My adventures took me to Brighton last weekend for The Great Escape festival. Like a little SXSW it's the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends from all over the world and find new artists to fall in love with. Here are some of the bands I got to see there, and at other gigs I've been fortunate enough to catch this week:
Spring King brought out my inner 17 year old in a church hall (yes, really) and Dry the River made my heart soar at the end of Brighton Pier. I thought I might die of heat exhaustion at a sweaty PINS show and became transfixed by Viet Cong as they played a surprise gig in London. I lost my heart to Gengahr (again) and had it soothed by Little May.
My recent adventures have seen me working in the world of fashion. Here's what's been keeping my ears fashionably occupied during London Fashion Week.
Or for those of a visual persuasion:
Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for two virgins) - Father John Misty
I caught Father John Misty and his rock star good looks twice this week - both stripped down acoustic and in full, throbbing form with his band. A contender for Gig of The Year already. Beg, borrow or steal a ticket to see him this summer.
How We Be - Sinkane
Sinkane wears it well
Mind Your Own Business - Delta 5
Post punk snarl. Wish they were still with us.
Audacity of Huge - Simian Mobile Disco
If I was strutting down the catwalk, I'd want it to be to this.
Where's Your Car Debbie? - Slaves
Filthy.
Go Out - Blur
FINALLY. Taken from 'Whip It', their first studio album as a 4 piece in 16 years. Tickets for the Hyde Park show are selling like hot cakes.
The Seeds You Sow - Prides
Prides are made of glitter and sequins.
Jasper - Hooton Tennis Club
Latest signings to my beloved Heavenly Records.
Muscle and Bone - John Joseph Brill
I've put this on a playlist before, but that's because it's ace. I finally got to see him live this week, plus full band. Excellent beard.
Alone In My Home - Jack White
To be honest, I'd fallen out with Jack a little, but there's something of a return to form on this, IMHO.
Breakfast in Bed - Dusty Springfield
RANDOM FACT: There's a 9ft tall statue of an Easter island head in my back garden and Dusty paid for it. I promise you this is the truth.
Rock and Roll is Cold - Matthew E White
On tour in the UK, US and Canada from this week. Hope you get to catch him...
Turn Away - East India Youth
The boy wonder can do no wrong in my eyes. Here's a glimpse into the next album 'Culture of Volume'. Released 6th April in the UK and 7th April in the US.
La Ritournelle - Sebastien Tellier
Sebastien makes the cut simply by virtue of being chicly Ferrrunch. And because La Ritournelle is one of the greatest songs ever written. Obviously. Makes my heart soar/sore.
There are a million 'Ones to watch' features out there this month so I won't add to them, but there are some new names here. And some bloody ancient ones too:
Buddy - Fault Lines (Spotify) Anchor (YouTube)
Taken from the album Last Call for the Quiet Life. https://www.facebook.com/iamyourbuddy
Sundara Karma - Indigo Puff
Young enough to be my kids by the looks of them
In Flight Safety - Animals
This song keeps following me! In the pub, in shops, I keep hearing it and I LOVE it!
Banbarra - Shack Up
I came to this via A Certain Ratio's (awesome) cover version, but the original is awesome too...
A Certain Ratio - Knife Slits Water (7inch)
Well, I had to really, didn't I?
The Decemberists - Make You Better
I usually find them a bit 'meh' to be honest, but this gives a little something.
John Joseph Brill - Muscle and Bone
Love love love this. What a voice.
Whitehorse - Sweet Disaster
Yes, it does sound like 'The Zombies initially, but keep listening. It's beautiful.
The Fall - Theme from Sparta FC
I told you some were ancient.
Panda Bear - Mr Noah
One of the finest records ever made by a Panda, I would say.
