Lights of the North

Finally did it..... M and I made it back to Sheffield! Just returned from a long weekends reminiscing. Whilst there we made the (obligatory, of course) visit to Sheffield University's Fuzz Club (Thursdays at Fusion & Foundry, Union building). Fuzz lived up to type, that it was almost deserted until over half way through the bands. That used to annoy me a bit, but last week - can't say I was. The bands on offer were Wolf & Cub supported by I Am Bandini. First up, I Am Bandini. They were ok, but in a distinctly average way. Listenable too but nothing to rave about, really. Although, the singer's humourous quips did keep us entertained somewhat, especially his references to drinking 'Jägermull' - described as a double shot of Jägermeister with Red Bull. The new snakebite? Anyway, I Am Bandini can be found at their myspace.

Following on to Wolf & Cub. I had tried out their myspace (they also have a website) previously and thought they might be ok, but what a mistake. Very reminiscent of iLIKETRAiNS (see previous post from last October). Therefore, disappointing. Another case of tender ears, especially as the set up in Foundry isn't the best. Unfortunately not a Fuzz-suitable band (no 3 minute tracks to dance to) & not sure I'd bother again anyway.

The rest of the night was good, though, a few old tracks to keep this veteran happy but I think '6Music playlist' sums it up - not that that's a bad thing at all. The rest of the weekend - we revisited old favourite Record Collector (support your local independent record shop!!! This incudes Cardiff's finest, Spillers) for a good rummage, no more 20p (or 10 for £1) vinyl box anymore, sadly. Still its excellent self. As is Remo's; Mr Remo serves without doubt the best coffee in the whole of the UK (and unfortunately this includes Cardiff, despite all the lovely places reviewed on the 1Off site). He also serves fantastic hot chocolate for those of you slightly less addicted to the bean! An absolute must. Unfortunately, Remo's does not have a website (post address: 259 Fulwood Road, Broomhill, Sheffield). I found a photo which is at the top (Remo's is the orange shop in the middle).

Some more good news too, we are off to see The Who in June! They are playing the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on 1st June. On a lesser note, please visit the Spillers website (linked above) or their myspace and sign their online petition against forced closure.

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Music, Poetry and Cake (Gateshead and Lanchester)

Piano at the ready! (by M) After a good few months prep, the concert Piano Music and Poetry (organised through the Gateshead Piano Workshop folks) came around pretty quickly. As one of the participants, I was excited and also a little nervous about the prospect of a Paying Audience. The work paid off, as all the performers were excellent! Well appreciated by the compact audience. The format was in relation to National Poetry Day which was on 2nd October. Each performer chose a poem either in direct or indirect relation to their piece. A summary of the programme: Alan - Liszt Consolation No 4 and Mozart Adagio in B minor Graeme - Chopin Nocturne Op. 62 No. 2 with 'Uncertainty' by Adam Mickiewicz me - Clara Schumann, andante con sentimento with 'Clara Wieck und Beethoven' by Franz Grillparzer Jim - R Schumann Kinderszenen 1 and 7 with 'My child, we were just children' by Heinrich Heine Ernie - Debussy Clair de lune with excerpt from 'Fêtes g...

Pigeon Funk

Notes on a very random purchase. Earlier today I acquired Venetian Snares 'Rossz Csillag Alatt Sz ü letett ' purely on the basis of the language and artwork. Its certainly something different - and most definitely not pop. After a bit of searching: Venetial Snares is, according to Wikipedia, the performing name of Aaron Funk, who seems to specialise in experimental tracks in odd time signatures. Article here . The sleeve notes for this album (whose title is Hungarian for 'Born under a bad star') poses the question: what if, for just a day, we could both be pigeons? Interessant. Apparently this concept (a day in the life of a Hungarian pigeon) is non-typical of Venetian Snares sound, but one could ask, does Mr Funk do 'typical'? On first listening, the sound of this CD mixes classical/traditional Hungarian sounds and breakbeats. but aside from that? Definitely a 'listen for yourself' artist; try the website , fan site or myspace .

From Black Rose to Buena Vista

Two very different but equally impressive live experiences this last weekend. First up, our long overdue homage to the late, great Phil Lynott as Limehouse Lizzy returned to the Point on Friday 2nd March. Certainly on form (and not just lead singer Wayne Ellis, mmmm!) After a late doors, the band came on for a 2 hour set. They started off with Jailbreak (with added pyro), the rest of the main set comprising known songs like Dancing In The Moonlight, Warrior, Emerald, Johnny the Fox, Are You Ready, Killer On The Loose, Cold Sweat, Do Anything You Want To, Out In The Fields, Cowboy Song, Rosalie, The Boys Are Back In Town plus at least 1 early track. The encore included 1 verse/1 chorus from Sarah, Black Rose, Whisky In The Jar and another track. Excellent atmosphere, the place was sold out. The boys are back at the Point in December. Next on to crowd pleasers of a very different sort. M and I managed to get tickets for the sold-out Buena Vista Social Club show at Wales Millennium Centr...

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