Jul
19
Mugison, Corsica Studios, 9th July
July 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment
At a guess there are probably a few converted railway arches posing as venues throughout London, Corsica at the Elephant & Castle proudly skips on the ‘converted’ — despite the incongruous picture of Dickie Davies that greets you upon entry and the balsa wood bar, nothing much can hide that you are in fact under […]
Jun
25
Jorge Drexler, Union Chapel, Thurs 19th
June 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Jorge Drexler was one of South America’s best-kept secrets until he went an won an oscar in 2004 for the soundtrack to Che Guevara flick “The Motorcycle Diaries”. Although the softly-spoken Uruguayan now lives in Spain his appearance at London’s Union Chapel was his first ever UK performance.
Jun
15
Camper Van Beethoven, Popular Songs of Great Enduring Strength and Beauty
June 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Someone told me the other day that he could never review music because they didn’t have enough references to pick their way through today’s plethora of new songs. Step forward Camper Van Beethoven — godsend for all wordshy journos, musical magpies and something of a soothing panacea for the tired ear of today.
Jun
15
Gnarls Barkley, Bush Hall, Fri 13th
June 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates When I was at school odd couples peppered the playground like a rash, everyone remembers their own version of the über-cool dude with the happy-go-lucky sidekick. While happy boy was dressed like a scruff only too pleased to please, […]
Apr
11
Hamfatter, Metro, Sat 5th
April 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Thanks to a shut M11 Hamfatter arrived at the dingy Metro with about 30 minutes to spare — just enough time to watch the previous act stick the mike down their throat and bellow out a good dose of power rock. It’s tough turning up late with no time for even a rudimentary soundcheck, I […]
Mar
18
Mishka Adams, Soho Pizza Express, 15th March
March 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates You can tell when Mishka Adams likes a song. A dire cover of Air’s ‘All I Need’ was smilelessly sung through clenched teeth while Pat Metheny’s ‘The Moon is a Harsh Mistress ‘ was a real joy, sung with […]
Mar
8
The Storys, Soho Revue Bar, 6th March
March 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The following review appears in the latest edition of London’s premier music ‘zine, London Tour Dates Retuning instruments between songs is a pet hate of mine but in the name of chordal harmony I am oft prepared to swallow this unreasonable prejudice. Tweaking your strings during a song however, is surely beyond the pale. Seriously, […]
Feb
23
The World Today
February 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Editor Thomas Dahlhaus explains the ethos of The World Today on the BBC World Service. Asking the not very taxing questions is yours truly, camerawork by Russell Newlove, lighting (including that amazing “slash” background”) by me after a lot of faffing around and general trial, error and exasperation . . .