A Letter to Scott Hutchison

Dear Scott,

Thank you. Thank you for your songwriting. Thank you for the lift in the mood at my most isolated.

The news of your passing didn’t hit until today, the anniversary of the Manchester terror attack. As Radio 4 reported the testimony of parents who lost their children and surviving children as young as 12, I was awe-struck by the spirit and sense of togetherness they’d found in adversity.

Radio 4 also interviewed various choirs this morning. They were preparing for a performance tonight in memory of the tragically lost. As they found solitude in a mourning city, your masterpiece ‘Nitrous Gas’ sprang to mind more vividly than ever before.

The warming nature juxtaposed with the emotive darkness as the protagonist tears their world apart is remarkable. The sense of telling the world to “fuck off” is so striking its almost tangible. The little guitar licks nod towards a dawning light that should have been spent asleep dreaming of better things. The imagery is masterful.

However, clearly, this mindset came with a cost. We, and hopefully all music fans from here on in will change their approach to music appreciation. It cannot be enough for reviewers like me to put a tortured soul up on a pedestal anymore. The time has come to refer young men like Scott to CALM, or simply as, “are you ok mate”.

Sorry we indulged in your pain. Sorry for not making your isolation our problem too.

Yours Sincerely

Mike Adams

* The Mural was painted by Michael Corr in Glasglow with his wife and a little girl who walked by wanting to help. http://www.michaelcorrartist.co.uk/

The Bluetones Top 10

After two intimate nights with Mark Morriss (Westcliff) and then the full band (Water Rats), we thought we’d do something different than just review their brilliant Shepherds Bush Empire homecoming.

So, here are our top 10 Bluetones songs for you to enjoy, debate, and troll us with alternatives on Twitter.

10. Slight Return

Music is a great tool for inducing memories both good and bad. As a child of the 90s, it felt like this emerged from nowhere to number two (kept off by Babylon Zoo!!!) in the charts. After Pulp’s ‘Mis-Shapes’, siege mentality was at the forefront of the alternative community and this was one of its chief weapons.

9. Emily’s Pine

A groove-laden ending to the 3rd album ‘Science and Nature’. What begins as a romantic ode ends in dank murderous tones. What’s not to like?

8. Carnt Be Trusted

The perfect mix of Marr’s funk and Squire’s rock n roll blend on this heavy paisley anthem. Lyrically, it’s Morriss at his best, detailing the darker side of relationships. Remarkably, in a song without a chorus, its level of hooks is high.

7. Talking To Clarry

Kicking off the debut album, and harnessing the band with too many Stone Roses comparisons was this cracker. Yes, there are some ‘Breaking into Heaven’ moments in the intro, but, for our money, there was always a nod to Crosby Stills and Nash in this slow burner.

6. Autohpillia

In 2000, Pop Idol was well underway, and freeze-dried pop in a bag was in full force. So, for this eccentric REM number to reach 18 in the charts was a great feat.

5. After Hours

When Mercury Records decided to put the greatest hits out against the band’s wishes, the boys decided to take ownership and record some new material. The iconic Bugsy Malone video directed by Edgar Wright was the best of the bunch.  

The Wings meets ‘Benny and The Jets’ sense of fun oozes from this tale of pub that the Winchester of Shaun of the Dead fame is based on. For anyone who is old enough to remember the dirty secret of a lock-in, well, it will always raise a wry smile.

4. Never Going Nowhere

Bands like Radiohead get tagged as brilliant because they always innovate (rightly so). However, to recreate your band’s sound and retain great pop sensibilities is a far rarer occurrence. Their 4th album witnessed a distinct array of 70s influences not seen before. The intro brims with Talking Heads’ sense of humour whilst, as ever, Morriss tells brilliant tales of dark relationships.

3. Home Fires Burning

After the heavier second album, the knives were out in the music press. It would have been easy for them to fold under the pressure. Cue, their most complete single.

2. Bluetonic

This, more than anything seems to define the band in the mid-90s. It’s immediate with intelligent lyrics and a boozy swagger. Much like the early Supergrass records, it was both of and before its time simultaneously.

1. Marblehead Johnson

Few bands reach the top and then give something back to the fans as The Bluetones did with this non-album single. Furthermore, it’s the freest the band have ever sounded. From the jingle jangle riffs to Morris’ eloquent vocals, everything flows effortlessly.

Shot in the Dark

"they've now grown up, sorted their shit out but importantly they still retain their bite." - Alan McGee (Creation Management) 

Tuesday night, in the car park of a music industry office building, Towers of London are laying on a night of booze food and themselves. These things are always weird, some turn up for the music, but some stand around talking through the whole thing about how they once broke some shit Britpop band.

It’s a short but impactful set of their new material which, is largely a foray into dirty rock n roll. Breed and Proletariat have been scrapping there way to radio attention in recent times, on this showing, Towers of London might just be the break through this emerging scene needs.

The show is good, they are good, but, on ‘Shot In The Dark’, they’re great! Donny introduces it by saying “this is Shot In The Dark, I hope you like it, It really means a lot to us”. This maturer approach is a striking contrast to the persona he once built which adds more fuel to its fire. This song wins on every level. Great riffs and solos are one thing but here, they become a clarion call to the downtrodden. Arguably the finest of its kind since The Enemy's 'Away From Here'.

In this setting, surrounded by industry that shunned them, they've made a great statement that, not only are they back, but this time you will listen.

This Feeling TV Live at Nambucca

Nambucca played host to the Other Kin, Shed Seven and Cabbage’s live performances of This Feeling TV (episode 5) Tuesday night. One thing is striking about the night, optimism. It’s everywhere. The youngest in the audience fuck about care free whilst, the elder states people among us, can sense the ground swell of rock n roll emerging once more. Despite the neglect from the mainstream, This Feeling has provided a home for the outsider and, after years of graft, they look set to kick the doors in and take back the airwaves for the righteous!

Opening the live proceedings were the Dublin five piece Otherkin and, although Shed Seven are legends and Cabbage are well established, the sense of “follow that” loomed large. Their blend of psyche, grunge and rock n roll was a joy to behold. The guitar playing, comfortably the best we’ve seen in some time. It was intensely brutal but, in a similar fashion to Nirvana or The Cribs, never loses sight of great pop melodies.   

Shed Seven treated us to a rare acoustic set. On new tracks ‘It’s Not Easy’ and ‘Better Days’, it struck home just how heartfelt they are and highlighted the trust Rick and Banksy have as song writing partnership. The classics ‘Going For Gold’, ‘On Standby’ and ‘Chasing Rainbows’ were giving an airing and, as ever, their hymnal quality reigned supreme.

Cabbage’s set is less promotional trail for the upcoming debut album release and more a rampaging assault on Downing Street. Their guttural psyche-cum-punk is the sound of this generation kicking back against all things Tory. Never without humour or melody, you can’t help but feel they are one big single and tabloid scandal away from scaring little Englanders half to death.

RIP NME. So What Now?

No one should be surprised that the NME closed recently. It's a difficult time for all print media. Furthermore, no one should care either. IPC has long put a noose around its neck to make the reader stop caring. It was trading off its once good name to sell adverts. Global are doing the same with Radio X, Channel 4 & Bauer did the same with Q television. They’re all run by people who just want a job and judge success on numbers. They should be run by people who want to push the boundaries of art, fashion, and music.

Speak to anyone who writes about or takes photographs of bands they love and the same themes emerge. They were born out of a love of something and a deep-rooted sense of injustice that it was being overlooked.

It's not officially a public service, but, essentially, that’s what is provided. So, for anyone thinking it’s a sad day for music journalism, get off the canvas and join the struggle. You only have to look at This Feeling, Rocklands TV, The Zine UK, or Louder Than War over to realise how digital media can matter. Hell, even if you have just one reader, be it your wife, best friend, or parent who says “hey, I just listened to The Blinders after reading your review”, you've won!

What else can be done:

1.       Take to social media when you find a band you like. From our experience, the mainstream music industry will look for any reason not to play alternative music, such as lack of online presence. It’s not in the DNA of the hegemonic to allow rebellion to thrive. So, like them on as many platforms as possible. Don’t give them an inch!

2.       Start your own club nights. Find a room in a pub for free, get some mates, have a party. Get any local bands you know to play and most of all, don’t be snooty if they are shit. Everyone is shit when they start out. Find the first entries of our google blog, appalling (please don’t find them). Those willing to try should be afforded the space to fail.

3.       Finally, to the younger generations, the ones who instinctively understand digital media. Find ways to make an honest living from it and ways for bands to make an honest living from it. Spotify cannot be the answer. You can and must do better to help artists thrive.

Top 20 Albums of 2017

20. Ride – Weather Diaries

The Oxford quartet’s first album since 1996’s ‘Tarantula’ saw them on mixed form. At it’s best though, ‘Cali’ and ‘Lannoy Point’ deliver their brand of melodic shoegaze.

19. Cast – Kicking Up The Dust

The Scouse legends deliver their best album since the 1995 classic ‘All Change’. Flitting between their free flowing blues and spritely pop numbers, John Power has hit a purple patch of song writing once more

18. Noel Gallagher – Who The Built Moon

The old mongrel shed a few coats for his latest album. When he nails it, as he does on ‘Holy Mountain’, it’s magnificent. It’s big bold and new. Alas, when he doesn’t, its because the leaps are not big enough or he doesn’t remain in his big key change comfort zone. Nevertheless, with plans to make another record with David Holmes, this could be the start of a glorious journey.

17. Public Service Broadcasting – Every Valley

Those clever clever bastards have churned out the goods once more. Getting to grips with pit life in Wales this time round. The guest vocals from Camer Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell and Manics’ James Dean Bradfield were welcome additions to their sound. However, the standout track comes from the rage

16. GospelbeacH – Another Summer of Love

The West Coast veterans channel their inner Byrds spirit and deliver exactly what it says on the tin. As the cold sets in and all that’s left to eat is cold meat, this blast of sunshine will see you through to your next holiday.

15. Alvvays – Antisocialites

Molly Rankin’s sublime vocals should be saved for a long journey staring out windows at vast landscapes. Everything this band do sounds life changing or affirming.

14. Girl Ray – Earl Grey

With the single of the year ‘Touble’ on its books, Girl Ray were always making this list. Brilliant melodies, unique vocals and a sense of humour unrivalled, they are band with magic at their fingertips.

13. Tom Williams – All Change

History has always proven the poet can achieve far more than social comment. Nevertheless, the social commentary here is smothered such warming pop music vibes, it’s hard to picture this not reaching even those who disagree.

12. Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band

There is nothing we can say, that the genius John Dorman hasn’t about Michael Head already: https://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/article/3ka349/the-british-masters-michael-head Nevertheless, we love this album, we love that Head is in a good place and long may it continue.

 11. Liam Gallagher – As You Were

To quote Jurassic Park, “clever girl”. Did anyone see this album coming? All the money was on a flailing Beatles via psyche album. What we got was, big emotive albums with remarkably honest and humble lyrics from the icon.

 10. Shed Seven – Instant Pleasures

Sixteen years was well worth the wait. All the pain and bitterness felt by band and fans alike when they were shunned by the industry has dissipated. Emerging from the fog are the unsung heroes of Britpop. This new offing is packed with great choruses, wit, and a charming underdog spirit. Business as usual!

 9. The Moonlandingz – Interplanetary Class Classics

This supergroup was always going to deliver wasn’t it? Whether it’s the Mary Chain inspired ‘The Strangle of Anna’, the Gary Numan-esque ‘The Rabies are Back’ or Earl Brutus via The Horrors ‘Black Hanz’, everything sounds so fresh!

 8. Idles – Brutalism

Wry, sarcastic and effing hilarious. This pitiless body of work will stop at nothing to take the piss and provide punk rock nirvana.

7. Johnny Flynn – Sillion

The one true genius of the nu-folk era returned from acting to prove he is still the master. No one in the folk world can touch him for sincerity of song writing. Everything he delivers has a warmth and depth of emotion to be admired.

6. British Sea Power – Let The Dancers Inherit The Party

Is this the first ‘Remainer’ album? Quite possibly. It has overarching sense of together is better and, inevitably, a sense of loss.

Forever consistent, BSP have risen their pop sensibilities to ‘Open Season’ standard and, on leadoff single ‘Bad Bohemian’, surpassed it. Despite the “half glass empty” and “what’s done is done” lyrics, it’s as defiant single your likely to hear. Effortlessly free, it tumbles and swirls with abandon.

Elsewhere, ‘Don’t Let The Sun Get In The Way’ is a sauntering rock behemoth which will stop you dead in your tracks to ponder life as you know it.

5. Daniel Wylie’s Cosmic Rough Riders – Scenery For Dreamers

Proving age is but number, Wylie, 59, as delivered a masterpiece. No one thought it was possible for him to ever reach the heights of the Cosmic Rough Riders’ ‘Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine’ but, this Teenage Fanclub via Neil Young offering just does that.

4. Theatre Royal – And Then It Fell Out My Head

Comfortably the pop record of the year. Smart, funny and always brave in its song writing topics. The heartfelt ‘Standing in the Land’ just grows in resonance the more the British press turns away from atrocities of Syria. To wrap such a subject in a achingly beautiful acoustic number is the very reason why so many people think Ed Sheeran is shit. This is the pinnacle of a simple song!

‘Locked Together on the Lines’, ‘Port Bou’, and ‘Will Somebody Please Write Me a Song’ ooze a carefree spirit that demands instant affection.

3. Ryan Adams – Prisoner

Mr Prolific is back, and his back with the most brutal of break up records. This is the sound of a crushing divorce and searing unseen pain. Channelled through big rock riffs and dream pop production, Adams is at his scintillating best. 

2. Wolf Alice – Visions of Life

The hottest property in the UK right now, and rightly so. They’ve combined a sense of experimentation with punk and pop immediacy on an album that is forever shape shifting in sound. Rock music might not be dominating the charts right now but, Wolf Alice have taking a big stride towards making it relevant again and, they’ve done it with the utmost integrity.

1. Trampolene – Swansea to Hornsey

What a year these boys have had. As if supporting The Libertines and Liam Gallagher wasn’t enough, all the promise from the early EPs has been followed up with an instant classic. There's the aching beauty of ‘Gangway’ and ‘Beautiful Pain, the vitriolic social comment of ‘Dreams So Rich, Life So Poor’ and William Blake poetry scattered throughout, it has it all

Shiiine On the Underdog

"The fact of being an underdog changes people in ways that we often fail to appreciate. It opens doors and creates opportunities and enlightens and permits things that might otherwise have seemed unthinkable."

David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell, 2013

Shiiine On 3 was a glorious display of David vs Goliath. Every act seemingly should never had made it but did. A fervent reminder that belief can be all, especially when its in the art of our working class.

Headlining Friday night were the indestructible Levellers. Could a group of Marxist folk-cum-punk rockers ever be considered mainstream anymore? Nevertheless, the fire of 'Liberty', rueful melody of 'Fifteen Years' and the togetherness of 'The Road' are a stark reminder that pop music can be full of love, socialism and make a difference.

The examples of the underdog just kept on coming over the weekend. Clint Boon, an organ player from Oldham, now an icon of the industry Dj-ed to adoring fans. The criminally unknown Theatre Royal continued their good run in 2017 in the Inn on the Green pub. Recent single 'Locked Together On The Lines' drew the crowd, but the power of 'French Riviera' will place them in hearts forever.

Amidst the big choruses lay two beautiful. Firstly, celebrating their 30th anniversary, The Orchids played arguably the most angelic indie set known to man. 'Something for the Longing' will ring in the heads of anyone who watched until they next see this remarkable band. The jingle jangle of 'Bemused, Confused and Bedraggle' brought on a freeness that would have had Arthur Lee beaming from his multicoloured cloud and 'Peaches' was, is and always will be a classic.

The second came from a man, without who, this festival simply could not exist, Steve Lamacq. He was this generations John Peel, shining light on anyone who dared record a demo. His set covered his 30 years but more importantly, it gave little indie nights their dignty back. It became about the people in the room singing the 'Size of a Cow' chorus as one, feeling every bit of angst of 'Mis-Shapes' and, as Lammo stopped to tell all, it was about what John Peel fought so hard to give us, 'Teenage Kicks'.

A conclusion is usually appropriate at this time but, Shiiine On 3 can only be summed up by The Orchids' 'A Kind of Eden'. See you all next year!

Grace and No Favour

For those who don’t know, and far few do, Grace Petrie is solo artist with agift, not seen since Billy Bragg’s formative years to write anti –Tory protest songs and love songs with wit, charm and often, heart-breaking emotion.

Petrie, hailing from Leicester, is four albums in to her career now, and whilst she has a small band of loyal fans, we are certain this should be more. So, in 2017, could Grace Petrie ever be played on daytime Radio 1? It would appear not, so, why not?

Can it be that her blend of punk, folk and pop music is not what they are looking for? Well, loathed as we are to mention Ed Sheeran, he ticks two of those boxes. As for punk, their daytime playlist currently hosts Foo Fighters, Enter Shakiri, 30STM, and Royal Blood so it’s not that.

Maybe it’s her song ‘Ivy’, a loving tale of friendship and kindness as she sets off to meet the new born protagonist. The sense of hope and the swelling of love as Petrie and her friend drive all night from Glastonbury is so unifying, so ready made to tug on heart strings for the millions of us who have been in similar situations. Does it matter, should it matter that she came from left wing Left Field stage? The press love a media spat so, when she decrees “who gives a fuck about Kasabian”, isn’t this just another tick in the box for airplay?

If that wasn’t enough, there are name drops for Billy Bragg and Phil Jupitus and an ode to Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ in the closing moments.

Our main suspicion lies with her left leaning politics. Perhaps R1 are concerned with balance? Something I’m sure they agonised over when play listing Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ or every time Eminem’s peroxide French crop comes to town. If it is acceptable for Thicke to sing “I tried to domesticate you” and “Me fall from plastic / Talk about getting blasted” then surely it’s fine for Petrie to objectively sing about Edward Woollard throwing a fire extinguisher of the roof of Tory HQ in 2011:

“Well how quickly thrown, Was all your judges stone / Oh how quickly the obliteration of your reputation / So detested so deplored so unyieldingly appalled /  By elected officials who, had recently committed fraud”

Maybe the beeb enjoy being systematically dismantled by the privateering party but, if they don’t, may we suggest playing some tunes that might provide the ballast against a predominantly right wing press.

Hell, Coldplay are first name on the team sheet for R1. Where do they think they stand on immigration, gay rights, the EU and austerity? They’re not exactly skipping through fields of wheat despite how boring they are.

Yes music is subjective, so maybe they just don’t like her. However, it stinks of something more than that. It took Frank Turner, a straight white middle class male, selling out Wembley Arena in 2012 for R1 to pay attention his blend of folk and punk. Is this answer for Petrie, and anyone else who has an image and sound beyond grasp of Simon Cowell?

The Crookes Top 10

“if we’re gonna try / lets go all the way”

The Sheffield outfit, frustratingly, have been one of the UK’s best kept secrets since their debut ‘Chasing Ghosts’ in 2011.

The Sheffield outfit, frustratingly, have been one of the UK’s best kept secrets since their debut ‘Chasing Ghosts’ in 2011. Despite support from Steve Lamacq early on, they just didnt catch that big break.

A month out from their final 3 tour dates (http://thecrookes.co.uk/tour-dates/), we take a look at our top 10 favourite moments:

To prove out point, here is our top 10:

1.       Outsiders

2.       Before The Night Falls

3.       Just Like Dreamers

4.       Backstreet Lovers

5.       Echolalia

6.       Bloodshot Days

7.       Maybe In The Dark

8.       Sofie

9.       The World Is Waiting

10.    Afterglow

Absolute Radio’s Final 5: Shiiine On Weekender

Shiiine On Weekender was one of TT’s biggest highlights in 2016. So, to whet our appetite before we venture west, we take a look at the 5 contenders in Absolute Radio’s competition. The winner will open the main stage at this years shindig and win a £1000:

Shakedown Stockholm – Silence

No longer are female twins scaring the shit out of audiences riding tricycles or bullying human scarecrows in the League of Gentleman. Joanna and Davina front Shakedown Stockholm, a seven piece band from the northwest.

‘Silence’, is a classic piece of brooding rock music. Their intense entwined vocals are the stuff of hedonistic sweat ridden nights.

Deja Vega – Eyes of Steel

The Cheshire three piece won many a fan at last year’s Shiiine On Festival, opening for Eddy Temple Morris’ closing party. It would be only fitting for them to step up to the main stage in 2017.

Especially based on ‘Eyes of Steel’. Guitar playing this dangerous demands big stages. Not a big leap from motorik, but, with far more on the line. You’d be forgiven for imagining yourself as Jon Snow charging into the battle of the bastards.

Gypsy Fingers – Hey Maria

Gypsy Fingers are comprised of Luke and Victoria Oldfield, Luke being the son of legendary composer Mike Oldfield.

‘Hey Maria’ sees Victoria take on the vocal duties and delivers a sultry cross between The Bangles paisley era and early Lily Allen.

The Keepers – Here Comes Spring

The Keepers are British psyche-pop band from Northampton. ‘Here Comes Spring’ follows in the footsteps of fellow Northampton band The Moons and Temples.

This slice of haze, melody and big key changes pay homage to Syd Barrett era Floyd and the pop sensibilities of Noel and Ashcroft. While they are steeped in English heritage, lyrically there is more than enough to carry this in the present day.

Iridesce – Rise

Camden was once the epicentre of all things Britpop so, it’s only fitting that a Camden band form part of this competition.  

The Camden four piece are clearly onto something with this epic effort. The simmering vocals saunter through a cascade of guitar riffs seamlessly. They are but one killer hook from delivering something truly remarkable.

Head over to Absolute Radio here to listen and vote now:

http://absoluteradio.co.uk/competitions/shiiine-on-voting/index.html

5 Days of Richard Ashcroft: These People

Day 5 - These People

Has a song been more needed in recent years more than ‘These People’? Rather than attack the Tory divide and conquer tactics with an angst ridden punk polemic, Ashcroft delivers s slide guitar lead ballad.

The message of survival and rising above stacked odds is that bit more inspiring when, one look around Brixton displays thousands of people arm in arm, together and few things are more powerful than that.

His new material, is largely a reawakening of deep seated desire Ashcroft carried to dizzy heights in the 90s. There is a clear ‘fuck you’ attitude to anyone with preconceptions of who he is. While sonically on ‘These People’, this not overt, the power and intensity he garners on the line ‘I know we can survive’ is remarkable.

As he wraps his glorious vocals around this line, it ceases to be about romantic survival and operates on a new plane. He elevates the people to another level where belief is everything. It’s not enough to just sit back and watch bands we love anymore, the standard has been reset again by Ashcroft and its default setting is real, humble and critically, it’s brilliant.

5 Days of Richard Ashcroft: Space and Time

Day 4 – Space and Time

An underrated classic from The Verve’s arsenal is met with a rapturous response at Brixton Academy. The beauty of the release 3 minutes in never diminishes. Neither does the life affirming end ‘keep on pushing cos I know it’s there’.

However, on any Verve track ensconced with trippy guitars, it’s tough to watch live without Nick McCabe and Simon Tong in tow. Yes, Urban Hymns was all but written by Ashcroft alone but, when the 3 combine, fewer things have been that special.

It’s highly unlikely to ever see The Verve together again, but, with hope on the rise politically, and psyche and rock n roll emerging from the shadows of the UK once more, we can dream.

5 Days of Richard Ashcroft: Fighting On Your Own

Day 3 - Hold On

If anyone at Brixton needed the new album sold to them still, 'Hold On' was going to do it. Despite everyone the wrong side of 30, Brixton is transformed from gig watchers to a rave in seconds of the killer strings and piano loop starting.

It’s such a big and hopeful sounding record and consequently, the only track that eclipses The Verve tracks played. It has the unique togetherness of Oasis’ ‘Live Forever’ (‘I feel like we are the only ones alive’) and the defiance of Nicky Wire with the line 'And the truth is on the march again / Wipe those tears away'.

Crucially though, Ashcroft is not so much performing ‘Hold On’ as he is battling it with the audience. He isn’t here to be cherished and will not settle for anyone, let alone adoring fans telling him what they expect of him. Ashcroft clearly see’s performing, especially new material, as a fight where he will be the only one left standing.

Despite the bullishness, his ability to romanticise, to be lost and longing for another to help remains at its best:

“Learning on your own / Can turn your heart to stone”

Oddly, us mortals attach ourselves to this more than his unique ability to lead but, without the two together, you’d be left with something far inferior.

5 Days of Richard Ashcroft: Into The Half Life

Day 2 - Velvet Morning

The Verve’s tale of being munted in the twilight hours and coming up with great ideas only to discover at 6am they are horseshit, is one we all familiar with. So, the moment the gorgeous slide guitar starts, its impossible not to reminisce about said douched nights.

Even after 20 years, the goosebumps still flourish when the big key change and Ashcroft’s incredible vocal hook chime. A feeling of triumph swirls around Brixton Academy as personal memories of the half-life come to the surface far outweigh the songs message of coming down in the second verse.

Despite all the fame and accolades, Ashcroft is still able to paint a picture of loneliness during ‘Velvet Morning’. Like a young William Blake, Ashcroft cuts a figure of the poet wandering the streets of Soho alone. Where Blake was intrigued and excited by it all, Ashcroft was chasing something that was never there.

Perhaps it’s the realisation that this was futile is where the real beauty of ‘Velvet Morning’ lies. Yet again, he shines a light on how to move forwards despite being inherently flawed.  

5 Days of Richard Ashcroft

Mad Rich is, as we all know, a bona fide legend. So, rather than just review he’s epic performance at Brixton Academy this past Saturday, we’re going to focus the next 5 days on 5 songs from his set.

We start with the 2016 comeback single ‘They Don’t Own Me’.

Having already played classics such as ‘Sonnet’ and ‘Space and Time’, there was a danger that anything new would be seen as a piss break for the audience. However, this is Richard Ashcroft we're talking about.

On record, it’s a good Verve circa Urban Hymns track, but live, it’s alternate beast. Many singers feed of the adoration of a crowd, for Ashcroft, he demands that you go with him. As the adrenaline runs through him, he drags people from awestruck onlookers to brothers in arms.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about ‘They Don’t Own Me’ is, it feels like Ashcroft was reluctant to write it. With all the love and defiance to power he has put out already, it must be odd to do it again.

Nevertheless, a lesson to all aspiring bands is on show here, if you’re going to do it, mean it! The anguish in his voice in the opening line is a testament to how much believes in the soul:

“Is it true what they say? / Nothing in life is free / Are you looking this way / Surely this can't be”

It's in the closing moments that Ashcroft unleashes all his frustration and emotion. With every repetition of 'they don’t own me' he becomes that feral behemoth of ‘Rolling People’ and ‘Come On’.

Despite all the success, Ashcroft, with songs like this, remains that unique blend of outsider and flag bearer of togetherness.

Travellers Tunes Presents: Flying Pyjamas 2

The second Travellers Tunes saw some stiff competition from Field Day, Camden Rocks, Depeche Mode and Elton John but, I think we got away with it.

We had four great acts, raised money for Reverse Rett and caused some pretty spectacular hangovers! Let’s check out the live reviews:

The Bracknall

As the Essex outfit, The Bracknall, take the stage, one thing is more than evident. They look the real deal. They look like a rock n roll band destined to break hearts and leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

So, what about the substance then? In short, bags of it. At times, the spirit of Zeppelin comes roaring to the surface. On ‘The End’, there is a huge hit in the making as the spine-chilling verses combine with the dark euphoria of the chorus.

If they hadn’t proven their rock n roll credentials with this set, they jetted straight off to the Camden Rocks festival in their other great band Electric Child House.

Ruby Delby

“With a little charm and a lot of style”

The Bluetones, 1996

Sandwiched between our guitar behemoths was the sparkling Ruby Delby. Her blend of blues and folk as the sun beamed through the windows was just what the doctor ordered. Her unique ability to lead you somewhere and then twist her vocals to open up unexplored areas of folk music is a sight to behold.

Her interaction with the crowd on ‘guess the song’ and her cover of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ endears her to the audience, but, moreover, it was a display of someone who can have any crowd eating out of the palm of her hand.

!

The White Tips

This was the Aylesbury trio’s debut London gig and they did not disappoint. Their love of Nirvana and Pixies was worn as a badge of honour, especially on set highlight ‘Camping Trip’.

There are many bands with decent riffs right now, The White Tips will circumnavigate navigate this because, their riffs are crisp and concise like their aforementioned heroes. Even when they are thrashing it out, the pop sensibilities lurk beautifully in the corner.

Queensburys

Hailing from Grays, Essex, the young four piece stole the show. So often with new bands, audiences find themselves trying to depict the genres and influences they can hear. For Queensburys, what is abundantly clear, they’ve found their own groove and it’s a joyous one.

Do not be fooled by the diminutive figure of frontman Thomas Champion, he is a rock music colossus in the making. There’s a hint of the recently departed Chris Cornell as he growls and howls those key moments. Champion also possesses an innocence and purity in his vocals which, gives their storytelling a guts and glory vibe.

It would be remiss to solely mention Champion though. Dan Lamb (bass) George Brown (drums) and Archie Brown (lead guitar) are not just tight, their showing an expansive side to their playing as well.

Having had time to reflect on the horrific attacks from Saturday night, Queensburys have left me with nothing but optimism. Four mates grafting to create something better for themselves and for others to enjoy is peptic symbol of individuality and belonging, aka the human condition.

Keep your eyes peels for the Queensburys, they are set our glorious Albion.

Stake Your Claim On The Morning Sun (part 2)

As you may or may not know, Greg Gilbert from The Delays has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Due to a genetic incompatibility, Greg no longer qualifies for free treatment on the NHS. His wife has set up a Go Fund Me page (link below), which, as a huge fan of the Delays, has been moving to watch the total grow from other fans.

Tomorrow, The Delays, along with Sam Duckworth, Mystery Jets, Eddy Temple Morris, Band of Skulls and many more will take to Greg’s hometown venue 1865 to raise more money for his treatment.  

Please donate and buy tickets and continue to spread the word:

https://www.gofundme.com/give4greg

http://www.seetickets.com/event/cavalry-a-benefit-concert-for-greg-gilbert/the-1865/1060398

In the run up to this great fundraiser, we have revisited all of their singles (part one here):

Valentine

They may have emerged in the 2002/3 boom, but, by their return in 2006 there was a second wave in full swing. Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party were conquering the charts, so where did they fit? The answer, perfectly in the middle of the aforementioned.

They continued their venture towards dance music with this dancefloor banger and its killer bassline but never losing sight of their pop sensibilities.  

Hideaway

‘Hideaway’ made a return to the roots of ‘Faded Seaside Glamour’ with its jingle-jangle guitar pop style. Their new found spirit of Ibiza was not lost though. Its feel-good factor has the ability to soundtrack a hedonistic trip to the Balearics.  

Hooray

As so often is the case, once bands begin to dominate the charts, the vultures swoon and the industry plies it with shit merchants like Hoosiers and Scouting For Girls to masquerade as authentic alternative pop bands.

So, when Delays the returned with this spikey and spritely pop song, it was annoyingly overlooked. It has the feel of a Bluetones classic and is a must for anyone who missed it first time round.  

Keep It Simple

To go all Jerry McGuire for a moment, “you had me at hello”, and by hello, we mean, Keith from The Office is in the video!!!

 This is the first single which lacks that killer hook in this catalogue. Sonically though, it is not to be sniffed at. It’s by far and away their most mature single and thoughts of the Mercury Prize began to materialise rather than the top 10.

Unsung

Frankie Boyle questioned Radio 2 programmers that Jessica Hoop is not mainstream when she can sell out the Royal Albert Hall in an interview in 2015. The industry’s obsession with a soft and dull sound just never seems to go away.

By the release of ‘Unsung’, the same scenarios were emerging for the band. With this unfortunately apt song title, they were about to drift away. That said, they did so by encapsulating their sound in one song. There are jingle jangle guitars, euphoric synths and Greg’s distinct vocals carrying everything to another level.  

Stake Your Claim On The Morning Sun (part 1)

As you may or may not know, Greg Gilbert from The Delays has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Due to a genetic incompatibility, Greg no longer qualifies for free treatment on the NHS. His wife has set up a Go Fund Me page (link below), which, as a huge fan of the Delays, has been moving to watch the total grow from other fans.

This Friday, The Delays, along with Sam Duckworth, Mystery Jets, Eddy Temple Morris, Band of Skulls and many more will take to Greg’s hometown venue 1865 to raise more money for his treatment.  

Please donate and buy tickets and continue to spread the word:

https://www.gofundme.com/give4greg

http://www.seetickets.com/event/cavalry-a-benefit-concert-for-greg-gilbert/the-1865/1060398

In the run up to this great fundraiser, we have revisited all of their singles:

Nearer Than Heaven

We first come across The Delays supporting Ocean Colour Scene at Hammersmith Apollo and, it was this slice of pop heaven that peaked our interest. The vocal from Greg still has the ability to float you away to happier and warmer places. There is an occasional gravel coming through too which, combined with the Oasis-esque guitars at the end showed there was far more to come.

Long Time Coming

Long Time Coming was a great bridge from the Britpop era into that indie boom of 2003-2005. It has a great simplicity to it like many of the great 90s pop singles. The amount of sunshine they crammed into this was remarkable. The harmonies and guitars combine to conjure, for TT, their crowning glory on this coming of age belter.

Hey Girl

For fans of The Byrds, Primal Scream’s debut album and c86, ‘Hey Girl’ was a modern take on jingle-jangle guitars. Considering all who have been drawn to this arena, The Delays remain one of the few to craft a great pop song from it.

Lost In Melody

A big leap was taken on this non-album single, merging dance and indie styles. It came as no surprise that Remix legend Eddy Temple Morris took interest and would later go on to remix ‘Hideaway’.

Everything that had been sun drenched on ‘Faded Seaside Glamour’, now lurked in the ether as this darker, punchy synth laden path was taken. Few could argue that the ground work for Bloc Party’s joyous arrival in 2005 was being laid.

Check back tomorrow for part two.

Please donate and buy tickets and continue to spread the word:

https://www.gofundme.com/give4greg

http://www.seetickets.com/event/cavalry-a-benefit-concert-for-greg-gilbert/the-1865/1060398

Travellers Tunes presents Flying Pajamas

“If you lose your faith in love and music / The end wont be long”

The Libertines, 2002

Friday 20th January was a bleak day for hope. Saturday 21st January however, was a day of passion, love and togetherness. Men and women marched as one to reject the new US President's odious views.

Travellers Tunes occupied music haven of the New Cross Inn for its inaugural event to raise money for Reverse Rett. Rett Syndrome is a post-natal neurological condition which most often strikes previously healthy little girls between their first and second birthday and leaves them with multiple disabilities and medical complexities for life. We raised over 600 quid and couldn't have done without the generosity of the venue and all the acts playing for free.

Kicking things of was the brilliant Annie & The Make Believe. The jingle jangle flow of 'Lets Get Together Again' delivered the sunshine spirit of Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons to the delight of the crowd. They shifted the mood through darker tales of romantic failure on tracks such as 'Shivers' and 'November' but, the melodies never falter. For fans of First Aid Kit, Annie & The Make Believe need to be on your radar!

Next up was former Engineers member Daniel Land and his band. In a nutshell, this was shoegaze/dreampop nirvana. The atmosphere they created with their swirling riffs made the New Cross Inn feel the size of Wembley. Particularly standing out were the set opener and closers 'Glitterball' and 'Echo & Narcissus'. Move over Sigor Ros, Attenborough has a new soundtrack!

How anyone was going to follow this was a question clearly lingering in the air. Thankfully, Hull's finest, The Holy Orders brought their A game and shredded people's faces with their blend of alt-rock. Front man Matt Edible, has a rare ability to switch up from James Dean Bradfield to rock behemoth in a heart beat and, on 'Deviants', he and the band delivered one of the moments of day. The riff, the catchy chorus and the desperate rock n roll poetry all came together gloriously.

Teeing everyone up for the headline slot was the insanely charismatic Billy Doze. 'There Will Be Time' and 'For Now and Then' were so heartfelt, the feeling that the crowd growing attached to Doze was becoming tangible as his set concluded. Plus, anyone who can turn a Christian hymn into a crowd pleaser is definitely going places.

Headlining the night were indie superstars in the making, Luna Bay. These young pups from London were on fire from the off. By the time they closed on their latest single 'Smoke and Mirrors' South East London was putty in their hands. The brevity they enthuse into their songs, lifts them above so many of the established acts on Radio X at present, it will only be a matter of time before they high up on festival line ups.

Saturday 21st January saw this editor's faith in love and music restored. We hope the coming together of disparate music genres gave cause for optimism to all who came.

Watch this space for announcements on our next event.

The Final Five: A New Hope

5. Pete Astor - Spilt Milk

Astor's foray into his past delivers richness and warmth much, which, in year beset by iconic loss, is needed ever so badly. 'Really Something', 'Mr Music' and 'My Perfect Life' act as a holy trinity of alternative pop music. Simplistic tunes to warm the heart but with complex discourse. Bravo!

4. Savages - Adore Life

‘Adore Life’ is an album that delivers on the potential of the debut and explores new possibilities simultaneously. They have gone from being an exciting post-punk band to one threatening greatness on this record.

3. Hooton Tennis Club – Big Box of Chocolates

The slackers from Wirral have emerged from their debut album with astonishing results. Their follow up has invoked several new styles including fuzz, rock n roll and an all round more emotive edge. 'Statue of the Greatest Woman I Know' has put The Vaccines on notice for rock n roll kings. 2017 is theres to take on the live circuit.

2 Boxed In - Melt

From the early days of Keith, Oli Bayston has been threatening this kind of breakthrough. This album will hypnotise you and gently release you onto a sun kissed wave of bliss. Boxed In were once Annakin Skywalker to Hot Chip's Obi Wan. Now they are the masters!

1. Trampolene – Pocket Album Five (Divided Kingdom)

Yes this may be an EP but, we've not heard anything over a longer format that compete with these 4 songs and poem. Divided Kingdom's glorious social comment is set to devastating guitars. This is a real single of the year contender.

'Dreams So Rich / Life So Poor' continues the rich vein of British cultural observation. It wraps itself up in Strokes-esque rock n roll but, crucially, has personality oozing from every pore.

'Blue Balls & A Broken Heart' suggests the brilliance of the Libertines wasn't lost on a fashion of trilby hats and lies about being at Filthy McNasty's. This ballad encapsulates Blake, Morrissey, Doherty and anyone who ever dreamt of Arcadia in Albion.

Like the aforementioned Blake, head honcho Jack Jones can self reflect beautifully in his natural surroundings. Even with a slug. Today's political climate is so centered around on burying 'the other', well, this finds beauty in the outsider and encourages everyone to embrace the different.

Closing this glorious EP is 'She Is A Nice Girl'. A sprightly Libertines via The La's acoustic number which relays the fondness of yet another who is misunderstood. 2016 has been a year of misunderstandings on a monumental level, let this track guide us back to humility in 2017.