I've just been to America for the first time. I spent ten nights in Los Angeles then four in New York. It was an absolutely amazing first trip to America and it definitely won't be my last. But I'm not going to be writing about that here today. Instead I want to celebrate a few of the bands and musicians that make where I live so great.
ONSIND - of course, ONSIND. It is hard to put into words how much they mean to me but it's loads. They're amazing. I made sure to see them just before I left and now that I'm back I'm eager to see them again. (Based on the very little experience I have had gigs in Britain are so so much better than in America!) The last time I saw ONSIND they played with Fashanu (who you should also listen to!).
The Casual Terrorist - who I last saw play dressed as a bear at his and Daniel's house show (for Cosmo Jarvis who I really enjoyed!)
Daniel Versus The World - who is amazing. I love pianos so so much. Everyone should listen to him!! (I last heard him play at his house show too.)
Andrew Lips - (also played at the house show) Andy's not technically local music but his heart is entirely here and his songs celebrate the people he loves up here and he's great.
On Wednesday Daniel and I went to a benefit at The Cluny (which is a lovely little venue in the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle, only slightly spoilt by having a weird split-level thing going on which means people often talk in the higher up bit where the bar is - grr!) for the Japanese Tsunami Appeal. It was really cheap (only a tenner) and I'd have gladly paid more not only is it a highly deserving cause but the entire night was a treat. We saw:
Michael Littlefield - a nice, young guy who played Blues covers. I'm not really into the Blues generally but he did what he did really, really well and I always admire that!
The Lake Poets - brilliant! Martin has such a great voice. Apparently he played Split last year! I've just located my Split programme and it seems he was in the acoustic tent (we did keep popping to the acoustic tent but it was never anyone good, stupid bad timing!!). I really enjoyed his set and will be sure to see him again. He played a new song he'd written about his grandad who'd died recently who built ships. I couldn't not think about my wonderful grandad who also made ships and who was one of the best people in the world.
Grandfather Birds - a really cool band. I really recognised the lead singer but I'm not sure where from (another band or another gig probably; it's quite a small world.) I'm getting quite concerned about the amount of people I'm having to add to the 'will have to see again' list! (I'm trying to save money!)
Adam James Cooper - I knew this was going to be good when I saw proper instruments! As much as I love the usual guitar-bass guitar-drums set up, I am a huge fan of orchestras and strings especially. So I was overjoyed: mandolin, guitar, violin, cello, double bass (played by a very cool guy in a hat!). The music was soaring, powerful and made me truly happy. Very, very enjoyable!
The Futureheads - hurrah for the Futureheads!! I got into them very late (last year's Split Fest) but had always enjoyed them when I heard them (at Uni "Hounds of Love" playing at the Waterfront would always remind me of home). I was very excited to see them again, having got into them properly and bought all their albums, etc!
This was an acapella set - just the four boys and one guitar (which Barry played). They started with "Heartbeat Song" but they didn't just play their hits, they did some folk songs: "The Keeper" ("let's go back to the 17th Century", Barry said), "The Old Dun Cow" which is a mad old drinking song which we all joined in with, lots of fun. They played this amazing song called "Bee's Wing" which is (I've looked this up) by Richard Thompson and they sang it a round then did some cool bits where Ross would say "break it down" then they'd do some barbershop quartet-style bits which were just breathtaking. I was so impressed.
They all sing so well (especially Barry and Ross) and their own songs have such amazing vocals which meant that without the drums, bass, etc meant you just heard the raw talent. Everything was sung even guitar solos. It was so interesting hearing how they sang bits that were usually very loud guitars/drums. They played an amazing 'Russian' version of "Struck Dumb" where they did the opening guitar bit by going; "Raa-daa-daa daa-da-da-da-da" (so it sounded Russian?!). They did a heartbreaking version of "Thursday", a very upbeat "Heartbeat Song", "Skip To The End" which is great, "Decent Days And Nights" (I love that one too!) and of course they ended with "Hounds of Love". Surprisingly, they didn't play "Acapella"! I would have loved for them to play "Jupiter" but it didn't matter too much. Maybe next time...I just hope next time is very soon!
It was a wonderful set - intimate, special and somehow quite old-fashioned. It was fascinating to see another side of them. I really loved the whole evening and it certainly looked like they were having a lot of fun too! There is a lot of talent around and I'm so happy to be home.
