this is the news
I film some of the bands I watch.
Click this to look at pictures I take of bands.
16/01/2012
An odd thing has happened to me recently. Hardcore has come back into my life in a big way. Not the whole DIY, “do it as Minor Threat did it or get the hell outta here” way but just listening to solid heavy music that is creative and interesting or just damn pummelling regardless of what record label they are on. It started early probably around 18 months ago when I saw Throats and Rolo Tomassi play and was utterly intrigued by it. Then my band got back together and over the past year I have saturated myself in the sound.
Recently November Coming Fire, Humanfly, Hang The Bastard, Trash Talk, Bastions, Maths and of course Converge have been getting some heavy plays on my stereo. I thought I’d never feel this way again about heavy music, don’t get me wrong there is still the same amount of shit haircut bands as there ever was and the moshy, macho old school chuggy bands still make me wince with embarrassment but I feel like these are exciting times, just check out the new video below from Hang the Bastard and you’ll see what I mean.
16/12/2011
So what am I looking forward to most next year….. this, that’s what.
11/12/2011
I was watching NME’s fave video’s of the year and I came accross this gem from DURAN DURAN, it’s a long but clever video which is ultra gloss and looks like it cost stupid money. Plus the song it is for (Girl Panic) happens to be the best thing they have written since Skin Trade back in 1986 so……. well done them.
27/11/2011
Saw these guys a couple of weeks ago and left very impressed with them. great to watch a modern hardcore band with no mucho posturing.
24/11/2011
Here is a short live set from a band a fell for reciently called PETER KERNELL. It was filmed in Paris on the band’s recent tour. I can’t get it to embed on this page so here is the link.
22/11/2011
Loving this right now.
20/11/2011
When I first heard Rough Comforts it was one of those moments that you rarely experience when you’re a music hound looking for anything new out there that could possibly excite your jaded rock n roll heart. Not only did I find the music I downloaded thrilling and spine tingle inducing but it was utterly surprising to hear the melodies emanating from my speakers. I did not expect James Davies, local pioneer of indie rock (Cups On Strings) and old hand at crunching hardcore noise (Babies Three) to produce a fully formed and gentle approach to his song writing.
Last year he sent me a selection of his songs and my favourite was a track called Silly Girl which rattled around my head for weeks after I first heard it. The vocal melody and delivery were subtle delicate things but the hooks were huge and he sings in a high register and the voice itself seems so fragile that it could just crack and fall apart at any point. As for the lyrics they are far from whimsical but still have a child like naivety about them, they are playful and honest. I listened to it so much that the rest of the tracks didn’t really get a look in. when I finally got around to listening to the other songs properly there was no way to describe how I felt, I wanted to tell the world they should be listening to this stuff but because I know the guy I just felt that it’s going to be seen as a bit of a cop out to have a friend bigging up his music. How would he react? He’s a stubborn bastard that refuses to tour these songs and appears to be totally opposed to playing any type of game to get noticed. I asked him why he doesn’t covet recognition let alone fame and he simply replied that “that the songs are for people to discover on their own and if anyone get’s anything from them then I consider that success”. I mean, how obtuse is that?
Well, its a few months later now and you can download (for free I might add, or pay something if you wish) the uncompleted debut album simply called Self Titled off of bandcamp. CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK. He has chosen not to include Silly Girl which is crazy but the album does include my favourite song I have heard so far this year in Negative Capability. I would recommend this over anything else I have heard this year easily and what’s better is that it’s due to be completed by Christmas so keep returning and downloading as he pieces it together. It seems ludicrous to include James amongst these artists but if the likes of Nick Drake, Jeremy Enigk, and Lou Barlow have floated your boat in the past then Rough Comforts are going to make you the happiest son or daughters of bitches out there.
30/10/2011
There are four pretty smart shows coming up in Margate & Canterbury over the coming months. BASTIONS are coming to town with Holy Roar’s END REIGN in support. It’a gonna be a noisy one for sure. That show is at the Westcoast Bar on sun 13th Nov. A few Days later on Fri 18th Nov at the same venue a quieter all dayer is taking place. The most exciting thing for me is that this will be the first time I get to see the utterly magestic ROUGH COMFORTS in action. I’ve heard from the main man Jim Davies himself that his shows can be either hit or miss but there is no denying that his free album entitled “Self Titled” has been the highlight of my music year. Click here to download it for free. A few days following that show on Thursday 24th Nov at Casey’s in Canterbury there is a free show featuring mathy rock types TANGLEHAIR and DELTA: SLEEP. Finally on the 31st January 2012 we have THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER from the US of A coming to town with SKELETONWITCH in tow at the Westcoast (again). That is gonna be so much fun. Maybe funny but fun none the less.
19/10/2011
I have reviewed some stuff this month. Some of it for my 80′s book and some is new. Also the band i sing in, BABIES THREE has confirmation that our new album will be released by ENGINEER RECORDS at some point next year. Gig wise things are a bit quiet in margate at the moment but lots coming up. I’ll spill those beans soon for now read some of this shcnizbit.
2011 reviews: DUM DUM GIRLS, FUCKED UP, LITTLE ROY, MEGAFAUN, PETER KERNEL, STEVE MARTIN & THE CANYON RANGERS
1980′s reviews: BOB DYLAN, BUZZCOCKS, DESCENDENTS, SEPULTURA
08/10/2011
There are three kinds of people that love She and Him, the ones who love Zooey the movie star, the one’s that love her incredible 50’s throwback voice and M. Wards mother. Well, below is a karaoke track of Zooey having a stab at Crazy and it’s my favourite stuff she’s sung since Baby, It’s Cold Outside on the Elf soundtrack many moons ago. I adore that voice, it’s so lush and creamy and full off passion and innocence all at once. As an extra xmas pressie for me this year She & Him will also be releasing a Christmas album just like Dylan did last year. Christmas and that voice. My word that’s gonna be lush…
6/10/2011
Here is another slice of PETER KERNEL, I so love this band.
30/09/2011
So my band BABIES THREE has two shows coming up over the next week. I have to admit I love the process of writing music again, the music is dark and angry as hell. It’s very cathartic to get in a room and scream until I have nothing left. We are doing this run of support slots at the moment while we find our feet. We are in the middle of writing an album thats over half way done now. People have accepted we are not gonna play any of our old songs any longer. And these songs are so good. I just cant wait to get them recorded.
And for those that love BJORK and have chosen to follow her on her journey of experimentation and exploration rather than desert her as the hits dried up will wet themselves over her new record Biophilia….. It’s a smasher
23/09/2011
Currently loving this tune at the moment from a band that’s new to me but have been knocking about for a good five years at least, PETER KERNEL. This track is off of the bands new album White Death Black Heart. It reminds me of Goo era SONIC YOUTH. Maybe not in sound but in style and defo in the way the track is ultra sassy without trying too hard to take itself seriously……
21/08/2011
It’s been a while since I was last inspired by an artist, let alone by someone I know but it just so happens that the drummer in my band, James Davies, the guy who smashes that snare like no man’s business. The fellow that writes these intense riffs and songs full of cinematic edge and climatic bombastic furore also writes these gently beautiful tunes which he records and releases for free under the moniker Rough Comforts.
Every scene has these maverick musician types that are able to branch out and do something on their own but none quite get it as right as Rough Comforts. To call it folk music is to diminish its appeal to fans from other genres. It deserves to be heard. A lot. And it’s FREE so do the biz and get yourself some proper Sunday morning music. This is the all-important link.
31/07/2011
So I started writing on this blog again. See my July review pile here. Whilst I was gone I found that the hit rate had gone up and up over the past few months, probably since I got a mention in The New Yorker for my 1983 top ten LP’s. Another thing that surprised me was people using my interviews as reference sources in Wikipedia. All these things help I guess. So thank you for caring peoples.
My merchandise business (BLACK DIAMOND MERCHANDISE) is going from strength to strength. We recently got asked to print a poster for a local Algernon Cadwallader show. Starting up a business takes away every piece of what me and the misses used to call spare time so I apologise if I take a while to reply to your emails based around this blog. I do get back eventually.
This week Amy Winehouse perished. I first saw her on Jonathan Ross’s talk show back when Frank was released. After a rather funny interview she played an incredible version of I Heard Love Is Blind. Although the follow up LP Black To Black was the successful one, Mark Ronson managed not to suck the life out of Frank so that’s how I will remember her best. I listened to it so many times. I just loved that voice and her spunk. What she became, well. I love a rock star fatality as much as the next man, but when you take that many drugs the music becomes an afterthought so I wasn’t expecting too much from the next record. A friend told me that before she died she had left us with 13 more tracks, almost completed too. Hopefully Ronson won’t get his dated grubby paws on them and water them down for what he thinks is the current sound that the kids are listening to. Until then I’d like to remember her like this. Not as that wasted tabloid drug puppet that I see every time she is appears on the TeleMcvison . Wallernotweller out x
26/07/2011
I’m listening to soundtracks an awful lot right now. Mainly John Williams ones based around the movies I loved as a kid. They still count right, music snobs? Raiders and Star Wars etc. Not only that but I’ve been watching more TV than ever, catching up with Fringe and Weeds, even venturing out to the cinema to catch a couple of films. Things are changing around here. I need some fresh musical inspiration.
The only thing that’s floating my boat right now is the last two Steve Martin Bluegrass albums. THIS IS NOT PUNK! The Crow, his effort from last year is a fantastic slab of hillbilly banjo freakouts that I can’t get enough of. Apart from that there is the lure of the upcoming Touche Amore/La Dispute tour to keep me swingin’. But it’s not enough, I need to be reinvigorated. Bands listen to me. I need to be BLOWN AWAY AGAIN. Get a move on will ya.
16/07/2011
Hello people of the net.
A strange thing happened over the last half a year. As well as my band taking up a huge amount of time my misses and I started up a business called Black Diamond Merchandise. We produce merchandise (well duh!) for bands like t-shirts and stickers and posters etc. so any time that wasn’t spent with my band was spent sorting out the day to day running of our new company.
It’s been so much fun that I literally forgot about this blog as I stopped writing my book about 1980’s music and began to concentrate on other things. I do plan to continue with my book though as soon as time allows, maybe when I can afford to do Black Diamond full time.
So last week I moved into a new house to be closer to the business unit and I came across this here wallernotweller blog when I was setting up the computer and noticed it was still gaining hundreds of hits a week and people were commenting, saying nice things and getting cross about my opinions as well.
Over the next few days I’ll put putting up a few more reviews and ranting about my new likes and dislikes. If you give a crap then say something, if you don’t then don’t follow me. Simple maths. Whatever you choose, choose life.
06/01/2011
So the reason for the lack of this activity on the site over the past month has been due to the fact that I have a band up and running and I spend a fair bit (well almost all) of my spare time promoting our new free album.
Our album is available for FREE on bandcamp.
Please click +friend on facebook here…, it makes the guys feel warm and sunny inside.
This would also convince them that I spend more time on the band than I do interviewing and reviewing other ones….. Which is not entirely true.
There is a stack of interviews and reviews I have to put up on Waller not Weller and i will do this over the coming week. In the mean time here is a documentary of my band before we split first time round. I was a pretty fat fucker then in case you are wondering which one I am.
18/12/2010
Here are my picks for the best records released this year. You may think that after already bearing witness to 75 other top 10 lists why should you bother reading this one. The answer of course is that mine is right.
10. HUMANFLY Darker later (Brew)
Oh my gosh, heavy heavy heavy. Leeds Humanfly deliver the goods again. I saw them level the Tunbridge Wells Forum this year, a paltry 5 people must have paid to get in but despite the bands popularity down south they need to be heard. 17 minute long finale Heavy Black Snow is the epic prog moment of the year.
9. THESE NEW PURITANS Hidden (Domino)
NME’s album of the year, of course they got it wrong again, obviously it’s the 9th best of the year but at least they gave it a shot. You have to give ‘em that.
8. SUMMER CAMP Young (Moshi Moshi)
Forget Le Roux, this is how I remember the 80′s. When I saw the band at this years Lounge At The Farm Festival I was impressed but nothing prepared me for how much I enjoyed this EP. can’t wait to see if their debut LP is as hook laden.
7. STAINED GLASS HEROES Big Guns At Dawn (Fred Recordings)
Stained Glass Who? Well, you missed out world letting this one go by. Think if the Foo Fighters were a band that you were not ashamed to listen to and had a hint of indie suss about them to boot. Huge choruses and angular guitars helped these Londoners laugh all the way to the bank (applying for loans).
6. THROATS Throats (Holy Roar)
Feel the pain, the angst and the vitriol. Lyrically this was ridiculously downbeat but when you focus on the music you are met with
the sheer brute force of a band that takes as much inspiration from early Naplam Death as they do from the modern day bruisers such as converge. It’s short, its relentless and as heavy as a van full of sludge. Just found out that they split up last week. Damn…
5. FANG ISLAND Fang Island (Sargent House)
You want happy, well New York’s Fang Island are more than capable of delivering the happy. This record was so uplifting you have to chain it down. One thing that annoyed me about this was that on release people were comparing it to The Flaming Lips. Are you kiddin’ me, The Flaming Lips would kill to release a record this good. This is a belter.
4. M.I.A. Maya (Beggars Banquet)
This was my first taste of M.I.A., I got caught up in the hype of the brilliant Born Free ginger genocide video and fell head over heals in love with team M.I.A. I still can’t get with her previous records but even though Maya was pretty much universally panned I think it’s fantastic from beginning to end. I don’t give a doo-da if she’s married into money, it’s all about the music man. Give the girl a break!
3. FIRST AID KIT The Big Black And the Blue (Wichita)
With harmonies to die for the Söderberg sisters delivered a record of outstanding folk beauty. This is the band’s second effort and that touch of Swedish accent that can be heard throughout just makes me melt every time.
2. MALE BONDING Nothing Hurts (Sub Pop)
Again, this is an album that received middling reviews on it’s release but if you give the record a few spins then your persistence is rewarded with the feel good album of the summer. I caught these Shoreditch noise urchins at Canterbury and they were an awesome live unit. The bass players favourite album of the 80′s was Dinosaur Jr’s Bug. So they win, so there.
1. VILLAGERS Becoming A Jackal (Domino)
I first came across Conor J. O’Brien at the Hop Farm festival this summer. Although Bob Dylan was headlining, the outstanding moment for me was this guy’s solo performance. There I was, standing front row centre in a side tent, the god awful sound from the main stage was bleeding through, thanks to Mumford And Sons, between his songs and (in the quiet parts of his most spacious numbers) actually during them. I was spellbound. The record thankfully lived up to his majestic performance. Even with the Mercury Prize nomination I feel this record was criminally ignored by the British public. For me it is not only the best album released this year but it is the clear winner by a massive margin. Simply put it’s fucking incredible.
12/12/2010
I finally have got around to uploading TB3LP which is the ‘Best Of’ compilation of my band, Babies Three. Over the past couple of years whenever I am at shows I often get asked if I can burn our albums for people and I am far too lazy to actually get around to doing it. All of our albums are either out of print of go for way too much on eBay although you can find The Luzhin Defence for a £1.50 at the moment. Apparently you can also find the final copy of A Hole Where My Heart Should Be on vinyl at Brighton’s Punker Bunker record shop. But apart from that yeah, that’s it…. Over the next few months I will try and put up the entire back catalogue for those that want it.
HERE IS THE FREE ALBUM
WE HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE HERE
So I spent yesterday morning putting some tracks up on bandcamp and sorting out a facebook page, if you click that like button I can keep you informed of what’s going on and when. TB3LP was going to be the CDR we were going to give away free to the people that came to our reunion show last year. But that show never happened. We just couldn’t agree with what direction we would go in after the show was done so in the end it never happened. Thing is when listening to the thing yesterday I couldn’t get over what a waste it is to not continue. Alex and Jim are such incredible song writers and they give me an outlet to express my thing. So I messaged the guys and yes, we are getting back together at some point in the next couple of months, hopefully with everyone involved.
So many people really hated us or really loved us, the majority of haters were simply local knob ends who were jealous of what we had going on and hated that we were releasing records whilst their mediocre nu-metal bands couldn’t get shows out of town, either that or couldn’t get over the fact that one of us had slept with their girlfriends. But those that liked us really were devoted, some getting tattooed with our logo or following us on tour or going so far to put out our albums and organising tours for us across Europe. These were inspiring times for all of us but at the end of the day it comes down to the music, although we all have other crap going on there is nothing stopping us from doing this and I for one can’t wait to record some more music and to play the stuff live. It’s gonna be a trip.
27/10/2010
Last night I interviewed Canadian noise/blues due THE PACK A.D. as they were driving their van to a show in Leeds. I spoke to Becky mostly and it was a cool enough interview. To celebrate I went on to YouTube to find see if the gals had made a promo video yet for any of their singles. I came across this monstrosity for Crazy. For goodness sake ladies…. this is horrible. If you didn’t rock so hard this is enough to put anyone off ever listening to you again. SHOCKER!
22/11/2010
So it’s coming to that time of year when decisions have to be made. What are the top ten best albums of 2010. Many critic people I know hate having to do this but it’s something I love. I mean, who doesn’t love lists, they mean nothing, sure, simply one persons opinion and tastes but they put a nice wrap on the year and always make me wonder at least, how critics can get things so wrong. I have a shortlist of 179 albums but I can narrow that down to 173 as those MIKE PATTON, LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION, KLAK TIK, ELEPHANT9, GORILLAZ and PIPETTES LP’s were rubbish. Normally I would have only listened to or bought under half that amount but since I took up music journalism I get sent albums every month and lets not forget the availability of new stuff on Spotify.
My pal James is working on a ‘zine at the moment and he has put up part of taster interview on YouTube which you can watch here. He talked to the very awesome MAN HANDS.
9/11/2010
So over the past few months Clair and I have been looking into buying the lease on a venue and going to work as management / promoters at whatever place we find. I would rather get out of town but Clair wishes to keep her ties in Kent so chances are (after 6-8 months more saving) we will be looking at potential premises in and around Canterbury. It’s a pretty exciting time for us and we realise that once the business plan is written up it may well show that this venture won’t be financially viable but if it works out you’ll be hearing a lot more about. I mean a lot…
Finally, if you ever come across an Alice Cooper song from 1987 called Chop, Chop, Chop. Do not listen under any circumstances…. It’s not so bad it’s cool, it’s just awful…. and they say Dylan had a bad 80’s.
31/10/2010
I filmed a few tracks from the show this last Wednesday, they are now on YouTube. The sound quality is ridiculous as i was right in front of the speaker stack. Just crazy loud.
CANCER BATS Shillelagh Pray For Darkness
TRASH TALK Dig / Manifest Destination
VERA CRUZ Rise & Deny
30/10/2010
What a great show on Wednesday. Trash Talk were just so good it’s ridiculous and I get to see em again next week at the NME weekender, It’s gonna get gnarly. To read the full review of the show click here and to see the photo’s of the bands that I took click on their names. CANCER BATS . TRASH TALK . VERA CRUZ. I also filmed a song or two by each band and I’ll put them on my you tube channel over the next week so keep an eye open for that too.
Talking Of the NME weekender. Remembering that the ‘event’ is now 1 week away the promoters finally announced the rest of the line up which are named under the heading “the best new bands of 2010”. Really, are you kidding me. Looks to me like you typed the word Brighton into Myspace and chose the bottom 6 hits that appeared under bands. There are enough decent bands to warrant going but the line up could have been incredible. NME has enough clout to make the likes of TRASH TALK skip out on their Aberdeen show to play the weekender, the promoters could have easily pulled off a who’s who of 2010 underground bands. BABYSHAMBLES could not have asked for that much cash surely?
Rant over, for now I leave you with the video TRASH TALK did to advertise their newish record Eyes & Nines. It’s called Explode and it’s jaw dropping. I’m off to Canterbury now to watch the Halloween hardcore all dayer. HELL YEAH.
24/10/2010
This coming Wednesday CANCER BATS from Canada, TRASH TALK from America and VERA CRUZ from France are playing at Folkestone Quaterhouse. I can not wait for that. The following day they play down the road at the Tunbridge Wells Forum so if you can get there then grab one of the limited few tickets that are left. If you click on the above band name you can read the interviews that I have done with the bands over the last few weeks.
I have noticed that a ton of music that I listen to most regularly has a female voice emanating from the speakers. My most recent obsession is GRASS WIDOW who have a new video out for their song Fried Egg. They have an early SLEATER KINNEY feel about them. You can watch that video below. I also reviewed their new album Past Time here. Another band I would highly recommend that has a female singer would be SCREAMING FEMALES who have been getting a lot of spin time on my trusty record player, remind me a little of SEBADOH or early DINOSAUR JR. The nice people at pennyblackmusic who I write for have hooked me up for an interview with them so expect that here soon…. in the meantime the big news is that JEDWARD are playing Margate! Holy mother of God.
21/09/2010
R.I.P. ARI UP of The Slits (01/01/1962 – 20/10/10) Everette True sums her up best here….
18/09/2010
I wish Ihad been at this. THE WEDDING PRESENT played an hour and a half away from me…. I love this song silly amounts. Here is the awesomeness.
17/10/2010
There are so many great shows coming up, it’s going to be a great couple of months….Just look at this list of bands I will be seeing before Christmas VERA CRUZ / CANCER BATS / TRASH TALK / MINNAARS / FLATS / MATHS / 2:54 / BLACK MASS / THROATS / BRUTALITY WILL PREVIAL / FICTION / PARISO / HANG THE BASTARD / TRANSIT / SCOTT KELLY / AS THEY BURN / ERRORS / WILD NOTHING / FOR REASONS UNTOLD / HUMANFLY / POLAR. / KID PANG / BURNING LOVE / SANTA KARLA / JAMES CLEAVER QUINTET / STEPHEN BRODSKY / MAN OVERBOARD / TYRANNASAURUS ALAN and THE SANS PEREIL. That’s 29 bands. That’s going to be incredible and I cannot wait. What’s more is I am sure there will be more shows announced before the New Year. It’s going to be mad I tell thee.
Gimme strength (and cash please).
16/10/2010
Um… I went around friends and ate pizza, lots of Pizza and had lots of beers. I did this instead of going to the Margate show. Another one bites the dust.
15/10/2010
I hate going to local shows, really local shows I mean, the ones in Margate. These days they are few and far between but when they occur I don’t know what I was worried about. The shows put on at Bo’s practice rooms are fantastic for a start and pretty much keep the hardcore scene alive in this town single handily. I guess it’s because I used to put on shows myself and I liked the way I did things. I am so up my own arse that if it’s not done my way it’s the highway…
There is also the jealousy factor where I wish it was me putting the thing on and/or playing as I do miss those days of being in a band and being a promoter from time to time but today I would rather be writing about them than doing them so I have chosen my own lot in life and am pretty good at my vocation if I say so myself. So far so good and I do get the same rush when I finish a really good piece as when I used to go on the stage with my band, I can’t complain about that now can I?
Tonight I was going to see UPCDOWNC play the Wired venue but then the band cancelled due to an illness in the family. So I now find myself going to see NEVEREST SONGS and BLEEDING HEART NARRATIVE. This was a gig I wanted to go to anyway really just to see Luke sing…. NEVEREST SONGS is his vehicle to record and play live which he rarely does. It’s at a venue that I’ve never been to on the high street, which if you don’t know Margate very well is a place you would best wish to avoid on a Friday night, like Mos Eisley it is a wretched hive of scum and villainy. And what is worse is that I haven’t got enough cash to buy vinyl if there is some on sale.
I’ll let you know how it goes, with photos and a review and all that gish soon. And maybe just maybe I’ll stop whining and whinging about nothing at all….
11/10/2010
So the NME is hyping the hell out of a new wave of American bands (well they were last week anyways so it’s probably old hat now) like WAVVES, SURFER BLOOD, SALAM, BEST COAST & BEACH HOUSE and even hardcore bruisers TRASH TALK are getting a look in these days and rightly so too. I just wish they would do some more interesting features with up and coming UK talent, well more than a half page filler pieces anyway. The likes of SUMMER CAMP with thier retro melody fest of a recent EP, Young and MALE BONDING with thier awesome debut LP are kicking up a storm over here and there is an abundance of hardcore and punk bands every bit as good as CEREBRAL BALLZY that play in the UK every bloody week. Actually they did a piece on the excellent FLATS the other day so I mustn’t grumble too much. It’s just can MUMFORD AND SONS really sell that many issues to afford them page after page, week after week…. jeesh enough already. Still my subscription isn’t about to run out any day soon, I still hold hope….
Bloody Mumford
08/10/2010
So the FUCKED UP interview got a little bit er… fucked up thanks to a tour cancellation or something but it has been rescheduled for later in the year. I’ll be speaking to BLONDE REDHEAD at some point next week which I can not wait for, I loved their recent Penny Sparkle LP as you can read here. The CANCER BATS interview went great. Singer chap Liam was all excited about coming back to the UK in a couple of weeks when they tour with TRASH TALK. Not as excited as I am I assured him. I get to see them for the first time, playing Folkestone of all places. It’s going to kick buttocks.
I caught VILLAGERS for the second time this year at the Scala in London and was ridiculously impressed again. Becoming A Jackal has to be my album of the year so far. Support came from CATE LE BON and she was also particularly good. I filmed her splaying the track No One Can Drag Me Down which you can watch directly beneath this.
Gigs that are coming up are plentiful including the likes of STEPHEN BRODSKY and the NME Weekender festival which I won tickets for can you believe. It looks like it’s going to be shoddily put together though, it’s at Camber Sands Pontins where All Tomorrows Parties used to put on festivals which is cool but the posters are still advertising bands that are on tour in Europe at the time (SHARKS) and nobody seems to care. The festival is less than a month away and less than half the line up has been announced… NME get your shit together…
29/09/2010
03/09/2010
27/08/2010
Went and saw a one off screening of WHIP IT last night in the same venue that I am going to see CANCER BATS and TRASH TALK rip it up in later in the year. Men should get over it. It is a chick flick but it’s an amazing one. I love it in the same way I love WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. It’s already a classic in my book. Juliette Lewis looks like a total scrubber and has all the best (worst) lines, she makes me laugh every time I see it. Drew Barrymore has done a fantastic job with her directorial debut and it’s got me into the whole female roller derby thing… and as for my missus, well, she has joined the Kent Roller Girls and we are even checking out a tournament when we go to Florida in a few days. I can not wait.
21/08/2010
So below are my two recent interviews, one with mathy noise monsters DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and the other with electrofuzz duo THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS who have recently singned with WARP. They have a new record coming out in September. You may like it. Click on the links below to have a read, that’s why you’d be reading this after all, right?
One record I can not get enough of right now is Falling Man by BLONDE REDHEAD, it’s a track on their 2004 LP Misery Is A Butterfly. I think I must have listened to it 30 times over the last 2 days. It’s brilliant. Watch below and see for yourself.
19/08/2010
I think I recently found love with ex-Pipette ROSE ELINOR DOUGALL when I gave her new LP a somewhat less than flattering review which you can read here. She sent me a facebook message saying “ why thank you kind sir!!!!” which was kinda nice of her really and then shortly followed it up with “(ps you smell)”. It’s like she already knows me. Someone fix us up on a date soon.
Elsewhere My wife sorted out the tricky job of turning around a film I took of CALVIN JOHNSON at the show last week (I recorded it sideways for some bizarre reason) and here it is for you to watch. Check out the high notes half way through. I love him.
One last thing. I should be interviewing FUCKED UP within the week. Can’t bloody wait.
17/08/2010
I had a great weekend in Surrey and a nice chat with the editor of Pennyblackmusic on the phone. It looks like I will be interviewing a ton of amazing bands over the coming months so I just want to say a huge thanks to John for sorting this lot out. He’s a great editor for sure.
I wrote up my Calvin Johnson piece here. What a brilliant day I had last Thursday watching him in Broadstairs. It was totally Ace.
Recently I have been listening to a lot of great records from 1982 but also a lot of new stuff. I am really digging YEASAYER and WAVVES right now the latter’s new record seems to work better as individual songs on an iPod on shuffle mode rather than as the album as a whole which is unusual, also the new TENDER TRAP is great as is the new CANCER BATS and TRASH TALK if you prefer you music with thrashing guitars.
What’s next for me… oh yeah… that would be visiting The United States Of America. Hell Yeah!
13/08/2010
I’ve missed a lot of shows recently due to work, business and lazyness but one I was not going to miss was CALVIN JOHNSON last night at Union Square in Broadstairs. I am still smiling this morning, I had such a fantastic time. I took a bunch of photos that you can see here and I will be writing a massive piece on the man over the next week so. I will not be posting over the next few days because me and the misses are off on a weekend break to the countryside but I’ll be back…. like the Terminator.
08/08/2010
Got the LA DISPUTE interview back last night. Here is the link. On my search for a you tube clip to put with it I found this unintentionally hilarious clip of them performing 3 years ago. Just check out Jordan’s dancing and his shorts. It’s ULTRA CAMP. The man is a legend. Makes me love the band even more.
Off to Roller Derby in a minute, the wife has a practice. Can not wait for that Shnizzle.
05/08/2010
Sorry I haven’t been that been that busy on here in recent days, I have a couple of deadlines to hit and an American trip to organise so it’s been pretty hectic around these parts but there is some good news afoot as within the next few weeks there will be fresh interviews from three American bands on here… DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS and LA DISPUTE and they will all be featured soon.
There is going to be a couple of great shows next week too, firstly on Wednesday 11th is BLOODY PHOENIX and MAN HANDS at Bo’s practice rooms and the following day as the finale to Folk Week in Broadstairs my all time musical hero CALVIN JOHNSON (from BEAT HAPPENING and K Records) is playing in a town square it’s going to be ace. I’m proper excited.
I’m working on the 1982 singles and albums part of my book as well which is swallowing up a lot of my time. You wouldn’t believe the wealth of fantastic music released that year that I am wading my way through but i have found that THE BEAT, BAUHAUS and DONALD FEGAN somewhat overrated and as for TOM PETTY’s Long After Dark LP all I can say is that the man should be ashamed.
02/08/2010
So here is the link to that WONDERSTUFF review. Press this.
01/08/2010
I went to see THE WONDERSTUFF at the Tunbridge Wells Forum last night. Review will come in the next couple of days but for now here is the pix in all their glory.
28/07/2010
Just a quick update today, found out today i should be interviewing BLONDE REDHEAD and FUCKED UP over the coming months. Being a huge fan of both this is great news for me. For anyone that cares I have included here a rather classy little documentary of the lead singer from FLEET FOXES, a certain ROBIN PECKNOLD who has just completed a small tour with JOANNA NEWSOM. It’s well worth anybodys time. I imagine it wont be up for long so watch whilst you can. Watch here people.
25/07/2010
So I have finished another sub chapter of my book of the best 7″‘s and LP’s to come out during the 80′s. When Speaking to THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS last night Jason went for DINOSAUR JR’s Freak Scene from 1988 whereas Eleanor opted for the Fame by IRENE CARA which hit the top spot in the UK in 1982, two whole years after it had made the top 5 in her native USA. For my sins I have completed the top 40 singles of 1989 this weekend and although it’s pretty edited down here is that chapter of my book.
- Top 40 Singles of 1989 40-31
- Top 40 Singles o 1989 30-21
- Top 40 singles of 1989 20-11
- Top 40 Singles of 1989 10-1
24/07/2010
Coming up over the next week I will be interviewing recentlly Mercury Award nominated folker Conor from VILLAGERS. So far this year he is the one man that’s truly impressed me with his music. Last night I interviewed THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS a new poppy/electronic/avant guitar and keyboards duo from New York who were nice to chat to on the phone. They are playing in Sheffield tonight so if you can meke it, check em out. That interview will be coming up in Pennyblackmusic over the coming weeks as will the interview with DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN I did recently.
Also I recently unearthed some YouTube footage of KATE BUSH in a documentary from 1989. it’s up on this site here…. It’s a damn interesting watch.
21/07/2010
Congrats has to go Conor J. O’Brien from VILLAGERS for getting the appreciation he deserves by being nominated for the Mercury Prize yesterday. His Becoming a Jackal album is a worthy nominee if ever there was one. I also got the good news from his PR yesterday morning that I will be interviewing him in the next couple of weeks for Pennyblackmusic magazine which is gonna be an honour for him I must say.
Here are some photos I took of him at the Hop farm Festival a few weeks back. CLICK HERE TO SEE.
18/07/2010
Coming up over the next month or so will be an interview I have recently done with DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and I have just had it confirmed that I will soon be interviewing HUNDRED IN THE HANDS, AVI BUFFALO and grunge legends MUDHONEY. Exciting times ahead for sure.
Here is a link to my current portfolio of band photography. CLICK HERE BITCHES.
I recently saw KYLESA who I cannot recommend enough. They were supporting CONVERGE, you can read the review here.
Coming up live over the next few weeks I am seeing indie heroes THE WONDERSTUFF and hardcore bruisers HANG THE BASTARD as well as BONNIE PRINCE BILLY. If they were all on the same bill it would do me the favour of not having to travel all over the bloody place but it sure would be an odd line up.
13/07/2010
I’m off work, I feel awful but it’s not all bad. Just had an interesting conversation with FIRST AID KIT who I saw at Lounge On The Farm last week thanks to a live conversation/chat link up via webcam and the internet thanks to gigwise.com. here is some of what went down, just the facts, mam.
- I asked them about the Lounge On The Farm festival and they said they had a great time but were annoyed with the butterfly that kept flapping into their faces.
- They told someone else that BRIGHT EYES was probably their biggest inspiration but also BOB DYLAN has heavily featured in their upbringing as a band. In fact one of them was reading SUZE ROTOLO’s A Freewheelin’ Time which was nice.
- They admitted they don’t drink alcohol at all.
- I asked whether FLEET FOXES had heard their cover version and they said yes and that the band contacted them the day after their first record was released to tell them they loved it.
- They also told me that their parents have been extremely supportive of their career to date and that their dad travels everywhere with them. Thier mum stays at home but still works on the band.
- They admitted to have not ever listened to BOB DYLANs three born again Christian albums from the late 70’s and early 80’s when I asked them if they had an opinion on them. They preferred the older stuff from the 60’s.
- When i asked if they had any major label interest in them, they simply said “No they don’t care about us”.
- My usual final question about having a favourite 1980’s record almost went ignored. “I don’t really know any”. I know they are young but come on. Then a glimmer of remembrance and it was admitted by Klara that she infact loved THE HUMAN LEAGUE single Don’t You Want Me. She then sung the chorus to the look of horror from her sister.
It was a nice way to spend the afternoon at home sick. Thank you Gigwise.
Also my SCOUT NIBLETT interview is up. You can read it here.
12/07/2010
Well, my festival season is now over. I got to see VILLAGERS and LAURA MARLING last week at the BOB DYLAN’s Hop Farm festival. Check out the review here.
This weekend just gone I witnessed the angelic FIRST AID KIT and the indie pop delights of SLOW CLUB at the Lounge On The Farm festival. For the full review of that press this link.
I took a multitude of photos of bands as well so here is the link to witness that. Once there click on the link to see the band or artist you like.
Also out this week is a load of reviews and a rather nice interview I did with SCOUT NIBLETT up on PennyBlackMusic. Have a read if you have a spare few minutes to hand. Also what I did for them will be up here over the next week or two so keep an eye out for that.
Below is the video of FIRST AID KIT. This is them covering FLEET FOXES in the woods a few years back. When I first saw this clip last year it was still going viral and just totally flawed me. If you are already a fan of the band you would have seen this a million times. If not then allow me to introduce you to the wonderful voices of Johanna and Klara Söderberg.
And just for luck here is my favorite track at the moment. VILLAGERS Becoming A Jackal.
08/07/2010
As for this weekend, me and the misses are doing another one dayer, the festival in question is the most local to us, Lounge On the Farm and we are going on the Saturday. We booked tickets initially to see FIRST AID KIT who we fell in love with since their FLEET 
FOXES cover went viral. Little did I know that also on the same day there is going to be performances from a whole host of other cool up and coming bands and singers. Because of a clash we are going to have to miss the Australian pop starlet SARAH BLASKO but I still get to the awesome pop power of SLOW CLUB, the 40’s throwbacks KITTY, DAISY AND LEWIS, the hipster suss of LISSY TRULLIE, the chillwave class of SUMMER CAMP, the 80’s retro indie sound of VORINICA FALLS and the electronic wizardry of GOLD PANDA if we can be bothered to stay up that late.
Finally, many years ago one of my best friends ever used to have a girlfriend call Ally. Every now and again I would see her out and about, most recently at the MALE BONDING show in Canterbury. Well, it turns out she is the bass player in a band called TWO WOUNDED BIRDS and would you bloody believe it but they are really rather good. And I was actually a little gutted that I couldn’t see them on the Friday of the Lounge On The Farm Festival. Turns out though that they are playing in Canterbury at the end of the month and I can’t wait. Now I see that they are booked to be THE DRUMS support for their next tour. I love it when local people get some success so well done Ally. Can’t wait to see your band.
02/07/2010
So I am off to see BOB DYLAN Tomorrow at the Hop Farm Festival. The ticket for the Saturday was something like £65 which is cheaper than a normal Bob ticket so I just said yes in a heartbeat. I only started my obsession with Bob in 2005; very late in the game for a Bob fanatic all thanks to an issue of Mojo Magazine that was doing a feature on him (don’t they always). I began buying his back catalogue album by album and got so much from it. I’m pretty gutted that now I know the majority of his songs backwards there will only be 2 or three new albums left in the man before he probably croaks it. Normally when an artist hits his or her 40’s let alone 60’s you can forget releasing any records with any relevance but Bob is one of those along with JOHNNY CASH that really bucked the norm. Whether or not I leave disappointed as Dylan fans often do after one of his live shows it won’t matter to me. I can still say I saw him live. That for me means the world.
There is so much other stuff going on as well, Conor J. O’Brien’s VILLAGERS will be playing and I love his album right now. LAURA MARLING is there, as is TUNNG, MUMFORD & SONS, THE MAGIC NUMBERS and I will finally get to see DEVENDRA BANHART, an artist I’ve got a lot of records of but I’m not sure if I actually like him or not. Perhaps this will help me decide. He’s such a bloody hippy.
Some cool news from Pennyblackmusic is that they have arranged an interview for me with DILLENGER ESCAPE PLAN, a group that never ceases to amaze me with their technical prowess with their instruments and consistently brilliant records. And the MUDHONEY interview should still be a go. But Mark is apparently being a little slow with his replying to his PR people. As for the PENS interview that seems to be off as it looks like they have split up which is a real shame as I sort of loved their K Records minimalist sound.
Also whilst reviewing some records for Pennyblackmusic recently I came across this band who just make me smile all day long. They are called MITCHEL MUSEUM and they produce the happiest music ever. Just in time for the heat wave we are going through right now. Below is their video. Give ‘em a go. It took me a couple of listens but now I am hooked.
01/07/2010
Just a quick note to let you know that there is a new interview up here with MATHS. You may wanna have a gander. This band is great, great stuff.
Another awesome record that has come out recently is THESE NEW PURITANS Hidden LP. I say new but it’s months old actually, I’ve only just got round to listening and it’s pretty damn amazing. Check out this interview with Paul Morley. Here singer Jack barnett gives a fascinating insight to the recording process of the record.
26/06/2010
News just in that GODS AND QUEENS have just put thier entire new record up on the net for free download. Get it for nout before the band come to their senses here. Also whilst you’re at it read my interview with the band here or read the live review here. Oh the joys….
Also I recently saw LE PRE JE SUIS MORT live in Canterbury and whilst I wasn’t too impressed with thier set this LP is pretty cool. You can download it for free here.
Most importantly for me I have recently booked tickets to see THE WONDERSTUFF who were the 3rd band I ever saw (after CELTIC FROST and CRIMSON GLORY). They are Playing the TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM and it looks like it’s gonna be a blast. I must admit i havn’t heard much of thier new stuff but for a few years this band was the nuts for me during the early 90′s. I must admit I feel sorry for my misses who I am dragging along with me. She says as long as they play Size of A Cow then she’ll be okay. Win Win I say!! Bring on the Stuffies.
24/06/2010
What a darn good show that was Tuesday night. The review of the Canterbuty LA DISPUTE Show can be read here.
Click on the band name to see the photo’s of each band from the show LA DISPUTE, MATHS, LA PRE JE SUIS MORT.
Coming up will be interviews from both MATHS and LA DISPUTE plus so much other crap it’s silly. For now I have a stack of CD’s to review for Pennyblackmusic. And no, I am not over the shock of Australia’s exit from the world cup.
22/06/2010
It’s been a week of football madness for me, the world cup has dominated my time but I have still had a little time for music. The big news is that it looks like I will be interviewing MUDHONEY soon. I have about 1000 questions I want to ask Dan Peters let alone Mark Arm so as you can imagine I am really excited about this. Last night I saw the 1996 documentary about the Seattle scene called HYPE! and this really got me in the mood for it. Also pennyblackmusic is going to sort out an interview with the up and coming PENS who I recently saw playing in Canterbury. If you like that early K Records sound they are the band for you (and me).
I’m off to see wordy, post hardcore/emo (that’s right, I said it) band LA DISPUTE tonight in Canterbury. Reports have all been incredible across the country. This is their final UK show, hopefully they will live up to expectations and I’m taking along my camera so you can expect shots over the next week. Support comes from MATHS who I’ve been want to check out for ages. They play a chaotic French style of 2nd wave emo/screamo and I should be getting mailer interviews from both
bands over the next couple of weeks.
In other news… The new MINNAARS song is really impressive. It’s on their myspace at the moment so give Capricorns a listen. Next week I will be off to the Hop Farm Festival to finally see BOB DYLAN. I seriously thought he would die before I ever got the chance and as long as he keeps on a ticking over the next 2 weeks my Dylan dream will come true. Also I get to see TUNNG and DEVENDRA BANHART and LAURA MARLING. Should be a cool day out with my wife. And finally I just bought tickets to see CANCER BATS in Folkestone and LORDS in Tunbridge Wells. It’s gonna rock my socks.
16/06/2010
Penny Black Music has just been updated with my reviews and interviews with MALE BONDING and OCTOBERMAN for this month. have a read when you have a minute or two.
12/06/2010
I have been absorbing a lot of new music at the moment; the likes of the new Sub Pop set are getting a huge amount of spins, MALE BONDING, AVI BUFFALO and DUM DUM GIRLS in particular. Another recommendation is the new MYNABIRDS album called ‘What we lose in the fire’. That’s pretty sweet too.
The whole MINNAARS thing (see below) has died down with over 1,500 people reading the interview and I’m happy to hear they have been recording recently as well which is gonna be brill. I just know it.
Being Australian I am pretty much obsessed with the world cup right now. I’ve put on far too many bets with too many friends and all I need now is for my country to truly overachieve and get somewhere.
As for what’s coming up for me, well the MATHS / LA DISPUTE show will be upon me soon. There will be interviews with both bands to follow. Talking of interviews the one with SCOUT NIBLETT I did recently was great, she sung an old A-HA b side down the phone that I loved when I quizzed her about the 80’s. That lady knows her shit. As for the MALE BONDING interview that was ok but it’s hard as hell writing up the interview and make it interesting to read. I could just make the whole thing up I suppose. Anyways…. it’s all about Sunday night now. GERMANY 1 AUSTRALIA 2…. c’mon.
07/06/2010
A month or so ago I did an interview with Leicester based MINNAARS. A band that I think is going to be releasing an amazing album rather soon as long as they don’t split up before they finish recording it. They create rather than copy and their music is innovative and inspiring to me so when the opportunity arose I interviewed them before their recent show in Chatham. During this interview I asked them about their local scene to which they answered in full. They were not happy with their place in it and requested that I didn’t name names so I didn’t. It made for a good read.
Here is the interview that I wrote up.
At first reaction was really slow. In fact until last week it was the least read interview on my site averaging around 1 or 2 hits a day. Oddly on Friday the hits for it went through the roof (considering it’s a tiny blog). 80 hits in total for Friday, Saturday 97 and Sunday 104. Sunday as it turns out was the busiest wallernotweller has ever been with over 200 hits in a day so thanks for that.
What could have caused this sharp increase I asked myself? And then after the first comment it made sense. Someone has been sending a link around the Leicester scene of the interview. I can picture bands and promoters reading it and getting themselves all wet. Their anonymous twitchy typing fingers ready to snap as they bitched about Minnaars and the interview I dared to print. The first comment came through, calling me a dick and saying I made the band look a bunch of cunts. So I re-read the article and you know what, the band came out looking pretty bloody good from it, really strong and united if anything. Next came a comment that actually made me laugh out loud saying, and I quote “You’ve caused a massive rift in the Leicester scene because of this. Hope you’re proud”. Massive rift???? The Leicester scene has roughly 1 venue and 3 decent bands. Now I understand great musical pastures have been birthed from less but don’t you think these comments are a little pathetic and OTT (Steve?, Andy? Come on now). There were a couple of other comments after this which I just deleted and then a voice of reason from a chap that said he loves the way that Minnaars “don’t take any shit”. And why should they and also why should I. Just for reporting on a conversation. Idiots. I think by now the band themselves have got wind of this in scene bitching and tweeted this message this morning “DISCLAIMER: Minnaars do not hate the “scene” only the man that thinks he runs it”. You know when I talked to them they were one of the first groups I’ve ever spoken to that gave an honest interview. No bullshit just telling it how they see it.
Well that has cleared that up then. so far today. 74 reads of the interview and counting……
02/06/2010
In the past week I have interviewed MALE BONDING, SCOUT NIBLETT and OCTOBERMAN. All three were great fun to do and will be published on PENNYBLACKMUSIC over the next month or so so keep an eye out for those. Over the coming month I will hopefull talking to MATHS and PENS if i can get some confirmation on it and LA DISPUTE are 100% on board for an interview now. For those that don’t know who they are they are noisy hardcore hailing from Michigan and contain a hint of the 2nd wave of emo (before it ws a dirty word). i love them. If after listening to them here you do too check out there tour dates in the uk over the next month and make your way to one of their shows.
Also i recently saw SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE and BIFFY CLYRO in London. Here is the gig report.
Now just the small matter of my brother in laws wedding to attend to. Ahhhh rock n roll.
30/05/2010
25/05/2010
I’ve Been writing about ROLO TOMASSI for ages now and it looks like with the release of ’Cosmology’ they are gonna break big. It’s just been announced they are playing reading festival. they are also playing Download and reviews for the LP have been amazing. Although the record has been out a couple of days now I am still waiting for my copy from HOLY ROAR RECORDS (get a move on bitches!) on limited vinyl. Read my recent interview with them here and the photo’s from their Tunbridge Wells show here. In the mean time here is their new video called ‘Party Wounds’. Get In!
23/05/2010
Finally getting myself a descent DSLR soon to take better pictures. So far I have taken a few and put them up here. Lots of bands that I have seen recently. Yet it’s very nice isn’t it.
The GODS AND QUEENS interview came out pretty good. That’s Here. Whilst you are at it ROLO TOMASSI have their new album out now and it’s gaining some awesome reviews. If you are this way inclined read my interview here. And I am currently getting lots of hits from people being very nice about my 80’s stuff that I have recently updated. So thanks for that. I am off to see MALE BONDING next week, then HAMMERS the next day and then some OCEAN COLOUR SCENE show for my brother in laws stag do. OCEAN BLOODY COLOUR SCENE. Don’t get me started.
One thing I have loved over the last week has been the new MIA video called Born Free. Watch it here. It’s effect you. Promise. For anyone else. Another great video that’s come out this month is this one from Liars called Scissor. It’s great but for now what I am seeing on Friday. my gift to you….
What a great few days. London Rock City! I went to see two shows
1) PAVEMENT and SIC ALPS @ Brixton Academy
2) KISS and TAKING DAWN @ Wembley Arena
Both shows were totally amazing. And will not be forgotten in a hurry. Spotted a couple of celebs, firstly Mark E. Smiths first wife Britt (she was in The Fall when the band were bothering the charts). To me this was a major celeb spot as this was my favourite Fall era. And then whilst watching Kiss a quick turn to my left was enough to make me realise that I was standing a few feet from the Appleton sisters from 90’s pop pukists ALL SAINTS who were properly givin’ it up for Gene Simmons. Dancing like professional whores they were.
The funniest moment of the week came when I was at the till buying the new JOANNA NEWSOM in Rough Trade East when I overheard the staff talking about booking THE BLUETONES for an in store gig. “I know they’re shit but what do you think about it?” Second clerk then responds “They’ll be shit like IDLEWILD were, but they did sell lots of records… but…. THE BLUETONES?” followed by “It’ll be shit but we have to do it”. “OK” they meekly whimper in unison. I know times are hard for record shops but it was funny to see how deep they would scrape the barrel for a few quid. Whatever it takes I guess. Rough Trade East is the one place I always make a point of visiting when in the big smoke. I would hate it to go under. These guys and gals are true Vinyl lovers and the most helpful bunch you would ever want to meet in a record store.
Also the new issue of penny black is on line. In it is my interview of ROLO TOMASSI and a few reviews I did over the last month. WAX FANG, OCTOBERMAN, STAINED GLASS HEROES, BALMORHEA, FRIENDSHIP and ARIEL PINK. Click on the links and have a read. Some real good stuff this issue.
11/05/2010
I’m avoiding the net until the weekend so if you try to get in touch be patient, I promise I’ll get back. In the meantime feel safe in the knowledge that I am in a better place. Wembley that is, seeing my dinosaur chums KISS. Hell Yeah….
Hopefully will be sorting out an interview with TRASH TALK soon and also there is also an interview with GODS & QUEENS on it’s way fresh from their triumphant Margate show. If you wanna read about the show… then read this.
08/05/2010
Just had a go at two 100 word reviews. It’s a lot tougher than you think. Kyoto Drive and Fionn Regan were my unfortunate guina pigs.
Had a great week. Hit my deadline with Pennyblackmusic and had the most visitors to this site since it began three months ago. It would seem people love THROATS just as much as I do. Coming up over the next week I will be interviewing GODS & QUEENS who are playing Bo’s Practice Rooms in Margate on Sunday night plus I will be travelling to London (as an added bonus I am staying at the Hilton thanks to a last minute deal. How swish is that shit) for the PAVEMENT & SIC ALPS show (and hopefully an interview with PAVEMENT founder SPIRAL STAIRS to follow). Then I am off to see KISS at Wembley Arena with support from TAKING DAWN (even though I have a copy of their CD I can’t bring myself to listen to it. It looks like total twat). What I have been listening to though is the new MALE BONDING album which rips and also a lot of THE BIG PINK debut record. I can’t recommend these enough. AARGH too many ().
Also this Sunday is the premiership title decider. Come on the blues. Either way, football is the winner. AND NO I CANT TALK POLITICS HERE. I deal with that every bloody day at work. Wallernotweller just wants to rock!
If you use twitter may I advise you follow SARAH SILVERMAN and COURTNEY LOVE. Mentals the pair of ‘em.
05/05/2010
So I have started to do reviews for Pennyblackmusic and also have started on a few that I have been sent. So far up in the review section is SON OF DAVE, THROATS and a record by RAMONA. It wasn’t a crap review, I thought it was Okay but I did get these twitter responses from band leader Dave Fritz “Me thinks I should pick up a Tom Petty album…” a few moments after it went up online. Then a few hours later “Contrary to popular belief there is no Tom Petty in my “P” section… …nor Blink 182 in the “B” section. 
”. That maybe the case but of the twit pix he put up I didn’t see his vinyl collection. The little cheater.
I like to get feedback even if it’s scathing but you know it reminds me of a time many years back when out of the blue I got a package in the post from Lobster Records (from a quick look on their website, it look like they went bust in 2007). There was one of the five CD’s they sent that I could stomach but the other four including YELLOWCARD’s debut shit heap got scathing reviews. The label wanted the reviews to be sent back to them to which after they were done, I obliged. Needless to say the email I got back was even more scathing, suggesting that I should never, ever set foot in California. Which is a shame because it looks quite nice there. Now that is the sort of feedback I want. BRING IT ON! Bitches.
01/05/2010
So the end of another month and I just want to say a quick thanks to all the people that read my stuff on here, I’ve noticed a steady increase of hits each week and It means a lot when you lot write to me and comment so you keep it up and I will. The Deadline is approaching for my Penny Black Music reviews and I still have a couple of things to write up so with no more ado I bid thee farewell.
My recent SON OF DAVE gig review can be read here.
My latest interview, this time with THROATS can be read here. Also the review of their new EP is here.
Coming up in the next week or so will be an interview with GODS AND QUEEENS and I promise I’ll finish the MINNAARS piece as well. All that and a shit hot KISS Wembley show review that I just know you cannot wait to read. Right??????
In the mean time watch this awesome video by WAX FANG.
29/04/2010
Off to see SON OF DAVE tonight in Canterbury which I’ve been sorta looking forward to over the last month or so. I am either gonna love him or hate him. His managements reluctance to get back to me sucks but you know some people just don’t like to keep it real. (um… Joke!). Anyways I’ll put some photo’s up of the show pretty soon.
Speaking of photos here are the complete shots of ROLO TOMASSI and the amazing THROATS taken at their Tunbridge Wells Forum show a couple of weeks back. Click on the band names Dumb Ass.
Also just got the news that I should be able to hook up interviews with MALE BONDING, GODS & QUEENS, BIG PINK and PAVEMENT and BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLYsoon which will be fan frakkin’ tastic. Big thanks must go out to John from PENNYBLACK who’s made a lot of this happen. Next up will most probably be an interview with MINNAARS and another with THROATS when I finish transcribing them. Laterz Potaterz.
24/04/2010
When I bought my tickets to see Bob Dylan at this Hop Farm Festival in July I thought it was a one day event. Turns out that bloody Van Morrison is headlining the Friday which of course had no idea about. Now this brings forth a whole bunch of questions. Now I don’t much care for Van Morrison but I’m sure I’ll want to see the supports but I don’t want to camp as that sucks arse. I vowed to never again camp at a festival after the horrific events I’ve witnessed at Leeds And Reading Festivals over the years. Especially as I only live an hour or so down the road it seems a little pointless. I’m not sure why I am ranting about this it’s just I pretty much dislike festivals & huge crowds in general. I was quite excited about a one day festival. Now Vince Power is pretty much throwing bands at me. The bitch. Hmmmmm what am i going on about…
MINNAARS were a nice bunch of fella’s to interview but I ended up going home before they even got to play there set due to personal crap back home so they probably thought me some type of jerky berkus when I failed to show my face for the show. Hope they had a good one, Guess i’ll have to wait now for thier new record to see if thier new Dark Dance direction is as good as thier mathy one. Off to see SON OF DAVE next week and GODS AND QUEENS and AMPERSAND as well, so that’ll be a busy one. The MINNAARS interview will be up here at some point soon as well as an email interview with the mighty THROATS. I love THROATS, now that would be a great festival BOB DYLAN and THROATS. I’d even go back to Reading Festival to see that one.
19/04/2010
Up now is the ROLO TOMASSI interview from their show at the Tunbridge Wells Forum last week and also a few digital photo’s from the show. Thanks to James for this. I know it’s the last night of the tour. Have a blinder in Birmingham people XXX
18/04/2010
Just heard the sad news that YOU SAY PARTY! WE SAY DIE!‘s drummer, Devon Clifford, died on stage in Canada this Friday just gone. You can read about it here. I was planning on seeing them In Canterbury in May and interviewing them. I hope they carry on. Wherever they chose to go from here I’ll be following. Big hugs over seas gals and boys.
On a brighter note supporting ROLO TOMASSI on Friday in Tunbridge Wells were the amazing THROATS whose vinyl EP that I bought was blinding. I’ve not devoloped the film pics yet from the show but I have put up some digital shots up here. More to come on these chaps soon.
16/04/2010
I’m off to see ROLO TOMASSI tonight and if I get there by 8pm I get to interview them. Hopefully I can get there on time. Google maps tell me it’ll take 1hr 38mins probably won’t get to leave until 6.35pm. So the maths doesn’t work. But I’ll give it me best shot. Hopefully I will come out of the show with an interview, some rockin’ photographs, vinyl and a stinkin’ headache.
Also a couple of local shows have been organised in town that I have just been made aware of including what will be a storming one by GODS & QUEENS from the United States. I can not wait for this.
So I’ve been reading a lot of web sites recently and a couple I would truly recommend are SCENE POINT BLANK for all your underground needs, especially for those who need an alternative to Drowned in Sound and those other hipster sites. PENNY BLACK MUSIC I keep coming back to. It’s a very in depth site that covers a huge spectrum of styles a bit like a grown up Q Magazine and I also am contributing to them. Be aware that on both of these sites you can lose yourself for hours.
10/04/2010
So my book is coming along. I’ve finally finished 1983’s reviews and they can be found here…
It’s still only the first draft so excuse all the typo’s and it only contains the reviews and not the interviews but after a whole year of buying records and writing about them, I am glad to not have to think about 1983 any longer. I am now writing about 1989. Go figure. One day I will complete this ridiculous book. Just not this day that’s for sure.
- Check out Pennyblackmusic who have just picked me up as a writer. My Gabby Young And Other Animals interview is featured here.
Coming up this month I am going to see ROLO TOMASSI next week and will be interviewing them as well which will be a blast I am sure. Also there will be an interview up here at some point from MINNAARS who are playing Chatham’s Tap n Tin on the 23rd. SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE and SON OF DAVE will get live reviews as well. Also I have just been handed a couple of MALE BONDING tickets for Canterbury’s Farmhouse on Friday 28th May. That show is gonna be awesome. And on a final note The Guardian shut down one of my posts on thier blog after i went a little nuts defending Malcolm McLaren. RIP chap. You made a lot of peoples life hell but Duck Rock was a great LP. I am fickle like that. Busy busy busy. Thanks for reading.
04/04/2010
What the hell is so impressive about the iPad. It’s just a larger iTouch surely. An iPhone is so much better. It makes no sense to me why there were massive lines outside the apple shops in New York. The Sunday papers were full of these mentals clutching onto their awkward new delights. Bunch of dorks I tell ya. The only people I had any respect for here were the clever chaps who had already sold them for 50% more than market value on eBay to the spanners who couldn’t even be bothered to wait outside with the rest of these morons.
A much more productive waste of your time would be to scour local boot fairs for vinyl. Today I found myself a SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK LP that I have been after for ages, STATUS QUO’s Blue For You, THE CARPENTERS Kind Of Hush, CAT STEVENS Tillerman, ELTON JOHN‘s first record and perfect copy of DAVID BOWIE’s Heroes LP all for £3.70. Good times.
I Contacted MINNAARS about interviewing them at the end of the month and they are up for it. I highly recommend them. Check out their myspace. They are mathy like FOALS but have their own thing going on. They are playing the Tap N Tin in Chatham at the end of the month 9the 23rd of April i think). I read a great article on THE FALL in NME of all places. Seems like the editor is trying to get the magazine back on track after an awful few years where it seemed to be falling into the same trap as Kerrang in that it was aimed squarely at 13-16 year olds.
I put up a list of shows that I am going to over the next few months here. If you are going to, don’t be shy come and say Hi. Would be nice to see who is actually reading this. I am getting lots of hits but nobody really comments. It’d be nice to see your faces.
01/04/2010
Happy April Fools Day. Can’t quite believe I have BOB DYLAN 
Tickets. This is going to be amazing. Although I will have to put up with RAY DAVIES doing horrid versions of beautiful Kinks songs before hand. The div. Wow. I am utterly stoked. Cant stop listening to GABBY YOUNG AND THE OTHER ANIMALS we’re all in this together Cd. Buy yourseld a copy. One last thing, the foals ish mathy band MINNAARS are playing the Tap n Tin in Chatham in April. All my buds that read this, you had better come along.
It’s gonna be a sweet year. Easter is here, I’m off to America in four months and the only question that remains to be answered is what the hell is happening in Lost. Well? Happy, hairy Waller over and out. No more work for four days. Hipperty Hop and you don’t stop.
30/03/2010
GABBY YOUNG AND OTHER ANIMALS photos are now up. You can see them here.
29/03/10
Well, this past few weeks have been a little slow, the GABBY YOUNG AND OTHER ANIMALS show was a blast though. I had the most incredible night out with Clair. First up I interviewed Gabby in a restaurant in Folkestone which you can read here. Later, when she and her band played the Quarterhouse I found myself floored by the show, such a rare treat for such a jaded old bitch as me. WHAT A VOICE! And boy do those Other Animals know how to swing. The photo page will be updated in the next couple of days.
Coming up in April I will be going to see the mental mathy spazcore of ROLO TOMASSI with an interview to follow plus ex-CRASH
TEST DUMMY blues smith SON OF DAVE who I will hassle for an interview until he relents. As for SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE there is pretty much no chance for an interview there, Enigks manager sent him my request but Jeremy has not replied. Bloody Christians. Saying that there are around 10 of my old friends going up to the big smoke to watch them. I know it’s gonna be fun.
Before I go I have to recommend the latest copy of Mojo, the Steve Albini interview is brilliant stuff.
11/03/10
Would you believe that the FIONN REGAN show was a bust and it sold out 
two days before the night. I did check the website before and it didn’t mention it was sold out until three days after the show. FREAKS! Cue much laughter from my friends. As for the CANTERBURY gig, they were great to watch and even better to interview. Click the link to read it. Coming up over the next week or three is GABBY YOUNG AND OTHERANIMALS in Folkestone (It’s not sold out yet so get yourself a ticket whilst you can, she is breathtaking). Watch the vids that are up on YouTube for further proof. Shortly after that I’m off to catch the amazing ROLO TOMASSI in Tunbridge Wells. Photo’s and interviews shortly after to follow.
So far with regards to interviews I have DAS OATH and JONAH MATRANGA up ready to view. I have also put up the first completed tiny bit of my book. ‘The best records of the 1980′s’. Feel free to comment on anything. I’m still not really sure what I am doing with all this blog stuff. It’ll be a couple of weeks before I get the swing me thinks.
This is the life…
21/02/10
Lots to look forward to over the next couple of weeks. Going to a show in Canterbury to see Fionn Regan and Danny And The Champions Of The World at The Farmhouse which will be sweet, taking along the SLR and hopefully nabbing a few words with Regan if I can hook it up in the next few days. A week later I will be watching Canterbury in Margate, very confusing I know but keep up. That show is at the Westcoast Bar. Already hooked up the interview for that one.
Also the website will finally have something on the music pages as Im going to write up the interview with Jonah Mantranga who’s recently reformed Far and also one with Das Oath from a few years back, who although have been defunct now for 3 years still hold a ton of influence within underground hardcore circles. Thanks for lookin’.
13/02/10
I have a lot coming up over the next few months so I thought it best that I put together a website for the first time in my life to document it. I will be interviewing and photographing bands and putting up excerpts of both my sci-fi novel and my lovely best of the 1980′s music tome that I have been working on for the best part of a year now.
Nice blog – look forward to reading more of it!
hi, interesting, i didnt know the sci fi novel existed.
yeah only done a few thousand words on that tho….. music is priority
Whats with the ‘dumbass’ comment in the recent blog. weird! See you at bedtime sweetpants xx
oh yeah, bed tonight then my main bitch!
im bored of vice and buddyhead. your my new fave tastemaker. even if i dont like biffy.
so jelous of both hotel and pavement watching. beats touring in a van.
One comment on the Minnaars blog: Photo: Jennifer Anne Simpson.
THAT IS ALL, ta
i hear u attended an acoustic ocean colour scene event recently how was that ??
um let’s be honest about ocean colour scene shall we. or not.
why do Maths remind me of early Standstill so much? You missed an awesome practice room show last night. Catheter were so good. I danced like a loon. There was a 6 man human pyramid…twice! in the crowd. Either way i look forward to your Dillinger review dude.
yeah i should have gone really, dan had sunburn and didnt wanna go and i was feelin knackered from the hop farm fest so i gave it a miss. sounds pretty cool though. Glad you had a good one.
I want to read all your 1980s reviews!
i love this. so much to read!
The other thing i like about this is that i discovered that we both have a common home town
I like the Han Vs Dan thing, thats awsome, you should do more.
‘There is also the jealousy factor where I wish it was me putting the thing on and/or playing as I do miss those days of being in a band and being a promoter from time to time but today I would rather be writing about them than doing them so I have chosen my own lot in life and am pretty good at my vocation if I say so myself.’
Irony.
Like your blog! Good calls on the albums of the year. I had a crack at it myself …
http://underthepavementthebeach.wordpress.com/