| Author | Message | ||
     Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 10048 Registered: 05-2005 |
This is a show I'd like to go to - a tribute to the late Andrew Brough. Who knows, maybe there will be a travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand by then. https://www.flyingnun.co.nz/blogs/news/a ndrew-brough-tribute-show-announced?mc_c id=cd020ed17e&mc_eid=76b3bc8695 | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 673 Registered: 08-2005 |
Robert Forster has cancelled his 2021 UK dates citing COVID uncertainty. That was one of two gigs I'd bought tickets for later this year, along with Laura Veirs. I was due to see Belle and Sebastian at an outdoor gig in Bristol on July 16. That, too, has just been cancelled, though I surprised they left the announcement so late. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Hugh_nimmo Post Number: 1364 Registered: 03-2007 |
If this gig goes ahead it should be a great night. https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/7410 3/The-Chills-and-The-Bats---Scatterbrain -Tour.utr | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 4609 Registered: 03-2005 |
Wow. That sounds so great. What a great occasion that would be to make a first visit to NZ! Sigh. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 10109 Registered: 05-2005 |
I've just found what will be my first concert since November 23, 2019. And it's an old favourite https://www.cityrecitalhall.com/whats-on /events/singular-voices-robert-forster-s olo/ | ||
| Ric Member Username: Ric Post Number: 10 Registered: 05-2019 |
tempting, even with the 21,000 mile round trip | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 675 Registered: 08-2005 |
Ric, I'm with you on that - and since I started eBaying loads of stuff I no longer need/use/want after being made redundant, I've got an extra Ł1500. I'm not sure my wife would approve of me using it for that purpose... She was okay with the thought of me going to Europe for a gig a few years ago, which I didn't go to in the end (the Chills, I think). but I had a regular income then! | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 529 Registered: 05-2005 |
Not a gig, but if you're in London in july... https://www.facebook.com/ltmrecordings/p hotos/a.425541907482074/4116749771694584 | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 1429 Registered: 04-2005 |
Yes ! The return of live music !!! Tickets booked for Pomme, Feu! Chatterton and Big Thief... | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2032 Registered: 08-2006 |
Went to see my first club show since the shutdown - Archers of Loaf at a cramped and crowded club. I wore a mask but I realized after a bit I couldn't talk to my pal so I ditched it. Great show and great to see live music but it's gonna take a while before I feel comfortable respirating among a group of my fellow humans. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 10155 Registered: 05-2005 |
You are braver than me, Rob. I'm double vaxxed but, even if Sydney wasn't in lockdown, would not be going to a crowded club show. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2034 Registered: 08-2006 |
My calculus was that the Archers would attract an older, educated crowd, which combined with Chicago's high general vax rate, would reduce risk. Was it the best idea? Maybe not. But if my last words are "I got to hear 'Web in Front' live one last time," that'd be on brand. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 366 Registered: 05-2005 |
Anyone going to see Eddie and the Dreamers in Edinburgh or maybe even Wick next week? | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 367 Registered: 05-2005 |
Did I say Eddie and the Dreamers? I meant Edwyn Collins. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 368 Registered: 05-2005 |
Saw Edwyn Collins play last night. He received a warm reception from the normally cold hearted Edinburgh folk. He was aided and abetted by Carwyn and Patrick on acoustic guitars and in the case of Carwyn backing vocals. Significa include: the white slip-ons have made a return. This is surely good news. Ed got the words wrong a couple of times but this only endeared him more to the audience. Highlight imho was 'Low expectations', one of his slower more delicate numbers live. Ed got a frog in his throat and had to restart 'Don't shilly shally' (a rare turkey from his canon imho). Tip: for anyone going to Edinburgh Park gigs this August, buy your beer in advance and hide it on the way in. At the venue a bar sells airline sized cans of beer for Ł4.50 a pop. Setlist as follows: Falling & laughing, Hope & despair, I guess we were young, Low expectations, In a nutshell, If you could love me (according to Ed. unrehearsed spur of the momemt performance of this song), Leviathian, Home again, Rip it up, Don't shilly shally, A girl like you, Blueboy. So no new material but a very enjoyable experience all the same. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 4660 Registered: 03-2005 |
Wow. An actual concert. I almost can't remember what they're like. Thanks for the report fsh. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 369 Registered: 05-2005 |
You are welcome Randy. I saw Warren Ellis remotely at Edinburgh Book Festival being interviewed about his new and first book which is about Nena Simone's chewing gum, well it's about how objects can instill various attachments. Warren could compete successfully in any talking marathon. Thankfully, he was amicable and entertaining. He recounted living in a hostel in Edinburgh for a couple of months back in the 80's and busking outside Waverley Railway Station. He also played on Robert Forster's 'I had a new York girlfriend' (the disowned album) but strangely enough, that didn't come up. Tracey Thorn appears at the Book Festival on Fri 27 Aug 17:30 - 18:30. If you don't fancy travelling to catch Tracey you can book to watch it online at the link below and send in questions, some of which are read out. I haven't been to any of the live interviews Tracey has done to promote the book so I'm looking forward to hearing this. https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festiva l/whats-on/tracey-thorn-music-memories-a nd-the-blue-moon-rose | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 688 Registered: 08-2005 |
The last gig I went to in the Before Time was Emily Barker at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham in early March last year; the next gig will be Simon and Garfunkel Through the Years (featuring neither Simon nor Garfunkel)... at the Pound next week. A fitting return. This is followed by Laura Veirs in October. I'm also getting fitted for noise-reducing ear protectors for a round of gigs that I hope will take in the Undertones and Half Man, Half Biscuit among many others this autumn and winter. These reduce the volume without reducing the quality, apparently. I usually use ordinary ear plugs so I'll be intrigued at how these work. I want to protect my hearing for as long as possible. If things don't go wrong, of course, which I wouldn't bet against in the UK. All the best out there. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 534 Registered: 05-2005 |
I have cautiously bought some tickets for 2022. Rolling Blackouts, Nada Surf, Kings of Convenience. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 4667 Registered: 03-2005 |
Simon, any information about those ear protectors would be very welcome. And good luck with your upcoming shows. Half Man, Half Biscuit were pitched up by the shuffle playback on my iPod yesterday. Being a Californian, half the time I have no idea what they're going on about but this one gave me a laugh. Sorry, I don't remember which track it was, but it came from the combo CD of Back in the D.H.S.S. and The Trumpton Riots. They seem a perfect lure out of the turtleshell of pandemic living. I hope all your 2022 shows take place TROU. Indeed I hope I get to some myself though I have yet to identify any that I want to try. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2035 Registered: 08-2006 |
Saw Wilco and Sleater-Kinney at an outdoor place in the Seaport district of Boston. I'm not a huge Wilco fan but they were amazing. It was kind of a greatest hits show, I guess, and I was surprised how many of the songs I knew. Sleater-Kinney has expanded to a six-piece and while they're one of my very favorite bands I feel like they're less interesting and visceral than they were as a three-piece. | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 689 Registered: 08-2005 |
Randy, I'll keep you posted, I'm not being fitted for a week or two and it could be a while after that I wear them to a gig. I suffer from occasional mild tinnitus (possibly partly stress related) but I want to make sure it doesn't become a chronic conditition. | ||
| fsh Member Username: Fsh Post Number: 371 Registered: 05-2005 |
Some of you Children of the Revolution may recall that Robert F. was scheduled to play The Strathaven Hotel outside Glasgow on his cancelled UK tour this year. Well Strathaven hosted the Bluebells last night along with James Kirk/The Secret Goldfish playing support. There was a third band at the bottom of the bill whom I missed completely. Only caught the tail end of Kirk/Secret Goldfish set. Their last two songs were Moscow and Felicity (which Orange Juice would have been playing 41 years ago around the time the Go were part of the Young Sound of Scotland. The Bluebells were hanging out with the Postcard gang back then too. They played all the hits and a host of b sides too. A very enjoyable set interspersed with observations on the size of their aging audience (xl & xxl t-shits sold out). Incidentally, the venue takes about 240 and is all on the flat apart from the stage - a nice wedding venue if you're so inclined. I was sifting thru stuff on the merch stand, looking in particular at bluebells stickers when a bloke helpfully interjected that they were window stickers and the sun shining thru would project the colors of the sticker on your wall or floor. I looked up and it was Ken McCloskey (the lead singer, speaking to .... me). Mon Dieu. Great nite and I did buy a couple of them stickers in the end. | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 1443 Registered: 04-2005 |
Cheers for that fsh ! 41 years ago you say ? That's frankly scary. I was never much one for the Bluebells but the McCluskey Brothers records were great. Here's "She Said to the Driver" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh4T8wLG AjY | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 4670 Registered: 03-2005 |
That's a nice song Andrew. I have not previously heard any McCluskey Brothers. A previous post of the Bluebells on here left me with the conclusion that they are not my sort of thing. But after "She Said to the Driver" the next thing that youtube pitched at me was this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIDJzvU1 PcE Is there a connection? It seems pretty random. Have I accidentally stumbled onto the Andrew Kerr classics playlist? ("Je suis Communiste" after all . . . . :-)) | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 1444 Registered: 04-2005 |
Randy, No connection that I know of ! But apparently Cornelius Cardew was a communist...and the McCluskey Brothers recorded "The John MacLean March" (MacLean was a notable Scots communist) on their first album. I'm probably under surveillance. | ||
| Austin Member Username: Bruegelpie Post Number: 229 Registered: 09-2004 |
(Moving this from "song of the day" thread) Yes I did see Phoebe Bridgers yesterday Rob. The venue was the Aretha Franklin bandshell in Detroit, which is right on the Detroit river, and across the river is Canada. It is positioned such that the artists' backs are to the river, and a seat in the stands provides a view of the band plus the expansive river and sky (there is no "backdrop" for bands - it is an open view). While the opening band, MUNA, was playing we had a tremendous thunderstorm, with gale-like winds, huge amounts of rain and lightning. The band and equipment were getting soaked, so they were told to stop playing "for 10 minutes." (Unlike most outdoor shows that I've seen, it is the audience, not the band, that is well covered by the amphitheater roof.) The 10 minutes turned into 45 minutes, which provided a great view of lightening and rain looking out onto the river. Phoebe came on at least an hour after she should have started, and like you mentioned happened at Pitchfork, Rob, the mostly young audience had a Beatles-like reaction. Clearly Phoebe's songs of depression and isolation stuck a cord. While the audience was mostly college-age women, there were groups of men in attendance too. Her skeleton sweatshirt and sweatpants were mimicked by more than a few in the audience, and Phoebe had the giant grin that you described at Pitchfork. I really enjoyed most of her songs, and the audience sang along. (But happily, not too loud.) Because the storm knocked out credit card service at the venue, the bar couldn't sell too many drinks, which I think helped keep people focused on the music. This was my first show where everyone had to show proof of vaccine, which made the line for getting into the venue long, since 6,000 or so cards had to be matched to your name on your ID card. (Other events require a vaccine OR a negative COVID test. This was the first you had to have the vaccine to see the show.) Yet only 3 days earlier I attended another outdoor event, a University of Michigan football game, with 107,000 other people, and neither vaccines nor masks were required (although many had masks, like me). I don't understand how these very different rules came to pass at venues 50 miles apart. I've decided that I will do what is required for each event that I attend, and not question the logic of it all.... | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 10184 Registered: 05-2005 |
Austin, I saw that football game crowd on TV in Australia. Super-spreader event, guaranteed. You’re brave to have gone to the game. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2039 Registered: 08-2006 |
Glad the show was good, Austin. I love how that skeleton thing has become such a part of her brand. As far as vax requirements, I think most music venues and festivals have them in place. The last three shows I've been to - Patti Smith, Wilco/Sleater-Kinney and Pitchfork, all required proof of vaccination or a negative test, and all three of them were outdoors. I wonder if sports arenas don't do it because of season ticket holders, who might balk at the restriction. Just a thought. | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 1447 Registered: 04-2005 |
Rob, Did you see Big Thief in the end then ? Phoebe Bridgers' success is quite remarkable, but deserved. But even with her first album I thought it was a shame that the production wasn't very sympathetic to some of the songs and "Punisher" is even worse to my ears. I was stunned recently to see that her first couple of vinyl singles are going for hundreds of dollars on Discogs. I've got both "Killer" and "Smoke Signals" (same version as on the album I think) | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 693 Registered: 08-2005 |
Just bought tickets for (Bath-based band) the Korgis, at a 70-or-so-seater venue to launch their new album in December. Should be interesting. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 537 Registered: 05-2005 |
Fontaines DC in Luxembourg. Best place to see them near me. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2040 Registered: 08-2006 |
Andrew: I missed your query. I did see Big Thief and they were terrific. It's amazing how much sound a small band can put out. I'd love to see them in a non-outdoor venue — I bet they sound great. | ||
| Andrew Kerr Member Username: Andrew_k Post Number: 1449 Registered: 04-2005 |
Hi Rob, Cheers for the Big Thief reply. Hopefully I'll catch up with them next year in February. Got a ticket for Bordeaux and it's a pretty small venue. I love their spontaneity. | ||
| Austin Member Username: Bruegelpie Post Number: 230 Registered: 09-2004 |
I was having a really shitty day yesterday, but boy did my day turn around after seeing one of my favorite bands, Drive By Truckers. If you don't know them, they have dual songwriting team like the Go-Bees, but not similar music, since they are what I would call southern rock or alternative country. It is the lyrics that cemented my affection for the band, with one vivid narrative after another in their songs. They started the show with 3 of their best - "Birthday Boy, "Righteous Path" and "Gravity's Gone." Lately their songs have become overtly political, which seems unnecessary to me because many of their songs already have a political undercurrent. If you don't know the band, Southern Rock Opera is a great place to start. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 2042 Registered: 08-2006 |
Big yes to this, Austin. I've seen 'em about six times and they're killer live. I'm a big fan of "Brighter Than Creation's Dark," but that's almost arbitrary - they've never made a bad album and several great ones. Hard to believe Jason Isbell used to be in this band alongside Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley. It'd be like the Go-Betweens having, say, Roddy Frame in the band back around "Spring Hill Fair." Almost too much songwriting talent for one roof. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 539 Registered: 05-2005 |
Black Country New Road, first concert since a long time. Very very young musicians for a more older public. Their music is unclassifiable, sometimes complicated. Nice to see that. | ||
| Burgers Member Username: Burgers Post Number: 191 Registered: 05-2005 |
Courtney Marie Andrews solo, bar some harmonies from the support act, in Manchester. Brilliant. | ||
| Austin Member Username: Bruegelpie Post Number: 232 Registered: 09-2004 |
Saw Beach Bunny last night in Detroit. What a bouncing, fun time it was listening their power-pop tunes containing funny and sometimes biting lyrics. For a young band with only a few releases, they sure do have more than their fair share of catchy tunes. A couple months ago I wrote about hoping to be able to attend the Shaky Knees festival, and happily I attended last weekend. It was exactly the self-care that I needed - listening to music 10 - 11 hours per day for 3 straight days. Lots of great bands, happily, with highlights for me being White Reaper, IDELS, The Hives, Arlo Parks, St. Vincent, Modest Mouse (they were actually really good live, I am happy to report), Tennis, Delta Spirit, Geese, the Strokes and many more. The weather couldn't have been better - mid to high 70s. It is the best, most alive, that I've felt in 24 months. Live music really is a life-affirming, rejuvenizing experience for me. Off to Elvis Costello tonight! | ||
| Austin Member Username: Bruegelpie Post Number: 233 Registered: 09-2004 |
Just getting around to posting about the sheer joy I experienced a couple weeks ago when I was able to see Nada Surf perform 2 nights in a row. I don’t think the band had ever performed back-to-back shows in Michigan, and I leapt at the opportunity. (The shows were COVID postponed twice before finally occurring.) The first night, in Detroit, was a tour-de-force of greatest hits and songs from their new album (which I really like). (I suppose the album really isn’t new anymore since it was released shortly before COVID hit.) The audience sang and pogoed along to most of the songs. Bassist Daniel Lorca injured his ankle and knee and couldn’t join the tour. He was replaced by Ed Valauskas, who did a fine job. The second night in Grand Rapids, at a slightly smaller venue, was the better show. The band was tighter, and the stage position allowed for a great view of the band, particularly drummer Ira Elliot. He was a joy to watch. (He developed quite a fan club during the show and received a huge ovation at the end of the night.) Both nights ended with Matthew and Ira performing a lovely unplugged and acoustic version of “Blizzard of ’77.” | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 10219 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thanks, Austin. That sounds fantastic. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 542 Registered: 05-2005 |
Saw again Barbara Carlotti in Bxl presenting her strange Corsican record. Due to covid, it was a (limited) seated concert but, at one point, the security staff was quickly overlooked by spectators standing up. There was even a stage invasion when Barbara invited the audience to come and dance with her. The concert was perfect, with excellent musicians. I ll'won't hesitate to see her again. | ||
| Simon Withers Member Username: Sfwithers Post Number: 695 Registered: 08-2005 |
Saw Bath-based band the Korgis - famous for If I Had You and Everybod's Got to Learn Sometime - play at a tiny venue in Bath. They played the whole of their new album followed by their 80s hits in what was a very impressive gig. Other than that I'm still avoiding gigs and socialising generally as I'm recovering from Covid, probably the Delta variant given my cold- and flu-like symptoms. I've been double vaccinated and I hate to think how I'd have been if I'd not been jabbed. I have my booster on Friday, which will hopefully reduce my chances of suffering badly if the Omicron variant comes my way... | ||
| Stuart Wilson Member Username: Stuart Post Number: 2023 Registered: 10-2006 |
Good to hear you're ok, Simon! If you got Covid, I don't know how long ago it was, do you need the booster though? Your veins should be fizzing with anti-bodies at the moment! | ||
| david Unregistered guest |
hi Simon, i had covid too in August - a few months after my 2nd jab in may. it was ok thanks to vaccines. if you've just had it please check with docs before booster as your lymph nodes can get over excited if booster is too soon and its sore rather than dangerous! |