You can now find me over at:
http://theotherllcoolj.tumblr.com/
Thank you
Monday, 30 July 2012
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Video of the Day - Bat For Lashes
Lovely song and video from Natasha Khan written about me ;)
You can catch her at The Forum on 29th October - I would love to go but it's just a bit steep for me.
You can catch her at The Forum on 29th October - I would love to go but it's just a bit steep for me.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Video of the day: Jessie Ware
Best Black Cab Sessions in a while...
You can still get tickets to see Jessie in November, go for it, innit.
You can still get tickets to see Jessie in November, go for it, innit.
Monday, 9 July 2012
Haim at Dingwalls
About three weeks ago I went to see Haim at Dingwalls in Camden.
I had FOMO after not making it to see them at Shacklewell Arms a few weeks earlier and high expectations, heightened by my tiredness - "better be good but not last too long and I better not be stuck behind any tall people".
Dingwalls filled up to the brim but luckily I had a really good, not too getting crushed spot on the second level up +8. Haim came onto the stage and immediately impressed playing tracks from their EP and a few others in between. They endeared themselves to the crowd - the gig was a big deal to them and they were humble despite the hype, obviously totally into what they do and appreciative of the break. +5
I must have got semi-bored however as I found myself analysing whether the sisters fit prototype personality types - there seemed to be the joker youngest sister, slightly awkward, nice middle child and more serious, older sister lead singer.
I was starting to think "yeah this is good but not sure they are as good as the buzz" -2 but it picked up again when their mum and dad came on stage and performed "Mustang Sally" - a feel good moment though slightly on the cheese fest side. +1
Overall it was an enjoyable gig in a good venue with some decent chat and clearly a nice, talented bunch of sisters a bit cooler than Hanson.
B+
I had FOMO after not making it to see them at Shacklewell Arms a few weeks earlier and high expectations, heightened by my tiredness - "better be good but not last too long and I better not be stuck behind any tall people".
Dingwalls filled up to the brim but luckily I had a really good, not too getting crushed spot on the second level up +8. Haim came onto the stage and immediately impressed playing tracks from their EP and a few others in between. They endeared themselves to the crowd - the gig was a big deal to them and they were humble despite the hype, obviously totally into what they do and appreciative of the break. +5
I must have got semi-bored however as I found myself analysing whether the sisters fit prototype personality types - there seemed to be the joker youngest sister, slightly awkward, nice middle child and more serious, older sister lead singer.
I was starting to think "yeah this is good but not sure they are as good as the buzz" -2 but it picked up again when their mum and dad came on stage and performed "Mustang Sally" - a feel good moment though slightly on the cheese fest side. +1
Overall it was an enjoyable gig in a good venue with some decent chat and clearly a nice, talented bunch of sisters a bit cooler than Hanson.
B+
Gig Preview: Peggy Sue in Dalston
This sounds goooooood:
To celebrate the release of their new Album, Peggy Sue will perform two very special half hour performances of Peggy Sue Play the Songs of Scorpio Rising.
Playing the album in its entirety with projected visual accompaniment, the performance will take place in the suitably industrial setting of a surviving WW2 underground bunker – untouched for over 60 years.
Tickets n more deets here
To celebrate the release of their new Album, Peggy Sue will perform two very special half hour performances of Peggy Sue Play the Songs of Scorpio Rising.
Playing the album in its entirety with projected visual accompaniment, the performance will take place in the suitably industrial setting of a surviving WW2 underground bunker – untouched for over 60 years.
Tickets n more deets here
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Sunday, 1 July 2012
New Little Dragon - Sunshine
New track from one of my faves, Little Dragon:
As you'll see it's in partnership with Absolut which at first seems a bit weird n full on in the thumbnail/title card, but there aren't many refs to Absolut throughout. At least it's a cool vodka brand and I'm sure Little Dragon got paid handsomely :)
As you'll see it's in partnership with Absolut which at first seems a bit weird n full on in the thumbnail/title card, but there aren't many refs to Absolut throughout. At least it's a cool vodka brand and I'm sure Little Dragon got paid handsomely :)
Friday, 29 June 2012
MNDR Interactive Video
Fun new interactive music video from MDNR which integrates with your Facebook account to tell you a story of sacking off work and going to your friend's gig.
The track's pretty listenable too.
Via The Creators Project
The track's pretty listenable too.
Via The Creators Project
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Worst Track of the Day
Via Popbitch:
South 4 are a new boyband out of the Brit School. The poor lads have been landed with excruciating nicknames, the type that even Atomic Kitten would have baulked at (Preppy South, Moody South, Classy South, Party South) and a less than tasteful debut single, called Cougar Town, about yes, you've guessed it, MILF shagging.
South 4 are a new boyband out of the Brit School. The poor lads have been landed with excruciating nicknames, the type that even Atomic Kitten would have baulked at (Preppy South, Moody South, Classy South, Party South) and a less than tasteful debut single, called Cougar Town, about yes, you've guessed it, MILF shagging.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Polica at CAMP
Almost three weeks ago I went to see Polica at CAMP.
The night started with dinner at Meter upstairs - dam good pizza sold by the half meter, nom nom nom +18.
In a slight rush, we went downstairs to the basement and were pleased to be able to get a good spot near the front +6. There weren't too many tall people around either +8 however, there was a potential 'Shoreditch dickhead' sporting specs on a chain in front of us - could she be problematic we wondered? -1
Polica came onto stage and immediately impressed with strong vocals and instrument, the two drummers not overpowering but adding to the intensity. I am a sucker for two drummers anyway but this was very very good +6.
Channy Leaneagh (the lead singer) started chatting to the crowd and I was worried she might be a bit lame but she was actually pretty endearing, making a little joke about the Queen's jubilee 'I don't know what the Jubilee is about but I know it's not her birthday' and how she liked London, which always goes down well +2.
Back to the music and most of the Give You The Ghost album was played, including the immense Lay Your Cards Out and latest single (I think?) Amongster. It was the sort of performance you could close your eyes to (if you thought noone was looking and thought you were a dweeb) and really appreciate.
It got sweatier in there and the hipster in front starting shaking some questionable moves interwoven with attempting arty photos but this didn't even annoy me much so I knew I was having a great time +1. At the end I was even tempted to buy a tshirt however in the end not even Channy could persuade me!
I was semi pissed off prior to the gig as I had bought tickets to the first date announced thinking I'd be well ahead of the times and then another date was announced the night before -5.5. However, it's water under the bridge now CAMP, what a bloody good venue - intimate, nice lighting and good sound all adding to the ambience and buzz of the night +11.
Apparently Jay Z is a fan and I don't blame the guy. Bloomin' good band and nice lead singer too. Go see Polica at Heaven in November, if you don't like them I'll maybe give you your money back*
A
*Terms and Conditions apply.
The night started with dinner at Meter upstairs - dam good pizza sold by the half meter, nom nom nom +18.
In a slight rush, we went downstairs to the basement and were pleased to be able to get a good spot near the front +6. There weren't too many tall people around either +8 however, there was a potential 'Shoreditch dickhead' sporting specs on a chain in front of us - could she be problematic we wondered? -1
Polica came onto stage and immediately impressed with strong vocals and instrument, the two drummers not overpowering but adding to the intensity. I am a sucker for two drummers anyway but this was very very good +6.
Channy Leaneagh (the lead singer) started chatting to the crowd and I was worried she might be a bit lame but she was actually pretty endearing, making a little joke about the Queen's jubilee 'I don't know what the Jubilee is about but I know it's not her birthday' and how she liked London, which always goes down well +2.
Back to the music and most of the Give You The Ghost album was played, including the immense Lay Your Cards Out and latest single (I think?) Amongster. It was the sort of performance you could close your eyes to (if you thought noone was looking and thought you were a dweeb) and really appreciate.
It got sweatier in there and the hipster in front starting shaking some questionable moves interwoven with attempting arty photos but this didn't even annoy me much so I knew I was having a great time +1. At the end I was even tempted to buy a tshirt however in the end not even Channy could persuade me!
I was semi pissed off prior to the gig as I had bought tickets to the first date announced thinking I'd be well ahead of the times and then another date was announced the night before -5.5. However, it's water under the bridge now CAMP, what a bloody good venue - intimate, nice lighting and good sound all adding to the ambience and buzz of the night +11.
Apparently Jay Z is a fan and I don't blame the guy. Bloomin' good band and nice lead singer too. Go see Polica at Heaven in November, if you don't like them I'll maybe give you your money back*
A
*Terms and Conditions apply.
Converse: Represent
Since Converse rescued the 100 Club early last year their sponsorship has been pretty low key with a few bigger names like Gorillaz, The Vaccines and Kindness.
However, today Converse announced a series of Represent gigs over the summer which sound pretty special.
I have my fingers crossed for the Santigold date with Django Django, Friends, Best Coast and Citizens!
However, today Converse announced a series of Represent gigs over the summer which sound pretty special.
I have my fingers crossed for the Santigold date with Django Django, Friends, Best Coast and Citizens!
Monday, 25 June 2012
London Gig Guide - H2
Well we're coming into the second half of the year and there are some exciting gigs coming up in the next few months.
Here's my pick of the bunch:
Real Estate at Electric Ballroom - 27th June - Still tickets here, quick!
Get People at Camden Barfly - 23rd July - Tickets here
Savages at 1,2,3,4 festival - 1st September - Tickets here
Grimes at Heaven - 5th-6th September - Sold out (please let me know if you can get any spare tickets!) Heard Grimes at Field day (tent too crowded to see) and sounded reaaallly good.
Yeasayer at Shepherd's Bush Empire - 27th September - Tickets here
Hot Chip with Django Django at Brixton Academy - 19th October - Tickets here
Francois and the Atlas Mountains at Village Underground - 25th October - Tickets here
Alt-J at Electric Ballroom - 5th November - Tickets on sale this Friday 29th June
Jessie Ware at Brixton Electric - 13th November - Tickets on sale this Friday 29th June
Jake Bugg at Koko - 14th November - Tickets here - one to watch
Alabama Shakes at Forum - 17th November - Tickets on sale Friday 29th June
Polica at Heaven - 20th November - Tickets here (can't believe it's not sold out, highly recommend after seeing Polica at CAMP at couple of weeks ago)
Ben Howard at Brixton Academy - 28th-30th November - Sold out - try n get a ticket if you can, he was brilliant at Hackney Weekend.
Here's my pick of the bunch:
Real Estate at Electric Ballroom - 27th June - Still tickets here, quick!
Get People at Camden Barfly - 23rd July - Tickets here
Savages at 1,2,3,4 festival - 1st September - Tickets here
Grimes at Heaven - 5th-6th September - Sold out (please let me know if you can get any spare tickets!) Heard Grimes at Field day (tent too crowded to see) and sounded reaaallly good.
Yeasayer at Shepherd's Bush Empire - 27th September - Tickets here
Hot Chip with Django Django at Brixton Academy - 19th October - Tickets here
Francois and the Atlas Mountains at Village Underground - 25th October - Tickets here
Alt-J at Electric Ballroom - 5th November - Tickets on sale this Friday 29th June
Jessie Ware at Brixton Electric - 13th November - Tickets on sale this Friday 29th June
Jake Bugg at Koko - 14th November - Tickets here - one to watch
Alabama Shakes at Forum - 17th November - Tickets on sale Friday 29th June
Polica at Heaven - 20th November - Tickets here (can't believe it's not sold out, highly recommend after seeing Polica at CAMP at couple of weeks ago)
Ben Howard at Brixton Academy - 28th-30th November - Sold out - try n get a ticket if you can, he was brilliant at Hackney Weekend.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
New music of the day: Coco Morier
Listening to Ingrid, Volym 1 finally (didn't realise it was on Spotify yet duh!) and came across Coco Morier aka Nicole Morier. Afterlife (below) is my fave, but there's also a load more nice tracks on her Soundcloud page and info about Coco:
Now Morier debuts her solo EP, an infectious and playful five song collection exhibiting a cross pollination of dirty synthesized disco jams, sleek synth pop and lo-fi garage rock suffused with mesmerizing sugary melodies.
One to watch peut-etre.
Now Morier debuts her solo EP, an infectious and playful five song collection exhibiting a cross pollination of dirty synthesized disco jams, sleek synth pop and lo-fi garage rock suffused with mesmerizing sugary melodies.
One to watch peut-etre.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Michael Kiwanuka at Shepherd's Bush Empire
I've been a terrible gig reviewer of late, not posting write ups for Grouplove (they were a bit annoying and I felt too cool to be at the gig), The Do (nowt special) or Of Montreal (pretty fun with lots of random stage invasions from costumed creatures), so let's get this Michael Kiwanuka at Shepherd's Bush Empire review started, yeah!
The evening started with an erm delightful quick Pret a Manger dinner and unfortunately missing Jake Bugg open the show who sounds very promising and has been getting some good hype after his performance on Later with Jools Holland -3.
After an expensive lager purchase we made our way towards the front so as to hopefully avoid as much whinging from me as possible that I couldn't see. We managed to get a half decent spot and Mikey came one stage +2.
His voice carried well in the venue and the performance was earnest and charismatic +6. The main problemos were the material itself and the venue - with one album there was a limited range of songs to choose from and some of the slower, more low key tracks got lost in the crowd who rudely chatted over the top -3. Some of the tracks probably would've been more suited to a smaller, more intimate venue (or a more polite crowd - I'm talking about a couple of talle douchebags in particular who wouldn't stop chatting - I think one had stupid hair as well) -1.5.
Other gripes were too many snogging, PDA couples -6 get a room please, and it getting really really hot there as usual - my fringe was not in good shape -12.
The band seemed to be really gelled (not jel) and the more upbeat, 'funky' tracks were more successful such as "I'll Get Along" and obviously the big one "Home Again". Other highlights from the album were probably "Bones" and "Always Waiting". The acoustic songs were also lovely and showcased Kiwanuka's talent to the max.
Overall I thought Mike was a really good performer, his vocal was breathtaking at times +7 and I enjoyed his anecdote about Secret Garden Party and other chit chat - he seems like a genuine guy +6.6666666.
B
ps some nice photos here
The evening started with an erm delightful quick Pret a Manger dinner and unfortunately missing Jake Bugg open the show who sounds very promising and has been getting some good hype after his performance on Later with Jools Holland -3.
After an expensive lager purchase we made our way towards the front so as to hopefully avoid as much whinging from me as possible that I couldn't see. We managed to get a half decent spot and Mikey came one stage +2.
His voice carried well in the venue and the performance was earnest and charismatic +6. The main problemos were the material itself and the venue - with one album there was a limited range of songs to choose from and some of the slower, more low key tracks got lost in the crowd who rudely chatted over the top -3. Some of the tracks probably would've been more suited to a smaller, more intimate venue (or a more polite crowd - I'm talking about a couple of talle douchebags in particular who wouldn't stop chatting - I think one had stupid hair as well) -1.5.
Other gripes were too many snogging, PDA couples -6 get a room please, and it getting really really hot there as usual - my fringe was not in good shape -12.
The band seemed to be really gelled (not jel) and the more upbeat, 'funky' tracks were more successful such as "I'll Get Along" and obviously the big one "Home Again". Other highlights from the album were probably "Bones" and "Always Waiting". The acoustic songs were also lovely and showcased Kiwanuka's talent to the max.
Overall I thought Mike was a really good performer, his vocal was breathtaking at times +7 and I enjoyed his anecdote about Secret Garden Party and other chit chat - he seems like a genuine guy +6.6666666.
B
ps some nice photos here
Friday, 1 June 2012
New music of the day - Igor Volk
Listen to this new track from the brilliant Igor Volk:
I've seen a preview of the video and can tell you it's an absolute corker. (And I'm not just saying that as I was a bit tipsy after a couple of beers!)
The song's out on 18 June and is already getting great reviews, check this out from The Guardian.
I've seen a preview of the video and can tell you it's an absolute corker. (And I'm not just saying that as I was a bit tipsy after a couple of beers!)
The song's out on 18 June and is already getting great reviews, check this out from The Guardian.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Field Day Clashfinder
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Monday, 21 May 2012
Video of the day: Hot Chip
Hot Chip have yet again produced an unusual and entertainining video, directed By Peter Serafinowicz "Many animals were harmed during the making of this video. Regrettably, none of them made the final edit." P. Serafinowicz
Check out the vid for Night and Day:
There's also a nice live version from Later with Jools Holland here:
Looking forward to seeing them again at Lovebox in a few weeks.
Check out the vid for Night and Day:
There's also a nice live version from Later with Jools Holland here:
Looking forward to seeing them again at Lovebox in a few weeks.
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