The pains of being pure at heart...

... formed in New York city in 2007, their self-titled debut album was released on Slumberland Records in 2009 and reached No.9 in the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their second album 'Belong' was released today (29 March) on Play it again Sam records. Check out their MySpace page and have a listen.

Mok @ the Hope 26.03.11

It's been a while in the waiting - but the Gracey birthday bonanza weekend of 26/27 March 2011 saw a very welcome return for Mok. This time at the Hope in Brighton. For us it was particularly special. First we had all six Crouchers there - us, one on stage, one with big hair, one to boogie and one to buy me a pint (in spirit, if not in pocket). Second - our good friends Pete & Barbs were there to see what all the fuss was about. Mok did not disappoint! Tight musicianship, tighter vocals and a totally gorgeous female lead.

A Pink Floyd moment

Apparently Cathryn opted to see a pro-darts match in preference to the Australian Pink Floyd (Dome, Brighton, 23 March 2011). Each to their own I guess, but it meant that Steve G and I could die and go to heaven several times over! Thanks Cathryn - best thirty quid I've spent in a long time!

The average audience age was, I guess, a shade over 50, many of them frowning quizzically at the 3D glasses they were handed on entry - something to do with the second half, we were told. Strictly no photographs or videos of course - this is the Dome after all - but we were still allowed to take pints in!

And, then, as the house lights dimmed at just after 7.30, the sold out crowd was treated to two and a half hours of bliss. Opening with Shine on you crazy Diamond, the set thundered through classics like Arnold Lane, a mesmerisingly brilliant Great Gig in the Sky, Money, Another Brick in the wall, Comfortably Numb and the crescendo-building finale and encore of Run like Hell. The second half 3D show was a crowd pleaser - particularly the floating pig for the Animals covers - and the giant inflatable kangeroo was I guess a token must. The light and lazer show was brilliant, the sound - immense, the atmosphere and mood - eclectic. In fact, if you closed your eyes for a moment, it was impossible to tell the difference between this bunch of youngish Australians  and the now considerably ageing (those who are still with us) originals.

I count myself as being very privileged to have been present. Spot on!

(Oh yes, and I totally ignored the photography ban!) 

The Decemberists - Hammersmith Apollo, London - 16.3.11

There's a lot to be said for seeing bands twice in quick succession. Bexhill was one thing (excellent), but London Hammersmith Apollo was something else altogether! The capacity crowd - 5,000 strong - were all absolutely up for it from the start, the Apollo, although packed to the gills, afforded good views from virtually everywhere - particularly for us at about 15 yards from the front - and the band gave it all they had for the final slot of their European tour. A totally brilliant gig! Faultless!

The Decemberists - De la Warr pavilion, Bexhill

Following an excellent support from Blind Pilot, the sold out audience packing the De La Warr pavilion in Bexhill this evening (12 March 2011) were met with a 'meet and greet' warm-up/intro thing culminating with an en-masse raspberry blowing session from those seated in the balcony to those of us in the main auditorium. The Decemberists fronted by the ubiquitous Colin Meloy, then took us through a blistering 90 minute set followed by two encores. Songs old and new from their now 6-album strong repertoire which only left us wanting more of the same. Just as well we're seeing them again at Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 16th then!

Trampled Underfoot

Born out of a 1972 jam session, the lyrics inspired by Robert Johnson's 1936 'Terraplane Blues' and the riff (surprisingly) by Stevie Wonder's 1973 release, 'Superstition', Trampled Underfoot has long been one of my favourite Led Zeppelin tracks.


Released as a US single in 1975 with 'Black Country Woman' on the B-side, it's rightful place belongs to the UK album release that same year of Physical Graffiti.


Rather surprisingly track 2 of side 2 hasn't been covered that much. However two notable exceptions, both from 2007, are on Zepparella's 'A Pleasing Pounding' and Vanilla Fudge's 'Out through the in door'