Im a new comer to The Vaselines. BBC 6Music is the soundtrack to our kitchen these days and I heard the track Sex with an X on there a while ago, instantly thinking I like this! Found out who it … Continue reading →