Tuesday 26 August 2014

GALTRES FESTIVAL 2014


First things first: I had a stunningly, amazing fantastic time. But as with anything there are always gonna be a couple of negatives, let's call it constructive criticism, and let's get them out of the way first. 

The festival site doesn't open till 12pm on the Friday with the arena opening at 3pm. The first band were on just after three. Most people were either still queueing to get in or to have their Gcard activated (more of that in a mo) so Bang Bang Romeo played to a handful of people. Surely the site can be opened Thursday evening, like most festivals, or at least early on the Friday. People want to get camped and find their bearings before immersing themselves in the festival proper. 

I was lucky in that I got there early and because no-one was quite sure where I got my press passes from I was allowed to wander round the site and so was perched on a straw bale at The Dukes (main) Stage when Bang Bang Romeo came on.

The Gcard: The site is a cash free zone. You put money on your card and use that. In principle it's a great idea. You don't have to carry cash around and traders don't need to mess with change. The downside to this is you have to buy a card and pay for it to be topped up. You're basically paying to use you're own money. Also at the start of the festival you have no idea how much you're going to spend. Any money left on your card can't be refunded. I do believe it either goes to charity or can be used at next year's festival but surely the punter should have a choice. I ended up having to top up my card three times in total so it cost me £7 to spend my own money. I think there's still a quid left on it too. Also you can get your card in advance but still have to have it activated on site so it doesn't alleviate any queueing at all.

We'll get to the good stuff soon! Mark and Gail Loraine were my festival compadres and between us we had 3 camping spots with electric hook up booked. All spots with hook up were allocated, except ours. I didn't necessarily need electric but Mark did. After much debate we were finally told to find empty spots and use them. All well and good to the people who's spots we took turned up. We finally sorted it between us, though one couple were particularly rude, but missed a lot of the Friday performances while this was sorted. 

Anyway, like a said constructive criticism. Open the festival site earlier, scrap the gcards and make sure all allocated camping spots are actually allocated. 

Now the good stuff:

Friday 22/08/14 Day One

Up at 6 to repack again and get into town for the 8:10 train to York then the 9:05 service bus from York to Helmsley. (There was a coach put on from York but it didn't leave till 1. I would have been way too late). Got to Helmsley at 10:30 and stupidly despite the sun, my heavy bags and lack of fitness thought a walk to the festival site would be a good idea. I nearly spent my festival weekend in the local cardio ward. 

Will skip the getting my pass sorted malarkey but I did bump into Colin from The Little Heroes Charity who organised a fire walk at The Hallcross when I was manager there. 'What are you doing tomorrow,' he asked. 'A fire walk I guess.'

As I said, I was in situe for opening act Bang Bang Romeo and their first performance on a main festival stage. No surprises in that they nailed it. Just a shame more people couldn't see them. Spoke to a few people that night who could hear the band from the queue and were gutted they didn't get to see them. Galtres stagger the performances on the two outdoor stages, an excellent idea, but being lazy I stayed where I was and heard The Starkins be quality as always without actually seeing them. 


Bang Bang Romeo

Next up on the main stage were The Talks. I love this band so much but as with Bang Bang Romeo they merit a later slot. They still got the crowd dancing though and in effect saved my festival. All the admin issues had been forgotten as their sweet ska sound drifted across North Yorkshire. I'd promised the lads an interview but needed to get my gcard and camping sorted so sadly didn't get chance. I did bump into Easy (bass) and Titch (drums) later and between us we cooked up a plan to get them back to Donny on their November tour. 

Now was when the camping chaos happened and I missed quite a bit including Foy Vance who I really wanted to see. Also the press area still wasn't set up which made getting interviews tricky. Thankfully it's a very open, friendly festival and most acts just mix with the punters which is how I got any interviews.

Got back to the main stage for the second half of Bellowhead. First time I've seen them. They were awesome though I'm not sure a pink jacket and tie is regarded as folk. Now we had money on our card we hit the Ryedale stage which doubled as a beer tent. Alligator Gumbo were being ridiculously cool on stage as I sampled all manner of real ales. 

To get a beer you need to buy a glass. Only £1,50 and the classic oxymoron plastic glass, a sturdy one though. Bit of a con is the first thought until you see the whole festival site awash with grass, even after 3 days. One day at Leeds Fest and you're knee deep in litter, mostly discarded drinking receptacles. Not here. I can honestly say I didn't see one bit of litter. 

As you can see from the first pic it was Galtres 10th anniversary and the big number 10 was there for all to sign thus:



Bang Bang Romeo left their mark too:






And I couldn't resist a second signing:



I should say that I've always thought Glastonbury was the most beautiful setting for a festival. I'm proud to say Galtres (and Yorkshire of course) have topped that.



Went shopping for the obligatory festival shirt and hat:


The shirt I'll wear again. Not sure about the hat.


before The Levellers came on stage. I saw The Levellers at Brid Spa back in '95 and it is simply one of the best gigs I've ever been too. I've also seen them be decidedly average though (V99). Tonight they were on fire. Mark Chadwick had the crowd in the palm of his hand. One lady next to me seemed a bit confused. 'Have they changed their singer?' 'No. Why?' 'He looks older'. 'When did you last see them'? '1996' 

Genius.

The first encore of the festival saw Mark promise this weekend's earworm, their version of The Devil Went Down To Georgia complete with 'AC/DC devil signs from the Chadwick Army'. 

We retreated back to the Ryedale stage but I was struggling. The Cover Lovers were doing their thing but I was beat. Fish 'n' chips, a hot chocolate and bed was my plan. Mark Loraine informed me the next day that just after I left The Levellers joined the party. Typical.

I love camping. all my childhood holidays were camping ones but at 6'5" I need a bigger tent and a bigger sleeping bag. Oh and the self inflating mattress was just a mat basically. No real inflating going on. Still, I was shattered and slept. Uncomfortably it would seem.

Saturday 23/08/14 Day Two

I woke up in a crunched up piece of paper position. I unfolded myself and ached. As I sat in my tent doorway the neighbours to my right kindly made me coffee. Twice. 

Another downside was only one trader outside the arena site, which didn't open till 12 so breakfast took nearly two hours. Still, it did afford views like this:



I went off for my fire walk training while Mark and Gail had a wander. I'd got a bit cocky having done a fire walk before. Big mistake. I'd forgot that it was actually a tad painful. Plus the grass was a bit damp under the coals so on the last (5th) walk I sank into the hot embers with my last step. It is great fun though and something everyone should try at least once, and it's all for a good cause.

A drink was in order then back up to the main stage for the first find of the weekend, Holy Moly And The Crackers. Gypsy, folk rock 'n' roll of the highest order. I blagged a cd and was delighted to be told they were playing again Sunday night. Had a wander round the stages before my next must see band, The Jim Jones Revue. So pigging cool. 'It may be cold but this song's a strip tease song.' No one did. It was that cold and this wasn't Leeds Fest where clothes are shed on a regular basis. Another band worthy of headlining although sadly I believe this is their final tour. 

Next up was my first, and only, dilemma of the festival: Chris Helme on the Ryedale stage or Martin Stephenson in The Black Howl tent. Chris Helme was also playing on the Sunday and I'd not seen Martin Stephenson since Glastonbury '89 so headed down to The Black Howl. I'm glad I did. He is a very funny and incredibly decent bloke with an array of gorgeous tunes. He played some very old Daintees material and seemed genuinely surprised at the crowd sing-alongs, particularly on Rain, A Greenhouse, My Grandfather And Me and Running Water. 

I bumped into Mark on my way back to the Ryedale who had to be up early for an appointment back in Donny so was heading back to camp. I caught my second find of the weekend, King Courgette, 'an old time vegetable string band from York - banjos, ukuleles, violin, washboard and a whole lot more.' A superb bluegrass band. I've always got time for a band with a washboard. Percussion for their final song came from the washboard player tap dancing, whilst still playing washboard. 

I then headed back down to the Black Howl Tent to see Beans On Toast. Caught the end of The Broken Broadcast, americana-folk and well worth a listen. 

Beans On Toast is not for the faint hearted. Quite rightly outspoken (he had a major Gcard rant), very, very funny and a bit sweary. (Don't f***ing clap along. I'm not that kinda act. And I cant keep time with myself so I've no chance if you're clapping). It's a worry that it was my daughter who got me into him and she was 14 when she first heard him. He was brilliant. Did his last song up a tent pole.



Another CD, paid for this time, before heading to The Firkin Stage (another beer tent) for a nightcap. Bumped into Chris Helme and had a good chat. Another one who wants to come back to Donny. Sort it Donny venues! Decided I needed food. Only thing still on sale were churroz (spanish donuts). AWESOME!!! Chatted to Beans On Toast's guitarist whilst queueing. Guess what? They want a Donny gig too!

Despite having my torch I still stumbled back to my tent and went flying over Mark and Gail's guy rope. I'm not gonna lie to you, it was bloody freezing. Not the greatest night's sleep. And every small spider in North Yorkshire had took up residence with me.

Sunday 24/08/14 Day Three

Waking up a crumpled mess it would seem is obligatory this weekend. Mark and Gail had nipped back to Donny so I got myself sorted (I wont go into details but these were the best festival toilets I've ever come across) and went for breakfast. There were actually two traders outside the arena so had a veggie breakfast. Just as nice and with no queueing. 

Today's plan was The Oxman Stage. I'd not visited yet and another of my must seen bands, Counting Coins, were due on later that afternoon. Caught up with Colin who'd persuaded a few bands to do Abbey Road style fire walks that night then settled at The Oxman to watch The Buccaneers. Enjoyable 3 minute garage blues songs but nothing overtly original.

My good friend Alistair Pearson was meant to join us today but sadly for medical reasons couldn't make it. I had seen a post on Facebook from a friend of his recommending The Franceens though so I headed up to The Dukes Stage to catch them. Well worth it. Quality nihilistic catchy punk.. Probably THE find of the weekend a band to watch out for. Another CD bought.

I checked out a store run by The Warren in Hull and got talking music, as you do. I came away with more CDs. Now up to The Oxman for Counting Coins. They got the first, and I think, only daytime encore. And rightly so. They're a kinda ska/punk/hip-hop/indie mash up band. I missed them when they played Donny last year. I wont miss them again. Absolutely brilliant. 

Back to the tent for a breather just as Mark and Gail got back. I wanted to catch Johnny Gill at The Firkin but instead had a power nap. Refreshed I headed back into the throng just in time to catch Louis Barabbas and the Bedlam Six on The Dukes Stage. 4th find of the weekend. Swing fixated folk rock I think we'll go with. Loved them. Louis also sported the finest moustache of the festival. 

Next up was the big one for me. Public Service Broadcasting on The Dukes Stage. I've seen them a few times now but always in small intimate venues. I wasn't sure how their set would work at a festival. I needn't have worried. As the sun set the dusk suited them perfectly. A beautiful noise drifting across the wilds of Yorkshire. Their debut album, Inform, Educate, Entertain, was my album of 2013. They are currently recording the follow up and from what I heard on Sunday it's gonna be another gem. On this showing PSB are a festival headline act for many years to come.





I hot footed down to The Black Howl for Chris Helme's second set of the weekend. If you only know his work with The Seahorses then you're missing out on so much. A new album is in the offing but as the man says, it could take a while 'cos he hates his own company'. It'll be worth the wait.

Back to The Firkin for Danny Landau. Had a beer with John Otway as I waited and mentioned the last time I'd seen him was in a Sinclair C5 in Princes Garden's Edinburgh. Delightfully he remembered me. Sadly the sound engineer had disappeared from The Firkin and it was a DIY job with help from some of the crowd and thankfully a friend of Danny's who was there as a paying festival goer. He'd been dragged from watching The Human League to help. I'd planned on catching John Otway after Danny but with the delays the sets clashed and after all Danny and been through to get the sound sorted I felt I owed it to him to stay. Still with major sound problems Danny and his band managed to show why they are so highly rated and why BBC Introducing and 6 Music champion them so much. 

(I wasn't bothered about The Human League because they weren't bothered about me. Plus I'm just not a fan).

Had a quick chat with Danny and then on to what I thought would be the finale, Holy Moly And The Crackers again at The Ryedale. Caught up with Gail and a broken Mark. He actually fell asleep leaning against a tent post. They retired to bed as I joined in some drunken jigs with the guy from The Warren and Counting Coins. It was over too quick but I'd heard there was still life at The Black Howl. An acoustic Beatles covers duo (Keegan Snaize). Perfect. It ended with a Hey Jude stage invasion where I bizarrely gave one of the band my last beer. Caught up with Chris Helme again for a chat, swapping of email addresses and a hug '(You're a bear of a man)'

Word was that the party continued at The Riverside Stage. Not visited there all weekend so I thought in the interests of giving a full journalistic review I should. It was a massive jam session and I got to play some bongos. Things were still going strong but it was 4am and I was waning. Made it back to camp and fell asleep half in, half out of my tent. 

Galtres had quite wonderfully broken me.

The country is now awash with festivals of all sizes. I would say that Galtres ranks up their with the finest. The atmosphere is one of pure friendship. Nowhere else can you mingle with the artists as you can here. And the line up is a wonderful eclectic mix. Every genre imaginable was on show somewhere at some point this weekend. And I can guarantee you will find some new music to fall in love with as well as catching some quality name acts. Galtres is ten years old now and getting bigger but I hope it doesn't get too much bigger. The odd admin issue aside it is just about perfect.

As always people asked who was your pick of the weekend. It's impossible to really pick one but here are the nominations:

Bang Bang Romeo - always hard to open a festival especially when 95% of the crowd are still queueing but still brought their big guns.

The Levellers - showing how when they are on form there are few better

The Jim Jones Revue - keeping the crowd rocking despite the cold

Holy Moly And The Crackers, King Courgette, Louis Barabbas And The Bedlam Six and particularly The Franceens - the finds of the weekend

Martin Stephenson - making me fall in love with him all over again

Beans On Toast - sharing his rider and tent pole climbing

Chris Helme - quality tuneage and hugs

Public Service Broadcasting - awesomeness personified

But my set of the weekend goes to Danny Landau. Had a real mare getting sorted to perform. An hour late through no fault of his own and still delivered some of the most perfect modern folk you will ever hear.

Thank you to Mark and Gail Loraine for superb company throughout (and for the photos)

Thank you to Pete Wise for sorting the passes out.

And thank you Galtres. I'll see you next year.



Thursday 21 August 2014

My! You're Early

I'm such a ligger. Saying that the Urban Dictionary defines a ligger as an arch blagger. I've never blagged an arch. Wouldn't know where to start.

Nicked a gargoyle once. Is that similar?

To me a ligger is someone who just hangs out a gigs having not paid to get in and has no discernible talent . 

Bit like a drummer.

I'm not sure when this blog will get published. It's currently Tuesday (19th) afternoon and I've just got an email from Galtres festival confirming all my press privileges for this coming weekend and interviews, hopefully, with The Levellers, The Human League, Public Service Broadcasting, Martin Stephenson and The Talks. I'm also gonna be following Bang Bang Romeo around for the day. I will be back Monday but as regular readers will know festivals invariably break me. Anyway, hopefully you're reading this on a Monday. You can pick your own Monday.

I've just had a look at the corresponding blog from last year and it's all about hanging out with Wilko Johnson at the Cusworth Festival.

I'm such a ligger. 

Monday 18/08/14

Due to lack of communication, and Julie having a very knackered phone, ended up having a quiet night in. My mate Chris Perkins sent me an update of some new tracks from WTF Audio though and they're sounding good. One in particular, People Like You with Laura Kelly, is on repeat as we speak. Cant wait to play the finished article on the show. In weeks to come you will be stuck with 'Da da da da, da da da da da, da da da da da, dah dah dah dah dah' in your heads for ever. Trust me. (They are the actual words. Chris told me).

Tuesday 19/08/14

So the day started with the standard checking of texts, emails and Facebook messages. My daughter George sent me a link to Frank Turner dates accompanied by one word: 'Hull.' So I'm destined for my first night in Hull since I moved out in 1998. Wonder if I can still go 'Tower for an hour?' Er, scrub that. Not with my daughter in tow!

Also had a message from Keith Angel from Orchestre Ruffanti thanking me for the album review in the current Doncopolitan. They've had increased sales on the back of it. That's why I do what I do. 

Also waiting was the Galtres email to which I referred to at the start of this blog.

Headed into town to take all 3 daughters for lunch before shopping in preparation for the weekend. The last tent and sleeping bag I owned got left at Leeds Fest. So I now own a tent, sleeping bag and torch. Given the Leeds experience and camping on a cobbled street I also bought some self inflating mattress thing. I presume it self deflates as well. Given it's a press thing I ordered a camera too. I already have a dictaphone. Please insert your own childish jokes here:



We done?

Good. 

The afternoon was spent trying to write two articles for the next Doncopolitan Magazine. I need a secretary. Or just someone who can type with more than 2 fingers would be handy.

Wednesday 20/08/14

Off to Sine Fm Towers to record Sunday's show. Alistair Pearson joined me and in a discussion about juggling flaming frozen fish we laughed so much we couldn't talk. I'm not sure how that'll come across on the radio.

Went to Alistair's after to record some vocals for The Legend Of Dandelion And Shoe. I never knew I could sing. I'm still not sure I can. Had a fantastic day though.

So here's the play list for next Sunday:

The Other Way - Polkadodge
Union City Blue - Blondie
Roxette - Dr. Feelgood
Bible John - The Sea Kings
Adore Me - Bang Bang Romeo
Kiss This - The Struts
Friday Night - The Talks
Cure - The Missing Pages
Shimmer Gold - Dexters
Like A Dancer - The Enemy
Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys
Blue Skinned Beast - Madness
Tainted Love - Orchestre Ruffanti
Not Too Young - The Tricks
Amazing (Live) - Alistair J Pearson
I Fought The Law - The Clash
The Caterpillar - The Cure
So Beautiful - The Dunwells
Heavy Horses - Fallen Trees
Loose Living - The Velcro Teddy Bears
Tuesday - Yazoo
Happy Hour - The Housemartins
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers

Thursday 21/08/14

I've decided to split this blog into two. This the bog standard blog, a bog blog if you will, and then start of next week I'll post a Galtres review type blog with photos an interviews and dancing girls and everything. Maybe not dancing girls.

Went into town for some last minute shopping for the weekend. Decent boots and a poncho. Could only get a bright orange poncho. The spaghetti westerns could have been so different. Clint saying, 'I don't think it's nice you laughing', in a bright orange poncho would have had a very different effect. 

Over to Julie's for goodbyes then back home to pack. And re pack. And to decide I didn't need half the stuff I'd packed and pack again.

And now I'm about to set off.

Laters

SS








Monday 18 August 2014

Where's My Cufflinks

Right, I'm starting this one early so as to try and remember all the Edinburgh stuff. Expect crap photos.

Monday 11/08/14

A quick bit of background information: For reasons too long to go into my mate Ian had a train ticket for Edinburgh that he couldn't use and asked if I wanted it. So after much deliberation, and Guinness, I decided that I quite fancied a day walking round Edinburgh on my own.

I've not been since I was about 15 but remember it being a beautiful city. It really is. You walk out of Waverley Station to this:


Take a photo as you step outside King's Cross Station and compare!

So I started off wandering down Princes Street to have a chat with Sir Walter Scott

  


and then onto the National Gallery area. The Fringe was in full swing. I wouldn't have time to take in a show but there were plenty of street performers to keep me entertained.

 
 Had a casual stroll through Princes Gardens for views like this



 
only to see a familiar chap heading towards me in a Sinclair C5.




None other than John Otway advertising his Fringe gig that night. He shook my hand but said he didn't have time to talk as he was busy driving his Sinclair C5.

I fancied going somewhere I'd not been before so gave the walk up to the castle a miss and headed to Calton Hill, stopping at a graveyard on the way where I found this mausoleum:

 
Edinburgh born philosopher who could out consume Schopenhauer and Hegel. I'd like to say a know more about him but without Monty Python I'd be hard pressed to name a philosopher. He was responsible for lobbying Edinburgh council to build a walk 'for the health and amusement of the inhabitants' though and it is Hume Walk that takes you round Calton Hill for stunning views of the Firth Of Forth and the Kingdom Of Fife. Sadly no Sunshine On Leith today:


The Forth Bridges are just out of shot to the left. The rail bridge was being painted I believe.

Only football fans will get this next bit. Just to the right of the above photo is Easter Road, home of Hibernian. Even with all of Edinburgh's beauty and history I got giddy at seeing a ground I've not seen before. I now had to see Hearts ground or my day wouldn't be complete. I climbed up to the top of The Nelson Monument and happily caught sight of the top of Tynecastle as well as getting a cracking view of Murrayfield. Trust me to a sports fan this was massive.

A wander back into the city centre to buy the obligatory Edinburgh rock and crap-gift-for-the-girlfriend then a quick jar with the ridiculously friendly locals before heading home.

Have to say the place was heaving and with all due respect to Darrin and Jack, American tourists still have the most appalling dress sense.

Got home to find a massive spider had took up residence in my now tidy flat. He's called Alan and I've lost him now which is a worry.  

Tuesday 12/08/14

Alan still remains lost. Hope he's OK. More than that I hope he doesn't decide to walk across my face while I sleep. That's all I did today, worry about a spider.

Wednesday 13/08/14

Decided it was time I found out just what is going on with my heart. It's been weeks since my consultant casually threw the words critical, aortic and stenosis in my general direction. I rang my doctor who said my heart was no longer their concern. Exact words!!!! Well that's nice to hear. Rang the hospital who's switchboard would only put me through to a woman called Karen who didn't work in the right department and couldn't get the switchboard to send me anywhere else. Eventually I found out that I'm on a list. That's it. That's all I know.

Decided to make today new music day. Another, at times, painful passing of an hour, this week saved by Augustines, Manchester Orchestra and Noah Francis Johnson.

Had a text conversation with Ian about upcoming gigs. I need a diary 'cos I'd forgot half the ones I have lined up. I'm wonderfully organised. There's about 12 lined up so far between now and the end of the year.

Thursday 14/08/14

Still no Alan. 

Did some washing today. 

Alan was in the quilt cover and didn't look at all happy. I still have the odd centipede in the shower problem (yeah I don't get that one either) so what possible use is a spider in my quilt cover. I've lost all faith in spiders.

Headed over to Julie's for veg stew and again failed to play Scrabble. Nearly two weeks without a game now. It's a worry.

Friday 15/08/14

Saving myself for a wedding Saturday which could also be why I cant remember anything I did on Friday. 

Saturday 16/08/14

Had an email waiting offering me press passes for next week's Galtres Festival in Helmsley. You know I love a freebie. Staggeringly due to work, gigs, trips to Manchester and other assorted reasons I'm struggling to get a plus one. I'm haggling for more tickets so I can take my kids.

Dug my suit out and headed into town. Nipped up to Doncaster Pride first, checked out issue 3 of the Doncopolitan mag then off to the Regent for the wedding. £4.30 a pint!! Sod that. Free pimms and wasps on Regent Square after the ceremony though, which was nice. 

I'd like to furnish you with more details but it's all a bit hazy. Masons then Woolpack is as good as you're gonna get. 

Got woke up at 2am by two lads fighting outside my flat. Not really fighting actually, just lots of squaring up and dancing around as their respective girlfriends told them to grow up. One guy had took his suit jacket and shirt off for the unscheduled bout. It was his shout of 'Where's my cufflinks' that woke me up. The fight never really got going and they wandered off in different directions but for some reason the guy didn't bother picking his shirt or jacket up (or cufflinks), just left them draped over a fence.

Ten minutes later some guy walked past, saw the jacket and decided he was having it. Good work fella.

Sunday 17/08/14

Pottering, as is my wont, before heading down to Sine FM Towers for The Other Way. Julie failed to join me by falling asleep but Mr. Rob Dannatt did put in a guest appearance. Another highly enjoyable show. Off to Julie's to be fed and play a very overdue game of Scrabble. I won! 46-21 are the current overall scores. My half term report reads 'a marked improvement'.

Off now to nag people into going to a cracking festival for nowt.

Laters

SS

The Other Way Play List Sunday 17/08/14

The Other Way - Polkadodge
Hope Street - The Levellers
Undercover Martyn - Two Door Cinema Club
Airport - The Motors
Weary Eyes - Augustines
Everest - Public Service Broadcasting
Girl From Mars - Ash
Bible John - The Sea kings
Cemetry (Ode to the IRS)  - Bang Bang Romeo
Once In A Lifetime - Talking Heads
Can Stand The Rain - The Talks
Tumbling Dice - The Rolling Stones
Love Is The Law - The Seahorses
The Legend Of Dandelion And Shoe - Alistair J. Pearson
Papa Was A Rollin' Stone - The Temptations
Johnny Too Bad - UB40
Pacifier - Catfish And The Bottlemen
Follow The Road - The Dunwells
Gold Lion - Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
Love Is A Wonderful Colour - The Icicle Works
Graceland - The Bible
Lady Off London Road - The Velcro Teddy Bears
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Andy Williams
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers










Tuesday 12 August 2014

Owl Stretching Time

So a late blog this week. I spent all day Monday in Edinburgh, more of that in next week's blog, hence no blog yesterday and then today the news came through of Robin Williams' death and frankly I couldn't be motivated to do anything then. Such a talented and genuinely, naturally hilarious man. Such a sad loss. It shows that the illness that is depression can strike anyone down. For those who say 'just get over it', you know nothing. To my friends that I know who do suffer, you know where I am.

So here goes:

Monday 04/08/14

I'll  be honest, again I'm relying on memory so this could all end up being fictional. After the buzz of Blackfest and a stunning show on the 3rd I was brought crashing down with the news that The Darlingtons had decided to call it a day. The most energetic band I've ever seen on stage, with such potential to go massive it came as a shock. I've spoke to a couple of Darlos since and their manager Neil and they all seem pretty upbeat. Hopefully they may have a rethink after a much needed break.

Had a meeting at Waterdale to discuss the terms of the lease for The Notorious Aardvark Record Shop. My proposal's gone upstairs, I believe that's the accepted phrase. In all truth my proposal's in an email that's probably gone to the same office I had my meeting in. Anyway, watch this space.

Julie wasn't feeling well so Scrabble which started Sunday night remains unfinished.

Tuesday 05/08/14

Tuesday. Er, not got a clue. New tunes maybe? No idea. Stayed in, I know that much. Scrabble still unfinished. 

Just started on Wednesday and remembered that Tuesday did involve a dive into town to get daughter No. 2 a birthday present.

Wednesday 06/08/14

Charlie (daughter No.2)'s birthday. Nipped round to see her with her present and to frown at the inappropriate cards some people send to a 15 year old girl. 15!! That's just bloody ridiculous. I'm sure she was only 6 yesterday. 

Then it was off to pick Julie up and head off to York to see The Waterboys. The greatest band that has ever graced this planet, though Julie, like a lot of people, hadn't heard of them till you mention Whole Of The Moon.

Had a brief wander round York and had to stop Julie buying a baby grand piano. My back was playing up. No way I was carrying that back to Donny. 

Barbican for The Watterlads and they were in top form. Steve Wickham has firmly replaced Anto Thistletwaite as Mike Scott's right hand man and they put on a sublime show. The Big Music is still there but reworked into folk/rock gems. Fishermans' Blues, A Girl Called Johnny, As Mad As The Mist And Snow, The Pan Within and A Bang On The Ear were all epic. I've been with The Waterboys since 1983 which means most of their fans are my age i.e. old enough to know better. The Barbican was still bouncing though.

Brilliant was Julie's verdict and she couldn't work out how she only knew one song which, as she correctly pointed out, is not their best.



Back to the hotel to find that the fan they'd put in our room was having no effect at all. Too hot to sleep so 4am found me wandering around York. Didn't see any ghosts. Surprisingly busy though. And a had a chat with some well mannered geese.

Thursday 07/08/14

I awoke to find Julie gone. She'd left her bag fully packed and in plain view so as not to alarm me too much. And a message on facebook saying she was in the pub opposite drinking copious amounts of coffee. I eventually joined her and we wandered round York. Saw some very disgruntled owls who seemed to object to being on show in the middle of the day. Can't really blame them. I had a mint choc chip ice cream to prove I do eat green food and promptly filled my beard with it. Had a look at some Norwegians looking at a Norwegian grave in a Norwegian graveyard then headed home.

Back to my flat 'cos we were both knackered . The podcast of last Sunday's show had finally gone online so I shared that with the world and had an enjoyable night taking the praise of fellow Strutters.

Friday 08/08/14

A lazy day before heading to join JJ on the first 45. We were announcing a competition to see The Dunwells at Sheffield Plug on Sept 13th but I just ended up waffling over his whole show. Good fun though. Got out of the studio to find the North Atlantic had been deposited on Donny so any thoughts of going out were soon dispersed and I waited for my taxi to ferry me home.

Saturday 09/08/14

Plans today! Tidy my flat. It desperately needed it. Head to York for a stag do. Get back to Donny to meet up with another group of mates. I have no idea why I plan. As my old boss always said, 'The plan is there is no plan.' Went crazy tidying, insomuch as I was incredibly thorough. Furniture moving, mopping, polishing, the works. It's a worry. By the time I'd finished York was out the question so I pottered in my tidy flat before heading into town where I bumped into a group of mates who were neither of the two groups I planned on meeting. As is the way with these things all three groups eventually ended up in the same place where I got very confused and very drunk.

Sunday 10/08/14

As is my wont now I spent a very lazy day before heading down to Sine FM Towers for The Other Way. The South Atlantic was deposited on Donny in the afternoon though and I'd left my kitchen window open. So much for all that mopping. Julie was joining me this week which was just as well 'cos she had all my cds. (Yes I still use cds. Told you I'm useless with anything more technical). She turned up bang on 6 though so I had to embrace technology (soundcloud) and stumble through the start of the show. Job done and we headed up to the jam session at Cask Corner before going home for some much needed sausages. Scrabble still remained untouched from a week ago. We're slacking! It still remains untouched as I write this on Tuesday afternoon.

That was that really. I'm off to eat some Edinburgh rock.

Laters

SS

The Other Way Play List Sunday 10/08/14

The Other Way - Polkadodge
The Bucket - Kings Of Leon
Watch Yourself - The Darlingtons
Hunger - Frankie And The Heartstrings
A Girl Called Johnny - The Waterboys
Goodnight My City - The Dunwells
Cosmic Dancer - T-Rex
Silver - Echo And The Bunnymen
Obstacles - The Broadcasts
All I Want Is You - Barry Louis Polisar
Young Americans - David Bowie
Nocturnal - The Bedroom Hour
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson
Rotations - The Darlingtons
Nuclear - Mike Oldfield
Loner In Disguise - Puppet Rebellion
The Weight - The Band
Sweet Nothings - Jointpop
Put Your Money On Me - The Struts
Brand New Friend - Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Shut In - Strand Of Oaks
Colourblind - This City Limits
Recovery - Frank Turner
Valentine's Day - The 48ks
Be My Yoko Ono - Barenaked Ladies
Bats - The Darlingtons
Mack The Knife - Louis Armstrong
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers





Monday 4 August 2014

Anagrams? We Don't Need Your Stinking Anagrams.

You may have noticed the odd titles these blogs have had recently. In the grips of Scrabble fever they've been anagrams of my name but I'm bored of that now. I have a very low attentio      

I'm once again writing from memory. We know how badly that works out. Still, here goes. 

Monday 28/07/14

Got back from Tramlines around 11ish, straight back to my flat to regroup and found this waiting on my doorstep:


So the day was spent recovering from the Tramlines excesses and listening to this frankly amazing album. I have touted Dexters Shimmer Gold as the greatest album this year and one of the finest debut's ever. This has joined it in joint first position in both those categories.

I had it on repeat all day as I lay in the recovery position. I need a bigger bed for that really. Or a bigger flat. Or a smaller me.

Finally headed over to Julie's in the evening for 'missed you' hugs and Scrabble. I won by 60. Current scores Julie: 46 Me: 19. I'm on a roll. Admittedly I'm still losing handsomely so maybe on a roll in the same way that a pig is on a roll in a bacon butty, but on a roll nonetheless.

Tuesday 29/07/14

Tuesday was spent recovering from the excesses of Tramlines. It was that excessive. The day was boosted with a message from Simon Monaghan, front man with the very brilliant Puppet Rebellion, thanking me for my kind words in last week's blog and asking just what I thought they were gonna look like. More hair was my reply. There's a chance they may be playing MapFest so we're hopefully gonna have an interview for the radio and maybe an appearance at the shop when I'm up and running. 

Re The Notorious Aardvark Record Shop. Had another over the top quote for shopfitting so the plan is back to basics now. Having the doors open and stock to sell has to be the main priority now. I WILL be open in September. On that note I fired off more emails to get things moving.

Passion Play were live and gigging at Cask tonight but I was still in Tramlines detox so gave it a miss. Sorry Tony.

Wednesday 30/07/14

Spent the day recovering from Tramlines. I know!!!! I am 46 though. Another day on the laptop. Hotel booked for York for The Waterboys on August 6th. Taking Julie to see the greatest band that ever walked the planet. 

Bought 12 tickets for The Struts in Sheffield, November 13th. Booked a minibus and have 4 spaces left. First come..... etc.

I designated today as this week's new music day. It doesn't get any easier. New bands don't have it easy and there are many lessons to learn on a very steep learning curve but please, stick quality control high up that list. Slow Club's new single saved it from being a wasted few hours. 

My mate Chris Perkins then sent me a rough demo of a song he's done with the far-too-talented-to-be-legal Laura Kelly and the day was really saved. Can't wait for the finished item and to give it a spin on the radio.

Finally got my arse in gear and headed to Cask for the open mic night. Some excellent performances all round as per. Alistair proved me wrong by nailing his new song after I'd said I bet he can't do it acoustically. I hate him.

Thursday 31/07/14

Had a very lazy day before finally heading over to Julie's. More Scrabble. Another win. Staggering. 46-20.

That was it. That was Thursday.

Friday 01/08/14

YORKSHIRE DAY!! 

I've heard various tales as to why August 1st is Yorkshire Day. My favourite being that a Yorkshire regiment was outnumbered and under heavy attack during the Napoleonic Wars and took refuge in a field of white roses before regrouping and taking an unlikely victory on August 1st. The fact that Yorkshire Day came about after the boundary changes in the 70s and a group was formed wanting to keep The Ridings as they were (I'll always be a Wessie - born in the West Riding of Yorkshire for the uninitiated) is irrelevant.

Had another quiet day/night as Saturday was gonna be another big un and the Tramlines recovery still wasn't complete.

Saturday 02/08/14

Blackfest V at The Blacksmith's Arms, Harworth.

Joined again by Mark Loraine and Alistair Pearson, the Tramlines posse, for a stella line up of bands that in the not too distant future will be in the big time. John Alexander and Scott Howson from Gingerbeard Promotions had kindly asked if I'd present some of the bands later in the day so I tried to pace myself. I failed. I really wanted to introduce Polkadodge. As I'm sure you know The Other Way is named after one of their songs. I was busy chatting when they came on stage though. Professional as ever. They put on a blinding show as always. The best indie/pop you could wish for delivered with an infectious joy. I simply love these guys.

The Bedroom Hour next. A band I've championed for some time though this was the first time I've seen them live. It was great to finally meet them and of course I blagged a free CD. It's playing now as I type. Hinterland is the name of the album and it's another gem. Think Elbow with better and shorter songs. 

I got to introduce The Darlingtons for the first time, which is odd given the number of times I've worked with them. As I mentioned last week the energy that this band play with is frightening. I'd had a bet that they all couldn't stay on stage for the whole set. I won. Dan couldn't help himself and ended up rolling around on the grass, battering his guitar into submission. Just watching The Darlingtons makes you sweat.

The Coopers up next. A band I fell in love with from the moment I first saw them and I still adore. Blagged a t-shirt. I'm shameless. If ever you're feeling a bit down listen to The Coopers. You'll be smiling within seconds. They make the world a better place.

My finally introduction of the night was Bang Bang Romeo. The last time I introduced the whole band on stage was at Donny Live, 5 years ago I think. Stars was only 16 back then and they played low down the bill on the Sunday afternoon. They've evolved into a powerhouse headline band that demand attention. My intro got a bit ranty, imploring people to step forward for they were about to witness another 'I was there' moment. I was right though. As always the band have the crowd wrapped round their collective little fingers, Ross' guitar wailing into the Harworth night like all your favourite nightmares, Joel and Richard proving again that rhythm sections simply don't get better than this (Joel again sporting the trademark fur coat that will be the death of him) and Anastasia showing the stagecraft that has made her the best frontperson (frontwoman sounded wrong) this town has EVER produced. And with a voice that just beggars belief of course.

And that was that. Blackfest had broken me and it was home time. One note, it maybe an idea for the organisers to liaise with a local taxi firm for the end of the night. Getting back to Donny was a nightmare. The fact that Julie had a four piece blues band staying at hers overnight didn't make me anxious to get home at all!!

Oh I did some shameless name dropping too showing everyone a message on my phone from The Struts' Luke Spiller.

Sunday 03/08/14

A very fragile start to the day. Band fed and watered before heading off to their next gig. I headed to my flat to get my radio stuff while Julie gardened, then I headed down to Sine FM Towers for The Other Way. Joined again by Mr. Alistair Pearson. It was good to be live on air again. I wouldn't have missed Tramlines but I hated having to do a prerecorded show. 

The Struts have been struggling to get airplay, and for the life of me I have no idea why, so I designated Everybody Wants this week's featured album. I mentioned this on a facebook page aimed at getting The Struts more airplay and so gained a whole new set of listeners.

Had such a laugh in the studio with Alistair and online with the various Strutters. Messages flying in from all over the place. I'm gonna get a tad big headed but we were on fire and delivered the best show I've done in years. I did promise said Strutters an honorary mention so here goes, and apologies to anyone I've missed:

Biggs (who became Bigsette) Wain, Tracy Haggie McIntyre, Natasha Sian Wilshire, Jools Wilde, Carol Still and Sherill Semple

As I said, I hope I got everyone. They all seemed to enjoy the show and not just for The Struts content so thank you everyone for your kind words. 

Home after the show for more Scrabble until Julie fell asleep. Even half awake she was still beating me.

Gotta go now. Have an appointment this afternoon to discuss the lease terms on the shop. Fingers crossed.

Laters

SS

The Other Way Play List Sunday 03/08/14

The Other Way - Polkadodge
Where Did She Go - The Struts
Blink Of An Eye - You Addiction
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick - Ian Dury And The Blockheads
Carnival - Bang Bang Romeo
I Could Be A King - The Dunwells
Left Foot Tommy - Unicorn Hunters
007 - Desmond Dekker And The Aces
Put Your Money On Me - The Struts
Emotional Rescue - The Rolling Stones
Brassneck - The Wedding Present
Pirouette - Puppet Rebellion
Stand And Fall - The Velcro Teddy Bears
Wonderful World Of - That Fucking Tank
Recover - Dexters
Everything - The Darlingtons
Bible John - The Sea Kings
You & I - The Struts
Recurring Dream - Tankus The Henge
When I Close My Eyes - Middleman
The Legend Of Dandelion And Shoe (Live) - Alistair Pearson
Bubbly - Colbie Caillatt
Could Have Been Me - The Struts
Ripples - The Coopers
To Be Like - China Rats
Egyptian Reggae - Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers