Aug
4
Going east?
August 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you’re planning a trip to one of Europe’s little secrets — Estonia — then let me point you in the direction of Est Adventures. Run by Melbourne expat Andrew, this gutsy tour company does something no other Estonian operator seems to be doing: piercing the tourist bubble and taking the unwary visitor to some […]
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 […]
Jul
10
Les Contrepèteries
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The French have given us many great things : donkey salami, sultry women who dress well, the world’s best cuisine, militant farmers and, thankfully, a deep-rooted fear of the encroaching English language . . . . . .If you have a childish , almost puerile sense of humour (and a small grasp of French) then […]
Jul
2
The Radio Academy held a radio conference in Glasgow this week. I was lucky enough to attend . . read on if you’re interested.
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, […]
Jun
3
10 Covers
June 3, 2008 | 5 Comments
A good cover version can bring out the best bits in an already great song and, as with One by Johnny Cash, can polish them like diamonds. Or it can make you rediscover a lost classic as happened for me with the Ataris’ version of Boys of Summer. Some covers are so unique that they […]