Past gigs

Here is a video from when I went to see Admiral Fallow in York just before they released their second album, Tree Bursts In Snow.  The visuals aren't great but the song is quite epic.  They put on a fantastic show and everyone should listen to the album this year.

A new little find whilst typing this: Masters in France - Playin' With My Friends 

Calla - Collisions

'Collisions' is an album released by Calla in 2005 and which I have been enjoying very much.  Its a slow burner and there are little, delicate moments of melodic melancholy.  There are also some great riffage to be had.  Here is one of the tracks (Play Dead) from the album.

Have a listen to the album on Spotify (link) but buy it, its very cheap at the moment from certain places.

Listening to whilst typing away: Rah Rah - Breaking Hearts (2011)

Listen of the Week: Right Away, Great Captain! - The Church of the Good Theif

Andy Hull is like that record that keeps playing but never bores.  Manchester Orchestra, Bad Books, The Dear Hunter and Right Away, Great Captain!  He has been behind some of the greatest music I have ever heard and RA,GC! is most definitely at the top of that list.

All of his solo side project is a trilogy about a 17th Century sailor.  I shall say no more...just listen to it! 

RA,GC!

Listening to whilst typing away: Menomena - moms

Listen of the Week: Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It

It took me a while to be drawn in by Perfume Genius but I am now hooked.  'Learning' which was his first album is also great.  Very simple (piano/guitar) melodies but the songs have resonance and melancholic euphoria with mutterings of Sufjan Stevens.  Lets hope he delivers at End of the Road Festival in just a few weeks time.

Listening to whilst typing: Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

We Are Scientists, The Duchess, York 28.07.12

York's best live venue hosted California's indie boys We Are Scientists for the second time in its history.  The three album spanning set allowed for Keith (guitar/vocals) and Chris' (bass/vocals) time for their usual geeky banter - The York Railway Museum has a plethora of trains apparently.


WAS have found their crowd and they seem pretty pleased with it.  All the 'hits' were played tonight; "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt", "After Hours", "Scene is Dead" to name but a few.  They also performed three new tracks which names were not conveyed.


It seems strange to think WAS have been on the scene for over ten years and the consistency of the releases is staggering.  But on this night in York they were a pleasure to watch as they proved they're in it for the long game and seem to be getting everything they need from their live performances.


This was also the night of the opening ceremony for the Olympics in London which after returning was spectacular but I was delighted to be in York watching Keith, Chris and Andy absolving music.


Listened to whilst writing: Perfume Genius - Learning


Castabino

My lists 2011

TOP ALBUMS 2012


1. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
2. Rival Schools - Pedals
3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
4. Felice Brothers - Celebration, Florida
5. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
6. Wilco - The Whole Love
7. Josh T Pearson - Last of the Country Gentlemen
8. Funeral For A Friend - Welcome Home Armageddon
9. Thrice - Major/Minor
10. Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm

The 'Almost' List


Los Campesinos! - Hello Sadness
The Dears - Degeneration Street
Twin Atantic - Free
Bell X1 - Bloodless Coup
We Were Promised Jetpacks - In the Pit of the Stomach
Tapes 'n' Tapes - Outside
James Vincent McMorrow - Early in the Morning


TOP SONGS 2011


1. Felice Brothers - Ponzi
2. Nathaniel Rateliff - Shroud
3. Manchester Orchestra - Virgin
4. Rival Schools - Wring It Out
5. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Senator
6. The Bronze Medal - Milk
7. Ryan Adams - Lucky Now
8. Neon neon - Dream Cars
9. Metronomy - She Wants
10. James Vincent McMorrow - We Don't Eat


TOP LIVE PERFORMANCES 2011


Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Duchess, York
Josh T Pearson, Queens Social Club, Sheffield
Manchester Orchestra, Koko, London
Foo Fighters, Isle of Wight Festival
Pulp, Isle of Wight Festival
Rival Schools, Leeds Festival
Elbow, Leeds Festival
Twin Atlantic, Leeds Festival
Jimmy Eat World, Leeds Festival