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Sunday 28 November 2010

Mok - Hector's House

Check out this up and coming indie/pop/rap band at Hector's House (Brighton) on 1st December. You'd be mad not to! www.myspace.com/mok.one

Saturday 27 November 2010

Saint Jude

I've just discovered a gem so thought I'd share the good news. Check out Saint Jude at www.myspace.com/saintjudemusic. Their album 'Diary of a Soul Fiend' is sublime!

Friday 26 November 2010

2010 gigs

Actually, I fibbed about my next posting - top fives can wait til next time. Thought it best instead to list the gigs I've been to (and will be going to) before the year is out and the ones we've already got in mind for 2011 take over...
  • Vampire Weekend (February - Bexhill)
  • Stornoway (February - Brighton)
  • Grizzly Bear (March - Brighton)
  • Mumford & Sons (March - Brighton)
  • New Pornographers (May - London)
  • Cherry Ghost (September - Brighton)
  • Villagers (October - London)
  • John Grant (November - London)
  • Divine Comedy (November - Brighton)
  • Laura Marling (November - Portsmouth)
  • Squeeze (December - Brighton)
And the top three? Need you ask? [Mumford & Sons, Divine Comedy and Laura Marling in that order]

Thursday 25 November 2010

Compilation tapes

Well, I say tapes -  but mean CDs these days of course. Doesn't quite have the same ring or ambiance, but the principle's the same. Pick some classic tunes, burn them off and give them to a friend.

How about this eclectic mix for my good friend Robert's 50th birthday party in December?
  1. Sex Pistols - God save the Queen
  2. Undertones - Teenage Kicks
  3. Ian Dury - Sex and drugs and rock n roll
  4. Police - Roxanne
  5. The Members - Sound of the suberbs
  6. The Ruts - Babylon's Burning
  7. Sham 69 - If the kids are united
  8. Talking Heads - Psycho killer
  9. Flying Lizards - Money
  10. Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster
  11. Rezillos - Top of the Pops
  12. The Knack - My Sharona
  13. The Undertones - Jimmy Jimmy
  14. The Motors - Dancing the night away
  15. The Stranglers - Peaches
  16. The Buzzcocks - Ever fallen in love
  17. Blondie - Hanging on the telephone
  18. The Vapours - Turning Japanese
  19. The Skids - Into the valley
  20. Sham 69 - Hurry up Harry
  21. Jilted John - Jilted John
The challenge is to stay seated with one's feet still when this one goes on the decks!

Next blog - top fives. What's yours at the moment?

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Laura Marling - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 22.11.10

I first saw Laura Marling at the first Hop Farm festival in 2008. Barely 18 then, she still managed an eclectic set backed by what were to become Mumford & Sons!

Two years on and she's matured gracefully to deliver to a sold out and very packed Wedgewood Rooms another memorable blend of classic tunes, old and new.

We watched the support (The Pins) from near the stage door (next to the bar) and smiled a smile as Laura nipped out for a quick fag, unnoticed by the crowd around her.

Later, hoodie removed, she was instantly recognisable and was met with tumultuous applauds at the close of every song.

Ms Marling must surely now go from strength to strength - particularly if the three new songs she played tonight are anything to go by!

[NB, check out Laura's support band - The Pins at http://www.myspace.com/thepinsloveyou. They've an EP out featuring the rather excellent '(Heard you say) I love you'.]

Sunday 21 November 2010

Jem's Music - this is where it all begins

Hello there. I've been meaning to do this for some time now - friends and family have been dropping hints as well, so I've finally found out how to get started.

My blog's all about music. Specifically the acts and bands I like, the gigs I go to see, the tracks I download. What I think is good, not so good, naff etc. The acts I think will do well. What I've got right and what I haven't. Basically, anything that interests me music-wise which I think may be of interest to you as well.

It'll all be my opinion of course and therefore maybe a tad biased - but I'm always open to other points of view. So please write in and tell me what you think!

To start the ball rolling, I'm currently part-way through a mammoth compilation project. A good friend is 50 in December and he's asked me to compile the music for the party. It's running from 3pm to midnight, so I'm thinking around 15-20 CDs worth. (Decided against MP3 this time). I've got the first five done under the following titles:
  • Oldies mix
  • Sixties mix
  • Boogie mix
  • Dance mix, and
  • Punk mix
Tracks are laid down for all of the others- but I need to get them in order and work out what sounds best together etc.

But I'll not be doing any of that tomorrow (Monday 22nd) as I'm off to see Laura Marling in Portsmouth. I'll be writing a review of that sometime in the next few days.

Finally, a current tip for future greatness. Check out the Screaming Females album 'Castle Talk' on Don Giovanni Records. Track 4 - 'Normal' - is the dog's!

Jem